thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--Ohio Lawmaker Continued With Meetings After COVID-19 Exposure And Diagnosis

An Ohio state House representative continued with in-person meetings after he was exposed to COVID-19 and tested positive ― and now four other state lawmakers who attended a hearing with him also have the virus .
Although the precise source of the four other lawmakers ’ infections is not known for sure , the outbreak adds to a rash of cases in state legislatures where efforts to require mask use and distancing have faced staunch resistance among GOP members .
On Nov. 19 , Hambley told a state House committee that the aide had tested positive .
CDC guidelines say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with someone who tests positive should quarantine for two weeks , potentially obtaining a test starting five days after exposure to shorten their quarantine time .
But on the 19th , Hambley was photographed attending an in-person meeting on a bill that restricts the state health director ’ s ability to issue public health orders to help curb the spread of the virus .
He removed his mask at one point to speak .
( The bill passed , but was vetoed by GOP Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine . )
Hambley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told the Ohio Capital Journal .
He took a test on Nov. 22 and it was positive .
Hambley said he informed House Speaker Bob Cupp , a fellow Republican , of his diagnosis .
Cupp did not respond to a request for comment .
On Dec. 2 , he attended a hearing with the Ohio state House Finance Committee .
Four others in attendance ― two Democrats and two Republicans ― subsequently tested positive , per the local paper .
State Rep. Rick Carfagna ( R ) was among them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 Facebook post saying that he had a high fever and urging people to follow public safety guidelines .
“ As unpleasant as this illness is , had I not worn a mask and practiced responsible behavior my misery would be compounded with even more guilt wondering if I may have directly infected others , ” Carfagna wrote .
Rep. John Patterson ( D ) also confirmed that he had the virus via Facebook .
HuffPost was unable to contact the two other lawmakers who recently tested positive for COVID-19 , Rep. Gary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rogers ( D ) .
Hambley had revealed his diagnosis in a Dec. 6 Facebook post , writing that he believed he was exposed on Nov. 17 and claiming that he “ remained in isolation for 10 days ” after he developed symptoms .
The CDC , however , recommends that individuals quarantine as soon as they find out they have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .
Democrats in the Ohio House of Representatives expressed outrage at Hambley ’ s apparent disregard for basic safety precautions and said they were never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told HuffPost that although there had been “ rumors ” about his diagnosis , they only learned of the precise details through the media .
Ohio has logged more than 270,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the last month , along with more than 1,700 deaths , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Regardless , Ohio Republicans have increased pressure on DeWine to dial back public health measures .
According to The Associated Press , more than 200 legislators nationwide have tested positive for COVID-19 , and four have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislature so far occurred in Mississippi , where at least four dozen lawmakers came down with the virus over the summer after many chose not to wear masks .
Three had to be placed in intensive care .

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An Ohio state House representative continued with in-person meetings after he was exposed to COVID-19 and tested positive ― and now four other state lawmakers who attended a hearing with him also have the virus.
Although the precise source of the four other lawmakers’ infections is not known for sure, the outbreak adds to a rash of cases in state legislatures where efforts to require mask use and distancing have faced staunch resistance among GOP members.
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Ohio state Rep. Stephen Hambley, a Republican, spent around an hour and a half on Nov. 17 in close contact with an aide who tested positive two days later, he told the Ohio Capital Journal, a local newspaper.
On Nov. 19, Hambley told a state House committee that the aide had tested positive. CDC guidelines say that anyone who has been in close contact with someone who tests positive should quarantine for two weeks, potentially obtaining a test starting five days after exposure to shorten their quarantine time.
But on the 19th, Hambley was photographed attending an in-person meeting on a bill that restricts the state health director’s ability to issue public health orders to help curb the spread of the virus. He removed his mask at one point to speak. (The bill passed, but was vetoed by GOP Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.)
People can start spreading the virus up to three days before they start experiencing symptoms of their own.
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Hambley started feeling sick on Nov. 21, he told the Ohio Capital Journal. He took a test on Nov. 22 and it was positive. Hambley said he informed House Speaker Bob Cupp, a fellow Republican, of his diagnosis. Cupp did not respond to a request for comment.
On, Nov. 28, Hambley took another test. It was also positive, he told the Ohio Capital Journal.
On Dec. 2, he attended a hearing with the Ohio state House Finance Committee. Four others in attendance ― two Democrats and two Republicans ― subsequently tested positive, per the local paper. State Rep. Rick Carfagna (R) was among them, and announced his diagnosis in a Dec. 4 Facebook post saying that he had a high fever and urging people to follow public safety guidelines.
“As unpleasant as this illness is, had I not worn a mask and practiced responsible behavior my misery would be compounded with even more guilt wondering if I may have directly infected others,” Carfagna wrote.
Rep. John Patterson (D) also confirmed that he had the virus via Facebook. HuffPost was unable to contact the two other lawmakers who recently tested positive for COVID-19, Rep. Gary Scherer (R) and Rep. John Rogers (D).
Hambley, however, told the Ohio Capital Journal he does not believe he could have infected others during the Dec. 2 meeting.
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“There’s no doubt in my mind it was well outside that window,” he said.
The finance committee meeting occurred 11 days after Hambley said he started feeling sick. The CDC says that COVID-19 patients can stop quarantining 10 days after their symptoms first appeared if they have not had a fever in the last day and all their other symptoms appear to be improving.
Hambley had revealed his diagnosis in a Dec. 6 Facebook post, writing that he believed he was exposed on Nov. 17 and claiming that he “remained in isolation for 10 days” after he developed symptoms. The CDC, however, recommends that individuals quarantine as soon as they find out they have had close contact with someone with COVID-19.
Democrats in the Ohio House of Representatives expressed outrage at Hambley’s apparent disregard for basic safety precautions and said they were never told he was sick. A spokesperson told HuffPost that although there had been “rumors” about his diagnosis, they only learned of the precise details through the media.
“It’s indefensible that he would show up with COVID,” House Minority Speaker Emilia Sykes (D) said in a statement.
Other Ohio Democrats piled on the criticism over Twitter, where state Rep. Jessica Miranda noted her children needed to be removed from school due to the potential exposure.
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My children couldn’t go to school today bc we’ve been exposed. Bc of the irresponsible actions of my co-workers I must take my entire family to get tested with me tomorrow. It’s a shame some members of the Statehouse don’t take their leadership responsibilities seriously. https://t.co/Oy7GxMnSZe — Rep. Jessica E. Miranda (@JessicaEMiranda) December 10, 2020
The paper notes that many Ohio Republicans have steadfastly refused to wear masks. Cupp has encouraged members to wear masks and distance, but refuses to make it a requirement.
Ohio has logged more than 270,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the last month, along with more than 1,700 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Regardless, Ohio Republicans have increased pressure on DeWine to dial back public health measures.
According to The Associated Press, more than 200 legislators nationwide have tested positive for COVID-19, and four have died. The largest outbreak in a state legislature so far occurred in Mississippi, where at least four dozen lawmakers came down with the virus over the summer after many chose not to wear masks. Three had to be placed in intensive care.
The issue of mask use has proven contentious even in the U.S. Senate ― Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) reacted harshly against Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) for asking him to put on his mask properly while he spoke on the floor in mid-November.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--Fox News Poll Reveals Decidedly Mixed View Of Donald Trump's Four Years

A Fox News poll released on Friday revealed a markedly mixed view of President Donald Trump , despite the network ’ s habit of cozying up to the 45th president .
In general , 42 % of respondents said that they felt history would judge Trump as one of the worst presidents ; 22 % said that he would be judged one of the greatest .
Other respondents fell somewhere in between .
Trump also received mixed reviews regarding his job performance .
From October 2017 to this month , poll respondents never gave the president above a 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 45 % of voters approved of his work on foreign policy ; 44 % on the coronavirus ; 43 % on immigration ; and 41 % on health care .
Trump received his strongest numbers on the economy , with an approval rating of 52 % .
But on a more specific question on how respondents felt about the condition of America ’ s economy today , a plurality of respondents — 34 % — ranked it as “ poor.
” Finally , 55 % said the United States was in worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , while 32 % said that it was better , and only 11 % said it was the same .
Unlike the network itself , Fox News ’ polls are considered nonpartisan and have received high rankings for accuracy and methodology from FiveThirtyEight , a poll analysis website .
Last year , one of Fox News ’ polls revealed that 51 % of registered voters favored impeaching the president — causing Trump to rail against the network in a furious tweet , saying it was “ much different than it used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Whoever their Pollster is , they suck , ” Trump wrote at the time .
More recently , as Fox News acknowledged the victory of President-elect Joe Biden , Trump again lashed out , repeatedly slamming the network for a lack of loyalty .

