thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Conservatives Praise Supreme Court for Ruling States Can’t Discriminate Against Religious Schools

The U.S. Supreme Court said Tuesday that states can ’ t cut religious schools out of programs that send public money to private education in a 5-4 ruling .
Hailed as a victory for religious freedom , the justices upheld a Montana scholarship program that allows state tax credits for private schooling in which almost all the recipients attend religious schools .
The Montana Supreme Court had struck down the K-12 private education scholarship program that was created by the Legislature in 2015 to make donors eligible for up to $ 150 in state tax credits .
The state court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Montana constitution ’ s ban , called a Blaine Amendment , on state aid to religious schools .
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion that said the state ruling itself ran afoul of the religious freedom , embodied in the U.S. Constitution , of parents who want the scholarships to help pay for their children ’ s private education .
“ A state need not subsidize private education .
But once a state decides to do so , it can not disqualify some private schools solely because they are religious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concurring opinion , Justice Samuel Alito pointed to evidence of anti-Catholic bigotry that he said motivated the original adoption of the Montana provision and others like it in the 1800s , although Montana ’ s constitution was redone in 1972 with the provision intact .
Justice Brett Kavanaugh , whose two daughters attend Catholic schools , made a similar point during arguments in January when he talked about the “ grotesque religious bigotry ” against Catholics that underlay the amendment .
U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr said in a statement that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ruling in the case of Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue .
According to Barr , Montana ’ s Blaine Amendment – a provision found in various forms in many other states – excluded religious schools from state scholarship programs that are open to other educational institutions .
It thus prevented parents who send their children to religious schools from receiving scholarship funds that are available to the rest of the community , he said .
“ The Court ’ s decision represents an important victory for religious liberty and religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Court explained , religious people are ‘ members of the community too , ’ and their exclusion from public programs because of their religion is ‘ odious to our Constitution ’ and ‘ can not stand.
’ We were pleased to see the Court agree with the Trump Administration that such blatant discrimination against religion has no place in our constitutional system , ” Barr added .
Aaron Baer , president of Citizens for Community Values , said it ’ s “ troubling that four justices on the U.S. Supreme Court believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Supreme Court decision affirms what everyone already knows : discrimination against these schools is un-American , ” he said .
“ When the First Amendment prohibits the establishment of religion , it doesn ’ t elevate secularism above religion .
It puts all worldviews on a level playing field .
It was wrong for Montana – or any state – to penalize religious institutions because they are religious.
” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the ruling “ removes one of the biggest obstacles to better educational opportunities for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hide behind rules motivated by insidious bias against Catholics , known as Blaine Amendments , to exclude religious schools from public benefits .
Laws that condition public benefits , like need-based academic scholarships , on religious status demonstrate state-sanctioned hostility to religion , pressure people and institutions to censor their religious views , and stigmatize disfavored religions .
The Trump Administration believes that school choice is a civil rights issue , and that no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing school , ” she said .
U.S. Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , warning state leaders that “ your bigoted Blaine Amendments and other restrictions like them are unconstitutional , dead , and buried.
” “ I applaud the Court ’ s decision to assign a manifestation of the ‘ last acceptable prejudice ’ to the dustbin of history where it belongs , ” she said in a statement .
“ Too many students have been discriminated against based on their faith and have been forced to stay in schools that don ’ t match their values .
This decision represents a turning point in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education , and it will spark a new beginning of education that focuses first on students and their needs.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

The U.S. Supreme Court said Tuesday that states can’t cut religious schools out of programs that send public money to private education in a 5-4 ruling.
Hailed as a victory for religious freedom, the justices upheld a Montana scholarship program that allows state tax credits for private schooling in which almost all the recipients attend religious schools.
The Montana Supreme Court had struck down the K-12 private education scholarship program that was created by the Legislature in 2015 to make donors eligible for up to $150 in state tax credits. The state court had ruled that the tax credit violated the Montana constitution’s ban, called a Blaine Amendment, on state aid to religious schools.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion that said the state ruling itself ran afoul of the religious freedom, embodied in the U.S. Constitution, of parents who want the scholarships to help pay for their children’s private education.
“A state need not subsidize private education. But once a state decides to do so, it cannot disqualify some private schools solely because they are religious,” Roberts wrote.
In a separate concurring opinion, Justice Samuel Alito pointed to evidence of anti-Catholic bigotry that he said motivated the original adoption of the Montana provision and others like it in the 1800s, although Montana’s constitution was redone in 1972 with the provision intact. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whose two daughters attend Catholic schools, made a similar point during arguments in January when he talked about the “grotesque religious bigotry” against Catholics that underlay the amendment.
U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr said in a statement that he was “pleased” with the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue.
According to Barr, Montana’s Blaine Amendment – a provision found in various forms in many other states – excluded religious schools from state scholarship programs that are open to other educational institutions. It thus prevented parents who send their children to religious schools from receiving scholarship funds that are available to the rest of the community, he said.
“The Court’s decision represents an important victory for religious liberty and religious equality in the United States. As the Court explained, religious people are ‘members of the community too,’ and their exclusion from public programs because of their religion is ‘odious to our Constitution’ and ‘cannot stand.’ We were pleased to see the Court agree with the Trump Administration that such blatant discrimination against religion has no place in our constitutional system,” Barr added.
Aaron Baer, president of Citizens for Community Values, said it’s “troubling that four justices on the U.S. Supreme Court believe religious bigotry is acceptable.”
“Today’s Supreme Court decision affirms what everyone already knows: discrimination against these schools is un-American,” he said. “When the First Amendment prohibits the establishment of religion, it doesn’t elevate secularism above religion. It puts all worldviews on a level playing field. It was wrong for Montana – or any state – to penalize religious institutions because they are religious.”
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the ruling “removes one of the biggest obstacles to better educational opportunities for all children.”
“States may no longer hide behind rules motivated by insidious bias against Catholics, known as Blaine Amendments, to exclude religious schools from public benefits. Laws that condition public benefits, like need-based academic scholarships, on religious status demonstrate state-sanctioned hostility to religion, pressure people and institutions to censor their religious views, and stigmatize disfavored religions. The Trump Administration believes that school choice is a civil rights issue, and that no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing school,” she said.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was more blunt, warning state leaders that “your bigoted Blaine Amendments and other restrictions like them are unconstitutional, dead, and buried.”
“I applaud the Court’s decision to assign a manifestation of the ‘last acceptable prejudice’ to the dustbin of history where it belongs,” she said in a statement. “Too many students have been discriminated against based on their faith and have been forced to stay in schools that don’t match their values. This decision represents a turning point in the sad and static history of American education, and it will spark a new beginning of education that focuses first on students and their needs.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]. The Associated Press contributed to this report.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Video Appears to Show Mob Attacking Catholics Praying at St. Louis Statue

