thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--University of Michigan Students Required to Observe ‘Enhanced Social Distancing’ Prior to Arrival on

University of Michigan Students Required to Observe ‘Enhanced Social Distancing’ Prior to Arrival on Campus

University of Michigan is requiring its students to participate in “ enhanced social distancing ” for two weeks before arriving on campus , according to a letter published for students earlier this week .
The school is offering both in-person and online classes and said that it estimates roughly 70 percent of undergraduate credits can be taken online during the upcoming semester .
Students returning to campus are required to “ observe a 14-day period of enhanced social distance at home ” before entering the campus .
“ It is an important part of our strategy to minimize risk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Martino Harmon , the vice president for student life , said in the letter .
The “ enhanced social distancing ” practices include taking body temperature twice daily , staying home , maintaining distance of six feet from others , avoiding public transportation and wearing a face mask when in public .
Students will also be required to complete an “ online learning module ” about the COVID-19 symptoms and how to say safe .
For international students , the University of Michigan said that enhanced social distancing will begin when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university housing will be required to be testing for coronavirus prior to arriving .
The school said it is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to provide free testing kits .
Washtenaw County , home to Ann Arbor and University of Michigan , currently has more than 2,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and a death toll of 112 , according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
It neighbors Oakland and Wayne counties , which each have more than 14,000 and 13,000 confirmed cases , respectively .
It also neighbors the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monroe counties , which each have fewer than 1,000 confirmed cases .
“ These are some of the many efforts underway to help you have a healthy and productive semester even though it will be different than years past , ” Harmon said .
“ We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Michigan in the coming weeks.
” Read the full letter to students here .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star and Star News Digital Media .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair.Email her at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Michigan Students ” by The University of Michigan .

University of Michigan is requiring its students to participate in “enhanced social distancing” for two weeks before arriving on campus, according to a letter published for students earlier this week.
The school is offering both in-person and online classes and said that it estimates roughly 70 percent of undergraduate credits can be taken online during the upcoming semester.
Students returning to campus are required to “observe a 14-day period of enhanced social distance at home” before entering the campus.
“It is an important part of our strategy to minimize risk and keep COVID-19 out of our community,” Martino Harmon, the vice president for student life, said in the letter.
The “enhanced social distancing” practices include taking body temperature twice daily, staying home, maintaining distance of six feet from others, avoiding public transportation and wearing a face mask when in public. Students will also be required to complete an “online learning module” about the COVID-19 symptoms and how to say safe.
For international students, the University of Michigan said that enhanced social distancing will begin when they arrive on campus.
Students moving into university housing will be required to be testing for coronavirus prior to arriving. The school said it is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to provide free testing kits.
Washtenaw County, home to Ann Arbor and University of Michigan, currently has more than 2,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and a death toll of 112, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. It neighbors Oakland and Wayne counties, which each have more than 14,000 and 13,000 confirmed cases, respectively. It also neighbors the less-impacted Livingston, Jackson, Lenawee and Monroe counties, which each have fewer than 1,000 confirmed cases.
“These are some of the many efforts underway to help you have a healthy and productive semester even though it will be different than years past,” Harmon said. “We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Michigan in the coming weeks.”
Read the full letter to students here.
– – –
Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star and Star News Digital Media. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair.Email her at [email protected]
Photo “University of Michigan Students” by The University of Michigan.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Michigan Group Offers Free Shooting Lessons as Crime Spikes

A gun activism group will be giving free gun training to as many as 1500 women in the Detroit area .
The 9th Annual Laid Free Women ’ s Shoot will take place on August 15 and August 16 .
Put on by gun advocacy group Legally Armed In Detroit , the event seeks to train women on the safe handling and usage of a pistol .
The Michigan Star spoke with the organizer of the event Rick Estor who said he has been “ a firearms instructor for about fifteen years.
” Estor said he was prompted to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gunpoint .
He added that he came up with this event idea after a gruesome crime prompted him to take action .
“ I was watching TV and saw a distressing story concerning a woman in Detroit who was killed and raped in the street .
And it haunted me , I thought someone should do something , ” the gun-advocate said .
With its economy gutted by the pandemic , Detroit has seen a massive spike in violent crime recently .
Homicides are reportedly up 31 % and shootings 53 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The surge in violent crime has gotten so bad that 42 new federal agents were deployed to the city as part of President Trump ’ s anti-crime policy Operation Legend .
“ The economy I guess is in shambles , people are scared to leave their homes , and we still have crime , ” Estor said of the city ’ s situation .
“ If you can get a gun legally , and carry one .
Do it.
” Estor estimated that his events have trained almost 3000 women since 2012 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program .
“ When we started the program we had about 50 people involved , we ’ ve been seeing some exponential growth over the years and it keeps growing .
I want to see it expand throughout the Metro Area , and across the state after that , ” he said Registration for the event will open on August 8 at noon on Facebook .
There will be 8 separate classes over two days .
Recoil Range and Top Guns Sports Range of Taylor , Michigan will be hosting on Saturday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to donate ammunition is asked to contact the event at [ email protected ] Ben Kolodny is a reporter at The Ohio Star and the Star News Network .
You can follow Ben on Twitter .
Tips can be sent to [ email protected ]

A gun activism group will be giving free gun training to as many as 1500 women in the Detroit area.
The 9th Annual Laid Free Women’s Shoot will take place on August 15 and August 16. Put on by gun advocacy group Legally Armed In Detroit, the event seeks to train women on the safe handling and usage of a pistol.
The Michigan Star spoke with the organizer of the event Rick Estor who said he has been “a firearms instructor for about fifteen years.”
Estor said he was prompted to get involved with guns after being robbed at gunpoint. He added that he came up with this event idea after a gruesome crime prompted him to take action.
“I was watching TV and saw a distressing story concerning a woman in Detroit who was killed and raped in the street. And it haunted me, I thought someone should do something,” the gun-advocate said.
With its economy gutted by the pandemic, Detroit has seen a massive spike in violent crime recently. Homicides are reportedly up 31% and shootings 53%, according to the Detroit Free Press. The surge in violent crime has gotten so bad that 42 new federal agents were deployed to the city as part of President Trump’s anti-crime policy Operation Legend.
“The economy I guess is in shambles, people are scared to leave their homes, and we still have crime,” Estor said of the city’s situation. “If you can get a gun legally, and carry one. Do it.”
Estor estimated that his events have trained almost 3000 women since 2012, and he hopes to continue expanding the program.
“When we started the program we had about 50 people involved, we’ve been seeing some exponential growth over the years and it keeps growing. I want to see it expand throughout the Metro Area, and across the state after that,” he said
Registration for the event will open on August 8 at noon on Facebook. There will be 8 separate classes over two days. Recoil Range and Top Guns Sports Range of Taylor, Michigan will be hosting on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Volunteers and anyone willing to donate ammunition is asked to contact the event at [email protected]
– – –
Ben Kolodny is a reporter at The Ohio Star and the Star News Network. You can follow Ben on Twitter. Tips can be sent to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--In Absence of Pension Forfeiture Laws, ex-Minneapolis Officer’s Benefits May Leave State with Hefty

In Absence of Pension Forfeiture Laws, ex-Minneapolis Officer’s Benefits May Leave State with Hefty Bill

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin stands accused of causing the death of George Floyd , sparking riots that cost the Twin Cities up to $ 500 million worth of property damage .
But even if he ’ s ultimately convicted , taxpayers may still pay part of his pension .
Minnesota is one of 19 states that don ’ t have pension forfeiture or garnishment laws , according to research from the libertarian Reason Foundation .
Pension forfeiture means that a taxpayer-funded pension benefit can be revoked , while garnishment means that the taxpayer-funded portion is spent on restitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study by the Vera Institute of Justice , Minnesota taxpayers spend more than $ 41,000 per inmate every year in state prison .
Chauvin could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison if he is convicted of charges including second-degree murder .
If he was to serve the entirety of such a sentence , that would lead to a total taxpayer cost of $ 1.6 million in 2020 dollars .
About 30 other states have a form of pension forfeiture or garnishment , but of those , only half will revoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conviction related to their work .
The other 15 states will only revoke pension benefits for “ financial crimes , ” the Reason research says , and similar laws in other states don ’ t apply to police officers .
A CNN analysis pegs 44-year-old Chauvin ’ s pension payout at about $ 50,000 per year if activated at age 55 , or a total of near $ 1.5 million over 30 years , not including any cost of living increases .
Minneapolis paid more than $ 25 million for 274 police misconduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota Public Radio reported , not including a $ 20 million 2019 payout for the police killing of Justine Ruszczyk .
The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association ( PERA ) told The Center Square that member benefits are governed by statute .
All terminated employees can choose to either refund their contributions and forfeit future benefits or receive a monthly lifetime benefit at retirement funded by the employee and employer ’ s contributions and interest on those contributions .
“ Neither our Board nor our staff have the discretion to decrease , revoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PERA spokesperson told The Center Square .
“ Anyone seeking a change that would result in different benefits than described above would need to do so through the legislative process.
” Ryan Frost , a Reason policy analyst , wrote that enacting such laws and allowing courts to modify benefits could deter illicit behavior and prevent taxpayer money funding employees who already have failed in their public duty .
“ While these policies will neither help nor hurt the overall solvency of large public pension systems , they can add transparency , accountability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from any misconduct by public employees , ” Frost wrote .
The Minneapolis Police Federation , the union representing most city officers , didn ’ t respond to a comment request .
About 22 states have laws allowing police officer ’ s pensions to be forfeited after any conviction related to their public career , according to research published in the Journal of Law , Economics and Policy .
Nine states have laws that can strip police pensions ’ for specific crimes , including corruption and sexual crimes against minors but not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial and admittedly casual evidence suggests that states with stronger pension forfeiture laws experience lower rates of police misconduct , ” the study concluded .
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 .