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A Fox News poll released on Friday revealed a markedly mixed view of President Donald Trump, despite the network’s habit of cozying up to the 45th president.
The poll — which surveyed 1,007 randomly registered voters Sunday to Wednesday — contained a variety of questions about Trump’s performance.
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In general, 42% of respondents said that they felt history would judge Trump as one of the worst presidents; 22% said that he would be judged one of the greatest. Other respondents fell somewhere in between.
Trump also received mixed reviews regarding his job performance. From October 2017 to this month, poll respondents never gave the president above a 50% approval rating.
On more specific topics, 45% of voters approved of his work on foreign policy; 44% on the coronavirus; 43% on immigration; and 41% on health care.
Trump received his strongest numbers on the economy, with an approval rating of 52%. But on a more specific question on how respondents felt about the condition of America’s economy today, a plurality of respondents — 34%— ranked it as “poor.”
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Finally, 55% said the United States was in worse condition now than it was four years ago, while 32% said that it was better, and only 11% said it was the same.
Unlike the network itself, Fox News’ polls are considered nonpartisan and have received high rankings for accuracy and methodology from FiveThirtyEight, a poll analysis website.
Last year, one of Fox News’ polls revealed that 51% of registered voters favored impeaching the president — causing Trump to rail against the network in a furious tweet, saying it was “much different than it used to be in the good old days.”
“Whoever their Pollster is, they suck,” Trump wrote at the time.
More recently, as Fox News acknowledged the victory of President-elect Joe Biden, Trump again lashed out, repeatedly slamming the network for a lack of loyalty.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--One Person Shot In Violent Protests In Washington State

OLYMPIA , Wash. ( AP ) — Police in Olympia arrested one person Saturday afternoon following a shooting at a violent protest between two heavily armed groups near the Capital building .
The Olympia Police Department said the person who was shot was taken to a hospital by other civilians .
That person ’ s injuries are unknown .
Police said they are aware of several videos involving the shooting .
The two groups had opposing political views , and each side was heavily armed with rifles , handguns and clubs , and engaged in violent clashes , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day for a firearms violation .
“ We ’ ve had sporadic confrontations between groups throughout the day , ” said Sgt .
Darren Wright of the Washington State Patrol .
About 100 law enforcement officials with Olympia Police Department , Thurston County sheriff ’ s office and Washington State Patrol tried to keep the protest orderly .
Police declared a riot early in the afternoon and told the crowds to disperse .
Officials described a chaotic , fluid situation where the two groups clashed on the streets in Olympia before moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where they continued engaging in violence against each other .
Many of the protesters wore helmets and carried shields and clubs .
“ Both groups were heavily armed , including firearms , ” said Lt. Paul Lower of the Olympia Police Department .
“ They were fighting amongst themselves , two factions with opposing political beliefs.
” Groups planning demonstrations in the city included a group that wanted COVID-19 restrictions lifted , another protesting President Donald Trump ’ s loss in the presidential election last month , and a Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispersing away from the Capital and back onto city streets when the shooting occurred .
Video in the aftermath of the shooting shows a person on the ground , and another with a handgun walking across a parking lot .

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OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Police in Olympia arrested one person Saturday afternoon following a shooting at a violent protest between two heavily armed groups near the Capital building.
The Thurston County sheriff’s office confirmed the arrest but didn’t immediately release details.
The Olympia Police Department said the person who was shot was taken to a hospital by other civilians. That person’s injuries are unknown.
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Police said they are aware of several videos involving the shooting.
The two groups had opposing political views, and each side was heavily armed with rifles, handguns and clubs, and engaged in violent clashes, police said. Police arrested a person earlier in the day for a firearms violation.
“We’ve had sporadic confrontations between groups throughout the day,” said Sgt. Darren Wright of the Washington State Patrol.
About 100 law enforcement officials with Olympia Police Department, Thurston County sheriff’s office and Washington State Patrol tried to keep the protest orderly. Police declared a riot early in the afternoon and told the crowds to disperse.
Officials described a chaotic, fluid situation where the two groups clashed on the streets in Olympia before moving onto the grounds of the Capital building, where they continued engaging in violence against each other. Many of the protesters wore helmets and carried shields and clubs.
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“Both groups were heavily armed, including firearms,” said Lt. Paul Lower of the Olympia Police Department. “They were fighting amongst themselves, two factions with opposing political beliefs.”
Groups planning demonstrations in the city included a group that wanted COVID-19 restrictions lifted, another protesting President Donald Trump’s loss in the presidential election last month, and a Black Lives Matter counter-protest.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--New Land Bridge Opens To Help Wildlife, People Safely Cross Texas Parkway

Two portions of a San Antonio park previously separated by a six-lane highway are now connected by a bridge meant to make life easier for both wildlife and human visitors .
The Robert L.B .
Tobin Land Bridge opened to the public Friday , according to the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department .
The bridge , built over Wurzbach Parkway , connects two portions of the 330-acre Phil Hardberger Park .
The park is home to animals such as ringtails , squirrels , coyotes , lizards , raccoons and deer .
In just THREE WEEKS you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Robert L.B .
Tobin Land Bridge !
The trail over the Land Bridge will be open to the public at 1 p.m. on Friday , Dec. 11 !
Mark Your Calendars !
https : //t.co/GPLNdxdcDN pic.twitter.com/78cwiiMk2b — Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy ( @ hardbergerpark ) November 20 , 2020 Wildlife wandering into the road from the park has resulted in dangerous situations for both animals and humans .
“ Even though you do put up barriers , they ’ ll get across or start to get across , ” park namesake and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Right now , it ’ s six lanes .
[ The Texas Department of Transportation ] says it will eventually be eight lanes .
We ’ ve had some accidents between cars and deer especially and some of the smaller animals as well.
” The parks department touted the new land bridge as the largest wildlife crossing in the U.S. ; a spokesperson clarified to HuffPost that it meant the new connector is the largest finished land bridge in the country specifically designed for both animal and human use .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approximately the same distance across , ” the spokesperson told HuffPost .
“ It ’ s designed at that size to accommodate both people and animals , and we believe it is both the only and the largest built for this dual purpose.
” She added that similar land bridges are under construction in Houston and San Francisco but “ as of now , we believe the one in San Antonio to be the largest.
” Did you know ?
The Robert L.B .
Tobin Land Bridge will combat habitat fragmentation by reclaiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 11 , your park will be united and you will be able to walk through that restored habitat on the Land Bridge !
pic.twitter.com/qHROYQnP4s — Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy ( @ hardbergerpark ) November 24 , 2020 “ I look forward to watching the landscape grow and mature with native trees and plants and observing wildlife through viewing blinds designed by local artists , ” Mayor Ron Nirenberg told Texas Public Radio .
Wildlife crossings ― structures intended to help animals safely cross human-built obstacles such as highways ― originated in France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Geographic .
They now exist around the world and are becoming increasingly popular in the United States .

Two portions of a San Antonio park previously separated by a six-lane highway are now connected by a bridge meant to make life easier for both wildlife and human visitors.
The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge opened to the public Friday, according to the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. The bridge, built over Wurzbach Parkway, connects two portions of the 330-acre Phil Hardberger Park. The park is home to animals such as ringtails, squirrels, coyotes, lizards, raccoons and deer.
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In just THREE WEEKS you will be able to travel over the brand new Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge!
The trail over the Land Bridge will be open to the public at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11!
Mark Your Calendars! https://t.co/GPLNdxdcDN pic.twitter.com/78cwiiMk2b — Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy (@hardbergerpark) November 20, 2020
Wildlife wandering into the road from the park has resulted in dangerous situations for both animals and humans.
“Even though you do put up barriers, they’ll get across or start to get across,” park namesake and former Mayor Phil Hardberger told KSAT. “Right now, it’s six lanes. [The Texas Department of Transportation] says it will eventually be eight lanes. We’ve had some accidents between cars and deer especially and some of the smaller animals as well.”
Construction workers have already spotted some animals using the bridge.
The parks department touted the new land bridge as the largest wildlife crossing in the U.S.; a spokesperson clarified to HuffPost that it meant the new connector is the largest finished land bridge in the country specifically designed for both animal and human use.
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“The land bridge is 150 feet wide and approximately the same distance across,” the spokesperson told HuffPost. “It’s designed at that size to accommodate both people and animals, and we believe it is both the only and the largest built for this dual purpose.”
She added that similar land bridges are under construction in Houston and San Francisco but “as of now, we believe the one in San Antonio to be the largest.”
The bridge includes native trees and other plants that will continue to grow.
Did you know? The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge will combat habitat fragmentation by reclaiming natural habitat above Wurzbach Parkway.
On Dec. 11, your park will be united and you will be able to walk through that restored habitat on the Land Bridge! pic.twitter.com/qHROYQnP4s — Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy (@hardbergerpark) November 24, 2020
“I look forward to watching the landscape grow and mature with native trees and plants and observing wildlife through viewing blinds designed by local artists,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg told Texas Public Radio.
Wildlife crossings ― structures intended to help animals safely cross human-built obstacles such as highways ― originated in France in the 1950s, according to National Geographic. They now exist around the world and are becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
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Last month, viral video showed animals in Utah ― including moose, bears, deer and porcupines ― using a wildlife bridge built over a busy six-lane interstate.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--Pro-Trump Protests Decry Trump's Election Loss At Tense Protest In Washington

