thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-15--Democrats Say Law Protecting LGBTQ Rights Still Needed Even After SCOTUS Victory

In a landmark 6-3 decision on Monday , the Supreme Court held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ employees from being discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity .
But for Sen. Jeff Merkley ( D-Ore. ) , a leading advocate for LGBTQ equality , the fight to ban discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity isn ’ t over yet .
Although Merkley welcomed Monday ’ s decision , which was written by conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch , he said it ’ s long past time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in full to give LGBTQ individuals the same civil rights protections as other Americans .
Merkley was an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act in 2015 .
The bill , which the Democratic-controlled House passed last year , would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination not only in their employment , but credit , education , housing , federal financial assistance , jury service and public accommodations .
What was your reaction when you saw that Gorsuch wrote the opinion ?
Were you surprised ?
Yes , very .
I think I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a 6-3 vote in our favor and that Gorsuch should write the opinion was not something I anticipated .
This is a big deal , I think we were prepared for this court to not defend LGBTQ rights , so I think it ’ s really warmed the hearts of advocates across the country .
It ’ s a big win .
A big win .
This ruling affects Title VII employment provisions of the Civil Rights Act , parallel to the bill I introduced in 2013 , which passed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago ?
Yet discrimination remained legal until this moment .
Legal through a majority of states across the country .
Meanwhile , this decision today does not affect Title II , Title III , Title IV , education , public accommodation , jury service , and housing .
However , the principle articulated in this decision certainly suggests a similar decision will come in all those other areas , therefore , why should we wait a decade or 15 years to have these things adjudicated ?
The principle says it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s faces ... justice , fairness and equality all demand passing the Equality Act .
How does this change your strategy to move it forward in Congress ?
Have you heard from any more Republicans willing to sign on as supporters ?
I have not heard [ from Republicans ] although it ’ s not been very long since we heard the news .
I ’ m not anticipating that we ’ ll necessarily hear from more Republicans now but I think a new Congress will bring new opportunity for people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Supreme Court opinion just covered employment .
Can you speak a little more about what this ruling means for discrimination in other areas , like housing and jury service ?
Many people don ’ t realize housing and credit are covered by three different bills ...
The principle of non-discrimination that is present in the Civil Rights Act is present in each of these bills .
My concern is that it would take separate legal action under each of those bills , so it ’ s much better that we address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of access , in all these dimensions .

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In a landmark 6-3 decision on Monday, the Supreme Court held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ employees from being discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
But for Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), a leading advocate for LGBTQ equality, the fight to ban discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity isn’t over yet.
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Although Merkley welcomed Monday’s decision, which was written by conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, he said it’s long past time for Congress to amend the Civil Rights Act in full to give LGBTQ individuals the same civil rights protections as other Americans.
Merkley was an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act in 2015. The bill, which the Democratic-controlled House passed last year, would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination not only in their employment, but credit, education, housing, federal financial assistance, jury service and public accommodations.
Read Merkley’s interview with HuffPost, which has been edited and condensed for clarity, below.
What was your reaction when you saw that Gorsuch wrote the opinion? Were you surprised?
Yes, very. I think I’d call it very pleased astonishment. To have a 6-3 vote in our favor and that Gorsuch should write the opinion was not something I anticipated.
This is a big deal, I think we were prepared for this court to not defend LGBTQ rights, so I think it’s really warmed the hearts of advocates across the country. It’s a big win. A big win.
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Why do you think the Equality Act is still needed?
This ruling affects Title VII employment provisions of the Civil Rights Act, parallel to the bill I introduced in 2013, which passed in the Senate, can you believe seven years ago? Yet discrimination remained legal until this moment. Legal through a majority of states across the country.
Meanwhile, this decision today does not affect Title II, Title III, Title IV, education, public accommodation, jury service, and housing. However, the principle articulated in this decision certainly suggests a similar decision will come in all those other areas, therefore, why should we wait a decade or 15 years to have these things adjudicated? The principle says it’s not fair to have doors slammed in people’s faces ... justice, fairness and equality all demand passing the Equality Act.
How does this change your strategy to move it forward in Congress? Have you heard from any more Republicans willing to sign on as supporters?
I have not heard [from Republicans] although it’s not been very long since we heard the news. I’m not anticipating that we’ll necessarily hear from more Republicans now but I think a new Congress will bring new opportunity for people to reevaluate positions and decide to weigh in.
The Supreme Court opinion just covered employment. Can you speak a little more about what this ruling means for discrimination in other areas, like housing and jury service?
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-15--Charles Booker Hits Amy McGrath For Skipping Anti-Racism Protests In Kentucky Senate Ad

Bryan Woolston/ASSOCIATED PRESS Kentucky Democratic State Senator Charles Booker advocates for the passage of Kentucky HB-12 on the floor of the House of Representatives in the State Capitol , Frankfort , Kentucky , on Feb. 19 .
The protests that broke out after the police killing of George Floyd have already had sweeping effects across the country , as the large demonstrations and Americans ’ increasingly positive view of them has forced political and social changes that would have been dismissed as radical just a month ago .
That the political perception of the protests has changed dramatically , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s suddenly intriguing Democratic Senate primary , where demonstrations against the police killing of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor have jolted the race and helped boost the upstart campaign of state Rep. Charles Booker in the race to take on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
Thanks in part to his frontline role in Louisville ’ s protests , Booker has suddenly emerged as a credible threat to front-runner Amy McGrath , an ex-Marine fighter pilot who has long been considered the overwhelming favorite .
And as the race reaches its closing days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngest Black state lawmaker elected in Kentucky in nearly a century , is banking his final pitch to voters on his active support for and participation in the protests over Taylor ’ s killing .
In a new television ad that will begin airing in Kentucky on Tuesday , Booker ’ s insurgent campaign will draw a contrast between his appearance at and McGrath ’ s absence from the protests that broke out over the police killing of Taylor , a Black woman whom Louisville Metro police shot and killed in March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Black Louisville man whom law enforcement killed in June as they tried to break up a late-night gathering during the demonstrations .
The ad focuses on McGrath ’ s answer to a question about the protests during a June 1 Democratic debate , when the former Marine said that she hadn ’ t attended demonstrations in Louisville or elsewhere in the state because she was at home with her family .
She also cited the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as a reason for avoiding the crowds .
How much the protests have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lack of independent polling in it .
But they have clearly helped inject momentum into Booker ’ s campaign , catapulting the young , progressive lawmaker into the statewide and national spotlight in the race ’ s final days .
Booker took on a leading role at the demonstrations , appearing with protesters and joining calls for Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer to fire and prosecute the three Louisville police officers who shot and killed Taylor after using a “ no-knock ” warrant to enter her home in March .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge and Charles has been on the frontlines of it very much so from day one , ” Matt Erwin , a Democratic strategist in the state , told HuffPost of Booker ’ s rise last week .
As the protests spread across Kentucky in June , Booker ’ s message may also resonate with voters even in rural parts of the state : Over the weekend , Booker marched with demonstrators in Letcher County , a rural Appalachian enclave where the population is 98 % white , according to Census figures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisville Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald Leader ― Kentucky ’ s two largest newspapers .
The Herald-Leader ’ s editorial board chose Booker , it said , because the protests and the pandemic had made it clear that “ now is the time for bold and brave ideas.
” The power of the demonstrations has altered McGrath ’ s approach , as well .
Last week , she touted her own vision for police reform in an email to supporters , saying that she supported independent investigations whenever police used force that caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for expanding racial bias and de-escalation training for police , and requiring every police officer to wear a functioning body camera .
McGrath has outraised McConnell so far in 2020 , and has nearly $ 20 million on hand , a figure that dwarfs Booker ’ s total even after his late haul from donors .
McGrath has been airing television ads in the race for nearly 10 months , and likely enjoys a considerable advantage on Booker when it comes to name recognition among voters , too .
The only polling data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal surveys , including one Booker released this weekend that showed him down 10 points ― 49-39 ― to McGrath .
The survey found the gap between them was smaller among Kentuckians who hadn ’ t already voted in a primary that includes mail-in and early voting because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The poll ’ s small sample size makes it difficult to assess its potential accuracy , and Booker ’ s rise may have begun too late to fully close the gap on McGrath .
But Booker touted it as another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visible as the protests erupted .
On Sunday , he posted a three-word message aimed at Kentucky voters on Twitter : “ We are surging , ” he said .

