thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Minneapolis Police Chief Withdraws from Negotiations with Police Union

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — The Minneapolis Police Department will withdraw from police union contract negotiations , Chief Medaria Arradondo said Wednesday , as he announced initial steps in what he said would be transformational reforms to the agency in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
Faced with calls from activists and a majority of City Council members to dismantle or defund the department , Arradondo also said he would use a new system to identify problem officers and intervene if there are early warning signs of trouble .
“ We will have a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trusting and working with their best interests at heart , ” he told reporters during a news conference more than two weeks after Floyd died after a white officer pressed his knee into the handcuffed black man ’ s neck even after he stopped moving and pleading for air .
Activists have pointed to racial inequities and brutality , as well as a system that refuses to discipline problem officers .
The officer who had his knee on Floyd ’ s neck , Derek Chauvin , had 17 complaints against him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said issues of racism need to be addressed head on and that a first step in making changes would be a thorough review of the union contract .
He said it ’ s debilitating for a chief when an officer does something that calls for termination , but the union works to keep that person on the job , and on the street .
Advisers will look for ways to restructure the contract to provide more transparency and flexibility , he said .
The review will look at critical incident protocols , use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including grievances and arbitration , among other things .
“ This work must be transformational , but I must do it right , ” Arradondo said .
The current police union contract expired on December 31 but remains in effect until there is a new one , according to the city ’ s website .
The city said negotiations started in October , and the last discussion was in early March .
Messages left with union President Bob Kroll were not immediately returned Wednesday .
“ Additional accountability between the people and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to closely monitor police behavior and intervene early to prevent more tragedy , ” Frey said in a statement .
Arradondo sidestepped a question about whether he thought Kroll , often seen as an obstacle to changes , should step down .
He also didn ’ t directly answer a question about whether residents should worry about a slowdown in police response time as a pushback against attempts to transform the department .
Some City Council members have said in the past that their wards saw such slowdowns when they complained about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers who were at the scene of the encounter with Floyd even before they were criminally charged .
Chauvin faces charges of second-degree murder , third-degree murder and manslaughter .
The three other officers were charged with aiding and abetting the second-degree murder and manslaughter counts .
Arradondo ’ s predecessor , Janee Harteau , and Frey are among those who have complained that the police union is a roadblock to change .
Frey told “ Good Morning America ” this week that the city has difficulty terminating and disciplining officers because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney who said he has sued the department “ hundreds ” of times over police misconduct allegations , has said that the union has more sway over police conduct than chiefs do .
While a majority of City Council members called for dismantling the department , they provided no clear plan on how that would happen .
Frey has said he would not support abolishing the department .
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison , who is prosecuting the four officers , told The Associated Press in an interview earlier Wednesday that he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department but that the people who are “ should be listened to rather than dismissed.
” He said it was fair to question whether community groups that fight against gun violence should get more money , for example , and whether schools with officers should also have more nurses and counselors .
“ Nobody ’ s saying defund safety , ” Ellison said .
“ What they ’ re doing is they ’ re challenging the 19th , 20th century model of how we deliver safety … how it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with alternatives.
” Arradondo , the city ’ s first African American police chief , joined the Minneapolis Police Department in 1989 as a patrol officer , working his way up to precinct inspector and head of the Internal Affairs Unit , which investigates officer misconduct allegations .
Along the way , he and four other black officers successfully sued the department for discrimination in promotions , pay and discipline .
He was promoted to assistant chief in early 2017 , then became chief later that year , after Harteau was fired for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond , an Australian native who had called 911 to report a possible sexual assault behind her home .
Many hoped Arradondo could alter the culture of a department that critics said too frequently used excessive force and discriminated against people of color .
Arradondo made some quick changes , including toughening the department ’ s policy on use of body cameras .
But critics have said more needs to be done .
Steve Karnowski and Amy Forliti report for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a question from the media where he discussed police reforms , Wednesday , June 10 , 2020 in Minneapolis .
The meeting follows the Memorial Day death of George Floyd in police custody after video shared online by a bystander showed former officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd ’ s neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn ’ t breathe .
( AP Photo/Jim Mone )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Fed to Keep Providing Aid and Sees No Rate Hike Through 2022

WASHINGTON , D.C. ( AP ) — Confronted with an economy gripped by recession and high unemployment , the Federal Reserve signaled Wednesday that it expects to keep its key short-term interest rate near zero through 2022 .
At the same time , the Fed said it will keep buying about $ 120 billion in Treasury and mortgage bonds each month to maintain low longer-term borrowing rates in an effort to spur spending and growth .
The Fed ’ s message Wednesday , in a statement after its latest policy meeting and in a virtual news conference by Chair Jerome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to do more to help support a shaky economy that faces significant uncertainty .
Powell acknowledged that he and other Fed policymakers have only a hazy view of how the economy will fare in the coming months , largely because no one knows how quickly businesses may regain their health or resume a normal pace of hiring .
By pegging its short-term rate to zero for the next two-plus years , the Fed is seeking to induce consumers and businesses to spend more to sustain an economy depressed by the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans , including for homes , autos and credit cards .
“ It is clear that the Fed does not anticipate a V-shaped economic recovery and is positioned to move forcefully to support the economy , ” said Joe Brusuelas , chief economist at RSM , referring to an economy that snaps back as quickly as it shrank .
Stock prices initially rallied modestly after the Fed issued its latest policy statement at 2 p.m. Eastern time before most indexes closed in negative territory .
Powell noted that the job market “ may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when employers added a surprise 2.5 million jobs , according to a government report last Friday .
But he underscored that nearly 21 million Americans remain unemployed and that one solid jobs report was hardly enough to ensure that the economy is back on track — or alter the Fed ’ s intention to keep rates ultra-low .
“ We ’ re not going to overreact to a single data point , ” he said .
“ We ’ re not thinking about raising rates .
We ’ re not even thinking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , the Fed also credited its emergency lending programs for reviving the flow of credit to households and businesses , after markets had locked up in March when investors sold a range of securities to boost their cash holdings .
The central bank noted that the viral outbreak has caused a plunge in economic activity and surge in job losses .
Fed officials estimate that the economy will shrink 6.5 % this year , in line with other forecasts , before expanding 5 % in 2021 .
They foresee the unemployment rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the last recession , by year ’ s end .
The rate is now 13.3 % .
The projections suggest that the Fed doesn ’ t see the economy fully recovering from the recession until 2023 .
“ My assumption is that there will be a significant chunk — well into the millions — of people who don ’ t get back to their old jobs , ” Powell said .
“ It could be some years ” before they find work .
Earlier Wednesday , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to emerge from the recession but said the next round of congressional support should be targeted to the hardest-hit areas of the economy .
Testifying to the Senate Small Business Committee , Mnuchin said the administration planned to review the measures that the next relief bill should include .
Congress has already approved nearly $ 3 trillion to help counter the impact damage from virus .
New support will need to encourage employers , especially in industries like restaurants and travel , to rehire workers .
At his news conference , Powell began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aftermath of George Floyd ’ s killing that have called attention to racial injustices .
“ I want to acknowledge the tragic events that have put a spotlight on ( issues of racism ) , ” Powell said .
“ There is no place at the Federal Reserve for racism , and there should be no place in our society.
” Since March , the Fed has slashed its benchmark short-term rate , bought $ 2.1 trillion in Treasury and mortgage bonds to inject cash into markets and rolled out nine lending programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Powell said Fed policymakers now want to take some time “ to get a better understanding of the economy ’ s trajectory ” and how they might do more to bolster the economy .
One possible move , he said , would be to provide more specific guidance about how long the Fed will keep short-term rates low .
This guidance could help the economy by reducing the likelihood that investors will send borrowing costs higher before the Fed intends .
The policymakers could , for example , announce at a future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate hike until inflation returns to its 2 % target .
Another option the Fed discussed , Powell said , is to peg more rates at nearly zero , such as those on two-year or three-year Treasury notes , to underscore their determination to keep rates very low for that length of time .
Australia ’ s central bank has adopted such a policy .
But Powell said it is still an “ open question ” as to whether the Fed would take that approach .
The chairman pushed back at a question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something resembling the Great Depression of the 1930s .
“ I don ’ t think the Great Depression is a good example or a likely outcome or a model for what ’ s happening here , ” he said .
“ First , the government response has been so fast and so forceful .
The origin was quite different .
This was an economy that was in a healthy place .
The financial system this time was in very good shape , much better capitalized.
” Over the past few weeks , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having helped fuel an extraordinary rally in the stock market , which has nearly regained its pre-pandemic high after a dizzying plunge in March .
By committing to buy corporate bonds , for example , the central bank has ensured that corporations can continue to borrow .
Its initiatives also include a first-ever program through which the Fed is buying state and local government debt to support the municipal bond market .
Many economists say those steps have prevented the downturn from worsening , by keeping credit flowing .
This week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official arbiter of recessions , declared that the U.S. economy entered a recession in February .
Christopher Rugaber reports for The Associated Press .
The AP Economics Writer Martin Crutsinger contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : In this Tuesday , March 3 , 2020 file photo , Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell pauses during a news conference to discuss an announcement from the Federal Open Market Committee , in Washington .
The Federal Reserve says it will keep buying bonds , Wednesday , June 10 , to maintain low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the midst of a recession .
And it says nearly all the Fed ’ s policymakers foresee no rate hike through 2022 .
.
( AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin , File )

Richmond Police arrested 11 people during a protest outside the Richmond City Justice Center on Tuesday.
The group was gathered outside of the Justice Center to protest conditions in the Richmond jail after COVID-19 outbreak among 100 inmates and staff was reported.
Richmond police officers arrived outside of the Justice Center to help the Richmond Sheriff’s office deal with the group protesters who had moved from the public sidewalk onto Justice Center grounds during the demonstration, causing a security concern, according to the Richmond police description of the incident,
Just before 7 p.m., a man on a bicycle attempted to block a tow truck trying removing a vehicle that had been illegally parked in front of the Justice Center. When a Richmond police officer arrived at the scene, the man tried to flee on his bike and was then stopped by the officer. Other protesters witnessed this and attempted to stop the arrest, leading to those people being arrested as well, according to the police account.
A video of the incident was captured and published to the RVA Magazine Instagram account. That video is below.
A flyer on social media for the protest read: “Our comrades on the inside are facing retaliation from officers for simply requesting adequate medical attention. These conditions are inhumane. We stand in solidarity with those who have been kidnapped, convicted and caged.”
On Wednesday, Richmond police released the names and charges for the 11 protesters arrested.
Their names and charges are as follows:
Stephen Roach Obstruction of Justice Impeding the flow of traffic
Benjamine Skromine Obstruction of Justice Impeding the flow of traffic
Gabrielle Brost Hoffman Obstruction of Justice
Aditya Mohan Obstruction of Justice
Rachel Fidlow Obstruction of Justice
Andre Rosson Obstruction of Justice
Alex Oxford Obstruction of Justice with Force
Jonathan Miranda Disorderly Conduct
Susanna Keating Disorderly Conduct
Mollie Luck Disorderly Conduct
Carmen Day Disorderly Conduct
– – –
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Richmond City Justice Center Protest” by RVA Mag.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Coronavirus Restrictions Devastate Black Business Owners, Who Are Down 41 Percent: Study

The coronavirus pandemic has led to the largest drop in small business ownership in the United States , hurting black business owners the most , according to a June study from an economic research organization .
3.3 million business owners are not actively working , and 22 % of the closures came during the February-to-April window of coronavirus restrictions , reported Axios , citing a National Bureau of Economic Research working paper .
In the whole Great Recession of 2008 , small business owners shrank by 730,000 at 5 % reduction , the study noted .
Of the 3.3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black , according to the study .
Black business owners shrank from 1.1 million to 640,000 — a 41 % difference .
Latino business owners represented the second-largest loss at 32 % from February to March , the study showed .
Asian business owners were at 26 % , and 17 % white business owners , the study continued .
“ These findings of early-stage losses to small businesses have important policy implications and may portend longer-term ramifications for job losses and economic inequality , ” Professor Robert W. Fairlie wrote in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study and an economics professor at the University of California Santa Cruz .
Based on “ monthly files ” data of the Current Population Survey ( CPS ) , small businesses qualified for the study if they were self-employed individuals working “ at least 15 hours ” a week .
15 million business owners were working in February , leaving 11.7 million small business owners in April .
Fairlie did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment More than 100,000 businesses permanently closed by mid-May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Washington Post .
The Small Business Administration ran out of funds for the Paycheck Protection Program on April 16 .
Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin said he hopes the Paycheck Protection Program will ensure businesses ’ continued operations .
The losses from small business owners due to coronavirus were four times the losses of the Great Recession , according to Axios .
Mary Rose Corkery is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Black-Owned Business ” by Lorie Shaull .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Crom Carmichael Talks Mob Rule, Racism and White Privilege

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed in-studio all-star panelist Crom Carmichael .
During the third hour , Carmichael discussed the recent mob attack on the director of Arizona State ’ s School of Journalism after she had a tweet that had the phrase “ good police ” in it .
He later advocated for all of the Chuck Todd ’ s and other white media talking heads to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leahy : Crom , every time you come in you have some news of the lunacy out there in the world .
You told me something during the break that seems incredible to me , but apparently it ’ s true .
Carmichael : I try to put these things into some kind of a context because if you take them just in isolation some of them are shoulder shruggers .
I ’ m going to mess up this name .
There is a woman named Sonya Forte Duhé who had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona State University ’ s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism .
And she posted a tweet that said “ For the family of George Floyd the good police officers who keep us safe , my students , faculty , and staff praying for peace on this Blackout Tuesday.
” For that tweet , they piled on her .
Another female black professor there said there is no way in hell black lives matter to you .
You are one of if not the most racist human I have ever encountered in a professional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that tweet .
Leahy : Because of that tweet ?
Hold up .
Can you break that down ?
What in that tweet was racist ?
Carmichael : What was offensive and made people uncomfortable was that she referred to the good police officers that keep us safe .
Because for the Left , there is no such thing as a good police officer .
There isn ’ t such a thing for the Left .
And that is what is so troubling is that this is a professor .
Then there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s said things to them .
Of course , there is no way to prove that .
Her job offer was rescinded .
Apparently she had been offered the job and accepted the job .
She was about to take the post for the fall and it has now been rescinded .
Other students are now claiming that she ’ s said things to them .
Which to me these alleged statements , that also is part and parcel to what is going on now because now it ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it means you are guilty of saying it whether you have ever met that person .
Leahy : Talk about the mob ruling .
Here ’ s a story from The New York Post .
Forte Duhé faced accusations from nearly 200 former students at Loyola University in New Orleans where she was the school director of communication and design .
Thes students told the State Press , ASU ’ s newspaper , that she engaged in behavior they found racist and discriminatory towards students of color and LGBTQ students .
Carmichael : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture of her , I believe that Forte Duhé is white .
It may be French .
Duhé .
Carmichael : Maybe French .
She appears white .
And that means that according to the Left that she has white privilege .
Now imagine for a moment that you ’ re Chuck Todd .
You clearly have not only white privilege .
Forte Duhé is a female .
Not only is Chuck Todd ’ s case do you have white privilege you also have male privilege .
Why does he still have his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand since NBC is so far to the Left I don ’ t know why they have a single white male because there are many people of color .
Carmichael : Who are qualified .
And in Chuck Todd ’ s case , there would be at least a million ( Leahy chuckles ) qualified to ask his dumb questions .
Anybody can do that .
So I don ’ t understand why white liberals are still in journalism .
Because first of all , they should have their jobs taken away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But they also ought to give up their own jobs .
Leahy : They should give them up .
Yes .
Carmichael : They should give them up because they say that we all must sacrifice in the name of the greater good .
What a sterling image that would be if Chuck Todd stood up and said I am resigning from my post so long as NBC will agree to replace me with a person of color .
And all white Fredo Cuomo , Anderson Cooper , the little short bald-headed guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leahy : There are so many of them .
Carmichael : No , there ’ s one that looks like a little doughboy .
Carmichael : He ought to resign .
And all the white women should resign and should be replaced by females who are of color because the white women themselves all say that there is inherent and systemic racism .
Carmichael : And white privilege .
So they need to step up and show that they are willing to engage .
Leahy : When will Chuck Todd put on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of Meet the Press and beg forgiveness and give his job to a black person ?
Carmichael : He just needs to do it .
Leahy : Needs to do it .
Carmichael : And until he does , he ’ s a hypocrite .
In addition to being a bimbo .
( Leahy laughs ) We have a twofer here .
I saw Mike that we have flurries of things going on here in Nashville over the chief of police .
Carmichael : I have a question for you .
Are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riots when our Metro… Carmichael : The courthouse was burned with a Molotov cocktail .
I noted when I was watching TV police were not in riot gear .
They were just in their regular police uniforms .
Who made the decision .
Do you know who made the decision ?
Leahy : I don ’ t think it ’ s been officially out there Crom but there are sources that tell us that the decision to not wear that gear was top-down not only just from the chief but there was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Carmichael : Is there a way to check with the communications director for the chief of police and the mayor ?
Carmichael : Because this is an important question .
Because police people are human beings too .
And based on what was going on in the rest of the country anyone with half a brain would know that putting them out there at night after dark is risky .
Leahy : I think you just raised the standard above most of our Democratic officials .
Carmichael : No .
Our chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
I want to know who actually made that decision and dictated the policy .
Listen to the full third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Photo “ Sonya Forte Duhé ” by Loyola University .
Background Photo “ Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication Building ” by Cygnusloop99 .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Analysis: National Debt Breaks Record for Highest Portion of U.S. Economy in Nation’s History