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) - Conservative groups alleging without evidence that President-elect Joe Biden stole the U.S. election gathered for protests across the country on Saturday , including one in Washington that threatened to turn violent as darkness fell .
Around 200 members of the Proud Boys , a violent far right group , had joined the marches earlier on Saturday near the Trump hotel .
Many wore combat fatigues and ballistic vests , carried helmets and flashed hand signals used by white nationalists .
The two groups shouted insults at each other across a street near McPherson Square and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept them apart , according to a Reuters reporter on the scene .
More than 50 federal and state court rulings have upheld Biden ’ s victory .
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected a long-shot lawsuit filed by Texas and backed by Trump seeking to throw out voting results in four states .
“ Whatever the ruling was yesterday ... everybody take a deep , deep breath , ” retired Army General Mike Flynn , Trump ’ s former national security adviser , told protesters in front of the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusal to hear the Texas case .
Flynn who twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about contacts with the former Russian ambassador , spoke in his first public address since Trump pardoned him on Nov. 24 .
“ My charge to you is to go back to where you are from ” and make demands , Flynn told the crowd , without being more specific .
The U.S. Constitution is “ not about collective liberty it is about individual liberties , and they designed it that way , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , alleging without evidence that he was denied victory by massive fraud .
On his way to Andrews Air Force Base and then the Army-Navy football game in New York , Trump made three passes in the Marine One helicopter over the cheering protesters .
Trump ’ s supporters carrying flags and signs made their way in small knots toward Congress and the Supreme Court through downtown Washington , which was closed to traffic by police vehicles and dump trucks .
Few of the marchers wore masks , despite soaring COVID-19 deaths and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to be worn outside .
Several thousand people rallied in Washington , fewer than during a similar protest last month .
As some in the crowd echoed far right conspiracy theories about the election , a truck-pulled trailer flew Trump 2020 flags and a sign reading “ Trump Unity ” while blaring the country song “ God Bless the U.S.A. ” “ It ’ s clear the election has been stolen , ” said Mark Paul Jones of Delaware Water Gap , Pennsylvania , who sported a tricorner Revolutionary War hat as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife .
Trump “ is being railroaded out of office , ” he said , adding that Biden won with the complicity of the Supreme Court , FBI , Department of Justice and CIA .
The Supreme Court “ didn ’ t even take the time to hear the case , ” Jones said .
Eddy Miller of Philadelphia , who was selling Trump campaign T-shirts , said he was sure “ there was fraud despite what I see on the news ” about court rulings striking down fraud allegations .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle of Jericho , in which the walls of the city crumbled after soldiers and priests blowing horns marched around it .
Ron Hazard of Morristown , New Jersey , was one of five people who stopped at the Justice Department to blow shofars - a ram ’ s horn used in Jewish religious ceremonies - to bring down “ the spiritual ” walls “ of corruption .
”

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Conservative groups alleging without evidence that President-elect Joe Biden stole the U.S. election gathered for protests across the country on Saturday, including one in Washington that threatened to turn violent as darkness fell.
Organizers of Stop The Steal, linked to pro-Trump operative Roger Stone, and church groups urged supporters to participate in “Jericho Marches” and prayer rallies.
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But in downtown Washington, tensions rose after dark as scores of pro-Trump “Proud Boys” protesters and “Antifa” counterprotesters faced off, separated by police in riot gear and on bicycles.
Around 200 members of the Proud Boys, a violent far right group, had joined the marches earlier on Saturday near the Trump hotel. Many wore combat fatigues and ballistic vests, carried helmets and flashed hand signals used by white nationalists.
The two groups shouted insults at each other across a street near McPherson Square and some set off fireworks, but police kept them apart, according to a Reuters reporter on the scene.
Police pepper-sprayed at least two counter-protesters before the Proud Boys left the area and regrouped several blocks away.
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Protests were also planned in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and Arizona, where Trump’s campaign has sought to overturn vote counts.
FLYNN SPEAKS
More than 50 federal and state court rulings have upheld Biden’s victory. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected a long-shot lawsuit filed by Texas and backed by Trump seeking to throw out voting results in four states.
“Whatever the ruling was yesterday ... everybody take a deep, deep breath,” retired Army General Mike Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser, told protesters in front of the Supreme Court, referring to the court’s refusal to hear the Texas case.
Flynn who twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about contacts with the former Russian ambassador, spoke in his first public address since Trump pardoned him on Nov. 24.
“My charge to you is to go back to where you are from” and make demands, Flynn told the crowd, without being more specific. The U.S. Constitution is “not about collective liberty it is about individual liberties, and they designed it that way,” he said.
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Trump has refused to concede defeat, alleging without evidence that he was denied victory by massive fraud. On his way to Andrews Air Force Base and then the Army-Navy football game in New York, Trump made three passes in the Marine One helicopter over the cheering protesters.
MASKLESS PROTESTS
Trump’s supporters carrying flags and signs made their way in small knots toward Congress and the Supreme Court through downtown Washington, which was closed to traffic by police vehicles and dump trucks.
Few of the marchers wore masks, despite soaring COVID-19 deaths and cases, defying a mayoral directive for them to be worn outside. Several thousand people rallied in Washington, fewer than during a similar protest last month.
As some in the crowd echoed far right conspiracy theories about the election, a truck-pulled trailer flew Trump 2020 flags and a sign reading “Trump Unity” while blaring the country song “God Bless the U.S.A.”
“It’s clear the election has been stolen,” said Mark Paul Jones of Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania, who sported a tricorner Revolutionary War hat as he walked toward the Supreme Court with his wife.
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Trump “is being railroaded out of office,” he said, adding that Biden won with the complicity of the Supreme Court, FBI, Department of Justice and CIA. The Supreme Court “didn’t even take the time to hear the case,” Jones said.
Eddy Miller of Philadelphia, who was selling Trump campaign T-shirts, said he was sure “there was fraud despite what I see on the news” about court rulings striking down fraud allegations.
BATTLE OF JERICHO
Some protesters referenced the Biblical miracle of the battle of Jericho, in which the walls of the city crumbled after soldiers and priests blowing horns marched around it.
In his speech, Flynn told the protesters they were all standing inside Jericho after breaching its walls.
Ron Hazard of Morristown, New Jersey, was one of five people who stopped at the Justice Department to blow shofars - a ram’s horn used in Jewish religious ceremonies - to bring down “the spiritual” walls “of corruption.”
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“We believe what is going on in this county is an important thing. It’s a balance between biblical values and anti-biblical values,” Hazard said.
His small group, including one member who wore a Jewish prayer shawl known as a tallit, are Christians “who love the Jewish people. We love Israel,” he said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--Greta Thunberg Says She's 'More Than Happy' That U.S. Is Rejoining Paris Climate Agreement

Teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg said on Friday — one day before the fifth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement — that she is glad the United States will be rejoining the accord , but added that world leaders still had far to go in tackling environmental challenges .
“ I am more than happy that the U.S. will rejoin the Paris agreement ; that is absolutely crucial , ” Thunberg said to CNN ’ s Christiane Amanpour , referencing President-elect Joe Biden ’ s affirmation to rejoin on day one of his presidency .
The Trump administration finalized arrangements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 4 , with the president arguing that it had undermined the U.S. economy .
Thunberg said that despite this hopeful development , global leaders still needed “ to start treating the climate crisis like a crisis.
” “ We need to communicate the situation where we are , we need to understand that we are facing an emergency , we need to change the social narrative around this , and of course as young people we would really appreciate it if we stopped only talking about future , distant hypothetical goals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to do now , ” Thunberg said .
“ We don ’ t want to solve these problems for you ; we want you to take care of it right now , ” she said .
While @ GretaThunberg is `` happy that the U.S. will rejoin the Paris agreement '' , she is calling for far greater climate urgency from political leaders .
`` As young people , we would really appreciate if we stopped only talking about future , distant hypothetical goals and targets . ''
pic.twitter.com/dCWU7XzND5 — Christiane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 Thunberg echoed similar points in an Instagram video released on Thursday , stressing that pledges by countries such as the U.K. , which has promised a 68 % reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 , presented only a vague illusion of progress .
“ We need to stop focusing on goals and targets for 2030 or 2050 , ” Thunberg said in the clip .
“ We need to implement annual binding carbon budgets today .
”

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Teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg said on Friday — one day before the fifth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement — that she is glad the United States will be rejoining the accord, but added that world leaders still had far to go in tackling environmental challenges.
“I am more than happy that the U.S. will rejoin the Paris agreement; that is absolutely crucial,” Thunberg said to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, referencing President-elect Joe Biden’s affirmation to rejoin on day one of his presidency.
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The Trump administration finalized arrangements to exit the Paris Climate Agreement on Nov. 4, with the president arguing that it had undermined the U.S. economy.
Thunberg said that despite this hopeful development, global leaders still needed “to start treating the climate crisis like a crisis.”
“We need to communicate the situation where we are, we need to understand that we are facing an emergency, we need to change the social narrative around this, and of course as young people we would really appreciate it if we stopped only talking about future, distant hypothetical goals and targets ... and start focusing on what we need to do now,” Thunberg said.
Thunberg said simply setting nebulous goals for net-zero carbon emissions would only pass responsibility to future generations.
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“We don’t want to solve these problems for you; we want you to take care of it right now,” she said.
While @GretaThunberg is "happy that the U.S. will rejoin the Paris agreement", she is calling for far greater climate urgency from political leaders.
"As young people, we would really appreciate if we stopped only talking about future, distant hypothetical goals and targets." pic.twitter.com/dCWU7XzND5 — Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) December 11, 2020
Thunberg echoed similar points in an Instagram video released on Thursday, stressing that pledges by countries such as the U.K., which has promised a 68% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, presented only a vague illusion of progress.
“We need to stop focusing on goals and targets for 2030 or 2050,” Thunberg said in the clip. “We need to implement annual binding carbon budgets today.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-13--Shipments Of First COVID-19 Vaccine Readied For Rollout