Multiple videos recorded after a Saturday prayer vigil in St. Louis appear to show Black Lives Matter agitators assaulting Catholics who participated in the event .
“ Yesterday , while praying for peace and unity in our city and the protection of the St. Louis statue , Black Lives Matter protesters started to harass , berate , and assault the Catholics that were peacefully praying .
We did nothing in retaliation , ” Conor Martin , a candidate for Bedford Township Republican committeeman , claimed on Twitter .
Martin posted various videos of the incident that show agitators assaulting two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill Hennessy , a Catholic , conservative blogger based in St. Louis , said a group called St. Louis Forever visits the statue of St. Louis most evenings to pray the rosary and clean up the area .
The group was formed in response to a petition to remove the statue and rename the city .
A local Black Lives Matter activist named Umar Lee decided to organize a counter-protest after learning that Catholics would be gathering at the statue at noon on Saturday .
“ It was more than a protest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Hennessy , who noted that the assaults occurred after the prayer event had concluded .
“ I don ’ t know exactly what precipitated this , or whether nothing did , ” he said of the assaults .
Hennessy participated in the Saturday event , but said he was not familiar with the individuals in the video .
Based on the video , it seems like a situation “ where they got a couple people to stick around , ” said Hennessy .
“ I ’ d rather emphasize that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a group all at once at the same time .
Don ’ t announce the time you ’ re going to leave in advance so that they can ’ t plan around that and just go , and go in groups so that no one ’ s alone , ” he added .
“ At the time these incidents occurred , clearly there ’ s no police officers visible .
So if you ’ re looking for someone to beat on , you ’ re going to wait for the police to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for St. Louis , said her office is investigating the Saturday assaults as well as Sunday night ’ s viral incident involving two homeowners who pulled firearms on a group of protesters who were trespassing on private property .
“ It ’ s interesting that you have kind of two stories , the one with the couple and the one with the beating at the end of this prayer ceremony , and the only one that gets any attention is people defending their private property , even though no one was hurt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , at a minimum , somebody got beat up .
What led to that beating , we don ’ t know , ” said Hennessy .
The Archdiocese of St. Louis released a statement Sunday in defense of the St. Louis statue , calling King Louis IX “ an imperfect man who strived to live a life modeled after the life of Jesus Christ.
” “ King Louis IX ’ s renowned work in charity helped elevate him to Sainthood .
His daily suppers were shared with numerous beggars , whom he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many evenings , he would not let them leave before he washed their feet .
He personally paid to feed more than 100 poor Parisians every day , ” said the statement .
“ His care for the sick was equally moving ; St. Louis frequently ministered to lepers .
He also created a number of hospitals , including one for the blind and another for ex-prostitutes.
” Lee has now organized a protest for Wednesday outside the residence of Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski , who was appointed earlier this month to lead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN 15 years ago – maybe even five years ago – I probably would ’ ve been investigating this to find out more and would ’ ve at least mentioned it , ” Hennessy added .
“ It ’ s really sad that we ’ ve reached the point in big league journalism that a story that does not conform to their preferred narrative simply didn ’ t happen in their minds.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Multiple videos recorded after a Saturday prayer vigil in St. Louis appear to show Black Lives Matter agitators assaulting Catholics who participated in the event.
“Yesterday, while praying for peace and unity in our city and the protection of the St. Louis statue, Black Lives Matter protesters started to harass, berate, and assault the Catholics that were peacefully praying. We did nothing in retaliation,” Conor Martin, a candidate for Bedford Township Republican committeeman, claimed on Twitter.
Martin posted various videos of the incident that show agitators assaulting two individuals and beating them with sticks.
We allowed them to spit on us, call us names, put their fingers in our faces, push us, and antagonize, but we did not retaliate. We continued to peacefully pray. 2/8 pic.twitter.com/RekO7742Bm — Conor Martin (@CMartinForMO) June 28, 2020
Bill Hennessy, a Catholic, conservative blogger based in St. Louis, said a group called St. Louis Forever visits the statue of St. Louis most evenings to pray the rosary and clean up the area. The group was formed in response to a petition to remove the statue and rename the city.
A local Black Lives Matter activist named Umar Lee decided to organize a counter-protest after learning that Catholics would be gathering at the statue at noon on Saturday.
“It was more than a protest. It was actually an attempt at intimidation,” said Hennessy, who noted that the assaults occurred after the prayer event had concluded.
“I don’t know exactly what precipitated this, or whether nothing did,” he said of the assaults. Hennessy participated in the Saturday event, but said he was not familiar with the individuals in the video.
Based on the video, it seems like a situation “where they got a couple people to stick around,” said Hennessy.
“I’d rather emphasize that when you do an event, leave as a group all at once at the same time. Don’t announce the time you’re going to leave in advance so that they can’t plan around that and just go, and go in groups so that no one’s alone,” he added. “At the time these incidents occurred, clearly there’s no police officers visible. So if you’re looking for someone to beat on, you’re going to wait for the police to leave.”
Kimberly Gardner, circuit attorney for St. Louis, said her office is investigating the Saturday assaults as well as Sunday night’s viral incident involving two homeowners who pulled firearms on a group of protesters who were trespassing on private property.
“It’s interesting that you have kind of two stories, the one with the couple and the one with the beating at the end of this prayer ceremony, and the only one that gets any attention is people defending their private property, even though no one was hurt. The media has completely ignored the fact that, at a minimum, somebody got beat up. What led to that beating, we don’t know,” said Hennessy.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis released a statement Sunday in defense of the St. Louis statue, calling King Louis IX “an imperfect man who strived to live a life modeled after the life of Jesus Christ.”
“King Louis IX’s renowned work in charity helped elevate him to Sainthood. His daily suppers were shared with numerous beggars, whom he invited to the royal table. On many evenings, he would not let them leave before he washed their feet. He personally paid to feed more than 100 poor Parisians every day,” said the statement. “His care for the sick was equally moving; St. Louis frequently ministered to lepers. He also created a number of hospitals, including one for the blind and another for ex-prostitutes.”
Lee has now organized a protest for Wednesday outside the residence of Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski, who was appointed earlier this month to lead the archdiocese.
“If I’m CNN 15 years ago – maybe even five years ago – I probably would’ve been investigating this to find out more and would’ve at least mentioned it,” Hennessy added. “It’s really sad that we’ve reached the point in big league journalism that a story that does not conform to their preferred narrative simply didn’t happen in their minds.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Exclusive: ‘Truth Conductor’ Tells Why He Protected Journalist Jack Posobiec from Antifa, BLM Mob

The black Washington resident and tour guide calling himself “ Truth Conductor ” told the Star Newspaper Group he stepped forward to protect One America News reporter Jack Posobeic at Friday night ’ s Antifa and Black Lives Matter rally in Washington ’ s Lincoln Park , because it was the right thing to do .
“ They was going to attack Jack , ” said Don Folden , who runs DCBlackTours.com and is a regular fixture wherever there is a swarm of reporters , such as the court appearances of retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what a minute , man , ’ I mean the guy—I saw they were purposely targeting him and when I saw them pushing him around that is when I said : ‘ Look , man , c ’ mon , let ’ s get out of here .
Let ’ s leave ’ ” said Folden .
As Posobeic stood by the crowd protesting the statue of Abraham Lincoln and a freed slave , a number of young men in all black clothing , helmets and goggles formed a circle around him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at one point doused with water .
“ I was hoping to be able to catch the scene on camera when Antifa closed in on me , and tried to push me down the steps on the concrete , ” he said .
That is when Truth Conductor stepped in , later joined by Fox News White House reporter Kevin Corke , whose own security detail walked Posebeic out of the crowd to safety .
Watch this video of Truth Conductor with Jack Posobeic posted by Epic Entertainment and used with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the movement to tear down the statue of the national park ’ s namesake , described here by the National Park Service : To further recognize President Lincoln , a memorial statue was placed in the park in 1876 .
The statue was unveiled on April 14 , the 11th anniversary of President Lincoln ’ s death , with over 25,000 people in attendance .
Frederick Douglass delivered the keynote address before President Ulysses S. Grant , his cabinet , and members of Congress .
He discussed both his approval and disapproval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Lincoln in his characteristic frock coat , holding the Emancipation Proclamation before a kneeling African American man .
Modeled after Archer Alexander , the last person captured under the Fugitive Slave Act , the man ’ s arms are extended to show his shackles have been broken .
Posobeic told the Star Newspaper Group he was getting up close to take a video of Folden ’ s own attempt to counter the rally against the Lincoln statue .
“ Don is someone I have seen around DC at various events and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing up to have his voice heard as a historian in our nation ’ s capital , and yet they wouldn ’ t let him speak , ” he said .
“ What he did for me intervening that day was a blessing , ” Posobeic said .
“ I can only hope unity and dialogue we showed that day can be a symbol for how despite our outward differences we are all Americans.
” Truth Conductor said , “ Right is right .
Wrong is wrong .
What some of those protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What if that was you surrounded by an angry crowd ?
How would you feel ?
Wouldn ’ t you want somebody to step up on your behalf ?
” Folden said he was not worried about the angry mob hurting him .
“ I have a secret weapon , ” he said .
“ I can ’ t tell you what my secret weapon is , but you know , let ’ s just say there is something about me they respect—and I know they respect it .
That ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know what it is , but they don ’ t know what it is.
” Truth Conductor said he wished young black men in Washington could stop to realize that even they know the real enemy is not the police .
“ The problem with a lot of these young boys right now–they not walking down the street looking over their shoulders for the police , ” he said .
“ They looking over their shoulders for another kid who looks just like them–and yet , they said : ‘ Black lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was in January , when it came to him to adopt the Truth Conductor persona .
“ I was having one of my moments and I went to a park , where my wife and I used to sit .
As I was sitting there , all I could hear was ‘ Truth Conductor ’ and I didn ’ t know what it was supposed to mean.
” Folden , who came to Washington as a 22-year-old in 1975 , said people had always told him he looked like a railroad conductor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Neil W. McCabe is a Washington-based national political reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network .
In addition to the Star Newspapers , he is a Media Fellow at the Gold Institute for International Strategies .
Prior to joining the Star Newspapers , McCabe covered the White House , Capitol Hill and national politics for One America News , Breitbart , Human Events and Townhall .
Before coming to Washington , he was a staff reporter for Boston ’ s Catholic paper , The Pilot , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Somerville News and The Alewife .
McCabe is a public affairs NCO in the Army Reserve and he deployed for 15 months to Iraq as a combat historian .
Follow him : @ neilwmccabe2 Photo “ Jack Posobiec ” by Epic Entertainment .

