thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-21--Critics Blast Trump's 'Good Genes' Rally Call As A Chilling Echo Of Hitler's Eugenics

Holocaust historian Steve Silberman on Sunday called Trump ’ s determination of who possesses worthy genes “ indistinguishable from the Nazi rhetoric that led to Jews , disabled people , LGBTQ , Romani and others being exterminated.
” A spokesperson for the progressive Jewish advocacy organization J Street told HuffPost on Monday : “ Again and again , President Trump and his allies publicly , gleefully embrace incredibly dangerous white nationalist tropes and ideas.
” It ’ s “ clear the president ’ s far-right worldview poses an unprecedented threat to refugees , immigrants and vulnerable minorities in this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he faces vehement opposition from the large majority of American Jewish voters , ” said J Street communications director Logan Bayroff .
Trump last week pointedly praised Minnesotans ’ genes at a campaign rally in a state that ’ s 84 % white and where German and Scandinavian ancestry dominates .
In the same speech , he mocked refugees and attacked three Democratic congresswomen of color : New York ’ s Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , Michigan ’ s Rashida Tlaib and Minnesota ’ s Ilhan Omar .
“ You have good genes , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the crowd of overwhelmingly white supporters Friday .
“ A lot of it is about the genes , isn ’ t it , don ’ t you believe ?
” he added .
“ The racehorse theory .
You think we ’ re so different ?
You have good genes in Minnesota.
” The “ racehorse theory ” of genetics holds that some human beings are born genetically superior to others .
Halie Soifer , executive director of the Jewish Democratic Council of America , characterized Trump ’ s remarks as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s worth on genes .
“ It was used by Nazis to justify genocide , ” she tweeted .
“ Today , it ’ s used by white nationalists — & apparently the @ POTUS — to justify hate.
” Again , Trump speaks about having `` good genes . ''
He mentioned the `` racehorse theory '' and coupled it with a racist rant against refugees .
This is eugenics .
It was used by Nazis to justify genocide .
Today , it 's used by white nationalists - & apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
https : //t.co/UpLDnGUW3x — Halie Soifer ( @ HalieSoifer ) September 20 , 2020 Silberman , whose book “ NeuroTribes ” includes an examination of the killing of disabled children by the Nazis , also linked Trump ’ s speech to “ Nazi rhetoric.
” He added : “ This is America 2020 .
This is where the GOP has taken us.
” As a historian who has written about the Holocaust , I 'll say bluntly : This is indistinguishable from the Nazi rhetoric that led to Jews , disabled people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exterminated .
This is America 2020 .
This is where the GOP has taken us .
https : //t.co/CHMLg804mp — Steve Silberman ( @ stevesilberman ) September 20 , 2020 Trump believes in the racehorse theory for humans and is convinced that he was destined to be a leader because of his own superior genes , according to one of his biographers , Michael D ’ Antonio .
Trump doesn ’ t believe he needs to study or read or consult with experts because he already has the knowledge he requires and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do , he told The Washington Post in 2016 .
Barack Obama is a different story , however , according to Trump .
He told D ’ Antonio that an understanding of human relationships “ is not in ” the former president ’ s “ DNA .
”

Critics continue to tear into President Donald Trump’s shocking praise for Minnesota’s “good genes” as chillingly reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s murderous eugenics policy.
Holocaust historian Steve Silberman on Sunday called Trump’s determination of who possesses worthy genes “indistinguishable from the Nazi rhetoric that led to Jews, disabled people, LGBTQ, Romani and others being exterminated.”
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A spokesperson for the progressive Jewish advocacy organization J Street told HuffPost on Monday: “Again and again, President Trump and his allies publicly, gleefully embrace incredibly dangerous white nationalist tropes and ideas.”
It’s “clear the president’s far-right worldview poses an unprecedented threat to refugees, immigrants and vulnerable minorities in this country ― one of the many reasons why he faces vehement opposition from the large majority of American Jewish voters,” said J Street communications director Logan Bayroff.
Trump last week pointedly praised Minnesotans’ genes at a campaign rally in a state that’s 84% white and where German and Scandinavian ancestry dominates.
In the same speech, he mocked refugees and attacked three Democratic congresswomen of color: New York’s Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib and Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar.
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“You have good genes, you know that, right?” Trump told the crowd of overwhelmingly white supporters Friday. “A lot of it is about the genes, isn’t it, don’t you believe?” he added. “The racehorse theory. You think we’re so different? You have good genes in Minnesota.”
The “racehorse theory” of genetics holds that some human beings are born genetically superior to others.
Halie Soifer, executive director of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, characterized Trump’s remarks as “eugenics” — basing a human being’s worth on genes. “It was used by Nazis to justify genocide,” she tweeted. “Today, it’s used by white nationalists — & apparently the @POTUS — to justify hate.”
Again, Trump speaks about having "good genes." He mentioned the "racehorse theory" and coupled it with a racist rant against refugees.
This is eugenics. It was used by Nazis to justify genocide. Today, it's used by white nationalists - & apparently the @POTUS - to justify hate. https://t.co/UpLDnGUW3x — Halie Soifer (@HalieSoifer) September 20, 2020
Epidemiologist Eric Feigl-Ding, a senior fellow of the Federation of American Scientists, called Trump’s remarks “master race eugenics rhetoric” and warned: “Don’t ignore.”
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Holy shit. Master race eugenics rhetoric here. This was how the Holocaust was started. Don’t ignore. https://t.co/gath3L3UUV — Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) September 19, 2020
Silberman, whose book “NeuroTribes” includes an examination of the killing of disabled children by the Nazis, also linked Trump’s speech to “Nazi rhetoric.” He added: “This is America 2020. This is where the GOP has taken us.”
As a historian who has written about the Holocaust, I'll say bluntly: This is indistinguishable from the Nazi rhetoric that led to Jews, disabled people, LGBTQ, Romani and others being exterminated. This is America 2020. This is where the GOP has taken us. https://t.co/CHMLg804mp — Steve Silberman (@stevesilberman) September 20, 2020
Trump believes in the racehorse theory for humans and is convinced that he was destined to be a leader because of his own superior genes, according to one of his biographers, Michael D’Antonio. Trump doesn’t believe he needs to study or read or consult with experts because he already has the knowledge he requires and has an innate ability to instinctively know what to do, he told The Washington Post in 2016.
Barack Obama is a different story, however, according to Trump. He told D’Antonio that an understanding of human relationships “is not in” the former president’s “DNA.”
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Trump complimented British business leaders in 2018 on their “great bloodlines” and “amazing DNA,” Business Insider reported.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-21--Sen. Kelly Loeffler Roasted For Ad Saying She's 'More Conservative Than Attila The Hun'

Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-Ga. ) left critics baffled on Monday with a new ad that claims she ’ s more conservative than Attila the Hun ― a brutal 5th century warlord .
The spot begins with a man and woman seated on a couch watching television .
The woman asks : “ Did you know that Kelly Loeffler was ranked the most conservative senator in America ?
” “ Yep , she ’ s more conservative than Attila the Hun , ” the man responds .
The ad then launches into a scene involving two men costumed as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grunts repeatedly while his aide takes notes .
The scribe translates his agenda as “ Fight China , ” “ Attack big government ” and “ Eliminate the liberal scribes.
” A narrator ’ s voice then says , “ More conservative than Attila the Hun .
Kelly Loeffler : 100 % Trump voting record , ” featuring a snap of Loeffler grinning beside President Donald Trump .
Loeffler , one of the richest members of Congress , was a business executive before her appointment last December to a seat vacated when Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She is running against Rep. Doug Collins ( R-Ga. ) , a Trump ally , and the Rev .
Raphael Warnock ( D ) and 18 others in November ’ s multi-candidate special election .
Members of the WNBA team Loeffler co-owns , the Atlanta Dream , have been publicly campaigning to elect Warnock after the senator denounced the league ’ s support of Black Lives Matter .
.
@ KLoeffler is so uncomfortable discussing conservative values that she hired an actor to make grunting noises rather than do it herself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ globalist who killed christians and practiced postnatal abortion .
🤔🤔 https : //t.co/x1VksJft4U — Doug Collins ( @ CollinsforGA ) September 21 , 2020 I 'm running to be a voice for all Georgians and fight for health care .
Senator Loeffler is apparently using this as an audition for Saturday Night Live and The Apprentice .
— Reverend Raphael Warnock ( @ ReverendWarnock ) September 21 , 2020 Attila the Hun , leader of the Hunnic Empire , led multiple invasions of European territories in the 5th century .
His plundering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name “ the scourge of God.
” He ’ s considered to be one of the greatest barbarian rulers in history .
The ad is running on TV statewide , her campaign told USA Today .
It was slammed by Republicans and Democrats alike , including Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-Fla. ) and “ The View ” co-host Meghan McCain .
Several noted that her campaign appeared to have confused Attila the Hun with the leader of the Mongol Empire , Genghis Khan , who led incursions on China .
1 .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's so stupid .
2 .
No one thinks this is cool or convincing of you having ANY true conservative bona fides .
3 .
Are n't you supposed to be appealing to moderate women Kelly Loeffler ?
4 .
I had such higher hopes for conservative women in power .
https : //t.co/Dn8oKfWMng — Meghan McCain ( @ MeghanMcCain ) September 21 , 2020 The more I think about that Loeffler ad , it seems very clear that whoever made it confused Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun — Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 The Attila the Hun ad from Loeffler is a particularly effective argument that the American public education system has been deeply in trouble for quite some time .
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳🌈 ( @ cmclymer ) September 21 , 2020 You have Loeffler comparing herself to Attila the Hun and promising to `` eliminate liberal scribes . ''
You have Trump using fascist language & calling the press `` the enemy of the people . ''
Barr is calling NYC `` anarchists . ''
DeSantis is cracking down on protests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Wajahat `` Wears a Mask Because of a Pandemic '' Ali ( @ WajahatAli ) September 21 , 2020

