thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--4 Democratic Primary Races To Watch In Massachusetts

Erin Clark/The Boston Globe/Getty Images Sen. Ed Markey has transformed himself into an icon for progressive youth in his mission to fend off a challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy III .
On its face , Kennedy ’ s primary challenge looks like many others .
Kennedy , a young , ambitious lawmaker , is railing against what he sees as an entrenched politician too distant from his own constituents to lead .
Kennedy has argued that Markey , 74 , isn ’ t doing enough with the Senate seat ; he ’ s been in Congress for more than 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other senators .
Massachusetts politicians are supposed to have big national presences , according to Kennedy — at least , that ’ s been true for his family , and former presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and John Kerry .
Neither campaign will say a bad thing about the other ’ s character , but the primary has become increasingly nasty as the two trade jabs over their records in public office .
Kennedy ’ s final push in the days leading up to the election is that Markey has been weak on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels particularly poignant as cities across the country erupt in protest around yet another shooting of a Black man by a police officer .
Markey , who has admitted to making some bad votes throughout his 40 years in office , says equality is central to each of his major pieces of legislation , whether the Green New Deal , which mentions intersectionality by name , or his push to get internet access in schools and libraries .
The stakes of the race for the balance of power within the Democratic Party , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would be likely to advance in Congress under a Joe Biden presidency , can not be overstated .
Neal has used his perch at the helm of the congressional panel that oversees taxation and social programs to stall bills that would expand Social Security , close a tax loophole benefitting hedge fund managers , and end “ surprise ” medical billing for patients who unknowingly receive care from out-of-network doctors .
Unlike other moderate incumbents ousted in recent Democratic primaries , Neal has spared no expense or line of attack to defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is running on the now-standard platform of the party ’ s left wing in an overwhelmingly white and rural district , would demonstrate that nothing can inoculate establishment Democrats from the threats posed by an increasingly influential activist left .
A loss for Morse , by contrast , would give Democratic leaders one more reason to dismiss the reach of the party ’ s largely young progressive wing , which has had its greatest successes in deeply liberal metropolitan areas .
In early August , it emerged that the College Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future meetings on the grounds that his sexual relationships and social media interactions with male college students at University of Massachusetts , Amherst and other regional colleges had made students uncomfortable .
Morse , who had been a part-time lecturer at UMass Amherst since 2014 , responded by acknowledging that he had had relations with college students and apologizing for the discomfort he caused .
But he also said that all of his relationships had been with consenting adults whom he had not taught , in keeping with university policy .
One Too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over the place .
He ’ s an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal , but once called global warming an “ elitist ” issue .
He has a long record as a self-described anti-abortion Democrat — and voted to restrict abortions while in the state legislature — but has changed his tune over the last decade and now votes on party lines .
Local grassroots activists think Goldstein has an opening because Lynch isn ’ t campaigning like he ’ s facing a serious challenger .
He ’ s raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past three .
The official campaign arm of the Democratic Party doesn ’ t appear to be helping him out .
And in the coronavirus age , Goldstein ’ s career as an infectious disease doctor is compelling .

Sen. Ed Markey has transformed himself into an icon for progressive youth in his mission to fend off a challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy III. Erin Clark/The Boston Globe/Getty Images
The general election is still 64 days away.
But in deep blue Massachusetts, which rarely sends Republicans to Congress and hasn’t supported a Republican presidential candidate since 1984, Tuesday’s Democratic congressional primaries are the main event.
At the top of the ballot is a heated intra-party Senate battle: Sen. Ed Markey, the septuagenarian co-author of the Green New Deal, is being challenged by Rep. Joe Kennedy III, an heir to Massachusetts political royalty who has staked his bid on voters’ longing for generational change.
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To run for Senate, Kennedy has vacated his House seat in Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District, sparking a scramble for power in a district that stretches from affluent Boston suburbs down to blue-collar, industrial towns in the southeastern part of the state. A crowded field of progressive contenders risks clearing a path for a former Republican who is significantly more conservative than Kennedy.
In the western-most district of the state, a young and openly gay, progressive mayor is hoping to oust one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress. The race has been marked by a smear campaign against the mayor that could have been mistaken for the plot of a Coen brothers film.
And just south of Boston, an infectious disease doctor from Massachusetts General Hospital is challenging a centrist Democrat in a primary that has slipped below the national radar, but that local progressives think is the incumbent’s most competitive reelection race in decades.
It’s possible we won’t see all the results on Tuesday night, especially if these races are tight. Massachusetts offered an expanded vote-by-mail option that all voters had until Aug. 26 to opt in to; ballots must be received by the local election authority’s office by 8 p.m. on Tuesday to be counted.
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Here’s a rundown of four races to watch on Tuesday.
Kennedy argues that Markey has not done enough to stand out in his decades in Congress. Markey, for is part, is emphasizing his role as co-author of the Green New Deal. Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald/Getty Images
A Democratic Senate Showdown
Before this year, there was really no reason to question whether Markey, the junior senator from Massachusetts, would get reelected. Then Kennedy decided to challenge him in what became one of the most hotly contested Senate primaries of this election cycle.
It’s a race that’s perplexed people deeply involved in Massachusetts politics, from moderate old-timers to young progressives. They have wondered aloud why Kennedy, a well-liked 39-year-old with a promising political future, wants to jump in line.
On its face, Kennedy’s primary challenge looks like many others. Kennedy, a young, ambitious lawmaker, is railing against what he sees as an entrenched politician too distant from his own constituents to lead. Kennedy has argued that Markey, 74, isn’t doing enough with the Senate seat; he’s been in Congress for more than 40 years and is still in the shadows of other senators. Massachusetts politicians are supposed to have big national presences, according to Kennedy — at least, that’s been true for his family, and former presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and John Kerry.
But Markey doesn’t quite fit that narrative. He has newfound star status in the national progressive movement for his role in co-writing the Green New Deal with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.), about whom he talks often. Ocasio-Cortez, Warren, the Bernie Sanders-aligned grassroots group Our Revolution, and the Warren-aligned Progressive Change Campaign Committee are all backing Markey, not Kennedy. Oddly, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) himself has stayed out of the race.
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The youth-led climate action group Sunrise Movement has been especially dedicated to reelecting Markey, mobilizing legions of high school and college students to volunteer for his bid. Together with Markey’s youthful digital media staffers, this volunteer army has managed to turn the gray-haired Capitol Hill veteran with a wicked Boston accent into a meme-able Generation Z icon.
Markey makes the case that he isn’t standing in the way of a progressive change. And as for a national presence, Markey asks only: Isn’t the Green New Deal “national” enough?
Neither campaign will say a bad thing about the other’s character, but the primary has become increasingly nasty as the two trade jabs over their records in public office. Kennedy’s final push in the days leading up to the election is that Markey has been weak on issues around race — an attack that feels particularly poignant as cities across the country erupt in protest around yet another shooting of a Black man by a police officer. Markey, who has admitted to making some bad votes throughout his 40 years in office, says equality is central to each of his major pieces of legislation, whether the Green New Deal, which mentions intersectionality by name, or his push to get internet access in schools and libraries.
Kennedy, too, has evolved; up until last year, he was not in favor of legalizing marijuana.
But over all, there isn’t much daylight between Kennedy and Markey on policy — certainly not on what they’re running on.
This race has blurred conventional political divides, underscoring differences in style and personal background more than substance. Although Markey and Kennedy are both white men, one is a senior, the other is a millennial; one comes from a working-class background, the other is a descendent of the most prominent American political dynasty.
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Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse's (left) challenge against House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, right, has prompted millions of dollars in spending. Getty Images
Progressives Eye The Ultimate Prize
In Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District, progressive Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, 31, is taking on Rep. Richard Neal, 71, chairman of the mighty House Ways and Means Committee. Neal, who has represented central and western Massachusetts since 1989, is a close ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House’s top recipient of donations from corporate political action committees this election cycle.
The stakes of the race for the balance of power within the Democratic Party, as well as the kind of legislation that would be likely to advance in Congress under a Joe Biden presidency, cannot be overstated. Neal has used his perch at the helm of the congressional panel that oversees taxation and social programs to stall bills that would expand Social Security, close a tax loophole benefitting hedge fund managers, and end “surprise” medical billing for patients who unknowingly receive care from out-of-network doctors.
Unlike other moderate incumbents ousted in recent Democratic primaries, Neal has spared no expense or line of attack to defend his seat. A win for Morse, who is running on the now-standard platform of the party’s left wing in an overwhelmingly white and rural district, would demonstrate that nothing can inoculate establishment Democrats from the threats posed by an increasingly influential activist left. A loss for Morse, by contrast, would give Democratic leaders one more reason to dismiss the reach of the party’s largely young progressive wing, which has had its greatest successes in deeply liberal metropolitan areas.
In the end though, Morse’s chances hinge just as much on the enduring appeal of Neal’s congressional seniority to residents of the struggling district, and the lasting impact of an attempt to smear Morse with allegations of misconduct.
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In early August, it emerged that the College Democrats of Massachusetts were barring Morse from attending future meetings on the grounds that his sexual relationships and social media interactions with male college students at University of Massachusetts, Amherst and other regional colleges had made students uncomfortable. Morse, who had been a part-time lecturer at UMass Amherst since 2014, responded by acknowledging that he had had relations with college students and apologizing for the discomfort he caused. But he also said that all of his relationships had been with consenting adults whom he had not taught, in keeping with university policy.
The Intercept subsequently reported that leaders of the UMass Amherst College Democrats involved in pushing for Morse’s ban had plotted to entrap Morse on social media. No specific claims of inappropriate behavior by Morse have since become public.
Some election watchers think the bizarre scandal-turned-smear ended up helping Morse by raising his profile and rallying progressive voters, particularly those from the LGBTQ community. But other prognosticators, including some Morse allies, wonder whether the dust-up has done just enough to sow doubts about Morse in the minds of voters he needs to win.
Jesse Mermell is running for Kennedy's vacant seat. Some progressives fear that the former Planned Parenthood official has been hobbled by a crowded field. Craig F. Walker/Boston Globe/Getty Images
One Too Many Progressives
There are seven candidates seeking to succeed Kennedy in Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District, which snakes from upscale Newton, Brookline and Wellesley to less affluent and more socially conservative working class communities like Fall River.
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The overwhelming majority of labor unions, progressive elected officials and grassroots activism groups have gotten behind Jesse Mermell, a former aide to then-Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and senior Planned Parenthood official. Mermell, who supports “Medicare for All” and the Green New Deal, goes about as far as left as one can in a district that has deeply moderate pockets.
Some progressives are concerned that the candidacy of Ihssane Leckey, a financial regulator and Muslim immigrant from Morocco, could prevent either progressive from triumphing in the race. In campaign videos and literature, Leckey casts herself as the next member of the House’s diverse “Squad” of progressive legislators, and she’s picked up the support of Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.
But there is little evidence that Leckey has a shot at winning in the crowded field. She lost the support of the Boston chapter of Democratic Socialists of America following charges of a harsh management style at odds with progressive labor ideals. And a public poll that came out Friday showed her in a distant fourth place.
The divided progressive field has raised the prospect that Jake Auchincloss, a Marine veteran and business consultant who was previously a registered Republican, will replace the more-liberal Kennedy. Auchincloss was neck-and-neck with Mermell in Friday’s poll.
Rep. Stephen Lynch, a centrist with a low national profile, is not taking his primary challenger seriously. Hopeful progressives see an opening. Tom Williams/Getty Images
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A Sleeper Bid To Unseat A Centrist
Robbie Goldstein, 36, a gay, progressive infectious disease doctor is challenging Rep. Stephen Lynch, 65, in Massachusetts’ 8th Congressional District, an oddly shaped area that includes a sliver of Boston and a host of increasingly diverse, working class communities south of the city.
Goldstein, who founded Massachusetts General Hospital’s Transgender Health Program, wants his race to be the next big progressive upset. While Goldstein’s bid has received little of the press coverage ― or cash ― of other progressive insurgents, he points to a recent internal poll that shows him within 7 percentage points of ousting Lynch.
Goldstein wants single-payer health care, universal child care, a Green New Deal and a monthly cash assistance program during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has the endorsements of Andrew Yang, local Sunrise Movement chapters, the Our Revolution and Indivisible, one of the largest grassroots progressive organizations.
Lynch, who has been in Congress for 20 years, is a low-profile target. He’s a centrist Democrat with a pretty unassuming record in Congress. His last major news cycle was when he voted against the Affordable Care Act in 2010 — a vote that cost him significantly when he tried to run for Senate against Markey in 2013.
Lynch’s record is all over the place. He’s an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, but once called global warming an “elitist” issue. He has a long record as a self-described anti-abortion Democrat — and voted to restrict abortions while in the state legislature — but has changed his tune over the last decade and now votes on party lines.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--George Floyd, Breonna Taylor Among Nominees For Trump's Hero Statue Garden

Americans ’ suggestions of suitable statues for President Donald Trump ’ s planned National Garden of American Heroes are in , and they look considerably different from the predominantly white worthies that the administration has locked in for many of the pedestals .
The outside nominations are more activist , less white and far more indigenous .
Well , for the most part , anyway .
The administration also is leaving open the possibility of a statue of Trump himself in the Trump-created statue park after receiving what it said were “ multiple nominations ” of the president .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fourth of July speech at Mount Rushmore , and set up a task force on a 60-day deadline to get the idea going .
He also mused in a tweet that it would be a “ good idea ” to carve his own face into that memorial .
The task force charged with executing Trump ’ s vision – with all of the publicly listed members white — says it sent out thousands of requests to state and local officials for suggestions , both for possible sites around the country and for heroes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be given to Trump by Tuesday .
Many of the nominations stand in stark contrast to the list the Trump administration came up with , which mandated inclusion of a few dozen mainstream and conservative figures , from John Adams to the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia .
Frederick Douglass , Harriet Tubman and a few other Black leaders made the Trump administration ’ s hero list , but not anyone known for their Native American , Hispanic or Asian heritage .
They urged the task force to consider a statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school senior shot to death last year while lunging at a gunman in his British literature class .
Eight people were wounded in the attack in suburban Denver by two student gunmen at STEM School Highlands Ranch .
The summer protests also spun off a debate over statues around the country honoring slave-holders and Confederates .
Trump deployed federal forces to protect those monuments from protesters , embracing their defense as a law-and-order issue as he seeks reelection .
Most governors , including almost every Democrat , dismissed the Trump administration ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interior Department ’ s website on Friday afternoon .
It ’ s the latest example of governors ignoring White House requests — ranging from statues , to school openings to nursing homes testing — amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The list of heroes submitted by Republican governors included some obvious choices — civil rights hero Rosa Parks ; Thurgood Marshall , the first African American Supreme Court justice ; and Sacagawea , the Lewis and Clark expedition ’ s indispensable guide — that stick out for their lack of inclusion in Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much history in Montana and our country , ” said Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund , a Republican , talking about his board ’ s decision to nominate revered Crow Tribe leaders as well as cowboys , famous explorers and others .
Goldey stressed the task force would not be making the final cut for heroes .
He repeatedly declined to say who would be , however , including if it would be Trump making the pick .
“ The people who determine these things need to be representative of a broad constituency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City College of New York , who specializes in public art and memorials .
“ Usually these things are years in planning and there are national committees , advisory committees .
”

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George Floyd. Sacagawea. The guy who invented air conditioning.
Americans’ suggestions of suitable statues for President Donald Trump’s planned National Garden of American Heroes are in, and they look considerably different from the predominantly white worthies that the administration has locked in for many of the pedestals. The outside nominations are more activist, less white and far more indigenous.
Well, for the most part, anyway. The administration also is leaving open the possibility of a statue of Trump himself in the Trump-created statue park after receiving what it said were “multiple nominations” of the president.
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Trump ordered up the statue park during a Fourth of July speech at Mount Rushmore, and set up a task force on a 60-day deadline to get the idea going. He also mused in a tweet that it would be a “good idea” to carve his own face into that memorial.
The task force charged with executing Trump’s vision – with all of the publicly listed members white — says it sent out thousands of requests to state and local officials for suggestions, both for possible sites around the country and for heroes to honor. Its findings are due to be given to Trump by Tuesday.
Many of the nominations stand in stark contrast to the list the Trump administration came up with, which mandated inclusion of a few dozen mainstream and conservative figures, from John Adams to the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and a few other Black leaders made the Trump administration’s hero list, but not anyone known for their Native American, Hispanic or Asian heritage.
Suggestions from many Republican governors, by contrast, were heavy with civil rights leaders, while many local officials pushed for a broader definition for what it means to be a hero.
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When Denver-area Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas got the solicitation for nominations, “For me and my fellow commissioners, it was immediately a unanimous decision.”
They urged the task force to consider a statue to Kendrick Castillo, an 18-year-old high school senior shot to death last year while lunging at a gunman in his British literature class. Eight people were wounded in the attack in suburban Denver by two student gunmen at STEM School Highlands Ranch.
“A person of distinguished courage. Bravery. Good deeds. Noble,” Thomas said in a phone interview, reciting the dictionary definitions of a hero. “Gosh darn it, if Kendrick Castillo isn’t a hero, I don’t know who is.”
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Commissioner Amy Zanelli, meanwhile, suggested George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans whose killings by police sparked massive street protests.
The summer protests also spun off a debate over statues around the country honoring slave-holders and Confederates. Trump deployed federal forces to protect those monuments from protesters, embracing their defense as a law-and-order issue as he seeks reelection.
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Floyd and the others “have shaped the future of America by finally bringing the systemic racial injustices present in our policing to the forefront of politics,” Zanelli wrote.
Most governors, including almost every Democrat, dismissed the Trump administration’s request for suggestions, according to the Interior Department’s website on Friday afternoon. It’s the latest example of governors ignoring White House requests — ranging from statues, to school openings to nursing homes testing — amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“I haven’t given it a moment’s thought,” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly told The Associated Press. “I have other things to do.”
Some were highly critical of the effort as an ill-timed political stunt.
“We would encourage the White House to spend their time on the response to the coronavirus,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s spokeswoman Lyndsay Kensinger.
The Trump administration said it received “robust, bipartisan responses” from around the country.
“It’s a shame that some governors are unwilling to celebrate and recognize the significant achievements of their own residents who have heroically impacted our nation’s history,” Interior Department spokesman Ben Goldey said.
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The list of heroes submitted by Republican governors included some obvious choices — civil rights hero Rosa Parks; Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice; and Sacagawea, the Lewis and Clark expedition’s indispensable guide — that stick out for their lack of inclusion in Trump’s list.
Prominent Native Americans highlighted some state and local nominations.
“We have so much history in Montana and our country,” said Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund, a Republican, talking about his board’s decision to nominate revered Crow Tribe leaders as well as cowboys, famous explorers and others.
“It was a conscious decision to include all sides of our history. All of the history ... I don’t want to erase anything,” Ostlund said.
Favorite sons and daughters little known outside their borders also made the cut — a National Rifle Association president, Harry Truman’s vice president, air conditioner inventor Willis Carrier.
Asked about what it said were many nominations for a statue of Trump, Goldey, the Interior spokesman, pointed to Commissioner Steve Smith of Custer County, Idaho.
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Smith in a letter praised “the President’s willingness to fight back with history and important individuals that have shaped this country into the blessings it is.”
The four federal agency heads that Trump specifically named to the heroes task force are white. Asked if that was appropriate for a diverse country, Goldey responded, “Your question is completely offensive.”
Goldey stressed the task force would not be making the final cut for heroes. He repeatedly declined to say who would be, however, including if it would be Trump making the pick.
Experts in memorials said the process appeared rushed.
“The people who determine these things need to be representative of a broad constituency,” said Harriet F. Senie with City College of New York, who specializes in public art and memorials. “Usually these things are years in planning and there are national committees, advisory committees.”
The selection so far, “it sounds like hodge-podge lodge,” Senie said. “Seriously.”
Jim Grossman, executive director of the American Historical Association, said “it would be a mistake” to honor Trump or any living person. For public monuments, “that’s a nonpartisan rule that pertains to anybody, regardless of where they are on the political spectrum. And I would defend that up and down all day.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--Lawmakers Call For Investigation Into ICE Over Reports That Pork Was Served To Muslims

