Elon Musk is readying a bombshell.

According to a report from The Daily Wire, Twitter CEO Elon Musk is preparing to release what he’s found regarding previous Twitter employees and their attempts to censor free speech.

Musk shared the following Tweet on Monday:

“The Twitter Files on free speech suppression soon to be published on Twitter itself. The public deserves to know what really happened …”

The Twitter Files on free speech suppression soon to be published on Twitter itself. The public deserves to know what really happened …

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 28, 2022

From The Daily Wire:

Musk responded to a user earlier this month who tweeted, “Raise your hand if you think @ElonMusk should make public all internal discussions about the decision to censor the @NYPost’s story on Hunter Biden’s laptop before the 2020 Election in the interest of Transparency.”

“This is necessary to restore public trust,” Musk replied.

The New York Post first reported messages from Biden’s laptop in October 2020, weeks before a presidential election. Social media giants, including Twitter, cracked down on the story to prevent its spread. Current and former national security officials claimed at the time that the Biden story was likely Russian disinformation and a veiled attempt from Moscow to intervene in U.S. elections.

More over at The Daily Wire:

Musk Releasing Files On How Twitter Suppressed Free Speech https://t.co/DzP6kUIbfR

— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) November 29, 2022

November 29, 2022 at 09:21AM - The First
CLEANING THE CAGE: Musk Says He’s Releasing Twitter Files on Free Speech Suppression Soon
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

On Monday night’s Colbert, CNN morning show co-host Don Lemon shared an interesting take on his network’s political leanings —he says CNN has never had a liberal bias.

“I don’t think we ever were liberal,” Lemon told Colbert.

“What?” Colbert shockingly reacted. “That’s not me saying that, that’s the people out there saying he’s not letting you be liberal anymore.”

“Well listen, I think what Chris is saying is that he wants Republicans – sensible Republicans, he wants us to hold people to account, but he wants people to come on and feel comfortable with coming on and talking on CNN and appearing on CNN,” Lemon said. “So if you invite someone to your house, you want to make them comfortable but also by the nature of what we do, we have to hold people to account.” 

Watch the clip below:

November 29, 2022 at 08:28AM - The First
LYIN’ LEMON: Watch CNN Morning Show Co-Host Don Lemon Deny His Network’s Liberal Bias
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

According to a recently released Rasmussen Reports poll, the majority of likely voters in the U.S. approve of the GOP’s upcoming investigation into First Son Hunter Biden.

From Newsmax:

According to a sponsored poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports, 62% of likely U.S. voters approve the House investigation of Hunter Biden’s overseas dealing. That includes 42% who strongly approve.

Just 34% were found to disapprove, with 23% strongly disapproving.

A full 61% of voters believe it’s likely that President Joe Biden was “compromised” because of his son Hunter’s business deals. That includes 44% who say it is very likely that Joe Biden was consulted and perhaps profited from his son’s overseas business ventures. Thirty-four percent said they don’t believe it’s likely Biden was consulted about his son’s deals.

Democrat voters were far more disapproving of House Republican plans to investigate Hunter Biden. Only 37% of Democrats approved, compared to 86% of Republicans and 63% of voters not affiliated with either party. Fifty-nine percent of Democrat voters disapprove, while just 13% of Republicans and 31% of unaffiliated voters do.

More over at Newsmax:

POLL: Majority of likely voters approve of a House investigation of Hunter Biden's overseas business dealings https://t.co/inq2JlusUc

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) November 29, 2022

November 29, 2022 at 08:09AM - The First
AMERICA APPROVES: New Poll Shows Majority of Voters Want GOP to Investigate Hunter Biden
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

The Senate is set to pass the Respect for Marriage Act Tuesday. A bipartisan amendment with “commonsense language” to add stronger Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) protections survived a filibuster vote Monday. The amendment was sponsored by a mix of Republicans and Democrats including Sens. Susan Collins, Tammy Baldwin, Krysten Sinema, Thom Tillis, and Ron Portman. Once passed by the Senate, the bill returns to the House, where it’s expected to pass, then on to President Biden for his signature.