The first trucks carrying a COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use in the United States were set to pull out of a Michigan manufacturing plant Sunday , with the shots that are critical to stopping the nation ’ s coronavirus outbreak destined to reach states a day later .
An assembly line of workers began in the early morning hours pulling doses out of a freezer , boxing the vaccine and loading the units onto pallets so they could be placed on trucks at a Pfizer plant in Michigan .
Dry ice , shipping labels and packing tape were on hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face shields and gloves — put together the packages inside the warehouse .
Initially , about 3 million doses were expected to be sent out , and the priority is health care workers and nursing home residents as infections , hospitalizations and deaths soar in the U.S. With numbers likely to get worse over the holidays , the vaccine is offering a bright spot in the fight against the pandemic that ’ s killed nearly 300,000 Americans .
Federal officials say the first shipments of Pfizer ’ s vaccine will be staggered , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an additional 425 sites getting shipments Tuesday , and the remaining 66 on Wednesday .
The vaccine , co-developed by German partner BioNTech , is being doled out based on each state ’ s adult population .
Pennsylvania health care giant UPMC has chosen staff who are critical to operating its facilities as among those getting the first round of vaccinations , said Dr. Graham Snyder , who led the center ’ s vaccine task force .
“ It ’ s very exciting .
I will be thrilled , that moment when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snyder said Saturday .
“ That will clearly be a watershed moment for us.
” Snyder said the UPMC system estimates that half its employees are willing to get the vaccine as soon as it ’ s offered to them .
The vaccine is heading to hospitals and other sites that can store it at extremely low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero .
Pfizer is using containers with dry ice and GPS-enabled sensors to ensure each shipment stays colder than the weather in Antarctica .
“ I would say there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There ’ s that thought that maybe they don ’ t have to be so afraid to come to work if they can be vaccinated and be immune.
” The rollout will ensure there is enough vaccine to give people the two doses needed for full protection against COVID-19 .
That means the government is holding back 3 million doses to give those vaccinated in the first round a second shot a few weeks later .
The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the vaccine Friday , saying it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety issues .
While U.S. regulators worked for months to emphasize the rigor and independence of their review , they faced political pressure until the final stages .
Concerns that a shot was rushed out could undermine vaccination efforts in a country with deeply ingrained skepticism about vaccines .
The head of the FDA said the agency ’ s decision was based on science , not politics , despite a White House threat to fire him if the vaccine wasn ’ t approved before Saturday .
While the vaccine was determined to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating several severe allergic reactions .
The FDA ’ s instructions tell providers not give it to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients .

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KALAMAZOO, Michigan (AP) — The first trucks carrying a COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use in the United States pulled out of a Michigan manufacturing facility Sunday, with the shots that are critical to stopping the nation’s coronavirus outbreak destined to reach states a day later.
Shipments of the Pfizer vaccine will set in motion the biggest vaccination effort in American history at a critical juncture of the pandemic that has killed 1.6 million and sickened 71 million worldwide.
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Initially, about 3 million doses were expected to be sent out, and the priority is health care workers and nursing home residents as infections, hospitalizations and deaths soar in the U.S. With numbers likely to get worse over the holidays, the vaccine is offering a bright spot in the fight against the pandemic that’s killed nearly 300,000 Americans.
Boxes containing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are prepared to be shipped at the Pfizer Global Supply Kalamazoo manufacturing plant in Portage, Mich., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Federal officials say the first shipments of Pfizer’s vaccine will be staggered, arriving in 145 distribution centers Monday, with an additional 425 sites getting shipments Tuesday, and the remaining 66 on Wednesday. The vaccine, co-developed by German partner BioNTech, is being doled out based on each state’s adult population.
Pennsylvania health care giant UPMC has chosen staff who are critical to operating its facilities as among those getting the first round of vaccinations, said Dr. Graham Snyder, who led the center’s vaccine task force.
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“It’s very exciting. I will be thrilled, that moment when we administer our first dose,” Snyder said Saturday. “That will clearly be a watershed moment for us.”
Snyder said the UPMC system estimates that half its employees are willing to get the vaccine as soon as it’s offered to them.
The vaccine is heading to hospitals and other sites that can store it at extremely low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero. Pfizer is using containers with dry ice and GPS-enabled sensors to ensure each shipment stays colder than the weather in Antarctica.
Doses should be delivered to all vaccination sites identified by states, such as local pharmacies, within three weeks, federal officials said.
The 40-hospital Oschner Health System in Louisiana and Mississippi expects to receive more than 9,000 doses in the coming days, said Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, medical director of hospital quality.
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Employees approved for the first round are getting texts and emails directing them to schedule their initial injection, she said.
“I would say there’s enthusiasm,” Kemmerly said Saturday. “There’s that thought that maybe they don’t have to be so afraid to come to work if they can be vaccinated and be immune.”
The rollout will ensure there is enough vaccine to give people the two doses needed for full protection against COVID-19. That means the government is holding back 3 million doses to give those vaccinated in the first round a second shot a few weeks later.
The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the vaccine Friday, saying it is highly protective and presents no major safety issues. While U.S. regulators worked for months to emphasize the rigor and independence of their review, they faced political pressure until the final stages.
Concerns that a shot was rushed out could undermine vaccination efforts in a country with deeply ingrained skepticism about vaccines. The head of the FDA said the agency’s decision was based on science, not politics, despite a White House threat to fire him if the vaccine wasn’t approved before Saturday.
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While the vaccine was determined to be safe, regulators in the U.K. are investigating several severe allergic reactions. The FDA’s instructions tell providers not give it to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-13--'SNL's' Rona Family Of COVID-19 Viruses Grateful To Trump For Keeping Them Around

In an updated twist on the alien Coneheads , “ Saturday Night Live ” introduced fans to the “ Rona family ” of COVID-19 viruses all home for the holidays .
The family was exhausted from their world — and university —travels .
There ’ s Mom ( Cicely Strong ) , dad ( Beck Bennett ) , daughter ( Lauren Holt ) with a fiance she ’ s been “ mutating with , ” and n ’ er-do-well son ( Timothee Chalamet ) , who was a failure in New Zealand .
Grandma is the Spanish flu .
Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Genital — who tend to show up during times of stress .
Clearly , their sympathies lie with the Republicans .
Mom and dad love President Donald Trump because he “ introduced us to everyone he knows.
” Bennett pointed out : “ We wouldn ’ t still be here without Trump.
” Some viewers loved it , but others on Twitter weren ’ t laughing about a virus killing thousands of Americans every day .
`` Maybe now is n't a good time . ''
- covid .
Yeah maybe so # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all .
— JoelyGabs ( @ joelygabs ) December 13 , 2020 Were the # SNL writers high when they came up with the Rona Christmas sketch ?
— Jonathan Jewel ( @ jonathanjewel ) December 13 , 2020 Check it out in the video above .

In an updated twist on the alien Coneheads, “Saturday Night Live” introduced fans to the “Rona family” of COVID-19 viruses all home for the holidays. The family was exhausted from their world — and university — travels.
There’s Mom (Cecily Strong), Dad (Beck Bennett), a daughter (Lauren Holt) with a fiance she’s been “mutating with,” and a ne’er-do-well son (Timothee Chalamet), who was a failure in New Zealand. Grandma is the Spanish flu.
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Their neighbors are the Herpes — Oral and Genital — who tend to show up during times of stress.
Clearly, their sympathies lie with the Republicans. Mom and Dad love President Donald Trump because he “introduced us to everyone he knows.” Bennett’s character pointed out: “We wouldn’t still be here without Trump.”
Some viewers loved it, but others on Twitter weren’t laughing about a virus killing thousands of Americans every day.
"Maybe now isn't a good time." - covid. Yeah maybe so #snl maaaybe not a good time at all. — JoelyGabs (@joelygabs) December 13, 2020
Were the #SNL writers high when they came up with the Rona Christmas sketch? — Jonathan Jewel (@jonathanjewel) December 13, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-13--Kate McKinnon's 'Hunky' Anthony Fauci Pelted With Bras On 'SNL'

Kate McKinnon nailed another dead-on impression for the cold open of “ Saturday Night Live ” — this time of “ hunky ” Dr. Anthony Fauci , whose groupies hurled bras at him .
That ’ s because they ’ re into facts — and him , McKinnon ’ s version of the infectious disease expert explained to Wolf Blitzer ( Beck Bennett ) : “ They say stuff like , ‘ Can you be my face mask ?
’ ... Any other year , I ’ m a 2 .
This year I ’ m a 10.
” His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ anonymous hunk ” as the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine is rolled out and the COVID-19 pandemic becomes a thing of the past .
Health care workers will get the vaccine first — “ your McDreamys , your McSteamys , ” explained “ Fauci.
” For the rest of us , it ’ s gong to be “ July 20-badabada.
” The vaccine will be distributed to states alphabetically , “ starting with ‘ a California ’ and then ‘ b ’ New York City , ’ ” McKinnon ’ s Fauci added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Deborah Birx , who ’ s also hoping against hope to work with President-elect Joe Biden — even though she kept her mouth shut when President Donald Trump recommended injecting disinfectant to fight the coronavirus .
But “ I did a stanky little face and I almost whispered ‘ no , ’ ” Gardner explained in her defense .
The last person to play Fauci on “ Saturday Night Live ” was Brad Pitt .
Fauci loved it .
“ I think he did great .
I ’ m a great fan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reason why when people ask me who I would like to play me , I mention Brad Pitt , ” Fauci quipped earlier this year .
But he was particularly touched in the sketch when Pitt thanked Fauci and health care workers for all of their help , and “ showed he ’ s a really classy guy , ” said the doctor .
Check out the clip of the new Fauci bit up top .

