thetennesseestar--2020-08-11--Joe Biden Taps Senator Kamala Harris as Running Mate

by Kathleen Ronayne and Will Weissert WILMINGTON , Delaware ( AP ) — Joe Biden named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate on Tuesday , making history by selecting the first Black woman to compete on a major party ’ s presidential ticket and acknowledging the vital role Black voters will play in his bid to defeat President Donald Trump .
“ I have the great honor to announce that I ’ ve picked @ KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy , and one of the country ’ s finest public servants — as my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a text message to supporters , Biden said , “ Together , with you , we ’ re going to beat Trump ” Harris and Biden plan to deliver remarks Wednesday in Wilmington .
In choosing Harris , Biden is embracing a former rival from the Democratic primary who is familiar with the unique rigor of a national campaign .
Harris , a 55-year-old first-term senator , is also one of the party ’ s most prominent figures and quickly became a top contender for the No .
2 spot after her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joins Biden in the 2020 race at a moment of unprecedented national crisis .
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 150,000 people in the U.S. , far more than the toll experienced in other countries .
Business closures and disruptions resulting from the pandemic have caused an economic collapse .
Unrest , meanwhile , has emerged across the country as Americans protest racism and police brutality .
Trump ’ s uneven handling of the crises has given Biden an opening , and he enters the fall campaign in strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris to the ticket , he can point to her relatively centrist record on issues such as health care and her background in law enforcement in the nation ’ s largest state .
Harris ’ record as California attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco was heavily scrutinized during the Democratic primary and turned off some liberals and younger Black voters who saw her as out of step on issues of systemic racism in the legal system and police brutality .
She tried to strike a balance on these issues , declaring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backs law enforcement reforms .
Biden , who spent eight years as President Barack Obama ’ s vice president , has spent months weighing who would fill that same role in his White House .
He pledged in March to select a woman as his vice president , easing frustration among Democrats that the presidential race would center on two white men in their 70s .
Biden ’ s search was expansive , including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , a leading progressive , Florida Rep. Val Demings , whose impeachment prosecution of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who leads the Congressional Black Caucus , former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , whose passionate response to unrest in her city garnered national attention .
Rice congratulated Harris on her selection , calling her a “ tenacious and trailblazing leader.
” Rice said she would support Biden and Harris “ with all my energy and commitment.
” Bass tweeted , “ @ KamalaHarris is a great choice for Vice President .
Her tenacious pursuit of justice and relentless advocacy for the people is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has never served as president or vice president in the United States .
Two women have been nominated as running mates on major party tickets : Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Republican Sarah Palin in 2008 .
Their party lost in the general election .
The vice presidential pick carries increased significance this year .
If elected , Biden would be 78 when he ’ s inaugurated in January , the oldest man to ever assume the presidency .
He ’ s spoken of himself as a transitional figure and hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term in 2024 .
If he declines to do so , his running mate would likely become a front-runner for the nomination that year .
Born in Oakland to a Jamaican father and Indian mother , Harris won her first election in 2003 when she became San Francisco ’ s district attorney .
In the role , she created a reentry program for low-level drug offenders and cracked down on student truancy .
She was elected California ’ s attorney general in 2010 , the first woman and Black person to hold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foreclosure crisis .
She declined to defend the state ’ s Proposition 8 , which banned same-sex marriage and was later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court .
As her national profile grew , Harris built a reputation around her work as a prosecutor .
After being elected to the Senate in 2016 , she quickly gained attention for her assertive questioning of Trump administration officials during congressional hearings .
In one memorable moment last year , Harris tripped up Attorney General William Barr when she repeatedly pressed him on whether Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigate certain people .
Harris launched her presidential campaign in early 2019 with the slogan “ Kamala Harris For the People , ” a reference to her courtroom work .
She was one of the highest-profile contenders in a crowded Democratic primary and attracted 20,000 people to her first campaign rally in Oakland .
But the early promise of her campaign eventually faded .
Her law enforcement background prompted skepticism from some progressives , and she struggled to land on a consistent message that resonated with voters .
Facing fundraising problems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2019 , two months before the first votes of the primary were cast .
One of Harris ’ standout moments of her presidential campaign came at the expense of Biden .
During a debate , Harris said Biden made “ very hurtful ” comments about his past work with segregationist senators and slammed his opposition to busing as schools began to integrate in the 1970s .
“ There was a little girl in California who was a part of the second class to integrate her public schools , and she was bused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ And that little girl was me.
” Shaken by the attack , Biden called her comments “ a mischaracterization of my position.
” The exchange resurfaced recently one of Biden ’ s closest friends and a co-chair of his vice presidential vetting committee , former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd , still harbors concerns about the debate and that Harris hadn ’ t expressed regret .
The comments attributed to Dodd and first reported by Politico drew condemnation , especially from influential Democratic women who said Harris was being held to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a man running for president .
Some Biden confidants said Harris ’ campaign attack did irritate the former vice president , who had a friendly relationship with her .
Harris was also close with Biden ’ s late son , Beau , who served as Delaware attorney general while she held the same post in California .
But Biden and Harris have since returned to a warm relationship .
“ Joe has empathy , he has a proven track record of leadership and more than ever before we need a president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are , sees them where they are , and has a genuine desire to help and knows how to fight to get us where we need to be , ” Harris said at an event for Biden earlier this summer .
At the same event , she bluntly attacked Trump , labeling him a “ drug pusher ” for his promotion of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for the coronavirus , which has not been proved to be an effective treatment and may even be more harmful .
After Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shooting starts ” in response to protests about the death of George Floyd , a Black man , in police custody , Harris said his remarks “ yet again show what racism looks like.
” Harris has taken a tougher stand on policing since Floyd ’ s killing .
She co-sponsored legislation in June that would ban police from using chokeholds and no-knock warrants , set a national use-of-force standard and create a national police misconduct registry , among other things .
It would also reform the qualified immunity system that shields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practices Harris did not vocally fight to reform while leading California ’ s Department of Justice .
Although she required DOJ officers to wear body cameras , she did not support legislation mandating it statewide .
And while she now wants independent investigations of police shootings , she didn ’ t support a 2015 California bill that would have required her office to take on such cases .
“ We made progress , but clearly we are not at the place yet as a country where we need to be and California is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press recently .
But the national focus on racial injustice now shows “ there ’ s no reason that we have to continue to wait.
” Kathleen Ronayne and Will Weissert are reporters for The Associated Press .
Ronayne reported from Sacramento , Calif. Associated Press writers Alexandra Jaffe and Julie Pace contributed to this report from Washington .
About the Headline Photo : In this June 27 , 2019 , file photo , then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , listens to questions after the Democratic primary debate hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center for the Performing Art in Miami .
( AP Photo/Brynn Anderson , File )


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Special Session Bills Move Through Tennessee Senate and House Committees

