Border Crisis Coverup Accusations & Abortion Story Misrepresentation | 9.19.24
In this episode of Morning Wire, the discussion centers on accusations of a border crisis cover-up by the White House. According to Border Patrol agent testimony, the administration has suppressed information on a sharp rise in suspected terrorists and "special interest aliens" illegally crossing the southern border, posing a significant security risk.
The episode also examines efforts by House Democrats to shift the narrative around the border crisis, highlighting the cultural and economic contributions of illegal immigrants while dismissing security concerns as "racist" and "xenophobic." Additionally, it covers a plagiarism scandal involving the University of Maryland president, who allegedly copied over 1,500 words verbatim from a student's paper for his own research.
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1-Page Summary
Border Crisis Cover-Up Allegations
Testimony Details Efforts to Conceal Border Threats
Border Patrol agent Aaron Heitke testified that the White House instructed him not to release information about the exponential increase in suspected terrorists and "special interest aliens" crossing the border illegally. Heitke said San Diego went from 10-15 "special interest alien" arrests per year to over 100 in 2022, suggesting a much larger security threat that the administration sought to downplay.
Alarming Statistics on Terror Watch List Encounters
The House Judiciary Committee reports over 375 individuals on the terror watch list have been caught trying to cross the border under the Biden administration. At least 100 were released into the U.S., and Heitke noted there is "zero information" on millions of illegal immigrants who crossed undetected - a significant unknown security risk.
Shifting the Border Crisis Narrative
During a congressional hearing, Democratic witnesses aimed to reframe the discourse as House Democrats focused on showcasing illegal immigrants' cultural and economic contributions. Santa Cruz Sheriff Dave Hathaway testified that illegal border crossers usually seek employment, not to threaten security. Democrats accused opponents of being "racist" and "xenophobic."
Vice President Kamala Harris condemned Trump's planned mass deportations despite polling showing majority support, including among Hispanic voters.
University President's Plagiarism Scandal
Luke Rosiak of the Daily Wire uncovered evidence that Darryl Pines, University of Maryland president and DEI scholar, plagiarized over 1,500 words verbatim from an Australian student's 2002 paper in Pines' own research, only changing British spellings.
Pines had previously been accused of misrepresenting ChatGPT output as University of Maryland expert research. A plagiarism expert called the new evidence against Pines "one of the stronger cases" they've seen.
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Counterarguments
- The White House may have had legitimate national security or diplomatic reasons for instructing Heitke not to release certain information, which could include not compromising ongoing investigations or intelligence operations.
- The increase in "special interest alien" arrests could be due to enhanced detection and enforcement efforts rather than an actual increase in attempts to cross the border illegally.
- The term "special interest alien" does not necessarily indicate a person is a terrorist or poses a security threat, but rather that they come from a country of special interest from an immigration standpoint.
- The presence of individuals on the terror watch list being caught at the border could indicate that border security measures are effectively identifying and intercepting potential threats.
- The release of individuals from the terror watch list into the U.S. might be accompanied by surveillance or monitoring that the public is not aware of, which could mitigate the perceived security risk.
- The focus on cultural and economic contributions by illegal immigrants aims to present a more comprehensive view of the impacts of immigration and to counter narratives that may disproportionately emphasize negative aspects.
- Accusations of racism and xenophobia, while serious, may be based on the belief that some criticisms of immigration policies are rooted in bias rather than objective security concerns.
- Vice President Kamala Harris's criticism of mass deportations could be grounded in a belief in the need for more humane and comprehensive immigration reform, which may align with the views of a significant portion of the population, including those who are otherwise supportive of stricter immigration controls.
- The plagiarism scandal involving Darryl Pines could be seen in the context of broader issues in academia related to citation practices, and it may prompt discussions about the adequacy of plagiarism detection and prevention measures.
- The accusations against Pines for misrepresenting ChatGPT output could raise important questions about the ethical use of AI-generated content in academic and professional settings.
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking by researching both sides of a contentious issue, such as border security versus cultural contributions of immigrants, to form a well-rounded opinion.
- Start by reading articles from various sources that present different viewpoints on the topic. For example, look for a piece that discusses the economic impact of immigrants alongside another that addresses national security concerns. This will help you understand the complexity of the issue and avoid bias in your assessment.
- Improve your media literacy by analyzing the language used in political debates, noting when terms like "racist" or "xenophobic" are employed.
- Pay attention to political speeches, debates, and interviews, focusing on the choice of words. When you hear terms like "racist" or "xenophobic," pause to consider the context and the speaker's intent. This practice will help you discern the strategies used to influence public opinion and encourage you to look beyond emotionally charged language.
- Develop a habit of checking for plagiarism in content you consume, especially from authoritative sources, to ensure the information's credibility.
- Whenever you read an academic paper, an article, or any professional work, use online plagiarism checkers to see if the content is original. This doesn't require any special skills, just copy and paste a suspicious section into the checker. By doing this regularly, you'll become more aware of the prevalence of plagiarism and the importance of original work.
