thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Facebook Employees Push Back On Zuckerberg's Non-Response To Trump Rhetoric

Facebook employees are speaking out against CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his non-response to President Donald Trump ’ s violent rhetoric about people protesting the death of George Floyd on the platform .
Over the weekend , numerous employees went on Twitter to share their feelings toward the company not taking action on Trump ’ s post calling protesters , many of whom are people of color , “ THUGS ” and threatening to send the National Guard .
“ Any difficulty and we will assume control but , when the looting starts , the shooting starts , ” the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pages including Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
Trump sent the missive on Friday morning in response to the eruption nationwide over Floyd , a Black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck .
Twitter applied a warning label that indicated the message violated rules against glorifying violence .
The platform left the tweet up for view with the warning , writing that it “ determined that it may be in the public ’ s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.
” Zuckerberg neglected to take similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared a lengthy Facebook post on Friday , writing that he ’ d “ been struggling with how to respond to the President ’ s tweets and posts ” and had a “ visceral negative reaction to this kind of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.
” Despite that , the 36-year-old said that Facebook ’ s “ position is that we should enable as much expression as possible unless it will cause imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies.
” “ Although the post had a troubling historical reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the National Guard references meant we read it as a warning about state action , and we think people need to know if the government is planning to deploy force , ” he wrote , adding that the message “ does not violate our policies and is important for people to see.
” After Zuckerberg posted that note , Facebook employees of all levels shared their disagreement with the CEO ’ s stance on Twitter .
Many employees stressed the importance of not staying silent and that they strongly do not support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information that might help people see the complete picture *is* wrong .
But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable , regardless who you are or if it ’ s newsworthy .
I disagree with Mark ’ s position and will work to make change happen .
— Andrew ( @ AndrewCrow ) June 1 , 2020 Disappointed that , again , I need to call this out : Trump 's glorification of violence on Facebook is disgusting and it should absolutely be flagged or removed from our platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that does otherwise .
— Brandon Dail ( @ aweary ) May 29 , 2020 I 've shared others posts , but I need to be clear–FB is on the wrong side of this and I ca n't support their stance .
Doing nothing is n't Being Bold .
Many of us feel this way .
— Nate Butler ( @ iamnbutler ) June 1 , 2020 I do n't know what to do , but I know doing nothing is not acceptable .
I 'm a FB employee that completely disagrees with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's recent posts , which clearly incite violence .
I 'm not alone inside of FB .
There is n't a neutral position on racism .
— Stirman ( @ stirman ) May 30 , 2020 On Monday , some employees tweeted about staging a virtual walkout in protest of Zuckerberg .
Employees requested time off to support the ongoing protests and added an automated message to their emails to share their support , according to The New York Times .
“ We recognize the pain many of our people are feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a Facebook spokesperson told HuffPost in response to employees speaking out against Zuckerberg .
“ We encourage employees to speak openly when they disagree with leadership .
As we face additional difficult decisions around content ahead , we ’ ll continue seeking their honest feedback.
” The statement follows another post Zuckerberg shared late on Sunday night that said , “ Facebook needs to do more to support equality and safety for the Black community through our platforms , ” though it did not directly address employee concerns .
The post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10 million to criminal justice groups and that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative , Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan ’ s philanthropic program , has spent about $ 40 million a year “ for several years ” to “ overcome racial justice.
” “ We expect to be in this fight for many years to come .
This week has made it clear how much more there is to do , ” he said .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Facebook employees are speaking out against CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his non-response to President Donald Trump’s violent rhetoric about people protesting the death of George Floyd on the platform.
Over the weekend, numerous employees went on Twitter to share their feelings toward the company not taking action on Trump’s post calling protesters, many of whom are people of color, “THUGS” and threatening to send the National Guard.
Advertisement
“Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” the president wrote on all of his social media pages including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Trump sent the missive on Friday morning in response to the eruption nationwide over Floyd, a Black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck. Twitter applied a warning label that indicated the message violated rules against glorifying violence. The platform left the tweet up for view with the warning, writing that it “determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.”
Zuckerberg neglected to take similar action on his own platform. He shared a lengthy Facebook post on Friday, writing that he’d “been struggling with how to respond to the President’s tweets and posts” and had a “visceral negative reaction to this kind of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.”
Despite that, the 36-year-old said that Facebook’s “position is that we should enable as much expression as possible unless it will cause imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies.”
Advertisement
“Although the post had a troubling historical reference, we decided to leave it up because the National Guard references meant we read it as a warning about state action, and we think people need to know if the government is planning to deploy force,” he wrote, adding that the message “does not violate our policies and is important for people to see.”
Trump’s message is still up, sans warning, on both Facebook and Instagram (which is owned by Facebook).
After Zuckerberg posted that note, Facebook employees of all levels shared their disagreement with the CEO’s stance on Twitter. Many employees stressed the importance of not staying silent and that they strongly do not support any post that incites violence.
I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard. — Jason Toff (@jasontoff) June 1, 2020
Advertisement
Facebook's inaction in taking down Trump's post inciting violence makes me ashamed to work here. I absolutely disagree with it. I enjoy the technical parts of my job and working alongside smart/kind people, but this isn't right. Silence is complicity. — Lauren Tan ✨😷✨ (@sugarpirate_) May 29, 2020
Censoring information that might help people see the complete picture *is* wrong. But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if it’s newsworthy. I disagree with Mark’s position and will work to make change happen. — Andrew (@AndrewCrow) June 1, 2020
Disappointed that, again, I need to call this out: Trump's glorification of violence on Facebook is disgusting and it should absolutely be flagged or removed from our platforms. I categorically disagree with any policy that does otherwise. — Brandon Dail (@aweary) May 29, 2020
Internally we are voicing our concerns, so far to no avail. I personally will continue to bring it up until something has is changed. https://t.co/JE8SYttOM1 — Sara Zhang (@superrrsara) May 29, 2020
Mark Zuckerberg doesn’t understand state violence. https://t.co/UfaVSlrvtO — Nick Inzucchi (@ninzucchi) May 30, 2020
Advertisement
I've shared others posts, but I need to be clear–FB is on the wrong side of this and I can't support their stance. Doing nothing isn't Being Bold. Many of us feel this way. — Nate Butler (@iamnbutler) June 1, 2020
Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind. — Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) June 1, 2020
I don't know what to do, but I know doing nothing is not acceptable. I'm a FB employee that completely disagrees with Mark's decision to do nothing about Trump's recent posts, which clearly incite violence. I'm not alone inside of FB. There isn't a neutral position on racism. — Stirman (@stirman) May 30, 2020
On Monday, some employees tweeted about staging a virtual walkout in protest of Zuckerberg. Employees requested time off to support the ongoing protests and added an automated message to their emails to share their support, according to The New York Times.
As allies we must stand in the way of danger, not behind.
I will be participating in today's virtual walkout in solidarity with the black community inside and outside FB.#BlackLivesMatter — Sara Zhang (@superrrsara) June 1, 2020
Advertisement
“We recognize the pain many of our people are feeling right now, especially our Black community,” a Facebook spokesperson told HuffPost in response to employees speaking out against Zuckerberg. “We encourage employees to speak openly when they disagree with leadership. As we face additional difficult decisions around content ahead, we’ll continue seeking their honest feedback.”
The statement follows another post Zuckerberg shared late on Sunday night that said, “Facebook needs to do more to support equality and safety for the Black community through our platforms,” though it did not directly address employee concerns.
The post noted that the brand will be donating $10 million to criminal justice groups and that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan’s philanthropic program, has spent about $40 million a year “for several years” to “overcome racial justice.”
“We expect to be in this fight for many years to come. This week has made it clear how much more there is to do,” he said.
If you’re a Facebook employee interested in speaking about your feelings toward Zuckerberg’s approach to Trump’s rhetoric, email jenna.amatulli@huffpost.com.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Fauci Says Meetings With Trump On Coronavirus Have 'Dramatically Decreased'

