thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Commentary: Secular Education Is Contributing to America’s Decline in Religion

In his observations about 19th-century America , Alexis de Tocqueville pointed to religion as the first of the country ’ s political institutions—sweeping in its influence on our customs and powerful in its propensity to preempt and prevent tyranny .
Yet today , American religiosity is in decline .
Weekly church attendance is trending downward , as is self-identification with a formal religion , denomination or belief system .
The rise of the “ nones ” is increasing in speed and expanding in influence , replacing religious-cultural paradigms of old with a modern menu of personalized , à la carte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is often resistant or opposed to public expression , never mind institutional or cultural prominence .
We hear plenty of guesses as to why—with fingers pointing at everything from the temptations of modernity , to modern worship practices , to generational faults of among boomers , Gen Xers , millennials , etc .
In a new study from the American Enterprise Institute , however , researcher Lyman Stone finds a different answer .
After consolidating data from a 400-year period , he identifies “ two compelling explanations : the expansion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” More broadly , the study highlights historical trends in religious identification and participation , as well as new data on “ religious language , religious baby names , the legal status of religion , and religious violence.
” The result is a highly nuanced and compelling portrait of the ups-and-downs of American religiosity throughout its history , one that allows us to frame the significance of our modern moment and tailor our response accordingly .
“ The present decline is striking in its speed and uniformity across different measures of religiosity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer historical perspective suggests some caution in making overbold statements about what such a decline might portend.
” For example , at America ’ s founding , we had lower rates of religious membership and attendance than we do today .
If we were to look to those measures alone , Stone observes , “ America today is more religious than it was two centuries ago—and indeed at any point between 1750 and 1930.
” If we look at the bigger picture , however , the trends toward “ secularization ” are notably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those who do not identify with any particular religion or organized belief system .
Yet this trend is not due to some sort of modern intellectual “ Enlightenment ” —an agnosticism spurred by high levels of academic achievement or breakthroughs in science or technology .
“ Theories that religion has declined because urbanization is hostile to religiosity—or because modern , educated people are inherently skeptical of religion—get no support in the actual historic record , ” Stone observes .
Instead , it has far more to do with do with who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such information flows .
Grounding his argument in extensive data on childhood religiosity , Stone notes that enduring religious belief typically begins at very particular points in late childhood ( ages 12-18 ) .
“ The vast majority of change in religiosity over time in most countries is not because adults converted away from a given religion , but simply because the next generation was less religious , ” Stone writes .
“ In other words , the story of secularization in America is not mostly a story of lots of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as adults .
It is a story of fewer people having a religious upbringing at all.
” In turn , we would do well to look more closely at the common inputs and institutions that children encounter in those years , which vary across families , schools , and churches , but are increasingly lopsided in their arc and orientation .
In recent decades , we have seen rapidly changing dynamics in what we might call the “ religious economy , ” wherein government-funded educational programs compete ever more closely with more traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading theory suggests that religions are “ club goods ” ; they guarantee a certain set of services to members , provided that those members obey certain club rules .
For example , if members tithe and abide by public moral standards , the religion might provide education for their children , community in old age , or a vibrant social life .
Religions that provide high-quality club goods thrive .
But religions can provide such goods only if they can organize committed members to provide those goods to one another ; thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands of members tend to have faster growth .
But if a government or some other cultural club good begins to compete with religion , it might break up the religious economy .
Thus , for example , weekends with football games have lower church attendance .
Likewise , legalized alcohol sales on Sundays reduce religious attendance .
Public religious scandals , which call into question the social prestige of the club , also lead to exits from religion … Therefore , as governments increasingly compete to provide services historically provided by religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline … It appears that the only case in which the state providing a club good drives secularization is in education for children .
As these dynamics continue to evolve , we don ’ t just see competition in time , space , and resources , but also in content—the combination of which appears to be quite influential : More educational spending by the ( generally secular ) state to teach children may teach not just math and reading but also a worldview or life orientation .
It may even alter parental behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that religiosity declines so much between age 12 and 18 , before children have left the home .
Most likely , instead of a religious school supporting and encouraging religious behavior and instruction , high school becomes a season of secularization .
There is ample research supporting the idea that the specific curriculum and values in a school influence religiosity during childhood and into adulthood … In other words , the content of education matters .
Evidence that education reduces religiosity is fairly weak : American religiosity rose considerably from 1800 until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the evidence that specifically secular education might reduce religiosity is more compelling .
Indeed , statistically , most researchers who have explored long-run change in religiosity find that education-related variables , which I have argued are a proxy for secular education , can explain nearly the totality of change in religiosity .
The report offers a great deal of clarity on where things currently stand , but when it comes to the wider implications and actual solutions , the answers are less clear .
Stone proposes several policy initiatives that may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better empower religious communities and educational institutions , many of which have been offered before : school vouchers and other school choice programs , liberalized zoning rules , eased licensure rules for religious institutions , and more .
But while these steps would surely be beneficial , if we are to see the overarching goals fully realized , we may need a bit more backbone than we currently have across our mediating institutions .
Indeed , if we turn back to Tocqueville , we are reminded that much of America ’ s religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beyond our laws , customs , and policies .
If we hope to curb the pressures of the state and entrenched technocracy , if we hope to reassert proper moral and spiritual witness in our modern “ religious economy , ” we will need more than generic educational movements mixed with second-hand evangelism .
Rather , we will need distinct moral communities with clear , cultural imaginations for what good education and good culture look like , as well as what freedom requires of our communities in a pluralistic society .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps will keep the “ first of our institutions ” first for years to come .
Joseph Sunde is an associate editor and writer for the Acton Institute .
His work has appeared in venues such as The Federalist , First Things , The Christian Post , The Stream , Intellectual Takeout , Foundation for Economic Education , Patheos , LifeSiteNews , The City , Charisma News , The Green Room , Juicy Ecumenism , Ethika Politika , Made to Flourish , and the Center for Faith and Work .
Joseph resides in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four children .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Conservative Professor William Jacobson Says He’s Being Targeted for Not Supporting the ‘Black Lives

Conservative Professor William Jacobson Says He’s Being Targeted for Not Supporting the ‘Black Lives Matter’ Agenda

A conservative Ivy League professor says he is facing a targeted campaign by his colleagues to have him fired for not supporting the Black Lives Matter movement , which advocates to “ defund the police , ” among other leftist causes .
William Jacobson , a professor at Cornell Law School and founder of Legal Insurrection , says he is being targeted by the university ’ s faculty for being a conservative .
Jacobson claims that other university employees are trying to either get him fired or “ at least denounced publicly by the school.
” This backlash came in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ detail the history of how the Black Lives Matters Movement started , and the agenda of the founders which is playing out in the cultural purge and rioting taking place now.
” Following the release of these articles , the Dean of Cornell Law School received more than 15 emails in a matter of days .
They were all written by alumni who had graduated within the past decade , and demanded “ that action be taken against me ranging from an institutional statement denouncing me to firing.
” Jacobson says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as some of the emails were in a template form.
” Jacobson ’ s colleagues published a letter in the university ’ s newspaper , The Cornell Sun , along with the Black Law Students Association .
The letter itself has 21 signatures and says that there are “ commentators , some of them attached to Ivy League Institutions , who are leading a smear campaign against Black Lives Matter.
” Despite the professor not being “ mentioned by name ” he believes that “ based on what I ’ ve seen BLSA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about me.
” “ Based on documents I ’ ve seen , there was consideration of demanding my firing , but it appears to have moved away from that not because they don ’ t want me fired , but ‘ because calling for his firing would only draw more attention to his blog and bolster his platform , and we do not want to give him that satisfaction , ’ ” writes Jacobson .
Jacobson claims to have seen documents involving a plan to force “ the law school to unequivocally denounce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by subjecting students to his racist pedagogy , and critically examine the views of the people they employ as professors of the law.
” Jacobson believes “ that many students will sign [ the petition ] because there is no choice in this environment ” .
He deems this to be the result of virtue signaling and mantras such as “ silence is violence.
” To face “ the false allegations in real-time , ” Jacobson proposes holding a public debate on the Black Lives Matter movement between himself , a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff member .
He says that diversity of thought is necessary to “ a vibrant intellectual community ” , but instead people are “ trying to shut down debate through false accusations of racism seems to be the preferred tactic.
” “ We are living in extraordinarily dangerous times , reminiscent of the Chinese Communist Cultural Revolution , in which professors guilty of wrongthink were publicly denounced and fired at the behest of students who insisted on absolute ideological orthodoxy , ” says Jacobson who believes that we will continue to “ see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ who support black lives but not the Black Lives Movement as it was founded and currently operates ” speak out .
In a statement released Thursday by Cornell Law School Dean Eduardo M. Peñalver , the Ivy League administrator addressed the controversy , saying that “ recent blog posts of Professor William Jacobson , casting broad and categorical aspersions on the goals of those protesting for justice for Black Americans , do not reflect the values of Cornell Law School as I have articulated them .
I found his recent posts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , Tessler added , “ to take disciplinary action against him for the views he has expressed would fatally pit our values against one another in ways that would corrode our ability to operate as an academic institution.
” Lacey Kestecher is a New York Campus Correspondent at CompusReform.org .
Follow Lacey on Twitter : @ KestecherLacey .
Image “ Professor William Jacobson ” by William Jacobson .