Kentucky Democratic State Senator Charles Booker advocates for the passage of Kentucky HB-12 on the floor of the House of Representatives in the State Capitol, Frankfort, Kentucky,on Feb. 19. Bryan Woolston/ASSOCIATED PRESS
The protests that broke out after the police killing of George Floyd have already had sweeping effects across the country, as the large demonstrations and Americans’ increasingly positive view of them has forced political and social changes that would have been dismissed as radical just a month ago.
That the political perception of the protests has changed dramatically, however, is also increasingly evident in Kentucky’s suddenly intriguing Democratic Senate primary, where demonstrations against the police killing of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor have jolted the race and helped boost the upstart campaign of state Rep. Charles Booker in the race to take on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
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Thanks in part to his frontline role in Louisville’s protests, Booker has suddenly emerged as a credible threat to front-runner Amy McGrath, an ex-Marine fighter pilot who has long been considered the overwhelming favorite. And as the race reaches its closing days, Booker, who in 2018 became the youngest Black state lawmaker elected in Kentucky in nearly a century, is banking his final pitch to voters on his active support for and participation in the protests over Taylor’s killing.
In a new television ad that will begin airing in Kentucky on Tuesday, Booker’s insurgent campaign will draw a contrast between his appearance at and McGrath’s absence from the protests that broke out over the police killing of Taylor, a Black woman whom Louisville Metro police shot and killed in March, and David “Ya Ya” McAtee, a Black Louisville man whom law enforcement killed in June as they tried to break up a late-night gathering during the demonstrations.
The ad focuses on McGrath’s answer to a question about the protests during a June 1 Democratic debate, when the former Marine said that she hadn’t attended demonstrations in Louisville or elsewhere in the state because she was at home with her family. She also cited the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as a reason for avoiding the crowds.
It then shows Booker telling a large Louisville crowd that he was standing before them “as your brother, as your cousin, as your neighbor” and as “your fellow good troublemaker.”
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The ad, backed by a $640,000 statewide buy, is Booker’s second of the campaign cycle, after he debuted on TV last week following a late fundraising surge.
How much the protests have affected the race is unclear, given the lack of independent polling in it. But they have clearly helped inject momentum into Booker’s campaign, catapulting the young, progressive lawmaker into the statewide and national spotlight in the race’s final days.
Booker took on a leading role at the demonstrations, appearing with protesters and joining calls for Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer to fire and prosecute the three Louisville police officers who shot and killed Taylor after using a “no-knock” warrant to enter her home in March.
Booker’s front-and-center participation in the protests likely boosted his popularity in Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city and its biggest pocket of reliable Democratic, and increasingly progressive, voters.
“This is a city that’s been on edge and Charles has been on the frontlines of it very much so from day one,” Matt Erwin, a Democratic strategist in the state, told HuffPost of Booker’s rise last week.
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As the protests spread across Kentucky in June, Booker’s message may also resonate with voters even in rural parts of the state: Over the weekend, Booker marched with demonstrators in Letcher County, a rural Appalachian enclave where the population is 98% white, according to Census figures.
In Letcher County, I stood with my family from Eastern KY. Hundreds of incredible people...teachers, miners, believers.
We raised our fists, we lifted our voices, and we marched for justice.
Don’t you tell me Kentucky isn’t ready for change.
We are the change. pic.twitter.com/svPcI24quA — Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) June 13, 2020
Booker, who favors Medicare for All to expand health care access and a Green New Deal to address climate change, last week earned endorsements from New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the two biggest names in progressive politics.
He also won the backing of the Louisville Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald Leader ― Kentucky’s two largest newspapers. The Herald-Leader’s editorial board chose Booker, it said, because the protests and the pandemic had made it clear that “now is the time for bold and brave ideas.”
The power of the demonstrations has altered McGrath’s approach, as well. Last week, she touted her own vision for police reform in an email to supporters, saying that she supported independent investigations whenever police used force that caused harm or death. She also called for expanding racial bias and de-escalation training for police, and requiring every police officer to wear a functioning body camera.
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McGrath may still be the favorite to emerge as the Democratic choice to take on McConnell.
McGrath has outraised McConnell so far in 2020, and has nearly $20 million on hand, a figure that dwarfs Booker’s total even after his late haul from donors. McGrath has been airing television ads in the race for nearly 10 months, and likely enjoys a considerable advantage on Booker when it comes to name recognition among voters, too.
The only polling data available has come from campaigns’ own internal surveys, including one Booker released this weekend that showed him down 10 points ― 49-39 ― to McGrath. The survey found the gap between them was smaller among Kentuckians who hadn’t already voted in a primary that includes mail-in and early voting because of the coronavirus pandemic.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-15--D.C. Statehood Gains New Support Among Senate Democrats After Trump Occupation

Trump deployed federal forces to occupy some of the city ’ s streets against the wishes of District of Columbia officials ― something he could do only because the district isn ’ t a recognized state .
That effort turned violent on June 1 , when federal law enforcement officers tear-gassed protesters to clear them out of a park next to the White House ahead of Trump ’ s photo-op visit to a nearby church .
D.C. statehood proponents , furious about the federal government ’ s abuse of the city ’ s sovereignty , argued the incident should bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and activists in other states have pushed their representatives to back the cause .
That pressure worked .
Sen. Jackie Rosen ( D-Nev. ) co-sponsored the bill on June 8 , and Sens .
Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters , both Michigan Democrats , and Jon Tester , a Montana Democrat , signed on Monday .
Now , 40 senators and 224 House members ― all Democrats or independents who caucus with Democrats ― are co-sponsors of legislation that would give Washington residents more rights to self-determination through statehood .
The goal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority in both chambers of Congress and a president who will sign such legislation in 2021 .
Since Republicans have almost entirely abandoned even glancing support for D.C. statehood , that voting majority will come from the Democratic Party .
Trump recently said that Republicans would have to be “ very , very stupid ” to back statehood , given that D.C. ’ s 700,00-plus population votes heavily Democratic .
( Trump received 4.1 % of the district ’ s in D.C. in 2016 . )
Supporters of statehood for Washington , D.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in support outside the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Feb. 11 , 2020 .
Statehood advocates are focused on the 2020 election to potentially push their efforts into law .
“ We want to put the bill in a place where if we have a [ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ] , a Senate majority leader [ in Chuck Schumer of New York ] and President [ Joe ] Biden and we have the votes lined up , ” said Josh Burch , a district resident and volunteer organizer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic Party is the party of equal rights and voting rights then they need to stand up unified in favor of D.C. statehood.
” Statehood legislation in the House , introduced by D.C. ’ s non-voting delegate , Eleanor Holmes-Norton ( D ) , already has a voting majority .
A total of 36 members of the Senate Democratic caucus had signed their names to the bill introduced by Sen. Tom Carper ( D-Del . )
before Trump ’ s occupation of Washington ’ s streets .
Rosen was the first new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following Trump ’ s actions .
“ Americans have a constitutional right to protest .
It was completely unacceptable for the president of the United States to use tear gas to clear out peaceful protestors in Washington for a photo-op , ” Rosen said in a statement .
“ I co-sponsored legislation supporting D.C. statehood because Washingtonians deserve a full voice in Congress and in government.
” Stabenow , Peters and Tester co-sponsored the bill on Monday .
Peters support is notable , given that he is ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel that would first consider the statehood bill in the chamber .
If Democrats win control of the Senate in November , he presumably would become the chairman .
Under existing Senate rules , a statehood bill would require 60 votes to overcome a filibuster and advance , which even under the most optimistic scenario for Democrats is an unlikely result of the 2020 election .
Statehood activists also face an obvious conundrum in their efforts to win support in the Senate in that they have no senators to help advance their interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Congress , D.C. statehood activists have partnered with local grassroots organizations to get constituents of Democratic senators to pressure them to cosponsor Carper ’ s bill .
Rosen ’ s office heard from Nevadans who supported the measure before she co-sponsored the bill .
The others who aren ’ t co-sponsors may still back the legislation on the floor .
“ I would support statehood for Washington D.C. if the proposal came up for a vote in the Senate , ” Whitehouse said in an emailed statement to HuffPost .

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Four Democratic senators have added their names as cosponsors to Senate legislation to make Washington, D.C., the 51st state in the wake of President Donald Trump ordering federal forces to crack down on a Black Lives Matter protest earlier this month.
Trump deployed federal forces to occupy some of the city’s streets against the wishes of District of Columbia officials ― something he could do only because the district isn’t a recognized state. That effort turned violent on June 1, when federal law enforcement officers tear-gassed protesters to clear them out of a park next to the White House ahead of Trump’s photo-op visit to a nearby church.
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D.C. statehood proponents, furious about the federal government’s abuse of the city’s sovereignty, argued the incident should bring more lawmakers to back statehood legislation, and activists in other states have pushed their representatives to back the cause.
That pressure worked. Sen. Jackie Rosen (D-Nev.) co-sponsored the bill on June 8, and Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, both Michigan Democrats, and Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, signed on Monday. Now, 40 senators and 224 House members ― all Democrats or independents who caucus with Democrats ― are co-sponsors of legislation that would give Washington residents more rights to self-determination through statehood.
The goal of statehood proponents is to obtain a voting majority in both chambers of Congress and a president who will sign such legislation in 2021. Since Republicans have almost entirely abandoned even glancing support for D.C. statehood, that voting majority will come from the Democratic Party. Trump recently said that Republicans would have to be “very, very stupid” to back statehood, given that D.C.’s 700,00-plus population votes heavily Democratic. (Trump received 4.1% of the district’s in D.C. in 2016.)
Statehood would give the district two voting Senate members and one in the House.
Supporters of statehood for Washington, D.C., cheer as drivers honk their horns in support outside the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Feb. 11, 2020. Statehood advocates are focused on the 2020 election to potentially push their efforts into law. The Washington Post via Getty Images
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“We want to put the bill in a place where if we have a [House Speaker Nancy Pelosi], a Senate majority leader [in Chuck Schumer of New York] and President [Joe] Biden and we have the votes lined up,” said Josh Burch, a district resident and volunteer organizer of United for D.C. Statehood. “If the Democratic Party is the party of equal rights and voting rights then they need to stand up unified in favor of D.C. statehood.”
Statehood legislation in the House, introduced by D.C.’s non-voting delegate, Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D), already has a voting majority. A total of 36 members of the Senate Democratic caucus had signed their names to the bill introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) before Trump’s occupation of Washington’s streets. Rosen was the first new co-sponsor of Carper’s statehood bill following Trump’s actions.
“Americans have a constitutional right to protest. It was completely unacceptable for the president of the United States to use tear gas to clear out peaceful protestors in Washington for a photo-op,” Rosen said in a statement. “I co-sponsored legislation supporting D.C. statehood because Washingtonians deserve a full voice in Congress and in government.”
Stabenow, Peters and Tester co-sponsored the bill on Monday. Peters support is notable, given that he is ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the panel that would first consider the statehood bill in the chamber. If Democrats win control of the Senate in November, he presumably would become the chairman.
Under existing Senate rules, a statehood bill would require 60 votes to overcome a filibuster and advance, which even under the most optimistic scenario for Democrats is an unlikely result of the 2020 election.
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Statehood activists also face an obvious conundrum in their efforts to win support in the Senate in that they have no senators to help advance their interests.
“They can ignore us because we aren’t their constituents,” Burch said.
In order to press their cause in Congress, D.C. statehood activists have partnered with local grassroots organizations to get constituents of Democratic senators to pressure them to cosponsor Carper’s bill. Rosen’s office heard from Nevadans who supported the measure before she co-sponsored the bill.
Seven members of the Senate Democratic Caucus have not cosponsored the legislation. They are: Maria Cantwell (Wash.), Doug Jones (Ala.), Angus King (Maine), Joe Manchin (W.V.), Jack Reed (R.I.), Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.).
With the Washington Monument looming in the background, protesters march for racial justice on the streets of the District of Columbia near the White House on June 5. mpi34/MediaPunch/MediaPunch/IPx
Jones is the only one facing a competitive election this year. Cantwell voted for D.C. statehood when she was in the House in 1993.
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The others who aren’t co-sponsors may still back the legislation on the floor. “I would support statehood for Washington D.C. if the proposal came up for a vote in the Senate,” Whitehouse said in an emailed statement to HuffPost.
In the past, D.C. statehood activists sought support from Republicans in Congress, but interest among GOP lawmakers has collapsed in the past decade. Just three Senate Republican offices ― Susan Collins (Maine), Cory Gardner (Colo.) and Tim Scott (S.C.) ― would even meet with statehood proponents, according to Burch.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-16--Pence Tells Governors To Share Misleading Facts About Coronavirus Infections: Reports

During the call , Pence , who leads the White House ’ s coronavirus task force , downplayed increases in COVID-19 diagnoses in some regions , claiming they were simply “ intermittent ” spikes of the virus .
He later pushed the administration talking point touted by President Donald Trump that the higher figures were merely due to an increase in testing , not actually higher rates of infection .
Data , however , shows that seven-day averages of new cases have increased in at least six states since May 31 .
“ I would just encourage you all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure and continue to explain to your citizens the magnitude of increase in testing , ” Pence said on the call , according to a recording obtained by The New York Times .
“ And that in most of the cases where we are seeing some marginal rise in number , that ’ s more resolved by the extraordinary work you ’ re doing.
” The Associated Press , which also obtained the audio , noted Pence told the state leaders to , with “ proper gentleness and respect , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making.
” The call comes as the Trump administration continues to downplay the rise in coronavirus cases in some parts of the country .
At least 22 states have seen rates of infection increase over the past 14 days as most regions across the U.S. have begun reopening large sectors of their economies .
Trump has also pushed misleading claims that infections are only increasing due to high rates of testing .
He said earlier Monday , without evidence , that “ if we stop testing right now , we ’ d have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A readout of the call released by the White House later Monday acknowledges that some states had seen case increases and that Pence had told governors to “ provide updates on these situations.
” Both Trump and Pence are scheduled to appear at a rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on Saturday despite calls that the event be delayed due to the risk of spreading the coronavirus among the thousands expected to gather at an indoor arena .
Tulsa ’ s biggest newspaper slammed the event this week , saying it was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t “ see any way that his visit will be good for the city.
” At least two states , Oregon and Utah , have pushed back their own relaxation of social distancing measures due to a surge in cases in recent days .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) also warned residents he was prepared to reverse some regions ’ reopenings should businesses flout guidelines meant to avert a second wave of cases .
Despite ongoing concerns about the spread of the virus , for which there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Times noted Pence urged state leaders to focus on the positives of the nation ’ s response .
“ Encourage people with the news that we are safely reopening the country , ” he said during the call .
“ That , as we speak today , because people are going back to hospitals and elective surgery and getting ordinary care , hospitalization rates may be going up .
But according to our most current information , hospitalizations for coronavirus are going down across the country .
”

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Vice President Mike Pence urged the nation’s governors to share misleading facts about ongoing coronavirus outbreaks in some states during a private call on Monday, according to multiple reports.
During the call, Pence, who leads the White House’s coronavirus task force, downplayed increases in COVID-19 diagnoses in some regions, claiming they were simply “intermittent” spikes of the virus. He later pushed the administration talking point touted by President Donald Trump that the higher figures were merely due to an increase in testing, not actually higher rates of infection. Data, however, shows that seven-day averages of new cases have increased in at least six states since May 31.
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“I would just encourage you all, as we talk about these things, to make sure and continue to explain to your citizens the magnitude of increase in testing,” Pence said on the call, according to a recording obtained by The New York Times. “And that in most of the cases where we are seeing some marginal rise in number, that’s more resolved by the extraordinary work you’re doing.”
The Associated Press, which also obtained the audio, noted Pence told the state leaders to, with “proper gentleness and respect,” share the “progress that we are making.”
The call comes as the Trump administration continues to downplay the rise in coronavirus cases in some parts of the country. At least 22 states have seen rates of infection increase over the past 14 days as most regions across the U.S. have begun reopening large sectors of their economies.
Trump has also pushed misleading claims that infections are only increasing due to high rates of testing. He said earlier Monday, without evidence, that “if we stop testing right now, we’d have very few cases, if any.”
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A readout of the call released by the White House later Monday acknowledges that some states had seen case increases and that Pence had told governors to “provide updates on these situations.”
Both Trump and Pence are scheduled to appear at a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday despite calls that the event be delayed due to the risk of spreading the coronavirus among the thousands expected to gather at an indoor arena. Tulsa’s biggest newspaper slammed the event this week, saying it was the “wrong time” while noting it couldn’t “see any way that his visit will be good for the city.”
At least two states, Oregon and Utah, have pushed back their own relaxation of social distancing measures due to a surge in cases in recent days. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) also warned residents he was prepared to reverse some regions’ reopenings should businesses flout guidelines meant to avert a second wave of cases.
Despite ongoing concerns about the spread of the virus, for which there is no proven treatment or vaccine, the Times noted Pence urged state leaders to focus on the positives of the nation’s response.
“Encourage people with the news that we are safely reopening the country,” he said during the call. “That, as we speak today, because people are going back to hospitals and elective surgery and getting ordinary care, hospitalization rates may be going up. But according to our most current information, hospitalizations for coronavirus are going down across the country.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-15--Trump Rally Not Welcome Here, Snaps Tulsa Newspaper Editorial

A harsh , plain-speaking editorial in Tulsa ’ s largest newspaper Monday declared that President Donald Trump ’ s planned rally in the city Saturday will bring no benefit to the city — and will risk Oklahomans ’ lives .
“ This is the wrong time and Tulsa is the wrong place for a Trump rally , ” the editorial in the Tulsa World stated .
“ We don ’ t know why he chose Tulsa , but we can ’ t see any way that his visit will be good for the city.
” There ’ s “ no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance “ will have any effect on November ’ s election outcome ” in the city or state — but it could trigger dire health consequences , the paper warned .
Tulsa is “ still dealing with the challenges created by a pandemic .
The city and state have authorized reopening — but that doesn ’ t make a mass indoor gathering of people pressed closely together and cheering a good idea , ” the editorial added .
“ There is no treatment for COVID-19 and no vaccine .
It will be our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with whatever effects follow.
” Trump claimed Monday at the White House that COVID-19 figures were “ low , ” and Vice President Mike Pence vowed that Oklahoma had “ flattened ” the curve .
In fact , COVID-19 cases in the state , especially in Tulsa , are trending sharply upward .
The head of the city ’ s health department said Friday that he “ wishes ” the rally would be postponed until the “ virus isn ’ t as large a concern as it is today.
” The paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets as Trump , termed a “ divisive figure , ” appears amid nationwide protests triggered by the brutal death of African American George Floyd during an arrest last month in Minneapolis .
Whatever happens , cash-strapped Tulsa will be left holding the bag to deal with any consequences as Trump flies back to Washington , the newspaper noted .
Trump ’ s visit will be “ exciting ... but for a lot of the wrong reasons , ” the editorial concluded .
“ We can ’ t welcome it .
”

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A harsh, plain-speaking editorial in Tulsa’s largest newspaper Monday declared that President Donald Trump’s planned rally in the city Saturday will bring no benefit to the city — and will risk Oklahomans’ lives.
“This is the wrong time and Tulsa is the wrong place for a Trump rally,” the editorial in the Tulsa World stated.
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“We don’t know why he chose Tulsa, but we can’t see any way that his visit will be good for the city.” There’s “no reason to think” Trump’s appearance “will have any effect on November’s election outcome” in the city or state — but it could trigger dire health consequences, the paper warned.
Tulsa is “still dealing with the challenges created by a pandemic. The city and state have authorized reopening — but that doesn’t make a mass indoor gathering of people pressed closely together and cheering a good idea,” the editorial added. “There is no treatment for COVID-19 and no vaccine. It will be our health care system that will have to deal with whatever effects follow.”
Trump claimed Monday at the White House that COVID-19 figures were “low,” and Vice President Mike Pence vowed that Oklahoma had “flattened” the curve. In fact, COVID-19 cases in the state, especially in Tulsa, are trending sharply upward. The head of the city’s health department said Friday that he “wishes” the rally would be postponed until the “virus isn’t as large a concern as it is today.”
The paper is also concerned about possible upheaval in the streets as Trump, termed a “divisive figure,” appears amid nationwide protests triggered by the brutal death of African American George Floyd during an arrest last month in Minneapolis.
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Whatever happens, cash-strapped Tulsa will be left holding the bag to deal with any consequences as Trump flies back to Washington, the newspaper noted.
Trump’s visit will be “exciting ... but for a lot of the wrong reasons,” the editorial concluded. “We can’t welcome it.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-15--Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Father Dies From Complications Of COVID-19

Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D-Minn. ) said Monday that her father had died from complications of the coronavirus .
“ It is with tremendous sadness and pain that I share that my father , Nur Omar Mohamed , passed away today due to complications from COVID-19 , ” Omar said in a statement obtained by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune .
“ No words can describe what he meant to me and all who knew him.
” “ My family and I ask for your respect and privacy during this time , ” she said .
The coronavirus pandemic has killed more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than 2.1 million people have tested positive for the virus , which is still ravaging parts of the country as infections spike in nearly two dozen states .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
said in April that her older brother , Don Reed Herring , died of the coronavirus , and Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D-Minn. ) detailed her husband ’ s struggles after being diagnosed with COVID-19 .
He ultimately recovered .
President Donald Trump has continued to downplay the rising number of infections in some places as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revive their economies , despite dire warnings from the nation ’ s leading health officials that doing so too soon could lead to a second wave of cases .
The president suggested Monday that positive diagnoses were on the rise only because of increased testing in the U.S. “ If we stop testing right now , we ’ d have very few cases , if any , ” he said during an event .
Our testing is so much bigger and more advanced than any other country ( we have done a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows more cases .
Without testing , or weak testing , we would be showing almost no cases .
Testing is a double edged sword - Makes us look bad , but good to have !
!
!
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) June 15 , 2020 Reopening efforts have already been stymied in some states .
The governors of Utah and Oregon said last week they would delay reopening efforts after cases of the coronavirus spiked .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) threatened to reverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received more than 25,000 complaints about businesses violating social distancing guidelines .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , also said recently that the pandemic was far from over , saying the health community was still “ at the beginning of really understanding ” the virus .

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Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) said Monday that her father had died from complications of the coronavirus.
“It is with tremendous sadness and pain that I share that my father, Nur Omar Mohamed, passed away today due to complications from COVID-19,” Omar said in a statement obtained by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “No words can describe what he meant to me and all who knew him.”
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“My family and I ask for your respect and privacy during this time,” she said.
Rep. Ilhan Omar says her father has died of COVID-19 complications. Statement from the representative: pic.twitter.com/3qlTcXWW77 — Patrick Condon (@patricktcondon) June 16, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 116,000 people in the United States. More than 2.1 million people have tested positive for the virus, which is still ravaging parts of the country as infections spike in nearly two dozen states.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said in April that her older brother, Don Reed Herring, died of the coronavirus, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) detailed her husband’s struggles after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He ultimately recovered.
President Donald Trump has continued to downplay the rising number of infections in some places as he urges states to reopen businesses to revive their economies, despite dire warnings from the nation’s leading health officials that doing so too soon could lead to a second wave of cases. The president suggested Monday that positive diagnoses were on the rise only because of increased testing in the U.S.
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“If we stop testing right now, we’d have very few cases, if any,” he said during an event.
Our testing is so much bigger and more advanced than any other country (we have done a great job on this!) that it shows more cases. Without testing, or weak testing, we would be showing almost no cases. Testing is a double edged sword - Makes us look bad, but good to have!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2020
Reopening efforts have already been stymied in some states. The governors of Utah and Oregon said last week they would delay reopening efforts after cases of the coronavirus spiked. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) threatened to reverse reopenings in some regions after the state received more than 25,000 complaints about businesses violating social distancing guidelines.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-16--Ingraham Calls Fauci ‘Medical Deep State,’ Tells Trump To Ignore Virus Rally Warnings

The host of “ The Ingraham Angle ” also urged President Donald Trump ’ s campaign to ignore the “ alarmist COVID drivel ” ahead of his upcoming indoor rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
Multiple public health officials have warned this Saturday ’ s event at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center could prove catastrophic in spreading the virus that has now killed more than 118,000 people nationwide .
She mocked Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the White House ’ s coronavirus task force , for a recent interview with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he warned that “ we could get back to some degree of normality within a year or so , but I don ’ t think it ’ s this winter or fall.
” “ The medical deep state strikes again , ” Ingraham quipped , after alleging hypocrisy of “ the science ” that “ has deemed it OK , essential , actually , to pack together outdoors in large crowds to protest in the name of liberal political causes ” but “ considers it unacceptably dangerous to attend large indoor gatherings.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s just a coincidence that these super-spreader events happen to exactly match the campaign rally that Trump had planned over the weekend , ” she said .
“ The president and his campaign should simply not react to any of this alarmist COVID drivel from here on out , ” continued Ingraham .
“ None of these people , sadly including Dr. Fauci , can be really taken all that seriously anymore given what we ’ ve seen , because science , just like journalism and entertainment , has become obscenely politicized.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people wailing about the health hazards of Trump ’ s future rallies voice any real sustained concern about the shoulder to shoulder protesters screaming at the top of their lungs , some not wearing masks , some taking them on and off , carrying BLM , Antifa , or nasty anti-Trump signs , no worries , ” she added .

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Fox News’ Laura Ingraham on Monday disparagingly referred to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, as “the medical deep state.”
The host of “The Ingraham Angle” also urged President Donald Trump’s campaign to ignore the “alarmist COVID drivel” ahead of his planned indoor rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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Public health officials have warned Saturday’s event at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center could prove catastrophic in spreading the virus that has now killed more than 118,000 people nationwide. But Ingraham, a staunch defender of Trump, argued the warnings were bunk.
She mocked Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the White House coronavirus task force, for an interview with Britain’s Daily Telegraph in which he warned that “we could get back to some degree of normality within a year or so, but I don’t think it’s this winter or fall.”
“The medical deep state strikes again,” Ingraham quipped, slamming “the science” that “has deemed it OK, essential, actually, to pack together outdoors in large crowds to protest in the name of liberal political causes” but “considers it unacceptably dangerous to attend large indoor gatherings.”
“I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that these super-spreader events happen to exactly match the campaign rally that Trump had planned over the weekend,” she said.
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“The president and his campaign should simply not react to any of this alarmist COVID drivel from here on out,” continued Ingraham. “None of these people, sadly including Dr. Fauci, can be really taken all that seriously anymore given what we’ve seen, because science, just like journalism and entertainment, has become obscenely politicized.”
“Now why did none of these people wailing about the health hazards of Trump’s future rallies voice any real sustained concern about the shoulder to shoulder protesters screaming at the top of their lungs, some not wearing masks, some taking them on and off, carrying BLM, antifa, or nasty anti-Trump signs, no worries,” she added.
Ingraham seemed not to have noticed that political leaders, public health experts and physicians have repeatedly warned that the protests could cause surges in coronavirus infections.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-16--Tucker Carlson Dials Up Fear Factor In Ugly New Attack On Black Lives Matter

Carlson said Black Lives Matter is now more popular than President Donald Trump and warned that it has no interest in engaging in politics or peaceful protest .
“ They flood the streets with angry young people who break things , and they hurt anyone who gets in the way .
When they want something , they take it .
Make them mad , and they will set your business on fire .
Annoy them , and they will occupy your downtown and declare a brand-new country .
You ’ re not going to do anything about it .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fashioned a conspiracy theory that recent Supreme Court decisions he didn ’ t like were made because conservative justices “ are afraid to defy the mob.
” And he concluded that the lesson of the past weeks is that “ force is more effective than voting , elections change nothing ” and that “ violence works.
” “ Black Lives Matter is getting exactly what they want , and that is the most basic sign of strength , ” Carlson said at another point .
“ Strength is the most appealing quality to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to animals.
” Carlson in recent weeks has repeatedly attacked the protests , Black Lives Matter and even “ Sesame Street ” over the mass movement for equality and basic civil rights .
Advertisers have fled his show , with liberal watchdog group Media Matters counting nine major advertisers pulling their spots from Carlson ’ s show over the last week .
Fox News told The New York Times last week that advertisers were moving their ads to other shows , not leaving the network entirely , and that the company hadn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The network has stuck with Carlson through other boycotts and advertising withdrawals , including in 2018 when he declared that immigrants made the country “ poorer and dirtier.
” After calls to pull his show last year , Carlson declared he wasn ’ t going anywhere .
“ Why ?
Because we work at Fox News , and they ’ ve got our back , ” he said .
“ And we ’ re thankful for that.
” At least one advertiser has vowed to stick with Carlson : MyPillow told Newsweek that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spots will continue to air on the show .

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Fox News host Tucker Carlson warned that the nation is facing a “dangerous moment” because of Black Lives Matter.
Carlson said Black Lives Matter is now more popular than President Donald Trump and warned that it has no interest in engaging in politics or peaceful protest.
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“Black Lives Matter believes in force,” he said, warning:
“They flood the streets with angry young people who break things, and they hurt anyone who gets in the way. When they want something, they take it. Make them mad, and they will set your business on fire. Annoy them, and they will occupy your downtown and declare a brand-new country. You’re not going to do anything about it. They know that for certain.”
Carlson then fashioned a conspiracy theory that recent Supreme Court decisions he didn’t like were made because conservative justices “are afraid to defy the mob.”
And he concluded that the lesson of the past weeks is that “force is more effective than voting, elections change nothing” and that “violence works.”
See his full monologue below:
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“Black Lives Matter is getting exactly what they want, and that is the most basic sign of strength,” Carlson said at another point. “Strength is the most appealing quality to voters, and to people, and to animals.”
Carlson in recent weeks has repeatedly attacked the protests, Black Lives Matter and even “Sesame Street” over the mass movement for equality and basic civil rights.
Advertisers have fled his show, with liberal watchdog group Media Matters counting nine major advertisers pulling their spots from Carlson’s show over the last week.
Fox News told The New York Times last week that advertisers were moving their ads to other shows, not leaving the network entirely, and that the company hadn’t suffered financially from the defections.
The network has stuck with Carlson through other boycotts and advertising withdrawals, including in 2018 when he declared that immigrants made the country “poorer and dirtier.”
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After calls to pull his show last year, Carlson declared he wasn’t going anywhere.
“Why? Because we work at Fox News, and they’ve got our back,” he said. “And we’re thankful for that.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-15--Oklahoma Governor Invites Donald Trump To Visit Site Of Tulsa Race Massacre

Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt ( R ) invited President Donald Trump to visit the site of the Tulsa Race Massacre when he travels to the city on Saturday for a campaign rally ― an event the president had postponed after heavy criticism for initially scheduling it on Juneteenth , a holiday that recognizes the end of Black slavery in the U.S .
But the state lawmaker who represents the area , Rep. Monroe Nichols ( D ) , told HuffPost that suggesting Trump visit the site of the massacre was like “ pouring a little salt in the wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally will be Trump ’ s first since pausing campaign events during the coronavirus pandemic .
The date ― initially scheduled for June 19 , Juneteenth ― as well as the location both earned quick condemnation , given Trump ’ s record on race , his history of racist dog whistles and his response to ongoing protests of anti-Black racism and police brutality .
Stitt told reporters on Monday that he personally asked the president and vice president to join him in visiting the Greenwood District , an area once known as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anniversary of the massacre approaching in 2021 , Stitt mentioned that the state has appropriated $ 1.5 million toward a museum on the massacre and that he was hoping for federal funds to help build it .
“ Being from Tulsa , that is very important to Tulsans , ” Stitt said .
“ It is very important to Oklahomans and really reconciliation in our state.
” “ When you consider that people actively tried to cover up the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre for decades , I think it would be historic if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his respects to the site and used the international media focus that follows him to raise awareness of what happened there , ” Bynum said .
“ I am grateful for Gov .
Stitt making the recommendation and entirely agree with it.
” The importance of the site is exactly why Nichols thinks a Trump visit might not be such a good idea .
He noted that Trump said in 2019 that there were “ very fine people ” on both sides when white nationalists clashed with counterprotesters in Charlottesville , Virginia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still rings the ears of a lot of African Americans here in Tulsa today , ” Nichols said .
The Significance of the Greenwood District Tulsa ’ s Greenwood District , an affluent African American community , was the talk of the nation in the early 1900s .
Greenwood Avenue , known as Black Wall Street , had it all : restaurants , hotels , newspapers , theaters , grocery stores , beauty salons , doctors ’ and lawyers ’ offices and much more .
On May 30 , 1921 , Dick Rowland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused of sexually assaulting Sarah Page , a white woman , while the two were in an elevator .
The details differed ― some witnesses said Rowland had tripped ― and grew more exaggerated as time went on .
Rowland was arrested the next day , and soon after , white and Black armed mobs gathered around the courthouse where Rowland was being held .
Within 24 hours , more than 800 people were injured , and historians now believe as many as 300 were murdered .
Over 6,000 Black Tulsans were imprisoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District had ceased to exist .
The fact that Stitt referenced the massacre as “ Tulsa Race Riot ” ― verbiage that has been intentionally left behind as it doesn ’ t accurately portray the event 99 years ago ― was criticized by Nichols , as was the governor ’ s lack of outreach to Black lawmakers .
“ I think it is pretty frustrating that the governor has done no outreach to the Black community or the Black elected officials here in Oklahoma , and given the response , it seems like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the wounds to be like , ‘ Oh Mr. President , you come here !
’ even though people have had a big issue with him being here in the first place , ” Nichols said .

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Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) invited President Donald Trump to visit the site of the Tulsa Race Massacre when he travels to the city on Saturday for a campaign rally ― an event the president had postponed after heavy criticism for initially scheduling it on Juneteenth, a holiday that recognizes the end of Black slavery in the U.S.
But the state lawmaker who represents the area, Rep. Monroe Nichols (D), told HuffPost that suggesting Trump visit the site of the massacre was like “pouring a little salt in the wounds” of Black Oklahomans.
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“You can’t roll back civil rights protections and then come to the Greenwood District to pay homage,” Nichols, who is Black, said in an interview.
The Tulsa rally will be Trump’s first since pausing campaign events during the coronavirus pandemic. The date ― initially scheduled for June 19, Juneteenth ― as well as the location both earned quick condemnation, given Trump’s record on race, his history of racist dog whistles and his response to ongoing protests of anti-Black racism and police brutality.
Stitt told reporters on Monday that he personally asked the president and vice president to join him in visiting the Greenwood District, an area once known as “Black Wall Street.” With the 100th anniversary of the massacre approaching in 2021, Stitt mentioned that the state has appropriated $1.5 million toward a museum on the massacre and that he was hoping for federal funds to help build it.
“Being from Tulsa, that is very important to Tulsans,” Stitt said. “It is very important to Oklahomans and really reconciliation in our state.”
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Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum (R) said he welcomed the idea of Trump visiting. Stitt and Bynum are both white.
“When you consider that people actively tried to cover up the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre for decades, I think it would be historic if the president of the United States paid his respects to the site and used the international media focus that follows him to raise awareness of what happened there,” Bynum said. “I am grateful for Gov. Stitt making the recommendation and entirely agree with it.”
The White House declined to comment on whether Trump will visit the area.
The importance of the site is exactly why Nichols thinks a Trump visit might not be such a good idea. He noted that Trump said in 2019 that there were “very fine people” on both sides when white nationalists clashed with counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017. The remark “still rings the ears of a lot of African Americans here in Tulsa today,” Nichols said.
The Significance of the Greenwood District
Tulsa’s Greenwood District, an affluent African American community, was the talk of the nation in the early 1900s. Greenwood Avenue, known as Black Wall Street, had it all: restaurants, hotels, newspapers, theaters, grocery stores, beauty salons, doctors’ and lawyers’ offices and much more.
As Greenwood boomed, racial tensions grew in Tulsa.
On May 30, 1921, Dick Rowland, a young Black man, was accused of sexually assaulting Sarah Page, a white woman, while the two were in an elevator. The details differed ― some witnesses said Rowland had tripped ― and grew more exaggerated as time went on. Rowland was arrested the next day, and soon after, white and Black armed mobs gathered around the courthouse where Rowland was being held.
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Shots were fired, and Black Tulsans retreated to the Greenwood District. Angry white mobs followed, looting and burning down Black Wall Street.
Within 24 hours, more than 800 people were injured, and historians now believe as many as 300 were murdered. Over 6,000 Black Tulsans were imprisoned and held for days. The Greenwood District had ceased to exist.
The fact that Stitt referenced the massacre as “Tulsa Race Riot” ― verbiage that has been intentionally left behind as it doesn’t accurately portray the event 99 years ago ― was criticized by Nichols, as was the governor’s lack of outreach to Black lawmakers.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-15--Fox News Presses Larry Kudlow On COVID-19 Spikes After He Declared No Second Wave

