thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Commentary: Democrats Offer Nothing

Commentary: Democrats Offer Nothing

If Americans who voted for President Trump ever felt compelled to explain themselves to their friends and neighbors , at this point there is no longer any need to justify a vote to reelect him in November .
As a matter of fact , the reasons for reelecting President Trump and for handing control of Congress to the Republican Party could not be any clearer than they are right now .
As the nation spirals out of control and buildings burn in various American cities , Democrats in Congress are nowhere to be found .
More astonishingly , members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presumptive nominee have contributed to a fund intended to help release the violent rioters who have been arrested .
Members of Joe Biden ’ s campaign have contributed to a fund established to pay for the release of violent rioters .
There is absolutely no compelling reason why members of the campaign would do this , nor is there any legitimate reason why Biden would not immediately condemn such conduct .
The Minneapolis police officers involved in the terrible and sickening death of George Floyd were rightfully arrested .
The decision to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” card to these violent protestors , however , encourages additional violence and sends the message that it is laudable .
Biden staffers have attempted to justify their contributions by purportedly linking them to the issue of inequality .
As reported by Townhall , one Biden team member tweeted , “ Matched .
These wounds cut deep and it is up to everyone to fight injustice .
Who ’ s next ?
” Another tweeted , “ While massive criminal justice and immigration reform is needed immediately we have to do what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support @ MNFreedomFund # GeorgeFloyd Who ’ s Next ?
” This is pure malarkey , as Biden ought to say .
If members of Biden ’ s team were so concerned with Floyd ’ s tragic death and the issue of injustice , they could have contributed to Floyd ’ s family , proposed ideas for legislation to help fight injustice and reduce police brutality , or engaged in peaceful protests themselves .
Instead , they contributed money to a fund set up to release violent protestors , which has nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
By their logic , criminal justice reform entails compelling the release of those who are arrested for specific types of crimes they ’ d rather not see punished because those committing those crimes are useful to them .
This is dangerous and nonsensical .
As President Trump continues to work hard for the American people , Americans are getting a first-hand look at what the nation will look like if the Democrats control Congress and the White House .
This vision should frighten all Americans .
It is a vision of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vision of “ anything goes , ” including calls for incivility—so long as incivility serves the party ’ s needs and goals .
It should come as no surprise .
During a “ Keep Families Together ” protest in 2018 , U.S. Representative Maxine Waters ( D-Calif. ) urged a crowd to surround and intimidate Republicans and Trump cabinet members at their homes and on the street , shouting the slogan “ no peace , no sleep !
” During a television interview , Hillary Clinton said : “ You can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to destroy what you stand for , what you care about.
” And let ’ s not forget former Attorney General Eric Holder , who famously said : Along these same lines , Senator Cory Booker ( D-N.J. ) recommended that “ Americans ‘ get up in the face ’ of politicians they disagree with.
” These calls for incivility against Republicans are well established since the election of President Trump .
Senator Ted Cruz ( R-Texas ) was screamed at and heckled in a Washington , D.C. restaurant .
Florida Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protestors outside of a theater .
Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders and her family were kicked out of a restaurant and subsequently were heckled when they went to a different restaurant across the street .
Senator Rand Paul ( R-Ky. ) was assaulted by his neighbor—a Democrat—while he was mowing his lawn .
( Additional examples can be found here . )
Democratic Party leaders continue to sit quietly while people burn down cities and engage in civil unrest .
Democrats in Congress continue to threaten President Trump with additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will waste additional time and money .
Democrats in Congress want to fund illegal immigrants with Americans ’ hard-earned money .
Democrats in Congress are pushing for the use of mail-in ballots , which are highly susceptible to voter fraud .
And Democrats continue to push the narrative that Michael Flynn is somehow guilty of Russian collusion despite the existence of compelling evidence that he was set up and the lack of evidence that any collusion occurred .
As cities throughout the nation continue to face looting , crime , and violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee ) continue to promote dangerous far-Left policies , Americans are faced with an easy , yet crucial , decision .
Do they want to live in a free and open democracy where capitalism rules and where our government leads by way of strength and conviction , or do they want to live in an America where socialism rules , lawlessness is tolerated , and our government is perceived as weak , gullible , and appeasing ?
The clock is ticking and the correct answer has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a writer , commentator , and a practicing attorney .
His articles have been published in The Washington Examiner , The Daily Caller , The Federalist , The Epoch Times , The Western Journal , American Thinker , and other online publications .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

by Elad Hakim
If Americans who voted for President Trump ever felt compelled to explain themselves to their friends and neighbors, at this point there is no longer any need to justify a vote to reelect him in November. As a matter of fact, the reasons for reelecting President Trump and for handing control of Congress to the Republican Party could not be any clearer than they are right now.
As the nation spirals out of control and buildings burn in various American cities, Democrats in Congress are nowhere to be found. More astonishingly, members of the campaign staff for the Democrats’ presumptive nominee have contributed to a fund intended to help release the violent rioters who have been arrested.
Members of Joe Biden’s campaign have contributed to a fund established to pay for the release of violent rioters. There is absolutely no compelling reason why members of the campaign would do this, nor is there any legitimate reason why Biden would not immediately condemn such conduct. The Minneapolis police officers involved in the terrible and sickening death of George Floyd were rightfully arrested. The decision to provide a “get out of jail free” card to these violent protestors, however, encourages additional violence and sends the message that it is laudable.
Biden staffers have attempted to justify their contributions by purportedly linking them to the issue of inequality. As reported by Townhall, one Biden team member tweeted, “Matched. These wounds cut deep and it is up to everyone to fight injustice. Who’s next?” Another tweeted, “While massive criminal justice and immigration reform is needed immediately we have to do what we can now. Let’s continue to support @MNFreedomFund #GeorgeFloyd Who’s Next?”
This is pure malarkey, as Biden ought to say.
If members of Biden’s team were so concerned with Floyd’s tragic death and the issue of injustice, they could have contributed to Floyd’s family, proposed ideas for legislation to help fight injustice and reduce police brutality, or engaged in peaceful protests themselves. Instead, they contributed money to a fund set up to release violent protestors, which has nothing to do with fixing injustice throughout the country.
By their logic, criminal justice reform entails compelling the release of those who are arrested for specific types of crimes they’d rather not see punished because those committing those crimes are useful to them. This is dangerous and nonsensical.
As President Trump continues to work hard for the American people, Americans are getting a first-hand look at what the nation will look like if the Democrats control Congress and the White House. This vision should frighten all Americans. It is a vision of weakness and appeasement; it is a vision of “anything goes,” including calls for incivility—so long as incivility serves the party’s needs and goals.
It should come as no surprise. During a “Keep Families Together” protest in 2018, U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) urged a crowd to surround and intimidate Republicans and Trump cabinet members at their homes and on the street, shouting the slogan “no peace, no sleep!” During a television interview, Hillary Clinton said: “You cannot be civil with a political party that wants to destroy what you stand for, what you care about.”
And let’s not forget former Attorney General Eric Holder, who famously said:
Michelle [Obama] always says, “When they go low, we go high.” No. No. When they go low, we kick them . . . That’s what this new Democratic Party is about. We’re proud as hell to be Democrats, we’re going to fight for the ideals of the Democratic party . . . we’re in this to win.
Along these same lines, Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) recommended that “Americans ‘get up in the face’ of politicians they disagree with.”
These calls for incivility against Republicans are well established since the election of President Trump. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was screamed at and heckled in a Washington, D.C. restaurant. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was accosted by a group of protestors outside of a theater. Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders and her family were kicked out of a restaurant and subsequently were heckled when they went to a different restaurant across the street. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was assaulted by his neighbor—a Democrat—while he was mowing his lawn. (Additional examples can be found here.)
Democratic Party leaders continue to sit quietly while people burn down cities and engage in civil unrest. Democrats in Congress continue to threaten President Trump with additional and baseless impeachment inquiries and proceedings, which will waste additional time and money. Democrats in Congress want to fund illegal immigrants with Americans’ hard-earned money. Democrats in Congress are pushing for the use of mail-in ballots, which are highly susceptible to voter fraud. And Democrats continue to push the narrative that Michael Flynn is somehow guilty of Russian collusion despite the existence of compelling evidence that he was set up and the lack of evidence that any collusion occurred.
As cities throughout the nation continue to face looting, crime, and violent protests, and Democrats in Congress (and the Party’s presumptive presidential nominee) continue to promote dangerous far-Left policies, Americans are faced with an easy, yet crucial, decision. Do they want to live in a free and open democracy where capitalism rules and where our government leads by way of strength and conviction, or do they want to live in an America where socialism rules, lawlessness is tolerated, and our government is perceived as weak, gullible, and appeasing?
The clock is ticking and the correct answer has never been clearer.
– – –
Elad Hakim is a writer, commentator, and a practicing attorney. His articles have been published in The Washington Examiner, The Daily Caller, The Federalist, The Epoch Times, The Western Journal, American Thinker, and other online publications.
Photo “Joe Biden” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Michigan Anti-Lockdown Protesters Had Their Phone Data Tracked – Floyd Protesters Did Not

Phone data from about 400 activists in Michigan ’ s capital who protested coronavirus-related government orders was reportedly collected by a progressive advocacy group , but the same group has not collected similar data on George Floyd protesters .
The Committee to Protect Medicare and Affordable Care , under the direction of former Democratic congressional candidate Dr .
Rob Davidson , used cell phone data generated by an application called VoteMap to track the movements of the rally ’ s attendees after they departed from the capital , according to The Detroit News .
This data was then allegedly used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the state in an effort to generate data about the spread of COVID-19 .
The progressive group did not seem to be interested in generating similar results from the wave of protesters moving through three major cities in Michigan , resulting from the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man , who was killed by police .
Over 1,000 protestors gathered in Lansing Sunday — the same location of the anti-Whitmer demonstrations and there has been no indication of location tracking , The Detroit News writes .
“ That doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robinson , the leader of a Michigan militia group , told The Detroit News .
“ They ’ re going to track us at the Capitol but nowhere else ?
” The American Patriots Rally , which Robertson attended , was a protest in response to Democratic Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s regulations on people and businesses amid panic from the sta-te about containing the spread of coronavirus .
Whitmer , whose state is under lockdown until June 12 , banned the sale of items such as garden hoses , vegetable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Davidson said he witnessed the attendees “ scatter across the state , ” even tracking some of them as far as Indiana .
Robinson claims his liberties were infringed by Davidson ’ s group , claiming such data collection should be “ illegal.
” “ I ’ d have still showed up , but I would have left my phone at home .
I wouldn ’ t have gone live on Facebook , ” Robertson told The Detroit News .
However , The CEO of VoteMap , Jennifer McEwan , said someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracked , so those that comprised Davidson ’ s data must have knowingly or unknowingly consented to the collection , The Detroit News writes .
Davidson did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s inquiry seeking comment .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Michigan Protester ” by Jazmine Early .

by Jake Dima
Phone data from about 400 activists in Michigan’s capital who protested coronavirus-related government orders was reportedly collected by a progressive advocacy group, but the same group has not collected similar data on George Floyd protesters.
The Committee to Protect Medicare and Affordable Care, under the direction of former Democratic congressional candidate Dr. Rob Davidson, used cell phone data generated by an application called VoteMap to track the movements of the rally’s attendees after they departed from the capital, according to The Detroit News.
This data was then allegedly used to map out exactly where they spanned across the state in an effort to generate data about the spread of COVID-19.
The progressive group did not seem to be interested in generating similar results from the wave of protesters moving through three major cities in Michigan, resulting from the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who was killed by police. Over 1,000 protestors gathered in Lansing Sunday — the same location of the anti-Whitmer demonstrations and there has been no indication of location tracking, The Detroit News writes.
“That doesn’t make sense,” Phil Robinson, the leader of a Michigan militia group, told The Detroit News. “They’re going to track us at the Capitol but nowhere else?”
The American Patriots Rally, which Robertson attended, was a protest in response to Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s regulations on people and businesses amid panic from the sta-te about containing the spread of coronavirus. Whitmer, whose state is under lockdown until June 12, banned the sale of items such as garden hoses, vegetable seeds and furniture, according to Forbes.
Davidson said he witnessed the attendees “scatter across the state,” even tracking some of them as far as Indiana.
Robinson claims his liberties were infringed by Davidson’s group, claiming such data collection should be “illegal.”
“I’d have still showed up, but I would have left my phone at home. I wouldn’t have gone live on Facebook,” Robertson told The Detroit News.
However, The CEO of VoteMap, Jennifer McEwan, said someone must “opt in” to be tracked, so those that comprised Davidson’s data must have knowingly or unknowingly consented to the collection, The Detroit News writes.
Davidson did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s inquiry seeking comment.
– – –
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Michigan Protester” by Jazmine Early.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Gov. Bill Lee Outlines Big Spending Cuts

Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee on Thursday outlined new spending plans for state government that reflect significant revenue reductions due to the economic impact of COVID-19 .
Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Butch Eley presented state lawmakers with the revised budget plans for the current fiscal year , as well as FY 2020-21 , which begins July 1 , 2020 , and a framework for the following fiscal year , 2021-22 .
“ We will balance our budget each year while providing important services to our citizens , ” Eley said in a statement .
“ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic on state revenues of up to $ 1.5 billion through the end of the next fiscal year , planning for the worst and hoping for the best .
Tennessee has a history of being one of the best managed states in the nation , and we intend to work with the Legislature to continue that tradition , maintaining low taxes and preserving reserves while achieving efficiencies in operations and continuing to serve our citizens.
” In March , the administration and the General Assembly agreed on $ 397 million in recurring reductions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration is proposing an additional $ 284 million in reductions for FY 20-21 , bringing the total to $ 681 million in reductions .
Hiring and expenditure freezes have also been in place since March .
The state will close the current fiscal year on June 30 with unbudgeted non-tax revenues , agency savings and reserves , the press release said .
In FY 20-21 , the state will utilize reserves to lessen the impact of immediate spending reductions , allowing for thoughtful review of business practices for greater efficiencies and creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the development of strategic plans to reduce the employee workforce over the next two years , according to the press release .
The state ’ s multi-year spending plan provides full funding for : Multi-year reductions will happen , in part , through , among other things , up to 12 percent reductions through greater efficiencies in all departments and a reduction in new capital projects and funding for capital maintenance .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email @ @

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday outlined new spending plans for state government that reflect significant revenue reductions due to the economic impact of COVID-19.
Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Butch Eley presented state lawmakers with the revised budget plans for the current fiscal year, as well as FY 2020-21, which begins July 1, 2020, and a framework for the following fiscal year, 2021-22.
“We will balance our budget each year while providing important services to our citizens,” Eley said in a statement.
“We’re adjusting to the immediate impact of the pandemic on state revenues of up to $1.5 billion through the end of the next fiscal year, planning for the worst and hoping for the best. Tennessee has a history of being one of the best managed states in the nation, and we intend to work with the Legislature to continue that tradition, maintaining low taxes and preserving reserves while achieving efficiencies in operations and continuing to serve our citizens.”
In March, the administration and the General Assembly agreed on $397 million in recurring reductions at the onset of COVID-19, and the administration is proposing an additional $284 million in reductions for FY 20-21, bringing the total to $681 million in reductions. Hiring and expenditure freezes have also been in place since March. The state will close the current fiscal year on June 30 with unbudgeted non-tax revenues, agency savings and reserves, the press release said.
In FY 20-21, the state will utilize reserves to lessen the impact of immediate spending reductions, allowing for thoughtful review of business practices for greater efficiencies and creative delivery of vital services as well as the development of strategic plans to reduce the employee workforce over the next two years, according to the press release.
The state’s multi-year spending plan provides full funding for:
• The Basic Education Program (BEP) for K-12 public schools
• Contributions to the state employee pension fund
• State payments for employee health insurance
• Debt service requirements
Multi-year reductions will happen, in part, through, among other things, up to 12 percent reductions through greater efficiencies in all departments and a reduction in new capital projects and funding for capital maintenance.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Senate Confirms Trump’s Pick to Lead Voice of America

WASHINGTON , D.C. ( AP ) — A divided Senate voted along party lines Thursday to confirm President Donald Trump ’ s choice to head the Voice of America and other U.S. government-funded international broadcasters that have been the subject of harsh criticism from the White House .
Despite significant Democratic opposition and concerns over his fitness for the job , the Senate voted 53-38 to confirm Michael Pack to run the U.S. Agency for Global Media , which oversees VOA and its sister outlets including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty , Radio Free Asia and the Cuba-oriented Radio and Television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pack , a former associate of Trump political adviser Steve Bannon , in part because of questions about his past business dealings .
Recent criticism of VOA from Trump and the White House has intensified their concerns about his nomination .
Trump had pushed for Pack ’ s confirmation while launching unprecedented attacks on the Voice of America , the venerable broadcaster created during World War II to air independent news and promote American values to the world , for its coverage of China ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former educator , could turn the organization into a Trump propaganda machine funded with more than $ 200 million a year in taxpayer money .
Trump has mused about his desire to control a media outlet .
Pack has dismissed concerns he would allow that to happen , but the recent furor has reignited those concerns .
Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee tried unsuccessfully eight times to postpone consideration of the nomination two weeks ago .
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and others argued it should be delayed because Pack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax returns related to a nonprofit organization he runs .
Menendez on Thursday said the Senate was setting a “ dangerous precedent ” by moving ahead .
“ We live in an era where the extraordinary quickly becomes routine , but even by that metric Mr.
Pack ’ s path to this floor has been a disgrace , ” Menendez said .
An initial committee vote had been delayed in early May , after the Washington , D.C. , attorney general informed Menendez and committee chairman Jim Risch , R-Texas , that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax return discrepancies .
Yet , the uproar over Voice of America and its recent coverage of China ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic overshadowed the possible legal issues .
It has become a touchstone in the Trump administration ’ s efforts to criticize Chinese authorities for the outbreak and deflect criticism of the U.S. response as the 2020 presidential campaign heats up .
Trump and his allies have long viewed VOA with suspicion , regarding it as an element of a “ deep state ” trying to thwart their policies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when Trump communications adviser Dan Scavino posted a VOA story about China to his official Twitter account with the comment “ American taxpayers—paying for China ’ s very own propaganda , via the U.S. Government funded Voice of America !
DISGRACE !
!
” The story that VOA posted — about the lifting of the lockdown in the Chinese city of Wuhan , where the new coronavirus first emerged — was actually an Associated Press report , but the following day , an official White House publication accused VOA of using taxpayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump weighed in several days later , calling VOA ’ s coverage “ disgusting ” and demanding that the Senate confirm Pack .

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — A divided Senate voted along party lines Thursday to confirm President Donald Trump’s choice to head the Voice of America and other U.S. government-funded international broadcasters that have been the subject of harsh criticism from the White House.
Despite significant Democratic opposition and concerns over his fitness for the job, the Senate voted 53-38 to confirm Michael Pack to run the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA and its sister outlets including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and the Cuba-oriented Radio and Television Marti.
Democrats opposed the nomination of Pack, a former associate of Trump political adviser Steve Bannon, in part because of questions about his past business dealings. Recent criticism of VOA from Trump and the White House has intensified their concerns about his nomination.
Trump had pushed for Pack’s confirmation while launching unprecedented attacks on the Voice of America, the venerable broadcaster created during World War II to air independent news and promote American values to the world, for its coverage of China’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Democrats feared that Pack, a conservative filmmaker and former educator, could turn the organization into a Trump propaganda machine funded with more than $200 million a year in taxpayer money. Trump has mused about his desire to control a media outlet.
Pack has dismissed concerns he would allow that to happen, but the recent furor has reignited those concerns. Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee tried unsuccessfully eight times to postpone consideration of the nomination two weeks ago. New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and others argued it should be delayed because Pack had not answered questions about discrepancies in tax returns related to a nonprofit organization he runs.
Menendez on Thursday said the Senate was setting a “dangerous precedent” by moving ahead.
“We live in an era where the extraordinary quickly becomes routine, but even by that metric Mr. Pack’s path to this floor has been a disgrace,” Menendez said.
An initial committee vote had been delayed in early May, after the Washington, D.C., attorney general informed Menendez and committee chairman Jim Risch, R-Texas, that it had an open civil investigation into the tax return discrepancies.
Yet, the uproar over Voice of America and its recent coverage of China’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic overshadowed the possible legal issues. It has become a touchstone in the Trump administration’s efforts to criticize Chinese authorities for the outbreak and deflect criticism of the U.S. response as the 2020 presidential campaign heats up.
Trump and his allies have long viewed VOA with suspicion, regarding it as an element of a “deep state” trying to thwart their policies. The hostility burst open on April 9, when Trump communications adviser Dan Scavino posted a VOA story about China to his official Twitter account with the comment “American taxpayers—paying for China’s very own propaganda, via the U.S. Government funded Voice of America! DISGRACE!!”
The story that VOA posted — about the lifting of the lockdown in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the new coronavirus first emerged — was actually an Associated Press report, but the following day, an official White House publication accused VOA of using taxpayer money “to speak for authoritarian regimes.” Trump weighed in several days later, calling VOA’s coverage “disgusting” and demanding that the Senate confirm Pack.
– – –


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Citing Recent DOJ Decision, Former Flynn Associates Seek Reprieve in Turkish Lobbying Case

Two former associates of Michael Flynn have seized on the Justice Department ’ s motion to drop charges against the retired general to call for relief from charges that they illegally lobbied for the Turkish government .
Bijan Rafiekian , a former Flynn business partner , and Ekim Alptekin , a former Flynn client , claim to be collateral damage in the government ’ s investigation of Flynn , who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in December 2017 .
A grand jury in Virginia indicted Rafiekian and Alptekin in December 2018 on charges that they acted as unregistered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their efforts .
Alptekin also faces four counts of making false statements to the FBI .
Rafiekian and Alptekin ’ s cases have taken two different paths since they were indicted , though they have both cited developments in Flynn ’ s case to call for reprieve in their own .
Rafiekian was convicted at trial on July 23 , 2019 , but the judge presiding over the case reversed the decision two months later .
The Justice Department is appealing the decision , but Rafiekian ’ s lawyers have asked the Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lawyers sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen on May 22 asserting that the case against their client was “ a direct consequence of the government misconduct ” that drove his decision to dismiss charges against Flynn .
Jensen was the prosecutor who recommended that charges against Flynn be dropped based on FBI documents that the Justice Department failed to turn over to Flynn ’ s legal team in his case .
The Justice Department filed a motion to withdraw the charges on May 7 .
“ Accordingly , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examination of the prosecution of Rafiekian and make the appropriate recommendation to the Attorney General to dismiss the pending appeal of Rafiekian ’ s acquittal , ” Rafiekian ’ s legal team wrote to Jensen , according to The New York Times .
Alptekin has not faced trial .
He remains overseas and has not surrendered or been extradited .
In the wake of the Flynn decision , Alptekin provided an interview to TRT World , a Turkish media outlet that the Justice Department requires to register as a foreign agent of Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ collateral damage ” because of his affiliation with Flynn .
“ There is an organized effort to make me look like a criminal so that they can get to General Flynn .
And my guess is they want to get to Donald Trump , ” he said in the interview .
Alptekin , the former chairman of the Turkish-U.S. Business Council , hired Flynn ’ s firm , Flynn Intel Group , in August 2016 to mount a public pressure campaign against Fethullah Gulen , a Turkish cleric living in exile in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a Dutch shell company called Inovo B.V .
Prosecutors alleged that Alptekin , who has close ties to Turkish government officials , used the shell company to conceal the secret foreign lobbying effort .
Flynn Intel Group initially registered as a lobbyist for Inovo B.V. under the Lobbying Disclosure Act .
The company , along with Flynn and Alptekin , registered as foreign agents under the much more stringent Foreign Agents Registration Act ( FARA ) on March 7 , 2017 .
Alptekin agreed to pay Flynn Intel Group $ 600,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign with the goal of forcing the extradition of Fetullah Gulen , a Turkish cleric living in exile in the United States .
Prosecutors alleged that Turkish government officials directed the work through Alptekin .
They cited an email that Alptekin sent Rafiekian on July 29 , 2016 following Alptekin ’ s meeting with a Turkish government official .
“ He is interested in exploring this seriously and it is likely he ’ ll want to meet with you and [ Flynn ] , ” Alptekin wrote in the email , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ [ H ] e asked me to formulate what kind of output we can generate on the short and mid-term as well as an indicative budget.
” Alptekin emailed Rafiekian and Flynn on Aug. 10 , 2016 following a meeting with two Turkish officials in which the Gulen project was purportedly discussed .
“ I just finished in Ankara after several meetings today with [ Turkish Minister # 2 ] and [ Turkish Minister # 1 ] .
I have a green light to discuss confidentiality , budget and the scope of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Aug. 9 , 2016 , Alptekin and Flynn signed a $ 600,000 contract for the Gulen project .
As part of the contract , Flynn Intel Group put together an investigative team consisting of former intelligence operatives to investigate Gulen .
Rafiekian also met with congressional staffers as part of the effort to force Gulen ’ s extradition .
Alptekin also arranged a meeting between Flynn , Rafiekian and two Turkish officials , Berat Albayrak and Mevlut Cavosoglu , on the sidelines of the U.N. general assembly in September 2016 , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s work with Inovo B.V. came to light after Flynn published an op-ed in The Hill on Nov. 8 , 2016 , election day , calling for Gulen ’ s extradition .
The Daily Caller News Foundation reported three days later , Nov. 11 , 2016 , that Flynn Intel Group was lobbying for Alptekin ’ s firm .
Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Ekim Alptekin ” by Ekim Alptekin .