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Allegations of a border crisis cover-up by the Biden-Harris administration
A high-ranking border official has delivered damning congressional testimony detailing what some believe shows efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to hide the true severity of the border crisis.
Damning congressional testimony from a high-ranking border official details the administration's efforts to conceal the severity of the border crisis
Border Patrol agent Aaron Heitke testified before Congress, providing insight into the administration's instructions regarding the dissemination of information about the number of suspected terrorists crossing the border.
Border Patrol agent Aaron Heitke testified that the White House instructed him not to release information about the exponential increase in suspected terrorists crossing the border illegally
Heitke disclosed to the congressional panel that there was an exponential increase in the number of "significant interest aliens" (SIAs), or individuals with potential ties to terrorism, encountered at the border. He stated, "Prior to this administration, the San Diego sector averaged 10 to 15 SIA arrests per year...San Diego went to over 100 SIAs in 2022, well over that in 2023, and even more than that registered this year."
Heitke revealed that the San Diego sector saw a massive spike in the number of "special interest aliens" (those with ties to terrorism) apprehended, yet the admin ...
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Allegations of a border crisis cover-up by the Biden-Harris administration
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Counterarguments
- The testimony of a single official may not represent the full scope or context of the administration's border policies or actions.
- Increases in "significant interest aliens" apprehensions could be due to enhanced border security and surveillance, indicating improved enforcement rather than a crisis.
- The administration may have legitimate national security reasons for controlling the release of information about suspected terrorists.
- The term "significant interest aliens" is broad and may not necessarily indicate individuals with confirmed ties to terrorism, but rather those flagged for secondary screening due to their travel patterns or other factors.
- The administration's communication strategy could be focused on avoiding public panic or xenophobia, which can be exacerbated by the release of raw data without proper context.
- The information provided by Agent Heitke may require corroboration from other sources to confirm its accuracy and completeness.
- The characterization of the administration's actions as a "cover-up" is a serious allegation that would typically require substantial evidenc ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the basics of national security and immigration policy to better understand the context of such issues. Start by reading government publications from the Department of Homeland Security or reputable think tanks that explain the terms and procedures related to border security. This will give you a foundational understanding to critically assess information you encounter in the media or discussions.
- Engage in digital literacy practices to discern the reliability of information you come across regarding border security. Check multiple sources before forming an opinion, and use fact-checking websites to verify claims related to national security issues. This habit will help you navigate through misinformation and form a more informed viewpoint ...
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Data and statistics on suspected terrorists and "gotaways" crossing the border
Cabot Philips exposes alarming statistics regarding individuals on the terror watch list attempting to enter the United States illegally, as reported by the House Judiciary Committee.
Encounters with individuals on the terror watch list
The House Judiciary Committee highlights that, under the Biden-Harris administration, there have been over 375 individuals on the terror watch list caught trying to cross the border into the United States illegally. Of these, at least 100 individuals have been released and permitted to enter the country, signaling potential gaps in national security protocols at the border.
The unknown magnitude of the "gotaways" problem
The concern escalates with the admission that the true scale of the national security threat is not known. Heitke's testimony underscores the gravity of the situation by ...
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Data and statistics on suspected terrorists and "gotaways" crossing the border
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The statistics provided may not reflect the effectiveness of border security measures; high numbers of apprehensions could indicate that border security is successfully identifying and stopping individuals on the terror watch list.
- The release of individuals from the terror watch list could be due to a variety of legal and procedural reasons, including lack of evidence to hold them, asylum claims, or other legal protections.
- The term "gotaways" is vague and may not accurately represent the number of individuals who pose a national security threat; it could include people who are simply seeking a better life and do not have any malicious intent.
- The data on "gotaways" could be difficult to collect accurately, and the use of the term "zero information" might be an exaggeration, as border security agencies do have surveillance and tracking methods that provide some level of data.
- The focus on the Biden-Harris administration may overlook the complexities of border secur ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the basics of national security to better understand the implications of the statistics you hear. Start by reading government publications on border security and national security, which are often available on official websites. This will give you a foundational understanding of the terms and processes mentioned in discussions about border security and "gotaways."
- Enhance your awareness of local community safety measures by attending town hall meetings or community forums. These events often provide insights into how national issues like border security can impact local communities. You'll learn about the measures in place to protect your community and have the opportunity to ask questions directly to local officials.
- Volunteer with a local community watch progra ...
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The administration's response and efforts to downplay the border crisis
The administration and certain media outlets are noted to have attempted to shift the narrative around the border crisis, focusing on different aspects of the topic during congressional hearings and through political commentary.
The White House and legacy media outlets have worked to shift the narrative and divert attention away from the border crisis
During a congressional hearing, Democratic witnesses provided testimonies aimed at reframing the discourse surrounding the border crisis. House Democrats focused their efforts on showcasing the cultural and societal contributions of illegal immigrants.