The black Washington resident and tour guide calling himself “Truth Conductor” told the Star Newspaper Group he stepped forward to protect One America News reporter Jack Posobeic at Friday night’s Antifa and Black Lives Matter rally in Washington’s Lincoln Park, because it was the right thing to do.
“They was going to attack Jack,” said Don Folden, who runs DCBlackTours.com and is a regular fixture wherever there is a swarm of reporters, such as the court appearances of retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn.
“My thing was: ‘Hey, what a minute, man,’ I mean the guy—I saw they were purposely targeting him and when I saw them pushing him around that is when I said: ‘Look, man, c’mon, let’s get out of here. Let’s leave’” said Folden.
As Posobeic stood by the crowd protesting the statue of Abraham Lincoln and a freed slave,a number of young men in all black clothing, helmets and goggles formed a circle around him.
The Navy veteran was shoved and pushed and at one point doused with water. “I was hoping to be able to catch the scene on camera when Antifa closed in on me, and tried to push me down the steps on the concrete,” he said.
That is when Truth Conductor stepped in, later joined by Fox News White House reporter Kevin Corke, whose own security detail walked Posebeic out of the crowd to safety.
Watch this video of Truth Conductor with Jack Posobeic posted by Epic Entertainment and used with their permission:
The protest was an escalation in the movement to tear down the statue of the national park’s namesake, described here by the National Park Service:
To further recognize President Lincoln, a memorial statue was placed in the park in 1876. The statue was unveiled on April 14, the 11th anniversary of President Lincoln’s death, with over 25,000 people in attendance. Frederick Douglass delivered the keynote address before President Ulysses S. Grant, his cabinet, and members of Congress. He discussed both his approval and disapproval of the monument. The statue features President Lincoln in his characteristic frock coat, holding the Emancipation Proclamation before a kneeling African American man. Modeled after Archer Alexander, the last person captured under the Fugitive Slave Act, the man’s arms are extended to show his shackles have been broken.
Posobeic told the Star Newspaper Group he was getting up close to take a video of Folden’s own attempt to counter the rally against the Lincoln statue.
“Don is someone I have seen around DC at various events and we have always been friendly. He was standing up to have his voice heard as a historian in our nation’s capital, and yet they wouldn’t let him speak,” he said.
“What he did for me intervening that day was a blessing,” Posobeic said. “I can only hope unity and dialogue we showed that day can be a symbol for how despite our outward differences we are all Americans.”
Truth Conductor said, “Right is right. Wrong is wrong. What some of those protesters don’t realize is: ‘What if that was you surrounded by an angry crowd? How would you feel? Wouldn’t you want somebody to step up on your behalf?”
Folden said he was not worried about the angry mob hurting him.
“I have a secret weapon,” he said. “I can’t tell you what my secret weapon is, but you know, let’s just say there is something about me they respect—and I know they respect it. That’s why I can move in these crowds. I know what it is, but they don’t know what it is.”
Truth Conductor said he wished young black men in Washington could stop to realize that even they know the real enemy is not the police.
“The problem with a lot of these young boys right now–they not walking down the street looking over their shoulders for the police,” he said. “They looking over their shoulders for another kid who looks just like them–and yet, they said: ‘Black lives matter'”
The Alabama native said it was in January, when it came to him to adopt the Truth Conductor persona. “I was having one of my moments and I went to a park, where my wife and I used to sit. As I was sitting there, all I could hear was ‘Truth Conductor’ and I didn’t know what it was supposed to mean.”
Folden, who came to Washington as a 22-year-old in 1975, said people had always told him he looked like a railroad conductor, so he decided to go with it.
– – –
Neil W. McCabe is a Washington-based national political reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. In addition to the Star Newspapers, he is a Media Fellow at the Gold Institute for International Strategies. Prior to joining the Star Newspapers, McCabe covered the White House, Capitol Hill and national politics for One America News, Breitbart, Human Events and Townhall. Before coming to Washington, he was a staff reporter for Boston’s Catholic paper, The Pilot, and the editor of two Boston-area community papers, The Somerville News and The Alewife. McCabe is a public affairs NCO in the Army Reserve and he deployed for 15 months to Iraq as a combat historian. Follow him: @neilwmccabe2
Photo “Jack Posobiec ” by Epic Entertainment.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--McGrath Wins Kentucky Dem Primary; McConnell Showdown Awaits

LOUISVILLE , Kentucky ( AP ) — Former Marine pilot Amy McGrath overcame a bumpier-than-expected Kentucky primary to win the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination Tuesday , fending off progressive Charles Booker to set up a bruising , big-spending showdown with Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
Voting ended June 23 , but it took a week until McGrath could be declared the winner due to the race ’ s tight margins and a deluge of mail-in ballots .
The outcome seemed a certainty early in the campaign but became tenuous as Booker ’ s profile surged as the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of African Americans in encounters with police .
It was a narrow victory for McGrath .
With 99 % of precincts reporting Tuesday afternoon , she had an 11,832-vote advantage over Booker out of nearly 531,000 votes cast .
Several other candidates attracted tens of thousands of votes .
McConnell , a key ally to President Donald Trump , already breezed to victory in the GOP primary in his bid for a seventh term .
Kentucky switched to widespread absentee voting amid the coronavirus pandemic , and election officials needed days to count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s second-largest city , about 6,000 absentee ballots were thrown out on technicalities ranging from unsigned envelopes to detached security flaps , said Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins .
Since last summer , McConnell and McGrath looked past their primaries to skirmish with each other , and now those attacks will intensify heading into the fall campaign .
Declaring victory , McGrath reached out to Booker ’ s supporters to try to unite the party for the challenge ahead against McConnell , who has dominated Kentucky ’ s political landscape for decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at stake , ” McGrath said in a statement .
“ The differences that separate Democrats are nothing compared to the chasm that exists between us and the politics and actions of Mitch McConnell .
He ’ s destroyed our institutions for far too long.
” By mid-afternoon Tuesday , Booker ’ s campaign had not publicly commented on the outcome .
McConnell campaign spokeswoman Kate Cooksey said McGrath ’ s narrow victory was proof that her campaign is damaged heading into the general election .
Cooksey portrayed McGrath as a “ tool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the challenger was out of step with Kentucky with her support for abortion rights and “ government-run health care.
” McGrath has raised prodigious amounts of campaign cash , capitalizing on the wrath national Democrats have for McConnell .
It places her in a position to go toe-to-toe with the always-well-funded McConnell .
Despite her advantages , McGrath sweated out her victory against the hard-charging Booker .
Booker ’ s long-shot bid surged amid the national eruption of protests against police brutality .
He joined demonstrations in his hometown of Louisville to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fatally shot by Louisville police in her own home .
Booker gained the backing of leading national progressives as he supported a universal basic income and Medicare for All — ideas that McGrath resisted .
McGrath charted a more moderate course inside Democratic politics .
She supports adding a public health insurance option as part of the Obama-era Affordable Care Act and supports expanded access to Medicare for people 55 and older .
She portrays McConnell as an overly partisan , Washington insider who exemplifies what ’ s wrong with national politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions , awarding tax cuts for the wealthy and cozying up to pharmaceutical companies while people struggle to afford prescription drugs .
McConnell accuses her of being too liberal for Kentucky on issues ranging from abortion to border security .
He promotes his work with President Donald Trump — who remains popular in Kentucky — to appoint conservatives to fill federal court seats .
McConnell also plays up his Senate leadership role and his ability to steer federal money back to the Bluegrass State .
Trump could turn into a focal point in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to defend the president after House Democrats impeached him .
McGrath has said she would have voted to convict Trump on both impeachment counts .
She accused of the GOP-led Senate of lacking “ the guts ” to put a check on “ out-of-control presidential power.
” Bruce Schreiner is a reporter for The Associated Press .
AP Writer Piper Hudspeth Blackburn contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : In this Nov. 6 , 2018 , file photo , Amy McGrath speaks to supporters in Richmond , Ky. McGrath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination Tuesday , June 30 , 2020 fending off progressive Charles Booker to set up a bruising , big-spending showdown with Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
( AP Photo/Bryan Woolston , File )

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AP) — Former Marine pilot Amy McGrath overcame a bumpier-than-expected Kentucky primary to win the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination Tuesday, fending off progressive Charles Booker to set up a bruising, big-spending showdown with Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Voting ended June 23, but it took a week until McGrath could be declared the winner due to the race’s tight margins and a deluge of mail-in ballots. The outcome seemed a certainty early in the campaign but became tenuous as Booker’s profile surged as the Black state lawmaker highlighted protests against the deaths of African Americans in encounters with police.
It was a narrow victory for McGrath. With 99% of precincts reporting Tuesday afternoon, she had an 11,832-vote advantage over Booker out of nearly 531,000 votes cast. Several other candidates attracted tens of thousands of votes. McConnell, a key ally to President Donald Trump, already breezed to victory in the GOP primary in his bid for a seventh term.
Kentucky switched to widespread absentee voting amid the coronavirus pandemic, and election officials needed days to count ballots. In Lexington, the state’s second-largest city, about 6,000 absentee ballots were thrown out on technicalities ranging from unsigned envelopes to detached security flaps, said Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins.
Since last summer, McConnell and McGrath looked past their primaries to skirmish with each other, and now those attacks will intensify heading into the fall campaign.
Declaring victory, McGrath reached out to Booker’s supporters to try to unite the party for the challenge ahead against McConnell, who has dominated Kentucky’s political landscape for decades.
“There is far too much at stake,” McGrath said in a statement. “The differences that separate Democrats are nothing compared to the chasm that exists between us and the politics and actions of Mitch McConnell. He’s destroyed our institutions for far too long.”
By mid-afternoon Tuesday, Booker’s campaign had not publicly commented on the outcome.
McConnell campaign spokeswoman Kate Cooksey said McGrath’s narrow victory was proof that her campaign is damaged heading into the general election. Cooksey portrayed McGrath as a “tool” for the national Democratic establishment and said the challenger was out of step with Kentucky with her support for abortion rights and “government-run health care.”
McGrath has raised prodigious amounts of campaign cash, capitalizing on the wrath national Democrats have for McConnell. It places her in a position to go toe-to-toe with the always-well-funded McConnell.
Despite her advantages, McGrath sweated out her victory against the hard-charging Booker.
Booker’s long-shot bid surged amid the national eruption of protests against police brutality. He joined demonstrations in his hometown of Louisville to demand justice for Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by Louisville police in her own home. Booker gained the backing of leading national progressives as he supported a universal basic income and Medicare for All — ideas that McGrath resisted.
McGrath charted a more moderate course inside Democratic politics. She supports adding a public health insurance option as part of the Obama-era Affordable Care Act and supports expanded access to Medicare for people 55 and older.
She portrays McConnell as an overly partisan, Washington insider who exemplifies what’s wrong with national politics. She accuses McConnell of undermining labor unions, awarding tax cuts for the wealthy and cozying up to pharmaceutical companies while people struggle to afford prescription drugs.
McConnell accuses her of being too liberal for Kentucky on issues ranging from abortion to border security. He promotes his work with President Donald Trump — who remains popular in Kentucky — to appoint conservatives to fill federal court seats. McConnell also plays up his Senate leadership role and his ability to steer federal money back to the Bluegrass State.
Trump could turn into a focal point in the Senate race.
McConnell led the effort to defend the president after House Democrats impeached him. McGrath has said she would have voted to convict Trump on both impeachment counts. She accused of the GOP-led Senate of lacking “the guts” to put a check on “out-of-control presidential power.”
– – –
Bruce Schreiner is a reporter for The Associated Press. AP Writer Piper Hudspeth Blackburn contributed to this report.
About the Headline Photo: In this Nov. 6, 2018, file photo, Amy McGrath speaks to supporters in Richmond, Ky. McGrath overcame a bumpier-than-expected Kentucky primary to win the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination Tuesday, June 30, 2020 fending off progressive Charles Booker to set up a bruising, big-spending showdown with Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Carl Reiner, Beloved Creator of ‘Dick Van Dyke Show,’ Dies