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Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) left critics baffled on Monday with a new ad that claims she’s more conservative than Attila the Hun ― a brutal 5th century warlord.
The spot begins with a man and woman seated on a couch watching television. The woman asks: “Did you know that Kelly Loeffler was ranked the most conservative senator in America?”
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“Yep, she’s more conservative than Attila the Hun,” the man responds. The ad then launches into a scene involving two men costumed as the ancient ruler and an assistant. Attila grunts repeatedly while his aide takes notes.
The scribe translates his agenda as “Fight China,” “Attack big government” and “Eliminate the liberal scribes.”
A narrator’s voice then says, “More conservative than Attila the Hun. Kelly Loeffler: 100% Trump voting record,” featuring a snap of Loeffler grinning beside President Donald Trump.
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Loeffler, one of the richest members of Congress, was a business executive before her appointment last December to a seat vacated when Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson resigned citing health concerns. She is running against Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), a Trump ally, and the Rev. Raphael Warnock (D) and 18 others in November’s multi-candidate special election. Members of the WNBA team Loeffler co-owns, the Atlanta Dream, have been publicly campaigning to elect Warnock after the senator denounced the league’s support of Black Lives Matter.
Her competitors chimed in about the widely panned ad:
.@KLoeffler is so uncomfortable discussing conservative values that she hired an actor to make grunting noises rather than do it herself. FYI Attila the Hun was an open-borders globalist who killed christians and practiced postnatal abortion. 🤔🤔 https://t.co/x1VksJft4U — Doug Collins (@CollinsforGA) September 21, 2020
I'm Rev. Raphael Warnock, and I'm going to defeat Kelly Loeffler in 43 days. Chip in to help: https://t.co/ilz2QRDLGM https://t.co/y4WlegfIjp — Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) September 21, 2020
I'm running to be a voice for all Georgians and fight for health care. Senator Loeffler is apparently using this as an audition for Saturday Night Live and The Apprentice. — Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) September 21, 2020
Attila the Hun, leader of the Hunnic Empire, led multiple invasions of European territories in the 5th century. His plundering and destroying of Roman cities earned him the name “the scourge of God.” He’s considered to be one of the greatest barbarian rulers in history.
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The ad is running on TV statewide, her campaign told USA Today. It was slammed by Republicans and Democrats alike, including Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and “The View” co-host Meghan McCain.
Several noted that her campaign appeared to have confused Attila the Hun with the leader of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan, who led incursions on China.
Imagine being so inauthentic in your own performance that you’d pay money to create and distribute this ad.
Woof. https://t.co/HDJRXrINtP — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) September 21, 2020
1. I can't believe this ad is real, it's so stupid.
2. No one thinks this is cool or convincing of you having ANY true conservative bona fides.
3. Aren't you supposed to be appealing to moderate women Kelly Loeffler?
4. I had such higher hopes for conservative women in power. https://t.co/Dn8oKfWMng — Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) September 21, 2020
Republican Kelly Loeffler's latest Senate ad seems to joke about killing liberals. The ad, which makes a ludicrous comparison to Attila the Hun, includes this line: "Eliminate the liberal scribes." https://t.co/pngwFuLkrs — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 21, 2020
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The more I think about that Loeffler ad, it seems very clear that whoever made it confused Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun — Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) September 21, 2020
Just how conservative was Attila the Hun? — Jeffrey Goldberg (@JeffreyGoldberg) September 21, 2020
The best part? Dumbass Kelly Loeffler mistakes Attila the Hun for Genghis Khan. Attila marched on Rome, not China. It’s too bad Republicans keep cutting education funding. https://t.co/bsh9zG9Hln — Helen Kennedy (@HelenKennedy) September 21, 2020
The Attila the Hun ad from Loeffler is a particularly effective argument that the American public education system has been deeply in trouble for quite some time. — Charlotte Clymer 🏳🌈 (@cmclymer) September 21, 2020
You have Loeffler comparing herself to Attila the Hun and promising to "eliminate liberal scribes." You have Trump using fascist language & calling the press "the enemy of the people." Barr is calling NYC "anarchists." DeSantis is cracking down on protests.
Still, "both sides." — Wajahat "Wears a Mask Because of a Pandemic" Ali (@WajahatAli) September 21, 2020
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This is pretty much the strangest ad I've ever seen. @SenatorLoeffler boasting "She's more conservative than Attila the Hun" - in a state that's becoming a "purple" swing state https://t.co/cmMVBt5ZiM — Justin Gray (@JustinGrayWSB) September 21, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-22--GOP Senators Of 2016 Argue Against Filling SCOTUS Vacancy In Cleverly Edited Column

A cleverly edited New York Times column had the GOP senators of 2016 make the case against the Republicans of today urging the immediate appointment of a new justice to the Supreme Court following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
The piece , titled “ Don ’ t Fill Ginsburg ’ s Seat .
Signed , the Republican Senators of 2016 , ” was put together by opinion editor Stuart A. Thompson and includes statements from senators who , four years ago , decided to prevent President Barack Obama ’ s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland , from being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , they argued that allowing a vote on the nominee in an election year would break historic precedent and prevent Americans from having their say .
“ For 80 years it has been the practice that the Senate has not confirmed any nomination made during an election year , and we shouldn ’ t make an exception now , ” Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-Texas ) argued in February 2016 following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia more than eight months before the election .
Cruz is now calling on the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Nov. 3 .
The article also features several similar comments from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) , Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-Ark . )
, Chuck Grassley ( R-Iowa ) , Sen. Thom Tillis ( R-N.C. ) and Sen. John Cornyn ( R-Texas ) , all of whom opposed appointing a new justice before the 2016 election .
Another Times article , titled “ Fill Ginsburg ’ s Seat Now .
Signed , the Democratic Senators of 2016 , ” mirrors the first , using quotes from Democrats who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP-controlled Senate .
Democrats are now rallying to stop Trump from filling the seat vacated by the liberal icon .
The difference , however , is that Scalia died 269 days before the 2016 presidential election , while Ginsburg died 46 days before 2020 Election Day .
President Donald Trump has vowed to swiftly replace Ginsburg , despite her dying wish that she not be replaced until a new president is installed .
Hours after Ginsburg ’ s death was announced , McConnell said Trump ’ s nominee would get a vote before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be considering several conservative women for the position and said he will announce his pick on Friday or Saturday .
CORRECTION : An earlier version of this article misidentified the publication where the columns appeared .
It was The New York Times .

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A cleverly edited New York Times column had the GOP senators of 2016 make the case against the Republicans of today urging the immediate appointment of a new justice to the Supreme Court following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The piece, titled “Don’t Fill Ginsburg’s Seat. Signed, the Republican Senators of 2016,” was put together by opinion editor Stuart A. Thompson and includes statements from senators who, four years ago, decided to prevent President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, from being considered for Senate confirmation. At the time, they argued that allowing a vote on the nominee in an election year would break historic precedent and prevent Americans from having their say.
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“For 80 years it has been the practice that the Senate has not confirmed any nomination made during an election year, and we shouldn’t make an exception now,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) argued in February 2016 following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia more than eight months before the election. Cruz is now calling on the Senate to push through Trump’s nominee before Nov. 3.
The article also features several similar comments from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), all of whom opposed appointing a new justice before the 2016 election.
Another Times article, titled “Fill Ginsburg’s Seat Now. Signed, the Democratic Senators of 2016,” mirrors the first, using quotes from Democrats who pushed to have Garland confirmed by the GOP-controlled Senate. Democrats are now rallying to stop Trump from filling the seat vacated by the liberal icon. The difference, however, is that Scalia died 269 days before the 2016 presidential election, while Ginsburg died 46 days before 2020 Election Day.
President Donald Trump has vowed to swiftly replace Ginsburg, despite her dying wish that she not be replaced until a new president is installed. Hours after Ginsburg’s death was announced, McConnell said Trump’s nominee would get a vote before the election. Trump is said to be considering several conservative women for the position and said he will announce his pick on Friday or Saturday.
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Read the arguments from Republicans and Democrats in The New York Times.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-22--GOP Official At Trump Rally Gently Suggested Wearing Masks. It Did Not Go Well.