Several bills addressing the issues outlined in Governor Bill Lee ’ s proclamation for an extraordinary session of the 111th Tennessee General Assembly were taken up in Senate and House committee meetings Tuesday .
The call for the special session limited the legislation that could be taken up to COVID-related liability protection for persons and entities , electronic delivery of health-related services , protection of private and public property and personnel as well as the appropriations related to the legislation passed during the special session .
While the Senate used their existing standing committee format , House Speaker Cameron Sexton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the extraordinary session including the COVID Related Liability Committee , Public Safety Committee , Electronic Delivery of Healthcare Committee , Finance , Ways and Means Committee , and Calendar and Rules Committee .
Below is an update as to the status of the legislation proposed for the extraordinary session .
SB 8001 / HB 8006 – a governmental entity , defined as a governing body , board , commission , committee or department of a municipality , county or other political subdivision of the state , shall not intentionally prohibit or prevent law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accessing a specifically bounded area within the entity ’ s jurisdiction during a public demonstration , unless the services are replaced by like services of another governmental entity .
A governmental entity violating the provision may be held liable for the resulting damages , injury or death .
Update : Passed the House Public Safety Committee of the Extraordinary Session , but was deferred in the Senate Judiciary Committee to Wednesday .
SB 8002 / HB 8001 – “ Tennessee COVID-19 Recovery Act ” requires that in any claims for any loss , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that it was caused by an act or omission constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct .
Update : Passed the House COVID Related Liability Committee of Extraordinary Session II and moves to the Calendar & Rules Committee for scheduling on the House floor .
Passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be on the Regular Calendar for the Senate floor session Wednesday .
Update : Placed on Wednesday ’ s calendar of the House Electronic Delivery of Healthcare Committee of Extraordinary Session II @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee Tuesday and progresses to the Senate Finance , Ways and Means Committee .
SB 8004 / HB 8003 – appropriations for the first year of funding for any act passed during the special session that has a cost associated with it .
SB 8005 / HB 8005 – revises criminal law to address protesting activities that go beyond being peaceful to damaging public property , assaulting a first responder , or camping in undesignated areas and authorizes the attorney general to investigate crimes when the victim is a state employee , state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state government was delayed as a result of the crime .
Update : A lengthy discussion took place in the House Public Safety Committee of Extraordinary Session II on the bill .
Just before the vote , sponsor Rep. William Lamberth ( R-Portland ) made a strong close on the bill by contrasting a stark choice of standing with law enforcement or standing with criminals .
After the vote , Rep. Larry Miller ( D-Memphis ) , who requested to be recorded as a no vote , objected to Lamberth ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive and insulting .
Miller , wagging his finger at Lamberth , said the insinuation that he doesn ’ t like the police officers and state troopers in his district is a lie .
Lamberth responded that he merely stated his opinion and asked Miller to respect it as he does Miller ’ s .
Passed the House Public Safety Committee of Extraordinary Session II , advancing to the Finance , Ways and Means Committee .
The Senate Judiciary Committee , after hearing video testimony from four of the protestors who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 days and objected to the legislation , including organizer Justin Jones , deferred action until Wednesday pending a clarifying amendment .
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Bell ( R-Riceville ) said that the vast majority of protestors have been law-abiding and peaceful .
However , on Monday , at least one senator , Bell relayed , was detained as they driving on Charlotte Avenue with protestors blocking their vehicles and obscuring their vision with hand-held signs .
A House member told The Tennessee Star that they were similarly blocked as they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking garage , with protestors blocking and banging on their vehicle for several minutes .
SB 8006 / HB 8007– creates a rebuttal presumption in a civil action that a defendant acted with gross negligence in certain circumstances related to the exposure or contraction of COVID-19 .
SB 8007 / HB 8008–deals with how workers ’ compensation addresses COVID-19 for essential and non-essential workers .
SB 8008 / HB 8009 – prohibits state or local government , agency or department from infringing on the constitutional rights of a personal to peacefully assemble , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The proposed legislation essentially repeats what is already enshrined in The Constitution of the State of Tennessee in Article I , Section 23 , “ That the citizens have a right , in a peaceable manner , to assemble together for their common good , to instruct their representatives , and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances , or other proper purposes , by address of remonstrance.
” Update : Not addressed by House or Senate committees .
SB 8011 – requires that if a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim of exposure to or contraction of coronavirus , the person must provide the date and location which it allegedly occurred .
Update : Action deferred in the Senate Judiciary Committee until Wednesday .
SB 8012 / HB 8010 – requires law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves when arresting a person during a protest or demonstration .
Update : Action deferred in the Senate Judiciary Committee until Wednesday .
The schedules and calendars of the Tennessee General Assembly can be viewed here .
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” by tn.gov .

A dozen individuals have been charged in a gun-running conspiracy that funneled firearms from Tennessee and Kentucky to Chicago, according to a release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In total, the 12 individuals are facing a 21-count indictment with charges for dealing in firearms without a license, transporting and receiving firearms into another state, making false statements to a federally licensed firearm dealer, and multiple other offenses.
Three of the alleged members of the gun pipeline were enlisted members of the U.S. Army and were stationed at Fort Campbell in Clarksville.
Demarcus Adams, Brandon Miller, and Jarius Brunson, along with other individuals charged in the indictment, allegedly purchased legal firearms from dealers in the area. After securing the guns, the DOJ contends the group would deliver the firearms to individuals in Chicago.
Law enforcement officials also claim the scheme was connected to gang violence in Chicago, saying that “the defendants conspired to purchase and deliver over 90 illegally obtained firearms to the Chicago area to facilitate the ongoing violent disputes between the Pocket Town Gangster Disciples and their rival gangs.”
Authorities detailed that at least two deaths were connected to firearms distributed in the movement from Tennessee to the Chicago area.
In addition to Clarksville, the organized crime circle operated in Oak Grove, Kentucky:
“The indictment further alleges the methods used by co-conspirators to purchase firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in the Clarksville, Tenn. and Oak Grove, Kentucky areas, which included communicating via text messages to coordinate the purchase and delivery of firearms to the Chicago area; providing false information on firearms purchase application forms; and using apps such as Zelle and CashApp to facilitate payment for the illegal transfer of firearms. On one occasion, the indictment alleges that in addition to several firearms available for sale, Brandon Miller had 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition available for purchase,” the release from the DOJ details.
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Justice Department Announces Superseding Indictment Charging 12 in Gun-Running Conspiracy to Supply” by The Justice Department.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Commentary: Pelosi Loses Her Teeth Over Trump Executive Orders on Unemployment, Payroll Tax Cuts

Furious that Democrat leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer were blocking a bill to help Americans through the COVID-19 crisis , President Trump stepped up and got the job done , all by himself .
It Was a Beautiful Thing to Behold Over the weekend , Trump issued four executive orders that would extend modified unemployment relief to millions who are out of work , protect many from eviction from their homes , provide continued relief from student loan debt and suspend payroll taxes for employers and those earning less than $ 100,000 .
It may not be enough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering .
This made House Speaker Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Minority Leader Schumer , D-N.Y. , very , very unhappy .
Pelosi called Trump ’ s measures “ illusions ” ; sorry , Madam Speaker , for families in need , an extra $ 400 per week unemployment pay is absolutely real , and extremely welcome .
The president boxed the Democrats in – how can they possibly challenge his orders or take his mandated benefits away from people ?
The chagrined duo whined that Trump “ still does not comprehend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and economic crises facing working families.
” On the contrary , the president understands the urgency very well , and also understands political hardball .
Instead of compromising on legislation that would immediately help Americans pummeled by the coronavirus , Pelosi and Schumer prioritized issues that had nothing to do with the well-being of the nation .
They pressed instead to ban ID requirements and signature verification for voters – measures that , as the president noted , would encourage increased fraud in our elections , and that Republicans would never accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they want to torpedo the U.S. economy .
Democrats know that creating jobs is Trump ’ s signature achievement , and also the most important issue to voters .
By blocking the next round of stimulus , they intentionally undermined the financial security of tens of millions of Americans .
They don ’ t care ; their priority is beating President Trump .
The American people be damned .
Oh , and kids going to school , too .
But aren ’ t Democrat leaders confident they will oust Trump in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message of late ?
That we will see not just a blue wave , but a blue tsunami , taking over the Senate as well as the Oval Office ?
That faux optimism is entirely manufactured , aimed at driving down turnout and fundraising from disheartened Republicans .
Democrats know their candidate ’ s brief surge is already fading .
Polling shows Joe Biden ’ s lead slipping both nationally and in crucial swing states .
In late July , the Real Clear Politics average of national polls gave him a nine-point lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Two of the newest polls show Biden ahead by only three points .
Biden is also losing ground in swing states like Wisconsin , Florida and Michigan .
Democrats read these polls .
They know this race will be close , which is why they must keep the economy battened down .
The last thing they want is another stimulus measure that would pump more money into voters ’ pockets .
Democrats are terrified that in spite of the dreadful disease , the continued lockdowns from blue-state governors and blue-city mayors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to work – and despite the riots that have convulsed many of our cities – the economy is coming back to life .
Economists and investors are dumbfounded at the resilience of the American consumer .
Nearly every economic report in recent weeks has beaten forecasts , including the most recent jobs number .
There were 1.8 million jobs created in July ; the experts were looking for 1.6 million .
The over-achievement reflects the unprecedented nature of the recession .
This country has never voluntarily closed up shop , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight the virus .
We may never know if that was the correct response ; Sweden ’ s experience suggests that such draconian measures might not have been necessary .
Who knows ?
What we do know is that Democrats were giddy to see Trump ’ s accomplishments – unemployment at a 50-year low , rising incomes and growth , a surge in manufacturing — buried in the coronavirus rubble .
They are terrified he might do it again , just in time for the election .
They are right to be worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six-year lows , which is propelling manufacturing higher .
The ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index for July posted the best reading since March 2019 by climbing to 54.2 from 52.6 in June and topping the consensus estimate of 53.6 .
New orders accelerated , too .
Housing is booming and auto sales are strong .
Corporate earnings , though clobbered by the shutdowns , have come in better than expected and estimates for the balance of the year have moved substantially higher .
COVID cases appear to have peaked , suggesting the dampening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may dissipate .
Also , the U.S. is not the only country seeing a reacceleration in activity .
China and Europe are also trending higher .
According to ISI Evercore ’ s Ed Hyman , “ In just three months , the Global Composite PMI plunged 26 points .
And in just three months it has rebounded 25 points , to 50.8 .
Virtually no one expected this much of a rebound , which helps explain why the stock market has surged.
” Note that any reading over 50 signals expansion .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pickup , U.S. growth soared .
That could happen again .
Meanwhile , millions of Americans are horrified by the destruction in Portland , Seattle , Minneapolis and other cities mismanaged by liberal Democrats .
The push to defund the police and to let criminals out of jail has let loose a plague of violent crime in cities like New York that had managed for years to keep the streets safe .
None of this helps Biden .
Democrats understand that the chaos will drive away voters .
Ted Wheeler , the liberal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they were no longer protesting , but instead were trying to “ commit murder ” ; he also warned them of serving as “ a prop for the reelection campaign of Donald Trump .
Imagine – Wheeler was not so concerned that the rioters were literally trying to burn people alive in a police station ; he was unhappy that the videos might help Republicans .
That ’ s where Democrats are today ; they deserve to lose .
– – – Liz Peek is a Fox News Contributor , Columnist for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter @ LizPeek .


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Soft-on-Crime Prosecutors Across America with Soros Ties Refuse to Charge and Try Criminal Behavior

Left-wing prosecutors have implemented soft-on-crime approaches to criminal justice across America , in some instances making it a matter of policy in major cities not to prosecute specific crimes , a Daily Caller News Foundation review found .
A common , though not universal , feature of prominent left-wing district attorneys is the backing of political organizations funded by left-wing billionaire George Soros .
The New York Times has credited Soros with pioneering the “ push to overhaul prosecutors ’ offices ” across the country .
Cook County , Illinois , State ’ s Attorney Kimberly Foxx , whose jurisdiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after winning her election with the help of a Soros-funded super PAC .
Soros poured more than $ 400,000 into Illinois Justice & Public Safety PAC in 2016 , Illinois State Board of Elections records show .
Foxx was the only candidate that the PAC supported in 2016 , those records show .
Foxx announced in December 2016 , shortly before taking office , that her office wouldn ’ t charge shoplifters with felonies unless they either had more than 10 previous felony convictions or if they stole more than $ 1,000 worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triple the previous felony threshold of $ 300 .
Storeowners blamed Foxx ’ s policy in December 2019 for what they said was a string of brazen thefts targeting their businesses .
Foxx announced in June that she wouldn ’ t prosecute protesters charged with minor crimes , such as curfew violations and disorderly conduct , in the unrest following the death of George Floyd .
Floyd , a black man , died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes , video shows .
Multiple analyses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant decreases in prosecutions since she took office .
The Chicago Tribune published an analysis Monday showing that Foxx dropped all charges against 30 % of defendants in her first three years in office , while her Democratic predecessor , Anita Alvarez , dropped charges against 20 % of defendants in her final three years on the job .
A report in June from the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund , a pro-police nonprofit , found “ a 13 % decrease in felony guilty outcomes , with a 27 % decline in guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped and dismissed cases ” since Foxx took office in 2017 .
A separate study by the Marshall Project , a nonprofit supporting criminal justice reform , also found that Foxx has dropped thousands of cases that would have been prosecuted by her predecessor .
“ We found that since she took office she turned away more than 5,000 cases that would have been pursued by previous State ’ s Attorney Anita Alvarez , mostly by declining to prosecute low-level shoplifting and drug offenses and by diverting more cases to alternative treatment programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Foxx faced criticism for her handling of the case against actor Jussie Smollett , who was accused in February 2019 of staging a hate crime against himself .
In April 2019 , the Chicago police union declared “ no confidence ” in Foxx .
A special prosecutor appointed by a Cook County judge to reinvestigate the case announced this past February that a grand jury had indicted Smollett on six counts related to the alleged hate crime hoax .
Illinois Justice & Public Safety PAC gave Foxx ’ s re-election campaign a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans in February to spend nearly $ 417,000 opposing Foxx ’ s main competitor in the primary , Politico reported .
Foxx won the four-way primary on March 17 , virtually guaranteeing her re-election in the heavily Democratic city .
Her office didn ’ t return an email seeking comment for this story .
Suffolk County , Massachusetts , District Attorney Rachael Rollins , whose jurisdiction includes the city of Boston , campaigned in 2018 on a list of 15 crimes that her office wouldn ’ t prosecute as a matter of policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or malicious destruction of property , shoplifting and larceny under $ 250 .
The Boston Herald reported in May 2019 that an attempted shoplifter was shocked when he was arrested for allegedly pilfering more than $ 100 worth of goods from a local store .
The man didn ’ t realize until after his arrest that he was in neighboring Norfolk County , outside Rollins ’ s jurisdiction of Suffolk County , the Herald reported .
The alleged thief “ made unsolicited comments during fingerprinting referencing the Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecuted shoplifting charges , ” the police report stated , according to the Herald .
“ When there are low-level , non-violent cases , sometimes using diversion , restitution , or treating the underlying issue presents better outcomes than prosecution might .
To be clear , we will always look at each case individually to try and determine the best possible outcome for the victim and the community , ” Rollins told the DCNF in an emailed statement responding to the Herald story .
“ There are times when the best outcome is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t , ” Rollins continued .
“ We actually have lots of real and very serious crimes in Suffolk County , compared to Norfolk County or the Cape and Islands .
In those counties , shoplifting is likely considered a very serious crime , ” Rollins added in her statement .
“ Here , we have homicides and rapes and armed assaults with intent to murder happening routinely.
” During an interview with a local radio station in June , Rollins said her soft-on-crime approach was vindicated by the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back operations during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ When COVID-19 hit , my list of 15 crimes that in the first instance we don ’ t prosecute , every police department in the nation used my list of 15 , ” Rollins told WBUR .
“ None of them were arresting for low-level nonviolent crimes out of fear of contracting COVID-19 , ” Rollins continued .
“ What they did was either not arrest or issue a summons .
And that ’ s exactly what I said we should do .
It just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognize that I was right.
” Massachusetts campaign finance reports don ’ t reveal any donations from Soros-affiliated PACs to Rollins ’ s campaign , a DCNF review found , but Rollins wasn ’ t without national help .
Prominent left-wing activist Shaun King boosted her campaign by organizing an online fundraising drive , the Bay State Banner reported .
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is a former defense attorney who had never prosecuted a case before becoming Philadelphia ’ s top prosecutor .
Soros put $ 1.45 million into a super PAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May 2017 , allowing him to sail to an easy victory .
Krasner is open about his belief in a soft-on-crime approach .
He said in an NBC News podcast interview last month that law enforcement agencies point to repeat offenders as evidence of the need for harsher sentences , but that he rejects that view .
“ They ’ ll list all of the arrests that they ’ ve had , all the contacts they ’ ve had as if what they ’ re doing is they ’ re explaining that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that explains this phenomenon .
‘ And we ’ ll all be safe if we just lock up these people of terrible character forever , ’ ” Krasner said .
“ But what they ’ re not saying is this system has engaged this person , arrested this person 15 times , convicted them seven times , put them in jail four times , and nothing worked .
It all failed .
They ’ re not owning that , ” he added .
“ So it is obvious to me that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very long time .
It ain ’ t working.
” Krasner diverted a significant number of gun-related charges away from prosecution and into rehabilitative programs in his first year in office , The Trace reported in January .
Krasner diverted seven times as many charges of illegal gun possession over his first year as his Democratic predecessors had in the previous two years combined , The Trace reported .
In April , the city ’ s mayor and police commissioner called on Krasner to be more aggressive in prosecuting gun crimes amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Krasner announced that his office would work more closely with police to crack down on gun violence .
City data show that homicides so far this year are up 30 % compared to the same time period last year .
When pressed on the still-high rates of gun violence during the NBC News podcast interview , Krasner blamed poverty and the criminal justice system .
“ You know , the truth is that poverty equals bullets .
And poverty has always equaled bullets .
The truth is we haven ’ t dealt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t dealt with all kinds of things .
And in many ways , the criminal justice system has caused this problem , ” he said .
Krasner also faced criticism last month from residents who said he had allowed drug trafficking to harm their neighborhoods by not prosecuting enough cases .
Krasner , whose office didn ’ t return an email seeking comment , said in the podcast interview that his proudest accomplishment is slashing incarceration and probation levels .
“ We have cut future years of incarceration coming out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us about 50 % , ” he said .
“ And we have cut future supervision [ probation ] about 60-75 % .
” San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin pledged during his campaign that certain quality-of-life crimes , including public urination , would “ not be prosecuted ” by his office .
Boudin ’ s parents were members of the Weather Underground terrorist group .
He was raised by the group ’ s leaders after his parents went to prison on murder charges .
“ We will not prosecute cases involving quality-of-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , offering or soliciting sex , public urination , blocking a sidewalk , etc.
, should not and will not be prosecuted , ” Boudin promised in response to an American Civil Liberties Union questionnaire .
“ Many of these crimes are still being prosecuted , we have a long way to go to decriminalize poverty and homelessness , ” he added .
Boudin said in a July 2019 interview that he would “ challenge the legitimacy of laws ” by not bringing certain charges .
“ A District Attorney has the authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a District Attorney can challenge the legitimacy of laws by declining to bring charges in certain cases , ” he explained in the interview .
“ The types of charges a District Attorney declines to bring has a ripple effect and change the culture of a community , ” he added , citing prostitution as an example of a crime he wouldn ’ t prosecute .
Boudin won his election in November 2019 and took office in January .
San Francisco campaign finance reports don ’ t show any donations from Soros-linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a DCNF review found .
Boudin ignited a feud with the city ’ s police union soon after taking office in January by withdrawing charges against a man who was shot by officers after allegedly trying to attack them with a bottle , the San Francisco Chronicle reported .
Boudin announced in February that his office would no longer prosecute contraband charges that originated as minor traffic infractions .
He also pledged to stop using gang affiliation status in sentencing enhancements .
“ Pretextual stops and sentencing enhancements based on who you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the tough-on-crime era that failed to make us safer , ” Boudin said at the time .
“ Instead , they led to mass incarceration , targeted innocent black and brown drivers , and increased recidivism .
They stand in the way of fairness and justice , ” he added .
In March , Boudin withdrew charges against a 20-year-old man allegedly involved in an attack on an elderly man that went viral on social media , the Chronicle reported , noting that the suspect was already on probation for battery at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ve been in conversation with the victim who expressed interest in a restorative justice outcome in this case , ” Boudin spokesman Alex Bastian told the paper at the time .
“ Specifically , against the young person who videoed the incident .
We respect victims and their desires and we will explore a restorative justice outcome , ” Bastian added .
Rachel Marshall , a Boudin spokeswoman , declined to say whether Boudin regrets his soft-on-crime approach in light of San Francisco Police Department ( SFPD ) data that show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
“ I will just make clear that homicide rates are still low overall after a significant drop in recent years ( last year was the lowest homicide rate in 56 years ) .
Violent crime like gun violence and crime rates overall have both been down recently as well , and car break-ins ( a campaign issue of the DA ’ s ) are down significantly , ” Marshall wrote in an email to the DCNF .
While the rates of some crimes in San Francisco , such as rape ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down 14 % ) , have decreased this year , others have seen significant increases .
Compared to the same time period last year , homicides in the city are up 25 % , burglary is up 42 % , motor vehicle theft is up 31 % and arson is up 45 % , according to SFPD data .
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot won his seat in 2019 with the help of Soros cash , he acknowledged in a November 2019 interview with D Magazine following his victory .
“ Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when asked if his campaign received national funding .
“ Through Soros.
” Creuzot drew criticism from Republicans when he announced in April 2019 that he would no longer prosecute the theft of “ personal items ” valued under $ 750 if they were considered “ necessary items.
” “ Personal items are limited to necessary items , ” Creuzot wrote in a letter explaining the decision .
“ Personal items would include items such as necessary food , diapers and baby formula.
” Murders in Dallas reached the highest levels in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on pace to remain at similarly high levels this year as well , the Dallas Morning News ’ s editorial board noted in an Aug. 6 column .
“ In his short tenure , Creuzot has lost or dropped 20 % more felony cases than his predecessors and attained a significantly lower conviction rate for violent and serious crimes as well , ” the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund ’ s report found .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ George Soros ” by Niccolò @ @ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Tennessee Ranks High in Economic Outlook Compared to Other States, New Report Says

Tennessee ranks eighth out of 50 states in economic outlook , according to the 2020 edition of Rich States , Poor States , released Wednesday .
The Virginia-based American Legislative Exchange Council published the book .
Economists Jonathan Williams , Art Laffer , and Stephen Moore wrote it .
The authors say they base a state ’ s economic outlook ranking on its current standing in 15 state policy variables .
As The Tennessee Star reported last year , Tennessee ranked seventh in the 2019 Rich States , Poor States report and 12th in the 2018 report .
Tennessee ranked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
1 ranking is the best .
A ranking of 50 is the worst .
On a conference call with reporters Tuesday , the three men said that a state ’ s income tax rates affect growth and prosperity .
For the 13th year in a row , Rich States , Poor States ranked Utah as the state with the best economic outlook .
Williams , Laffer , and Moore said on Tuesday ’ s call that Utah officials kept a disciplined approach to budgeting and spending .
In addition to Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s list included Wyoming , Idaho , Indiana , North Carolina , Nevada , Florida , Oklahoma , and Arizona .
Williams , Laffer , and Moore said that the worst-ranking states included New York , Vermont , New Jersey , Illinois , California , Minnesota , Hawaii , Rhode Island , Oregon , and Maine .
The three men also said officials in those states want a federal bailout .
Laffer was on U.S. President Ronald Reagan ’ s Economic Advisory Board and takes credit as “ the father of supply-side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal .
Williams is ALEC ’ s chief economist .
The report detailed the data the three men gathered for each state .
“ Each of these factors is influenced directly by state lawmakers through the legislative process .
Generally speaking , states that spend less — especially on income transfer programs — and states that tax less —particularly on productive activities such as working or investing — experience higher growth rates than states that tax and spend more , ” according to the report .
“ The Economic Performance Ranking is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s performance on three important variables : State Gross Domestic Product , Absolute Domestic Migration and Non-Farm Payroll Employment — all of which are highly influenced by state policy .
This ranking details states ’ individual performances over the past 10 years based on this economic data.
” ALEC , according to its Facebook page , works to “ advance the principles of limited government , free markets and federalism throughout the states.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips @ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--A Major Pro-Trump Tech Investor Is Reportedly Working Behind the Scenes to Save TikTok’s US Operatio

A Major Pro-Trump Tech Investor Is Reportedly Working Behind the Scenes to Save TikTok’s US Operations

One of President Donald Trump ’ s biggest supporters inside Silicon Valley is acting behind the scenes to rescue TikTok ’ s U.S. operations while the president considers the app ’ s future , according to recently published media reports .
Doug Leone , a Sequoia Capital global managing partner , is pressing U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House adviser Jared Kushner to find a solution to keep TikTok in the U.S. , The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday , citing sources familiar with the discussion .
Leone and his wife , Patricia , gave a combined $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 , The Washington Post noted in a report Monday on internal discussions about the app inside the Trump administration .
The venture capitalist also told people that he could use his influence inside the administration to help TikTok , the Post reported , citing sources familiar with the talks .
Leone also holds a position on the president ’ s task force for reopening the economy , the Post noted .
The China arm of Sequoia Capital , a Silicon Valley venture capital firm , made a $ 35 million investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 , giving the firm a stake that is valued at more than $ 800 million today .
The app has 100 million users inside the U.S .
The Journal and Post reports come after the president suggested Aug. 3 that he is amenable to the idea of Microsoft purchasing the upstart Chinese company , so long as the acquisition comes by Sept. 15 .
Twitter is also having talks about a potential combination with TikTok in the U.S. , the Journal reported Saturday .
Trump also signed a pair of executive orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TikTok ’ s parent company , ByteDance .
The president wants a slice of the profits from a potential sale to go to the United States Treasury .
Trump ’ s moves were prompted , in part , by government officials and U.S. lawmakers who believe the app is a threat to national security through its collection of user data .
U.S. officials have so far not revealed direct evidence that TikTok is providing personal user data to the Chinese Communist Party .
Meanwhile , the company hired operatives to lobby on TikTok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who worked as a senior advisor to Democratic House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina , CNBC reported in July .
TikTok also hired Freddy Barnes , a former longtime staffer for Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California , according to Barnes ’ s LinkedIn page .
A senior adviser to Trump ’ s 2016 campaign lobbies for ByteDance .
American Continental Group , a lobbying shop owned by Dave Urban , registered on Jan. 20 to lobby for the China-based owner of TikTok , the Daily Caller News Foundation reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Congress .
TikTok users coordinated an effort to get people who didn ’ t intend on attending a Trump campaign rally in Tulsa sign up for it , CNN reported in June .
One TikTok post urging fans of Korean pop to sign up for the June rally received over 100,000 likes .
Mary Jo Laupp , a 51-year-old woman in Iowa , reportedly kickstarted the troll campaign .
Demonstrations in Hong Kong were barely mentioned on TikTok despite receiving worldwide attention , according to a Post report in 2019 .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an extradition bill supposedly designed to weaken Hong Kong autonomy , # antielab , had only 11 postson TikTok , but collected more than 34,000 posts on Instagram at the time of reporting .
Meanwhile , Hashtags for # HongKongProtests on TikTok returned either a single video or an error message telling users that TikTok could not “ find this hashtag : Check out trending videos.
” Chris White is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Doug Leone ” by Doug Leone .


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Big Ten, Pac-12 Pull Plug on Fall Football Amid Pandemic

The Big Ten and Pac-12 won ’ t play football this fall because of concerns about COVID-19 , taking two of college football ’ s five power conferences out of a crumbling season amid the pandemic .
About an hour after the Big Ten ’ s announcement , the Pac-12 called a news conference to say its season would be postponed until the spring .
The Big Ten ’ s announcement comes six days after the conference that includes historic programs such as Ohio State , Michigan , Nebraska and Penn State had released a revised conference-only football schedule that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall season with potential COVID-19 disruptions .
Instead , all fall sports in the Big Ten have been called off and a spring season will be explored .
The decision was monumental but not a surprise .
Speculation has run rampant for several days that the Big Ten was moving toward this decision .
On Monday , coaches throughout the conference tried to push back the tide , publicly pleading for more time and threatening to look elsewhere for games this fall .
“ The mental and physical health and welfare of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward , ” Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said in a statement .
“ As time progressed and after hours of discussion with our Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee , it became abundantly clear that there was too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow our student-athletes to compete this fall.
” Warren took over as commissioner from Jim Delany at the start of this year .
A former longtime executive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented problem for college sports .
During an interview on the Big Ten Network , Warren was pressed on whether the decision was unanimous across the conferences and if Big Ten teams could still try to play a fall season , as some coaches suggested Monday .
“ We are very disappointed in the decision by the Big Ten Conference to postpone the fall football season , as we have been and continue to be ready to play , ” University of Nebraska leadership said in a statement .
Ohio State athletic director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferred to play .
“ I wish we would have had a little more time to evaluate , ” Smith told Big Ten Network .
Over the last month , conferences have been reworking schedules in the hopes of being able to buy some time and play a season .
The Big Ten was the first to go to conference-only play , doing it in early July .
The Pac-12 followed two days later and eventually all the Power Five conferences switched to either all conference play or mostly .
The first FBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall season was the Mid-American Conference on Saturday , and then the Mountain West did the same on Monday .
But those conferences don ’ t have the revenue , reach and history of the Big Ten , which seemed positioned to pour resources into trying to protect their athletes from getting and spreading COVID-19 .
The Big Ten touts itself as the oldest college athletic conference in the country , dating back to 1896 when it was called the Western Conference , and its schools have been playing football ever since .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and grew into a football powerhouse .
The 14 Big Ten schools span from Maryland and Rutgers on the East Coast to Iowa and Nebraska out west .
Not only has it been one of the most successful conferences on the field but off the field it has become one of the wealthiest .
The Big Ten , with its lucrative television network , distributes about $ 50 million per year to its members .
The Pac-12 ’ s members are in Arizona , California , Colorado , Oregon , Utah and Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this June 4 , 2019 , file photo , Minnesota Vikings chief operating officer Kevin Warren talks to reporters after being named Big Ten Conference Commissioner during a news conference in Rosemont , Ill. After the Power Five conference commissioners met Sunday , Aug. 9 , 2020 , to discuss mounting concern about whether a college football season can be played in a pandemic , players took to social media to urge leaders to let them play .
( AP Photo/Charles Rex @ @ @ @

A dozen individuals have been charged in a gun-running conspiracy that funneled firearms from Tennessee and Kentucky to Chicago, according to a release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In total, the 12 individuals are facing a 21-count indictment with charges for dealing in firearms without a license, transporting and receiving firearms into another state, making false statements to a federally licensed firearm dealer, and multiple other offenses.
Three of the alleged members of the gun pipeline were enlisted members of the U.S. Army and were stationed at Fort Campbell in Clarksville.
Demarcus Adams, Brandon Miller, and Jarius Brunson, along with other individuals charged in the indictment, allegedly purchased legal firearms from dealers in the area. After securing the guns, the DOJ contends the group would deliver the firearms to individuals in Chicago.
Law enforcement officials also claim the scheme was connected to gang violence in Chicago, saying that “the defendants conspired to purchase and deliver over 90 illegally obtained firearms to the Chicago area to facilitate the ongoing violent disputes between the Pocket Town Gangster Disciples and their rival gangs.”
Authorities detailed that at least two deaths were connected to firearms distributed in the movement from Tennessee to the Chicago area.
In addition to Clarksville, the organized crime circle operated in Oak Grove, Kentucky:
“The indictment further alleges the methods used by co-conspirators to purchase firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in the Clarksville, Tenn. and Oak Grove, Kentucky areas, which included communicating via text messages to coordinate the purchase and delivery of firearms to the Chicago area; providing false information on firearms purchase application forms; and using apps such as Zelle and CashApp to facilitate payment for the illegal transfer of firearms. On one occasion, the indictment alleges that in addition to several firearms available for sale, Brandon Miller had 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition available for purchase,” the release from the DOJ details.
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]com.
Photo “Justice Department Announces Superseding Indictment Charging 12 in Gun-Running Conspiracy to Supply” by The Justice Department.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Report: Millions Lose Health Insurance Because of COVID-19 Shutdowns

More than 5 million people lost their health insurance coverage over the past several months because of COVID-19 restrictions as costs for lifesaving medications and treatments for cancer also skyrocketed .
A new study by Families USA found that more than 5.4 million people who lost their jobs are uninsured , compared to 3.9 million who were in a similar situation during the Great Recession .
Coupled with rising health care costs , individuals with pre-existing conditions and/or serious health issues are suffering the most .
By May , within two months of stay-at-home orders , 25 percent of working-age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of the same age group in Texas also became uninsured .
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation , in 2018 , more than 160 million people received health insurance through their employer .
Since more than 40 million people filed for unemployment since March , that number has significantly changed .
For some , laid off and uninsured individuals can apply for COBRA , an insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act subsidized marketplace or through Medicaid or Medicare if their incomes qualify .
But many people fall outside of these options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so also have treatment costs .
According to a 2019 survey conducted by The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com , 63 percent of cancer patients and loved ones reported financial struggles after receiving a cancer diagnosis , with monthly drugs costs reaching up to $ 100,000 for some .
Some survey respondents reported spending the balances of three retirement accounts to cover costs , saying “ we were choosing care based on what we thought we could afford , not what would help me the most.
” Forty percent of cancer patients surveyed had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center found , while 12 percent lowered the dose of prescription drugs to make them last longer .
The U.S. health care system was broken and expensive before the state shutdowns began , the Texas Public Policy Foundation ( TPPF ) argues .
Now , “ COVID-19 has exacerbated the brokenness and lack of affordability in health care , ” David Balat , director of health care initiatives at the TPPF , told The Center Square .
“ Texans are largely frustrated by the way we pay for and deliver health care services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are skyrocketing , people are paying tens of thousands of dollars before coverage kicks in , insurance companies are failing patients , and too many communities are seeing their medical providers close up shop.
” A former hospital administrator , Balat is working with state and federal legislators to put patients in charge of their own health care and lowers costs .
The Affordable Care Act was touted as a way to make health care more affordable and accessible , but it did neither , U.S. Rep. Chip Roy , R-Kerrville , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Americans to gain access to health care in the name of health coverage , ” Roy said , with prices , spending levels and bureaucracy continuing to increase .
In January , Roy introduced the Personalized Care Act , with U.S. Reps. Mike Johnson , R-Louisiana , and Andy Biggs , R-Arizona , and U.S. Sens .
Ted Cruz , R-Texas , and Mike Braun , R-Indiana .
The Personalized Care Act would expand Health Savings Accounts , a mechanism to be used for direct medical care , health care sharing ministries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roy has been working with his colleagues on the Republican Study Committee to reform the existing system so that individuals can find a doctor online or through a directory like they would find a mechanic to get an oil change for their car .
“ The concept is built upon a foundation of expansive health savings with equalized tax treatment for individuals and businesses , state-administered backstops through ‘ guaranteed coverage pools , ’ and most importantly , the elimination of Obamacare ’ s Title I mandates , ” Roy said .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump announced four executive orders that will allow certain drugs to be imported from Canada and change the way discounts are negotiated by middlemen , among other things .
The administration also implemented new rule changes requiring hospital transparency .
Bethany Blankey is a contributor to The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Commentary: How Government ‘Cures’ Drive Out Real Cures

Scurvy , we all know , is a disease caused by a vitamin C deficiency .
It took almost 200 years from the time a “ lemon juice ” cure for scurvy was discovered until it was promoted by the British government .
Some think the mental biases that caused the needless deaths of millions have been eliminated in more “ enlightened ” modern times .
They are wrong .
In his book , Bad Medicine , history professor David Wootton explains that scurvy “ became a major problem only with the beginning of transoceanic voyages.
” On those voyages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for at least ten weeks .
On long voyages , the mortality rate from scurvy was 50 percent .
Wootton writes , “ One estimate is that two million sailors died of this dreadful disease between Columbus ’ s discovery of America and the replacement of sailing ships by steamships in the mid-nineteenth century.
” Wootton accounts that in 1740 George Anderson commanded a fleet of six ships and 2,000 men and lost 1,800 men to scurvy .
During the French and Indian War ( 1754-1763 ) , approximately 133,000 of 184,000 sailors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many of the dead sailors had been “ press-ganged into service.
” Yet , most of these deaths were avoidable .
By 1601 merchant Sir James Lancaster had already solved the scurvy problem by stocking his ship with lemon juice on his voyage to the East Indies .
Wootton reports the practice of stocking lemon juice “ became standard on ships of both the Dutch and English East India companies in the early seventeenth century.
” Unfortunately , the lemon juice cure , Wootton writes , “ made no sense to doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convinced that this disease , like every other , must be caused by bad air or an imbalance of the humours.
” Pressured by doctors , ship captains refused to stock lemons .
The British Admiralty “ formally asked the College of Physicians for advice on how to combat scurvy.
” In 1740 , 139 years after the lemon juice cure was known , the response of the College of Physicians was to advocate the use of vinegar and Ward ’ s Drop and Pill .
The pill consisted of poisonous ingredients , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thought to purge illness from the body .
Wootton points out that history incorrectly credits a surgeon , James Lind , with discovering the cure for scurvy .
Yet , Lind ’ s “ discovery ” occurred 150 years after knowledge of the efficacy of lemon juice was known to the Portuguese , the Spanish , and the first American colonists .
Initially , Lind recognized the lemon juice cure but didn ’ t understand that scurvy was a nutritional disease .
He stuck with a humours theory and believed skin pores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lind thought lemon juice unblocked clogged pores .
Decades after his first success in 1747 , Lind himself lost faith in his remedy and again resorted to bloodletting for scurvy patients .
It took another 50 years for lemon juice to be generally adopted by the English Navy .
Voices of those who knew the lemon juice cure were rejected .
In 1786 , a merchant sea captain wrote to the British Admiralty , informing them that lemon juice cured scurvy .
The captain was told that trials have been made of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scurvy and that surgeons “ all agree ” that “ lemons and oranges were of no service either in the prevention or cure ” of scurvy .
The Admiralty issued this “ official ” advice 185 years after James Lancaster effectively used lemon juice against scurvy .
Notice that merchants were more open-minded in their willingness to try new treatments to save lives .
Without the power to press gang , protecting crew members and saving lives was paramount .
Notably , Captain James Cook , commanding the Endeavour during his 1769 voyage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Admiralty by serving sauerkraut and fresh vegetables when he made landfalls .
Cook didn ’ t lose a single crew member to scurvy during his almost three-year voyage .
Yet , in 1773 Lind was still insisting diet was not the cause or cure of scurvy .
Wootton is clear ; doctors were culpable : “ When good arguments are beaten from the field by bad ones , those who do the driving must bear the responsibility.
” “ Bad knowledge drove out good , ” Wootton argues .
The advice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inflexible government determined not to yield to the evidence .
Is Wootton correct , did bad knowledge about scurvy drive out good knowledge ?
Gresham ’ s Law explains why bad money drives out good money .
This law is frequently misunderstood .
Gresham ’ s Law only is operable when the bad money and the good money are both legal tender .
For instance , when both silver quarters and non-silver quarters were circulated side-by-side , the public hoarded the more valuable silver quarters , taking the silver quarters out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) drove out good money ( silver quarters ) , but that was only because shopkeepers were forced to treat both silver and non-silver quarters as having the same value .
Detractors of free markets frequently seek to apply Gresham ’ s Law to products other than money .
Their antipathy to free markets leads them to claim that the market rewards the lowest common denominator .
Yet , a moment ’ s reflection shows this to be untrue .
A men ’ s shirt from Walmart peacefully competes with ones from Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compete with custom-made shirts costing hundreds of dollars .
Consumers decide which products best fit their needs , given their preferences and income .
Wootton is correct ; history shows how bad knowledge drove out good knowledge about the prevention and treatment of scurvy .
Gresham ’ s Law can be applied : The British Admiralty sanctioned the College of Physicians to provide a “ legal tender ” treatment—ineffective vinegar and poisonous pills .
The bad treatment crowded out the good treatment ( lemons ) on government ships .
The British Admiralty was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of sailors by blocking a known effective treatment .
If YouTube , Twitter , and Facebook were around in the 18th Century , would they have censored advocates of lemon juice on the grounds that it undermined “ the science ” endorsed by the College of Physicians ?
Like the British Admiralty acting on the advice of “ expert ” physicians , many of our experts and politicians assure the public that for COVID-19 there is no prevention other than lockdowns , social distancing , masks , and soon a vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 other than the astonishingly expensive new drug remdesivir .
Remdesivir costs $ 3,120 a dose and is the only FDA-approved treatment for COVID-19 .
And yet , remdesivir does nothing to reduce mortality from COVID-19 .
The United States bought the entire supply of remdesivir at the cost of over $ 1 billion ; great for the politically connected pharmaceutical company Gilead , producing remdesivir .
But if remdesivir is the “ legal tender ” treatment , how does this impact our health ?
We have all seen this lousy movie before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2009 , during the Swine Flu pandemic , Shannon Brownlee and Jeanne Lenzer asked hard questions about Tamiflu , the “ remdesivir ” of that time .
As with remdesivir , Tamiflu at best reduced the duration of illness without impacting mortality .
As with remdesivir , Tamiflu was very expensive and was stockpiled by the government .
Brownlee and Lenzer questioned whether “ the expensive antiviral drugs that the government has stockpiled ” have “ power to reduce the number of people who die or are hospitalized ?
” They report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tamiflu “ have had their effectiveness overplayed , and harms underplayed.
” Today , politically anointed remdesivir is crowding out the inexpensive 65-year-old generic drug hydroxychloroquine ( HCQ ) .
Anecdotal and empirical evidence shows HCQ is safe and effective in treating COVID-19 .
Bretigne Shaffer has done an outstanding job compiling the known evidence about hydroxychloroquine .
Adnan Munkarah , M.D.
, is Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer , and Steven Kalkanis , M.D.
, is Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of the large Henry Ford Health System @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly cut mortality rates for thousands of their Health System ’ s patients .
Yet , as Munkarah and Kalkanis write , “ the political climate that has persisted has made any objective discussion about this drug impossible , and we are deeply saddened by this turn of events.
” Scientific debate is being stifled .
Dr. Peter Gøtzsche is one of the leading advocates of “ rigorous methodology and the elimination of bias in assessing the efficacy of treatments.
” In July he warned , How much has really changed since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cure for scurvy in favor of Ward ’ s Drop and Pill ?
With hydroxychloroquine , “ experts ” led by Dr. Fauci are actively suppressing debate .
The FDA has revoked its emergency use permission for hydroxychloroquine .
Hydroxychloroquine is denied to those inflicted with COVID-19 , not on the merits of remdesivir , but due to the coercive force of government .
Connecting the dots is easy .
The government is spending over $ 10 billion on its Operation Warp Speed to produce a vaccine that will be shielded from liability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go through full safety trials , yet the FDA will probably issue an Emergency Use Authorization ( EUA ) to approve a vaccine .
To issue an EUA , there must be “ no adequate , approved , and available alternative.
” In other words , HCQ or another effective treatment is a threat to a vaccine ; if hydroxychloroquine is effective , there can be no fast-tracked vaccine .
Recently Bill Gates was questioned about the side effects of a COVID-19 frontrunner vaccine being manufactured by biotech start-up Moderna .
Norah O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report that 80 % “ of the participants [ in the vaccine trial ] experienced a systemic side effect.
” Gates responded , “ The side effects were not super severe ; that is , it didn ’ t cause permanent health problems.
” Given the short-term trial time , Gates doesn ’ t know if there are permanent health problems .
Gates ’ s “ not super severe ” standard might be acceptable to some people ; many others are ready to say no thanks .
Gates then added , the FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not allowing a vaccine with severe side effects ] despite the pressure .
Fauci , too , said he is not worried about side effects of the Moderna vaccine .
Fauci and Gates rely upon the FDA to guarantee safety .
In his book Against Leviathan Robert Higgs writes : Higgs quotes former FDA official Dr. Henry Miller as saying , “ The gold standard of FDA regulation is fool ’ s gold.
” As an economist , I ’ m concerned that liability shields eliminate the essential role insurance companies play in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words of Ruud Dobber , an executive at AstraZeneca , another COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer , who said about the worldwide liability shields his company sought , “ We as a company simply can not take the risk if in … four years the vaccine is showing side effects.
” As a consumer , I give more serious consideration to Dobber ’ s reservations than Gates ’ s “ not super severe ” assurance of side effects .
A recent survey by KEKSTCNC , a global strategic communications firm , found that in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and morbidity of COVID-19 are far greater than actual counts .
Americans believe an astonishing 9 % of Americans have died from COVID-19 .
The public perception is exaggerated 225x .
If many people you know are in a constant state of fear for themselves and their children , incessantly monitoring themselves for symptoms , now you know why .
To the frightened , Dr. Fauci is a hero who they desperately hope will relieve their existential fears of death , an existential dread that many have projected onto COVID-19 .
They resent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauci ’ s favored vaccine solution , and some advocate the government should force you to take the vaccine or jail you .
Such draconian solutions take root when the government feeds existential fears .
There are likely “ lemon juice ” solutions to COVID-19 , and perhaps hydroxychloroquine is one .
But a government that suppresses debate and wants to funnel billions towards politically connected firms will discredit all challengers to their favored solutions .
In the name of what they define as “ the science , ” the discovery process of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are part of an illiberal movement whose members , in the words of Jeffrey Tucker , are “ enemies of freedom and human rights.
” They threaten the health of billions .
Barry Brownstein is professor emeritus of economics and leadership at the University of Baltimore .
He is senior contributor at Intellectual Takeout and the author of The Inner-Work of Leadership .


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Clint Brewer Weighs in on the Recent Republican and Democratic Tennessee U.S. Senate Primary Wins

Live from Music Row Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed public affairs strategist Clint Brewer in the studio .
During the third hour , Brewer weighed in on the recent Republican and Democratic U.S. Senate primary results noting that Bill Hagerty held an aggressive campaign in the rural areas while Sethi ’ s campaign may have underestimated them .
He added that the Democratic primary upset of James Mackler by victor Markita @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location in Shelby County and riding the current wave of left-wing ideologies .
Leahy : We are joined in the studio by our good friend , all-star panelist , and former journalist .
Brewer : Hey good morning Mike .
How are you ?
Leahy : We ’ ve got to go with that phrase recovering .
Leahy : Recovering journalist .
Well , the big story last week was the Republican primary of the U.S. Senate .
Your former boss Bill Hagerty .
Won resoundingly .
Leahy : It was a 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran a very energic campaign and was a very personable guy .
A lot of people liked Manny , the Vanderbilt emergency room surgeon .
Bu tin the end , Bill Hagerty kind of stomped by 51-39 .
Brewer : He did .
And in an interesting fashion .
The counties that went with Dr. Sethi were the large ones .
It was Knox and Davidson and Hamilton .
Brewer : And then the larger suburban counties around Nashville .
Rutherford , Williamson .
Normally backbones of any Republican Party victory .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee was staggering in a good way .
I think the best man won .
Leahy : But you ’ re biased because you worked with Bill Hagerty .
Brewer : I ’ m ’ not even going to act like I ’ m not biased .
Leahy : You worked for him for four years .
But he is empirical , we can say this , my feelings aside , he is one of the most qualified people we ’ ve ever elected to public office in the state .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it was nice to see his time helping to recruit companies to Tennessee .
There was obviously some resonance in Tennesse with the quality job he did for rural Tennessee .
The race kind of flew under the radar screen nationally until the end .
Leahy : In the end , it was the bitterness of the tax back and forth over campaign contributions and other things .
Brewer : It was but I think the story that is missed here is the Trump campaign is touting the sort of unheard and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And don ’ t believe the polls .
Well you know , there were a lot of people leaking polls and putting polls out in the final days that made that Hagerty Sethi race look a lot closer than it was .
And it wasn ’ t .
Leahy : Let ’ s talk about poling as a narrative .
This is the whole theme when I write at Breitbart .
Poling as a narrative in 2016 .
It ’ s still polling as a narrative at a national level in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group affiliated with the Sethi campaign which was the only public poll that showed with a couple of weeks to go showing Hagerty up three .
Then you heard rumors .
Rumors largely from folks in the Sethi campaign saying that we ’ ve got a poll showing Sethi up by six points .
I had several people tell me that .
Brewer : Yes .
I heard that as well .
That ’ s my point .
If you look at Ambassador Hagerty ’ s victory , it was in gigantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously there was entitlement out there and a vote out there that these polls weren ’ t capturing .
If I ’ m a national pundit looking at the presidential race and granted , Tennessee is a pretty red state , I ’ d extrapolate that out .
If that ’ s happening in Tennessee to the president ’ s guy then what does that mean for the president nationally ?
I think our poling apparatus whether it ’ s mainstream media a university .
I think it ’ s broken .
Leahy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties in Tennessee Bill Hagerty won 83 of those counties .
And you went down through the list .
It was very surprising to me that the 12 counties that Manny Sethi won were really our listening audience in 2 to 5 points in Davidson County .
Williamson County .
Rutherford County .
Murray County .
Wilson County .
That ’ s our listening audience .
And Manny Sethi won by two to five points in each of those counties .
He also won Knox County , Knoxville .
Hamilton County , Chattanooga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Coffee County which is where he grew up in the area of Manchester .
And then he won Franklin and Moore .
And that ’ s it .
Every other rural county by a large margin Bill Hagerty won .
What do you attribute that too ?
Was it more advertising in a COVID-19 era ?
Was the support from the president that came for Bill Hagerty ?
What was that sort of rural victory about ?
Leahy : I just love saying broadcasting live from our studios .
Brewer : Doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doing anything live is good .
Brewer : We are an appropriate distance apart .
Brewer : There are not many people in the building .
Brewer : There is hand sanitizer at every turn outside the studio .
( Leahy laughs ) We are doing everything correctly .
Leahy : Doing everything correctly .
I don ’ t know .
We want to keep Sharon Hurt out of the building because I ’ m sure she ’ d want to find a crime that ’ s been committed here .
( Laughs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit and I was trying to ask you to explain to me this phenomenon in Thursday ’ s primary election where Bill Hagerty just stomped his opponent Manny Sethi .
A good guy by the way .
But stomped him in rural Tennessee .
He won 83 of 95 counties .
And you look at the county and in some counties , he won 70-30 .
Others 65-35 and 60-40 .
Why did Hagerty do so well in rural areas ?
Because when you talk to the insiders they said , well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be will Sethi have enough of a margin of victory in the rural counties to overcome Hagerty ’ s advantage in the urban areas ?
Didn ’ t turn out to be that way at all .
Brewer : No it did not .
I think its a combination of things .
First and for most , you can ’ t discount the president ’ s appeal in rural Tennessee or rural America period .
His America First message resonates with people in rural areas .
I think the campaign just relentlessly drove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaningful way that the president had endorsed Ambassador Hagerty .
I just think that was their overriding message that they just never strayed from in rural Tennessee .
Obviously they knew it would work .
That ’ s the first thing .
It ’ s not just the endorsement but its the use of endorsement in rural Tennessee and understanding that that would connect out there .
That ’ s was the first thing .
The second thing and I just have to say it because I saw it was the work rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee constantly .
Bill Hagerty with his wife , with his family , the campaign .
They were out .
Brewer : In rural Tennessee in a relentless fashion .
They just went after that vote .
From my observation point far more than the Sethi people did .
I think that ’ s the first two things .
In terms of digital , I have no idea how that works targeting rural Tennessee .
It can be difficult with a lack of broadband and the type of devices that are used out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging .
They just did a better job of getting out there and they had a huge advantage in that they understood the president ’ s appeal there .
And I think that was underestimated by the Sethi campaign .
Leahy : Now , let ’ s look at the Democratic campaign .
Brewer : Well you know , those things have happened before .
Leahy : And by the way , just to describe .
The guy who was supposedly going to be the guy to take the Democratic nomination .
Which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to lose Democratic nominee .
You are not going to win .
The best shot the Democrats had was Phil Bredesen who lost to Marsha Blackburn despite spending millions and millions and millions of dollars .
So this guy who fits the profile of Democratic challengers , James Mackler .
An attorney in Nashville and an Army veteran .
I think he raised a couple of hundred thousand bucks maybe more .
He ran against Marquita Bradshaw ?
Brewer : I believe so yes .
Leahy : Marquita Bradshaw is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
Sort of .
She spent $ 8,000 on her campaign in the first quarter according to the FEC filings .
She calls herself an environmental activist .
A Black activist .
A social justice warrior .
And she ’ s all for the entire Green New Deal .
Redistribution of income .
Socialism .
She won the primary .
Brewer : Yeah I mean it ’ s happened before .
The late John J. Hooker came out with a few statewide nominations as I recall from the Democratic Party besting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee .
It kind of makes sense to me .
I didn ’ t see Mr. Mackler getting a heck of a lot of traction .
And I would just say from a voting standpoint I would think that Shelby County and I haven ’ t looked at how she won , but I would imagine Shelby County would be much more organized and motivated in a Democratic primary then Nashville is .
Leahy : There was a geographic element to that campaign .
There were four or five candidates and she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She ’ s a known social justice warrior for some time from Shelby County .
So she does have a geographic base .
And when you look at the numbers she did very well in Shelby County .
And the others were from Middle Tennessee or East Tennessee and split the vote .
So that ’ s why in part she squeaked through with a 35-30 .
If you are Mackler , I mean , that ’ s a pathetic campaign .
( Chuckles ) Brewer : Saying he raised a couple $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somebody to Ruth Chris with a five .
( Leahy laughs ) I don ’ t want to belittle him .
Brewer : That ’ s not going to get you very far in a statewide race .
She just had the advantage of geography .
I think for her it was the issues .
I think the timing was spectacular .
She obviously rode a current wave of thought on the left side on certain issues .
Leahy : Yes .
Which is we hate America and tear it all down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the general election .
Brewer : The things you ’ ve talked about , social justice , the environment sort of tuned into that AOC message .
It tuned into the current protests .
That ’ s going to play in Democratic Party circles in Shelby County and she took advantage of it .
And good for her , she will be able to say she was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate .
Maybe the Democratic Party needs a few of those kinds of nominees .
Leahy : I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice warriors as possible .
Brewer : I ’ m not so much talking about the issues .
When you have a candidate that ’ s pre-ordained and there is no really obvious reason for it .
The Democratic Party does that a lot here .
Ever since the Republican sweep in ’ 94 and then Gore ’ s loss in 2000 , the Democratic Party has put up the sort of nominal candidates just to have somebody in the race .
And it ’ s not often very well thought out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied or support given to these folks who step in there .
Leahy : I suppose Marquita Bradshaw will be able to raise some money from Act Blue , right ?
Brewer : It just depends .
I ’ m a big fan as a former journalist , one thing I always watch with campaigns particularly statewide or national campaigns is who are the advisors .
Who are the operatives working for the candidates ?
Because that ’ s as much as a story as the candidates themselves .
The question will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Is it a homegrown grassroots kind of thing out of Memphis with a few people who run local campaigns in Memphis ?
Is some national organization going to sweep in and help her ?
Is some more experienced and the headcount of those in Tennessee is getting less and less , experienced Democratic Party or Democratic campaign operative going to help ?
That to me is the insider question that matters .
Listen to the full third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
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thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Gov. Cuomo Calls Criticisms of NY’s Nursing Home Deaths ‘Political’ as Damaging Reports Stack Up