A new bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour is emerging in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Representative Patty Kim (D-Harrisburg), the bill as described in a memorandum appears similar to legislation Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) is spearheading in his chamber. It contrasts with a more radical measure authored by Representative Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia) that would hike the wage floor to $16.50 in July 2025 and gradually increase it to $21 by mid-2028. The Rabb bill would also apply the state minimum wage to prisoners, vastly boosting their pay.
In her memo pushing for a $15 hourly floor, Kim (pictured above) lamented that the commonwealth last hiked its minimum wage to $7.25 in 2009. She cited data from the U.S. Department of Labor indicating that 30 states, including all of those that neighbor Pennsylvania, mandate higher wage minimums. Her $15 rate would take effect in January 2024 and would tie future minimum-wage rises to inflation.
“Too many people have worked too hard for too long to not be able to pay their bills,” Kim said at a House Majority Policy Committee hearing on the issue in late March. “We want to tag a cost-of-living adjustment on this, so we never have to wait years and years – or wait for a once-in-a-century pandemic – for this issue to have a bright light shined on it.”
While free-market advocates generally oppose minimum wage increases, some in Harrisburg expect Republicans like Laughlin who now champion a hike will insist that such a policy come as part of a broader deal that will include regulatory reform. Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has urged enactment of a new $15 floor and many Republicans have sensed an opportunity for dealmaking, particularly insofar as they control the state Senate.
Advocates of an increase often cite a Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Advisory Board report indicating that 63,800 individuals — less than two percent of the state’s workforce — earned $7.25 per hour or less in 2021. Nonetheless, wages have risen markedly over the last two years and many who continue to make so little are teenagers working one of their first jobs.
After House Democrats began clamoring for new pay mandates, the Harrisburg-based Commonwealth Foundation (CF) issued a backgrounder in March opposing the idea. CF cited calculations from the nonpartisan Independent Fiscal Office suggesting that even raising the floor to $12 per hour would kill 5,000 jobs.
And the think tank fears the proposal could disadvantage even workers who keep their jobs insofar as employers may compensate for the new mandate by cutting worker hours and benefits. An example of this was observed nationally in 2018 after Amazon set its own low-end hourly wage to $15 but nevertheless suspended workers’ monthly bonuses and stock options.
Instead of raising the minimum wage, CF suggested, the commonwealth should focus on lowering impediments to employment by reforming licensing and permitting processes as well as improving public-assistance programs so they reward those who secure employment.
– – –
Bradley Vasoli is managing editor of The Pennsylvania Daily Star. Follow Brad on Twitter at @BVasoli. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Patty Kim” by Rep. Patty Kim. Background Photo “Pennsylvania Capitol” by Ad Meskens. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Kentucky Governor Beshear Participates in Jefferson Davis Statue Removal from State Capitol

FRANKFORT , Kentucky ( AP ) — Having led the push to take down a statue of Jefferson Davis from the Kentucky Capitol , the state ’ s governor had a ceremonial role Saturday in its removal from the place it stood for generations .
Gov .
Andy Beshear pushed the button to a rig that lifted the 15-foot ( 4.5-meter ) marble statue off its pedestal in the ornate Capitol Rotunda .
The governor tweeted a photo showing the memorial to the Confederate president being hoisted for removal .
“ Today I pressed the button to bring it down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his tweet .
“ Now , every child who walks into their Capitol feels welcome .
Today we took a step forward for the betterment of every single Kentuckian.
” Joining Beshear for the historic event were two leading members of his administration — J. Michael Brown and La Tasha Buckner , who are black .
In a quintessentially Kentucky twist , workers discovered an empty bourbon bottle in the base after the statue was hoisted .
Also found was a newspaper front page .
Later in the day , Beshear posted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crate — being loaded by crane onto a truck outside the statehouse .
The governor tweeted that the Capitol “ no longer houses a symbol of division .
Change is possible .
Together , we can make it happen.
” Beshear , who took office late last year , has declared his intent to expand health care coverage to every black Kentuckian , provide anti-bias and other training for police officers and increase the number of black teachers in the state .
It was a sudden and dramatic departure for a statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Friday , the state Historic Properties Advisory Commission voted to move the statue to a state historic site in southern Kentucky where the Confederate leader was born .
The governor requested the meeting and said he expected the panel ’ s support to remove the statute .
The commission is responsible for statues in the state Capitol .
The panel ’ s vote came two days after another Davis statue was toppled by protesters in Virginia .
Calls to remove Confederate monuments , seen as symbols of slavery , have escalated amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans .
The protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him down by putting his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes as Floyd struggled to breathe .
In Louisville , protesters have demanded justice for Breonna Taylor , who was killed in her home in March .
The African American EMT was shot eight times by narcotics detectives who knocked down her door while attempting to enforce a search warrant .
No drugs were found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kentucky statehouse since 1936 .
It occupied a corner of the Rotunda near a bronze likeness of Abraham Lincoln , his Civil War adversary and the president who freed the slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation .
Both were Kentucky natives .
The commission called for the statue to be moved to the Jefferson Davis Historic Site , where Davis was born .
The site features a 351-foot monument and a museum , according to a state website .
Bruce Schreiner reports for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : Workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Kentucky state Capitol in Frankfort , Ky. , on Saturday , June 13 , 2020 .
A Kentucky commission voted to take down a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis from the state Capitol .
The panel supported a push from the governor as the country faces protests against police brutality following the deaths of African Americans in encounters with police .
( Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--HHS Scraps Obama-Era Rules on Gender Identity, Abortion

Federal health officials announced a final rule Friday scrapping an Obama-era regulation that forced medical workers to perform abortions despite their religious beliefs .
The Obama administration ’ s 2016 regulation , already vacated by a court ruling , also redefined sex-based discrimination in health care to include questions of gender identity .
The old rule would have imposed nearly $ 3 billion in costs on the economy , the Department of Health and Human Services said in announcing the change .
Prompted by the Affordable Care Act , popularly known as Obamacare , the rule had not been implemented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress passed the Obamacare law in 2010 , it included a section broadly prohibiting discrimination among health insurance plans .
Under the Obama administration , HHS tried to apply that provision to both abortion and gender identity in the 2016 rule .
The rule defined gender identity as “ one ’ s internal sense of gender , which may be male , female , neither , or a combination of male and female.
” The real-world effects of prioritizing gender identity in health care became clear after a 32-year-old pregnant woman went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and claiming to be a man .
The attending nurse treated the patient as a man , based on the electronic medical record , and the end result was a stillborn baby in a case first reported by The New England Journal of Medicine in May 2019 .
“ That ’ s one example where confusion over what the meaning of sex is—whether it ’ s based on biology or based on gender identity—can have some real-world and in this case tragic consequences .
That ’ s why clarity is so important , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HHS Office for Civil Rights , told The Daily Signal .
“ This [ new ] rule will establish clarity over the confusion that was unleashed by the Obama administration ’ s previous definition , which included male , female , neither , both or some combination , which is very difficult to administer in a health care setting.
” The new rule will enforce the provision by returning to the government ’ s interpretation of sexual discrimination according to the plain meaning of the word “ sex ” as male or female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The 2016 regulation did not recognize sexual orientation as a protected characteristic , and the Trump administration ’ s rule doesn ’ t change that .
“ The Obama administration itself thought that was a bridge too far .
And this final rule leaves undisturbed that judgment from the Obama era , ” Severino said .
“ So if people take issue with that , they should also take issue with the Obama administration as well.
” The Trump administration ’ s HHS says it will continue to enforce federal civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the basis of race , color , national origin , disability , age , and sex .
The final rule keeps a section that ensures physical access for individuals with disabilities to health care facilities , as well as communication technology to assist those who have impaired vision or hearing .
Regulated entities still will have to provide written assurances of compliance to HHS .
“ Truth matters and words have meaning , ” said Ryan T. Anderson , a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation , asserting in a written statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescind the previous rules : In addition to being an unlawful abuse of agency power , these rules would have caused serious harm .
They would have required doctors , hospitals , and health care organizations to act in ways contrary to their best medical judgments , their consciences , and the physical realities of their patients , or face steep fines and become easy targets for unreasonable and costly lawsuits .
All people should be treated with dignity and respect .
Therefore , federal law should not outlaw reasonable disagreements about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nor should federal law force anyone to violate their pro-life conscience or the privacy and safety of others in the name of political correctness .
The revised rule provides protections for non-English speakers , including the provision of translators and interpreters .
However , the final rule relieves Americans of approximately $ 2.9 billion in regulatory costs over five years by eliminating a mandate for regulated health care entities to insert “ notice and taglines ” to patients and other consumers in 15 or more languages in almost every mailing .
Those costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2016 , a federal court preliminarily enjoined the Obama administration ’ s attempt to redefine sex-based discrimination .
The court said the provision likely contradicted existing civil rights law , the Religious Freedom Restoration Act , and the Administrative Procedure Act .
In October 2019 , a second federal court agreed .
That same month , the initial federal court vacated the Obama HHS rule and remanded the provisions it found unlawful back to the department .
The court action stemmed in part from an Obama administration rule regarding abortion .
Existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be compelled to perform an abortion if it would violate thier religious beliefs or conscience .
“ Other federal laws prohibit discrimination against health care providers who refuse to participate in abortion , ” Severino said .
“ If not performing abortion is sex discrimination , then of course you have clear conflicts of federal law protecting conscience.
” Also Friday , the Department of Housing and Urban Development began to undo an Obama administration regulation by proposing a rule to allow men ’ s and women ’ s shelters to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Trump administration is also correct to unwind an Obama-era housing regulation that imposed a gender identity mandate at the expense of privacy and safety , ” Anderson said .
“ The proposed HUD rule allows shelters to determine their own policy on single-sex housing , thus protecting female-only spaces.
” Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “ The Right Side of History ” podcast .
Lucas is also the author of “ Tainted by Suspicion : The Secret Deals and Electoral Chaos of Disputed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Ted Eytan .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Warner Bros. Sets Late July Theatrical Release for Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Tenet’