Dr. Anthony Fauci , a leading infectious disease expert on the White House ’ s coronavirus task force , said the frequency of his meetings with President Donald Trump has been “ dramatically decreased.
” In an interview with health-oriented news website Stat published Monday , Fauci said Trump does not talk to him about vaccine development often .
“ We used to have task force meetings every single day , including Saturday and Sunday , and about 75 % of the time after the task force meeting we ’ d meet with the president , ” Fauci said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ four times a week back a month or so ago.
” He continued : “ But as you probably noticed , that the task force meetings have not occurred as often lately .
And certainly my meetings with the president have been dramatically decreased.
” Vice President Mike Pence , whom Trump appointed to lead the coronavirus task force , said last month that the White House may wind down the group in early June .
“ We ’ ve already begun to talk about a transition plan with [ the Federal Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters on May 5 .
“ But it ’ s — it really is all a reflection of the tremendous progress we ’ ve made as a country.
” Trump stopped hosting daily press briefings on the country ’ s coronavirus response after internal polling suggested the appearances were hurting his favorability among voters , Axios reported last month .
The U.S. has by far the highest number of documented COVID-19 cases and deaths around the world .
As of Monday , more than 1.7 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at least 104,000 have died from it , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Following months of stay-at-home orders , all 50 states have begun reopening in some form .
At least 15 states , including California , North Carolina and Virginia , have had an increase in newly reported cases over the last 14 days , reported The New York Times .
Fauci told Stat that he ’ s “ concerned ” when he sees people crowding together in an area where there ’ s a “ considerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see people crowding around bars — and there were several pictures of that , that was quite striking over the last couple of days — or on boardwalks , where they ’ re very , very close to each other , ” he said .
“ I do get concerned .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a leading infectious disease expert on the White House’s coronavirus task force, said the frequency of his meetings with President Donald Trump has been “dramatically decreased.”
In an interview with health-oriented news website Stat published Monday, Fauci said Trump does not talk to him about vaccine development often.
Advertisement
“We used to have task force meetings every single day, including Saturday and Sunday, and about 75% of the time after the task force meeting we’d meet with the president,” Fauci said. “So I was meeting with him four times a week back a month or so ago.”
He continued: “But as you probably noticed, that the task force meetings have not occurred as often lately. And certainly my meetings with the president have been dramatically decreased.”
The White House did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
Vice President Mike Pence, whom Trump appointed to lead the coronavirus task force, said last month that the White House may wind down the group in early June.
“We’ve already begun to talk about a transition plan with [the Federal Emergency Management Agency],” Pence told reporters on May 5. “But it’s — it really is all a reflection of the tremendous progress we’ve made as a country.”
Advertisement
Trump stopped hosting daily press briefings on the country’s coronavirus response after internal polling suggested the appearances were hurting his favorability among voters, Axios reported last month.
The U.S. has by far the highest number of documented COVID-19 cases and deaths around the world. As of Monday, more than 1.7 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the disease caused by the coronavirus and at least 104,000 have died from it, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Following months of stay-at-home orders, all 50 states have begun reopening in some form. At least 15 states, including California, North Carolina and Virginia, have had an increase in newly reported cases over the last 14 days, reported The New York Times.
Fauci told Stat that he’s “concerned” when he sees people crowding together in an area where there’s a “considerable amount of viral activity.”
“You see people crowding around bars — and there were several pictures of that, that was quite striking over the last couple of days — or on boardwalks, where they’re very, very close to each other,” he said. “I do get concerned.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Trump's Tough Talk To Governors Compared To An Arsonist Blaming Fire Departments

Twitter users had strong opinions about President Donald Trump accusing governors of being “ weak ” in their response to protests over racism and police treatment of Black communities that , while largely peaceful , were marred by instances of violence and looting .
During a Monday morning video conference call with the state leaders following a weekend of turmoil , Trump said most of the governors were “ weak.
” And he said , “ You have to arrest people.
” “ You have to dominate , if you don ’ t dominate , you ’ re wasting your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run over you , you ’ re going to look like a bunch of jerks .
You have to dominate.
” Here 's the audio of that remarkable call where Trump lashes out at governors and says they need to crack down on protesters .
pic.twitter.com/ANSsniYItN — Oliver Darcy ( @ oliverdarcy ) June 1 , 2020 Many Twitter users expressed doubt his message was the right one ― or that Trump is the right messenger at a very volatile time in U.S. history .
Trump in a call with governors says `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands a tougher response .
That 's sort of like an arsonist blaming the fire department .
— Dan Rather ( @ DanRather ) June 1 , 2020 Some found the president ’ s tough talk ironic , considering he spent a brief part of Friday night an underground bunker at the White House as an angry protest occurred in front of the executive mansion .
Nor did he do much publicly during the weekend to attempt to quell the rage sparked by the May 25 killing of George Floyd , a Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white Minneapolis police officer for nearly nine minutes .
Trump just said “ most of you are weak , ” to Governors on a call .
This coming from a coward hiding in his bunker .
— Scott Dworkin ( @ funder ) June 1 , 2020 Question for @ realDonaldTrump : If the governors look `` weak '' as you claim , how do you look hiding in the bunker with the lights off ?
https : //t.co/PSKb0QQRGd — Brian J. Karem ( @ BrianKarem ) June 1 , 2020 Some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ albeit in different ways .
`` You looked weak .
You have to dominate '' # POTUS on his call to governors sounds a lot like the voice of Fred Trump in his head .
— Harry Shearer ( @ theharryshearer ) June 1 , 2020 One suspected the attacks on his fellow politicians was part of a strategic “ blame game.
” Two minutes of Trump blaming everyone else and taking zero responsibility .
His ongoing political ‘ strategy ’ is to sound tough ( “ dominate ” ) while trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national crises—the pandemic , civil unrest , etc .
Bunker Politics , you might call it — Mark Follman ( @ markfollman ) June 1 , 2020 But others wouldn ’ t give the president that much credit .
I don ’ t see any 12-dimensional chess here .
If Trump thought he had political advantage for governors refusing to call in Guard , he wouldn ’ t be yelling at them to do it on a private call .
So he ’ s either incompetently unaware of his authority , or knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — tedfrank 😷 ( @ tedfrank ) June 1 , 2020 The audio of Trump on the governors ' call urging them to violently crush protests has truly spelled out how much trouble America is now in .
Deep , deep , deep trouble .
— Paul Harris ( @ paulxharris ) June 1 , 2020

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Twitter users had strong opinions about President Donald Trump accusing governors of being “weak” in their response to protests over racism and police treatment of Black communities that, while largely peaceful, were marred by instances of violence and looting.
During a Monday morning video conference call with the state leaders following a weekend of turmoil, Trump said most of the governors were “weak.” And he said, “You have to arrest people.”
Advertisement
HuffPost obtained an audio of the call.
Trump added:
“You have to dominate, if you don’t dominate, you’re wasting your time. They’re going to run over you, you’re going to look like a bunch of jerks. You have to dominate.”
This tweet contains part of his comments:
Here's the audio of that remarkable call where Trump lashes out at governors and says they need to crack down on protesters. pic.twitter.com/ANSsniYItN — Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) June 1, 2020
Many Twitter users expressed doubt his message was the right one ― or that Trump is the right messenger at a very volatile time in U.S. history.
Trump in a call with governors says "most of you are weak" and demands a tougher response. That's sort of like an arsonist blaming the fire department. — Dan Rather (@DanRather) June 1, 2020
Advertisement
Some found the president’s tough talk ironic, considering he spent a brief part of Friday night an underground bunker at the White House as an angry protest occurred in front of the executive mansion. Nor did he do much publicly during the weekend to attempt to quell the rage sparked by the May 25 killing of George Floyd, a Black man pinned to the ground by a white Minneapolis police officer for nearly nine minutes.
Trump just said “most of you are weak,” to Governors on a call. This coming from a coward hiding in his bunker. — Scott Dworkin (@funder) June 1, 2020
obama cried for the children of sandy hook. trump hid in a bunker. — Oliver Willis (@owillis) June 1, 2020
Question for @realDonaldTrump: If the governors look "weak" as you claim, how do you look hiding in the bunker with the lights off?https://t.co/PSKb0QQRGd — Brian J. Karem (@BrianKarem) June 1, 2020
Some people sensed deja vu all over again, albeit in different ways.
Apropos Trump’s call with governors earlier today... https://t.co/c79tCZtkeA — Angelo Carusone (@GoAngelo) June 1, 2020
Advertisement
"You looked weak. You have to dominate" #POTUS on his call to governors sounds a lot like the voice of Fred Trump in his head. — Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) June 1, 2020
One suspected the attacks on his fellow politicians was part of a strategic “blame game.”
Two minutes of Trump blaming everyone else and taking zero responsibility. His ongoing political ‘strategy’ is to sound tough (“dominate”) while trying to blame governors and mayors for these epic national crises—the pandemic, civil unrest, etc. Bunker Politics, you might call it — Mark Follman (@markfollman) June 1, 2020
But others wouldn’t give the president that much credit.
I don’t see any 12-dimensional chess here. If Trump thought he had political advantage for governors refusing to call in Guard, he wouldn’t be yelling at them to do it on a private call. So he’s either incompetently unaware of his authority, or knows he’s made himself impotent. — tedfrank 😷 (@tedfrank) June 1, 2020
Others expressed much graver concerns.
The audio of Trump on the governors' call urging them to violently crush protests has truly spelled out how much trouble America is now in. Deep, deep, deep trouble. — Paul Harris (@paulxharris) June 1, 2020
One person suspected that Trump’s good buddy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, influenced the fiery rhetoric.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--The World Is Watching America In Horror

