thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Dr. Simone Gold Calls Out USA Today’s Censorship of Her Op-Ed, ‘We Do Not Consent’

Dr. Simone Gold was asked by USA Today to submit an opinion piece regarding the Left ’ s move to mandate Americans to wear face coverings in order to help end the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 .
To her surprise , she says , the newspaper giant materially altered her work .
What follows is a transcription of her reaction of USA Today ’ s actions : Hi everyone .
I need to share with you something that happened to me this week .
I was invited by USA Today to write an opinion opposition to their opinion of whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is how it went down .
I ’ m going to show you censorship in action .
The deal with USA Today is that they would publish my words next to their words in their online and in their newspaper .
Here we go .
Let ’ s see .
I put on the screen my submitted and accepted version and what they actually printed in their newspaper .
The first sentence that they deleted , again without telling me just deletion was I wrote the COVID virus was supposed to be contained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear astronaut suits and people go through tripled sealed doors .
Now , the reason I ’ m offended that they deleted this is when you have a very visually strong sentence the reader remembers it and then they share that with other people .
It ’ s a very good technique to use as a writer .
I think they found it too effective and they simply deleted it .
The next sentence that I took great offense that they deleted was I wrote the COVID virus is 200 to 1,000 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks or cloth-like things like bandannas .
That is such an easy to understand concept .
200 to 1,000 times smaller .
I think they found hearing that truth so threatening because it ’ s easy to understand that they simply deleted it .
And the third sentence that I took great offense that they deleted was , I wrote , the mask has become the most visible symbol # socialconditioning .
I think they deleted this because it ’ s too unifying .
Freethinkers that realize that they are being socially conditioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more isolated when they don ’ t understand that they are actually part of a much larger group .
What I want to share with you is I think it ’ s very clear that the media has an agenda and here is what it is .
They have two things they are trying to achieve .
One is they are trying to make you think there are no actual facts that you can discern for yourself .
That everything is he said she said .
Everything is opinion .
You can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s a really good way to let people live in fear .
It ’ s not true .
There are facts you can find out .
The second thing is their goal is to make you feel very isolated if you feel otherwise .
That ’ s also not true .
I actually think that we are the majority of Americans .
That we can see clearly what ’ s going on .
Now that you ’ ve seen censorship in action it gets even better .
They found my words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just my words but the truth so threatening that they didn ’ t even publish it online at all .
They simply put it in their print paper because they solicited it .
They had to .
But they didn ’ t put it anywhere online .
How do you like that guys ?
You should be offended .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Black Lives Matter Plan to Disrupt the Nuclear Family and ‘Dismantle Cisgender Privilege’ Gains Supp

Black Lives Matter Plan to Disrupt the Nuclear Family and ‘Dismantle Cisgender Privilege’ Gains Support in Corporate America

The CEO of Brooks Brothers sent out a letter to customers last week expressing support of the objectives of the Black Lives Matter movement , which include a plan to “ disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family , ” and “ dismantle cisgender privilege.
” Brooks Brothers , the oldest men ’ s clothier in the United States , is headquartered on Madison Avenue in Manhattan , New York City , and owned by the Italian billionaire Claudio Del Vecchio .
In the letter , Del Vecchio stated that he wanted to make clear that Brooks Brothers opposes “ hatred , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind ” during this “ very painful moment for the United States.
” “ George Floyd ’ s murder by Minneapolis police and the killings of countless other Black men and women have made it clear that there are systemic issues within many institutions that need to be eradicated in the fight for racial equality , ” the letter states .
Del Vecchio goes on to say : “ Our values at Brooks Brother align with and our morals support the objectives of the Black Lives Matter movement.
” The following principles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter movement ’ s official declaration : We are self-reflexive and do the work required to dismantle cisgender privilege and uplift Black trans folk , especially Black trans women who continue to be disproportionately impacted by trans-antagonistic violence .
We build a space that affirms Black women and is free from sexism , misogyny , and environments in which men are centered .
We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and “ villages ” that collectively care for one another , especially our children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and children are comfortable .
We foster a queer‐affirming network .
When we gather , we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking , or rather , the belief that all in the world are heterosexual ( unless s/he or they disclose otherwise ) .
Patrisse Cullors , co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement , advocates for “ defunding law enforcement so that black and brown people can be free from what she calls a ‘ well-funded army ’ that ‘ occupies ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow organizers as “ trained Marxists ” in 2015 .
Alicia Garza , another BLM co-founder walked back the “ defund the police ” rhetoric after nationwide polls showed that the idea was unpopular with the American people .
Garza told NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press ” that the calls are not literally about eliminating police departments , but about reinvesting funds toward “ the resources that our communities need.
” On Fox News ’ “ The Story ” with Martha MacCallum Wednesday evening , New York Black Lives Matter president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the American Revolution .
“ We go in and we blow up countries and we replace their leaders with leaders who we like .
So for any American to accuse us of being violent is extremely hypocritical , ” he said .
He later added , “ if this country doesn ’ t give us what we want , then we will burn down this system and replace it .
All right ?
And I could be speaking … figuratively .
I could be speaking literally .
It ’ s a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends by urging associates across the company to “ join us in supporting and prioritizing these conversations [ like burning down the system ? ]
in ways that we haven ’ t in the past.
” Now , we must collectively use this moment as a catalyst for change and recommit to placing equity , justice , inclusion , and belonging at the center of who we are as an organization .
Despite the challenging business conditions , we ask every associate across the company to join us in supporting and prioritizing these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t in the past .
We must be committed to ensuring environments that are anti-racist for both our associates , our customers and for our communities .
Racial injustice , prejudice and hate in all its forms , will never have a place in any of our offices , facilities or stores .
Brooks Brothers is just the latest in a long line of “ woke corporations ” that have bowed to the BLM shakedown mob .
Nike has been a forerunner in using its marketing to push BLM messaging , even as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly attacks on police officers .
Now , Big tech giants , including Netflix , Amazon , Apple , Google , Twitter and Facebook are all voicing full-throated support for the radical Marxist group , as have a large number of beauty conglomerates such as Estée Lauder , Becca Cosmetics , Clinique , L ’ Oréal and NYX .

by Scott McClallen
First, COVID-19 disrupted classes in 2020, and now it’s teachers keeping kids out of class in 2022.
More than 29,000 Minneapolis students couldn’t attend class Monday as a teachers’ union strike entered its 10th school day.
The striking teachers are seeking a “living wage,” smaller class sizes, and “safe and stable schools.”
The strike began March 8 with the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) and Education Support Professionals (ESP) saying the groups were demanding “a living wage” for ESPs, smaller class sizes, and “safe and stable schools,” the union posted on Facebook.
In a video posted on Facebook page Sunday, union officials said they want ESPs to have a minimum $35,000 annual salary.
Teacher Chapter President Greta Callahan said parties have been negotiating.
“This contract needs to get settled,” Callahan said. “We want kids back in school and it feels like we are the only ones acting like that right now.”
Average teacher salaries in St. Paul are $85,000, compared to the average Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) teacher salary of $71,535.
World Population Review says the average Minnesota teacher makes $59,221.
The Sahan Journal reported that despite the high teacher salary, raises for the Minneapolis district have lagged in recent years.
MPS said it shared its “last, best, and final” offer on Sunday that includes: 2% cost of living increases, with up to 12% raises for new teachers, in year one of the contract and 2% increases for all in the second year.
Increase starting wages for 85% of current ESPs to $23 per hour or more, bringing most full-time ESPs close to $35,000 annually.
Increase wages over two years between 8.2% and 34.6% (depending on job classification), with an average increase of 15.6%.
Move the lowest-paid ESPs from $15.45 per hour to $18 per hour.
Pay ESPs $6,000 in bonuses ($3,000 in each of the next 2 years).
$3.5 million to additional hours for ESPs.
Four additional paid duty days for professional development.
“We know that our students want to be back in school with their teachers and ESPs and our staff desperately want to see our students,” Minneapolis School Board Chair Kim Ellison said in a video. “We believe this is the fastest way possible to get our students back to school.”
The proposal would cost $9.3 million in the first year and $13.4 million in the second.
“MPS is reaching beyond its financial means on behalf of our ESPs and will need to make more than $10 million in reductions for the next school year as a result,” the MPS website says.
“We’ll be back out on the line tomorrow fighting for safe and stable schools!” the MFT tweeted Sunday.
The state’s education funding formula is based on enrollment, which has declined at MPS from 32,732 in 2019 to in 2022, 29,100.
The school doesn’t have data on where the roughly 3,632 kids who left went, MPS media coordinator Crystina Lugo-Beach told The Center Square in an email.
MPS said all pre-K through 12th classes would be canceled “for the duration of the strike.” Axios reported that the district is facing a a $21.5 million budget deficit for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
– – –
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi.
Photo “Minneapolis Public Schools” by Minneapolis Public Schools.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--California’s Alleged Golden State Killer Set to Plead Guilty

