thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Rep. Mo Brooks Calls for Investigation After U.S. Army’s Chaney Pickard Sends Race-Baiting Email, La

Rep. Mo Brooks Calls for Investigation After U.S. Army’s Chaney Pickard Sends Race-Baiting Email, Labels ‘MAGA’ Slogan and More ‘White Supremacy’

The U.S. Army sent an email to its military and civilian members after the Fourth of July that included a graphic that claimed innocuous words and phrases like “ colorblind , ” “ all lives matter ” and the Trump Campaign slogan “ Make America Great Again ” are evidence of “ white supremacy.
” The graphic also listed “ Celebration of Columbus Day , ” the “ Denial of White Privilege , ” “ Talking about ‘ American Exceptionalism , ’ ” and saying “ There ’ s Only One Human Race ” as behaviors that are indicative of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offensive email to the attention of a U.S .
Congressman , the Army said the material was “ unapproved ” and sent out “ in error.
” According to Breitbart ’ s Kristina Wong , the email invited “ all soldiers and ( Department of the Army ) Civilian Personnel ” to attend the U.S. Army ’ s “ Operation Inclusion ” seminars on July 8 and 9 at the Redstone Arsenal Army Base in Alabama .
A U.S. congressman who learned of the problematic email through “ numerous Redstone Arsenal employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Hatch Act .
Rep. Mo Brooks ( R-AL ) — who caught wind of the email — blasted the “ deeply offensive and racist U.S. Army ‘ Operation Inclusion ’ ” content and demanded the firing and prosecution of Army personnel who used government resources to distribute political propaganda .
Brooks said the email is in “ clear violation ” of the Hatch Act , which bans government personnel from engaging in political activity while at work .
The seminars are part of a listening tour for Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” led by an “ Inclusion Advisory Team.
” Brooks said : “ Disturbingly , the Army chose Redstone Arsenal as the first location on a tour that will cover all Army 4 star commands.
” He said he has sent a letter to McCarthy , demanding an investigation .
“ Numerous Redstone Arsenal employees have expressed outrage to me about the U.S. Army blatantly violating the Hatch Act and , in effect , labeling patriotic Americans ‘ White Supremacists ’ and racists if they say or do dozens of things outlined in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Brooks asked the Army Secretary to answer the following questions : 1. Who within the Department of the Army is responsible for the creation of the email and document ?
2. Who within the Department of the Army approved the email and document ?
3 .
Pursuant to the creation and approval of the document , was there a violation of either the Hatch Act or DoD Directive 1344.10 ?
4 .
If a violation of the Hatch Act or DoD Directive 1344.10 is found to have occurred , will those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
5 .
If it is found that a violation occurred ( which seems pretty obvious ) , how will those federal employees be held accountable for their illegal conduct ?
Copies of Brooks ’ letter were also sent to President Donald Trump , Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , and Attorney General William Barr , among others , Breitbart reported .
The Army claimed that the graphic was sent “ in error ” and “ immediately recalled.
” On July 6 , 2020 , a Project Inclusion listening tour handout included two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ error and immediately recalled .
The slides – copied from a non-government website – included a word cloud with phrases that were intended to spark conversation ; however , the document was predecisional and inappropriate for the discussion .
The unapproved pages were in no way used as part of the ‘ Your Voice Matters ’ listening tour sessions .
As soon Department of the Army leaders were made aware of these products the Army initiated a 15-6 investigation to determine how this happened .
The Army does not condone the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army is and will continue to remain an apolitical organization .
This incident , however , isn ’ t the first time the U.S. Army has gotten caught disseminating extreme left-wing propaganda to soldiers .
In 2013 , a US Army training instructor lumped Evangelical Christianity , Catholicism , Ultra-Orthodox Jews , and the Church of Latter Day Saints with Al Qaeda , Hamas , the Ku Klux Klan , and Nation of Islam as examples of religious extremism .
The instructor of the Army Reserve Equal Opportunity training brief on religious extremism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far-left Southern Poverty Law Center .
The incident was made public by a soldier who attended the briefing .
He asked for copies of the presentation and sent them to the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty .
“ He considers himself an evangelical Christian and did not appreciate being classified with terrorists , ” said Ron Crews , the executive director of the Chaplain Alliance .
“ There was a pervasive attitude in the presentation that anything associated with religion is an extremist.
” Then-Army spokesman George Wright told Fox News at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an “ isolated incident not condoned by the Dept .
of the Army.
” “ This slide was not produced by the Army and certainly does not reflect our policy or doctrine , ” he said .
“ It was produced by an individual without anyone in the chain of command ’ s knowledge or permission .
”


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Lakers Star LeBron James Won’t Wear Social Justice Message on Lakers Jersey

LeBron James says his thoughts on social justice can ’ t be contained on the back of a basketball jersey .
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar won ’ t wear one of the NBA-approved social justice messages on the back of his jersey when the NBA resumes competition later this month in the Orlando bubble .
“ It was no disrespect to the list that was handed down to all the players , ” James said Saturday in a conference call from Florida .
“ I commend anyone that decides to put something on the back of their jersey .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t seriously resonate with my mission , with my goal.
” As part of the NBA ’ s recognition of the nationwide invigoration of the social justice movement sparked by the death of George Floyd , NBA players are allowed to choose from a lengthy list of possible messages for their jerseys during the league ’ s restart .
James is among just a few who declined to choose one of the messages , he said .
“ I would have loved to have a say-so on what would have went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James said .
“ I had a couple of things in mind , but I wasn ’ t part of that process , which is OK. … Everything that I do has a purpose , has a meaning .
I don ’ t need to have something on the back of my jersey for people to understand my mission or know what I ’ m about and what I ’ m here to do.
” The 35-year-old superstar has a long history of social involvement and advocacy for progressive causes .
James speaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility to campaign for positive social change from his powerful position in sports and pop culture .
“ This is the mission I ’ ve been on for a long time now , ” James said .
“ It ’ s great that a lot of people ’ s ears are opening .
A lot of people are understanding , a lot of people are recognizing .
A lot of people still don ’ t get it , and a lot of people are still afraid to talk about the racism that goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
… But we have some ears , and we will continue to push the envelope and let everyone know that we are human as well .
We don ’ t want to be just be used for our God-given abilities.
” JaVale McGee , the Lakers ’ veteran center , said he will wear “ Respect Us ” on his jersey in Orlando .
“ It ’ s a blessing to have this platform , ” said McGee , whose asthma has him being particularly cautious during the pandemic .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing basketball … Our fans are basketball fans over anything .
This is the biggest platform we can speak about social injustices .
That ’ s the best time to talk about it.
” James also said he didn ’ t consider not playing in the NBA ’ s restart , believing the league can be a positive force through its visibility and competition .
He expressed no concerns for his health inside the bubble .
“ I believe the NBA and ( Commissioner ) Adam Silver , they took all precautionary measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league are as safe as we can be , ” James said .
“ Obviously , in anything that you do , there can be things that can happen , so we will cross that line if it happens .
But we ’ re doing everything to make sure everyone stays safe during this pandemic .
Adam Silver has given me no reason to not believe him since he took over .
I have no concerns .
I ’ m here 100 % and in great health.
” Greg Beacham is a sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Headline Photo : In this March 10 , 2020 , file photo , Los Angeles Lakers ’ LeBron James ( 23 ) dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets in Los Angeles .
If James gets his way , NBA arenas and other sports venues around the country will be mega polling sites for the November general election .
( AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez , File )

by Scott McClallen
About $13.5 million in taxpayer grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund will help train 8,500 workers across nearly 300 Michigan businesses to earn industry-recognized credentials and strong wages.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an investment in our state’s greatest asset – our people – helping them develop the skills they need to advance their careers and ‘make it’ in Michigan,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “These grants help us put thousands of Michiganders on paths to good-paying jobs and empower hundreds of Michigan businesses across the state develop the talent they need to compete in the global economy.”
The program launched in 2014. Since then, more than 6,000 Michigan businesses have received Going PRO Talent Fund awards to train 175,000 new and existing workers.
More than 60% of the employers receiving funds are small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and result in the employee acquiring a credential for a transferable skill recognized by the industry.
Susan Corbin, the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said these grants keep Michigan businesses competitive globally.
“Programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund help businesses throughout Michigan train the talent they need in order to stay competitive in the global economy,” Corbin said in a statement. “Investments like these help us connect individuals and business leaders with tailored opportunities and unique resources they need to prosper. Together, we are creating a competitive and innovative environment that improves the quality of life for people who live, work and do business in Michigan.”
The average training cost per worker is $1,250. According to 2021 data, average hourly wages for Going PRO Talent Fund participants increased by $5.71 six months after completing training.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund has continued to help Michigan employers retain their workers by providing the necessary support for them to help upskill their workforce,” LEO’s Office of Employment and Training director Stephanie Beckhorn said in a statement. “These trainings have also provided an opportunity for employees to gain industry-recognized credentials they need to grow and thrive in these in-demand careers.”
LEO makes Going PRO Talent Fund awards to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies. Participating employers play an integral role in defining their crucial training needs, then work with their local MWAs and other partners to develop strategic training plans.
David Worthams, director of Employment Policy for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, said the talent fund is “arguably the best talent development program the state of Michigan has to offer.”
“As we get into the next cycle of grants, employers and their employees will see huge strides in new skills that we need as we move into the future of manufacturing in the state, Worthams said in a statement. “This is another reason why Michigan is one of the best states to do business in.”
– – –
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi. In 2021, he published a book on technology and privacy. He co-hosts the weekly Michigan in Focus podcast.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Facebook’s Software Kit to Blame for Popular Apps Crashing