The World Is Watching America In Horror

Pakistan ’ s Dawn newspaper devoted one-third of its Monday front page to a story about the demonstrations , saying five nights of clashes between police and protesters left “ streets scarred [ and ] outrage simmering.
” Italy ’ s La Stampa featured a large photograph of three officers arresting a young activist .
And half of the Toronto Star ’ s June 1 front page highlighted the situation stateside under an all-caps headline : “ FROM CRISIS TO CHAOS.
” Floyd ’ s death and the public anger it provoked are a fresh reminder that the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the ideal its representatives often proclaim it to be .
Racism still defines many U.S. institutions , even after the world watched Americans fight for civil rights and elect their first Black president .
The brutal use of U.S. power familiar to many outside the country is often deployed within its borders , too .
Many activists abroad expressed outrage and boosted calls for change .
Some tied the protests in the U.S. to their own struggles with historic prejudice and repressive governments .
The news also presented an opportunity for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. , to say Washington has no authority to talk about human rights internationally .
If the world ’ s leading democracy won ’ t stand true to its values , they argue , it proves there is no point in such lofty goals anyway .
Observers outside the U.S. are also expressing fear as American police departments respond to demonstrators with aggressive tactics that would be unimaginable in similar wealthy democracies , often deploying military equipment that makes disproportionate violence more likely .
They have watched as public anger allows for opportunistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places familiar around the world thanks to popular American films , television and other media , like New York City or Washington , D.C. “ Police Use of force should be guided by the principles of legality , necessity , proportion , precaution and non-discrimination , ” she wrote .
“ These are fundamental principles of international human rights law that should bind all states .
But they are not the norms in the USA.
” Minneapolis police shot projectiles at reporter Stefan Simons and cameraman Max Foerg , who work for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed officers who had encircled another camera crew .
Officers in the city have also shot at Norwegian and Swedish journalists .
Thomas Nilsson , a photographer for the Oslo-based newspaper Verdens Gang , told his outlet it was obvious he was part of the press because of his cameras and badge .
Although President Donald Trump claims that unless state governments get tougher , other nations will believe America is “ a push over , ” some U.S. officials clearly see an urgent need to shore up their country ’ s reputation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing .
U.S. diplomats in Kenya , Uganda , Tanzania and Congo have promoted messages about government efforts to seek accountability for Floyd ’ s death in recent days .
On Monday , the U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe , Brian Nichols , met with the Zimbabwean foreign minister and issued a statement that acknowledged U.S. missteps but emphasized that those do not excuse abuses by other governments .
“ As an African American , for as long as I can remember I have known that my rights and my body were not fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known that America , conceived in liberty , has always aspired to be better ― a shining city on a hill ― and that is why I have dedicated my life to her service , ” Nichols wrote .
The officer who pinned Floyd down has been indicted , and U.S. officials are carrying out investigations , he added ― which he said should also happen for the critics of the Zimbabwean government who have gone missing for years .
One way Americans could contribute more to global progress is by appreciating that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barriers to equality ― and that they can help dismantle those hurdles not just within the U.S. or when it ’ s convenient for U.S. interests .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
KARACHI, Pakistan ― Even thousands of miles away, protests in the U.S. against racism and police brutality ― and the harsh crackdowns and devastation surrounding them ― are front-page news.
Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper devoted one-third of its Monday front page to a story about the demonstrations, saying five nights of clashes between police and protesters left “streets scarred [and] outrage simmering.” Italy’s La Stampa featured a large photograph of three officers arresting a young activist. And half of the Toronto Star’s June 1 front page highlighted the situation stateside under an all-caps headline: “FROM CRISIS TO CHAOS.”
Advertisement
Since George Floyd, a Black man, died in Minnesota after a white police officer knelt on his neck, journalists worldwide have felt a responsibility to highlight the disturbing incident and its aftermath. So have public officials. On Friday, the African Union condemned “continuing discriminatory practices against Black citizens of the United States of America.”
Floyd’s death and the public anger it provoked are a fresh reminder that the world’s richest and most influential country is not the ideal its representatives often proclaim it to be. Racism still defines many U.S. institutions, even after the world watched Americans fight for civil rights and elect their first Black president. The brutal use of U.S. power familiar to many outside the country is often deployed within its borders, too.
Many activists abroad expressed outrage and boosted calls for change. Some tied the protests in the U.S. to their own struggles with historic prejudice and repressive governments. The news also presented an opportunity for more cynical voices, including critics of the U.S., to say Washington has no authority to talk about human rights internationally. If the world’s leading democracy won’t stand true to its values, they argue, it proves there is no point in such lofty goals anyway.
“Floyd’s death and the public anger it provoked are a fresh reminder that the world’s richest and most influential country is not the ideal its representatives often proclaim it to be.”
Advertisement
Whatever their conclusions, hundreds of millions of people are watching what’s going on in the U.S. with alarm and disgust.
“These are far from new issues in America… apparently Black lives continue not to matter,” Diane Abbott, Britain’s first Black female member of Parliament and a top figure in the country’s opposition Labour Party, wrote in a HuffPost UK piece on Saturday.
“Many Canadians of diverse backgrounds are watching, like all Canadians are, the news out of the United States with shock and with horror,” Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, said on Friday.
Observers outside the U.S. are also expressing fear as American police departments respond to demonstrators with aggressive tactics that would be unimaginable in similar wealthy democracies, often deploying military equipment that makes disproportionate violence more likely. They have watched as public anger allows for opportunistic acts like looting and serious damage in places familiar around the world thanks to popular American films, television and other media, like New York City or Washington, D.C.
The U.S. is presenting “scenes out of a civil war,” according to the German tabloid Bild.
The situation offers foreigners a darker way to think about the well-known idea of American exceptionalism, that the U.S. is a special force in the world, usually one representing freedom, openness and ingenuity.
Advertisement
Floyd’s mistreatment highlighted one disturbing difference between his nation and others, Agnès Callamard, a United Nations human rights official, noted on Twitter.
“Police Use of force should be guided by the principles of legality, necessity, proportion, precaution and non-discrimination,” she wrote. “These are fundamental principles of international human rights law that should bind all states. But they are not the norms in the USA.”
Law enforcement officers have made that point especially clear to international audiences by targeting crews of foreign journalists.
Minneapolis police shot projectiles at reporter Stefan Simons and cameraman Max Foerg, who work for the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, when they followed officers who had encircled another camera crew. Officers in the city have also shot at Norwegian and Swedish journalists. Thomas Nilsson, a photographer for the Oslo-based newspaper Verdens Gang, told his outlet it was obvious he was part of the press because of his cameras and badge.
A DW reporter and his camera operator have been shot at with projectiles by Minneapolis police and threatened with arrest while covering the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/SFKMv5SFW6 — DW News (@dwnews) May 31, 2020
Advertisement
Although President Donald Trump claims that unless state governments get tougher, other nations will believe America is “a push over,” some U.S. officials clearly see an urgent need to shore up their country’s reputation by speaking out against Floyd’s killing.
U.S. diplomats in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Congo have promoted messages about government efforts to seek accountability for Floyd’s death in recent days. On Monday, the U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe, Brian Nichols, met with the Zimbabwean foreign minister and issued a statement that acknowledged U.S. missteps but emphasized that those do not excuse abuses by other governments.
“As an African American, for as long as I can remember I have known that my rights and my body were not fully my own. I have also always known that America, conceived in liberty, has always aspired to be better ― a shining city on a hill ― and that is why I have dedicated my life to her service,” Nichols wrote. The officer who pinned Floyd down has been indicted, and U.S. officials are carrying out investigations, he added ― which he said should also happen for the critics of the Zimbabwean government who have gone missing for years.
“Americans will continue to speak out for justice whether at home or abroad, Nichols wrote. “We can meet the ideals of our founding, we will change this world for the better.”
One way Americans could contribute more to global progress is by appreciating that a host of different communities face similar barriers to equality ― and that they can help dismantle those hurdles not just within the U.S. or when it’s convenient for U.S. interests.
Advertisement
Activists from the Kurdish community, a millions-strong ethnic group that has been persecuted in a host of countries, said Floyd’s death shows that solidarity is the only path forward, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Women’s Communities, a group associated with the Syrian Kurdish fighters who helped the U.S. fight Islamic State militants.
The U.S. has had a fickle, decadeslong relationship with the Kurds, helping multiple allied governments crack down on them but often relying on them in its bids for influence in the Middle East.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Rush Limbaugh Tells Breakfast Club: 'I Don't Feel Like I'm A White Supremacist'