Kate McKinnon nailed another dead-on impression for the cold open of “Saturday Night Live” — this time of “hunky” Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose groupies hurled bras at him.
That’s because they’re into facts — and him, McKinnon’s version of the infectious disease expert explained to Wolf Blitzer (Beck Bennett): “They say stuff like, ‘Can you be my face mask?’ ... Any other year, I’m a 2. This year I’m a 10.”
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His hope is to once again be an “anonymous hunk” as the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine is rolled out and the COVID-19 pandemic becomes a thing of the past.
Health care workers will get the vaccine first — “your McDreamys, your McSteamys,” explained “Fauci.” For the rest of us, it’s gong to be “July 20-badabada.”
The vaccine will be distributed to states alphabetically, “starting with ‘a California’ and then ‘b’New York City,’” McKinnon’s Fauci added.
He was joined by Heidi Gardner as Dr. Deborah Birx, who’s also hoping against hope to work with President-elect Joe Biden — even though she kept her mouth shut when President Donald Trump recommended injecting disinfectant to fight the coronavirus. But “I did a stanky little face and I almost whispered ‘no,’” Gardner explained in her defense.
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The last person to play Fauci on “Saturday Night Live” was Brad Pitt. Fauci loved it.
“I think he did great. I’m a great fan of Brad Pitt and that’s the reason why when people ask me who I would like to play me, I mention Brad Pitt,” Fauci quipped earlier this year.
But he was particularly touched in the sketch when Pitt thanked Fauci and health care workers for all of their help, and “showed he’s a really classy guy,” said the doctor.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--GOP Congressman-Elect Praises Maskless Trump Supporters: 'This Is A Phony Pandemic'

Looking out at the largely-maskless throng of attendees at a pro-Trump rally in Washington , D.C. , on Saturday , Republican congressman-elect Bob Good dismissed the coronavirus pandemic as “ phony ” and lauded the crowd as “ a group of people that gets it.
” “ I can ’ t tell you how great it is to look out there and see your faces , ” said Good , who won Virginia ’ s 5th Congressional District seat last month .
“ This looks like a group of people that gets it .
This is a phony pandemic.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it ’ s a virus , it ’ s not a pandemic , ” continued Good , who was wearing a Trump 2020 hat but no mask .
Good ’ s remarks come as the United States reports record-breaking COVID-19 cases , hospitalizations and deaths .
On Wednesday , at least 3,124 people in the U.S. died from the coronavirus .
It was the first time that the daily death toll has surpassed 3,000 .
Thousands of Trump supporters — including members of the far-right Proud Boys group — gathered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the presidential election , which Trump and his followers have claimed , without a shred of evidence , was “ rigged.
” Good was among a handful of public figures who showed up in person to the pro-Trump demonstrations to lend support .
Others included Trump ’ s former national security adviser Michael Flynn , who was pardoned by the president last month after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI ; conspiracy theorist Alex Jones ; and MyPillow CEO and controversial Trump donor Mike Lindell .
“ It ’ s great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
You stand up against tyranny .
Thank you for being here today , thank you for saying ‘ no ’ to the insanity , ” he said .

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Looking out at the largely maskless throng of attendees at a pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Republican Congressman-elect Bob Good dismissed the coronavirus pandemic as “phony” and lauded the crowd as “a group of people that gets it.”
“I can’t tell you how great it is to look out there and see your faces,” said Good, who won Virginia’s 5th Congressional District seat last month. “This looks like a group of people that gets it. This is a phony pandemic.”
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“It’s a serious virus, but it’s a virus, it’s not a pandemic,” continued Good, who was wearing a Trump 2020 hat but no mask.
Good’s remarks come as the United States reports record-breaking COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. On Wednesday, at least 3,124 people in the U.S. died from the coronavirus. It was the first time the daily death toll has surpassed 3,000.
Holy shit. Congressman-elect Bob Good of Virginia starts speaking and immediately proclaims, "this looks like a group of people that gets it. This is a phony pandemic." pic.twitter.com/xre4DWslGW — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 12, 2020
Thousands of Trump supporters — including members of the far-right Proud Boys group — gathered in D.C. on Saturday to protest the outcome of the presidential election, which Trump and his followers have claimed, without a shred of evidence, was “rigged.”
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Good was among a handful of public figures who showed up in person to the pro-Trump demonstrations to lend support. Others included Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who was pardoned by the president last month after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI; conspiracy theorist Alex Jones; and MyPillow CEO and controversial Trump donor Mike Lindell.
Speaking to rally-goers at Freedom Plaza, Good praised the demonstrators for standing up “against tyranny.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-13--4 People Critically Injured In Stabbings At Pro-Trump Washington Rally

Police Chief Peter Newsham told the Post that police units were mobilized to keep the groups apart .
But smaller @ @ @ @ @ the main protest appeared to be “ intent on conflict , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ was filmed stomping on a Black Lives Matter banner and chanting “ USA , USA @ @

Police Chief Peter Newsham told the Post that police units were mobilized to keep the groups apart. But smaller factions that splintered off from the main protest appeared to be “intent on conflict,” he said.
A group of Proud Boys was filmed stomping on a Black Lives Matter banner and chanting “USA, USA.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--Lawsuit 'Smacks Of Racism': Wisconsin Judge Shreds Trump Lawyer Over Vote Challenge

“ What you want is for us to overturn this election so that your king can stay in power , ” said Karofsky .
“ That is so un-American.
” Karofsky attacked lawyer James Troupis in a virtual hearing on a case filed by the lame-duck president and Vice President Mike Pence seeking to jettison all absentee ballots in two counties — Dane and Milwaukee — that voted for Joe Biden .
Karofsky said to Troupis that the lawsuit has singled out two counties of 72 in the state , “ targeted because of their diverse populations , because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they vote Democratic .
This lawsuit , Mr. Troupis , smacks of racism.
” She added : “ I do not know how you can come before this court and possibly ask us for a remedy that is unheard of ... to say to 227,000 of our fellow Wisconsinites : ‘ Your vote doesn ’ t matter.
’ ” “ This not normal , ” Karofsky continued .
“ It is not normal for us to be sitting here 48 hours before the Electoral College sits .
It is not normal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be at risk of losing their voice in this election.
” This case is “ not about election fraud , ” the judge added .
“ It is not about anyone in this state doing anything wrong .
This case is about not just seeding — but watering and nurturing — doubt about a legitimate election.
” Karofsky asked Troupis to provide a single case of fraud in the Wisconsin election , which the lawyer was unable to do .
He only said that the votes were cast in an “ illegal form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He admitted the ballots were used statewide , and not just in the two challenged counties .
Karofsky pointed out that the absentee ballot forms were exactly the same as they were in 2016 when Trump won the state , and he did not object to the ballots then .
There was no decision at the end of the 90-minute hearing , though it appeared highly unlikely the court would find in Trump ’ s favor .
The two justices have voted with the majority of the court in rejecting three post election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s behalf .
Even conservative judges have been taken aback by the actions .
In a ruling earlier this month , Justice Brian Hagedorn said that one of the suits calling for the “ court-ordered disenfranchisement of every Wisconsin voter ” without credible evidence “ would appear to be unprecedented in American history.
” Trump ’ s battle against his election loss suffered a devastating blow Friday when the U.S. Supreme Court jettisoned a suit by Texas , which was backed by 17 other red states ( and 126 Republican members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four battleground states that voted for Joe Biden .
Texas lacks standing to challenge votes in other states , the top court said in a brief , unsigned order .
Trump also lost a federal case in Wisconsin Saturday .
U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig , a Trump appointee , dismissed the suit asking the court to order the Republican-controlled Legislature to name Trump the winner over Biden .
The judge said Trump ’ s arguments “ fail as a matter of law and fact .
”