The current law of the land is Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court decision which overthrew all bans on same-sex marriage. So why does Congress need to codify this decision into federal law? It’s become obvious, with the reversal of Roe v. Wade by the Dobbs decision, that whatever legal idols the Supreme Court passes can be undone. Congress is taking the opportunity to defend against that with legislation.

There are some important distinctions between the value of Obergefell versus Roe that should be addressed. First, Dobbs didn’t reverse or unwind anything that physically happened in the past. The aborted babies didn’t return to their mother’s wombs—as ghoulish as that mental picture would be. Also, abortions remain legal, just not protected from states that wish to make certain procedures illegal. Nothing stops women from going to another state, or receiving abortofacient pills in the mail, because those things can’t be legislated at the state level.

Marriage, on the other hand, is an estate, not an act. When two people enter into the marriage contract, if the jurisdiction in which they live legally removes recognition of their marriage, the estate itself dissolves. Obergefell constrains states from doing so, but if it were to be reversed, many states with one-man-one-woman provisions in their state constitutions would immediately strip same-sex married couples of their legal status. As David French has argued, it’s wrong to undo a marriage, whether you agree if same-sex marriage from a religious perspective or not.

I’ve always been in favor of the concept of civil unions. That’s a purely legal, secular, marriage contract, in which the state recognizes the couple’s rights, but isn’t an intrusion into what religious people consider sacred. The sole provider of civil unions would be the government—like a wedding before a Justice of the Peace. The problem with recognizing a single kind of “marriage” like Obergefell does, is that churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious venues become providers of that service, and other businesses, like bakeries, photographers, and officiants are also included. Therefore, we have some states like Colorado and Oregon that weaponize “separation of church and state” into forcing religious conscience into secular definitions of discrimination.

So far, the courts have given religion a wide berth of liberty in these cases, but that doesn’t guarantee the courts will always do so. The same reasons why Democrats in Congress want to codify same-sex marriage rights drive the discussion of why religious rights should also be protected from being desacralized.

Marriage, from a religious point of view, is sacred. If churches want to make a mockery of their Biblical values, they are free to adopt same-sex marriage, same-sex couples as pastors, and setting aside orthodox definitions of sin that have endured two centuries of Christian scholarship. Of course, that’s suicide for the faith, if you believe that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher, the Alpha and Omega, the living Word and part of the trinity, the Godhead. This issue is currently splitting the United Methodist Church in two. It has split other denominations.

But churches that wish to adhere to orthodox Biblical values will never fit the secular definitions of equal providers of marriage services. Christian businesspeople in the marketplace who sell products, services, and their own skills will never rise above the bar that government holds itself to. But they shouldn’t have to. Nobody would expect a Black baker to have to bake a cake emblazoned with the “N” word, and no restaurant should be expected to have to serve dinner to schmucks like Nick Fuentes. And no Christian baker or photographer, or wedding venue should be forced to desacralize marriage.

The 1994 RFRA should offer some protection here, that the government has to prove an compelling interest before burdening individuals or businesses regarding their religious fight. But just like Christian pro-life groups and Republican-controlled legislatures fought for years against Roe, states have attacked RFRA and force the courts to refine tests, and could erode those protections--Obergefell is seen as a major setback to RFRA.

I have no real problem with Congress passing the Respect for Marriage Act, but know that this doesn’t really provide a solution in a civil union, with opt-out provisions for religious people, businesses, or groups other than actual churches, synagogues and mosques. The carve-outs will be tested, and concerns about that process, whether you trust the courts or not, are valid.

Marriage, in the religious sense, must remain sacred. Intrusions of the state, even to protect what’s been done in the last few years—which is morally sound—should be resisted. I would call on states to aggressively test the new law, even the point of creating civil unions and religious opt-out laws. Let the secularists fight those battles (many of which they will win), but at least the battleground will be chosen by those of us who continue to believe in sacred things.