SACRAMENTO , California ( AP ) — Forty years after a sadistic suburban rapist terrorized California in what investigators later realized were a series of linked assaults and slayings , a 74-year-old former police officer is expected to plead guilty Monday to being the elusive Golden State Killer .
The deal will spare Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. any chance of the death penalty for 13 murders and 13 kidnapping-related charges spanning six counties .
In partial return , survivors of the assaults that spanned the 1970s and 1980s expect him to admit to up to 62 rapes that he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much time has passed .
Yet nothing is certain until he actually speaks in a Sacramento State University ballroom pressed into use as a courtroom to provide for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I ’ ve been on pins and needles because I just don ’ t like that our lives are tied to him , again , ” said Jennifer Carole , the daughter of Lyman Smith , a lawyer who was slain in 1980 at age 43 in Ventura County .
His wife , 33-year-old Charlene Smith , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early on connected certain crimes to an armed and masked rapist who would break into sleeping couples ’ suburban homes at night , binding the man and piling dishes on his back .
He would threaten to kill both victims if he heard the plates fall while he raped the woman .
Gay and Bob Hardwick were among the survivors .
They are now looking forward to DeAngelo admitting to that 1978 assault .
The death penalty was never realistic anyway , she said , given DeAngelo ’ s age and Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He certainly does deserve to die , in my view , so I am seeing that he is trading the death penalty for death in prison , ” she said .
“ It will be good to put the thing to rest .
I think he will never serve the sentence that we have served — we ’ ve served the sentence for 42 years.
” A guilty plea and life sentence avoids a trial or even the planned weeks-long preliminary hearing .
The victims expect to confront him at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s expected to take several days to tell DeAngelo and Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Michael Bowman what they have suffered .
Ron Harrington ’ s younger brother , Keith , was married to Patti Harrington for just three months when they were bludgeoned to death in their Orange County home in 1980 by a killer then known as the Original Night Stalker .
All four brothers were successful , but “ Keith , the youngest of all of us , was the smartest , ” he said .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time this comes up I think of all the lives he would have saved as an emergency room doctor.
” Their father found the couple two days later .
“ It was so gruesome , ” Harrington said .
” My dad was never the same.
” The killer racked up a series of monikers for his crimes over the decades .
But it wasn ’ t until years later that investigators connected a series of assaults in central and Northern California to later slayings in Southern California and settled on the umbrella @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assailant whose crimes spanned 11 counties from 1974 through mid-1986 .
The mystery sparked worldwide interest , a best-selling book and a six-part HBO documentary , “ I ’ ll Be Gone in the Dark , ” that premiered Sunday .
It was only the pioneering use of new DNA techniques that two years ago led investigators to DeAngelo , who was fired from the Auburn Police Department northeast of Sacramento in 1979 after he was caught shoplifting dog repellent and a hammer .
He previously had worked as a police officer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1973 to 1976 , near where the Visalia Ransacker struck more than 100 homes south of Fresno .
Investigators painstakingly built a family tree by linking decades-old crime scene DNA to a distant relative through a popular online DNA database .
They eventually narrowed in on DeAngelo with a process that has since been used in other cases nationwide , but said they confirmed the link only after surreptitiously collecting his DNA from his car door and a discarded tissue .
His defense attorneys have publicly lobbied since then for a deal that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though they did not respond to repeated requests for comment before Monday ’ s hearing .
Prosecutors who had sought the death penalty cited the massively complicated case and the advancing age of many of the victims and witnesses in agreeing to consider the plea bargain .
“ Death doesn ’ t solve anything .
But him having to sit though a trial or preliminary hearing , that would have helped , ” said Carole , who said neither she nor her slain father believed in capital punishment .
She was so committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporarily moved from Santa Cruz to her adult daughter ’ s Sacramento home , where she has slept on an air mattress in a spare bedroom .
She has told the story of her father ’ s death and her own recent experiences through podcasts called The Lawyer ’ s Daughter .
But she said it “ absolutely ” makes sense for prosecutors to agree to a life sentence without parole , both to spare older victims and witnesses who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus from having to appear in court , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million projected cost of a trial .
Harrington supports the death penalty , but also agreed with prosecutors ’ decision “ just to give some degree of closure.
” “ This will be a relief for all of us , to move on with our lives , ” said Hardwick .
“ We ’ ve dealt with the effects of the attack for 42 years.
” Don Thompson reports for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this March 12 , 2020 , file photo , Joseph James DeAngelo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , appears in court in Sacramento , Calif .
The 74-year-old former police officer is tentatively set to plead guilty Monday , June 29 , 2020 , to being the elusive Golden State Killer .
The hearing comes 40 years after a sadistic suburban rapist terrorized California in what investigators only later realized were a series of linked assaults and slayings .
( AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli , File )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Carol Swain Tells Fox and Friends Weekend: The Destruction of Monuments is About the Destruction of

Carol Swain Tells Fox and Friends Weekend: The Destruction of Monuments is About the Destruction of Our Culture, It Has Nothing to do With Race

Dr. Carol M. Swain appeared on Fox News Channel ’ s Fox and Friends Weekend Edition with hosts , Jedediah Bila and Pete Hegseth this past Saturday to discuss the tearing down of national monuments .
Bila : Welcome everyone .
We are now going to bring in Dr. Carol Swain , Black Voices for Trump Advisory Board member and former professor at Vanderbilt University .
Welcome , Carol to the show .
It ’ s great to have you here this morning .
Bila : We would all love to get your reaction to President Trump ’ s executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a good idea ?
Swain : It is an excellent idea and in fact , it was needed along time ago .
I have been greatly disappointed that state and local officials have not done more to protect private and public property .
In most cases , there have not been any consequences for destroying property that belongs to others .
And we saw this happening some years ago .
I think the destruction of monuments probably in 2016 and maybe before .
And people have gotten away with it for far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences .
There have to be criminal consequences as well as financial .
Dr. Swain , let me zero you in on the one here in Washington that is of course the Lincoln Emancipation statue .
Different than in Richmond going after Robert Lee right ?
Robert E. Lee and the whole confederacy , we get that .
But speak if you will , the need to protect the Lincoln Memorial .
Swain : I mean , the Lincoln Memorial ?
The President that signed the emancipation proclamation ?
The destruction of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture .
It has nothing to do with race .
And I think people need to realize that .
And they ’ re going after what ?
Francis Scott Key .
They are going after George Washington .
Christopher Columbus .
Martin Luther King will be next .
And I ’ d like to see what people say about his statue because they can go after him about the information we have about his treatment of women .
Hegseth : Interesting .
You are a professor and you understand all of the bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how they try to push them into pop culture Doctor .
One of those professors at John Jay , Erin L. Thompson tweeted this on June 10th .
“ I ’ m a professor who studies the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage .
And I just have to say…use chain instead of rope it will go faster.
” Is that the overwhelming sentiment of so-called elite schools ?
Tear America down ?
Swain : I don ’ t know .
But there are a lot of leftist professors and department chairs at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of money that parents pay to send their children to get an education .
They are not being educated .
They are being indoctrinated .
I think professors like that should be stripped of their tenure .
We don ’ t need them at universities .
They are not doing anything that is constructive .
You think about the protests .
Universities cave all the time and respond to the lattice voices and conservatives , Christians , we don ’ t protest in that kind of way for all kinds of reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroy America and it goes back to Marxism , Communism , and all of this has a purpose that ’ s bigger than race in America .
Black people are being used at this moment .
People of color are being used .
But it ’ s not about them .
And they are very foolish to allow people to use them in the way that they are being used .
I mean maybe they can do something about it .
Bila : Yes .
We both taught at those schools and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unfortunately , eliminating tenure and getting teacher accountability is really hard .
But I always encourage parents , you pay those tuitions .
Write to those schools and make your voices heard .
Believe it or not they care a lot about that money .
If you decide you ’ re going to pull your kids out it makes a big difference .
Hegseth : Carol Swain , one of the smartest people out there .
Thank you so much for your time .
Love it .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Two Dead, Four Wounded After Shooting at California WalMart Distribution Center