by Scott McClallen
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin stands accused of causing the death of George Floyd, sparking riots that cost the Twin Cities up to $500 million worth of property damage. But even if he’s ultimately convicted, taxpayers may still pay part of his pension.
Minnesota is one of 19 states that don’t have pension forfeiture or garnishment laws, according to research from the libertarian Reason Foundation.
Pension forfeiture means that a taxpayer-funded pension benefit can be revoked, while garnishment means that the taxpayer-funded portion is spent on restitution or incarceration costs.
According to a study by the Vera Institute of Justice, Minnesota taxpayers spend more than $41,000 per inmate every year in state prison.
Chauvin could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison if he is convicted of charges including second-degree murder. If he was to serve the entirety of such a sentence, that would lead to a total taxpayer cost of $1.6 million in 2020 dollars.
About 30 other states have a form of pension forfeiture or garnishment, but of those, only half will revoke public employee pension benefits for a felony conviction related to their work.
The other 15 states will only revoke pension benefits for “financial crimes,” the Reason research says, and similar laws in other states don’t apply to police officers.
A CNN analysis pegs 44-year-old Chauvin’s pension payout at about $50,000 per year if activated at age 55, or a total of near $1.5 million over 30 years, not including any cost of living increases.
Minneapolis paid more than $25 million for 274 police misconduct cases between 2003 and April 2019, Minnesota Public Radio reported, not including a $20 million 2019 payout for the police killing of Justine Ruszczyk.
The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) told The Center Square that member benefits are governed by statute.
All terminated employees can choose to either refund their contributions and forfeit future benefits or receive a monthly lifetime benefit at retirement funded by the employee and employer’s contributions and interest on those contributions.
“Neither our Board nor our staff have the discretion to decrease, revoke, or deny benefits,” a PERA spokesperson told The Center Square. “Anyone seeking a change that would result in different benefits than described above would need to do so through the legislative process.”
Ryan Frost, a Reason policy analyst, wrote that enacting such laws and allowing courts to modify benefits could deter illicit behavior and prevent taxpayer money funding employees who already have failed in their public duty.
“While these policies will neither help nor hurt the overall solvency of large public pension systems, they can add transparency, accountability, and be used as a deterrent from any misconduct by public employees,” Frost wrote.
The Minneapolis Police Federation, the union representing most city officers, didn’t respond to a comment request.
About 22 states have laws allowing police officer’s pensions to be forfeited after any conviction related to their public career, according to research published in the Journal of Law, Economics and Policy.
Nine states have laws that can strip police pensions’ for specific crimes, including corruption and sexual crimes against minors but not a conviction for excessive force.
“Our initial and admittedly casual evidence suggests that states with stronger pension forfeiture laws experience lower rates of police misconduct,” the study concluded.
– – –
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--2020-08-05--Virginia State Rep. Introduces Bill to Limit Governor’s Executive Order Powers in Times of Emergency

State Sen. David Suetterlein ( R-Cave Spring ) ( pictured above ) introduced a bill last week to check the Virginia governor ’ s executive order powers under the Emergency Services and Disaster Law ( ESDL ) .
The ESDL allows the Virginia governor “ to direct and compel evacuation of all or part of the populace from any stricken or threatened area if this action is deemed necessary for the preservation of life , implement emergency mitigation , preparedness , response or recovery actions ; prescribe routes , modes of transportation and destination in connection with evacuation.
” According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SB ) 5008 would not allow any executive order issued under the ESDL to last longer than 45 days from the date it was published .
Furthermore , this legislation would not allow the governor to issue an order related to the emergency if the Virginia General Assembly does not do anything relating to the order , the bill says .
Current Virginia law allows these executive orders to be effective until June 30 after the General Assembly ’ s next regular session .
The proposal is now in the General Assembly ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
SB 5008 is the second bill a Republican introduced in the state senate that tries limiting the length of time a Virginian governor ’ s executive order under ESDL last .
On July 17 , state Sen. Steve Newman ( R-Lynchburg ) introduced SB 5001 .
The difference between these two bills is the length of time the executive order would last if the General Assembly fails to act .
In Newman ’ s bill , the length of time is 30 days rather than 45 .
The Virginia Assembly will begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Ralph Northam called this special session to adopt a budget and consider COVID-19 and criminal justice reform legislation .
Northam first issued an executive order related to the coronavirus on March 12 .
Since then , he has issued executive orders that restrict Virginia restaurants and retail businesses , closed schools , and implemented a temporary stay-at-home order .
Last week , Northam issued another executive order that put even more restrictions on Virginia residents .
As of July 31 , places that serve alcohol have to stop serving by 10:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Star News Digital Media .
If you have any tips , email Zachery at [ email protected ] .
Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .
Photo “ David Suetterlein ” by David Sutterlein .
Background Photo “ Virginia Capitol ” by Martin Kraft .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .

State Sen. David Suetterlein (R-Cave Spring) (pictured above) introduced a bill last week to check the Virginia governor’s executive order powers under the Emergency Services and Disaster Law (ESDL).
The ESDL allows the Virginia governor “to direct and compel evacuation of all or part of the populace from any stricken or threatened area if this action is deemed necessary for the preservation of life, implement emergency mitigation, preparedness, response or recovery actions; prescribe routes, modes of transportation and destination in connection with evacuation.”
According to the bill, Senate Bill (SB) 5008 would not allow any executive order issued under the ESDL to last longer than 45 days from the date it was published.
Furthermore, this legislation would not allow the governor to issue an order related to the emergency if the Virginia General Assembly does not do anything relating to the order, the bill says.
Current Virginia law allows these executive orders to be effective until June 30 after the General Assembly’s next regular session.
The proposal is now in the General Assembly’s Committee on General Laws and Technology.
SB 5008 is the second bill a Republican introduced in the state senate that tries limiting the length of time a Virginian governor’s executive order under ESDL last.
On July 17, state Sen. Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg) introduced SB 5001. The difference between these two bills is the length of time the executive order would last if the General Assembly fails to act. In Newman’s bill, the length of time is 30 days rather than 45.
The Virginia Assembly will begin its special session on August 18. Gov. Ralph Northam called this special session to adopt a budget and consider COVID-19 and criminal justice reform legislation.
Northam first issued an executive order related to the coronavirus on March 12. Since then, he has issued executive orders that restrict Virginia restaurants and retail businesses, closed schools, and implemented a temporary stay-at-home order.
Last week, Northam issued another executive order that put even more restrictions on Virginia residents. As of July 31, places that serve alcohol have to stop serving by 10:00 p.m.
– – –
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media. If you have any tips, email Zachery at [email protected]. Follow Zachery on Twitter @zacheryschmidt2.
Photo “David Suetterlein” by David Sutterlein. Background Photo “Virginia Capitol” by Martin Kraft. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Ohio Parents Rally to Reopen Schools and Sports

Parents across Ohio are rallying for on-campus learning and extracurricular activities to resume as the school year starts .
More than 100 people rallied in the rain in front of Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools offices on Monday , according to cleveland.com .
While some were there to show their support for online-only programs the vast majority called for the immediate re-opening of campus learning .
In nearby North Royalton , parents held an early morning rally according to a Facebook post by The North Royalton Post .
The rally was planned by “ parents who want to see their children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students and parents gathered in front of the Catholic Diocese to support Catholic schools remaining open .
Catholic schools in the area are currently scheduled with the option of online or in-person learning .
The rally comes after the Cuyahoga County Board of Health recommended all learning start online this year .
The superintendent of Catholic schools in the area Frank O ’ Linn said in a statement that “ Catholic schools are at the heart of the mission of the Church , ” and detailed several precautions the church was taking .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Rocky River Parents and Stakeholders ” has garnered nearly 600 signatures .
It urged the Rocky River School Board to “ reject the Cuyahoga County Board of Health ’ s recommendation.
” The petition went on to say that the guidelines “ ignore overwhelming evidence , ” regarding the transmission of the virus to school children and the roles in school learning plays in kids ’ mental health and education .
Decisions to ban extracurricular activities has also received blowback as well .
The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced sports last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cincinatti.com reports .
However , The Cuyahoga County Board of Health made a recommendation that sports not be played during the lockdown .
As several schools follow this guidance people in the county have turned to petitions to address their concerns .
Another petition in Euclid , calls for the district to allow sports to be conducted during the lockdown .
The petition , which has almost 500 signatures states that “ our kids have worked countless hours ” and “ must have a season for recruitment reasons , to give kids the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A similar petition regarding Shaker Heights High School echoed the concerns , stating that the school must “ move forward with our sports season , if not we are hurting our kid ’ s futures.
” – – – Ben Kolodny is a reporter at The Ohio Star and the Star News Network .
Follow Ben on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Open Schools Now ” by Becker1999 .
CC BY 2.0 .