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) — The closely watched arrival of Christopher Nolan ’ s big-budget sci-fi espionage film “ Tenet ” will finally happen on July 31 , Warner Bros. announced Friday .
The studio said it would delay the release by two weeks and instead re-issue Nolan ’ s 2010 sci-fi blockbuster “ Inception ” in mid-July .
The release date for “ Tenet ” has been closely watched in all corners of the film industry , which has faced shuttered theaters due to the coronavirus since mid-March .
Movie theaters plan to reopen in July for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the industry had planned .
The Marvel film “ Black Widow ” and the ninth installment in the “ Fast & Furious ” franchise , both expected to arrive in the early summer , have delayed their releases .
Warner Bros. also announced Friday that “ Wonder Woman 1984 , ” a sequel to its 2017 hit , would shift from an August release to Oct. 2 .
“ Tenet ” will arrive in theaters a week after Disney ’ s live-action version of “ Mulan ” is released on July 24 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s trailer in May , it didn ’ t include a release date , simply stating , “ Coming to theaters.
” The film stars John David Washington , Robert Pattinson , Elizabeth Debicki and Michael Caine .
AMC Theaters , the world ’ s largest theater operator , said this week it expects to have at least 97 % of its locations open by mid-July .
The National Association of Theater Owners , the trade group that represents exhibitors , expects some 90-95 % of cinemas around the world will open then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , AMC says it will keep its cinemas 25-50 % full to ensure social distancing .
Those won ’ t be the only changes .
Concessions will ordered via an app and theaters will undergo regular cleanings , AMC has said .
In this May 12 , 2018 , file photo , director Christopher Nolan poses during a photo call at the 71st international film festival in Cannes , southern France .
Warner Bros. says it will release Nolan ’ s latest film , the sci-fi espionage spectacle “ Tenet , ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The release date has been closely watched because so many other releases during the film industry ’ s blockbuster-filled summer season have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
( Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP , File )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Seven Minneapolis Officers Quit, More Expected to Resign: ‘Everybody Hates the Police Right Now’

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — At least seven Minneapolis police officers have quit and another seven are in the process of resigning , citing a lack of support from department and city leaders as protests over George Floyd ’ s death escalated .
Current and former officers told The Star Tribune that officers are upset with Mayor Jacob Frey ’ s decision to abandon the Third Precinct station during the protests .
Demonstrators set the building on fire after officers left .
Protesters also hurled bricks and insults at officers .
Numerous officers and protesters have been injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched a civil rights investigation into the city ’ s police department this month and the FBI is investigating whether police willfully deprived Floyd of his civil rights .
The department has faced decades of allegations of brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities .
A majority of City Council members support dismantling or defunding the department .
“ ( Officers ) don ’ t feel appreciated , ” said Mylan Masson , a retired Minneapolis officer and use-of-force expert .
“ Everybody hates the police right now .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in an email to supervisors earlier this month that some officers have simply walked off the job without filing the proper paperwork , creating confusion about who is still working and who isn ’ t .
“ There ’ s nothing that leads us to believe that at this point the numbers are so great that it ’ s going to be problematic , ” Elder said .
“ People seek to leave employment for a myriad reasons – the MPD is no exception.
” Floyd , who was black , died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on suspicion of trying to pass a counterfeit $ 20 bill at a grocery store .
Cellphone video from a passerby shows Floyd lying face down on the street while a white officer named Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for minutes .
Floyd can be heard complaining that he can ’ t breathe before going limp .
His death has sparked protests around the world over police brutality and racism .
Chauvin was fired and charged with second-degree murder , third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
Three other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired and charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter .
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar , a Minnesota Democrat who represents part of Minneapolis , told CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” on Sunday that the Minneapolis Police Department is suffering a crisis of credibility and needs to be dismantled .
“ You can ’ t really reform a department that is rotten to the root , ” she said .
“ What you can do is rebuild .
And so this is our opportunity , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together , have the conversation of what public safety looks like , who enforces the most dangerous crimes that place in our community .
… What we are saying is , the current infrastructure that exists as policing in our city should not exist anymore .
”


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--‘Don’t Mess with the Alamo,’ Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush Warns Protesters

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush warned protesters not to “ mess with the Alamo ” on Saturday as vandals have targeted other historical sites around the country .
Bush said his office is monitoring “ social media posts and rumors from protesters who are threatening to come to The Alamo ” and said law enforcement stands ready to protect the historical site , which is located in San Antonio , Texas .
“ The Alamo is the Shrine of Texas Liberty .
And it will be defended .
My office is closely watching the social media posts and rumors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Alamo , ” Bush wrote in a statement he posted to Twitter and Facebook .
“ Rest assured we have already deployed , for several weeks and will continue to do so , the Alamo Rangers in partnership with SAPD , The Department of Public Safety and The National Guard to protect this sacred site , ” he added .
“ My message to the protesters is simple : Don ’ t mess with The Alamo.
” Vandals around the country have recently defaced or destroyed historical monuments .
Protesters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christopher Columbus , and protesters in Richmond tore down a statue of Confederate leader Jefferson Davis .
Vandals have attacked statues abroad as well .
A Winston Churchill statue was defaced in London , while protesters in Bristol , England , threw a statue of a former slave trader into the city harbor .
Thousands of people have also signed a petition calling for the removal of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Leicester , England .
Bush is the son of former Republican Florida Gov .
Jeb Bush , though unlike his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump for re-election in November .
Peter Hasson is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photos “ George P. Bush ” and “ Security at the Alamo ” by George P. Bush .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Truck Drivers Say They Won’t Deliver to Cities That Defund Police Departments

As Minneapolis prepares to “ abolish ” its police force , a recent survey found that most truck drivers won ’ t deliver to cities with defunded or disbanded police departments .
According to a survey from CDLLife , a resource site for the trucking industry , 79 percent of truck drivers said they will refuse to deliver freight to cities with defunded police departments .
The organization took an informal poll of drivers who use its “ CDLLife App ” and presented them with the question : “ Would you pick up/deliver to cities with defunded police departments ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of June 13 , the organization had received 1,283 responses and 79 percent of participants said they would refuse to deliver loads to cities with disbanded or defunded police departments .
“ I will not deliver to an area with a disbanded police department .
My life matters and I do this for my family .
We are already at the mercy of these towns and cities with laws and hate against us for parking , getting a meal or even using a restroom , ” said one truck driver who participated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already informed his dispatcher that he “ will refuse all loads to cities that have defunded police departments.
” A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked driving a truck the deadliest job in America in 2018 .
“ Driver/sales workers and truck drivers had the most fatalities of any broad occupation group at 966 .
Among all detailed occupations , heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers had the most fatalities at 831 , ” said the report .
The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a resolution Friday declaring its intent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultivating safety in Minneapolis.
” “ The murder of George Floyd on May 25 , 2020 , by Minneapolis police officers , is a tragedy that shows that no amount of reforms will prevent lethal violence and abuse by some members of the Police Department against members of our community , especially Black people and people of color , ” states the resolution .
The council established a “ Future of Community Safety Work Group ” to create a preliminary set of recommendations for replacing the police department .
“ American democracy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to move this experiment forward , toward living out the true meaning of its creed , ” City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins said in a press release .
“ This resolution represents our moment to contribute to the progression of equality and freedom of every resident of the City of Minneapolis.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--COVID-19 Claims Lives of Nearly 500 Tennesseans, New Statistics Reveal