The U.S. national debt has just reached 120.5 % of the nation ’ s annual economic output , breaking a record set in 1946 for the highest debt level in the history of the United States .
The previous extreme of 118.4 % stemmed from World War II , the deadliest and most widespread conflict in world history .
Today ’ s unprecedented debt-to-economy ratio—which is economists ’ primary measure of government debt—includes $ 2.5 trillion in new debt since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic .
However , it doesn ’ t account for the vast bulk of economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will soon make the debt ratio significantly larger by decreasing its denominator .
Although this decline has already begun , most of it is not yet reflected in the official data on the size of the U.S. economy .
Unlike the debt from World War II—which rapidly fell once the war ended—the modern national debt has been on a steep upward path for decades .
The main driver of this has been increased government spending on social programs , which grew from 20 % of federal expenses in 1959 to 62 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social spending will increase further and drive the debt to levels that dwarf the debt from World War II .
Contrary to claims that government debt isn ’ t a major problem , a broad range of facts show that it can have serious negative consequences , such as lower wages , weak economic growth , increased inflation , higher taxes , reduced government benefits , or combinations of such results .
These , in turn , impair people ’ s quality of life and can reduce their life expectancy .
Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The U.S. Treasury ’ s official figure for the debt of the federal government on June 8 , 2020 is 25,960,547,920,986 .
This measure of raw debt has grown through most of the nation ’ s history , but it overstates the scale of debt over time because it doesn ’ t account for inflation , population increases , or economic growth .
These factors allow governments to carry more debt with less harm than if their economies were smaller .
To adjust for such factors across nations and over time , economists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a portion of each nation ’ s annual economic output , or gross domestic product ( GDP ) .
This accounts for varying population sizes , some effects of inflation , and the capacity of governments to service their debts .
Over the course of U.S. history , the government ’ s debt-to-GDP ratio has averaged 30.3 % and has stayed around or below this level except for a massive spike from World War II and during the modern era .
The WWII record of 118.4 % held for the past 74 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 when it reached 118.5 % .
By the end of May , it had reached 119.5 % , or four times its average over the nation ’ s history : The debt continued growing in early June and reached 120.5 % by the 8th day of the month .
These debt-to-GDP figures are based on the latest available yearly data from the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis , the federal agency that calculates official GDP figures .
From the day that the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 8th , the U.S. national debt rose by $ 2.5 trillion or 11.5 percentage points of GDP .
This was mainly due to : • to address the pandemic and buffer the economic fallouts of business shutdowns by state governments .
These will about $ 2.5 trillion , or an average of $ 19,000 for every household in the nation .
• None into the federal budget for 2020 .
Because the latest available GDP data is for the first quarter of 2020 , and the business shutdowns didn ’ t begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month out of a year of data .
Thus , the shutdowns have a relatively small effect on the latest annual GDP figure , reducing it by about 0.4 % .
Also in response to Covid-19 and the shutdowns , the Federal Reserve created trillions of dollars in new money to purchase federal government debt and other financial assets .
The effects of such policies don ’ t necessarily manifest in the national debt but can impact people in other ways .
As with the recent debt increases from the Covid-19-related laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driven for the past 60 years by social spending , or government programs that provide healthcare , income security , education , nutrition , housing , and cultural services .
These programs have grown from 20 % of all federal spending in 1959 to 62 % in 2018 : Under current laws and policies , the Congressional Budget Office projects that almost all future growth in debt will be due to increased spending on social programs and interest on the national debt .
Nonetheless , many media outlets and politicians have blamed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality , however , military spending has plummeted from 55 % of all federal expenses in 1959 to 18 % in 2018 .
These are comprehensive figures that include standard military expenses , supplemental appropriations like those enacted for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan , and veteran ’ s benefits .
Another commonly blamed cause of debt increases is tax cuts , but the fact is that federal tax revenues have stayed roughly level as a portion of GDP for the past 80 years .
They commonly declined during recessions and rebounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been flat since the 1940s .
Before that , tax levels rose dramatically during the Great Depression/New Deal and World War II : From the era of John F. Kennedy in the 1960s up through Donald Trump , various Congresses and Presidents have enacted a range of tax cuts .
However , tax levels have stayed generally stable due to tax increases and a phenomenon called “ bracket creep.
” This automatically raises people ’ s tax rates over time because many tax laws are not indexed for income growth and/or inflation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not periodically implemented , taxes consume a continually greater share of people ’ s incomes and the nation ’ s economy .
For instance , after the Trump tax cuts of 2017 took effect , the Congressional Budget Office projected in 2018 that the portion of the nation ’ s economy consumed by taxes would rise above its long-term average in several years and then continue on an upward trajectory .
Part of this increase is due to the certain expiring provisions of the tax cut in 2026 , but the general trend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprehensive data reveals that many “ tax cuts ” were actually “ tax evens ” because they kept taxes on a relatively flat trend for more than half a century .
Given that the debt from World War II was by a large margin the highest U.S. debt for more than 220 years , many people have pointed to it as evidence that large national debts don ’ t harm economies .
For example , Douglas J. Amy , professor of politics at Mount Holyoke College , wrote in 2011 : • None @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argue that deficit spending and a large national debt will inevitably undermine economic growth.
” • None “ The best example is World War II when the national debt soared to 120 % of GDP—nearly twice the size of today ’ s debt.
” • None “ This spending not only got us out of the Great Depression but set the stage for a prolonged period of sustained economic growth in the 50s and 60s.
” Forebodingly , the debt exceeded that of WWII in less than a decade , but even before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track to grow to more than double the WWII level in the coming three decades .
These facts expose the fatal flaw in Amy ’ s argument—the failure to consider that the WWII debt was a passing spike that plunged after the war , while the modern debt is growing rapidly due to structural issues .
The primary difference between the post-WWII era and today is again , spending .
After WWII , federal spending as a portion of GDP fell by 50 % within two years and averaged 41 % lower than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next four decades .
In contrast , when Amy wrote the above , the Congressional Budget Office was projecting that under current policies and a sustained economic recovery over the next four decades : • None federal spending would average 72 % higher than in the four decades that followed WWII .
• None of the national debt often used by the Congressional Budget Office—would rise by 277 percentage points and grow thereafter to about nine times the peak of WWII : In the years following that projection , both debt and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Congressional Budget Office released a more dire projection in 2013 .
At that time , Barack Obama and Paul Krugman were dismissing concerns about the national debt , and David Lauter and Michael Hiltzik of the Los Angeles Times were falsely reporting that debt was falling .
Six years later in 2019 , the outcome was even worse than projected : Since 2019 , the debt from government responses to Covid-19 has been adding to this , thus steepening its upward trajectory .
All of this has placed the U.S. in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical than at any time in its history .
Unlike the WWII era , this is not a passing anomaly but a systemic , escalating problem driven by ongoing federal policies .
Contrary to those who downplay the dangers of government debt , a broad range of scholarly research has documented the harm it can do : • None , Alan J. Auerbach and William G. Gale explain that “ sustained large deficits will reduce future national income and living standards.
” • None warns that “ the costs of federal borrowing will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and taxpayers , ” which “ may reduce or slow the growth of the living standards of future generations.
” • None reports : “ Large budget deficits would reduce national saving , leading to higher interest rates , more borrowing from abroad , and less domestic investment—which in turn would lower income growth in the United States.
” • None , Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff explain : “ Governments can also default on domestic public debt through high and unanticipated inflation , as the United States and many European countries famously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents a strong association and a likely cause-and-effect relationship between high levels of government debt and poor economic growth .
Misinforming people about those matters , numerous media outlets publicized a study said to disprove the connection between high debt and weak economic growth , but the study actually shows what previous studies had found : GDP growth decreases by an average of about 30 % when government debt exceeds 90 % of GDP .
The authors of the study , however , buried this data on the 10th page of their paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media parroted .
The consequences of government debt are not merely potential dangers that might occur at some point in the future .
They may , in fact , have already begun .
Although association does not prove causation , the national debt has risen dramatically over past decades , and with this , the U.S. has experienced episodes of historically poor growth in GDP , productivity , and household income .
These could cause a host of negative impacts on human welfare in areas like education , nutrition , healthcare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Japan , which has a debt-to-GDP ratio of around 200 % , as evidence that high national debts are harmless .
They claim that Japan has not suffered like Greece ( which underwent a debt crisis in 2009 ) because Japan and other nations that have their own currencies “ can never run out of money to pay back what they owe , since they can always print what they need as a last resort.
” In reality , Japan has fared as poorly as Greece when measured by the World Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human welfare , which is people ’ s consumption of goods and services .
The difference is that Japan has experienced long-term sluggish growth in its living standards as its debt has surged , while Greece endured a sudden collapse in living standards when its debt bubble burst .
Ultimately , they ended up in about the same place : Again , association does not prove causation , so these data don ’ t prove that Japan ’ s or Greece ’ s economic woes were caused by debt , but they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t suffered like Greece .
Japan ’ s situation may even be worse than Greece ’ s , for if debt has played a role in Japan ’ s long-running slump , it is more difficult for citizens to understand this and hold politicians accountable for their actions .
Hence , the harmful effects continue .
While some people imagine that governments can borrow with abandon without hurting people , one of the most established laws of economics is that there is no such thing as a free lunch .
The prolific economist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so : There is no free lunch because all goods and services involve a cost to someone .
The lunch may seem free to you , but it draws scarce resources away from the production of other goods and services , and whoever provides a free lunch often expects something in return .
A Russian proverb makes a similar point but with a bit more bite : “ The only place you find free cheese is in a mousetrap.
” James D. Agresti is the president of Just Facts , a think tank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public policy issues .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Lamar Alexander Lays Out Ways for Students to Return to School After COVID-19