But while Limbaugh was happy to call Floyd ’ s death as Minneapolis police officers had taken into custody for a minor crime “ sickening , ” he seemed unwilling to admit that systemic racism played a part in the tragedy .
He also claimed he didn ’ t think white supremacy is especially prevalent in the U.S. , and denied the existence of white privilege .
“ What happened to George Floyd sickened me and I wanted to reach out and tell you all this , ” he said .
“ I want to make sure you have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only American who feels this way .
The senselessness of it .
We ’ re only given one life , we ’ re not given a do-over .
… George had his taken away from him.
” Charlamagne was curious why Floyd ’ s death affected Limbaugh enough to request the exchange when so many other cases have surfaced of police using undue force on Blacks , sometimes resulting in the deaths of the victims .
“ I know that you ’ re going to disagree with me on this — to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not America , ” Limbaugh said .
The host later said it was easy for Limbaugh to praise the American dream because “ you ’ re a white male and that comes with a different level of privilege.
” Charlamagne then said that America does work for the people it was designed to work for , but “ doesn ’ t work for everyone else the way it works for you.
” Limbaugh danced around a lot of questions during the 26-minute interview , including why he calls for peaceful protests now but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kneeling during the National Anthem at games ― a nonviolent gesture that prompted a barrage of attacks on the right , including from President Donald Trump .
Limbaugh responded with what he may have thought was a “ gotcha ” question : “ If the Minnesota Vikings announced two nights ago that they were going hire Colin Kaepernick , would the riots have stopped ?
” Charlamagne paused for a few seconds before bluntly saying , “ No .
Nobody gives a shit about that.
” He then patiently explained to Limbaugh that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supremacy , it would not stop racism.
” Limbaugh said he didn ’ t buy into “ white privilege , ” which he described as ” a liberal , political construct right along the lines of political correctness [ that is ] designed to intimidate and get people to shut up and admit they ’ re guilty of doing things they haven ’ t done.
” Limbaugh , a right-wing provocateur for decades who has made numerous racially charged statements ― in 2010 , he said Re .
James Clyburn ( D-S.C. ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chauffeur for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ; in 2016 , he termed Black Lives Matter a “ terrorist group ” ― then made another statement many people will find delusional .
“ I don ’ t feel like I am a white supremacist , and I don ’ t think there ’ s much white supremacy going on out there , and I need you to define it , ” he said .
The Breakfast Club hosts then gave examples of white privilege and white supremacy , such as Black people being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re driving a nice car in their own neighborhood .
“ Not if we ’ re just going to dance the whole time , ” he said .
“ If you ’ re going to have some honest conversation with us and stop telling us things like , ‘ White privilege doesn ’ t exist , ’ and you don ’ t know what white supremacy is .
If you can do that , yeah .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Controversial radio host Rush Limbaugh left his conservative bubble to engage with the hosts of the Breakfast Club about the death of George Floyd.
But while Limbaugh was happy to call Floyd’s death as Minneapolis police officers had taken into custody for a minor crime “sickening,” he seemed unwilling to admit that systemic racism played a part in the tragedy.
Advertisement
He also claimed he didn’t think white supremacy is especially prevalent in the U.S., and denied the existence of white privilege.
That led show host Charlamagne Tha God to clap back: “You’re being delusional.”
The interview, conducted Sunday and aired Monday, ended with Limbaugh explaining why he asked to converse with the Breakfast Club.
“What happened to George Floyd sickened me and I wanted to reach out and tell you all this,” he said. “I want to make sure you have no doubt and I’m not the only American who feels this way. The senselessness of it. We’re only given one life, we’re not given a do-over. … George had his taken away from him.”
Charlamagne was curious why Floyd’s death affected Limbaugh enough to request the exchange when so many other cases have surfaced of police using undue force on Blacks, sometimes resulting in the deaths of the victims.
Advertisement
“I know that you’re going to disagree with me on this — to me (Floyd’s case) is not America,” Limbaugh said.
Charlamagne interjected: “Oh yes, it’s definitely America!”
The host later said it was easy for Limbaugh to praise the American dream because “you’re a white male and that comes with a different level of privilege.”
Charlamagne then said that America does work for the people it was designed to work for, but “doesn’t work for everyone else the way it works for you.”
Limbaugh danced around a lot of questions during the 26-minute interview, including why he calls for peaceful protests now but criticized former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the National Anthem at games ― a nonviolent gesture that prompted a barrage of attacks on the right, including from President Donald Trump.
Limbaugh responded with what he may have thought was a “gotcha” question: “If the Minnesota Vikings announced two nights ago that they were going hire Colin Kaepernick, would the riots have stopped?”
Advertisement
Charlamagne paused for a few seconds before bluntly saying, “No. Nobody gives a shit about that.” He then patiently explained to Limbaugh that hiring Kaepernick would “not stop white supremacy, it would not stop racism.”
Limbaugh said he didn’t buy into “white privilege,” which he described as ”a liberal, political construct right along the lines of political correctness [that is] designed to intimidate and get people to shut up and admit they’re guilty of doing things they haven’t done.”
When Limbaugh claimed, “I don’t have any white privilege,” Charlamagne quickly scoffed at that. saying “You’re being delusional.”
Limbaugh, a right-wing provocateur for decades who has made numerous racially charged statements ― in 2010, he said Re. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) who his black, could serve as a chauffeur for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; in 2016, he termed Black Lives Matter a “terrorist group” ― then made another statement many people will find delusional.
“I don’t feel like I am a white supremacist, and I don’t think there’s much white supremacy going on out there, and I need you to define it,” he said.
Advertisement
The Breakfast Club hosts then gave examples of white privilege and white supremacy, such as Black people being pulled over by police because they’re driving a nice car in their own neighborhood.
In response, Limbaugh said his car had been keyed.
Limbaugh, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year by Trump, seemed open to continuing the conversation with the Breakfast Club at another time. Charlamagne seemed noncommittal.
“Not if we’re just going to dance the whole time,” he said. “If you’re going to have some honest conversation with us and stop telling us things like, ‘White privilege doesn’t exist,’ and you don’t know what white supremacy is. If you can do that, yeah.”


Defund The Police

Alex Wong via Getty Images Demonstrators stand around a fire during a protest on May 31 near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd .
It would be nice because it would be simple .
One man ’ s cartoonish brutality would be responsible for a society falling apart .
The solution would be straightforward : Remove him from office and let the world naturally return to stability and harmony .
Trump has indeed encouraged violence against protesters , and he can not escape culpability for the vivid tragedy now unfolding in the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this on the president , however grotesque his failures .
On Saturday night , when Minneapolis police fired rubber bullets at journalists and New York law enforcement attempted to run down protesters in an SUV , they were acting under the authority of Democratic mayors and governors .
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio ’ s full-throated defense of the violent excesses of his police force differed from Trump ’ s fevered strongmanism only in tone , not content .
And so it has been throughout much of the country .
The major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic of police brutality ― from macroeconomic management to police procurement ― have been bipartisan .
It is only at the margins that Democratic voters and Republican voters disagree .
In Los Angeles , Democratic Mayor Eric Garcetti and a Democratic City Council approved $ 41 million in new bonuses for police officers amid a local budget crisis that has forced pay cuts for thousands of other city employees .
New York City spends $ 6 billion a year on the NYPD , even as 100,000 children remain homeless .
For Black communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been obvious .
It has been a part of everyday life for decades .
Los Angeles police beat Rodney King within an inch of his life in 1991 .
New York police fired 41 shots at an unarmed Amadou Diallo in front of his own apartment in 1999 .
The militarized police occupation of Ferguson , Missouri , in 2014 should have presented both parties with an opportunity to rethink the armed control of low-income neighborhoods by agents of the state .
Democratic leaders across the country have had nearly six years to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are largely at war with their communities , and they have generally responded by increasing law enforcement budgets and ignoring police violence .
It took five years for the NYPD to fire the officer who killed Eric Garner .
In the interim , both de Blasio and New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo were reelected .
Police brutality is the flashpoint of our current social unrest , but it is only one dimension of the crime against democracy that our national project has become .
Our current uprising is taking place in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roughly one-fourth of Americans are out of work .
The distribution of this devastation has not been shared equally .
Job losses have been concentrated among Black workers , and deaths related to the coronavirus have been concentrated among Black families .
The legislative response from Washington to this crisis was not only bipartisan , but comprehensive : a 96-0 vote in the Senate for a bill that funnelled trillions of dollars to the richest people in the world and treated working people as an afterthought .
Similar outrages have been standard fare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tripled between 1984 and 2009 , and expanded still further during the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis , as then-President Barack Obama refused to rescue Black and brown homeowners and Republicans refused to fund relief programs for working people .
The globalization project that began in the 1990s destroyed the foundations of the Black middle class in the United States by offshoring good-paying jobs and leaving minimum wage work in its wake .
The foreclosure crisis of the Great Recession eliminated what was left .
These were bipartisan pursuits .
Nationally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of white grievance , while the Democratic Party ’ s leadership remains more committed to beating back reforms from the party ’ s progressive bloc than it does to addressing economic justice or restoring civil rights .
In an ABC News appearance Sunday morning , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) cited “ a commission studying the social status of Black men and boys ” and “ a motion condemning police brutality ” as examples of the work her caucus supports to correct racial and economic inequality .
The House is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to convene lawmakers to address the current crisis .
Pelosi practices a different brand of leadership than the president does , but it is a failure nonetheless .
When failure is this broad and this deep , it is tempting to blame the nation itself .
America was founded on slavery and genocide .
Is it any wonder that it is descending into racist ruin in the 21st century ?
But the fact is that the United States has beaten back its demons before .
Between the 1930s and the 1960s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty rate , stalling out only when Democrats began to retreat from their commitments to civil rights and economic justice .
We know what policies we can adopt to make this a nation of equals .
Ours is the wealthiest nation in the history of wealthy nations .
We can easily afford to provide all of our citizens with the fruits of a full life .
And yet , we simply choose not to .
We elect people in both parties who take pride in pursuing opposite agendas .
That work begins with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reimagining community maintenance as an act of support , not an act of violence .
But it can not end there .
Democracy assumes conditions of relative social equality .
Until we reject an economic system that creates oligarchic winners and brutalized losers , our political system will continue to crumble .

It would be nice if all of the chaos and cruelty unleashed by police forces across the nation over the past week could be blamed on President Donald Trump.
It would be nice because it would be simple. One man’s cartoonish brutality would be responsible for a society falling apart. The solution would be straightforward: Remove him from office and let the world naturally return to stability and harmony.
Advertisement
Trump has indeed encouraged violence against protesters, and he cannot escape culpability for the vivid tragedy now unfolding in the United States. But we cannot pin all of this on the president, however grotesque his failures. On Saturday night, when Minneapolis police fired rubber bullets at journalists and New York law enforcement attempted to run down protesters in an SUV, they were acting under the authority of Democratic mayors and governors. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s full-throated defense of the violent excesses of his police force differed from Trump’s fevered strongmanism only in tone, not content.
“I do believe the NYPD has acted appropriately,” de Blasio said Saturday night. “I saw a lot of restraint under very, very difficult circumstances.”
And so it has been throughout much of the country. The major policy choices that have led to this epidemic of police brutality ― from macroeconomic management to police procurement ― have been bipartisan. It is only at the margins that Democratic voters and Republican voters disagree. In Los Angeles, Democratic Mayor Eric Garcetti and a Democratic City Council approved $41 million in new bonuses for police officers amid a local budget crisis that has forced pay cuts for thousands of other city employees. New York City spends $6 billion a year on the NYPD, even as 100,000 children remain homeless.
For Black communities, the American policing crisis has always been obvious. It has been a part of everyday life for decades. Los Angeles police beat Rodney King within an inch of his life in 1991. New York police fired 41 shots at an unarmed Amadou Diallo in front of his own apartment in 1999. The militarized police occupation of Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014 should have presented both parties with an opportunity to rethink the armed control of low-income neighborhoods by agents of the state. Democratic leaders across the country have had nearly six years to grapple with the reality that U.S. police are largely at war with their communities, and they have generally responded by increasing law enforcement budgets and ignoring police violence. It took five years for the NYPD to fire the officer who killed Eric Garner. In the interim, both de Blasio and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo were reelected.
Advertisement
Police brutality is the flashpoint of our current social unrest, but it is only one dimension of the crime against democracy that our national project has become. Our current uprising is taking place in the middle of an economic catastrophe in which roughly one-fourth of Americans are out of work. The distribution of this devastation has not been shared equally. Job losses have been concentrated among Black workers, and deaths related to the coronavirus have been concentrated among Black families. The legislative response from Washington to this crisis was not only bipartisan, but comprehensive: a 96-0 vote in the Senate for a bill that funnelled trillions of dollars to the richest people in the world and treated working people as an afterthought.
Similar outrages have been standard fare for decades. The racial wealth gap tripled between 1984 and 2009, and expanded still further during the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, as then-President Barack Obama refused to rescue Black and brown homeowners and Republicans refused to fund relief programs for working people. The globalization project that began in the 1990s destroyed the foundations of the Black middle class in the United States by offshoring good-paying jobs and leaving minimum wage work in its wake. The foreclosure crisis of the Great Recession eliminated what was left. These were bipartisan pursuits.
Nationally, the Republican Party has become the party of white grievance, while the Democratic Party’s leadership remains more committed to beating back reforms from the party’s progressive bloc than it does to addressing economic justice or restoring civil rights. In an ABC News appearance Sunday morning, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) cited “a commission studying the social status of Black men and boys” and “a motion condemning police brutality” as examples of the work her caucus supports to correct racial and economic inequality. The House is currently in recess, and Pelosi has no plans to convene lawmakers to address the current crisis. Pelosi practices a different brand of leadership than the president does, but it is a failure nonetheless.
When failure is this broad and this deep, it is tempting to blame the nation itself. America was founded on slavery and genocide. Is it any wonder that it is descending into racist ruin in the 21st century?
Advertisement
But the fact is that the United States has beaten back its demons before. Between the 1930s and the 1960s, economic inequality plummeted along with the Black poverty rate, stalling out only when Democrats began to retreat from their commitments to civil rights and economic justice. We know what policies we can adopt to make this a nation of equals. Ours is the wealthiest nation in the history of wealthy nations. We can easily afford to provide all of our citizens with the fruits of a full life. And yet, we simply choose not to. We elect people in both parties who take pride in pursuing opposite agendas.
That work begins with defunding police forces across the country and reimagining community maintenance as an act of support, not an act of violence. But it cannot end there. Democracy assumes conditions of relative social equality. Until we reject an economic system that creates oligarchic winners and brutalized losers, our political system will continue to crumble.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Black Congresswoman Pepper-Sprayed By Police During Ohio Demonstration

Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty was pepper-sprayed by police in Columbus on Saturday during a protest decrying police brutality and demanding justice for George Floyd , who died in Minneapolis after an officer knelt on his neck .
Beatty , who is Black , denounced the violence perpetrated by both demonstrators and police in Columbus and elsewhere in the aftermath of Floyd ’ s death .
“ We have to somehow make sure that we get the word out that you can not come in and tear up buildings , ” said Beatty , a Democrat .
“ When you break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurt , that ’ s not going to resolve the problem of why George Floyd died.
” Beatty said in an earlier interview that she ’ d attended the protest to stand “ in solidarity ” with demonstrators .
“ You know , I ’ m a grandmother , I ’ m an elected official , but I ’ m a black woman first and I felt the pain , ” she told NBC 4 .
Beatty was with Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin and Kevin Boyce , a member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was pepper-sprayed by police .
Dominic Manecke , a spokesman for Beatty , told CNN the lawmaker had been trying to mediate between demonstrators and police when she was pepper-sprayed .
“ People are angry .
Tensions are very high and she went down there as a voice of reason .
She has a very good connection with the community and was trying to be a mediator , ” Manecke said , adding that Beatty got caught in a “ melee ” as tensions flared between the two sides .
Just want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RepBeatty @ VoteBoyce and I were down at the protest we did get sprayed with mace or pepper spray .
We are all ok , and we want to encourage folks , both police and protestors , to stay calm .
pic.twitter.com/RDQ1p4YDRY — Shannon Hardin ( @ SG_Hardin ) May 30 , 2020 In Columbus on Sunday , hundreds took to the streets again for what was largely a peaceful demonstration .
At around 8 p.m. , two hours before the city ’ s curfew was set to kick in , Columbus police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water bottles at officers ― to disperse immediately .
Officers then used wooden projectiles and tear gas against demonstrators , WOSU Public Media reported .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty was pepper-sprayed by police in Columbus on Saturday during a protest decrying police brutality and demanding justice for George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis after an officer knelt on his neck.
Beatty, who is Black, denounced the violence perpetrated by both demonstrators and police in Columbus and elsewhere in the aftermath of Floyd’s death.
Advertisement
Violence “doesn’t work — violence either way,” she told NPR’s “Weekend Edition” on Sunday.
“We have to somehow make sure that we get the word out that you cannot come in and tear up buildings,” said Beatty, a Democrat. “When you break windows and destroy businesses and people get hurt, that’s not going to resolve the problem of why George Floyd died.”
Beatty said in an earlier interview that she’d attended the protest to stand “in solidarity” with demonstrators.
“You know, I’m a grandmother, I’m an elected official, but I’m a black woman first and I felt the pain,” she told NBC 4.
Beatty was with Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin and Kevin Boyce, a member of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, when she was pepper-sprayed by police.
Advertisement
Columbus Dispatch photojournalist Kyle Robertson captured the violent encounter in a series of photos, which he shared on Twitter.
Here is a 38 photo sequence of what happen this morning with Joyce Beatty, Shannon Hardin, Kevin Boyce, protesters and Columbus Police. pic.twitter.com/ZZEd6MfJCh — Kyle Robertson (@KRobPhoto) May 30, 2020
Politico also shared a video of the incident.
Watch when Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty was pepper sprayed by Columbus, Ohio, police during protests Saturday afternoon over the death of George Floyd https://t.co/Q6C4wFAb7g pic.twitter.com/2i5fEGjxuh — POLITICO (@politico) May 30, 2020
Dominic Manecke, a spokesman for Beatty, told CNN the lawmaker had been trying to mediate between demonstrators and police when she was pepper-sprayed.
“People are angry. Tensions are very high and she went down there as a voice of reason. She has a very good connection with the community and was trying to be a mediator,” Manecke said, adding that Beatty got caught in a “melee” as tensions flared between the two sides.
Advertisement
Following the incident, Beatty, Hardin and Boyce urged calm in a video posted to Twitter.
“Too much force is not the answer to this,” Beatty said.
Just want to let folks know that when @RepBeatty @VoteBoyce and I were down at the protest we did get sprayed with mace or pepper spray. We are all ok, and we want to encourage folks, both police and protestors, to stay calm. pic.twitter.com/RDQ1p4YDRY — Shannon Hardin (@SG_Hardin) May 30, 2020
Protests, some of them violent, have rocked the nation for days since Floyd’s death.
In Columbus on Sunday, hundreds took to the streets again for what was largely a peaceful demonstration. At around 8 p.m., two hours before the city’s curfew was set to kick in, Columbus police ordered protesters ― some of whom threw water bottles at officers ― to disperse immediately. Officers then used wooden projectiles and tear gas against demonstrators, WOSU Public Media reported.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--EPA Mounts A New Strike On States’ Rights, This Time To Boost Pipeline Companies