As of Sunday night Tennessee had 30,432 COVID-19 cases and 475 deaths .
The COVID Tracking Project reported the latest numbers on their website Sunday night .
The website also reported that COVID-19 had hospitalized 2,087 Tennesseans and taken the lives of 475 state residents .
Exactly 584,788 Tennesseans had tested negative for the virus , and 19,896 state residents had recovered from it , according to The COVID Tracking Project .
Tennessee Department of Health officials , meanwhile , reported on their website Sunday night that Shelby and Davidson counties continued to have the highest number of confirmed or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by county , including the following number of cases : As The Tennessee Star reported last week , Davidson County has had an increase in COVID-19 cases as a result of increased testing .
This , according to Metro Public Health Department spokesman Brian Todd .
Also , as The Star reported , the people in Nashville who either attended or marched at any of the recent rallies honoring George Floyd are at risk of catching COVID-19 .
This , according to Meharry Medical College President James Hildreth .
Nashville Mayor John Cooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recent demonstrations caused additional COVID-19 outbreaks .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Minnesota National Guard Riot Response Cost Almost $13 Million

Deploying thousands of Minnesota National Guard members in response to civil unrest in the Twin Cities to quell riots in late May cost nearly $ 13 million .
Major General Jon Jenson broke down the $ 12.75 million costs in a letter to Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans .
• $ 2.1 million for meals and per diem “ This funding is expected to be eligible for [ Federal Emergency Management Agency ] reimbursement , ” Frans wrote in a separate letter to Sen. Julie Rosen , R-Vernon Center , and Rep. Lyndon Carlson , DFL-Crystal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department sparked protests against police brutality that spread across the nation .
Derek Chauvin , the former officer who pinned Floyd for nearly nine minutes on the ground , was charged with second-degree murder .
Three other officers were fired and charged with aiding and abetting murder .
More than 7,000 National Guard members were activated by May 31 in response to burning buildings and more than 300 damaged businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul after peaceful protests devolved into crime .
The first letter also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million for the Guard to provide relief for the Red River flooding and to assist the state ’ s COVID-19 response .
The Minnesota Legislature will kick off a special session on Friday that aims to enact police accountability reform , provide aid to local cities with budgets battered by COVID-19 , and a bonding bill .
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
A graduate of Hillsdale College , his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org .
Previously , he worked as a @ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Ohio Legislator’s Questions About the Rate of COVID-19 Infection in Minorities Draw Fury

A Republican lawmaker questioned during a meeting of the Ohio Senate Health Committee if “ the colored population ” is contracting coronavirus at disproportionate rates because they do not wash their hands “ as well as other groups.
” The American Civil Liberties Union called for state Sen. Steve Huffman to step down from office Thursday following his comments that were made during a hearing for a resolution to declare racism a public health crisis .
Huffman , who is also a Dayton-area emergency room physician , caused controversy after he questioned Angela Dawson , executive director of the Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over why the COVID-19 rates for black Ohioans were higher than other populations .
“ Could it just be that African Americans – or the colored population — do not wash their hands as well as other groups ?
Or wear masks ?
Or do not socially distance themselves ?
” Huffman asked during testimony .
“ Could that just be the explanation of why there ’ s a higher incidence ?
” Dawson , who is black , responded , “ That is not the opinion of leading medical experts in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people testifying in support for the resolution that would establish a variety of resources to address racism in the state .
Shibani Chettri , an epidemiology PhD student and researcher at Ohio State University , also testified Tuesday as a proponent for the resolution and said witnessing Huffman ’ s comments was “ egregious.
” “ This really brings attention to how we need to do a better job of addressing pervasive racism in health care if a sitting senator and medical professional can ask these sort of patronizing and racist questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement , the 55-year-old Huffman said he regretted how his question was perceived .
“ I asked a question in an unintentionally awkward way that was perceived as hurtful and was exactly the opposite of what I meant , ” the senator said .
“ I was trying to focus on why COVID-19 affects people of color at a higher rate since we really do not know all the reasons.
” Democratic Rep. Stephanie Howse , president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus , noted that the word “ colored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated with segregation and Jim Crow laws .
“ When we talk about the internalized racism that is deeply ingrained in our institutions and the obstacles Black Americans face in ever achieving meaningful change , this is exactly what we are talking about , ” Rep. Howse said .
Howse noted the resolution to declare racism an issue of public health in Ohio is trying to address and resolve comments like Huffman ’ s .
As a result of Tuesday ’ s hearing , Howse and the Legislative Black Caucus called for legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equity and implicit bias training .
The ACLU of Ohio took it one step further and called for Huffman ’ s resignation on Thursday morning .
“ His explicitly racist comment , which invoked deeply troubling sentiments and imagery , is reprehensible , and any Ohio lawmaker who holds such abhorrent views must be held accountable , ” the organization said in a press release .
Farnoush Amiri is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undercovered issues .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Ohio Dems Call for Banning Sale of Confederate Memorabilia at All Fairs

Ohio House Democrats unsuccessfully attempted last week to ban the sale , display , possession , or distribution of Confederate flags at county and independent fairs .
During a Thursday night debate on House Bill 665 , a bill related to agricultural societies and public safety , Democrats introduced two amendments in an effort to crack down on Confederate memorabilia .
The first would have prohibited the sale , display , possession or distribution of Confederate memorabilia at county and independent fairs , while the second would have cut state funding from fairs that allow the sale of Confederate merchandise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers , according to a press release from House Democrats .
“ The Confederate flag is a banner of white supremacy and a reminder of our nation ’ s original sin of slavery , ” said Rep. Juanita Brent ( D-Cleveland ) , the ranking Democrat on the Agriculture Committee and sponsor of both amendments .
“ That Republicans in the Ohio House can not bring themselves to vote to condemn and prohibit these displays of white supremacy and outright racism at our local and county exhibitions – the places where we go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a real shame , and a black eye on this institution .
If you don ’ t stand up to white supremacists , you stand with them , ” she added .
The Ohio State Fair instituted a rule in 2015 banning the sale of Confederate merchandise .
The U.S. Marines , U.S. Navy , and NASCAR have taken similar steps in recent days .
“ Ohio was a part of the Union .
The failure to oppose a symbol of treason is absurd , ” House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The symbolism that the Confederate flag represents is racism and oppression of Black and indigenous people , ” she continued .
“ The Republican-led legislature should not be using taxpayer funds to promote hate and treason .
Ohioans deserve better .
The fact that Republicans are unwilling to listen to the diverse voices of Ohioans requesting to respect Black lives goes to show the disconnect between what the people want , and what the Republican-led legislature is willing to do.
” Rep. Jeff Crossman ( D-Parma ) said the Confederate flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instill terror in minority populations.
” “ I represent an urban district , but my roots are rural .
I understand that fairs are the fabric of our community , ” added Assistant Minority Leader Kristin Boggs ( D-Columbus ) .
“ I believe the Confederate flag is a symbol that glorifies white supremacy , slavery and treason.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-15--Law Enforcement Officers Prevent Protesters from Occupying Legislative Plaza for Second Night

Law enforcement officers were able to prevent demonstrators from camping out in Legislative Plaza for a second night Saturday .
Gov .
Bill Lee failed to enforce state law Friday night and allowed left-wing protesters to occupy the plaza throughout the night and into Saturday morning , The Tennessee Star reported .
More than 100 protesters claimed Friday that they had taken control of Nashville ’ s Legislative Plaza and refused to leave until speaking with Lee .
A 2012 state law passed in response to the Occupy Wall Street movement prohibits protesters from using state-owned property for camping if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area .
The statute allows law enforcement to remove items like tents , blankets , and sleeping bags .
“ Cleanup efforts are underway to address graffiti and camping-related items have been confiscated in accordance with Tennessee law that prohibits that sort of activity , ” the governor ’ s office said in a statement released Saturday evening .
According to reporters on the ground , state troopers cleared out a group of protesters at 11 p.m .
Activist Justin Jones , however , said demonstrators simply camped out across the street from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lee of an “ act of aggression.
” “ He sent in hundreds of troopers/national guards into the night .
This act of aggression was unnecessary , unjust , and unconstitutional .
The people of Tennessee are now being kept out of the plaza and continue to be threatened with arrest for trespassing if they enter , ” Jones wrote on Twitter .
It is unclear if the new place of the protester encampment across from Legislative Plaza is on state property , city of Nashville property , or private property within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement released Friday night , Lee encouraged “ Tennesseans to exercise their First Amendment rights , ” but said “ lawlessness , autonomous zones , and violence will not be tolerated.
” “ Further , Tennessee law expressly prohibits camping on state property not expressly designated as a campground area , and that law will be enforced , ” he added .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--Rep. Green Questions Security of Military Program That Recruits Non-Citizens For Vital Defense Work