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo dismissed suggestions Monday that local officials are undercounting coronavirus deaths at nursing homes while a several reports indicate the state inaccurately measured how the virus affected long-term care facilities .
New York will not conduct an investigation into nursing home deaths during the pandemic , Cuomo said during a press conference Monday .
His insistence that there is no controversy comes after media reports show the state only counts people who died on nursing home property and not those who died after being transferred to hospitals .
“ I wouldn ’ t do an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political , everybody can make that decision for themselves , ” the New York Democrat said during a press conference .
“ I think you ’ d have to be blind to realize it ’ s not political.
” Cuomo added : “ Just look at where it comes from and look at the sources and look at their political affiliations and look at who wrote the letter in Congress and look at what publications raise it and what media outward networks raise it.
” COVID-19 originated in China before spreading to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed 163,000 people , John Hopkins University data show .
The virus has hit New York and New Jersey particularly hard .
More than 32,000 people have died in New York from coronavirus , while New Jersey has a death toll of 15,785 , data show .
More than 6,000 of the fatalities in New York reportedly came from nursing homes , the New York Times media reported .
New York began omitting an unknown number of coronavirus deaths in May regarding how many people are dying in nursing homes , the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York State Department of Health acknowledged the discrepancy in a statement to the DCNF that month .
Cuomo faced criticism in May for ordering long term facilities to accept patients from hospitals who tested positive for the virus .
He rescinded the March 25 order in May after experts argued the move led to higher levels of death among nursing home residents , The Wall Street Journal reported .
Removing the order allowed nursing homes to wait until a patient tested negative before they were readmitted .
Analysts and news outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after the DCNF broke the story .
New York misrepresented the number of deaths that happened in nursing homes , Bill Hammond , a senior fellow for Health Policy at The Empire Center for Public Policy , told one of CBS ’ s local New York affiliates in July .
“ The State has been counting nursing home deaths in an unusual way , ” Hammond said during an interview with the outlet .
NYSDOH has pegged the death rate from nursing homes at nearly 6,500 , Hammond said at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nursing homes indicates that the death count is likely much higher .
Cuomo often says New York ’ s percentage of nursing home deaths is around 20 % , less than Pennsylvania at 68 % , Massachusetts at 64 % , and New Jersey at 44 % , the AP noted in its report Monday .
The outlet cited Boston University geriatrics expert Thomas Perls , who told the AP that 20 % number is likely too low .
“ Whatever the cause , there is no way New York could be truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before suggesting that it doesn ’ t make sense that long term facilities as a percentage of overall deaths is so much higher in nearby states .
Cuomo touted during a press conference in July that New York ’ s percentage ranking is 35th in the country “ Go talk to 34 other states first .
Go talk to the Republican states now — Florida , Texas , Arizona — ask them what is happening in nursing homes .
It ’ s all politics , ” Cuomo said during a July conference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents and staff at nursing homes and long-term facilities across the country have died from the coronavirus , out of more than 163,000 overall deaths , AP reported Monday , citing a running tally of data the outlet has collected so far .
The New York Times published a report in June indicating that more than 43 % of deaths nationwide were in nursing homes .
Chris White is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Andrew Cuomo ” by Andrew Cuomo .


thetennesseestar--2020-08-12--Seattle Police Chief to Resign Following Department Cuts

SEATTLE , Washington ( AP ) — Seattle ’ s police chief says she is stepping down , a move made public the same day the City Council approved reducing the department by as many as 100 officers through layoffs and attrition .
Carmen Best , the city ’ s first Black police chief , said in a letter to the department that her retirement will be effective Sept. 2 and the mayor has appointed Deputy Chief Adrian Diaz as the interim chief , KING-TV reported Monday .
Councilmembers had approved the cuts Monday .
“ I am confident the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , ” Best said in the letter .
“ You truly are the best police department in the country , and please trust me when I say , the vast majority of people in Seattle support you and appreciate you .
… I look forward to seeing how this department moves forward through the process of re-envisioning public safety .
I relish the work that will be done by all of you.
” In an email to police Mayor Jenny Durkan said she she accepted Best ’ s decision “ with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply that she concluded that the best way to serve the city and help the department was a change in leadership , in the hope that would change the dynamics to move forward with the City Council , ” Durkan wrote .
The mayor picked Best in July of 2018 to lead the department .
She had been serving as interim chief .
A military veteran , Best joined the department in 1992 and had worked in a wide variety of roles , including patrol , media relations , narcotics and operations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been supported by demonstrators who have marched in the city following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis but strongly opposed by Durkan and Best .
Measures that would cut less than $ 4 million of the department ’ s $ 400 million annual budget this year passed out of committee unanimously last week .
On Monday , only council member Kshama Sawant voted against the budget package , saying it does not do enough to defund the police .
Seattle currently has about 1,400 police officers and the reductions fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the department that many Black Lives Matter protesters are seeking .
Several council members on Monday said the changes were a starting point in a long process to reimagine policing and public safety .
The City Council also cut Best ’ s roughly $ 285,000 annual salary and the pay of other top police leaders , although the final cuts to Best ’ s salary were significantly more modest than those approved last week .
The council plan also takes officers off a team that removes homeless camps .
“ While we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer rebalancing package , we have set the path forward for tremendous work in front of us as a council and as a city , ” Council member Teresa Mosqueda said .
Durkan and Best had urged the council to slow down its discussions about police budgets , saying the issue could be taken up in earnest when the 2021 city budget is considered .
They also said any layoffs would disproportionately target newer officers , often hired from Black and brown communities , and would inevitably lead to lawsuits .
Durkan has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police budget this year largely because of reduced revenues amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Last month , the mayor sketched out a plan to reduce the police budget by about $ 75 million next year by transferring parking enforcement officers , the 911 call center and other areas out of the department .
“ It is unfortunate Council has refused to engage in a collaborative process to work with the mayor , Chief Best , and community members to develop a budget and policies that respond to community needs while accounting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labor and legal implications involved in transforming the Seattle Police Department , ” Durkan said in a statement after the vote .
Lisa Baumann is a reporter for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : Protestors block Fourth Avenue outside Seattle City Hall during Monday ’ s Seattle City Council budget committee voting , which included potential Seattle Police Department cuts , Monday , Aug. 10 , 2020 .
Organizers said the protest puts pressure on defunding Seattle Police and reallocating funds into the Black community .
( Erika Schultz/The Seattle @ @ @ @