The new rule , first proposed last August , sets a strict one-year deadline for states and tribes to certify or deny permits to build pipelines .
It also narrows the scope of what effects states can consider when assessing proposals to water quality alone , prohibiting regulators from factoring in a project ’ s impacts on climate change .
But former career EPA officials said the rule change is a naked attempt to tilt the application process in favor of fossil fuel companies , and flies in the face of decades of Supreme Court rulings on Section 401 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amounts to what many see as a fresh assault on states ’ rights to regulate pollution , marking yet another example of the Trump administration flipping Republican orthodoxy on environmental federalism on its head .
Wheeler singled out New York ’ s decision last month to reject a permit to build the Northeast Supply Enhancement project ― a controversial fracked gas conduit better known as the Williams Pipeline ― under Lower New York Bay as an example of a state violating the spirit of the law .
The statute as it existed previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a “ reasonable ” amount of time within one year .
For infrastructure projects in a fixed geographical area , such as a dam , the process could take just a few months .
But pipelines ― like the Williams Pipeline , which aimed to carry gas from the fracking fields of western Pennsylvania to homes in New York City and beyond ― “ might cross 20 , 30 , 40 streams , and each stream requires permits , ” said Mark Ryan , who specialized in Clean Water Act enforcement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former EPA regional counsel for the Seattle area .
“ With these very , very complex permits like with pipelines , the states will say , ‘ OK , we want more information … but we don ’ t want to deny certification , but you have to withdraw the permit application , ’ ” he said .
“ This new rule says states can ’ t do that.
” That means states must either grant or deny permits within 12 months or the EPA will deem the state permit waived .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would need to fully assess a projects ’ impacts on water “ to try to force the state to certify the permit , ” Ryan said .
At a moment when states are facing steep budget gaps due to the massive , unexpected cost of responding to the coronavirus pandemic , states have even fewer resources than before to carry out swift and comprehensive environmental impact reviews .
But denying permits because the state did not have enough time to complete its review would prompt companies to sue , opening the door to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He accused states like New York , which tentatively denied a permit for the Williams Pipeline last summer but allowed the company to reapply , of using the previous previous rule “ as an excuse to veto a project without vetoing it.
” Opponents of the new rule are likely to cite two Supreme Court decisions on the law .
In 1994 , the court ruled 7-2 that Washington state regulators acted within the law by requiring a dam to set a minimum downstream flow of water to maintain salmon and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a dam project in Maine affirmed states ’ authority to rule broadly on section 401 .
“ The initiative that the administration took here is pretty unusual for an administration that says it wants to give deference to the states , ” said Stan Meiburg , a former acting deputy EPA administrator who spent 39 years at the agency .
“ It suggests they only want to give deference to the states when that deference will be exercised in conjunction with their priorities .
”

Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule on Monday restricting states’ authority over Clean Water Act permits for fossil fuel pipelines and other infrastructure projects.
The new rule, first proposed last August, sets a strict one-year deadline for states and tribes to certify or deny permits to build pipelines. It also narrows the scope of what effects states can consider when assessing proposals to water quality alone, prohibiting regulators from factoring in a project’s impacts on climate change.
Advertisement
In a half-hour call with reporters on Monday afternoon, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler accused states of “holding energy infrastructure projects hostage” and “trapping projects in a bureaucratic groundhog day in hopes that investors become frustrated and end the development.”
“Today’s action puts an end to this abuse of the Clean Water Act,” he said.
But former career EPA officials said the rule change is a naked attempt to tilt the application process in favor of fossil fuel companies, and flies in the face of decades of Supreme Court rulings on Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler testifies before a Senate oversight hearing last month. Pool via Getty Images
The decision amounts to what many see as a fresh assault on states’ rights to regulate pollution, marking yet another example of the Trump administration flipping Republican orthodoxy on environmental federalism on its head.
Advertisement
Wheeler singled out New York’s decision last month to reject a permit to build the Northeast Supply Enhancement project ― a controversial fracked gas conduit better known as the Williams Pipeline ― under Lower New York Bay as an example of a state violating the spirit of the law.
The statute as it existed previously required states to grant or deny permits in a “reasonable” amount of time within one year. For infrastructure projects in a fixed geographical area, such as a dam, the process could take just a few months.
But pipelines ― like the Williams Pipeline, which aimed to carry gas from the fracking fields of western Pennsylvania to homes in New York City and beyond ― “might cross 20, 30, 40 streams, and each stream requires permits,” said Mark Ryan, who specialized in Clean Water Act enforcement and permitting during his 24 years as the former EPA regional counsel for the Seattle area.
“With these very, very complex permits like with pipelines, the states will say, ‘OK, we want more information … but we don’t want to deny certification, but you have to withdraw the permit application,’” he said. “This new rule says states can’t do that.”
That means states must either grant or deny permits within 12 months or the EPA will deem the state permit waived. This incentivizes pipeline companies to withhold information states would need to fully assess a projects’ impacts on water “to try to force the state to certify the permit,” Ryan said.
Advertisement
Contractors and welders work on the Pennsylvania section of the Williams Pipeline in 2017. Robert Nickelsberg via Getty Images
At a moment when states are facing steep budget gaps due to the massive, unexpected cost of responding to the coronavirus pandemic, states have even fewer resources than before to carry out swift and comprehensive environmental impact reviews. But denying permits because the state did not have enough time to complete its review would prompt companies to sue, opening the door to costly litigation.
Wheeler sees it differently. He accused states like New York, which tentatively denied a permit for the Williams Pipeline last summer but allowed the company to reapply, of using the previous previous rule “as an excuse to veto a project without vetoing it.”
When HuffPost asked why he believed state regulators would do so arbitrarily, he said: “I don’t know why they would do that.”
It’s unclear how much difference the rule change will make. Corporate analysts told The Wall Street Journal that states still have broad authority to slow permit reviews under the Clean Water Act and other statutes.
Advertisement
The new rule is also likely to face legal challenges, particularly to the guidelines that require states to limit concerns to water quality alone.
Opponents of the new rule are likely to cite two Supreme Court decisions on the law. In 1994, the court ruled 7-2 that Washington state regulators acted within the law by requiring a dam to set a minimum downstream flow of water to maintain salmon and other fish populations. A unanimous 2006 ruling over a dam project in Maine affirmed states’ authority to rule broadly on section 401.
“We believe this is fully in line with the Supreme Court decision,” Wheeler said of the new policy.
Yet the new rule seemed to some observers out of step with the administration’s expressed desire to return regulatory power to states wherever possible.
“The initiative that the administration took here is pretty unusual for an administration that says it wants to give deference to the states,” said Stan Meiburg, a former acting deputy EPA administrator who spent 39 years at the agency. “It suggests they only want to give deference to the states when that deference will be exercised in conjunction with their priorities.”
Wheeler has explicitly said as much.
“States don’t always do the appropriate thing,” he told an audience at the right-wing Heritage Foundation last year.
Advertisement
Since 2018, the agency has waged a public battle with California regulators, seeking to revoke the Golden State’s right under the Clean Air Act to set its own standards for carbon dioxide emissions from vehicle tailpipes. The White House finalized its plans in March to weaken car emissions rules last month, despite California’s opposition.
Before that, the Department of the Interior proposed — then, amid outcry, later walked back — a sweeping new offshore drilling plan to open most of the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific coasts to oil exploration. The administration similarly slashed the size of public monuments, despite overwhelming opposition from the public and tribes to the proposal.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Right-Wing Media’s Antifa Obsession Is Creating A Justification For Harsh Protest Crackdowns

As nationwide protests escalated over the weekend , most national media labored to track complex developments , both peaceful and violent , in cities and towns across the country .
But on Fox News and across right-wing media , the narrative was simple : anti-fascist activists and vague “ organized groups ” intent on chaos were responsible for all the ills flashing across TV screens .
President Donald Trump has leaned heavily into this narrative , tweeting over the weekend that he would declare anti-fascists , known as antifa , as a terrorist group ( which he has no clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s also not a real organization with any centralized leadership or defined members ) .
U.S. Attorney General William Barr issued a statement on Sunday linking “ Antifa ” with domestic terrorism and a day later dispatched federal riot teams to multiple cities .
If one accepts that rogue domestic terrorists are the driving force behind any demonstrations that turn violent , then a strong police and military response might seem justified .
Right-wing media and the Trump administration have worked in tandem to create that reality .
Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were conducting a “ sophisticated insurrection-type attack.
” Conservative radio and Fox News host Mark Levin railed against antifa and tweeted of the unrest that “ it ’ s not about George Floyd ... time to put it down.
” Disgraced former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik , whom Trump pardoned of corruption and tax fraud earlier this year , told Fox News that antifa was behind the chaos and spread a conspiracy theory that liberal billionaire George Soros had funded the demonstrations .
John Solomon , a right-wing columnist who mainstreamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to his son ’ s work for a Ukrainian energy company , promoted a poll asking if readers thought antifa was a terrorist organization .
Police departments around the country have responded to the demonstrations with often-militaristic force that has led to thousands of arrests .
Authorities have tear-gassed , beaten and shot protesters with rubber bullets , driven vehicles into crowds of demonstrators and have injured and arrested journalists covering the events .
Meanwhile , many peaceful protests have spiraled into scenes of chaos as some at the events have engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or destroyed property , and set fires to buildings or looted stores .
The National Guard has been activated in multiple states , and curfews have been put in place in some of the country ’ s largest cities .
It is unclear what role anti-fascist activists have had in the unrest .
Politicians , law enforcement and activists have all alleged that some far-right anti-government groups and far-left anarchists have joined in the massive demonstrations for their own ends .
There have been several videos circulated on social media of protesters stopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroying property , as well as of far-right “ Boogaloo ” movement supporters carrying firearms at the demonstrations .
But so far there is little hard evidence of the extent of these groups ’ involvement , and although they may be active , the right-wing media fixation on antifa has effectively functioned as a distraction from the core issue of national outrage over racialized policing and the killing of Floyd , a Black man who died last week in Minneapolis when a white police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of antifa has uncertain legal implications , its effect on right-wing media coverage is much more clear .
On Monday , pundits heavily focused their coverage of the protests on condemnations of antifa and unproved statements about violence at the demonstrations .
Fox News ran an op-ed praising Trump for the decision to designate antifa as domestic terrorists .
“ Fox & Friends ” host Brian Kilmeade claimed without evidence that there was no white supremacist involvement in the chaos and that this was “ an antifa organization , ” a statement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example of the well-established feedback loop between the president and the cable news outlet .
Antifa has long been a right-wing media and Trump talking point , giving its activists outsized attention and using it as a means to make allegations of widespread left-wing extremism ― often in an attempt to deflect from the many white supremacists and far-right extremists who have aligned themselves with Trump in recent years .
Reframing the protests as an extension of antifa has also allowed conservative politicians and pro-Trump media to demand authorities escalate their use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Cotton ( R-Ark . )
, who appeared on “ Fox & Friends ” to suggest the U.S. should deploy its military to contain the protests .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
As nationwide protests escalated over the weekend, most national media labored to track complex developments, both peaceful and violent, in cities and towns across the country. But on Fox News and across right-wing media, the narrative was simple: anti-fascist activists and vague “organized groups” intent on chaos were responsible for all the ills flashing across TV screens.
President Donald Trump has leaned heavily into this narrative, tweeting over the weekend that he would declare anti-fascists, known as antifa, as a terrorist group (which he has no clear legal authority to do; in addition, it’s also not a real organization with any centralized leadership or defined members). U.S. Attorney General William Barr issued a statement on Sunday linking “Antifa” with domestic terrorism and a day later dispatched federal riot teams to multiple cities.
Advertisement
If one accepts that rogue domestic terrorists are the driving force behind any demonstrations that turn violent, then a strong police and military response might seem justified. Right-wing media and the Trump administration have worked in tandem to create that reality.
Fox News contributor Dan Bongino claimed that anti-fascist activists were conducting a “sophisticated insurrection-type attack.” Conservative radio and Fox News host Mark Levin railed against antifa and tweeted of the unrest that “it’s not about George Floyd ... time to put it down.” Disgraced former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, whom Trump pardoned of corruption and tax fraud earlier this year, told Fox News that antifa was behind the chaos and spread a conspiracy theory that liberal billionaire George Soros had funded the demonstrations. John Solomon, a right-wing columnist who mainstreamed shaky allegations against Vice President Joe Biden related to his son’s work for a Ukrainian energy company, promoted a poll asking if readers thought antifa was a terrorist organization.
Police departments around the country have responded to the demonstrations with often-militaristic force that has led to thousands of arrests. Authorities have tear-gassed, beaten and shot protesters with rubber bullets, driven vehicles into crowds of demonstrators and have injured and arrested journalists covering the events. Meanwhile, many peaceful protests have spiraled into scenes of chaos as some at the events have engaged in violent clashes with police, vandalized or destroyed property, and set fires to buildings or looted stores. The National Guard has been activated in multiple states, and curfews have been put in place in some of the country’s largest cities.
Advertisement
It is unclear what role anti-fascist activists have had in the unrest. Politicians, law enforcement and activists have all alleged that some far-right anti-government groups and far-left anarchists have joined in the massive demonstrations for their own ends. There have been several videos circulated on social media of protesters stopping black-clad white men from inciting violence and destroying property, as well as of far-right “Boogaloo” movement supporters carrying firearms at the demonstrations. But so far there is little hard evidence of the extent of these groups’ involvement, and although they may be active, the right-wing media fixation on antifa has effectively functioned as a distraction from the core issue of national outrage over racialized policing and the killing of Floyd, a Black man who died last week in Minneapolis when a white police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes.
Although Trump’s targeting of antifa has uncertain legal implications, its effect on right-wing media coverage is much more clear. On Monday, pundits heavily focused their coverage of the protests on condemnations of antifa and unproved statements about violence at the demonstrations. Fox News ran an op-ed praising Trump for the decision to designate antifa as domestic terrorists. “Fox & Friends” host Brian Kilmeade claimed without evidence that there was no white supremacist involvement in the chaos and that this was “an antifa organization,” a statement that Trump then tweeted minutes later in an example of the well-established feedback loop between the president and the cable news outlet.
Heavily armed National Guardsmen join Los Angeles police officers during protests Sunday over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis on May 25. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Antifa has long been a right-wing media and Trump talking point, giving its activists outsized attention and using it as a means to make allegations of widespread left-wing extremism ― often in an attempt to deflect from the many white supremacists and far-right extremists who have aligned themselves with Trump in recent years.
Advertisement
Reframing the protests as an extension of antifa has also allowed conservative politicians and pro-Trump media to demand authorities escalate their use of force during the unrest, including Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who appeared on “Fox & Friends” to suggest the U.S. should deploy its military to contain the protests.
“Let’s see how tough these Antifa terrorists are when they’re facing off with the 101st Airborne Division,” Cotton said. Trump later retweeted Cotton’s message, saying he was “100% Correct.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Ariana Grande, Tessa Thompson, Halsey Join George Floyd Protests

As protests over the death of George Floyd continued around the country , celebrities ― including Ariana Grande , Halsey , Tessa Thompson , Nick Cannon and Timothée Chalamet ― took to the streets to protest police violence and call for justice .
In Los Angeles , where numerous celebrities joined demonstrations , some gatherings turned violent , prompting the activation of the National Guard and a state of emergency to be declared late on Saturday .
Grande , who had urged followers on Instagram to get involved , was seen Saturday with a Black Lives Matter sign at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there were “ hours and miles of peaceful protesting yesterday that got little to no coverage.
” hours and miles of peaceful protesting yesterday that got little to no coverage .
all throughout beverly hills and west hollywood we chanted , people beeped and cheered along .
we were passionate , we were loud , we were loving .
cover this too please .
# BLACKLIVESMATTER https : //t.co/vD90CEtF94 pic.twitter.com/GZ6uKDfPM7 — Ariana Grande ( @ ArianaGrande ) May 31 , 2020 Singer Halsey streamed live on Instagram Saturday as police appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said protesters had not antagonized police or breached the line , but police fired tear gas and rubber bullets nonetheless .
She attended another protest Sunday and urged that people “ listen to the Black people speaking.
” She added : “ If they are venting their pain and anguish out loud do not speak over them .
Allies are there to help when help is needed .
Not take control of the narrative .
there ’ s enough of that already.
” “ Insecure ” actor Kendrick Sampson said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was beaten with batons at a Los Angeles protests .
He later shared images of several injuries on Instagram .
Glad I y ’ all witnessed this .
Esp the video of them actually targeting us .
He didn ’ t try to ricochet the bullets of the ground - one tactic - he pointed the gun DIRECTLY AT ME .
I actually got hit 7 times with rubber bullets and many with batons .
My boy has stitches .
# DEFUNDPOLICE https : //t.co/q6DLRnqlYG — Kendrick Sampson ( @ kendrick38 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thompson shared footage from a Los Angeles protest , which she said was “ entirely peaceful ” until the Los Angeles Police Department “ arrived and escalated it.
” Demonstrators are heard chanting “ This is our America ” in her video .
I can say that the # LosAngelesProtest was entirely peaceful until the @ LAPDHQ arrived and escalated it .
@ MayorOfLA are you seeing this ?
Also , where was the robust media coverage then ?
# BlackLivesMatter — Tessa Thompson ( @ TessaThompson_x ) May 30 , 2020 She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right way by the right group of people ” in an Instagram story on Sunday .
“ The Masked Singer ” host and rapper Nick Cannon shared numerous images and videos from a Minneapolis protest .
He wore a shirt emblazoned with Floyd ’ s final words , “ I can ’ t breathe.
” He also shared a spoken-word video on Sunday which , using those words as a recurring theme , decries systemic racism and police brutality .
And on Friday , actor Jamie Foxx , too , was seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rally calling for the arrest of the four officers involved in Floyd ’ s death .
He said “ we are not afraid of this moment ” and stood in solidarity with social justice advocates on the front lines .
″To all of my friends who aren ’ t black , just try to put yourself in our position , ” Foxx said .
If you ’ re a Black celebrity and you don ’ t sound like this , we don ’ t wan na here from you .
Not now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jamie Foxx , for speaking up in defense of people who are frustrated , hurting and tired .
pic.twitter.com/UgI3tFpQm0 — Kirk Moore ( @ KirkWrites79 ) May 30 , 2020

LOADING ERROR LOADING
As protests over the death of George Floyd continued around the country, celebrities ― including Ariana Grande, Halsey, Tessa Thompson, Nick Cannon and Timothée Chalamet ― took to the streets to protest police violence and call for justice.
In Los Angeles, where numerous celebrities joined demonstrations, some gatherings turned violent, prompting the activation of the National Guard and a state of emergency to be declared late on Saturday.
Advertisement
Grande, who had urged followers on Instagram to get involved, was seen Saturday with a Black Lives Matter sign at a Los Angeles protest.
She tweeted Sunday that there were “hours and miles of peaceful protesting yesterday that got little to no coverage.”
More photos of Ariana at the LA protest for the #BlackLivesMatter movement yesterday pic.twitter.com/Dq8N2yALPS — Ariana Grande Today (@ArianaToday) May 31, 2020
hours and miles of peaceful protesting yesterday that got little to no coverage.
all throughout beverly hills and west hollywood we chanted, people beeped and cheered along.
we were passionate, we were loud, we were loving.
cover this too please. #BLACKLIVESMATTER https://t.co/vD90CEtF94 pic.twitter.com/GZ6uKDfPM7 — Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 31, 2020
Advertisement
Singer Halsey streamed live on Instagram Saturday as police appeared to fire rubber bullets. On Twitter, she said protesters had not antagonized police or breached the line, but police fired tear gas and rubber bullets nonetheless. She attended another protest Sunday and urged that people “listen to the Black people speaking.”
She added: “If they are venting their pain and anguish out loud do not speak over them. Allies are there to help when help is needed. Not take control of the narrative. there’s enough of that already.”
fired rubber bullets at us. we did not breach the line. hands were up. unmoving. and they gassed and fired. pic.twitter.com/K8YauF0APn — h (@halsey) May 31, 2020
halsey’s insta live at the la protest and the police were starting to shoot plastic bullets at people then her livestream ended :(((( pic.twitter.com/dhws0jpegi — ciana | blm (@ikeepcruisin) May 30, 2020
“Insecure” actor Kendrick Sampson said he was struck seven times by rubber bullets and said he was beaten with batons at a Los Angeles protests. He later shared images of several injuries on Instagram.
Advertisement
Glad I y’all witnessed this. Esp the video of them actually targeting us. He didn’t try to ricochet the bullets of the ground - one tactic - he pointed the gun DIRECTLY AT ME. I actually got hit 7 times with rubber bullets and many with batons. My boy has stitches. #DEFUNDPOLICE https://t.co/q6DLRnqlYG — Kendrick Sampson (@kendrick38) May 31, 2020
Actor Tessa Thompson shared footage from a Los Angeles protest, which she said was “entirely peaceful” until the Los Angeles Police Department “arrived and escalated it.” Demonstrators are heard chanting “This is our America” in her video.
I can say that the #LosAngelesProtest was entirely peaceful until the @LAPDHQ arrived and escalated it. @MayorOfLA are you seeing this? Also, where was the robust media coverage then ? #BlackLivesMatter — Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) May 30, 2020
Singer-songwriter Kehlani also attended the Black Lives Matter protest in Los Angeles, and applauded her fellow protesters.
Advertisement
She urged followers to attend events “organized the right way by the right group of people” in an Instagram story on Sunday.
Kehlani showing love and supporting the #Blacklivesmatter movement yesterday in LA✊🏽. NO JUSTICE NO PEACE pic.twitter.com/JvUkuBkJx5 — KEHLANI DAILY (@kehlanidaiIy) May 31, 2020
“The Masked Singer” host and rapper Nick Cannon shared numerous images and videos from a Minneapolis protest. He wore a shirt emblazoned with Floyd’s final words, “I can’t breathe.” He also shared a spoken-word video on Sunday which, using those words as a recurring theme, decries systemic racism and police brutality.
Advertisement
And on Friday, actor Jamie Foxx, too, was seen in Minneapolis, where he spoke at a rally calling for the arrest of the four officers involved in Floyd’s death. He said “we are not afraid of this moment” and stood in solidarity with social justice advocates on the front lines.
″To all of my friends who aren’t black, just try to put yourself in our position,” Foxx said.
If you’re a Black celebrity and you don’t sound like this, we don’t wanna here from you. Not now. Not ever. Thank you, Jamie Foxx, for speaking up in defense of people who are frustrated, hurting and tired. pic.twitter.com/UgI3tFpQm0 — Kirk Moore (@KirkWrites79) May 30, 2020
Other celebrities seen at protests in various cities include Emily Ratajkowski, Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, John Cusack, J. Cole, Paris Jackson, Lil Yachty and Machine Gun Kelly.
J. Cole out here protesting with the people. He’s living his raps 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/LseTbMUszy — BlackySpeakz (@BlackySpeakz) May 31, 2020
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Prosecutor Says No Charges In Deadly Shooting Of Omaha Protester James Scurlock

Authorities announced Monday that they are not seeking charges against the bar owner who shot and killed protester James Scurlock in Omaha , Nebraska , on Saturday night .
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said he came to the decision after viewing video of the incident .
He concluded that the white owner , Jake Gardner , acted legally in self-defense when he shot Scurlock , a Black 22-year-old protesting police brutality and racism , outside his Hive bar .
“ It is a senseless death , a loss of a young man ’ s life .
It shouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a Monday press conference .
But he added , “ This decision may not be popular and may cause more people to be upset .
I would hope that they understand that we ’ re doing our job to the best of our ability and looking at the evidence and the law .
...
It can ’ t be based on emotions , it can ’ t be based on anger , It can ’ t be based on any of those things.
” Kleine walked reporters through the video , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of protesters pushing each other as the father asks them to leave the area .
Gardner approaches the group , which includes Scurlock , and asks them who pushed his dad while revealing he has a gun .
Some of the group then tackle him to the ground , from where Gardner fires two warning shots , Kleine said .
Scurlock then jumps on top of Gardner , and after repeatedly shouting “ Get off me , ” Gardner shoots again , hitting Scurlock in the clavicle and killing him .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone is in fear of their own life or serious bodily injury and they don ’ t feel like they can retreat safely , ” Kleine said .
“ Even if they are mistaken , if their beliefs have a reasonable basis , it ’ s justifiable for them to use deadly force.
” He also said that despite comments he ’ s seen on social media , his office has heard no audio evidence or witness testimony verifying claims that Gardner used racial slurs against any of the protesters .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father , James Scurlock II , told reporters .
“ Not a quick answer .
This was a quick answer .
I feel the state of Nebraska did not want to take it .
They don ’ t want the tension and I understand that .
I don ’ t want the tension .
But this is a matter that must be looked at.
” “ If [ Kleine ] believes there was self-defense , if he believes one way or another , that is not for me or Mr. Kleine to decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Wayne told reporters .
Scurlock ’ s father said he expects more video of the shooting will emerge ― something that Kleine said his office is eager to see if it does .
“ If there is any other evidence that people are aware of , other videos , other witnesses , anything else that would guide us or help us in the decision-making process , we would still like that to come forward , ” the county attorney said .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Authorities announced Monday that they are not seeking charges against the bar owner who shot and killed protester James Scurlock in Omaha, Nebraska, on Saturday night.
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said he came to the decision after viewing video of the incident. He concluded that the white owner, Jake Gardner, acted legally in self-defense when he shot Scurlock, a Black 22-year-old protesting police brutality and racism, outside his Hive bar.
Advertisement
“It is a senseless death, a loss of a young man’s life. It shouldn’t have happened,” Kleine said at a Monday press conference. But he added, “This decision may not be popular and may cause more people to be upset. I would hope that they understand that we’re doing our job to the best of our ability and looking at the evidence and the law. ... It can’t be based on emotions, it can’t be based on anger, It can’t be based on any of those things.”
Kleine walked reporters through the video, which shows Gardner’s father and a group of protesters pushing each other as the father asks them to leave the area. Gardner approaches the group, which includes Scurlock, and asks them who pushed his dad while revealing he has a gun. Some of the group then tackle him to the ground, from where Gardner fires two warning shots, Kleine said. Scurlock then jumps on top of Gardner, and after repeatedly shouting “Get off me,” Gardner shoots again, hitting Scurlock in the clavicle and killing him.
“Deadly force can only be used if someone is in fear of their own life or serious bodily injury and they don’t feel like they can retreat safely,” Kleine said. “Even if they are mistaken, if their beliefs have a reasonable basis, it’s justifiable for them to use deadly force.”
He also said that despite comments he’s seen on social media, his office has heard no audio evidence or witness testimony verifying claims that Gardner used racial slurs against any of the protesters.
Advertisement
Scurlock’s family expressed outrage at the decision.
“What I want is justice,” his father, James Scurlock II, told reporters. “Not a quick answer. This was a quick answer. I feel the state of Nebraska did not want to take it. They don’t want the tension and I understand that. I don’t want the tension. But this is a matter that must be looked at.”
Scurlock’s father and his attorney, Nebraska state Sen. Justin Wayne, said a grand jury should be called to decide any charges.
“If [Kleine] believes there was self-defense, if he believes one way or another, that is not for me or Mr. Kleine to decide, but a jury of peers,” Wayne told reporters.
Scurlock’s father said he expects more video of the shooting will emerge ― something that Kleine said his office is eager to see if it does.
“If there is any other evidence that people are aware of, other videos, other witnesses, anything else that would guide us or help us in the decision-making process, we would still like that to come forward,” the county attorney said.