U.S. Rep. Mark Green ( R-TN-07 ) is questioning the security of a program that helps the military recruit foreign citizens for vital jobs .
Green said he sent a letter to National Security Subcommittee Chairman Stephen Lynch ( D-MA-08 ) calling for a hearing to examine vulnerabilities in the Department of Defense ’ s MAVNI ( Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest ) program .
Green said , “ In recent years , DOD has discovered the MAVNI program recruited individuals who had received fraudulent visas to attend universities that did not exist , individuals with falsified transcripts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Agency and a State Sponsored Intelligence Organization , and in one case , an individual with professed support for 9/11 terrorists .
“ This program was created to ensure our military has language skills and technical expertise that it may otherwise be unable to find .
But without proper measures , the very agency given the mission of defense may open a door for a threat to our defense .
I ask that you hold a hearing on this topic in the National Security Subcommittee as early as possible.
” The Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon began using stricter screening rules in 2016 , resulting in at least 1,000 recruits ’ paperwork being delayed and an unknown number being dismissed .
MAVNI was started to find immigrants to provide language and medical abilities that are greatly needed .
The program enlisted over 10,400 foreign troops in 10 years with promises of naturalization that would take place in a matter of weeks but now taking years .
The DOD lists the program ’ s rules and qualifications here .
Today , about 5,000 legal permanent resident aliens ( green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law ensures that the sacrifice of non-citizens during a time of national need is met with an opportunity for early citizenship , to recognize their contribution and sacrifice .
In fact , today ’ s service members are eligible for expedited citizenship under a July 2002 Executive Order and the military services have worked closely with the U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) to streamline citizenship processing for service members .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .

by Scott McClallen
Sixteen Michigan schools have been awarded $205,028 to develop Great Lakes-based science, technology, engineering, and math – STEM – programs.
“These grants will support freshwater literacy programs and offer students access to real world STEM experiences,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “Our Great Lakes are our greatest asset, and we must empower young Michiganders to learn more about them and continue advancing conservation efforts. Michigan’s economic competitiveness depends on a workforce proficient in STEM and committed to solving our biggest challenges. Investments like these will help prepare our kids to lead our state into the future.”
Grant proposals were submitted and reviewed through a competitive process. Selected projects study freshwater conservation and real-world experiences.
Grant awardees and amount are as follows:
Alcona Community Schools: $6,892 to expand 3-P learning by studying coastal and wetland habitats.
Alpena Public Schools: $8,078 so students can work as scientific researchers collecting data and making observations to determine if environmental issues are impacting the Thunder Bay River Watershed.
Avron Township School: $5,000 to adopt two beaches so it can participate in science lessons.
Atherton Community Schools: $10,000 to engage 195 middle and high school science students in 3-P learning through its “Health in Our Hands” curriculum.
Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District: $20,000 for 3-P learning to support teachers.
Farmington Public Schools: $15,870 to incorporate “student voice” in water steward topics and activate 3-P teaching
Forest Hills Central Woodlands ⅚ School: $20,000 to provide 3-P learning students, including transportation for all students to visit the Inland Seas Schooner and engage in the remotely operated vehicle program through Inland Seas Education Association.
Grand Rapids Montessori, Grand Rapids Public Schools: $8,862 to help students identify and solve habitat loss for local pollinators, bird and turtle species through a partnership with the John Ball Zoo.
Harrington Elementary School: $12,000 for Marshall Public Schools to partner with Albion College to develop “outdoors at school” curricula for grades K-5.
Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency: $20,000 to support Southwest MiSTEM and the Kalamazoo Nature Center to establish a Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative hub to continue water stewardship education programs.
Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools: $15,000 to participate in the Flint River Green project, where students learn about the Flint River Watershed and its community impact.
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District: $15,000 to expand 3-P learning for 420 fourth grade students and 3-P training for 19 fourth grade teachers.
Pickfield Public Schools: $9,996 so students can gather water quality data from the local watershed.
Stanton Township Public Schools: $5,000 to train new teachers to carry out future Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative activities.
Washtenaw Intermediate School District: $20,000 to build a foundation for cross-district collaboration in support of freshwater-focused place-based education.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools: $13,330 to activate a 3-P learning program.
The grants continue the 2020 From Students to Stewards Initiative and the 2021 MiSTEM Transformative Playbook grants.
The Great Lakes account for over 20% of the world’s surface freshwater.
– – –
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--Commentary: Anarchy, Seattle, and All That CHAZ

Three cities , all supremely liberal , represent an American descent into anarchy against which no one is standing .
After New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said he wanted to slash the police budget , the New York City Council is going about cutting $ 1 billion from that budget , about 16 % .
That will inevitably cause a reduction of police presence around the city and , with equal inevitability , result in an increase in crime .
In Minneapolis , where George Floyd was killed in police custody on May 25 , the city council plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Friday , the city council voted to replace the police with a “ community-led public safety system.
” What the hell is a “ community-led public safety system ” ?
And then there ’ s Seattle .
In part of uber-liberal Seattle anarchists — Antifa and other thugs — have already created such a system , the “ Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone ” ( CHAZ ) , to which police aren ’ t permitted to enter .
Self-appointed guards — some armed with AR-15 style rifles and some , from what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like body armor — stand watch against undefined threats .
That ’ s one sort of a community-led public safety system , but it has nothing to do with the rule of law or our Constitution .
CHAZ is a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood that contains one of Seattle ’ s principal police stations .
That station was surrendered to the rioters who have occupied it for about a week .
The anarchists have set up barriers to entry ( and exit ? )
around the CHAZ .
Seattle police are reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other serious crimes committed inside the CHAZ .
According to Police Chief Carmen Best , rapes , robberies , and all sorts of violent acts were taking place in the CHAZ .
Earlier , an assistant Seattle police chief told reporters that there were complaints that the anarchists have imposed fees on business owners and residents for the privilege of living and operating there .
She said that was extortion and invited reports to the police ( who won ’ t do anything ) .
The Wall Street Journal wrongheadedly wrote that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the cop was right : they ’ re extortion .
The rulers of CHAZ have no legal authority to impose any taxes .
On Tuesday , police removed blockades to allow protesters to storm Seattle ’ s city hall to demand the mayor ’ s resignation .
Subsequently , Mayor Jenny Durkan has said that neither she nor Police Chief Best will resign despite demands by the CHAZites that they do so .
After calling the CHAZ anarchists “ patriots , ” Durkan completely surrendered to them .
In a CNN interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she anticipates the CHAZ would remain a police-free zone .
Seattle ’ s flower power mayor said , “ I don ’ t know .
We could have a summer of love.
” Which means a summer of rape , robbery , extortion and intimidation for residents of the CHAZ .
President Trump has said that if Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee and Mayor Durkan didn ’ t restore order in Seattle , he would .
But he has done precisely nothing .
What is going on in the CHAZ is a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city , state , or federal governments seems willing to do anything about it .
All of them — from Durkan and Inslee to Trump — rightly fear that blood will be shed in any action to restore order in Seattle .
No one wants to take the blame for that , but that is not an adequate justification for leaving U.S. citizens in the hands of a mob bent on crime and violence .
The seeds of that anarchy are being spread in other cities .
In Atlanta on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest was shot and killed by a police officer .
The incident occurred at a Wendy ’ s restaurant which was promptly set on fire by “ protesters.
” Before the smoke cleared , the officer was fired from the force and the police chief resigned .
There ’ s no need to determine the facts or render justice where anarchy reigns .
In a much better example of how governments should react , Tennessee Governor Bill Lee , warning protesters who apparently wanted to set up their own “ CHAZ ” near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there will be no “ CHAZs ” in his state .
Lee said , “ … lawlessness , autonomous zones and violence will not be tolerated.
” Lee , needless to say , is a Republican .
All of the others — mayors de Blasio and Durkan , Gov .
Inslee and Lisa Bender , president of the Minneapolis City Council — are Democrats .
They imagine some political benefit suiting their over-the-top liberalism in refusing to face up to reality .
Americans of every race and religion are entitled to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law and our Constitution .
The governments of Seattle and Washington State are failing in their duty to enforce the law and protect their citizens .
Minneapolis certainly and possibly New York City will soon follow .
There is an urgent need for action to restore order in Seattle .
President Trump should give Inslee a 48-hour deadline for action promising federalization of the Washington State national guard and its use , under federal command , to restore order in the CHAZ quickly .
But Trump has two problems that have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
First , Trump would have to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 which provides an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act which otherwise bars the use of federal forces to enforce local law .
After Trump ’ s appearance at St. John ’ s Episcopal Church on Lafayette Square across from the White House , Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that he opposed the invocation of the Insurrection Act because it was premature to do so .
The second problem is that both Inslee and Durkan have rejected federal action and told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president ’ s power under the Insurrection Act allows him to use federal troops , or state troops that are nationalized , to restore order if there is an insurrection against federal law .
The law-abiding citizens of the CHAZ are being denied their Constitutional and statutory civil rights which should be enough to justify invocation of the Insurrection act , but the law is unclear .
The CHAZ is violating state laws and unless Inslee requests federal troops to enforce those laws , which Inslee won ’ t do , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seattle .
Attorney General Barr should give the president his opinion on whether or not he can invoke the Insurrection Act .
If Barr gives the go-ahead and Trump seeks to invoke the Act , he will have to bring Esper into line with action in Seattle or fire him .
Esper should make a televised statement saying that the time has come to restore order to Seattle and that he is authorizing nationalization of the Washington State national guard to do so .
If Esper refuses to do so , he should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all Americans .
He owes the citizens of Seattle — no matter how liberal they are — action to restore order and the rule of law in their city .
They shouldn ’ t have to endure Durkan ’ s summer of love and violence .
The American Spectator ’ s contributing editor Jed Babbin served as a deputy undersecretary of defense in the George H.W .
Bush administration .
He writes the “ Loose Canons ” column for TAS Online and often appears as a talking warhead on television and radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London ) of the new book The BDS War Against Israel .
He is also the author of Inside the Asylum : Why the UN and Old Europe are Worse Than You Think .
You can follow him on Twitter @ jedbabbin .
Photo “ Capital Hill Autonomous Zone ” by CHAZ CITY 206 CC4.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Seeks Larger Event for Trump’s Tulsa Rally

