thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--Race For Key Foreign Policy Post Heats Up As Major Progressive Groups Back Joaquin Castro

Before the end of the month , House Democrats will hold elections for contested chairmanships on several key committees .
That means the gamesmanship for those seats — which has been happening largely below the surface for months — is finally breaking into the open .
Many eyes are on the race for the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee .
The post opened up because current Chairman Rep. Eliot Engel ( D-N.Y. ) lost his June primary race to a progressive challenger who highlighted his hawkish views .
Critics of traditionally assertive U.S. foreign policy hope that shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee chief to use the post to advocate for a less-aggressive approach to global affairs that better reflects liberal values .
“ Too often , the voices of those impacted by U.S. foreign policy are left out of the conversations in Washington .
We believe Rep. Castro can protect our families and communities by promoting diplomacy and other nonviolent means ― rooted in cooperation ― to achieve U.S. foreign policy objectives , ” the Friday statement from Castro ’ s backers reads .
The Foreign Affairs Committee oversees the State Department and related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign policy in Washington ― particularly when the House of Representatives and the White House are controlled by the same party , as will be the case come January .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) and other top Democrats will deliberate and appoint the new chairperson during meetings the week of Nov. 30 .
“ As Black , indigenous , and other communities of color face increased militarism at home , and as U.S. militarism abroad has led to disastrous endless wars , we are impressed with Rep. Castro ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] chair that focuses on the root causes of militarism , ” the signees wrote .
Many of the positions the letter praises Castro for holding have gone from being perceived as politically risky to becoming mainstream among elected Democrats , like wanting to limit the president ’ s authority to wage war , supporting former President Barack Obama ’ s nuclear accord with Iran , seeking to cut the Pentagon budget , questioning surveillance by national security officials , seeking troop withdrawals from Afghanistan and Iraq and opposing Saudi Arabia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orthodoxy paradoxically makes it harder for Castro to win : Meeks and Sherman , his rivals , express many positions resembling his and have courted progressives in recent months .
Though Castro has bolstered his profile in the press and during congressional hearings , Meeks remains the clear front-runner in the race , just as he was months ago , Capitol Hill sources say .
Meeks is strongly supported by members of the Congressional Black Caucus ― who see the opportunity for the first-ever Black lawmaker in the committee chairmanship ― and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Sherman ’ s chances are slim , largely due to his tensions with colleagues . )
Meeks has emphasized his regard for often-overlooked regions of the world , like Latin America , and his support for diplomacy , including the fact that , unlike outgoing chairman Engel and Sherman , he voted for the Iran deal .
Biden has focused on foreign policy for much of his long career .
He generally questions grandiose international adventures while firmly believing the U.S. should be the dominant player on the world stage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he might make in standing up to adversaries abroad , particularly China , and how far he will emphasize human rights over sustaining alliances with unsavory partners .
The letter on Friday notes two particular areas where Castro has indicated he would chart a particularly different course from his colleagues : sanctions and the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians .
Sanctions are a favored policy tool among both parties and rarely questioned despite their often-deadly consequences , but are under new scrutiny by progressives .
The U.S. relationship with Israel has bedeviled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even cautious former officials urge a new approach while Republicans accuse liberals of anti-Semitism .
“ The next Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee must be somebody who is committed to progressive foreign policy principles , ” Amira Hassan , political director at Justice Democrats , told HuffPost in an email .
“ Rep .
Castro has shown a willingness to engage with progressive organizations and bring in diverse perspectives and voices to help chart a new path forward .
”

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Before the end of the month, House Democrats will hold elections for contested chairmanships on several key committees. That means the gamesmanship for those seats — which has been happening largely below the surface for months — is finally breaking into the open.
Many eyes are on the race for the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The post opened up because current Chairman Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) lost his June primary race to a progressive challenger who highlighted his hawkish views. Critics of traditionally assertive U.S. foreign policy hope that shock loss spurs Democratic leadership and the new committee chief to use the post to advocate for a less-aggressive approach to global affairs that better reflects liberal values.
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Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) is the favored candidate among progressives, and on Friday, 47 groups working on national security and Democratic politics endorsed him in a joint letter shared exclusively with HuffPost.
Castro is competing for the position against two more senior and more traditional colleagues, Reps. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.).
“Too often, the voices of those impacted by U.S. foreign policy are left out of the conversations in Washington. We believe Rep. Castro can protect our families and communities by promoting diplomacy and other nonviolent means ― rooted in cooperation ― to achieve U.S. foreign policy objectives,” the Friday statement from Castro’s backers reads.
Prominent signees to the letter, which was organized by the Center for International Policy, include Justice Democrats, the Sunrise Movement, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Peace Action.
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The Foreign Affairs Committee oversees the State Department and related agencies and helps shape the conversation about foreign policy in Washington ― particularly when the House of Representatives and the White House are controlled by the same party, as will be the case come January. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other top Democrats will deliberate and appoint the new chairperson during meetings the week of Nov. 30.
“As Black, indigenous, and other communities of color face increased militarism at home, and as U.S. militarism abroad has led to disastrous endless wars, we are impressed with Rep. Castro’s transparent and engaging campaign for [committee] chair that focuses on the root causes of militarism,” the signees wrote.
The organizations note that as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Castro assertively challenged President Donald Trump’s hard-line treatment of asylum-seekers and immigrants, traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border and repeatedly blasting the Department of Homeland Security.
The endorsement letter also highlights how anti-war activists and politicians have successfully pushed the broader Democratic Party towards a more dovish view of America’s role in the world through years of advocacy and high-profile wins.
Many of the positions the letter praises Castro for holding have gone from being perceived as politically risky to becoming mainstream among elected Democrats, like wanting to limit the president’s authority to wage war, supporting former President Barack Obama’s nuclear accord with Iran, seeking to cut the Pentagon budget, questioning surveillance by national security officials, seeking troop withdrawals from Afghanistan and Iraq and opposing Saudi Arabia’s U.S.-backed intervention in Yemen.
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That changing orthodoxy paradoxically makes it harder for Castro to win: Meeks and Sherman, his rivals, express many positions resembling his and have courted progressives in recent months. Though Castro has bolstered his profile in the press and during congressional hearings, Meeks remains the clear front-runner in the race, just as he was months ago, Capitol Hill sources say.
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) is the favorite to become House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman in the next Congress. Larry Downing / Reuters
Meeks is strongly supported by members of the Congressional Black Caucus ― who see the opportunity for the first-ever Black lawmaker in the committee chairmanship ― and is close to Pelosi’s leadership team. (Sherman’s chances are slim, largely due to his tensions with colleagues.) Meeks has emphasized his regard for often-overlooked regions of the world, like Latin America, and his support for diplomacy, including the fact that, unlike outgoing chairman Engel and Sherman, he voted for the Iran deal.
Meeks is not seen as hawkish, but as a longtime party stalwart is also unlikely to press President-elect Joe Biden the way activists hope Castro would if he were chairman.
Biden has focused on foreign policy for much of his long career. He generally questions grandiose international adventures while firmly believing the U.S. should be the dominant player on the world stage. Some progressives are nervous about the choices he might make in standing up to adversaries abroad, particularly China, and how far he will emphasize human rights over sustaining alliances with unsavory partners.
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Many on the left had hoped that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Biden’s chief Democratic primary opponent, would win the party nomination and the presidency and then use the job to establish a more modest U.S. posture internationally.
The letter on Friday notes two particular areas where Castro has indicated he would chart a particularly different course from his colleagues: sanctions and the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Sanctions are a favored policy tool among both parties and rarely questioned despite their often-deadly consequences, but are under new scrutiny by progressives. The U.S. relationship with Israel has bedeviled Democratic politics in recent years, as even cautious former officials urge a new approach while Republicans accuse liberals of anti-Semitism.
To many outside advocates, Castro represents the best possible chance for change and a check on establishment thinking.
“The next Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee must be somebody who is committed to progressive foreign policy principles,” Amira Hassan, political director at Justice Democrats, told HuffPost in an email. “Rep. Castro has shown a willingness to engage with progressive organizations and bring in diverse perspectives and voices to help chart a new path forward.”
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Yasmine Taeb, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, said Castro could pioneer “a fundamental shift.”
“Rep. Castro embodies a progressive vision for the U.S. in the world, one that prioritizes diplomacy and multilateralism over militarism,” Taeb wrote in an email. “After four years of destructive policies that have undermined America’s standing, Rep. Castro’s leadership will not just get us back on track but will lead us forward.”
Spokespeople for Meeks and Sherman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--French President Hails Chance To 'Make Our Planet Great Again' After Biden Win