OAKLAND , California ( AP ) — Friday ’ s widespread crashes of popular apps running on the iPhone ’ s iOS operating system — including Tinder , Spotify and Pinterest — serve as a reminder that Facebook is still tracking you through your phone using sophisticated software , even if you ’ re not browsing the social network .
Early Friday , users of the apps reported crashes when they tried to open them up .
Facebook attributed the problem , which was quickly fixed , to a bug in its software development kit , or SDK , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Facebook .
The integration allows people to use their Facebook credentials to log in to apps for dating , music or anything else .
Google , Apple and other companies also offer SDKs to developers .
It also allows the app developers to send data from their app to Facebook , which tracks and measures what people do on the apps .
The data is useful both for the app developers and Facebook , which uses sophisticated systems to measure how people respond to ads , how they use its service and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In March , the video calling service Zoom was sued in California for sharing user data with Facebook using its SDK , a practice it now says it has stopped .
Facebook ’ s SDK caused similar crashes in May .
The company said in a statement Friday that a “ code change triggered crashes for some iOS apps using the Facebook SDK.
” The crashes Friday happened even if users were not logged in to the apps using Facebook .
Barbara Ortutay is a Technology Writer for The Associated Press .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 11 , 2019 , file photo , an iPhone displays the Facebook app in New Orleans .
Widespread crashes of popular apps running on the iPhone ’ s iOS operating system , including Tinder , Spotify and Pinterest , has served as a reminder that Facebook is still tracking you through your phone using sophisticated software , even if you ’ re not browsing the social network .
( AP Photo/Jenny Kane , File )


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--State Department of Labor Takes Steps to Catch Up as Tennesseans Wait on Unemployment Claims

More than a quarter of a million Tennesseans have open unemployment claims with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development .
While some unemployed claimants have waited more than nine weeks to receive a first benefit payment , the department said it is continuing to adapt to meet the unprecedented demand .
“ Over a three-week time period , unemployment claims increased 4,000 percent , ” Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Jeff McCord ( pictured above ) told The Center Square .
The week after the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Tennessee , 2,702 unemployed workers filed claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 116,141 new claims were filed .
Since March 15 , the department has processed 691,898 claims .
“ That kind of not just magnitude , but suddenness , obviously caused strain on systems and on staffing , ” McCord said .
In response to the demand , the department underwent a significant computer system upgrade .
The department also relocated employees of its American Job Centers locations to process unemployment claims because they already were familiar with acronyms and the approval process , and it required less training than hiring entirely new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff members were added to the department in a matter of weeks to serve in customer service and claim processing .
“ That sounds great , but the issue really wasn ’ t , and isn ’ t still , just a number-of-people issue .
It ’ s an expertise issue , ” McCord said .
“ At the same time we were bringing these folks on , we needed to train them.
” Making decisions on claims requires training and experience .
That kind of work , McCord said , is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department will continue to train new claim agents and add new staff throughout July .
As the department adapted to record demand and new staffing , it also worked to implement federal unemployment programs passed by Congress , including the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program , Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and the federal Extended Benefit program .
“ We were required by the CARES Act to build three new systems for unemployment insurance that didn ’ t exist before , ” McCord said .
“ That ’ s not an easy thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re struggling with system issues and staffing issues , it certainly ramped up our challenge.
” Meanwhile , legislative offices continue to receive requests from constituents for assistance with their unemployment claims , some of whom have been waiting since April for a payment .
“ They ’ re still having virtually no luck calling into the department and actually reaching someone , ” Rep. Gloria Johnson , D-Knoxville , told The Center Square , noting that when her constituents call the department and do reach someone , that person is usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their claim .
“ We are in the danger zone now for people really losing their livelihoods , ” Johnson said .
“ We ’ ve got to do better .
Folks are really struggling .
With the federal portion about to end if the U.S. Senate does not do something , I don ’ t know how people are going to survive.
” Johnson said she has spoken to constituents who have lost their apartments waiting for an unemployment payment .
McCord and Johnson agree change is likely for Tennessee ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after all this , we ’ re going to look at how the unemployment system works in totality , ” McCord said .
“ But that is certainly a question for the Legislature.
” When the Legislature returns for an anticipated special session , Johnson said it ’ s an issue that should be taken up , along with Medicaid expansion .
In the meantime , she encourages anyone who needs assistance with unemployment claims to contact their state representative .
“ It ’ s not a cure all , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right direction , ” Johnson said .
Vivian Jones reports on Tennessee and South Carolina for The Center Square .
Her writing has appeared in the Detroit News , The Hill , and publications of The Heartland Institute .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Google Selects Mississippi Site for First US Operations Center

SOUTHAVEN , Mississippi ( AP ) — Google ’ s first U.S. operations center is coming to northwest Mississippi .
The company announced Thursday it will lease a new 60,000-square-foot ( 5,574 square-meter ) facility in Southaven , Mississippi , near Memphis , Tennessee .
Google expects the site , which will provide customer and operations support to customers worldwide , to be operational by summer 2021 .
“ This Google Operations Center represents a critical investment for the company and we look forward to being an active member of the local community for years to come , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operations Center .
“ The new site will give us the opportunity to hire amazing local talent and we are confident that the Southaven community will be a great home for our Operations Center.
” Employees will provide customer service to Google users by handling product troubleshooting , among other tasks .
The company has kicked off recruiting efforts and intends to hire 100 employees by the end of the year .
“ Google is a titan in the global economy and we are honored to have their first-class operation in our city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Google ’ s other operations centers are located in India and the Philippines .
“ This is a true testament to our skilled workforce and the increasing economic strength of our great state , ” Gov .
Tate Reeves said .
“ Mississippi and the Southaven community welcome Google with open arms , and we look forward to growing this partnership and creating opportunities for success for years to come.
” Construction on the Southaven site is set to begin in the coming months .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Bill Hagerty Commemorates One Year Since Donald Trump’s Endorsement Tweet

U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty on Sunday released a video commemorating his past year on the campaign trail .
Hagerty , in a press release he published on his campaign website , said it was the one-year anniversary of U.S. President Donald Trump endorsing him .
“ Over the last year , I ’ ve been blessed to travel all across our great state and meet with many of my fellow Tennesseans ; it is an incredible honor to stand before you and ask for your support , ” Hagerty said .
“ The America we love is under attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a year ago – and now more than ever , President Trump needs a trusted , conservative ally in the Senate .
As I have promised the good people of Tennessee since President Trump endorsed me , I will always fight for us , and I ’ ll continue to work alongside President Trump to hold China accountable , rebuild our economy , support our law enforcement officers , and stop the angry liberal mob.
” Campaign spokeswoman Abigail Sigler said in the press release that Hagerty is the only candidate who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Team Hagerty ’ s momentum continues to grow stronger every day , and with early voting beginning in just five days , we ’ re not taking our foot off the gas , ” Sigler said .
As The Tennessee Star reported this month , Trump took to Twitter and reiterated that he supported Hagerty .
Trump tweeted the following at the time : “ My friend , @ BillHagertyTN , will be a phenomenal Senator for Tennessee !
He did an incredible job for our country as Ambassador to Japan .
Strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wall , Bill stands Tall for Law & Order .
He has my Complete and Total Endorsement !
” And Hagerty replied on his own Twitter and Facebook accounts : “ Thank you , President Donald J. Trump !
I am humbled by the President ’ s support .
Tennesseans stand with you , and in the Senate , I will continue fighting for the America First agenda .
# TNSen ” Trump endorsed Hagerty one year ago , as The Star reported at the time .
As reported in January , Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Hagerty “ was on the Trump train before it was politically expedient.
” And that , Trump Jr. went on to say , is why his dad endorsed Hagerty so early in the campaign .
“ It is safe to say that in a Republican primary today , unless you ’ ve been hiding under a rock for four or five years , my father ’ s endorsement is a pretty big deal , ” Trump Jr. told the audience .
“ I also understand how primary politics works , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never know what really happens .
I can ’ t think of another individual who has been endorsed this early by my father .
That ’ s everything you need to know .
My father trusts him .
He believes in him , as Bill believed in him when so few actually did.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Grandson of Elvis Presley Has Died at Age 27, Agent Says

LOS ANGELES , California ( AP ) — The son of Lisa Marie Presley has died .
He was 27 @ @ @ @ @ Roger Widynowski said in a statement Sunday to The Associated Press that she was “ @ @ @ @ @ the death of her son Benjamin Keough .
He is the grandson of the late @ @ @ @ @ that Keough died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday in Calabasas , California .
“ @ @ @ @ @ inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her @ @ @ @ @ Widynowski said in the statement .
“ She adored that boy .
He was the @ @ @ @ @ Presley had Keough and actress Riley Keough , 31 , with her former husband Danny @ @ @ @ @ twins from another marriage .
Nancy Sinatra tweeted her condolences to Presley , writing , @ @ @ @ @ since before your mama gave birth to you , never dreaming you would have pain @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m so very sorry .
”


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Amazon Says Email to Employees Banning TikTok Was a Mistake

Roughly five hours after an internal email went out Friday to Amazon employees telling them to delete the popular video app TikTok from their phones , the online retailing giant appeared to backtrack , calling the ban a mistake .
“ This morning ’ s email to some of our employees was sent in error , ” Amazon emailed reporters just before 5 p.m. Eastern time .
“ There is no change to our policies right now with regard to TikTok.
” Company spokeswoman Jaci Anderson declined to answer questions about what caused the confounding turnaround or error .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely online , told employees to delete TikTok , a video app increasingly popular with young people but also the focus of intensifying national-security and geopolitical concerns because of its Chinese ownership .
The email cited the app ’ s “ security risks.
” An Amazon employee who confirmed receipt of the initial email but was not authorized to speak publicly had not seen a retraction at the time of Amazon ’ s backtrack .
Amazon is the second-largest U.S. private employer after Walmart .
Moving against TikTok could have escalated pressure on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly if other companies did the same .
The U.S. military already bans TikTok on employee phones and the company is subject to a national-security review of its merger history .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that the government was “ certainly looking ” at banning the app , setting off confused and irritated posts as well as jokes by TikTok users .
Chinese internet company ByteDance owns TikTok , which is designed for users outside of China ; it also makes a Chinese version called Douyin .
Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the videos that populate its app .
It has a reputation for fun , goofy videos and is popular with young people , including millions of Americans .
But critics have cited concerns , including the possibility of TikTok censoring videos , such as those critical of the Chinese government , sharing user data with Chinese officials , and violating kids ’ privacy .
TikTok has said it doesn ’ t censor videos based on topics sensitive to China and it would not give the Chinese government access to U.S. user data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the day that Amazon did not notify it before sending the initial email around midday Eastern time Friday .
That email read , “ The TikTok app is no longer permitted on mobile devices that access Amazon email.
” To retain mobile access to company email , employees had to delete the TikTok app by the end of the day .
“ We still do not understand their concerns , ” TikTok said at the time , adding that the company would welcome a dialogue to address Amazon ’ s issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday evening .
TikTok has been trying to appease critics in the U.S. and distance itself from its Chinese roots , but finds itself caught in an increasingly sticky geopolitical web .
It recently named a new CEO , former Disney executive Kevin Mayer , a move experts said could help it navigate U.S. regulators .
And it is stopping operations in Hong Kong because of a new Chinese national security law that led Facebook , Google and Twitter to also stop providing user data to Hong Kong authorities .
Pompeo said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to the administration ’ s crackdown on Chinese telecom firms Huawei and ZTE .
Washington has tried to convince allies to root Huawei out of telecom networks with mixed success .
President Donald Trump has also said he is willing to use Huawei as a bargaining chip in trade talks .
Huawei has denied that it enables spying by the Chinese government .
A U.S. national-security agency has been reviewing ByteDance ’ s purchase of TikTok ’ s precursor , Musical.ly .
Meanwhile , privacy groups say TikTok has been violating children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal Trade Commission fined the company in 2019 for collecting personal information from children without their parents ’ consent .
Concerns aren ’ t limited to the U.S. India this month banned dozens of Chinese apps , including TikTok , citing privacy concerns , amid tensions between the countries .
Amazon may have been concerned about a Chinese-owned app ’ s access to employee data because the U.S. government says China regularly steals U.S. intellectual property , said Susan Ariel Aaronson , a professor at George Washington University and a data governance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s motivation with the ban , now apparently reversed , may also have been political , Aaronson said , since Amazon “ doesn ’ t want to alienate the Trump administration.
” Seattle-based Amazon and its founder , Jeff Bezos , are frequent targets of Trump .
Bezos personally owns The Washington Post , which Trump has called “ fake news.
” Last year , Amazon sued the U.S. government , saying that Trump ’ s “ personal vendetta ” against Amazon , Bezos and the Post led it to lose a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon to rival Microsoft .
Meanwhile , federal regulators as well as Congress are pursuing antitrust investigations at Amazon as well as other tech giants .
Tali Arbel is a Technology Writer at The Associated Press .
AP Business Writer Joseph Pisani contributed to this report .
About the Headline Image : This Feb. 25 , 2020 , file photo , shows the icon for TikTok in New York .
Amazon has told employees to delete the popular video app TikTok from phones on which they use Amazon email , citing security risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports and posts by Twitter users who said they were Amazon employees .
The notice said employees must delete the app by Friday to keep access to Amazon email .
Workers would still be allowed to use TikTok from an Amazon laptop browser .
( AP Photo/File )


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Federal Judge Eli Richardson Rules Against Nashville Bar Owners: Stay Closed for Now

NASHVILLE , Tennessee ( AP ) — A judge has ruled against some Nashville bar owners who sought a temporary restraining order against city officials in an effort to push back against coronavirus restrictions .
Federal Judge Eli Richardson , a Trump appointee , denied the request , the mayor ’ s office and the plaintiffs ’ attorney told news outlets on Sunday .
“ Judge Richardson ’ s ruling affirms Metro ’ s approach in fighting the coronavirus and keeping Nashvillians safe , ” Nashville Mayor John Cooper said in a statement .
Attorney Bryan Lewis , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed with the ruling but plan to move forward with their case .
The bar owners filed suit last week in U.S. District Court and sought a temporary restraining order against Cooper , Metro Public Health Department Director Michael C. Caldwell and the Metro Beer Permit Board .
The suit says the bar owners have suffered harm because of closures amid the pandemic and requests an exemption from a recent order by the mayor that requires bars in Nashville to close for two weeks .
As of Sunday , Nashville had more 5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death attributed to the illness .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Fire Destroys Much of 249-year-old Church in California

SAN GABRIEL , California ( AP ) — A fire early Saturday destroyed the rooftop and most of the interior of a Catholic church in California that was undergoing renovation to mark its upcoming 250th anniversary celebration .
Fire alarms at the San Gabriel Mission rang around 4 a.m .
When firefighters arrived , they saw smoke rising from the wooden rooftop in one corner of the historic structure , San Gabriel Fire Capt .
Paul Negrete said .
Firefighters entered the church and tried to beat back the flames , but they had to retreat when roofing and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ We were trying to fight it from the inside .
We weren ’ t able to because it became unsafe , ” he said .
After evacuating the church , the crew was joined by up to 50 firefighters who tried to douse water on the 50-foot-high structure from ladder trucks , he said .
“ The roof is completely gone , ” the captain said .
“ The fire traversed the wood rapidly .
The interior is pretty much destroyed up into the altar area.
” The cause of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He said the recent toppling of monuments to Junipero Serra , the founder of the California mission system who has long been a symbol of oppression among Indigenous activists , will be a factor in the investigation .
“ This will be another box that they ’ re going to check off , ” Negrete said .
Robert Barron , the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles , tweeted that he was “ deeply troubled ” by the fire as he awaits further information about its cause .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of missions established across California by Serra during the era of Spanish colonization .
The Franciscan priest has long been praised by the church for bringing Roman Catholicism to what is now the western United States , but critics highlight a darker side to his legacy .
In converting Native Americans to Catholicism , they said he forced them to abandon their culture or face brutal punishment .
Depictions of Serra have been protested and vandalized over the years , and Pope Francis ’ decision in 2015 to elevate him to sainthood reopened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focusing on the rights and historical struggle of Black and Indigenous people led activists to topple statues of Serra in San Francisco , Sacramento and Los Angeles .
In response , the San Gabriel Mission recently moved a bronze statue of Serra from the church entrance to its garden , away from public view , Terri Huerta , a spokeswoman for San Gabriel Mission , told the Los Angeles Times .
Police increased patrol and officials stepped security around the mission ’ s grounds about two weeks ago , she said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week ago .
Crews had just finished installing the pews as part of a larger renovation of the property to mark the anniversary of the founding of the mission in 1771 , Huerta said .
The firefighters ’ aggressive stance and “ a little bit of a miracle ” kept the flames from reaching the altar , she said .
The church had been preparing to reopen next weekend following a four-month closure to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Selena Quezada , 26 , was in tears when she drove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire .
She said she grew up in the parish and attended the elementary school on the church ’ s grounds .
“ I was baptized here , I had my first communion here … I was getting ready to get married here next year so this hurts , ” Quezada said .
“ It ’ s just really sad to see such a historic place burned down because this place means a lot to us.
” The church , built of stone , brick and mortar , originally had a vaulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the early 1800s , Huerta said .
Franciscan fathers replaced the ceiling with a wood-paneled ceiling , and the roof was last repaired following damage caused by the 1994 Northridge earthquake , she said .
Marcio Sanchez and Daily Nguyen report for The Associated Press .
Nguyen reported from San Francisco .
About the Headline Photo : The interior of the San Gabriel Mission is damaged following a morning fire , Saturday , July 11 , 2020 , in San Gabriel , Calif .
The fire destroyed the rooftop and most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church that was undergoing renovation .
( AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez )


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Biden-Sanders Proposal for DNC Convention Includes Increased Taxes, Tuition-Free Community Colleges,

Biden-Sanders Proposal for DNC Convention Includes Increased Taxes, Tuition-Free Community Colleges, Other Spending Increases

A task force created by presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , his former political rival , released policy recommendations for the Democratic Party Convention platform committee to consider .
Called the “ unity platform , ” it emphasizes expanded federal spending and taxation in nearly all platform areas .
It calls for increased federal funding for housing , infrastructure , Social Security , and a large-scale government-run jobs program , and increases taxes on higher income earners .
“ Though the end result is not what I or my supporters would have written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good policy blueprint that will move this country in a much-needed progressive direction , ” Sanders said .
Biden said the plan was a “ bold , transformative platform for our party and for our country.
” “ This is not a unity group , this is surrendering to the socialists , ” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , told “ Fox & Friends ” Thursday .
“ Joe has a long history of doing nothing , ” McCarthy said , “ but now he shows that he ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party , because remember , Bernie Sanders is not a Democrat , he was registered as a socialist , ran as a socialist and that ’ s what the new wing of the party is craving.
” While it does not include a “ Medicare-for-All ” plan that Sanders supports , the proposal calls for the establishment of a “ high-quality public option plan … without deductibles ” administered by the federal government , not private companies .
According to the document , “ Democrats will also make available on the marketplace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option with low fees and no deductibles , so that everyone will have access to this high-quality , low-cost plan .
Low income Americans will be automatically enrolled in this federally administered option at zero cost to them.
” Seniors would be able to enroll in Medicare at age 60 instead of age 65 .
The proposal includes implementing 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave , a $ 15 minimum wage , and support for a House bill that “ would establish a commission to examine how the legacy of 246 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jim Crow segregation continues to impact the economic prospects of Black Americans today , and to recommend remedies.
” Recommendations also include extending Affordable Care Act coverage to individuals who fall under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ( DACA ) program , and allowing illegal immigrants to purchase unsubsidized coverage in the ACA marketplace .
The proposal also repeals several Trump administration policies related to travel bans , asylum , and migration , and calls for a “ roadmap to citizenship , ” which includes Biden ’ s 100-day moratorium on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICE and Border Protection enforcement policies and practices .
The proposal would expand the free meal program in K-12 schools , triple Title 1 funding , ban for-profit private charter schools , oppose private school vouchers , and reinstate Obama-era Title IX transgender student requirements .
It would also fund grants for historically black colleges and universities , make tuition at community colleges free , forgive up to $ 50,000 worth of student debt for graduates employed in public service , and cancel loans for public servants , teachers and disabled students .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the task force had plagiarized numerous sections “ word-for-word ” from Sanders ’ platform .
“ The fact Joe Biden has embraced Bernie Sanders ’ radical agenda verbatim is proof that while Bernie may not be the one leading the Democrat Party , Biden is more than happy to be his champion in its lurch to the left , ” Guest tweeted .
He also referred to Biden ’ s previous plagiarism scandals , saying , “ Bottom Line : Joe Biden has years of experience copying from others , now his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie ’ s 2020 campaign proposals.
” Bethany Blankley is a contributor to The Center Square .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” and “ Bernie Sanders ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .
Background Photo “ DNC ” by Qqqqqq .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Thousands of North Carolina Voters Double-Voted, Watchdog Group Finds

Thousands of voters in North Carolina voted twice in one or both of the past two elections , according to a court filing in the key battleground state .
Public Interest Legal Foundation , an election integrity group , announced Thursday that it had filed a brief in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina outlining the number of double votes .
A total of 16,700 duplicate votes were cast in the 2016 and 2018 elections , according to an audit by the watchdog group based on public records .
North Carolina was home to a disputed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interest Legal Foundation made the court filing in the case of Democracy NC et .
al .
v. North Carolina State Board of Elections , which seeks to suspend North Carolina ’ s protections for mail-in voters during the presidential election in November in light of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Specifically , the state ’ s public voter rolls show that even with election integrity mechanisms in place , voters registered in more than one precinct are credited for voting a second ballot .
This could be an individual voting twice or someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identity .
Such cases largely have resulted from poor maintenance of voter rolls at the local level—for example , not updating the rolls when voters move .
The audit found that in the 2016 presidential election in North Carolina , about 9,700 voters were credited with voting twice .
Of these cases , about half—or 5,000—were mail-in ballots .
Two years later , during the 2018 midterm election , about 7,000 voters were credited with voting twice .
Of those , 2,900 were mail-in votes , the audit says .
It is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted twice in both elections .
In one of the most high-profile voter fraud cases in recent years , the North Carolina State Board of Elections decertified the outcome of the 2018 race in the 9th Congressional District and ordered a new election after evidence of absentee ballot fraud emerged .
In that race , 61 % of all mailed votes were cast for Republican Mark Harris over Democrat Dan McCready , although only 16 % of those requesting a ballot were Republicans .
In the new election , Republican Dan Bishop stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is a widespread concern in North Carolina , ” J. Christian Adams , president and general counsel of Public Interest Legal Foundation , said in a written statement .
“ We should be talking about how to strengthen our systems against misdeeds done out of the sight of election officials in 2020 instead of defending an imperfect system from total ruin.
” Those suing , Adams said , “ are only raising the threat of worsening the settled fact that voter fraud is most common in the mail.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the League of Women Voters , and others calls for waiving requirements that voter registration forms be submitted 25 days before an election , eliminating the witness signature on absentee ballots , allowing ballots to be received in ways other than mail , such as contactless dropboxes , and increasing early voting .
Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “ The Right Side of History ” podcast .
Lucas is also the author of “ Tainted by Suspicion : The Secret Deals and Electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ People Voting ” by Wyofile .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Commentary: Demoralization, Destabilization, Crisis, and Normalization Are the Four Stages of a Marx

Commentary: Demoralization, Destabilization, Crisis, and Normalization Are the Four Stages of a Marxist Takeover