President Donald Trump ’ s supporters booed an elected official off the stage on Monday for suggesting they wear Trump-themed masks to help slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Speaking at a Trump rally in Ohio , Lt. Gov .
Jon Husted showed off a few of the masks and even attempted to appeal to the audience ’ s patriotism with his pitch .
“ You can at least say that you ’ re trying to save the country by wearing one of President Donald Trump ’ s masks , ” he said .
But it was a tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed : Lt .
Governor Jon Husted ( R-OH ) tries to promote pro-Trump masks at today 's rally ... and is met with a huge chorus of boos .
pic.twitter.com/1rR1bAwF89 — The Recount ( @ therecount ) September 21 , 2020 Although Husted tried to laugh it off , footage further from the stage revealed an even more raucous reaction to the mask pitch : The campaign has thrown @ LtGovHusted into the awkward role of promoting masks .
Shouts of “ Tyrant !
” “ Not gon na work !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed masks for months .
Husted : “ you ’ ve made your point , ” “ hang on , I get it ” and trying to pivot to pro-Trump rhetoric .
pic.twitter.com/FVKKSnsHYP — Geoff Redick ( @ GeoffWSYX6 ) September 21 , 2020 Later in the event , those same supporters booed when Trump mentioned Gov .
Mike DeWine , another Republican who has also advocated for wearing face masks and other measures to slow the spread of the virus : Whoa .
Trump introduces Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine -- and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's opening up , '' Trump says , to try to placate the audience .
pic.twitter.com/3G9AN8897b — Aaron Rupar ( @ atrupar ) September 21 , 2020 Trump ’ s supporters booing the masks did not go unnoticed on social media : Denial is a helluva thing .
Lt .
Governor Jon Husted ( R-OH ) tries to promote pro-Trump masks at today 's rally ... and is met with a huge chorus of boos .
pic.twitter.com/A7y1VAIbzs — Tom Shafer ( @ TomShafShafer ) September 22 , 2020

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President Donald Trump’s supporters booed an elected official off the stage on Monday for suggesting they wear Trump-themed masks to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Speaking at a Trump rally in Ohio, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted showed off a few of the masks and even attempted to appeal to the audience’s patriotism with his pitch.
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“You can at least say that you’re trying to save the country by wearing one of President Donald Trump’s masks,” he said.
But it was a tough sell, as video from the event showed:
Lt. Governor Jon Husted (R-OH) tries to promote pro-Trump masks at today's rally ... and is met with a huge chorus of boos. pic.twitter.com/1rR1bAwF89 — The Recount (@therecount) September 21, 2020
Although Husted tried to laugh it off, footage further from the stage revealed an even more raucous reaction to the mask pitch:
The campaign has thrown @LtGovHusted into the awkward role of promoting masks. Shouts of “Tyrant!” “Not gonna work!” & plenty of booing.
DeWine/Husted have pushed masks for months.
Husted: “you’ve made your point,” “hang on, I get it” and trying to pivot to pro-Trump rhetoric. pic.twitter.com/FVKKSnsHYP — Geoff Redick (@GeoffWSYX6) September 21, 2020
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Later in the event, those same supporters booed when Trump mentioned Gov. Mike DeWine, another Republican who has also advocated for wearing face masks and other measures to slow the spread of the virus:
Whoa. Trump introduces Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine -- and the crowd boos him!
"He's opening up," Trump says, to try to placate the audience. pic.twitter.com/3G9AN8897b — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 21, 2020
Trump’s supporters booing the masks did not go unnoticed on social media:
Good work GOP! You've built a hell of a death cult. https://t.co/lw8m9YMvp8 — Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) September 21, 2020
The Death Cult turns on its own https://t.co/aETrzAXkH5 — Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) September 21, 2020
Denial is a helluva thing.
Lt. Governor Jon Husted (R-OH) tries to promote pro-Trump masks at today's rally ... and is met with a huge chorus of boos. pic.twitter.com/A7y1VAIbzs — Tom Shafer (@TomShafShafer) September 22, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-22--This Progressive Fights In Trump Country For A House Seat Democrats Abandoned

But the national Democratic Party has decided against going all-in ― or even a little in ― on a House race in a district where President Donald Trump won 65 % of the vote four years ago and will likely romp to an easy victory again this November .
Democratic voters who live in the 2nd Congressional District understand that the party ’ s candidates face long odds here , and that the party has priorities elsewhere .
Still , they note , Democrats will never win here if they don ’ t at least try .
Kunkel ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not the few , ” and her message is rooted in the sort of mountain populism ― “ not left-right , but top-bottom , ” she said ― that once drove Democratic popularity here but that the party moved away from as it became more beholden to big business than to its working-class base .
The result , she argues , is a political system that can ’ t deliver on or grapple with the most basic needs or problems , from the opioid crisis to ensuring adequately funded schools , clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( the latter matter was the subject of the first two questions from voters at an outdoor townhall Kunkel held in Berkeley Springs on Monday night ) .
The Democratic decline , meanwhile , has only pushed the state closer to the GOP , and to a crop of lawmakers even more divorced from working-class economic concerns .
Like the other West Virginia Can ’ t Wait candidates , she ’ s pushing a new version of the New Deal , calling for massive infrastructure investments meant to help working people as West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
( Kunkel avoids labeling it the “ Green New Deal , ” but it ’ s virtually indistinguishable from the progressive effort to overhaul the economy to stem the effects of climate change . )
That transition is inevitable , and it ’ s better , she argues , for West Virginia to have a seat at the table in Congress when it comes , especially because the federal government owes it to West Virginia to help .