His comments follow those of other leaders who have welcomed Biden ’ s victory as a boost to global cooperation on tackling climate change , after four years of climate policy inaction under President Donald Trump .
In contrast to Trump , who questioned climate science and withdrew the United States from the 2015 accord , Biden has pledged to rejoin the pact and to invest $ 2 trillion to wean the country off planet-warming fossil fuels .
Macron said having the United States rejoin the pact , after officially exiting on Nov. 4. , would vindicate faith in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and signed by nearly 200 countries .
“ It is proof that we had to stand firm against all the headwinds , ” Macron said on Thursday during an online summit hosted by the French government .
Biden has pledged to convene world leaders for climate talks within his first 100 days in office .
Already , climate change has been a featured topic in his first calls with U.S. allies and Pope Francis since being elected .
However , the Democrat may face constraints on his ability to pass ambitious climate policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Senate .
European Union climate chief Frans Timmermans told an online event on Monday that he hoped U.S. leadership on climate change would prompt China , the world ’ s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases , to strengthen its commitment to a low-carbon future .
Chinese President Xi Jinping in September pledged that his country would become carbon neutral by 2060 .
Beijing has made no official comment since the U.S. election .
Climate change was also on the agenda in calls Biden held Thursday with the leaders of Japan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summaries provided by Biden ’ s aides .
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he and Biden had “ agreed that Japan and the U.S. would work closely together to resolve pressing global issues such as the novel coronavirus and climate change.
” Japan and South Korea , big emitters of greenhouse gases from their coal-fired coal plants , both pledged in October to target net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris accord .
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison , who has faced fierce criticism from environmental campaigners on his climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about emission reduction technology , but did not discuss a net-zero target .
India , which has yet to commit to pursuing net-zero emissions , said it would welcome Washington ’ s rejoining the Paris deal , noting that the United States has historically contributed the most to emissions accumulated in the atmosphere .
In Brazil , which has been under international pressure to halt the burning of the Amazon , President Jair Bolsonaro this week criticized Biden ’ s call for the Latin American country to protect the rainforest with foreign help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ And how can we deal with all that ?
Just diplomacy is not enough , ” said Bolsonaro , who has portrayed himself as a close friend of Trump .
“ When saliva runs out , one has to have gunpowder , otherwise it doesn ’ t work .
”

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LONDON/BRUSSELS, Nov 12 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday welcomed the prospect of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden rejoining the Paris climate accord, saying countries now had a chance to “make our planet great again.”
His comments follow those of other leaders who have welcomed Biden’s victory as a boost to global cooperation on tackling climate change, after four years of climate policy inaction under President Donald Trump.
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In contrast to Trump, who questioned climate science and withdrew the United States from the 2015 accord, Biden has pledged to rejoin the pact and to invest $2 trillion to wean the country off planet-warming fossil fuels.
Macron said having the United States rejoin the pact, after officially exiting on Nov. 4., would vindicate faith in the agreement aimed at preventing catastrophic climate change and signed by nearly 200 countries.
“It is proof that we had to stand firm against all the headwinds,” Macron said on Thursday during an online summit hosted by the French government.
″‘Make our planet great again’ is a possibility, not just in words but also in deed,” Macron said.
“Make America Great Again” was a Trump election slogan. In 2017, Macron launched an initiative called “Make our planet great again” which offered U.S. climate scientists multi-year grants to relocate and conduct climate research in France.
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Biden has pledged to convene world leaders for climate talks within his first 100 days in office. Already, climate change has been a featured topic in his first calls with U.S. allies and Pope Francis since being elected.
However, the Democrat may face constraints on his ability to pass ambitious climate policies if the Republican Party remains in control of the Senate.
European leaders hope a Biden administration focus on climate change will encourage other countries to pledge deeper emissions cuts ahead of a U.N. climate conference in Glasgow in November 2021.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whose government is hosting the gathering, discussed climate change in a post-election call with Biden and invited him to attend.
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks on the telephone to US President-elect Joe Biden, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. (Ian Langsdon, Pool via AP) ASSOCIATED PRESS
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European Union climate chief Frans Timmermans told an online event on Monday that he hoped U.S. leadership on climate change would prompt China, the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, to strengthen its commitment to a low-carbon future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping in September pledged that his country would become carbon neutral by 2060. Beijing has made no official comment since the U.S. election.
Climate change was also on the agenda in calls Biden held Thursday with the leaders of Japan, South Korea and Australia, according to summaries provided by Biden’s aides.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he and Biden had “agreed that Japan and the U.S. would work closely together to resolve pressing global issues such as the novel coronavirus and climate change.”
Japan and South Korea, big emitters of greenhouse gases from their coal-fired coal plants, both pledged in October to target net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris accord.
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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has faced fierce criticism from environmental campaigners on his climate record, said he and Biden spoke about emission reduction technology, but did not discuss a net-zero target.
India, which has yet to commit to pursuing net-zero emissions, said it would welcome Washington’s rejoining the Paris deal, noting that the United States has historically contributed the most to emissions accumulated in the atmosphere.
“Therefore, they have a significant role to play in combating climate change,” Ravi S. Prasad, additional secretary at India’s environment ministry, told Reuters.
Not all national leaders were pleased with Biden’s climate focus, though.
In Brazil, which has been under international pressure to halt the burning of the Amazon, President Jair Bolsonaro this week criticized Biden’s call for the Latin American country to protect the rainforest with foreign help, or face unspecified “economic consequences.”
“And how can we deal with all that? Just diplomacy is not enough,” said Bolsonaro, who has portrayed himself as a close friend of Trump. “When saliva runs out, one has to have gunpowder, otherwise it doesn’t work.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--Eel Bursts Out Of Flying Heron's Stomach 'Alien'-Style

The late “ Alien ” actor John Hurt might have known how this bird feels .
In an amazing photo making the rounds , a snake eel blasts through the stomach of a heron flying over Delaware .
The heron had apparently swallowed the serpent whole .
Photographer Sam Davis told Live Science this week he thought at first that the eel had bitten the bird and clamped on , but after blowing up the photos , he saw an entirely different scenario .
“ I could see the eel .
You could see its eyes , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other end.
” Kinda like this guy popped out of Hurt ’ s character in the 1979 sci-fi classic “ Alien.
” Davis saw the heron at one point descend to the water with the eel still aboard .
“ The heron didn ’ t seem to act much differently , ” Davis told Live Science .
“ It was in the water and flying around.
” Davis took the photo in 2011 but recently shared it with a wildlife photo site , Live Science said .
Snake eels have been known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s stomach by using its its pointy tail tip to dig through , but they don ’ t make it past the rib cage , according to The Guardian .

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The late “Alien” actor John Hurt might have known how this bird feels.
In an amazing photo making the rounds, a snake eel blasts through the stomach of a heron flying over Delaware.
The heron had apparently swallowed the serpent whole.
Photographer Sam Davis told Live Science this week he thought at first that the eel had bitten the bird and clamped on, but after blowing up the photos, he saw an entirely different scenario.
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“I could see the eel. You could see its eyes,” he said. “It was actually coming out the other end.”
Kinda like this guy popped out of Hurt’s character in the 1979 sci-fi classic “Alien.”
Davis saw the heron at one point descend to the water with the eel still aboard. “The heron didn’t seem to act much differently,” Davis told Live Science. “It was in the water and flying around.”
Davis took the photo in 2011 but recently shared it with a wildlife photo site, Live Science said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--Stolen Bigfoot Statue Found Along Road In Santa Cruz County

SCOTTS VALLEY , Calif. ( AP ) — Police officers in the mountains north of Santa Cruz responded to a @ @ @ @ @ early Thursday and found Bigfoot .
“ He was a little banged up but will @ @ @ @ @ place at the Bigfoot Discovery Museum , ” the Scotts Valley Police Department said in @ @ @ @ @ Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’ s Office had urged people to keep their eyes peeled @ @ @ @ @ meters ) wooden statue after it was stolen from outside the tiny museum in nearby @ @ @ @

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thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--11 Amazing Photos You Missed This Week

11 Amazing Photos You Missed This Week

We ’ re highlighting exceptional photos from around the world for the week just ended .
Check them out below @ @ @ @ @ Biden and family watch fireworks from the stage Saturday after Biden ’ s address to @ @ @ @ @ Center in Wilmington , Delaware , hours after vote projections gave him enough states to @ @ @ @ @ to win the 2020 presidential election .