NEW YORK CITY , New York ( AP ) — Carl Reiner , the ingenious and versatile writer , actor and director who broke through as a “ second banana ” to Sid Caesar and rose to comedy ’ s front ranks as creator of “ The Dick Van Dyke Show ” and straight man to Mel Brooks ’ “ 2000 Year Old Man , ” has died .
He was 98 .
Reiner ’ s assistant Judy Nagy said he died Monday night of natural causes at his home in Beverly Hills , California .
He was one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tall , bald Reiner was a welcome face on the small and silver screens : In Caesar ’ s 1950s troupe , as the snarling , toupee-wearing Alan Brady of “ The Dick Van Dyke Show ” and in such films as “ The Russians Are Coming , the Russians Are Coming ” and “ It ’ s a Mad , Mad , Mad , Mad World.
” In recent years , he was part of the roguish gang in the “ Ocean ’ s Eleven ” movies starring George Clooney and appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Golden Age ” and “ If You ’ re Not in the Obit , Eat Breakfast.
” Tributes poured in , with Van Dyke calling Reiner “ kind , gentle , compassionate , empathetic and wise , ” and Clooney saying he made “ every room he walked into funnier , smarter , kinder.
” Betty White described herself as privileged to work with Reiner and “ heartbroken.
” Steve Martin said goodbye to “ my greatest mentor in movies and in life .
Thank you , dear Carl.
” Billy Crystal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have lost a giant , ” and Sarah Silverman said ” his humanity was beyond compare.
” Reiner directed such films as “ Oh , God !
” starring George Burns and John Denver ; “ All of Me , ” with Martin and Lily Tomlin ; and the 1970 comedy “ Where ’ s Poppa ?
” His books include “ Enter Laughing , ” an autobiographical novel later adapted into a film and Broadway show ; and “ My Anecdotal Life , ” a memoir published in 2003 .
He recounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 book , “ I Remember Me.
” But many remember Reiner for “ The Dick Van Dyke Show , ” one of the most popular TV series of all time and a model of ensemble playing , physical comedy and timeless , good-natured wit .
It starred Van Dyke as a television comedy writer working for a demanding , eccentric boss ( Reiner ) and living with his wife ( Mary Tyler Moore in her first major TV role ) and son .
“ The Van Dyke show is probably the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very personal , ” Reiner once said .
“ It was about me and my wife , living in New Rochelle and working on the Sid Caesar show.
” The pilot , written by Reiner , starred himself as Rob Petrie , and aired in July 1960 .
When the show was reworked ( CBS executives worried Reiner would make the lead character seem too Jewish ) , Van Dyke was cast and the program ran from 1961 to 1966 .
One famous fan , Orson Welles , was known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so he could be near a TV when the show was on .
“ Although it was a collaborative effort , ″ Van Dyke later wrote , ” everything about the show stemmed from his ( Reiner ’ s ) endlessly and enviably fascinating , funny , and fertile brain and trickled down to the rest of us.
” The story line had Petrie as the head writer for “ The Alan Brady Show , ” a comedy-variety series not unlike “ Your Show of Shows , ” in which Reiner , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Petrie ’ s fellow writers were character actors Morey Amsterdam as Buddy Sorrell and Rose Marie as Sally Rogers .
It was an early parody of the Caesar show , which would later be dramatized in the film “ My Favorite Year ” and Neil Simon ’ s play “ Laughter on the 23rd Floor.
” Besides acting in and producing the “ Van Dyke ” series , Reiner wrote or co-wrote dozens of episodes .
Although the show was the best of good clean fun , it wasn ’ t clean enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network officials over the sleeping arrangements of Rob and his wife ; the Petries slept in twin beds .
He wanted them to sleep in a double bed .
Reiner joined the classic comedy revue “ Your Show of Shows ” in 1950 after performing in Broadway plays .
Much of Reiner ’ s early work came as a “ second banana ” — although , as Caesar once put it , “ Such bananas don ’ t grow on trees.
” He performed in sketches — satirizing everything from foreign films to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added his talents to a writing team that included Brooks , Simon , Woody Allen and Larry Gelbart .
“ As second banana , ” he told TV Guide , “ I had a chance to do just about everything a performer can ever get to do .
If it came off well , I got all the applause .
If it didn ’ t , the show was blamed.
” It was during the “ Show of Shows ” years that Reiner and Brooks started improvising skits which became the basis for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reiner was the interviewer , Brooks the old man and witness to history .
Brooks : “ I knew Christ , Christ was a thin lad , always wore sandals .
Hung around with 12 other guys .
They came in the store , no one ever bought anything .
Once they asked for water.
” After the pair performed the routine at a party , Reiner said Steve Allen insisted they turn their banter into a record .
The album , “ 2000 Years with Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a million-selling franchise .
The duo won a Grammy in 1998 for their “ The 2000 Year Old Man in the Year 2000 ” and Reiner won multiple Emmys for his television work .
In 2000 , he received the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for Humor .
When the sound system failed at the start of the ceremonies , Reiner called from the balcony , “ Does anybody have four double-A batteries ?
” Besides “ All of Me , ” Reiner directed Martin in “ Dead Men Don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Two Brains ” and “ The Jerk.
” Reiner was the father of actor-director Rob Reiner , who starred as Archie Bunker ’ s son-in-law on “ All in the Family ” and directed “ When Harry Met Sally… ” Rob Reiner said in a tweet Tuesday that his “ heart is hurting .
He was my guiding light.
” Carl Reiner was born in 1922 , in New York City ’ s Bronx borough , one of two sons of Jewish immigrants .
He grew up in a working-class neighborhood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell jokes .
After high school , Reiner attended drama school , then joined a small theater group .
During World War II , Reiner joined the Army and toured in GI variety shows for a year and a half .
Back out of uniform , he landed several stage roles , breaking through on Broadway in “ Call Me Mister.
” He married his wife , Estelle , in 1943 .
Besides son Rob , the couple had another son , Lucas , a film director , and a daughter , Sylvia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reiner , who died in 2008 , had a small role in Rob Reiner ’ s “ When Harry Met Sally… ” — as the woman who overhears Meg Ryan play-acting in a restaurant and says , “ I ’ ll have what she ’ s having.
” Carl Reiner ’ s greatest disappointment was “ Bert Rigby , You ’ re a Fool , ” a 1989 musical he wrote and directed that starred Robert Lindsay , a British actor Reiner believed could be a new Dick Van Dyke .
The film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a director faded .
Reiner , inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences ’ Hall of Fame , remained involved in other entertainment projects .
In the 1990s , he reprised the Alan Brady character for an episode of “ Mad About You.
” His death was first reported Tuesday by celebrity website TMZ .
Mike Stewart is a reporter for The Associated Press .
AP National Writer Hillel Italie and Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy contributed to this story .
About the Headline Photo : In this May 26 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holds two Emmy statuettes presented to him as best comedy writer for the “ Dick Van Dyke Show , ” during the annual Emmy Awards presentation in Los Angeles .
Reiner , the ingenious and versatile writer , actor and director who broke through as a “ second banana ” to Sid Caesar and rose to comedy ’ s front ranks as creator of “ The Dick Van Dyke Show ” and straight man to Mel Brooks ’ “ 2000 Year Old Man , ” has died , according to reports .
Variety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday night , June 29 , 2020 , at his home in Beverly Hills , Calif .
He was 98 .
( AP Photo , File )