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A Wisconsin Supreme Court justice came right out and said it Saturday when she blasted Donald Trump’s attorney over a lawsuit challenging state election results that “smacks of racism.”
Liberal Justice Jill Karofsky also slammed the legal action as “not normal,” and as an assault on a “legitimate election” that has failed to produce a single case of fraud.
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“What you want is for us to overturn this election so that your king can stay in power,” said Karofsky. “That is so un-American.”
Karofsky attacked lawyer James Troupis in a virtual hearing on a case filed by the lame-duck president and Vice President Mike Pence seeking to jettison all absentee ballots in two counties — Dane and Milwaukee — that voted for Joe Biden.
The counties are the “most urban, nonwhite, largest counties” in the state that “voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden,” Karofsky’s colleague Justice Rebecca Dallet said.
Karofsky said to Troupis that the lawsuit has singled out two counties of 72 in the state, “targeted because of their diverse populations, because they’re urban, I presume, because they vote Democratic. This lawsuit, Mr. Troupis, smacks of racism.”
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She added: “I do not know how you can come before this court and possibly ask us for a remedy that is unheard of ... to say to 227,000 of our fellow Wisconsinites: ‘Your vote doesn’t matter.’”
And she wasn’t finished.
“This not normal,” Karofsky continued. “It is not normal for us to be sitting here 48 hours before the Electoral College sits. It is not normal for only two out of 72 counties to be at risk of losing their voice in this election.”
This case is “not about election fraud,” the judge added. “It is not about anyone in this state doing anything wrong. This case is about not just seeding — but watering and nurturing — doubt about a legitimate election.”
Karofsky asked Troupis to provide a single case of fraud in the Wisconsin election, which the lawyer was unable to do. He only said that the votes were cast in an “illegal form,” referring to absentee ballots. He admitted the ballots were used statewide, and not just in the two challenged counties.
Karofsky pointed out that the absentee ballot forms were exactly the same as they were in 2016 when Trump won the state, and he did not object to the ballots then.
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There was no decision at the end of the 90-minute hearing, though it appeared highly unlikely the court would find in Trump’s favor.
The two justices have voted with the majority of the court in rejecting three postelection suits in the state on Trump’s behalf. Even conservative judges have been taken aback by the actions.
In a ruling earlier this month, Justice Brian Hagedorn said that one of the suits calling for the “court-ordered disenfranchisement of every Wisconsin voter” without credible evidence “would appear to be unprecedented in American history.”
Trump’s battle against his election loss suffered a devastating blow Friday when the U.S. Supreme Court jettisoned a suit by Texas, which was backed by 17 other red states (and 126 Republican members of the House), to toss ballots by four battleground states that voted for Biden. Texas lacks standing to challenge votes in other states, the top court said in a brief, unsigned order.
Trump also lost a federal case in Wisconsin Saturday. U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig, a Trump appointee, dismissed the suit asking the court to order the Republican-controlled Legislature to name Trump the winner over Biden. The judge said Trump’s arguments “fail as a matter of law and fact.”
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🚨🚨BREAKING: Wisconsin Federal Court DISMISSES Trump lawsuit WITH PREJUDICE.
"This Court has allowed plaintiff the chance to make his case and he has lost on the merits."
Trump and his allies are now 1-58 in post-election litigation.https://t.co/LfKb2PUIkq — Marc E. Elias (@marceelias) December 12, 2020
Trump has vowed to fight on. But time’s running out. The Electoral College meets Monday to cast ballots that will reflect the will of American voters.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--Millions In Federal Coronavirus Aid Went To Anti-Gay Businesses And Groups: Report

Millions of dollars in taxpayer funds in the federal coronavirus Payroll Protection Program went to anti-gay businesses , schools and organizations , according to an analysis of the payments by NBC News .
The taxpayer loans can be forgiven and many likely will be , which would transform them into subsidies that will never be paid back .
The funds examined by NBC were paid to groups and businesses with either a history of anti-LGBTQ advocacy or “ policies that explicitly discriminate ” against the community , the network reported .
One of them , the Mississippi-based American Family Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in PPP funds — battles what it calls the “ homosexual agenda ” in the nation .
Its so-called One Million Moms initiative urges supporters to boycott brands and media that promote “ homosexuality and transgenderism , ” according to its web site .
Another , the conservative legal organization Liberty Counsel , which grabbed $ 428,000 in COVID-19 aid , advocates for “ anti-LGBT discrimination under the guise of religious liberty , ” according to the SPLC .
The organization made headlines last year working to remove protections for gay people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is simply unconscionable that the federal government would give taxpayer dollars to organizations that openly advocate against LGBTQ people , ” Cassie Miller , senior research analyst at the SPLC , said in a statement in response to the NBC findings .
“ At a time when millions of people in the U.S. are hurting because of the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis , our federal government should not be sponsoring taxpayer-paid hate , ” Miller added .
The school prohibits employees from engaging in or condoning “ homosexual or lesbian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” NBC reported last year .
The school warns in its parents agreement that that it may “ refuse admission ” or “ discontinue enrollment ” of a student whose household condones “ sexual immorality , ” such as “ homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity.
” Catholic Social Services , which was given over $ 2 million in PPP aid , will face the U.S. Supreme Court over its policy of not considering same-sex couples as foster parents .
The program doled out nearly $ 5.3 billion to 5,160,000 recipients .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 5 % of recipients , The Washington Post reported early this month .
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin refused to reveal full details of those who received PPP funds .
But a lawsuit by several media outlets finally forced the release of all data this month .
The program was intended to help small businesses weather the economic downturn amid the COVID-19 crisis .
But the rushed handout failed to build in sufficient safeguards .
Much of the money went to deep-pocket corporations , and was also targeted by scammers who spent millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Larger companies , including dozens of national chains , received the maximum amount allowed under the program of $ 10 million , the Post reported .
Only 28 % of the money was doled out in amounts less than $ 150,000 .
“ The data shows that this program primarily benefited the well-banked and well-lawyered at the expense of the small businesses it was supposed to benefit , ” Liz Hempowicz , director of public policy for the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight , told the Post .

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Millions of dollars in taxpayer funds in the federal coronavirus Payroll Protection Program went to anti-gay businesses, schools and organizations, according to an analysis of the payments by NBC News.
The taxpayer loans can be forgiven and many likely will be, which would transform them into subsidies that will never be paid back.
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The funds examined by NBC were paid to groups and businesses with either a history of anti-LGBTQ advocacy or “policies that explicitly discriminate” against the community, the network reported.
Those seven were paid a total of $2.5 million in PPP funds according to records, NBC reported.
One of them, the Mississippi-based American Family Association — which scooped up nearly $1.4 million in PPP funds — battles what it calls the “homosexual agenda” in the nation. Its so-called One Million Moms initiative urges supporters to boycott brands and media that promote “homosexuality and transgenderism,” according to its website.
Another, the conservative legal organization Liberty Counsel, which grabbed $428,000 in COVID-19 aid, advocates for “anti-LGBT discrimination under the guise of religious liberty,” according to the SPLC. The organization made headlines last year working to remove protections for gay people from a federal anti-lynching bill.
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“It is simply unconscionable that the federal government would give taxpayer dollars to organizations that openly advocate against LGBTQ people,” Cassie Miller, senior research analyst at the SPLC, said in a statement in response to the NBC findings.
“At a time when millions of people in the U.S. are hurting because of the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis, our federal government should not be sponsoring taxpayer-paid hate,” Miller added.
Among other anti-gay organizations reaping taxpayer funds is Immanuel Christian School in northern Virginia, where Karen Pence, Vice President Mike Pence’s wife, teaches. It received $724,900 in aid from the federal government, NBC found.
The school prohibits employees from engaging in or condoning “homosexual or lesbian sexual activity” and “transgender identity,” NBC reported last year. The school warns in its parents agreement that it may “refuse admission” or “discontinue enrollment” of a student whose household condones “sexual immorality,” such as “homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity.”
Catholic Social Services, which was given over $2 million in PPP aid, will face the U.S. Supreme Court over its policy of not considering same-sex couples as foster parents.
The program doled out nearly $5.3 billion to 5,160,000 recipients. More than half of the money went to just 5% of recipients, The Washington Post reported early this month.
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Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin refused to reveal full details of those who received PPP funds. But a lawsuit by several media outlets finally forced the release of all data this month.
The program was intended to help small businesses weather the economic downturn amid the COVID-19 crisis. But the rushed handout failed to build in sufficient safeguards. Much of the money went to deep-pocket corporations, and was also targeted by scammers who spent millions on things like homes and luxury cars.
Larger companies, including dozens of national chains, received the maximum amount allowed under the program of $10 million, the Post reported. Only 28% of the money was doled out in amounts less than $150,000.
“The data shows that this program primarily benefited the well-banked and well-lawyered at the expense of the small businesses it was supposed to benefit,” Liz Hempowicz, director of public policy for the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight, told the Post.
Check out the entire NBC expose here.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--Veteran Actor Carol Sutton Dies At 76 From COVID-19 Complications

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Actor Carol Sutton , a fixture on stages in her native New Orleans who built a steady career on the big and small screens , including roles in the 1989 comedy “ Steel Magnolias ” and the TV series “ Queen Sugar , ” has died from complications from COVID-19 , according to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell .
Sutton was 76 .
“ The world may recognize her from her performances in movies and on TV — whether it ’ s ‘ Treme ’ or ‘ Claws , ’ or ‘ Runaway Jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we will always remember her commanding stage presence , her richly portrayed characters , and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew , ” Cantrell said in a statement .
Sutton died Thursday at Touro Infirmary .
After making her acting debut in the late 1960s in Dashiki Project Theatre productions , Sutton appeared in productions such as “ The Last Madam , ” “ Native Tongues ” and “ A Raisin in the Sun.
” She moved to television in 1974 with “ The Autobiography of Miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had roles in “ In the Heat of the Night ” and the TV movie “ Uncle Tom ’ s Cabin ” with Avery Brooks .
Her recent TV credits included “ Scream Queens , ” the 2016 remake of the series “ Roots , ” “ Treme , ” “ True Detective ” and “ Lovecraft Country.
” Carol Sutton at the premiere of STX 's `` Poms '' in 2019 ( Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage ) Her film work includes roles in such movies as “ Monster ’ s Ball , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Help.
” She played a policewoman in “ The Pelican Brief ” with Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington and a nurse opposite Sally Field , Dolly Parton and Shirley MacLaine in “ Steel Magnolias.
” She was a judge in “ The Big Easy ” with Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin .
Ava DuVernay , creator of the OWN series “ Queen Sugar , ” tweeted : “ It was our honor to welcome this veteran actress of stage and screen to our show as Aunt Martha in Episode 409 , ‘ Stare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise and rest in peace and power .
”