The letter comes after a claim by advocacy groups in August that detainees at the Krome Service Processing Center , an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Miami , were given the choice of pre-packaged pork-based meals or expired halal meals .
The pork meals violated their religious beliefs ; the halal meals made some of them ill. “ We want full accountability , ” Omar told HuffPost .
“ Our hope is that there will be an investigation and we will get a full account of what has transpired and the ways in which they will bring the ICE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Carson , all of whom are Muslim , organized and signed the letter , which 25 other Democratic lawmakers co-signed .
It demands that the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at DHS make the results public and will “ ensure that all Muslim detainees and other detainees requiring religious dietary accommodations are given immediate access to those accommodations.
” The letter also demanded that ICE officers and employees involved are held accountable .
The Muslim detainees who ate from the halal meals suffered “ stomach pain , vomiting , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent by Muslim Advocates , Americans for Immigrant Justice , and the law firm King & Spalding .
ICE has denied the allegations and previously told HuffPost that its “ Performance-Based National Detention Standards cover all aspects of detention to include reasonable accommodation of religious dietary practices.
” The lawmakers ’ letter also notes that this was not the first time Muslim detainees were compelled to eat pork at U.S. facilities .
The Congress members also asked DHS to expand its investigation beyond Krome to other facilities where significant numbers of detainees require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nearly 40 % of its 163 Muslim prisoner-related federal lawsuits pertaining to religious freedoms filed by the advocacy group from October 2017 to January 2019 were about dietary needs .
Omar said better procedures need to be in place to ensure detainees are treated humanely and their religious rights are protected “ as we continue to advocate for these detentions not to exist and for ICE to not have the current authority that they have to brutalize people.
” “ The United States was founded on the principles of religious liberty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ episode for us not only represents the latest betrayal of those principles by this administration but one that shows how this presidency is built on xenophobia and anti-Muslim hate , ” Omar said .
“ We want it to not only bring attention to that but to bring an end to it .
”

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The letter comes after a claim by advocacy groups in August that detainees at the Krome Service Processing Center, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Miami, were given the choice of pre-packaged pork-based meals or expired halal meals. The pork meals violated their religious beliefs; the halal meals made some of them ill.
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“We want full accountability,” Omar told HuffPost. “Our hope is that there will be an investigation and we will get a full account of what has transpired and the ways in which they will bring the ICE officials into account.”
Omar, Tlaib and Carson, all of whom are Muslim, organized and signed the letter, which 25 other Democratic lawmakers co-signed. It demands that the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at DHS make the results public and will “ensure that all Muslim detainees and other detainees requiring religious dietary accommodations are given immediate access to those accommodations.” The letter also demanded that ICE officers and employees involved are held accountable.
The Muslim detainees who ate from the halal meals suffered “stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea,” according to a letter sent by Muslim Advocates, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and the law firm King & Spalding.
ICE has denied the allegations and previously told HuffPost that its “Performance-Based National Detention Standards cover all aspects of detention to include reasonable accommodation of religious dietary practices.”
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The lawmakers’ letter also notes that this was not the first time Muslim detainees were compelled to eat pork at U.S. facilities. The Congress members also asked DHS to expand its investigation beyond Krome to other facilities where significant numbers of detainees require religious accommodations.
According to Muslim Advocates, nearly 40% of its 163 Muslim prisoner-related federal lawsuits pertaining to religious freedoms filed by the advocacy group from October 2017 to January 2019 were about dietary needs.
Omar said better procedures need to be in place to ensure detainees are treated humanely and their religious rights are protected “as we continue to advocate for these detentions not to exist and for ICE to not have the current authority that they have to brutalize people.”
“The United States was founded on the principles of religious liberty and equality before the law, and this episode for us not only represents the latest betrayal of those principles by this administration but one that shows how this presidency is built on xenophobia and anti-Muslim hate,” Omar said. “We want it to not only bring attention to that but to bring an end to it.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--Liberty University To Investigate Jerry Falwell Jr's Tenure As President

In a statement , the board said it had retained an outside firm to investigate “ all facets ” of the school ’ s operations under Falwell , and that it was “ committed to learning the consequences that have flowed from a lack of spiritual stewardship by our former president.
” He officially resigned on Tuesday , after a confusing day of back-and-forths about whether he would be leaving .
His departure came after a news outlet published an interview with Giancarlo Granda , a much younger business partner of the Falwell family .
Granda said that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that Jerry Falwell participated in some of the liaisons as a voyeur .
Although the Falwells have acknowledged that Granda and Becki Falwell had an affair , Jerry Falwell has denied any participation .
The couple allege that Granda sought to extort them by threatening to reveal the relationship unless he was paid substantial monies .
The couple said in a statement provided to The Associated Press late Sunday that they support Liberty ’ s board and “ welcome any inquiry as we have nothing to hide.
” A Falwell representative declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Granda , 29 , has denied trying to extort the Falwells , but told the AP that he currently has no plans to pursue legal action against them .
He said he does want to see an independent investigation of the school , however .
Based on what he saw of the school ’ s management under Falwell , Granda described it as run “ like a monarchy.
” Falwell took over as the president of Liberty after the death of his famous evangelist father , the Rev .
Jerry Falwell Sr .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and transformation : Liberty ’ s online program exploded , as did its endowment ; the campus underwent a massive transformation ; and the athletics programs improved .
Falwell also stayed in the news for a series of divisive remarks as well as his vocal support of President Donald Trump , and was the subject of news stories that focused on his business dealings .
“ Some may say that all the signs were there for a long time before last week , ” the statement said .
“ It ’ s certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments made , worrying behavior , and inappropriate social media posts , but all the signs were not there until the start of last week.
” That was not good enough for some of Falwell ’ s most vocal opponents .
Save71 , a recently formed nonprofit aimed at mobilizing students , alumni and faculty to push for reform , said in a statement that the board “ needs to disclose a lot more about this investigation for the Liberty community to trust its legitimacy.
” David Nasser , Liberty ’ s senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praised the board ’ s actions , suggesting that other university leaders are eager to move beyond the Falwell era .
Days earlier , Nasser publicly apologized to students for the “ embarrassment ” he said Falwell ’ s scandals had caused the school .
In Monday ’ s statement announcing the investigation , Liberty ’ s board also said it is considering establishing a post aimed at offering spiritual guidance for university leaders to ensure they “ live out the Christian walk expected of each and every one of us at Liberty.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s concern over the degree to which Falwell ’ s alleged personal conduct would have violated the school ’ s behavioral codes .
Before his resignation , Falwell had already been on an indefinite leave of absence after an uproar over a photo he posted on social media of him and his wife ’ s pregnant assistant , both with their pants unzipped .
Falwell said it was taken in good fun at a costume party during a vacation , but critics saw it as evidence of hypocrisy by the head of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moral code of conduct .
For his part , Falwell told the AP last week that “ I never broke a single rule that applies to staff members at Liberty , which I was .
”