We’re highlighting exceptional photos from around the world for the week just ended. Check them out below.
Above: President-elect Joe Biden and family watch fireworks from the stage Saturday after Biden’s address to the nation from the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware, hours after vote projections gave him enough states to reach the electoral vote threshold to win the 2020 presidential election.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--Judge Denies Bond For Father, Son Charged In Ahmaud Arbery Murder

SAVANNAH , Ga. ( AP ) — A Georgia judge denied bond Friday for the father and son charged with murder in the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery , saying he ’ s concerned the white men took the law into their own hands and endangered neighbors when they pursued and shot the Black man on a residential street .
Travis McMichael and his father , Gregory McMichael , have been jailed since their arrests in May , more than two months after Arbery was slain .
The McMichaels armed themselves and chased 25-year-old Arbery in a truck after they spotted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys for the McMichaels argued that they were legally justified to go after Arbery because they suspected he was a burglar .
They also contended Travis McMichael was defending himself when he blasted Arbery three times with a shotgun .
Cellphone video of the shooting shows Arbery trying to run around the McMichaels ’ pickup truck .
Arbery comes face-to-face with Travis McMichael in front of the truck .
The video shows Arbery punching him and grappling for the gun in between gunshots .
Arbery finally staggers and falls after the third gunshot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say Arbery was no criminal but merely out jogging and the McMichaels acted as “ vigilantes ” motived by racist views .
They showed the judge photos of a home near the shooting scene that was damaged by gunfire .
“ You can interpret the video in a number of different ways , ” Walmsley said Friday from the courthouse in Brunswick as the hearing was streamed live online .
“ But the video tells me there ’ s a significant risk and danger to the community.
” The judge also agreed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ willing to place the law in his own hands ” by chasing Arbery without first calling 911 , but also seemed to try to influence investigators who arrived after the shooting .
Police body camera video played in court showed Gregory McMichael , 64 , telling police he ’ s a former law enforcement officer and “ I know what you guys do.
” He also tells them Arbery is suspected of break-ins during ” frequent trips to the neighborhood.
” “ Possibly it ’ s one of the reasons this case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is right now , ” Walmsley said , apparently referring to the two-month delay between the shooting and the McMichaels ’ arrests .
Questions about whether racism played a role in the killing sharpened during a June hearing when an investigator testified that a third defendant , a neighbor who joined the pursuit and took the cellphone video , told authorities he heard Travis McMichael , 34 , utter a racial slur after shooting Arbery .
In court Thursday , prosecutor Jesse Evans read a message Travis McMichael posted on Facebook that used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as a text message he sent last year to a friend that used a slur for Black people when referring to a “ crackhead ... with gold teeth.
” Defense attorneys for both McMichaels denied any racist motives in the shooting .
Laura Hogue , one of Gregory McMichael ’ s lawyers , accused prosecutors of playing up race to distract from evidence that the shooting was justified .
“ You would think that the race of Ahmaud Arbery is the only thing that makes the state of Georgia concerned about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hogue said .
She questioned whether the slaying would have gotten much attention “ if this was Arnold Arbery , a white man.
” Robert Rubin , one of Travis McMichael ’ s attorneys , argued that the McMichaels and other neighbors were on edge in February .
He noted a Black man , believed to be Arbery , had been caught on security video in recent months inside a nearby house under construction .
And Travis McMichael reported to police that someone stole a gun from his truck in January .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under construction has said nothing was stolen .
Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Richard Dial testified in June that he had seen no evidence Arbery committed crimes in the McMichaels ’ neighborhood .

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia judge denied bond Friday for the father and son charged with murder in the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery, saying he’s concerned the white men took the law into their own hands and endangered neighbors when they pursued and shot the Black man on a residential street.
Travis McMichael and his father, Gregory McMichael, have been jailed since their arrests in May, more than two months after Arbery was slain. The McMichaels armed themselves and chased 25-year-old Arbery in a truck after they spotted him running in their neighborhood.
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During two days of courtroom testimony and legal arguments, Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley heard conflicting accounts of the Feb. 23 shooting just outside the port city of Brunswick, about 70 miles south of Savannah.
Defense attorneys for the McMichaels argued that they were legally justified to go after Arbery because they suspected he was a burglar. They also contended Travis McMichael was defending himself when he blasted Arbery three times with a shotgun.
Cellphone video of the shooting shows Arbery trying to run around the McMichaels’ pickup truck. Arbery comes face-to-face with Travis McMichael in front of the truck. The video shows Arbery punching him and grappling for the gun in between gunshots. Arbery finally staggers and falls after the third gunshot hits him at point-blank range.
Prosecutors say Arbery was no criminal but merely out jogging and the McMichaels acted as “vigilantes” motived by racist views. They showed the judge photos of a home near the shooting scene that was damaged by gunfire.
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“You can interpret the video in a number of different ways,” Walmsley said Friday from the courthouse in Brunswick as the hearing was streamed live online. “But the video tells me there’s a significant risk and danger to the community.”
The judge also agreed with prosecutors that Gregory McMichael not only appeared “willing to place the law in his own hands” by chasing Arbery without first calling 911, but also seemed to try to influence investigators who arrived after the shooting.
Police body camera video played in court showed Gregory McMichael, 64, telling police he’s a former law enforcement officer and “I know what you guys do.” He also tells them Arbery is suspected of break-ins during ”frequent trips to the neighborhood.”
“Possibly it’s one of the reasons this case took so long to get where it is right now,” Walmsley said, apparently referring to the two-month delay between the shooting and the McMichaels’ arrests.
Questions about whether racism played a role in the killing sharpened during a June hearing when an investigator testified that a third defendant, a neighbor who joined the pursuit and took the cellphone video, told authorities he heard Travis McMichael, 34, utter a racial slur after shooting Arbery.
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In court Thursday, prosecutor Jesse Evans read a message Travis McMichael posted on Facebook that used an offensive term for Asians, as well as a text message he sent last year to a friend that used a slur for Black people when referring to a “crackhead ... with gold teeth.”
Defense attorneys for both McMichaels denied any racist motives in the shooting. Laura Hogue, one of Gregory McMichael’s lawyers, accused prosecutors of playing up race to distract from evidence that the shooting was justified.
“You would think that the race of Ahmaud Arbery is the only thing that makes the state of Georgia concerned about a serious event on Feb 23,” Hogue said. She questioned whether the slaying would have gotten much attention “if this was Arnold Arbery, a white man.”
Robert Rubin, one of Travis McMichael’s attorneys, argued that the McMichaels and other neighbors were on edge in February. He noted a Black man, believed to be Arbery, had been caught on security video in recent months inside a nearby house under construction. And Travis McMichael reported to police that someone stole a gun from his truck in January.
Travis McMichael never confronted people “unless he himself was put in danger,” Rubin said. “And that was one time, by one man named Ahmaud Arbery.”
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An attorney for the owner of the home under construction has said nothing was stolen. Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Richard Dial testified in June that he had seen no evidence Arbery committed crimes in the McMichaels’ neighborhood.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--Paul Hornung, NFL Hall Of Fame Running Back, Dies At 84

In July 2016 , Hornung sued equipment manufacturer Riddell Inc. , saying football helmets he wore during his professional career failed to protect him from brain injury .
Hornung suffered multiple concussions with the Packers and had been diagnosed with dementia , the lawsuit said .
Hornung and another of the league ’ s top stars , Detroit ’ s Alex Karras , were suspended for 1963 by Commissioner Pete Rozelle for betting on NFL games and associating with undesirable persons .
They returned to the NFL the next year .
Playing alongside numerous future Hall of Famers , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Packers coach Vince Lombardi , who thought of the young star as a son and singled him out for praise and chastisement .
Frequent fines for missing curfew were forgiven once the game started , especially when the dashing No .
5 got close to the end zone .
“ In the middle of the field he may be only slightly better than an average ballplayer , ” Lombardi once said , “ but inside the 20-yard line he is one of the greatest I have ever seen .
He smells that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team when Lombardi arrived in Green Bay in 1959 .
The Packers made Hornung the first pick of the 1957 draft after he won the Heisman Trophy for a Notre Dame team that went 2-8 .
Hornung teamed with bruising fullback Jim Taylor for one of the NFL ’ s greatest backfields .
They were known for the unstoppable power sweeps led by guards Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston .
But Hornung was also a force as a passer , blocker , receiver and kicker .
He finished his nine-year career with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field goals and 190 extra points .
For three straight seasons from 1959-61 , Hornung led the NFL in scoring .
In 1960 he totaled 176 points , which stood as a league record until LaDainian Tomlinson broke it 46 years later .
Hornung would later point out that his record came in 12 games , while Tomlinson needed 16 .
His talent was noticed even in the White House .
Hornung almost missed the Packers ’ 1961 title game when he was summoned to duty by the Army , but a call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to Hornung being granted leave .
Said Kennedy in arranging the leave , “ Paul Hornung isn ’ t going to win the war on Sunday , but the football fans of this country deserve the two best teams on the field that day.
” Hornung was on the first Super Bowl team for the 1967 game , but a pinched nerve sidelined him , and he chose not to enter the game when given the chance in the fourth quarter .
He was the only Packer who didn ’ t play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat the AFL ’ s Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 and were led by Hornung ’ s favorite drinking pal , wide receiver Max McGee .
“ Paul was a friend , and we are deeply saddened to learn of his passing , ” said National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning , like Hornung a College Football Hall of Fame member .
“ I always enjoyed being with him and hearing Lombardi and Packers stories , and he was important an important figure in college football , having left a lasting legacy at Notre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our thoughts and prayers are with you , your family , friends and those you touched during your days in South Bend , Green Bay and your beloved hometown of Louisville.
” After his suspension by Rozelle , Hornung believed Lombardi ’ s constant lobbying of the commissioner got him reinstated for the 1964 season .
In exchange for Lombardi ’ s efforts , Hornung agreed not to have anything to do with gambling , to stay out of Las Vegas , and even stop attending the Kentucky Derby — something he used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisville .
“ The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Paul Hornung , ” said David Baker , the president and CEO of the Hall in Canton , Ohio .
“ He was an outstanding player and an incredible man .
Known as ‘ The Golden Boy , ’ Paul was above all a leader to whom the Packers looked for the big plays in the big games — especially during the team ’ s dynasty years under coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s .