OKLAHOMA CITY , Oklahoma ( AP ) — So many people have expressed an interest in attending President Donald Trump ’ s rally Saturday in Tulsa , Oklahoma , that the governor said he ’ s asked the campaign to consider a larger , outdoor venue to accommodate them .
Gov .
Kevin Stitt said Monday after talking with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence that nearly one million people have requested tickets to the event .
Some Trump supporters have already started waiting in line outside the 19,000-seat BOK Center in downtown Tulsa .
“ We ’ re excited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the first states to safely and measurably reopen , ” Stitt told reporters Monday .
“ I ’ m looking for a potential other venue that maybe we could move it outside .
It ’ s still kind of in the works.
” Stitt , who plans to introduce Trump at Saturday ’ s rally , said he also asked Trump and Pence to join him on a tour of the city ’ s Greenwood District , once home to a prosperous African American community dubbed Black Wall Street that was burned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massacre in 1921 that left as many as 300 people dead .
The Trump campaign initially planned to hold the rally on Friday , which is Juneteenth , a celebration of the end of slavery in the United States , but agreed to move the date to Saturday at the request of Stitt and others .
The Trump campaign didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment on whether they ’ re considering moving the event to a larger venue or accepting Stitt ’ s invitation to tour the Greenwood District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Department Director Bruce Dart , have voiced concerns about having so many people in a confined space , noting both the state and Tulsa have seen daily highs in the number of positive cases in recent days .
Oklahoma County Republican Party Chairman David McLain said Monday that the Trump campaign intends to fill every one of the venue ’ s seats .
He said the campaign also intends to provide masks to every person who attends , although he said there won ’ t be a requirement to wear one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any policy of mandatory mask wearing at this point , ” McLain said , “ but that ’ s fluid and could possibly change.
” Social distancing is still encouraged in Oklahoma but there ’ s no prohibition on large gatherings .
There have been more than 8,400 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and 359 total deaths in Oklahoma from the disease , more than half of which have been residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities .
Oklahoma began allowing some businesses , like hair salons , pet groomers and spas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its first phase of reopening .
The state has since moved into its third phase of reopening , with virtually no restrictions on businesses .
While acknowledging the state has seen a recent surge in the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus , Stitt said much of that is due to an increase in testing .
He also said only 150 people are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 and that the state has plenty of hospital capacity .
“ We need to continue to be vigilant and continue to take precautions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we also have to learn how to deal with COVID , because it ’ s in the United States , it ’ s in Oklahoma , and we can ’ t let it dictate our lives.
” Sean Murphy reports for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this May 6 , 2020 file photo Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt speaks during a news conference in Oklahoma City .
So many people have expressed an interest in attending President Donald Trump ’ s rally Saturday in Tulsa , that Stitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider a larger , outdoor venue to accommodate them .
Stitt said Monday , June 15 , 2020 after talking with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence that nearly one million people have requested tickets to the event .
Some Trump supporters have already started waiting in line outside the 19,000-seat BOK Center in downtown Tulsa .
( AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki , file )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard Lead Americana Awards

Singer songwriter Brandi Carlile has had a productive year and that ’ s led her to be the leading nominee at the Americana Honors and Awards for her roles as a solo artist , a member of the group The Highwomen , as a producer and as a songwriter .
In the nominations announced Monday for its September awards show , the Grammy-winning artist has a total of seven nominations , including artist of the year as a solo artist and duo/group of the year with The Highwomen , which includes Maren Morris , Amanda Shires and Natalie Hemby .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grammys with her band Alabama Shakes , is up for five nominations , including artist of the year and album of the year for her solo album “ Jaime.
” The late John Prine , who died in April of COVID-19 complications , is nominated as artist of the year again , after having won it in 2018 .
Also nominated as artist of the year were Tanya Tucker and Yola .
The Americana Music Association said the winners will be announced during its awards show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said plans are still unfolding for the show .
The association said they are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and will follow state , local and national guidelines as they approach the show date .
This year , the award categories were expanded from four nominees to five , with the exception of song of the year , which has six nominations because of a tie .
Album of the year nominees include Tucker ’ s comeback album , “ While I ’ m Livin , ' ” which was produced by Carlile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyler Childer ’ s “ Country Squire , ” and Nathaniel Rateliff ’ s “ It ’ s Still Alright.
” About the Headline Photo : In this Oct. 25 , 2019 file photo , Brandi Carlile performs at the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans .
Carlile leads in nominations for the Americana Honors and Awards .
She has seven nominations , including artist of the year as a solo artist and duo/group of the year with The Highwomen , which includes Maren Morris , Amanda Shires and Natalie Hemby .
( @ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--Holocaust Memorial Vandalized in Nashville

One or more people vandalized the Holocaust Memorial at Nashville ’ s Gordon Jewish Community Center , according to officials who oversee the facility .
“ What happened was something was posted there over the weekend , but someone did notice it , and it has been removed .
There isn ’ t actually anything still to see , ” Gordon JCC spokesman Deborah Oleshansky told The Tennessee Star Monday .
“ Law enforcement has asked that we not share more information specifically because they are still investigating.
” While Oleshansky did not provide additional details , she did say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this past weekend .
She said the memorial is visible at the Gordon JCC parking lot .
The Gordon JCC Holocaust Memorial is about 15 years old , Oleshansky said .
The Star asked Oleshansky if she believes the nation ’ s current civil unrest provoked the vandal or vandals to act .
“ It ’ s hard to know .
Anti-Semitism has existed for a very long time .
Anti-Semitic activity has been on the rise the last several years , ” Oleshansky said .
“ I can ’ t say if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been going on in the last couple of weeks .
I think it is more tied to the increases [ of Anti-Semitism ] .
” Nashville resident Steve Morris told The Star in an email that the vandalism “ was particularly disheartening since it occurred on our Sabbath.
” “ Everyone is well aware of the fact that we live in perilous times .
Our First Amendment rights have never been more threatened than they are today .
Opposing viewpoints , different points of view , politically incorrect statements , are just not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing new to the Jewish people .
It ’ s particularly upsetting since it occurred in such a wonderful town like Nashville .
Here Jewish families have lived peacefully and thrived for generations .
We have played a vital role in every facet of Nashville ’ s life , ” Morris wrote .
“ Of course , our incredible Christian friends and neighbors have rushed in to support us .
Unprovoked attacks like this are a threat to all people of faith .
Of course , Nashville ’ s 5,000 Jewish families and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , yet another , anti-Semitic attack.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Holocaust Memorial ” by Gordon Jewish Community Center .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton Lays Out Evidence of China’s Role in Spread of COVID-19 During Tele-Town Hall w

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton Lays Out Evidence of China’s Role in Spread of COVID-19 During Tele-Town Hall with Bill Hagerty

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-AR ) participated in a tele-town hall Monday with U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty and described why he believes COVID-19 originated in a Chinese lab .
This , even though many people originally believed the virus started at a Chinese wet market .
“ All the evidence I am about to lay out is circumstantial .
It ’ s not direct evidence .
That doesn ’ t mean it ’ s not persuasive .
In fact there is no circumstantial or direct evidence to support the theory that it started in a so-called wet market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America people are convicted on circumstantial evidence in our courts , ” Cotton told Hagerty and other people on the call .
“ Moreover , circumstantial evidence is usually all you have in the intelligence business .
You have to piece together bits of circumstantial evidence to put together a full painting and understand what really happened .
The circumstantial evidence supports the theory that there was an accidental breach from this laboratory , not that it was genetically engineered or modified in some way.
” Cotton went on to say that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later study the virus in a laboratory .
And that laboratory can have an accidental breach .
“ We know that the [ Chinese ] laboratory studied bats , the animal that most likely was the source of the coronavirus .
We know it studied coronaviruses .
We know that U.S. diplomats in Beijing in 2018 had traveled there and expressed grave reservations about the quality of safety practices at the Institute of Virology , ” Cotton said .
“ We also know that China has a history of shoddy safety practices at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one can look at the recent behavior of Chinse Communist Party officials who , he says , have tried to censor information about the origins of the virus by intimidating people .
Hagerty said China ’ s actions “ to cover this up are factually demonstrable.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Sen .
Tom Cotton ” by Sen. Tom Cotton .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--Voice of America Director Amanda Bennett, Deputy Sandy Sugawara Resign as Trump-Appointed Chief Take

