thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--Analysis: Media Outlets Stir Racial Strife and Slander Trump for Urging Governors to Protect People’

Analysis: Media Outlets Stir Racial Strife and Slander Trump for Urging Governors to Protect People’s Rights

After falsely accusing the U.S. Park Police of tear-gassing peaceful protesters on behalf of President Trump , many media outlets and politicians are claiming that he called on governors to forcibly “ dominate protestors.
” Quite the opposite , Trump explicitly stated he is an “ ally of all peaceful protesters ” and that it is the “ professional anarchists , violent mobs , arsonists , looters ” and other lawbreakers who should be stopped .
Beyond their failure to draw a distinction between peaceful demonstrators and violent lawbreakers , the same cadre of media outlets are stirring racial strife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a false picture of systemic police violence against African Americans .
Also , contrary to antifa supporters and others who assert that government has no obligation to protect citizens from theft , property destruction , and violence , the Constitutional facts prove that federal , state , and local governments are required to do just that .
Moreover , it is their primary duty and core reason for their existence .
During a conference call with the nation ’ s governors on June 1st , President Trump told them that they need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rioters , and people who are assaulting others .
He emphasized that some of these crimes were caught “ on tape ” and the perpetrators need to be arrested and prosecuted .
To stop the carnage caused by such lawbreakers , Trump told the governors that they “ have to dominate.
” As an example of this , he complimented Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for restoring order with help from the National Guard and stated “ I fully agree with the way he handled it the last couple of days.
” Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump gave a speech in which he reiterated : “ Today , I have strongly recommended to every governor to deploy the National Guard in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets.
” Making clear that he was not talking about peaceful demonstrators , he stressed that he is “ an ally of all peaceful protesters ” and : • None “ we can not allow the righteous cries and peaceful protesters to be drowned out by an angry mob.
” • None “ the biggest victims of the rioting are peace-loving citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their President , I will fight to keep them safe.
” • None “ a number of state and local governments have failed to take necessary action to safeguard their residents.
” • None “ innocent people have been savagely beaten , like the young man in Dallas , Texas , who was left dying on the street , or the woman in Upstate New York viciously attacked by dangerous thugs.
” • None “ these are not acts of peaceful protest .
These are acts of domestic terror.
” • None “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the brutal death of George Floyd .
My administration is fully committed that , for George and his family , justice will be served.
” Yet , a slew of media outlets and politicians distorted the president ’ s words by claiming that he told governors to “ dominate protesters.
” This includes but is not limited to CNN , Bloomberg News , Newsweek , and Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer .
The New York Times amplified the disinformation and drama by reporting that “ Trump vowed to ‘ dominate ’ protesters ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of federal law enforcement to crush protests.
” CNN ’ s Anderson Cooper took it another step further by saying that Trump “ seems to think that dominating black people , dominating peaceful protesters is law and order.
” This is akin to what many media outlets , politicians , and activists did in 2017 when they accused Trump of calling white supremacists “ very fine people.
” In reality , Trump used that phrase to describe “ innocent ” protestors—and at the same press conference—he explicitly “ condemned ” the white supremacists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very bad people , ” and emphasized that he was not calling them “ very fine people.
” A reporter at the conference even tried to put this spin on his words , and Trump responded , “ No , no.
” Yet , three years later , Maggie Haberman and Alexander Burns of the New York Times are still repeating this falsehood .
In addition to twisting Trump ’ s words in a racially provocative manner , many people with large public platforms are also distorting the facts about police violence against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has fueled widespread societal divisions , hatred , and murders of police officers .
For one of many examples , the editorial board of the New York Times recently published a commentary titled “ America ’ s Protests Won ’ t Stop Until Police Brutality Does.
” As proof that police are systemically violent and racist , they named 12 “ black Americans brutalized or killed by law enforcement , ” starting with George Floyd and going back to Amadou Diallo in 1999 .
This list also includes Michael Brown , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice found physical and eyewitness evidence that the police officer shot Brown in a clear-cut case of self-defense .
The Times editors claim there are “ countless more ” such cases ; yet they populated this list with a patently false one .
Most importantly , the 12 cases cited by the Times occurred over 21 years and amount to roughly one out of every 27,000 murders committed over this period .
Like the Times editorial , virtually every major media outlet repetitively focus on just a few of the 15,000 murders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per year in the U.S.—particularly those with the potential to stir racial strife .
The same outlets then use these cases , which amount to a minuscule fraction of all violence , to spread false , sweeping narratives .
Such journalism exploits the statistical fact that anecdotes can be highly deceitful and the psychological fact that people are easily misled by them because it ’ s easier to grasp stories than data .
It also disregards the Times own news and editorial standards , which claim that “ we tell our readers the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can learn it.
” The same Times editorial claims that “ racial inequality remains rampant ” in “ enforcement of the law , ” but the comprehensive facts of this matter reveal just the opposite .
As documented in a 2018 paper in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science : • None “ The most common means of testing for racial disparity in police use of deadly force is to compare the odds of being fatally shot for blacks to the odds of being fatally shot for whites.
” • None That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the false assumption that white and black people commit life-threatening crimes at the same rates .
• None The cogent way to analyze this issue is to compare the odds of being fatally shot to each race ’ s “ involvement in those situations where the police may be more likely to use deadly force.
” • None Based on four different national datasets on “ murder/nonnegligent manslaughter , violent crime , and weapons violations , ” “ in nearly every case , whites were either more likely to be fatally shot by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in either direction.
” Likewise , a study conducted by the left-leaning Center for Policing Equity reveals that police are 42 % less likely to use lethal force when arresting black people than when arresting whites .
Yet , the authors of this study buried that data on the 19th page of a 29-page report .
Then , the Washington Post cited this report as proof that police are more likely to kill blacks than whites and that “ there is no correlation between violent crime and who is killed by police officers.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsolved murders , and interracial murders all point to the same conclusion : the allegation of systemic violence by whites and police against people of color is false .
Even though there are more than 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers in the U.S. , some argue that even one unjust killing by a police officer is too much .
Regardless of whether this ideal is achievable , it is irrational to accuse police of systemic racism based on the actions of far less than 1 % of them .
Especially since comprehensive facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began his speech on June 1st by stating , “ My first and highest duty as President is to defend our great country and the American people.
” He later said that “ a number of state and local governments have failed to take necessary action to safeguard their residents , ” and that he would “ protect the rights of law-abiding Americans ” if they do not .
Contrary to those who argue that federal and state governments have no Constitutional obligation to protect the rights of citizens , Trump is correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty .
First of all , Trump ’ s statement mirrors the Declaration of Independence , which established the foundational principles of the U.S. government and its obligations to the people .
Like Trump ’ s speech , the opening sentence of this seminal document states that “ Governments are instituted ” to “ secure ” people ’ s “ rights.
” Likewise , James Madison—the primary author of the Bill of Rights and Father of the Constitution ” : • None at the Constitutional Convention that the defining purpose of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ more effectually for the security of private rights and the steady dispensation of Justice.
” • None in the Federalist Papers that “ the first object of government ” is the “ protection ” of the “ faculties of men , from which the rights of property originate.
” However , the framers of the Constitution and Bill of Rights left most of those responsibilities to the states , many of which were unwilling to join the union unless they maintained a large degree of independence .
As summarized by a 1991 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ in most respects , the Constitution left the protection of the rights of individuals under the control of the states.
” As such , the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the 1833 case of Barron v Baltimore that the rights of the people in the Bill of Rights only had to be respected by the federal government and could be infringed by state governments .
That changed after the Civil War with the 13th Amendment ’ s ban on slavery and the later passage of the 14th Amendment , which forbids states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.
” • None depriving “ any person of life , liberty , or property , without due process of law.
” • None denying “ any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
” The Amendment also gives the U.S. Congress the “ power to enforce , by appropriate legislation , the provisions ” above .
Congress had since passed multitudes of such laws , and the President “ is responsible for implementing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the 14th Amendment was that states were violating the rights of the newly freed African Americans and failing to protect them from groups like the Ku Klux Klan that were terrorizing and killing them .
Hence , Congressman John Bingham ( R–OH ) , who drafted the 14th Amendment and introduced it in the House of Representatives , repeatedly stated that it would require state governments to provide “ equal protection ” to every person ’ s “ life , liberty , and property.
” The same applies to local governments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As detailed in the book Managing Local Government : An Essential Guide for Municipal and County Managers , “ Local governments derive their authority from their states ” and “ have no independent authority unless the state grants it to them.
” Despite the 14th Amendment and the founders declarations that the main purpose of government is to protect people ’ s rights , there are some who claim that the Constitution does not require federal or state governments to defend people ’ s life , liberty , or property .
For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in The Nation that “ nothing in the First Amendment prevents citizens ( members of antifa or otherwise ) from interrupting someone ’ s protest .
Nor does it guarantee police protection for white nationalists .
It only limits the ability of Congress from passing laws that interfere with speech.
” This blatant half-truth ignores the 14th Amendment , which requires all governments to equally protect the Constitutional rights of all people .
Other such arguments are grounded in misinterpretations of court decisions .
One of the most common is Warren v. District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of judges on a federal appeals court dismissed a lawsuit against the District that stemmed from its failure to protect three women from two men who held them captive , beat , and raped them for 14 hours after they called the police for help .
According to Scott Unzicker writing at Guns.com , the Warren ruling means “ that police have no legal obligation to ‘ protect and serve ’ the population.
” However , the ruling says just the opposite but notes that this duty can not be enforced through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under special circumstances : • None “ Although recognizing the obligation of public employees to perform their duties fully and adequately , the law properly does not permit that obligation to be enforced in a private suit for money damages.
” • None “ The duty to provide public services is owed to the public at large , and , absent a special relationship between the police and an individual , no specific legal duty exists.
” • None “ Dereliction in the performance of police duties may , therefore , be redressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution and not in a private suit for money damages.
” Others cite the Supreme Court ’ s 1989 ruling in DeShaney v. Winnebago as evidence that the Constitution does not require government to defend people .
In reality , the decision is far more narrow and declares “ that a State ’ s failure to protect an individual against private violence simply does not constitute a violation of the Due Process Clause ” of the 14th Amendment .
The Due Process clause forbids states from depriving “ any person of life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process of law , ” and thus , the Court ruled in DeShaney that this is “ a limitation on the State ’ s power to act , not as a guarantee of certain minimal levels of safety and security.
” However , the Court also noted that a state “ may not , of course , selectively deny its protective services to certain disfavored minorities without violating the Equal Protection Clause.
” That last statement accords with John Bingham ’ s answer to a question posed to him by Congressman Robert Hale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 14th Amendment .
When Bingham introduced the Amendment in the House , Hale asked him if it gives Congress powers to protect people ’ s “ life , liberty , and personal property.
” Bingham replied that it “ certainly does ” and added that “ it confers upon Congress power to see to it that the protection given by the laws of the States shall be equal in respect to life and liberty and property to all persons.
” Hale then asked what part of the Amendment contains this provision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words ‘ equal protection ’ contain it , and nothing else.
” Furthermore , the rulings in DeShaney and Warren apply to specific circumstances and say nothing about the general duty of government .
This duty was spelled out in the Supreme Court ’ s 1911 ruling in Chicago v. Sturges : Primarily , governments exist for the maintenance of social order .
Hence it is that the obligation of the government to protect life , liberty , and property against the conduct of the indifferent , the careless , and the evil-minded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very foundation of the social compact .
Speaking even more directly to Trump ’ s remarks , the same Supreme Court ruling states that it is the “ obligation of the state to preserve social order and the property of the citizen against the violence of a riot or a mob.
” During the 150+ years since the 14th Amendment was enacted , the Supreme Court has issued various rulings that wavered between enforcing the rights it acknowledged and disregarding them .
Some of these rulings are textbook examples of judicial activism where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution , and the result was that people ’ s rights were violated .
For instance , the Court ’ s 5–4 decision in the 1875 case of United States v. Cruikshank trampled on the 14th Amendment and unleashed white militias and mobs to subjugate black people through violence and intimidation for decades .
Many of those rulings have been effectively overturned , but even in modern times , the majority of the Supreme Court has clung to a doctrine called “ selective incorporation.
” Under this invention of the Court , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honor all Constitutional rights but merely those that the Court deems “ fundamental ” to the American “ scheme of ordered liberty.
” The U.S. founders , the primary author of the 14th Amendment , and the U.S. Supreme Court have made clear that the protection of people ’ s life , liberty , and property is the core purpose of government .
In keeping with this , a 1948 paper in the Indiana Law Journal states : The right to engage in lawful conduct and to be protected therein against the lawless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of organized government .
The protection of the right , therefore , is equally vital to government regardless of the benefits which its exercise may or may not confer , for if the right is not protected , government has failed in its basic function .
To buttress that statement , the paper cites a 1939 brief by the American Bar Association , which declares that people “ need not give up their lawful rights simply because the lawless insist on attacking them .
Traditionally , officials must enforce the law the lawful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thus , the brief says that when people ’ s rights are threatened by violence : The only proper remedy for such a situation , small or serious , is the police protection to which citizens are entitled , whether they are singly or in groups .
Trump has called on governors to honor their Constitutional duty to do just that .
Yet , instead of educating the public about this vital issue , many media outlets are falsely reporting that Trump wants to “ dominate protesters.
” Some journalists , like CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this even further by saying that Trump wants to dominate “ black people.
” In conjunction with that inflammatory rhetoric , nearly all major media outlets are spreading counterfactual narratives , half-truths , and outright falsehoods about racial inequities .
In his famed “ Letter from a Birmingham Jail , ” Martin Luther King , Jr. wrote that the first step in achieving justice is to gather “ facts to determine whether injustices exist.
” Similarly , Abraham Lincoln said , “ I have faith in the people .
They will not consent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are misled .
Let them know the truth and the country is safe.
” The vast bulk of media is not providing the relevant facts or even a semblance of truth to the people , and this imperils both justice and safety .
James D. Agresti is the president of Just Facts , a think tank dedicated to publishing rigorously documented facts about public policy issues .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--Nashville Releases Plan for Reopening Schools After COVID-19