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Paul Hornung, the dazzling “Golden Boy” of the Green Bay Packers whose singular ability to generate points as a runner, receiver, quarterback and kicker helped turn the team into an NFL dynasty, died Friday. He was 84.
Hornung’s family confirmed his death to the Louisville Sports Commission and to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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In July 2016, Hornung sued equipment manufacturer Riddell Inc., saying football helmets he wore during his professional career failed to protect him from brain injury. Hornung suffered multiple concussions with the Packers and had been diagnosed with dementia, the lawsuit said.
Hornung won the 1956 Heisman Trophy at Notre Dame. He was the NFL MVP in 1961 and played on four championship teams (1961, ’62, ’65 and ’66).
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
Hornung and another of the league’s top stars, Detroit’s Alex Karras, were suspended for 1963 by Commissioner Pete Rozelle for betting on NFL games and associating with undesirable persons. They returned to the NFL the next year.
Hornung won the Heisman as a quarterback. But he switched to halfback in the pros and was one of the NFL’s most dynamic players in Green Bay.
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Playing alongside numerous future Hall of Famers, the blond, fun-loving Hornung was a favorite of Packers coach Vince Lombardi, who thought of the young star as a son and singled him out for praise and chastisement. Frequent fines for missing curfew were forgiven once the game started, especially when the dashing No. 5 got close to the end zone.
“In the middle of the field he may be only slightly better than an average ballplayer,” Lombardi once said, “but inside the 20-yard line he is one of the greatest I have ever seen. He smells that goal line.”
Hornung already was on the team when Lombardi arrived in Green Bay in 1959. The Packers made Hornung the first pick of the 1957 draft after he won the Heisman Trophy for a Notre Dame team that went 2-8.
Hornung teamed with bruising fullback Jim Taylor for one of the NFL’s greatest backfields. They were known for the unstoppable power sweeps led by guards Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston. But Hornung was also a force as a passer, blocker, receiver and kicker. He finished his nine-year career with 760 points on 62 touchdowns, 66 field goals and 190 extra points.
For three straight seasons from 1959-61, Hornung led the NFL in scoring. In 1960 he totaled 176 points, which stood as a league record until LaDainian Tomlinson broke it 46 years later. Hornung would later point out that his record came in 12 games, while Tomlinson needed 16.
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Hornung also passed for two touchdowns in 1960, meaning he had a hand in 188 points, an average of 15.6 per game.
His talent was noticed even in the White House. Hornung almost missed the Packers’ 1961 title game when he was summoned to duty by the Army, but a call from Lombardi to President John F. Kennedy led to Hornung being granted leave.
Said Kennedy in arranging the leave, “Paul Hornung isn’t going to win the war on Sunday, but the football fans of this country deserve the two best teams on the field that day.”
Hornung scored 19 points — then a title game record — on one touchdown rushing, three field goals and four PATs in the Packers’ 37-0 win over the New York Giants.
In 1965, Hornung scored five touchdowns against the Baltimore Colts in a 42-27 victory.
Hornung was on the first Super Bowl team for the 1967 game, but a pinched nerve sidelined him, and he chose not to enter the game when given the chance in the fourth quarter. He was the only Packer who didn’t play in that Super Bowl as Green Bay beat the AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 and were led by Hornung’s favorite drinking pal, wide receiver Max McGee.
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Hornung was selected by New Orleans in the 1967 expansion draft, a heartbreaking moment for Lombardi. But Hornung never played a game for the Saints, instead retiring.
“Paul was a friend, and we are deeply saddened to learn of his passing,” said National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning, like Hornung a College Football Hall of Fame member. “I always enjoyed being with him and hearing Lombardi and Packers stories, and he was important an important figure in college football, having left a lasting legacy at Notre Dame. RIP No. 5. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, friends and those you touched during your days in South Bend, Green Bay and your beloved hometown of Louisville.”
After his suspension by Rozelle, Hornung believed Lombardi’s constant lobbying of the commissioner got him reinstated for the 1964 season. In exchange for Lombardi’s efforts, Hornung agreed not to have anything to do with gambling, to stay out of Las Vegas, and even stop attending the Kentucky Derby — something he used to do annually in his hometown of Louisville.
“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Paul Hornung,” said David Baker, the president and CEO of the Hall in Canton, Ohio. “He was an outstanding player and an incredible man. Known as ‘The Golden Boy,’ Paul was above all a leader to whom the Packers looked for the big plays in the big games — especially during the team’s dynasty years under coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s.
“We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Paul’s memory,” he said.
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Several Hall of Famers from Green Bay’s glory days have died this year. Along with Hornung, defensive greats Willie Wood, Herb Adderley and Willie Davis also died. Bart Starr, the quarterback for those title teams, passed away in May 2019.
“Obviously the Packers have lost another legend,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “That’s four for the year with him, Adderley, Willie Wood and Willie Davis. Anytime you lose legends like that, it’s always a sad day. They’re a big reason why the Green Bay Packers are the Green Bay Packers.”
Hornung is survived by his wife of 41 years, Angela. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a private funeral mass at St. Louis Bertrand Church in Louisville followed by a private burial. A public celebration of his life will be held at a later date, the Packers said.
___


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--Melissa McCarthy Apologizes After Backing Charity With Anti-Abortion, Anti-LGBTQ Ties

On Tuesday , it was announced that the “ Bridesmaids ” actor had teamed up with HBO Max for a new holiday-themed humanitarian effort .
As part of the “ 20 Days of Kindness ” campaign , HBO Max will donate $ 20,000 to a different cause daily for the next 20 days and encourage its viewers to do the same .
The list of charities , however , included Exodus Cry , a conservative evangelical group dedicated to “ abolishing sex trafficking and breaking the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation while assisting and empowering its victims , ” according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s founder and CEO is Benjamin Nolot , who , according to The Daily Beast , once deemed abortion a “ holocaust ” and referred to same-sex marriage as “ an unspeakable offense to God.
” By Thursday , McCarthy announced that she and HBO Max were removing Exodus Cry from their campaign .
“ It has come to our attention that our 20 Days of Kindness , which is a kindness hub that we started to shine a light on 20 great charities , had one in there that … there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we blew it , ” she said in a short video posted to Instagram .
“ We made a mistake and we backed a charity that , upon proper vetting , stands for everything that we do not.
” She went on to thank her fans for “ helping us be better , ” adding , “ We ’ re sorry for our mistake ― oh boy , are we sorry for it.
” HBO Max shared those sentiments , noting in a statement , “ We were made aware of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them from the list of partners associated with the 20 Days of Kindness campaign.
” HuffPost has reached out to Exodus Cry for comment .
Earlier this year , Nolot told Vice that his views on marriage equality had “ evolved , ” adding , “ I advocate for the right of all people to be free from all forms of oppression and that without question includes the LGBTQ+ community.
” The 20 Days of Kindness effort is timed to coincide with McCarthy ’ s new movie , “ Superintelligence , ” which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The film is directed by the actor ’ s husband , Ben Falcone , and also stars James Corden and Bobby Cannavale .

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Melissa McCarthy is doing damage control after accidentally supporting a Christian organization whose founder has publicly opposed abortion and LGBTQ rights.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the “Bridesmaids” actor had teamed up with HBO Max for a new holiday-themed humanitarian effort. As part of the “20 Days of Kindness” campaign, HBO Max will donate $20,000 to a different cause daily for the next 20 days and encourage its viewers to contribute, too.
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The list of charities, however, included Exodus Cry, a conservative evangelical group dedicated to “abolishing sex trafficking and breaking the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation while assisting and empowering its victims,” according to its website. The group’s founder and CEO is Benjamin Nolot, who, according to The Daily Beast, once deemed abortion a “holocaust” and referred to same-sex marriage as “an unspeakable offense to God.”
By Thursday, McCarthy announced that she and HBO Max were removing Exodus Cry from their campaign.
“It has come to our attention that our 20 Days of Kindness, which is a kindness hub that we started to shine a light on 20 great charities, had one in there that … there’s no other way to say it, we blew it,” she said in a short video posted to Instagram. “We made a mistake and we backed a charity that, upon proper vetting, stands for everything that we do not.”
She went on to thank her fans for “helping us be better,” adding, “We’re sorry for our mistake ― oh boy, are we sorry for it.”
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HBO Max shared those sentiments, noting in a statement, “We were made aware of the issues surrounding Exodus Cry and have removed them from the list of partners associated with the 20 Days of Kindness campaign.”
HuffPost has reached out to Exodus Cry for comment. Earlier this year, Nolot told Vice that his views on marriage equality had “evolved,” adding, “I advocate for the right of all people to be free from all forms of oppression and that without question includes the LGBTQ+ community.”
The 20 Days of Kindness effort is timed to coincide with McCarthy’s new movie, “Superintelligence,” which debuts Nov. 26 on HBO Max. The film is directed by the actor’s husband, Ben Falcone, and also stars James Corden and Bobby Cannavale.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--Japanese Mask Maker Dumps Trump, Embraces Biden

TOKYO , Nov 12 ( Reuters ) - For a mask producer in Japan , the transition from President Donald Trump to Joe Biden has been a smooth one , as it switches production to masks of the Democrat president-elect .
Ogawa Studios , a small producer in Saitama , north of Tokyo , starting making rubber Biden masks earlier this year but since his election win last week , it has ramped up production .
In October alone , 1,000 Biden masks were sold for 2,400 yen ( $ 22.81 ) each , and the company has set a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s end .
Meanwhile , the Trump masks , which cost the same , have been relegated to the bottom of the company ’ s product line .
Ogawa Studio manager Koki Takahashi said it was much easier to produce a caricature of Trump , whose mask appears to be shouting , than it was for Biden .
Biden ’ s caricature is much more low-key , with a gentle smile .
“ We didn ’ t have any background information on Biden so it was hard to grasp his character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we especially paid close attention to the corner of his eyes and his mouth to make it.
” The real-life Biden continues to lay the groundwork for his administration , against the backdrop of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases across the United States , while Trump refuses to accept the election ’ s outcome .