by Chuck Ross
Two former associates of Michael Flynn have seized on the Justice Department’s motion to drop charges against the retired general to call for relief from charges that they illegally lobbied for the Turkish government.
Bijan Rafiekian, a former Flynn business partner, and Ekim Alptekin, a former Flynn client, claim to be collateral damage in the government’s investigation of Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in December 2017.
A grand jury in Virginia indicted Rafiekian and Alptekin in December 2018 on charges that they acted as unregistered agents of Turkey and conspired to conceal their efforts. Alptekin also faces four counts of making false statements to the FBI.
Rafiekian and Alptekin’s cases have taken two different paths since they were indicted, though they have both cited developments in Flynn’s case to call for reprieve in their own.
Rafiekian was convicted at trial on July 23, 2019, but the judge presiding over the case reversed the decision two months later. The Justice Department is appealing the decision, but Rafiekian’s lawyers have asked the Justice Department to drop the appeal.
Rafiekian’s lawyers sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen on May 22 asserting that the case against their client was “a direct consequence of the government misconduct” that drove his decision to dismiss charges against Flynn.
Jensen was the prosecutor who recommended that charges against Flynn be dropped based on FBI documents that the Justice Department failed to turn over to Flynn’s legal team in his case. The Justice Department filed a motion to withdraw the charges on May 7.
“Accordingly, we would respectfully request that you undertake an examination of the prosecution of Rafiekian and make the appropriate recommendation to the Attorney General to dismiss the pending appeal of Rafiekian’s acquittal,” Rafiekian’s legal team wrote to Jensen, according to The New York Times.
Alptekin has not faced trial. He remains overseas and has not surrendered or been extradited. In the wake of the Flynn decision, Alptekin provided an interview to TRT World, a Turkish media outlet that the Justice Department requires to register as a foreign agent of Turkey, in which he claimed to be “collateral damage” because of his affiliation with Flynn.
“There is an organized effort to make me look like a criminal so that they can get to General Flynn. And my guess is they want to get to Donald Trump,” he said in the interview.
Alptekin, the former chairman of the Turkish-U.S. Business Council, hired Flynn’s firm, Flynn Intel Group, in August 2016 to mount a public pressure campaign against Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric living in exile in the U.S.
Alptekin hired Flynn Intel Group through a Dutch shell company called Inovo B.V. Prosecutors alleged that Alptekin, who has close ties to Turkish government officials, used the shell company to conceal the secret foreign lobbying effort.
Flynn Intel Group initially registered as a lobbyist for Inovo B.V. under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The company, along with Flynn and Alptekin, registered as foreign agents under the much more stringent Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on March 7, 2017.
Alptekin agreed to pay Flynn Intel Group $600,000 to lobby Congress and mount a public pressure campaign with the goal of forcing the extradition of Fetullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric living in exile in the United States.
Prosecutors alleged that Turkish government officials directed the work through Alptekin.
They cited an email that Alptekin sent Rafiekian on July 29, 2016 following Alptekin’s meeting with a Turkish government official.
“He is interested in exploring this seriously and it is likely he’ll want to meet with you and [Flynn],” Alptekin wrote in the email, according to the indictment against Alptekin and Rafiekian.
“[H]e asked me to formulate what kind of output we can generate on the short and mid-term as well as an indicative budget.”
Alptekin emailed Rafiekian and Flynn on Aug. 10, 2016 following a meeting with two Turkish officials in which the Gulen project was purportedly discussed.
“I just finished in Ankara after several meetings today with [Turkish Minister #2] and [Turkish Minister #1]. I have a green light to discuss confidentiality, budget and the scope of the contract,” Alptekin wrote.
On Aug. 9, 2016, Alptekin and Flynn signed a $600,000 contract for the Gulen project.
As part of the contract, Flynn Intel Group put together an investigative team consisting of former intelligence operatives to investigate Gulen. Rafiekian also met with congressional staffers as part of the effort to force Gulen’s extradition.
Alptekin also arranged a meeting between Flynn, Rafiekian and two Turkish officials, Berat Albayrak and Mevlut Cavosoglu, on the sidelines of the U.N. general assembly in September 2016, where Gulen was discussed.
Flynn Intel Group’s work with Inovo B.V. came to light after Flynn published an op-ed in The Hill on Nov. 8, 2016, election day, calling for Gulen’s extradition.
The Daily Caller News Foundation reported three days later, Nov. 11, 2016, that Flynn Intel Group was lobbying for Alptekin’s firm.
– – –
Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Ekim Alptekin” by Ekim Alptekin.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Leading Study on Malaria Drug for Coronavirus Retracted: ‘Based on This Development, We Can No Longe

Leading Study on Malaria Drug for Coronavirus Retracted: ‘Based on This Development, We Can No Longer Vouch for the Veracity of the Primary Data Source’

Several authors of a large study that raised safety concerns about malaria drugs for coronavirus patients have retracted the report , saying independent reviewers were not able to verify information that ’ s been widely questioned by other scientists .
Thursday ’ s retraction in the journal Lancet involved a May 22 report on hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine , drugs long used for preventing or treating malaria but whose safety and effectiveness for COVID-19 are unknown .
The study leaders also retracted an earlier report using the same company ’ s database on blood pressure drugs published by the New England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that widely used blood pressure medicines were safe for coronavirus patients , a conclusion some other studies and heart doctor groups also have reached .
Even though the Lancet report was not a rigorous test , the observational study had huge impact because of its size , reportedly involving more than 96,000 patients and 671 hospitals on six continents .
Its conclusion that the drugs were tied to a higher risk of death and heart problems in people hospitalized with COVID-19 led the World Health Organization to temporarily stop use of hydroxychloroquine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for French officials to stop allowing its use in hospitals there .
Earlier this week , WHO said experts who reviewed safety information decided that its study could resume .
“ Not only is there no benefit , but we saw a very consistent signal of harm , ” study leader Dr. Mandeep Mehra of Brigham and Women ’ s Hospital in Boston told The Associated Press when the work was published .
The drugs have been controversial because President Donald Trump repeatedly promoted their use and took hydroxychloroquine himself to try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the virus .
The drugs are known to have potential side effects , especially heart rhythm problems .
The Lancet study relied on a database from a Chicago company , Surgisphere .
Its founder , Dr. Sapan Desai , is one of the authors .
Dozens of scientists questioned irregularities and improbable findings in the numbers , and the other authors besides Desai said earlier this week that an independent audit would be done .
In the retraction notice , those authors say Surgisphere would not give the reviewers the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements .
“ Based on this development , we can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources ” and must retract the report , they wrote .
“ I no longer have confidence in the origination and veracity of the data , nor the findings they have led to , ” Mehra said in a separate statement Thursday .
The Lancet ’ s notice said “ there are many outstanding questions about Surgisphere and the data that were allegedly included in this study , ” and “ institutional reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgently needed.
” Desai and Surgisphere did not immediately respond to request for comments sent to phone numbers and email address listed on the company ’ s materials .
All the authors of the study should have had access to the data , said Dr. Steve Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic .
“ You really don ’ t know what a study showed unless you have the actual data , ” Nissen said .
“ This is unfortunate .
Clearly this is a very important topic and we need good answers.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Dr. Ashish Jha , director of Harvard ’ s Global Health Institute .
The pace of publishing scientific research has sped up in reaction to the pandemic , Jha said , leading to errors .
As long as errors are acknowledged , the pace seems justifiable because waiting a year or two for results to be published “ is way too slow for this pandemic.
” “ Part of the problem is people are so anxious .
They want a definite answer yes or no , ” Jha said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can in science , but we can ’ t overreact to any single study.
” Associated Press writers Carla K. Johnson and Candice Choi contributed to this report .
The AP Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .
About Photo Headline : This April 7 , 2020 file photo shows a bottle of hydroxychloroquine tablets in Texas City , Texas .
Several authors of a large study that raised safety concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retracted the report , saying independent reviewers were not able to verify information that ’ s been widely questioned by other scientists .
A retraction in the journal Lancet on Thursday , June 4 , 2020 involved a May 22 report on hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine , drugs long used for preventing or treating malaria but whose safety and effectiveness for COVID-19 are unknown .
( AP Photo/David J. Phillip , File )

Several authors of a large study that raised safety concerns about malaria drugs for coronavirus patients have retracted the report, saying independent reviewers were not able to verify information that’s been widely questioned by other scientists.
Thursday’s retraction in the journal Lancet involved a May 22 report on hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, drugs long used for preventing or treating malaria but whose safety and effectiveness for COVID-19 are unknown.
The study leaders also retracted an earlier report using the same company’s database on blood pressure drugs published by the New England Journal of Medicine. That study suggested that widely used blood pressure medicines were safe for coronavirus patients, a conclusion some other studies and heart doctor groups also have reached.
Even though the Lancet report was not a rigorous test, the observational study had huge impact because of its size, reportedly involving more than 96,000 patients and 671 hospitals on six continents.
Its conclusion that the drugs were tied to a higher risk of death and heart problems in people hospitalized with COVID-19 led the World Health Organization to temporarily stop use of hydroxychloroquine in a study it is leading, and for French officials to stop allowing its use in hospitals there. Earlier this week, WHO said experts who reviewed safety information decided that its study could resume.
“Not only is there no benefit, but we saw a very consistent signal of harm,” study leader Dr. Mandeep Mehra of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston told The Associated Press when the work was published.
The drugs have been controversial because President Donald Trump repeatedly promoted their use and took hydroxychloroquine himself to try to prevent infection after some White House staffers tested positive for the virus. The drugs are known to have potential side effects, especially heart rhythm problems.
The Lancet study relied on a database from a Chicago company, Surgisphere. Its founder, Dr. Sapan Desai, is one of the authors.
Dozens of scientists questioned irregularities and improbable findings in the numbers, and the other authors besides Desai said earlier this week that an independent audit would be done. In the retraction notice, those authors say Surgisphere would not give the reviewers the full data, citing confidentiality and client agreements.
“Based on this development, we can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources” and must retract the report, they wrote.
“I no longer have confidence in the origination and veracity of the data, nor the findings they have led to,” Mehra said in a separate statement Thursday.
The Lancet’s notice said “there are many outstanding questions about Surgisphere and the data that were allegedly included in this study,” and “institutional reviews of Surgisphere’s research collaborations are urgently needed.”
Desai and Surgisphere did not immediately respond to request for comments sent to phone numbers and email address listed on the company’s materials.
All the authors of the study should have had access to the data, said Dr. Steve Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic.
“You really don’t know what a study showed unless you have the actual data,” Nissen said. “This is unfortunate. Clearly this is a very important topic and we need good answers.”
The retraction shows “the system works,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute. The pace of publishing scientific research has sped up in reaction to the pandemic, Jha said, leading to errors.
As long as errors are acknowledged, the pace seems justifiable because waiting a year or two for results to be published “is way too slow for this pandemic.”
“Part of the problem is people are so anxious. They want a definite answer yes or no,” Jha said. “We’re moving as fast as we can in science, but we can’t overreact to any single study.”
– – –
Associated Press writers Carla K. Johnson and Candice Choi contributed to this report. The AP Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
About Photo Headline: This April 7, 2020 file photo shows a bottle of hydroxychloroquine tablets in Texas City, Texas. Several authors of a large study that raised safety concerns about malaria drugs for coronavirus patients have retracted the report, saying independent reviewers were not able to verify information that’s been widely questioned by other scientists. A retraction in the journal Lancet on Thursday, June 4, 2020 involved a May 22 report on hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, drugs long used for preventing or treating malaria but whose safety and effectiveness for COVID-19 are unknown. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--As Businesses Reopen, Tennessee Unemployment Still High

MEMPHIS , Tennessee ( AP ) — Tennessee delivered unemployment payments to more than 314,000 people last week , as the number of new jobless claims continued to run much higher than normal during the response to the new coronavirus outbreak .
Stay-at-home orders from Gov .
Bill Lee and city and county officials in mid-March led to business closures and hundreds of thousands of layoffs , as officials scrambled to stem the rise of COVID-19 .
Businesses have begun to gradually reopen in recent weeks , and many workers have been able to return to their jobs .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still high , with some businesses remaining closed and employers cutting staff as they operate at a limited capacity due to social distancing rules .
More than 22,700 new unemployment claims were filed during the week ending Saturday , the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development said Thursday .
That ’ s about 10 times the number of new claims filed the week before businesses starting closing , the unemployment report showed .
The 2,700 new claims filed the week ending March 14 is roughly the amount of new weekly claims received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Cannon said .
More than $ 285 million in unemployment benefits was paid out last week in the form of federal funds distributed under the federal CARES Act , the emergency assistance package created to deal with financial effects from the virus response , the labor department said .
Tennessee usually depends on a trust fund to pay state unemployment benefits .
But the state is using the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund money for payments through June 30 to prevent the fund from falling below $ 1 billion , Cannon said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fund sinks below $ 1 billion .
The fund ’ s April balance was about $ 1.1 billion , Cannon said .
The process of filing for and receiving unemployment payouts has frustrated jobless Tennessee residents who ’ ve complained about waiting more than a month to receive benefits .
Problems include employers who were slow to respond to claims , confusion about who can receive funds , trouble with the state ’ s unemployment website , and an inability to get a claims agent on the phone in a timely manner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still waiting for her first unemployment check .
Lugo has worked in the laundry at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center for the past two years .
Although she ’ s been out of work since early April , she hasn ’ t received either unemployment or food stamps .
Lugo applied for both and hasn ’ t been able to get answers as to why no check has arrived , she said .
“ I ’ ve never asked for anything , and now that I ask , I get nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Oh well .
There are other people who are worse off than me.
” Originally from Tamaulipas , Mexico , Lugo has had U.S. residency since 2006 , but she is more comfortable speaking Spanish than English .
Her son , Julio Fernandez , who works for the nonprofit Jobs With Justice , said his mother ’ s lack of fluency with both English and computers may be hindering her ability to successfully navigate the state unemployment system .
“ Many Latinos have that situation … There are a lot of barriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Fernandez said .
Lugo said another son who lives with her is helping her with expenses .
She also received the $ 1,200 stimulus check .
“ This has also helped us survived , but it ’ s finished now .
It didn ’ t last forever , ” she said .
Cannon , the labor department spokesman , has said the agency can receive nearly 100,000 calls into its call centers on a single day .
The department transferred more than 200 employees to unemployment processing tasks and hired several dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in call centers , Cannon said .
The department ’ s website vendor installed new equipment to expand the site ’ s processing capacity and the department staggered its weekly certification system in mid-April to spread out demand on the system , Cannon said .
Tennessee reached its highest monthly unemployment rate ever in April , at 14.7 % .
The state ’ s highest seasonally adjusted rate had been 12.9 % , which occurred in December 1982 and January 1983 , the department said .
Andrian Sainz and Travis Loller report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Nashville , Tennessee .
Photo “ Unemployment Insurance Claims Office ” by Bytemarks .
CC BY 2.0 .

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (AP) — Tennessee delivered unemployment payments to more than 314,000 people last week, as the number of new jobless claims continued to run much higher than normal during the response to the new coronavirus outbreak.
Stay-at-home orders from Gov. Bill Lee and city and county officials in mid-March led to business closures and hundreds of thousands of layoffs, as officials scrambled to stem the rise of COVID-19.
Businesses have begun to gradually reopen in recent weeks, and many workers have been able to return to their jobs. But the number of new weekly filings is still high, with some businesses remaining closed and employers cutting staff as they operate at a limited capacity due to social distancing rules.
More than 22,700 new unemployment claims were filed during the week ending Saturday, the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development said Thursday. That’s about 10 times the number of new claims filed the week before businesses starting closing, the unemployment report showed.
The 2,700 new claims filed the week ending March 14 is roughly the amount of new weekly claims received during a normal year, department spokesman Chris Cannon said.
More than $285 million in unemployment benefits was paid out last week in the form of federal funds distributed under the federal CARES Act, the emergency assistance package created to deal with financial effects from the virus response, the labor department said.
Tennessee usually depends on a trust fund to pay state unemployment benefits. But the state is using the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund money for payments through June 30 to prevent the fund from falling below $1 billion, Cannon said.
A tax increase starts for employers if the fund sinks below $1 billion. The fund’s April balance was about $1.1 billion, Cannon said.
The process of filing for and receiving unemployment payouts has frustrated jobless Tennessee residents who’ve complained about waiting more than a month to receive benefits. Problems include employers who were slow to respond to claims, confusion about who can receive funds, trouble with the state’s unemployment website, and an inability to get a claims agent on the phone in a timely manner.
In Nashville, Oralia Lugo is still waiting for her first unemployment check.
Lugo has worked in the laundry at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center for the past two years. Although she’s been out of work since early April, she hasn’t received either unemployment or food stamps.
Lugo applied for both and hasn’t been able to get answers as to why no check has arrived, she said.
“I’ve never asked for anything, and now that I ask, I get nothing,” she said in Spanish. “Oh well. There are other people who are worse off than me.”
Originally from Tamaulipas, Mexico, Lugo has had U.S. residency since 2006, but she is more comfortable speaking Spanish than English. Her son, Julio Fernandez, who works for the nonprofit Jobs With Justice, said his mother’s lack of fluency with both English and computers may be hindering her ability to successfully navigate the state unemployment system.
“Many Latinos have that situation … There are a lot of barriers that make it harder for people,” Fernandez said.
Lugo said another son who lives with her is helping her with expenses. She also received the $1,200 stimulus check.
“This has also helped us survived, but it’s finished now. It didn’t last forever,” she said.
Cannon, the labor department spokesman, has said the agency can receive nearly 100,000 calls into its call centers on a single day. The department transferred more than 200 employees to unemployment processing tasks and hired several dozen more people to work as claim agents and in call centers, Cannon said.
The department’s website vendor installed new equipment to expand the site’s processing capacity and the department staggered its weekly certification system in mid-April to spread out demand on the system, Cannon said.
Tennessee reached its highest monthly unemployment rate ever in April, at 14.7%. The state’s highest seasonally adjusted rate had been 12.9%, which occurred in December 1982 and January 1983, the department said.
– – –
Andrian Sainz and Travis Loller report for the Associated Press. Loller reported from Nashville, Tennessee.
Photo “Unemployment Insurance Claims Office” by Bytemarks. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Carol Swain Doesn’t Believe Reparations Helps Race Relations Problems in America