Metro Nashville city leaders have released a plan for re-opening schools this fall with protocols and guidelines in place to protect students , staff , and families from the potential spread of COVID-19 while in schools .
This , according to a press release that Metro Nashville Public Schools put out Tuesday .
No one at the MNPS returned The Tennessee Star ’ s request for information Tuesday .
The school system ’ s press release , however , said the guidelines are based on the level of community spread at the time of schools reopening and throughout the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families have worked hard to continue their education through remote and virtual learning , ” Cooper said in the press release .
“ They ’ ve showed resiliency and finished the 2020 school year strong .
Nashville ’ s Plan for Reopening Schools is built on public health best practices , and we will do everything possible to safeguard our students ’ health as they return to their classrooms for the 2020-21 academic year.
” MNPS Director Adrienne Battle and the city ’ s COVID-19 Task Force Chair Alex Jahangir chaired a task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representatives of independent schools , Catholic schools , charter schools , health care leaders , and emergency management experts from within and outside of Metro Government participated in the planning , the press release said .
“ Nashville has made a lot of progress , and we are optimistic for a return to some sense of normalcy in August , but we must be vigilant to ensure the safety of all when doing so , ” Battle said in the press release .
“ A unified framework for all schools will give families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to be in the fall , with the flexibility necessary for individual schools and organizations to develop their own plans based on the needs of their students.
” Nashville ’ s Plan includes a review of the science known about COVID-19 and the risk of community spread , as well as metrics for determining which of the three scenarios schools would operate under based on the reproductive number of the virus .
The plan ’ s recommendations have operational minimum guidelines based on three levels of community spread of COVID-19 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corresponding to Phase 4 of the Roadmap , schools would operate under relatively normal conditions under this scenario .
Steps taken would be similar to what occurs during a normal flu season .
• Minimal to Moderate Spread : Corresponding to Phase 3 of the Roadmap , schools would engage in significant social-distancing protocols to reduce potential contact between staff and students .
Masks would be worn in common areas , entrances and exits would be limited , large-scale assemblies would be discontinued , hallways would be made one-way in certain circumstances , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible or schools would enact social distancing policies in cafeterias .
• Significant Spread : Corresponding to Phase 2 or less of the roadmap , school facilities would be closed .
Students would learn remotely whenever possible .
Each school , organization , or district will develop their own specific implementation plans for how to operate under the three scenarios outlined .
Unique challenges , such as vulnerable student populations , facility capacities , or successful implementation of remote learning in an equitable fashion , must be considered when developing plans for implementing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