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TOKYO, Nov 12 (Reuters) - For a mask producer in Japan, the transition from President Donald Trump to Joe Biden has been a smooth one, as it switches production to masks of the Democrat president-elect.
Ogawa Studios, a small producer in Saitama, north of Tokyo, starting making rubber Biden masks earlier this year but since his election win last week, it has ramped up production.
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In October alone, 1,000 Biden masks were sold for 2,400 yen ($22.81) each, and the company has set a goal of producing a further 25,000 by year’s end.
Meanwhile, the Trump masks, which cost the same, have been relegated to the bottom of the company’s product line.
Ogawa Studio manager Koki Takahashi said it was much easier to produce a caricature of Trump, whose mask appears to be shouting, than it was for Biden.
Biden’s caricature is much more low-key, with a gentle smile.
“We didn’t have any background information on Biden so it was hard to grasp his character,” said Takahashi.
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“But we especially paid close attention to the corner of his eyes and his mouth to make it.”
The real-life Biden continues to lay the groundwork for his administration, against the backdrop of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases across the United States, while Trump refuses to accept the election’s outcome.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--I Drove Through Canada With U.S. Licence Plates. It Didn't Go Well.

My husband , children and I were in the midst of a socially distanced reunion with my father outside the AirBnB we were quarantined in , blocks away from where I was born in North Toronto .
We had travelled from Montclair , N.J. to visit my family , who we hadn ’ t seen since the beginning of the pandemic .
Under the Quarantine Act , my children and I were allowed to enter Canada under the right of re-entry for all Canadian citizens .
My American husband , as an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Act .
We were prohibited from leaving the AirBnB property during our 14-day quarantine .
The decision to journey to Canada was not entered into lightly .
We were not looking for an end-of-summer vacation spot .
I had recently finished treatment for breast cancer , and my brother and sister-in-law had lost a baby .
Our family had been through a lot in the past year ( even pre-pandemic ) .
I needed to see them again .
We drove for 10 hours , winding through picturesque Upstate New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows , we saw how the nation had responded to the pandemic : Joe Biden campaign signs littering the side of a highway , maskless folks in coffee shops , take-out eateries that had seen better economic times .
The lines at the U.S.-Canada border were much shorter than I remembered .
Most of the traffic appeared to be semi-trucks exporting goods .
The Canadian border patrol officer was friendly , but clearly took his responsibilities seriously .
He asked about our plans for quarantine , the purpose of our trip and whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swore an oath that we ’ d self-isolate .
I had previously dismissed accounts of increased hostility between Canadians and American visitors .
This summer , out-of-towners in Muskoka Lakes , Ont.
, had been targeted , confronted and had their cars keyed .
Mayor Phil Harding had to remind Ontario cottagers that “ just because somebody is driving a U.S. vehicle doesn ’ t make them a bad person or carrier of the virus.
” But after the “ incident ” in our driveway , I spent the rest of my quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at every passing car that appeared to slow down in front of my house , trying to determine if they were examining my plates .
I feared being reported to Public Health if one of my toddlers dared take a step off the property .
She described how another friend , a Canadian expat , had recently visited from the U.S. She defied the 14-day self-isolation order and stayed at her mom ’ s , although the Quarantine Act prohibits contact with people over 65 during the isolation period .
My friend viewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ dangerous arrogance and defiance during this pandemic .
There ’ s the Alaskan who vacationed in Banff , Alta.
, with a woman he had met online , the Kentucky man who was arrested sightseeing in Alberta , and the American family that told border officers they were going to Alaska ( when they were really visiting Vancouver ) .
U.S. infection and death rates are soaring ; there is minimal regulation , and even less enforcement ; and too many doubt the pandemic ’ s very existence .
In short , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend for her view of American visitors as potentially harmful to Canadians .
When I moved to New York in 2009 , Barack Obama had just been elected president .
Like many Canadians I know , I thought that America was headed in the right direction .
The country was the cool next-door neighbour , the exciting international mover and shaker to Canada ’ s shrinking violet .
When The Donald was elected , I watched New Yorkers literally sob in the streets for the country they loved .
People went from joking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a green card to kidding that perhaps the reverse was true .
Trump ’ s inauguration coincided with our wedding weekend .
By the time we returned from our honeymoon , I feared that I would not be able to re-enter the country due to Trump ’ s immigration ban : his first act as president , and a sign of things to come .
America ’ s image is now at an all-time low among Canadians and the rest of the world .
It is a crisp , late September day in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our quarantine period was over .
As I push my children on the swings in the park behind the Art Gallery of Ontario , a mother appears to shoo her child away from us when I mention living in New Jersey .
But maybe I ’ m just being paranoid .
When it ’ s time to leave , we retrieve the car from my mom ’ s garage where we had hidden it from streetside scrutiny .
I feel sad and a little scared .
It is frightening to leave your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when or how you will see them again , and not least to say goodbye to Canada ’ s relative stability .

A man walking his dog eyed the U.S. plates on our car. “You people shouldn’t be here,” he sneered.
My husband, children and I were in the midst of a socially distanced reunion with my father outside the AirBnB we were quarantined in, blocks away from where I was born in North Toronto. We had travelled from Montclair, N.J. to visit my family, who we hadn’t seen since the beginning of the pandemic.
Wait … I’m one of you, I thought. I may live in America, but I am Canadian. If I don’t belong here, then I don’t belong anywhere.
The writer, right, and her husband. Jenny Leon
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Under the Quarantine Act, my children and I were allowed to enter Canada under the right of re-entry for all Canadian citizens. My American husband, as an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen, was also permitted entry under an exemption to the Act. We were prohibited from leaving the AirBnB property during our 14-day quarantine.
Before the passerby’s comment, I imagined that my temporary Canadian neighbours would instantly recognize me as one of their own. But instead I felt hurt and unfairly shamed.
The festive mood of the reunion was soured. My dad sped away, leaving me to wonder if I should have told the man he had the wrong person.
The border crossing between Buffalo, N.Y. and Fort Erie, Ont. Jenny Leon
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The decision to journey to Canada was not entered into lightly. We were not looking for an end-of-summer vacation spot. I had recently finished treatment for breast cancer, and my brother and sister-in-law had lost a baby. Our family had been through a lot in the past year (even pre-pandemic). I needed to see them again.
In the weeks leading up to our trip, we doubled down on precautions even though I tested positive for antibodies against COVID-19. We avoided grocery stores, play dates, unnecessary doctor’s appointments and other risks.
We drove for 10 hours, winding through picturesque Upstate New York until we hit Buffalo. Through our windows, we saw how the nation had responded to the pandemic: Joe Biden campaign signs littering the side of a highway, maskless folks in coffee shops, take-out eateries that had seen better economic times.
The lines at the U.S.-Canada border were much shorter than I remembered. Most of the traffic appeared to be semi-trucks exporting goods. The Canadian border patrol officer was friendly, but clearly took his responsibilities seriously. He asked about our plans for quarantine, the purpose of our trip and whether we were experiencing any symptoms. We swore an oath that we’d self-isolate.
Finally, the officer signalled that we were free to enter. We sped off before he changed his mind.
The drive took 10 hours. Jenny Leon
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I had previously dismissed accounts of increased hostility between Canadians and American visitors. This summer, out-of-towners in Muskoka Lakes, Ont., had been targeted, confronted and had their cars keyed. Mayor Phil Harding had to remind Ontario cottagers that “just because somebody is driving a U.S. vehicle doesn’t make them a bad person or carrier of the virus.”
But after the “incident” in our driveway, I spent the rest of my quarantine overwhelmed with paranoia. I anxiously peered at every passing car that appeared to slow down in front of my house, trying to determine if they were examining my plates. I feared being reported to Public Health if one of my toddlers dared take a step off the property.
When I recounted my experience to Canadian friends, I expected sympathy. Instead, they stared awkwardly at their feet. Finally, one friend broke the silence. “You understand why there is so much hatred against Americans right now, don’t you?”
She described how another friend, a Canadian expat, had recently visited from the U.S. She defied the 14-day self-isolation order and stayed at her mom’s, although the Quarantine Act prohibits contact with people over 65 during the isolation period.
“I can’t really blame my friend for her view of American visitors as potentially harmful to Canadians.”
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My friend viewed this as yet another example of Americans’ dangerous arrogance and defiance during this pandemic. There’s the Alaskan who vacationed in Banff, Alta., with a woman he had met online, the Kentucky man who was arrested sightseeing in Alberta, and the American family that told border officers they were going to Alaska (when they were really visiting Vancouver).
U.S. infection and death rates are soaring; there is minimal regulation, and even less enforcement; and too many doubt the pandemic’s very existence. In short, I can’t really blame my friend for her view of American visitors as potentially harmful to Canadians.
The writer's family was obligated to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Canada from the U.S. Jenny Leon
I didn’t always think of Americans this way.
When I moved to New York in 2009, Barack Obama had just been elected president. Like many Canadians I know, I thought that America was headed in the right direction. The country was the cool next-door neighbour, the exciting international mover and shaker to Canada’s shrinking violet.
When The Donald was elected, I watched New Yorkers literally sob in the streets for the country they loved. People went from joking that I was marrying my husband for a green card to kidding that perhaps the reverse was true.
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Trump’s inauguration coincided with our wedding weekend. By the time we returned from our honeymoon, I feared that I would not be able to re-enter the country due to Trump’s immigration ban: his first act as president, and a sign of things to come. America’s image is now at an all-time low among Canadians and the rest of the world.
“He is not my president,” I find myself reminding my husband. “He’s your president.”
It is a crisp, late September day in Toronto that reminds me of my childhood. Our quarantine period was over. As I push my children on the swings in the park behind the Art Gallery of Ontario, a mother appears to shoo her child away from us when I mention living in New Jersey. But maybe I’m just being paranoid.
When it’s time to leave, we retrieve the car from my mom’s garage where we had hidden it from streetside scrutiny. I feel sad and a little scared. It is frightening to leave your family when you don’t know when or how you will see them again, and not least to say goodbye to Canada’s relative stability.
After hours of backcountry roads, we arrive at the Peace Bridge. The U.S. border officer asks us if we have anything to declare. He doesn’t ask if we’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
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Upon my return to New Jersey, I realized that I had always assumed Canada would be my safe haven. I thought I had an escape plan if things went further awry in the States. But perhaps Americans have gone too far this time, and even Canada the Good has had enough.
Have a personal story you’d like to share on HuffPost Canada? You can find more information here on how to pitch and contact us.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--Canadians Trust Neighbours To Follow COVID-19 Rules. Americans, Not So Much.