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Carol Sutton, a fixture on stages in her native New Orleans who built a steady career on the big and small screens, including roles in the 1989 comedy “Steel Magnolias” and the TV series “Queen Sugar,” has died from complications from COVID-19, according to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Sutton was 76.
“The world may recognize her from her performances in movies and on TV — whether it’s ‘Treme’ or ‘Claws,’ or ‘Runaway Jury’ or ‘Queen Sugar’ — but we will always remember her commanding stage presence, her richly portrayed characters, and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew,” Cantrell said in a statement. Sutton died Thursday at Touro Infirmary.
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After making her acting debut in the late 1960s in Dashiki Project Theatre productions, Sutton appeared in productions such as “The Last Madam,” “Native Tongues” and “A Raisin in the Sun.”
She moved to television in 1974 with “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” with Cicely Tyson and had roles in “In the Heat of the Night” and the TV movie “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” with Avery Brooks. Her recent TV credits included “Scream Queens,” the 2016 remake of the series “Roots,” “Treme,” “True Detective” and “Lovecraft Country.”
Carol Sutton at the premiere of STX's "Poms" in 2019 (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage) Rodin Eckenroth via Getty Images
Her film work includes roles in such movies as “Monster’s Ball,” “Ray” and “The Help.” She played a policewoman in “The Pelican Brief” with Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington and a nurse opposite Sally Field, Dolly Parton and Shirley MacLaine in “Steel Magnolias.” She was a judge in “The Big Easy” with Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin.
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Ava DuVernay, creator of the OWN series “Queen Sugar,” tweeted: “It was our honor to welcome this veteran actress of stage and screen to our show as Aunt Martha in Episode 409, ‘Stare at the Same Fires.’ May she rise and rest in peace and power.”
Survivors include a son, Archie; a daughter, Aunya; a brother, Oris Buckner; a sister, Adrienne Jopes; and five grandchildren.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-12--Charley Pride, Trailblazing Country Music Star, Dies At 86

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Charley Pride , country music ’ s first Black star whose rich baritone on such hits as “ Kiss an Angel Good Morning ” helped sell millions of records and helped make him the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame , has died .
He was 86 .
Pride released dozens of albums and sold more than 25 million records during a career that began in the mid-1960s .
Hits besides “ Kiss an Angel Good Morning ” in 1971 included “ Is Anybody Goin ’ to San Antone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Mountain of Love , ” and “ Someone Loves You Honey.
” He had three Grammy Awards , more than 30 No .
1 hits between 1969 and 1984 , won the Country Music Association ’ s Top Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year awards in 1972 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000 .
“ They used to ask me how it feels to be the ` first colored country singer , ‘ ” he told The Dallas Morning News in 1992 .
“ Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; ’ then ` first black country singer.′ Now I ’ m the ` first African-American country singer.′ That ’ s about the only thing that ’ s changed .
This country is so race-conscious , so ate-up with colors and pigments .
I call it ` skin hangups ’ — it ’ s a disease.
” “ My older sister one time said , ‘ Why are you singing THEIR music ?
’ ” Pride said .
“ But we all understand what the y ’ all-and-us-syndrome has been .
See , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I truly believe that ’ s why I am where I am today.
” As a young man before launching his singing career , he was a pitcher and outfielder in the Negro American League with the Memphis Red Sox and in the Pioneer League in Montana .
After a tryout with the New York Mets , he visited Nashville and broke into country music when Chet Atkins , head of RCA Records , heard two of his demo tapes and signed him .
To ensure that Pride was judged on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first few singles were sent to radio stations without a publicity photo .
After his identity became known , a few country radio stations refused to play his music .
For the most part , though , Pride said he was well received .
Early in his career , he would put white audiences at ease when he joked about his “ permanent tan.
” “ Music is the greatest communicator on the planet Earth , ” he said in 1992 .
“ Once people heard the sincerity in my voice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it just dissipated any apprehension or bad feeling they might have had.
” “ Music is a beautiful way of expressing oneself and I truly believe music should not be taken as a protest , ” he told The Associated Press in 1985 .
“ You can go too far in anything — singing , acting , whatever — and become politicized to the point you cease to be an entertainer .
”

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NEW YORK (AP) — Charley Pride, country music’s first Black star whose rich baritone on such hits as “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” helped sell millions of records and helped make him the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, has died. He was 86.
Pride died Saturday in Dallas of complications from Covid-19, according to Jeremy Westby of the public relations firm 2911 Media.
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Pride released dozens of albums and sold more than 25 million records during a career that began in the mid-1960s. Hits besides “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” in 1971 included “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” “Burgers and Fries,” “Mountain of Love,” and “Someone Loves You Honey.”
Country music legend Charley Pride smiles for a portrait at his recording studio in Dallas, Texas, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012. AP Photo/LM Otero
He had three Grammy Awards, more than 30 No. 1 hits between 1969 and 1984, won the Country Music Association’s Top Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year awards in 1972 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
The Smithsonian in Washington acquired memorabilia from Pride, including a pair of boots and one of his guitars, for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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Until the early 1990s, when Cleve Francis came along, Pride was the only Black country singer signed to a major label.
In 1993, he joined the Grand Ole Opry cast in Nashville.
“They used to ask me how it feels to be the `first colored country singer,‘” he told The Dallas Morning News in 1992. “Then it was `first Negro country singer;’ then `first black country singer.′ Now I’m the `first African-American country singer.′ That’s about the only thing that’s changed. This country is so race-conscious, so ate-up with colors and pigments. I call it `skin hangups’ — it’s a disease.”
Pride was raised in Sledge, Mississippi, the son of a sharecropper. He had seven brothers and three sisters.
In 2008 while accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the Mississippi Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts, Pride said he never focused on race.
“My older sister one time said, ‘Why are you singing THEIR music?’” Pride said. “But we all understand what the y’all-and-us-syndrome has been. See, I never as an individual accepted that, and I truly believe that’s why I am where I am today.”
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As a young man before launching his singing career, he was a pitcher and outfielder in the Negro American League with the Memphis Red Sox and in the Pioneer League in Montana.
After playing minor league baseball a couple of years, he ended up in Helena, Montana, where he worked in a zinc smelting plant by day and played country music in nightclubs at night.
After a tryout with the New York Mets, he visited Nashville and broke into country music when Chet Atkins, head of RCA Records, heard two of his demo tapes and signed him.
To ensure that Pride was judged on his music and not his race, his first few singles were sent to radio stations without a publicity photo. After his identity became known, a few country radio stations refused to play his music.
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For the most part, though, Pride said he was well received. Early in his career, he would put white audiences at ease when he joked about his “permanent tan.”
“Music is the greatest communicator on the planet Earth,” he said in 1992. “Once people heard the sincerity in my voice and heard me project and watched my delivery, it just dissipated any apprehension or bad feeling they might have had.”
Throughout his career, he sang positive songs instead of sad ones often associated with country music.
“Music is a beautiful way of expressing oneself and I truly believe music should not be taken as a protest,” he told The Associated Press in 1985. “You can go too far in anything — singing, acting, whatever — and become politicized to the point you cease to be an entertainer.”
In 1994, he wrote his autobiography, “Pride: The Charley Pride Story,” in which he disclosed he was mildly manic depressive.
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He had surgery in 1997 to remove a tumor from his right vocal cord.
He received the Living Legend award from The Nashville Network/Music City News, recognizing 30 years of achievement, in 1997.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-13--Shipments Of First COVID-19 Vaccine Hit The Road


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-13--Personal Finance Guru Dave Ramsey Just Threw A Huge Indoor Christmas Party