Voice of America Director Amanda Bennett, Deputy Sandy Sugawara Resign as Trump-Appointed Chief Takes Over

WASHINGTON , D.C. ( AP ) — The director of U.S.-funded Voice of America and her deputy resigned Monday following recent clashes with the Trump administration that have sparked fears for its independence .
Amanda Bennett and Deputy Director Sandy Sugawara announced they were leaving the organization as Trump ally and conservative filmmaker Michael Pack takes over leadership of the agency that oversees VOA .
Bennett told the staff in an email obtained by The Associated Press that Pack should be able to choose his own leadership of an organization created to promote democracy and American values abroad .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus reporting by the outlet that ran counter to the administration narrative on China ’ s response to the outbreak .
The White House went as far as to blast VOA in a press statement and directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to not cooperate with its journalists , an unusual attack on a venerable organization that has long been known for maintaining its independence despite its government ties .
In her farewell email , the Bennett praised the VOA staff for its “ rapid , can-do response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media would not interfere with its mission as some feared .
“ Michael Pack swore before Congress to respect and honor the firewall that guarantees VOA ’ s independence , which in turn plays the single most important role in the stunning trust our audiences around the world have in us , ” she wrote .
“ We know that each one of you will offer him all of your skills , your professionalism , your dedication to mission , your journalistic integrity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promise is fulfilled.
” Democrats objected to the nomination of Pack , a one-time associate of former Trump adviser Steve Bannon , in part for his refusal to answer questions about past business dealings .
That didn ’ t stop his confirmation by the Senate .
VOA confirmed the resignations in a statement that summarized Bennett ’ s email to staff but did not address the clash with the administration .
Trump and his allies have long viewed VOA with suspicion , regarding it as an element of a “ deep state ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostility burst open on April 9 when Trump communications adviser Dan Scavino posted a VOA story about China to his official Twitter account with the comment , “ American taxpayers—paying for China ’ s very own propaganda , via the U.S. Government funded Voice of America !
DISGRACE !
!
” The story that VOA posted was actually a report by the AP about the lifting of a lockdown in the Chinese city of Wuhan , where the new coronavirus first emerged .
But the following day , an official White House publication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak for authoritarian regimes.
” Trump weighed in several days later , calling VOA ’ s coverage “ disgusting ” and demanding that the Senate confirm Pack .
Bennett , a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and investigative journalist who was appointed to the position in March 2016. , , responded to the criticism at the time by highlighting the role of the VOA .
“ One of the big differences between publicly funded independent media , like the Voice of America , and state-controlled media is that we are free to show all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandated to do so by law as stated in the VOA Charter , ” she said .
Ben Fox reports for The Associated Press .
AP Diplomatic writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : In this June 1 , 2020 , file photo , President Donald Trump speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington .
The director of U.S.-funded Voice of America and her deputy resigned Monday following recent clashes with the Trump administration .
Amanda Bennett and Deputy Director Sandy Sugawara announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally Michael Pack takes over leadership of the agency that oversees VOA .
( AP Photo/Patrick Semansky , File )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--FDA Revokes Emergency Use of Malaria Drugs to Treat Coronavirus, Cites ‘Potential Risks’

WASHINGTON , D.C. ( AP ) — U.S. regulators on Monday revoked emergency authorization for malaria drugs promoted by President Donald Trump for treating COVID-19 amid growing evidence they don ’ t work and could cause deadly side effects .
The Food and Drug Administration said the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating the coronavirus .
Citing reports of heart complications , the FDA said the drugs ’ unproven benefits “ do not outweigh the known and potential risks.
” The decades-old drugs , also prescribed for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis , can cause heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and muscle or nerve damage .
The move means that shipments of the drugs obtained by the federal government will no longer be distributed to state and local health authorities for use against the coronavirus .
The drugs are still available for alternate uses , so U.S. doctors could still prescribe them for COVID-19 — a practice known as off-label prescribing .
Dr. Steven Nissen , a Cleveland Clinic researcher who has been a frequent FDA adviser , agreed with the decision and said he would not have granted emergency access in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been any high-quality evidence suggesting that hydroxychloroquine is effective ” for treating or preventing coronavirus infection , he said , but there is evidence of serious side effects .
On Thursday , a National Institutes of Health panel of experts revised its recommendations to specifically recommend against the drug ’ s use except in formal studies , and “ that , I ’ m sure , had influence on the FDA , ” Nissen said .
The actions by FDA and NIH send a clear signal to health professionals against prescribing the drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug beginning in the first weeks of the outbreak and stunned medical professionals when he revealed he took the drug preemptively against infection .
Tens of thousands of people tried the drug after Trump touted it in briefings and interviews , saying , “ What have you got to lose ?
” The nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci , warned , “ I like to prove things first.
” Weak studies further polarized views of hydroxychloroquine .
No large , rigorous studies have found the drugs safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And a string of recent studies made clear they could do more harm than good .
The FDA granted emergency use of the drugs for coronavirus patients in late March at the same time the U.S. government accepted 30 million doses of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine that had been donated by two foreign drug manufacturers .
Millions of those doses were shipped to U.S. hospitals to treat patient who weren ’ t enrolled in clinical trials .
But the FDA previously warned doctors that it had seen reports of dangerous side effects and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other health systems .
The agency said Monday it revoked the authorization in consultation with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , or BARDA , which had requested the emergency use .
Matthew Perrone is a Health Writer for The Associated Press .
AP Chief Medical Writer Marilynn Marchione contributed to this report from Milwaukee .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--First Lady Announces Women’s Suffrage Art Project for Students in Grades 3 to 12

WASHINGTON , D.C. ( AP ) — First Lady Melania Trump on Monday announced a youth art project to coincide with the ratification nearly 100 years ago of the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote .
The project , “ Building the Movement : America ’ s Youth Celebrate 100 Years of Women ’ s Suffrage , ” will showcase artwork by students in grades three to 12 from all U.S. states and territories .
Melania Trump said children should be included in conversations about the upcoming centennial so they can learn the history behind the women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests like those they see taking place in response to the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis .
“ For decades , women leaders lobbied , marched , and protested for equality and their right to vote in the United States , ” the first lady said in a statement to The Associated Press .
“ It is my hope that this project will both support and expand the important conversations taking place on equality and the impact of peaceful protests , while encouraging children to engage in the history behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states.
” Children are being asked to submit drawings by July 6 depicting individuals , objects and events representing the suffrage movement .
One piece of art from each state and territory will be included in a White House exhibit scheduled to open in August .
How the art will be presented — either a physical exhibit or online — will be determined based on federal guidelines for COVID-19 .
The 19th Amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1878 .
The House passed it in May 1919 and it cleared the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-fourths of the states are required to change the Constitution .
The 19th Amendment was adopted on Aug. 18 , 1920 , after Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify it .
Darlene Superville reports for The Associated Press .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--Crom Carmichael: Democrats Continue to Solve Complex Problems With Failed Simple Solutions