Parents across Ohio are rallying for on-campus learning and extracurricular activities to resume as the school year starts.
More than 100 people rallied in the rain in front of Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools offices on Monday, according to cleveland.com. While some were there to show their support for online-only programs the vast majority called for the immediate re-opening of campus learning.
In nearby North Royalton, parents held an early morning rally according to a Facebook post by The North Royalton Post. The rally was planned by “parents who want to see their children return to school.”
In Cleveland, students and parents gathered in front of the Catholic Diocese to support Catholic schools remaining open. Catholic schools in the area are currently scheduled with the option of online or in-person learning. The rally comes after the Cuyahoga County Board of Health recommended all learning start online this year.
The superintendent of Catholic schools in the area Frank O’Linn said in a statement that “Catholic schools are at the heart of the mission of the Church,” and detailed several precautions the church was taking.
A petition started by a user named “Rocky River Parents and Stakeholders” has garnered nearly 600 signatures. It urged the Rocky River School Board to “reject the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s recommendation.” The petition went on to say that the guidelines “ignore overwhelming evidence,” regarding the transmission of the virus to school children and the roles in school learning plays in kids’ mental health and education.
Decisions to ban extracurricular activities has also received blowback as well.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced sports last week can start on August 1, cincinatti.com reports. However, The Cuyahoga County Board of Health made a recommendation that sports not be played during the lockdown.
As several schools follow this guidance people in the county have turned to petitions to address their concerns.
Another petition in Euclid, calls for the district to allow sports to be conducted during the lockdown. The petition, which has almost 500 signatures states that “our kids have worked countless hours” and “must have a season for recruitment reasons, to give kids the best chance to go to college.”
A similar petition regarding Shaker Heights High School echoed the concerns, stating that the school must “move forward with our sports season, if not we are hurting our kid’s futures.”
– – –
Ben Kolodny is a reporter at The Ohio Star and the Star News Network. Follow Ben on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Open Schools Now” by Becker1999. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Higher Taxes and Cancel Culture Take Toll on Nashville Restaurant

Cancel culture and higher taxes during COVID-19 have burdened at least one Nashville business owner , so much so he worries about his personal and professional well-being .
Carey Bringle , who owns Nashville ’ s Pork Leg Porker restaurant , said this on a new episode of the Beacon Center of Tennessee ’ s Over-Caffeinated podcast .
“ People who haven ’ t done this need to understand the mental toll that it takes to be an entrepreneur and to start a business .
It is very heavy on your family and it ’ s heavy on you , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do it , and we are driven and we have to do it .
With that risk comes the reward if you are successful.
” According to the podcast , Bringle wrote a letter this year that said now is the worst time for Nashville officials to raise taxes .
As The Tennessee Star reported in June , the Nashville Metro Council passed a budget that includes a record 34 percent property tax increase .
That extra money increases funding for police and schools and gives cost-of-living raises to city employees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded , sarcastically , to Bringle on Twitter in May .
“ A guy running a small biz that has a much larger savings account than his workers and the majority of Nashvillians , ” Benedict said .
“ But sure , he shouldn ’ t pay his fair share of taxes.
” Someone using the Peg Leg Porker Twitter handle responded and told Benedict that she is “ a major part of the problem.
” Bringle , on the Over-Caffeinated podcast , said he could go along with a tax increase if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of debt .
“ But this mayor [ John Cooper ] did not furlough anybody .
He has not done any rolling layoffs or furloughs .
They have not cut the budget .
They have not been creative in their solutions to get more revenue , outside of a property tax , and they ’ ve given raises in the middle of this .
When I see this , it was just a money grab , ” Bringle told Beacon President Justin Owen and Vice President of Communications and Outreach Mark Cunningham .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ grab to save our city .
It ’ s a money grab to get us to next year , to where we will go spend more money .
The problem has not been solved.
” During the podcast , Cunningham referenced a new Cato Institute poll that said 62 percent of Americans fear sharing their political views .
Bringle said matters such as those keep him up at night .
“ I ’ ve watched fellow business owners be called racist by employees that hadn ’ t been there a year .
Maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s just scary , ” Bringle said .
“ When I wrote that letter [ about taxes ] , I had people who disagreed with me .
They published my home address .
They published the address of rental properties that I have .
They went after and attacked me at a personal level .
And , really , I was trying to do them a favor .
It didn ’ t matter what your affiliation is .
I feed everybody.
” Bringle , in another portion of the podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he found cause to feel optimism .
“ We had to do furloughs .
But even in the middle of the furloughs as I was laying my staff off , temporarily , one of my staff members came up to me and said something .
He said ‘ I know how hard this is on everybody .
I can see how hard it is on you .
I just wanted to let you know that I ’ m thinking about you right now and how hard this must be for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ That was very positive and uplifting for me .
It was great that I have people on my team that really care and know how hard it is — not just on them as an employee , but as an owner to go through this type of thing.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Peg Leg Porker Inside Restaurant ” by Peg Leg Porker .

Cancel culture and higher taxes during COVID-19 have burdened at least one Nashville business owner, so much so he worries about his personal and professional well-being.
Carey Bringle, who owns Nashville’s Pork Leg Porker restaurant, said this on a new episode of the Beacon Center of Tennessee’s Over-Caffeinated podcast.
Beacon is a right-of-center think tank.
“People who haven’t done this need to understand the mental toll that it takes to be an entrepreneur and to start a business. It is very heavy on your family and it’s heavy on you,” Bringle said.
“We want to do it, and we are driven and we have to do it. With that risk comes the reward if you are successful.”
According to the podcast, Bringle wrote a letter this year that said now is the worst time for Nashville officials to raise taxes. As The Tennessee Star reported in June, the Nashville Metro Council passed a budget that includes a record 34 percent property tax increase. That extra money increases funding for police and schools and gives cost-of-living raises to city employees.
District 7 Metro Council member Emily Benedict responded, sarcastically, to Bringle on Twitter in May.
Emily, YOU are a major part of the problem. How many people did you feed during the disaster? How many community events do you sponsor? How many jobs have you created? Why is every metro employee still getting paid when this shutdown forced us to furlough? Tax and spend….. https://t.co/L9IJNjA8bw — Peg Leg Porker (@PegLegPorker) May 2, 2020
“A guy running a small biz that has a much larger savings account than his workers and the majority of Nashvillians,” Benedict said.
“But sure, he shouldn’t pay his fair share of taxes.”
Someone using the Peg Leg Porker Twitter handle responded and told Benedict that she is “a major part of the problem.”
Bringle, on the Over-Caffeinated podcast, said he could go along with a tax increase if he thought it would get Nashville out of debt.
“But this mayor [John Cooper] did not furlough anybody. He has not done any rolling layoffs or furloughs. They have not cut the budget. They have not been creative in their solutions to get more revenue, outside of a property tax, and they’ve given raises in the middle of this. When I see this, it was just a money grab,” Bringle told Beacon President Justin Owen and Vice President of Communications and Outreach Mark Cunningham.
“It’s not a money grab to save our city. It’s a money grab to get us to next year, to where we will go spend more money. The problem has not been solved.”
During the podcast, Cunningham referenced a new Cato Institute poll that said 62 percent of Americans fear sharing their political views.
Bringle said matters such as those keep him up at night.
“I’ve watched fellow business owners be called racist by employees that hadn’t been there a year. Maybe they fired the person who said something. It’s just scary,” Bringle said.
“When I wrote that letter [about taxes], I had people who disagreed with me. They published my home address. They published the address of rental properties that I have. They went after and attacked me at a personal level. And, really, I was trying to do them a favor. It didn’t matter what your affiliation is. I feed everybody.”
Bringle, in another portion of the podcast, said COVID-19 hit his business hard, but he found cause to feel optimism.
“We had to do furloughs. But even in the middle of the furloughs as I was laying my staff off, temporarily, one of my staff members came up to me and said something. He said ‘I know how hard this is on everybody. I can see how hard it is on you. I just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking about you right now and how hard this must be for you to do this,’” Bringle said.
“That was very positive and uplifting for me. It was great that I have people on my team that really care and know how hard it is — not just on them as an employee, but as an owner to go through this type of thing.”
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Peg Leg Porker Inside Restaurant” by Peg Leg Porker.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Donald Trump Schedules Another Tele-Town Hall with Bill Hagerty for Wednesday Evening

President Donald Trump is scheduled to join U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty Wednesday evening for a tele-town hall .
Hagerty ’ s campaign has scheduled the tele-town hall for 7:45 p.m. Eastern/6:45 p.m. Central Standard Time Wednesday , August 5 .
You can RSVP for Hagerty ’ s tele-town hall with Trump by clicking here .
This , according to a press release Hagerty ’ s staff published on his campaign ’ s website .
As reported , Trump has endorsed Hagerty .
“ I am honored to host President Donald Trump for another tele-town hall ahead of Election Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
“ While others didn ’ t donate a dime or lift a finger , volunteered full-time for six months to help Donald Trump defeat Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
I ’ m proud to have worked to elect the greatest president of my lifetime , and my family and I are beyond grateful for President Trump and his family ’ s support .
In the Senate , I ’ ll work with President Trump , Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Marsha Blackburn to stand for life , protect the Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wall , support our law enforcement , our military and veterans and protect our Tennessee conservative values.
” As The Tennessee Star reported this month , Trump praised Hagerty on Twitter .
“ @ BillHagertyTN , an outstanding man and one of the best Ambassadors ever ( Japan ) , is running an excellent campaign for the Senate , ” Trump tweeted .
“ He loves Tennessee and loves our Country .
We need him badly in Washington .
He has my Complete and Total Endorsement !
” Hagerty and Manny Sethi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the retiring U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander .
As The Tennessee Star reported last month , Trump joined Hagerty in a brief tele-town hall event and told Tennesseans that Hagerty , if elected , will do great things .
During a nearly nine-minute phone call at the time , Trump told listeners that Hagerty had his “ complete and total endorsement.
” Hagerty hosted Trump on the call immediately after Tennessee ’ s polls opened for early voting .
“ I had plenty of choices , but Bill Hagerty is someone that I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Japan .
He was a fantastic ambassador .
I ’ ll never forget .
I went to Japan .
He knew every person over there .
He knew the businessmen .
He could pronounce those names that I had a hard time with .
It was amazing , ” Trump said during the call .
“ He was one of the truly great ambassadors that I ’ ve ever met .
And I ’ ve met some good ones , and I ’ ve met some very bad ones , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so good .
And they still miss him , I will tell you.
” Trump also said Hagerty will act tough with China and fight for American ’ s Second Amendment rights .
Hagerty , meanwhile , told Trump that he , if elected , would make himself the president ’ s “ strongest ally there.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Donald Trump and Bill Hagerty ” by Bill Hagerty .