In the congressional hearing, Democratic witnesses argued that illegal immigrants are coming to the U.S. to work, not to pose a security threat, and accused opponents of border enforcement of being "racist" and "xenophobic"
For example, Santa Cruz Sheriff Dave Hathaway testified that people crossing the southern border are usually looking for employment and not intentions to invade or cause harm to the United States. He indicated that prior proposals for enhancing border security did not extend to the northern border with Canada, implying a racial and xenophobic motivation for the wall on the southern border.
House Democrats kept their stance by calling their own witnesses who testified about the economic and cultural enrichment brought forth by illegal immigrants. They intended to paint opponents of border enforcement as "racist" and "xenophobic" ...
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The administration's response and efforts to downplay the border crisis
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Counterarguments
- The administration's efforts to shift the narrative could be seen as an attempt to address the complexity of the border issue, rather than simply downplaying the crisis.
- The focus on the economic and cultural contributions of immigrants can be a valid argument to counterbalance the often negative portrayal of illegal immigration.
- Highlighting the work ethic and intentions of most immigrants does not necessarily negate the need for border security but aims to humanize the individuals involved.
- The accusation of racism and xenophobia, while serious, may sometimes be used to address underlying prejudices in the immigration debate, though it should be substantiated with evidence rather than used as a blanket statement.
- The lack of similar security measures at the northern border could be due to different immigration patterns, threat levels, and historical bilateral relations, rather than racial or xenophobic reasons.
- ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of immigration issues by volunteering with local organizations that support immigrant communities. By working directly with immigrants, you'll gain firsthand insight into their motivations for coming to the U.S. and the challenges they face, which can provide a more nuanced perspective than what's presented in media narratives.
- Start a blog or social media page where you share stories and contributions of immigrants in your community. Highlighting real-life examples of immigrants who are working, contributing to society, and enriching the cultural fabric can help counteract negative stereotypes and promote a more balanced view of the immigration debate.
- Engage in conversati ...
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Plagiarism scandal involving the University of Maryland president
An investigative report by the Daily Wire alleges that University of Maryland president Darryl Pines plagiarized extensive portions of a student's work in his research papers, raising concerns about academic integrity and diversity standards.
Investigative reporting by the Daily Wire found that University of Maryland president Darryl Pines allegedly plagiarized extensive portions of a student's work in multiple research papers
Luke Rosiak of the Daily Wire uncovered evidence suggesting that Darryl Pines copied verbatim more than 1,500 words from a 5,000-word paper authored by an Australian student named Joshua Altman in 2002, and used it again in 2006. This discovery follows on the heels of another scandal involving Pines, where he was accused of presenting findings generated by ChatGPT as research from University of Maryland experts.
Pines reportedly copied over 1,500 words verbatim from a 2002 paper written by an Australian student, with the only changes being to alter British spellings
The president, who has a PhD from MIT and oversees programs to encourage minority participation in engineering PhD programs, altered British spellings to American English in most instances. However, he neglected to change British spellings in at least two instances, including the word "endeavor."
Public reaction has been tinged with irony, as Pines is not only a recognized DEI scholar but also a rocket scientist. His recent publication is titled "Stereotypes and Implicit Biases in Engineering," which has heightened scrutiny further, especially given the broader discussion about whether universities are compromising standards for the sake of diversity goals.
The plagiarism allegations come after Pines was accused of misrepresenting the findings of University of Maryland experts, which were actually generated by ChatGPT ...
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Plagiarism scandal involving the University of Maryland president
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The allegations are based on an investigative report, which may not have access to all relevant information or context that could explain the similarities in the text.
- The act of altering British spellings to American English does not necessarily indicate plagiarism; it could be part of a legitimate editing process if the work was being prepared for publication in a different regional context.
- The reuse of language in academic papers can sometimes occur, especially with common technical descriptions or when referencing established methodologies, which might not be a clear-cut case of plagiarism.
- Self-referral to an ethics board by Pines indicates a willingness to engage with the academic community's processes for resolving such allegations, which could be seen as a responsible action rather than an admission of guilt.
- The use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT in academic work is a relatively new issue, and there may not yet be clear guidelines or consensus on how to properly attribute AI-generated content.
- The statement from Pines' spokeswoman suggests that there might be industry practices or nuances in academic p ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your understanding of academic integrity by creating a simple checklist of dos and don'ts for your own writing projects, ensuring you always give proper credit and avoid unintentional plagiarism. Start by listing common pitfalls such as not changing language from sources or forgetting to cite ideas that aren't your own, and then counter them with actions like using plagiarism detection software or paraphrasing and citing every source.
- Develop a critical eye for information by practicing source verification on articles you read online; check the author's credentials, look for citations of original work, and cross-reference facts with other reputable publications. This habit will help you discern the reliability of information and understand the importance of original work.
- Encourage ethical use of AI in your community by hosting a di ...
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1-Page Summary- Allegations of a border crisis cover-up by the Biden-Harris administration
- Data and statistics on suspected terrorists and "gotaways" crossing the border
- The administration's response and efforts to downplay the border crisis
- Plagiarism scandal involving the University of Maryland president
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