Senate Health and Education Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander ( R-TN ) said students safely going back to public and private schools in the fall “ will help our country take its surest step toward normalcy.
” Alexander said this on Wednesday during the Senate Health and Education Committee hearing — “ COVID-19 : Going Back to School Safely.
” The hearing featured witnesses from across the country who are on the ground working to help students go back to school in the fall safely .
This , according to a press release Alexander published on his website Wednesday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commercial Appeal about schools planning for the 2020-2021 school year included a bittersweet image — a young girl reaching her hand out to touch a teacher , who is standing in line to welcome students to the first day of school in 2019 .
As The Commercial Appeal reporter writes : ‘ The first day of school in August 2019 would flunk 2020 ’ s course on social distancing , ’ ” Alexander said .
“ The question for governors , school districts , teachers and parents is not whether schools should reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain the risk of emotional , intellectual and social damage if a child misses a school year .
Schools need to assess how this year ’ s disruption has affected our children and get student learning back on track.
” Alexander suggested school boards , superintendents and principals should focus on the following steps : • Creating an environment where students and teachers can socially distance • Making modifications to the school year calendar and daily schedule • Making sure the school has gloves , masks , and other protective equipment • Protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are at a higher risk “ Today 91.3 percent of families with children have at least one parent employed , and among married families with children , 64.2 percent had both parents employed , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .
And many children live in environments where the school is the safest place they ’ ll be all day , ” Alexander said .
“ It ’ s also the place where almost 30 million students receive a school lunch — more than 70 percent of those students qualify for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a responsibility to make our schools among the safest small communities this fall .
In doing so , they will help our country take its surest step toward normalcy.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Protesters Topple, Behead Christopher Columbus Statues in Richmond And Boston

The Columbus statue in Richmond ’ s Byrd Park was toppled , set on fire , and thrown into a nearby lake , ABC affiliate WRIC News reported .
The Boston statue , located in Christopher Columbus Park , was discovered decapitated Wednesday morning , according to Boston 25 News .
The Richmond statue is seen ablaze after it was torn down in a video of the incident posted by Bloomberg News to Twitter .
The video then shows protesters dragging it into a lake and kicking it .
After protesters threw the statue into the lake , they allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to AP reporter Brent Solomon .
Boston police are investigating the incident involving the Columbus statue near Faneuil Hall , Boston 25 News reported .
Protests have taken place across the country in recent weeks in response to the death of George Floyd .
Floyd died in police custody May 25 after an officer kneeled on his neck , a video of the incident showed .
Demonstrators have also removed Confederate monuments in recent weeks .
The Gen. Williams Carter Wickham statue in Richmond was defaced then toppled in Richmond last week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week that he would remove the statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee that stands in Richmond .
However , a judge temporarily blocked the removal .
The Columbus statue in Richmond ’ s Byrd Park was the first Columbus statue in the South , according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch .
It was dedicated in 1927 .
Thomas Catenacci is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Christopher Columbus Statue in Boston ” by Slugger O ’ Toole .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Two Hennepin County Commissioners Voted to Remove Medical Examiner Because of Floyd Autopsy Results

Two members of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday in favor of removing the county ’ s medical examiner because they didn ’ t like the results of his autopsy in the case of George Floyd .
Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker released a 20-page autopsy report last week with the permission of Floyd ’ s family and concluded that Floyd ’ s heart stopped while being restrained by officers .
The report revealed that Floyd tested positive for the coronavirus , had fentanyl and meth in his blood , and had a number of underlying health conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an independent autopsy , which found that Floyd died of asphyxiation because of neck and back compression .
Hennepin County Commissioners Angela Conley and Irene Fernando believe Baker ’ s autopsy caused “ irreparable damage to the Black community.
” Both voted against his reappointment during a Tuesday meeting in a 5-2 vote , meaning his reappointment was approved .
“ Since George Floyd ’ s murder on Memorial Day this year , our community waited for the results from Dr. Baker ’ s office to confirm what hundreds of thousands of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we watched the camera footage of this brutal murder .
Dr. Baker ’ s autopsy report indicated that ‘ pre-existing conditions ’ and ‘ potential ’ intoxicants ultimately led to George Floyd ’ s death .
I want to be very clear : potential does not equate to certainty , ” Conley said in a statement released Tuesday night .
She said Baker ’ s autopsy was the “ catalyst for insufficient charges brought by the County Attorney ’ s Office.
” Ex-officer Derek Chauvin was initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was later added after Attorney General Keith Ellison took over the case .
“ Dr .
Baker ’ s report has done irreparable damage to the Black community who has every valid reason not to trust these processes that have consistently stolen justice from us .
The subsequent independent autopsy completed by lead medical examiners confirmed what we saw with our own eyes ; death by asphyxiation , ” Conley continued .
“ This is yet another reason people who look like me do not trust the justice system to bring justice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the way we look while living and even in death , ” she added .
“ Dr .
Baker ’ s reputation within our respective communities , nationally and globally has been damaged resulting in continued distrust from Black , Indigenous and other communities of color.
” Conley and Fernando were among the first state leaders to call for the “ immediate arrest ” of all four officers involved in the alleged murder of Floyd .
Both represent portions of Minneapolis on the Board of Commissioners .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Irene Fernando ” by Irene Fernando .
Photo “ Angela Conley ” by Angela Conley .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Gov. Mike DeWine Asks Advisory Board to Develop Minimum Standards for Mass Protests

Gov .
Mike DeWine said Tuesday that he asked Ohio ’ s Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board ( CCPAB ) to begin developing uniform minimum standards related to mass protests in an effort to improve community-police relations in the state .
“ These new efforts are just the start of our work to improve law enforcement accountability , transparency , training , and minority recruitment , ” DeWine said .
“ We are working with the law enforcement community , elected officials , and community organizations as we continue to move forward.
” Protests have happened across Ohio for nearly two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparked nationwide outrage .
A number of things have happened during these protests including people breaking windows and starting fires at the Capitol ; Ohio elected officials being pepper-sprayed at a rally ; and a 22-year-old dying as a result of tear gas .
“ When protests morph from peaceful to violent , law enforcement must be empowered to act , but our peaceful demonstrators must also feel safe when asserting their First Amendment rights , ” the governor said .
“ A statewide standard for law enforcement will be beneficial to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ongoing protests in the future.
” CCPAB will review the best ways for law enforcement and protesters to interact when crowds won ’ t disperse .
The board will specifically look into when to appropriately use tactics like tear gas , pepper spray and nonlethal projectiles , according to the governor ’ s press release .
Furthermore , the board will examine when these tactics would be considered “ excessive.
” The collaborative board created minimum standards in 2015 for Ohio police officers when it came to the use of force , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s press release , 79 percent of Ohio ’ s law enforcement have followed these standards or have almost completed the certification process .
“ More than 400 agencies in the state have not chosen to pursue certification showing that they meet these minimum standards , ” DeWine said .
“ Regardless of why these agencies are not certified , I ’ m calling on them to begin working on this process.
” Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media .
If you have any tips , email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .
Photo “ Ohio George Floyd Protests ” by Becker1999 .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Democratic PAC Supporting Gary Peters Criticized for Taking $1 Million from UAW