Energy policy expert and environmental activist Cathy Kunkel (D) is hoping to unseat Rep. Alex Mooney (R) in a district President Donald Trump carried easily four years ago. Illustration: HuffPost; Photos: Kunkel for Congress
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. ― Tucked into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains less than 80 miles from the nation’s capital, the eastern West Virginia panhandle seems at first glance like the sort of place that might draw attention from Democratic Party officials hoping to expand their House majority in November’s elections.
The subdivided neighborhoods of Berkeley County ― West Virginia’s fastest-growing region ― look like the suburbs where Democrats prospered in the 2018 midterm elections and hope to do so again this fall. The city of Martinsburg itself is working class (median income: $40,000) and home to a sizable Black population (14.3% of its 17,000 residents), mirroring what once was the party’s traditional power base in West Virginia and nationwide.
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But the national Democratic Party has decided against going all-in ― or even a little in ― on a House race in a district where President Donald Trump won 65% of the vote four years ago and will likely romp to an easy victory again this November. Democratic voters who live in the 2nd Congressional District understand that the party’s candidates face long odds here, and that the party has priorities elsewhere. Still, they note, Democrats will never win here if they don’t at least try.
“This is Trump country,” Jim Mullen, a 56-year-old Democratic voter, said as he manned the grill outside his suburban home near Martinsburg. “The [national] Democratic Party doesn’t support candidates here at all. They don’t fight here.”
“If they did,” he added, “they might be able to change things.”
Democrat Cathy Kunkel is trying.
An energy policy expert and environmental activist who lives in Charleston, the state capital that sits in the heart of Appalachia farther south, Kunkel decided to launch a bid to take down three-term Republican Rep. Alex Mooney last year, amid an outbreak of political enthusiasm and anger among voters that erupted in the form of statewide public school teacher strikes in 2018 and 2019.
“The economic pain is only going to get worse here. People are looking for something that speaks to them. And if the Democratic Party is not going to, then who will?” - Cathy Kunkel
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She is affiliated with West Virginia Can’t Wait, a slate of candidates that has sworn off corporate campaign donations and launched unapologetically progressive bids for seats up and down the Mountain State ballot. They’re pushing massive infrastructure investments, an end to mass incarceration, a re-imagining of the state’s coal-centric economy, and urgent efforts to address climate change as part of an agenda they brand as a modern-day New Deal.
But the message at the heart of the movement is right there in its name, and Kunkel, 35, and her fellow progressives aren’t ready to relinquish West Virginia and other places like it to Trumpism and the GOP, even if national Democrats already have.
“They’ve pretty much written off West Virginia,” Kunkel said of her party’s national leaders. “But the coal industry is going to continue declining here. The economic pain is only going to get worse here. People are looking for something that speaks to them. And if the Democratic Party is not going to, then who will?”
As recently as six years ago, the Democratic Party considered this district a place where it could pick up a seat in Congress. In the 2014 race for an open seat that had been held by a Republican, the 49-year-old Mooney eked out a win against a Democrat who got help from the national party.
This time around, though, the district isn’t on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s list of targets, and the party’s national apparatus hasn’t provided much support, financial or otherwise, for Kunkel’s campaign. (A DCCC spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the race.)
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But outside the official channels, Kunkel is getting a lot of help. The Sunrise Movement, the youth climate group that has tried to power progressive campaigns this cycle, endorsed Kunkel in September as it shifted its focus from primaries to the general election. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) backed Kunkel last Wednesday as part of a slate of congressional endorsements.
Democrats held West Virginia’s second district, a still mostly-rural swatch that stretches more than 300 miles from Martinsburg in the northeast to Charleston in the central part of the state, from 1983 to 2001. The district, like the state as a whole, became reliably Republican early in the 21st century, as the national political landscape shifted and, in West Virginia, the collapse of the coal industry hastened the turn of working-class white voters away from the Democratic Party.
As the base shifted, so did the party’s focus on the state. Once a common destination on presidential whistle stops, West Virginia was unlikely to earn a spot on 2020 Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s campaign schedule even before the coronavirus pandemic limited his travel. And national party leaders don’t view Paula Jean Swearingen, the progressive Democratic nominee challenging GOP Sen. Shelley Moore Capito in November, a likely prospect to prevail.
By pure metrics, the party leaders may be right. But where these Democrats see two more losses to add to a mounting pile of them in West Virginia, Kunkel and her progressive allies spot an opportunity to bring voters frustrated with a political system they feel has abandoned them back into the fold, especially at a time when so many West Virginians seem so angry.
West Virginia teachers went on strike in 2019 to protest an education bill in the state legislature. A year earlier, a prior strike touched off a wave of teacher protests across the country. The activism among the educators has helped fuel progressive efforts to diminish the Republican hold on the state. (AP Photo/John Raby)
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Kunkel’s campaign slogan is “For the many, not the few,” and her message is rooted in the sort of mountain populism ― “not left-right, but top-bottom,” she said ― that once drove Democratic popularity here but that the party moved away from as it became more beholden to big business than to its working-class base. The result, she argues, is a political system that can’t deliver on or grapple with the most basic needs or problems, from the opioid crisis to ensuring adequately funded schools, clean water and widespread access to broadband internet (the latter matter was the subject of the first two questions from voters at an outdoor townhall Kunkel held in Berkeley Springs on Monday night). The Democratic decline, meanwhile, has only pushed the state closer to the GOP, and to a crop of lawmakers even more divorced from working-class economic concerns.
“This is the place where the labor movement actually built the country and the Democratic Party,” said Evan Weber, the Sunrise Movement co-founder who has known Kunkel for years, since she helped organize the group that eventually became Sunrise. “It’s not that Democratic ideas can’t win. It’s not even that progressive ideas can’t win. It’s that we can’t win if we don’t try, and if we don’t invest and spend the resources.”
The teacher strikes were one indication that something may be amiss in West Virginia: In 2018, educators across the state went on strike for guaranteed raises to salaries that rank among the lowest in the nation, and came armed with plans to fund them with new taxes on the coal and gas industries: two third-rails of West Virginia politics that neither party has dared cross in the past.
“We had thousands of teachers in our state capitol chanting about raising taxes on the gas industry to fund public education and public employee health insurance,” Kunkel recounted in an interview between campaign stops last week. “That’s not the kind of demand that would have come out of either political party.”
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The teachers went on strike again last year. This June, an elementary school teacher ousted state Senate President Mitch Carmichael in the state’s GOP primary.
In Jefferson County, the eastern-most part of the state and of the 2nd Congressional District, residents have spent the last two years rallying against the construction of a new plant for Rockwool, a Danish insulation manufacturer, that they say threatens to pollute their water and air. (Rockwool has disputed those claims.)
Slogans like “No To Rockwool” and “Toxic Rockwool” have become rallying cries in parts of the county, energizing a base of voters who weren’t all that engaged before.
“I don’t like politics, but my life depends on them now,” Ruth Hatcher, a Jefferson County resident who has traveled to New York to protest Rockwool executive meetings, said during a front porch get-together where activists discussed the project with Kunkel last Sunday evening.
During one demonstration, rain soaked Hatcher from head to toe, but it didn’t dent her enthusiasm. “Had I protested like this when I was younger, my whole life would have been different,” she told HuffPost after the meeting with Kunkel. “I felt so empowered.”
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It was a common sentiment: “Before this, you’d have never seen a political sign in my yard,” Jim Ross, a retired federal employee who hosted the meeting and has organized and protested against Rockwool for years, said. Now, signs for a half-dozen local candidates, including Kunkel, line his driveway.
Last year, residents’ frustration with political leaders willing to subsidize another extractive corporation at the expense of their neighborhoods, their water and their health was evident. Voters sent two new delegates to the state Legislature who pledged to oppose the project.
Kunkel’s background as an environmental organizer already made her sympathetic to such causes, and she weaves a brand of populism and urgency into her pitch to voters. It would be a stretch to call her a firebrand, stylistically, but she laces her stump speeches with brutally honest assessments of the coal industry’s future here.
“Let’s be honest,” she said at a campaign stop in Martinsburg. “The coal industry is not coming back to what it was.”
The proposed construction of a manufacturing plant for Rockwool, a Danish insulation company, in northeastern West Virginia has drawn protests and opposition from local residents, who in 2019 voted out two members of the state Legislature who supported the project. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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Her view of the industry’s past is similarly unsparing: While she acknowledges that coal, and the union jobs the mining provided, was once the backbone of the state’s economy, Kunkel notes that it was a handful of executives who really got rich off the backs of all that labor.
“If you go to southern West Virginia, in Mingo County, there’s a sign that says, ‘Welcome to the heart of the billion-dollar coalfields,’” Kunkel told voters Sunday afternoon. “That billion dollars isn’t in the coalfields anymore. We all know that.”
There’s a growing appetite for environmentalism and policies to address climate change in West Virginia, Kunkel asserts, both in the coal-heavy regions of central and southern West Virginia, which have been plagued by devastating floods in recent years, and in the communities never beholden to the industry. During a recent trip to the agriculture-heavy panhandle region, a local farmer told her that he’s lost three crops to supposed “50-year floods” in the last 12 months alone. And climate change, she said, dominated a meeting she had with a group of young Democrats last month.
The energy industry’s dominance of the state’s political culture, even as coal employment has fallen and coal companies have continued to go bankrupt, is in Kunkel’s eyes evidence of the failures of West Virginia’s status quo ― one Democrats are as guilty of perpetuating as anyone else.
“It was predictable a decade ago, and yet all that we keep getting is empty political promises about bringing back the coal industry,” she said. “It’s a challenging conversation to have. But I think we need to be honest about it, because not being honest about it isn’t helping people here in West Virginia.”
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President Donald Trump remains popular in a state he won overwhelmingly in 2016, but in a state where many voters are registered as independents, local Democrats tout their chances of winning races farther down the ballot. (MICHAEL MATHES via Getty Images)
Like the other West Virginia Can’t Wait candidates, she’s pushing a new version of the New Deal, calling for massive infrastructure investments meant to help working people as West Virginia transitions to a newer, cleaner economy. (Kunkel avoids labeling it the “Green New Deal,” but it’s virtually indistinguishable from the progressive effort to overhaul the economy to stem the effects of climate change.) That transition is inevitable, and it’s better, she argues, for West Virginia to have a seat at the table in Congress when it comes, especially because the federal government owes it to West Virginia to help.
“We have powered the country for decades,” Kunkel said. “The rest of the country owes us a debt here in Appalachia, and the federal government has a responsibility to step up and provide the infrastructure investment and assist in this economic transition.”
On paper, Kunkel remains a pronounced underdog in her House bid. But Mooney’s hold on the district is hardly airtight ― he ran 10 percentage points behind Trump in 2016, and won just 54% of the vote two years ago.
Kunkel and her campaign contend he’s done little to make his case to voters this time: “Part of the reason we saw an opportunity is that he just seems to be kind of like an absentee congressperson,” Dan Taylor, Kunkel’s campaign manager, said.
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As for Mooney’s campaign: “He runs on Trump’s coattails,” Taylor said. “It’s very obvious what his strategy is.”
And although West Virginia is a lock for Trump, it isn’t necessarily for the GOP. In 2016, it elected then-Democrat Jim Justice as governor (he’s since switched parties), and its biggest political shifts have been toward independent registrations, suggesting many voters are still up for grabs. West Virginia no longer allows straight-ticket voting ― in which voters can pull the lever for a party’s entire slate of candidates ― another potential ray of hope for Democrats running down the ballot from Trump.
For the first time since the pandemic began, Kunkel resumed canvassing in mid-September, stopping in downtown Martinsburg to knock on doors. There weren’t many answers amid an outbreak that, in West Virginia, is worsening again. But the presence of a candidate and cars adorned with campaign magnets on Liberty Street, in a mostly Black, working-class neighborhood, caught local residents who were out and about off guard.
“You don’t see [candidates] out walking around, coming here,” Kyjuan Jones, 22, said as he sat in his car, a fresh piece of “Kunkel For Congress” literature in his hand. “They go to the richer parts of town.”
Jones, who used to run his own car repair shop, normally doesn’t vote. The politicians who’ve neglected to campaign here have neglected to do much to address his concerns ― a need for reliable and affordable transportation, investment into the community and the abandoned homes on his block, and more support for small businesses like the one he tried to maintain.
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Now, though, he was thinking about it.
“If she’s worth it,” he said of whether he’d show up in November. “If she’s really gonna help the community.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-22--Muslim Ban Dissent Is A Part Of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Legacy

Ginsburg , who died Friday at age 87 , was remembered over the weekend by a broad spectrum of politicians and left-leaning advocacy groups for her staunch defense of social justice issues while serving on the nation ’ s highest court since 1993 .
Among her opinions was a scathing 2018 dissent of the Supreme Court ’ s decision to uphold President Donald Trump ’ s executive order banning travel to the U.S. from mostly Muslim-majority countries .
In opposing the 5-4 decision allowing the travel ban to continue , Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ginsburg issued a brutal critique of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further , calling out Trump ’ s history of Islamophobia .
They accused the justices voting in the majority of “ turning a blind eye.
” Ginsburg and Sotomayor argued , in particular , that the ban should be viewed in the context of Trump ’ s 2016 campaign remarks , when he called for a “ complete and total shutdown ” of Muslims entering the U.S .
The travel ban was “ motivated by anti-Muslim animus , ” the women wrote , adding that “ the words of the President and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proclamation is contaminated by impermissible discriminatory animus against Islam and its followers.
” So much of what I do as a civil rights advocate , an attorney , a woman , a Muslim , and as an American is possible because of what she accomplished .
Advocates for American Muslims said the joint dissent and subsequent remarks were important messages amid the struggle against the ban .
Trump signed his first executive order for a travel ban in 2017 to target citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries ( Iran , Iraq , Libya , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The ban was revised , challenged and expanded several times , and when it came before the Supreme Court , the roster had evolved to include two nations that were not Muslim-majority ( North Korea and Venezuela were added to Iran , Libya , Somalia , Syria and Yemen ) .
Six more countries have since been added : Nigeria , Myanmar , Eritrea , Kyrgyzstan , Sudan and Tanzania .
Citizens of these countries are banned from reuniting with their families in the U.S. , are denied medical treatment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the globe .
In July , the Democratic-led House passed the “ No Ban ” bill to immediately terminate Trump ’ s travel restrictions .
( The bill is unlikely to pass in the GOP-controlled Senate . )
Opponents of the ban say their ultimate hope of overturning the executive orders rests with a new presidency .
Still , many expressed gratitude for Ginsburg ’ s commitment to record the ban ’ s discriminatory intent and emphasize the consequences Muslims continue to face .
“ The powerful dissent that Justice Ginsburg issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Muslim Ban will forever be a part of her legacy .
Alongside Justice Sotomayor , she called out the blatant anti-Muslim discrimination at the root of the Ban with force and clarity , and their words are fuel that keeps us going in our fight to repeal the Ban , ” said Subha Varadarajan , a legal and outreach fellow with the No Muslim Ban Ever Campaign , a coalition of civil rights organizations dedicated to overturning the travel and immigration restrictions .
“ Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a master at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : that prejudice and discrimination have driven many of our country ’ s policies , ” Chu said .
“ Her opposition to Trump ’ s Muslim Ban was a perfect example .
When the Supreme Court considered President Trump ’ s ban , Justice Ginsburg knew enough to take the President ’ s history of Islamophobia at face value.
” Chu added : “ Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her career fighting against injustice and inequality , and we are all better off for it .
I hope her legacy serves as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination be treated as normal.
” “ Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an icon , a trailblazer and a tireless defender of our nation ’ s promise of freedom , justice , and equality for all — truly all .
So much of what I do as a civil rights advocate , an attorney , a woman , a Muslim , and as an American is possible because of what she accomplished , ” Farhana Khera , executive director of Muslim Advocates , said in a statement .
As the fight to fill Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans in Congress , opponents of the discriminatory travel ban are anxiously watching .
They say a Trump-appointed replacement for Ginsburg on the Supreme Court could undo the important work laid out by those who are trying to remove the travel bans .
“ A third Trump justice , jammed through the Senate right before an election in which millions of Americans have already started voting , would be a body blow to the legacy of civil rights and social justice that Justice Ginsburg fought so hard to protect and strengthen and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