A 17-year-old student allegedly opened fire Friday at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas, killing 10 people and wounding another 10, authorities said.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said police found explosive devices, including a Molotov cocktail, at the suspected shooter’s home and a vehicle, as well as around the Santa Fe High School where the shooting took place.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, a junior at the school, was being held without bond on a capital murder charge.
Abbott said the suspect originally intended to commit suicide following the shooting but told law enforcement officials after he was arrested that he didn’t have the courage to go through with killing himself.
The governor said two guns were used in the attack — a shotgun and a .38-caliber revolver. He said the suspect’s father legally owned both guns.It was not clear whether the father knew his son had taken the weapons.
Abbott said there were “one or two” other people of interest being interviewed about the shooting.
Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said, “Injured students and staff have been transported to local hospitals.” He also said an officer from the Santa Fe Independent School District was among those shot.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the shooting as an “absolutely horrific attack,” one of many that have “been going on too long in this country.” Trump told the victims and their families that “we’re with you in this tragic hour and we will be with you forever.” He vowed to get guns “out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves and to others.”
An unidentified male student described fleeing the school during an interview with KHOU-TV in Houston. He said that after he heard three shots, “we all took off in the back, and I tried to get into the trees. I didn’t want to be in sight. I heard four more shots, and then we jumped the fence to somebody’s house.”
An unidentified female student said tearfully on cable channel CNN, “Nobody should have to go through this. Nobody should have to feel that pain.”
Facebook post
Pagourtzis had posted an image on Facebook of himself wearing a “Born to Kill” shirt, but the motive for Friday’s attack wasn’t known.
Abbott saidthat unlike previous school shootings, “there were not those types of warning signs” about the Santa Fe suspect. The governor saidthe early investigation had found no prior criminal history for Pagourtzis.
“The red-flag warnings were either nonexistent or very imperceptible,” Abbott said, though he acknowledged Pagourtzis’ posting of the photo on Facebook.
That same Facebook profile described Pagourtzis as planning to enter the U.S. Marine Corps next year, but the Marine Corps told The Associated Press it had reviewed its records and had found no one by that name as either a recruit or a person in their delayed entry pool.
Classmates described Pagourtzis as quiet and an avid video game player who routinely wore a black trench coat and black boots to class. He had played football on the school’s junior varsity squad and danced as part of a church group. Those who know him expressed shock he might be involved in the killings.
Calls for action
The latest incident came about three months after a shooter with a semiautomatic rifle killed 17 students and school staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. It was the third-deadliest school shooting in American history.
The Democratic leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, said urgent action was needed to prevent gun violence.
“Congress must show as much courage as they have, and act now to ensure that no other community or family must endure the unthinkable horror of gun violence. Our children deserve real leadership: a vote to prevent gun violence now.”
Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin said Congress must implement reforms that lawmakers recently passed “to make schools safer and keep deadly weapons away from those who should not have them.”
“Our hearts are filled with grief over this horrific loss of life,” he added.
Santa Fe is located in southeastern Texas between the cities of Houston and Galveston.
– – –
Some information for this report came from Associated Press.
VOA News


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--John Cooper’s Staff Defends Spending COVID-19 Relief Money on Laptops for Public School Students

A spokesman for Nashville Mayor John Cooper said Tuesday that the federal CARES Act gives city officials plenty of room to spend COVID-19 relief money on laptops for public school students in Davidson County .
“ The U.S. Treasury Department ’ s guidance on the CARES Act funds specifically provides for ‘ expenses to facilitate distance learning , including technological improvements , in connection with school closings to enable compliance with COVID-19 precautions , ’ ” said Cooper spokesman Chris Song , in an email to The Tennessee Star Tuesday .
“ The federal government ’ s guidance also generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to second-order effects of the emergency.
’ ” On Tuesday some followers of The Star ’ s Facebook page questioned whether it ’ s proper to spend COVID-19 relief money on something not directly related to the virus .
Facebook user Karen Quinn Radziewicz , for instance , said “ That ’ s NOT what the money was meant for.
” Nashville resident Dennis L. Giacomino , meanwhile , pondered on Facebookwhether this $ 24 million investment of taxpayer money will increase test scores and graduation rates .
We asked Song whether this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people had in mind .
“ This is exactly the type of vital investment in our community that Nashvillians had in mind.
” Staff from the Metro Nashville Public School System did not return a request for comment Tuesday .
As The Star reported , Cooper is directing $ 24 million in funding from the federal CARES Act to provide every public school student in Nashville-Davidson County with a laptop .
And students who need internet connectivity will get it .
This , according to the city ’ s COVID-19 website .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Computers to provide Metro Nashville with up to 90,000 laptops for the projected 84,740 students who will be enrolled in traditional and charter schools in the upcoming school year , ” according to the website .
“ The cost of each computer will be just above $ 200 per device , a significant reduction from their list price.
” Earlier this summer , MNPS surveyed families to determine how many families had access to the Internet .
Fifteen percent of families who responded to the survey reported that they did not have internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MNPS has estimated that 20 percent of their families lack internet access , the website said .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--‘People Are Just F***ing Lawless Right Now’: Chicago Aldermen Got Heated in Call with Chicago Mayor

‘People Are Just F***ing Lawless Right Now’: Chicago Aldermen Got Heated in Call with Chicago Mayor During Protests

Aldermen begged , cried and cursed at Democratic Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot over the city ’ s response to protests during a heated conference call May 31 , according to a recording obtained by WTTW News .
Lightfoot received criticism from members of Chicago City Council ’ s Black Caucus who accused her during the call of deploying 375 members of the Illinois National Guard to block off the central business district , PBS affiliate WTTW News reported .
Lightfoot denied the accusation , but aldermen said the business corridors to the south and west were easy targets for criminals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of protection as other places , according to an audio recording of the online conference call , obtained WTTW News , with the mayor and 50 aldermen to discuss the city ’ s response .
Democratic 10th Ward Alderman Susan Sadlowski-Garza was emotional while asking for Lightfoot ’ s help .
“ My ward is a shit show .
They are shooting at the police , ” Sadlowski-Garza said .
Sadlowski-Garza told Lightfoot that some shop owners were standing guard with shotguns while others had been destroyed , and that cop cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a massive , massive problem , ” Sadlowski-Garza said .
“ People are just fucking lawless right now.
” Chicago and other cities around the country have seen protests since the May 25 death of George Floyd , who died in police custody after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes , video of the incident showed .
Lightfoot told the aldermen that the city was actively responding to the situation .
“ We ’ ve been working our ass off .
It is all over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WTTW reported .
It took three hours for law enforcement officers to clear an area near Madison Street and Pulaski Road , according to WTTW .
After officers “ gassed [ the crowd ] with pepper spray twice , they didn ’ t give a shit , ” Lightfoot said .
She said officers on the West side engaged in “ armed combat ” and only made progress after turning to “ heavy equipment and stronger pepper spray.
” “ I don ’ t know about you , but I haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Chicago , ” Lightfoot said .
Democratic 15th Ward Alderman Raymond Lopez , a frequent critic of Lightfoot , indicated that businesses in his ward had also been subject to arson and looting during the call .
“ We ’ re seeing this destruction…We have seen where , in other cities , this has gone on for days ; and we need to come up with a better plan for days , at least for the next five days , to try and stabilize our communities.
” Lopez referred to his southwest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” after “ gang bangers ” equipped with AK-47 ’ s threatened to shoot African Americans , WTTW reported .
“ Once they ’ re done looting and rioting , and whatever ’ s going to happen tonight , God help us , what happens when they start going after residents ?
Going into the neighborhoods ?
Once they start trying to break down people ’ s doors if they think they ’ ve got something , ” he told Lightfoot , WTTW reported .
Lightfoot dismissed Lopez ’ s concerns , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not something you ignore .
This is a question that I have , ” news outlet Breitbart reported .
“ I think you ’ re 100 % full of shit , is what I think , ” Lightfoot responded .
“ No offense — Fuck you , then .
Who are you to tell me I ’ m full of shit ?
Maybe you should come out here and see what ’ s going on , ” Lopez told Lightfoot , according to the recording WTTW reported .
Lightfoot refuted Lopez ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the city center unprotected .
“ If you think we ’ re not ready , and we stood by and let the neighborhoods go up , there ’ s nothing intelligent that I could say to you , ” she said .
“ That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard .
I understand you want to preen… ” Lopez cut off Lightfoot and said , “ Mayor , you need to check your fucking attitude .
That ’ s what you need to do , ” Lopez interjected , ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Background Photo “ George Floyd Protests ” by Fibonacci Blue .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--Report: U.S. Companies Quickly Adapting to Make PPE, Ventilators, Pharmaceuticals Shows Strength of