Follow Steve on Twitter @stevengberman.

The First TV contributor network is a place for vibrant thought and ideas. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of The First or The First TV. We want to foster dialogue, create conversation, and debate ideas. See something you like or don’t like? Reach out to the author or to us at [email protected]. 

November 29, 2022 at 06:34AM - Steve Berman
NOT SACRED: Senate to Pass Same-Sex Marriage Law | Steve Berman
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Elon Musk is ready for war with Apple.

According to a report from The Daily Wire, Twitter CEO Elon Musk says Apple has largely stopped advertising on Twitter and he’s looking for answers from Apple head Tim Cook.

“Apple has mostly stopped advertising on Twitter. Do they hate free speech in America?” Musk asked. “What’s going on here @tim_cook?”

Apple has mostly stopped advertising on Twitter. Do they hate free speech in America?

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 28, 2022

“Apple has also threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store, but won’t tell us why,” Musk added.

Musk also took one of his infamous Twitter polls.

Apple should publish all censorship actions it has taken that affect its customers

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 28, 2022

From The Daily Wire:

Musk stated back in May that “Apple’s store is like having a 30% tax on the Internet.”

“Definitely not ok,” he said. “Literally 10 times higher than it should be.”

Musk also shared a meme suggesting he would rather “Go To War” with Apple than “Pay 30%.”

pic.twitter.com/uKEY9mVujp

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 28, 2022

November 28, 2022 at 04:14PM - The First
MUSK v. APPLE: Twitter CEO Goes After Tim Cook for Advertising Halt on Social Media Platform
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

House Republican and Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson spoke with Fox News over the weekend —the Lone Star State congressman says the GOP will be investigating Alejandro Mayorkas for his failures at the border.

“Mayorkas has got to go, so we’re going to start investigating him,” the Texas Republican said. “We are going investigate every decision he’s made. We’re going to use the power of subpoena. We’re going to use the power of the purse and come after Mayorkas. He needs to go.”

Jackson said, “We need to make an example of Mayorkas, and he’ll be just the start of what we do in this new Congress; but he’s absolutely got to go. He’s been a complete, absolute disaster; and he has been the lead on making this happen, the border being the disaster that it is. Let’s make no mistake about it: This could not be happening without [President Joe] Biden. Biden and Mayorkas, they are the traffickers in chief right now.”

Watch the clip below:

Rep. Ronny Jackson: "We need to make an example of Mayorkas, and he'll be just the start of what we do in this new Congress … Biden and Mayorkas, they are the Traffickers in Chief right now. pic.twitter.com/gEd0CDJSJr

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 27, 2022

November 28, 2022 at 12:52PM - The First
‘MAKE AN EXAMPLE OF HIM’: Rep. Ronny Jackson Says GOP Will Impeach Mayorkas for Failed Border
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Billionaire Elon Musk gave Twitter users a peek into his private life Monday morning when he shared a picture of his bedside table; replica guns, historical documents, and way too many cans of Diet Caffeine-Free Coke can be seen in the picture.

“My bedside table,” tweeted Musk. He also mentioned his lack of coasters: “There is no excuse for my lack of coasters.”

There is no excuse for my lack of coasters

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 28, 2022

From The New York Post:

To the right of the lamp and behind the water bottle appeared to be a tiny, three-book set of the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and “George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation,” published by Applewood Books.

Musk did not provide any other context for the post. It’s unclear if he took the photo or if the table actually belongs to him.

The 51-year-old has a long history of posting provocative tweets – a habit that has drawn increased scrutiny since Musk acquired the platform for $44 billion in October.

Musk has also been open about his views regarding gun ownership. Last May, the tech executive revealed to CNBC that he supports the Second Amendment, though “tight background checks” should be required for all purchases.

“I strongly believe that the right to bear arms is an important safeguard against potential tyranny of government. Historically, maintaining their power over the people is why those in power did not allow public ownership of guns,” Musk told the outlet.