Lars Hagberg/The Canadian Press Canadians are confident their community is following pandemic rules — such as wearing masks — to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , according to a new poll .
Canadians are more confident and less stressed out than Americans when it comes to stopping the spread of COVID-19 , according to a new poll .
Half of Canadians said in an Angus Reid survey released Monday that they are confident their country will reverse its second wave of infections , compared to 42 per cent of Americans .
“ Canadians are more bullish about the efforts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , ” Angus Reid ’ s report said .
Seven in 10 Canadian told the pollster they think people in their community are doing a good job with precautions .
Less than half of American respondents said the same .
Canadians also tend to be more cautious than Americans when it comes to social distancing , although both are trying to reduce their exposure to COVID-19 .
Americans are slightly more likely to feel comfortable going to live sporting events , airports and restaurants , but are less likely to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of Americans think the health risks of the coronavirus have been “ overblown , ” compared to 26 per cent of Canadians .
When it comes to pandemic-related stress , Americans are nearly twice as likely to be more worried than Canadians , the poll found .
Forty per cent of Americans are either very or extremely stressed versus 22 per cent of Canadians .
It ’ s unsurprising that Canadians would feel less stressed about the pandemic , Angus Reid said .
Last week , Canada reached the grim milestone of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported 230,000 deaths .
“ This , as President Donald Trump insists the country is ‘ rounding the corner ’ and continues to flout restrictions at large political rallies ahead of Election Day this Tuesday , ” said Angus Reid ’ s report .
While both countries deal with “ staggering ” unemployment levels , more respondents in the U.S. are “ extremely concerned ” about their personal finances than in Canada — 28 per cent compared to 12 per cent , the poll found .
This finding could be because Canadians who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic are still able to receive financial support through Employment Insurance .
Americans have been left in the lurch as additional financial aid has been tied up in political negotiations for months .
However , people in both countries who make less than $ 50,000 a year are in a tough position , according to Angus Reid .
Fifty-three per cent of low-income American households and 38 per cent of Canadian households are extremely stressed .
Across the board , 55 per cent of both Americans and Canadians find taking precautions , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be tiring and neither country wants another lockdown .
Political affiliation matters when it comes to pandemic fatigue .
Seventy-one per cent of Americans affiliated with Republicans and 64 per cent of Canadians affiliated with the Conservative Party told Angus Reid the precautions were tiring , compared to 43 per cent of Americans and Canadians affiliated with the Democrats or Liberal Party .

Canadians are confident their community is following pandemic rules — such as wearing masks — to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to a new poll. Lars Hagberg/The Canadian Press
Canadians are more confident and less stressed out than Americans when it comes to stopping the spread of COVID-19, according to a new poll.
Half of Canadians said in an Angus Reid survey released Monday that they are confident their country will reverse its second wave of infections, compared to 42 per cent of Americans.
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“Canadians are more bullish about the efforts of their neighbours to curb the spread of COVID-19,” Angus Reid’s report said.
Seven in 10 Canadian told the pollster they think people in their community are doing a good job with precautions. Less than half of American respondents said the same.
Watch: Canada vs. American’s COVID-19 response summed up in one photo. Story continues below.
Canadians also tend to be more cautious than Americans when it comes to social distancing, although both are trying to reduce their exposure to COVID-19. Americans are slightly more likely to feel comfortable going to live sporting events, airports and restaurants, but are less likely to go to malls.
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The poll found 42 per cent of Americans think the health risks of the coronavirus have been “overblown,” compared to 26 per cent of Canadians.
Angus Reid surveyed 1,505 Canadians and 2,679 Americans between Oct. 20 and 22.
Canadians are less stressed
When it comes to pandemic-related stress, Americans are nearly twice as likely to be more worried than Canadians, the poll found. Forty per cent of Americans are either very or extremely stressed versus 22 per cent of Canadians.
It’s unsurprising that Canadians would feel less stressed about the pandemic, Angus Reid said. Last week, Canada reached the grim milestone of 10,000 coronavirus-related deaths, but the U.S. reported 230,000 deaths.
“This, as President Donald Trump insists the country is ‘rounding the corner’ and continues to flout restrictions at large political rallies ahead of Election Day this Tuesday,” said Angus Reid’s report.
While both countries deal with “staggering” unemployment levels, more respondents in the U.S. are “extremely concerned” about their personal finances than in Canada — 28 per cent compared to 12 per cent, the poll found.
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This finding could be because Canadians who are unable to work because of the pandemic are still able to receive financial support through Employment Insurance. Americans have been left in the lurch as additional financial aid has been tied up in political negotiations for months.
However, people in both countries who make less than $50,000 a year are in a tough position, according to Angus Reid. Fifty-three per cent of low-income American households and 38 per cent of Canadian households are extremely stressed.
Pandemic fatigue
Republicans and Conservatives more likely to say they're fatigued by social distancing precautions, far more likely to say threat of COVID-19 overblown:https://t.co/iVh4BCnHOJ pic.twitter.com/s2KiUFOF1F — Angus Reid Institute (@angusreidorg) November 2, 2020
Across the board, 55 per cent of both Americans and Canadians find taking precautions, such as social distancing and wearing masks, to be tiring and neither country wants another lockdown.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-14--Because Of The Pandemic, People Are Battling A Disorder They've Never Faced Before