A Democratic PAC that has spent millions attacking Republican Senate candidate John James took donations from the United Auto Workers ( UAW ) , whose former president pleaded guilty to embezzlement last week .
Former UAW President Gary Jones pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $ 1 million in union dues in addition to charges of racketeering and tax evasion .
He is one of 14 former UAW officials convicted in an ongoing federal corruption investigation .
According to a press release from the Better Future MI Fund , the Senate Majority PAC received a $ 1 million donation from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the two largest donations the UAW has made during the 2020 election cycle along with a $ 1 million donation to the House Majority PAC , according to the Center for Responsive Politics .
The Senate Majority PAC has spent $ 4.3 million in independent expenditures against James , who is running against incumbent Sen. Gary Peters ( D-MI ) .
The UAW also gave $ 105,000 to Michigan Senate Victory 2020 , a joint fundraising committee that supports both Peters and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee .
“ Gary Peters is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million-dollar donation to aid his re-election because he is a career politician solely focused on increasing his personal wealth , ” said Tori Sachs , a consultant to the Better Future MI Fund .
“ UAW members are the hard-working backbone to Michigan ’ s economy and it ’ s disgraceful that Peters is silent on the corruption taking place with their money and the funds being directed toward his campaign.
” The group also criticized Peters for enriching himself while in office , claiming his net worth has doubled to more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Michigan ’ s Democratic Party , meanwhile , is criticizing James for “ hiding from Michiganders and trying to paper over his out-of-touch agenda.
” In a new campaign ad , the party highlights “ example after example of how James has prioritized cozying up with donors and avoiding Michigan press.
” “ John James has spent the first year of his campaign hiding from Michiganders and refusing to answer questions on his ‘ 2000 percent ’ support for Trump and extreme positions that are bad for working families , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Michiganders deserve an independent voice in the Senate who will work across the aisle , not someone who will spend his time hiding and be a rubber stamp for Washington Republicans.
” There are 35 Senate seats up for grabs in 2020 , including 23 seats currently held by Republicans and 12 currently held by Democrats .
Polling shows the campaign between James and Peters is among the top 10 most competitive Senate races this year .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Michigan Publishes Map of WiFi Hotspots to Increase Accessibility As Residents Continue to Work, Lea

Michigan Publishes Map of WiFi Hotspots to Increase Accessibility As Residents Continue to Work, Learn At Home

Michigan has released a map of WiFi hotspots available in the state as a way to assist residents who may not have reliable internet access while they continue to work or learn at home during the pandemic .
The WiFi mapping — spearheaded by the Michigan Public Service Commission , Connected Nation Michigan , the Department of Technology , Management and Budget , and the Department of Education — highlights locations where public internet access is available , such as libraries , public schools and parks .
More than 300 locations have already been added to the map , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the password used to access the internet there .
“ This pandemic has shown a real need to tackle the barriers of access , adoption , and affordability to fully enable the opportunities that the internet makes possible , ” Lt. Gov .
Garlin Gilchrist said in a statement .
“ If we are going to close the internet gap , we need to make sure we ’ re doing everything we can in the interim to expand access to existing broadband options for communities where it ’ s not readily available or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 16 , with Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer announcing in early April that they would stay closed for the remainder of the year .
Michigan saw its first stay-at-home order on March 23 , which limited the businesses that could remain open and forcing many people to work from home .
More than 70 percent of Michigan ’ s students reported using internet devices at home to complete school , but more than 28 percent of students live in homes that do can not access virtual learning , according to the Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more work must be done to ensure residents and students throughout the state have accessible and affordable broadband internet service , ” said MPSC Commissioner Tremaine Phillips in a statement .
“ Making these Wi-Fi hotspot locations easily available is an important bridge to increasing the accessibility of these critical services during this difficult time.
” Residents using the hotspots are encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--St. Paul Man Charged with Arson in Third Precinct Fire

Federal authorities charged a St. Paul man this week with aiding and abetting arson for his involvement in the destruction of the Minneapolis Police Department ’ s Third Precinct .
The Third Precinct was one of the hundreds of buildings destroyed by rioters in the wake of George Floyd ’ s alleged murder by police officers on Memorial Day .
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has faced substantial criticism for his decision to give up the Third Precinct on the night of May 28 .
According to a federal criminal complaint , 23-year-old Branden Michael Wolfe confirmed that he pushed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Third Precinct , knowing that it would help keep the fire burning .
Wolfe was arrested last week in St. Paul when he attempted to enter a home improvement store ( his former place of employment ) while equipped with body armor , a law enforcement duty belt , and a baton .
All of the items were apparently stolen from the Third Precinct .
Law enforcement later recovered from Wolfe ’ s apartment additional items belonging to the Minneapolis Police Department , including a riot helmet , a 9mm pistol magazine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue overdose kit .
According to the complaint , Wolfe admitted to being inside the Third Precinct the night of the arson , taking property from the building , and pushing a wooden barrel into the fire .
He also identified himself in multiple pictures standing in front of the Third Precinct while it was burning .
Investigators said they identified multiple separate fires that had been started in the building .
Wolfe was charged with one count of aiding and abetting arson , and made his first court appearance Tuesday in U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also announced charges against 19-year-olds Samuel Elliot Frey and Bailey Marie Baldus for starting a fire in a health and nutrition store in St. Paul .
Investigators were able to identify Frey and Baldus in surveillance footage from the store .
Frey can be seen pouring flammable hand sanitizer onto a shelving unit and lighting it on fire .
Both Frey and Baldus are from Minnesota and were charged with conspiracy to commit arson .
Another Minnesota man was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at police officers during the Minneapolis riots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Background Photo “ MPD Third Precinct ” by Lorie Shaull .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Marsha Blackburn and Tom Cotton Introduce Resolution Calling for Justice for George Floyd and Opposi

Marsha Blackburn and Tom Cotton Introduce Resolution Calling for Justice for George Floyd and Opposing ‘Defund the Police’

U.S .
Senators Marsha Blackburn ( R-TN ) and Tom Cotton ( R-AR ) have introduced a resolution calling for justice for George Floyd and opposing recent calls to defund the police .
This , according to a press release Blackburn published on her website Wednesday .
Original co-sponsors of the resolution include U.S .
Senators Roy Blunt ( R-MO ) , Kevin Cramer ( R-ND ) , Ted Cruz ( R-TX ) , Joni Ernst ( R-IA ) , Josh Hawley ( R-MO ) , Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) , Martha McSally ( R-AZ . )
, and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full text of the resolution states the following : “ Whereas a free society depends on the rule of law , which is the foundation for the preservation of public order , peace , and individual rights ; Whereas the United States has a troubled history of racism that includes slavery , the terror of lynch mobs , segregation , and Jim Crow , and that history leaves the United States with important work to accomplish ; Whereas the just and unbiased enforcement of the rule of law and the protection of innocent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government at the local , State , and Federal levels ; Whereas the law enforcement profession is inherently dangerous , and police officers risk their lives every day ; Whereas , in 2019 , 89 Federal , State , local , and Tribal law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty ; Whereas law enforcement officers are entrusted by the public to uphold the law ; Whereas law enforcement officers who abuse their positions , engage in corruption , employ excessive force , or exhibit bias betray the public trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whereas the killing of George Floyd on May 25 , 2020 , at the hands of law enforcement was a horrific act that violated the public trust and was inconsistent with the values and conduct expected of law enforcement officers ; Whereas the law enforcement officers involved in the killing of George Floyd have been terminated from their positions and charged with crimes relating to their conduct and their contribution to the death of George Floyd ; Whereas good law enforcement can not exist without accountability and justice ; Whereas understaffed police departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of encounters that result in the use of force , including unjustifiable or excessive force ; and Whereas defunding the police would leave police departments understaffed and undertrained , while also increasing the risk of violent crime to the communities of the United States , especially vulnerable communities : Now , therefore , be it Resolved , That the Senate— ( 1 ) calls for justice for George Floyd ; and ( 2 ) opposes efforts to defund the police.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Amy Acton Steps Down as Director of Ohio Department of Health