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Liberty University is opening an independent investigation into Jerry Falwell Jr.’s tenure as president, a wide-ranging inquiry that will include financial, real estate and legal matters, the evangelical school’s board announced Monday.
In a statement, the board said it had retained an outside firm to investigate “all facets” of the school’s operations under Falwell, and that it was “committed to learning the consequences that have flowed from a lack of spiritual stewardship by our former president.”
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Calls for such an investigation had been mounting since Falwell’s departure last week from the post he had held since 2007.
He officially resigned on Tuesday, after a confusing day of back-and-forths about whether he would be leaving. His departure came after a news outlet published an interview with Giancarlo Granda, a much younger business partner of the Falwell family. Granda said that he had a yearslong sexual relationship with Becki Falwell and that Jerry Falwell participated in some of the liaisons as a voyeur.
Although the Falwells have acknowledged that Granda and Becki Falwell had an affair, Jerry Falwell has denied any participation. The couple allege that Granda sought to extort them by threatening to reveal the relationship unless he was paid substantial monies.
The couple said in a statement provided to The Associated Press late Sunday that they support Liberty’s board and “welcome any inquiry as we have nothing to hide.” A Falwell representative declined further comment when reached on Monday.
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Granda, 29, has denied trying to extort the Falwells, but told the AP that he currently has no plans to pursue legal action against them. He said he does want to see an independent investigation of the school, however. Based on what he saw of the school’s management under Falwell, Granda described it as run “like a monarchy.”
Falwell took over as the president of Liberty after the death of his famous evangelist father, the Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr. He oversaw a period of expansive growth and transformation: Liberty’s online program exploded, as did its endowment; the campus underwent a massive transformation; and the athletics programs improved.
Falwell also stayed in the news for a series of divisive remarks as well as his vocal support of President Donald Trump, and was the subject of news stories that focused on his business dealings.
Liberty’s statement acknowledged that Falwell’s sharpest critics have long been calling for a departure.
“Some may say that all the signs were there for a long time before last week,” the statement said. “It’s certainly fair to say that there were questionable comments made, worrying behavior, and inappropriate social media posts, but all the signs were not there until the start of last week.”
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That was not good enough for some of Falwell’s most vocal opponents. Save71, a recently formed nonprofit aimed at mobilizing students, alumni and faculty to push for reform, said in a statement that the board “needs to disclose a lot more about this investigation for the Liberty community to trust its legitimacy.”
The board’s statement did not name the firm it has hired, and a board spokesman did not return a request for comment on the company’s identity.
Others were more encouraged.
Karen Swallow Prior, a recently departed English professor at Liberty who had been critical of Falwell, said the investigation announcement was good news.
“I hope that they adhere to the highest standards of not only investigation but also reporting the findings,” added Prior, a prominent Christian academic who now teaches at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
David Nasser, Liberty’s senior vice president for spiritual development, quickly praised the board’s actions, suggesting that other university leaders are eager to move beyond the Falwell era. Days earlier, Nasser publicly apologized to students for the “embarrassment” he said Falwell’s scandals had caused the school.
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In Monday’s statement announcing the investigation, Liberty’s board also said it is considering establishing a post aimed at offering spiritual guidance for university leaders to ensure they “live out the Christian walk expected of each and every one of us at Liberty.”
The idea underscores the board’s concern over the degree to which Falwell’s alleged personal conduct would have violated the school’s behavioral codes. Before his resignation, Falwell had already been on an indefinite leave of absence after an uproar over a photo he posted on social media of him and his wife’s pregnant assistant, both with their pants unzipped.
Falwell said it was taken in good fun at a costume party during a vacation, but critics saw it as evidence of hypocrisy by the head of an institution that holds students to a strict moral code of conduct. For his part, Falwell told the AP last week that “I never broke a single rule that applies to staff members at Liberty, which I was.”
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
___
Schor reported from New York.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--Read Live Updates From The Aug. 31 White House Press Briefing

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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--Georgia Evangelical Couple: 'Our Conscience Won't Allow Us To Vote For Trump Again'

An evangelical couple from Georgia revealed in an impassioned op-ed Monday that they ’ re not voting for President Donald Trump again because “ our conscience won ’ t allow us to.
” “ Having witnessed the negative effects that the administration has had on vulnerable people — particularly refugees and other immigrants — we are among the significant number of evangelical Christians who will not vote for the president again , ” Ryan and Katharine Hurlburt wrote in The Hill .
They also cited a recent Fox News poll that Trump is ahead of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that ’ s down significantly from his 61-point margin over Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
“ Evangelicals are having second thoughts , ” the Hurlberts wrote .
Voting for Trump the first time around was a challenge , the couple said , given “ credible reports of his marital infidelities , his bullying tone , and disparaging comments on immigrants.
” They ended up voting for him because of his stance against abortion and his comments supporting freedom of religion .
Describing themselves as “ committed to upholding the dignity and value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasized : “ We also value the lives of thousands of children who were separated from their mothers or fathers by the ‘ zero tolerance ’ policies of the administration at the Mexican border in 2018.
” The couple added : “ Denying asylum to those fleeing persecution is not a commitment to life.
” And , since many immigrants are “ fleeing persecution on account of their faith , it [ also ] undercuts the pledge of the president on religious freedom , ” they noted .

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An evangelical couple from Georgia revealed in an impassioned op-ed Monday that they’re not voting for President Donald Trump again because “our conscience won’t allow us to.”
“Having witnessed the negative effects that the administration has had on vulnerable people — particularly refugees and other immigrants — we are among the significant number of evangelical Christians who will not vote for the president again,” Ryan and Katharine Hurlburt wrote in The Hill.
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The Hurlberts called Trump’s immigration policies “cruel, undermining his pledges to life and religious freedom.”
They also cited a recent Fox News poll that Trump is ahead of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden by 38 points among white evangelicals — but that’s down significantly from his 61-point margin over Hillary Clinton in 2016. “Evangelicals are having second thoughts,” the Hurlberts wrote.
Voting for Trump the first time around was a challenge, the couple said, given “credible reports of his marital infidelities, his bullying tone, and disparaging comments on immigrants.” They ended up voting for him because of his stance against abortion and his comments supporting freedom of religion.
Describing themselves as “committed to upholding the dignity and value of all human life,” they emphasized: “We also value the lives of thousands of children who were separated from their mothers or fathers by the ‘zero tolerance’ policies of the administration at the Mexican border in 2018.”
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The couple added: “Denying asylum to those fleeing persecution is not a commitment to life.” And, since many immigrants are “fleeing persecution on account of their faith, it [also] undercuts the pledge of the president on religious freedom,” they noted.
“This is not what the president promised to evangelical voters.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--Michael B. Jordan Honors Chadwick Boseman: ‘I Wish We Had More Time’

Michael B. Jordan has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of his friend and “ Black Panther ” co-star Chadwick Boseman .
In a sincere , heart-wrenching message on Instagram , Jordan paid tribute to Boseman , who died at age 43 last week after a private , yearslong battle with colon cancer .
“ I ’ ve been trying to find the words , but nothing comes close to how I feel .
I ’ ve been reflecting on every moment , every conversation , every laugh , every disagreement , every hug…everything , ” Jordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had more time.
” Jordan recalled that during one of the last times the two spoke , Boseman had told him that they were “ forever linked.
” “ And now the truth of that means more to me than ever , ” he wrote .
The two actors go way back .
Though they never worked together prior to shooting “ Black Panther , ” Jordan , 33 , took over Boseman ’ s role as Reggie Montgomery in “ All My Children ” when he was 16 .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boseman told TheWrap that he was dismissed from the role because he complained that the character , a teen gang member , was playing too much into negative stereotypes .
“ Since nearly the beginning of my career , starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me , ” Jordan wrote on Monday .
“ You showed me how to be better , honor purpose , and create legacy .
And whether you ’ ve known it or not…I ’ ve been watching , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Jordan , who played the villain Erik Killmonger in the groundbreaking Marvel superhero film “ Black Panther ” opposite Boseman , who played King T ’ Challa , also highlighted his friend ’ s dedication to his friends , family , culture and community .
“ You cared about the kids , the community , our culture and humanity .
You cared about me .
You are my big brother , but I never fully got a chance to tell you , or to truly give you your flowers while you were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actor concluded : “ I ’ m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire .
I ’ m gon na miss your honesty , your generosity , your sense of humor , and incredible gifts .
I ’ ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes .
I ’ m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did .
With grace , courage , and no regrets .
‘ Is this your king !
?
’ Yes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brother .
”

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Michael B. Jordan has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of his friend and “Black Panther” co-star Chadwick Boseman.
In a sincere, heart-wrenching message on Instagram, Jordan paid tribute to Boseman, who died at age 43 last week after a private, yearslong battle with colon cancer.
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“I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything,” Jordan wrote on Monday. “I wish we had more time.”
Jordan recalled that during one of the last times the two spoke, Boseman had told him that they were “forever linked.”
“And now the truth of that means more to me than ever,” he wrote.
The two actors go way back. Though they never worked together prior to shooting “Black Panther,” Jordan, 33, took over Boseman’s role as Reggie Montgomery in “All My Children” when he was 16. In a joint interview with Jordan last year, Boseman told TheWrap that he was dismissed from the role because he complained that the character, a teen gang member, was playing too much into negative stereotypes.
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“Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me,” Jordan wrote on Monday. “You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness.”
Jordan, who played the villain Erik Killmonger in the groundbreaking Marvel superhero film “Black Panther” opposite Boseman, who played King T’Challa, also highlighted his friend’s dedication to his friends, family, culture and community.
“You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here,” he wrote.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--Presiding Justice: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Officiates Family Friend’s Wedding