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Anti-discrimination groups across the country are mourning the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who stood up for diverse civil rights, and women’s rights in particular, during her 27 years as a Supreme Court justice.
Ginsburg, who died Friday at age 87, was remembered over the weekend by a broad spectrum of politicians and left-leaning advocacy groups for her staunch defense of social justice issues while serving on the nation’s highest court since 1993. Among her opinions was a scathing 2018 dissent of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Donald Trump’s executive order banning travel to the U.S. from mostly Muslim-majority countries.
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In opposing the 5-4 decision allowing the travel ban to continue, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ginsburg issued a brutal critique of the ruling and took it a step further, calling out Trump’s history of Islamophobia. They accused the justices voting in the majority of “turning a blind eye.”
Ginsburg and Sotomayor argued, in particular, that the ban should be viewed in the context of Trump’s 2016 campaign remarks, when he called for a “complete and total shutdown” of Muslims entering the U.S.
The travel ban was “motivated by anti-Muslim animus,” the women wrote, adding that “the words of the President and his advisers create the strong perception that the Proclamation is contaminated by impermissible discriminatory animus against Islam and its followers.”
“So much of what I do as a civil rights advocate, an attorney, a woman, a Muslim, and as an American is possible because of what she accomplished.” - Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates
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Advocates for American Muslims said the joint dissent and subsequent remarks were important messages amid the struggle against the ban. Trump signed his first executive order for a travel ban in 2017 to target citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen). The ban was revised, challenged and expanded several times, and when it came before the Supreme Court, the roster had evolved to include two nations that were not Muslim-majority (North Korea and Venezuela were added to Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen). Six more countries have since been added: Nigeria, Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Sudan and Tanzania.
Citizens of these countries are banned from reuniting with their families in the U.S., are denied medical treatment in America and are stranded in political limbo across the globe.
In July, the Democratic-led House passed the “No Ban” bill to immediately terminate Trump’s travel restrictions. (The bill is unlikely to pass in the GOP-controlled Senate.) Opponents of the ban say their ultimate hope of overturning the executive orders rests with a new presidency. Still, many expressed gratitude for Ginsburg’s commitment to record the ban’s discriminatory intent and emphasize the consequences Muslims continue to face.
“The powerful dissent that Justice Ginsburg issued when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Muslim Ban will forever be a part of her legacy. Alongside Justice Sotomayor, she called out the blatant anti-Muslim discrimination at the root of the Ban with force and clarity, and their words are fuel that keeps us going in our fight to repeal the Ban,” said Subha Varadarajan, a legal and outreach fellow with the No Muslim Ban Ever Campaign, a coalition of civil rights organizations dedicated to overturning the travel and immigration restrictions.
Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), who introduced the No Ban bill in the House, pointed out that Trump’s claims of national security in signing the order “have been used to disguise blatant prejudice.”
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“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a master at removing that disguise and uncovering the truth: that prejudice and discrimination have driven many of our country’s policies,” Chu said. “Her opposition to Trump’s Muslim Ban was a perfect example. When the Supreme Court considered President Trump’s ban, Justice Ginsburg knew enough to take the President’s history of Islamophobia at face value.”
Chu added: “Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her career fighting against injustice and inequality, and we are all better off for it. I hope her legacy serves as an inspiration for future champions to never let discrimination be treated as normal.”
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (left) and Justice Sonia Sotomayor at en event at the Library of Congress on Sept. 25, 2019, a year after they both issued a dissent in the case allowing President Trump's travel ban to take effect. Jacquelyn Martin/ASSOCIATED PRESS
The dissent echoed the sentiments of Muslim activists who found validation in Ginsburg’s remarks on a national stage.
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an icon, a trailblazer and a tireless defender of our nation’s promise of freedom, justice, and equality for all — truly all. So much of what I do as a civil rights advocate, an attorney, a woman, a Muslim, and as an American is possible because of what she accomplished,” Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates, said in a statement.
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As the fight to fill Ginsburg’s seat builds between Democrats and Republicans in Congress, opponents of the discriminatory travel ban are anxiously watching. They say a Trump-appointed replacement for Ginsburg on the Supreme Court could undo the important work laid out by those who are trying to remove the travel bans.
“President Trump’s heinous Muslim Ban, his all-out assault on immigrants and communities of color, and his naked disrespect for the rule of law have already harmed us in so many ways,” Khera said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-22--White House To Tap NOAA Chief Scientist Who Downplays Climate Change

The White House reportedly plans to name Ryan Maue , a meteorologist who downplays links between extreme weather and climate change , to be the next chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , one of the nation ’ s prime agencies tasked with giving Americans clear and apolitical research .
The Washington Post first reported Monday that the White House planned to tap Maue pending ethics and security reviews .
The chief scientist role , which does not require Senate confirmation , is a top leadership position at NOAA .
Maue would be tasked with directing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as enforcing its scientific integrity policy .
Maue has a Ph.D. from Florida State University and has grown popular on Twitter for his work as a meteorologist .
But his past work at the Cato Institute , a libertarian think tank that has questioned the scientific consensus surrounding climate change , and his frequent efforts to target politicians and fellow researchers who have warned of the link between climate change and extreme weather events have rankled climate scientists .
Most recently , Maue used Twitter to lambaste California Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s devastating wildfire season to climate change , the Post noted .
Scientists have long warned that human-caused climate change will only lead to a cascade of environmental effects : In regards to wildfires , the phenomenon makes the planet warmer , drying out forests and prepping them for massive blazes .
“ For the second time this month , a person who misrepresents , distorts , and disagrees with climate science is being placed in a science position at NOAA , ” Katharine Hayhoe , a prominent climate scientist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter .
For the second time this month , a person who misrepresents , distorts , and disagrees with climate science is being placed in a science position at NOAA .
( read next tweet for my take on what this might mean ) https : //t.co/PemMYDP8HI — Prof. Katharine Hayhoe ( @ KHayhoe ) September 22 , 2020 Maue ’ s appointment is not as controversial as another White House choice this month .
The Trump administration named David Legates as the deputy assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising levels of carbon dioxide , a main greenhouse gas , is good for the planet .
Legates has worked for the climate-denying Heartland Institute .
The choice of Maue adds to the Trump administration ’ s yearslong effort to undercut climate science and reject warning bells that the earth is warming at dangerous rates .
NOAA had largely remained untouched throughout the president ’ s first term , unlike other agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency or Interior Department .
“ Normally , when people are chosen for high-profile positions relating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them , ” Andrew Dessler , a professor of atmospheric and climate sciences at Texas A & M University , wrote on Twitter .
“ I have no idea who this person is .
… I suspect that he has the one and only necessary qualification for the job : A willingness to advance the agenda of climate deniers .
”

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The White House reportedly plans to name Ryan Maue, a meteorologist who downplays links between extreme weather and climate change, to be the next chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one of the nation’s prime agencies tasked with giving Americans clear and apolitical research.
The Washington Post first reported Monday that the White House planned to tap Maue pending ethics and security reviews. The chief scientist role, which does not require Senate confirmation, is a top leadership position at NOAA. Maue would be tasked with directing the agency’s science and technology priorities, as well as enforcing its scientific integrity policy.
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The White House did not immediately reply to HuffPost’s request for comment. Gizmodo confirmed Maue’s expected appointment.
If approved, he will replace Craig McLean, who currently serves as NOAA’s acting chief scientist.
Maue has a Ph.D. from Florida State University and has grown popular on Twitter for his work as a meteorologist. But his past work at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank that has questioned the scientific consensus surrounding climate change, and his frequent efforts to target politicians and fellow researchers who have warned of the link between climate change and extreme weather events have rankled climate scientists.
Most recently, Maue used Twitter to lambaste California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) for linking the state’s devastating wildfire season to climate change, the Post noted. Scientists have long warned that human-caused climate change will only lead to a cascade of environmental effects: In regards to wildfires, the phenomenon makes the planet warmer, drying out forests and prepping them for massive blazes.
“For the second time this month, a person who misrepresents, distorts, and disagrees with climate science is being placed in a science position at NOAA,” Katharine Hayhoe, a prominent climate scientist at Texas Tech University, wrote on Twitter.
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For the second time this month, a person who misrepresents, distorts, and disagrees with climate science is being placed in a science position at NOAA. (read next tweet for my take on what this might mean) https://t.co/PemMYDP8HI — Prof. Katharine Hayhoe (@KHayhoe) September 22, 2020
Maue’s appointment is not as controversial as another White House choice this month. The Trump administration named David Legates as the deputy assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction, even though he has falsely said rising levels of carbon dioxide, a main greenhouse gas, is good for the planet. Legates has worked for the climate-denying Heartland Institute.
The choice of Maue adds to the Trump administration’s yearslong effort to undercut climate science and reject warning bells that the earth is warming at dangerous rates. NOAA had largely remained untouched throughout the president’s first term, unlike other agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency or Interior Department.
Scientists said Monday that period appeared to be at an end.
“Normally, when people are chosen for high-profile positions relating to climate change, I’ve heard of them,” Andrew Dessler, a professor of atmospheric and climate sciences at Texas A&M University, wrote on Twitter. “I have no idea who this person is. … I suspect that he has the one and only necessary qualification for the job: A willingness to advance the agenda of climate deniers.”
I've gotten some requests asking for my reaction to Ryan Maue being hired as chief scientist of NOAA. Here it is: pic.twitter.com/CefBwukg71 — Andrew Dessler (@AndrewDessler) September 22, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-22--Chilling Footage Shows Mountain Lion Quietly Stalking Children Near San Francisco

A mountain lion was caught on camera seemingly sizing up some kids in a neighborhood near San Francisco .
Timothy Kerrisk , who filmed the incident , told local news station KRON that he thought a dog had gotten into his Pacifica yard .
Then he realized what it was ― and that it was watching children playing in the street .
“ I started yelling at the kids , ‘ Get inside !
Get inside !
Get inside !
’ ” Kerrisk told the station .
Kerrisk uploaded his footage without the audio , which he said in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the neighbor across the street to come down and grab the kids.
” After being spotted , the big cat hid under a nearby pickup truck , where it continued to watch the kids for a few seconds .
It then slinked off in response to Kerrisk ’ s commotion : Zara McDonald of the Bay Area Puma Project told NBC Bay Area that the group has been tracking this particular mountain lion , which is a “ people observer.
” She said there ’ s been “ nothing abnormal or scary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” but that people should give the cats plenty of space if they encounter them .
Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare in California ; there have only been four nonfatal attacks on children over the past 16 months , including one in the Bay Area earlier this year .
The cat involved in that incident was caught and euthanized .

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A mountain lion was caught on camera seemingly sizing up some kids in a neighborhood near San Francisco.
Timothy Kerrisk, who filmed the incident, told local news station KRON that he thought a dog had gotten into his Pacifica yard. Then he realized what it was ― and that it was watching children playing in the street.
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“I started yelling at the kids, ‘Get inside! Get inside! Get inside!’” Kerrisk told the station.
Kerrisk uploaded his footage without the audio, which he said in the comments section was “just me yelling for the neighbor across the street to come down and grab the kids.”
After being spotted, the big cat hid under a nearby pickup truck, where it continued to watch the kids for a few seconds. It then slinked off in response to Kerrisk’s commotion:
Zara McDonald of the Bay Area Puma Project told NBC Bay Area that the group has been tracking this particular mountain lion, which is a “people observer.” She said there’s been “nothing abnormal or scary or threatening about its behavior thus far,” but that people should give the cats plenty of space if they encounter them.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-22--Enormous California Wildfire Threatens Homes Near Mojave Desert

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) — An enormous wildfire that churned through mountains northeast of Los Angeles and into the Mojave Desert was still threatening homes on Monday and was one of more than two dozen major fires burning across California .
Five of the largest wildfires in state history are currently burning and more than 5,600 square miles have been charred , an area larger than the state of Connecticut , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said .
At 165 square miles , the Bobcat Fire is one of the largest ever in Los Angeles County after burning for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 15 % contained .
Evacuation orders and warnings are in place for thousands of residents in foothill and desert areas , where semi-rural homes and a popular nature sanctuary have burned .
Statewide , at least 23,000 people remain evacuated , Newsom said .
However , 18 homes and other buildings have been destroyed and 11 damaged , some in the Juniper Hills area , with the toll rising to perhaps 85 when damage assessment teams can complete their work this week , fire officials said Monday evening .
However , evacuation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to flee if ordered — remained in effect for Pasadena , home of the Rose Bowl and the annual Rose Parade , and Wrightwood , a mountain community near several ski resorts .
Numerous studies in recent years have linked bigger U.S. wildfires to global warming from the burning of coal , oil and gas , especially because climate change has made California much drier .
A drier California means plants are more flammable .
Early estimates are that 6,400 buildings have been destroyed across the state , but Newsom said “ by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think this tells the entire story.
” Damage assessments are ongoing , he said .
The Bobcat Fire started Sept. 6 and has doubled in size over the last week as it ripped through forested areas that hadn ’ t burned in decades .
The cause is under investigation .
Nearly 19,000 firefighters in California are currently battling 27 major blazes , Newsom said .
At least 7,900 wildfires have erupted in the state this year , many during a mid-August barrage of dry lightning ignited parched vegetation .
Twenty-six people have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a firefighter at another Southern California wildfire that erupted earlier this month from a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their baby ’ s gender .
The firefighter was identified Monday night as Charles Morton , 39 , who was a squad boss with the Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew of the San Bernardino National Forest .
He had worked with the U.S. Forest Service for 14 years .
“ Charlie is survived by his wife and daughter , his parents , two brothers , cousins , and friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be missed .
May he rest easy in heaven with his baby boy , ” Morton ’ s family said in a statement .
In Wyoming , officials warned that gusty winds on Monday could cause more growth of a wildfire burning toward cabins and an important water supply reservoir that ’ s a major source of water for the state ’ s capital city , Cheyenne .
The fire in the Medicine Bow National Forest is burning in heavily forested , rugged terrain which would usually would be busy now with hunters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — A wildfire scorching its way through brush and timber from the mountains to the desert northeast of Los Angeles threatened more than 1,000 homes on Tuesday as crews across the West battled dozens of other major blazes.
The Bobcat Fire was advancing at a mile or two an hour at times and continued to threaten the Mojave Desert town of Pearblossom after burning into the Antelope Valley foothill area, on the other side of the San Gabriel Mountains from Los Angeles.
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The blaze that began Sept. 6 destroyed or damaged at least 29 homes and other buildings, including some in the Juniper Hills area, with the toll rising to perhaps 85 when damage assessment teams can complete their work this week, authorities said.
The Bobcat Fire erupted on September 6 in the Angeles National Forest and has become one of the largest fires in Los Angeles County's history. FREDERIC J. BROWN via Getty Images
Cheryl Poindexter lost her desert home.
“That fire came over the hill so hard and fast that I turned around and I barely got my eight dogs and my two parrots out,” Poindexter told ABC7. “You can see everything is ash.”
Firefighters also battled flareups near Mount Wilson, which overlooks greater Los Angeles and has a historic observatory founded more than a century ago and numerous broadcast antennas serving Southern California.
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The fire was fueled by vegetation that hadn’t burned in decades and pushed by erratic winds over the weekend, although they had died down by Monday, and were expected to remain light through Tuesday.
Near Mount Wilson, firefighters set more than a mile of fires designed to burn out the blaze’s fuel and act as a brake on its advance.
However, with the fire only 13% contained, firefighters weren’t taking anything for granted. Officials revised the containment number down from 15% after the blaze grew.
“We’ve got a fire here that is bigger than the city of Denver, and it did it in two weeks,” said Sky Cornell with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
About 1,100 homes and some 4,000 residents remained under evacuation orders, fire officials said Monday evening.
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Evacuation warnings — meaning residents should be prepared to flee if ordered — remained in effect for the L.A. suburb of Pasadena, home of the Rose Bowl and the annual Rose Parade, and Wrightwood, a mountain community near several San Bernardino County ski resorts.
The blaze was one of more than two dozen major wildfires burning across California, including five of the largest in state history.
More than 5,600 square miles (14,500 square kilometers) have been charred, an area larger than the state of Connecticut, and at least 23,00 people remain evacuated statewide, Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
Early estimates are that 6,400 buildings have been destroyed across the state, but Newsom said “by no stretch of the imagination do we think this tells the entire story.” Damage assessments are ongoing, he said.
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Numerous studies in recent years have linked bigger U.S. wildfires to global warming from the burning of coal, oil and gas, especially because climate change has made California much drier. A drier California means plants are more flammable.
Nearly 19,000 firefighters in California are currently battling 27 major blazes, Newsom said. At least 7,900 wildfires have erupted in the state this year, many during a mid-August barrage of dry lightning that ignited parched vegetation.
Twenty-six people have been killed. Officials were investigating the death of a firefighter at another Southern California wildfire that erupted earlier this month from a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used by a couple to reveal their baby’s gender.
An aircraft leaves a trail of fire retardant dropped to fight the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest. FREDERIC J. BROWN via Getty Images
Charles Morton, 39, died on Sept. 17 while battling the El Dorado Fire in San Bernardino National Forest about 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.
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Morton, was a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service and a squad boss with the Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew of the San Bernardino National Forest.
“Charlie was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and his crew at the toughest times,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen.
“Charlie is survived by his wife and daughter, his parents, two brothers, cousins, and friends. He’s loved and will be missed. May he rest easy in heaven with his baby boy,” Morton’s family said in a statement.
In Wyoming, officials warned that “a high probability for fire growth” exists for a blaze burning toward cabins and an important water supply reservoir that’s a major source of water for the state’s capital city, Cheyenne. The Mullen Fire in the Medicine Bow National Forest is burning in heavily forested, rugged terrain that would usually be busy now with hunters at the start of elk hunting season.
And in Colorado, one of the state’s largest wildfires continued to grow slowly, with firefighters benefiting as the flames spread into flatter ground Monday. Still, the Cameron Peak Fire near Red Feather Lakes had covered 162.7 square miles (421.39 square kilometers) and was just 15% contained. At higher elevations, it devoured many lodgepole pine trees killed by a beetle infestation.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-22--Tropical Storm Beta Becomes 9th Named Storm To Make Landfall In U.S. This Year

The storm made landfall late Monday just north of Port O ’ Connor , Texas , and has the distinction of being the first time a storm named for a Greek letter made landfall in the continental United States .
Forecasters ran out of traditional storm names last week , forcing the use of the Greek alphabet for only the second time since the 1950s .
Early Tuesday , Beta was 10 miles ( 15 kilometers ) east-southeast of Victoria , Texas , with maximum winds of 40 mph ( 64 kph ) , the U.S. National Hurricane Center said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northwest near 3 mph ( 4 kilometers ) and is expected to stall inland over Texas through Wednesday .
Cotto said 6-12 inches ( 15-30 centimeters ) of rain has fallen in the area , with isolated amounts of up to 18 inches ( 45 centimeters ) .
Dangerous flash flooding is expected through Wednesday , Cotto said .
Beta was the ninth named storm that made landfall in the continental U.S. this year .
That tied a record set in 1916 , according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisiana and Mississippi on Wednesday night through Friday , and the biggest unknown was how much rainfall it could produce .
Beta was expected to weaken into a depression , but flash flooding was possible in Arkansas , Louisiana and Mississippi as the system moves farther inland .
Forecasters and officials reassured residents Beta was not expected to be another Hurricane Harvey or Tropical Storm Imelda .
Harvey in 2017 dumped more than 50 inches ( 127 centimeters ) of rain on Houston , causing $ 125 billion in damage in Texas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , was one of the wettest cyclones on record .
Storm surge up to 4 feet ( 1.2 meters ) was possible in the Galveston and Beaumont areas through Wednesday morning , forecasters said .
In Galveston , an island city southeast of Houston , there was already some street flooding Monday from rising tides and part of a popular fishing pier collapsed due to strong waves .
Farther south on the Texas coast , Maria Serrano Culpepper along with her two daughters and dogs left their home in Magnolia Beach near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she didn ’ t want to be trapped in her home , three blocks from the beach , with wind , rain and possibly no electricity .
She and her family evacuated to a friend ’ s home in nearby Victoria .
Culpepper said her home should be fine as it ’ s on stilts 13 feet ( 4 meters ) off the ground and was built to withstand strong storms .
“ I ’ m feeling OK now .
I had two nights without sleeping because I was worried about ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I calmed down when the storm lost power , ” said Culpepper , who works as an engineer at a nearby chemical plant .
Beta is forecast to dump heavy rain on the southwestern corner of Louisiana three weeks after the same area got pounded by Hurricane Laura .
The rainfall and storm surge prompted Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards to declare a state of emergency .
In Lake Charles , Mayor Nic Hunter worried about Beta ’ s rainfall could set back efforts in his Louisiana community to recover after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the city ’ s 30,000 structures .
Hunter said the worry of another storm was “ an emotional and mental toll for a lot of our citizens.
” Meanwhile , Hurricane Teddy continued its path toward Canada , with a predicted landfall in Nova Scotia early Wednesday before moving into Newfoundland on Wednesday night , forecasters said .
The large and powerful storm was causing dangerous rip currents along the U.S. East Coast , and tropical storm conditions were expected to begin in Nova Scotia by Tuesday afternoon , the National Hurricane @ @ @

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HOUSTON (AP) — Tropical Storm Beta stalled out Tuesday along the Texas coast, flooding streets in Houston and Galveston hours after making landfall amid an unusually busy hurricane season.
The storm made landfall late Monday just north of Port O’Connor, Texas, and has the distinction of being the first time a storm named for a Greek letter made landfall in the continental United States. Forecasters ran out of traditional storm names last week, forcing the use of the Greek alphabet for only the second time since the 1950s.
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Early Tuesday, Beta was 10 miles (15 kilometers) east-southeast of Victoria, Texas, with maximum winds of 40 mph (64 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The storm was moving toward the northwest near 3 mph (4 kilometers) and is expected to stall inland over Texas through Wednesday.
“We currently have both storm surge and rainfall going on right now,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Amaryllis Cotto in Galveston, Texas.
Cotto said 6-12 inches (15-30 centimeters) of rain has fallen in the area, with isolated amounts of up to 18 inches (45 centimeters). Dangerous flash flooding is expected through Wednesday, Cotto said.
Beta was the ninth named storm that made landfall in the continental U.S. this year. That tied a record set in 1916, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.
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Water rises from the storm surge of Tropical Storm Beta in Galveston, Texas on Monday night. Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP
Beta was forecast to eventually move over Louisiana and Mississippi on Wednesday night through Friday, and the biggest unknown was how much rainfall it could produce. Beta was expected to weaken into a depression, but flash flooding was possible in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi as the system moves farther inland.
Earlier predictions of up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) in some areas were downgraded Monday to up to 15 inches (38 centimeters).
Forecasters and officials reassured residents Beta was not expected to be another Hurricane Harvey or Tropical Storm Imelda. Harvey in 2017 dumped more than 50 inches (127 centimeters) of rain on Houston, causing $125 billion in damage in Texas. Imelda, which hit Southeast Texas last year, was one of the wettest cyclones on record.
Storm surge up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) was possible in the Galveston and Beaumont areas through Wednesday morning, forecasters said. In Galveston, an island city southeast of Houston, there was already some street flooding Monday from rising tides and part of a popular fishing pier collapsed due to strong waves.
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Farther south on the Texas coast, Maria Serrano Culpepper along with her two daughters and dogs left their home in Magnolia Beach near Matagorda Bay on Sunday night.
Culpepper said she didn’t want to be trapped in her home, three blocks from the beach, with wind, rain and possibly no electricity. She and her family evacuated to a friend’s home in nearby Victoria.
Culpepper said her home should be fine as it’s on stilts 13 feet (4 meters) off the ground and was built to withstand strong storms.
“I’m feeling OK now. I had two nights without sleeping because I was worried about (Beta) being a Category 1 hurricane. I calmed down when the storm lost power,” said Culpepper, who works as an engineer at a nearby chemical plant.
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On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 29 Texas counties ahead of Beta’s arrival.
Beta is forecast to dump heavy rain on the southwestern corner of Louisiana three weeks after the same area got pounded by Hurricane Laura. The rainfall and storm surge prompted Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards to declare a state of emergency.
Tropical Storm Beta's bands have left high water in parts of southwest Houston. This was the scene earlier tonight near 59 South at Bellfort. (Video courtesy @PastorJaimeG) #HouWx https://t.co/pNr3OzawbP pic.twitter.com/70P8ekOXb7 — KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) September 22, 2020
In Lake Charles, Mayor Nic Hunter worried about Beta’s rainfall could set back efforts in his Louisiana community to recover after Laura, which damaged about 95% of the city’s 30,000 structures. Hunter said the worry of another storm was “an emotional and mental toll for a lot of our citizens.”
Parts of the Alabama coast and Florida Panhandle were still reeling from Hurricane Sally, which roared ashore Wednesday, causing at least two deaths.
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Meanwhile, Hurricane Teddy continued its path toward Canada, with a predicted landfall in Nova Scotia early Wednesday before moving into Newfoundland on Wednesday night, forecasters said. The large and powerful storm was causing dangerous rip currents along the U.S. East Coast, and tropical storm conditions were expected to begin in Nova Scotia by Tuesday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center said.
Teddy was about 365 miles (590 kilometers) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, early Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph). Teddy was expected to weaken later Tuesday and Wednesday but forecasters said it would likely be a strong, post-tropical cyclone when it moves in and over Nova Scotia.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-21--6 Officers In Breonna Taylor Raid Under Investigation For Violating Department Policies

Six officers in the Louisville Metro Police Department in Kentucky are under investigation for their role in the death of Breonna Taylor , a Black woman who was fatally shot in her home after police executed a middle-of-the-night “ no-knock ” warrant in March .
The department ’ s Professional Standards Unit confirmed it is investigating whether officers violated LMPD policies , although it ’ s unclear what policies investigators are looking into , The Courier-Journal reported .
The investigation , which the publication said could lead to disciplinary measures ranging from reprimands to firings , is separate from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face criminal charges for her death .
Taylor , a 26-year-old EMT , was shot eight times by officers in her home on March 13 after police executed a late-night warrant as part of a narcotics investigation .
The warrant , however , was linked to a suspect that did not live at Taylor ’ s home , and there were no drugs found inside .
None of the officers has been arrested or charged in the killing , prompting nationwide outrage amid ongoing calls for a reckoning on police brutality and systemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since been banned by the Louisville Metro Council .
Taylor ’ s family reached a $ 12 million settlement with the city of Louisville earlier this month as part of a wrongful death lawsuit that alleged officers acted with excessive force and gross negligence in her death .
“ [ The ] family is pleased that the city was willing to collaborate on meaningful reform , ” Sam Aguiar , the attorney for Taylor ’ s family , told HuffPost at the time .
“ Now , we ’ re counting on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do the right thing and hold all responsible officers accountable.
” The officers have maintained that they knocked on Taylor ’ s door about 12:40 a.m. and announced themselves .
Kenneth Walker , Taylor ’ s boyfriend , who was also home at the time , disputed that account and said they didn ’ t know who was knocking before police broke down the front door .
The Courier-Journal noted that Kentucky state law mandates that investigations into police officers ’ potential violations of internal policies remain secret “ until final disposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Department is currently under a state of emergency in “ anticipation ” of an announcement in Taylor ’ s case , according to reports on Monday .
The declaration allows the LMPD to operate under emergency staffing orders and cancel vacation requests .