Live from Music Row Monday 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 in-studio all-star panelist Crom Carmichael .
During the third hour , Carmichael weighed in on Seattle ’ s autonomous zone and the violent consequences the city is facing since the police precinct was forced closed by protesters in the six-block radius .
He added that Democrat cities continue to have problems due to failed Democratic leadership who ’ s failed formula to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solutions .
Carmichael : I thought we ’ d switch gears .
Seattle is interesting in that you have a Democrat mayor of Seattle and you have a Democrat Governor .
It ’ s been that way for at least 20 years .
I think the state used to have some Republican influence .
But for a couple of decades , the city of Seattle has been run by Democrats and the state has had a Democratic governor .
So here you have this group of people who are taking over a six-block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important police precinct .
So because of them taking over that police precinct the response time to calls from the citizens of Seattle for things like violence , robbery , rape , murder , or anything like that , the response times have tripled in terms of the police getting there because the demonstrators have taken over and changed their name .
They called themselves originally the capitol hill autonomous zone .
Carmichael : CHAZ .
But Tucker Carlson was making so much fun of their name CHAZ , that they now changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s capitol hill protesters or something like that .
Leahy : That name didn ’ t last long .
Carmichael : No it didn ’ t last long because it was being made fun of .
But here ’ s what ’ s interesting .
The mayor of Seattle took an oath of office to do her job and carry out the laws of the city of Seattle .
Now you have residents and businesses in this six-block area who are being denied law and order .
And the mayor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do anything to the protesters .
When somebody asked , how long might it last ?
She said , we might have an entire summer of love was her response .
But the protesters now have given her a list of demands .
So Michael , for these people of the left , the Joe Bidenites of the world now , and you really have to put this on Joe Biden because he won ’ t criticize these people .
He won ’ t do it so he must be part of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing it .
This is the new democracy .
Rather than have elections where candidates get up and say what they intend to do , if you don ’ t get your way then you just go take over entire city blocks and force the government to yield to your demands .
And in this case , their demands are not possible .
There was an interesting story about Salt Lake .
Not long ago Salt Lake City , the left held it up .
The Washington Post and there were stories on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solved the homeless problem .
And there was a guy up there that said , you solve the homeless problem by giving the homeless homes .
And then Jon Stewart said , gosh , what an elegant simple answer .
Well , the problem with Salt Lake is they did all this and a lot of builders made a whole lot of money .
The homeless people got a home for a little while .
Leahy : And what happened to the homes ?
Carmichael : The homeless problem in Salt Lake City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago that it was supposedly solved .
The homeless problem in Salt Lake City today is larger than it has ever been .
Carmichael : Apparently they didn ’ t build enough homes and give them away .
Leahy : Ah .
What ’ s the condition of the homes they gave away ?
Carmichael : Other people are now occupying the homes .
They are now rented out .
But this is how Democrats operate .
I hate being partisan about this because there are a lot of Republicans who think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are ineffective , let ’ s put it that way .
The ineffective sees every problem as a simple problem .
So in this case they said , we have people that are homeless and they won ’ t be homeless if we give them a home .
A lot of homeless are homeless because they are mentally ill. Carmichael : And we don ’ t take care of that because we can ’ t take care of that by law .
You can ’ t really help a mentally ill person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you see pictures of police trying to help the homeless and the homeless are screaming at them saying I didn ’ t ask for your help .
So you have the mentally ill. You have a lot of other people who are homeless because of drugs .
And the left loves drugs .
So does George Soros .
And so do some libertarians .
Yeah , let ’ s just have drugs for everyone .
The problem is that just with alcohol .
And by the way , there are a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alcohol , drugs will take over your body and take over your life .
These are the elements that you have to address .
The homeless are not homeless simply because they don ’ t have a home .
They are homeless for other reasons .
But if you say I ’ m going to solve the problem with this simple solution you won ’ t solve the problem at all .
So that ’ s just like the left says , how do we solve the education problems ?
Throw more money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer .
They ’ ve been doing that for 50 years .
Carmichael : It does not work .
In fact , it makes it worse .
Because then the swamp that is protected by the money are more interested in protecting themselves .
Leahy : But Hollywood starlets can virtue signal about it and Hollywood actors .
They can virtual signal .
Carmichael : I think that will stop soon that within a couple of weeks movies and TV shows can go back into production .
And the people who don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around their apartments and virtue signal and send out these silly videos .
Leahy : Yes .
That ’ s a big industry now by left-wing Hollywood actors who don ’ t know anything .
( Laughs ) Carmichael : When you see them doing that and then you see them acting you say wow .
As actors , they are very good .
Carmichael : As human beings with solutions to real problems not so good .
Leahy : Not so good .
We have a story at the Tennessee Star about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the withdrawal of the bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest from the state capitol .
I didn ’ t hear them call for the withdrawal of the portrait which I believe is there who is former governor Prentice Cooper who the father of Mayor John Cooper and congressman Jim Cooper who in 1958 ran against Al Gore , Sr. on a segregationist platform .
I didn ’ t hear a call for that .
Reese Witherspoon was a fabulous actress early in her career .
We saw her for the first time when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was like this girl is going to be fabulous .
Leahy : Very good actress but not really the best in terms of understanding answers to complex public policy issues .
Carmichael : I would love it if they would lend their voice to increasing the number of charter schools and defunding the teachers ’ unions .
That ’ s my new mantra .
Defund the teachers ’ unions .
Leahy : Let ’ s ask Reese Witherspoon and Taylor Swift will support charter schools and maybe put a little bit of money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be great .
The charter schools thrive .
They do much more with less money than the government-run schools .
Leahy : I got ta tell you though Crom , I ’ m not holding my breath that they ’ ll follow that lead .
Carmichael : We can still ask .
And you just never do .
Leahy : Because we are open to all ideas here .
Carmichael : No , we ’ re not .
We ’ re open to good ideas .
Leahy : ( Laughs ) Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ideas ( Carmichael chuckles ) and the bad ideas that come in we are open to discussion .
And to demonstrate using the edifice of logic that you ’ re building brick by brick here throughout an illustrious career .
Carmichael : Now that ’ s true .
( Leahy chuckles ) Because we ’ re not going to cancel people .
Leahy : No we will not cancel you .
Carmichael : We ’ re not going to have them fired just because they had bad ideas .
Leahy : But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Carmichael : But we will point out the bad ideas and hopefully the good ideas will then carry the day .
Leahy : Well that ’ s been the history of the advance of western civilization as the marketplace of ideas .
Which ultimately in the fair marketplace of ideas the best ideas do come to the top .
Carmichael : I heard someone this weekend and I don ’ t remember what program it was .
But they said something incredibly insightful .
And that is part of the reason the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroy the history of our past or change the history of our past is that they don ’ t want people to see how much we ’ ve improved .
Leahy : Yes .
That ’ s absolutely true .
If you use those statues of an example of what it was , and we can get into Nathan Bedford Forrest , the arc of his life in terms of how attitudes changed over the arc of his life are a good example of how change is possible .
But that is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have .
Carmichael : Right .
And there we are .
Listen to the third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Photo “ CHAZ ” by Alex Glidewell CC4.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-16--American Paul Whelan Convicted of Spying in Russia, Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

MOSCOW , Russia ( AP ) — A Russian court convicted an American corporate security executive Monday of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in prison after a closed trial that the U.S. denounced as a “ mockery of justice , ” and it angrily said his treatment in jail was “ appalling.
” Paul Whelan , a former Marine from Novi , Michigan ( pictured above ) , has insisted he was innocent , saying he was set up when he was arrested in Moscow in December 2018 while he was visiting Russia to attend a friend ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns that Mr. Whelan was deprived of the fair trial guarantees that Russia is required to provide him in accordance with its international human rights obligations , ” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement .
The 50-year-old Whelan , who also holds British , Irish and Canadian citizenship , has publicly complained of poor prison conditions and has said his life is in danger .
Two weeks ago , Whelan underwent a hernia operation , which his twin brother , David , described as “ emergency surgery … which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said his brother had been allowed one phone call in 18 months and had voiced concern about coronavirus infections in Moscow ’ s Lefortovo prison , where he was being held .
Pompeo said the U.S. was “ outraged ” by the verdict and noted that Paul Whelan ’ s treatment “ has been appalling , ” adding that authorities ignored his medical condition and kept him isolated from family and friends .
He called the proceedings “ a secret trial , with secret evidence and without appropriate allowances for defense witnesses.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial took place , said it was held behind closed doors because authorities saw it as necessary for considering sensitive information .
Speaking to reporters after the verdict , U.S .
Ambassador John Sullivan called the trial “ a mockery of justice.
” Whelan ’ s lawyer has said his client was handed a flash drive that had classified information on it that he didn ’ t know about .
David Whelan described the case as political and voiced hope that the U.S. government will help gain his freedom .
“ The Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul until he was convicted , ” he told The Associated Press .
“ And so , now that that has happened , we hope that the U.S. government will speak to the Russian government .
We will have to continue to treat it as a political case , which is what it is , and seek a political solution for his freedom.
” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected allegations that Whelan was a political hostage , telling reporters his guilt was proven at the trial .
Peskov refused to comment on whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of its citizens in the U.S. custody .
Whelan ’ s Russian lawyer , Vladimir Zherebenkov , pointed at Russian official statements signaling a possibility that Whelan could be exchanged for Russians Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko .
“ There have been proposals of exchange , the issue is being discussed , ” he said .
Bout , a Russian arms trader , is serving a 25-year sentence in the U.S. for a 2011 conviction on charges he conspired to sell millions of dollars of weapons to Colombian rebels .
He insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Russian pilot , is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. after he was arrested in Liberia in 2010 and extradited to the U.S. Russian officials and lawmakers have cast the convictions of Bout and Yaroshenko as politically motivated and pushed for their release .
Leonid Slutsky , the head of foreign affairs committee in the Kremlin-controlled lower house of parliament , rejected Pompeo ’ s statement as “ meddling in Russia ’ s judicial system.
” He said Moscow is open to discuss Whelan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have remained in the U.S. prisons on unfounded charges and in inhumane conditions.
” “ Political will is required for reaching such agreements , ” he said .
Yaroshenko ’ s wife , Viktoria , also voiced hope that he could be exchanged for Whelan , the Interfax news agency reported .
Vladimir Isachenkov reports for The Associated Press .
AP writers Matthew Lee in Washington and Mike Householder in Canton Township , Michigan , contributed .
About the Headline Photo : Paul Whelan , a former U.S. marine who was arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verdict in a courtroom at the Moscow City Court in Moscow , Russia , Monday , June 15 , 2020 .
The Moscow City Court on Monday convicted Paul Whelan on charges of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in maximum security prison colony .
Whelan has insisted on his innocence , saying he was set up .
The U.S. Embassy has denounced Whelan ’ s trial as unfair , pointing that no evidence has been provided .
( Sofia Sandurskaya , Moscow News Agency photo via AP )