November 28, 2022 at 11:34AM - The First
COKE PROBLEM: Musk Shares Bedside Table Pic, Reveals Replica Guns and Four Cans of Coke
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Can Bob Iger turn this ship around?

According to a report from Fox Business, Disney’s latest animated offering Strange World bombed at the box office over the holiday weekend —taking in just $4.2 million opening night.

From Fox Business:

The animated movie, “Strange World” boasted a budget of $180 million, as the disappointing results – over a five-day period — totaled just $24 million, according to Variety.

The plummeting box office results of Disney’s “Strange World” comes on the heels of the announcement of Bob Iger returning as chief executive of the Walt Disney Company after less than a year in retirement. 

The company’s board announced Iger’s shocking return Sunday night and said Bob Chapek, who succeeded Iger in 2020, had stepped down from the position.

More over at Fox Business:

Disney's $180M animated movie bombs at box office amid CEO shake-up https://t.co/ypML9qSBca

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 28, 2022

November 28, 2022 at 10:58AM - The First
THE DEATH OF DISNEY? New Film ‘Strange World’ Bombs at Box Office, Set to Lose $100M
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

This is going to be a headache for old Joe.

According to Kentucky Rep. James Comer (R), the GOP will be investigating about “40 or 50 different things” when they take control of the House next year —including COVID, Hunter Biden, the Southern Border and more.

Comer, who will likely chair the House Oversight Committee, stopped by NBC’s Meet The Press.

“We’ll have 25 members on the committee, and we’re going to have a staff close to 70,” Comer said. “So we have the ability to investigate a lot of things.”

From Newsmax:

The GOP has promised investigations into the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and the withdrawal from Afghanistan last year, among other things.

Republicans plan to open the floodgates on President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, and the family’s international business dealings.

Comer on Sunday said Democrats who currently lead the House Oversight Committee have investigated issues the panel “has absolutely nothing to do with” instead of investigating the Biden administration.

“Over the past two years, the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee haven’t investigated anything in this administration,” he told NBC.

“These are things that are going to be priorities for us as a committee: waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement,” Comer added. “That’s going to be the goal of the House Oversight Committee.”

More over at Newsmax:

Kentucky Rep. James Comer said the House Oversight Committee will be investigating about “40 or 50 different things” when Republicans gain control of the House next year. https://t.co/yYnWGvrozm

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) November 27, 2022

November 28, 2022 at 09:20AM - The First
LET THE INVESTIGATIONS BEGIN! Comer Says GOP Digging Into “40 0r 50 Different Things”
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

With violent crime still a concern, more Americans are carrying handguns than in previous years, according to a study published in December’s edition of the American Journal of Public Health.

From Just The News:

In 2015, about 3 million U.S. adults reported carrying a handgun daily and by 2019, that number soared to roughly 6 million, according to a study published in December’s edition of the American Journal of Public Health.

The number of Americans who said they carried handguns within the last month nearly doubled from 9 million in 2015 to 16 million in 2019, the study states.

The study does not include post-pandemic data. However, 7.5 million American adults became new gun owners from January 2019 to April 2021, according to a study published in February by the Annals of Internal Medicine. While the new firearm owners were mostly purchasing handguns, the study did not state whether they carried the weapons.

The study published this month said that more people are citing protection as a reason for carrying a firearm than sports and hunting. In 1994, the study’s authors found 46% of firearm owners said they owned guns for protection, and by 2015 that number rose to 65%. By 2019, nearly three-out-of-four firearms owners (73%) said they owned guns for protection.

More over at Just The News:

Study finds handgun owners carrying daily in US doubles in 4 years as self protection concerns soar | Just The News https://t.co/ArKfoOE0wC

— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) November 27, 2022

November 28, 2022 at 09:12AM - The First
LOCKED AND LOADED: More Americans Carrying Handguns Daily, Take Safety Into Own Hands
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV