thetennesseestar--2020-06-02--Calls for Vikings to Sign Kaepernick Increase in Wake of George Floyd Death

Some pundits want the Minnesota Vikings to sign former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in order to “ send a strong message.
” Kaepernick was blacklisted by NFL owners after his season-long protest of police brutality in 2017 , in which he knelt during the National Anthem prior to each game .
Joe Lockhart , who served as President Bill Clinton ’ s press secretary , was the spokesperson for the league during the tumultuous 2017 season .
“ Kaepernick was not blocked because the league wanted to punish him for setting off the protests .
In fact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commissioner and several other league executives spent a lot of effort prodding and pushing owners to sign him , ” Lockhart said in a recent column for CNN .
“ But for many owners it always came back to the same thing .
Signing Kaepernick , they thought , was bad for business .
An executive from one team that considered signing Kaepernick told me the team projected losing 20 % of their season ticket holders if they did .
That was a business risk no team was willing to take , whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bleeding-heart liberal ( yes , those do exist ) .
As bad of an image problem it presented for the league and the game , no owner was willing to put the business at risk over this issue , ” he continued .
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is locked in with the Vikings for at least another three years , but Lockhart thinks the team ’ s owners should take the “ important step ” of signing Kaepernick in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now offers a unique opportunity to deal with the symbols of racial injustice .
As a small , but important step , the owners of the Minnesota Vikings , Zygi and Mark Wilf , can send a strong message by offering Colin Kaepernick a contract to play with the Vikings .
Bring him into camp , treat him like any of the other players given a chance to play the game they love , ” said Lockhart .
Signing Kaepernick won ’ t “ solve the problem of blacks and police violence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem that Kaepernick powerfully raised , ” Lockhart concluded .
Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan argued that signing Kaepernick would not only “ signal that the Vikings care about social justice , ” but would “ also make football sense.
” “ The best aspect of signing Kaepernick would be that he could become a familiar presence in Minnesota and in national media , ” said Souhan .
“ In Minnesota , Kaepernick could become a powerful and familiar force for good .
He might win a few football games , too.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd ’ s death after two nights of rioting in Minneapolis .
“ When civility leads to death , revolting is the only logical reaction .
The cries for peace will rain down , and when they do , they will land on deaf ears , because your violence has brought this resistance , ” he said .
“ We have the right to fight back .
Rest in power George Floyd.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Some pundits want the Minnesota Vikings to sign former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in order to “send a strong message.”
Kaepernick was blacklisted by NFL owners after his season-long protest of police brutality in 2017, in which he knelt during the National Anthem prior to each game.
Joe Lockhart, who served as President Bill Clinton’s press secretary, was the spokesperson for the league during the tumultuous 2017 season.
“Kaepernick was not blocked because the league wanted to punish him for setting off the protests. In fact, just the opposite is true. The commissioner and several other league executives spent a lot of effort prodding and pushing owners to sign him,” Lockhart said in a recent column for CNN.
“But for many owners it always came back to the same thing. Signing Kaepernick, they thought, was bad for business. An executive from one team that considered signing Kaepernick told me the team projected losing 20% of their season ticket holders if they did. That was a business risk no team was willing to take, whether the owner was a Trump supporter or a bleeding-heart liberal (yes, those do exist). As bad of an image problem it presented for the league and the game, no owner was willing to put the business at risk over this issue,” he continued.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is locked in with the Vikings for at least another three years, but Lockhart thinks the team’s owners should take the “important step” of signing Kaepernick in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.
“The situation in Minnesota right now offers a unique opportunity to deal with the symbols of racial injustice. As a small, but important step, the owners of the Minnesota Vikings, Zygi and Mark Wilf, can send a strong message by offering Colin Kaepernick a contract to play with the Vikings. Bring him into camp, treat him like any of the other players given a chance to play the game they love,” said Lockhart.
Signing Kaepernick won’t “solve the problem of blacks and police violence,” but it will “recognize the problem that Kaepernick powerfully raised,” Lockhart concluded.
Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan argued that signing Kaepernick would not only “signal that the Vikings care about social justice,” but would “also make football sense.”
“The best aspect of signing Kaepernick would be that he could become a familiar presence in Minnesota and in national media,” said Souhan. “In Minnesota, Kaepernick could become a powerful and familiar force for good. He might win a few football games, too.”
Kaepernick issued a statement Thursday morning regarding Floyd’s death after two nights of rioting in Minneapolis.
“When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction. The cries for peace will rain down, and when they do, they will land on deaf ears, because your violence has brought this resistance,” he said. “We have the right to fight back. Rest in power George Floyd.”
When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction. The cries for peace will rain down, and when they do, they will land on deaf ears, because your violence has brought this resistance. We have the right to fight back! Rest in Power George Floyd — Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) May 28, 2020
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-06-02--Whitmer Lifts Michigan Stay-at-Home Order

Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer lifted Michigan ’ s stay-at-home order on Wednesday , moving the entire state to phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan .
Under the new phase , retail will be allowed to open on June 4 and restaurants will be allowed to reopen on June 8 , both with capacity limits .
Day camps , office work , outdoor pools and in-home services such as housecleaning will also reopen .
Groups of 100 or less can meet , effectively immediately .
“ The data has shown that we are ready to carefully move our state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safe Start Plan , but we owe it to our brave frontline heroes to get this right , ” Whitmer said in a statement .
“ While Michiganders are no longer required to stay home , we must all continue to be smart and practice social distancing and encourage those who meet the criteria to get tested for COVID-19.
” Whitmer added that she hopes to move the state into phase five of the MI Safe Start Plan before July 4 .
That phase would reopen schools .
Michigan residents will still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public spaces , according to the order .
Gyms will be allowed to conduct outdoor training sessions with social distancing , although their facilities will stay closed .
“ The governor and I , along with a team of experts , have determined that our state is ready to move into the next phase of the MI Safe Start Plan .
Hospitalization numbers are down , our frontline workers have PPE to last them several weeks , and the number of positive cases and deaths are declining , ” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive , said in a statement .
Michigan currently has more than 57,500 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , according to MDHHS .
The death toll is 5,516 and the number recovered is more than 38,000 .
To read the entire executive order , click here .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted Michigan’s stay-at-home order on Wednesday, moving the entire state to phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan.
Under the new phase, retail will be allowed to open on June 4 and restaurants will be allowed to reopen on June 8, both with capacity limits. Day camps, office work, outdoor pools and in-home services such as housecleaning will also reopen.
Groups of 100 or less can meet, effectively immediately.
“The data has shown that we are ready to carefully move our state into the next phase of the MI Safe Start Plan, but we owe it to our brave frontline heroes to get this right,” Whitmer said in a statement. “While Michiganders are no longer required to stay home, we must all continue to be smart and practice social distancing and encourage those who meet the criteria to get tested for COVID-19.”
Whitmer added that she hopes to move the state into phase five of the MI Safe Start Plan before July 4. That phase would reopen schools.
Michigan residents will still be required to wear masks while in enclosed public spaces, according to the order. Gyms will be allowed to conduct outdoor training sessions with social distancing, although their facilities will stay closed.
“The governor and I, along with a team of experts, have determined that our state is ready to move into the next phase of the MI Safe Start Plan. Hospitalization numbers are down, our frontline workers have PPE to last them several weeks, and the number of positive cases and deaths are declining,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive, said in a statement.
Michigan currently has more than 57,500 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to MDHHS. The death toll is 5,516 and the number recovered is more than 38,000.
To read the entire executive order, click here.
—
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-02--‘Majority’ of Those Arrested in Riots Are from Minnesota, Public Safety Commissioner Confirms

As of Monday afternoon , the “ majority ” of those arrested in the Twin Cities for rioting , violating curfew , looting or other similar charges had Minnesota addresses .
“ That would be accurate , ” Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington confirmed during a Monday press conference .
During a previous briefing , he said he didn ’ t “ have any credible evidence of any specific group being here in Minnesota.
” The Department of Public Safety said there were 276 arrests Sunday night through early Monday morning .
“ This number includes 150 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Avenue and 35W .
The updated total number of arrests since the MACC [ multi-agency command center ] was established on Friday is 481 , ” the department said on Twitter .
State officials backed down from claims that most of the rioters were coming from out of state after reporters discovered that arrest records showed the opposite .
From Friday night to Saturday morning , for instance , 38 of the 45 people arrested in Hennepin County for rioting , unlawful assembly , stolen property , burglary or robbery were from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falsely claimed Saturday morning that “ every single person ” arrested by the St. Paul Police Department Friday night was “ from out of state , ” but acknowledged during a press conference later Saturday evening that his comments were inaccurate .
At one point , Gov .
Tim Walz estimated that 80 percent of the anarchists were outside groups , but then clarified that he “ wanted to believe ” they weren ’ t Minnesotans .
“ As we find out where folks are from , that ’ s where they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excuse the behavior .
It doesn ’ t change anything .
We ’ re not trying to set a narrative , ” said Walz , saying he found “ it hard to believe that our own people were burning our buildings.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .

As of Monday afternoon, the “majority” of those arrested in the Twin Cities for rioting, violating curfew, looting or other similar charges had Minnesota addresses.
“That would be accurate,” Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington confirmed during a Monday press conference. During a previous briefing, he said he didn’t “have any credible evidence of any specific group being here in Minnesota.”
The Department of Public Safety said there were 276 arrests Sunday night through early Monday morning.
“This number includes 150 people who were arrested in the area of Washington Avenue and 35W. The updated total number of arrests since the MACC [multi-agency command center] was established on Friday is 481,” the department said on Twitter.
Update: There were 276 arrests Sun. and early Mon. This number includes 150 people who were arrested in the area of Washington Ave and 35W. The updated total number of arrests since the MACC was established on Fri. is 481. #MACCMN — MnDPS_DPS (@MnDPS_DPS) June 1, 2020
State officials backed down from claims that most of the rioters were coming from out of state after reporters discovered that arrest records showed the opposite. From Friday night to Saturday morning, for instance, 38 of the 45 people arrested in Hennepin County for rioting, unlawful assembly, stolen property, burglary or robbery were from Minnesota.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter falsely claimed Saturday morning that “every single person” arrested by the St. Paul Police Department Friday night was “from out of state,” but acknowledged during a press conference later Saturday evening that his comments were inaccurate.
At one point, Gov. Tim Walz estimated that 80 percent of the anarchists were outside groups, but then clarified that he “wanted to believe” they weren’t Minnesotans.
“As we find out where folks are from, that’s where they’re from. It doesn’t excuse the behavior. It doesn’t change anything. We’re not trying to set a narrative,” said Walz, saying he found “it hard to believe that our own people were burning our buildings.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-06-02--Biden Blasts Trump’s ‘Narcissism’ in New Phase of Campaign

PHILADELPHIA , Pennsylvania ( AP ) — Joe Biden mounted one of his most aggressive attacks against President Donald Trump on Tuesday , deriding the commander in chief ’ s disregard of core constitutional values and blistering him for being “ more interested in power , than in principle.
” “ He thinks division helps him , ” the presumptive Democratic nominee said in a speech at Philadelphia ’ s City Hall .
“ This narcissism has become more important than the nation ’ s wellbeing.
” Biden seized on police driving back peaceful protesters near the White House on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Bible before nearby St. John ’ s Church .
“ If he opened it instead of brandishing it , he could have learned something , ” Biden said as he chided authorities for using “ tear gas and flash grenades in order to stage a photo op.
” “ We can be forgiven for believing the president is more interested in power than in principle , ” Biden continued .
“ More interested in serving the passions of his base than the needs of the people in his care.
” Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a presidential campaign that had been effectively frozen for two-plus months by the spread of the coronavirus .
The former vice president is now emerging from his Delaware home to confront Trump every day — and using in-person appearances to offer direct competition with the president , rather than relying on virtual events that often failed to garner a lot of attention .
It was the third consecutive day that Biden made a public appearance and the first time he ’ s been out of the state since March .
His remarks were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news networks .
Biden delivered the remarks as upheaval in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death has spread around the country .
While Biden spoke , the National Guard maintained a visible presence to defend public buildings as Philadelphia continues to face sustained violent protests .
Several buildings adjacent to City Hall , including banks , convenience stores and hotels , were boarded up .
He spoke of the “ tug of war between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh reality that racism has long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth is both elements are part of the American character , ” he said .
Since the early days of his candidacy , Biden has framed the election as a “ battle for the soul of the nation.
” He went into greater detail on Tuesday about what that meant and the questions voters should ask themselves .
“ I ask every American to look at where we are now , and think anew : Is this who we are ?
” he said .
“ Is this who we want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our kids ’ and grandkids ’ lives ?
Fear and finger-pointing rather than hope and the pursuit of happiness ?
Incompetence and anxiety ?
Self-absorption and selfishness ?
” The tone was part of Biden ’ s effort to cast himself as a “ consoler in chief ” in stark contrast to Trump ’ s blunt , confrontational style .
While he said his anguish over the death of his son Beau Biden five years ago from cancer isn ’ t the same as the sadness felt by those protesting police brutality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can come with grief .
“ Like many of you , I know what it ’ s like to grieve , ” Biden said .
“ I know what it feels like when you ’ re thinking you can ’ t go on.
” He said “ bad cops should be dealt with severely and swiftly ” and offered examples of how he might ease racial tensions and govern .
He called on Congress to act now on legislation that would place a federal ban on police using choke holds .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care and improve the pay of first-responders and other workers who have stayed on jobs deemed essential during the pandemic , should he win the presidency .
But Biden ’ s speech was perhaps most notable for its ferocity .
He accused the president of being more worried about himself than the nation at a time when it “ is crying out for leadership.
” “ This president today is part of the problem and accelerates it , ” Biden said , adding that Trump is “ consumed with his blinding ego.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , who tweeted before Biden spoke that Washington “ had no problems last night ” and cited “ many arrests , ” as well as “ overwhelming force ” and “ Domination ” for which he thanked himself .
Trump has embraced the language of confrontation and war , seeking to be a “ president of law and order , ” and betting that voters will want a more forceful approach at a time of national tumult and racial unrest .
Katrina Pierson , a senior adviser to the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech “ obviously made the crass political calculation that unrest in America is a benefit to his candidacy.
” “ President Trump is restoring the nation to order and is clearly the leader we need to return the country to peace and prosperity , ” she said in a statement .
Despite his more confrontational approach , Biden was direct about the limits of his ability to singularly reconcile the nation ’ s differences .
He was careful to note that his administration won ’ t be able to fix everything , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that the presidency , that ’ s a very big job , ” he said .
“ Nobody will get it right every time and I won ’ t either , ” Biden said .
But he vowed not to “ traffic in fear and division.
” “ I won ’ t fan the flames of hate , ” he said .
“ I ’ ll seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued our country , not use them for political gain.
” Pierson criticized the 13 Biden staffers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Minneapolis group that pays bail fees .
“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign made it clear that they stand with the rioters , the people burning businesses in minority communities and causing mayhem , by donating to post bail for those arrested , ” she said .
“ Biden has a history of cozying up to notorious racists in the Senate , he attempted to inflame race relations by claiming Republicans want to put Black Americans ‘ back in chains , ’ and told a Black radio host that Blacks who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t Black.
’ Over the course of his public life , Joe Biden has used the politics of racial division when they suited his needs and he is doing it again , ” Pierson continued .
Steve Guest , a rapid response director for the Republican National Committee , said the “ contrast between President Trump and Biden could not be more clear.
” “ It took two days for Biden to call for an end to the violence while his campaign was in effect endorsing anarchy by paying the bail of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In stark contrast , President Trump has made multiple comments in support of peaceful protesters and his campaign staffers are donating to help a Minneapolis firefighter rebuild his bar that was destroyed by rioters.
” Written by Associated Press ’ Steve Peoples and Will Weissert .
Weissert reported from Washington .
Minnesota Sun Managing Editor Anthony Gockowski contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : Democratic presidential candidate , former Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Philadelphia , Tuesday , June 2 , 2020 .
( AP Photo/Matt Rourke )

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) — Joe Biden mounted one of his most aggressive attacks against President Donald Trump on Tuesday, deriding the commander in chief’s disregard of core constitutional values and blistering him for being “more interested in power, than in principle.”
“He thinks division helps him,” the presumptive Democratic nominee said in a speech at Philadelphia’s City Hall. “This narcissism has become more important than the nation’s wellbeing.”
Biden seized on police driving back peaceful protesters near the White House on Monday so Trump could briefly pose with a Bible before nearby St. John’s Church.
“If he opened it instead of brandishing it, he could have learned something,” Biden said as he chided authorities for using “tear gas and flash grenades in order to stage a photo op.”
“We can be forgiven for believing the president is more interested in power than in principle,” Biden continued. “More interested in serving the passions of his base than the needs of the people in his care.”
Biden’s address marked a new phase of a presidential campaign that had been effectively frozen for two-plus months by the spread of the coronavirus. The former vice president is now emerging from his Delaware home to confront Trump every day — and using in-person appearances to offer direct competition with the president, rather than relying on virtual events that often failed to garner a lot of attention.
It was the third consecutive day that Biden made a public appearance and the first time he’s been out of the state since March. His remarks were carried live on the three major cable news networks.
Biden delivered the remarks as upheaval in the wake of George Floyd’s death has spread around the country. While Biden spoke, the National Guard maintained a visible presence to defend public buildings as Philadelphia continues to face sustained violent protests. Several buildings adjacent to City Hall, including banks, convenience stores and hotels, were boarded up.
He spoke of the “tug of war between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh reality that racism has long torn us apart.”
“The honest truth is both elements are part of the American character,” he said.
Since the early days of his candidacy, Biden has framed the election as a “battle for the soul of the nation.” He went into greater detail on Tuesday about what that meant and the questions voters should ask themselves.
“I ask every American to look at where we are now, and think anew: Is this who we are?” he said. “Is this who we want to be? Is this what we pass on to our kids’ and grandkids’ lives? Fear and finger-pointing rather than hope and the pursuit of happiness? Incompetence and anxiety? Self-absorption and selfishness?”
The tone was part of Biden’s effort to cast himself as a “consoler in chief” in stark contrast to Trump’s blunt, confrontational style. While he said his anguish over the death of his son Beau Biden five years ago from cancer isn’t the same as the sadness felt by those protesting police brutality, he said he understood the hopelessness that can come with grief.
“Like many of you, I know what it’s like to grieve,” Biden said. “I know what it feels like when you’re thinking you can’t go on.”
He said “bad cops should be dealt with severely and swiftly” and offered examples of how he might ease racial tensions and govern.
He called on Congress to act now on legislation that would place a federal ban on police using choke holds. Biden also promised to increase access to health care and improve the pay of first-responders and other workers who have stayed on jobs deemed essential during the pandemic, should he win the presidency.
But Biden’s speech was perhaps most notable for its ferocity. He accused the president of being more worried about himself than the nation at a time when it “is crying out for leadership.”
“This president today is part of the problem and accelerates it,” Biden said, adding that Trump is “consumed with his blinding ego.”
Biden also offered a stark departure from Trump, who tweeted before Biden spoke that Washington “had no problems last night” and cited “many arrests,” as well as “overwhelming force” and “Domination” for which he thanked himself.
Trump has embraced the language of confrontation and war, seeking to be a “president of law and order,” and betting that voters will want a more forceful approach at a time of national tumult and racial unrest.
Katrina Pierson, a senior adviser to the president’s reelection campaign, said Biden’s speech “obviously made the crass political calculation that unrest in America is a benefit to his candidacy.”
“President Trump is restoring the nation to order and is clearly the leader we need to return the country to peace and prosperity,” she said in a statement.
Despite his more confrontational approach, Biden was direct about the limits of his ability to singularly reconcile the nation’s differences. He was careful to note that his administration won’t be able to fix everything, especially not all at once.
“I know that the presidency, that’s a very big job,” he said. “Nobody will get it right every time and I won’t either,” Biden said.
But he vowed not to “traffic in fear and division.”
“I won’t fan the flames of hate,” he said. “I’ll seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued our country, not use them for political gain.”
Pierson criticized the 13 Biden staffers who donated to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, a Minneapolis group that pays bail fees.
“Joe Biden’s campaign made it clear that they stand with the rioters, the people burning businesses in minority communities and causing mayhem, by donating to post bail for those arrested,” she said.
“Biden has a history of cozying up to notorious racists in the Senate, he attempted to inflame race relations by claiming Republicans want to put Black Americans ‘back in chains,’ and told a Black radio host that Blacks who didn’t support him ‘ain’t Black.’ Over the course of his public life, Joe Biden has used the politics of racial division when they suited his needs and he is doing it again,” Pierson continued.
Steve Guest, a rapid response director for the Republican National Committee, said the “contrast between President Trump and Biden could not be more clear.”
“It took two days for Biden to call for an end to the violence while his campaign was in effect endorsing anarchy by paying the bail of rioters,” he said. “In stark contrast, President Trump has made multiple comments in support of peaceful protesters and his campaign staffers are donating to help a Minneapolis firefighter rebuild his bar that was destroyed by rioters.”
– – –
Written by Associated Press’ Steve Peoples and Will Weissert. Weissert reported from Washington. Minnesota Sun Managing Editor Anthony Gockowski contributed to this report.
About the Headline Photo: Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Philadelphia, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-02--Nine States Plus D.C. Vote Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Social Unrest

Voters across America navigated curfews and health concerns Tuesday in a slate of primary elections amid dueling national crises as Joe Biden looked to move closer to formally clinching the Democratic presidential nomination .
In all , nine states and the District of Columbia were hosting elections , including four that delayed their April contests because of the coronavirus outbreak .
While voters cast ballots from Maryland to Montana , Pennsylvania offered the day ’ s biggest trove of delegates .
The state also represented a significant test case for Republicans and Democrats working to strengthen their operations in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was especially intense in Washington , D.C. , where Mayor Muriel Bowser imposed a 7 p.m. curfew as law enforcement agencies and National Guard troops prepared for a fifth night of protests near the White House following the police killing of George Floyd .
A large fence was erected in front of the White House and military vehicles blocked some streets in downtown .
In-person voting numbers were down in every state as many voters were encouraged to vote by mail because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Yet there were reports of long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Philadelphia area , where election officials consolidated the vast majority of polling places to minimize health risks , according to Erin Kramer , executive director of One Pennsylvania .
She noted that some polling places in African American communities are in police stations .
“ Having to stand in line while police officers are entering and exiting the building on police business is not exactly how people want to spend their election day , ” Kramer said .
Biden was on the primary ballot in almost every state in his bid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The former vice president is already the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , given that all his rivals have dropped out of the race , but he needs to win 89 % of all delegates at stake on Tuesday to formally clinch the nomination .
If he doesn ’ t secure the needed delegates Tuesday , he has other opportunities to do so this month .
Biden was in Philadelphia on Tuesday morning to deliver remarks about the civil unrest that has erupted across the nation .
He didn ’ t talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Trump , whom Biden blasted as “ more interested in power than in principle.
” Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is not actively campaigning , having suspended his operation and endorsed Biden , but his name will appear on the ballots .
On the eve of Tuesday ’ s primaries , senior adviser Jeff Weaver encouraged progressives to vote for Sanders anyway .
“ People who support Bernie Sanders and his agenda , who want to maximize the influence of progressives at the convention , should cast their vote for Bernie Sanders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vermont senator is seeking leverage to shape the party ’ s platform and rules .
The comments serve as a reminder that Biden may have no legitimate Democratic rivals remaining but must still win over skeptical activists from his party ’ s far-left flank , who worry he ’ s too close to the political establishment .
Party unity will likely be an afterthought this week , however , as more immediate health and safety concerns dominate the national conversation .
The coronavirus death toll has surged past 100,000 nationwide , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
At the same time , several major cities , including some voting Tuesday , are grappling with protests .
Some voters said Trump ’ s increasingly tough tone toward protesters inspired them to participate in the democratic process .
Nicholas Autiello , who works in finance in Rhode Island , said he was disturbed by police driving back peaceful demonstrators near the White House on Monday .
“ Last night , we have a president who is acting like a dictator , ” Autiello said .
“ So being able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a circle next to a name for someone who I know will restore honor and decency to the presidency was so important.
” In Washington , the mayor ordered a 7 p.m. curfew , though voting places will be open until 8 p.m. Voting has been deemed essential , and city officials say voters will not be subject to arrest if they cast ballots during the curfew .
Philadelphia moved its 6 p.m. curfew back to 8:30 p.m. for Tuesday to accommodate voting .
“ We are in unique times , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Josh Schwerin , chief strategist for the pro-Democrat super PAC Priorities USA .
He said that his organization and others will be watching closely on Tuesday “ to see how well it works , where issues are and where obstacles have been put in place.
” Political groups have had to adjust as some states move to a system that relies largely on voting by mail .
They include Montana , where all 56 counties decided to vote entirely by mail .
Voting rights watchdogs in multiple states have expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusion about deadlines and a shortage of poll workers that could lead to long lines .
Those voting Tuesday include the District of Columbia , Indiana , Maryland , Montana , New Mexico , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island and South Dakota .
Two other states holding primary elections , Idaho and Iowa , chose its presidential nominee early in the year and is now focused on other offices .
“ We think we ’ re prepared , ” Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Patton Mills said .
“ Thank goodness we have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary because we don ’ t know where we ’ ll be with the pandemic in November.
” Associated Press writer Rodrique Ngowi in Providence , R.I. , and Terry Spencer in West Palm Beach , Fla. , contributed to this report .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game.
” About the Headline Photo : People wear masks as they wait in line to vote at a voting center during primary voting in Washington , Tuesday , June 2 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Voters across America navigated curfews and health concerns Tuesday in a slate of primary elections amid dueling national crises as Joe Biden looked to move closer to formally clinching the Democratic presidential nomination.
In all, nine states and the District of Columbia were hosting elections, including four that delayed their April contests because of the coronavirus outbreak. While voters cast ballots from Maryland to Montana, Pennsylvania offered the day’s biggest trove of delegates. The state also represented a significant test case for Republicans and Democrats working to strengthen their operations in a premier general election battleground.
The dynamic was especially intense in Washington, D.C., where Mayor Muriel Bowser imposed a 7 p.m. curfew as law enforcement agencies and National Guard troops prepared for a fifth night of protests near the White House following the police killing of George Floyd. A large fence was erected in front of the White House and military vehicles blocked some streets in downtown.
In-person voting numbers were down in every state as many voters were encouraged to vote by mail because of the coronavirus pandemic. Yet there were reports of long lines, particularly in minority communities in the Philadelphia area, where election officials consolidated the vast majority of polling places to minimize health risks, according to Erin Kramer, executive director of One Pennsylvania.
She noted that some polling places in African American communities are in police stations.
“Having to stand in line while police officers are entering and exiting the building on police business is not exactly how people want to spend their election day,” Kramer said.
Biden was on the primary ballot in almost every state in his bid to unify Democrats behind his campaign against Trump. The former vice president is already the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, given that all his rivals have dropped out of the race, but he needs to win 89% of all delegates at stake on Tuesday to formally clinch the nomination.
If he doesn’t secure the needed delegates Tuesday, he has other opportunities to do so this month.
Biden was in Philadelphia on Tuesday morning to deliver remarks about the civil unrest that has erupted across the nation. He didn’t talk about the primary, instead focusing his attention on Trump, whom Biden blasted as “more interested in power than in principle.”
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is not actively campaigning, having suspended his operation and endorsed Biden, but his name will appear on the ballots. On the eve of Tuesday’s primaries, senior adviser Jeff Weaver encouraged progressives to vote for Sanders anyway.
“People who support Bernie Sanders and his agenda, who want to maximize the influence of progressives at the convention, should cast their vote for Bernie Sanders,” Weaver said, reminding voters that the Vermont senator is seeking leverage to shape the party’s platform and rules.
The comments serve as a reminder that Biden may have no legitimate Democratic rivals remaining but must still win over skeptical activists from his party’s far-left flank, who worry he’s too close to the political establishment.
Party unity will likely be an afterthought this week, however, as more immediate health and safety concerns dominate the national conversation. The coronavirus death toll has surged past 100,000 nationwide, and thousands of new cases are reported each day.
At the same time, several major cities, including some voting Tuesday, are grappling with protests.
Some voters said Trump’s increasingly tough tone toward protesters inspired them to participate in the democratic process. Nicholas Autiello, who works in finance in Rhode Island, said he was disturbed by police driving back peaceful demonstrators near the White House on Monday.
“Last night, we have a president who is acting like a dictator,” Autiello said. “So being able to come out here this morning and fill in a circle next to a name for someone who I know will restore honor and decency to the presidency was so important.”
In Washington, the mayor ordered a 7 p.m. curfew, though voting places will be open until 8 p.m. Voting has been deemed essential, and city officials say voters will not be subject to arrest if they cast ballots during the curfew. Philadelphia moved its 6 p.m. curfew back to 8:30 p.m. for Tuesday to accommodate voting.
“We are in unique times, and voting is a unique challenge for people,” said Josh Schwerin, chief strategist for the pro-Democrat super PAC Priorities USA. He said that his organization and others will be watching closely on Tuesday “to see how well it works, where issues are and where obstacles have been put in place.”
Political groups have had to adjust as some states move to a system that relies largely on voting by mail. They include Montana, where all 56 counties decided to vote entirely by mail. Voting rights watchdogs in multiple states have expressed concerns about access to mail ballots, confusion about deadlines and a shortage of poll workers that could lead to long lines.
Those voting Tuesday include the District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Dakota. Two other states holding primary elections, Idaho and Iowa, chose its presidential nominee early in the year and is now focused on other offices.
“We think we’re prepared,” Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Patton Mills said. “Thank goodness we have the opportunity of working this out in the primary because we don’t know where we’ll be with the pandemic in November.”
– – –
Associated Press writer Rodrique Ngowi in Providence, R.I., and Terry Spencer in West Palm Beach, Fla., contributed to this report. Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, “Ground Game.”
About the Headline Photo: People wear masks as they wait in line to vote at a voting center during primary voting in Washington, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--GOP Considering Nashville for August Convention, Trump Pulls from North Carolina

Gov .
Bill Lee confirmed Tuesday afternoon that GOP leaders are considering Nashville as an alternative site for August ’ s Republican National Convention just hours before President Donald Trump announced that he will be pulling the convention from North Carolina .
Lee ’ s office told WTVF that officials with the Republican National Committee will be visiting Nashville Thursday to tour the city .
“ Nashville is the best place in America to have a convention and we certainly would be interested in welcoming that to our city , ” the governor said in a statement .
The convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , North Carolina , but the state ’ s Democratic governor had concerns about hosting the convention amid a global pandemic .
Gov .
Roy Cooper said in a letter to the top convention organizer and the national GOP chairwoman that “ planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people , social distancing and face coverings is a necessity.
” The letter came on the eve of a deadline from the GOP for assurances that Cooper would allow a full-scale event in August .
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accused him of “ dragging his feet ” on giving them guidance for proceeding with convention plans .
She released a statement saying that while the party would like to hold its event in Charlotte , “ we have an obligation to our delegates and nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states ” that have reached out to express interest in hosting .
Wednesday was the GOP ’ s deadline for assurances from Cooper .
Last week , President Donald Trump demanded that Cooper guarantee him a full-scale event or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event elsewhere .
The president then announced on Twitter Tuesday that Republicans “ are now forced to seek another state to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.
” “ Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte , North Carolina , a place I love .
Now , North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena – spend millions of dollars , have everybody arrive , and then tell them they will not be able to gain entry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cooper is still in shelter-in-place mode , and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised , ” he added .
In addition to Nashville , Republicans have expressed an interest in touring Las Vegas , Orlando , Jacksonville , and Georgia as alternative sites , according to Politico .
Cooper maintains that Charlotte has seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases over the last several days , saying in his Tuesday letter to Republican leaders that it ’ s “ unlikely ” a full-scale event will be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County , home of Charlotte , had more coronavirus cases than any other county in the state with 4,519 confirmed cases and 95 deaths , according to the state ’ s Department of Health and Human Services .
Tennessee has never hosted the Republican National Convention or the Democratic National Convention , which will take place in Milwaukee , Wisconsin this year .
Democratic leadership adopted a resolution in May that allows for a scaled-down or even virtual convention .
“ This isn ’ t about option A ( a full-scale event ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s about looking at all the pieces of the convention , how to scale up or down as we get closer to August , ” explained Democratic National Committee Secretary Jason Rae .
Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden said in a statement that “ all Tennesseans would be honored to host the president and the Tennessee Republican Party stands ready to assist the convention team.
” “ Tennessee overwhelmingly supports President Trump and everyone here would do their best to ensure a safe and successful convention , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ultimately selected , the Tennessee GOP and our delegates are looking forward to an in-person convention and the renomination of President Donald J. Trump.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
Photo “ 2016 RNC ” by Walt Disney Television .
CC BY-ND 2.0 .

Gov. Bill Lee confirmed Tuesday afternoon that GOP leaders are considering Nashville as an alternative site for August’s Republican National Convention just hours before President Donald Trump announced that he will be pulling the convention from North Carolina.
Lee’s office told WTVF that officials with the Republican National Committee will be visiting Nashville Thursday to tour the city.
“Nashville is the best place in America to have a convention and we certainly would be interested in welcoming that to our city,” the governor said in a statement.
The convention was scheduled to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the state’s Democratic governor had concerns about hosting the convention amid a global pandemic.
Gov. Roy Cooper said in a letter to the top convention organizer and the national GOP chairwoman that “planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings is a necessity.” The letter came on the eve of a deadline from the GOP for assurances that Cooper would allow a full-scale event in August.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, one of the recipients of Cooper’s letter, accused him of “dragging his feet” on giving them guidance for proceeding with convention plans. She released a statement saying that while the party would like to hold its event in Charlotte, “we have an obligation to our delegates and nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states” that have reached out to express interest in hosting.
Wednesday was the GOP’s deadline for assurances from Cooper. Last week, President Donald Trump demanded that Cooper guarantee him a full-scale event or he would be forced to move the event elsewhere.
The president then announced on Twitter Tuesday that Republicans “are now forced to seek another state to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.”
“Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place I love. Now, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena – spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and then tell them they will not be able to gain entry,” said Trump.
“Governor Cooper is still in shelter-in-place mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised,” he added.
…then tell them they will not be able to gain entry. Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised. Would have showcased beautiful North Carolina to the World, and brought in hundreds of… — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020
In addition to Nashville, Republicans have expressed an interest in touring Las Vegas, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Georgia as alternative sites, according to Politico.
Cooper maintains that Charlotte has seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases over the last several days, saying in his Tuesday letter to Republican leaders that it’s “unlikely” a full-scale event will be allowed to proceed. As of Tuesday, Mecklenburg County, home of Charlotte, had more coronavirus cases than any other county in the state with 4,519 confirmed cases and 95 deaths, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Tennessee has never hosted the Republican National Convention or the Democratic National Convention, which will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this year. Democratic leadership adopted a resolution in May that allows for a scaled-down or even virtual convention.
“This isn’t about option A (a full-scale event) or B (a virtual event) but it’s about looking at all the pieces of the convention, how to scale up or down as we get closer to August,” explained Democratic National Committee Secretary Jason Rae.
Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden said in a statement that “all Tennesseans would be honored to host the president and the Tennessee Republican Party stands ready to assist the convention team.”
“Tennessee overwhelmingly supports President Trump and everyone here would do their best to ensure a safe and successful convention,” he added. “Regardless of which city is ultimately selected, the Tennessee GOP and our delegates are looking forward to an in-person convention and the renomination of President Donald J. Trump.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Photo “2016 RNC” by Walt Disney Television. CC BY-ND 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--Commentary: Is China Threatening Taiwan, Hong Kong While the U.S. Is Weighed Down by Pandemic, Reces

Commentary: Is China Threatening Taiwan, Hong Kong While the U.S. Is Weighed Down by Pandemic, Recession and Riots?