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — A tweet Monday from a new bride brought the first sighting of ailing Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in months — officiating at an outdoor wedding Sunday .
The photo of the 87-year-old Ginsburg , who announced in July she is being treated for cancer , shows her during the wedding ceremony Sunday of Barb Solish and Danny Kazin , according to Solish ’ s Twitter feed .
The justice is a close friend of one of the families and the festivities took place outdoors at a private residence , court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both she and her husband “ tested negative ” before the ceremony , presumably for COVID-19 .
Ginsburg and the rest of the court essentially disappeared from view when the court in March was closed to the public because of the virus outbreak .
The justices began meeting by telephone and held arguments by phone in May , their voices but not their images available to the public .
The court handed down opinions into the middle of July , but the justices did not take the bench to announce their decisions as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were posted online .
Shortly after the court finished its work for the summer , Ginsburg announced she was undergoing chemotherapy to treat lesions on her liver .
It ’ s the fifth time she ’ s dealt with cancer in the past 20 years .
At the same time , she said she would continue to serve on the court .
Kazin works for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Solish is at the National Alliance on Mental Illness .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — A tweet Monday from a new bride brought the first sighting of ailing Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in months — officiating at an outdoor wedding Sunday.
The photo of the 87-year-old Ginsburg, who announced in July she is being treated for cancer, shows her during the wedding ceremony Sunday of Barb Solish and Danny Kazin, according to Solish’s Twitter feed.
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“2020 has been rough, but yesterday was Supreme,” Solish tweeted.
In the photo, Ginsburg is wearing her judicial robe with a decorative black-and-white embroidered collar.
The justice is a close friend of one of the families and the festivities took place outdoors at a private residence, court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said. Solish noted on Twitter that both she and her husband “tested negative” before the ceremony, presumably for COVID-19.
Ginsburg and the rest of the court essentially disappeared from view when the court in March was closed to the public because of the virus outbreak. The justices began meeting by telephone and held arguments by phone in May, their voices but not their images available to the public.
The court handed down opinions into the middle of July, but the justices did not take the bench to announce their decisions as they customarily do. Rather, opinions were posted online.
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Shortly after the court finished its work for the summer, Ginsburg announced she was undergoing chemotherapy to treat lesions on her liver. It’s the fifth time she’s dealt with cancer in the past 20 years. At the same time, she said she would continue to serve on the court.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--Ron Jeremy Facing 20 Additional Charges Of Sexual Assault And Groping

Los Angeles County prosecutors have filed 20 additional counts of sexual assault and groping against porn actor Ron Jeremy .
In June , the 67-year-old porn star was accused of sexually assaulting four women in West Hollywood between 2014 and 2019 .
Although he pleaded not guilty , news of Jeremy ’ s arrest led dozens of additional women to contact law enforcement with their own accusations .
He is now charged with a total of 28 counts of sexual violence in Los Angeles County , according to the Los Angeles Times .
The amended criminal complaint adds six counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts of forcible rape , three counts of forcible oral copulation , two counts of forcible penetration by a foreign object , and a count each of sodomy , assault with intent to commit rape , penetration of a foreign object on an unconscious or sleeping victim , and lewd conduct with a 15-year-old girl , according to CBS Los Angeles .
The allegations against Jeremy span from 2006 to 2020 against women ages 15 to 54 , the station reported .
In the latest allegation , a 21-year-old woman said the actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this past New Year ’ s Day .
Jeremy was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday for the additional charges , according to The Wrap .
If convicted , he faces up to 250 years to life in prison .

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Los Angeles County prosecutors have filed 20 additional counts of sexual assault and groping against porn actor Ron Jeremy.
In June, the 67-year-old porn star was accused of sexually assaulting four women in West Hollywood between 2014 and 2019.
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Although he pleaded not guilty, news of Jeremy’s arrest led dozens of additional women to contact law enforcement with their own accusations.
He is now charged with a total of 28 counts of sexual violence in Los Angeles County, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The amended criminal complaint adds six counts of sexual battery by restraint, five counts of forcible rape, three counts of forcible oral copulation, two counts of forcible penetration by a foreign object, and a count each of sodomy, assault with intent to commit rape, penetration of a foreign object on an unconscious or sleeping victim, and lewd conduct with a 15-year-old girl, according to CBS Los Angeles.
The allegations against Jeremy span from 2006 to 2020 against women ages 15 to 54, the station reported.
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In the latest allegation, a 21-year-old woman said the actor assaulted her outside of a Hollywood business this past New Year’s Day.
Jeremy was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday for the additional charges, according to The Wrap.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--Columbia University To Remove Slave Owner's Name From Dormitory

Columbia University in New York will rename a student dormitory that bears the name of a slave owner , its President Lee C. Bollinger announced on Friday .
Bard Hall , a dormitory for students at the university ’ s Irving Medical Center , was named for Samuel Bard , an 18th century physician who served as George Washington ’ s doctor and founded what is now Columbia ’ s graduate school of medicine , the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons .
Citing the first U.S. census in 1790 , Bollinger said Bard owned three slaves .
The Columbia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1776 ad posted by Bard in the New York Gazette , in which he promised a $ 10 reward for the return of a fugitive slave .
Bollinger said a group was convened in June to consider campus building names and symbols associated with matters of race .
As part of an ongoing review , the committee made an unanimous recommendation to rename Bard Hall .
The change “ feels urgent not only for the individuals who have been asked to call Bard Hall home , but for the many students , staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community , ” Bollinger wrote .
“ Of course , we can not , indeed should not , erase Samuel Bard ’ s contributions to the medical school , ” he added .
“ But we must not recall this history without also recognizing the reason for our decision to rename Bard Hall.
” The building will be honored with a name that represents the university ’ s values .
Bollinger said it will be announced during the fall term .
The change comes as other institutions and cities have changed or removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slavery and the Confederacy , as many take a hard look at the nation ’ s racist past amid nationwide unrest sparked by the police killing of George Floyd .
Dr. Raymond Givens , an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia , started a petition earlier this year calling for the removal of Bard ’ s name from the dorm and from the Samuel Bard Professorship of Medicine .
It ’ s unclear whether the professorship will also be renamed .
“ No University can claim it values Black lives while forcing Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a slaveowner , ” he wrote on the petition , which received over 1,000 signatures .
“ No longer will Black students and staff have to live and work in a building that reminds them to know their place , ” he wrote in an update following Bollinger ’ s announcement .
“ This is just the prelude to more substantive changes.
” Since protests in late 2015 over legacies of racism on college campuses , universities including Yale , Georgetown , Harvard , Brown , Princeton and Duke have been forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and racism .
In 2017 , Georgetown University renamed two buildings that honored proponents of slavery , giving them names that instead paid tribute to Black figures , including one of the 272 slaves sold to fund the university .

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Columbia University in New York will rename a student dormitory that bears the name of a slave owner, its President Lee C. Bollinger announced on Friday.
Bard Hall, a dormitory for students at the university’s Irving Medical Center, was named for Samuel Bard, an 18th century physician who served as George Washington’s doctor and founded what is now Columbia’s graduate school of medicine, the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
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He was also a slaveowner.
Citing the first U.S. census in 1790, Bollinger said Bard owned three slaves. The Columbia University and Slavery exhibit website includes a 1776 ad posted by Bard in the New York Gazette, in which he promised a $10 reward for the return of a fugitive slave.
Bollinger said a group was convened in June to consider campus building names and symbols associated with matters of race. As part of an ongoing review, the committee made an unanimous recommendation to rename Bard Hall.
The change “feels urgent not only for the individuals who have been asked to call Bard Hall home, but for the many students, staff, and faculty in the broader Columbia community,” Bollinger wrote.
“Of course, we cannot, indeed should not, erase Samuel Bard’s contributions to the medical school,” he added. “But we must not recall this history without also recognizing the reason for our decision to rename Bard Hall.”
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The building will be honored with a name that represents the university’s values. Bollinger said it will be announced during the fall term.
Bard Hall, a dormitory for students at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center, was named for Samuel Bard, who owned at least three slaves. Columbia University
The change comes as other institutions and cities have changed or removed links to historic figures with ties to slavery and the Confederacy, as many take a hard look at the nation’s racist past amid nationwide unrest sparked by the police killing of George Floyd.
Dr. Raymond Givens, an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia, started a petition earlier this year calling for the removal of Bard’s name from the dorm and from the Samuel Bard Professorship of Medicine. It’s unclear whether the professorship will also be renamed.
“No University can claim it values Black lives while forcing Black students to live in a building named for a slaveowner,” he wrote on the petition, which received over 1,000 signatures.
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“No longer will Black students and staff have to live and work in a building that reminds them to know their place,” he wrote in an update following Bollinger’s announcement. “This is just the prelude to more substantive changes.”
Since protests in late 2015 over legacies of racism on college campuses, universities including Yale, Georgetown, Harvard, Brown, Princeton and Duke have been forced to begin addressing their ties to slavery and racism.
In 2017, Georgetown University renamed two buildings that honored proponents of slavery, giving them names that instead paid tribute to Black figures, including one of the 272 slaves sold to fund the university.
Earlier that year, Yale announced that it would rename a college that honored former Vice President John C. Calhoun, a white supremacist who strongly advocated for slavery.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-01--When's The Best Time To Get A Flu Shot During The COVID-19 Pandemic?

Get your flu shot in early fall if you want the best chance at protection .
The timing is especially important for people ages 65 and older , who don ’ t build up the same level of immunity or antibodies and who might not have immunity for as many months , according to David Bucholz , a primary care physician and associate professor of podiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center .
Seniors also require a high-dose vaccine , which is available wherever you get your standard flu shot .
Additionally , kids under the age of 9 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been exposed to the flu , require two shots , and should get their first shot on the early side of September if possible so they can get their booster before Nov. 1 , Bucholz advised .
Everyone except for babies should get the flu shot , pandemic or not .
“ I ’ m afraid people won ’ t get the flu shot because they don ’ t want to go to their doctor or their pharmacy , ” Bucholz said .
“ But if people are doing all the appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask , washing their hands — they are safe to go get their vaccine , and we encourage it.
” The flu shot is widely available — at your doctor ’ s office , local pharmacy , community health center , pop-up sites — and is either free or covered by insurance .
Check with your local health department for locations ( for example , NYC Health provides a map ) .
The CDC also has a vaccine finder you can use to look up a site near you .
There are some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get the flu shot this year .
It may be possible to contract COVID-19 and the flu at the same time — a phenomenon known as co-infection .
In that case , or if a large number of people end up infected with either the flu or COVID-19 , we ’ re at risk of our health systems being overwhelmed with severe cases , as we saw in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic .

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Summer’s nearly over, and unfortunately, we are still very much in the throes of a pandemic. As fall approaches, there’s another community health concern to contend with: flu season.
The dual threat of influenza and COVID-19 has public health experts warning of a “twindemic” effect that could sicken the population and overwhelm hospitals.
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Social distancing, masking up, washing your hands and getting tested regularly remains the best strategy for protecting yourself against the coronavirus, but we actually have a vaccine for the flu that greatly reduces your risk of infection.
Continuing to follow the hygienic practices in place to prevent COVID-19 and getting a flu shot is your best bet for staying healthy this fall.
Here’s when infectious disease specialists and primary care physicians advise you to get your flu shot and what else you need to know about the double threat of flu and the coronavirus.
Get your flu shot in early fall if you want the best chance at protection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu shot in September or October. While flu season can last well into late spring, it typically ramps up in the fall and peaks between December and February.
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After getting the flu shot, it takes about two weeks to build up antibodies. Getting vaccinated at the beginning of fall allows ample time to build up immunity that will last through the worst months of flu season.
“With the flu vaccine, you probably get about six months of coverage,” explained Jennifer Lighter, an infectious disease specialist and hospital epidemiologist at NYU Langone Health.
The timing is especially important for people ages 65 and older, who don’t build up the same level of immunity or antibodies and who might not have immunity for as many months, according to David Buchholz, a pediatrician and the senior founding medical director for primary care at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Seniors also require a high-dose vaccine, which is available wherever you get your standard flu shot.
Additionally, kids under the age of 9, whose immune systems likely haven’t yet been exposed to the flu, require two shots if it’s their first time receiving the vaccine. They should get their first shot on the early side of September if possible so they can get their booster before Nov. 1, Buchholz advised.
Everyone except for babies should get the flu shot, pandemic or not.
According to the CDC, everyone ages six months or older should get vaccinated against the flu.
“I’m afraid people won’t get the flu shot because they don’t want to go to their doctor or their pharmacy,” Buchholz said. “But if people are doing all the appropriate things — social distancing, wearing a mask, washing their hands — they are safe to go get their vaccine, and we encourage it.”
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Moreover, health care workers administering the vaccine are instructed to follow pandemic social distancing measures. Neglecting to stay up to date on preventive health services like vaccinations could lead to community spread of infections, which, on top of COVID-19, could cause the twindemic officials fear.
The flu shot is widely available — at your doctor’s office, local pharmacy, community health center, pop-up sites — and is either free or covered by insurance. Check with your local health department for locations (for example, NYC Health provides a map). The CDC also has a vaccine finder you can use to look up a site near you.
Geber86 via Getty Images
There are some added health risks if you don’t get the flu shot this year.
“Let’s say people aren’t doing the right thing to prevent COVID,” like not wearing a mask or not practicing social distancing, Buchholz said. “They are not only really likely to get COVID, they’re also really likely to get the flu if they’re not vaccinated.”
It may be possible to contract COVID-19 and the flu at the same time — a phenomenon known as co-infection. In that case, or if a large number of people end up infected with either the flu or COVID-19, we’re at risk of our health systems being overwhelmed with severe cases, as we saw in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
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The good news is that the measures we are taking to prevent COVID-19 also help protect against the flu because both viruses are contagious respiratory infections spread through droplets. Getting vaccinated isn’t a 100% guarantee you won’t get the flu, but it is an added safeguard.
The flu vaccine “has about 50% efficacy in preventing infection if exposed. And if you do get infected after getting the flu vaccine, the chances you get severe sickness from flu is significantly reduced,” Lighter explained.
We want to keep our immune systems strong during a pandemic, and taking preventive measures against the flu can help with that. For example, getting the flu could make people more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, according to Lighter.
“We know that people get more staph infections after getting the flu,” Lighter said. “The mucosal border is interrupted when you get the flu, so if you’re exposed to COVID, you could be more susceptible to getting infected.”
Additionally, COVID-19 and flu symptoms look strikingly similar — fever, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, body aches and shortness of breath, which in severe cases can result in hospitalization or death. At the very least, getting vaccinated will help you from agonizing the second you feel under the weather, playing the “Is it flu or is it COVID-19?” game.
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Bottom line: “We have to do everything possible to prevent the flu being a big deal in the winter,” Buchholz says.
And don’t forget, getting vaccinated against the flu doesn’t only protect you; it keeps you from infecting others — whether you’re an asymptomatic carrier or dealing with a mild case — particularly seniors and immunocompromised folks, who are more vulnerable to getting severe flu cases.
Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-01--The Foods To Eat For Better Mental Health

An American Psychiatric Association poll released in March found that 36 % of Americans felt the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic was having a serious impact on their mental health .
People were most worried about their finances , the risk of themselves or a family member contracting the virus , and the possibility of becoming seriously ill or dying .
While it ’ s dangerous to treat food as a substitute for medicine , eating for your brain health can help ease the impact of anxiety , depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder , said Uma Naidoo , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book “ This Is Your Brain on Food.
” The gut has been called the “ second brain.
” And we recognize the link between the two even if we don ’ t realize it : You may feel “ butterflies in your stomach ” when you ’ re nervous or “ go with your gut ” when you make an important decision .
The basis of the “ gut-brain romance , ” as Naidoo writes in her book , is the vagus nerve , a central part of the nervous system that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other bodily functions .
It ’ s also a main connector of the brain and the gastrointestinal tract .
Stress can inhibit the vagus nerve , impacting gut microbiota and upsetting gastrointestinal conditions .
Deanna Minich , an Institute for Functional Medicine certified practitioner and functional medicine nutritionist , also emphasizes the importance of diet to control inflammation in the body .
“ Having a healthy , anti-inflammatory diet reduces the other dysfunctional and even inflammatory ‘ noise ’ in the body that can be at the root cause for symptoms or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best results , a nutritionist can tailor your diet to your individual mental health needs .
But Naidoo said there are three categories of foods that everyone needs more of to help reduce stress and anxiety .
Fruits and vegetables are also natural sources of fiber , which can relieve anxiety .
But only about 10 % of American adults consume the recommended 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bacteria , ” Naidoo said .
“ When your good gut bacteria is fed by these nutrients , they thrive .
And by thriving , they help your mood , help you feel better so that your chances of inflammation are lower.
” Spices are calorie-free and flavorful , and their impact on brain and gut health is often overlooked .
One of the best spice combos is turmeric with a pinch of black pepper , Naidoo said .
Black pepper activates the curcumin compound in turmeric , which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mental health Taking steps to improve your diet for your mental health is especially important today , she said , as the effects of the pandemic will persist .
Concerns over jobs , finances , food insecurity , gaps in children ’ s education and more will take a toll .
“ A healthy diet can help mitigate or buffer one from these types of effects as it sets the stage for a beneficial gut microbiome and less inflammation , both of which are tied to mood , anxiety , depression and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Health experts warn that a lingering effect of the coronavirus pandemic could be a mental health crisis. While therapy and medications for stress and anxiety are often necessary, the foods you eat can also play a role in your well-being.
An American Psychiatric Association poll released in March found that 36% of Americans felt the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic was having a serious impact on their mental health. People were most worried about their finances, the risk of themselves or a family member contracting the virus, and the possibility of becoming seriously ill or dying.
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All the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic has increased stress and anxiety, leading to a greater demand for prescriptions for (and some shortages of) antidepressant, anti-anxiety and anti-insomnia medications.
While it’s dangerous to treat food as a substitute for medicine, eating for your brain health can help ease the impact of anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder, said Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist and author of the new book “This Is Your Brain on Food.”
“During COVID-19 and whatever lies beyond this time, we anticipate a significant surge of these disorders, specifically anxiety, depression and stress,” she told HuffPost. “So food becomes one mechanism [to feel better], since we all have to eat.”
People already focus their diets on other health goals, such as weight loss or heart health. As the coronavirus continues to upend our lives, eating for mental health can be just as important.
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The gut-brain connection
The gut has been called the “second brain.” And we recognize the link between the two even if we don’t realize it: You may feel “butterflies in your stomach” when you’re nervous or “go with your gut” when you make an important decision.
Naidoo said the two are connected physically and biochemically via the gut-brain axis, the complex communications network that links the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with intestinal functions.
David Malan via Getty Images Food should never replace therapy and medication ― it should serve as an additional strategy to feel better.
The basis of the “gut-brain romance,” as Naidoo writes in her book, is the vagus nerve, a central part of the nervous system that controls mood, immune response, digestion and other bodily functions. It’s also a main connector of the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. Stress can inhibit the vagus nerve, impacting gut microbiota and upsetting gastrointestinal conditions.
The central nervous system also produces dopamine, serotonin and other chemicals that regulate mood and process thought and emotion. Serotonin deficiency, in particular, can cause anxiety and depression, and about 90% of serotonin receptors are found in the gut.
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The gut-brain connection explains why what we eat affects our mental health. “It’s not just as glib as you are what you eat, but that specific foods have either a positive effect or a negative effect,” Naidoo said.
Deanna Minich, an Institute for Functional Medicine certified practitioner and functional medicine nutritionist, also emphasizes the importance of diet to control inflammation in the body. “Having a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet reduces the other dysfunctional and even inflammatory ‘noise’ in the body that can be at the root cause for symptoms or disease,” she explained.
Foods that can aid mental health
Most of the key nutrients needed for brain and gut health are found naturally in foods, so it’s usually best to choose foods over supplements, Minich said. But dietary supplements can fill in any nutrient gaps ― just talk to a health professional first.
For the best results, a nutritionist can tailor your diet to your individual mental health needs. But Naidoo said there are three categories of foods that everyone needs more of to help reduce stress and anxiety.
1. Prebiotics and probiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible components naturally found in the gut that promote the growth of good bacteria, while probiotics are the live good bacteria in the gut, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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“Prebiotic and probiotic food sources are a very good basis to start regulating your gut health and therefore your mental health,” Naidoo said.
Maria Nechaeva via Getty Images Foods that contain probiotics.
Yogurt with active cultures is a top source of probiotics, along with fermented foods like miso, kimchi and kombucha. Sauerkraut, buttermilk and some cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella and Gouda, are other good sources. Prebiotic-rich foods include beans, legumes, oats, garlic, onions, berries and bananas.
2. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain valuable prebiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For example, magnesium, found in avocados, nuts and salmon, and vitamin C, found in broccoli, oranges and kale, can help reduce anxiety.
Fruits and vegetables are also natural sources of fiber, which can relieve anxiety. But only about 10% of American adults consume the recommended 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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“They’re really good food for your gut bacteria,” Naidoo said. “When your good gut bacteria is fed by these nutrients, they thrive. And by thriving, they help your mood, help you feel better so that your chances of inflammation are lower.”
3. Spices
Spices are calorie-free and flavorful, and their impact on brain and gut health is often overlooked. One of the best spice combos is turmeric with a pinch of black pepper, Naidoo said. Black pepper activates the curcumin compound in turmeric, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
“Putting turmeric in a shake, a smoothie or soup is an easy way to go,” she said. “You really only need a quarter teaspoon a day with a pinch of black pepper, and it targets anxiety, depression and many other conditions.”
Dried oregano, curry powder, chili powder and cumin seed are other spices with high antioxidant levels.
Foods that can hurt mental health
Fried foods, processed foods, trans fats, nitrates and foods high in salt, saturated fat and refined sugars can worsen depression, anxiety and stress.
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“If you’re eating processed foods and fast foods every day, that’s basically making the bad gut bacteria thrive, and that’s when you start to run into problems with inflammation,” Naidoo explained.
Too much caffeine and alcohol may also make you feel worse mentally but are usually OK in moderation. Drinking 400 mg per day or less of coffee shouldn’t have an impact on anxiety, Naidoo said.
People respond to alcohol intake differently, but generally, four drinks a day for men and three for women is considered heavy drinking.
How to start eating for your mental health
To shift your diet with mental health in mind, Naidoo suggests starting small. Trying to change too much too fast can be overwhelming and diminish results. “Slow and steady change over time will start to build that healthy gut and basically start to build on the healthy nutrients that are good for your brain,” she said.
Begin with a diet self-check. Write down what you ate over the past 24 to 48 hours, circle the foods that are unhealthy, and then decide on one simple change you can make. You don’t necessarily have to give up some of your favorite less-than-healthy foods, though.
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“I’m a big believer in not only nutritious food, but delicious food,” Naidoo said. “If you happen to be an ice cream person, that’s completely fine. Have it on your treat day. I don’t call it a cheat day because that’s a negative connotation. It’s a treat — enjoy it and move on.”
How long the changes will take to make you feel better depends, Minich said. It could be anywhere from a few hours to a few days or months.
Taking steps to improve your diet for your mental health is especially important today, she said, as the effects of the pandemic will persist. Concerns over jobs, finances, food insecurity, gaps in children’s education and more will take a toll.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-01--Trump Spouts New Conspiracy Theories In Bizarre Fox News Interview

When asked if his supporters should confront Black Lives Matter protesters ― as they have been doing in various cities ― Trump said that should be left to law enforcement .
Then , he proceeded to call his base “ wonderful , hardworking , tremendous ” people who were shocked by the violence and were simply engaging in “ peaceful protest.
” In Portland , Oregon , which has been rocked by demonstrations since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May , Trump supporters drove a convoy of more than 600 vehicles through the city over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns and pepper spray at Black Lives Matter protesters .
An apparent member of Patriot Prayer , a right-wing group whose supporters have frequently clashed with demonstrators in Portland , died in a shooting during the violence on Saturday .
“ You know it ’ s amazing , they want to protest , and they get criticized , ” Trump said .
“ The other people run through the streets , burn down storefronts , hurt people , beat people and kill people.
” In Kenosha , Wisconsin , protests erupted after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Black man who was shot seven times in the back by police .
Blake was left paralyzed in the incident , which was caught on video and shared widely on social media .
To date , the cop has not been charged .
Three days later , two people died and another was wounded when Kyle Rittenhouse , a white 17-year-old vigilante and apparent supporter of the president , allegedly fired on people protesting the Blake attack .
He was charged as an adult with two counts of first-degree homicide and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference on Monday , Trump defended Rittenhouse and repeatedly refused to condemn his other supporters in Portland , claiming the paintball guns were for “ defense.
” Asked if he wants his supporters to confront protesters , Trump says , `` I want to leave it to law enforcement , but my supporters are wonderful , hardworking , tremendous people and they turn on their televisions and they look at a Portland or a Kenosha ... they ca n't believe it . ''
pic.twitter.com/tlFC1PvOp5 — Aaron Rupar ( @ atrupar ) September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News interview , Trump claimed unnamed people in “ dark shadows ” were pulling the strings behind his Democratic opponent , former Vice President Joe Biden , a claim which even Ingraham said , “ sounds like a conspiracy theory.
” “ There are people that are on the streets , ” Trump continued .
“ There are people that are controlling the streets.
” He claimed there was an apparent secret plot to damage the Republican National Convention , but refused to provide any clarifying details .
“ We had somebody get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend .
And in the plane , it was almost completely loaded with thugs , wearing these dark uniforms , black uniforms , with gear and this and that , ” he said .
Trump compared the Wisconsin police officer who shot Blake to a golfer who chokes by missing an easy putt , and said the police were “ under siege.
” He baselessly declared that Portland had been burning for decades and asserted that protesters there wanted to kill Mayor Ted Wheeler ( D ) .
Trump also repeatedly blamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other cities across the country on Biden and Democratic leaders .

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President Donald Trump spouted numerous baseless conspiracy theories and attacked Black Lives Matter protesters while claiming his own supporters were peacefully demonstrating during a lengthy interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Monday.
When asked if his supporters should confront Black Lives Matter protesters ― as they have been doing in various cities ― Trump said that should be left to law enforcement. Then, he proceeded to call his base “wonderful, hardworking, tremendous” people who were shocked by the violence and were simply engaging in “peaceful protest.”
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In Portland, Oregon, which has been rocked by demonstrations since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May, Trump supporters drove a convoy of more than 600 vehicles through the city over the weekend. Some were filmed shooting paintball guns and pepper spray at Black Lives Matter protesters. An apparent member of Patriot Prayer, a right-wing group whose supporters have frequently clashed with demonstrators in Portland, died in a shooting during the violence on Saturday.
“You know it’s amazing, they want to protest, and they get criticized,” Trump said. “The other people run through the streets, burn down storefronts, hurt people, beat people and kill people.”
In Kenosha, Wisconsin, protests erupted after the Aug. 23 shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot seven times in the back by police. Blake was left paralyzed in the incident, which was caught on video and shared widely on social media. To date, the cop has not been charged.
Three days later, two people died and another was wounded when Kyle Rittenhouse, a white 17-year-old vigilante and apparent supporter of the president, allegedly fired on people protesting the Blake attack. He was charged as an adult with two counts of first-degree homicide and one count of attempted homicide.
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At a press conference on Monday, Trump defended Rittenhouse and repeatedly refused to condemn his other supporters in Portland, claiming the paintball guns were for “defense.”
Asked if he wants his supporters to confront protesters, Trump says, "I want to leave it to law enforcement, but my supporters are wonderful, hardworking, tremendous people and they turn on their televisions and they look at a Portland or a Kenosha ... they can't believe it." pic.twitter.com/tlFC1PvOp5 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 1, 2020
Later in the Fox News interview, Trump claimed unnamed people in “dark shadows” were pulling the strings behind his Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, a claim which even Ingraham said, “sounds like a conspiracy theory.”
“There are people that are on the streets,” Trump continued. “There are people that are controlling the streets.”
He claimed there was an apparent secret plot to damage the Republican National Convention, but refused to provide any clarifying details.
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“We had somebody get on a plane from a certain city this weekend. And in the plane, it was almost completely loaded with thugs, wearing these dark uniforms, black uniforms, with gear and this and that,” he said.
Trump compared the Wisconsin police officer who shot Blake to a golfer who chokes by missing an easy putt, and said the police were “under siege.” He baselessly declared that Portland had been burning for decades and asserted that protesters there wanted to kill Mayor Ted Wheeler (D). Trump also repeatedly blamed the civil unrest in Portland, Kenosha and other cities across the country on Biden and Democratic leaders.
The interview can be viewed below:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-31--Tiffany Trump's 'Clueless' Attack On Joe Biden Backfires On Twitter

Tiffany Trump , one of President Donald Trump ’ s two daughters , took a swipe at former Vice President Joe Biden on Twitter on Monday .
But the nature of the attack on the Democratic presidential nominee struck her critics as more than a little ironic : She called him a liar .
Tiffany Trump , the only child of Donald Trump and second wife Marla Maples , tweeted : Please stop lying Joe .
You may think we are too ignorant to see through the lies— but God knows the truth .
— Tiffany Ariana Trump ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post ’ s “ Fact Checker ” column , which tracks Trump ’ s lies , found he crossed the 20,000 mark in July ... or 12 false and misleading claims each day of his presidency .
Tiffany Trump spent much of the president ’ s first term out of the public eye , but last week she delivered a prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention .
Her tweet appears to be an indication she intends to remain politically vocal ― but critics on social media were quick to point out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her father ’ s record : Yes , God knows all the lies .
She and the @ washingtonpost : https : //t.co/9MtdNfhKyD https : //t.co/dzCSEr0P5s — Rep. Eric Swalwell ( @ RepSwalwell ) August 31 , 2020 You are accusing Biden of lying ?
Are you that clueless ?
Holy moly the gaslighting and idiocy runs deep in that fam .
— KFClinton - KAMALA 🐝💛 ( @ KFClinton3 ) August 31 , 2020 Here ’ s your dad talking about Your legs and breasts when you were a toddler : ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marla ’ s legs .
We don ’ t know whether or not she ’ s got this part yet , but time will tell , ” Trump added , while cupping his hands to his chest to indicate breasts .
https : //t.co/QrrVbV9AqK — Soledad O'Brien ( @ soledadobrien ) August 31 , 2020 Another trump trying to gaslight Americans .
God does know the truth !
— Amanda Wyss ( @ _AmandaWyss ) September 1 , 2020 God knows your father ripped babies from their parents arms .
God knows your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father has been credibly accused of rape/assault by 30 women .
God knows your father wo n't give his DNA in a rape case .
God knows your father is a racist .
https : //t.co/tqFC5aojaS — Don Winslow ( @ donwinslow ) August 31 , 2020 The irony of anyone in the Trump family invoking God is just too fucking much .
https : //t.co/YsRQfZZjC7 — Rep Richard Dangler ( @ RDangler ) August 31 , 2020

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Tiffany Trump, one of President Donald Trump’s two daughters, took a swipe at former Vice President Joe Biden on Twitter on Monday.
But the nature of the attack on the Democratic presidential nominee struck her critics as more than a little ironic: She called him a liar.
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Tiffany Trump, the only child of Donald Trump and second wife Marla Maples, tweeted:
Please stop lying Joe. You may think we are too ignorant to see through the lies— but God knows the truth. — Tiffany Ariana Trump (@TiffanyATrump) August 31, 2020
The Washington Post’s “Fact Checker” column, which tracks Trump’s lies, found he crossed the 20,000 mark in July... or 12 false and misleading claims each day of his presidency.
Tiffany Trump spent much of the president’s first term out of the public eye, but last week she delivered a prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention.
Her tweet appears to be an indication she intends to remain politically vocal ― but critics on social media were quick to point out the hypocrisy in her attack, given her father’s record:
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God does know the truth. — Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) August 31, 2020
You are accusing Biden of lying? Are you that clueless?
Holy moly the gaslighting and idiocy runs deep in that fam. — KFClinton - KAMALA 🐝💛 (@KFClinton3) August 31, 2020
Is this the God of 2 Corinthians? https://t.co/k3uhGCiMLG — Wajahat "Wears a Mask Because of a Pandemic" Ali (@WajahatAli) August 31, 2020
Here’s your dad talking about Your legs and breasts when you were a toddler: (1994)
“She’s got Marla’s legs. We don’t know whether or not she’s got this part yet, but time will tell,” Trump added, while cupping his hands to his chest to indicate breasts. https://t.co/QrrVbV9AqK — Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) August 31, 2020
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Another trump trying to gaslight Americans. God does know the truth! — Amanda Wyss (@_AmandaWyss) September 1, 2020
God knows your father ripped babies from their parents arms.
God knows your father caged children.
God knows your father has been credibly accused of rape/assault by 30 women.
God knows your father won't give his DNA in a rape case.
God knows your father is a racist. https://t.co/tqFC5aojaS — Don Winslow (@donwinslow) August 31, 2020
Your father says windmills cause cancer and people should drink bleach. https://t.co/jgt9F0uCS6 — Roshan Rinaldi (@Roshan_Rinaldi) August 31, 2020
183,563. Do you give a damn? https://t.co/RjvwPagj9T — David Corn (@DavidCornDC) September 1, 2020
I regret to inform you that Tiffany Trump has gone full heel https://t.co/BlOXpNXWaF — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 31, 2020
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The irony of anyone in the Trump family invoking God is just too fucking much. https://t.co/YsRQfZZjC7 — Rep Richard Dangler (@RDangler) August 31, 2020
Does God know about the 20,000 lies?
https://t.co/Au39wm0wSn — 🏝Kim (@kim) August 31, 2020
Omg. I always thought that she was the decent one... 😩 https://t.co/IWMBPfec11 — Venture Capital (@kelly2277) August 31, 2020
The only thing worse than being Ivanka is wishing you were Ivanka. https://t.co/qHRgiwsRwy — The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) August 31, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-01--Trump Compares Police Shooting Of Jacob Blake To Golfer Who ‘Chokes’ During Putt

President Donald Trump compared the Wisconsin police officer who shot an unarmed Black man in the back seven times to a golfer who “ chokes ” by missing an easy putt .
He was referring to the shooting of a 29-year-old Black father , Jacob Blake , which was caught on video and has kicked off a new wave of protests against police violence , as well as several nights of civil unrest .
But Trump defended the police , saying they ’ re the ones “ under siege.
” “ They can do 10,000 great acts , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apple ― or a choker , ” he said .
“ Y ’ know a choker .
They choke.
” “ Shooting the guy , shooting the guy in the back many times , I mean , couldn ’ t you have done something different ?
Couldn ’ t you have wrestled him ?
I mean , in the meantime , he might ’ ve been going for a weapon and there ’ s a whole big thing there .
But they choke .
Just like in a golf tournament , they miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not comparing it to golf , ” she said as Trump compared it to golf .
“ Of course , that ’ s what the media will say.
” “ People choke , ” Trump repeated .
“ You could be a police officer for 15 years and all of a sudden you ’ re confronted .
You ’ ve got a quarter of a second to make a decision .
If you don ’ t make a decision and you ’ re wrong , you ’ re dead .
People choke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad decision.
” See more of his interview with Ingraham below :

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President Donald Trump compared the Wisconsin police officer who shot an unarmed Black man in the back seven times to a golfer who “chokes” by missing an easy putt.
He was referring to the shooting of a 29-year-old Black father, Jacob Blake, which was caught on video and has kicked off a new wave of protests against police violence, as well as several nights of civil unrest.
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But Trump defended the police, saying they’re the ones “under siege.”
“They can do 10,000 great acts, which is what they do, and one bad apple ― or a choker,” he said. “Y’know a choker. They choke.”
He elaborated:
“Shooting the guy, shooting the guy in the back many times, I mean, couldn’t you have done something different? Couldn’t you have wrestled him? I mean, in the meantime, he might’ve been going for a weapon and there’s a whole big thing there. But they choke. Just like in a golf tournament, they miss a three-foot putt.”
“You’re not comparing it to golf,” she said as Trump compared it to golf. “Of course, that’s what the media will say.”
But Trump pushed forward with his analogy.
“I’m saying people choke,” Trump reiterated.
“People panic,” Ingraham tried to correct.
“People choke,” Trump repeated. “You could be a police officer for 15 years and all of a sudden you’re confronted. You’ve got a quarter of a second to make a decision. If you don’t make a decision and you’re wrong, you’re dead. People choke under those circumstances and they make a bad decision.”
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