Fox News hosts on Monday grilled White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on spikes in COVID-19 cases in the nation just three days after he declared : “ There is no second wave.
” Kudlow — the man who declared in February that COVID-19 was “ contained ... pretty close to airtight ” before more than 115,000 Americans died of the disease — conceded there might still be “ bumps ” in the COVID-19 crisis , even though they appear to be trends .
“ Friday morning , you said on Fox News Channel — and I remember it so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and you said it again , ‘ This is not a second wave , ’ ” Sandra Smith told Kudlow .
Yet spikes in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are sweeping parts of the U.S. , most notably in the South and West .
Kudlow responded : “ We ’ re going to have these concerns for a while.
” But he said that after his conversations with “ our health experts , ” his understanding is that “ these are relatively small bumps.
” He added : “ They ’ re there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Kudlow said it ’ s “ something we have to get used to.
” He didn ’ t name the health experts — and indicated some of the “ bumps ” may be attributable to increased testing .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , warned last week at a virtual conference held by BIO , the Biotechnology Innovation Organization , that the pandemic is far from over after it “ devastated the whole world ” in just four months .
“ Where is it going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the beginning of really understanding , ” said Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
Fox News host Ed Henry also challenged Kudlow on his statement that the economy would not be shut down again .
“ God forbid the health experts go to the president and say , ‘ Look , we ’ re fearful this is going the wrong way and there could be tens of thousands of more people dying , ’ ” said Henry .
“ You ’ re saying the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” he asked Kudlow .
Kudlow said flatly last Friday on “ Fox & Friends ” : “ There is no second wave .
I don ’ t know where that got started on Wall Street .
”

Fox News hosts on Monday grilled White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on spikes in COVID-19 cases in the nation just three days after he declared: “There is no second wave.”
Kudlow — the man who declared in February that COVID-19 was “contained ... pretty close to airtight” before more than 115,000 Americans died of the disease — conceded there might still be “bumps” in the COVID-19 crisis, even though they appear to be trends.
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“Friday morning, you said on Fox News Channel — and I remember it so clearly — you said no second wave, and you said it again, ‘This is not a second wave,’” Sandra Smith told Kudlow. Yet spikes in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are sweeping parts of the U.S., most notably in the South and West.
Kudlow responded: “We’re going to have these concerns for a while.” But he said that after his conversations with “our health experts,” his understanding is that “these are relatively small bumps.” He added: “They’re there. I’m not denying it.” Kudlow said it’s “something we have to get used to.”
He didn’t name the health experts — and indicated some of the “bumps” may be attributable to increased testing.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, warned last week at a virtual conference held by BIO, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, that the pandemic is far from over after it “devastated the whole world” in just four months.
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“Where is it going to end? We’re still at the beginning of really understanding,” said Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Fox News host Ed Henry also challenged Kudlow on his statement that the economy would not be shut down again. “God forbid the health experts go to the president and say, ‘Look, we’re fearful this is going the wrong way and there could be tens of thousands of more people dying,’” said Henry. “You’re saying the president still will not shut down the economy?” he asked Kudlow.
“The president is absolutely disinclined to shut down the economy,” Kudlow responded.
Kudlow said flatly last Friday on “Fox & Friends”: “There is no second wave. I don’t know where that got started on Wall Street.”
Check out Kudlow’s latest Fox News interview in the video up top.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-16--‘So True!’ Trump Mocked For Retweeting Himself, Then Agreeing With Himself

President Donald Trump fired off an unusual tweet on Monday , not only sharing a message from himself but also agreeing with it .
“ Silent majority ” is a term that Trump ― like President Richard Nixon ― uses to characterize his supporters , suggesting they don ’ t show up in polls but will turn up at the ballot box .
Trump ’ s message ― and his agreement with himself ― came after several polls showed him trailing former Vice President Joe Biden .
Trump ’ s campaign even issued a cease-and-desist order to CNN over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 points .
Trump occasionally retweets himself , and at times adds a “ so true ” in self-agreement .
But Monday evening ’ s message brought out the snark , with many of his critics adding “ so true ” statements of their own : There are no jokes that are funnier or more insane than this actual retweet by a sitting ( and very busy ) president .
pic.twitter.com/w5N1jh2jdw — edgarwright ( @ edgarwright ) June 16 , 2020 Imagine the thought process behind the “ so true !
” tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retweet and looks back on his previous tweet and thinks “ wow , I ’ m like a fucking genius .
This is a fucking work of art .
I need to share this with the world ... again !
” — Acyn Torabi ( @ Acyn ) June 16 , 2020

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President Donald Trump fired off an unusual tweet on Monday, not only sharing a message from himself but also agreeing with it.
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“Silent majority” is a term that Trump ― like President Richard Nixon ― uses to characterize his supporters, suggesting they don’t show up in polls but will turn up at the ballot box.
Trump’s message ― and his agreement with himself ― came after several polls showed him trailing former Vice President Joe Biden. Trump’s campaign even issued a cease-and-desist order to CNN over a poll that showed the president behind by 14 points.
CNN stood by its poll.
Trump occasionally retweets himself, and at times adds a “so true” in self-agreement. But Monday evening’s message brought out the snark, with many of his critics adding “so true” statements of their own:
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There are no jokes that are funnier or more insane than this actual retweet by a sitting (and very busy) president. pic.twitter.com/w5N1jh2jdw — edgarwright (@edgarwright) June 16, 2020
normal people do this for sure pic.twitter.com/j7KRwOFNdh — Decoherence (@DecoherenceWave) June 16, 2020
Imagine the thought process behind the “so true!” tweet. He runs out of garbage to retweet and looks back on his previous tweet and thinks “wow, I’m like a fucking genius. This is a fucking work of art. I need to share this with the world... again!” — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) June 16, 2020
You do realize you’re talking to yourself, right? — Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) June 16, 2020
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I understand. It must get lonely in that bunker. — Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) June 16, 2020
He finally found someone that agrees with him. — The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) June 16, 2020
like, seriously donald’s so dumb https://t.co/v60DGa4klk — Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) June 16, 2020
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"The silent majority is stronger than ever!"
"SO TRUE!" pic.twitter.com/BaUXgDteBs — Josh Jordan (@NumbersMuncher) June 16, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-16--Lara Trump Insists President Has No Health Issues Despite Awkward Ramp Walk

Lara Trump , a daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump and an adviser to his reelection campaign , defended his awkward walk down a ramp and difficulty in lifting a glass of water during a speech on Saturday .
Asked on Fox News if the president had any health issues that the public wasn ’ t aware of , Trump ― who is married to Eric Trump ― insisted he didn ’ t .
“ It ’ s just fodder for the critics out there to attack him , ” she said .
Lara Trump also attempted to explain his slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ramp after speaking at West Point .
“ This was a ramp that had no steps , no handrail , ” she said .
“ The president had on leather shoes , of course , he ’ s going to take his time.
” Lara Trump : This was a ramp that had no steps , no handrails .
The President had on leather shoes .
Of course he ’ s going to take his time pic.twitter.com/5hTwos25qv — Acyn Torabi ( @ Acyn ) June 15 , 2020 Trump ’ s unusual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter over the weekend .
The president took notice , tweeting that the ramp was “ very long & steep ” and also “ very slippery.
” The ramp was dry and lined with no-slip strips and the weather was clear .

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Lara Trump, a daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump and an adviser to his reelection campaign, defended his awkward walk down a ramp and difficulty in lifting a glass of water during a speech on Saturday.
Asked on Fox News if the president had any health issues that the public wasn’t aware of, Trump ― who is married to Eric Trump ― insisted he didn’t.
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“It’s just fodder for the critics out there to attack him,” she said.
Lara Trump also attempted to explain his slow and unusual gait as he walked down a ramp after speaking at West Point.
“This was a ramp that had no steps, no handrail,” she said. “The president had on leather shoes, of course, he’s going to take his time.”
Lara Trump: This was a ramp that had no steps, no handrails. The President had on leather shoes. Of course he’s going to take his time pic.twitter.com/5hTwos25qv — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) June 15, 2020
Trump’s unusual walk caused #TrumpIsNotWell to trend on Twitter over the weekend. The president took notice, tweeting that the ramp was “very long & steep” and also “very slippery.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-15--Pence Says Oklahoma COVID-19 Cases Have 'Flattened' — 2 Days After Record Jump

Vice President Mike Pence insisted Monday that Oklahoma ’ s COVID-19 cases have “ dropped precipitously ” and “ in a very real sense they ’ ve flattened the curve ” — just two days after the state posted a record high in daily new cases .
Pence blatantly misrepresented the facts as he addressed concerns about President Donald Trump ’ s plan to lure thousands of people into a stadium in Tulsa , Oklahoma , for a political rally Saturday even as COVID-19 cases rise alarmingly and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to warn of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump also claimed in an appearance with Pence at the White House that Oklahoma has a “ very low number.
” The vice president is joining Trump at the rally .
In the actuality , Oklahoma reported 225 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday , its highest one-day total in the pandemic , to reach 8,000 confirmed cases statewide .
Tulsa County , where Trump will hold the rally , reported 89 new cases since Sunday — its largest single-day figure since the state ’ s first COVID-19 case on March 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since a week ago .
Tulsa County ’ s seven-day rolling average for COVID-19 cases has risen from 24.9 cases on June 7 to 51.4 as of Friday , according to state statistics .
A concerned Dr. Bruce Dart , director of Tulsa ’ s health department , told the Tulsa World newspaper Friday that the city is experiencing a “ significant increase in our case trends.
” COVID-19 “ is here in Tulsa , it is transmitting very efficiently , ” he warned .
“ I wish we could postpone this [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus isn ’ t as large a concern as it is today.
” Dr. Ashish Jha , director of Harvard ’ s Global Health Institute , called Trump ’ s rally “ an extraordinarily dangerous move for the people participating ” — as well as for everyone with whom they may come in contact afterward .
Registration for the rally on Trump ’ s campaign website includes a legal disclaimer that the president is not responsible if those attending contract COVID-19 at his event .
Pence says Oklahoma has flattened the curve and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state has `` declined precipitously . ''
https : //t.co/ewI8rrLwsf pic.twitter.com/UfFjUywC0x — Daniel Dale ( @ ddale8 ) June 15 , 2020

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Vice President Mike Pence insisted Monday that Oklahoma’s COVID-19 cases have “dropped precipitously” and “in a very real sense they’ve flattened the curve” — just two days after the state posted a record high in daily new cases.
Pence blatantly misrepresented the facts as he addressed concerns about President Donald Trump’s plan to lure thousands of people into a stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for a political rally Saturday even as COVID-19 cases rise alarmingly and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to warn of the serious risk of contagion in large gatherings.
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Trump also claimed in an appearance with Pence at the White House that Oklahoma has a “very low number.” The vice president is joining Trump at the rally.
In the actuality, Oklahoma reported 225 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, its highest one-day total in the pandemic, to reach 8,000 confirmed cases statewide. Tulsa County, where Trump will hold the rally, reported 89 new cases since Sunday — its largest single-day figure since the state’s first COVID-19 case on March 6.
Cases have been trending sharply upward since a week ago. Tulsa County’s seven-day rolling average for COVID-19 cases has risen from 24.9 cases on June 7 to 51.4 as of Friday, according to state statistics.
A concerned Dr. Bruce Dart, director of Tulsa’s health department, told the Tulsa World newspaper Friday that the city is experiencing a “significant increase in our case trends.”
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COVID-19 “is here in Tulsa, it is transmitting very efficiently,” he warned. “I wish we could postpone this [rally] to a time when the virus isn’t as large a concern as it is today.”
Dr. Ashish Jha, director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute, called Trump’s rally “an extraordinarily dangerous move for the people participating” — as well as for everyone with whom they may come in contact afterward.
Registration for the rally on Trump’s campaign website includes a legal disclaimer that the president is not responsible if those attending contract COVID-19 at his event.
Pence says Oklahoma has flattened the curve and that the number of cases in the state has "declined precipitously." https://t.co/ewI8rrLwsf pic.twitter.com/UfFjUywC0x — Daniel Dale (@ddale8) June 15, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-16--Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Trump Rally Is ‘Worst-Case Scenario’ For Spread Of Coronavirus

CNN ’ s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta explained why President Donald Trump ’ s upcoming indoor rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , this weekend is “ the worst-case scenario ” for the spread of the coronavirus .
Gupta broke down the different levels of risk of contracting the contagion at gatherings in an appearance on Monday ’ s broadcast of “ The Lead , ” telling host Jake Tapper how the threat increases in relation to how many people attend an event , its location ( indoors or outside ) and guests ’ adherence to social distancing measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario would be sort of the situation we ’ re talking about here , ” Gupta said of Trump ’ s planned campaign event at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center , which multiple medical professionals and public health experts have warned against attending .
“ Indoors , attendees coming from all these various areas , difficult to practice physical distancing , and who knows about what the mask sort of wearing is going to be , ” Gupta continued .
“ There ’ s no question .
This is a contagious virus .
Indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors .
Not wearing masks a lot worse than wearing masks .
Not keeping distance if they ’ re filled to capacity , ” Gupta said .
“ There is no magic here .
There is no scientific proclamation where you ’ re going to have some sort of revelation about this .
That ’ s the worst-case scenario.
” “ If there is a person there who has the virus , the idea that it could be spread and turn into a super-spreading event would be a big concern , ” Gupta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 1 million people have registered to attend the rally .
A waiver on the campaign ’ s website advises those seeking tickets that they can not sue if they contract the virus at the event .
Attendees will have their temperatures checked and receive hand sanitizer and masks on entry , per Trump ’ s campaign manager Brad Parscale : Over 1M ticket requests for the @ realDonaldTrump # MAGA Rally in Tulsa on Saturday .
Before entering each guest will get : ✅Temperature check ✅Hand sanitizer ✅Mask There will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
— Brad Parscale ( @ parscale ) June 15 , 2020

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CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta explained why President Donald Trump’s planned indoor rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this weekend is “the worst-case scenario” for spreading the coronavirus.
Gupta, appearing on Monday’s broadcast of “The Lead,” told host Jake Tapper the threat of spreading the virus increases in relation to crowd size, whether the location is indoors or outside, and whether attendees adhere to social distancing measures.
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“The highest risk sort of scenario would be sort of the situation we’re talking about here,” Gupta said of Trump’s planned campaign event at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center, which multiple medical professionals and public health experts have warned against attending.
“Indoors, attendees coming from all these various areas, difficult to practice physical distancing, and who knows about what the mask sort of wearing is going to be,” Gupta continued.
“There’s no question. This is a contagious virus. Indoors is going to be far worse than outdoors. Not wearing masks a lot worse than wearing masks. Not keeping distance if they’re filled to capacity,” Gupta said. “There is no magic here. There is no scientific proclamation where you’re going to have some sort of revelation about this. That’s the worst-case scenario.”
“If there is a person there who has the virus, the idea that it could be spread and turn into a super-spreading event would be a big concern,” Gupta concluded.
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Trump’s campaign claims more than 1 million people have registered to attend the rally. A waiver on the campaign’s website advises those seeking tickets that they cannot sue if they contract the virus at the event.
Attendees will have their temperatures checked and receive hand sanitizer and masks on entry, per Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-16--Anderson Cooper Debunks Trump's Latest Coronavirus Claim With Basic Child Psychology

CNN ’ s Anderson Cooper on Monday used some basic child psychology to debunk President Donald Trump ’ s latest comments about testing for the coronavirus .
Trump had earlier argued ― yet again ― that there ’ d be a significant decrease in cases of the contagion in the United States if it stopped its testing program .
“ If we stop testing right now , we ’ d have very few cases , if any , ” the president claimed during a White House event .
He later repeated the notion on Twitter , acknowledging that testing “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have !
!
!
” Our testing is so much bigger and more advanced than any other country ( we have done a great job on this ! )
that it shows more cases .
Without testing , or weak testing , we would be showing almost no cases .
Testing is a double edged sword - Makes us look bad , but good to have !
!
!
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) June 15 , 2020 “ The president of the United States apparently believes that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it goes away , or if you don ’ t report on something , it never happened , ” Cooper reflected on Trump ’ s widely derided comments .
“ Now , I ’ ve been reading about babies lately and that ’ s something babies grow out of by about 18 months , ” continued Cooper , who became a father in April .
“ It ’ s called object permanence , meaning the thing is there whether you are looking at it or not , ” he explained .
“ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached that stage yet , at least not when it comes to the virus that now claimed more than 116,000 lives in this country .
”

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CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Monday used some basic child psychology to debunk President Donald Trump’s latest comments about testing for the coronavirus.
Trump earlier in the day had argued — yet again ― that there would be a significant decrease in cases of COVID-19 in the United States if the country halted its testing program.
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“If we stop testing right now, we’d have very few cases, if any,” the president claimed during a White House event. He later repeated the notion on Twitter, acknowledging that testing “makes us look bad, but good to have!!!”
Our testing is so much bigger and more advanced than any other country (we have done a great job on this!) that it shows more cases. Without testing, or weak testing, we would be showing almost no cases. Testing is a double edged sword - Makes us look bad, but good to have!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2020
“The president of the United States apparently believes that when you close your eyes to something, it goes away, or if you don’t report on something, it never happened,” Cooper said of Trump’s widely derided comments.
“Now, I’ve been reading about babies lately and that’s something babies grow out of by about 18 months,” added Cooper, who became a father in April.
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“It’s called object permanence, meaning the thing is there whether you are looking at it or not,” he said. “Well, the president perhaps hasn’t reached that stage yet, at least not when it comes to the virus that has now claimed more than 116,000 lives in this country.”
Check out Cooper’s monologue here:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-16--Man Shot During Protest Over Spanish Conqueror's Statue In Albuquerque

ASSOCIATED PRESS A confrontation erupted between protesters and a group of armed men who were trying to protect the statue of Juan de Oñate .
Albuquerque announced plans to remove the statue on Monday night .
ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. ( AP ) — A man was shot Monday night as protesters in New Mexico ’ s largest city tried to tear down a bronze statue of a Spanish conquistador outside the Albuquerque Museum , prompting the city to announce that the statue would be removed until officials determine the next steps .
A confrontation erupted between protesters and a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the statue of Juan de Oñate before protesters wrapped a chain around it and began tugging on it while chanting : “ Tear it down.
” One protester repeatedly swung a pickax at the base of the statue .
Gallegos said police used tear gas and flash bangs to protect the officers who intervened and detained those involved in the shooting .
He said they were disarmed and taken into custody for questioning as police worked to secure the scene .
He said detectives were investigating with the help of the FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other information .
“ The shooting tonight was a tragic , outrageous and unacceptable act of violence and it has no place in our city , ” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement .
“ Our diverse community will not be deterred by acts meant to divide or silence us .
Our hearts go out the victim , his family and witnesses whose lives were needlessly threatened tonight .
This sculpture has now become an urgent matter of public safety.
” Democrat Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying they were there to menace protesters .
She said no matter who strikes first , there would be no room in New Mexico for any sort of escalation of what she called “ reckless , violent rhetoric.
” “ The instigators this evening will be rooted out , they will be investigated , and they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law , ” she said .
The violence came just hours after activists in northern New Mexico celebrated the removal of another likeness of Oñate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center in the community of Alcalde .
Rio Arriba County officials removed it to safeguard it from possible damage and to avoid civil unrest ahead of a scheduled protest .
A forklift pried the massive bronze statue of Oñate on horseback from a concrete pedestal .
Cheers erupted among bystanders who saw the memorial as an affront to indigenous people and an obstacle to greater racial harmony , though several people also arrived to defend the tribute to Oñate .
County Manager Tomas Campos said the statue was placed in storage for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county commission to solicit public comment on what to do next with the public works project commissioned by the state in the early 1990s .
Oñate , who arrived in present-day New Mexico in 1598 , is celebrated as a cultural father figure in communities along the Upper Rio Grande that trace their ancestry to Spanish settlers .
But he ’ s also reviled for his brutality .
To Native Americans , Oñate is known for having ordered the right feet cut off of 24 captive tribal warriors that was precipitated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 1998 , someone sawed the right foot off the statue — an incident that weighed in the decision to stash away the statue .
Luis Peña of Espanola , an artist and computer network engineer , started a public petition last week to remove the statue in Alcalde .
He said he was heartened to see it taken off display .
Meanwhile , the scene in Albuquerque turned into chaos as people ran for cover .
Police in riot gear could be seen taking at least two people into custody following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was more than two hours before the area was cleared .

A confrontation erupted between protesters and a group of armed men who were trying to protect the statue of Juan de Oñate. Albuquerque announced plans to remove the statue on Monday night. ASSOCIATED PRESS
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A 31-year-old man has been arrested in a shooting that happened as protesters in New Mexico’s largest city tried to tear down a bronze statue of a Spanish conquistador outside the Albuquerque Museum, police said Tuesday.
The shooting occurred near a Monday night confrontation between protesters and a group of armed men to protect the statue of Juan de Oñate before protesters wrapped a chain around it and began tugging on it while chanting: “Tear it down.” One protester repeatedly swung a pickax at the base of the statue.
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Moments later, a few gunshots rang out down the street and people yelled that someone had been shot.
The shooting prompted the city to announce that the statue would be removed until officials determine the next steps.
We just obtained video of the shooting. pic.twitter.com/yjB6NHdKe2 — Megan Abundis (@meganrabundis) June 16, 2020
Police in a statement said detectives arrested Stephen Ray Baca and that he was jailed on suspicion of aggravated battery. Authorities had said earlier that several people were detained for questioning. Online court records did not list an attorney for Baca who could comment on his behalf.
The man who was shot was taken to a hospital and was listed in critical but stable condition late Monday, said Albuquerque police spokesman Gilbert Gallegos.
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Officers during the confrontation used tear gas and flash bangs to protect the officers who intervened and detained those involved in the shooting, Gallegos said. He said they were disarmed and taken into custody for questioning as police worked to secure the scene. He said detectives were investigating with the help of the FBI.
“The shooting tonight was a tragic, outrageous and unacceptable act of violence and it has no place in our city,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement. “Our diverse community will not be deterred by acts meant to divide or silence us. Our hearts go out the victim, his family and witnesses whose lives were needlessly threatened tonight. This sculpture has now become an urgent matter of public safety.”
Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement taking aim at the armed people, saying they were there to menace protesters. She said there is no room in New Mexico for any sort of escalation of what she called “reckless, violent rhetoric.”
“The instigators this evening will be rooted out, they will be investigated, and they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” she said.
My statement on the “militia” and violence in Albuquerque tonight: pic.twitter.com/BZISvyau3k — Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) June 16, 2020
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The violence came hours after activists in northern New Mexico celebrated the removal of another likeness of Oñate that was on public display at a cultural center in the community of Alcalde. Rio Arriba County officials removed it to safeguard it from possible damage and to avoid civil unrest ahead of a scheduled protest.
A forklift pried the massive bronze statue of Oñate on horseback from a concrete pedestal. Cheers erupted among bystanders who viewed the memorial as an affront to indigenous people and an obstacle to greater racial harmony, though several people also arrived to defend the tribute to Oñate.
County Manager Tomas Campos said the statue was placed in storage for its own protection. He expects the three-member county commission to solicit public comment on what to do next with the public works project commissioned by the state in the early 1990s.
“This is public property and I’m not going to allow it to be damaged,” Campos said. “Plus, I don’t feel like risking my sheriff’s deputies or state police to defend it.”
This is not who we are as New Mexicans. I’m horrified that anyone would take action with a deadly weapon against someone who disagrees with them. This is not the way. Let me be clear: white supremacy has no place here. https://t.co/qxTOW0UKMH — Rep. Deb Haaland (@RepDebHaaland) June 16, 2020
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The Oñate statues have been a source of criticism for decades.
Oñate, who arrived in present-day New Mexico in 1598, is celebrated as a cultural father figure in communities along the Upper Rio Grande that trace their ancestry to Spanish settlers. But he’s also reviled for his brutality.
To Native Americans, Oñate is known for having ordered the right feet cut off of 24 captive tribal warriors that was precipitated by the killing of Oñate’s nephew. In 1998, someone sawed the right foot off the statue — an incident that weighed in the decision to stash away the statue.
Luis Peña of Espanola, an artist and computer network engineer, started a public petition last week to remove the statue in Alcalde. He said he was heartened to see it taken off display.
Removal of the statue was followed by a few heated roadside discussions about local colonial history, under the gaze of a half-dozen sheriff’s deputies.
Tony Valerio, 65, rushed to the site after a neighbor alerted him that the statue was being taken down.
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“He’s my hero. He brought a lot of good things to New Mexico,” Valerio said of Oñate. “What’s next? The Statue of Liberty?”
Lujan Grisham, who has campaigned on her heritage as a 12th-generation New Mexican, called the statue’s removal a “step in the right direction” in an earlier Twitter post.
By Monday evening, dozens had joined a celebratory gathering with Native American dancing and drumming outside the cultural center where demonstrators left hand prints in red paint on the empty statue pedestal.
Meanwhile, the scene in Albuquerque turned into chaos as people ran for cover. Police in riot gear could be seen taking at least two people into custody following the shooting as some protesters heckled the officers. It was more than two hours before the area was cleared.
Monuments to European conquerors and colonists around the world are being pulled down amid an intense re-examination of racial injustices in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police.
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Albuquerque city officials have promised to convene a council of community leaders and artists to consider the concerns about the public art piece.
Titled “La Jornada,” the sculpture depicts Oñate leading a group of Spanish settlers to what was then the northern-most province of New Spain in 1598. The collection of statues includes an indigenous guide, a priest, women settlers and soldiers. The names of the families who accompanied Oñate are listed on plaques below as part of the “Wall of Spanish Ancestral Heritage.”
“Recent calls for altering ‘La Jornada’ remind us that works of art often challenge communities to debate ideas, pursue empathy, grapple with multiple perspectives, reconcile conflict and interrogate history,” said Shelle Sanchez, head of the city’s Cultural Services Department.
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Lee reported from Santa Fe. Attanasio reported from Alcalde. Associated Press writer Paul Davenport in Phoenix contributed to this report.
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Attanasio is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.