Antonio Masiello via Getty Images `` If you are a front-line worker right now ...
I ’ m here to remind you that you did not sign up for this , just as our clients and patients did not sign up to have COVID-19 , cancer , schizophrenia , addiction , or any of the other tragedies that befall us humans , '' writes the author , a social worker .
Maybe you ’ re wading through the muck right now ― that feeling of “ I can ’ t take off , I can ’ t rest.
” That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the night ( or the day , if you work nights ) sweating and shaking because you can ’ t remember if you did that one thing right , and if you didn ’ t do it right , it will have consequences , and they ’ re consequences that feel like life or death , that are life or death , and if it goes wrong , you ’ ll have to live with it .
Somehow .
But I have , in the past , experienced work-related PTSD that completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and watching the events of the past several months unfold has made my heart twinge .
Not just at the raw horror of what is happening every day — when I wrote the first draft of this essay a few months ago , we were at 20,000 deaths , and every time I edit it , I change the number , and now we ’ ve just passed 240,000 .
Now 20,000 seems almost small , but when I first wrote this , it was horrifying .
People were crying daily and cheering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ surely it can ’ t get much worse , ” and now we are at the point where people are assaulting minimum-wage workers for daring to ask them to wear a mask .
People are protesting at the state Capitol every week in the state where I live , demanding their right to not only get sick but to infect everyone around them ; armed right-wing militias threaten those who are outraged that a wall gets more justice than Breonna Taylor ― a slain EMT who was working double shifts during COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , it all feels achingly similiar to my past bouts of PTSD .
I worked until I couldn ’ t .
I worked until I broke .
This bad thing happened , and everyone else took off , everyone else went home , and someone had to be there , so I stayed .
This other bad thing happened , and I feared what would happen to the clients if I left , so I stayed .
I felt like everything would fall apart if I didn ’ t stay , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again after 10 years ’ abstinence .
I physically could not feel joy anymore .
Everywhere I looked , I saw potential traps , dangers , tidepools full of human misery .
I remember first learning about complex PTSD , or C-PTSD , as opposed to regular PTSD : The difference is there is no “ post.
” With C-PTSD you ’ re having a traumatic stress reaction , but the trauma is still happening .
It continues to happen .
It ’ s not related to or caused by an isolated incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It just keeps going and going .
It ’ s in your family , your neighborhood , or your job .
It hasn ’ t ended and there is no guarantee that it ever will .
There ’ s that feeling : “ Maybe if I don ’ t eat , don ’ t take bathroom breaks , work doubles , I can save them.
” A lot of people get stuck here .
You can do your job perfectly , or as close to perfectly as possible , with no one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you.
” You can hold that stranger ’ s hand , sing to them , FaceTime their relatives so they can watch their loved one gasp for breath in restraints so they don ’ t rip their breathing tube from their throat — and it doesn ’ t matter at all , because they still die .
There is no controlling this .
It ’ s too big and too unfamiliar .
It ’ s too much .
To sit with someone at the moment of their death , or at one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold that pain , and not to look away — is a sacred act .
It is a gift — one with pointy edges , a gift that can , at any second , shred your hands , puncture a vein , open an artery .
It is one of those tiger cubs that so enthralled most of America a few eternal months ago , the day after it stopped being cute and started to become a liability ; the day its teeth grew sharp enough to remove a finger .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; one that might begin to feel like a burden if you have to hold on to it long enough .
One tenet of my therapy practice now is that I absolutely refuse to let my clients trauma-shame themselves .
The second that someone starts talking about their trauma and they veer into the “ Well , it ’ s not as bad as what happens to refugees or trafficked children or homeless people or ... ” I interrupt them and say that it does not matter that they have the highest amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It matters that their trauma is causing them significant pain that they are struggling with .
To paraphrase something I read on Twitter once : Someone who drowns in two feet of water is just as dead as someone who drowns in 20 feet of water .
I say that to somehow negate myself ― I know that the amount of suffering I witness at work is absolutely nothing compared to what health care workers in COVID-19 hotspots are witnessing right now .
I also know how profoundly I suffered in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own work-related trauma , which occurred in the faraway galaxies of 2014 and 2016 ; how much hard work I needed to do to become even remotely OK again , how I am still not OK , how I will probably never go back to how I was before ( I was no stranger to trauma and brutal realities even then , but this particular one broke me ) .
The idea of that multiplied by 100 , by 1000 , by 240,000 terrifies me , even though trauma is not quantitative like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a front-line worker right now — if you are half-scanning this after you ’ ve been awake for far too long , if you are finally in bed after a day that can not even be put into words , a day that bled into a night that bled into another one in an endless stream of days , if you are looking at the internet to distract you before your sleeping pill kicks in — I ’ m here to remind you that you did not sign up for this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete mess that is health care , housing and social services , just as our clients and patients did not sign up to have COVID-19 , cancer , schizophrenia , addiction , or any of the other tragedies that befall us humans .
None of us signed up for the impossible choices we have to make each day .
None of the nurses , doctors , cleaning crew , social workers , chaplains , EMTs , grocery store clerks , or security guards gazed into their crystal balls or communicated with their spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an unusually shaped cloud formation or got a text message from their psychic medium to predict this complete and utter disaster .
Nobody signed up for the piles of bodies , the bodies in refrigerated trucks , the bodies in mass graves , the bodies that were once a human being that someone was once in charge of keeping alive .
I am hoping that you live through this and , when it is over ( whatever “ over ” may look like ) , you can integrate the memories into your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into our Earth , who is strong enough to hold it , and that you may once again know something like peace .
I hope you are able to engage in some somatic exercises like humming , drumming , dancing or breathwork to let that stagnant pain out of your body , to remind you of safety .
I hope , for you , safety is not an illusion .
I hope you are able to fall into a restful and easy sleep and rise from bed to do the work you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of helping people walk through the world with less pain .
Ocean Capewell currently lives in Sacramento , California , where she works in community mental health .
She is the author of the queer punkhouse novel “ The Most Beautiful Rot ” and the zines “ High On Burning Photographs ” and “ It ’ s Not The End Of the World !
: Building A Life With Limp Wrists.
” Her writing has previously appeared in MRR and Autostraddle .
She holds a B.A .
in creative writing from SUNY Purchase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University .
She is currently working on her second novel .
For more from here , head to www.oshycapey.com.

"If you are a front-line worker right now ... I’m here to remind you that you did not sign up for this, just as our clients and patients did not sign up to have COVID-19, cancer, schizophrenia, addiction, or any of the other tragedies that befall us humans," writes the author, a social worker. Antonio Masiello via Getty Images
We health care workers were stretched to our very limits even in the best of times, and then COVID-19 happened. Now there are hundreds of thousands of people doing what needs to be done because if they don’t, nobody will do it; because if they don’t, people will die.
Maybe you’re wading through the muck right now ― that feeling of “I can’t take off, I can’t rest.” That feeling of waking up in the middle of the night (or the day, if you work nights) sweating and shaking because you can’t remember if you did that one thing right, and if you didn’t do it right, it will have consequences, and they’re consequences that feel like life or death, that are life or death, and if it goes wrong, you’ll have to live with it. Somehow.
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Full disclosure: I am a social worker, not a nurse or a doctor or a respiratory therapist. While the work I do has been affected by COVID-19, I do not work in an emergency room or an ICU. I have never held anyone’s hand as they died.
But I have, in the past, experienced work-related PTSD that completely changed the course of my life, and watching the events of the past several months unfold has made my heart twinge. Not just at the raw horror of what is happening every day — when I wrote the first draft of this essay a few months ago, we were at 20,000 deaths, and every time I edit it, I change the number, and now we’ve just passed 240,000.
Now 20,000 seems almost small, but when I first wrote this, it was horrifying. People were crying daily and cheering for health care workers and thinking, “surely it can’t get much worse,” and now we are at the point where people are assaulting minimum-wage workers for daring to ask them to wear a mask. People are protesting at the state Capitol every week in the state where I live, demanding their right to not only get sick but to infect everyone around them; armed right-wing militias threaten those who are outraged that a wall gets more justice than Breonna Taylor ― a slain EMT who was working double shifts during COVID-19.
Even though these are deeply unfamiliar times, it all feels achingly similiar to my past bouts of PTSD. I worked until I couldn’t. I worked until I broke. This bad thing happened, and everyone else took off, everyone else went home, and someone had to be there, so I stayed. This other bad thing happened, and I feared what would happen to the clients if I left, so I stayed. I felt like everything would fall apart if I didn’t stay, so I stayed. I started smoking cigarettes again after 10 years’ abstinence. I physically could not feel joy anymore. Everywhere I looked, I saw potential traps, dangers, tidepools full of human misery.
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“With C-PTSD you’re having a traumatic stress reaction, but the trauma is still happening. It continues to happen. It’s not related to or caused by an isolated incident like a car accident or an assault. It just keeps going and going.”
I remember first learning about complex PTSD, or C-PTSD, as opposed to regular PTSD: The difference is there is no “post.” With C-PTSD you’re having a traumatic stress reaction, but the trauma is still happening. It continues to happen. It’s not related to or caused by an isolated incident like a car accident or an assault. It just keeps going and going. It’s in your family, your neighborhood, or your job. It hasn’t ended and there is no guarantee that it ever will.
There’s that feeling: “Maybe if I don’t eat, don’t take bathroom breaks, work doubles, I can save them.” A lot of people get stuck here. You can do your job perfectly, or as close to perfectly as possible, with no one noticing, no one saying “thank you.” You can hold that stranger’s hand, sing to them, FaceTime their relatives so they can watch their loved one gasp for breath in restraints so they don’t rip their breathing tube from their throat — and it doesn’t matter at all, because they still die. There is no controlling this. It’s too big and too unfamiliar. It’s too much.
To sit with someone at the moment of their death, or at one of the worst moments of their lives — to hold that pain, and not to look away — is a sacred act. It is a gift — one with pointy edges, a gift that can, at any second, shred your hands, puncture a vein, open an artery. It is one of those tiger cubs that so enthralled most of America a few eternal months ago, the day after it stopped being cute and started to become a liability; the day its teeth grew sharp enough to remove a finger. It is a gift that is remarkably heavy; one that might begin to feel like a burden if you have to hold on to it long enough.
One tenet of my therapy practice now is that I absolutely refuse to let my clients trauma-shame themselves. The second that someone starts talking about their trauma and they veer into the “Well, it’s not as bad as what happens to refugees or trafficked children or homeless people or...” I interrupt them and say that it does not matter that they have the highest amount of suffering of anyone in the world. It matters that their trauma is causing them significant pain that they are struggling with. To paraphrase something I read on Twitter once: Someone who drowns in two feet of water is just as dead as someone who drowns in 20 feet of water.
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I say that to somehow negate myself ― I know that the amount of suffering I witness at work is absolutely nothing compared to what health care workers in COVID-19 hotspots are witnessing right now. I also know how profoundly I suffered in the months and years during and after my own work-related trauma, which occurred in the faraway galaxies of 2014 and 2016; how much hard work I needed to do to become even remotely OK again, how I am still not OK, how I will probably never go back to how I was before (I was no stranger to trauma and brutal realities even then, but this particular one broke me). The idea of that multiplied by 100, by 1000, by 240,000 terrifies me, even though trauma is not quantitative like that.
“If you are alive and aware in 2020, it’s important to remember that you are doing the absolute best that you can in a completely insane situation.”
Dear reader, if you are a front-line worker right now — if you are half-scanning this after you’ve been awake for far too long, if you are finally in bed after a day that cannot even be put into words, a day that bled into a night that bled into another one in an endless stream of days, if you are looking at the internet to distract you before your sleeping pill kicks in — I’m here to remind you that you did not sign up for this. None of us signed up for the complete mess that is health care, housing and social services, just as our clients and patients did not sign up to have COVID-19, cancer, schizophrenia, addiction, or any of the other tragedies that befall us humans.
None of us signed up for the impossible choices we have to make each day. None of the nurses, doctors, cleaning crew, social workers, chaplains, EMTs, grocery store clerks, or security guards gazed into their crystal balls or communicated with their spirit guides or saw the answers spelled out in an unusually shaped cloud formation or got a text message from their psychic medium to predict this complete and utter disaster. Nobody signed up for the piles of bodies, the bodies in refrigerated trucks, the bodies in mass graves, the bodies that were once a human being that someone was once in charge of keeping alive.
If you are alive and aware in 2020, it’s important to remember that you are doing the absolute best that you can in a completely insane situation. Even if you’ve made mistakes. Even if you were just too tired sometimes. Even if you gave in to despair. Even if your coping methods look messy.
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I am hoping that you live through this and, when it is over (whatever “over” may look like), you can integrate the memories into your body, you can transfer this energy back into our Earth, who is strong enough to hold it, and that you may once again know something like peace. I hope you are able to engage in some somatic exercises like humming, drumming, dancing or breathwork to let that stagnant pain out of your body, to remind you of safety. I hope, for you, safety is not an illusion. I hope you are able to fall into a restful and easy sleep and rise from bed to do the work you did sign up for: the work of helping people walk through the world with less pain.
Ocean Capewell currently lives in Sacramento, California, where she works in community mental health. She is the author of the queer punkhouse novel “The Most Beautiful Rot” and the zines “High On Burning Photographs” and “It’s Not The End Of the World!: Building A Life With Limp Wrists.” Her writing has previously appeared in MRR and Autostraddle. She holds a B.A. in creative writing from SUNY Purchase and an M.S.W. from Humboldt State University. She is currently working on her second novel. For more from here, head to www.oshycapey.com.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-13--Trump Says COVID-19 Vaccine Could Arrive By April But Not For New York; Cuomo Erupts