President Donald Trump is scheduled to join U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty Wednesday evening for a tele-town hall.
Hagerty’s campaign has scheduled the tele-town hall for 7:45 p.m. Eastern/6:45 p.m. Central Standard Time Wednesday, August 5. You can RSVP for Hagerty’s tele-town hall with Trump by clicking here.
This, according to a press release Hagerty’s staff published on his campaign’s website.
As reported, Trump has endorsed Hagerty.
“I am honored to host President Donald Trump for another tele-town hall ahead of Election Day,” Hagerty said in the press release.
“While others didn’t donate a dime or lift a finger, volunteered full-time for six months to help Donald Trump defeat Hillary Clinton in 2016. I’m proud to have worked to elect the greatest president of my lifetime, and my family and I are beyond grateful for President Trump and his family’s support. In the Senate, I’ll work with President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Marsha Blackburn to stand for life, protect the Second Amendment, stop illegal immigration, build the wall, support our law enforcement, our military and veterans and protect our Tennessee conservative values.”
As The Tennessee Star reported this month, Trump praised Hagerty on Twitter.
“@BillHagertyTN, an outstanding man and one of the best Ambassadors ever (Japan), is running an excellent campaign for the Senate,” Trump tweeted.
“He loves Tennessee and loves our Country. We need him badly in Washington. He has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
Hagerty and Manny Sethi are competing against one another to replace the retiring U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander.
As The Tennessee Star reported last month, Trump joined Hagerty in a brief tele-town hall event and told Tennesseans that Hagerty, if elected, will do great things.
During a nearly nine-minute phone call at the time, Trump told listeners that Hagerty had his “complete and total endorsement.” Hagerty hosted Trump on the call immediately after Tennessee’s polls opened for early voting.
“I had plenty of choices, but Bill Hagerty is someone that I know very well. He was my ambassador to Japan. He was a fantastic ambassador. I’ll never forget. I went to Japan. He knew every person over there. He knew the businessmen. He could pronounce those names that I had a hard time with. It was amazing,” Trump said during the call.
“He was one of the truly great ambassadors that I’ve ever met. And I’ve met some good ones, and I’ve met some very bad ones, to be honest. Bill was so solid, so good. And they still miss him, I will tell you.”
The president urged Tennesseans to vote early.
Trump also said Hagerty will act tough with China and fight for American’s Second Amendment rights.
Hagerty, meanwhile, told Trump that he, if elected, would make himself the president’s “strongest ally there.”
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Donald Trump and Bill Hagerty” by Bill Hagerty.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Complaint Filed Against State Sen. John Stevens for Misuse of Campaign Funds

A sworn complaint was filed against State Sen. John Stevens to the state ’ s Registry of Election Finance alleging the improper use of campaign funds for the August 6 Republican primary .
Stevens is finishing up his second term as senator for the state ’ s 24th district , having first been elected in 2012 .
District 24 includes the counties of Benton , Carroll , Gibson , Henry , Obion and Weakley .
The complaint , filed by a resident of Stevens ’ district , references his campaign finance disclosure report submitted on July 10 .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tennessee Bar Association in the amount of $ 375 for membership dues .
Stevens ’ campaign website and legislative profile both state he is a lawyer .
The complaint points out this is likely a personal expense and , therefore , not a valid campaign expenditure as required by state law in T.C.A .
2-10-114 .
Stevens ’ disclosure also shows a donation of $ 1,000 to his senate colleague Rusty Crowe ( R-Washington County ) , who is a candidate in the 16-way Republican primary for District 1 of the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the contribution to a federal candidate is not allowed , because the statutory definition of a public office in T.C.A .
2-10-102 includes only state and local offices Stevens is among 16 senators in even-numbered districts up for re-election in 2020 .
Stevens is being challenged by Casey Hood in the Republican primary on August 6 .
In September 2019 , Hood was appointed by the Obion County Commission to serve as the interim state representative for the 77th District .
The seat was vacated by Bill Sanderson , the near four-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family issues amid allegations of soliciting sex with younger men on the Grindr app .
In the November 2019 Republican primary special election , Rusty Grills was the successful candidate against Hood and two other opponents .
Hood ’ s campaign website compares Stevens ’ campaign contributions from 2012 to 2020 in terms of dollars and number of transactions by individual contributors versus special interests , demonstrating a significant shift in both toward special interests .
Hood also points out that in the 111th Tennessee General Assembly , Stevens made no meaningful effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill that he sponsored and , as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee , voted to send the Heartbeat Bill to summer study .
In 2017 , Stevens also voted in favor of the gas-tax-increasing IMPROVE Act , Hood advises voters .
The successful candidate from the August 6 primary will go on to face Independent candidate Yahweh Yahweh at the November 3 general election .
There is no Democrat candidate running for the seat .
Bill Young , executive director of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance told The Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to T.C.A .
2-10-108 ( b ) , which was dated July 28 , had just been received in their office on August 5 .
“ The complaint will be presented to the Registry Board for review , and a consideration of what if any further action to take , pursuant to T.C.A .
2-10-206 ( 7 ) , ” advised Young .
By publication deadline , Stevens had not responded to The Star ’ s inquiry regarding the complaint .
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star .

A sworn complaint was filed against State Sen. John Stevens to the state’s Registry of Election Finance alleging the improper use of campaign funds for the August 6 Republican primary.
Stevens is finishing up his second term as senator for the state’s 24th district, having first been elected in 2012. District 24 includes the counties of Benton, Carroll, Gibson, Henry, Obion and Weakley.
The complaint, filed by a resident of Stevens’ district, references his campaign finance disclosure report submitted on July 10.
In the report, Stevens itemizes an expense to the Tennessee Bar Association in the amount of $375 for membership dues.
Stevens’ campaign website and legislative profile both state he is a lawyer.
The complaint points out this is likely a personal expense and, therefore, not a valid campaign expenditure as required by state law in T.C.A. 2-10-114.
Stevens’ disclosure also shows a donation of $1,000 to his senate colleague Rusty Crowe (R-Washington County), who is a candidate in the 16-way Republican primary for District 1 of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The complainant maintains that the contribution to a federal candidate is not allowed, because the statutory definition of a public office in T.C.A. 2-10-102 includes only state and local offices
Stevens is among 16 senators in even-numbered districts up for re-election in 2020. Stevens is being challenged by Casey Hood in the Republican primary on August 6.
In September 2019, Hood was appointed by the Obion County Commission to serve as the interim state representative for the 77th District. The seat was vacated by Bill Sanderson, the near four-term legislator who stepped down last summer citing family issues amid allegations of soliciting sex with younger men on the Grindr app.
In the November 2019 Republican primary special election, Rusty Grills was the successful candidate against Hood and two other opponents.
Hood’s campaign website compares Stevens’ campaign contributions from 2012 to 2020 in terms of dollars and number of transactions by individual contributors versus special interests, demonstrating a significant shift in both toward special interests.
Hood also points out that in the 111th Tennessee General Assembly, Stevens made no meaningful effort to advance a second amendment civil immunity bill that he sponsored and, as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted to send the Heartbeat Bill to summer study.
In 2017, Stevens also voted in favor of the gas-tax-increasing IMPROVE Act, Hood advises voters.
The successful candidate from the August 6 primary will go on to face Independent candidate Yahweh Yahweh at the November 3 general election. There is no Democrat candidate running for the seat.
Bill Young, executive director of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance told The Tennessee Star that the sworn complaint filed pursuant to T.C.A. 2-10-108(b), which was dated July 28, had just been received in their office on August 5.
“The complaint will be presented to the Registry Board for review, and a consideration of what if any further action to take, pursuant to T.C.A. 2-10-206(7),” advised Young.
By publication deadline, Stevens had not responded to The Star’s inquiry regarding the complaint.

– – –
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Commentary: Why Isn’t ‘Cancel Culture’ Canceling Corporations?