Live from Music Row Thursday 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 former Vanderbilt University professor and all-star panelist Dr. Carol M. Swain to the studio .
At the top of the third hour , Leahy and Swain discussed reparations and how one could calculate that with many people who are descendants of immigrants from other black countries .
Swain added that she didn ’ t think reparations were the answer and thought it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leahy : I ’ m having a good time this morning with our all-star panelist Carol Swain .
Carol , I don ’ t know if you watched Tucker Carlson last night but there was a segment on Tucker of two different films .
I don ’ t know if it was a setup or not but it had a young black man walking around New York City and there was a young white woman there and he said I want you to kneel down before and beg for forgiveness for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she did .
I don ’ t know if she just did it or if it was a setup .
Then , there was this big video , Breitbart had it as well .
There were about 200 white people in Bethesda , Maryland where they are a bunch of guilty rich white liberals .
There was a big group there .
All of the white people bent down and begged for forgiveness for the systemic racism in the United States .
So here we are in the studio .
You are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white man .
Carol , because I ’ m a genealogy buff and I ’ ve looked into your genealogy , right ?
We ’ ve been looking for that man Thomas Jefferson who was your great great grandfather .
We don ’ t know if it was the Thomas Jefferson but maybe a descendant .
We ’ re still working on that .
We do know that your great great grandparents were slaves in Virginia .
We also know that my great great great grandfather , Anders Bouvier owned one slave back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question to you Carol is , do you want me to kneel down before you and beg for forgiveness for the country ’ s systemic racism ?
Swain : You don ’ t need to kneel down before me but I will gladly take my reparations .
Leahy : OK .
So I have my wallet out here and I have money in the wallet .
So how much reparations do I owe you , Carol , for the fact my great great great great great grandfather who owned one slave in 1790 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slaves in the western part of Virginia back in Bath County in the early 1800s .
Swain : Well , we would just have to sit down and negotiate it .
Leahy : Do you favor reparations by the way ?
Swain : I have spoken about reparations for some time and no , I don ’ t believe it would solve the problems that are affecting black people .
And at this point in history , I think it would worsen race relations .
Leahy : I completely agree .
You see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is worth about $ 3 billion .
He ’ s a black guy named Robert Johnson .
Leahy : He wants the United States government and American taxpayers to pay $ 14 trillion in reparations .
Swain : Let me tell you this Mike , every time there has been a riot and we can go back decades to even the 1960s it is always followed by demands for money and usually the government response by doing something .
We got affirmative action out of the riots of the 60s but that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970 there were five different groups included and women were included from the very beginning .
And whenever money comes to the community it never reaches the poorest of the poor .
The elites benefit .
( Leahy chuckles ) And that ’ s the problem with affirmative action .
It benefits elites and it never addresses the problems of the poorest of the poor .
And I think that a lot of the inequalities that we see today that it can be traced back to a moral problem .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people money .
It ’ s problematic .
And I think that with reparations if you were trying to compensate the descendants of slaves it would be complicated by the fact that you have blacks that are descendants of immigrants .
It would be very difficult .
Leahy : How would we determine that .
I guess 12 percent of the population of 300 and some odd million would classify as black , right ?
So we are looking at 40 million people , right ?
Swain : It includes immigrant blacks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out by the government… Leahy : You mean from like Jamaica or Kenya or whatever… Swain : So more people would identify as black to collect the money .
It would be problematic and it would not address the problems we have in America and I believe it would worsen race relations .
Leahy : I don ’ t think it would help .
Swain : No .
Because everyone is suffering right now .
Leahy : Under that , I ’ m asking this , would I owe LeBron James reparations under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well , that was always the problem with affirmative action the children of the most affluent blacks were the ones that got the free rides to colleges and universities .
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 .

Live from Music Row Thursday 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 former Vanderbilt University professor and all-star panelist Dr. Carol M. Swain to the studio.
At the top of the third hour, Leahy and Swain discussed reparations and how one could calculate that with many people who are descendants of immigrants from other black countries . Swain added that she didn’t think reparations were the answer and thought it would only worsen race relations in America.
Leahy: I’m having a good time this morning with our all-star panelist Carol Swain. Carol, I don’t know if you watched Tucker Carlson last night but there was a segment on Tucker of two different films. I don’t know if it was a setup or not but it had a young black man walking around New York City and there was a young white woman there and he said I want you to kneel down before and beg for forgiveness for the systemic racism in the US.
And she did. I don’t know if she just did it or if it was a setup. Then, there was this big video, Breitbart had it as well. There were about 200 white people in Bethesda, Maryland where they are a bunch of guilty rich white liberals. There was a big group there. All of the white people bent down and begged for forgiveness for the systemic racism in the United States.
So here we are in the studio. You are a black woman and I’m a white man. Carol, because I’m a genealogy buff and I’ve looked into your genealogy, right? We’ve been looking for that man Thomas Jefferson who was your great great grandfather. We don’t know if it was the Thomas Jefferson but maybe a descendant. We’re still working on that. We do know that your great great grandparents were slaves in Virginia.
We also know that my great great great grandfather, Anders Bouvier owned one slave back in the 1790 census. So my question to you Carol is, do you want me to kneel down before you and beg for forgiveness for the country’s systemic racism?
Swain: You don’t need to kneel down before me but I will gladly take my reparations.
(Laughter)
Leahy: OK. So I have my wallet out here and I have money in the wallet. So how much reparations do I owe you, Carol, for the fact my great great great great great grandfather who owned one slave in 1790? And your great great grandparents were slaves in the western part of Virginia back in Bath County in the early 1800s.
Swain: Well, we would just have to sit down and negotiate it.
(Laughter)
Leahy: Do you favor reparations by the way?
Swain: I have spoken about reparations for some time and no, I don’t believe it would solve the problems that are affecting black people. And at this point in history, I think it would worsen race relations.
Leahy: I completely agree. You see the guy that founded BET Entertainment who is worth about $3 billion. He’s a black guy named Robert Johnson.
Swain: Yes.
Leahy: He wants the United States government and American taxpayers to pay $14 trillion in reparations.
Swain: Let me tell you this Mike, every time there has been a riot and we can go back decades to even the 1960s it is always followed by demands for money and usually the government response by doing something. We got affirmative action out of the riots of the 60s but that was never targeted specifically to blacks.
By 1970 there were five different groups included and women were included from the very beginning. And whenever money comes to the community it never reaches the poorest of the poor. The elites benefit. (Leahy chuckles) And that’s the problem with affirmative action. It benefits elites and it never addresses the problems of the poorest of the poor.
And I think that a lot of the inequalities that we see today that it can be traced back to a moral problem. It’s not going to be addressed by giving people money. It’s problematic. And I think that with reparations if you were trying to compensate the descendants of slaves it would be complicated by the fact that you have blacks that are descendants of immigrants. It would be very difficult.
Leahy: How would we determine that. I guess 12 percent of the population of 300 and some odd million would classify as black, right? So we are looking at 40 million people, right?
Swain: It includes immigrant blacks. And so whenever money is being given out by the government…
Leahy: You mean from like Jamaica or Kenya or whatever…
Swain: So more people would identify as black to collect the money. It would be problematic and it would not address the problems we have in America and I believe it would worsen race relations.
Leahy: I don’t think it would help.
Swain: No. Because everyone is suffering right now.
Leahy: Under that, I’m asking this, would I owe LeBron James reparations under that? (Chuckles)
Swain: Well, that was always the problem with affirmative action the children of the most affluent blacks were the ones that got the free rides to colleges and universities.
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.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Fargo Leaders Ask for Peace as Walz Sends National Guard to Clay County

FARGO , North Dakota ( AP ) — Black leaders in North Dakota ’ s largest city pleaded for calm Thursday in the face of violent threats to disrupt a gathering in memory of George Floyd and advertised the event as a celebration , not a protest .
The OneFargo event is scheduled Friday afternoon at a downtown Fargo park .
Organizers had planned to march from Island Park to City Hall for a sit-in , but have scrapped that idea after social media threats surfaced to burn down the city offices and commit other violent acts .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be speaking and we will be celebrating , ” organizer Wess Philome said , noting that the event will stay in the park .
“ So if you would like to join us in positive energy , I encourage you to come out and share with us as we grow OneFargo .
If you are looking to destroy that , I encourage you to stay home.
” The organizers praised community leaders and said Friday ’ s event will be another step forward .
Ritchell Aboah said there was some success last weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican state and got our voice heard.
” Angelina Zokego said she doesn ’ t want 2020 to be remembered for violence in the Fargo-Moorhead area , which has a population of about 230,000 people .
“ Let this be the year that change began in our city , ” Zokego said .
Philome said there were tears exchanged Thursday morning when black leaders met with police to discuss ways to improve race relations .
He urged attendees at Thursday ’ s event to ditch inflammatory signs and rhetoric and asked police to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can “ come out as human beings.
” The pledge to tone down the dissent comes after a peaceful march through the metro area last Saturday turned violent and resulted in damage to buildings and vehicles in the city ’ s downtown .
A dozen people were arrested and four offices were injured .
Some demonstrators who came with guns “ were escorted away , ” Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney said .
“ We ’ re not going to tolerate that , ” the mayor said .
Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard to the Fargo-Moorhead area , citing what he called credible threats of violence .
Local officials said they ’ re not sure if the social media warnings will materialize , but are taking precautionary measures .
North Dakota Gov .
Doug Burgum ’ s authorization for National Guard troops remains in place from last weekend .
“ We will try and stop anything negative from happening , ” Fargo Police Chief Dave Todd said , adding that it ’ s “ our intention ” for officers to come to Island Park without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meeting with black leaders Thursday a “ first step that needed to happen ” and said he needed to hear the “ life stories ” of those around the table .
Todd announced earlier Thursday that Deputy Chief Todd Osmundson has been suspended for one week without pay after Osmundson decided to work undercover at last weekend ’ s protest and did not tell anyone .
Todd called it a “ serious matter ” that is still being investigated .
The ACLU of North Dakota is calling for Osmundson ’ s resignation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fire ” when he decided on his own to change out of his police uniform and into civilian clothes to infiltrate protesters .
“ Osmundson ’ s actions – and his minor punishment – only deepen the pain and anguish of black communities and serves as a pointed illustration of the growing distrust of law enforcement officers among the public , ” said Dane DeKrey , the group ’ s advocacy director .

FARGO, North Dakota (AP) — Black leaders in North Dakota’s largest city pleaded for calm Thursday in the face of violent threats to disrupt a gathering in memory of George Floyd and advertised the event as a celebration, not a protest.
The OneFargo event is scheduled Friday afternoon at a downtown Fargo park. Organizers had planned to march from Island Park to City Hall for a sit-in, but have scrapped that idea after social media threats surfaced to burn down the city offices and commit other violent acts.
“We will not be protesting. We will be speaking and we will be celebrating,” organizer Wess Philome said, noting that the event will stay in the park. “So if you would like to join us in positive energy, I encourage you to come out and share with us as we grow OneFargo. If you are looking to destroy that, I encourage you to stay home.”
The organizers praised community leaders and said Friday’s event will be another step forward. Ritchell Aboah said there was some success last weekend when they peacefully “protested in a Republican state and got our voice heard.” Angelina Zokego said she doesn’t want 2020 to be remembered for violence in the Fargo-Moorhead area, which has a population of about 230,000 people.
“Let this be the year that change began in our city,” Zokego said.
Philome said there were tears exchanged Thursday morning when black leaders met with police to discuss ways to improve race relations. He urged attendees at Thursday’s event to ditch inflammatory signs and rhetoric and asked police to take off their riot gear so everyone can “come out as human beings.”
The pledge to tone down the dissent comes after a peaceful march through the metro area last Saturday turned violent and resulted in damage to buildings and vehicles in the city’s downtown. A dozen people were arrested and four offices were injured. Some demonstrators who came with guns “were escorted away,” Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney said.
“We’re not going to tolerate that,” the mayor said.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday night he was sending the National Guard to the Fargo-Moorhead area, citing what he called credible threats of violence. Local officials said they’re not sure if the social media warnings will materialize, but are taking precautionary measures. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum’s authorization for National Guard troops remains in place from last weekend.
“We will try and stop anything negative from happening,” Fargo Police Chief Dave Todd said, adding that it’s “our intention” for officers to come to Island Park without riot gear and shields. He called the meeting with black leaders Thursday a “first step that needed to happen” and said he needed to hear the “life stories” of those around the table.
Todd announced earlier Thursday that Deputy Chief Todd Osmundson has been suspended for one week without pay after Osmundson decided to work undercover at last weekend’s protest and did not tell anyone. Todd called it a “serious matter” that is still being investigated.
The ACLU of North Dakota is calling for Osmundson’s resignation, accusing him of adding “fuel to the fire” when he decided on his own to change out of his police uniform and into civilian clothes to infiltrate protesters.
“Osmundson’s actions – and his minor punishment – only deepen the pain and anguish of black communities and serves as a pointed illustration of the growing distrust of law enforcement officers among the public,” said Dane DeKrey, the group’s advocacy director.
– – –
Written by Associated Press’ Dave Kolpack.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--High Court Won’t Take Over Tennessee Voucher Lawsuit

Tennessee ’ s highest court declined Thursday to take up an appeal of a lawsuit challenging the legality of a school voucher program that would let parents use public tax dollars for private school tuition .
Voucher supporters had hoped the Tennessee Supreme Court would reach down and take up the case after an appellate court set an Aug. 5 hearing to review the case .
However , the justices ’ decision will block the voucher program from being implemented for the 2020-21 school year because most schools will already be starting by August .
“ Based upon the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant timeline and the procedural posture of this case , the court concludes that this case does not warrant the extraordinary action of the exercise of the court ’ s authority to assume jurisdiction , ” the justices wrote .
A spokesman for Gov .
Bill Lee , who has championed the voucher law since signing it last year , said the Republican was disappointed by the decision .
“ While we respect the court ’ s decision , we are disappointed for the more than 2,000 students who applied for this program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educational fit , ” said Gillum Ferguson , Lee ’ s press secretary .
“ We ’ ll continue to fight to give our families greater options and are committed to seeing this through in Tennessee.
” Lee ’ s Finance Commissioner Butch Eley later told lawmakers Thursday afternoon that the court ’ s decision would “ effectively delay ” the school voucher program for at least a year .
While he noted that the governor “ is still committed to funding this program , ” the funding that had been set aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year.
” Attorney General Herbert Slatery ’ s office declined to comment on the Supreme Court ’ s decision .
The program — known as education savings accounts — would allow eligible Tennessee families to use up to $ 7,300 in public tax dollars on private schooling tuition and other pre-approved expenses .
Davidson County Chancellor Anne C. Martin in early May ruled that the voucher law violated the Tennessee constitution ’ s “ home rule , ” which says the Legislature can ’ t pass measures singling out individual counties without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the voucher program would only apply to Nashville and Shelby County , which includes Memphis , the areas with the lowest performing schools and regions with Democratic political strongholds .
The legal dispute was filed by Nashville and Shelby County officials , as well as opposing parents represented by the American Civil Liberties Union , the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Education Law Center .
Justin Owen , president of the Nashville-based Beacon Center of Tennessee , said in an emailed statement that he was disappointed with the decision .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year we wait to provide these families with quality education options is another year their children fall further through the cracks , ” Owen said .
“ We remain unyielding in our defense of these families and will continue to fight for them in the courts until the ESA program is ultimately allowed to be implemented just as the Governor and Legislature intended.
” Kimberlee Kruesi reports for The Associated Press .
The Tennessee Star ’ s Chris Butler contributed to this report .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court Justices ” by tennesseecourts.gov .

Tennessee’s highest court declined Thursday to take up an appeal of a lawsuit challenging the legality of a school voucher program that would let parents use public tax dollars for private school tuition.
Voucher supporters had hoped the Tennessee Supreme Court would reach down and take up the case after an appellate court set an Aug. 5 hearing to review the case.
However, the justices’ decision will block the voucher program from being implemented for the 2020-21 school year because most schools will already be starting by August.
“Based upon the current totality of the circumstances, including the relevant timeline and the procedural posture of this case, the court concludes that this case does not warrant the extraordinary action of the exercise of the court’s authority to assume jurisdiction,” the justices wrote.
A spokesman for Gov. Bill Lee, who has championed the voucher law since signing it last year, said the Republican was disappointed by the decision.
“While we respect the court’s decision, we are disappointed for the more than 2,000 students who applied for this program in the hope of receiving a better educational fit,” said Gillum Ferguson, Lee’s press secretary.
“We’ll continue to fight to give our families greater options and are committed to seeing this through in Tennessee.”
Lee’s Finance Commissioner Butch Eley later told lawmakers Thursday afternoon that the court’s decision would “effectively delay” the school voucher program for at least a year. While he noted that the governor “is still committed to funding this program,” the funding that had been set aside for vouchers would “not be utilized this year.”
Attorney General Herbert Slatery’s office declined to comment on the Supreme Court’s decision.
The program — known as education savings accounts — would allow eligible Tennessee families to use up to $7,300 in public tax dollars on private schooling tuition and other pre-approved expenses.
Davidson County Chancellor Anne C. Martin in early May ruled that the voucher law violated the Tennessee constitution’s “home rule,” which says the Legislature can’t pass measures singling out individual counties without local support.
According to the law, the voucher program would only apply to Nashville and Shelby County, which includes Memphis, the areas with the lowest performing schools and regions with Democratic political strongholds.
The legal dispute was filed by Nashville and Shelby County officials, as well as opposing parents represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Education Law Center.
Justin Owen, president of the Nashville-based Beacon Center of Tennessee, said in an emailed statement that he was disappointed with the decision.
Beacon is a right-of-center think tank.
“It is gut-wrenching to think that every year we wait to provide these families with quality education options is another year their children fall further through the cracks,” Owen said.
“We remain unyielding in our defense of these families and will continue to fight for them in the courts until the ESA program is ultimately allowed to be implemented just as the Governor and Legislature intended.”
– – –
Kimberlee Kruesi reports for The Associated Press. The Tennessee Star’s Chris Butler contributed to this report. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Tennessee Supreme Court Justices” by tennesseecourts.gov.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Trump via Twitter: Republican Convention Not Happening in North Carolina

In a series of tweets , President Donald Trump said the Republican National Convention will look at states other than North Carolina to host August ’ s event , blaming Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper .
Cooper and North Carolina officials had been going back and forth with Republican officials over safety concerns regarding hosting a convention during the coronavirus pandemic .
North Carolina was committed to holding a scaled-back convention under health guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The Republican National Committee and convention organizers wanted assurances it could put on a full-scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24-27 in Charlotte .
Cooper told Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and Republican National Convention President and CEO Marcia Kelly on Tuesday their request for 19,000 people to occupy the Spectrum Center and to fill hotels , bars and restaurants was improbable .
“ Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte , North Carolina , a place I love .
Now , @ NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena , ” Trump wrote in a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … Because of @ NC_Governor , we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.
” Cooper responded to Trump , also via Twitter : “ We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and it ’ s unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe .
Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority.
” “ I am blown away that Gov .
Cooper has pulled the plug on the hosting the RNC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley tweeted .
“ His failure to work with the RNC on a plan to safely host this event is a gut punch to thousands of small businesses who have already been suffering under his lockdown.
” RNC is under contract with Charlotte to host the convention .
It is unclear what will happen with that contract .
Republican officials said Tuesday night they could do the business of the convention in Charlotte and find a new location for Trump ’ s acceptance speech .
“ We have yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican National Committee regarding its intent for the location of the convention , ” the City of Charlotte tweeted Tuesday night in response to Trump ’ s tweets .
“ We have a contract in place with the RNC to host the convention and the City Attorney will be in contact with the attorneys for the RNC to understand their full intentions.
” Earlier Tuesday , Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee confirmed RNC officials were expected to visit Nashville this week as part of RNC ’ s scouting process for a new location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are interested in Las Vegas ; Orlando , Fla. ; Jacksonville , Fla. ; and Georgia .
Governors with strong ties to Trump in Georgia and Florida have expressed interest in hosting the GOP convention .
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp reiterated his desire Tuesday night by retweeting Trump ’ s tweet and adding the message , “ Hope you have Georgia on your mind , @ realDonaldTrump !
” Jason Schaumburg is an award-winning , veteran editor who has been a journalist for more than 20 years .
He spent a decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois newsrooms for Shaw Media and Pioneer Press .
Schaumburg is a regional editor for The Center Square .

by Jason Schaumburg
In a series of tweets, President Donald Trump said the Republican National Convention will look at states other than North Carolina to host August’s event, blaming Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
Cooper and North Carolina officials had been going back and forth with Republican officials over safety concerns regarding hosting a convention during the coronavirus pandemic.
North Carolina was committed to holding a scaled-back convention under health guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Republican National Committee and convention organizers wanted assurances it could put on a full-scale event, which was scheduled for Aug. 24-27 in Charlotte.
Cooper told Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and Republican National Convention President and CEO Marcia Kelly on Tuesday their request for 19,000 people to occupy the Spectrum Center and to fill hotels, bars and restaurants was improbable.
“Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place I love. Now, @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena,” Trump wrote in a series of tweets late Tuesday night. “… Because of @NC_Governor, we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.”
Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place I love. Now, @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena – Spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and… — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020
Cooper responded to Trump, also via Twitter: “We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and it’s unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority.”
We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and it’s unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority. — Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) June 3, 2020
“I am blown away that Gov. Cooper has pulled the plug on the hosting the RNC Convention in Charlotte,” North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley tweeted. “His failure to work with the RNC on a plan to safely host this event is a gut punch to thousands of small businesses who have already been suffering under his lockdown.”
RNC is under contract with Charlotte to host the convention. It is unclear what will happen with that contract. Republican officials said Tuesday night they could do the business of the convention in Charlotte and find a new location for Trump’s acceptance speech.
“We have yet to receive any official notification from the Republican National Committee regarding its intent for the location of the convention,” the City of Charlotte tweeted Tuesday night in response to Trump’s tweets. “We have a contract in place with the RNC to host the convention and the City Attorney will be in contact with the attorneys for the RNC to understand their full intentions.”
Earlier Tuesday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee confirmed RNC officials were expected to visit Nashville this week as part of RNC’s scouting process for a new location. Politico reported Tuesday that Republicans also are interested in Las Vegas; Orlando, Fla.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Georgia.
Governors with strong ties to Trump in Georgia and Florida have expressed interest in hosting the GOP convention.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp reiterated his desire Tuesday night by retweeting Trump’s tweet and adding the message, “Hope you have Georgia on your mind, @realDonaldTrump!”
Hope you have Georgia on your mind, @realDonaldTrump! https://t.co/4scxDSLOMj — Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) June 3, 2020
– – –
Jason Schaumburg is an award-winning, veteran editor who has been a journalist for more than 20 years. He spent a decade as the top editor in three northern Illinois newsrooms for Shaw Media and Pioneer Press. Schaumburg is a regional editor for The Center Square.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Judge: $750K Bail for 3 Ex-Officers Accused in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — A judge set bail at $ 750,000 apiece Thursday for three fired Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting in the killing of George Floyd , as a memorial service took place just blocks away .
Tou Thao , Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng made their first appearances in Hennepin County District Court as friends , relatives and celebrities gathered to memorialize Floyd at a nearby Bible college .
The Minneapolis Police Department fired them last week , along with Derek Chauvin , who is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death .
Widely seen bystander video shows the white police officer pressing his knee into Floyd ’ s neck , ignoring the African American man ’ s pleas that he can ’ t breathe , until he stops moving .
Defense attorneys argued for lower bail .
Attorney Earl Gray , representing Lane , told the court that Chauvin was the senior officer on the scene and that when Floyd died it was only Lane ’ s fourth day on the job .
It was also Kueng ’ s fourth day as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to hold Floyd ’ s feet so he couldn ’ t kick .
He also pointed out that the complaint says Lane asked Chauvin twice if they should roll Floyd over and expressed concern that Gray might be in delirium .
The attorney said Lane performed CPR in the ambulance .
“ What was my client supposed to do but follow what his training officer said ?
Is that aiding and abetting a crime ?
” Gray asked .
Attorneys for Kueng and Thao did not address the merits of the charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they declined to comment on the case for now out of respect for Floyd ’ s family on the day of his first memorial service .
Defendants don ’ t normally enter pleas during their first appearances in Minnesota courts , which tend to be brief proceedings .
Judge Paul Scoggin set their next court dates for June 29 .
Gray said he plans to renew his arguments for lower bail then , saying it could take more than a year for Lane ’ s case to go to trial .
If convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in prison on the murder count and 10 years for manslaughter .
Under Minnesota law , aiding and abetting second-degree murder is tantamount a second-degree murder charge , so Thao , Lane and Kueng face the same potential penalties as Chauvin if convicted .
A date for Chauvin ’ s first court appearance has not been set .
He was arrested May 29 .
The latest criminal complaint against him says his actions were a “ substantial causal factor in Mr. Floyd losing consciousness , constituting substantial bodily harm , and Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The narratives in the other three complaints are almost identical to the one against Chauvin .
The complaint against Lane , 37 , notes that he asked twice about rolling Floyd on his side and wondered about delirium , but went on to say that Lane “ took no actions to assist Mr. Floyd , to change his position , or to reduce the force the officers were using against Mr. Floyd.
” The complaint against Kueng , 26 , says he was positioned between Chauvin and Lane and could hear their comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was seen in the cellphone video standing near a crowd of bystanders , says Thao initially got a hobble restraint from the squad car , “ but the officers decided not to use it and maintained their positions.
” Following days of nationwide protests decrying police brutality and discrimination , Gov .
Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights ordered a civil rights investigation of the police department to determine how to address its history of racial discrimination and find solutions for systemic change .
Steve Karnowski reports for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo : This combination of photos provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff ’ s Office in Minnesota on Wednesday , June 3 , 2020 , shows J. Alexander Kueng , from left , Thomas Lane and Tou Thao .
They have been charged with aiding and abetting Derek Chauvin , who is charged with second-degree murder of George Floyd , a black man who died after being restrained by the Minneapolis police officers on May 25 .
( Hennepin County Sheriff ’ s Office via AP )

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AP) — A judge set bail at $750,000 apiece Thursday for three fired Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting in the killing of George Floyd, as a memorial service took place just blocks away.
Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng made their first appearances in Hennepin County District Court as friends, relatives and celebrities gathered to memorialize Floyd at a nearby Bible college.
The Minneapolis Police Department fired them last week, along with Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s May 25 death. Widely seen bystander video shows the white police officer pressing his knee into Floyd’s neck, ignoring the African American man’s pleas that he can’t breathe, until he stops moving.
Defense attorneys argued for lower bail. Attorney Earl Gray, representing Lane, told the court that Chauvin was the senior officer on the scene and that when Floyd died it was only Lane’s fourth day on the job. It was also Kueng’s fourth day as an officer.
Gray said all Lane did was to hold Floyd’s feet so he couldn’t kick. He also pointed out that the complaint says Lane asked Chauvin twice if they should roll Floyd over and expressed concern that Gray might be in delirium. The attorney said Lane performed CPR in the ambulance.
“What was my client supposed to do but follow what his training officer said? Is that aiding and abetting a crime?” Gray asked.
Attorneys for Kueng and Thao did not address the merits of the charges in court and told reporters afterward that they declined to comment on the case for now out of respect for Floyd’s family on the day of his first memorial service.
Defendants don’t normally enter pleas during their first appearances in Minnesota courts, which tend to be brief proceedings. Judge Paul Scoggin set their next court dates for June 29. Gray said he plans to renew his arguments for lower bail then, saying it could take more than a year for Lane’s case to go to trial.
If convicted, Chauvin faces a maximum of 40 years in prison on the murder count and 10 years for manslaughter. Under Minnesota law, aiding and abetting second-degree murder is tantamount a second-degree murder charge, so Thao, Lane and Kueng face the same potential penalties as Chauvin if convicted.
A date for Chauvin’s first court appearance has not been set. He was arrested May 29. The latest criminal complaint against him says his actions were a “substantial causal factor in Mr. Floyd losing consciousness, constituting substantial bodily harm, and Mr. Floyd’s death as well.”
The narratives in the other three complaints are almost identical to the one against Chauvin. The complaint against Lane, 37, notes that he asked twice about rolling Floyd on his side and wondered about delirium, but went on to say that Lane “took no actions to assist Mr. Floyd, to change his position, or to reduce the force the officers were using against Mr. Floyd.”
The complaint against Kueng, 26, says he was positioned between Chauvin and Lane and could hear their comments. The complaint against Thao, 34, who was seen in the cellphone video standing near a crowd of bystanders, says Thao initially got a hobble restraint from the squad car, “but the officers decided not to use it and maintained their positions.”
Following days of nationwide protests decrying police brutality and discrimination, Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights ordered a civil rights investigation of the police department to determine how to address its history of racial discrimination and find solutions for systemic change.
– – –
Steve Karnowski reports for The Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: This combination of photos provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office in Minnesota on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, shows J. Alexander Kueng, from left, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao. They have been charged with aiding and abetting Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree murder of George Floyd, a black man who died after being restrained by the Minneapolis police officers on May 25. (Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)