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) unleashed on Donald Trump after the president announced Friday that a new COVID-19 vaccine would be released as soon as April “ to the entire general population — with the exception of places like New York state.
” Trump claimed New York wouldn ’ t get the vaccine right away because its governor would hold up distribution for “ political reasons.
” Cuomo “ wants to take his time with the vaccine , ” the president said .
“ He doesn ’ t trust where the vaccine is coming from.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first of all , luckily , ” Trump “ won ’ t be here ” in April to manipulate vaccine distribution .
“ What the president says is just untrue , ” the governor told Wolf Blitzer .
“ Here are the facts : We trust the drug companies , ” said Cuomo , noting that Pfizer , which has a promising experimental vaccine , is a “ great New York company , actually.
” ( Check out the video above . )
“ What Americans don ’ t trust is President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , yours included , that over half of the American people are afraid ” that the vaccine approval process was politicized to serve Trump during his campaign .
Cuomo said that a number of states , including New York , have set up panels of scientists to review the federal Food and Drug Administration ’ s approval of any vaccine “ to give people confidence in the approval process ... to establish the credibility they don ’ t have in President Trump.
” “ There will be no delay , ” the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be “ simultaneous ” and would not involve retesting .
The review wouldn ’ t hold up delivery of the vaccine unless a panel finds that something in the FDA approval process is wrong , he added .
Without confidence in a vaccine , fewer people will take it , which would undermine its value , the governor warned .
Cuomo wasn ’ t surprised by Trump ’ s attack .
“ I ’ ve probably been his greatest critic for four years , ” he said .
“ He tries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a retaliatory tool .
As you know , Wolf , New Yorkers are not going to get bullied .
”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) unleashed on Donald Trump after the president announced Friday that a new COVID-19 vaccine would be released as soon as April “to the entire general population — with the exception of places like New York state.”
Trump claimed New York wouldn’t get the vaccine right away because its governor would hold up distribution for “political reasons.” Cuomo “wants to take his time with the vaccine,” the president said. “He doesn’t trust where the vaccine is coming from.”
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Cuomo snapped back on CNN that “first of all, luckily,” Trump “won’t be here” in April to manipulate vaccine distribution.
“What the president says is just untrue,” the governor told Wolf Blitzer. “Here are the facts: We trust the drug companies,” said Cuomo, noting that Pfizer, which has a promising experimental vaccine, is a “great New York company, actually.” (Check out the video above.)
“What Americans don’t trust is President Trump. Every poll has shown, Wolf, yours included, that over half of the American people are afraid” that the vaccine approval process was politicized to serve Trump during his campaign.
Cuomo said that a number of states, including New York, have set up panels of scientists to review the federal Food and Drug Administration’s approval of any vaccine “to give people confidence in the approval process ... to establish the credibility they don’t have in President Trump.”
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“There will be no delay,” the governor said, adding that the review process would be “simultaneous” and would not involve retesting. The review wouldn’t hold up delivery of the vaccine unless a panel finds that something in the FDA approval process is wrong, he added.
Without confidence in a vaccine, fewer people will take it, which would undermine its value, the governor warned.
Cuomo wasn’t surprised by Trump’s attack. “I’ve probably been his greatest critic for four years,” he said.
“He tries to bully governors. He uses government as a retaliatory tool. As you know, Wolf, New Yorkers are not going to get bullied.”
WHAT? every state gets the vaccine except for NY because @NYGovCuomo ?? pic.twitter.com/Gqzg6UczK9 — ALT-immigration 🛂 (@ALT_uscis) November 13, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-14--Lou Dobbs Has Full-On Election Meltdown On Fox Business

Lou Dobbs was never going to handle President Donald Trump ’ s election defeat easily .
But on Friday , the Fox Business host took his regular , propaganda-like praise of the outgoing president to a higher level , declaring the win of President-elect Joe Biden to be an attempt to “ take over the country and deny this president what is rightfully his , a second term.
” Dobbs asked his guest , fellow Trump sycophant Rep. Devin Nunes ( R-Calif. ) , why all Republicans aren ’ t similarly on board with Trump ’ s baseless allegations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his loss .
“ You know , the president doesn ’ t want a statue erected to him .
What he wants is a free and fair election and honest results , ” said Dobbs .
“ What I ’ d like to know is what in the hell is the Republican Party doing to defend and to , I mean — why not just say we ’ re not going to accept the results of this election ?
It ’ s outrageous , ” he added .
Nunes , meanwhile , repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternatives to Twitter , which he has tried to sue for defamation over a joke account — @ DevinCow — that pretends to be his cow .
Lou Dobbs suggests Republicans should just say `` we 're not going to accept the results of this election '' pic.twitter.com/4gYdLLjseS — Jason Campbell ( @ JasonSCampbell ) November 13 , 2020

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Lou Dobbs was never going to handle President Donald Trump’s election defeat easily.
But on Friday, the Fox Business host took his regular, propaganda-like praise of the outgoing president to a higher level, declaring the win of President-elect Joe Biden to be an attempt to “take over the country and deny this president what is rightfully his, a second term.”
Dobbs asked his guest, fellow Trump sycophant Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), why all Republicans aren’t similarly on board with Trump’s baseless allegations of mass voter fraud and refusal to acknowledge his loss.
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“You know, the president doesn’t want a statue erected to him. What he wants is a free and fair election and honest results,” said Dobbs.
“What I’d like to know is what in the hell is the Republican Party doing to defend and to, I mean — why not just say we’re not going to accept the results of this election? It’s outrageous,” he added.
Nunes, meanwhile, repeatedly tried to pivot the conversation toward promoting alternatives to Twitter, which he has tried to sue for defamation over a joke account — @DevinCow — that pretends to be his cow.
Check out Dobbs’ full rant here:
Lou Dobbs suggests Republicans should just say "we're not going to accept the results of this election" pic.twitter.com/4gYdLLjseS — Jason Campbell (@JasonSCampbell) November 13, 2020