It ’ s important to understand that this is a revolutionary moment in American history , and it isn ’ t a bad idea to act in ways that would fall under the traditional description of “ accordingly.
” But it ’ s also important to understand that the revolution taking place in America is not yet a “ kinetic ” one .
That may come soon , or it may not .
The battle taking place presently is a war of information — or disinformation , as the case may be .
And the revolution is a Marxist revolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
The groups fomenting it , the intellectuals promoting it , and the money financing it are all quite open about who they are .
The object of this information revolution ?
To begin with , defeating Donald Trump and installing Joe Biden as the Hard Left ’ s puppet president .
Biden is , for now , palatable to the American people in ways that actual communist Bernie Sanders , spawn of a communist Pete Buttigieg , Sandinista sympathizer Bill de Blasio , and other far-left revolutionary ( remember : Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for a revolution ) figures were not .
But despite his lack of bona fides , Biden offers something quite beneficial to the Left — he is wholly incapable of executing the duties of president of the United States owing to a clear deficiency of mental function that shows itself every time he makes a public appearance .
Couple that with Biden and his handlers being so utterly devoid of principle and scruples that he and they are willing to serve as an empty vessel into which might be poured whatever horrors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring on .
Joe Biden isn ’ t Vladimir Lenin .
Biden is Alexander Kerensky , the Russian politician who served as the vessel for the revolutionaries to overthrow the old guard in 1917 and then , once he had proven himself useful toward that end , was shuffled aside so the real power could assume control .
And as in Kerensky ’ s case , what comes after will bring the end of all that we know .
They ’ re not even trying to hide this anymore .
Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are trained Marxists.
” Antifa ’ s imagery , dogma , public statements — all straight from the Marxist playbook .
The bleatings of the Democrat Socialist crowd , including AOC , Ilhan Omar , Ayanna Pressley and the rest — unabashedly Marxist .
What do you think every one of these “ community organizing ” outfits catching oversized checks from the Soroses of the world are teaching to their new recruits ?
Where do you think critical race theory , repressive tolerance , and intersectionalism , the tools of the cultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and institutions , came from ?
They came from the Frankfurt School , all of whom were Marxists .
This playbook was written long ago .
If you think that Bernie Sanders or Kshama Sawant or Alicia Garza are smart enough to dream up a plan for taking down the greatest society the world has ever known , you are out of touch with reality .
The only way they could have been as effective as they have so far is to follow somebody else ’ s plan .
Which they are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revolution on these shores is far-fetched is that your faith in America ’ s institutions makes you believe the loss of your freedom and prosperity are impossible .
That confidence isn ’ t a flaw in your character .
To the contrary , it ’ s a sign of your patriotism .
But this moment makes that confidence unwarranted , if not obsolete .
Joe Biden is telling you that if he wins in November he will “ transform ” America .
He ’ s telling you that he will institute massive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking about getting the Post Office into the banking business ( not just putting the Post Office in charge of ballot security , banking as well ) , while his fellow Democrats are talking about creating a cashless society — the combination of which will effectively eliminate private finance and the cash economy , meaning no escape from the tender mercies of the IRS and government regulators who will then be able to audit and analyze all of your financial transactions .
Now is where you should be thinking about China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which are already creeping into our society , and how that might merge with government banking and the elimination of cash .
The frightening promises Biden is making to the Hard Left in this country while he vets anti-American loons like Tammy Duckworth — who openly discusses the defenestration of George Washington and calls Abraham Lincoln and Jackie Robinson “ dead traitors ” because Trump praised them at Mount Rushmore , then pretends to be insulted when people rightly call that the offensive idiocy that it is — as his vice presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Left ’ s puppet .
Biden jumped in to defend Duckworth after her insane ranting , in case you missed it ; in any other time in American history a presidential candidate would have dumped her as a potential VP the minute she came out against George Washington .
You shouldn ’ t believe the polls that show Biden with such huge leads .
But the reason those polls are delivering the numbers they do should make you concerned .
Those polls are trash , because Trump voters are “ shy voters.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are you really going to tell a stranger over the phone whom you ’ re voting for ?
Doing so might put you on a list , get you doxxed , get you fired from your job , beat up , or worse .
Why do you as a Trump voter worry about that ?
You , and everyone else in America , are being demoralized .
There is a video interview from a long time ago that you should see if you haven ’ t already seen it .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our readers may have seen years ago and then forgot about — but all of a sudden it ’ s incredibly relevant again .
The interview dates back to 1984 , and it was conducted by the author , filmmaker , and John Birch Society gadfly G. Edward Griffin with a Soviet defector and former KGB operative named Yuri Bezmenov .
Forget about Griffin ’ s background .
He was something of an Alex Jones of his time , and he ’ s still around in his dotage , obsessing about things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Bezmenov who matters .
The Russian was involved at relatively high levels as a propagandist par excellence before leaving the USSR for Canada , and he laid out in excruciating detail the process by which a free society might be brought to collapse .
Bezmenov didn ’ t dream that up .
It wasn ’ t even a secret .
Nikita Khrushchev , who ran the Soviet Union from 1958 to 1964 , was quite open in predicting the destruction of the United States and furthermore said it would happen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — internally .
“ We will take America without firing a shot , ” Khrushchev said .
“ We do not have to invade the U.S. We will destroy you from within.
” Khrushchev and the Soviets weren ’ t just bragging .
What he was talking about was an entire system of Marxist indoctrination and takeover they had perfected and executed in country after country during the 20th century .
Eastern Europe .
North Korea .
North Vietnam , then all of Vietnam .
Cuba .
Nicaragua .
Later , Venezuela .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the communist bloom of which has only recently come to pass .
Some of those countries went communist because the Soviets rolled the tanks in ; most went communist because the pre-communist society collapsed for various reasons .
All went communist after they had been infiltrated with Marxist revolutionaries .
The point being that there was a template in place for how to penetrate a society with Marxist ideals and implode it so that the revolutionaries would control the ruins .
Bezmenov , whose father was a high-ranking Soviet military official and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KGB overseas operative , was taught the template and put to work in India attempting to infiltrate that country and bring it into the Warsaw Pact .
He also worked at the Soviet RIA Novosti news organization , editing and planting propaganda materials into foreign media .
The man knew exactly what he was talking about when he outlined how a Marxist revolution might be America down without firing a shot , just as Khrushchev had predicted .
Of course , the Soviet Union didn ’ t take America down .
We won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The USSR collapsed before we did , mostly because America had a leader in Ronald Reagan who had the vision and will to pressure the Soviets into collapse and openly talked of a day when Soviet communism was on the ash-heap of history .
But Reagan also warned that freedom is a fragile thing , and that it ’ s never more than one generation from extinction .
That warning expired when Reagan did , as Americans grew far too complacent after the USSR fell apart and forgot what communism means .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century passed into the history books , what replaced them was an American cultural and political elite either ignorant of the Marxist threat and how it might materialize , or far more concerned with the rise of Islam .
That ’ s how you got a red diaper baby like Barack Obama elected president of this country for two terms .
It ’ s also how you got Republican state legislators , governors , and congressmen fully invested in throwing money into education , and particularly higher education , without a second of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The teachers ’ unions were the largest donors to Bernie Sanders .
What do you think that tells you ?
Why are you surprised the schools are turning out students who think Washington and Jefferson were villains ?
Back to Bezmenov , who warned us in 1984 that a free society collapses in four stages , and the first is demoralization .
What he meant by demoralization is a process by which students in schools controlled by disciples of leftist thought would be indoctrinated into a set of values and beliefs foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bezmenov said , in 1984 , mind you , that this would happen when the 1960s and 1970s student radicals began to control the educational institutions , and their project would be to throw out traditional Judeo-Christian morality , classical education , and American patriotism .
Is there any doubt this has happened ?
Our young people are the least patriotic in our nation ’ s history , and the most ignorant of the cultural , intellectual , and ideological patrimony of which they are heirs .
It ’ s even worse than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just in our schools but in our media and entertainment institutions has poisoned those against the country .
Remember when the NFL was an escape from politics ?
Remember when the movies Hollywood made extolled American values and made viewers feel good about their country ?
When was the last time you saw anything from American education or corporate media that made you feel good about your country ?
The first goal of revolutionary propaganda , particularly the Marxist variety , is to demoralize .
It ’ s to depress you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once you succumb to that , you are , in the words of Ming the Merciless , “ satisfied with less.
” Why do you think ordinary white people are so willing to apologize for the sins of their ancestors and to confess to being racist without even knowing it ?
Why do you think corporate America is blindly endorsing a Marxist revolutionary organization that openly declares war on the nuclear family ?
That ’ s demoralization , and according to Bezmenov it ’ s the first step in engineered societal collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline in the structure of a society — its economy , its military , its international relations .
We ’ ve discussed in this space the unquestionable impetus on the part of Democrats to keep the economy as hamstrung as possible with COVID-19 shutdowns , and those continue despite a precipitous decline in death rates as testing ramps up across the country .
It ’ s clear the virus is no longer a significant threat to the health of Americans who don ’ t already have serious medical issues , and yet COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just Wednesday the Ivy League shut down all its sporting events planned for the fall semester , an absurd decision that is nonetheless likely to be copied by other universities dominated by leftist political activists ( the Big Ten , ACC , and SEC are all in various stages of planning conference-only schedules this fall , which makes no sense whatsoever ) .
The virus is the perfect platform by which to impose the economic destabilization the Left has wanted all along .
No , that isn ’ t a conspiracy theory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what they ’ re after .
Do you believe Ilhan Omar was off-script when she suggested dismantling America ’ s economy as a system of oppression earlier this week ?
Ilhan Omar , who paid a political consultant $ 900,000 in fees last year , money that came from somewhere , isn ’ t smart enough to say these things without having the script written for her .
She ’ s being trotted out to introduce them because she ’ s already radioactive and a lightning rod for criticism , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) black , ( 2 ) Muslim , and ( 3 ) an immigrant , and even an illegal one .
To criticize her statements as cracked bears the signature not of incisive reasoning but rather racism .
So when other Democrats join her call you are no longer allowed to object .
Google Omar ’ s statements and what you ’ ll find is a loud cacophony of gaslighting by left-wing media outlets like Common Dreams , The Nation , the Washington Post , and others attacking Republicans for reacting to what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ meltdowns ” and “ losing their minds.
” Even Snopes , the left-wing site purportedly acting as a fact-check operation , declares that Omar didn ’ t actually say what she said .
That ’ s destabilization .
They ’ re fully engaged in it , whether you believe they ’ ve been successful or not .
But ask Mark McCloskey , for example , whether or not he thinks it ’ s outlandish to suggest the American order has been destabilized .
McCloskey told Tucker Carlson that after the police told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the incident where he and his wife used guns to protect their property from a mob of Black Lives Matter trespassers , he called around to private security firms for help and was given advice to get out of his house and let the mob do what they would .
Does that sound like a stable society to you ?
The third stage is crisis , the catalyzing event that builds on the first two stages to bring on the change the revolutionaries are looking for .
Looking for a crisis ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember the fact that we just had only the third presidential impeachment in American history half a year ago , a constitutional crisis that was wholly and completely manufactured directly out of thin air .
We progressed immediately from that to COVID-19 , which was unquestionably a manufactured crisis — not that the virus itself isn ’ t deadly to a certain portion of the population , but if you think the panic and destruction it ’ s caused doesn ’ t smack of manufacture then it ’ s clear you ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd riots and the paroxysms of violence and virtue-signaling those have brought on , complete with the current campaign to bowdlerize American history and culture in an increasingly indiscriminate fashion .
That ’ s a crisis , everybody , and it ’ s a completely manufactured one .
The speed of the cultural collapse that followed Floyd ’ s death — when the legal system moved very swiftly against the police officers responsible for it — makes it undeniable this was planned and only needed a catalyst .
What ’ s the fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ new normal.
” The statues and monuments are gone , the ball games are out , or at least you aren ’ t allowed in the stadium to watch them ( and you ’ ve got to watch them on TV interspersed with commercial spots and in-game messaging pushing whatever memes and narratives the ESPNs and NBCs of the world and their Madison Avenue partners wish to implant in your mind ) , the schools have purged American history and culture , the Universal Basic Income checks have replaced your job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the small business where you used to work has gone under thanks to the virus .
And Biden is president .
For a little while , until it ’ s clear he ’ s incapacitated per the 25th Amendment , and then somebody else that you didn ’ t vote for is in charge of the country .
Out goes Kerensky .
In comes … who knows what ?
Let ’ s hope your confidence none of this can happen is well-placed .
Let ’ s hope Bezmenov was a crank like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But just to be sure , let ’ s make damned sure Biden and the Democrats take an historic beating in November .
We don ’ t want to find out what ’ s behind the curtain in Biden ’ s basement .
Too many nasty things are already peeking out at us from there .
Scott McKay is publisher of the Hayride , which offers news and commentary on Louisiana and national politics .
He ’ s also a novelist — check out his first book “ Animus : A Tale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paperback .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--State Could Approve $300 Million More for Ohio Schools

State leaders , including Gov .
Mike DeWine , want the Ohio Controlling Board to approve $ 300 million in federal funding for schools across the Buckeye State .
They want $ 200 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund for higher education and $ 100 million from the fund for K-12 schools .
The money would help schools pay for safety measures brought on by COVID-19 .
The funding request is in addition to the more than $ 440 million in federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act funding Ohio K-12 schools are receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in federal dollars heading to colleges and universities in the state .
“ This funding comes from federal CARES Act dollars to help schools meet their unique individual needs , ” DeWine said in a statement .
“ We intend for this funding to be very flexible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
” If approved , the money would be available to all public and private schools and to all two-year and four-year colleges and universities , both public and private , including adult career tech providers .
The governor also announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen this fall .
The new guidelines include both a “ Minimum Operating Standard ” and “ Recommended Best Practices.
” “ As our campuses seek to re-engage in more normal operations , the health and safety of students , faculty , staff , and campus visitors must always be the number one priority , ” according to the guidelines .
“ Our institutions will move cautiously and carefully to ensure that the standards and best practices contained in ( the guidelines ) document , which are highly informed by the latest guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local health departments , and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , can be faithfully executed , ” according to the document .
“ As public health experts learn more about the best ways to combat the COVID-19 virus , these standards may be revised and updated accordingly.
” Health experts across the Buckeye State helped develop the guidelines , according to a news release .
“ By implementing these minimum requirements and implementing best practices , our higher education communities can continue to educate students and prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
As of Thursday , Ohio reported 61,331 “ confirmed and probable ” cases of COVID-19 and 3,006 “ confirmed and probable ” deaths from COVID .
The state has announced pop-up testing sites across Ohio where residents can receive a free COVID-19 test .
Todd DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--North Minneapolis Democrat Says City Facing ‘Real Emergency’ Amid Ceaseless Violence

A north Minneapolis Democrat said his constituents are “ facing a real emergency ” as the city continues to experience alarming levels of gun violence .
“ Every Minnesotan deserves to be safe in their own neighborhood , but right now many people are experiencing gun violence at unsustainable levels , ” Rep. Fue Lee ( DFL-Minneapolis ) said in a statement released Saturday .
“ The neighborhoods I represent in north Minneapolis are facing a real emergency.
” Minneapolis experienced its 31st homicide of 2020 Tuesday night after five shootings in a six-hour span left two dead and four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , another nine people were shot in Minneapolis , killing one and injuring eight others .
That brings the total number of homicides up to 32 , double the number of homicides Minneapolis had this time last year , The Star Tribune reported .
Five of the homicides happened in the first 12 days of July .
The city has recorded 243 shootings so far this year .
For comparison , Minneapolis had 269 shootings all of last year .
The 243 shootings represent a more than 60 percent increase from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Justice announced the formation of a new Twin Cities Violent Crimes Task Force last week in response to the “ extraordinary spike in gun violence and violent crimes.
” “ This increase in violence , particularly the shootings , is unacceptable and it must end , ” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald .
“ The goal of this Task Force is not to flood our communities with law enforcement , but rather to leverage law enforcement ’ s collective resources to allow for focused and effective enforcement actions.
” Lee said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives on organizing meetings to “ talk about how we move forward.
” “ Building off of existing efforts of local leaders , legislators are in communication with city and state officials to identify what resources are needed and how quickly we can provide assistance , ” he added .
“ This crisis can not be allowed to continue.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Rep .
Fue Lee @ @ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Jim Jordan Hoping for Indictments in Durham’s Probe of Origins of Russia Investigation

Rep. Jim Jordan ( R-OH-04 ) , ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee , said his constituents want to see someone go to jail for targeting President Donald Trump ’ s 2016 campaign .
The Ohio Republican said he hopes U.S. Attorney John Durham ’ s investigation into the origins of the Russia probe will produce indictments .
“ The number one question I get – whether I ’ m in the Fourth District of Ohio or traveling around our state or traveling around the country – the number one question I get from people is they ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ When is somebody going to jail ?
’ The reason they say that is because they ’ re sick of the double standard , ” Jordan said in a Sunday Fox News interview .
He said he would like to see Durham ’ s investigation wrapped up before the election , but reports from last week indicated that Durham could wait until after the election to release his findings .
“ Let ’ s hope we have the investigation done before the election .
Let ’ s hope that someone is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrongdoing that took place when they targeted the president ’ s campaign and spied on the president ’ s campaign , ” said Jordan .
Later in the interview , Jordan said he hopes former FBI Director James Comey will be indicted at the conclusion of Durham ’ s investigation .
“ I ’ ve said this all along : I think Jim Comey ’ s the biggest culprit here .
It was the Comey cabal , this small handful of people at the top of the FBI .
And remember , Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said there was a failure of leadership at the upper echelon of the FBI , ” said Jordan .
“ Comey , McCabe , Baker , Strzok , Page , they all were left or had to be fired as the key people who ran the Clinton investigation and the Trump-Russia investigation .
Comey ’ s the ringleader here .
I hope they give him a second look and I hope he is ultimately held accountable , ” he added .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--The Detroit Pistons’ Onetime Home, the Palace of Auburn Hills, Torn Down

AUBURN HILLS , Michigan ( AP ) — One of Michigan ’ s most beloved sports and entertainment venues was turned into rubble on Saturday with a series of controlled explosions .
The shell and roof of the Palace of Auburn Hills , which was home to three championship Detroit Pistons teams and three Detroit Shock teams and played host to some of the world ’ s biggest musical acts during its nearly 30-year run , crumbled to the ground following a series explosive pops .
The rest of the arena had already been removed .
The Palace , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22,000 people for NBA games and up to 23,000 for concerts and other shows , according to nba.com .
After the Pistons relocated in 2017 to downtown Detroit , the arena about 30 miles ( 48 kilometers ) northwest of the city continued to host concerts and music events , the last in September 2017 by rocker Bob Seger .
It also became the second suburban Detroit arena that found little real use after its main sports tenant took its games back to the city .
The Detroit Lions played at the nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ford Field in Detroit .
The Pistons also called the Silverdome home for a decade before The Palace opened .
The Silverdome was taken down with a partial implosion in 2017 .
William Hall , a project manager for Schostak Brothers & Co. , told the Oakland Press of Pontiac that the Palace site should be cleared of debris by the end of the year .
A new mixed-use development project is planned for the site .
“ There have been some companies we ’ ve already talked to about possible development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I would say we ’ ve had conversations with at least half-a-dozen people .
This property is very interesting and for a lot of businesses , its proximity is very attractive.
” About the Headline Photo : The Palace of Auburn Hills undergoes a controlled demolition in Auburn Hills , Michigan , on Saturday , July 11 , 2020 .
Opened in 1988 , the multi-use stadium was the home of the Detroit Pistons as well as numerous concerts and sporting events .
( David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP )


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Minneapolis May Lay off 40 Workers, Cut Spending Projects to Fill $156 Million Budget Deficit

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey presented a plan to patch a more than $ 155 million revenue gap using furloughs , cash reserves and spending freezes .
The deficit followed the COVID-19 pandemic and riots in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death in police custody , which combined brought a steep drop in parking , utilities and general revenue .
“ This unprecedented time calls for an unprecedented approach to our budget , ” Frey told the City Council Thursday .
The city saved $ 58 million from a freeze on discretionary spending and cutting contracts , which reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Frey suggested using $ 58 million in cash reserves combined with $ 23 million in spending adjustments in capital projects , $ 4 million savings from furloughs , and $ 12 million in borrowed funds .
His proposed spending cuts range from between 4 percent to 47 percent , depending on the project .
Frey suggested furloughing most employees between four to six days .
Furlough days are minimized for the fire department , police officers , and 911 dispatchers , Frey said , because those days would cost the city more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city might have to lay off up to 40 employees to keep operating , Frey said .
“ This budget helps avoid mass layoffs while preserving our core work and essential work , ” Frey said .
“ It would be fiscally irresponsible to use all of our ‘ rainy day ’ funds now .
We are in the very early stages of what promises to be a long flood , and this work will remain ongoing.
” Frey said that voluntary employee leave saved about $ 600,000 .
The budget analysis is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , while officials estimate the cost of early retirements , resignations and the possibility of pocketing state and federal funds .
The mayor suggested delaying major policy decisions until the next budget year .
“ Major departmental , programming and staffing changes should be thoroughly vetted and implemented for the 2021 budget , which will be underway in less than a month , ” Frey said .
The Minneapolis City Council will meet at 10 a.m. Friday for more in-depth information , and hold public hearings on at 6:05 p.m. July 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council expects to present a final revised budget proposal on July 24 .
Council President Lisa Bender applauded the proposal , which protects many of the city ’ s affordable housing projects .
“ I agree that as our city faces these multiple layers of crisis and economic hardship , that we have been able to put forward cuts that really preserve the core values of our community , ” Bender said .
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
A graduate of Hillsdale College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and FEE.org .
Previously , he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi .
Photo “ Jacob Frey ” by cityofminneapolis .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--White Singing Group Formerly Known as Lady Antebellum Seeks Legal Ruling to Confirm Appropriation of

White Singing Group Formerly Known as Lady Antebellum Seeks Legal Ruling to Confirm Appropriation of Name ‘Lady A’ from Black Singer

