thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Commentary: FBI Director Christopher Wray Should Be Replaced

There must be someplace warm and inviting that needs an ambassador where FBI Director Christopher Wray can be sent to lounge around without getting in the way of the Nation ’ s important business .
We urge this action because it has becoming increasingly clear that Director Wray has no stomach for the hard work necessary to focus the FBI on the important work at hand , namely crushing the terrorist organizations now destroying American cities and cleaning up the mess Obama and Comey left in the wake of the set up of LTG Mike Flynn the spying on President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Nation ’ s premier law enforcement agency , today the Federal Bureau of Investigation is mired in corruption , incompetence , careerism , and brazen political dirty tricks .
Wray has proven himself to be unequal to the task of cleaning up the corruption and careerism that have become endemic at the Bureau ’ s DC headquarters and his leadership has not resulted in higher standards of competence or focus at the field level where “ known wolf ” terrorists and psychopaths are routinely ignored until they kill .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the burning of American cities on public social media accounts Wray ’ s FBI seems paralyzed trying to figure out the line between the First Amendment and 18 USC 2331 .
Hint to Director Wray : The First Amendment covers assembling and talking , 18 USC 2331 covers shooting cops , fire bombings and organizing riots .
But word has leaked from credible sources at the Department of Justice that Wray is dragging his feet on deploying the FBI against the organizers and perpetrators of the violence that has occurred in the wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hands of Minneapolis police officers .
At a minimum this is insubordination in the face of the clear and direct statements of the President and Attorney General , at worst it is evidence that Wray is on the other side and is perfectly happy to advance the narrative that cities are burning because of “ white supremacy ” and “ white privilege ” rather than organized terrorist violence .
And that is another legacy of the Obama – Comey years that Wray should have cleaned up over the course of his lackadaisical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 the government issued a report that was prepared by the Department of Homeland Security ’ s Extremism and Radicalization Branch , Homeland Environment Threat Analysis Division , and coordinated with the FBI .
The report stated that while DHS “ has no specific information that domestic rightwing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence…rightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues.
” The emergent issues the report identified included gun control , enforcement of existing immigration laws , abortion , etc .
The notion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ extremists ” and are a threat on par with radical Islam became , and as far as we can tell , remains part of the FBI ’ s domestic terrorism threat analysis .
Christopher Wray should have resigned after the Parkland school shooting debacle , where the agency ignored multiple warnings of Nicolas Cruz ’ s potential for violence , and he should have been fired after it was revealed the agency under his command withheld exculpatory Brady material from LTG Mike Flynn and enabled the continued persecution of the general , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Dog in the Manger , remains at the head of the FBI doing his best to keep the many good field agents from doing the crucial work the country requires of its premier law enforcement agency .

There must be someplace warm and inviting that needs an ambassador where FBI Director Christopher Wray can be sent to lounge around without getting in the way of the Nation’s important business.
We urge this action because it has becoming increasingly clear that Director Wray has no stomach for the hard work necessary to focus the FBI on the important work at hand, namely crushing the terrorist organizations now destroying American cities and cleaning up the mess Obama and Comey left in the wake of the set up of LTG Mike Flynn the spying on President Trump and his campaign.
Once known as the Nation’s premier law enforcement agency, today the Federal Bureau of Investigation is mired in corruption, incompetence, careerism, and brazen political dirty tricks.
Wray has proven himself to be unequal to the task of cleaning up the corruption and careerism that have become endemic at the Bureau’s DC headquarters and his leadership has not resulted in higher standards of competence or focus at the field level where “known wolf” terrorists and psychopaths are routinely ignored until they kill.
In the present moment, when terrorists brazenly organize the burning of American cities on public social media accounts Wray’s FBI seems paralyzed trying to figure out the line between the First Amendment and 18 USC 2331.
Hint to Director Wray: The First Amendment covers assembling and talking, 18 USC 2331 covers shooting cops, fire bombings and organizing riots.
But word has leaked from credible sources at the Department of Justice that Wray is dragging his feet on deploying the FBI against the organizers and perpetrators of the violence that has occurred in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.
At a minimum this is insubordination in the face of the clear and direct statements of the President and Attorney General, at worst it is evidence that Wray is on the other side and is perfectly happy to advance the narrative that cities are burning because of “white supremacy” and “white privilege” rather than organized terrorist violence.
And that is another legacy of the Obama – Comey years that Wray should have cleaned up over the course of his lackadaisical tenure.
We are reminded that in 2009 the government issued a report that was prepared by the Department of Homeland Security’s Extremism and Radicalization Branch, Homeland Environment Threat Analysis Division, and coordinated with the FBI. The report stated that while DHS “has no specific information that domestic rightwing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence…rightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues.” The emergent issues the report identified included gun control, enforcement of existing immigration laws, abortion, etc.
The notion that people who oppose abortion are rightwing “extremists” and are a threat on par with radical Islam became, and as far as we can tell, remains part of the FBI’s domestic terrorism threat analysis.
Christopher Wray should have resigned after the Parkland school shooting debacle, where the agency ignored multiple warnings of Nicolas Cruz’s potential for violence, and he should have been fired after it was revealed the agency under his command withheld exculpatory Brady material from LTG Mike Flynn and enabled the continued persecution of the general, but Christopher Wray, like Aesop’s Dog in the Manger, remains at the head of the FBI doing his best to keep the many good field agents from doing the crucial work the country requires of its premier law enforcement agency.
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Photo “FBI Building” by Aude. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Metro Council Member-at-Large Steve Glover Upset That People Who Opposed Tax Increase Blocked from S

Metro Council Member-at-Large Steve Glover Upset That People Who Opposed Tax Increase Blocked from Speaking

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Metro Nashville ’ s City Council Member-at-Large Steve Glover to the newsmakers line .
At the top of the third hour , Glover called in after an overnight session in Metro Nashville ’ s City Council chambers regarding the 32 property tax increase coordinated by Mayor John Cooper .
He was clearly upset and felt that the people of Nashville got robbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forth another budget proposal by Friday .
Leahy : We are joined now on the line by apparently the still awake Metro Council Member Steve Glover .
Good morning Steve .
Glover : Well I don ’ t know if it ’ s a good morning but it ’ s morning .
Leahy : Have you gotten any sleep since this marathon Metro Council session that began at 6:30 p.m. last night and ended at 5:15 a.m. this morning ?
Glover : No , I ’ ve not had any sleep yet because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with various stations .
Doing interviews with stations .
The people got robbed last night .
Their opportunity to speak against the 32 % property tax increase was taken away from them because there was a coordinated effort .
We have a script .
We ’ re sitting there watching the internet graphics where people are saying keep calling , keep calling .
People who were opposed to the tax increase got blocked .
It was a coordinated effort .
I don ’ t know who all set it up .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that ’ s what we listened to all night long was this script .
Leahy : So it was coordinated by obviously the left and people that wanted to jam through this tax increase .
Carmichael : No-no-no .
Let ’ s be clear .
It was coordinated by the mayor .
Glover : I don ’ t know who it was .
But I ’ m telling you .
Glover : Well , the mayor did originally yes .
Glover : But now we have council members that want to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : And that ’ s just to give cover for the 32 percent tax increase .
If we are going to have to not raise taxes 32 percent let ’ s do away with the police .
Carmichael : It ’ s the same kind of argument and smoke screen and you have to call it like it is here .
My question is I don ’ t know whether or not there is a potential lawsuit for the orchestration .
And I bet you could prove it .
For the orchestration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
The people who get to be heard .
How many people actually called in and were allowed to speak about the property tax increase ?
Carmichael : Were there any ?
Glover : Six .
Six people spoke against the 32 percent property tax increase .
But hundreds and hundreds of other calls and people that came into the courthouse and spoke to us live all talked about defunding the police .
Leahy : Defunding the police right after the riots .
Unbelievable .
Glover : It apparently worked because my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no need to continue this .
The public hearing is over with because we heard from people .
People got to tell us what they think .
Well , I got news for you .
No , they didn ’ t .
Leahy : What ’ s the next step in this budget process , Steve ?
Glover : Get your wallet out unless we can back this down .
I ’ m going to be presenting my substitute budget .
I ’ m hoping I ’ ll have it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in on Friday .
If we can ’ t get a substitute budget passed that will be lower than 32 percent than get your wallet out and start to write your checks .
We just got shafted .
Leahy : I read the budget passed 32 to one last night .
Is that true ?
Glover : I wonder who that one would be ?
Leahy : That was you .
You opposed it .
Glover : The people got cheated last night .
Leahy : Was this the budget that increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes by 32 percent .
Glover : 32 percent .
This was the mayor ’ s budget that moved from second reading to now it ’ s on third reading .
It ’ s over guys !
They did a great job of stealing your opportunity to be able to speak to the council and let them know what you thought .
We don ’ t have to pass the budget until June 30 at 11:59 p.m .
But oh no .
They ’ re going to go cram it down our throats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to do .
Leahy : These things have to go through three readings , Steve ?
Glover : Right .
We ’ ve already done two now .
Carmichael : And the public hearing is now done .
That ’ s part of the second reading .
Leahy : So there was not a fair hearing of opponents to this tax increase ?
Carmichael : No .
There wasn ’ t even a public hearing Michael .
Glover : But according to the other side oh yes .
We heard what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yes , we certainly did .
I put it out on my Facebook page the script that we got .
Leahy : I see it right now I ’ m reading it .
Glover : And hours , and hours , and hours , and hours , and hours , and hours .
I think you get the point .
Leahy : Got it .
Thanks so much for joining us this morning .
I know you are tired and you answered our call immediately .
Steve thanks for all the hard work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax increase .
Glover : I ’ m trying my best to protect people ’ s pocketbooks .
I ’ m the person you elected .
I am the person elected .
I don ’ t change .
But other people have .
Listen to the full third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Background Photo “ Metro Council Meeting Room ” by Metro Council @

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Metro Nashville’s City Council Member-at-Large Steve Glover to the newsmakers line.
At the top of the third hour, Glover called in after an overnight session in Metro Nashville’s City Council chambers regarding the 32 property tax increase coordinated by Mayor John Cooper. He was clearly upset and felt that the people of Nashville got robbed and informed that he will be putting forth another budget proposal by Friday.
Leahy: We are joined now on the line by apparently the still awake Metro Council Member Steve Glover. Good morning Steve.
Glover: Well I don’t know if it’s a good morning but it’s morning.
Leahy: Have you gotten any sleep since this marathon Metro Council session that began at 6:30 p.m. last night and ended at 5:15 a.m. this morning?
Glover: No, I’ve not had any sleep yet because I’ve been on the phone with various stations. Doing interviews with stations. The people got robbed last night. Their opportunity to speak against the 32% property tax increase was taken away from them because there was a coordinated effort. We have a script.
We’re sitting there watching the internet graphics where people are saying keep calling, keep calling. People who were opposed to the tax increase got blocked. It was a coordinated effort. I don’t know who all set it up. There is a script that somebody just texted me and that’s what we listened to all night long was this script.
Leahy: So it was coordinated by obviously the left and people that wanted to jam through this tax increase.
Carmichael: No-no-no. Let’s be clear. It was coordinated by the mayor.
Leahy: Steve Glover?
Glover: I don’t know who it was. But I’m telling you.
Carmichael: Who proposed the tax increase?
Glover: Well, the mayor did originally yes.
Glover: But now we have council members that want to raise it even above 32 percent.
Carmichael: And that’s just to give cover for the 32 percent tax increase. If we are going to have to not raise taxes 32 percent let’s do away with the police.
Glover: Yeah.
Carmichael: It’s the same kind of argument and smoke screen and you have to call it like it is here. My question is I don’t know whether or not there is a potential lawsuit for the orchestration. And I bet you could prove it. For the orchestration of the procedure that is part of our law. The people who get to be heard. How many people actually called in and were allowed to speak about the property tax increase?
Leahy: That opposed it.
Carmichael: Were there any?
Glover: Six. Six people spoke against the 32 percent property tax increase. But hundreds and hundreds of other calls and people that came into the courthouse and spoke to us live all talked about defunding the police.
Leahy: Defunding the police right after the riots. Unbelievable.
Carmichael: That’s just to provide a false alternative. It’s a strategy.
Glover: It apparently worked because my compadres in the council said no-no-no. There is no need to continue this. The public hearing is over with because we heard from people. People got to tell us what they think. Well, I got news for you. No, they didn’t.
Leahy: What’s the next step in this budget process, Steve?
Glover: Get your wallet out unless we can back this down. I’m going to be presenting my substitute budget. I’m hoping I’ll have it all finished. I’ll be handing it in on Friday. If we can’t get a substitute budget passed that will be lower than 32 percent than get your wallet out and start to write your checks. We just got shafted.
Leahy: I read the budget passed 32 to one last night. Is that true?
Glover: I wonder who that one would be?
Leahy: That was you. You opposed it.
Glover: The people got cheated last night.
Leahy: Was this the budget that increased spending by five percent and increased property taxes by 32 percent.
Glover: 32 percent. This was the mayor’s budget that moved from second reading to now it’s on third reading. It’s over guys! They did a great job of stealing your opportunity to be able to speak to the council and let them know what you thought. We don’t have to pass the budget until June 30 at 11:59 p.m. But oh no. They’re going to go cram it down our throats because that’s what they think we need to do.
Leahy: These things have to go through three readings, Steve?
Glover: Right. We’ve already done two now.
Carmichael: And the public hearing is now done. That’s part of the second reading.
Glover: That’s correct.
Leahy: So there was not a fair hearing of opponents to this tax increase?
Carmichael: No. There wasn’t even a public hearing Michael.
Glover: But according to the other side oh yes. We heard what people had to say tonight. Oh yes, we certainly did. I put it out on my Facebook page the script that we got.
Leahy: I see it right now I’m reading it.
Glover: And hours, and hours, and hours, and hours, and hours, and hours. I think you get the point.
Leahy: Got it. Thanks so much for joining us this morning. I know you are tired and you answered our call immediately. Steve thanks for all the hard work you are doing to fight this property tax increase.
Glover: I’m trying my best to protect people’s pocketbooks. I’m the person you elected. I am the person elected. I don’t change. But other people have.
Listen to the full third hour here:

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Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.
Background Photo “Metro Council Meeting Room” by Metro Council.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Minneapolis Council Member Says City Council Looking Into ‘Disbanding’ Police, Making Modern ‘Polici

Minneapolis Council Member Says City Council Looking Into ‘Disbanding’ Police, Making Modern ‘Policing a Thing of the Past’

Minneapolis Council Member Steve Fletcher said Tuesday that he and his colleagues are looking into “ what it would take to disband ” the Minneapolis Police Department ( MPD ) and “ start fresh.
” In a lengthy statement posted to Twitter , Fletcher said the behavior of Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis President Bob Kroll demonstrates that “ the department is irredeemably beyond reform.
” Kroll was widely condemned this week after a letter to his fellow officers was leaked to the press .
In the letter , Kroll said the officers involved in the death of George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What is not being told is the violent criminal history of George Floyd .
The media will not air this , ” said Kroll , a statement that prompted calls for his resignation .
Fletcher called Kroll a “ malignant presence in our city ” and a “ symptom of a much deeper problem in the MPD.
” “ After watching MPD officers escalate and provoke anger all week , he asserts that if they ’ d only been allowed to use more violence , they could have put a stop to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers chose him as their leader , ” said Fletcher .
“ After we ’ ve spent the week expressing mourning and outrage at Derek Chauvin ’ s violence and his fellow ex-officers ’ apathy , Kroll imagines he could sway our feelings by smearing George Floyd ’ s reputation .
This is despicable .
MPD officers chose him as their leader , ” Fletcher continued .
Fletcher touted the fact that he ’ s been on the “ front edge of the fight to give MPD less money and more accountability ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generational change to the mainstream view of policing.
” “ I don ’ t know yet , though several of us on the council are working on finding out , what it would take to disband the MPD and start fresh with a community-oriented , non-violent public safety and outreach capacity .
Our city needs a public safety capacity that doesn ’ t fear our residents .
That doesn ’ t need a gun at a community meeting .
That considers itself part of our community .
That doesn ’ t resort quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angry .
That doesn ’ t murder black men , ” Fletcher continued .
He concluded by saying the Minneapolis City Council can “ totally reimagine what public safety means ” and declare “ policing as we know it a thing of the past.
” “ We can invest in cultural competency and mental health training , de-escalation and conflict resolution .
We can send a city response that makes situations better , ” he said .
“ We can resolve confusion over a $ 20 grocery transaction without drawing a weapon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world is watching , and we can declare policing as we know it a thing of the past , and create a compassionate , non-violent future .
It will be hard .
But so is managing a dysfunctional relationship with an unaccountable armed force in our city.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Steve Fletcher ” by Tony Webster .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Minneapolis Council Member Steve Fletcher said Tuesday that he and his colleagues are looking into “what it would take to disband” the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and “start fresh.”
In a lengthy statement posted to Twitter, Fletcher said the behavior of Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis President Bob Kroll demonstrates that “the department is irredeemably beyond reform.” Kroll was widely condemned this week after a letter to his fellow officers was leaked to the press. In the letter, Kroll said the officers involved in the death of George Floyd were fired “without due process.”
“What is not being told is the violent criminal history of George Floyd. The media will not air this,” said Kroll, a statement that prompted calls for his resignation.
A disgrace to the badge! This is the battle that myself and others have been fighting against. Bob Kroll turn in your badge! pic.twitter.com/SQmeNIIU3v — Janeé Harteau (@ChiefHarteau) June 1, 2020
Fletcher called Kroll a “malignant presence in our city” and a “symptom of a much deeper problem in the MPD.”
“After watching MPD officers escalate and provoke anger all week, he asserts that if they’d only been allowed to use more violence, they could have put a stop to demonstrations. This is nonsense. MPD officers chose him as their leader,” said Fletcher.
“After we’ve spent the week expressing mourning and outrage at Derek Chauvin’s violence and his fellow ex-officers’ apathy, Kroll imagines he could sway our feelings by smearing George Floyd’s reputation. This is despicable. MPD officers chose him as their leader,” Fletcher continued.
Fletcher touted the fact that he’s been on the “front edge of the fight to give MPD less money and more accountability” and called for a “permanent, generational change to the mainstream view of policing.”
“I don’t know yet, though several of us on the council are working on finding out, what it would take to disband the MPD and start fresh with a community-oriented, non-violent public safety and outreach capacity. Our city needs a public safety capacity that doesn’t fear our residents. That doesn’t need a gun at a community meeting. That considers itself part of our community. That doesn’t resort quickly to pepper spray when people are understandably angry. That doesn’t murder black men,” Fletcher continued.
I don’t know yet, though several of us on the council are working on finding out, what it would take to disband the MPD and start fresh with a community-oriented, non-violent public safety and outreach capacity. — Steve Fletcher – Minneapolis Ward 3 (@MplsWard3) June 2, 2020
He concluded by saying the Minneapolis City Council can “totally reimagine what public safety means” and declare “policing as we know it a thing of the past.”
The whole world is watching, and we can declare policing as we know it a thing of the past, and create a compassionate, non-violent future. It will be hard. But so is managing a dysfunctional relationship with an unaccountable armed force in our city. — Steve Fletcher – Minneapolis Ward 3 (@MplsWard3) June 2, 2020
“We can invest in cultural competency and mental health training, de-escalation and conflict resolution. We can send a city response that makes situations better,” he said. “We can resolve confusion over a $20 grocery transaction without drawing a weapon, or pulling out handcuffs. The whole world is watching, and we can declare policing as we know it a thing of the past, and create a compassionate, non-violent future. It will be hard. But so is managing a dysfunctional relationship with an unaccountable armed force in our city.”
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Steve Fletcher” by Tony Webster. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Minnesota GOP Chairwoman Calls for Resignation of Mayor Frey, Governor Walz

Minnesota Republican Party Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan called on Gov .
Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to resign for their “ failed ” leadership during last week ’ s riots .
“ Gov .
Walz and Mayor Frey have been largely silent , other than a handful of unhelpful tweets and press conferences blaming everyone but themselves .
Minneapolis is decimated .
Minneapolis is damaged to a level we never could have imagined .
The destruction caused this past week will unfortunately live in our memories forever .
It ’ s a dark stain on our state , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend .
Riots erupted across Minneapolis last Tuesday night in response to the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who was allegedly murdered by a Minneapolis police officer .
The chaos and destruction lasted for four nights , requiring a heavy law enforcement presence throughout the Twin Cities .
“ These gentleman have demonstrated they are not equipped to run Minneapolis or Minnesota .
Their inaction has led to riots across our country .
Our state can not move forward or start to heal with either in office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so no additional harm and damage comes to our people and state , ” Carnahan continued .
Gov .
Walz is already facing a recall effort for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic , which has resulted in the permanent closure of many small businesses across the state and left record numbers of Minnesotans out of work .
Carnahan joined Fox News Tuesday to discuss her push for resignation , saying Walz and Frey “ completely failed all the residents and citizens of Minneapolis and Minnesota.
” “ It was unfortunate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full chaos , the destruction of our city , burning down of a police precinct , rioting of businesses before they did anything , ” she continued .
“ It took multiple nights before the National Guard was enacted and came into Minneapolis and St. Paul , and then when a curfew was imposed , there still was burning of the city , there still was looting of businesses.
” “ These cities and neighborhoods have been completely decimated and I think it ’ s inexcusable because they failed all the people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It shouldn ’ t take three or four days of a city burning to finally take action.
” Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has also called on Frey to resign .
In various interviews , Giuliani has said Frey should be “ replaced by somebody who can protect his people.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Jacob Frey ” by Jacob Frey .
Background Photo “ Minneapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BY 2.0 .

Minnesota Republican Party Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan called on Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to resign for their “failed” leadership during last week’s riots.
“Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey have been largely silent, other than a handful of unhelpful tweets and press conferences blaming everyone but themselves. Minneapolis is decimated. Minneapolis is damaged to a level we never could have imagined. The destruction caused this past week will unfortunately live in our memories forever. It’s a dark stain on our state,” Carnahan said in a statement released over the weekend.
Riots erupted across Minneapolis last Tuesday night in response to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was allegedly murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. The chaos and destruction lasted for four nights, requiring a heavy law enforcement presence throughout the Twin Cities.
“These gentleman have demonstrated they are not equipped to run Minneapolis or Minnesota. Their inaction has led to riots across our country. Our state cannot move forward or start to heal with either in office. We call for the resignation of both, so no additional harm and damage comes to our people and state,” Carnahan continued.
Gov. Walz is already facing a recall effort for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in the permanent closure of many small businesses across the state and left record numbers of Minnesotans out of work.
Carnahan joined Fox News Tuesday to discuss her push for resignation, saying Walz and Frey “completely failed all the residents and citizens of Minneapolis and Minnesota.”
“It was unfortunate to see because it took three nights of full chaos, the destruction of our city, burning down of a police precinct, rioting of businesses before they did anything,” she continued. “It took multiple nights before the National Guard was enacted and came into Minneapolis and St. Paul, and then when a curfew was imposed, there still was burning of the city, there still was looting of businesses.”
“These cities and neighborhoods have been completely decimated and I think it’s inexcusable because they failed all the people of Minnesota,” she added. “It shouldn’t take three or four days of a city burning to finally take action.”
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has also called on Frey to resign. In various interviews, Giuliani has said Frey should be “replaced by somebody who can protect his people.” Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Jacob Frey” by Jacob Frey. Background Photo “Minneapolis Destruction” by Fibonacci Blue. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Whitmer Calls for Police Reform in Michigan Amid George Floyd Protests

Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer announced her support on Wednesday for a series of policy changes that would help police reform in Michigan , including additional training for officers , increased reporting and encouraging agencies to implement intervention policies .
Whitmer also voiced support for a Michigan Senate bill that would mandate implicit bias training , de-escalation techniques and mental health screenings for incoming law enforcement officers .
The governor ’ s support comes as the nation is rocked by protests and violent riots over the death of George Floyd , who died last week after an arresting officer knelt on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the incident have all been fired and charged .
“ The deaths of George Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor were a result of hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against Black Americans , ” Whitmer said in a statement .
“ Here in Michigan , we are taking action and working together to address the inequities Black Michiganders face every day .
That ’ s why I ’ m calling on Michigan police departments to strengthen their training and policies to save lives and keep people safe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Michigan Legislature and law enforcement officials to pass police reform bills into law.
” Whitmer is specifically requesting that the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards provide guidance to law enforcement agencies in the state on “ continuing education ” about new laws , as well as diversity and implicit bias training .
She also urged law enforcement agencies to implement duty to intervene policies , which would ensure officers intervene when they observe another officer doing something “ inappropriate or illegal , ” Whitmer ’ s office said .
She praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Chief Daryl Green , whom she said have taken efforts to make sure officers intervene when necessary .
“ Police officers must have policies and training systems in place that encourage and mandate they take immediate action to intervene when observing any form of police brutality , ” said Green in a statement .
Lt .
Governor Gilchrist said the state recognizes the shortcoming “ of the systems in place today .
“ People across Michigan have been calling for changes to police practices , and these actions are clear steps in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilchrist said in a statement .
“ We are not done , and we strongly encourage cities and counties to adopt and enact local measures that build trust , accountability , and a comprehensive , non-discriminatory experience of safety for everyone in our state.
” Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ] Photo “ Michigan State Police ” by Michigan State Police .

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced her support on Wednesday for a series of policy changes that would help police reform in Michigan, including additional training for officers, increased reporting and encouraging agencies to implement intervention policies.
Whitmer also voiced support for a Michigan Senate bill that would mandate implicit bias training, de-escalation techniques and mental health screenings for incoming law enforcement officers.
The governor’s support comes as the nation is rocked by protests and violent riots over the death of George Floyd, who died last week after an arresting officer knelt on his neck. The four officers involved in the incident have all been fired and charged.
“The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor were a result of hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against Black Americans,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Here in Michigan, we are taking action and working together to address the inequities Black Michiganders face every day. That’s why I’m calling on Michigan police departments to strengthen their training and policies to save lives and keep people safe. I am also ready to partner with the Michigan Legislature and law enforcement officials to pass police reform bills into law.”
Today, I requested that the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards provide guidance to law enforcement agencies on continuing education, including diversity and implicit bias training, and urging law enforcement agencies to implement duty to intervene polices. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) June 3, 2020
These are positive steps, but until Black mothers share the same set of concerns as White mothers when their kids leave their homes, we have work to do. All Michiganders have the right to be treated with dignity & respect by law enforcement, and I’m determined to see it through. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) June 3, 2020
Whitmer is specifically requesting that the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards provide guidance to law enforcement agencies in the state on “continuing education” about new laws, as well as diversity and implicit bias training.
She also urged law enforcement agencies to implement duty to intervene policies, which would ensure officers intervene when they observe another officer doing something “inappropriate or illegal,” Whitmer’s office said. She praised Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren and Lansing Police Chief Daryl Green, whom she said have taken efforts to make sure officers intervene when necessary.
“Police officers must have policies and training systems in place that encourage and mandate they take immediate action to intervene when observing any form of police brutality,” said Green in a statement.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist said the state recognizes the shortcoming “of the systems in place today.
“People across Michigan have been calling for changes to police practices, and these actions are clear steps in the direction of needed reform,” Gilchrist said in a statement. “We are not done, and we strongly encourage cities and counties to adopt and enact local measures that build trust, accountability, and a comprehensive, non-discriminatory experience of safety for everyone in our state.”
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]
Photo “Michigan State Police” by Michigan State Police.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Gov. DeWine Says Ohio Seeks to Improve Health and Economic Disparities in the State

Gov .
Mike DeWine said Tuesday that Ohio will put more of an effort into improving “ issues of health and economic disparities , racism , and inequity.
” “ I am seeking dialogue to solve these problems and seeking strategies for the implementation of reforms , ” said Governor DeWine .
“ Whether it is in the urban core or the hills of Appalachia , we have Ohioans who are not living up to their God-given potential because they simply do not have the same opportunities .
That is wrong , and we have a moral obligation to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ indisputably ” factors in health , education , and economic disparities .
“ While there are no simple solutions , we must be a positive voice in advancing change for all of those who are marginalized and in creating equity in health , education , and economic opportunity , ” DeWine said .
To address these issues , Ohio plans on improving law enforcement quality training , increasing transparency between the public and police , adding more oversight to Ohio ’ s law enforcement agencies , and recruiting more minorities to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s press release .
Besides improving relations between police and minority communities , Ohio is working to reduce infant mortality rates in the state ’ s black community , increase home visits for at-risk people in Ohio , and provide mental health services for children in schools who need them , DeWine ’ s press release says .
In May , DeWine unveiled the recommendations that the Minority Health Strike Force established to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Ohio ’ s black community .
“ To augment on the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equity and to address the immediate threats posed by COVID-19 to our minority communities we intend to move forward with the strike force ’ s recommendations , and we have several additional efforts that are ready to get underway , ” he said .
The recommendations the strike force came up with included : • Establishing culturally appropriate and accessible COVID-19 exposure notification services for communities of color .
• Expanding testing capacity and access for minorities and high-risk populations .
• Using data to prioritize resources in the communities that have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statewide , culturally-sensitive outreach campaign that educates African Americans and communities of color on COVID-19 , health disparities , and social determinants of health .
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media .
If you have any tips , email Zachery at [ email protected ] Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .

Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday that Ohio will put more of an effort into improving “issues of health and economic disparities, racism, and inequity.”
“I am seeking dialogue to solve these problems and seeking strategies for the implementation of reforms,” said Governor DeWine. “Whether it is in the urban core or the hills of Appalachia, we have Ohioans who are not living up to their God-given potential because they simply do not have the same opportunities. That is wrong, and we have a moral obligation to change that.”
The first-time governor said race “indisputably” factors in health, education, and economic disparities.
“While there are no simple solutions, we must be a positive voice in advancing change for all of those who are marginalized and in creating equity in health, education, and economic opportunity,” DeWine said.
To address these issues, Ohio plans on improving law enforcement quality training, increasing transparency between the public and police, adding more oversight to Ohio’s law enforcement agencies, and recruiting more minorities to be peace officers, according to the governor’s press release.
Besides improving relations between police and minority communities, Ohio is working to reduce infant mortality rates in the state’s black community, increase home visits for at-risk people in Ohio, and provide mental health services for children in schools who need them, DeWine’s press release says.
In May, DeWine unveiled the recommendations that the Minority Health Strike Force established to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Ohio’s black community.
“To augment on the work that we are currently doing on health equity and to address the immediate threats posed by COVID-19 to our minority communities we intend to move forward with the strike force’s recommendations, and we have several additional efforts that are ready to get underway,” he said.
The recommendations the strike force came up with included:
Establishing culturally appropriate and accessible COVID-19 exposure notification services for communities of color.
Expanding testing capacity and access for minorities and high-risk populations.
Using data to prioritize resources in the communities that have the highest need.
Developing and launching a statewide, culturally-sensitive outreach campaign that educates African Americans and communities of color on COVID-19, health disparities, and social determinants of health.
– – –
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media. If you have any tips, email Zachery at [email protected] Follow Zachery on Twitter @zacheryschmidt2.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Tennessee Man Faces Federal Arson Charge in Connection to Metro Courthouse Fire, Three Others Arrest

Tennessee Man Faces Federal Arson Charge in Connection to Metro Courthouse Fire, Three Others Arrested

A Tennessee man was charged Wednesday with malicious destruction of property using fire or explosives for his involvement in Saturday ’ s riots outside the Nashville City Hall .
According to a criminal complaint , 25-year-old Wesley Somers of Hendersonville , Tennessee was depicted in numerous video clips posted to social media attempting to smash windows of the Nashville City Hall , also known as the Metro Courthouse .
One photograph depicted Somers holding an unknown accelerant , which had been set on fire , and placing the accelerant through the window of the Courthouse .
Authorities identified Somers as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the video below .
In some clips , Somers ’ chest tattoos of the words “ Wild Child ” and “ Hard 2 Love ” are visible .
The criminal complaint alleges that on the afternoon of May 30 protesters gathered in downtown Nashville following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , Minnesota .
Later in the evening , a number of persons gathered in front of the Metro Courthouse .
Using various tools , including crowbars and other objects , they began smashing the windows of the premises and spraying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or more fires were also set inside of the Courthouse at that time .
“ We will always vigorously defend the right of every individual to assemble and protest , ” U.S. Attorney Don Cochran said in a press release .
“ This is one of our most sacred liberties guaranteed by the First Amendment of our Constitution .
We will also vigorously pursue those who choose to exploit such assemblies and use violence and intimidation in order to change the dynamics of an otherwise peaceful protest.
” The Metro Nashville Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after receiving numerous tips and arrested him on arson charges on May 31 .
If convicted , Somers faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison .
The department then announced Wednesday evening that it had arrested 26-year-old Jesse Lee Clark on charges of aggravated arson , felony vandalism , and disorderly conduct during Saturday ’ s attack on the Metro Courthouse .
He is accused of breaking windows and helping co-defendant Somers ignite materials .
On Monday , authorities arrested 23-year-old Tondrique Fitzgerald , a convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and felony vandalism for his involvement in the riots .
Vincent Hamer , 18 , was arrested Wednesday on charges of aggravated rioting and felony vandalism .
Video and still images show Hamer using objects to break at least two windows at the Historic Courthouse , authorities said .
“ The Department of Justice will vindicate the First Amendment rights of all Americans to speak , assemble and seek a redress of grievances from their government , ” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers .
“ We can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take advantage of moments of real anguish to endanger the innocent and destroy their property.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .

A Tennessee man was charged Wednesday with malicious destruction of property using fire or explosives for his involvement in Saturday’s riots outside the Nashville City Hall.
According to a criminal complaint, 25-year-old Wesley Somers of Hendersonville, Tennessee was depicted in numerous video clips posted to social media attempting to smash windows of the Nashville City Hall, also known as the Metro Courthouse. One photograph depicted Somers holding an unknown accelerant, which had been set on fire, and placing the accelerant through the window of the Courthouse.
Authorities identified Somers as the shirtless man wearing beige cargo shorts in the video below. In some clips, Somers’ chest tattoos of the words “Wild Child” and “Hard 2 Love” are visible.
BREAKING: they’ve set fire to Nashville’s city hall. It’s just in a window right now pic.twitter.com/DL2A7Kncyj — Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) May 31, 2020
The criminal complaint alleges that on the afternoon of May 30 protesters gathered in downtown Nashville following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Later in the evening, a number of persons gathered in front of the Metro Courthouse. Using various tools, including crowbars and other objects, they began smashing the windows of the premises and spraying graffiti on the Courthouse facade. One or more fires were also set inside of the Courthouse at that time.
“We will always vigorously defend the right of every individual to assemble and protest,” U.S. Attorney Don Cochran said in a press release. “This is one of our most sacred liberties guaranteed by the First Amendment of our Constitution. We will also vigorously pursue those who choose to exploit such assemblies and use violence and intimidation in order to change the dynamics of an otherwise peaceful protest.”
The Metro Nashville Police Department’s Specialized Investigation Division identified Somers after receiving numerous tips and arrested him on arson charges on May 31. If convicted, Somers faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison.
Wesley Somers, 25, arrested by the MNPD Sunday in connection with Saturday's arson attack on the Historic Courthouse, today was charged in a federal criminal complaint with destruction of property using fire. He remains jailed. pic.twitter.com/RIKLtVhBnS — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) June 3, 2020
The department then announced Wednesday evening that it had arrested 26-year-old Jesse Lee Clark on charges of aggravated arson, felony vandalism, and disorderly conduct during Saturday’s attack on the Metro Courthouse. He is accused of breaking windows and helping co-defendant Somers ignite materials.
BREAKING: Specialized Investigations Div detectives just arrested Jesse Lee Clark, 26, on charges of agg arson, felony vandalism & disorderly conduct for Sat's attack on the Historic Courthouse. He is accused of breaking windows & helping co-deft Wesley Somers ignite materials. pic.twitter.com/BQkF9IgMsQ — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) June 3, 2020
On Monday, authorities arrested 23-year-old Tondrique Fitzgerald, a convicted felon, on charges of aggravated rioting and felony vandalism for his involvement in the riots.
BREAKING: Convicted felon Tondrique Fitzgerald, 23, was just arrested by Specialized Investigations Division detectives on charges of aggravated rioting & felony vandalism for Saturday's attack on the Historic Courthouse. pic.twitter.com/B2eQUb2QOg — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) June 1, 2020
Vincent Hamer, 18, was arrested Wednesday on charges of aggravated rioting and felony vandalism. Video and still images show Hamer using objects to break at least two windows at the Historic Courthouse, authorities said.
BREAKING: Specialized Investigations Division detectives just arrested Vincent Hamer, 18, on charges of aggravated rioting & felony vandalism. Video & still images show Hamer using objects to break at least 2 windows at the Historic Courthouse Sat. Citizen tips led to Hamer's ID. pic.twitter.com/om5Sxvoypl — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) June 3, 2020
“The Department of Justice will vindicate the First Amendment rights of all Americans to speak, assemble and seek a redress of grievances from their government,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “We cannot tolerate, however, those who would take advantage of moments of real anguish to endanger the innocent and destroy their property.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--New U.S. Unemployment Claims Drop Below 2 Million, but Total Claims Top 42 Million

The number of new unemployment claims filed last week dropped to 1.88 million , the first time weekly claims didn ’ t exceed 2 million since mid-March .
Still , the total number of claims filed since government restrictions closed businesses deemed nonessential to slow the spread of COVID-19 surpassed 42 million in the 11 weeks since states began shutting down significant parts of their economy .
Last week , an additional 1.877 million workers filed new claims , according to U.S. Department of Labor data released Thursday , the 11th consecutive week in which new jobless claims were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 324,750 from the 2.1 million workers who filed for benefits in the week ending May 23 and is the lowest number of new claims since the week ending March 15 .
California once again led all states in new unemployment claims , with an additional 230,461 last week .
Even as much of the country eases restrictions and begins to open up , the number of unemployment claims remains high as businesses figure out their needs based on consumer demand during the pandemic .
“ Many of the new claims reflect current layoffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begins to adjust to the altered outlook for the year ahead , ” Lou Crandall , chief economist of Wrightson ICAP LLC in Jersey City , New Jersey , told Reuters .
“ Even as the economy begins to reopen , new job losses continue to pile up.
” Dan McCaleb is the executive editor of The Center Square .
He welcomes your comments .
Contact Dan at [ email protected ] Photo “ Long line of People ” by Dave Winer .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

by Don McCaleb
The number of new unemployment claims filed last week dropped to 1.88 million, the first time weekly claims didn’t exceed 2 million since mid-March.
Still, the total number of claims filed since government restrictions closed businesses deemed nonessential to slow the spread of COVID-19 surpassed 42 million in the 11 weeks since states began shutting down significant parts of their economy.
Last week, an additional 1.877 million workers filed new claims, according to U.S. Department of Labor data released Thursday, the 11th consecutive week in which new jobless claims were in the millions. That’s down 324,750 from the 2.1 million workers who filed for benefits in the week ending May 23 and is the lowest number of new claims since the week ending March 15.
California once again led all states in new unemployment claims, with an additional 230,461 last week.
Even as much of the country eases restrictions and begins to open up, the number of unemployment claims remains high as businesses figure out their needs based on consumer demand during the pandemic.
“Many of the new claims reflect current layoffs, as the corporate sector more broadly begins to adjust to the altered outlook for the year ahead,” Lou Crandall, chief economist of Wrightson ICAP LLC in Jersey City, New Jersey, told Reuters. “Even as the economy begins to reopen, new job losses continue to pile up.”
– – –
Dan McCaleb is the executive editor of The Center Square. He welcomes your comments. Contact Dan at [email protected]
Photo “Long line of People” by Dave Winer. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--On Tiananmen Anniversary, Hong Kong Bans Insults to Anthem

HONG KONG ( AP ) — Hong Kong ’ s legislature approved a contentious bill Thursday that makes it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem .
The legislation was approved after pro-democracy opposition lawmakers tried to disrupt the vote .
It passed with 41 lawmakers voting for it and just one voting against .
Most of the pro-democracy lawmakers boycotted the vote out of protest .
The pro-democracy camp sees the anthem law as an infringement of freedom of expression and of the greater rights that residents of the semi-autonomous city have compared to mainland China .
The pro-Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is necessary for Hong Kong citizens to show appropriate respect for the anthem .
Those found guilty of intentionally abusing the “ March of the Volunteers ” face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars ( $ 6,450 ) .
Thursday ’ s vote coincided with the 31st anniversary of China ’ s bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Beijing ’ s Tiananmen Square .
Before debate began , pro-democracy lawmakers stood in silence to mark the anniversary and put signs on their desks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 , the hearts of the people will not die.
” Debate over the legislative was later suspended after pro-democracy lawmakers staged a protest , with one dropping a pot of pungent liquid in the chamber .
Raising a sign that said “ A murderous regime stinks for ten thousand years , ” lawmaker Ray Chan walked to the front with the pot hidden inside a Chinese paper lantern .
When security guards tried to stop him , he dropped the lantern and the pot , and was ejected from the meeting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ejected .
The chamber was evacuated and police and firemen were called in to investigate the incident .
When the meeting resumed , pro-democracy lawmaker Ted Hui again splashed some liquid at the front of the meeting room and was escorted out .
The president of Hong Kong ’ s legislature , Andrew Leung , called such behavior irresponsible and childish .
He cut short the debate because of the suspension and called for the vote .
Critics said the shortened debate allowed the bill to be pushed through .
“ I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not pushed through the bill , ” Leung said afterward .
“ I have told members that I have scheduled 30 hours ( to debate the bill ) so we just work according to the schedule.
” The contentious debate over the bill comes after China ’ s ceremonial national legislature formally approved a decision last week to enact a national security law for Hong Kong that could see Chinese security agents posted in the city .
The national security law is aimed at curbing subversive activity , with Beijing pushing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at times saw violent clashes between police and protesters .
Opponents of the anthem law and national security law see them as signs of Beijing ’ s tightening control over the territory .
While experts have warned that the security law could imperil Hong Kong ’ s status as one of the world ’ s best places to do business , at least two banks with a strong Asian presence have publicly backed the decision .
HSBC said in a Chinese social media post that it “ respects and supports all laws that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” while Standard Chartered said it believed the national security law would “ help maintain the long-term economic and social stability of Hong Kong.
” Beijing began pushing for the anthem law after Hong Kong soccer fans jeered the national anthem at international matches in 2015 .
As anti-government protests engulfed Hong Kong last year , thousands of fans booed loudly and turned their backs when the anthem was played at a World Cup qualifier match against Iran in September .
FIFA later fined the Hong Kong Football Association over the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported from Beijing .
AP videojournalists Alice Fung and Katie Tam in Hong Kong and Taijing Wu in Taipei , Taiwan , contributed .
About Photo Headline : Pan-democratic legislator Chan Chi-chuen holding a placard reading “ A murderous regime stinks for ten thousand years ” scuffles with security guards at the main chamber of the Legislative Council dropping a pot of a pungent liquid in the chamber in Hong Kong , Thursday , June 4 , 2020 .
A Hong Kong legislative debate was suspended Thursday afternoon ahead of an expected vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-democracy lawmakers staged a protest .
( AP Photo/Chan Cheuk Fai/Initium )

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s legislature approved a contentious bill Thursday that makes it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem.
The legislation was approved after pro-democracy opposition lawmakers tried to disrupt the vote. It passed with 41 lawmakers voting for it and just one voting against. Most of the pro-democracy lawmakers boycotted the vote out of protest.
The pro-democracy camp sees the anthem law as an infringement of freedom of expression and of the greater rights that residents of the semi-autonomous city have compared to mainland China.
The pro-Beijing majority in the legislature said the law is necessary for Hong Kong citizens to show appropriate respect for the anthem.
Those found guilty of intentionally abusing the “March of the Volunteers” face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars ($6,450).
Thursday’s vote coincided with the 31st anniversary of China’s bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Before debate began, pro-democracy lawmakers stood in silence to mark the anniversary and put signs on their desks saying, “Do not forget June 4, the hearts of the people will not die.”
Debate over the legislative was later suspended after pro-democracy lawmakers staged a protest, with one dropping a pot of pungent liquid in the chamber.
Raising a sign that said “A murderous regime stinks for ten thousand years,” lawmaker Ray Chan walked to the front with the pot hidden inside a Chinese paper lantern. When security guards tried to stop him, he dropped the lantern and the pot, and was ejected from the meeting. Another lawmaker who accompanied him was also ejected.
The chamber was evacuated and police and firemen were called in to investigate the incident.
When the meeting resumed, pro-democracy lawmaker Ted Hui again splashed some liquid at the front of the meeting room and was escorted out.
The president of Hong Kong’s legislature, Andrew Leung, called such behavior irresponsible and childish. He cut short the debate because of the suspension and called for the vote. Critics said the shortened debate allowed the bill to be pushed through.
“I have not cut short the meeting, I have not pushed through the bill,” Leung said afterward. “I have told members that I have scheduled 30 hours (to debate the bill) so we just work according to the schedule.”
The contentious debate over the bill comes after China’s ceremonial national legislature formally approved a decision last week to enact a national security law for Hong Kong that could see Chinese security agents posted in the city.
The national security law is aimed at curbing subversive activity, with Beijing pushing for it after a monthslong pro-democracy protest movement at times saw violent clashes between police and protesters.
Opponents of the anthem law and national security law see them as signs of Beijing’s tightening control over the territory.
While experts have warned that the security law could imperil Hong Kong’s status as one of the world’s best places to do business, at least two banks with a strong Asian presence have publicly backed the decision.
HSBC said in a Chinese social media post that it “respects and supports all laws that stabilize Hong Kong’s social order,” while Standard Chartered said it believed the national security law would “help maintain the long-term economic and social stability of Hong Kong.”
Beijing began pushing for the anthem law after Hong Kong soccer fans jeered the national anthem at international matches in 2015. As anti-government protests engulfed Hong Kong last year, thousands of fans booed loudly and turned their backs when the anthem was played at a World Cup qualifier match against Iran in September. FIFA later fined the Hong Kong Football Association over the incident.
– – –
The Associated Press’ Ken Moritsugu reported from Beijing. AP videojournalists Alice Fung and Katie Tam in Hong Kong and Taijing Wu in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed.
About Photo Headline: Pan-democratic legislator Chan Chi-chuen holding a placard reading “A murderous regime stinks for ten thousand years” scuffles with security guards at the main chamber of the Legislative Council dropping a pot of a pungent liquid in the chamber in Hong Kong, Thursday, June 4, 2020. A Hong Kong legislative debate was suspended Thursday afternoon ahead of an expected vote on a contentious national anthem bill after pro-democracy lawmakers staged a protest.(AP Photo/Chan Cheuk Fai/Initium)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Democrat Mayor John Cooper: Nashville Has No Money Available to Host Republican National Convention

Nashville Mayor John Cooper says the city has no money to host the Republican National Convention ( RNC ) in Nashville during his COVID-19 news conference Thursday .
The issue of hosting the RNC came up earlier this week when the host state of North Carolina ’ s Governor Roy Cooper expressed public safety concerns about holding such a large-scale event during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , reported The Washington Times .
In the past , Nashville has had financial woes , due to years of poor management , which has only been exacerbated by the March 3 tornadoes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday that the Music City will remain in Phase Two of the Roadmap for Reopening Nashville with daily monitoring of the public health benchmarks to start Phase Three as soon as it is safely possible .
In addition to a projected revenue shortage of $ 215.8 million during the current 2019-2020 fiscal year , Cooper ’ s budget also estimates a negative revenue impact of $ 280.6 million for the 2020-2021 fiscal year , which begins July 1 .
Despite these known revenue losses , Cooper ’ s budget proposal does not reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the estimated shortfall in this year ’ s budget and instead includes an increase of $ 115.9 million for 2020-2021 .
To accommodate his budget , Cooper has proposed a 32 percent property tax increase , which is strongly opposed by at least two Nashville-based grassroots groups , LowTax4Nash.com and NoTax4Nash.com , The Tennessee Star reported .
Cooper wanted to “ be clear ” that Nashville ’ s current health protocols , which have been carefully established and publicly identified , would not support the RNC which is scheduled more than two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While Cooper said that there ’ s certainly no money available for hosting the event , he did not address the millions of dollars of local financial impact and what it might do for Nashville ’ s economy that suffered the steepest COVID-19 consumer spending drop in the nation , as reported by The Star .
For the 2016 RNC host city of Cleveland , Ohio , the region saw as much as $ 188.4 million of economic benefit , WCPO 9 reported .
According to Money magazine , the previous two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of nearly $ 154 million for St. Paul in 2014 and $ 214 million in Tampa Bay in 2012 .
Political conventions not only provide their host cities short-term financial infusions but platforms for long-term impact due to the increased media coverage leading up to and just after the conventions , WCPO 9 also said .
Cooper did not elaborate on what expenses he expected Nashville to incur or the amount .
He also did not discuss what role the Metro Nashville Convention Center Authority ( CCA ) could potentially play in hosting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows that the CCA anticipated an operating surplus of $ 58 million in the fiscal year 2020 .
The direct economic impact of all of the CCA ’ s 236 planned events for 2020 was estimated at $ 543 million .
Even based on the RNCs lowest contributions to the host city ’ s local economy in recent years , Nashville could stand to gain as much as a quarter of the estimated economic impact by hosting the one RNC event .
Governor Bill Lee has said his office is in discussions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We would certainly be interested in welcoming that to our city , ” Lee said .
It would be a great opportunity for us to build upon the economic recovery that ’ s already occurring , ” reported WKRN News 2 .
Meanwhile , the Democratic National Convention , while delayed from its original dates in July to the week of August 17 , due to COVID-19 , will still be held at the Fiserv Forum in the Democrat stronghold city of Milwaukee , Wisconsin .
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cooper ” by John Cooper .

Nashville Mayor John Cooper says the city has no money to host the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Nashville during his COVID-19 news conference Thursday.
The issue of hosting the RNC came up earlier this week when the host state of North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper expressed public safety concerns about holding such a large-scale event during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, reported The Washington Times.
In the past, Nashville has had financial woes, due to years of poor management, which has only been exacerbated by the March 3 tornadoes and the coronavirus economic shutdown.
Cooper announced Thursday that the Music City will remain in Phase Two of the Roadmap for Reopening Nashville with daily monitoring of the public health benchmarks to start Phase Three as soon as it is safely possible.
In addition to a projected revenue shortage of $215.8 million during the current 2019-2020 fiscal year, Cooper’s budget also estimates a negative revenue impact of $280.6 million for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, which begins July 1.
Despite these known revenue losses, Cooper’s budget proposal does not reduce the current year’s budget for the estimated shortfall in this year’s budget and instead includes an increase of $115.9 million for 2020-2021.
To accommodate his budget, Cooper has proposed a 32 percent property tax increase, which is strongly opposed by at least two Nashville-based grassroots groups, LowTax4Nash.com and NoTax4Nash.com, The Tennessee Star reported.
Cooper wanted to “be clear” that Nashville’s current health protocols, which have been carefully established and publicly identified, would not support the RNC which is scheduled more than two months out, from August 24 to 27.
While Cooper said that there’s certainly no money available for hosting the event, he did not address the millions of dollars of local financial impact and what it might do for Nashville’s economy that suffered the steepest COVID-19 consumer spending drop in the nation, as reported by The Star.
For the 2016 RNC host city of Cleveland, Ohio, the region saw as much as $188.4 million of economic benefit, WCPO 9 reported.
According to Money magazine, the previous two Republican nominating conventions resulted in direct spending of nearly $154 million for St. Paul in 2014 and $214 million in Tampa Bay in 2012.
Political conventions not only provide their host cities short-term financial infusions but platforms for long-term impact due to the increased media coverage leading up to and just after the conventions, WCPO 9 also said.
Cooper did not elaborate on what expenses he expected Nashville to incur or the amount. He also did not discuss what role the Metro Nashville Convention Center Authority (CCA) could potentially play in hosting the RNC.
A February 2019 report shows that the CCA anticipated an operating surplus of $58 million in the fiscal year 2020.
The direct economic impact of all of the CCA’s 236 planned events for 2020 was estimated at $543 million.
Even based on the RNCs lowest contributions to the host city’s local economy in recent years, Nashville could stand to gain as much as a quarter of the estimated economic impact by hosting the one RNC event.
Governor Bill Lee has said his office is in discussions about moving the convention to Nashville.
“We would certainly be interested in welcoming that to our city,” Lee said. It would be a great opportunity for us to build upon the economic recovery that’s already occurring,” reported WKRN News 2.
Meanwhile, the Democratic National Convention, while delayed from its original dates in July to the week of August 17, due to COVID-19, will still be held at the Fiserv Forum in the Democrat stronghold city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
– – –
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star.
Photo “John Cooper” by John Cooper.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Commentary: Stop Using the Boston Tea Party to Justify Violence in Modern America

Lawful protest in the American political process isn ’ t the same as the lawless rioting , looting , and destruction of lives and property that became a threat to the public in the past week .
The death of a black man , George Floyd , at the hands of a white police officer May 25 in Minneapolis sparked widespread protests there and across America .
Many of the demonstrations , despite the general lockdown and stay-at-home orders still in place during the coronavirus pandemic , have been peaceful .
However , in many cities , vandals and looters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ransacking minority-owned businesses among many others .
Several people have been killed amid the violence .
Defacing a monument to the 54th Massachusetts , a regiment of all-volunteer black soldiers during the Civil War , hardly seems like an appropriate or reasonable protest of Floyd ’ s killing , or racism in America , or really anything else .
These shameful and destructive actions have been denounced by many—including Floyd ’ s family—and are a direct assault on the rule of law .
Unfortunately , some have taken to justifying the violence we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been making a direct comparison to the Boston Tea Party and other acts of rebellion in the American colonies leading up to the Revolutionary War .
“ The destruction of a police precinct is not only a tactically reasonable response to the crisis of policing , it is a quintessentially American response , and a predictable one , ” journalism professor Steven W. Thrasher at Northwestern University wrote in Slate , adding : The insinuation is that the destruction of the 3rd Precinct police station in Minneapolis , or looting and arson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American traditions and can lead to positive change within the American system of free government .
In the early 1770s , discontent was brewing in Boston and other parts of the British colonies in America in response to a series of acts passed in Parliament putting duties and taxes on various goods vital to the economy of the colonies .
The taxes were obnoxious enough , but what was truly intolerable to the American colonists was that they had no say in the laws , no avenue to have representation in the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tea Act of 1773 , which led to the Boston Tea Party , actually was , in part , a lowering of a previous tax .
This too was unacceptable .
Yes , the taxes were bad enough , but the rate of taxation was not , ultimately , the issue at hand .
Instead , it was the colonists ’ belief that they were living under an arbitrary and increasingly authoritarian government , that their pleas for change would be effectively ignored .
The American colonies , with a long history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects just as much as those living in London , saw the actions of the British government as looming tyranny .
Instead of finding ways to accommodate the colonists ’ fears , as some wiser statesmen such as Edmund Burke were imploring Parliament and King George III ’ s ministry to do , the British government tightened the screws .
Boston stewed with discontent in the winter of 1773 .
Colonists refused to let ships that brought tea owned by the East India Company—essentially a monopoly backed by England—to be unloaded for sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to note too that colonists had negotiated for weeks simply to have the ships filled with tea sent back to England rather than force a confrontation .
British law mandated that duties on goods aboard ships be paid within 20 days , or authorities would seize the ships and sell the items .
The owner of one of the tea-carrying ships , Francis Rotch , pleaded with the crown-appointed Massachusetts governor to allow him to sail back to England , but the governor repeatedly denied his request .
When Rotch returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1773 , and delivered the bad news to Boston ’ s Committee of Correspondence that his request had been rejected , the die was cast .
A group of townspeople associated with a patriot group called the Sons of Liberty , many dressed as Mohawk warriors , went into action .
Historian Jack Rakove recounted what happened next in his book , “ Revolutionaries : Inventing an American Nation ” : The Sons of Liberty carefully targeted their protest .
They opposed an arbitrary and obnoxious tax , not a ship owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to harm Bostonians .
They conducted themselves in as orderly a fashion as possible .
In fact , Samuel Adams , one of the leaders of the Sons of Liberty , insisted that the protest occurred “ without the least Injury to the Vessels or any other property.
” The Sons of Liberty broke a padlock to get to the tea inside , but replaced it the next day .
They certainly didn ’ t take that moment to rob their local businesses or burn buildings to the ground .
Not everyone was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benjamin Franklin weren ’ t pleased with the property destruction , however justified , and disapproved when riots previously erupted in response to Parliament ’ s “ Intolerable Acts , ” as they were called .
Franklin and Washington , like numerous other American colonists at the time , hoped that a lawful resolution was possible despite their opposition to the British government ’ s actions in general .
Columnist Dan McLaughlin , writing in 2014 for The Federalist , was correct in saying the reason Americans so fondly remember the Boston Tea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American colonies is “ not because rioting was morally justified or successful in bringing about its aims , but because we see the ultimate result that those outbursts led to the American Revolution.
” The Boston Tea Party was an act of rebellion from a colony revolting against the use of arbitrary power , which the Declaration of Independence later explicitly cited as the reason for the colonies to separate from England .
The Constitution and the governing system created by the founding generation following the Revolution was designed to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arbitrary government .
We , unlike the colonists of the 1770s , would have the chance to petition authorities , conduct elections , and seek representation in government .
It ’ s worth noting that when groups of Americans organized militias to oppose taxes in the 1790s and threatened to topple local authorities in Pennsylvania , President George Washington personally led a military force to crush it .
Violent resistance to duly passed laws , whether good or not , would be met with force .
Laws may not change and—as the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our system , but we have the tools to appeal to ballots over bullets that the colonists didn ’ t .
This is the cornerstone of liberty and self-government .
Associating the violent destruction of a police station and wanton looting of businesses this past week with the Boston Tea Party is an abuse of history .
It makes a mockery of our constitutional , free government .
Jarrett Stepman is a contributor to The Daily Signal and co-host of The Right Side of History podcast .
Stepman is also the author of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on History : The Conspiracy to Rewrite America ’ s Past.
“

by Jarrett Stepman
Lawful protest in the American political process isn’t the same as the lawless rioting, looting, and destruction of lives and property that became a threat to the public in the past week.
The death of a black man, George Floyd, at the hands of a white police officer May 25 in Minneapolis sparked widespread protests there and across America. Many of the demonstrations, despite the general lockdown and stay-at-home orders still in place during the coronavirus pandemic, have been peaceful.
However, in many cities, vandals and looters are destroying public and private property and ransacking minority-owned businesses among many others. Several people have been killed amid the violence.
Defacing a monument to the 54th Massachusetts, a regiment of all-volunteer black soldiers during the Civil War, hardly seems like an appropriate or reasonable protest of Floyd’s killing, or racism in America, or really anything else.
These shameful and destructive actions have been denounced by many—including Floyd’s family—and are a direct assault on the rule of law.
Unfortunately, some have taken to justifying the violence we’ve seen in recent days and have been making a direct comparison to the Boston Tea Party and other acts of rebellion in the American colonies leading up to the Revolutionary War.
“The destruction of a police precinct is not only a tactically reasonable response to the crisis of policing, it is a quintessentially American response, and a predictable one,” journalism professor Steven W. Thrasher at Northwestern University wrote in Slate, adding:
The uprising we’ve seen this week is speaking to the American police state in its own language, up to and including the use of fireworks to mark a battle victory. Property destruction for social change is as American as the Boston Tea Party.
The insinuation is that the destruction of the 3rd Precinct police station in Minneapolis, or looting and arson, is somehow in line with venerable American traditions and can lead to positive change within the American system of free government.
This is nonsense.
Intolerable Acts
In the early 1770s, discontent was brewing in Boston and other parts of the British colonies in America in response to a series of acts passed in Parliament putting duties and taxes on various goods vital to the economy of the colonies.
The taxes were obnoxious enough, but what was truly intolerable to the American colonists was that they had no say in the laws, no avenue to have representation in the British Empire’s governing body.
The Tea Act of 1773, which led to the Boston Tea Party, actually was, in part, a lowering of a previous tax. This too was unacceptable. Yes, the taxes were bad enough, but the rate of taxation was not, ultimately, the issue at hand.
Instead, it was the colonists’ belief that they were living under an arbitrary and increasingly authoritarian government, that their pleas for change would be effectively ignored.
The American colonies, with a long history of self-rule and belief that they were British subjects just as much as those living in London, saw the actions of the British government as looming tyranny.
Instead of finding ways to accommodate the colonists’ fears, as some wiser statesmen such as Edmund Burke were imploring Parliament and King George III’s ministry to do, the British government tightened the screws.
Confrontation was becoming inevitable.
Boston stewed with discontent in the winter of 1773. Colonists refused to let ships that brought tea owned by the East India Company—essentially a monopoly backed by England—to be unloaded for sale in the city.
It’s important to note too that colonists had negotiated for weeks simply to have the ships filled with tea sent back to England rather than force a confrontation. British law mandated that duties on goods aboard ships be paid within 20 days, or authorities would seize the ships and sell the items.
The owner of one of the tea-carrying ships, Francis Rotch, pleaded with the crown-appointed Massachusetts governor to allow him to sail back to England, but the governor repeatedly denied his request.
When Rotch returned to Boston on the evening of Dec. 26, 1773, and delivered the bad news to Boston’s Committee of Correspondence that his request had been rejected, the die was cast.
The Tea Party
A group of townspeople associated with a patriot group called the Sons of Liberty, many dressed as Mohawk warriors, went into action.
Historian Jack Rakove recounted what happened next in his book, “Revolutionaries: Inventing an American Nation”:
Once the ‘Mohawks,’ numbering fifteen or twenty a vessel, boarded the ships, the crowd watched silently as 340 massive chests of East India Company tea were hauled on desk and whacked open with axes; then the contents were thrown overboard. By 9 P.M. a cargo valued at a hefty nine thousand pounds sterling was weakly brewing in the low-tide waters.
The Sons of Liberty carefully targeted their protest. They opposed an arbitrary and obnoxious tax, not a ship owner, and certainly didn’t intend to harm Bostonians. They conducted themselves in as orderly a fashion as possible.
In fact, Samuel Adams, one of the leaders of the Sons of Liberty, insisted that the protest occurred “without the least Injury to the Vessels or any other property.”
The Sons of Liberty broke a padlock to get to the tea inside, but replaced it the next day. They certainly didn’t take that moment to rob their local businesses or burn buildings to the ground.
Not everyone was convinced. Notably, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin weren’t pleased with the property destruction, however justified, and disapproved when riots previously erupted in response to Parliament’s “Intolerable Acts,” as they were called.
Franklin and Washington, like numerous other American colonists at the time, hoped that a lawful resolution was possible despite their opposition to the British government’s actions in general.
Columnist Dan McLaughlin, writing in 2014 for The Federalist, was correct in saying the reason Americans so fondly remember the Boston Tea Party and other incidents of rebellion in the American colonies is “not because rioting was morally justified or successful in bringing about its aims, but because we see the ultimate result that those outbursts led to the American Revolution.”
The Boston Tea Party was an act of rebellion from a colony revolting against the use of arbitrary power, which the Declaration of Independence later explicitly cited as the reason for the colonies to separate from England.
Our System of Free Government
The Constitution and the governing system created by the founding generation following the Revolution was designed to ensure that American citizens did not have to suffer arbitrary government. We, unlike the colonists of the 1770s, would have the chance to petition authorities, conduct elections, and seek representation in government.
It’s worth noting that when groups of Americans organized militias to oppose taxes in the 1790s and threatened to topple local authorities in Pennsylvania, President George Washington personally led a military force to crush it.
Violent resistance to duly passed laws, whether good or not, would be met with force.
Laws may not change and—as the world is not perfect—injustices will still occur under our system, but we have the tools to appeal to ballots over bullets that the colonists didn’t. This is the cornerstone of liberty and self-government.
Associating the violent destruction of a police station and wanton looting of businesses this past week with the Boston Tea Party is an abuse of history. It makes a mockery of our constitutional, free government.
– – –
Jarrett Stepman is a contributor to The Daily Signal and co-host of The Right Side of History podcast. Stepman is also the author of the new book, “The War on History: The Conspiracy to Rewrite America’s Past.“


thetennesseestar--2020-06-05--Maury County Mayor Ogles Asks Gov. Lee to Lift All COVID-19 Restrictions There

Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles asked Gov .
Bill Lee to lift the COVID-19 restrictions in the county because they “ are doing more harm than good.
” “ Simply put , we believe that continued social distancing mandates are serving as a damper on our economic recovery , slowing down what should by all measures be a robust return to normal .
In short , their continued presence , with all due respect , are doing more harm than good .
“ I know you agree that Maury County has done its part to “ flatten the curve ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To date , we have had only 102 cases in Maury County , a community of about 100,000 — with no fatalities .
Furthermore , we have a regional hospital that serves a multi-county region comprising of nine counties — and yet we have had very few cases admitted to our hospital .
So , very clearly , the facts support that we have reached a new stage in this pandemic , one where the people can make their own decisions as to how best to defend against the resurgence of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been necessary in the early stages should give-way to local , if not individual control.
” Ogles goes on and contrasts Maury County with Nashville and Mayor John Cooper ’ s anti-social distancing protest efforts .
“ I am sure you also agree that the optics of the approach to the shutdown and social distancing have not always seemed logical to the average citizen .
For example , Mayor Cooper of Nashville recently encouraged a large-scale protest in Nashville , a city that has seen its economy destroyed by the shutdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this event would believe that Nashville was concerned about social distancing in those moments .
Further , there was silence , at least from the media , in terms of any response from the State of Tennessee as to the possible complications from permitting such mass protests and the closeness of contact that necessarily comes with such an event .
So , if a protest of thousands of persons is permitted in an area considered a Tennessee hot-spot for COVID-19 , why can not Maury County , with a tiny fraction of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released to govern itself ?
For me , it is really about who is trusted to deal with this : The people of a community or a centralized government .
In our case , I have no choice but to side with the former , the people of Maury County.
” Cooper has denied that he is a hypocrite for ignoring his social distancing guidelines in the protests last weekend , The Tenneesee Star reported .
During the second of the four phases , Cooper seemed to forget his own words about social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plaza that honored George Floyd .
In an email , Cooper spokesman Chris Song told The Star that “ Cooper has consistently supported the right of all Nashvillians to safely engage in public demonstrations while observing public health protocols.
” Mayor Ogles is not the first Republican to ask Lee to life all his restrictions .
GOP officials from eight Tennessee counties sent him a letter to that effect a month ago , The Star reported .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bill Lee ” by Andy Ogles .

Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles asked Gov. Bill Lee to lift the COVID-19 restrictions in the county because they “are doing more harm than good.”
“Simply put, we believe that continued social distancing mandates are serving as a damper on our economic recovery, slowing down what should by all measures be a robust return to normal. In short, their continued presence, with all due respect, are doing more harm than good. “I know you agree that Maury County has done its part to “flatten the curve”. Our numbers have born that out. To date, we have had only 102 cases in Maury County, a community of about 100,000 — with no fatalities. Furthermore, we have a regional hospital that serves a multi-county region comprising of nine counties — and yet we have had very few cases admitted to our hospital. So, very clearly, the facts support that we have reached a new stage in this pandemic, one where the people can make their own decisions as to how best to defend against the resurgence of this illness. The one-size-fits-all approach that might have been necessary in the early stages should give-way to local, if not individual control.”
Ogles goes on and contrasts Maury County with Nashville and Mayor John Cooper’s anti-social distancing protest efforts.
“I am sure you also agree that the optics of the approach to the shutdown and social distancing have not always seemed logical to the average citizen. For example, Mayor Cooper of Nashville recently encouraged a large-scale protest in Nashville, a city that has seen its economy destroyed by the shutdown. No citizen watching the video footage of this event would believe that Nashville was concerned about social distancing in those moments. Further, there was silence, at least from the media, in terms of any response from the State of Tennessee as to the possible complications from permitting such mass protests and the closeness of contact that necessarily comes with such an event. So, if a protest of thousands of persons is permitted in an area considered a Tennessee hot-spot for COVID-19, why cannot Maury County, with a tiny fraction of the numbers seen in Davidson County, be released to govern itself? For me, it is really about who is trusted to deal with this: The people of a community or a centralized government. In our case, I have no choice but to side with the former, the people of Maury County.”
Cooper has denied that he is a hypocrite for ignoring his social distancing guidelines in the protests last weekend, The Tenneesee Star reported.
During the second of the four phases, Cooper seemed to forget his own words about social distancing and attended a rally at Legislative Plaza that honored George Floyd.
In an email, Cooper spokesman Chris Song told The Star that “Cooper has consistently supported the right of all Nashvillians to safely engage in public demonstrations while observing public health protocols.”
Mayor Ogles is not the first Republican to ask Lee to life all his restrictions. GOP officials from eight Tennessee counties sent him a letter to that effect a month ago, The Star reported.
– – –
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.
Photo “Andy Ogles and Bill Lee” by Andy Ogles.