If you haven ’ t gotten your fill of “ cancel culture ” yet , tell you what : I have over 80 companies you can cancel right now .
Nike , Apple , Microsoft , Amazon , and Google among others should be facing the wrath of the social justice warriors , but I ’ ve barely heard a peep from them about these corporations .
Apparently , these companies forgot that the 13th Amendment removed slavery from our country over 150 years ago and that we felt so strongly about the issue that we passed the Tariff Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law prohibits “ the importation of merchandise mined , produced or manufactured , wholly or in part , in any foreign country by forced or indentured labor—including forced child labor.
” Furthermore , “ such merchandise is subject to exclusion and/or seizure , and may lead to criminal investigation of the importer ( s ) .
” But corporations have skirted this legislation via a “ consumptive demand ” loophole .
So here we are in the absurd situation where “ woke ” corporations , which absolutely are making revenue from forced labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are using their ill-gotten profits to fund Black Lives Matter social justice global networks .
They are giving generous donations totaling in the billions , buying indulgences with politicized racial payoffs so that they don ’ t have to talk about profiting from slave labor .
Of course , their actions directly contradict everything they claim to support .
These companies don ’ t love America .
They don ’ t even view themselves as American companies per se .
They love the money Americans pay for their products and which finances their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the slave labor of subjugated peoples in foreign countries than undercut the bottom line by paying American workers reasonable wages .
Don ’ t believe me ?
Ask the 600 or so Uyghur women working in a forced labor camp to produce 7-8 million Nike shoes every year .
I ’ m sure they ’ d be happy to talk about it all .
By their actions , these woke corporations show they are fine with slave labor and racism just so long as it doesn ’ t happen in America .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement of these companies with the ChiComs is deeper than that .
Only a naïve fool would think China is our friend on any level .
Not only do they seemingly have no problem enslaving people in their own country , the barbaric Communist regime masquerading as a “ People ’ s Republic ” also has access to data from millions of American homes and businesses .
Let that sink in .
If you have a problem with big tech or with your own government having access to your data , take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is for that information to be in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party .
Walmart , along with Best Buy , Amazon , and Costco are selling smart devices— “ Internet of Things ” devices—many of which are platformed on and then house their data on Chinese-owned platforms .
Consider Tuya , a Chinese owned Internet of Things platform .
Tuya provides “ services to over 2,000 customers across 200 countries and regions , with customer concentrations in Japan , Southeast Asia , the USA , and Europe—helping them to improve their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 billion device requests with over 5 million AI interactions daily.
” Guess what Chinese-owned companies are required to do , by law ?
Share data , on demand , with the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese military , the People ’ s Liberation Army .
By some estimates , more than 10 million American homes are equipped with smart devices right now , with some estimating that by 2025 , 70 percent of American homes will have a smart device .
You couldn ’ t make this stuff up if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporations making revenue from slave labor but they ’ ve also decided to help Trojan Horse the American people on behalf of the Chinese Communists .
So enough of the hypocrisy and enough of the selling out of the American people .
It is past time to call out all of these corporations for what they are doing .
It is time to label everything—where it is made , how it is made , and with information about where the data is going .
Ned Ryun is a former presidential writer for George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of American Majority .
You can find him on Twitter @ nedryun .
Photo “ Amazon Gay Pride Parade Float ” by William Murphy .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

by Ned Ryun
If you haven’t gotten your fill of “cancel culture” yet, tell you what: I have over 80 companies you can cancel right now. Nike, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google among others should be facing the wrath of the social justice warriors, but I’ve barely heard a peep from them about these corporations.
Apparently, these companies forgot that the 13th Amendment removed slavery from our country over 150 years ago and that we felt so strongly about the issue that we passed the Tariff Act of 1930. Section 307 of the law prohibits “the importation of merchandise mined, produced or manufactured, wholly or in part, in any foreign country by forced or indentured labor—including forced child labor.” Furthermore, “such merchandise is subject to exclusion and/or seizure, and may lead to criminal investigation of the importer(s).” But corporations have skirted this legislation via a “consumptive demand” loophole.
So here we are in the absurd situation where “woke” corporations, which absolutely are making revenue from forced labor (read: slave labor), are using their ill-gotten profits to fund Black Lives Matter social justice global networks. They are giving generous donations totaling in the billions, buying indulgences with politicized racial payoffs so that they don’t have to talk about profiting from slave labor. Of course, their actions directly contradict everything they claim to support.
These companies don’t love America. They don’t even view themselves as American companies per se. They love the money Americans pay for their products and which finances their salaries, but they would rather use the slave labor of subjugated peoples in foreign countries than undercut the bottom line by paying American workers reasonable wages. Don’t believe me? Ask the 600 or so Uyghur women working in a forced labor camp to produce 7-8 million Nike shoes every year. I’m sure they’d be happy to talk about it all.
By their actions, these woke corporations show they are fine with slave labor and racism just so long as it doesn’t happen in America.
But it gets worse than that. The involvement of these companies with the ChiComs is deeper than that. Only a naïve fool would think China is our friend on any level. Not only do they seemingly have no problem enslaving people in their own country, the barbaric Communist regime masquerading as a “People’s Republic” also has access to data from millions of American homes and businesses. Let that sink in.
If you have a problem with big tech or with your own government having access to your data, take a minute to imagine how much worse it is for that information to be in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.
Walmart, along with Best Buy, Amazon, and Costco are selling smart devices—“Internet of Things” devices—many of which are platformed on and then house their data on Chinese-owned platforms.
Consider Tuya, a Chinese owned Internet of Things platform. Tuya provides “services to over 2,000 customers across 200 countries and regions, with customer concentrations in Japan, Southeast Asia, the USA, and Europe—helping them to improve their product offerings” and “handles over 20 billion device requests with over 5 million AI interactions daily.” Guess what Chinese-owned companies are required to do, by law? Share data, on demand, with the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army.
By some estimates, more than 10 million American homes are equipped with smart devices right now, with some estimating that by 2025, 70 percent of American homes will have a smart device.
You couldn’t make this stuff up if you tried. Not only are the woke corporations making revenue from slave labor but they’ve also decided to help Trojan Horse the American people on behalf of the Chinese Communists.
So enough of the hypocrisy and enough of the selling out of the American people. It is past time to call out all of these corporations for what they are doing. It is time to label everything—where it is made, how it is made, and with information about where the data is going.
– – –
Ned Ryun is a former presidential writer for George W. Bush and the founder and CEO of American Majority. You can find him on Twitter @nedryun.
Photo “Amazon Gay Pride Parade Float” by William Murphy. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Nearly 75 Percent of Americans Say News Bias Is ‘a Major Problem’

The vast majority of Americans consider news bias to be “ a major problem , ” but more than half believe the issue is with the news other people consume , according to a survey from Gallup and the Knight Foundation released Tuesday .
Nearly half of the adults surveyed believe there ’ s “ a great deal ” of “ political bias in the news , ” while 37 % believe there ’ s “ a fair amount , ” according to the survey .
Nearly three-fourths , 69 % , note they ’ re more worried about bias @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own .
Among adults surveyed , 78 % , responded that “ the spread of misinformation online is a ‘ major problem , ’ ” the poll found .
When asked about diversity at news outlets , 79 % of adults said media companies should take diversity into account when hiring reporting staff , according to the survey .
Nearly half of Democrats and 60 % of black people think news companies should place ethnic and racial diversity as important when hiring people .
Among Republicans , 51 % , and 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news organizations should prioritize political diversity in hiring decisions , according to the survey .
Overall , 80 % agree that “ the media is under attack politically , ” but 61 % of Republicans said that the attacks on the media were “ justified , ” while 70 % of Democrats said the opposite , according to the poll .
Among adults under 30 , 19 % responded that they had a “ very or somewhat favorable ” perspective of the media , compared to 44 % of adults over 65 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the survey outline .
Altogether , 84 % said the news is vital for democracy , according to the survey .
Nearly half , 49 % , believe the news is “ critical ” while 35 % note the news is “ very important ” for democracy .
Forty-eight percent said the media carries “ a great deal ” of blame “ for the political divisions in the U.S. , ” and 36 % say the media deserves “ a moderate amount ” of blame .
The Knight Foundation used data collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 , 2020 .
The surveys were mailed to 20,047 adults .
Gallup relied on data from 137,000 U.S. households , oversampling typically hard-to-reach households including black , Hispanic and young adults , according to the survey methodology .
The survey had a sampling error of plus or minus 1 % .
Mary Rose Corkery is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Fake News Website ” by Mike MacKenzie .
CC BY 2.0 .

by Mary Rose Corkery
The vast majority of Americans consider news bias to be “a major problem,” but more than half believe the issue is with the news other people consume, according to a survey from Gallup and the Knight Foundation released Tuesday.
Nearly half of the adults surveyed believe there’s “a great deal” of “political bias in the news,” while 37% believe there’s “a fair amount,” according to the survey. Nearly three-fourths, 69%, note they’re more worried about bias in others people’s news than their own.
Among adults surveyed, 78%, responded that “the spread of misinformation online is a ‘major problem,’” the poll found.
NEW: As the country grows more polarized, Americans are losing faith in an objective media. A new @Gallup/Knight poll of 20K Americans explores why. Knight’s @iohnsands shares more: https://t.co/PWU62sSTw1 (THREAD 1/7) #trustinnews — Knight Foundation (@knightfdn) August 4, 2020
When asked about diversity at news outlets, 79% of adults said media companies should take diversity into account when hiring reporting staff, according to the survey.
Nearly half of Democrats and 60% of black people think news companies should place ethnic and racial diversity as important when hiring people. Among Republicans, 51%, and 40% of white people, responded that news organizations should prioritize political diversity in hiring decisions, according to the survey.
Overall, 80% agree that “the media is under attack politically,” but 61% of Republicans said that the attacks on the media were “justified,” while 70% of Democrats said the opposite, according to the poll.
Among adults under 30, 19% responded that they had a “very or somewhat favorable” perspective of the media, compared to 44% of adults over 65 years old who said the same, according to the survey outline.
Altogether, 84% said the news is vital for democracy, according to the survey. Nearly half, 49%, believe the news is “critical” while 35% note the news is “very important” for democracy.
Forty-eight percent said the media carries “a great deal” of blame “for the political divisions in the U.S.,” and 36% say the media deserves “a moderate amount” of blame.
The Knight Foundation used data collected from Nov. 8, 2019 until Feb. 16, 2020. The surveys were mailed to 20,047 adults. Gallup relied on data from 137,000 U.S. households, oversampling typically hard-to-reach households including black, Hispanic and young adults, according to the survey methodology. The survey had a sampling error of plus or minus 1%.
– – –
Mary Rose Corkery is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Fake News Website” by Mike MacKenzie. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Virginia Blocked Over 1,000 Handgun Purchases During First Month of One-Pistol-per-Month Regulation

A total of 1,102 people were denied handguns in Virginia in July , following the implementation of a new law @ @ @ @ @ pistol purchase per 30 days .
Roughly 59 % of Virginia ’ s 1,877 total @ @ @ @ @ confusion about exactly when the first 30-day period began , according to data obtained by @ @ @ @ @ policy , which Democratic Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam signed into law in April along @ @ @ @ @ took effect on July 1 .
However , the state had been tracking handgun purchases @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Jake Dima
A total of 1,102 people were denied handguns in Virginia in July, following the implementation of a new law that prohibits more than one pistol purchase per 30 days.
Roughly 59% of Virginia’s 1,877 total firearm denials were attributed to confusion about exactly when the first 30-day period began, according to data obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The policy, which Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed into law in April along with other gun regulations, took effect on July 1. However, the state had been tracking handgun purchases since June, the Dispatch reported.
– – –
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Manny Sethi Says Bill Hagerty Accepted and then Returned Mitt Romney Donation

U.S. Senate candidate Manny Sethi on Wednesday accused opponent Bill Hagerty of accepting a donation from U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) and then discretely returning it .
This , according to a press release that the Sethi campaign emailed this week .
“ This is so swampy : Bill Hagerty accepted the maximum donation from Mitt Romney and was so desperate to hide it that he never reported Romney ’ s donation on his campaign finance report , ” Sethi said in the press release .
“ Hiding campaign donations is 100 percent illegal and Hagerty , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be investigated.
” The Tennessee Star on Wednesday asked the Hagerty campaign to respond .
“ This is the kind of deceitful campaigning Tennesseans have come to expect from the Sethi campaign , ” said campaign spokesman Michael Byerly in an email .
“ The only person trying to hide a donation is Manny Sethi and his ActBlue donation to his close friend Tom Perriello who supported Obamacare and called the NRA a ‘ nut-job extremist organization.
’ ” The Federal Election Commission addresses the matter on its website .
“ A refund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a contribution in its bank depository and then pays it back to the contributor by issuing a check , or when a committee charges back a contribution electronically credited to the committee ’ s account .
The refund will be disclosed on the committee ’ s reports , ” the FEC said .
“ Alternatively , a committee may return a contribution to a donor without depositing it .
The return must be made within 10 days of the treasurer ’ s receipt of the contribution .
In this case , the committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receipt or the return of the contribution.
” Wednesday ’ s New York Times reported that Romney ’ s Believe in America PAC contributed $ 5,600 , the maximum amount allowed per law , to Hagerty ’ s campaign .
Romney reportedly did this one day after Hagerty announced his candidacy last September .
“ Bank records indicate that Mr. Hagerty ’ s campaign deposited the check , ” The New York Times said .
“ But in October , Mr. Hagerty surprised Mr. Romney by quietly returning the donation in full.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that neither the PAC ’ s contribution nor Hagerty ’ s disbursement of the refund appears in his campaign filings .
The paper called that “ a potential violation of campaign finance law.
” An unidentified spokesman for the Hagerty campaign told The New York Times the following : “ Once we realized it was deposited , we alerted the bank and we reversed the transaction , because we do not share Senator Romney ’ s liberal , anti-Trump political positions.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tips to [ email protected ]

U.S. Senate candidate Manny Sethi on Wednesday accused opponent Bill Hagerty of accepting a donation from U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and then discretely returning it.
This, according to a press release that the Sethi campaign emailed this week.
“This is so swampy: Bill Hagerty accepted the maximum donation from Mitt Romney and was so desperate to hide it that he never reported Romney’s donation on his campaign finance report,” Sethi said in the press release.
“Hiding campaign donations is 100 percent illegal and Hagerty, along with his entire campaign team, should be investigated.”
The Tennessee Star on Wednesday asked the Hagerty campaign to respond.
“This is the kind of deceitful campaigning Tennesseans have come to expect from the Sethi campaign,” said campaign spokesman Michael Byerly in an email.
“The only person trying to hide a donation is Manny Sethi and his ActBlue donation to his close friend Tom Perriello who supported Obamacare and called the NRA a ‘nut-job extremist organization.’”
The Federal Election Commission addresses the matter on its website.
“A refund occurs when a committee has actually deposited a contribution in its bank depository and then pays it back to the contributor by issuing a check, or when a committee charges back a contribution electronically credited to the committee’s account. The refund will be disclosed on the committee’s reports,” the FEC said.
“Alternatively, a committee may return a contribution to a donor without depositing it. The return must be made within 10 days of the treasurer’s receipt of the contribution. In this case, the committee does not have to report either the receipt or the return of the contribution.”
Wednesday’s New York Times reported that Romney’s Believe in America PAC contributed $5,600, the maximum amount allowed per law, to Hagerty’s campaign. Romney reportedly did this one day after Hagerty announced his candidacy last September.
“Bank records indicate that Mr. Hagerty’s campaign deposited the check,” The New York Times said.
“But in October, Mr. Hagerty surprised Mr. Romney by quietly returning the donation in full.”
The New York Times went on to say that neither the PAC’s contribution nor Hagerty’s disbursement of the refund appears in his campaign filings. The paper called that “a potential violation of campaign finance law.”
An unidentified spokesman for the Hagerty campaign told The New York Times the following:
“Once we realized it was deposited, we alerted the bank and we reversed the transaction, because we do not share Senator Romney’s liberal, anti-Trump political positions.”
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Biden Denies Ever Taking a Cognitive Test After Claiming That He’s ‘Tested Constantly’

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Wednesday denied ever taking a cognitive test—even though he recently bragged that he takes them “ constantly.
” After scoffing at the idea , Biden , who was appearing at a virtual forum at the 2020 National Association of Black Journalists ( NABJ ) and National Association of Hispanic Journalists ( NAHJ ) Joint Virtual Convention , compared the question to asking if black CBS reporter Errol Barnett had taken cocaine before the interview .
“ When asked in June if you ’ d been tested for cognitive decline , you responded that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminded Biden .
“ Please clarify specifically—have you taken a cognitive test ?
” Biden had told the reporter in June “ I ’ ve been tested .
I ’ ve been tested constantly.
” He also said he could “ hardly wait to compare my cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I ’ m running against.
” After laughing at Barnett ’ s question , Biden replied “ no , I haven ’ t taken a test—why the hell would I take a test ?
!
” “ Come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s like saying , yo , before you got on this program , you take a test where you ’ re taking cocaine or not ?
What do you think , huh ?
Are you a junkie ?
” he asked the bewildered reporter , before breaking out again in inappropriate laughter .
Barnett , to his credit , pressed Biden on the question .
“ What do you say to President Trump who brags about his test and makes your mental state an issue for voters ?
” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hannity last month , Trump said that he had taken a cognitive test recently and had “ aced it.
” “ Well , if he can ’ t figure out the difference between an elephant and a lion , I don ’ t know what the hell he ’ s talking about , ” Biden blustered .
He went on to declare that he is “ forward looking ” to debate Trump .
“ ‘ Cause you watch that , I mean , come on man !
I know you ’ re trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so forward looking to have an opportunity to sit with the president or stand with the president in debates , ” Biden said .
“ There ’ s going to be plenty of time.
” While Biden appeared open to debating Trump , his allies in the media have been pushing the idea that he skip them .
Biden then appeared to want to poke fun at Trump , but thought better of it .
“ And by the way , as I joke with him , you know , I—I shouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gon na say something I probably shouldn ’ t say , ” he wavered .
“ Anyway !
” he continued , “ I am very willing to let the American public judge my physical and mental fil—my physical as well as my mental fil—fitness !
And to a—you know—make a judgement about who I am.
” The entire interview will be aired at the NABJ and NAHJ virtual convention on Thursday .

by Debra Heine
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Wednesday denied ever taking a cognitive test—even though he recently bragged that he takes them “constantly.”
After scoffing at the idea, Biden, who was appearing at a virtual forum at the 2020 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Joint Virtual Convention, compared the question to asking if black CBS reporter Errol Barnett had taken cocaine before the interview.
“When asked in June if you’d been tested for cognitive decline, you responded that you’re constantly tested,” Barnett reminded Biden. “Please clarify specifically—have you taken a cognitive test?”
Biden had told the reporter in June “I’ve been tested. I’ve been tested constantly.” He also said he could “hardly wait to compare my cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I’m running against.”
After laughing at Barnett’s question, Biden replied “no, I haven’t taken a test—why the hell would I take a test?!”
“Come on man!” he continued. “That’s like saying, yo, before you got on this program, you take a test where you’re taking cocaine or not? What do you think, huh? Are you a junkie?” he asked the bewildered reporter, before breaking out again in inappropriate laughter.
Barnett, to his credit, pressed Biden on the question.
“What do you say to President Trump who brags about his test and makes your mental state an issue for voters?” he asked.
In an interview with Sean Hannity last month, Trump said that he had taken a cognitive test recently and had “aced it.”
“Well, if he can’t figure out the difference between an elephant and a lion, I don’t know what the hell he’s talking about,” Biden blustered.
He went on to declare that he is “forward looking” to debate Trump.
“‘Cause you watch that, I mean, come on man! I know you’re trying to goad me but—I mean—I’m so forward looking to have an opportunity to sit with the president or stand with the president in debates,” Biden said. “There’s going to be plenty of time.”
While Biden appeared open to debating Trump, his allies in the media have been pushing the idea that he skip them.
Biden then appeared to want to poke fun at Trump, but thought better of it.
“And by the way, as I joke with him, you know, I—I shouldn’t say it. I’m gonna say something I probably shouldn’t say,” he wavered.
“Anyway!” he continued, “I am very willing to let the American public judge my physical and mental fil—my physical as well as my mental fil—fitness! And to a—you know—make a judgement about who I am.”
The entire interview will be aired at the NABJ and NAHJ virtual convention on Thursday.
“Why the hell would I take a test?”@JoeBiden scoffs at idea of taking a cognitive test. Suggests @realDonaldTrump “can’t figure out the difference between an elephant and a lion.” Full interview at @NABJ @NAHJ virtual convention Thursday 8am ET.@CBSNews pic.twitter.com/rGNJpjfbF6 — errol barnett (@errolbarnett) August 5, 2020
– – –
Debra Heine reports for American Greatness.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Less Than One in Eight Excessive Force Complaints Are Substantiated, NYPD Complaint Data Shows

According to recently released NYPD complaint data , less than 13 % of excessive use of force complaints filed against New York Police Department officers is substantiated .
The raw data was published by ProPublica , which obtained it from the New York Civilian Complaint Review Board ( CCRB ) .
The database includes every complaint against active-duty officers who ’ ve had at least one complaint substantiated .
Excessive use of force complaints were the least likely to be substantiated , as less than 13 % of complaints of this nature were validated .
Improper use of pepper spray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nightstick like a club are common examples of “ force ” complaints .
Meanwhile , “ abuse of authority ” complaints , which include unwarranted frisks , vehicle searches and seizure of property , were the most likely to be substantiated .
30 % of complaints in this category were validated .
The database includes 33,359 complaints made against roughly 4,000 active NYPD officers dating back to 1985 .
Of the total complaints reviewed by the CCRB , 20,292 were for “ abuse of authority , ” 7,636 were for “ force , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 753 were for “ offensive language.
” The CCRB classifies each case that has been fully investigated into one of four categories , according to ProPublica .
“ Substantiated ” means the complainant ’ s claims against an officer were proven true .
“ Unsubstantiated ” means the complaints couldn ’ t be confirmed as true , “ exonerated ” means a complaint was determined to be true but that the officer ’ s actions didn ’ t violate NYPD rules and “ unfounded ” means the claims were proven false .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ unfounded ” from the database meaning an even lower percentage of cases were substantiated when the unfounded cases are factored in .
The data also shows that the officers who receive the most complaints represent a minority of the police force .
More than 1,000 of the 4,000 officers in the database had more than 10 complaints while the worst offender received 75 complaints .
Police departments nationwide have been scrutinized in the wake of the death of George Floyd who died in Minneapolis police custody after an officer kneeled on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows .
New York City cut the NYPD ’ s 2021 budget by $ 1 billion in June , according to a city press release .
Thomas Catenacci is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Spencer Landis contributed to this report .
Photo “ Protester Staring at Police Officer ” by Becker1999 .
CC BY 2.0 .

by Thomas Catenacci
According to recently released NYPD complaint data, less than 13% of excessive use of force complaints filed against New York Police Department officers is substantiated.
The raw data was published by ProPublica, which obtained it from the New York Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). The database includes every complaint against active-duty officers who’ve had at least one complaint substantiated.
Excessive use of force complaints were the least likely to be substantiated, as less than 13% of complaints of this nature were validated. Improper use of pepper spray, pointing a gun and using a nightstick like a club are common examples of “force” complaints.
Meanwhile, “abuse of authority” complaints, which include unwarranted frisks, vehicle searches and seizure of property, were the most likely to be substantiated. 30% of complaints in this category were validated.
The database includes 33,359 complaints made against roughly 4,000 active NYPD officers dating back to 1985. Of the total complaints reviewed by the CCRB, 20,292 were for “abuse of authority,” 7,636 were for “force,” 4,677 were for “discourtesy” and 753 were for “offensive language.”
The CCRB classifies each case that has been fully investigated into one of four categories, according to ProPublica.
“Substantiated” means the complainant’s claims against an officer were proven true.
“Unsubstantiated” means the complaints couldn’t be confirmed as true, “exonerated” means a complaint was determined to be true but that the officer’s actions didn’t violate NYPD rules and “unfounded” means the claims were proven false.
ProPublica excluded all complaints that were classified as “unfounded” from the database meaning an even lower percentage of cases were substantiated when the unfounded cases are factored in.
The data also shows that the officers who receive the most complaints represent a minority of the police force. More than 1,000 of the 4,000 officers in the database had more than 10 complaints while the worst offender received 75 complaints.
Police departments nationwide have been scrutinized in the wake of the death of George Floyd who died in Minneapolis police custody after an officer kneeled on his neck, video of the incident shows. New York City cut the NYPD’s 2021 budget by $1 billion in June, according to a city press release.
– – –
Thomas Catenacci is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation. Spencer Landis contributed to this report.
Photo “Protester Staring at Police Officer” by Becker1999. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--GOP Rep. Roger Marshall Defeats Kris Kobach in Kansas Senate Primary

Kansas Rep. Roger Marshall won the Republican primary Tuesday , beating Kris Kobach in the race for the state ’ s open senate seat .
Marshall , a second-term congressman from the western part of the state , won with 37.2 % of the vote , compared to Kobach ’ s 25.6 % , according to the New York Times .
He now faces former state Sen. Barbara Bollier , a former Republican who cruised to victory in the Democratic primary , in a competitive race to replace retiring GOP Sen. Pat Roberts .
Marshall ’ s victory is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued that a Kobach win would put the seat at risk for a Democratic victory due to his polarizing , hardline stances , Politico reported .
While Marshall vastly out-raised his primary opponent , polls had shown the race growing closer in the last few weeks , especially after outside PACs poured in over $ 5 million attempting to weaken him , Politico reported .
In addition to being backed by the National Republican Senatorial Conference , Marshall was endorsed by Roberts , former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Republican presidential nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate for 27 years .
Kobach ’ s loss comes almost two years after he lost his race to become Kansas ’ s next governor in an upset to Democrat Laura Kelly , even after he had received Trump ’ s endorsement .
Republicans blamed his loss on his hardline views on immigration , voting rights and more , the Wichita Eagle reported .
The Cook Political Report rates Kansas ’ s senate race as “ lean Republican , ” though Marshall ’ s victory is likely to give Republicans an even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats across the country rallying behind Bollier , analysts say .
“ Democrats haven ’ t won a Senate race here since when ?
The ’ 30s ?
” a GOP strategist told The Hill .
“ Kobach is pretty much the only one who could ruin that.
” Andrew Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Kris Kobach ” by Kris Kobach .

by Andrew Trunsky
Kansas Rep. Roger Marshall won the Republican primary Tuesday, beating Kris Kobach in the race for the state’s open senate seat.
Marshall, a second-term congressman from the western part of the state, won with 37.2% of the vote, compared to Kobach’s 25.6%, according to the New York Times. He now faces former state Sen. Barbara Bollier, a former Republican who cruised to victory in the Democratic primary, in a competitive race to replace retiring GOP Sen. Pat Roberts.
Marshall’s victory is a win for Republicans across Congress, who argued that a Kobach win would put the seat at risk for a Democratic victory due to his polarizing, hardline stances, Politico reported.
While Marshall vastly out-raised his primary opponent, polls had shown the race growing closer in the last few weeks, especially after outside PACs poured in over $5 million attempting to weaken him, Politico reported.
In addition to being backed by the National Republican Senatorial Conference, Marshall was endorsed by Roberts, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole, who served Kansas in the Senate for 27 years.
I've seen enough: Roger Marshall (R) defeats Kris Kobach (R) in the #KSSEN GOP primary. Democrats had been banking on Kobach's nomination after he blew the 2018 #KSGOV race. — Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) August 5, 2020
Kobach’s loss comes almost two years after he lost his race to become Kansas’s next governor in an upset to Democrat Laura Kelly, even after he had received Trump’s endorsement. Republicans blamed his loss on his hardline views on immigration, voting rights and more, the Wichita Eagle reported.
The Cook Political Report rates Kansas’s senate race as “lean Republican,” though Marshall’s victory is likely to give Republicans an even greater advantage going into November, despite Democrats across the country rallying behind Bollier, analysts say.
“Democrats haven’t won a Senate race here since when? The ’30s?” a GOP strategist told The Hill. “Kobach is pretty much the only one who could ruin that.”
– – –
Andrew Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Kris Kobach” by Kris Kobach.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Condoleezza Rice Warns the ‘Problem of the Left’ Is Assuming How Black People Should Think

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a Tuesday interview that the “ problem of the left ” is that it assumes how black people should think .
Rice spoke with The New York Times ’ s Peter Baker during an Aspen Security Forum interview in which the former secretary of state said she does not believe the U.S. will ever become truly colorblind .
She said she hopes Americans will stop making assumptions about one another based on race .
“ I don ’ t really care if we ’ re colorblind , but I would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see somebody who is black , you don ’ t have preconceived notions of what they ’ re capable of , who they are — by the way , what they think , which is I think a problem of the left , ” Rice told Baker .
“ You look at somebody who ’ s black and you think you know what they think , or you at least think you know what they ought to think , ” she added .
2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden told Charlamagne Tha God during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll tell you if you have a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or Trump , then you ain ’ t black.
” Rice said Tuesday : “ I am not one who believes you can just sort of ‘ take on systemic racism , ’ I don ’ t even know how to start.
” “ I do think you can take on the impact of an educational system for minority kids that leaves most of them behind , ” she continued .
“ I think you can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like my answer .
My answer is : Let ’ s do school choice in a big way.
” Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Condolezza Rice ” by Aspen Security Forum .

by Mary Margaret Olohan
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a Tuesday interview that the “problem of the left” is that it assumes how black people should think.
Rice spoke with The New York Times’s Peter Baker during an Aspen Security Forum interview in which the former secretary of state said she does not believe the U.S. will ever become truly colorblind. She said she hopes Americans will stop making assumptions about one another based on race.
“I don’t really care if we’re colorblind, but I would like to get to the place that when you see somebody who is black, you don’t have preconceived notions of what they’re capable of, who they are — by the way, what they think, which is I think a problem of the left,” Rice told Baker.
“Is there systemic racism?” Asks @peterbakernyt. Yes, @CondoleezzaRice responds, but we have to break it down into more detail. Listen to her full answer and tune in LIVE: https://t.co/BPJS3x933w #AspenSecurity pic.twitter.com/wLCRpfnMQK — Aspen Security Forum (@AspenSecurity) August 4, 2020
“You look at somebody who’s black and you think you know what they think, or you at least think you know what they ought to think,” she added.
2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden told Charlamagne Tha God during a May interview, “I’ll tell you if you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.”
Rice said Tuesday: “I am not one who believes you can just sort of ‘take on systemic racism,’ I don’t even know how to start.”
“I do think you can take on the impact of an educational system for minority kids that leaves most of them behind,” she continued. “I think you can take that on. But people might not like my answer. My answer is: Let’s do school choice in a big way.”
– – –
Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Condolezza Rice” by Aspen Security Forum.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Commentary: Expect a Big Back Lash Against the Left If Joe Biden Fails to Denounce Riots and Threate

Commentary: Expect a Big Back Lash Against the Left If Joe Biden Fails to Denounce Riots and Threaten Defunding the Police

It is former Vice President Joe Biden , and not President Donald Trump , who has a political problem due to ongoing riots in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd as public backlash against the political left has begun seeping into public attitudes concerning the race for president in 2020 .
On July 28 , as attention was focused on attempts by radical leftist mobs led by Antifa to burn a federal courthouse in Portland , Oreg .
to the ground , Biden issued a weak statement unbelievably blaming President Donald Trump and federal law enforcement for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutally attack peaceful protesters… Of course , the U.S. government has the right and the duty to protect federal property .
The Obama-Biden administration has protected federal property across the country without resorting to these blatant tactics — and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country.
” But nobody ’ s buying it , as the American people are more likely to blame liberal Democratic city mayors for encouraging the violence with lax police presence .
A July 29-30 Rasmussen Reports poll found that 50 percent of likely voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portland and Seattle are facilitating violent protests by limiting police response .
That includes 72 percent of Republicans , 33 percent of Democrats and 48 percent of unaffiliated voters who think Democrats are allowing the urban violence to spread .
Only 31 percent of all voters disagreed .
19 percent were unsure .
That , as President Trump reached 51 percent approval in the Rasmussen tracking poll on Aug. 3 .
Clearly , as the civil unrest continues , and Biden waffles on whether he favors the riots or not , it favors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law and order messaging on the campaign trail and exposes deep divisions among Democrats .
Similarly , in June , Biden wanted to have it both ways on defunding the police , saying he didn ’ t support and then in the same breath outlining the very criteria under which he would cut police funding .
Biden told CBS News in an interview : “ No , I don ’ t support defunding the police .
I support conditioning federal aid to police based on whether or not they meet certain basic standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to demonstrate they can protect the community.
” So , Biden wouldn ’ t defund the police unless they were not decent and honorable and could adequately demonstrate they can protect the community , in his opinion .
Thanks for clearing that up .
In June , an ABC News/Ipsos poll found 64 percent of Americans reject the idea of defunding the police , including 91 percent of Republicans , 45 percent of Democrats , 43 percent of blacks , 58 percent of Hispanics and 74 percent of whites .
If anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A July Pew poll found 73 percent say it should either remain the same or increase , including 42 percent say police spending should remain the same and 31 percent say it should be increased .
Among those who say it should be increased , 11 percent say it should be increased a lot and 20 percent say it should be increased a little .
Only 25 percent of Americans support cutting spending for local police departments in the Pew poll , with just 12 percent saying it should be decreased a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be reduced a little .
In response , Trump is taking a page from Richard Nixon , when the rioters and violent protesters helped propel him take the White House in 1968 and further cemented what he dubbed the “ silent majority ” in his 49-state rout of George McGovern and Democrats in 1972 .
Then , as now , Republicans benefited from a radical left that had overtaken the Democratic Party via the anti-war movement that could neither be embraced nor rejected .
And Biden seems intent on repeating this folly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the radical base of his party .
But by failing to fully reject the political violence in the streets in his name—and instead blaming law enforcement and threatening to defund the police—he could lose moderates that he needs to cement a majority .
Make no mistake , the national backlash against the left has already begun—and it could be President Trump who rides that wave to reelection in November .
Robert Romano is the Vice President of Public Policy at Americans for Limited Government .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Gage Skidmore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Minneapolis Riots ” by Lorie Shaull .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

by Robert Romano
It is former Vice President Joe Biden, and not President Donald Trump, who has a political problem due to ongoing riots in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd as public backlash against the political left has begun seeping into public attitudes concerning the race for president in 2020.
On July 28, as attention was focused on attempts by radical leftist mobs led by Antifa to burn a federal courthouse in Portland, Oreg. to the ground, Biden issued a weak statement unbelievably blaming President Donald Trump and federal law enforcement for the riots.
Biden said, “They brutally attack peaceful protesters… Of course, the U.S. government has the right and the duty to protect federal property. The Obama-Biden administration has protected federal property across the country without resorting to these blatant tactics — and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country.”
But nobody’s buying it, as the American people are more likely to blame liberal Democratic city mayors for encouraging the violence with lax police presence.
A July 29-30 Rasmussen Reports poll found that 50 percent of likely voters believe political leaders in major cities like Portland and Seattle are facilitating violent protests by limiting police response. That includes 72 percent of Republicans, 33 percent of Democrats and 48 percent of unaffiliated voters who think Democrats are allowing the urban violence to spread.
Only 31 percent of all voters disagreed. 19 percent were unsure.
That, as President Trump reached 51 percent approval in the Rasmussen tracking poll on Aug. 3.
Clearly, as the civil unrest continues, and Biden waffles on whether he favors the riots or not, it favors Trump politically as he ramps up his law and order messaging on the campaign trail and exposes deep divisions among Democrats.
Similarly, in June, Biden wanted to have it both ways on defunding the police, saying he didn’t support and then in the same breath outlining the very criteria under which he would cut police funding. Biden told CBS News in an interview: “No, I don’t support defunding the police. I support conditioning federal aid to police based on whether or not they meet certain basic standards of decency and honorableness and … are able to demonstrate they can protect the community.”
So, Biden wouldn’t defund the police unless they were not decent and honorable and could adequately demonstrate they can protect the community, in his opinion. Thanks for clearing that up.
In June, an ABC News/Ipsos poll found 64 percent of Americans reject the idea of defunding the police, including 91 percent of Republicans, 45 percent of Democrats, 43 percent of blacks, 58 percent of Hispanics and 74 percent of whites.
If anything the numbers have only grown since then. A July Pew poll found 73 percent say it should either remain the same or increase, including 42 percent say police spending should remain the same and 31 percent say it should be increased. Among those who say it should be increased, 11 percent say it should be increased a lot and 20 percent say it should be increased a little.
Only 25 percent of Americans support cutting spending for local police departments in the Pew poll, with just 12 percent saying it should be decreased a lot and another 14 percent saying it should be reduced a little.
In response, Trump is taking a page from Richard Nixon, when the rioters and violent protesters helped propel him take the White House in 1968 and further cemented what he dubbed the “silent majority” in his 49-state rout of George McGovern and Democrats in 1972. Then, as now, Republicans benefited from a radical left that had overtaken the Democratic Party via the anti-war movement that could neither be embraced nor rejected.
And Biden seems intent on repeating this folly. On one hand, he needs the radical base of his party. But by failing to fully reject the political violence in the streets in his name—and instead blaming law enforcement and threatening to defund the police—he could lose moderates that he needs to cement a majority.
Make no mistake, the national backlash against the left has already begun—and it could be President Trump who rides that wave to reelection in November.
– – –
Robert Romano is the Vice President of Public Policy at Americans for Limited Government.
Photo “Joe Biden” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Background Photo “Minneapolis Riots” by Lorie Shaull. CC BY-SA 2.0.