Report: U.S. Companies Quickly Adapting to Make PPE, Ventilators, Pharmaceuticals Shows Strength of Domestic Manufacturing

The impact of the coronavirus resulted in a surge in demand for personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
U.S. manufacturers were able to quickly transition to produce PPE and other supplies necessary in the fight aganst COVID-19 , according to a new report .
“ The PPE manufacturing industry has become one of the most important industries in the United States nearly overnight , ” the report by IBISWorld says .
“ Prior to 2020 , the industry underwent a boom and bust cycle matching that of the decline in industrial activity that occurred between 2015 and 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity in 2018 bolstered the industry ’ s sales , IBISWorld adds .
It projects that now , after the coronavirus restrictions , the industry ’ s revenue will increase at an annualized rate of 3.8 percent to $ 5.7 billion over five years .
The industry ’ s largest manufacturers are operating at maximum capacity and are currently or intending to expand their domestic production capacity within the year , the report adds .
IBISWorld expects the industry ’ s trade balance to shift from a deficit to a surplus over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switched their production capabilities to manufacture PPE within a few short months .
In March , Minneapolis-based MyPillow company refocused 75 percent of its workforce to sew face masks for health care workers .
“ We have capacity to make a lot of things at big rates and we ’ re going to be going hopefully from 10,000 units a day to 50,000 units a day in a very short period of time , ” CEO Mike Lindell told FOX 9 of Minneapolis-St. Paul .
In St. Louis , custom processor Brentwood Plastics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. to use to make impermeable isolation gowns for healthcare workers .
More than 1.6 million gowns were made in April alone from BPI film , according to BPI .
On March 23 , the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recognized BPI and its employees were as “ workers essential to critical infrastructure during the COVID-19 response.
” In New Jersey , New Brunswick-based mattress company Eclipse International , and Paterson-based The Tablecloth Company switched production from mattresses and tablecloths to masks .
American fashion brands like Hanes , Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swimwear also redirected their workers to sew masks .
Business Insider lists roughly 20 multi-million dollar companies that have partnered to build ventilators and protective equipment .
Last month , President Donald Trump visited and praised the workers at Ford Motor Company ’ s Rawsonville Component Plant in Ypsilanti , Michigan , who built a “ great medical arsenal ” and helped make the plant become the “ leading manufacturer and exporter of ventilators anywhere in the world.
” Because of the virus , Ford was forced to stop automobile production for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president said .
Instead , company leadership called the White House and asked : “ How can we help ?
” Within two months , the company produced 50,000 ventilators , a feat , the president said , “ most people would say it would be impossible to believe.
” A Virginia-based pharmaceutical company , Phlow Corporation , was awarded a $ 354 million , four-year contract to manufacture generic medicines and pharmaceutical ingredients needed to treat COVID-19 .
Peter Navarro , director of the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ For far too long , we ’ ve relied on foreign manufacturing and supply chains for our most important medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients while placing America ’ s health , safety and national security at grave risk .
“ We are now moving swiftly in Trump time to forge an American solution , one that leads with American ingenuity , American workers , and American factories all dedicated to ending our drug shortages and expanding drug manufacturing infrastructure for a healthy and secure future.
” Eric Edwards , co-founder president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs a reliable source of high quality , domestically manufactured , affordable pharmaceuticals and their key ingredients .
This advanced manufacturing capability will significantly fortify our nation ’ s pharmaceutical supply chain for critical medicines , including many required to treat patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
” Over 80 percent of APIs and chemical ingredients used in the U.S. to manufacture generics and over-the-counter drugs are produced overseas .
Of these , the majority are produced in China and India .
Bethany Blankley is a contributor to The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--Minneapolis Council President Struggles to Explain Who Will Respond to Violent Crimes Without Police

Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender made several appearances on cable news programs Monday and was unable to articulate who would respond to violent crimes if her city ’ s police department is actually abolished .
During a Sunday event , nine members of Minneapolis ’ s 12-member council committed to defunding and abolishing the Minneapolis Police Department ( MPD ) .
With nine votes , the idea has a veto-proof majority and can move forward with or without the support of Mayor Jacob Frey , who favors reforms over full abolition .
According to a press release , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ ending ” the MPD and “ creating a new transformative model.
” “ We ’ ll be taking intermediate steps towards ending the MPD through the budget process and other policy and budget decisions over the coming weeks and months , ” said the release , which called for a “ police-free future.
” Bender was repeatedly asked Monday about who would respond to violent crimes if there were no police officers .
“ Yes , I mean , I hear that loud and clear from a lot of my neighbors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that that comes from a place of privilege because for those of us for whom the system is working , I think we need to step back and imagine what it would feel like to already live in that reality where calling the police may mean more harm is done , ” she said on CNN ’ s “ New Day.
” She then joined Wolf Blitzer for an interview later in the day and was asked the same question , this time admitting that “ we don ’ t have all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our top priority to keep every single member of our community safe .
If you look back at the last 150 years of our police department , it is becoming increasingly clear that that model of policing isn ’ t working .
So we need to invite in our whole community .
The nine members of our city council that came from every corner of our city to stand together to make this commitment – we don ’ t have all the answers .
What we committed to was a community process to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bender .
CNN anchor Chris Cuomo noted that the council ’ s actions have given President Donald Trump a great talking point in the middle of an election year .
“ Politically , it ’ s playing like dynamite .
You ’ ve got the president hitting every Democrat over the head with this suggestion and he can , ” said Cuomo .
Bender told Cuomo that the council ’ s “ idea of having a police-free future is very aspirational.
” “ I agree that our number one priority is the safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and yes , we still have a police department today , we have had a police department for 150 years , ” she said .
“ So as we look forward into the future , the answer is yes , absolutely , if something is happening , there needs to be someone to call.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Lisa Bender ” by CNN .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--Group Calls on Commissioner Malcolm to Resign for Failing to Address Long-Term Care Crisis

One of Minnesota ’ s most influential pro-life organizations has called on Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm to resign for failing to address the crisis in the state ’ s long-term care facilities .
As of Tuesday , COVID-19 fatalities among nursing-home residents accounted for 79 percent of Minnesota ’ s 1,217 total deaths .
Under the threat of a legislative subpoena , Malcolm revealed in a 74-page letter to lawmakers that dozens of long-term care facilities have allowed COVID-19 patients to return to a congregate-care setting after being discharged from the hospital .
“ Other states have learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes .
They have found alternatives in order to better protect people .
Minnesota still hasn ’ t , ” Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life ( MCCL ) Executive Director Scott Fischbach said in a press release .
“ There are no excuses .
We are simply failing the most vulnerable members of our state .
A change in leadership and policy at the Minnesota Department of Health is now long overdue.
” The Department of Health released inspection reports last week documenting how four Minnesota nursing homes failed to control the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to MCCL .
In various press conferences , state leaders have said that between 20 to 30 percent of facilities are not in compliance with infection-control standards .
The department has thus far declined to publicly disclose the number of deaths in each facility or identify which facilities have failed to meet safety standards .
“ The grave dangers to residents of long-term care facilities – and the need to keep the virus out of such facilities – have been clear from the beginning .
That was months ago , ” Fischbach added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Commissioner Malcolm and her team are not getting the job done .
Minnesota deserves better .
No category of humanity is expendable .
No group of human beings should be forgotten.
” Along with Rhode Island and New Hampshire , Minnesota continues to have the highest percent of COVID-19 deaths in long-term care facilities in the nation , according to a report from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity .
“ Minnesota is doing worse than other states at protecting the very people whose lives are most at risk during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a previous statement .
“ We need to fight the fire where the fire is .
It was clear early on that this virus would burn through long-term care centers if adequate protections were not put in place .
And they weren ’ t. ” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--Federal Court Upholds Enbridge’s Great Lakes Spill Plans

TRAVERSE CITY , Michigan ( AP ) — Enbridge has produced legally acceptable plans for dealing with a potential spill from oil pipelines that cross a Michigan channel linking two of the Great Lakes , according to a federal appeals court .
A panel of the 6th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals last week overruled a district judge who had agreed with an environmental group that the pipeline company ’ s plans failed to adequately consider potential harm to fish and wildlife in the Straits of Mackinac .
Enbridge , a Canadian company based in Calgary , Alberta , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clean Water Act in case of failure of its Line 5 .
The pipeline carries oil and natural gas liquids used in propane from Superior , Wisconsin , to Sarnia , Ontario .
A four-mile ( 6.4 kilometer ) segment divides into two pipes that lie across the bottom of the straits , which connect Lakes Huron and Michigan .
Enbridge says the 67-year-old segment has never leaked and remains in good condition .
But the company plans to build a replacement in a tunnel that would be drilled through bedrock beneath the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a critic of Line 5 , which state Attorney General Dana Nessel is seeking to shut down in a lawsuit pending in state court .
They agree with environmental groups that the pipelines pose unacceptable danger .
Enbridge submitted two spill response plans in the past five years , both approved by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration .
The National Wildlife Federation sued , contending the agency failed to make sure that approving the plans would not jeopardize fish or wildlife listed under the Endangered Species Act .
Nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement as required under the National Environmental Policy Act , the wildlife federation said .
District Judge Mark Goldsmith in Detroit ordered the pipeline administration to comply with both laws .
But in a 2-1 ruling last Friday , the federal appeals panel said the agency could not consider them because the Clean Water Act has specific criteria “ by which to evaluate the ‘ correctness ’ of the plans.
” The agency found that Enbridge had met those standards , Judges Amul Thapar and Joan Larsen wrote in their majority opinion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment to respond to a worst-case discharge , as well as testing and drills .
In a dissent , Judge Gilbert Merritt said the majority had taken “ an extremely narrow view ” of the discretion that agencies have to consider additional laws protecting natural resources .
Mike Shriberg , Great Lakes regional director for the wildlife federation , said Enbridge ’ s preparations might prove useless during a gale or when the straits are covered with ice .
“ If you ’ ve got equipment in place that can ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at what the impacts would be to fish or wildlife like the piping plover , which is an endangered species that has critical nesting habitat in that area , ” he said .
“ If the federal agency isn ’ t considering those things , they ’ re not doing their job.
” The group may ask the entire 6th Circuit court to take the case or appeal to the Supreme Court , Shriberg said .
Enbridge ’ s plans are based on consultation with numerous experts and government agencies in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection Agency , spokesman Ryan Duffy said .
“ Enbridge has developed and implements very thoughtful and thorough emergency response plans to respond to any size of a release from Line 5 , including any release at water crossings made by Line 5 , such as at the Straits , ” he said .
“ Our policies and procedures demand that Enbridge pipelines and associated facilities are operated safely.
” John Flesher reports for The Associated Press .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--Michigan Sues Owner of Edenville Dam After Catastrophic Flood

The state of Michigan filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Boyce Hydro , the company that owns the Edenville Dam .
It , along with the Sanford dam , failed last month after a rainstorm , causing massive flooding in Midland County .
The suit — filed by the Department of the Attorney General on behalf of the Department of Environment , Great Lakes and Energy and the Department of Natural Resources — will compel Boyce Hydro to immediately comply with a state order to fully inspect the portion of Edenville dam that still has potentially dangerous crack and erosion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repair damages to the state ’ s natural resources , clean up the debris and hazardous materials released by the dams ’ failure and pay civil fines .
“ This suit seeks to hold the dam owners accountable for the damage they caused and recoup the money the taxpayers have spent responding to the ongoing emergency created by this devastating flood , ” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement .
“ We know the owners of the dam , with their long history of neglect , are responsible for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see already the devastating results of their inaction .
This suit seeks an order requiring the dam owners to pay to remediate the harm they caused , and to take action to ensure it does not occur again.
” The dams failed last month , causing a flood that was classified as a 500-year flood , meaning that the likelihood of it occurring was once in every 500 years .
More than 2,500 homes , businesses and nonprofits were damaged in the flood , said Chairman of the Midland County Board of Commissioners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Free Press .
The estimated cost of the damage is $ 175 million .
Issues with the Edenville dam were identified as early as 1993 and were known to Boyce Hydro when it purchased the dam in 2004 .
The company repeatedly failed to upgrade the dam — including increasing spillway capacity — through 2018 , even after being ordered to by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission .
Regulatory oversight of the dam was given to Michigan in late 2018 , at which point the state began to work to bring the dam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dam to the Four Lakes Task Force was imminent when the failure occurred .
“ Recently , progress toward modernizing the dam appeared to be moving forward , ” said Liesl Clark , EGLE director in a statement .
“ Tragically , it was not soon enough .
At any point in the preceding 15 years , Boyce could have chosen to abide by federal orders and bring the dam into compliance .
Unfortunately , they refused to make the improvements necessary to retain their federal license.
” Jordyn Pair is a reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--House Republicans Ask Whitmer to Rescind COVID-19 Nursing Home Policy

House Republicans on Monday asked Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer to rescind her policy that requires recovering COVID-19 patients to be placed in isolated parts of designated nursing homes .
“ Nursing homes have the very frailest of our population , ” Rep. Kathy Crawford , R-Novi , told The Center Square .
“ Very many of them are bedridden .
Nursing homes don ’ t have enough staff to take care of the daily needs of people who are in nursing homes.
” Crawford said she ’ d prefer Whitmer send recovering patients to field hospitals or hotels .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all ages into nursing homes to recover when we have a field hospital that we set up and pay [ about ] $ 1.2 million a month for , and we don ’ t send them there for recovery ?
” , she asked .
Whitmer ’ s plan started at a time when hospitals were pressed for capacity .
The lawmakers held a press conference in Novi across from Suburban Collection Showplace , a 250-bed facility that Crawford said has only held 10 patients since March .
Kahle added : “ Tragically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes was fatal for many of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
” Preliminary data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ( CMS ) reported 2,297 COVID-19 related deaths and 4,584 cases as of May 31 .
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ( MDHHS ) spokesperson Lynn Suftin said as of June 4 it reported 1,505 COVID-19 deaths and 5,600 cases related to nursing homes .
“ We have reached out to CMS to discuss the differences in the data posted by our agencies in an effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we both have collected , ” Suftin wrote in an email .
Suftin said the state ’ s data is likely more accurate because it has posted more recent data and because facilities might be correcting data submitted to CMS , while MDHHS is reaching out to facilities to ensure accurate data .
The Detroit Free Press reported at least two nursing homes said federal data didn ’ t accurately represent its COVID-19 numbers .
Suftin said MDHHS decided against housing COVID-19 patients in field hospitals such as TCF Center in Detroit because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not for vulnerable citizens .
For example , Suftin said field hospitals weren ’ t accessible to residents who need handrails to walk , they weren ’ t equipped with proper medical equipment such as x-ray machines or CT scanners , and didn ’ t have proper staffing for long-term care .
COVID-19 regional hubs established units for COVID-19 patients that are staffed appropriately , Suftin said , which are vetted for their performance history .
According to the department , those facilities received $ 5,000 per approved bed plus an additional $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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--2020-06-10--Ohio House Agrees to Bill Allocating $350 Million in Federal CARES Money

The state House passed a measure to distribute $ 350 million in federal money to help communities across Ohio combat the COVID-19 pandemic .
Last week , the House passed Senate Bill 310 by an 87-8 margin .
The measure now returns to the state Senate to debate changes House lawmakers made .
The legislation allocates funding from the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act .
The money will , in part , reimburse frontline workers for the purchase of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
“ Our local governments are working non-stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our families and small businesses during this unprecedented health crisis , ” state Rep. Allison Russo , D-Upper Arlington , said in a statement .
“ This legislation appropriates much-needed funding to our communities and small business grant programs to fund pandemic-related expenses and relief , ” Russo continued .
“ We must ensure that our economy and overall public health come out of this pandemic as strong as or stronger than they were going into it.
” According to state estimates , SB 310 authorizes a pay freeze for an estimated 12,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 80 million in the 2021 fiscal year .
It also allocates an additional $ 3.2 million in funding for nursing homes .
“ It is important to continue to direct resources to our local communities during this ongoing pandemic , ” state Rep. Randi Clites , D-Ravenna , said in a statement .
“ This federal and state funding will help protect Ohioans in nursing homes , provide necessary PPE for frontline workers , and bolster our local communities during these trying times.
” For businesses , the bill also alters the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commercial activity tax ( CAT ) to exclude paycheck protection loans that have been forgiven from taxation .
“ The legislation will have a direct , local impact to areas across the state , ” state Rep. Jamie Callender , R-Concord , said in a statement .
“ With many affected by this unprecedented pandemic , it ’ s key we give our local areas the much-needed relief they require.
” Unrelated to CARES , lawmakers included a provision that re-appropriates nearly $ 1.3 billion in capital funds for local governments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Senate Bill 310 will begin to build the bridge to our city and our state ’ s economic recovery by distributing much-needed federal aid to Ohio ’ s local governments , ” Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland said in prepared testimony to the House Finance Committee earlier this month .
The mayor estimated Springfield lost $ 10.7 million in revenue because of COVID-19 .
“ Springfield and Ohio ’ s other communities have been on the frontlines fighting this pandemic , experiencing steep revenue loss while the cost to provide quality local services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ SB 310 will ensure cities , like ours , and counties , and townships get the immediate relief we desperately need now.
” Todd DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square .
Photo “ Ohio Statehouse ” by Mj .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--Lawsuit Filed Against Michigan for Inaccurate Voter Rolls

A voter filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson , the Bureau of Elections Director Jonathan Brater and other officials , claiming that voter rolls in at least 16 counties have not been properly maintained .
According to a report by Fox News , Republican Tony Daunt said that the Michigan voter registration rates are “ suspiciously high ” as old voter records have not been cleared of ineligible voters .
“ Retaining voter rolls bloated with ineligible voters harms the electoral process , heightens the risk of electoral fraud , and undermines public confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s complaint , which was filed in federal court in the Western District of Michigan , according to Fox News .
Ineligible voters include those who have died , moved or been convicted of a felony .
In one county , the number of registered voters was higher the number of people of voting age , according to the suit , which cited data compiled by the Honest Elections Project .
“ Comparing the registered voter count to the 2014-18 American Community Survey reveals that Leelanau County has a registration rate of 102 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fifteen other counties saw a registration of 90 percent .
Daunt argues that inaccurate voting records open the door to voter fraud , which has become a controversial topic as states move to mail out ballot applications to encourage mail-in voting as part of their response to the coronavirus pandemic .
At least one person has already received a ballot application for a deceased person .
Barr County Sheriff Dar Leaf posted to Facebook said last week that he had received a ballot application for someone who was deceased and not had lived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
“ The Secretary of the State has jumped over our Constitutionally elected County Clerks and sent out around 7.4 million ballot applications…This creates a problem with Sheriff ’ s Offices across the state because we are tasked with investigating voter fraud , ” Leaf said on Facebook .
“ Our township , city and county clerks have the most up-to-date registered voter lists .
Our state obviously does not.
” Leaf said that such mistakes open up the potential for fraud and said he would be giving it to the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a ballot application , ” he said .
“ I hope that I am the only one who gets one sent to their residence for someone who is deceased.
” Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-10--Court Docs Show Man Charged with Killing David Dorn Didn’t Serve Any Time for a Previously Convicted

Court Docs Show Man Charged with Killing David Dorn Didn’t Serve Any Time for a Previously Convicted Felony

The man charged with killing former St. Louis Police Capt .
David Dorn was convicted of a felony , but he never served a single day behind bars , court records show .
Stephan Cannon , 24 , was supposed to be locked up for seven years following a 2014 robbery conviction , but he received a suspended execution of sentence and was let loose .
He also violated his parole after his release on two separate occasions and was still not sent to jail , according to a Fox 2 report , which cited court records .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s killing , but would have been behind bars until 2021 if he was incarcerated originally , Fox 2 reported .
“ Captain Dorn was amongst other police officers that I had an opportunity to run into before even getting the opportunity to work in law enforcement , ” St. Louis police officer Robert Howard told Fox 2 .
“ Those were the individuals I looked up to .
They wore the uniform with pride.
” Cannon was charged with shooting and killing Dorn on June 2 as the former captain stood watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee ’ s Pawn and Jewelry .
He was reportedly left to die on the street as an armed group ransacked the store .
St. Louis was a hotbed for riots at the time of Dorn ’ s death .
Four uniformed police officers were also hit with gunfire after protests and riots erupted following the death of George Floyd , who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes , according to video of the incident .
President Donald Trump extended his “ highest respect ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--#FreeTN Rallies Sunday for Freedom From Nashville’s Shutdown and No Further Shutdowns

# FreeTN has scheduled a rally for Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Nashville ’ s Historic Courthouse/City Hall calling for freedom from the remnants of Nashville ’ s COVID-19 shutdown and demanding that the city never shut down again .
The day also marks the annual celebration of the official adoption of the “ Stars and Stripes ” American flag by the Continental Congress on June 14 , 1777 .
Executive orders calling for Tennesseans to stay-at-home , which came from Governor Bill Lee covering 89 of the state ’ s counties and the directors of health of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to contain the spread of COVID-19 went into effect in March .
Currently , all 95 counties are in some phase of reopening , with Lee ’ s stay-at-home order expiring April 30 .
Nashville/Davidson County , on the other hand , didn ’ t end the safe-at-home phase until May 10 .
Phase One of the reopening went the prescribed 14 days of positive improvement or stability of metrics and advanced to Phase Two on May 25 .
On June 8 , the scheduled date for transition to Phase Three , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference that there was an uptick in COVID-19 cases .
Nashville remains in Phase Two , and it is now undetermined when the city will enter Phase Three of the reopening .
# FreeTN has held several rallies , first calling for the state to reopen , and then for more accountability by non-elected bureaucrats making decisions particularly for the six metropolitan counties , The Tennessee Star reported .
The Free Nashville Rally scheduled for June 14 has its own unique purpose , as stated in the Facebook event : Come out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For all the businesses that closed their doors forever .
For the all the people who rely on our tourism and events to survive .
For all the people who couldn ’ t get elective treatments they needed .
For those who couldn ’ t attend funerals .
For the parents of schoolchildren .
For those who died alone .
For those who succumbed to alcoholism and depression .
For those who lost loved ones to suicide and violence .
For those who are about to lose their homes .
# FreeTN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • End the shut down and amend the [ Nashville/Davidson County Metropolitan ] charter to prevent another one like it .
• No mandatory healthcare like masks or temperature checks .
• No releasing private information to the police .
• Make efforts to boost our economy by promoting events this summer such as concerts , conventions , sporting events , and our Independence Day freedom celebration .
To # FreeTN ’ s point about masks , Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984 and in charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr. Anthony Fauci has given mixed messages about the effectiveness of wearing masks .
During a March 8 interview with 60 Minutes , Dr. Fauci declared , “ There ’ s no reason to be walking around with a mask.
” Then , on May 27 , he said he is “ wearing a face mask in public as a ‘ symbol ’ of what Americans should be doing to help curb the spread of the virus , ” NewsMax reported .
To objections about giving private information obtained through contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department has said they will update their procedures with additional safeguards while continuing to share data with Metro Nashville Police Department and other first responders , according to the June 8 press update .
While Nashville ’ s economy suffered the steepest COVID-19 consumer spending drop in the nation , The Star reported , events like the huge July 4th celebration have been canceled and the possibility of hosting the Republican National Convention was all but rejected by Mayor John Cooper , leaving fewer opportunities for boosting Nashville ’ s economic recovery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Tennessee Star .
Photo “ Protesters ” by Free Tennessee .

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--Newt Gingrich Commentary: A Critical Turning Point for US-China Policy

As the United States copes with the aftermath of the horrific killing of George Floyd by police in Minnesota and the massive protests that came after , we must not forget our previous crisis – the COVID-19 pandemic .
It is clear that the blatant lies , destruction of samples , and silencing of doctors orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) during the coronavirus pandemic amplified the devastation and tragedy the world has endured throughout the past few months .
As more facts have emerged about the Party ’ s cover-up of the coronavirus outbreak and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become increasingly skeptical toward China ’ s communist totalitarian leadership .
A Pew Research Poll found that 71 percent of Americans don ’ t trust General Secretary Xi Jinping to do the right thing in regard to foreign affairs .
The pandemic was a real wake up call for Americans and policymakers alike .
It exposed how the Chinese Communist Party ’ s oppressive censorship of information , global disinformation campaigns , control over critical supply chains , and influence over international bodies threatens the United States .
But the threats and challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those that arose as a consequence of the pandemic .
As we wrote in October 2019 in Trump versus China : Facing America ’ s Greatest Threat , “ The interests , security , and values that our country cherishes , and the free world in which we are accustomed to living are being challenged.
” Ultimately , “ General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party , are constructing a different kind of world that threatens the survival of our free and sovereign nation.
” The Chinese Communist Party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence supporting this conclusion .
These past months have confirmed that the US belief that the People ’ s Republic of China ( PRC ) would adopt a more open and free system if it was incorporated into the international community was fundamentally wrong .
We know now that China is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party which is committed to a Leninist ideology of power .
In Xi ’ s own words , the CCP “ has always adhered to the lofty ideals of communism.
” The United States now finds itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future of US policy toward the Chinese regime .
The CCP clearly presents threats to the US .
It is committed to Leninist totalitarianism which defines its goals and tactics .
We can ’ t rebuild the relationship we ’ ve had for the past 50 years – we need to design a new one .
A critical step in achieving this happened when the White House published the United States Strategic Approach to the People ’ s Republic of China .
Unlike our approach in the past , which was founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party would evolve to become , this approach is rooted in the hard facts .
It accepts realities about the Party and its aggressive actions — often in the Party ’ s own terms .
The report outlined that the Chinese Communist Party ’ s ideology and tactics challenge our economic interests , values , and security .
“ To respond to Beijing ’ s challenge , ” the report states , “ the Administration has adopted a competitive approach to the PRC , based on a clear-eyed assessment of the CCP ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ ve identified the problems we face with the PRC , we need to build upon this approach to find solutions to overcome the challenges in this critical competition with China .
We now need to design an all-of-government strategy based upon the framework of this report .
We need to look at all of the laws , resources , communications platforms , agencies , departments , and tools that we have in place to facilitate the execution of this strategy .
Congress needs to mobilize to fill in the gaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US government take strong actions against many of the CCP ’ s long-standing egregious behaviors .
The State Department ’ s declaration that Hong Kong is no longer autonomous as Beijing approved a national security law proposal was important .
President Trump ’ s announcement that the US will impose sanctions on officials who have had a role in “ smothering ” freedoms in Hong Kong is a strong step .
The bipartisan passage of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act in Congress that will impose sanctions on officials and export restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oppression of minorities in Xinjiang will help respond to the CCP ’ s horrendous human rights abuses .
Finally , the Trump administration ’ s intervention to reverse a Thrift Savings Plan decision that would have invested federal pension funds in Chinese companies that present national security risks and human rights concerns helped us avoid serious problems in the future .
This level of momentum and determined resolve needs to continue .
Overcoming this challenge will also require an all-of-society approach .
There needs to be a focus on clearly communicating to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the CCP can affect our businesses , schools , and investment portfolios .
This influence extends to the movies we watch , products we consume , and social media platforms we use .
To carry this effort forward , it needs to extend beyond the government and empower every American to stand against the Chinese Communist Party ’ s attacks on freedom , human rights , and the rule of law .
These shared values and the ingenuity of the American people built the United States as the strong and resilient global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are what will see us through this competition with China .
Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich is a nationally syndicated opinion news columnist , host of the Newt ’ s World podcast , and author of the New York Times bestsellers Understanding Trump and Trump ’ s America .
More of his commentary can be found at www.Gingrich360.com .
Photo “ Xi Jinping ” by Narendra Modi .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Hawley Calls For Investigation into Officials Favoring Protests While Targeting Religion

Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley called for an investigation into free speech double-standards , saying that state officials have favored protests while targeting religious freedom .
He asked Attorney General William Barr and the Department of Justice to launch a “ full civil rights investigation ” into violations of “ free exercise and free speech rights of religious Americans ” in a Tuesday letter .
“ Under the First Amendment , state officials must not treat religious persons and groups worse than others , and they must not favor one kind of speech over another , ” Hawley noted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech and free exercise rights of religious Americans by treating religious gatherings and speech differently than the speech and mass gatherings of protests .
I urge you to launch a full civil rights investigation.
” The move came as lawmakers like New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy refrained from telling protesters to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I can ’ t imagine what it would look like if we said to people , ‘ Actually , you have to stay in .
You have to ignore systemic racism — I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Stay in , ’ ” the governor said , according to Politico .
Murphy has spent the past several months warning residents to avoid large gatherings .
“ I can ’ t imagine what that looks like as it relates to public safety.
” Americans have a constitutional right to peaceably protest , Hawley said , adding that “ millions of people are rightly angry about the death of George Floyd , and they should be able to protest peacefully.
” But state officials must not use their support of the protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Two weeks ago , in a 5-4 decision , the Supreme Court denied relief to a California church .
The decision tilted in favor of the state , the Chief Justice wrote , because of uncertainty about whether the church was being treated worse than comparable secular organizations , ” Hawley said .
He continued : “ Now , after two weeks of nationwide protests , no uncertainty remains .
Many jurisdictions across the nation are imposing extraordinarily strict caps on religious gatherings — such as restricting religious gatherings to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those jurisdictions allow thousands of people to gather closely in protests .
States can not allow one but prohibit the other.
” The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Bill Hagerty Announces Law Enforcement for Hagerty Coalition

U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty on Wednesday announced the Law Enforcement For Hagerty coalition , which includes over 30 members of Tennessee law enforcement who fully support Team Hagerty .
This follows Hagerty ’ s earlier statement pledging continued support and commitment to our law enforcement officers .
“ I am honored to have these distinguished law enforcement officers on Team Hagerty , who sacrifice and risk their lives every single day to keep our communities safe , ” Hagerty said in a press release on his campaign website .
“ Our law enforcement officers are the only thing standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety , and Democrats ’ latest call to defund and dismantle the police is radical and will only promote lawlessness .
In the Senate , I will continue to support our law enforcement officers and ensure they have the resources they need to uphold the rule of law and to keep our communities safe – including stopping domestic terrorist groups like ANTIFA that have ushered in violence and crime amidst peaceful protests.
” Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris , in the press release , called Hagerty “ a great friend and supporter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Senator who understands the commitment of our law enforcement and will work to support and strengthen them , ” Farris said .
“ Bill ’ s dedication to our men and women in blue is unmatched , and I am confident he will continue the fight in Washington alongside Senator Marsha Blackburn to ensure our Tennessee officers are provided with the tools and resources necessary to do their jobs.
” Anderson County Sheriff Russell Barker , meanwhile , said Hagerty “ stands behind law enforcement officers 100 percent.
” “ Bill knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement , and I know he will have our backs , ” Barker said .
Morgan County Sheriff Wayne Potter said Hagerty “ will work alongside President Trump to ensure the continued safety of Tennessee families.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Commentary: The Democratic Party Has Ruined America’s Major Cities

Every major city—and probably every community for that matter—has some form of a police commission .
Police commissions are entrusted to monitor the activities of the police department as a whole , and in most cases determine appropriate discipline for individual officers who break the public trust .
These commissions have existed for decades .
Most major cities also have some form of an office or department for civil rights or civil liberties or human rights .
Police review boards are often housed within those offices , as in Minneapolis .
So let ’ s talk about Minneapolis , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 20 years as a problem had 18 complaints since 2001 .
Officer Chauvin faced multiple complaints and formal reviews for his actions but he was left on the street , with a badge , harassing people of all races , and ultimately killing a black man .
Let ’ s have a frank conversation about one of the roots of the problems people of color have with police departments in major cities .
The problem is that the Democratic Party has allowed this particularly virulent form of racism to take hold .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles , Washington , D.C. , and Seattle have all been under virtually uncontested Democrat control : from the mayor ’ s office through the city councils for decades , almost entirely uninterrupted .
They hire the chiefs of police .
They approve the chiefs of police .
They , to very large degrees , monitor the chiefs of police and law enforcement in their communities .
And yet ?
Look at the communities that are crying for “ justice ” most loudly—and not for the first time .
The riots in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Perhaps worse than what we have seen over the past week ?
It is another Democrat-controlled city .
Feel free to verify these facts by looking at the websites of the Chicago Police Board , the Minneapolis Police Review Board , Washington D.C. ’ s police complaints site , Baltimore ’ s Office of Legal Affairs , the Los Angeles Police Commission , and the San Francisco Police Commission .
So yes , let ’ s have a frank conversation about race and social justice in this country .
Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years Donald Trump helped foster an economic environment that saw historic employment highs for African American and Hispanic Americans .
Eight years of Barack Obama could not do that .
Eight years of Obama could not repair the water system in Flint , Michigan ( also run by Democrats ) .
Eight years could not impose some level of accountability on law enforcement .
Social justice ?
Nope .
In fact , one might make the case that such efforts took major steps backward given the unrest we see today .
So how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frank conversation that has to be had and that no one wants to have .
Because the truth is , when Joe Biden said he never took the African American vote for granted , he lied .
It is perhaps his biggest lie and the biggest lie of the Democratic Party .
They not only take those votes granted , but they also view those votes as theirs and theirs alone .
History—real history , not the kind invented by the New York Times or at Harvard—tends to reveal inconvenient truths .
Take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patron saint of Planned Parenthood who was financed at the beginning of the last century by powerful Democrats in New York and across the nation .
It was she who gave succor to the eugenics researchers who would return to Germany to help Adolf Hitler in his vile and inhuman agenda , and who espoused mass sterilization and abortion for African Americans , as well as for Irish and Italian Americans .
This is the woman Democrats will defend until the cows come home .
This is the woman the likes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schumer embrace .
Read this letter .
It is housed in a university library and is , without question , authentic .
It is also without question at the root of a Democratic Party platform plank .
Or consider the governors or mayors of most of the cities across the South post-World War II who defended segregation to its last gasp : Alabama , Arkansas , Georgia , South Carolina , Tennessee .
It wasn ’ t Republicans who used their power to continue institutionalized racism across the South .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , believed it could do just about anything it wanted with impunity until it became too difficult for it to do so .
Very few people , especially now , want to have such a frank conversation about real facts and data , which is why this rioting and looting and violence appear to be so coordinated .
When folks are exhausted from the argument they are too tired to talk or to gather themselves to be calm , and focused on the facts—the history of the Democratic Party and how it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on the facts and on the Democratic Party ’ s history , in the distant past and more recently , people would see that our circumstances have not changed much because the people and the party in charge have not changed much either .
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 “ Black Lives Matter Protest ” by den , Janine and Jim .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-11--Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil McCabe On How Congress Will Respond to Philonise Floyd’s

Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil McCabe On How Congress Will Respond to Philonise Floyd’s Testimony

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 Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil McCabe to the newsmakers line .
During the third hour , McCabe speculated how the testimony of George Floyd ’ s brother Philonise will be received later today on Capitol Hill while Congress discusses the fate of police in America .
Leahy : We are joined by our good friend , national correspondent , and veteran Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McCabe : Good morning Michael .
Glad to be with you .
Leahy : The big question for you is did you get your Kente cloth scarf from Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer ?
( Laughter ) McCabe : We ’ ve certainly learned from the media that we are not supposed to create photo ops using religious imagery ( Leahy laughs ) and religious rituals .
Please .
There is no place for religion in photo ops .
Leahy : Unless of course , it ’ s something that the Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Right .
The big thing today Mike is that the House is going to have its first in-person hearing today with the brother of George Floyd .
So the question is how robust of a demonstration it will be .
What will it be like ?
Will there be security in the Capitol that ’ s sufficient ?
Leahy : What do you think is going to happen ?
McCabe : I ’ ve been in some of these hearings where you ’ ve literally had hundreds of police with the zip ties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and of course there ’ s always code pink .
But I ’ ve never experienced anything close to what we ’ ve seen .
When you consider the mayhem and chaos that has been in the cities .
So it ’ s really going to be a test for the Capitol Police .
You ’ ve got to wonder if the D.C. National Guard is going to be there .
Armed or unarmed .
I ’ m on my way to the Capitol now so I ’ ll see for myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I know that staffers are kind of nervous about how it ’ s going to play out .
Carmichael : Neil , this is Crom Carmichael .
So you are saying that George Floyd ’ s brother is going to testify before Congress in an open hearing ?
Is that what you are saying ?
Carmichael : When that happens in something like this does that mean that he ’ ll be testifying and members of each party will be asking him questions ?
McCabe : Right .
Typically it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for special hearings that we saw during the impeachment , they would give people 10 minutes .
Or the Democrats and Republicans have a block of 30 minutes that they can sort of divvy up .
We saw during the impeachment that members would defer to Jim Jordan and give Jim Jordan their time .
All of the things being equal , when you go into the hearing it ’ s five minutes each side .
Carmichael : Ok .
But he wasn ’ t there when the incident with the police happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what his brother thought about things ?
What do you think the purpose of the testimony is ?
The reason I ’ m asking is that we all know that black children ’ s chances of getting quality education are just terrible .
And based on some of the videos I ’ ve seen of George Floyd kind of doing a video talking to the video camera and talking to black youth , I would think that he would want black children to get a better education .
And I ’ m wondering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his brother whether or not they ’ ve ever discussed that .
And if they did I wonder if the brother would think that George Floyd would want education reform because the incidences of black children getting a terrible education are huge .
In fact , the chances of a black child from a low-income family in one of these big cities of getting a quality education may be one in 20 , or one in 30 .
And the rest are getting a terrible wrap .
I wonder if the Republicans could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kind of reform that the Black Lives Matter people originally wanted ?
What do you think ?
McCabe : Oh , just bless your heart .
What a wonderful sentiment .
Carmichael : You going to call into the Bless Your Heart line ?
( Laughs ) McCabe : None of that is going to happen of course .
Carmichael : Why not ?
Why wouldn ’ t Republicans… McCabe : There are two reasons .
One is the back and forth of the five minutes back and forth .
Two and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken up by some long-winded question .
It ’ s impossible to establish any kind of rhythm because each side is playing its own narrative .
And the other problem is which is really related to the first problem is that each of these congressmen needs to produce a sound clip that can play in their local media market .
So they are all going to be talking about whatever the national headline is .
And the national headline is what ’ s going on with the police ?
Leahy : What will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCabe : I think it ’ s going to be about how George Floyd was someone who was rebuilding his life .
And that life was cut short by the brutal acts of this police officer .
And so I think the greater argument is that this is something that ’ s replicated over and over again .
And so that ’ s the systemic problem .
And that ’ s what needs to be addressed .
And that ’ s why we need the federal government to get involved and rebuild these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a tough trick .
It ’ s really something Eric Holder and Barack Obama were doing .
A sort of federal government taking over police departments either through consent decrees or agreements .
And then we ’ ll see how that plays out .
Some people would cynically say that it is a power grab and that it ’ s an attempt funnel more money to people who are allies of the Democratic Party .
But I ’ m not a cynical guy .
Leahy : No , you are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neil ?
McCabe : I think the Republican narrative is going to be that we understand that this is an individual case that happened and we are willing to look at problems .
But the Republicans are on the back foot here .
We saw yesterday that the White House sent Mark Meadows chief of staff and Jared Kushner who is the senior advisor of President Trump .
Both those men were sent to Capitol Hill to negotiate the surrender of the White House on the police brutality issue .
You have cops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But expecting probably President Donald Trump would be backing them .
But that ’ s not going to happen .
So the Republicans on Capitol Hill are kind of in a quandary there .
Leahy : That ’ s very interesting .
And a little bit disappointing if that ’ s what ’ s going on behind the scenes .
McCabe : I think it would help if the president could get back on the road .
And when he ’ s back on the road and in these rallies he can read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So he plays how the audience is reacting and then he comes back to the White House where he says hey , I ’ ve just conducted a focus group with 15,000 people in Western Pennsylvania and this is what they think .
But that process if you want to call it a process has been cut off by COVID .
So really in a way the president is flying in the clouds right now .
He doesn ’ t have his compass and his chart .
Carmichael : He announced he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McCabe : He ’ s going to get back on the road .
Carmichael : But it is my great hope that the Republican House members use this hearing as an opportunity to actually have the kind of reforms that will in fact help members of the black community .
Because the root cause of the problem is not racism as Condoleezza Rice has said .
She said there is racism but education gives everybody a fighting chance .
Leahy : Neil be safe up there today and give us your report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national correspondent and brave intrepid reporter going up to cover the hearings today up on the Capitol .
Be safe Neil .
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 “ Philonise Floyd ” by CSPAN .


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

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 .