Is China on the precipice of an aggressive expansion into Taiwan and Hong Kong while the U.S. is bogged down with the Covid-19 pandemic , the worst recession in a generation with more than 23 million jobs lost and riots over the police killing of George Floyd ?
Amid the global response to the China-originated coronavirus , in January , Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was reelected in a landslide , saying she supports the current political status of the island nation , which in her eyes is that Taiwan is so independent it doesn ’ t need to declare independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a need to declare ourselves an independent state , ” Tsai told the BBC in January .
“ We are an independent country already and we call ourselves the Republic of China , Taiwan.
” Now , in the past week , as things are reopening everywhere , China has passed a new national security law that subverts the autonomy of Hong Kong , which ceased British rule in 1997 .
This in turn is leading to concerns that China will make similar moves against Taiwan .
In that vein , Chief Joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared in a statement this week promised to “ smash ” any efforts at independence : “ If the possibility for peaceful reunification is lost , the people ’ s armed forces will , with the whole nation , including the people of Taiwan , take all necessary steps to resolutely smash any separatist plots or actions.
” Li threatened , “ We do not promise to abandon the use of force and reserve the option to take all necessary measures , to stabilize and control the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its border with India as a dispute over the borders of Pangong Lake and North Sikkim simmers .
This is all in the past week .
Now , some of this can be chalked up to a need for Beijing to appear strong in the midst of its own public health and economic catastrophes befalling China amid the Covid-19 pandemic .
But the crackdown on Hong Kong is real enough and so this could be Beijing finally getting geared up to take back Taiwan that has been separated since 1949 under U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Hong Kong also prompted the Trump administration to declare China in violation of the 1984 Sino-British Declaration treaty , since autonomy for Hong Kong was not supposed to lapse until 2047 under the treaty .
Now President Donald Trump is waiving trade privileges for Hong Kong — a wise move since China has been funneling some trade through Hong Kong to avert Trump ’ s imposed tariffs .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared in a press statement , “ After careful study of developments over the reporting period , I certified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not continue to warrant treatment under United States laws in the same manner as U.S. laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1997 .
No reasonable person can assert today that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy from China , given facts on the ground.
” In addition , China may not be keeping its word on the new U.S.-China trade deal , with only one-third of the $ 186 billion of promised purchases of U.S. goods and agriculture are now projected to be made , according to the Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a “ Five Eyes ” intelligence report quoted by the Australian newspaper , The Daily Telegraph , China covered up the origin of the coronavirus , “ Despite evidence of human-human transmission from early December , PRC authorities deny it until January 20… The World Health Organisation does the same .
Yet officials in Taiwan raised concerns as early as December 31 , as did experts in Hong Kong on January 4.
” Yet , it would not be until Jan. 20 that China confirmed human-to-human transmission , several weeks after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates were not yet apparent to the rest of the world .
But on Jan. 24 , China would lock down Wuhan and the surrounding region .
A day later , on Jan. 25 , the first doctor to treat the virus and who tried to warn the world about it died from it in China .
So , in short , China is threatening Hong Kong , Taiwan and India , may be breaking the trade deal with President Trump and has not been forthcoming about the virus outbreak in its country—and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Trump must be quick to respond .
Here are a few items to consider : Stick the Navy in between Taiwan and China as necessary to deter a catastrophic conflict and any further threats .
Kick Beijing out of U.S. treasuries markets if they don ’ t cooperate with the trade deal , a sanction that would cause the yuan to strengthen , making Chinese exports more expensive .
And outline which actions will result in improved relations and trade with the U.S. , and those that will further isolate China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump shouldn ’ t make it an easy one .
Robert Romano is the Vice President of Public Policy at Americans for Limited Government .
Photo “ Hong Kong Protesters ” by doctorho .
CC BY 2.0 .

by Robert Romano
Is China on the precipice of an aggressive expansion into Taiwan and Hong Kong while the U.S. is bogged down with the Covid-19 pandemic, the worst recession in a generation with more than 23 million jobs lost and riots over the police killing of George Floyd?
Amid the global response to the China-originated coronavirus, in January, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was reelected in a landslide, saying she supports the current political status of the island nation, which in her eyes is that Taiwan is so independent it doesn’t need to declare independence.
“We don’t have a need to declare ourselves an independent state,” Tsai told the BBC in January. “We are an independent country already and we call ourselves the Republic of China, Taiwan.”
Now, in the past week, as things are reopening everywhere, China has passed a new national security law that subverts the autonomy of Hong Kong, which ceased British rule in 1997. This in turn is leading to concerns that China will make similar moves against Taiwan.
In that vein, Chief Joint of the Joint Staff Department Li Zuocheng declared in a statement this week promised to “smash” any efforts at independence: “If the possibility for peaceful reunification is lost, the people’s armed forces will, with the whole nation, including the people of Taiwan, take all necessary steps to resolutely smash any separatist plots or actions.”
Li threatened, “We do not promise to abandon the use of force and reserve the option to take all necessary measures, to stabilize and control the situation in the Taiwan Strait.”
In addition, China is massing troops on its border with India as a dispute over the borders of Pangong Lake and North Sikkim simmers.
This is all in the past week.
Now, some of this can be chalked up to a need for Beijing to appear strong in the midst of its own public health and economic catastrophes befalling China amid the Covid-19 pandemic. But the crackdown on Hong Kong is real enough and so this could be Beijing finally getting geared up to take back Taiwan that has been separated since 1949 under U.S. security assurances.
The national security law on Hong Kong also prompted the Trump administration to declare China in violation of the 1984 Sino-British Declaration treaty, since autonomy for Hong Kong was not supposed to lapse until 2047 under the treaty.
Now President Donald Trump is waiving trade privileges for Hong Kong — a wise move since China has been funneling some trade through Hong Kong to avert Trump’s imposed tariffs.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared in a press statement, “After careful study of developments over the reporting period, I certified to Congress today that Hong Kong does not continue to warrant treatment under United States laws in the same manner as U.S. laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1997. No reasonable person can assert today that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy from China, given facts on the ground.”
In addition, China may not be keeping its word on the new U.S.-China trade deal, with only one-third of the $186 billion of promised purchases of U.S. goods and agriculture are now projected to be made, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
And according to a “Five Eyes” intelligence report quoted by the Australian newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, China covered up the origin of the coronavirus, “Despite evidence of human-human transmission from early December, PRC authorities deny it until January 20… The World Health Organisation does the same. Yet officials in Taiwan raised concerns as early as December 31, as did experts in Hong Kong on January 4.”
Yet, it would not be until Jan. 20 that China confirmed human-to-human transmission, several weeks after the outbreak began, when high mortality rates were not yet apparent to the rest of the world. But on Jan. 24, China would lock down Wuhan and the surrounding region. A day later, on Jan. 25, the first doctor to treat the virus and who tried to warn the world about it died from it in China.
So, in short, China is threatening Hong Kong, Taiwan and India, may be breaking the trade deal with President Trump and has not been forthcoming about the virus outbreak in its country—and it is all happening at lightning speed.
President Trump must be quick to respond. Here are a few items to consider: Stick the Navy in between Taiwan and China as necessary to deter a catastrophic conflict and any further threats. Kick Beijing out of U.S. treasuries markets if they don’t cooperate with the trade deal, a sanction that would cause the yuan to strengthen, making Chinese exports more expensive. And outline which actions will result in improved relations and trade with the U.S., and those that will further isolate China. Beijing has a choice to make. Trump shouldn’t make it an easy one.
– – –
Robert Romano is the Vice President of Public Policy at Americans for Limited Government.
Photo “Hong Kong Protesters” by doctorho. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--Thales Academy-Franklin Principal Rachael Bradley Discusses the June 9 Parent Meeting and How the Sc

Thales Academy-Franklin Principal Rachael Bradley Discusses the June 9 Parent Meeting and How the School Teaches Reading Instruction

Live from Music Row Tuesday 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 Principal Rachael Bradley of Thales Academy of Franklin to the newsmakers line .
During the second hour , Leahy and Bradley discussed the upcoming Thales Academy-Franklin event on June ninth at 6:30 p.m. and how Thales will teach reading to their students .
Leahy : We are joined on the line now by our very good friend .
Former North Carolina Tarheel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tech Hokie but now also a Tennessee Volunteer Rachael Bradley the principal of Thales Academy-Franklin .
Welcome , Rachael .
Bradley : Good morning Mike .
How are you ?
Leahy : I am delighted to have you on .
We are going to talk a little bit about Thales Academy and how you go about teaching reading .
But before we do that .
I have another job .
A week from tonight .
At 6:30 p.m. Leahy : I will be the official greeter/bouncer as we say .
( Bradley chuckles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents ’ informational meeting at the Thales Academy-Franklin .
Tell everybody a little bit about that event and what you do there .
Bradley : I would love for people to come out and hear about Thales Academy .
I ’ ll give a full overview of our program which will start at 6:30 p.m .
It will take about an hour .
And yep , Mike will be out in front greeting and being the bouncer .
( Leahy laughs ) The building that we bought which I ’ m super excited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the building as of yesterday .
Bradley : It was formerly The Gate Community Church .
So there is a large sanctuary and so we ’ re able to spread out and everybody is able to attend and still maintain a safe distance .
Leahy : 3835 Carothers Parkway in Franklin .
So it ’ s K-3 .
You told me last week that the kindergarten class is almost filled up now .
Is that right ?
Bradley : We are getting close .
I was just contacted late last night by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m always on call here Mike .
Checking my email and such .
Another kindergartner applied around 10:30 p.m last night .
And then my P.E .
teacher has twins that he would like to add to our kindergarten class .
Bradley : So we are filling up quickly .
Leahy : That ’ s great .
That ’ s great .
Now one of the reasons that people like Thales Academy is because of your approach to education .
You use direct instruction .
We ’ ve talked a little bit about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how you teach math .
This week , tell us about how you teach reading and how it ’ s different from I don ’ t know , some of the other harder to understand methods that are currently being used in other schools .
Bradley : Right .
Well , we use a tried and true reading instruction .
It ’ s a phonics-based instruction .
Our curriculum is reading mastery .
And again it ’ s phonics-based which is really important .
Learning to read is like learning to crack a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole language approach became really popular .
And that ’ s fine and dandy .
Leahy : Explain what you mean by the whole language because it doesn ’ t sense to me .
What is the whole language ?
Bradley : Well it was sort of like let ’ s put the children in a print-rich environment which is again , that ’ s all well and fine .
But that ’ s not an instruction methodology .
Leahy : In other words , let ’ s have a whole bunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure out how to read on their own .
Is that how they do it ?
Bradley : Exactly .
They think maybe by osmosis .
Leahy : Oh goodness .
That doesn ’ t make much sense to me .
Bradley : Just put books around the room and words on the wall and maybe they will just soak it up .
Leahy : It doesn ’ t sound very organized .
But you ’ ve got a very traditional , organized , and well-documented methodology there .
Bradley : We do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based like everything we do .
A phonics program with incremental lessons .
And it builds a super-strong foundation for these children .
My son is just finishing up second grade and he can pretty much-read anything that I put in front of him .
And that ’ s because I wasn ’ t trying to teach him lists of sight words , I taught him how to crack the code of reading .
Leahy : That makes a lot of sense .
By the way , your son was there at our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leahy : As a mom , I ’ m sure you are very proud of him .
But he ’ s going to be there in third grade .
He was at Thales Academy K-2 in North Carolina before you moved on April 1 .
You ’ ve been here now for two months and one day .
We are delighted you are here by the way .
You came in the middle of the pandemic .
That ’ s dedication .
( Laughter ) Bradley : It ’ s all working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month of April felt like time just stopped .
But as soon as May rolled around and things started opening back up we ’ ve really had great momentum .
I ’ m so happy to be here .
Leahy : So if you want to find out more about Thales Academy you can go to tennesseestar.com and you ’ ll see we have blue banners that say Thales Academy .
I ’ m doing this in real-time , you click on that banner and you go right to the sign-up sheet for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thales Academy K-3 prospective parent meeting .
And you can indicate if you are interested or going .
I can see we ’ ve got about 50 people interested in that .
That ’ s pretty good .
Just about the other aspects of how a typical day works there .
Just briefly describe what parents could expect in a typical day .
Bradley : Well we provide a really rigorous academic program .
The parents who seek us out are looking for a safe and fun learning environment but with strong academics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide .
We get started around 8:00 a.m .
Math is the first thing in the morning for approximately an hour .
We have a morning snack that you bring from home .
Recess on our playground which is being fully renovated as well .
And then we have a reading and language arts block .
So we use our direct instruction teaching methodology to teach reading , grammar , vocabulary , and handwriting .
We even teach cursive still in third grade .
Leahy : I love that by the way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy to hear that .
Leahy : I was never really great at cursive .
But you see kids today don ’ t even know how to write cursive .
Bradley : And they don ’ t know how to sign their name .
That ’ s important .
Leahy : I would say .
You can ’ t sign those checks .
( Laughs ) Bradley : That ’ s right .
And then we have a great National Geographic science program and a strong history program .
So we are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids engaged and helps us keep any behavior disruptions to a bare minimum .
Leahy : Now one other interesting thing is there is a certainty that on July 20 you are opening .
You are going to have K-3 classes going .
Leahy : I think a lot of other parents are dealing with uncertainty .
What am I going to do with my kids if schools don ’ t open ?
What school should I send them to ?
I don ’ t think there is real clarity on many public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open .
You are 100 percent certainly and absolutely opening up on July 20 ?
Bradley : We are absolutely .
The furniture has been ordered .
The curriculum has been ordered .
We are ready to roll .
Leahy : And you ’ ve got the teachers right ?
Bradley : Teachers are hired .
We are going to be ready .
And we can do that because we are going to be a smaller independent private school .
A smaller student body in our first year .
One building to maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment for our students .
We are able to do that without a lot of the hurdles that a huge county like Williamson County is going to face .
Leahy : And by the way .
As to expense .
How much does this cost ?
Leahy : Well that ’ s less than childcare I think isn ’ t it ?
$ 5,300 ?
Bradley : Absolutely .
By the time you pay the tuition and the deductible deposit , you are looking at $ 5,000 .
You can pay in full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discount .
Or you can pay in 10 monthly payments .
Absolutely it ’ s about half the cost of private daycare .
Leahy : And Thales Academy has been operating eight schools in North Carolina with great success like this since 2007 .
And you were there .
You ’ ve been part of this system for several years and you know what you are doing right ?
Bradley : Well yes .
( Leahy laughs ) Thank you for that .
I believe that ’ s accurate .
I started teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our founder and a public charter school in 2003 and I taught kindergarten for four years .
Then I got married and moved far south to the Gulf Coast in Alabama and taught in public school for six years .
So I have a really great perspective .
Leahy : And then you have been principal for many years in North Carolina .
Listen to the full second 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Radio .

Live from Music Row Tuesday 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 Principal Rachael Bradley of Thales Academy of Franklin to the newsmakers line.
During the second hour, Leahy and Bradley discussed the upcoming Thales Academy-Franklin event on June ninth at 6:30 p.m. and how Thales will teach reading to their students.
Leahy: We are joined on the line now by our very good friend. Former North Carolina Tarheel (Chuckles) and still a Virginia Tech Hokie but now also a Tennessee Volunteer Rachael Bradley the principal of Thales Academy-Franklin. Welcome, Rachael.
Bradley: Good morning Mike. How are you?
Leahy: I am delighted to have you on. We are going to talk a little bit about Thales Academy and how you go about teaching reading. But before we do that. I have another job. A week from tonight. At 6:30 p.m.
Bradley: That’s right.
Leahy: I will be the official greeter/bouncer as we say. (Bradley chuckles) As you call me at the parents’ informational meeting at the Thales Academy-Franklin. Tell everybody a little bit about that event and what you do there.
Bradley: I would love for people to come out and hear about Thales Academy. I’ll give a full overview of our program which will start at 6:30 p.m. It will take about an hour. And yep, Mike will be out in front greeting and being the bouncer. (Leahy laughs) The building that we bought which I’m super excited now says Thales Academy on the front of the building as of yesterday.
Leahy: Yay!
Bradley: It was formerly The Gate Community Church. So there is a large sanctuary and so we’re able to spread out and everybody is able to attend and still maintain a safe distance.
Leahy: 3835 Carothers Parkway in Franklin. So it’s K-3. You told me last week that the kindergarten class is almost filled up now. Is that right?
Bradley: We are getting close. I was just contacted late last night by another family. You know I’m always on call here Mike. Checking my email and such. Another kindergartner applied around 10:30 p.m last night. And then my P.E. teacher has twins that he would like to add to our kindergarten class.
Leahy: Great!
Bradley: So we are filling up quickly.
Leahy: That’s great. That’s great. Now one of the reasons that people like Thales Academy is because of your approach to education. You use direct instruction. We’ve talked a little bit about that. Last week we talked about how you teach math. This week, tell us about how you teach reading and how it’s different from I don’t know, some of the other harder to understand methods that are currently being used in other schools.
Bradley: Right. Well, we use a tried and true reading instruction. It’s a phonics-based instruction. Our curriculum is reading mastery. And again it’s phonics-based which is really important. Learning to read is like learning to crack a code. And for a while, a whole language approach became really popular. And that’s fine and dandy.
Leahy: Explain what you mean by the whole language because it doesn’t sense to me. What is the whole language?
Bradley: Well it was sort of like let’s put the children in a print-rich environment which is again, that’s all well and fine. But that’s not an instruction methodology.
Leahy: In other words, let’s have a whole bunch of books around that they can maybe figure out how to read on their own. Is that how they do it?
Bradley: Exactly. They think maybe by osmosis.
Leahy: Oh goodness. That doesn’t make much sense to me.
Bradley: Just put books around the room and words on the wall and maybe they will just soak it up.
Leahy: It doesn’t sound very organized. But you’ve got a very traditional, organized, and well-documented methodology there.
Bradley: We do. It’s data-driven and researched based like everything we do. A phonics program with incremental lessons. And it builds a super-strong foundation for these children. My son is just finishing up second grade and he can pretty much-read anything that I put in front of him. And that’s because I wasn’t trying to teach him lists of sight words, I taught him how to crack the code of reading.
Leahy: That makes a lot of sense. By the way, your son was there at our last meeting. Very nice young man.
Bradley: Thank you.
Leahy: As a mom, I’m sure you are very proud of him. But he’s going to be there in third grade. He was at Thales Academy K-2 in North Carolina before you moved on April 1. You’ve been here now for two months and one day. We are delighted you are here by the way. You came in the middle of the pandemic. That’s dedication. (Laughter)
Bradley: It’s all working out. I tell everybody that the month of April felt like time just stopped. But as soon as May rolled around and things started opening back up we’ve really had great momentum. I’m so happy to be here.
Leahy: So if you want to find out more about Thales Academy you can go to tennesseestar.com and you’ll see we have blue banners that say Thales Academy. I’m doing this in real-time, you click on that banner and you go right to the sign-up sheet for this event a week from today.
Thales Academy K-3 prospective parent meeting. And you can indicate if you are interested or going. I can see we’ve got about 50 people interested in that. That’s pretty good. Just about the other aspects of how a typical day works there. Just briefly describe what parents could expect in a typical day.
Bradley: Well we provide a really rigorous academic program. The parents who seek us out are looking for a safe and fun learning environment but with strong academics. And that’s what we provide. We get started around 8:00 a.m. Math is the first thing in the morning for approximately an hour.
We have a morning snack that you bring from home. Recess on our playground which is being fully renovated as well. And then we have a reading and language arts block. So we use our direct instruction teaching methodology to teach reading, grammar, vocabulary, and handwriting. We even teach cursive still in third grade.
Leahy: I love that by the way.
Bradley: A lot of people are happy to hear that.
Leahy: I was never really great at cursive. But you see kids today don’t even know how to write cursive.
Bradley: And they don’t know how to sign their name. That’s important.
Leahy: I would say. You can’t sign those checks. (Laughs)
Bradley: That’s right. And then we have a great National Geographic science program and a strong history program. So we are working hard all day long. Keeping those kids engaged and helps us keep any behavior disruptions to a bare minimum.
Leahy: Now one other interesting thing is there is a certainty that on July 20 you are opening. You are going to have K-3 classes going.
Bradley: Absolutely.
Leahy: I think a lot of other parents are dealing with uncertainty. What am I going to do with my kids if schools don’t open? What school should I send them to? I don’t think there is real clarity on many public schools of when they are going to open. You are 100 percent certainly and absolutely opening up on July 20?
Bradley: We are absolutely. The furniture has been ordered. The curriculum has been ordered. We are ready to roll.
Leahy: And you’ve got the teachers right?
Bradley: Teachers are hired. We are going to be ready. And we can do that because we are going to be a smaller independent private school. A smaller student body in our first year. One building to maintain safely. Keep disinfected and a healthy environment for our students. We are able to do that without a lot of the hurdles that a huge county like Williamson County is going to face.
Leahy: And by the way. As to expense. How much does this cost?
Bradley: Our annual tuition is $5,300.
Leahy: Well that’s less than childcare I think isn’t it? $5,300?
Bradley: Absolutely. By the time you pay the tuition and the deductible deposit, you are looking at $5,000. You can pay in full and receive an additional $300. discount. Or you can pay in 10 monthly payments. Absolutely it’s about half the cost of private daycare.
Leahy: And Thales Academy has been operating eight schools in North Carolina with great success like this since 2007. And you were there. You’ve been part of this system for several years and you know what you are doing right?
Bradley: Well yes. (Leahy laughs) Thank you for that. I believe that’s accurate. I started teaching for Mr. Luddy. Mr. Luddy is our founder and a public charter school in 2003 and I taught kindergarten for four years. Then I got married and moved far south to the Gulf Coast in Alabama and taught in public school for six years. So I have a really great perspective.
Leahy: And then you have been principal for many years in North Carolina.
Bradley: Yes sir.
Listen to the full second 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.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--Tennessee House Votes to Be Second Amendment Sanctuary Amid Nationwide Riots

Tennessee is now one step closer to becoming a Second Amendment sanctuary after the state House of Representatives passed a resolution Monday strengthening legal protections of gun ownership .
Resolution HJR074 , drafted in March , requires the state to “ [ extend ] a safe harbor to Virginians and other United States citizens whose constitutional rights are being violated by elected officials.
” It also affirms that citizens have a right to maintain arms equivalent “ to those of their government ’ s basic infantry unit.
” The bill includes language that details an individual ’ s right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and similar firearms ” in order for one to execute their “ God-given ” right to oppose government tyranny .
The legislation also reportedly parallels language in a book that claims over 260 million people have been killed by governments around the globe , according to a Fox 17 report .
Tennessee house members voted 64-24 to move to the resolution forward to the state ’ s senate .
The resolution comes after rioters lit the Nashville Metro Courthouse ablaze Saturday , following violent demonstrations resulting from the death of George Floyd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis Police custody after an officer knelt on his neck for several minutes , according to a video of the incident .
The Metro Nashville Police Department said in a tweet Monday that the alleged main perpetrator of the fire had been arrested .
Tennessee Democratic Rep. G.A .
Hardaway opposed the resolution , but says he ’ ll encourage his black constituents to arm themselves .
He also said that at times it ’ s necessary to “ use force to ensure your individual liberties and to preserve the freedoms that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Examiner .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Concealed Carry ” by Clinger Holsters .
CC BY-ND 2.0 .

by Jake Dima
Tennessee is now one step closer to becoming a Second Amendment sanctuary after the state House of Representatives passed a resolution Monday strengthening legal protections of gun ownership.
Resolution HJR074, drafted in March, requires the state to “[extend] a safe harbor to Virginians and other United States citizens whose constitutional rights are being violated by elected officials.” It also affirms that citizens have a right to maintain arms equivalent “to those of their government’s basic infantry unit.”
The bill includes language that details an individual’s right to own “semi-automatic AR-15s, AK-47s, and similar firearms” in order for one to execute their “God-given” right to oppose government tyranny. The legislation also reportedly parallels language in a book that claims over 260 million people have been killed by governments around the globe, according to a Fox 17 report.
Tennessee house members voted 64-24 to move to the resolution forward to the state’s senate.
The resolution comes after rioters lit the Nashville Metro Courthouse ablaze Saturday, following violent demonstrations resulting from the death of George Floyd, The Tennessean reports. Floyd died in Minneapolis Police custody after an officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, according to a video of the incident.
The Metro Nashville Police Department said in a tweet Monday that the alleged main perpetrator of the fire had been arrested.
Tennessee Democratic Rep. G.A. Hardaway opposed the resolution, but says he’ll encourage his black constituents to arm themselves. He also said that at times it’s necessary to “use force to ensure your individual liberties and to preserve the freedoms that you want,” according to The Washington Examiner.
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Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Concealed Carry” by Clinger Holsters. CC BY-ND 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--State Representative Timothy Hill Releases First TV Ad for His First District Congressional Run

Current state Representative Timothy Hill ( R-Blountville ) released his initial TV ad on Tuesday for his run at Tennessee ’ s First Congressional District .
Hill is looking to replace Phil Roe who announced he will not seek re-election after first being elected in 2008 .
There are 16 Republicans pursuing the party ’ s nomination , according to the Secretary of State website , including fellow State House member David Hawk ( R-Greeneville ) and state Senator Rusty Crowe ( R-Johnson City ) .
Hill has decided to go all-in with his pursuit of the congressional seat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current State House District 3 .
Hill ’ s 30-second ad titled “ Ally ” leads off with a picture of him and a Bible stating that he is a Christian Conservative who is a seventh-generation northeast Tennessean along with family photo including his wife and their two sons .
It goes on to say that Hill is 100 percent pro-life , pro-jobs and pro-President Trump .
To demonstrate Hill ’ s pro-life stance , the ad cites his co-signing of the heartbeat abortion ban as reported in the January 28 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a fighter for jobs , Hill was personally invited to the White House in January 2020 for the signing of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement ( USMCA ) , one of President Trump ’ s signature accomplishments .
While the ad features quick-moving imagery along with reinforcing verbiage , a more subtle reference to support for the Second Amendment was demonstrated through an image of Hill holding a lever-action rifle .
Getting to the heart of the ad ’ s title , it concludes with a play on words used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally who is not afraid to “ storm the Hill.
” Hill , who is wrapping up his fourth term in the state House of Representatives , sponsored and passed a bill in 2019 that directed the governor through the Department of Finance and Administration to request a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS ) that would provide TennCare funding through a block grant .
Calling it the Conservative way to expand TennCare coverage , Hill told The Tennessee Star “ The end result will be using existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time the bill was working its way through the General Assembly .
At the end of the 2019 legislative session and before Hill announced as a candidate for the U.S. House , the non-profit Club for Growth Foundation released its first Tennessee State Legislative Scorecard .
Focusing on the Foundation ’ s pro-economic growth policy goals , the State ’ s 132 legislators were evaluated as to their votes on 14 pieces of legislation and ranked according to their score .
Of the 99-member State House of Representatives , Hill ranked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House Freedom Fund , a grassroots-funded political action committee affiliated with the House Freedom Fund that helps elect conservative candidates to the U.S. House of Representatives , The Star reported .
The Republican primary for state and federal offices will be held on August 6 with early voting running from July 17 to August 1 .
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star .
Photo “ Timothy Hill Ad ” by Timothy Hill .

Current state Representative Timothy Hill (R-Blountville) released his initial TV ad on Tuesday for his run at Tennessee’s First Congressional District.
Hill is looking to replace Phil Roe who announced he will not seek re-election after first being elected in 2008.
There are 16 Republicans pursuing the party’s nomination, according to the Secretary of State website, including fellow State House member David Hawk (R-Greeneville) and state Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City). Hill has decided to go all-in with his pursuit of the congressional seat, by not entering the primary for his current State House District 3.
Hill’s 30-second ad titled “Ally” leads off with a picture of him and a Bible stating that he is a Christian Conservative who is a seventh-generation northeast Tennessean along with family photo including his wife and their two sons.
It goes on to say that Hill is 100 percent pro-life, pro-jobs and pro-President Trump.
To demonstrate Hill’s pro-life stance, the ad cites his co-signing of the heartbeat abortion ban as reported in the January 28, 2019, edition of the Johnson City Press.
As a fighter for jobs, Hill was personally invited to the White House in January 2020 for the signing of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), one of President Trump’s signature accomplishments.
While the ad features quick-moving imagery along with reinforcing verbiage, a more subtle reference to support for the Second Amendment was demonstrated through an image of Hill holding a lever-action rifle.
Getting to the heart of the ad’s title, it concludes with a play on words used to tout the candidate as Trump’s ally who is not afraid to “storm the Hill.”
Hill, who is wrapping up his fourth term in the state House of Representatives, sponsored and passed a bill in 2019 that directed the governor through the Department of Finance and Administration to request a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would provide TennCare funding through a block grant.
Calling it the Conservative way to expand TennCare coverage, Hill told The Tennessee Star “The end result will be using existing resources to serve more people,” at the time the bill was working its way through the General Assembly.
At the end of the 2019 legislative session and before Hill announced as a candidate for the U.S. House, the non-profit Club for Growth Foundation released its first Tennessee State Legislative Scorecard. Focusing on the Foundation’s pro-economic growth policy goals, the State’s 132 legislators were evaluated as to their votes on 14 pieces of legislation and ranked according to their score.
Of the 99-member State House of Representatives, Hill ranked 10th.
Hill was recently endorsed by the House Freedom Fund, a grassroots-funded political action committee affiliated with the House Freedom Fund that helps elect conservative candidates to the U.S. House of Representatives, The Star reported.
The Republican primary for state and federal offices will be held on August 6 with early voting running from July 17 to August 1.
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Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star.
Photo “Timothy Hill Ad” by Timothy Hill.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--No Evidence White Supremacists Are Derailing the Protests, Left-Wing SPLC Says

A researcher with the Southern Poverty Law Center said he had not seen evidence supporting the theory that white supremacist militia members were responsible for inciting violence at protests against police brutality last week .
“ I have not seen any clear evidence that white supremacists or militiamen are masking up and going out to burn and loot , ” Howard Graves , a research analyst at the SPLC , told The New York Times for a report published Sunday .
The group , which tracks anti-government extremist groups , has been criticized for calling mainstream conservative organizations “ hate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speculated about whether extremist groups are derailing demonstrations against the death of George Floyd , who died after a Minneapolis , Minnesota , police officer knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes , as shown in a video of the incident .
MSNBC host Joy Reid suggested in a series of tweets Saturday that white supremacists were interjecting themselves into the message .
Other groups disagreed with the SPLC ’ s claim that there was little evidence right-wing extremists .
“ We ’ re going to see a diversity of fringe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University , San Bernardino , told TheNYT .
“ We know for a fact there have been far-right agitators both online and at these rallies , as well as far-left.
” The Trump administration believes the protests took a dark turn after left-wing agitators associated with the Antifa movement took advantage of an emotional issue to sow chaos .
“ Unfortunately , with the rioting that is occurring in many of our cities around the country , the voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violent radical elements , ” Attorney General Bill Barr said Saturday , according to Politico .
“ In many places it appears the violence is planned , organized , and driven by far left extremist groups and anarchic groups using Antifa-like tactics.
” The U.S. government is officially designating Antifa ( short for anti-fascist ) as a domestic terrorist group , President Donald Trump announced in a tweet Sunday .
Chris White is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Minneapolis Protest Damage ” by Fibonacci Blue .
CC @ @ @

by Chris White
A researcher with the Southern Poverty Law Center said he had not seen evidence supporting the theory that white supremacist militia members were responsible for inciting violence at protests against police brutality last week.
“I have not seen any clear evidence that white supremacists or militiamen are masking up and going out to burn and loot,” Howard Graves, a research analyst at the SPLC, told The New York Times for a report published Sunday. The group, which tracks anti-government extremist groups, has been criticized for calling mainstream conservative organizations “hate groups.”
Some politicians and commentators have speculated about whether extremist groups are derailing demonstrations against the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes, as shown in a video of the incident.
MSNBC host Joy Reid suggested in a series of tweets Saturday that white supremacists were interjecting themselves into the message.
Other groups disagreed with the SPLC’s claim that there was little evidence right-wing extremists.
“We’re going to see a diversity of fringe malefactors,” Brian Levin, the director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, told TheNYT. “We know for a fact there have been far-right agitators both online and at these rallies, as well as far-left.”
The Trump administration believes the protests took a dark turn after left-wing agitators associated with the Antifa movement took advantage of an emotional issue to sow chaos.
“Unfortunately, with the rioting that is occurring in many of our cities around the country, the voices of peaceful protests are being hijacked by violent radical elements,” Attorney General Bill Barr said Saturday, according to Politico. “In many places it appears the violence is planned, organized, and driven by far left extremist groups and anarchic groups using Antifa-like tactics.”
The U.S. government is officially designating Antifa (short for anti-fascist) as a domestic terrorist group, President Donald Trump announced in a tweet Sunday.
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Chris White is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Minneapolis Protest Damage” by Fibonacci Blue. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--Senator Kerry Roberts Discusses the Reconvening of the Tennessee State Senate and the Traditional Sa

Senator Kerry Roberts Discusses the Reconvening of the Tennessee State Senate and the Traditional Salute to the State Flag

Live from Music Row Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Tennessee state Senator Kerry Roberts ( R-Springfield ) to the studio .
During the second hour , Leahy and Roberts discussed how the Tennessee state Senate reconvened Monday evening with salutes and prayers before the rioting in downtown Nashville .
Leahy : So last night , Monday , the State Senate convened ?
Roberts : We were out by 5:30 p.m. Leahy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convene ?
Roberts : Mainly when you reconvene after being recessed .
Leahy : Were all 33 state senators there ?
Leahy : All six feet apart ?
Roberts : Yes .
You can find images online .
They moved all the desks .
So instead of being elbow to elbow .
We were all six feet apart .
Leahy : That ’ s a very nice chamber by the way .
Leahy : It ’ s got a very different feel than the House chamber does .
Leahy : It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You are not going to see some ranting and raving there are you ?
Leahy : So what did you do during this hour ?
Leahy : Was that with Lt .
Governor McNally .
Roberts : Yes .
Let me tell you something that is interesting .
We always start with a prayer .
Roberts : Somebody is invited .
Generally , a local pastor to give a prayer .
In this case , it was done by video .
I don ’ t know if it was pre-recorded or live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screen .
Then we say the pledge of allegiance standing .
Then we turn to the Tennessee flag and do the salute to the Tennessee flag which was the part of which late by State Senator Douglas… Leahy : Doug Henry .
I knew that would be the guy .
Roberts : It ’ s kind of funny for people who have never been there .
And when you ’ re done with the pledge everybody thinks like ok , let ’ s move on .
Then all of a sudden everybody starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leahy : Are there words or a certain physical thing you do ?
Roberts : There are words on the TV .
Its three white stars and a field of blue .
God keep them strong and ever true .
It is with pride and joy that we salute the flag of Tennessee .
Roberts : It ’ s on the big screen so people can read it .
Listen to the second hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Background Photo “ Tennessee General Assembly ” by the Tennessee General Assembly .

Live from Music Row Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Tennessee state Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) to the studio.
During the second hour, Leahy and Roberts discussed how the Tennessee state Senate reconvened Monday evening with salutes and prayers before the rioting in downtown Nashville.
Leahy: So last night, Monday, the State Senate convened?
Roberts: We were out by 5:30 p.m.
Leahy: So tell us when did you convene?
Roberts: 4:30 p.m.
Leahy: 4:30 p.m. And what happened?
Roberts: Mainly when you reconvene after being recessed.
Leahy: You’re in the state Senate chamber.
Roberts: It’s merely a formality.
Leahy: Were all 33 state senators there?
Roberts: Spread out.
Leahy: All six feet apart?
Roberts: Yes. You can find images online. They moved all the desks. So instead of being elbow to elbow. We were all six feet apart.
Leahy: That’s a very nice chamber by the way.
Roberts: I love it.
Leahy: It’s got a very different feel than the House chamber does.
Roberts: Indeed.
Leahy: It’s more collegiate.
Roberts: Peaceful.
Leahy: It’s quieter. It’s definitely quieter. You are not going to see some ranting and raving there are you?
Roberts: Well… (Laughs)
Leahy: Occasionally you’ll see it.
Roberts: It’s not commonplace.
Leahy: So what did you do during this hour?
Roberts: We reconvened.
Leahy: Was that with Lt. Governor McNally.
Roberts: Yes. Let me tell you something that is interesting. We always start with a prayer.
Leahy: OK.
Roberts: Somebody is invited. Generally, a local pastor to give a prayer. In this case, it was done by video. I don’t know if it was pre-recorded or live but they came in on the TV screen. Then we say the pledge of allegiance standing. Then we turn to the Tennessee flag and do the salute to the Tennessee flag which was the part of which late by State Senator Douglas…
Leahy: Doug Henry. I knew that would be the guy.
Roberts: It’s kind of funny for people who have never been there. And when you’re done with the pledge everybody thinks like ok, let’s move on. Then all of a sudden everybody starts doing the salute to the Tennessee flag.
Leahy: Are there words or a certain physical thing you do?
Roberts: There are words on the TV. Its three white stars and a field of blue. God keep them strong and ever true. It is with pride and joy that we salute the flag of Tennessee.
Leahy: I love that!
Roberts: It’s on the big screen so people can read it.
Leahy: I love that!
Listen to the second 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 “Tennessee General Assembly” by the Tennessee General Assembly.