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton , who during the COVID-19 pandemic has been both a magnet for praise and a lightning rod for criticism , is stepping down from her post .
She will remain an advisor to Gov .
Mike DeWine .
Republicans in the legislature and small business owners who felt the state took a heavy-handed approach with its pandemic response were particularly critical of Acton .
In her new role , Acton “ will take a comprehensive and holistic approach to address health and well-being for all Ohioans , ” DeWine said on Twitter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ODH ’ s interim director , will assume the role until a permanent replacement is named .
“ I didn ’ t run for election , and this is a new world to me , ” Acton said during a news conference when asked about the pressure she faced .
“ …For anyone doing this job , you ’ d be surprised how much … of that isn ’ t your focus .
“ The need to protect Ohioans and save lives was so intense , especially during this first phase , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a single point meditation on the task at hand , and it remains that , ” Acton added .
Opposition to Acton has been intense , and she has been the target of lawsuits filed by business owners who opposed the state ’ s measures closing businesses deemed non-essential and putting other restrictions in place .
Protestors even gathered outside of Acton ’ s Columbus-area house to express their frustration .
As state lawmakers returned to Columbus in recent weeks , Republicans filed a series of bills to reduce the ODH director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses deemed nonessential to close in the wake of a pandemic .
Last month , the state House added a provision to Senate Bill 1 to give state lawmakers oversight of pandemic orders .
The state Senate rejected the proposal , but lawmakers introduced additional bills that are currently pending .
“ While the decisions were always mine , her counsel was superb , ” DeWine said in a Tweet echoing comments he made during a news conference .
“ I will always believe and know that many lives were saved because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon , Ohio reported 40,004 cases of COVID-19 and 2,490 deaths .
“ Few have been as wise , brave , and compassionate throughout this pandemic than Ohio ’ s own Dr. Amy Acton , ” U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown , D-Ohio , said in a tweet .
“ Without a doubt , her leadership saved countless lives in Ohio .
On behalf of a grateful state – thank you for your service , Dr. Acton.
” Todd DeFeo is a contritubtor to The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--1.5 Million More Laid-off Workers Seek Unemployment Benefits

WASHINGTON , D.C. ( AP ) — About 1.5 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week , evidence that many Americans are still losing their jobs even as the economy appears to be slowly recovering with more businesses partially reopening .
The latest figure from the Labor Department marked the 10th straight weekly decline in applications for jobless aid since they peaked in mid-March when the coronavirus hit hard .
Still , the pace of layoffs remains historically high .
The total number of people who are receiving unemployment aid fell slightly , a sign that some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , retail chains and small businesses suddenly shut down have been recalled to work .
The figures are “ consistent with a labor market that has begun what will be a slow and difficult healing process , ” said Nancy Vanden Houten , an economist at Oxford Economics .
“ Still , initial jobless claims remain at levels that at the start of the year might have seemed unthinkable.
” Last week ’ s jobs report showed that employers added 2.5 million jobs in May , an unexpected increase that suggested that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recovery has begun slowly .
Though the unemployment rate unexpectedly declined from 14.7 % , it is still a high 13.3 % .
And even with the May hiring gain , just one in nine jobs that were lost in March and April have returned .
Nearly 21 million people are officially classified as unemployed .
Even those figures don ’ t capture the full scope of the damage to the job market .
Including people the government said had been erroneously categorized as employed in the May jobs report and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look for new ones , 32.5 million people are out of work , economists estimate .
That would have raised May ’ s unemployment rate to 19.7 % .
Thursday ’ s report also shows that an additional 706,000 people applied for jobless benefits last week under a new program for self-employed and gig workers that made them eligible for aid for the first time .
These figures aren ’ t adjusted for seasonal variations , so the government doesn ’ t include them in the official count .
The weekly reports on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But they don ’ t directly account for hiring , which can offset layoffs .
The surprise job gain in May suggests that some employers are recalling laid-off workers .
Private real-time data also points to steady , if modest , rehiring .
Data from Kronos , whose software tracks workers ’ hours , shows that the number of shifts worked has recovered steadily since bottoming in mid-April .
Shifts worked have risen 25 % since then , recovering nearly half the work that was lost to the pandemic-induced business shutdowns .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that furloughed employees are being called back to work as each state opens up , ” said Dave Gilbertson , a Kronos executive .
Twenty-four states reported a rise in applications for jobless aid last week , up from just four the week before , though the state data isn ’ t adjusted for seasonal trends so it can be volatile .
California , New York and Massachusetts reported sharp increases .
Florida , Georgia and Texas , some of the earliest states to reopen their economies , reported large declines .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep recession , according to the National Bureau of Economic Research , the association of economists that is the official arbiter of recessions .
The Federal Reserve estimated Wednesday that the economy will shrink 6.5 % this year .
That would be , by far , the deepest annual contraction on records dating to World War II .
Even as restaurants , bars and gyms reopen , they are doing so at lower capacity .
And consumer spending on such services remains far below what it was before the viral outbreak .
Unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans , with total payments having reached $ 94 billion in May — six times the previous record set in 2010 just after the previous recession .
This time , the benefits include an additional $ 600 a week from the federal government .
But that extra benefit is set to end July 31 , and the Trump administration opposes extending it .
Its opposition has set up a possible clash with House Democrats , who have approved legislation to extend the $ 600-a-week in federal benefits for an additional six months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 600 , which comes on top of state benefits that average about $ 375 nationwide , means many of the unemployed are receiving more money from jobless benefits than they earned at their old jobs .
Republicans argue that this discourages people from returning to work .
Studies suggest that roughly two-thirds of the recipients are receiving total unemployment aid that exceeds their previous paychecks .
But many workers are also wary about returning to their old jobs for fear of contracting the virus .
And recipients who receive aid can lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers .
Karin Jensen of Concord , California , has been out of work since being laid off from a managerial position with Men ’ s Wearhouse in late March .
Jensen , 27 , says she plans to return to her job whenever she is called back and is grateful that her company is continuing employee health care in the meantime .
Jensen acknowledged that receiving the extra $ 600 has made her less eager to return to work because she is among recipients whose total benefits exceed their former income .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to retail work .
“ I ’ d be in close contact with people , ” Jensen said .
“ We have to measure customers , actually touch them .
There ’ s no way we could do any minimum social distancing if we were to return to business as usual .
I ’ m more than a little uneasy about it.
” Christopher Rugaber reports for The Associated Press .
AP Writer John Flesher in Traverse City , Michigan , contributed to this report .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Biden Spent $1.6 Million in One Day on Facebook Ads Condemning Trump for Fanning The Flames of White

Biden Spent $1.6 Million in One Day on Facebook Ads Condemning Trump for Fanning The Flames of White Supremacy’

Former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s campaign poured more than $ 1 million into Facebook ads in one day skewering President Donald Trump for fanning the flames of hatred amid protests over police brutality , an archive of ad spending showed .
The presumptive Democratic nominee spent roughly the same amount of money in less than a week on Facebook as he did throughout the past year of his campaign , The New York Times reported Monday .
Biden spent $ 1.6 million on June 4 , tripling that of Trump ’ s one-day record , according to TheNYT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report through Facebook ’ s ad archive .
Biden ’ s campaign ’ s ads , which ask people to sign a petition “ condemning ” the president , suggest Trump is fanning the “ flames of white supremacy , hatred and violence.
” More than 1.2 million people signed the petition as of press time .
The ads are running nationally and are designed to collect the names , emails and zip codes of prospective voters and supporters , TheNYT reported .
Biden ’ s campaign is rolling out the ads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd , a 46-year-old black man who died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes , video of the incident showed .
The officer , Derek Chauvin , was immediately fired after the incident and faces second-degree murder and manslaughter charges .
Democratic operatives said the former vice president is hitting the right points at a crucial moment .
“ This is a seminal moment , ” Jason Rosenbaum , a top digital strategist on Hillary Clinton ’ s 2016 campaign , told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden is putting together are almost always an “ indication that grass-roots donors are donating money at extremely high levels.
” The increase in racial tension is hurting the president ’ s re-election chances , polls show .
An NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll , published on June 5 , showed that nearly 67 % of participants believe Trump has mostly increased racial tensions , while only 18 % of people in the poll suggested he ’ s decreased tensions .
A separate poll by CNN , published Monday , showed that 31 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling of racial issues while 63 % said Biden would handle the issues more effectively .
Critics are also lashing out at the president over his response to the coronavirus pandemic , which originated in China before spreading to the United States , where it has killed a reported 110,000 people .
Officials across the country tried slowing the virus through stay-at-home orders , which subsequently resulted in tens of millions of lost jobs .
Neither the Trump campaign nor Biden campaign have responded to the DCNF ’ s request for comment addressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-12--Nashville’s Recent George Floyd Rallies Could Spread COVID-19 Further, Medical Expert Warns

The people in Nashville who either attended or marched at any of the recent rallies honoring George Floyd are at risk of catching COVID-19 , according to Meharry Medical College President James Hildreth .
Hildreth said this at a press conference Thursday .
Nashville Mayor John Cooper stood nearby as Hildreth said this .
Two weeks ago , Cooper attended a George Floyd rally at Legislative Plaza and , in so doing , seemed to violate his own restrictions on how many people may gather in one place .
Hildreth called such rallies “ the perfect storm for getting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not changed and is shared by many other health care experts , ” Hildreth said .
“ When you have thousands of people in close proximity to each other with a virus that has a prevalence somewhere between 1 percent and 5 percent , many people not wearing masks , yelling at the top of their lungs , creating aerosols , there is a great possibility that someone who came to the rally without the virus is going to leave the rally with the virus.
” Cooper , however , said no evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks .
“ Most of the protestors have been wearing masks — not all — but the compliance has been relatively good .
As part of having protests , it ’ s all part of life in the pandemic , ” Cooper said .
“ People have Constitutional rights .
You can ’ t suspend the Constitutional rights due to a pandemic .
If people want to peacefully assemble and bring to the attention of the government and each other vital problems then I believe we are allowed to do that .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They have , in my experience.
” But Hildreth said he fears “ a spike in cases , ” not only in Nashville but in other cities that hosted George Floyd rallies .
“ This fear is enhanced by the fact that we are reopening the economies and , quite honestly , some people are doing it better than others and some people are following the mitigation steps better than others .
Those of you who have participated in recent marches and rallies , I strongly encourage you to get a COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is whether you think you have been exposed to the virus or not because that will help us keep the virus in check .
And a special word to the African-Americans in the community who might be listening to me .
Most of the people who participated in rallies who have come to get tests are white .
We need everyone who has participated in the rallies and marches to get tested.
” As reported , Cooper spokesman Chris Song told The Tennessee Star earlier this month that “ Cooper has consistently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely engage in public demonstrations while observing public health protocols.
” “ This includes his vocal support for the Safer at Home Order protest in downtown Nashville on April 19 , ” Song said .
During an April 20 press conference , Cooper said he was “ all for the rally.
” “ I just want everyone to do it safely and remember to socially distance yourself while you ’ re doing the rally .
This is a period of time where we want public participation , but we want it safely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message , ” Cooper said at the time .
“ We want a restart .
It ’ s just going to be a priority to have the restart done safely , not to undo the progress .
What we really want is long-term mitigation of the disease to keep our health care capacity in place for those who may , unfortunately , need it.
” Several thousand people attended the George Floyd rally at Legislative Plaza .
Cooper thanked many of them for wearing masks to protect themselves against the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ those near the speaker ’ s platform , stood close to one another , by only a matter of inches — and not feet .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ James Hildreth ” by John Cooper .

A dozen individuals have been charged in a gun-running conspiracy that funneled firearms from Tennessee and Kentucky to Chicago, according to a release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In total, the 12 individuals are facing a 21-count indictment with charges for dealing in firearms without a license, transporting and receiving firearms into another state, making false statements to a federally licensed firearm dealer, and multiple other offenses.
Three of the alleged members of the gun pipeline were enlisted members of the U.S. Army and were stationed at Fort Campbell in Clarksville.
Demarcus Adams, Brandon Miller, and Jarius Brunson, along with other individuals charged in the indictment, allegedly purchased legal firearms from dealers in the area. After securing the guns, the DOJ contends the group would deliver the firearms to individuals in Chicago.
Law enforcement officials also claim the scheme was connected to gang violence in Chicago, saying that “the defendants conspired to purchase and deliver over 90 illegally obtained firearms to the Chicago area to facilitate the ongoing violent disputes between the Pocket Town Gangster Disciples and their rival gangs.”
Authorities detailed that at least two deaths were connected to firearms distributed in the movement from Tennessee to the Chicago area.
In addition to Clarksville, the organized crime circle operated in Oak Grove, Kentucky:
“The indictment further alleges the methods used by co-conspirators to purchase firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in the Clarksville, Tenn. and Oak Grove, Kentucky areas, which included communicating via text messages to coordinate the purchase and delivery of firearms to the Chicago area; providing false information on firearms purchase application forms; and using apps such as Zelle and CashApp to facilitate payment for the illegal transfer of firearms. On one occasion, the indictment alleges that in addition to several firearms available for sale, Brandon Miller had 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition available for purchase,” the release from the DOJ details.
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Justice Department Announces Superseding Indictment Charging 12 in Gun-Running Conspiracy to Supply” by The Justice Department.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-12--Commentary: White America Reckons with Black Lives Matter

Scenes of largely white crowds across the world demonstrating in support of Black Lives Matter in the wake of George Floyd ’ s murder are reminiscent of another watershed moment in America – The 1960s civil rights revolution , in which white America finally awakened to the plight of blacks in this country .
What followed was an upheaval in American society that forever changed the political landscape .
While many in America see this crisis as grounds for a much-needed racial reckoning , some in the white community see anti-racism protests as a condemnation and repudiation of white identity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has in some instances attempted to question whether whites deserve to be involved in the conversation at all .
In an opinion piece published in the Washington Post last week , whites were urged to “ shut-upand listen , ” and the author even suggested that the overwhelming social media support on behalf of whites for civil justice was co-opting the Black Lives Matter movement in harmful ways .
Others questioned whether the backlash against police brutality marginalized whites while promoting an anti-racism agenda that ignores the progress and promise America has experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ era .
After all , if whites are so bad , how could white voters have elected a black President – twice ?
But the dynamics of alienation are particularly stark among an older generation of whites who see their power and status challenged by an increasingly diverse , increasingly gender-balanced , power structure in America .
And it often comes across in very blunt terms .
A recent episode was when a white retired couple was sitting on their couch watching the news and discussing the recent events surrounding Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their phones was broadcasting the conversation over Facebook Live .
“ I ’ ve got the emails about how we ’ re supporting and we need to fix this problem , f— you , ” said retired Navy Captain and Naval Academy Alumni Board member Scott Bethmann .
He objected to the fact that organizations felt a necessity to publicly align themselves with Black Lives Matter – even when they themselves had done nothing wrong .
“ So all the white people have to say something nice to the black b—- that works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ b—- don ’ t get fired .
It ’ s bulls— .
Management ’ s going to fire the white people… .
The white m—–f—– can ’ t say anything , that ’ s the point we ’ re making here… ” While Bethmann ’ s use of racial slurs is certainly condemnable , his broader point – organizations and leaders feeling coerced into making a politically correct statement on the controversy du jour – resonates among many whites .
Bethmann ’ s candid comments also reflect a frustration at feeling that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not agree with the current media narrative .
Even more alarming is the knee-jerk reaction to deface and dismantle Confederate flags and other monuments .
Symbolically kicking the dead when they are already down does not solve the problems of racism and police corruption that are very much still alive .
Rather , tearing down monuments may only further alienate those , like the Bethmanns – who are successful and politically connected whites in positions of power and influence – whose assistance will be greatly needed if we are to create additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the military and law enforcement .
We should not require them to assert their allegiance to BLM or demand they kneel in solidarity with striking athletes ; rather we should ask that they use their positions of influence and stature to open the doors to more inclusion and opportunity .
This is something they would likely be only too eager to do – if constructively engaged .
The best way to defeat an enemy , to paraphrase the great Abraham Lincoln , is to convert him into an ally .
What is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone in his sentiments .
One of the most contentious controversies over the past few years has been the battle over the meaning of national anthem protests at professional sports events used as a tactic to bring attention to the issue of police brutality .
While proponents of the protests , most notably Colin Kaepernick , have insisted that taking a knee during the National anthem was not about disrespecting the flag but about holding America to its unkept promise of equal treatment under the law for African Americans , others , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted to cast the issue in terms of symbolizing respect for the service and sacrifice of America ’ s veterans and front-line law enforcement .
This culture war has raged for years , and recently come back into focus in the aftermath of the George Floyd tragedy .
When asked how the NFL should respond to renewed calls by players for on-field gestures to protest police brutality , future hall of fame quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints waded full-tilt into the controversy by stating that he would “ ” never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States of America.
” Brees ’ statement in light of the current climate provoked immediate and in some cases violent backlash against him , even among his own teammates .
But this is a stance Brees has consistently taken , and that is much in line with that of President Trump and the NFL – which had essentially banned on-field protests .
Brees himself is a well-liked and respected leader in a locker-room where most of the players are African Americans .
He has contributed significantly to charitable causes in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and black children .
He is – for better or worse – no Donald Trump .
And so , for him to get swept up in the furor around Black Lives Matter is a telling signal of the times .
The larger point here is that Drew Brees dared to speak his opinion – he did not just shut up .
Though he was challenged , he also responded in subsequent statements that he was willing to listen to the perspective of his black friends and supporters , and stand in solidarity with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Notably , however , Brees did not repudiate his stance on respecting the flag .
Nor did he have to do so to show great humility and compassion towards his fellow teammates .
Brees can both have his own opinion and deeply empathize with the plight of others .
He can stand for what he believes and permit others to kneel for their beliefs – without driving a stake of division through the heart of unity he has engendered over his career as a team leader .
Brees ’ conduct exemplifies a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and making progress together .
Mr. Williams is the Manager / Sole Owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations , and was named the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year .
Follow Armstrong on Twitter at @ arightside .
Photo “ Black Lives Matter Supporters ” by Frankie Fouganthin .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-12--Commentary: Defund Conservatism, Inc. to Make America Great Again

It was fascinating to watch Tucker Carlson call out Heritage Foundation President Kay James for her recent op-ed at Fox News .
James added her voice to the politically correct chorus , informing us that racism is “ a cancer in America ” and “ our Achilles ’ Heel that has afflicted us for 400 years.
” Some people , myself included , would like to know , who are these racists James speaks of ?
Are they the people on the Heritage board who appointed her ?
Are they people who work for Heritage or are in the conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the America First agenda ?
She should name names .
To be fair , James condemned the rioting , but she sounded more like an adherent to the questionable New York Times “ 1619 Project ” than a leading conservative who is supposed to believe in the fundamental principles of liberty and opportunity for all to which our nation has cleaved for centuries .
Those principles at one time were core to the mission of the Heritage Foundation .
Now its leadership can ’ t seem to utter them , let alone espouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included , are rightly asking : if Heritage can ’ t support the most basic tenets of America ’ s founding and affirm its rise to exceptionalism , what is the point of Heritage at all ?
They claim to be conservatives , but what have they conserved ?
Where are their victories ?
Their own list of alleged accomplishments is amusing , to say the least .
Heritage claims credit for the list of President Donald Trump ’ s judges—which is funny , as it is common knowledge among conservatives that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vetted by the Federalist Society at the direction of Leonard Leo and former White House Counsel Don McGahn .
Heritage takes credit for being active in some policy issues during the Trump Administration , too .
But for an institution that once prided itself on being the “ think tank ” of the Reagan Revolution , that ’ s not saying much .
What is more interesting—and telling—is what Heritage considers one of its greatest achievements in the past 20 years .
Going back to 2003 this former bastion for the limited size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , building an eight-story office edifice with a 230-person seat auditorium .
More troubling than expanding its own footprint is its efforts to vastly expand the size and reach of the federal government by promoting and pushing ideas that are antithetical to conservative principles .
Look only at the famous—or infamous , depending on who you talk to—example of Heritage being one of the primary advocates of Romneycare , the godfather of Obamacare .
Ed Feulner , former president of Heritage , vociferously denies it , but facts are pernicious things .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Stuart Butler , who directed “ domestic policy and innovation ” at Heritage for decades .
Butler is currently a senior fellow at the left-leaning Brookings Institution , which should tell you everything you need to know about him .
But in 1989 , Butler had much to say from his Heritage perch about affordable healthcare for all Americans .
Reading them now , it ’ s hard to escape the conclusion that while not exactly the same as Obamacare , Butler ’ s ideas , endorsed and advocated by the healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frankly leftist ideas .
In the lecture , Butler claims the United States should have a “ national health insurance system ” that guarantees all citizens “ universal access to affordable health care.
” Later in the same lecture , he claims , contrary to a previous statement , he believes the American people not only should have access to affordable health care but that the government should mandate “ all households obtain adequate insurance.
” So if you truly believe that Obamacare has been a disaster , you can ’ t act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impetus for foisting that idea on the country .
What Has Heritage Done for Us Lately ?
Heritage works hard ( so do washing machines ) churning out white papers , but are they even good policy ?
One can argue that at any given time they ’ ve been pro-immigration , pro-amnesty , pro-China , against fair trade and U.S.-based manufacturing , and neoconservative pro-war advocates .
Sure , Heritage does host the Resource Bank to enable conservative networking—not that anyone outside of D.C. knows about it .
Beyond that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resembled a hamster on a wheel .
In short , wasted energy with little to nothing to show for it .
While the Left and statists organize to expand the state and take away freedom ( see Minneapolis , New York City , and Lafayette Square with Antifa and Black Lives Matter ’ s actions of the past two weeks ) , Heritage is throwing white papers at them .
Whoop-de-do !
Heritage ’ s ineffectiveness , however , is not for lack of funding .
A study of their publicly available tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised $ 1.25 billion in that timeframe .
Yes , kids , that ’ s billion with a big fat “ b.
” Heritage is also , as of the filing of its 2018 990 form , sitting on $ 260 million in cash , investments , buildings , land , and equipment .
Come to think of it , perhaps Heritage is becoming an endowed real estate company with a think tank attached .
Prove me wrong .
So it ’ s not only that the organization is ineffective , to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas , there is also the opportunity cost of money being spent by ineffective people to consider .
Money spent on the wrong people with the wrong ideas always gives you the wrong results .
We are at war with the Left over what the future of this republic looks like—or whether it continues to exist at all .
In the midst of this crisis , we have Kay James telling us , essentially , that America is still an endemically racist nation .
Juxtapose James ’ comments with the work of Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the best chances we ’ ve had in generations of restoring the republic .
Trump didn ’ t come out of the conservative ecosystem in the traditional way , though for many years he privately supported in New York the East Side Conservative Club , one of the most iconic grassroots conservative entities in the United States , which helped to found the Conservative Party of New York .
His only other real points of intersecting with the movement were his speeches at the Conservative Political Action Convention between 2011-2015 .
Think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the other think tanks and nonprofits on the center-right , from Heritage to the Kochs , down to think tanks at the state level , it ’ s probably safe to say conservatives are investing half a billion dollars a year ( at least ) and the best chance they have ever had at winning didn ’ t come from those investments .
Let that sink in and then ask yourself , what are we really getting for all this money ?
The answer : not much .
I ’ m all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money .
But I adamantly oppose sinecures for ineffective people .
In 1976 , Ronald Reagan famously talked about Linda Taylor , the “ welfare queen ” who fraudulently lived off hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars .
To my way of thinking , the Heritage Foundation and , indeed , most of the so-called think tanks of the center-right are nothing more than the welfare queens of the conservative movement .
Eric Hoffer wrote years ago that “ Every great cause begins as a movement , becomes a business , and eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inc. , of which Heritage and the Kochs sit at or near the top , has become a racket that has been selling out the American people ’ s interests for years on a wide variety of fronts .
While we should hope that conservatives someday will get an effective movement worthy of them , rest assured that we have no need for peacetime conservatives who bow down to mobs .
But even more to the point , we have no need to exacerbate the problem by funding peacetime conservatives who aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anymore .
If we want to win , it ’ s probably time to re-examine the entire premise of the “ conservative movement ” and its funding .
Ned Ryun is a former presidential writer for George W. Bush and the founder and CEO of American Majority .
You can find him on Twitter @ nedryun .
Photo “ Kay C.James ” by The Heritage Foundation .
Background Photo “ Heritage Foundation Building ” by Ser Amantio di Nicolao .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-12--Manny Sethi Releases New Ad Addressing What He Calls Liberal Hypocrisy on COVID-19 Restrictions

“ For the last three months liberals said social distancing is so important , you deserve to be arrested if you go out to eat or go to church with too many people .
They destroyed small businesses and ruined lives , ” Sethi said in an emailed press release .
“ But now , apparently , protesting next to thousands of people is fine , as long as it ’ s for a woke liberal cause .
It ’ s total hypocrisy.
” Sethi ’ s ad says the following : “ Across America , opening a business is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not ?
Dinner with neighbors gets you arrested .
Beating neighbors does not ?
Church with too many people is a crime .
Thousands of people protesting is not ?
Got a problem with any of that ?
You ’ re a racist !
And you want to kill Grandma .
Had enough ?
Me too .
That ’ s why I ’ m running .
Send me to the Senate .
People may view the ad on Sethi ’ s campaign Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube pages or by clicking here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , former Congressman Ed Bryant on Monday endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Manny Sethi , who is running to replace the retiring U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-TN ) .
Bryant represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives and served as a magistrate judge for the Western District of Tennessee .
“ It matters who leads , who represents us and our values .
We need a senator who won ’ t forget about West Tennessee , ” Bryant said .
“ We have the opportunity to send a real conservative to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all of Tennessee , which is why I ’ m endorsing Dr. Manny for Senate.
” “ From his time as U.S. Attorney , to his service in the Congress , to his decade in the judiciary , he has always stood for what is good and decent about our state , ” Sethi said in the press release .
“ Ed Bryant has always been a conservative fighter , standing up for life , small business , and our Second Amendment rights , and has represented the best of West Tennessee.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , posted a photo of that morning ’ s Madison County GOP meeting where Bryant endorsed him .
As The Star reported last week , U.S. Sen. Rand Paul ( R-KY ) endorsed Sethi .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Political Ad ” by Manny Sethi .