FRANKLIN , Tenn. ― Even as Americans are being infected , hospitalized and killed by COVID-19 in record numbers , the scene Saturday night outside the headquarters of Christian financial personality Dave Ramsey ’ s Ramsey Solutions looked like a festival designed to flout public health guidelines .
The talk radio host , who preaches debt-free living and business success , threw a maskless indoor company Christmas party at the company ’ s Franklin headquarters with more than 1,500 people invited to attend .
Across different floors of one building , guests drank and line-danced together , gorged on barbecue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partied in a “ silent disco , ” according to a map meant to help revelers navigate the bash .
Outside there were igloos , dessert food trucks and carriage rides to be had .
Several open bars were scattered throughout the building .
One worker estimated there were at least 1,000 guests in the building — the vast majority of them without masks — as well as several dozen people like himself working the event .
“ There was absolutely no [ social ] distancing being practiced , ” said the worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he signed a nondisclosure agreement with Ramsey Solutions forbidding him to discuss the party publicly .
Ramsey has become a hugely influential figure in personal finance , with an especially strong following among Christians .
The “ Boots & BBQ ” event , at which vendors were allegedly urged to not wear masks , is consistent with how he has approached the pandemic since the beginning .
In March , Ramsey kept the company ’ s offices open , with staff coming to work on-site even after employees had tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict public health measures on his radio show , calling them “ totalitarian ” and framing guidance to wear masks — which are not required at the Ramsey Solutions offices — as a sign of irrational fear .
In July , Ramsey opted to host a large business conference at his company ’ s headquarters rather than going along with the COVID-19 protocols required by the Florida hotel that was originally scheduled to host the gathering .
The company ’ s defiance of public health guidance has continued even as dozens of employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Around 50 staffers tested positive in November , according to Religion News Service , which first reported the plans for Saturday night ’ s Christmas party .
At least 5,462 Tennesseans have died of COVID-19 , and more than 2,600 are currently hospitalized with the illness .
On Saturday night , a line of cars stretched bumper-to-bumper for nearly two miles from the company ’ s headquarters .
A masked uniformed officer from the Franklin Police Department stopped each car at the entrance to the headquarters as a private security detail looked on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block any prying eyes from observing the event .
As the party ’ s 7 p.m. start time approached , a reporter taking a video of the line of cars was tailed by what appeared to be a security vehicle and followed from company headquarters all the way back to the interstate .
Despite the health risks posed by such a crowd , many of the people working the event likely would have felt little choice but to be there .
Caterers and other events companies are desperate for contracts due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , concerts and other events ground to a halt .
Any worker who bailed on the Ramsey party would have given up much-needed income just ahead of the holidays , and potentially jeopardized future gigs through their vendors .
The worker who signed the nondisclosure agreement said he was provided with little information ahead of the event , but was told by a superior that Ramsey Solutions preferred workers did not wear masks so as not to make guests uncomfortable .
Ultimately , many workers chose to wear them .
There was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrance , but the worker said most partiers opted to pass them by .
If local and state officials were aware of the party , they were apparently reluctant to step in and enforce any social distancing rules .
Williamson County ’ s mask mandate applies to “ publicly accessible ” areas and businesses , which does not include a corporate office building .
When a reporter called the county health department on Tuesday to see if any complaints had been filed ahead of the event , the call was steered to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesperson for the state health department , said the agency “ would not have any jurisdiction over such an event , ” though it encouraged Tennesseans to wear masks and practice social distancing .
She referred a reporter back to local elected officials .
The Ramsey building is within Franklin city limits , but Milissa Reierson , a city spokesperson , said the city would not enforce any rules at a private event .
Ramsey Solutions has stonewalled reporters seeking comment on its conduct .
In contrast to Ramsey ’ s declarations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by fear when it comes to the pandemic , staff inside the company describe a culture thick with paranoia .
The company ’ s leadership has become increasingly determined to prevent information from getting out , while concerned staffers fear retribution if they speak up .
Dan Voris , event producer at Ramsey Solutions , did not respond last week to questions about the size of the planned party and any safety precautions put in place .
Neither did Megan McConnell , a company spokesperson .
However , McConnell did respond internally once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after Religion News Service published its report .
She wrote a staffwide email telling Ramsey employees to ignore the anger over the company ’ s plans .
“ If and when you see controversial or negative things about Dave or RS on social [ media ] , please do not defend us or engage with it , ” McConnell wrote .
“ That just boosts the post ’ s visibility ( and we ’ re not concerned about those people anyway ) .
” The worker who signed the nondisclosure agreement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been scraping by on unemployment benefits and any odd jobs they can find .
He said whatever pay he gets from the Ramsey gig is smaller than it appears : After sharing indoor air with so many people , he believes he should quarantine for several days , forgoing any jobs that might put him in contact with others .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
FRANKLIN, Tenn. ― Even as Americans are being infected, hospitalized and killed by COVID-19 in record numbers, the scene Saturday night outside the headquarters of Christian financial personality Dave Ramsey’s Ramsey Solutions looked like a festival designed to flout public health guidelines. The talk radio host, who preaches debt-free living and business success, threw a maskless indoor company Christmas party at the company’s Franklin headquarters with more than 1,500 people invited to attend.
Across different floors of one building, guests drank and line-danced together, gorged on barbecue, gambled in a fake casino and partied in a “silent disco,” according to a map meant to help revelers navigate the bash. Outside there were igloos, dessert food trucks and carriage rides to be had. Several open bars were scattered throughout the building.
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One worker estimated there were at least 1,000 guests in the building — the vast majority of them without masks — as well as several dozen people like himself working the event. “There was absolutely no [social] distancing being practiced,” said the worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of jeopardizing his job.
Ramsey has become a hugely influential figure in personal finance, with an especially strong following among Christians. The “Boots & BBQ” event, at which vendors were allegedly urged to not wear masks, is consistent with how he has approached the pandemic since the beginning.
In March, Ramsey kept the company’s offices open, with staff coming to work on-site even after employees had tested positive for the virus. He has railed against strict public health measures on his radio show, calling them “totalitarian” and framing guidance to wear masks — which are not required at the Ramsey Solutions offices — as a sign of irrational fear. In July, Ramsey opted to host a large business conference at his company’s headquarters rather than going along with the COVID-19 protocols required by the Florida hotel that was originally scheduled to host the gathering.
The company’s defiance of public health guidance has continued even as dozens of employees have been infected by the virus. Around 50 staffers tested positive in November, according to Religion News Service, which first reported the plans for Saturday night’s Christmas party. At least 5,462 Tennesseans have died of COVID-19, and more than 2,600 are currently hospitalized with the illness.
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“There was absolutely no [social] distancing being practiced.” - A worker at the Ramsey Christmas party
On Saturday night, a line of cars stretched bumper-to-bumper for nearly two miles from the company’s headquarters. A masked uniformed officer from the Franklin Police Department stopped each car at the entrance to the headquarters as a private security detail looked on. The company was apparently keen to block any prying eyes from observing the event. As the party’s 7 p.m. start time approached, a reporter taking a video of the line of cars was tailed by what appeared to be a security vehicle and followed from company headquarters all the way back to the interstate.
Despite the health risks posed by such a crowd, many of the people working the event likely would have felt little choice but to be there. Caterers and other events companies are desperate for contracts due to the pandemic, with nearly all large-scale parties, concerts and other events ground to a halt. Any worker who bailed on the Ramsey party would have given up much-needed income just ahead of the holidays, and potentially jeopardized future gigs through their vendors.
The worker who spoke anonymously said he was provided with little information ahead of the event, but was told by a superior that Ramsey Solutions preferred workers did not wear masks so as not to make guests uncomfortable. Ultimately, many workers chose to wear them. There was also a pile of masks provided near the entrance, but the worker said most partiers opted to pass them by.
If local and state officials were aware of the party, they were apparently reluctant to step in and enforce any social distancing rules. Williamson County’s mask mandate applies to “publicly accessible” areas and businesses, which does not include a corporate office building. When a reporter called the county health department on Tuesday to see if any complaints had been filed ahead of the event, the call was steered to the state health department.
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Shelley Walker, a spokesperson for the state health department, said the agency “would not have any jurisdiction over such an event,” though it encouraged Tennesseans to wear masks and practice social distancing. She referred a reporter back to local elected officials. The Ramsey building is within Franklin city limits, but Milissa Reierson, a city spokesperson, said the city would not enforce any rules at a private event.
“It’s private property and a private company,” she said last Tuesday. “We don’t really have jurisdiction over that.”
Reierson recommended the reporter reach out to the county.
Personal finance guru Dave Ramsey has railed against social distancing guidelines on his radio show. Michael Kovac via Getty Images
Ramsey Solutions has stonewalled reporters seeking comment on its conduct. In contrast to Ramsey’s declarations that his company will not be ruled by fear when it comes to the pandemic, staff inside the company describe a culture thick with paranoia. The company’s leadership has become increasingly determined to prevent information from getting out, while concerned staffers fear retribution if they speak up.
Dan Voris, event producer at Ramsey Solutions, did not respond last week to questions about the size of the planned party and any safety precautions put in place. Neither did Megan McConnell, a company spokesperson. However, McConnell did respond internally once the scheduled party became public on Friday, after Religion News Service published its report. She wrote a staffwide email telling Ramsey employees to ignore the anger over the company’s plans.
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“If and when you see controversial or negative things about Dave or RS on social [media], please do not defend us or engage with it,” McConnell wrote. “That just boosts the post’s visibility (and we’re not concerned about those people anyway).”
The worker who spoke anonymously said that most events employees like himself have been scraping by on unemployment benefits and any odd jobs they can find. He said whatever pay he gets from the Ramsey gig is smaller than it appears: After sharing indoor air with so many people, he believes he should quarantine for several days, forgoing any jobs that might put him in contact with others.
He’d heard that Ramsey Christmas parties are always a huge blowout. This year’s bash will certainly be hard to forget.
“It was the most people I’ve seen gathered in a year,” the worker said. “So yeah, it was kind of bizarre.”
This story was reported in conjunction with Nashville Scene. Dave Jamieson reported from Washington, D.C.