RED BLUFF , California ( AP ) — A man drove into a Northern California distribution center and started shooting at people Saturday afternoon , killing an employee and wounding four others before he was killed by police , authorities said .
The shooting by a 31-year-old man with a semi-automatic rifle started about 3:30 p.m. at the Walmart distribution center south of Red Bluff , a city of about 14,000 people about 131 miles north of Sacramento , California .
Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston said at a news conference that the shooter circled the parking lot four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening fire with the rifle .
Red Bluff Police officers shot and killed the suspect , KHSL-TV reported .
The employee who died was Martin Haro-Lozano , 45 , of Orland , California , Johnston said .
Officials did not identify the shooter , but Johnston said he has a history with the Red Bluff workplace .
The shooting victims were taken to St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff , spokeswoman Allison Hendrickson told The Associated Press .
She confirmed that four were hospitalized , but declined to provide more details .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility locked themselves in a room , employees told KHSL-TV .
The suspect was shot in the chest about 3:45 p.m. , dispatchers told the newspaper .
Scott Thammakhanty , an employee at the facility ’ s receiving center , told the Redding Record-Searchlight that he heard the shooter fire from the rifle .
“ It went on and on — I don ’ t even know how many times he fired , ” Thammakhanty said .
“ I just know it was a lot.
” Thammakhanty and others started running for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ground as he went , he said .
Fellow employee Franklin Lister told the New York Times he had just started work when a coworker ran down the hallway shouting : “ Active gunfire !
Active shooter !
” Vince Krick told the Record-Searchlight that his wife and son work at the facility and he was on his way to pick up his wife when he saw the flames .
Neither was hurt , but his wife told him not to come to the front entrance , the newspaper reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you know , you can ’ t do nothing , ” Krick said .
Dispatchers told the Record-Searchlight that at least one woman had been shot .
A man had also reported his leg being run over when the shooter rammed a vehicle into the building , but the man wasn ’ t sure if he had been shot , dispatchers said .
Walmart spokesman Scott Pope told the Record-Searchlight that the company was “ aware of the situation ” and working with law enforcement .
About the Headline Photo : Crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Red Bluff Walmart Distribution Center where at least two people were killed , including a shooting suspect and an employee , and four were injured , Saturday , June 27 , 2020 , in Red Bluff , Calif. ( Mike Chapman/The Record Searchlight via AP )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--New MTSU Advertising Campaign Promotes the First Amendment

A third of Americans can not name even one of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment , according to Ken Paulson .
The director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University aims to change that with a new advertising campaign .
No one has ever “ effectively marketed the First Amendment , ” Paulson said .
“ Only 10 percent recognize the freedom of assembly .
In the last few weeks , that ’ s been so important.
” The new ads feature artists , authors and athletes discussing the freedoms guaranteed by the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press , religious freedom , the freedom to peaceably assemble and the freedom to petition the government .
The ads are being distributed by newspapers and media organizations around the country .
They direct the public to the 1 for All website , where they can learn more about how to protect their freedoms .
The campaign is kicking off with Nashville-based figures like musicians Loretta Lynn and Kane Brown , Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton and bestselling author Ann Patchett .
More artists , athletes and entertainers will be added over time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indefinitely , Paulson said .
Paulson serves on the USA Today ’ s Board of Contributors and is a former editor-in-chief there , according to a column he wrote for that publication this month .
In that column , Paulson spoke out against keeping Confederate statues .
He tweeted last month that President Donald Trump “ wants America to ‘ normalize ’ coronavirus deaths .
It ’ s the media ’ s job not to play along.
” In another tweet , Paulson said in April that Inspector General Michael Atkinson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act of retribution yet.
” According to the 1 for All website , supporters include The Associated Press , Chicago Public Square , The Memphis Commercial Appeal , The Dickson Post , and The Gallatin News .
“ At a time of deep partisanship in America , our goal is to remind America that the First Amendment , which gives us freedom of speech , religion , press , and the rights of petition and assembly , collectively gives each of us the right to be ourselves – expressing ourselves and enriching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” according to the website .
1 for All , the website went on to say , doesn ’ t take sides and says America ’ s teachers would like to do a better job teaching the First Amendment — but teachers often lack the resources they need .
“ There ’ s no point in celebrating free expression without encouraging some of it , ” according to 1 for All ’ s website .
“ Students and others will be encouraged to submit photos , videos , songs and stories that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Tennessee Star investigative journalist Chris Butler contributed to this report by The Associated Press .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--REVIEW: A Bestseller in 1971, ‘None Dare Call It Conspiracy’ Lends Insight to the Events of Today

Does anyone still believe what they read in the New York Times or watch on any major television network news broadcast ?
Because for millions of Americans , the credibility of those news sources is at an all-time low .
The internet hive mind , even in the face of blatant censorship by search engines and social media monopolies , simply offers too many verifiable , alternative facts for establishment media to get away with the kind of lying they do , and yet they persist .
Exposed and discredited , they keep on lying , betting that an exhausted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing they report .
Writing for the American Conservative , Arthur Bloom recently published a critique of American media with the not-so-subtle title , “ They Really Are Lying to You.
” His opening sentence : “ The most effective kind of propaganda is by omission.
” Bloom is probably right , especially when one considers how much the media obsessed , for years , over what ultimately were nonstories – think “ Russian collusion ” or “ Ukrainian impeachment.
” And then there are the overblown stories – think “ 8 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time next year , ” and now , “ the nation is reeling under an epidemic of systemic racism ” that suddenly , so very suddenly , have been urgent crises for , well , forever .
What will be next week ’ s crisis of the century ?
And what is really going on behind these blinding lunges from one overwhelming and orchestrated media fixation to the next ?
What events of greater consequence are being obscured , ignored , or omitted in favor of this coverage ?
It doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News anchor David Muir go through his nightly pattern – he curates the same stories , on the same themes , as every other major establishment network – to know that something ’ s going on .
Why is there so much unity ?
Across the networks , the same facts ?
The same phrases ?
And it doesn ’ t take a numbers genius to realize that Muir and his “ experts ” have made stunning misuse of statistics to spread agenda-driven panic , first over COVID , and now over “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media aren ’ t reporting on mass panics and mass protests , they are creating them .
They only secondarily “ report ” on them .
Maybe COVID is the pandemic of the century .
Or maybe not .
The only thing we know for certain is that we can ’ t trust anything we hear about it on ABC Nightly “ News.
” Arthur Bloom ’ s article is a well-documented exposé of how the media has lied in recent , and not so recent years .
He alludes briefly to conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media elites are trying to discredit conspiracy theorists by seeding conspiracy theories with information that is so fantastic as to be obviously false .
He even suggests this tactic is what ’ s behind QAnon , which has , as he writes , “ a remarkable ability to absorb all other conspiracy theories that came before it.
” But what is really behind the curtain ?
America ’ s media lies all the time , and they do it in lockstep with one another .
Sometimes they lie by omission .
Sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they distort their coverage , present quotes or report activities in an unrepresentative context , or engage in selective editing .
Most often they just adopt a smug tone that lets the compliant or lazy listener absorb a clear message : this is a bad guy , this is a good guy .
Why are they doing this ?
Fifty years ago , a slim book , almost a pamphlet , was written and within a few years it sold more than 6 million copies .
Authored by freelance journalist and conservative Gary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was first published in 1972 .
During that election year and for years afterward , the book was required reading for anyone who thought there were untold stories and unnamed forces driving current events .
It is remarkable how relevant this book is today .
The historical narrative and players identified in None Dare Call it Conspiracy can not be summarized briefly .
Suffice to say that what Gary Allen described back then is similar fare to what you ’ ll get if you watch Alex Jones today , as well as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ QAnon network .
And if you watch these sources today , remember this : Maybe instead of being seeded with information so fantastic as to be obviously false in order to discredit the entire body of work , the obviously ridiculous content is added in order to protect the body of work .
Discard the ridiculous , but consider the rest , as absurdity protects it from the censors .
While Allen ’ s discussion of specific players and events defies brief explication , he made several other points that are especially relevant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have believed Allen back in 1972 , today there is nearly a consensus on some of these points .
The first of these concepts is what Allen called the false choice between Left and Right , between Communism and fascism .
The chart shown to the right , taken from page 29 of the third edition published in April 1972 , shows the conventional political spectrum compared to what Allen believes is a more accurate political continuum .
He writes : Allen ’ s point is that if all you can choose are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and fascism on the far-Right , then all you really are doing is choosing between international socialism and national socialism .
Only by placing both of these forms of socialism on the Left , and by placing pure anarchy on the far-Right , do you create room within the continuum for free-market capitalism and limited government to exist .
There ’ s a reason for the promotion of this false choice , according to Allen , which gets to one of the main points of his book .
He argues that socialism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , in reality , a method to consolidate and control the wealth .
He writes : This insight would explain a lot of current events in America and other Western democracies .
Again quoting Allen , “ Radical movements are never successful unless they attract big money and/or outside support…the Left is controlled by its alleged enemy , the malefactors of great wealth.
” Gems of wisdom abound in this book that enjoyed huge but fleeting popularity during the Vietnam era , but is perhaps more relevant today than when it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power in government , wealthy insiders will actually increase their economic power and political influence .
“ One must draw the distinction between competitive free enterprise , the most moral and productive system ever devised , and cartel capitalism dominated by industrial monopolists and international bankers…the cartel capitalist uses the government to force the public to do business with him .
These corporate socialists are the deadly enemies of competitive private enterprise.
” The next chart , taken from page 125 of the book , offers a visual explanation of how wealthy insiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure to the middle class from above and below .
Some but not all of the names Allen noted 50 years ago will change , but the dynamic stays the same .
Perhaps one may add the names Soros , Bloomberg , and Gates to the names on top , and swap for the names at the bottom the 2020 versions of the original groups : Black Lives Matter , Antifa , and the Democratic Socialists of America .
And along with race and class as salient issues to incite the mob , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy is diabolically clever : Identify the most hardened , potentially violent fanatics in a nation , and surreptitiously give them money and training .
As they destabilize society , exploit the backlash that desires order to increase the size and power of government .
What Gary Allen diagnosed and wrote about 50 years ago was not unfounded .
Without commenting on the conspiracy aspects , but merely on the process he identified , he was prescient , wrong only in his belief that it would happen faster than it actually did .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s guess , but some broad cultural shifts come to mind : The Reagan revolution , the growing activism of the religious right , conservative intellectuals finding their voice , conservative talk radio mobilizing millions , and more recently , the power of the internet .
What has decisively changed between 1972 and today is the fact that millions of Americans , if not most Americans , now realize that there is a phony war between establishment Democrats and Republicans and that they can not trust the media .
History will judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump marked a restoration of American sovereignty and a resurgence of America ’ s middle class .
All that is certain today is that with rare exceptions , every establishment player , every wealthy special interest , every corporate-controlled media outlet , every billionaire , every influential actor or entertainer or athlete , all of them , have lined up to oppose President Trump with every ounce of energy they ’ ve got .
Why ?
Allen ’ s answer is both easy and difficult .
Easy , because “ conspiracy ” contextualizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required .
Difficult , because if you attempt to ferret out the entire intricate history of these alleged global insiders , you will enter an abyss of infinite pathways and unlimited possibilities .
And how much does it really matter ?
How much difference is there between a conspiracy among elites , and a general consensus among elites ?
What would be handled differently , if anything ?
There is an alternative answer , more hopeful and also more practical , which is simply to fight – heedless of whatever underlying conspiracies may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the preservation of America ’ s freedoms and to stop the assault on America ’ s middle class .
To do that requires allocating energy to exposing the fraud and hidden agenda underlying leftist policies , and convincing all people of goodwill that better alternatives exist .
Edward Ring is a senior fellow of the Center for American Greatness and co-founder of the California Policy Center , which he co-founded in 2013 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Commentary: Remember, the Left Will Do Anything to Distract Us from a Choice in 2020

In Washington , D.C. ’ s Lafayette Square during the Left ’ s latest attempt to create “ Year Zero ” by erasing American history , the less-than-peaceful protestors endeavored to create a “ Black House Autonomous Zone ” ( BHAZ ) .
As is their destructive wont , they defaced St. John ’ s Episcopal Church and a statue of President Andrew Jackson .
Before they could topple the statue of Jackson , however , D.C. police intervened and , using pepper spray and other tactics , pushed the crowd back .
The statue is safe for now ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Veterans Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act which , as Senator Tom Cotton ( R-Ark . )
was kind enough to remind these “ criminal masterminds , ” carries a 10-year sentence for destroying a statue of a veteran on federal property .
In his own tweet , President Donald Trump also cited this federal law and urged the vandals to “ Beware !
” Should these lawless desecrators demur , the president later tweeted that he has Clearly , the president ’ s message comes not only in response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s populist critics who have chided him for appearing weak in the face of the lawlessness .
These populist critics may not find the president ’ s actions to be enough , for he is not sending in the federal troops to put an end to the disorder .
Understandably disgusted by the vandals ’ ahistorical Philistinism , these populists ought to look beyond this latest attack on America ’ s rule of law and legacy , and view the protestors ’ effort to establish a BHAZ outside the gates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic context .
Kurt Schlichter has done precisely that : It is no coincidence the Left tried to create the BHAZ at the very time , as Schlichter notes , “ Seattle ’ s garbage mayor [ a.k.a.
, Jenny Durkan ] is pulling the plug on the Summer of Love 2.
” The president did not send federal troops into Seattle to disperse the CHAZ .
That task is finally and rightfully being done by that municipality .
Consequently , with the CHAZ imploding under the weight of its own violent inanity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Left returned to Lafayette Square to try to incite a more direct confrontation with President Trump .
The Left wants our legacy and social media littered with propaganda they can use to project their own chaos and violence onto President Trump and his supporters .
Instead , in the nascent BHAZ , the municipal jurisdiction of Washington , D.C. dispersed the disorderly—not federal troops .
Once more , a president not known for restraint showed it ; and refused to give the Left what it wanted—the manufacture of chaos and violence they and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attack Trump .
The Left ’ s reason for wanting to provoke Trump is obvious every time Joe Biden escapes his basement , virtually or physically .
The Left knows it has to hide and carry an historically weak nominee to victory .
Hence , it isn ’ t just the protests and riots , it is everything the lawless Left is doing across the spectrum of American life .
All of these things are done to distract the electorate , prevent the coming presidential election from being a choice between two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a referendum on President Trump .
Kurt Schlichter knows it .
And President Trump knows it : “ [ Where the disorders occur ] All of these places are run by Democrats .
.
.
They don ’ t know what they ’ re doing .
And if Biden got in , this country would be a disaster.
” Every time the president attacks Biden , Trump is trying to make the coming election a choice ; every time populists attack Trump for being weak they unwittingly abet the Left ’ s attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the president .
Like Kurt Schlichter , I want to win .
I suggest the populists cease and desist abetting the Left .
I do have one caveat : I might change my mind if the vandals build an autonomous zone outside Biden ’ s basement .
The Hon .
Thaddeus McCotter is the former chairman of the Republican House Policy Committee , current itinerant guitarist , American Greatness contributor , and Monday co-host of the “ John Batchelor Show .
”


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Trump Says He Will Formally Nominate William Perry Pendley to Head BLM

President Donald Trump is nominating William Perry Pendley to permanently fill the role of U.S. Bureau of Land Management director , the White House announced Friday .
Pendley has served as acting director of the agency tasked with managing 245 million acres of federal land since July 2019 .
Pendley has also served as BLM ’ s deputy director for policy and programs , a position he held prior to being named acting director by Interior Secretary David Bernhardt .
“ In this role , he has worked to increase recreational opportunities on and access to our Nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of wild horses and burros on public lands , and increase awareness of the Bureau ’ s multiple-use mission , ” a White House news release said .
Bernhardt said Pendley is “ doing a great job , including acquiring more than 25,000 acres of public land for expanded recreational access.
” Before joining the Trump administration , Pendley served for three decades as head of the Colorado-based Mountain States Legal Foundation , a conservative public interest law firm .
Pendley has been heavily scrutinized since joining the BLM by environmental groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited his previous writing on public lands and legal background defending property rights .
“ It has been asserted that I do not believe in federal lands ; that is not accurate and is a misrepresentation of my works and belief – I love America ’ s public lands , ” Pendley told the House Natural Resources Committee in September .
Pendley has overseen the agency ’ s headquarters move from Washington , D.C. to Grand Junction , Colo. , which began earlier this year .
Derek Draplin is a regional editor at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an opinion producer at Forbes , and as a reporter at Michigan Capitol Confidential and The Detroit News .
He ’ s also an editor at The Daily Caller .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Catholic Charities Leader: ‘My Catholic Church and Catholic Charities Organization Is Racist’

In a video expressing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement last week , the CEO of Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington denounced his own church and charitable organization as “ racist.
” “ In America , racism is no longer a question .
But rather , it ’ s the toxic water in which we all swim , ” said Rob McCann , president and CEO of the Spokane-based nonprofit .
“ My Catholic Church and my Catholic Charities organization is racist.
” “ For me as a white person , saying I ’ m not a racist is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” McCann intoned .
“ How could we not be ?
Our Catholic faith tradition was BUILT on the premise that a baby born in a manger in the Middle East was a white baby , ” McCann continued .
“ So how can we be surprised to know that we are a church that must still fight against this racism even now.
” Earlier this week , Black Lives Matter organizer Shaun King seemed to expand on McCann ’ s thoughts regarding depictions of “ white Jesus ” by calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stained glassed windows , calling them “ tools of oppression , ” racist propaganda , ” and “ a gross form of white supremacy.
” As American Greatness noted , while Christ has historically been depicted as white by Europeans , he has also been depicted in art as African , Asian , Indigenous and Indian in those cultures .
Most Christians are aware that Christ was Jewish and feel no need to apologize for artistic depictions that helped various cultures identify with him .
McCann went on to accuse the Catholic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrible history of owning slaves , ” operating Native American boarding schools and “ unknowingly ” being part of institutional racism .
In truth , Catholic Church teaching strongly condemned both slavery and the slave trade in numerous papal encyclicals from 1435 to 1890 .
He also condemned Catholic Charities as racist because its leadership team is “ mostly white ” while most of the people the organization serves are “ disproportionately people of color.
” He said the group he leads , while well intentioned , is “ part of the problem.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its purest nonviolent form ” is a “ Christlike ” movement that honors the church ’ s teachings .
In a statement of principles , however , the Marxist Black Lives Matter organization espouses a number of objectives that are an anathema to Catholic teaching and values .
For instance , the group seeks to “ disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure ” and dismantle what it calls “ cisgender privilege ” to “ uplift ” black transgenders .
The staunchly pro-abortion organization also claims to be “ a queer‐affirming network.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defunding the police , and “ burning down the system ” if the country doesn ’ t give them what they want .
In an interview with the Daily Mail , Hawk Newsome , Chairman of BLM ’ s Greater New York chapter , declared a “ war on police , ” saying the group is “ training our people to defend our communities ” in Black Panther style armed “ patrols.
” McCann stressed that Catholic Charities would continue to defend the sacredness of every human life , but he didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of victims of criminal violence each year .
So far in 2020 , according to the Officer Down Memorial Page , 25 police officers have died from gunfire while in the line of duty .
A total of 110 officers have died while in the line of duty so far this year .
In 2019 , a total ten unarmed black suspects and nineteen unarmed white suspects were killed by police .
“ We simply can not stand outside of something as significant as this movement , even though we know full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for walking into it , ” said McCann .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Mississippi Set to Remove Confederate Emblem from its Flag

JACKSON , Mississippi ( AP ) — Mississippi is on the verge of changing its state flag to erase a Confederate battle emblem that in recent years has become broadly condemned as virulently racist .
The flag ’ s supporters resisted efforts to change it for decades , but rapid developments in recent weeks have changed dynamics on this issue in the tradition-bound state .
As protests against racial injustice recently spread across the U.S. , including Mississippi , leaders from business , religion , education and sports have spoken forcefully against the state flag .
They have urged legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that better reflects the diversity of a state with a 38 % Black population .
Legislators are expected to start voting Sunday to remove the current flag from state law .
A commission would design a new flag that can not include the Confederate symbol and that must have the words “ In God We Trust.
” The state House and Senate met Saturday and took a big step : By two-thirds margins , they suspended legislative deadlines so a flag bill could be filed .
Spectators cheered as each chamber voted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other .
“ There are economic issues .
There are issues involving football or whatever , ” Republican Lt. Gov .
Delbert Hosemann said Saturday .
“ But this vote came from the heart .
That makes it so much more important.
” Democratic Sen. David Jordan , who is African American , has pushed for decades to change the flag .
He smiled broadly after Saturday ’ s vote and said , “ This is such a metamorphosis.
” Mississippi has the last state flag with the Confederate battle emblem – originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a red field topped by a blue “ x ” with 13 white stars .
The flag has been divisive for generations .
The state ’ s public universities have stopped flying it , as have a growing number of cities and counties .
The now-controversial design was adopted roughly 30 years after the Civil War in 1894 by White supremacists in the Democrat-controlled Mississippi Legislature during backlash to the political power that Republican African Americans gained .
In 2000 , the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that the flag lacked official status .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and portions dealing with the flag were not carried forward .
Legislators set a flag election in 2001 , and voters kept the rebel-themed design .
Former Ole Miss basketball player Blake Hinson told his hometown Daytona Beach ( Florida ) News-Journal that the Mississippi flag played a part in his decision to transfer to Iowa State .
“ It was time to go and leave Ole Miss , ” Hinson said .
“ I ’ m proud not to represent that flag anymore and to not be associated with anything representing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Saturday for the first time that he would sign a bill to change the flag if the Republican-controlled Legislature sends him one .
Reeves and many other politicians have said people should get to vote on a flag design in another statewide election .
The new design — without the Confederate symbol — will be put on the ballot Nov. 3 , but it will be the only choice .
If a majority voting that day accept the new design , it will become the state flag .
If a majority reject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new flag using the same guidelines .
Emily Wagster Pettus reports for The Associated Press .
Follow Emily Wagster Pettus on Twitter : http : //twitter.com/EWagsterPettus .
About the Headline Photo : Don Hartness of Ellisville , walks around the Capitol carrying the current Mississippi state flag and the American flag , Saturday , June 27 , 2020 , in Jackson , Miss .
A supporter of the current flag , Hartness wanted to make his position known to lawmakers as he walked around the building for several hours .
The current state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the banner the design of the Civil War-era Confederate battle flag , that has been the center of a long-simmering debate about its removal or replacement .
( AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Jim Jordan Calls on Nadler to Help Obtain Trump-Russia Documents Before Barr Hearing

Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan , the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee , is calling on Rep. Jerry Nadler to help obtain documents and testimony related to the FBI ’ s investigation of the Trump campaign prior to a hearing in July for Attorney General William Barr .
“ The Attorney General ’ s appearance is also an opportunity for the Committee to conduct oversight of the Obama-Biden Administration ’ s weaponization of the Justice Department and intelligence community against the Trump campaign , ” Jordan wrote in a letter to Nadler obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the panel on July 28 , the first time he has appeared before Congress since 2019 .
Nadler has already indicated that he plans to quiz Barr over his handling of several politically charged investigations involving Trump associates such as Roger Stone and Michael Flynn .
Jordan is calling on Nadler to also dig deep into the FBI ’ s investigation of the Trump campaign , and surveillance conducted against several Trump associates .
“ As you claim to be so concerned about politicization at the Justice Department , this information should shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who said that Nadler has “ been oddly silent and disinterested.
” “ To allow the Committee to better understand the scope and extent of the Obama-Biden Justice Department ’ s targeting of the Trump campaign and transition team , the Committee must obtain specific documents and testimony from relevant Obama-Biden Administration witnesses , ” said Jordan .
Jordan did not specify the documents and witness interviews he is seeking .
But he listed several revelations from the Justice Department inspector general ’ s report on the FBI ’ s Trump-Russia probe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation of Flynn .
On Wednesday , the Justice Department disclosed notes that former FBI counterintelligence investigator Peter Strzok took during a Jan. 5 , 2017 , meeting that indicated that former Vice President Joe Biden brought up the Logan Act in reference to Flynn .
“ The notes show that Vice President Joe Biden suggested using the Logan Act to target LTG Flynn , which wound up as the basis for the FBI ’ s subsequent interview of LTG Flynn , ” wrote Jordan .
“ In the past several months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Obama-Biden administration used its Justice Department and intelligence community to target the Trump campaign , ” Jordan said .
Jordan also pointed to the DOJ inspector general ’ s finding that the FBI made 17 “ significant ” errors and omissions in surveillance applications against Carter Page .
The IG ’ s report said the FBI misled the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court ( FISC ) regarding the Steele dossier , which accused Page and other Trump associates of conspiring with Russia to influence the 2016 election .
The FBI relied heavily on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but failed to tell the FISC about evidence that raised questions about the reliability of the dossier .
Jordan has for months unsuccessfully pressed Nadler to hold a hearing for Michael Horowitz , the Justice Department inspector general .
Nadler convened a hearing on Wednesday for Aaron Zelinsky , a former member of the special counsel ’ s team who accused Barr of improperly intervening in Stone ’ s case .
Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Walz Oks Distributing $853 Million to Local Governments, Food Pantries

Gov .
Tim Walz said $ 853 million will be distributed statewide to provide relief to Minnesotans battered by the COVID-19 pandemic starting the week of June 29 .
The money comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act .
About $ 841 million will fund government services and businesses in Minnesota counties , cities , and towns , while $ 12 million will fund food banks .
Local government groups have urged Walz to distribute the money in the formula decided by the legislature , which failed to pass the bill during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 467 million , cities will get $ 350 million , and towns will receive almost $ 24 million .
“ As we work to support the health and safety of all Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic , we are also taking steps to build a stronger and more equitable economy , ” Walz said in a statement .
“ This funding will bring much-needed relief to communities across the state as we continue to battle this pandemic together.
” According to the state , local governments must return unspent money to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and must repay improperly spent funds .
“ The Department of Revenue has a long track record of distributing aid to local governments , ” Department of Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly said in a statement .
“ The infrastructure already in place will ensure this aid is distributed quickly and accurately.
” League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director David Unmacht thanked government leaders , saying the funds “ will be critical for cities across the state that have experienced unbudgeted costs while executing a response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents in their communities.
” Unmacht said cities had modified operations so they could keep providing essential services to residents .
“ Although the federal funding can not be used to replace lost revenue , the erosion of city revenues over the past several months has challenged cities even further as they continue to respond to the pandemic , ” Unmacht said in a statement .
“ The League will continue to work with our U.S. Congressional delegation to secure additional federal assistance to address the steep loss of revenues affecting city operations.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Willmar City Council member Audrey Nelsen welcomed the announcement , which came more than 90 days after Congress passed the CARES act , and thanked Walz for keeping the same distribution formula .
“ Cities and counties are on the front lines of the pandemic response , and this funding will allow them to recoup some of the unexpected expenses incurred over the past several months , ” Nelson said in a statement .
“ COVID-19 has had a major impact on every corner of the state – even the areas that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases – and this funding will help local governments continue to deal with the public health crisis and start to revive their local economies.
” Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
A graduate of Hillsdale College , his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org .
Previously , he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--State Reps Introduce Bill to Ban Police Use of Chokeholds in Ohio

Two Ohio Democrats introduced a bill Friday to criminalize the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers in Ohio .
“ Chokeholds can cause serious injury or even death .
The NYPD ban on chokeholds didn ’ t prevent the death of Eric Garner .
We can not leave this up to cities and individual departments any more .
The state must act .
We need greater law enforcement accountability in Ohio , ” said Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan ( D-Youngstown ) , who introduced the bill with Rep. Tavia Galonski ( D-Akron ) .
According to a press release , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act and would ban any law enforcement officer from “ knowingly causing serious physical harm by using pressure to the throat or neck , or by blocking the nose or mouth.
” Law enforcement officers who violate the law would be guilty of strangulation and subject to third-degree felony charges .
“ A chokehold is a maneuver which has shown time and time again to have lethal consequences .
All too often it has become a death sentence for citizens who have not even received due process of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law enforcement professionals are able to restrain a suspect without using potentially lethal means .
That is how we ensure proper service , protection , and due process of law.
” The bill was introduced with 22 Democratic co-sponsors , but has yet to receive an official bill number since the Ohio Legislature isn ’ t in session .
House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes ( D-Akron ) wants Republican leaders to call the chamber back into session to address several unresolved issues , including police reform .
“ At a time when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to skip town for a summer break .
We ’ re facing unprecedented health and economic crises , massive unemployment , a budget shortfall , and unanswered calls for racial justice .
A lot of these ideas , especially for police reform – they ’ re not new .
We need to get to work to get them passed , ” Sykes said in a statement .
“ We ’ re urging Republican leaders to call us back into session so we can do the job taxpayers sent us here to do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recess and neither should we.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--‘Train Wreck’ Special Session Cost Estimated $108,000

The Minnesota Legislature ’ s recent special session ended with no major accomplishments , but the eight-day session will still cost taxpayers an estimated $ 108,000 .
The special session concluded on June 20 after Republicans in the Senate and Democrats in the House failed to reach an agreement on police reform legislation , the allocation of federal coronavirus relief funds , and other leftover business from the regular session , such as a borrowing package for public infrastructure projects .
Gov .
Tim Walz announced Thursday that he would use his executive authority to distribute the coronavirus relief money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things the special session did accomplish was the extension of Walz ’ s emergency powers , since the Legislature needs to be in session when the governor extends a peacetime emergency .
According to a report from KSTP , the special session cost between $ 50,000 and $ 60,000 for lodging , mileage , and other per diem expenses for members of the House .
In the Senate , the special session cost an estimated $ 48,000 , bringing the total for the two chambers to as much as $ 108,000 in estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Walz could call lawmakers back to St. Paul for another special session in July , which he will need to do if he wants to extend his emergency powers for another 30 days .
Republican lawmakers have unsuccessfully attempted to end Walz ’ s peacetime emergency declaration on four occasions .
The most recent attempt came during the special session and received some bipartisan support .
Thirteen Republican lawmakers have joined a lawsuit against Walz regarding his use of emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic .
The lawsuit argues that the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspend the constitutional rights of Minnesotans.
” A Ramsey County District Court judge will determine if the lawsuit will proceed during a July 16 hearing .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Ohio State Senate Committee Continues Debate on Bill to Allow Schools to Open

A bill to allow schools in Ohio to open this fall is prompting more questions than answers .
“ Any decision on reopening schools next year must be driven by guidance from public health officials , ” Scott DiMauro , president of the Ohio Education Association , told members of the Senate Education Committee .
“ The coming school year is unlikely to look like anything that has preceded it .
Schools will and should reopen when public health standards can be met.
” The comments came during a hearing on Senate Bill 320 .
The legislation generally places the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands of local school boards and governing bodies .
According to a Legislative Service Commission ( LSC ) review of the bill , elected or appointed officials at the state level would not be able to stop a school from opening or force a school system to close .
The officials would not be able to force a school system to adopt safety guidelines in response to COVID-19 .
Sandusky City Schools CEO and Superintendent Eugene T. W. Sanders outlined a host of questions from school administrators , ranging from questions about budgets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for schools that fall short of state requirements .
“ Fundamental to all planning questions are the requirements for social distancing and spacing guidance , ” Sanders told lawmakers .
“ This central question will dictate most solutions.
” School administrators are generally looking at several scenarios for the fall , including students schooling from home , a full return to classes or a hybrid mix that includes a part-time return to the classroom .
“ Administrators , educators and other stakeholders should be afforded the flexibility to develop collaboratively a plan that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , ” DiMauro said .
“ What that looks like can and should vary from district to district , ” DiMauro said .
“ However , meeting health requirements laid out by the Ohio Department of Health should be a minimum expectation of parents , students and staff aimed at protecting their health.
” DiMauro ’ s comments garnered a series of questions from state Sens .
Andrew Brenner , R-Powell , and Bill Coley , R-Liberty Township , about the role of state and local authorities in the decision-making process .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill that prevents a local school board from listening to the state health department or their county health departments or their local health jurisdictions and following their advice , is there ?
” Brenner asked .
DiMauro responded there is not .
“ Why would you not trust your local school boards and superintendents who know their school districts the best taking information from state and local health departments to be able to determine whether or not their school buildings and districts should be open ?
” Brenner followed up .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” DiMauro said .
“ It ’ s a question of understanding who is best positioned to make critical decisions in the midst of a global pandemic.
” DiMauro continued : “ The governor currently has authority , and the director of the Ohio Department of Health has certain authority .
This bill would undermine that authority , and we think that that would be at the detriment to our students and to our communities and to our members.
” Todd DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Scrutiny Intensifies as Congressional Republicans Probe Michigan’s COVID-19 Reponse

Congressional Republicans intensified their questioning of Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s nursing home policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Members of the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis sent a letter asking Michigan ’ s Attorney General Dana Nessel to investigate the impact of Whitmer ’ s executive orders that placed COVID-19 patients into the same buildings , but different units , as elderly nursing home residents .
They also sought investigations into four other state governors who set similar policies .
U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise ( R-LA-01 ) had previously requested similar information from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The inquiries come amid accusations that her policies may have contributed to thousands of elderly deaths .
“ Grieving families of those who died as a result of these orders deserve answers about why they were put in place and the full extent of their impact , and there is no amount of stonewalling , name-calling , or blame-shifting that will make us give up on getting them , ” Scalise said in a statement .
Four congressmen requested the number of COVID-19 patients who were admitted into nursing homes daily after Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject between Nessel , Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
Whitmer ’ s administration has contended their practices were based on science and data , and that alternate care facilities weren ’ t suitable for many COVID-10 patients .
Ryan Jarvi , Nessel ’ s press secretary , said they had received the letter and are preparing a response .
COVID-19 has killed 2,064 nursing home residents in the state as of Thursday , approximately 35 percent of the state ’ s total deaths from the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ theological and social ethics at Fordham University , told The Center Square he believed a “ throwaway culture ” led states to enact policies that endangered nursing home patients .
“ In addition , many more states rationed their [ personal protective equipment ] , training , and extra staff such that nursing home staff were left out in the cold , ” Camosy wrote in an email .
“ We simply didn ’ t care about this throwaway population before the pandemic – and now the log has been turned over and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be kept hidden .
But that ’ s one of the silver linings of the pandemic .
We are being forced to look at things we previously wanted kept out of sight and out of mind.
” Nursing homes and assisted living facilities account for about 43 percent of the COVID-19 deaths across the nation , the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity estimated .
Camosy called the high death rate a “ profound moral failure to care for and protect the least among us .
The highest duties for traditional Christians and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were simply ignored.
” Whitmer on Friday signed Executive Order 2020-135 to create a bipartisan Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ( DHHS ) .
That task force will analyze data on COVID-19 in nursing homes , report its findings to Whitmer , and recommend future actions to prevent the virus spread in nursing homes by Aug. 31 , 2020 .
“ These actions will help our state protect more nursing home residents and staff in the case of a second wave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Moving forward , I will work closely with the task force and with everyone who wants to help us protect our most vulnerable communities , the heroes on the front lines , and our families from this virus.
” State Director of AARP Michigan Paula Cunningham said she ’ s “ optimistic ” that the task force “ will identify best practices to ensure that nursing home residents and staff are better served and protected going forward.
” Whitmer also signed Executive Order 2020-136 to extend restrictions on visiting long-term care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 , 2020 , to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
A graduate of Hillsdale College , his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Senator Lamar Alexander Goes on CNN, Lectures President Trump to Wear a Mask and Set an Example for

Senator Lamar Alexander Goes on CNN, Lectures President Trump to Wear a Mask and Set an Example for His Voters

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-TN ) appeared on CNN Sunday and seemed to chastise U.S. President Donald Trump for not wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic .
If Trump wears a mask , the senator hypothesized , then the president ’ s voters will do as he does .
The senator expressed this sentiment on CNN ’ s “ Inside Politics.
” “ Well , I wish the president would wear a mask when it ’ s appropriate , because millions of Americans admire him , and they would follow his lead .
And his experts have told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing and washing your hands is the way we can contain the disease , to go back to school and back to work .
It also would help to get rid of this political debate that if you ’ re for President Trump , you don ’ t wear a mask , and if you ’ re against President Trump , you do wear a mask .
The stakes are much too high for that , ” Alexander told CNN host Manu Raju .
“ I understand why he doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s with people who have been tested .
He ’ s been tested , so they ’ re not infecting each other .
But there are times when he could wear a mask , and the vice president could wear a mask .
It would signal to the country that it is important to do so .
It will help contain the disease because people admire him and will follow his lead .
So I think it would be a sign of strength if he would , from time to time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a good way to help deal with this disease .
And we ’ re going to deal with it through 2020 until we get a vaccine.
” After Sunday ’ s interview , Alexander ’ s staff published a partial transcript of the senator ’ s CNN appearance and sent it out as a press release .
That press release emphasized Alexander telling CNN that Trump should wear a mask .
Throughout the interview Raju ’ s questions seemed loaded and repeatedly tried to undermine Trump and his credibility — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic thus far .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Nashville Police Will Pass Out Advisories to People Not Wearing COVID-19 Masks

If and when Metro Nashville Police officers see people in public not wearing a face covering or a mask they will react and approach them .
But they will only hand those people a printed advisory explaining the Metro Public Health Department ’ s new order fighting the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ Officers have been instructed to educate and warn citizens concerning the requirement until further notice , ” according to a press release that city officials published this week .
The order requires that people in Davidson County wear face coverings or masks .
People do not have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another person ’ s residence or in their own vehicle .
City officials will also not require a face covering under the following settings and circumstances : • By any child aged 12 years or less .
Any child aged two years or less shall not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation .
Parents and caregivers must supervise use of face coverings by children to avoid misuse , according to the order .
• By persons who can not medically tolerate wearing a face covering .
No person declining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a medical condition will have to produce verifying medical documentation , according to the order .
• Within educational institutions , public and private K-12 schools , private colleges and universities , trade schools , post-secondary , and technical colleges , provided K-12 schools comply with the conditions in Nashville Plan : A Framework for a Safe , Efficient and Equitable Return to School , as outlined athttps : //news.mnps.org/nashvilles-plan-for-reopening-schools/ • By persons working alone in separate office spaces or in non-public workplaces that have more than adequate area for social distancing based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the space ( either indoors or outdoors ) .
Such persons must wear a face covering when interacting with others in groups of six or more persons or in groups of any size where people can not maintain social distancing of more than six feet .
As The Tennessee Star reported last week , Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced Nashville entered Phase Three of a four-phased plan to reopen the city after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States .
This , despite Nashville officials saying they have tallied higher numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

If and when Metro Nashville Police officers see people in public not wearing a face covering or a mask they will react and approach them.
But they will only hand those people a printed advisory explaining the Metro Public Health Department’s new order fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Officers have been instructed to educate and warn citizens concerning the requirement until further notice,” according to a press release that city officials published this week.
The order requires that people in Davidson County wear face coverings or masks. People do not have to wear them in either their residence or another person’s residence or in their own vehicle.
City officials will also not require a face covering under the following settings and circumstances:
By any child aged 12 years or less. Any child aged two years or less shall not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation. Parents and caregivers must supervise use of face coverings by children to avoid misuse, according to the order.
By persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering. No person declining to wear a face covering because of a medical condition will have to produce verifying medical documentation, according to the order.
Within educational institutions, public and private K-12 schools, private colleges and universities, trade schools, post-secondary, and technical colleges, provided K-12 schools comply with the conditions in Nashville Plan: A Framework for a Safe, Efficient and Equitable Return to School, as outlined athttps://news.mnps.org/nashvilles-plan-for-reopening-schools/
By persons working alone in separate office spaces or in non-public workplaces that have more than adequate area for social distancing based on the size of and number of people in the space (either indoors or outdoors). Such persons must wear a face covering when interacting with others in groups of six or more persons or in groups of any size where people cannot maintain social distancing of more than six feet.
As The Tennessee Star reported last week, Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced Nashville entered Phase Three of a four-phased plan to reopen the city after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States. This, despite Nashville officials saying they have tallied higher numbers of the virus.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Commentary: USMCA Begins New Trump-Led Era of America First on Trade in July

President Donald Trump was elected in 2016 on the very important promise of implementing an America first posture on trade , promising to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement ( NAFTA ) with Mexico and Canada , and to begin to restore hundreds of billions of trade balances with China using pressure and tariffs China after more than a decade of being treated unfairly .
President Trump succeeded on both counts , winning adoption of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement ( USMCA ) earlier this year and achieving the first ever U.S.-China trade deal that was completed right before the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 , the Senate adopted the USMCA 89 to 10 following House passage on Dec. 19 , 2019 , 385 to 41 .
In March , Canada finalized ratification of the new trade agreement , almost a year after Mexico did so in June 2019 — and now on July 1 it is set to take effect .
Trump used a combination of tariff threats and leaving NAFTA altogether in order to bring Canada and Mexico to the table , and ultimately to win adoption of the trade deal by Congress .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I ’ ll be terminating it within a relatively short period of time .
We get rid of NAFTA .
It ’ s been a disaster for the United States… And so Congress will have a choice of the USMCA or pre-NAFTA , which worked very well… ” Which , that is Trump ’ s art of the deal .
You have to use your leverage .
He did , and it worked as now NAFTA is history .
The same applies with China , where Trump was able to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tariffs of 25 percent on $ 250 billion of goods and another 7.5 percent on the remaining $ 300 billion of goods .
In the USMCA , there has been a clear shift in terms of putting America first .
Country of origin requirements are being increased to 75 percent , up from 62.5 percent , requiring automobiles will have at least three-quarters of their parts made in North America .
Mexico will recognize the right of collective bargaining and all parties agreed that “ 40-45 percent of auto content be made by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour , ” according to the U.S. Trade Representative .
In 2016 , average pay in Mexico for manufacturing was $ 3.91 an hour and so the shift was a huge concession to remove Mexico ’ s labor cost advantage .
On agriculture , Canada is allowing in greater access for U.S. dairy products .
On currency , the USMCA “ address [ es ] unfair currency practices by requiring high-standard commitments to refrain from competitive devaluations and targeting exchange rates , while significantly increasing transparency and providing mechanisms for accountability , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since 2008 , the Mexican peso has depreciated against the U.S. dollar by 50 percent , from $ 0.10 per $ 1 USD to $ 0.04 per $ 1 USD .
Now , under the trade deal , currency devaluation is an unfair trade practice , This mirrors provisions in the phase one trade deal with China .
In fact , including currency in the USMCA is what gave U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer the leverage to negotiate them from Beijing , too .
On intellectual property , cross-border copyrights , trademarks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on knock-offs , plus additional protections for pharmaceutical and agricultural producers .
On financial services , U.S. financial services will be allowed to compete with local financial services in Canada and Mexico , getting most-favored nation treatment .
On textiles , the agreement will “ [ p ] romote greater use of Made-in-the-USA fibers , yarns , and fabrics by : [ l ] imiting rules that allow for some use of non-NAFTA inputs in textile and apparel trade… [ and by ] [ r ] equiring that sewing thread , pocketing fabric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fabric , when incorporated in most apparel and other finished products , be made in the region for those finished products to qualify for trade benefits , ” according to the U.S. Trade Representative .
Overall , President Trump and his trade team have kept their eye on the ball on the USMCA and China trade deals , and with USMCA implementation beginning on July 1 , the American people will begin to enjoy the fruit of these efforts as the U.S. begins to rebound from the COVID-19 recession .
Trump promised he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for once a U.S. President has delivered on his promises— and it ’ s about time .
Robert Romano is the Vice President of Public Policy at Americans for Limited Government .

by Robert Romano
President Donald Trump was elected in 2016 on the very important promise of implementing an America first posture on trade, promising to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada, and to begin to restore hundreds of billions of trade balances with China using pressure and tariffs China after more than a decade of being treated unfairly.
President Trump succeeded on both counts, winning adoption of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) earlier this year and achieving the first ever U.S.-China trade deal that was completed right before the COVID-19 pandemic became public knowledge.
On Jan. 16, the Senate adopted the USMCA 89 to 10 following House passage on Dec. 19, 2019, 385 to 41.
In March, Canada finalized ratification of the new trade agreement, almost a year after Mexico did so in June 2019 — and now on July 1 it is set to take effect.
Trump used a combination of tariff threats and leaving NAFTA altogether in order to bring Canada and Mexico to the table, and ultimately to win adoption of the trade deal by Congress. On Dec. 1, 2018, he said, “I’ll be terminating it within a relatively short period of time. We get rid of NAFTA. It’s been a disaster for the United States… And so Congress will have a choice of the USMCA or pre-NAFTA, which worked very well…”
Which, that is Trump’s art of the deal. You have to use your leverage. He did, and it worked as now NAFTA is history. The same applies with China, where Trump was able to win an historic agreement even while leaving existing tariffs of 25 percent on $250 billion of goods and another 7.5 percent on the remaining $300 billion of goods.
In the USMCA, there has been a clear shift in terms of putting America first.
Country of origin requirements are being increased to 75 percent, up from 62.5 percent, requiring automobiles will have at least three-quarters of their parts made in North America.
Mexico will recognize the right of collective bargaining and all parties agreed that “40-45 percent of auto content be made by workers earning at least $16 per hour,” according to the U.S. Trade Representative. In 2016, average pay in Mexico for manufacturing was $3.91 an hour and so the shift was a huge concession to remove Mexico’s labor cost advantage.
On agriculture, Canada is allowing in greater access for U.S. dairy products.
On currency, the USMCA “address[es] unfair currency practices by requiring high-standard commitments to refrain from competitive devaluations and targeting exchange rates, while significantly increasing transparency and providing mechanisms for accountability,” according to the U.S. Trade Representative.
Since 2008, the Mexican peso has depreciated against the U.S. dollar by 50 percent, from $0.10 per $1 USD to $0.04 per $1 USD. Now, under the trade deal, currency devaluation is an unfair trade practice, This mirrors provisions in the phase one trade deal with China. In fact, including currency in the USMCA is what gave U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer the leverage to negotiate them from Beijing, too.
On intellectual property, cross-border copyrights, trademarks and patents will be enforceable to cut back on knock-offs, plus additional protections for pharmaceutical and agricultural producers.
On financial services, U.S. financial services will be allowed to compete with local financial services in Canada and Mexico, getting most-favored nation treatment.
On textiles, the agreement will “[p]romote greater use of Made-in-the-USA fibers, yarns, and fabrics by: [l]imiting rules that allow for some use of non-NAFTA inputs in textile and apparel trade… [and by] [r]equiring that sewing thread, pocketing fabric, narrow elastic bands, and coated fabric, when incorporated in most apparel and other finished products, be made in the region for those finished products to qualify for trade benefits,” according to the U.S. Trade Representative.
Overall, President Trump and his trade team have kept their eye on the ball on the USMCA and China trade deals, and with USMCA implementation beginning on July 1, the American people will begin to enjoy the fruit of these efforts as the U.S. begins to rebound from the COVID-19 recession. Trump promised he would put America first on the trade and for once a U.S. President has delivered on his promises— and it’s about time.
– – –
Robert Romano is the Vice President of Public Policy at Americans for Limited Government.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Bill Hagerty Announces Small Businesses for Hagerty Coalition

U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty this week announced the Small Businesses For Hagerty Coalition , which includes over 60 small business owners from across Tennessee .
This , according to a press release Hagerty posted on his campaign website .
“ Small businesses are the backbone of our economy in Tennessee , and I am honored to have the support of so many small business owners across the state , ” Hagerty said .
“ In these challenging times , small businesses need to know they can count on their leaders to understand that we need to get government out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and create jobs .
As your next U.S .
Senator , I will fight to reduce taxes and eliminate unnecessary red tape that holds small businesses back .
President Trump needs businesses-minded allies in the Senate , who will work with him to grow our economy and create more jobs , and that ’ s why I have received the support of these small businessowners across the state.
” “ I fully support Bill Hagerty for the U.S. Senate because I know he has my back , ” Mudd said .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Economic Development he brought a conservative outsider ’ s approach , and he has the business experience we need in the Senate .
We need more leaders like Bill representing us in Washington.
” Another man , Clark Shaw of Madison County , said it ’ s important to send a conservative businessman to Washington , D.C. “ In the U.S. Senate , Bill Hagerty will continue to work with President Trump to ensure Tennessee ’ s small businesses have the necessary tools they need to be successful , and that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another man , Kirk Huddleston of Knox County , said Hagerty “ knows what it means to sign the front of a paycheck , not just the back of one.
” “ I know he will work to cut taxes and burdensome regulations to help them thrive once again .
Bill is committed to our small businesses , and I am proud to stand with him for the U.S. Senate , ” Huddleston said .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips @ @ @ @ @

U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty this week announced the Small Businesses For Hagerty Coalition, which includes over 60 small business owners from across Tennessee.
This, according to a press release Hagerty posted on his campaign website.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy in Tennessee, and I am honored to have the support of so many small business owners across the state,” Hagerty said.
“In these challenging times, small businesses need to know they can count on their leaders to understand that we need to get government out of the way so they can grow and create jobs. As your next U.S. Senator, I will fight to reduce taxes and eliminate unnecessary red tape that holds small businesses back. President Trump needs businesses-minded allies in the Senate, who will work with him to grow our economy and create more jobs, and that’s why I have received the support of these small businessowners across the state.”
The press release quoted Hagerty Small Business Coalition Chair Reggie Mudd.
“I fully support Bill Hagerty for the U.S. Senate because I know he has my back,” Mudd said.
“When he served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Economic Development he brought a conservative outsider’s approach, and he has the business experience we need in the Senate. We need more leaders like Bill representing us in Washington.”
Another man, Clark Shaw of Madison County, said it’s important to send a conservative businessman to Washington, D.C.
“In the U.S. Senate, Bill Hagerty will continue to work with President Trump to ensure Tennessee’s small businesses have the necessary tools they need to be successful, and that is why I support him 100 percent.”
Another man, Kirk Huddleston of Knox County, said Hagerty “knows what it means to sign the front of a paycheck, not just the back of one.”
“I know he will work to cut taxes and burdensome regulations to help them thrive once again. Bill is committed to our small businesses, and I am proud to stand with him for the U.S. Senate,” Huddleston said.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]