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Six officers in the Louisville Metro Police Department in Kentucky are under investigation for their role in the death of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was fatally shot in her home after police executed a middle-of-the-night “no-knock” warrant in March.
The department’s Professional Standards Unit confirmed it is investigating whether officers violated LMPD policies, although it’s unclear what policies investigators are looking into, The Courier-Journal reported. The investigation, which the publication said could lead to disciplinary measures ranging from reprimands to firings, is separate from an ongoing probe into whether any officers should face criminal charges for her death.
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Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was shot eight times by officers in her home on March 13 after police executed a late-night warrant as part of a narcotics investigation. The warrant, however, was linked to a suspect that did not live at Taylor’s home, and there were no drugs found inside.
None of the officers has been arrested or charged in the killing, prompting nationwide outrage amid ongoing calls for a reckoning on police brutality and systemic racism in America. No-knock warrants have since been banned by the Louisville Metro Council.
Taylor’s family reached a $12 million settlement with the city of Louisville earlier this month as part of a wrongful death lawsuit that alleged officers acted with excessive force and gross negligence in her death.
“[The] family is pleased that the city was willing to collaborate on meaningful reform,” Sam Aguiar, the attorney for Taylor’s family, told HuffPost at the time. “Now, we’re counting on the [attorney general and Justice Department] to do the right thing and hold all responsible officers accountable.”
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The officers have maintained that they knocked on Taylor’s door about 12:40 a.m. and announced themselves. Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend, who was also home at the time, disputed that account and said they didn’t know who was knocking before police broke down the front door.
Walker fired a legally owned weapon at the advancing officers, who returned fire, killing Taylor.
The Courier-Journal noted that Kentucky state law mandates that investigations into police officers’ potential violations of internal policies remain secret “until final disposition of the charges.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-22--CDC Now Says COVID-19 Isn't Airborne Threat. Scientists Say That’s Wrong.

Scientists are firing back at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after the federal agency on Monday reversed its identification of the coronavirus as an airborne virus , a conclusion that many experts say scientific evidence has supported for months now .
The CDC ’ s brief recognition of the virus as being airborne on Friday was celebrated as long overdue by concurring scientists , who expressed relief that the agency was finally catching up .
Three days later , however , the agency said that new language in its coronavirus guidance had been published in error .
Scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC ’ s flip-flop .
Not only was it dangerous to release confusing information during a pandemic , they argued , but the science doesn ’ t support the stance the agency was apparently reverting to .
A registered nurse makes her way to a patient 's room inside the coronavirus unit at Houston 's United Memorial Medical Center .
If the coronavirus is airborne , as many scientists say it is , health experts urge the use of masks and air filtration systems to help prevent virus transmission .
“ Who knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , ” tweeted Richard Corsi , an indoor air quality expert and dean of Portland State University ’ s college of engineering and computer science in Oregon .
“ To wear blinders to evidence is to bring a country to its knees.
” In a Washington Post op-ed published on Tuesday , Allen and Linsey C. Marr , a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech with expertise in airborne virus transmission , broke down the evidence supporting the conclusion that the virus is airborne ― and thus capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aerosols .
“ The science here is fairly straightforward .
When you talk or sing — or even just breathe — you emit a range of particles of different sizes .
Yes , there might be one or two particles that are large enough to see and that fall to the ground within six feet , but there are also thousands of particles that are smaller than five microns ( or five millionths of a meter ) , ” Allen and Marr wrote .
The tiny droplets can remain suspended in the air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as travel farther , than larger droplets .
In some cases , they ’ re able to travel well over 6 feet , which is the current physical distance recommended by the CDC .
“ Our whole field has been shouting from the rooftops that airborne transmission was happening and that ventilation and filtration were crucial to limiting the spread of the disease , ” Allen and Marr wrote .
The two professors cited one recent study , published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases , that found viable samples of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 16 feet away from patients hospitalized with COVID-19 .
No health procedures that would generate aerosols had taken place in the room , leading to the determination that the patients were generating the aerosols themselves by coughing , sneezing and even talking .
Evidence has shown that the coronavirus , pictured here under a microscope , can spread in the air through tiny respiratory droplets called aerosols , scientists say .
These can be released when someone coughs , sneezes , sings or talks .
Though the CDC and the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus has not been proven , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the top infectious disease expert in the U.S. , last month said that the coronavirus “ is much more aerosols than we thought , ” citing evidence presented to him by aerosol and particle physicists .
What remains unknown , he said at a panel Tuesday on Citizen by CNN , is the extent to which the aerosol component is contributing to the virus ’ s transmission .
“ Rather than bending ourselves out of shape trying to figure out what percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well it ’ s proven , make an assumption that some component of it is aerosol and act accordingly , which means do what we ’ ve been telling you to do all along .
It doesn ’ t change what we ’ re doing , ” Fauci said .

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The CDC’s brief recognition of the virus as being airborne on Friday was celebrated as long overdue by concurring scientists, who expressed relief that the agency was finally catching up. Three days later, however, the agency said that new language in its coronavirus guidance had been published in error.
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“The CDC is broken. Seriously broken,” Matthew Fox, an epidemiology and global health professor at Boston University, tweeted in response.
Scientists and public health experts scoffed at the CDC’s flip-flop. Not only was it dangerous to release confusing information during a pandemic, they argued, but the science doesn’t support the stance the agency was apparently reverting to.
“There’s something odd going on at the CDC,” tweeted Joseph Allen of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
A registered nurse makes her way to a patient's room inside the coronavirus unit at Houston's United Memorial Medical Center. If the coronavirus is airborne, as many scientists say it is, health experts urge the use of masks and air filtration systems to help prevent virus transmission. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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“Who knows what the agency position will be by Friday,” tweeted Richard Corsi, an indoor air quality expert and dean of Portland State University’s college of engineering and computer science in Oregon. “To wear blinders to evidence is to bring a country to its knees.”
In a Washington Post op-ed published on Tuesday, Allen and Linsey C. Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech with expertise in airborne virus transmission, broke down the evidence supporting the conclusion that the virus is airborne ― and thus capable of person-to-person transmission through tiny respiratory droplets called aerosols.
“The science here is fairly straightforward. When you talk or sing — or even just breathe — you emit a range of particles of different sizes. Yes, there might be one or two particles that are large enough to see and that fall to the ground within six feet, but there are also thousands of particles that are smaller than five microns (or five millionths of a meter),” Allen and Marr wrote.
Nurses in Los Angeles participate in a national protest for personal protective equipment (PPE) and safer working practices in August as the global outbreak of COVID-19 continues. Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
The tiny droplets can remain suspended in the air for longer periods of time, as well as travel farther, than larger droplets. In some cases, they’re able to travel well over 6 feet, which is the current physical distance recommended by the CDC.
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“Our whole field has been shouting from the rooftops that airborne transmission was happening and that ventilation and filtration were crucial to limiting the spread of the disease,” Allen and Marr wrote.
The two professors cited one recent study, published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, that found viable samples of the coronavirus in air samples collected up to 16 feet away from patients hospitalized with COVID-19. No health procedures that would generate aerosols had taken place in the room, leading to the determination that the patients were generating the aerosols themselves by coughing, sneezing and even talking.
“For aerosol-based transmission, measures such as physical distancing by 6 feet would not be helpful in an indoor setting, provide a false sense of security and lead to exposures and outbreaks,” the study states.
Evidence has shown that the coronavirus, pictured here under a microscope, can spread in the air through tiny respiratory droplets called aerosols, scientists say. These can be released when someone coughs, sneezes, sings or talks. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Though the CDC and the World Health Organization have stated that airborne transmission of the virus has not been proven, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the U.S., last month said that the coronavirus “is much more aerosols than we thought,” citing evidence presented to him by aerosol and particle physicists. What remains unknown, he said at a panel Tuesday on Citizen by CNN, is the extent to which the aerosol component is contributing to the virus’s transmission.
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“Rather than bending ourselves out of shape trying to figure out what percentage it is or is not or how well it’s proven, make an assumption that some component of it is aerosol and act accordingly, which means do what we’ve been telling you to do all along. It doesn’t change what we’re doing,” Fauci said.
Measures of protection recommended by Fauci include mask-wearing, social distancing and ensuring that indoor public spaces have open windows and are well-ventilated.
Many scientists reacting to Fauci’s comments on Twitter agreed.