NEW YORK CITY, New York (AP) — Carl Reiner, the ingenious and versatile writer, actor and director who broke through as a “second banana” to Sid Caesar and rose to comedy’s front ranks as creator of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and straight man to Mel Brooks’ “2000 Year Old Man,” has died. He was 98.
Reiner’s assistant Judy Nagy said he died Monday night of natural causes at his home in Beverly Hills, California.
He was one of show business’ best-liked men. The tall, bald Reiner was a welcome face on the small and silver screens: In Caesar’s 1950s troupe, as the snarling, toupee-wearing Alan Brady of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and in such films as “The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming” and “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.”
In recent years, he was part of the roguish gang in the “Ocean’s Eleven” movies starring George Clooney and appeared in documentaries including “Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age” and “If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast.”
Tributes poured in, with Van Dyke calling Reiner “kind, gentle, compassionate, empathetic and wise,” and Clooney saying he made “every room he walked into funnier, smarter, kinder.”
Betty White described herself as privileged to work with Reiner and “heartbroken.” Steve Martin said goodbye to “my greatest mentor in movies and in life. Thank you, dear Carl.” Billy Crystal said “all of us in comedy have lost a giant,” and Sarah Silverman said ”his humanity was beyond compare.”
Reiner directed such films as “Oh, God!” starring George Burns and John Denver; “All of Me,” with Martin and Lily Tomlin; and the 1970 comedy “Where’s Poppa?” His books include “Enter Laughing,” an autobiographical novel later adapted into a film and Broadway show; and “My Anecdotal Life,” a memoir published in 2003. He recounted his childhood and creative journey in the 2013 book, “I Remember Me.”
But many remember Reiner for “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” one of the most popular TV series of all time and a model of ensemble playing, physical comedy and timeless, good-natured wit. It starred Van Dyke as a television comedy writer working for a demanding, eccentric boss (Reiner) and living with his wife (Mary Tyler Moore in her first major TV role) and son.
“The Van Dyke show is probably the most thrilling of my accomplishments because that was very, very personal,” Reiner once said. “It was about me and my wife, living in New Rochelle and working on the Sid Caesar show.”
The pilot, written by Reiner, starred himself as Rob Petrie, and aired in July 1960. When the show was reworked (CBS executives worried Reiner would make the lead character seem too Jewish), Van Dyke was cast and the program ran from 1961 to 1966. One famous fan, Orson Welles, was known for rushing to his bedroom in the afternoon so he could be near a TV when the show was on.
“Although it was a collaborative effort,″ Van Dyke later wrote, ”everything about the show stemmed from his (Reiner’s) endlessly and enviably fascinating, funny, and fertile brain and trickled down to the rest of us.”
The story line had Petrie as the head writer for “The Alan Brady Show,” a comedy-variety series not unlike “Your Show of Shows,” in which Reiner, as Brady, was the egocentric star. Petrie’s fellow writers were character actors Morey Amsterdam as Buddy Sorrell and Rose Marie as Sally Rogers.
It was an early parody of the Caesar show, which would later be dramatized in the film “My Favorite Year” and Neil Simon’s play “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.”
Besides acting in and producing the “Van Dyke” series, Reiner wrote or co-wrote dozens of episodes. Although the show was the best of good clean fun, it wasn’t clean enough for network censors. Reiner often battled network officials over the sleeping arrangements of Rob and his wife; the Petries slept in twin beds. He wanted them to sleep in a double bed.
Reiner joined the classic comedy revue “Your Show of Shows” in 1950 after performing in Broadway plays. Much of Reiner’s early work came as a “second banana” — although, as Caesar once put it, “Such bananas don’t grow on trees.” He performed in sketches — satirizing everything from foreign films to rock ‘n’ roll — and added his talents to a writing team that included Brooks, Simon, Woody Allen and Larry Gelbart.
“As second banana,” he told TV Guide, “I had a chance to do just about everything a performer can ever get to do. If it came off well, I got all the applause. If it didn’t, the show was blamed.”
It was during the “Show of Shows” years that Reiner and Brooks started improvising skits which became the basis for “The 2000 Year Old Man.” Reiner was the interviewer, Brooks the old man and witness to history.
Reiner: “Did you know Jesus?”
Brooks: “I knew Christ, Christ was a thin lad, always wore sandals. Hung around with 12 other guys. They came in the store, no one ever bought anything. Once they asked for water.”
After the pair performed the routine at a party, Reiner said Steve Allen insisted they turn their banter into a record. The album, “2000 Years with Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks,” appeared in 1960 and was the start of a million-selling franchise.
The duo won a Grammy in 1998 for their “The 2000 Year Old Man in the Year 2000” and Reiner won multiple Emmys for his television work. In 2000, he received the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for Humor. When the sound system failed at the start of the ceremonies, Reiner called from the balcony, “Does anybody have four double-A batteries?”
Besides “All of Me,” Reiner directed Martin in “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid,” “The Man With Two Brains” and “The Jerk.”
Reiner was the father of actor-director Rob Reiner, who starred as Archie Bunker’s son-in-law on “All in the Family” and directed “When Harry Met Sally…” Rob Reiner said in a tweet Tuesday that his “heart is hurting. He was my guiding light.”
Carl Reiner was born in 1922, in New York City’s Bronx borough, one of two sons of Jewish immigrants. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood, where he learned to mimic voices and tell jokes. After high school, Reiner attended drama school, then joined a small theater group.
During World War II, Reiner joined the Army and toured in GI variety shows for a year and a half. Back out of uniform, he landed several stage roles, breaking through on Broadway in “Call Me Mister.”
He married his wife, Estelle, in 1943. Besides son Rob, the couple had another son, Lucas, a film director, and a daughter, Sylvia, a psychoanalyst and author. Estelle Reiner, who died in 2008, had a small role in Rob Reiner’s “When Harry Met Sally…” — as the woman who overhears Meg Ryan play-acting in a restaurant and says, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Carl Reiner’s greatest disappointment was “Bert Rigby, You’re a Fool,” a 1989 musical he wrote and directed that starred Robert Lindsay, a British actor Reiner believed could be a new Dick Van Dyke. The film flopped, and Reiner’s career as a director faded.
Reiner, inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame, remained involved in other entertainment projects. In the 1990s, he reprised the Alan Brady character for an episode of “Mad About You.”
His death was first reported Tuesday by celebrity website TMZ.
– – –
Mike Stewart is a reporter for The Associated Press. AP National Writer Hillel Italie and Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy contributed to this story.
About the Headline Photo: In this May 26, 1963 file photo, Carl Reiner shows holds two Emmy statuettes presented to him as best comedy writer for the “Dick Van Dyke Show,” during the annual Emmy Awards presentation in Los Angeles. Reiner, the ingenious and versatile writer, actor and director who broke through as a “second banana” to Sid Caesar and rose to comedy’s front ranks as creator of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and straight man to Mel Brooks’ “2000 Year Old Man,” has died, according to reports. Variety reported he died of natural causes on Monday night, June 29, 2020, at his home in Beverly Hills, Calif. He was 98. (AP Photo, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Music Spotlight: Tyler Rich

Music Spotlight: Tyler Rich

Nashville , Tennessee- Tyler Rich grew up in Northern California in the small town of Yuba City .
He grew up listening to country music with his mom and rock n roll with his dad .
“ My Uncle [ Tim ] always had his guitar at every family function .
He was always playing .
He didn ’ t know genres , he just knew good music , ” he said .
“ He would play , Tom Petty , Credence Clearwater , George Strait , Brooks , and Dunn or Garth Brooks .
He even played Michael Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was good music.
” Rich expounded , “ I watched what [ his music ] would do to my family and friends as soon as he would pull out a guitar and play .
We could be talking about the most interesting thing in the world , but if somebody pulled out a guitar , that ’ s what caught everybody ’ s attention.
” When he was 13 , Rich decided he wanted to learn to play guitar , not necessarily to play live music , but just so he sit around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After practicing for about a year and a half , he was good enough to be in a band .
He found a couple of other guys in his tiny high school who also wanted to learn an instrument and play in a band .
Their moms agreed to let them play in their garages .
“ Even though we played loudly and we weren ’ t good at all , we would never get complaints from neighbors , ” he said .
After high school graduation , he was in a band @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They got a record deal when Rich was 19 .
They were an Indie rock band that toured all over the country .
He was simultaneously taking online classes in college as he was figuring out what he wanted to do .
That band eventually broke up and even though he tried again with another group , he eventually ended up at California State University Sacramento ( CSUS ) where he pursued a degree in economics .
He still played ( mostly for exposure ) on the weekends while in college .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this time and they helped him with his car payment so he could continue to pursue music .
He told his family , “ If you will help me chase my dream by paying these bills , I promise if this doesn ’ t work out , I will go back and get my degree.
” Eventually , he did graduate from CSUS and almost immediately got job offers in the financial sector .
“ It was extremely enticing after being a poor musician and waiter for many years to get an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits , ” he said .
However the California boy had promised himself , once he graduated around 2012 , he would move to L.A. and give music one more shot .
It was at that time that Rich considered being a solo artist instead of being part of a band .
It was his love of story-telling that turned him more towards country music/lyrics .
“ I wanted to tell stories of where I grew up and ex-girlfriends and traveling around , ” he said .
Rich ’ s favorite then and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pop-rock country high energy fit the solo vibe he was seeking .
The singer connected with fans on Instagram and in the meantime , he caught the attention of Dustin Lynch and his manager .
They arranged a meeting in Nashville and he fell in love with the town .
That was five years ago when he left L.A. to chase the newer version of his dream in Nashville .
After a year , Rich went on the road with Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane and played an acoustic set on Lynch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tour .
He was lucky enough to hang out with some incredible songwriters where honed his songwriting skills .
After about 18 months of living in Nashville , he was fortunate enough to sign with Big Machine Label Group .
The first time I heard Tyler Rich was on Sirius XM The Highway when he was introduced as a “ Highway Find ” with his debut single “ The Difference.
” The song , written by Rhett Akins , Devin Dawson , Benjamin Burgess , and Jacob Durrett , stars Rich ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gadecki in the video .
Rich told me that when he moved to Nashville , he got a new truck .
He had never even heard of Sirius XM The Highway .
He listened to them the whole way to Tennessee and decided that he needed to become a Highway Find like Florida-Georgia Line and Cole Swindell .
The day “ The Difference ” came out was the day that he became the next “ Highway Find ” and the rest is history .
In September of 2019 , Rich ’ s single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number one spot on the Sirius XM ’ s The Highway Top 30 Countdown during the same week that he and Gadecki were married .
The idea for “ Leave Her Wild ” comes from the Atticus poem that says if you are going to love her , leave her wild .
The newlywed clarified , “ Basically , I just wrote it about loving somebody for who they are and not trying to change somebody — not having your own ideas on how they should live their lives , really just letting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was supposed to play his first headline tour this spring , but like all musicians , it has been put on hold .
Instead , he has been quarantining with his wife in L.A while still creating and playing new music .
His newest single , “ Feels Like Home ” was inspired by his first trip to Dublin where he experienced the pub culture and the camaraderie .
All the dancing and the singing and the beers and the chanting reminded him so much of home and every dive bar at which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you meet a stranger in a place you ’ ve never been before , and they make you feel at home that is what the song is about , ” Rich explained .
However , due to social distance requirements , the “ Feels Like Home ” video is an animated version .
Nevertheless , you hear the Irish influence in this fun and hopeful new song .
“ A lot of people think I moved to town and quickly got a record deal .
They don ’ t realize that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Even though he was been Big Machine/Valory Records for over three years , Rich is just now able to complete his first solo album .
Since his wife is an actress , they split their time between L.A. and Nashville .
They are there for each other and make the most of their unique , long-distance marriage .
You can follow Tyler Rich on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube , Amazon , Apple , and Spotify .
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Instagram , and Twitter .

Nashville, Tennessee- Tyler Rich grew up in Northern California in the small town of Yuba City. He grew up listening to country music with his mom and rock n roll with his dad.
“My Uncle [Tim] always had his guitar at every family function. He was always playing. He didn’t know genres, he just knew good music,” he said. “He would play, Tom Petty, Credence Clearwater, George Strait, Brooks, and Dunn or Garth Brooks. He even played Michael Jackson and the Beatles as long as it was good music.”
Rich expounded, “I watched what [his music] would do to my family and friends as soon as he would pull out a guitar and play. We could be talking about the most interesting thing in the world, but if somebody pulled out a guitar, that’s what caught everybody’s attention.”
When he was 13, Rich decided he wanted to learn to play guitar, not necessarily to play live music, but just so he sit around and play with his Uncle Tim. After practicing for about a year and a half, he was good enough to be in a band. He found a couple of other guys in his tiny high school who also wanted to learn an instrument and play in a band. Their moms agreed to let them play in their garages.
“Even though we played loudly and we weren’t good at all, we would never get complaints from neighbors,” he said.
After high school graduation, he was in a band that garnered a little bit of hype. They got a record deal when Rich was 19. They were an Indie rock band that toured all over the country. He was simultaneously taking online classes in college as he was figuring out what he wanted to do. That band eventually broke up and even though he tried again with another group, he eventually ended up at California State University Sacramento (CSUS) where he pursued a degree in economics.
He still played (mostly for exposure) on the weekends while in college . His mom and grandparents were very supportive during this time and they helped him with his car payment so he could continue to pursue music. He told his family, “If you will help me chase my dream by paying these bills, I promise if this doesn’t work out, I will go back and get my degree.”
Eventually, he did graduate from CSUS and almost immediately got job offers in the financial sector.
“It was extremely enticing after being a poor musician and waiter for many years to get an offer with a high salary and good benefits,” he said. However the California boy had promised himself, once he graduated around 2012, he would move to L.A. and give music one more shot.
It was at that time that Rich considered being a solo artist instead of being part of a band. It was his love of story-telling that turned him more towards country music/lyrics.
“I wanted to tell stories of where I grew up and ex-girlfriends and traveling around,” he said. Rich’s favorite then and now is Keith Urban. Urban’s pop-rock country high energy fit the solo vibe he was seeking.
The singer connected with fans on Instagram and in the meantime, he caught the attention of Dustin Lynch and his manager. They arranged a meeting in Nashville and he fell in love with the town. That was five years ago when he left L.A. to chase the newer version of his dream in Nashville.
After a year, Rich went on the road with Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane and played an acoustic set on Lynch’s “Hell of Night” tour. He was lucky enough to hang out with some incredible songwriters where honed his songwriting skills. After about 18 months of living in Nashville, he was fortunate enough to sign with Big Machine Label Group.
The first time I heard Tyler Rich was on Sirius XM The Highway when he was introduced as a “Highway Find” with his debut single “The Difference.” The song, written by Rhett Akins, Devin Dawson, Benjamin Burgess, and Jacob Durrett, stars Rich’s then-fiancée (now wife), Sabina Gadecki in the video.
Rich told me that when he moved to Nashville, he got a new truck. He had never even heard of Sirius XM The Highway. He listened to them the whole way to Tennessee and decided that he needed to become a Highway Find like Florida-Georgia Line and Cole Swindell. The day “The Difference” came out was the day that he became the next “Highway Find” and the rest is history.
In September of 2019, Rich’s single “Leave Her Wild” reached the number one spot on the Sirius XM’s The Highway Top 30 Countdown during the same week that he and Gadecki were married. The idea for “Leave Her Wild” comes from the Atticus poem that says if you are going to love her, leave her wild.
The newlywed clarified, “Basically, I just wrote it about loving somebody for who they are and not trying to change somebody — not having your own ideas on how they should live their lives, really just letting who they are inside shine.”
Rich was supposed to play his first headline tour this spring, but like all musicians, it has been put on hold. Instead, he has been quarantining with his wife in L.A while still creating and playing new music.
His newest single, “Feels Like Home” was inspired by his first trip to Dublin where he experienced the pub culture and the camaraderie. All the dancing and the singing and the beers and the chanting reminded him so much of home and every dive bar at which he had played in America.
“When you meet a stranger in a place you’ve never been before, and they make you feel at home that is what the song is about,” Rich explained. However, due to social distance requirements, the “Feels Like Home” video is an animated version. Nevertheless, you hear the Irish influence in this fun and hopeful new song.
“A lot of people think I moved to town and quickly got a record deal. They don’t realize that I have been on tour for fifteen years,” he said.
Even though he was been Big Machine/Valory Records for over three years, Rich is just now able to complete his first solo album. Since his wife is an actress, they split their time between L.A. and Nashville. They are there for each other and make the most of their unique, long-distance marriage.
You can follow Tyler Rich on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Amazon, Apple, and Spotify.
– – –
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Bethany Writes, Instagram, and Twitter.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Ken Paulson, Director of MTSU’s The First Amendment Center Exercises His First Amendment Right Not t

Ken Paulson, Director of MTSU’s The First Amendment Center Exercises His First Amendment Right Not to Speak on the Show

Live from Music Row Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed public affairs strategist Clint Brewer in the studio .
At the top of the third hour , Leahy and Brewer discuss Middle Tennesse State University ’ s First Amendment Center and the dynamics of the First Amendment and Paulson ’ s focus on peaceful assembly .
Leahy added that Paulson declined an invitation to come on The Tennessee Star Report and talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a story that I was delighted to write about yesterday .
There is a First Amendment Center .
This is a survivor of the John Seigenthaler Project that ’ s gone through many interactions .
A guy by the name of Ken Paulson heads it up .
It ’ s now based at Middle Tennessee State University .
They are launching a major program to advertise and educate people about the First Amendment .
That ’ s a worthy goal .
Brewer : Yes it is .
It ’ s a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve written a book about the First Amendment .
About the Bill of Rights and the Constitution for secondary students .
We do a Constitution Bee here in Tennessee every year .
This will be our fourth year .
And we are going to do a national one here if all the COVID stuff works out .
We ’ re still working out the details .
Well , I thought how fantastic !
Let ’ s invite Ken to be on the program because they want to educate people about the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He does not want to come on the program .
Brewer : What was the reason ?
Brewer : I know Ken Paulson a little bit .
He ’ s a good man .
He has walked the walk for a long time and not just talk the talk when it comes to the First Amendment .
( Leahy laughs ) I ’ ll say to you what I ’ ve said to a lot of journalists over the years now that I ’ m on the other side of the ball .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom to speak it ’ s also the freedom not to speak .
Leahy : Exactly !
And he ’ s exercising that right with us .
Brewer : I used to have a friend and I won ’ t mention him by name but he ’ s one of Nashville ’ s better reporters and he used to get all over me because I wouldn ’ t provide him a commissioner or some state official when I was in the administration that he wanted to talk to .
And I would say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infringing on your First Amendment rights but by them deciding to exercise theirs in the negative rather than the positive .
Leahy : Here ’ s the problem with that .
The First Amendment Center based in Middle Tennessee State University their stated objective is to educate the public on the First Amendment .
Leahy : We have a forum here at The Tennessee Star and at The Tennessee Star Report .
The public is out there listening to us .
Our ratings are up , up , up , up !
Leahy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be inconsistent with the mission of the Middle Tennessee State First Amendment Center for the director of it not to take up an opportunity , free .
( Chuckles ) We are not charging anything to come on and talk about the importance of the First Amendment .
Brewer : Everybody is different .
My political views and my personal views are , you and I aren ’ t in 100 percent lockstep .
We actually argue a lot on the show .
( Chuckles ) Leahy : We have disagreements like gentlemen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I could go on almost any show whether it ’ s left or right .
I think it ’ s people ’ s comfort level .
I can ’ t really diagnose what the problem is .
But you do have an audience and I think certainly anybody when you take the opportunity to go on this show and get the word out .
Leahy : I ’ ll tell you what my suspicion is .
Brewer : I bet I know what your suspicion is Mike .
( Leahy laughs ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us because we are originalists and conservatives .
He doesn ’ t want to share his views or have them challenged .
Which I think they would be .
You have to look at the site .
He ’ s really big on the right to peaceably assemble which is great .
But I think he ’ s tying that into the George Floyd protests .
I think the problem there is going to be that I would probably point out , there ’ s a difference between rioting and peaceful assembly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
We ’ ll be nice to you .
Clint will vouch for us .
Brewer : I will vouch for both of you .
Listen to the full third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .

Live from Music Row Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed public affairs strategist Clint Brewer in the studio.
At the top of the third hour, Leahy and Brewer discuss Middle Tennesse State University’s First Amendment Center and the dynamics of the First Amendment and Paulson’s focus on peaceful assembly. Leahy added that Paulson declined an invitation to come on The Tennessee Star Report and talk about the Center.
Leahy: We had a story that I was delighted to write about yesterday. There is a First Amendment Center. This is a survivor of the John Seigenthaler Project that’s gone through many interactions. A guy by the name of Ken Paulson heads it up. It’s now based at Middle Tennessee State University. They are launching a major program to advertise and educate people about the First Amendment. That’s a worthy goal.
Brewer: Yes it is. It’s a very worthy goal.
Leahy: And I’ve written a book about the First Amendment. About the Bill of Rights and the Constitution for secondary students. We do a Constitution Bee here in Tennessee every year. This will be our fourth year. And we are going to do a national one here if all the COVID stuff works out.
We’re still working out the details. Well, I thought how fantastic! Let’s invite Ken to be on the program because they want to educate people about the First Amendment. He turned us down. He does not want to come on the program.
Brewer: What was the reason?
Leahy: Wouldn’t say.
Brewer: I know Ken Paulson a little bit. He’s a good man. He has walked the walk for a long time and not just talk the talk when it comes to the First Amendment. (Leahy laughs) I’ll say to you what I’ve said to a lot of journalists over the years now that I’m on the other side of the ball. The First Amendment is not just the freedom to speak it’s also the freedom not to speak.
Leahy: Exactly! And he’s exercising that right with us.
Brewer: I used to have a friend and I won’t mention him by name but he’s one of Nashville’s better reporters and he used to get all over me because I wouldn’t provide him a commissioner or some state official when I was in the administration that he wanted to talk to. And I would say hey look. I’m not infringing on your First Amendment rights but by them deciding to exercise theirs in the negative rather than the positive.
Leahy: Here’s the problem with that. The First Amendment Center based in Middle Tennessee State University their stated objective is to educate the public on the First Amendment.
Brewer: Sure.
Leahy: We have a forum here at The Tennessee Star and at The Tennessee Star Report. The public is out there listening to us. Our ratings are up, up, up, up!
Brewer: Sure.
Leahy: So it seems to me to be inconsistent with the mission of the Middle Tennessee State First Amendment Center for the director of it not to take up an opportunity, free. (Chuckles) We are not charging anything to come on and talk about the importance of the First Amendment.
Brewer: Everybody is different. My political views and my personal views are, you and I aren’t in 100 percent lockstep. We actually argue a lot on the show. (Chuckles)
Leahy: We have disagreements like gentlemen.
Brewer: We have disagreements, but I could go on almost any show whether it’s left or right. I think it’s people’s comfort level. I can’t really diagnose what the problem is. But you do have an audience and I think certainly anybody when you take the opportunity to go on this show and get the word out.
Leahy: I’ll tell you what my suspicion is.
Brewer: I bet I know what your suspicion is Mike. (Leahy laughs)
Leahy: He doesn’t like us because we are originalists and conservatives. He doesn’t want to share his views or have them challenged. Which I think they would be. You have to look at the site. He’s really big on the right to peaceably assemble which is great. But I think he’s tying that into the George Floyd protests. I think the problem there is going to be that I would probably point out, there’s a difference between rioting and peaceful assembly.
Brewer: There’s always a difference right?
Leahy: Ken Paulson, come on in. We’ll be nice to you. Clint will vouch for us.
Brewer: I will vouch for both of you.
Leahy: Ken Paulson, come on!
Listen to the full third hour here:

– – –
Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-01--Hong Kong Security Law Takes Aim at Protester Actions

HONG KONG ( AP ) — China on Tuesday approved a contentious national security law for Hong Kong that takes direct aim at some of the actions of anti-government protesters last year , in a move many see as Beijing ’ s boldest yet to erase the legal firewall between the semi-autonomous territory and the mainland ’ s authoritarian Communist Party system .
Details of the law remained under wraps until 11 p.m. ( 1500 GMT , 11:00 a.m. EDT ) , when it was published and took effect immediately .
The text specifies that those who destroy government facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Damaging public transportation facilities and arson would constitute acts of terrorism .
Any person taking part in secessionist activities , whether organizing or participating , will violate the law regardless of whether violence is used .
“ We hope the law will serve as a deterrent to prevent people from stirring up trouble , ” said Tam Yiu-Chung , Hong Kong ’ s sole representative on the Standing Committee “ Don ’ t let Hong Kong be used as a tool to split the country.
” The law took effect ahead an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the territory ’ s passing from Britain to China .
Amid protests in Hong Kong last year , demonstrators broke into the legislative building on the anniversary , spray painted slogans on the walls and heavily damaged the electronic voting system .
During months of protests , they frequently smashed subway ticket machines and electronic sensors at entry gates , and disrupted service by holding doors open so trains couldn ’ t leave the stations .
President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order promulgating the law after its approval by the Standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress , the official Xinhua News Agency said .
It was to be added to the Basic Law , Hong Kong ’ s constitution .
Under the law , those found guilty of inciting secessionist , subversive , terrorist activities and colluding with foreign forces could face life imprisonment if they are deemed masterminds of such activities .
The legislation also states that Hong Kong ’ s government “ shall take necessary measures to strengthen publicity , guidance , supervision and management ” for schools , social groups , media , internet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong will establish a committee responsible for maintaining national security in the city .
It will be chaired by chief executive Carrie Lam and will be accountable to and supervised by the Chinese government .
Passage of the law came amid fears in Hong Kong and abroad that it would be used to curb opposition voices in the financial hub .
The U.S. has already begun moves to end special trade terms given to Hong Kong after the former British colony was returned to China in 1997 .
Speaking in a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Geneva , Lam said the law would “ only target an extremely small minority ” of lawbreakers , would not be retroactive , and that mainland legal bodies would only have jurisdiction in “ rare , specified situations.
” Critics say it is the most significant erosion to date of Hong Kong ’ s British-style rule of law and the high degree of autonomy that Beijing promised Hong Kong would enjoy at least through 2047 under a “ one country , two systems ” framework .
Hong Kong pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements on Facebook saying they would withdraw from their organization Demosisto , which then announced that it would disband with the loss of its top members .
Wong said “ worrying about life and safety ” has become a real issue and nobody will be able to predict the repercussions of the law , whether it is being extradited to China or facing long jail terms .
A group of about 30 pro-China supporters gathered at Hong Kong ’ s Tamar Park on Tuesday , waving Chinese flags .
Organizers said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security law , and to celebrate Hong Kong ’ s return to China .
Meanwhile , more than 100 protesters gathered at a luxury mall in Hong Kong ’ s Central business district , chanting slogans including “ Free Hong Kong , Revolution Now , ” with several holding a flag representing an independent Hong Kong as well as posters condemning the law .
The law ’ s passage “ represents the greatest threat to human rights in the city ’ s recent history , ” said Joshua Rosenzweig , head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The speed and secrecy with which China has pushed through this legislation intensifies the fear that Beijing has calculatingly created a weapon of repression to be used against government critics , including people who are merely expressing their views or protesting peacefully , ” Rosenzweig said in a statement .
Concerns also were expressed in Taiwan , which Beijing claims as its own territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary .
“ Democracy and freedom are shared universal values of Hong Kong and Taiwan , ” the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that China had betrayed its promises to Hong Kong , The self-governing island recently said it would consider providing asylum for Hong Kong opposition figures who fear arrest .
Ahead of the law ’ s passage , the Trump administration said it will bar defense exports to Hong Kong and will soon require licenses for the sale of items that have both civilian and military uses .
“ We can not risk these items falling into the hands of the People ’ s Liberation Army , whose primary purpose is to uphold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party ) by any means necessary , ” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement .
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his government was “ deeply concerned ” by reports of the law ’ s passage , saying that would be a “ grave step.
” Britain has said it could offer residency and possible citizenship to about 3 million of Hong Kong ’ s 7.5 million people .
“ This issue is purely China ’ s internal affairs , and no foreign country has the right to interfere , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He said China would take necessary measures to protect its national interests in response to “ the wrong acts of the United States.
” Under the law , Beijing will set up a national security office in Hong Kong to collect and analyze intelligence and deal with criminal cases related to national security .
Government critics fear Beijing will use the law to pursue political opponents .
Some have questioned the legal basis for the legislation , saying it undermines the Basic Law .
An earlier attempt to pass a security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of people marched in Hong Kong against it .
China for years had put off another such effort .
Citing a new urgency after last year ’ s protests , it announced it would bypass the Hong Kong legislature and enact the law on its own .
Chinese officials have railed against what they call foreign interference in the territory that they blame for encouraging the anti-government protests .
Beijing condemned the protests as an attempt to permanently split Hong Kong from China .
Drafting of the law took place amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong officials reportedly not given advance notice of its specifics .
Questions linger over the effects on Hong Kong ’ s free press that has come under increasing political and financial pressure , as well as the operations of nongovernmental organizations , particularly those with foreign connections .
The law ’ s passage comes after Hong Kong ’ s legislature in early June approved a contentious bill making it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem .
Pro-China figures have also been pushing for more “ patriotic ” education to be introduced into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their identification with Beijing .
Zen Soo and Ken Moritsugu are reporters for The Associated Press .
Moritsugu reported from Beijing .
About the Headline Photo : Pro-China supporters holding Chinese national flags , toast during a rally to celebrate the approval of a national security law for Hong Kong , in Hong Kong , Tuesday , June 30 , 2020 .
Hong Kong media are reporting that China has approved a contentious law that would allow authorities to crack down on subversive and secessionist activity in Hong Kong , sparking fears that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voices in the semi-autonomous territory .
A placard reads “ Country secure , Hong Kong secure , the country prospects , the people at peace ” .
( AP Photo/Kin Cheung )

HONG KONG (AP) — China on Tuesday approved a contentious national security law for Hong Kong that takes direct aim at some of the actions of anti-government protesters last year, in a move many see as Beijing’s boldest yet to erase the legal firewall between the semi-autonomous territory and the mainland’s authoritarian Communist Party system.
Details of the law remained under wraps until 11 p.m. (1500 GMT, 11:00 a.m. EDT), when it was published and took effect immediately.
The text specifies that those who destroy government facilities and utilities would be considered subversive. Damaging public transportation facilities and arson would constitute acts of terrorism. Any person taking part in secessionist activities, whether organizing or participating, will violate the law regardless of whether violence is used.
“We hope the law will serve as a deterrent to prevent people from stirring up trouble,” said Tam Yiu-Chung, Hong Kong’s sole representative on the Standing Committee “Don’t let Hong Kong be used as a tool to split the country.”
The law took effect ahead an hour before July 1, the 23rd anniversary of the territory’s passing from Britain to China. Amid protests in Hong Kong last year, demonstrators broke into the legislative building on the anniversary, spray painted slogans on the walls and heavily damaged the electronic voting system.
During months of protests, they frequently smashed subway ticket machines and electronic sensors at entry gates, and disrupted service by holding doors open so trains couldn’t leave the stations.
President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order promulgating the law after its approval by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the official Xinhua News Agency said. It was to be added to the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s constitution.
Under the law, those found guilty of inciting secessionist, subversive, terrorist activities and colluding with foreign forces could face life imprisonment if they are deemed masterminds of such activities.
The legislation also states that Hong Kong’s government “shall take necessary measures to strengthen publicity, guidance, supervision and management” for schools, social groups, media, internet and other matters related to national security.
Hong Kong will establish a committee responsible for maintaining national security in the city. It will be chaired by chief executive Carrie Lam and will be accountable to and supervised by the Chinese government.
Passage of the law came amid fears in Hong Kong and abroad that it would be used to curb opposition voices in the financial hub. The U.S. has already begun moves to end special trade terms given to Hong Kong after the former British colony was returned to China in 1997.
Speaking in a video message to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, Lam said the law would “only target an extremely small minority” of lawbreakers, would not be retroactive, and that mainland legal bodies would only have jurisdiction in “rare, specified situations.”
Critics say it is the most significant erosion to date of Hong Kong’s British-style rule of law and the high degree of autonomy that Beijing promised Hong Kong would enjoy at least through 2047 under a “one country, two systems” framework.
Hong Kong pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow and Nathan Law issued statements on Facebook saying they would withdraw from their organization Demosisto, which then announced that it would disband with the loss of its top members.
Wong said “worrying about life and safety” has become a real issue and nobody will be able to predict the repercussions of the law, whether it is being extradited to China or facing long jail terms.
A group of about 30 pro-China supporters gathered at Hong Kong’s Tamar Park on Tuesday, waving Chinese flags. Organizers said that the rally was to show support of the national security law, and to celebrate Hong Kong’s return to China.
Meanwhile, more than 100 protesters gathered at a luxury mall in Hong Kong’s Central business district, chanting slogans including “Free Hong Kong, Revolution Now,” with several holding a flag representing an independent Hong Kong as well as posters condemning the law.
The law’s passage “represents the greatest threat to human rights in the city’s recent history,” said Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty International’s China Team.
“The speed and secrecy with which China has pushed through this legislation intensifies the fear that Beijing has calculatingly created a weapon of repression to be used against government critics, including people who are merely expressing their views or protesting peacefully,” Rosenzweig said in a statement.
Concerns also were expressed in Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary.
“Democracy and freedom are shared universal values of Hong Kong and Taiwan,” the island’s Mainland Affairs Council said, adding that China had betrayed its promises to Hong Kong,
The self-governing island recently said it would consider providing asylum for Hong Kong opposition figures who fear arrest.
Ahead of the law’s passage, the Trump administration said it will bar defense exports to Hong Kong and will soon require licenses for the sale of items that have both civilian and military uses.
“We cannot risk these items falling into the hands of the People’s Liberation Army, whose primary purpose is to uphold the dictatorship of the (ruling Communist Party) by any means necessary,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his government was “deeply concerned” by reports of the law’s passage, saying that would be a “grave step.” Britain has said it could offer residency and possible citizenship to about 3 million of Hong Kong’s 7.5 million people.
“This issue is purely China’s internal affairs, and no foreign country has the right to interfere,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said.
He said China would take necessary measures to protect its national interests in response to “the wrong acts of the United States.”
Under the law, Beijing will set up a national security office in Hong Kong to collect and analyze intelligence and deal with criminal cases related to national security.
Government critics fear Beijing will use the law to pursue political opponents. Some have questioned the legal basis for the legislation, saying it undermines the Basic Law.
An earlier attempt to pass a security law in 2003 was dropped after hundreds of thousands of people marched in Hong Kong against it.
China for years had put off another such effort. Citing a new urgency after last year’s protests, it announced it would bypass the Hong Kong legislature and enact the law on its own.
Chinese officials have railed against what they call foreign interference in the territory that they blame for encouraging the anti-government protests. Beijing condemned the protests as an attempt to permanently split Hong Kong from China.
Drafting of the law took place amid intense secrecy, with even top Hong Kong officials reportedly not given advance notice of its specifics.
Questions linger over the effects on Hong Kong’s free press that has come under increasing political and financial pressure, as well as the operations of nongovernmental organizations, particularly those with foreign connections.
The law’s passage comes after Hong Kong’s legislature in early June approved a contentious bill making it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem. Pro-China figures have also been pushing for more “patriotic” education to be introduced into the curriculum in hopes that will boost their identification with Beijing.
– – –
Zen Soo and Ken Moritsugu are reporters for The Associated Press. Moritsugu reported from Beijing.
About the Headline Photo: Pro-China supporters holding Chinese national flags, toast during a rally to celebrate the approval of a national security law for Hong Kong, in Hong Kong, Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Hong Kong media are reporting that China has approved a contentious law that would allow authorities to crack down on subversive and secessionist activity in Hong Kong, sparking fears that it would be used to curb opposition voices in the semi-autonomous territory. A placard reads “Country secure, Hong Kong secure, the country prospects, the people at peace”. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)