The white country band formerly known as Lady Antebellum has chosen to show racial “ sensitivity ” by suing to appropriate the name “ Lady A ” from Anita White , a black singer who has used the moniker for decades .
Lady Antebellum on June 11 said they would start going by the name Lady A since “ antebellum ” carried racial connotations , Billboard said .
The suit was filed July 8 in Nashville ’ s U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee .
The band filed suit after conversations between them and White , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit says White ’ s attorney asked for “ an exorbitant monetary demand.
” The band said in a statement that amount was $ 10 million .
The band members ’ names are Hillary Scott , Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood .
White accused the band of white privilege , Rolling Stone said .
How would I have thought to look at the trademark ?
Why would I have challenged them ?
They were going by Lady Antebellum before ; they weren ’ t going by Lady A .
Anytime I went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; I never saw [ them referred to as ] Lady A. I was Lady A for 30 years , regardless of whether I have a trademark .
This is what kills me about white privilege .
Their advantages let them do whatever it is they want to do .
They have people in their camp to go out and get these trademarks .
I never had that .
I managed myself , I booked myself , I put my brand name out there .
“ Lady A ” has been tattooed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White said she would use half of the $ 10 million to rebrand and give the other half to charities , including some associated with Black Lives Matter , the Associated Press said .
“ I have to rebrand myself .
I don ’ t want to have to share a name with you .
And you shouldn ’ t be allowed to just get a slap on the wrist , ” White said .
“ I wanted my name .
All I ever wanted was to keep my name in the blues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not have to bend to ( the band ’ s ) will because they ’ ve got money , ” she said .
The band said in the lawsuit that they filed for a trademark to the name “ Lady A ” in 2010 .
Pitchfork quoted White as saying that Lady Antebellum ’ s “ massive rebranding efforts ” means her fans can not find her on streaming services , effectively “ erasing ” her .
White also discussed the irony of the band ’ s attempt to distance themselves from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd ’ s death .
Given the way that Hillary , Charles , and Dave have treated me , I am not surprised that they used the name Lady Antebellum for so long or that their cure is to adopt a name that is only less overtly racist .
The A in their name stands for Antebellum and always will .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
Photo “ Lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Anita White .
Photo “ Lady A ” ( left ) by Lady A .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-13--Federal Court Immediately Blocks Tennessee’s Heartbeat Bill Hours After Governor Bill Lee Signed int

Federal Court Immediately Blocks Tennessee’s Heartbeat Bill Hours After Governor Bill Lee Signed into Law

NASHVILLE , Tennessee ( AP ) — Hours after Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee on Monday signed the Heartbeat Bill into law , a federal judge quickly blocked the measure .
U.S. District Judge William Campbell in Nashville opted to wait for the bill to become law to rule on whether to block it .
In granting the temporary restraining order Monday , he wrote that he ’ s “ bound by the Supreme Court holdings prohibiting undue burdens on the availability of pre-viability abortions.
” Supporters of these type of bills hope lawsuits over them head to an increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending the constitutional right to abortion protected under the 1973 Roe v. Wade landmark ruling .
Lee , who announced the legislation in January alongside Republican lawmakers , said during a livestream from his desk Monday that he was signing “ arguably the most conservative , pro-life piece of legislation in the country.
” Plaintiffs seeking to block the law quickly let the court know it was signed and became effective immediately , “ meaning that nearly all abortions in Tennessee have been criminalized.
” The court ’ s ruling followed shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 24 hearing .
Planned Parenthood , the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights filed the lawsuit hours after the bill passed .
Under the law , abortions are banned once a fetal heartbeat is detected – about six weeks into pregnancy – before many women know they ’ re pregnant .
Similar legislation has been enacted in other states , such as Mississippi and Georgia , but has been similarly blocked by legal challenges .
In the waning moments of the annual legislative session last month , state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers and reproductive rights advocates .
On Monday , State House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Stewart said the law “ will ultimately cost taxpayers millions in legal fees to defend.
” The law has several other restrictions , including a prohibition on abortion based on race , sex or diagnosis of Down syndrome .
Jonathan Mattise is a reporter at The Associated Press .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-14--Tennessee School Boards Association Must Provide Records to the Public, Ruling Says

Members of the taxpayer-funded Tennessee School Boards Association may not like it , but public records laws apply to their organization and they must provide their information to the public .
This , according to a ruling that 20th Judicial District Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal filed this month .
As reported last year , the legal arm of the Beacon Center of Tennessee filed a lawsuit against the TSBA demanding access to the group ’ s records .
“ The issue that we faced was that TSBA claimed that because it ’ s a nonprofit entity that it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , what we argued — and what the court agreed with us on —was that just because you are structured as a private entity does not mean that you are , in effect , a private entity , ” Beacon Center President Justin Owen told The Tennessee Star .
“ The judge acknowledged that 90 percent of TSBA ’ s funding comes from taxpayer money .
It comes from mostly dues paid by elected school boards to be members of TSBA .
And then she looked at statutes around the role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and train elected school board members , who , of course , themselves are public .
It is , in the code , called a political subdivision of the state and its employees are even on the state pension system.
” Members of the TSBA did not return The Star ’ s request for comment .
Owen said the TSBA “ tried to have it both ways.
” “ They wanted all of the benefits and perks of being treated as a government entity but they didn ’ t want the responsibilities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainly the fact that their records should be public and subject to the Public Records Act , ” Owen said .
As reported , Beacon officials filed the lawsuit on behalf of Williamson County parent Karrie Marren .
Beacon Vice President of Legal Affairs Braden Boucek told The Tennessee Star at the time that Marren had requested — without success —training materials the TSBA uses to train school board members .
As reported last year , the TSBA had $ 5.3 million in assets at the end of 2017 and paid its top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 reports .
Tennessee taxpayers contributed more than 85 percent , slightly more than $ 2 million , of the TSBA ’ s $ 2.3 million revenues in 2016 through Local Education Agencies ( LEA- the formal name for public school districts in Tennessee ) dues and no bid contracts .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

by Virginia Allen
Republican governors are sending National Guard troops to the southern border.
Governors of Arkansas, Iowa, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia announced this week they will send troops and resources to Texas to support the work of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Operation Lone Star to secure the southern border.
“President [Joe] Biden’s failure at our southern border puts the entire country at risk,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday. “States must now step up where the president has failed to repel illegals, fight the cartels, and stop human and drug trafficking.”
Sanders is sending 80 National Guard troops to the border in July. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will send troop but has not clarified how many, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum also announced Thursday that he will send 100 National Guardsmen to Texas to help secure the southern border. Gov. Mike DeWine says he will send 14 State Highway troopers and supervisors to Texas for two weeks. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she will deploy about 50 National Guard troops to the border this summer.
Arkansas, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Dakota join nine other GOP governors who have already pledged to send troops and resources to Texas to help secure the state’s border with Mexico.
“The ongoing border crisis facing our nation has turned every state into a border state,” Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement Wednesday.
“Given the intensive resource demands on Texas, the dangers posed by the fentanyl crisis, and impact of the border crisis on criminal activity to the Commonwealth, Virginia will do its part to assist the State of Texas’ efforts with the coordinated deployment of Virginia National Guard soldiers to assist in key aspects of their mission,” Youngkin said.
Youngkin is sending 100 troops and 21 supporting personnel to Texas from the commonwealth.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is sending up to 50 National Guard troops and airmen to the border for up to 30 days. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster says he will also send troops to the border but has yet to announce how may.
“The safety and security of South Carolinians require that we stop the drug cartels, criminals, and terrorists from entering our country to peddle their poison,” McMaster said in a statement Wednesday.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Tuesday that she will send 100 National Guard troops and 30 Department of Public Safety personnel to the border.
The Republican governors’ decision to send troops to the southern border comes in response to Abbott’s request for states to join Texas and help secure the border through the work of Operation Lone Star, Texas’ border security plan.
Nine GOP governors met with Abbott in Austin, Texas, on May 22 to discuss the border crisis. The meeting was held about a week after Abbott sent a letter to fellow governors asking them to help Texas secure the border.
The Texas governor applauded Idaho and Florida for already having sent border security resources and personnel to the Lone Star State to help secure the border and invited more governors to join in the “mission to defend our national sovereignty and territorial integrity and send all available law enforcement personnel and resources to the Texas-Mexico border to serve alongside our thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers.”
Last week, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced he will send 100 National Guard troops to the border and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen committed to send 10 state troopers to Texas to “help stop the influx of illegal immigration at our southern border.”
Florida, Idaho, and Mississippi were among the first states to answer Abbott’s call for help.
On May 17, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced he was mobilizing a National Guard unit to the border.
“To keep Mississippians safe and limit the impact of our nation’s open borders, the Mississippi National Guard’s 112th Military Police Battalion has been mobilized and is supporting Customs and Border Protection officers and agents along the Southwest border.”
The day before Reeves’ announcement, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida had “over 1,100 assets and resources available” to aid Operation Lone Star, including 800 National Guard soldiers and 200 Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers.
“At my direction, state agencies, including law enforcement and the Florida National Guard, are being deployed to Texas, with assets including personnel, boats, and planes,” DeSantis said. “While Biden ignores the crisis he created, Florida stands ready to help Texas respond to this crisis.”
Since the start of the Biden administration, Customs and Border Protection reports encountering more than 5.5 million illegal aliens at the southern border. Since fiscal year 2023 began on Oct. 1, CBP has encountered more than 1.4 million illegal aliens, about triple the number encountered at the southern border during fiscal year 2020.
CBP has seized a record 17,000 pounds of fentanyl at the southern border so far in fiscal year 2023, which ends Sept. 30, more than triple the total amount seized in all of fiscal year 2020.
– – –
Virginia Allen is a senior news producer and podcast host for The Daily Signal. She is the co-host of “The Daily Signal Podcast” and “Problematic Women.”
Photo “National Guard” by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-14--Commentary: Will Tennessee’s Representatives Restore Representative Government to Tennessee?

When Governor Lee ’ s COVID-19 Executive Order first ordered certain businesses to close , I looked up the law on which he relied and saw it passed while I was still in the state Senate .
My heart sank on the assumption I probably voted for it .
However , this week ’ s Executive Order delegating authority to county mayors to require county residents to wear facemasks or face state criminal sanctions sent me to the Tennessee Code to see if I ’ d really voted for a law that would allow that .
I did not , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state legislators to put an end to law by executive branch fiat .
The law under which the governor is operating created the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency ( TEMA ) and the emergency management system .
Creating the agency was a good thing .
But among the 27 pages of the bill creating the agency were three pages that dealt with the governor ’ s powers in the event of an emergency .
With respect to the conduct of private citizens in their everyday lives , the key power given to a governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statutorily would include an epidemic , is to : This provision was cited in the Governor ’ s initial Executive Orders but notice the extent of the power given—it is only to suspend laws .
So , a governor can legitimately suspend the enforcement of laws , for example , deadlines for renewing a driver ’ s license or a permitting process .
I don ’ t have a problem with having voted for a law that allows a governor to suspend the enforcement of a law in a state of emergency in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a governor can not make a new law that effectively orders people not to do what is otherwise lawful to do .
That power is denied to a governor by Section 2 of Article II of the Tennessee Constitution .
It says , “ No person or persons belonging to one of these departments shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others , except in the cases herein directed or permitted.
” I assume that this is why the governor ’ s most recent Executive Order still does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge [ s ] ” Tennesseans “ to wear cloth face coverings or other similar coverings in public settings.
” But , then the Order goes on to say the “ county mayors in the 89 counties that do not have a locally run county health department shall have the authority to issue orders or measures requiring or recommending the wearing of face coverings within their jurisdictions.
” I won ’ t go through the details of the law , but I don ’ t think it authorizes the governor to delegate authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for local government—to effectively decree a local law requiring facemasks in public and subject them to state criminal sanctions on those if they don ’ t .
Making laws by executive fiat is contrary to our constitutional form of republican government , but if the law allows a governor to delegate authority to others ( county mayors ) to make law by executive fiat , then the law goes too far .
Moreover , it presents all kinds of constitutional problems , equal protection being one that comes to mind as state criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen to live in .
It is easy to point the finger at the governor , but I won ’ t for now .
I cast a vote for the law in 2000 .
It is now being used in ways I never envisioned .
My bad .
But , by the same token , as a former state legislator , I am now pointing the finger straight at every member of the General Assembly .
The current members of the General Assembly could have dealt with this open-ended invitation to government-by-executive branch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They did nothing .
Now , legislators have seen the executive branch of state government delegate to the executive branch of local governments the power to legislate and impose state criminal sanctions on local residents for not wearing a mask .
Some county ’ s will and some won ’ t .
If a state legislator can ’ t think of at least two constitutional problems with this , then he or she needs a class on the state and federal constitutions .
Every state representative and state senator needs to contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to back off this last Executive Order and make it clear to him that they will demand from the governor or their colleagues a call for a special session to provide appropriate checks and balances in the current law .
It is time for our representatives to restore representative government in Tennessee , and if they don ’ t , then they don ’ t deserve to be called our representatives .
I , for one , will be looking to see what my representative and senator do .
I hope you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enough is enough .
David Fowler served in the Tennessee state Senate for 12 years before joining FACT as President in 2006 .


thetennesseestar--2020-07-14--Poland’s Populist President Duda Edges Euro-Centric Challenger Trzaskowski, Earns Second Term

WARSAW , Poland ( AP ) — Polish President Andrzej Duda declared victory Monday in a runoff election in which he narrowly won a second five-year term , acknowledging the campaign he ran was often too harsh as he appealed for unity and forgiveness .
The close race followed a bitter campaign between Duda and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski that was dominated by cultural issues .
The government , state media and the influential Roman Catholic Church all mobilized in support of Duda and sought to stoke anti-Semitism , homophobia and xenophobia in order to shore up conservative support .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate for him and the right-wing ruling party that backs him , Law and Justice , to continue on a path that has reduced poverty but raised concerns that democracy is under threat .
“ It was a very sharp campaign , probably too sharp at times , ” Duda told supporters in Odrzywol , a town near Warsaw .
“ If anyone is offended by my words , please forgive me .
And give me the chance to improve in the next five years.
” Duda received 51.03 % of Sunday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , according to final results Monday from the state electoral commission .
Duda told supporters in Odrzywol that he was grateful and moved by winning the support of more than 10 million voters .
He said that with the race now over , it was time to turn to the difficult job of returning the country to strong growth after the economic blow of the coronavirus .
Trzaskowski conceded defeat and congratulated Duda .
He thanked his supporters and said his strong showing would be the catalyst to fight to keep Poland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is just the beginning of the road , ” Trzaskowski said .
But Adam Michnik , a prominent anti-communist dissident and the founding editor of the liberal Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza , said the result bodes badly for Poland ’ s young democracy .
“ Andrzej Duda ’ s victory will be understood by his voters , and first of all by those in power , as a permission for the kind of politics that Law and Justice has been pursuing for almost five years , and that is a policy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of isolating Poland in Europe , of homophobia , of xenophobia , nationalism and of using the Catholic Church as a tool , ” Michnik said .
“ I would not even rule out a situation in which , if this policy is continued and we see an attempt on the free media , culture and science , there could be another ‘ Maidan , ’ ” he said , referring to the bloody 2014 pro-Europe protests in Ukraine .
Critics and human rights groups worry Duda ’ s victory will boost illiberal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union , which has also struggled to halt an erosion of rule of law in Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orban .
Among those who welcomed Duda ’ s victory were Orban , as well as the Czech leaders .
Orban congratulated him on Facebook , saying “ bravo !
” while Czech President Milos Zeman though a spokesman said : “ Long live Poland !
” The result was dispiriting for liberals in Europe who are keen to halt what they consider the threat of populism and nationalism .
Remigijus Simasius , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Vilnius , offered his condolences to Poles and said the small difference in support of about 2 % “ sometimes determines the path between progress and regress.
” Duda got help from U.S. President Donald Trump , who invited him to the White House in late June and said he was “ doing a terrific job.
” His campaign focused on defending traditional family values in the predominantly Catholic nation of 38 million people , and on preserving social spending policies .
The party ’ s popular policies included lowering the retirement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 zlotys ( $ 125 ) per child to all families irrespective of income .
Many credit Law and Justice for being the first party to reduce the economic inequality that came with Poland ’ s transition from communism to a market economy three decades ago .
There is a strong sense among Poles that the economic help is restoring a sense of dignity after decades of hardship from war , communism and the upheaval brought by capitalism .
The party also stoked conflict with the EU by taking control of the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brussels repeatedly expressed concern over the rule of law in both Poland and Hungary , which were for many years hailed as the most successful democracies to emerge from behind the Iron Curtain .
Law and Justice officials have said they plan to continue reshaping the justice system and also want to nationalize foreign-owned private media outlets .
Critics fear that lower courts will face increased political pressure and that press freedom will face new threats .
Zselyke Csaky , an expert on central Europe with the human rights group Freedom House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party “ essentially free rein ” until parliamentary elections in 2023 “ to do away with limits on its power and work towards destroying Poland ’ s independent institutions.
” Sunday ’ s vote was originally planned for May but was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic .
Turnout was 68.18 % , close to a record set in 1995 , in a sign of the huge stakes for Poles .
As the race tightened , Duda turned further to the right in search of votes .
He denounced the LGBT rights movement as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His campaign also cast Trzaskowski as someone who would sell out Polish interests to Jewish interests , tapping old anti-Semitic tropes in a country that was home to Europe ’ s largest Jewish community before it was decimated by Germany in the Holocaust .
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe , which monitored the election , said that while well organized , “ negative campaigning and mutual vilification abounded ” and that “ the incumbent ’ s campaign and coverage by the public broadcaster were marked by homophobic , xenophobic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish Congress focused on Duda ’ s past condemnations of anti-Semitism in a congratulatory statement , not mentioning the harsh campaign .
“ President Duda has spoken out against this hatred , and we remain hopeful that he will continue to do so , ” WJC President Ronald Lauder said .
During the campaign , Duda also lashed out at a German correspondent and a partly German-owned tabloid for their campaign coverage , alleging “ a German attack in these elections.
” A German Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday that Berlin works “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would continue to do so .
Vanessa Gera and Monika Scislowska are reporters at The Associated Press .
AP writers Geir Moulson in Berlin ; Pablo Gorondi in Budapest , Hungary ; and Karel Janicek in Prague and Liudas Dapkus in Vilnius , Lithuania , contributed .
About the Headline Photo : Incumbent President Andrzej Duda flashes a victory sign in Pultusk , Poland , Sunday , July 12 , 2020 .
An exit poll in Poland ’ s presidential runoff election shows a tight race that is too close to call between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the liberal Warsaw mayor , Rafal Trzaskowski .
( AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski )