thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Cuban Restaurant Owner in Louisville Says BLM Is Using ‘Mafia Tactics’ to Extort Local Businesses

A Cuban business owner in Louisville has accused local Black Lives Matter activists of threatening him and using “ mafia tactics ” after they presented him and other business owners with a list of “ demands.
” Fernando Martinez , a partner of the Olé Restaurant Group , was one of dozens of business owners in the downtown “ NuLu ” district who received a letter from “ local organizers and activists ” in recent days that made a number of demands , including a requirement that they make “ a recurring monthly donation of 1.5 % of net sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they display a sign that shows support for “ the reparations movement ” or face “ repercussions of noncompliance.
” The complete list of demands below were included in the letter to NuLu business owners “ RE : Reparations and Representation in NuLu Market District.
” According to the Courier Journal , Martinez did not take the attempted shakedown sitting down .
The restaurateur publicly denounced the demands on Facebook , calling them “ mafia tactics ” designed to intimidate business owners .
And on Thursday , a small group of protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ La Bodeguita de Mima , on East Market Street .
“ There comes a time in life that you have to make a stand and you have to really prove your convictions and what you believe in , ” Martinez wrote in his Facebook post .
“ … All good people need to denounce this .
How can you justified ( sic ) injustice with more injustice ?
” According to Martinez in a press release , La Bodeguita de Mima was forced to close on July 24 during a demonstration that shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several protesters presented him with the list of demands and told him he “ better put the letter on the door so your business is not f*cked with.
” Martin said in the press release that his restaurant “ has been subject to vandalism and extortion in recent days.
” The restaurant remained closed the next two days because “ management and staff were concerned about safety , ” according to the release .
“ 30+ staff members ( mostly immigrants ) were unable to earn a paycheck.
” On Thursday , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant after seeing Martinez ’ s post about the demands on Facebook .
While there , one protester smashed a flower pot outside the business , while the rest spoke with Martinez and other employees about why the demands are needed .
On Sunday , more than 100 members of Louisville ’ s Cuban community gathered at La Bodeguita de Mima to rally in support of the restaurant .
Martinez gave an impassioned ten minute speech to the crowd with his mother and relatives standing alongside him , the Courier-Journal reported .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bigot , that I ’ m a racist ?
” Martinez said .
“ That ’ s not right !
It ’ s not fair !
” “ La Bodeguita is open to everybody , ” Martinez told the crowd of supporters .
“ If you ’ re gay , this is your home .
If you ’ re Black , this is your home .
If you ’ re white , this is your home .
If you ’ re human , this is your home.
” He also condemned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns .
“ How can I be called a bigot and a racist when my family is Black ?
When my son is gay ?
” he asked .
“ I ’ m the proud father of a gay son , and I ’ m gon na fight for him against anybody.
” Many black residents came out to support the restaurant .
“ We need to stand together and fight against anyone who ’ s trying to extort people who are just trying to make a way in this country , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s just unethical and that ’ s not how you handle business , ” a black woman told WHAS 11 .
“ And if you want help from someone , there ’ s a way of going about that—you know , be diplomatic about it—but you don ’ t threaten anyone.
” Phelix Crittenden , a local activist who works with Black Lives Matter Louisville , told the Courier-Journal that the demands “ were not meant to be a threat but were instead intended to start a conversation with owners about how their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people.
” Crittenden claimed several NuLu business owners had already volunteered to sign the contract and were open to “ have a conversation ” about their roles in the gentrification of the area .

by Debra Heine
A Cuban business owner in Louisville has accused local Black Lives Matter activists of threatening him and using “mafia tactics” after they presented him and other business owners with a list of “demands.”
Fernando Martinez, a partner of the Olé Restaurant Group, was one of dozens of business owners in the downtown “NuLu” district who received a letter from “local organizers and activists” in recent days that made a number of demands, including a requirement that they make “a recurring monthly donation of 1.5% of net sales” to local black organizations, and that they display a sign that shows support for “the reparations movement” or face “repercussions of noncompliance.”
The complete list of demands below were included in the letter to NuLu business owners “RE: Reparations and Representation in NuLu Market District.”
According to the Courier Journal, Martinez did not take the attempted shakedown sitting down.
The restaurateur publicly denounced the demands on Facebook, calling them “mafia tactics” designed to intimidate business owners.
And on Thursday, a small group of protesters confronted him outside his newest restaurant, La Bodeguita de Mima, on East Market Street. “There comes a time in life that you have to make a stand and you have to really prove your convictions and what you believe in,” Martinez wrote in his Facebook post. “… All good people need to denounce this. How can you justified (sic) injustice with more injustice?”
According to Martinez in a press release, La Bodeguita de Mima was forced to close on July 24 during a demonstration that shut down the entire street. He said several protesters presented him with the list of demands and told him he “better put the letter on the door so your business is not f*cked with.”
Martin said in the press release that his restaurant “has been subject to vandalism and extortion in recent days.”
The restaurant remained closed the next two days because “management and staff were concerned about safety,” according to the release. “30+ staff members (mostly immigrants) were unable to earn a paycheck.” On Thursday, a small group of protesters returned to the restaurant after seeing Martinez’s post about the demands on Facebook. While there, one protester smashed a flower pot outside the business, while the rest spoke with Martinez and other employees about why the demands are needed.
On Sunday, more than 100 members of Louisville’s Cuban community gathered at La Bodeguita de Mima to rally in support of the restaurant.
Martinez gave an impassioned ten minute speech to the crowd with his mother and relatives standing alongside him, the Courier-Journal reported.
“People telling me than I’m a bigot, that I’m a racist?” Martinez said. “That’s not right! It’s not fair!”
“La Bodeguita is open to everybody,” Martinez told the crowd of supporters. “If you’re gay, this is your home. If you’re Black, this is your home. If you’re white, this is your home. If you’re human, this is your home.”
He also condemned the criticism his business had received over diversity concerns.
“How can I be called a bigot and a racist when my family is Black? When my son is gay?” he asked. “I’m the proud father of a gay son, and I’m gonna fight for him against anybody.”
Many black residents came out to support the restaurant.
“We need to stand together and fight against anyone who’s trying to extort people who are just trying to make a way in this country,” one man said.
“It’s just unethical and that’s not how you handle business,” a black woman told WHAS 11. “And if you want help from someone, there’s a way of going about that—you know, be diplomatic about it—but you don’t threaten anyone.”
Phelix Crittenden, a local activist who works with Black Lives Matter Louisville, told the Courier-Journal that the demands “were not meant to be a threat but were instead intended to start a conversation with owners about how their businesses can better reflect and support Black people.”
Crittenden claimed several NuLu business owners had already volunteered to sign the contract and were open to “have a conversation” about their roles in the gentrification of the area.
– – –
Debra Heine reports for American Greatness.
Photo “Louisville Cuban Business Owner” by WHAS11.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Clint Brewer Weighs in on Trump’s TikTok Policy Message and Whether or Not Joe Biden Will Show up to

Clint Brewer Weighs in on Trump’s TikTok Policy Message and Whether or Not Joe Biden Will Show up to Debate

Live from Music Row Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed public affairs strategist Clint Brewer in the studio .
During the third hour , Brewer weighed in on Trump ’ s intentions to ban the Chinese app TikTok and agreed that he has found himself making a great policy message .
He later discussed whether Joe Biden would debate President Trump and concluded that it would be de-energizing to his campaign and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the issues .
Leahy : That was Representative Greg Steube from Florida , a Republican and he ’ s weighing in on TikTok .
What ’ s your take on that ?
Brewer : I think its again as we said in the last segment that it ’ s exactly spot on .
The president we ’ ve talked on this show has strayed a little bit on his message .
Leahy : He ’ s been all over the place , hasn ’ t he ?
Brewer : All over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go and put that Twitter account on a temporary lockdown for him ?
Brewer : I would like to take the phone away .
( Leahy laughs ) To help him out .
But I mean I think this is exactly right .
This is not a rash , the president is guilty of many impulsive things but this is not one of them .
This is a very serious policy decision .
We don ’ t consider the ramifications of these social media platforms that can stretch all across the globe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information from American phones and from U.S. citizens on their smartphones .
It is a Chinese-owned company .
We have obviously got some differences with China and we need to be aware of these things .
And I think its absolutely right for him to force this kind of oversight .
Leahy : I completely agree .
I don ’ t think selling to Microsoft will necessarily solve the problem .
Is Microsoft really an American company these days ?
Brewer : That ’ s a fair question .
I think it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some purview into what ’ s going on .
I think it would create a level of congressional oversight .
I think it gets into the same ballpark as the other consumer internet platforms that are based here in the U.S .
It gives us some reach into their company .
And into their activities .
Makes them answerable .
Leahy : Yeah , but how did we even let TikTok get in ?
Brewer : Well , we didn ’ t let anything happen .
It is an open system .
Brewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anybody from around the world can put an app in the app store of Android and iPhone devices .
Leahy : It strikes me that the Chinese Communist Party is engaged in a full array of activities to undermine our society .
The TikTok penetration is one example .
But you follow this story about these seeds from China that are appearing ?
Brewer : That was odd .
I don ’ t think that what I ’ ve read about it anyway is that it ’ s more a word for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Essentially it ’ s sending people products and then treating those people as if they were paying customers and writing fake reviews online .
Leahy : So you just think that ’ s silly .
Brewer : It seems like commerce to me .
I think that this is part of the same theme that we saw when the pandemic hit .
Our antibiotics were made in China .
Our protective gear is made in China .
Our microchips are made in China .
We have allowed too many of the crucial things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a goods and services standpoint to be made overseas .
This is the same concept that we addressed when we started talking about energy independence 10 years ago .
We were too reliant on the Middle East for our oil supply .
There was an effort and it was a fairly bi-partisan effort to open up America ’ s own oil reserves .
We need to be thinking about in the same vein of energy independence we need to be considering as a country how we get back to making the things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting them from rock-solid allies in Europe .
Leahy : China would not be on the list of rock-solid allies .
Brewer : Not at the moment no .
Leahy : Or ever perhaps .
They want domination .
They want to dominate us .
Brewer : They do .
And they are doing a pretty good job of it .
Leahy : It seems to me that the acquiescence to Chinese encouragements in every level .
There is a clear choice between President Trump and Joe Biden .
Joe Biden seems very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And his son has been involved and still is involved in managing a fund where the money comes basically from the Chinese Communist Party .
That ’ s a huge issue it seems to me .
Brewer : I think China is going to be a huge issue in this campaign much of the way the Soviet Union was during the Cold War .
I think that Joe Biden needs to clearly define what his policies will be on China .
Leahy : To me it looks like , open the door , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leahy : That ’ s what it looks like .
Brewer : In the absence of anything real people are going to fill up that void with what they see .
And what we see right now it looks like fairly permissive policy .
It looks like the same policy that existed for 40 years under both Republican and Democratic presidents until President Trump got here .
And again , the president has many faults and he ’ s made a lot of mistakes but China is not one of them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally on point with China .
I saw a former Obama press secretary Joe Lockwood .
I saw him write in an op-ed letter to Joe Biden telling him not to debate with Donald Trump .
What do you make of that ?
Leahy : From a political point of view .
Why is that good advice politically ?
Brewer : Their styles are so different .
Joe Biden tends to gaffe more when he speaks in public than he does to speak clearly and simply to people ’ s concerns and fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past a really decent public speaker .
He is not now .
Brewer : And the president , people who dislike him would also disagree with this but he is an effective public speaker when he chooses to be .
Leahy : When he chooses to be .
He can ramble .
Brewer : He can ramble .
But let me tell you , he connects .
Leahy : Yes he does .
Brewer : With his audience , he connects .
They teach you in journalism school to write to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to speak simply .
And Donald Trump speaks very simply .
He says things in a very declarative way and people get what he says .
And they understand it .
And with Biden , I just don ’ t think that ’ s the case .
Leahy : Well , what would you predict ?
There are three presidential debates scheduled .
The very last one I think October 19 is scheduled here at Belmont University in Nashville .
Will any of these debates be held ?
Brewer : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to do them .
I mean how do you not ?
How do you break with that tradition ?
How do you run a campaign that says we need to get back to the way things were done before Donald Trump and then not get back to the way things were before Donald Trump .
He needs to debate Donald Trump .
Leahy : It is a bit of a brave new world out there .
Leahy : Let ’ s say for the sake of speculation .
What do you think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be if Joe Biden came up with some kind of an excuse not to participate in any of the debates ?
What would be the political consequences of that ?
Brewer : Well he is running from the confines of a bunker right now .
( Leahy chuckles ) Not really but he ’ s been scarce on the campaign trail and he ’ s still up .
I would think that it would obviously give the Trump campaign and the Republican Party a lot of fodder for ads .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s running and won ’ t debate the president .
Typical campaign stuff .
Brewer : Does that resonate ?
Do people care right now ?
I don ’ t know .
I think there is a part of Joe Biden ’ s base that would very much like to see him debate the president .
I think he runs the risk of de-energizing his own base as the Democratic nominee if he doesn ’ t ’ take on the president .
What does that say to the people he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the polls if he doesn ’ t have the energy or the vitality or the interest to go debate the sitting president on the issues that matter .
Listen to the third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .

Live from Music Row Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed public affairs strategist Clint Brewer in the studio.
During the third hour, Brewer weighed in on Trump’s intentions to ban the Chinese app TikTok and agreed that he has found himself making a great policy message. He later discussed whether Joe Biden would debate President Trump and concluded that it would be de-energizing to his campaign and supporters if he didn’t talk about the issues.
(Rep. Greg Stuebe clip plays)
Leahy: That was Representative Greg Steube from Florida, a Republican and he’s weighing in on TikTok. What’s your take on that?
Brewer: I think its again as we said in the last segment that it’s exactly spot on. The president we’ve talked on this show has strayed a little bit on his message.
Leahy: He’s been all over the place, hasn’t he?
Brewer: All over the place.
Leahy: Are you going to go and put that Twitter account on a temporary lockdown for him?
Brewer: I would like to take the phone away. (Leahy laughs) To help him out. But I mean I think this is exactly right. This is not a rash, the president is guilty of many impulsive things but this is not one of them. This is a very serious policy decision. We don’t consider the ramifications of these social media platforms that can stretch all across the globe.
We have one that is gathering information from American phones and from U.S. citizens on their smartphones. It is a Chinese-owned company. We have obviously got some differences with China and we need to be aware of these things. And I think its absolutely right for him to force this kind of oversight.
Leahy: I completely agree. I don’t think selling to Microsoft will necessarily solve the problem. Is Microsoft really an American company these days?
Brewer: That’s a fair question. I think it does through the regulatory system here give us some purview into what’s going on. I think it would create a level of congressional oversight. I think it gets into the same ballpark as the other consumer internet platforms that are based here in the U.S. It gives us some reach into their company. And into their activities. Makes them answerable.
Leahy: Yeah, but how did we even let TikTok get in?
Brewer: Well, we didn’t let anything happen. It is an open system.
Leahy: It’s an open system. Right.
Brewer: That’s the thing. Anybody from around the world can put an app in the app store of Android and iPhone devices.
Leahy: It strikes me that the Chinese Communist Party is engaged in a full array of activities to undermine our society. The TikTok penetration is one example. But you follow this story about these seeds from China that are appearing?
Brewer: That was odd. I don’t think that what I’ve read about it anyway is that it’s more a word for it. I can’t remember. Essentially it’s sending people products and then treating those people as if they were paying customers and writing fake reviews online.
Leahy: So you just think that’s silly.
Brewer: It seems like commerce to me. I think that this is part of the same theme that we saw when the pandemic hit. Our antibiotics were made in China. Our protective gear is made in China. Our microchips are made in China. We have allowed too many of the crucial things that we rely on in this country from a goods and services standpoint to be made overseas.
This is the same concept that we addressed when we started talking about energy independence 10 years ago. We were too reliant on the Middle East for our oil supply. There was an effort and it was a fairly bi-partisan effort to open up America’s own oil reserves. We need to be thinking about in the same vein of energy independence we need to be considering as a country how we get back to making the things we need. Or at a minimum getting them from rock-solid allies in Europe.
Leahy: China would not be on the list of rock-solid allies.
Brewer: Not at the moment no.
Leahy: Or ever perhaps. They want domination. They want to dominate us.
Brewer: They do. And they are doing a pretty good job of it.
Leahy: It seems to me that the acquiescence to Chinese encouragements in every level. There is a clear choice between President Trump and Joe Biden. Joe Biden seems very friendly to China in every regard. And his son has been involved and still is involved in managing a fund where the money comes basically from the Chinese Communist Party. That’s a huge issue it seems to me.
Brewer: I think China is going to be a huge issue in this campaign much of the way the Soviet Union was during the Cold War. I think that Joe Biden needs to clearly define what his policies will be on China.
Leahy: To me it looks like, open the door, whatever you want the Chinese Communist Party.
Brewer: That’s my point.
Leahy: That’s what it looks like.
Brewer: In the absence of anything real people are going to fill up that void with what they see. And what we see right now it looks like fairly permissive policy. It looks like the same policy that existed for 40 years under both Republican and Democratic presidents until President Trump got here. And again, the president has many faults and he’s made a lot of mistakes but China is not one of them.
Leahy: No. He’s totally on point with China. I saw a former Obama press secretary Joe Lockwood. I saw him write in an op-ed letter to Joe Biden telling him not to debate with Donald Trump. What do you make of that?
Brewer: I think that’s probably good advice.
Leahy: From a political point of view. Why is that good advice politically?
Brewer: Their styles are so different. Joe Biden tends to gaffe more when he speaks in public than he does to speak clearly and simply to people’s concerns and fears and needs. He has been in the past a really decent public speaker. He is not now.
Leahy: No, he’s not.
Brewer: And the president, people who dislike him would also disagree with this but he is an effective public speaker when he chooses to be.
Leahy: When he chooses to be. He can ramble.
Brewer: He can ramble. But let me tell you, he connects.
Leahy: Yes he does.
Brewer: With his audience, he connects. They teach you in journalism school to write to a fourth-grade level to really connect with people you have to speak simply. And Donald Trump speaks very simply. He says things in a very declarative way and people get what he says. And they understand it. And with Biden, I just don’t think that’s the case.
Leahy: Well, what would you predict? There are three presidential debates scheduled. The very last one I think October 19 is scheduled here at Belmont University in Nashville. Will any of these debates be held?
Brewer: I think they will. I think Biden has to do them. I mean how do you not? How do you break with that tradition? How do you run a campaign that says we need to get back to the way things were done before Donald Trump and then not get back to the way things were before Donald Trump. He needs to debate Donald Trump.
Leahy: It is a bit of a brave new world out there.
Brewer: It is.
Leahy: Let’s say for the sake of speculation. What do you think in today’s world the consequences would be if Joe Biden came up with some kind of an excuse not to participate in any of the debates? What would be the political consequences of that?
Brewer: Well he is running from the confines of a bunker right now. (Leahy chuckles) Not really but he’s been scarce on the campaign trail and he’s still up. I would think that it would obviously give the Trump campaign and the Republican Party a lot of fodder for ads. That’s he’s hiding, he’s running and won’t debate the president. Typical campaign stuff.
Leahy: Typical.
Brewer: Does that resonate? Do people care right now? I don’t know. I think there is a part of Joe Biden’s base that would very much like to see him debate the president. I think he runs the risk of de-energizing his own base as the Democratic nominee if he doesn’t’ take on the president. What does that say to the people he’s trying to get energized and out to the polls if he doesn’t have the energy or the vitality or the interest to go debate the sitting president on the issues that matter.
Leahy: A very good point.
Listen to the third hour here:

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


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Report: US Manufacturing Shows Improvement in July

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in July , with the overall economy notching a third consecutive month of growth , according to a new report published by the Institute for Supply Management .
The Manufacturing ISM “ Report on Business ” calculated a July composite reading of 54.2 percent , a second straight month of growth for U.S. factories .
Timothy R. Fiore , chair of the ISM survey committee , explained that the “ figure indicates expansion in the overall economy for the third month in a row after a contraction in April , which ended a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ In July , manufacturing continued its recovery after the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic , ” Fiore added .
“ Panel sentiment was generally optimistic ( two positive comments for every one cautious comment ) , continuing a trend from June.
” Demand expanded and consumption saw positive trends , he said , “ with industries continuing to expand output after May ’ s return-to-work actions.
” Of the 18 manufacturing industries , 13 reported growth in July : Wood Products ; Furniture & Related Products ; Textile Mills ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Beverage & Tobacco Products ; Plastics & Rubber Products ; Chemical Products ; Apparel , Leather & Allied Products ; Computer & Electronic Products ; Primary Metals ; Petroleum & Coal Products ; Miscellaneous Manufacturing ; and Electrical Equipment , Appliances & Components .
The three industries reporting contraction in July are : Transportation Equipment ; Machinery ; and Fabricated Metal Products .
Several survey industry respondents explained their position heading into the third quarter .
“ Manufacturing outlook has improved greatly in June , as business has resumed at nearly 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respondents said .
“ We have implemented a number of safeguards that are costing extra money , but we are running.
” “ Stabilizing demand for refrigerated and frozen beverage and dessert , but still at higher level than a year ago , ” Food , Beverage & Tobacco Products respondents said .
“ Uncertainty of school opening in the fall : How much demand will continue or shift will be dictated by students returning to school or not.
” “ Orders starting to pick up .
[ An ] increase of about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chemical Products respondents said .
The growth cycle continues for the second straight month after three prior months of coronavirus disruptions , the report notes .
“ Demand and consumption continued to drive expansion growth , with inputs remaining at parity with supply and demand , ” it states .
Among the six biggest industry sectors , Food , Beverage & Tobacco Products remains the best-performing industry sector , with Chemical Products , Computer & Electronic Products and Petroleum & Coal Products “ growing respectably.
” Transportation Equipment and Fabricated Metal Products continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels , ” Fiore said .
“ Overall business remains down almost 70 percent , ” Transportation Equipment respondents said .
“ We are hanging on to as many employees as possible , but we will have to lay off 30 percent or more for at least two to three months until September or October.
” “ While demand in the coming six months is stabilizing , it is at a significant reduction and clear that customers have little confidence in the forecasts , ” Fabricated Metal Products said .
“ Export orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the ] Middle East are largely cancelled for balance of 2020.
” “ Uncertainty regarding our industry and business has not improved , ” Petroleum & Coal Products respondents said .
“ We are developing the 2021 budget around multiple scenarios.
” “ Incoming orders are slow , ” Furniture & Related Products respondents said .
“ This is usually our busiest time of the year , but production is reduced due to lack of demand .
Additional layoffs expected.
” “ General business conditions are in a general slowing pattern , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Many of the plants are on reduced hours and/or furloughs .
About 20 percent to 25 percent of plants are scheduled to be consolidated in the next six months to improve margins and profitability.
” The report lists numerous index reports , indicating signs of improvement : the New Orders Index registered 61.5 percent , an increase of 5.1 percentage points .
The Production Index registered 62.1 percent , up 4.8 percentage points .
The Backlog of Orders Index registered 51.8 percent , an increase of 6.5 percentage points .
The Employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2.2 percentage points .
The Prices Index registered 53.2 percent , up 1.9 percentage points .
The New Export Orders Index registered 50.4 percent , an increase of 2.8 percentage points .
The Imports Index registered 53.1 percent , a 4.3-percentage point increase .
Indexes registering declines include , the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 55.8 percent , representing a decline of 1.1 percentage points .
The Inventories Index registered 47 percent , a 3.5 percentage decline .
Bethany Blankley is a contributor to The Center Square .

by Bethany Blankley
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in July, with the overall economy notching a third consecutive month of growth, according to a new report published by the Institute for Supply Management.
The Manufacturing ISM “Report on Business” calculated a July composite reading of 54.2 percent, a second straight month of growth for U.S. factories.
Timothy R. Fiore, chair of the ISM survey committee, explained that the “figure indicates expansion in the overall economy for the third month in a row after a contraction in April, which ended a period of 131 consecutive months of growth.”
“In July, manufacturing continued its recovery after the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” Fiore added. “Panel sentiment was generally optimistic (two positive comments for every one cautious comment), continuing a trend from June.”
Demand expanded and consumption saw positive trends, he said, “with industries continuing to expand output after May’s return-to-work actions.”
Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 13 reported growth in July: Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Textile Mills; Printing & Related Support Activities; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Chemical Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Petroleum & Coal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. The three industries reporting contraction in July are: Transportation Equipment; Machinery; and Fabricated Metal Products.
Several survey industry respondents explained their position heading into the third quarter.
“Manufacturing outlook has improved greatly in June, as business has resumed at nearly 100 percent,” Computer & Electronic Products respondents said. “We have implemented a number of safeguards that are costing extra money, but we are running.”
“Stabilizing demand for refrigerated and frozen beverage and dessert, but still at higher level than a year ago,” Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products respondents said. “Uncertainty of school opening in the fall: How much demand will continue or shift will be dictated by students returning to school or not.”
“Orders starting to pick up. [An] increase of about 35 percent to 40 percent,” Chemical Products respondents said.
The growth cycle continues for the second straight month after three prior months of coronavirus disruptions, the report notes. “Demand and consumption continued to drive expansion growth, with inputs remaining at parity with supply and demand,” it states.
Among the six biggest industry sectors, Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products remains the best-performing industry sector, with Chemical Products, Computer & Electronic Products and Petroleum & Coal Products “growing respectably.” Transportation Equipment and Fabricated Metal Products continue to contract, “but at soft levels,” Fiore said.
“Overall business remains down almost 70 percent,” Transportation Equipment respondents said. “We are hanging on to as many employees as possible, but we will have to lay off 30 percent or more for at least two to three months until September or October.”
“While demand in the coming six months is stabilizing, it is at a significant reduction and clear that customers have little confidence in the forecasts,” Fabricated Metal Products said. “Export orders to Brazil, South Africa, [and the] Middle East are largely cancelled for balance of 2020.”
“Uncertainty regarding our industry and business has not improved,” Petroleum & Coal Products respondents said. “We are developing the 2021 budget around multiple scenarios.”
“Incoming orders are slow,” Furniture & Related Products respondents said. “This is usually our busiest time of the year, but production is reduced due to lack of demand. Additional layoffs expected.”
“General business conditions are in a general slowing pattern,” Nonmetallic Mineral Products respondents said. “Many of the plants are on reduced hours and/or furloughs. About 20 percent to 25 percent of plants are scheduled to be consolidated in the next six months to improve margins and profitability.”
The report lists numerous index reports, indicating signs of improvement: the New Orders Index registered 61.5 percent, an increase of 5.1 percentage points. The Production Index registered 62.1 percent, up 4.8 percentage points. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 51.8 percent, an increase of 6.5 percentage points. The Employment Index registered 44.3 percent, an increase of 2.2 percentage points.
The Prices Index registered 53.2 percent, up 1.9 percentage points. The New Export Orders Index registered 50.4 percent, an increase of 2.8 percentage points. The Imports Index registered 53.1 percent, a 4.3-percentage point increase.
Indexes registering declines include, the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 55.8 percent, representing a decline of 1.1 percentage points. The Inventories Index registered 47 percent, a 3.5 percentage decline.
– – –
Bethany Blankley is a contributor to The Center Square.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Ex-Convicts in Memphis and Nashville Sentenced for Having Firearms

U.S .
Attorneys for the Western and Middle districts of Tennessee this week announced that federal officials have sentenced four ex-convicts in separate cases for possessing firearms .
Authorities have sentenced Jason Smith , 36 , to 60 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm to distribute drugs .
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence in a press release this week .
“ According to information presented in court , on November 5 , 2017 , homicide officers followed up on a Crime Stoppers tip regarding a Memphis Police Department homicide investigation involving Jason Smith , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officers went to a residence on Douglas Avenue where they saw Smith standing by and bending down near the rear passenger side of a silver Volvo .
Smith then walked away from the officers who saw him toss something small behind a nearby house .
Officers detained Smith and recovered a gun from under the vehicle where they had observed him bend down .
A bag with 5.6 grams of crack was located which Smith had thrown and large amounts of cash from his pockets .
Smith told officers that the gun belonged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , and that he threw marijuana , not crack.
” Later , homicide officers interviewed Smith ’ s girlfriend who said the gun was hers , but she struggled to describe the weapon .
The girlfriend could not tell officers the type or caliber of gun .
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives conducted an interstate nexus search on the multi-caliber Diamondback pistol and verified someone manufactured the firearm outside Tennessee , the press release said .
Prior to the November 2017 arrest , authorities had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun offenses .
“ On September 26 , 2019 , a federal grand jury in Memphis indicted Smith for possession for a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime ; possession of a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony ; and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute , ” the press release said .
“ On July 28 , 2020 , U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Smith to 60 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release .
There is no parole in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentenced Davien Stokes , 39 , a convicted felon in Horn Lake , Mississippi , to 210 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm .
This , according to a press release that court officials released this week .
On January 22 , 2018 , Memphis Police responded to a request for a welfare check at a local business complex on Union Avenue in Memphis .
Officers arrived to find a 2013 red Ford Focus obstructing the entrance way of the business with keys in the ignition and the engine was idle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eventually , Stokes began to move around in the seat .
As he did so , officers observed an open container of alcohol on the front passenger seat .
Stokes attempted to grab something and told officers he was reaching for his mouthwash , ” according to the press release .
“ Officers were able to see a Ruger 9mm pistol in the cup holder .
Also , 23 live rounds of 9mm ammunition and one spent shell casing were found in the vehicle .
The gun was loaded with two live rounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned that Stokes ’ drivers ’ license had been revoked since 2015.
” Stokes has three prior violent felony convictions for robberies in 1999 , 2005 , and 2010 .
At sentencing , officials determined Stokes was an armed career criminal , which carries a 15 year mandatory minimum prison sentence .
Last week , U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Stokes to 210 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release .
There is no parole in the federal system .
Darius Washington , 24 , was sentenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possessing a firearm after having been previously been convicted of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence , according to a press release .
According to the information presented in court , on December 9 , 2017 , detectives conducted a traffic stop on Watkins Avenue in the Family Dollar parking lot .
When the car pulled into the parking lot , the front right passenger , later identified as Darius Washington , jumped out of the vehicle and ran inside the store , the press release said .
Detectives observed Washington casually walk back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After reviewing the in-store video footage , law enforcement observed Washington hide a Beretta .40 caliber pistol in one of the food aisles .
The gun was loaded with 13 rounds in the magazine and 1 round in the chamber , according to the press release .
“ On June 5 , 2019 , during a physical altercation with a man , Washington pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and shot the man in the ear .
Visibly injured , the victim fled the scene .
Washington then reached inside the victim ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .40 caliber pistol he had been carrying , ” the press release said .
“ Washington ’ s prior criminal history consisted of four misdemeanor convictions , including two convictions for domestic violence with bodily harm .
Based upon his domestic violence convictions , Washington was unlawfully in possession of all three firearms pursuant to federal law .
Washington had no felony convictions , until today.
” On July 29 , 2020 , U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Washington to 72 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Authorities have sentenced a Nashville man arrested during a 2017 traffic stop to 15 years in federal prison .
This , according to a press release .
Brandon Desean Wells , 33 , received the mandatory minimum sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm and being qualified as an Armed Career Criminal , which subjected him to a mandatory sentence enhancement .
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department arrested Wells on April 20 , 2017 , after he was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for traffic violations , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed making furtive movements and after exiting the vehicle , he refused to comply with officer ’ s commands to place his hands behind his back .
After physically gaining compliance and handcuffing Wells , the officers found a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his waistband .
Wells was also in possession of hydrocodone pills and drug trafficking paraphernalia and told the officers he was under the influence of cocaine and other drugs , ” the press release said .
“ Wells was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2018 and pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well ’ s criminal record dates back to his teenage years and includes multiple convictions for armed robbery , drug trafficking and firearm offenses , including a prior six-year federal prison sentence for illegal firearms possession for an offense that occurred only weeks after being placed on probation in state court.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

U.S. Attorneys for the Western and Middle districts of Tennessee this week announced that federal officials have sentenced four ex-convicts in separate cases for possessing firearms.
Federal law prohibits ex-convicts from owning firearms.
Jason Smith
Authorities have sentenced Jason Smith, 36, to 60 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm to distribute drugs. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence in a press release this week.
“According to information presented in court, on November 5, 2017, homicide officers followed up on a Crime Stoppers tip regarding a Memphis Police Department homicide investigation involving Jason Smith,” according to the press release.
“Officers went to a residence on Douglas Avenue where they saw Smith standing by and bending down near the rear passenger side of a silver Volvo. Smith then walked away from the officers who saw him toss something small behind a nearby house. Officers detained Smith and recovered a gun from under the vehicle where they had observed him bend down. A bag with 5.6 grams of crack was located which Smith had thrown and large amounts of cash from his pockets. Smith told officers that the gun belonged to his girlfriend but she was not there, and that he threw marijuana, not crack.”
Later, homicide officers interviewed Smith’s girlfriend who said the gun was hers, but she struggled to describe the weapon. The girlfriend could not tell officers the type or caliber of gun. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted an interstate nexus search on the multi-caliber Diamondback pistol and verified someone manufactured the firearm outside Tennessee, the press release said.
Prior to the November 2017 arrest, authorities had convicted the defendant of felony drug and gun offenses.
“On September 26, 2019, a federal grand jury in Memphis indicted Smith for possession for a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony; and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute,” the press release said.
“On July 28, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Smith to 60 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.”
Davien Stokes
Court officials have sentenced Davien Stokes, 39, a convicted felon in Horn Lake, Mississippi, to 210 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm.
This, according to a press release that court officials released this week.
On January 22, 2018, Memphis Police responded to a request for a welfare check at a local business complex on Union Avenue in Memphis. Officers arrived to find a 2013 red Ford Focus obstructing the entrance way of the business with keys in the ignition and the engine was idle, the press release said.
The driver, Davien Stokes, was apparently unconscious.
“Eventually, Stokes began to move around in the seat. As he did so, officers observed an open container of alcohol on the front passenger seat. Stokes attempted to grab something and told officers he was reaching for his mouthwash,” according to the press release.
“Officers were able to see a Ruger 9mm pistol in the cup holder. Also, 23 live rounds of 9mm ammunition and one spent shell casing were found in the vehicle. The gun was loaded with two live rounds of ammunition in the magazine. Officers learned that Stokes’ drivers’ license had been revoked since 2015.”
Stokes has three prior violent felony convictions for robberies in 1999, 2005, and 2010. At sentencing, officials determined Stokes was an armed career criminal, which carries a 15 year mandatory minimum prison sentence.
Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Stokes to 210 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Darius Washington
Darius Washington, 24, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after having been previously been convicted of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, according to a press release.
According to the information presented in court, on December 9, 2017, detectives conducted a traffic stop on Watkins Avenue in the Family Dollar parking lot. When the car pulled into the parking lot, the front right passenger, later identified as Darius Washington, jumped out of the vehicle and ran inside the store, the press release said.
Detectives observed Washington casually walk back towards the front of the store. After reviewing the in-store video footage, law enforcement observed Washington hide a Beretta .40 caliber pistol in one of the food aisles. The gun was loaded with 13 rounds in the magazine and 1 round in the chamber, according to the press release.
“On June 5, 2019, during a physical altercation with a man, Washington pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and shot the man in the ear. Visibly injured, the victim fled the scene. Washington then reached inside the victim’s car and stole a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol he had been carrying,” the press release said.
“Washington’s prior criminal history consisted of four misdemeanor convictions, including two convictions for domestic violence with bodily harm. Based upon his domestic violence convictions, Washington was unlawfully in possession of all three firearms pursuant to federal law. Washington had no felony convictions, until today.”
On July 29, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Washington to 72 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release, according to the press release.
Brandon Desean Wells
Authorities have sentenced a Nashville man arrested during a 2017 traffic stop to 15 years in federal prison.
This, according to a press release.
Brandon Desean Wells, 33, received the mandatory minimum sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm and being qualified as an Armed Career Criminal, which subjected him to a mandatory sentence enhancement.
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department arrested Wells on April 20, 2017, after he was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for traffic violations, according to the press release.
“Wells was observed making furtive movements and after exiting the vehicle, he refused to comply with officer’s commands to place his hands behind his back. After physically gaining compliance and handcuffing Wells, the officers found a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his waistband. Wells was also in possession of hydrocodone pills and drug trafficking paraphernalia and told the officers he was under the influence of cocaine and other drugs,” the press release said.
“Wells was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2018 and pleaded guilty in January of this year. Well’s criminal record dates back to his teenage years and includes multiple convictions for armed robbery, drug trafficking and firearm offenses, including a prior six-year federal prison sentence for illegal firearms possession for an offense that occurred only weeks after being placed on probation in state court.”
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Clint Brewer Talks Trump’s Pro-USA Policies and Governor Lee’s Special Session

Live from Music Row Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed public affairs strategist Clint Brewer in the studio .
During the third hour , Brewer gave his take on the recent firing of the Tennessee Valley Association ( TVA ) director for outsourcing IT positions overseas .
He later discussed Governor Lee ’ s calling for a special session in regard to the liability limits of COVID-19 .
Leahy : That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wow .
What a mess TVA has created for itself .
I think the President acted properly .
What ’ s your take on that Clint Brewer .
Brewer : Well as a lifelong resident of the Tennessee Valley I just really can ’ t imagine what the powers at TVA were thinking .
Leahy : Tell us exactly what they did that was so egregious .
Brewer : It appears that they were outsourcing IT jobs that were previously held by residents of this state to overseas contractors or to contractors that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s a public utility .
It ’ s a federal corporation which is the technical term for it .
And honestly , it ’ s been a very successful one .
It is in my mind somewhat of a model if you look at what people pay here for their utility rates versus what they pay in say the Northeast .
A vast difference .
It does keep rates down .
They are generally a fairly efficient entity .
They don ’ t take taxpayer money .
They are fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this environment to outsource jobs and then to outsource them to vendors that use overseas labor in the middle of this economy .
Leahy : Yeah , what are you thinking ?
Brewer : I can ’ t imagine what the conversation was that led to that decision .
It just feels like they , I don ’ t know , they obviously don ’ t feel as accountable as they should .
Let ’ s put it that way .
Leahy : I don ’ t know if you noticed this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front and center .
Brewer : Well I got to say locally the only site right now where I ’ ve read this has been yours .
Leahy : We will take a bow gladly .
( Laughs ) Brewer : Kudos .
It ’ s a huge story for this state .
And let ’ s be clear the chairman that the president removed is one he appointed .
He was removing his own appointee .
So it ’ s not like he ’ s blaming somebody leftover from the Obama administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own guy .
Leahy : The guy went into the boardroom and the president said , you ’ re fired !
( Laughs ) Brewer : Literally .
Again I think this is similar to the TikTok thing .
This is a very pro-U.S. stance by the president .
It feels like him getting back on task .
Back on message .
And it ’ s not a rash decision .
It ’ s not impulsive .
This is a real policy choice and it ’ s a solid one .
Leahy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that .
And it ’ s interesting because the president seemed to be following at least the past week shall we say ( Chuckles ) you are laughing and saying yes , for the past week he has .
This is the game plan my friend Steve Bannon… Brewer : I was about to say .
Leahy : Were you about to say that same thing ?
Brewer : That is literally where I was headed .
Leahy : This is why great minds think alike .
Brewer : Exactly .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike .
Brewer : Not every day .
This is the president getting back to the sort of Steve Bannon brand of populism that got him elected the first time .
And again , in Trump world , it could be a blip on the radar screen but between TikTok and TVA that ’ s the kind of governing that people thought they were getting when they got the president in 2016 .
Leahy : I think it ’ s a big win for the president to do that .
Leahy : And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : That ’ s the best part .
It ’ s not an impulsive Twitter storm .
We are actually making some choices here .
And these are the choices and here ’ s why .
And we are putting this country first and there is nothing wrong with that .
Leahy : I ’ m all in favor of putting this country first .
Leahy : Speaking of putting first things first .
I noticed that Governor Lee is calling for a special session .
they are going to be covering what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s important , isn ’ t it ?
Brewer : That ’ s hugely important .
I think the governor is absolutely right to do it .
It ’ s something that we couldn ’ t quite get wrapped up in the regular session of the legislature .
It ’ s extremely important .
Businesses need to be able to get back to doing business .
Get their employees back to work safely using all of the right guidelines .
And if they are doing that they need some measure of protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
It ’ s not their fault .
And they shouldn ’ t be made legally or financially to take responsibility for it if they are doing the right things .
Leahy : Why was the Tennessee General Assembly unable to address this as part of their regular session ?
Brewer : It ’ s just a huge issue .
It needed more time for debate .
I think it needed more time for thought .
It ’ s complex .
And I mean look , the virus didn ’ t just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and schools .
It disrupted how legislature did business .
It ’ s very difficult to get things done .
And it still will be .
I think this is just something that was left on the table .
Every legislative session has something hanging out there .
Leahy : What are the rules of a special session ?
Can you only address the items that the governor says he wants to be addressed ?
Brewer : Yes .
And the special is called special for that very reason .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls it for .
In this case , it will be liability related to COVID-19 and I think there were a couple of other items .
But it will be limited to those things .
And then they are in and out .
Leahy : Is there a political aspect of this special session ?
By that I mean are we going to be treated the various Black Lives Matter protesters jumping up and down and causing problems for everybody ?
Brewer : If there are any protests of any kind they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government buildings because I feel certain that some of the limitations to crowd size and access will still be in place .
Leahy : The big question is will Dr. Anthony Fauci be there to monitor if these are wearing masks ?
Brewer : Yes .
Well , they ’ ll be outside so the rules will be a little different .
I think that every session has protests .
So somebody will protest .
Leahy : Just talking about these masks things .
I told you I was up in Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a wonderful restaurant .
Everybody had to wear their masks .
And I got a comment .
As I was just talking to the person I was having dinner with this guy I told him that I was walking out and wearing this mask and the masks present , if you wear glasses as I do often .
And if you have a new mask for me my glasses start slipping off my nose .
Brewer : Well , they fog up .
Leahy : They fog up .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ m not a big fan of the mask .
Brewer : It ’ s not as big a pain as getting COVID-19 .
Leahy : Asterisk .
If these masks , and this is a much longer discussion about whether they have an impact .
But I tell you , the politicization of this mask thing .
So as I ’ m walking out of the restaurant passed another table but not talking to that table I was six feet away from that table by the way .
So I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling the guy I ’ m having dinner with that I just hate these masks .
And I saw this guy sitting at the other table look at me with hatred in his eyes .
If he could have sent a dart directly at me , a ray gun he would have .
Brewer : If looks could kill .
Leahy : If looks could kill I would have been on the floor and out .
Brewer : Do you think he really likes wearing his mask ?
What was the problem ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not at that time wearing his mask .
Because the protocol is you where your mask to go to the table and take your mask off and eat .
Because there is obviously scientific evidence that shows that that works .
( Laughs ) I was like oh my goodness .
Everything in the country now is politicized .
Everything !
You can ’ t get a break !
You go to dinner and you just have an off-hand comment being yourself , right ?
And then somebody overhears it and you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Trump supporter .
Brewer : Well yeah .
I had the opposite , somewhat opposite experience this weekend in Oxford , Mississippi .
Leahy : The home of Ole Miss .
A beautiful town .
I went the first time in part of your recommendation .
Brewer : And everybody was wearing masks .
There was no disagreement and people were pretty copacetic about it .
It was just being done .
Leahy : I had the same experience there .
That was the mode there .
I think that this whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the right thing is to say to avoid all this aggravation to come out and say , you know , we ’ re not entirely sure of the science but it can ’ t hurt .
Please wear a mask .
We ’ re not going to force you .
But please wear a mask .
I think there would be more compliance .
Maybe .
Brewer : We ’ ll get through all this .
Just wear one just in case .
Listen to the full third hour here : Tune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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.
During the third hour, Brewer gave his take on the recent firing of the Tennessee Valley Association (TVA) director for outsourcing IT positions overseas. He later discussed Governor Lee’s calling for a special session in regard to the liability limits of COVID-19.
(Trump on TVA clip plays)
Leahy: That’s President Trump talking about TVA. Wow. What a mess TVA has created for itself. I think the President acted properly. What’s your take on that Clint Brewer.
Brewer: Well as a lifelong resident of the Tennessee Valley I just really can’t imagine what the powers at TVA were thinking.
Leahy: Tell us exactly what they did that was so egregious.
Brewer: It appears that they were outsourcing IT jobs that were previously held by residents of this state to overseas contractors or to contractors that use overseas labor.
Leahy: It’s a quasi-governmental public entity established by FDR.
Brewer: Yes. It’s a public utility. It’s a federal corporation which is the technical term for it. And honestly, it’s been a very successful one. It is in my mind somewhat of a model if you look at what people pay here for their utility rates versus what they pay in say the Northeast. A vast difference. It does keep rates down.
They are generally a fairly efficient entity. They don’t take taxpayer money. They are fully funded by the right payers. But in this environment to outsource jobs and then to outsource them to vendors that use overseas labor in the middle of this economy.
Leahy: Yeah, what are you thinking?
Brewer: I can’t imagine what the conversation was that led to that decision. It just feels like they, I don’t know, they obviously don’t feel as accountable as they should. Let’s put it that way.
Leahy: I don’t know if you noticed this Clint but The Tennessee Star reported this front and center.
Brewer: Well I got to say locally the only site right now where I’ve read this has been yours.
Leahy: We will take a bow gladly. (Laughs)
Brewer: Kudos. It’s a huge story for this state. And let’s be clear the chairman that the president removed is one he appointed. He was removing his own appointee. So it’s not like he’s blaming somebody leftover from the Obama administration. He’s taking action against his own guy.
Leahy: The guy went into the boardroom and the president said, you’re fired! (Laughs)
Brewer: Literally. Again I think this is similar to the TikTok thing. This is a very pro-U.S. stance by the president. It feels like him getting back on task. Back on message. And it’s not a rash decision. It’s not impulsive. This is a real policy choice and it’s a solid one.
Leahy: I think you are probably right on that. And it’s interesting because the president seemed to be following at least the past week shall we say (Chuckles) you are laughing and saying yes, for the past week he has. This is the game plan my friend Steve Bannon…
Brewer: I was about to say.
Leahy: Were you about to say that same thing?
Brewer: That is literally where I was headed.
Leahy: This is why great minds think alike.
Brewer: Exactly. We are finding things to agree on today Mike.
Leahy: Not every day.
Brewer: Not every day. This is the president getting back to the sort of Steve Bannon brand of populism that got him elected the first time. And again, in Trump world, it could be a blip on the radar screen but between TikTok and TVA that’s the kind of governing that people thought they were getting when they got the president in 2016.
Leahy: I think it’s a big win for the president to do that.
Brewer: I do too.
Leahy: And the right thing to do.
Brewer: That’s the best part. It’s not an impulsive Twitter storm. We are actually making some choices here. And these are the choices and here’s why. And we are putting this country first and there is nothing wrong with that.
Leahy: I’m all in favor of putting this country first.
Brewer: Yes.
Leahy: Speaking of putting first things first. I noticed that Governor Lee is calling for a special session. they are going to be covering what? Liability limits in COVID-19? That’s important, isn’t it?
Brewer: That’s hugely important. I think the governor is absolutely right to do it. It’s something that we couldn’t quite get wrapped up in the regular session of the legislature. It’s extremely important. Businesses need to be able to get back to doing business. Get their employees back to work safely using all of the right guidelines.
And if they are doing that they need some measure of protection from liability and litigation related to the virus. It’s not their fault. And they shouldn’t be made legally or financially to take responsibility for it if they are doing the right things.
Leahy: Why was the Tennessee General Assembly unable to address this as part of their regular session?
Brewer: It’s just a huge issue. It needed more time for debate. I think it needed more time for thought. It’s complex. And I mean look, the virus didn’t just disrupt people’s businesses, lives, and schools. It disrupted how legislature did business. It’s very difficult to get things done. And it still will be. I think this is just something that was left on the table. Every legislative session has something hanging out there.
Leahy: What are the rules of a special session? Can you only address the items that the governor says he wants to be addressed?
Brewer: Yes. And the special is called special for that very reason. It is limited to addressing issues that the governor calls it for. In this case, it will be liability related to COVID-19 and I think there were a couple of other items. But it will be limited to those things. And then they are in and out.
Leahy: Is there a political aspect of this special session? By that I mean are we going to be treated the various Black Lives Matter protesters jumping up and down and causing problems for everybody?
Brewer: If there are any protests of any kind they’ll have to take place outside of the government buildings because I feel certain that some of the limitations to crowd size and access will still be in place.
Leahy: The big question is will Dr. Anthony Fauci be there to monitor if these are wearing masks?
Brewer: Yes. Well, they’ll be outside so the rules will be a little different. I think that every session has protests. So somebody will protest.
Leahy: Just talking about these masks things. I told you I was up in Michigan on business over the weekend and went to a wonderful restaurant. Everybody had to wear their masks. And I got a comment. As I was just talking to the person I was having dinner with this guy I told him that I was walking out and wearing this mask and the masks present, if you wear glasses as I do often. And if you have a new mask for me my glasses start slipping off my nose.
Brewer: Well, they fog up.
Leahy: They fog up. It’s just a pain. And of course, I’m not a big fan of the mask.
Brewer: It’s not as big a pain as getting COVID-19.
Leahy: Asterisk. If these masks, and this is a much longer discussion about whether they have an impact. But I tell you, the politicization of this mask thing. So as I’m walking out of the restaurant passed another table but not talking to that table I was six feet away from that table by the way.
So I’m wearing the mask and was telling the guy I’m having dinner with that I just hate these masks. And I saw this guy sitting at the other table look at me with hatred in his eyes. If he could have sent a dart directly at me, a ray gun he would have.
Brewer: If looks could kill.
Leahy: If looks could kill I would have been on the floor and out.
Brewer: Do you think he really likes wearing his mask? What was the problem?
Leahy: He was at the table not at that time wearing his mask. Because the protocol is you where your mask to go to the table and take your mask off and eat. Because there is obviously scientific evidence that shows that that works. (Laughs)
I was like oh my goodness. Everything in the country now is politicized. Everything! You can’t get a break! You go to dinner and you just have an off-hand comment being yourself, right? And then somebody overhears it and you get the death ray. You must be a Trump supporter.
Brewer: Well yeah. I had the opposite, somewhat opposite experience this weekend in Oxford, Mississippi.
Leahy: The home of Ole Miss. A beautiful town. I went the first time in part of your recommendation.
Brewer: And everybody was wearing masks. There was no disagreement and people were pretty copacetic about it. It was just being done.
Leahy: I had the same experience there. That was the mode there. I think that this whole thing has been handled incorrectly. I think the right thing is to say to avoid all this aggravation to come out and say, you know, we’re not entirely sure of the science but it can’t hurt. Please wear a mask. We’re not going to force you. But please wear a mask. I think there would be more compliance. Maybe.
Brewer: Just wear a mask.
Leahy: Well asterisk…
Brewer: We’ll get through all this. Just wear one just in case.
Leahy: That’s Clint talking. That’s not Mike talking.
– – –
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--2020-08-05--Commentary: The Quality of Life for Citizens in the Democratic-Run City of Minneapolis Is Diminishin

Commentary: The Quality of Life for Citizens in the Democratic-Run City of Minneapolis Is Diminishing

If you want a look at the dystopian Hell that Democrats will create in your city or town should they win the 2020 election look no further than what has happened in Minneapolis since the city council and Mayor gave the city over to the Far Left BLM revolutionaries .
After the city leaders allowed days of violent insurrection , that burned over three miles of city storefronts , the Minneapolis City Council voted 12-0 to abolish the city police department .
According to the UK ’ s Daily Mail , homicides , shootings and robberies in Minneapolis have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far this year 288 people have been shot — a total that exceeds all of 2019 .
There have also been 41 homicides in the city so far this year .
In 2019 , there were 48 homicides in Minneapolis in total .
According to Minneapolis Police Department records , reported by the Daily Mail , gunfire incidents increased 224 percent and 166 percent respectively compared to 2019 .
More recently , Minneapolis ’ South Side has been hit with a string of armed robberies and carjackings , which police say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In July alone , there were 100 robberies and 20 carjackings in the Third Precinct – the city ’ s largest precinct geographically .
This comes as the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a proposal last month to change the city charter to allow the police department to be abolished .
The Third Precinct was the precinct that city officials ordered police officers to abandon and , after being given over to the revolutionaries , was subsequently burned to the ground .
The result of this has been a disaster for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it has been particularly brutal for the lower income people who live in the former Third Precinct .
According to a July 28 email provided to Alpha News MN that was also forwarded to The Daily Wire , the Minneapolis Police Department offered “ prevention tips ” to residents hoping to avoid being a victim of the skyrocketing cases of robbery and carjacking that have plagued the city since George Floyd ’ s death in May .
“ Robberies and Carjacking ’ s [ sic ] have increased in our Precinct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cell phones , purses , and vehicles are being targeted .
Some victims have been maced , dragged , assaulted , and some threatened with a gun .
Most of these crimes have occurred north of 42nd St. E. 100 Robberies and 20 Carjackings have been reported to 3rd Precinct Police in July alone .
Downtown and Southwest Minneapolis have seen an increase as well .
We want those who live and work here to be safe !
” The email goes on to list several tips that citizens can supposedly use to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have what they want : Do not walk alone Be hyper-aware of your surroundings at all times – pay attention !
Carry only items you need , and carry less cash Be prepared to give up your cell phone and purse/wallet Have keys already in your hand as you approach your car Despite all our efforts , robberies may still occur !
Do not argue or fight with the criminal .
Do as they say .
Your safety is most important !
Be a good witness .
When you call 911 , be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many suspects ?
Age , height , complexion , hair and eye color ?
Scars or tattoos ?
Weapon – what did it look like ?
What direction did they leave in ?
Vehicle description ?
The email also lists suggestions for avoiding a carjacking , such as “ never leave anything of value in your car , ” and “ never leave your car running unattended , ” since many whose cars have been stolen were dropping off food or other deliveries .
While Minneapolis ’ “ little people ” are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wallets and cellphones if approached by a criminal , Minneapolis has spent $ 152,400 on private security for some city council members , according to city officials .
Brandi Bennett , a Minneapolis resident who moved from the suburbs to the city summed up the situation in a recent op-ed in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune , which said in part : In recent weeks , my walks home have become so dangerous that my co-workers give me rides .
Fireworks , drag racing and vehicular doughnuts on Hennepin Avenue are the norm at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robberies and carjackings have skyrocketed .
The Park and Recreation Board overseeing the No .
1 park system in the nation has given its stamp of approval for tent cities , including one just a few blocks from me .
The president of the City Council said on national television that calling 911 and expecting help might mean I come from a “ place of privilege.
” I thought my right to public safety came from the $ 4,600 a year I pay in property taxes .
Apparently , that right to safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are in the process of defunding the police while at the same time so in fear for their own safety they have hired private security on the taxpayer ’ s dime .
What do many of Minneapolis ’ African American residents think of the idea of defunding or abolishing the police ?
The Star Tribune found several prominent leaders in the black community are incensed by how the Democrat-controlled city council has proceeded with its “ defund the police ” plan .
“ Egregious , grotesque , absurd , crazy , ridiculous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words that some local African American leaders are using to rebuke the Minneapolis City Council ’ s moves toward dismantling the Police Department .
One of the black leaders , the former president of the NAACP Minneapolis , accused the city council of showing “ a complete disregard for the voices and perspectives of many members of the African American community.
” “ We have not been consulted as the city makes its decisions , even though our community is the one most heavily impacted by both police violence and community violence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armstrong , as reported by the Tribune .
Armstrong went on to accuse the council of “ seizing upon the national spotlight to look as if they ’ re making a difference.
” Pastor Brian Herron leveled a similar accusation , saying the council was simply “ pandering.
” Whether the Democrats on the Minneapolis City Council are pandering to the Far Left or grandstanding for the media is largely irrelevant to those who now live in this Democrat-run dystopian Hell , where the little people are told to submit to the criminals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elite leadership class lives in a private security protected bubble , insulated from the Hell they ’ ve created .

by George Rasley
If you want a look at the dystopian Hell that Democrats will create in your city or town should they win the 2020 election look no further than what has happened in Minneapolis since the city council and Mayor gave the city over to the Far Left BLM revolutionaries.
After the city leaders allowed days of violent insurrection, that burned over three miles of city storefronts, the Minneapolis City Council voted 12-0 to abolish the city police department.
According to the UK’s Daily Mail, homicides, shootings and robberies in Minneapolis have all increased by double digits from last year. So far this year 288 people have been shot — a total that exceeds all of 2019. There have also been 41 homicides in the city so far this year. In 2019, there were 48 homicides in Minneapolis in total.
According to Minneapolis Police Department records, reported by the Daily Mail, gunfire incidents increased 224 percent and 166 percent respectively compared to 2019. More recently, Minneapolis’ South Side has been hit with a string of armed robberies and carjackings, which police say are the work of the same crew.
In July alone, there were 100 robberies and 20 carjackings in the Third Precinct – the city’s largest precinct geographically. This comes as the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a proposal last month to change the city charter to allow the police department to be abolished.
The Third Precinct was the precinct that city officials ordered police officers to abandon and, after being given over to the revolutionaries, was subsequently burned to the ground.
The result of this has been a disaster for the quality of life for all Minneapolis residents, but it has been particularly brutal for the lower income people who live in the former Third Precinct.
According to a July 28 email provided to Alpha News MN that was also forwarded to The Daily Wire, the Minneapolis Police Department offered “prevention tips” to residents hoping to avoid being a victim of the skyrocketing cases of robbery and carjacking that have plagued the city since George Floyd’s death in May.
“Robberies and Carjacking’s [sic] have increased in our Precinct,” the email begins. “Cell phones, purses, and vehicles are being targeted. Some victims have been maced, dragged, assaulted, and some threatened with a gun. Most of these crimes have occurred north of 42nd St. E. 100 Robberies and 20 Carjackings have been reported to 3rd Precinct Police in July alone. Downtown and Southwest Minneapolis have seen an increase as well. We want those who live and work here to be safe!”
The email goes on to list several tips that citizens can supposedly use to protect themselves, which includes letting criminals have what they want:
Do not walk alone
Be hyper-aware of your surroundings at all times – pay attention!
Carry only items you need, and carry less cash
Be prepared to give up your cell phone and purse/wallet
Have keys already in your hand as you approach your car
Despite all our efforts, robberies may still occur! Do not argue or fight with the criminal. Do as they say. Your safety is most important!
Be a good witness. When you call 911, be prepared to answer many questions. How many suspects? Age, height, complexion, hair and eye color? Scars or tattoos? Weapon – what did it look like? What direction did they leave in? Vehicle description?
The email also lists suggestions for avoiding a carjacking, such as “never leave anything of value in your car,” and “never leave your car running unattended,” since many whose cars have been stolen were dropping off food or other deliveries.
While Minneapolis’ “little people” are being told to give up their cars, wallets and cellphones if approached by a criminal, Minneapolis has spent $152,400 on private security for some city council members, according to city officials.
Brandi Bennett, a Minneapolis resident who moved from the suburbs to the city summed up the situation in a recent op-ed in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, which said in part:
In recent weeks, my walks home have become so dangerous that my co-workers give me rides. Fireworks, drag racing and vehicular doughnuts on Hennepin Avenue are the norm at all hours of the night. Shootings, robberies and carjackings have skyrocketed.
The Park and Recreation Board overseeing the No. 1 park system in the nation has given its stamp of approval for tent cities, including one just a few blocks from me.
The president of the City Council said on national television that calling 911 and expecting help might mean I come from a “place of privilege.” I thought my right to public safety came from the $4,600 a year I pay in property taxes. Apparently, that right to safety is only afforded to City Council members who are in the process of defunding the police while at the same time so in fear for their own safety they have hired private security on the taxpayer’s dime.
What do many of Minneapolis’ African American residents think of the idea of defunding or abolishing the police?
The Star Tribune found several prominent leaders in the black community are incensed by how the Democrat-controlled city council has proceeded with its “defund the police” plan.
“Egregious, grotesque, absurd, crazy, ridiculous. These are a handful of the words that some local African American leaders are using to rebuke the Minneapolis City Council’s moves toward dismantling the Police Department.
One of the black leaders, the former president of the NAACP Minneapolis, accused the city council of showing “a complete disregard for the voices and perspectives of many members of the African American community.”
“We have not been consulted as the city makes its decisions, even though our community is the one most heavily impacted by both police violence and community violence,” said former NAACP leader Nekima Levy Armstrong, as reported by the Tribune. Armstrong went on to accuse the council of “seizing upon the national spotlight to look as if they’re making a difference.”
Pastor Brian Herron leveled a similar accusation, saying the council was simply “pandering.”
Whether the Democrats on the Minneapolis City Council are pandering to the Far Left or grandstanding for the media is largely irrelevant to those who now live in this Democrat-run dystopian Hell, where the little people are told to submit to the criminals instead of calling the police and the elite leadership class lives in a private security protected bubble, insulated from the Hell they’ve created.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Karen Bass Pictured at Nation of Islam Events, Wouldn’t Disavow Radical Group

Rep. Karen Bass , a top contender to become presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s running mate , appeared at Nation of Islam events , posed for a picture with a top Nation of Islam official , and attended a forum in 2013 hosted by the organization ’ s official mouthpiece .
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan has referred to Jewish people as “ satanic , ” blamed them for the Holocaust and the Sept. 11 , 2011 terrorist attacks , and once praised Adolf Hitler as a “ very great man.
” Farrakhan has also denounced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ mongrelized ” the black race .
The Nation of Islam holds that white people were created 6,000 years ago as the result of a selective breeding program by a black scientist called Yakub .
“ This teaching of the birth of the White race has been central to the belief system in the Nation of Islam and it has been met with hostility and profound resistance by its critics , who have most commonly termed it ‘ hate teaching , ’ ” the Final Call , the Nation of Islam ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Bass , a California Democrat , appeared alongside Tony Muhammad , the director of the Nation of Islam ’ s Western division , at events in 2014 and 2015 .
Bass is seen posing with Muhammad in a photo posted online by Mablean Ephriam , the former host of Fox television program “ Justice With Judge Mable.
” She attended an anti-police brutality event in April 2015 along with Muhammad and other Los Angeles-area activists , video shows .
Dr. Mauluna Karenga , the founder of the holiday Kwanzaa , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convicted in 1971 on charges that he tortured two women who were part of his black liberation paramilitary group , US Organization .
Bass attended a summit hosting first ladies from Africa in April 2013 hosted by the Final Call , the “ official communications organ of the Nation of Islam , ” which posted a photo of the California Democrat at the event .
Muhammad praised Bass and another California Democrat , Rep. Maxine Waters , during a 2018 interview .
“ I have to say , I thank God for Maxine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muhammad told the Los Angeles Sentinel in April 2018 , when some Democratic lawmakers were distancing themselves from Farrakhan .
“ I think our Black politicians should stand down .
Minister Farrakhan will take a call from a Maxine Waters or Karen Bass .
He will stop what he ’ s doing … come and correct him , he ’ s told them .
But don ’ t let anyone tell you I ’ ve done something wrong without checking , ” Muhammad said .
A spokesperson for Bass told the Daily Caller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or talked to Farrakhan , in contradiction to Muhammad ’ s statements in the 2018 interview .
“ Rep .
Bass has never met Louis Farrakhan , has never spoken to Louis Farrakhan and has no ties to Louis Farrakhan , ” the spokesperson said , asserting that the congresswoman “ is in no way linked to Louis Farrakhan or the Nation of Islam.
” Regarding the events that both Bass and Muhammad attended , the Bass aide said that she “ did not control the program , the other speakers or attendees.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a question of whether she is willing to denounce the Nation of Islam and Farrakhan .
The Church of Scientology awarded Muhammad its highest honor in 2017 .
The DCNF reported Friday that Bass praised the Church of Scientology at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for one of its facilities in Los Angeles in 2010 .
Bass isn ’ t the only prominent Democrat to have faced scrutiny over connections to the Nation of Islam .
Illinois Rep. Danny Davis praised Farrakhan as an “ outstanding human being.
” In a March 2018 interview with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that he had a personal relationship with Farrakhan and said he was unbothered by Farrakhan ’ s “ position ” on “ the Jewish question.
” Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib in 2006 wrote an op-ed for the Final Call , which described her as a “ guest columnist.
” A spokesperson for Tlaib later said that she rejects Farrakhan ’ s “ anti-Semitic and anti-LGBTQ views.
” Waters was captured on video hugging Farrakhan when he met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus in 2006 .
In 2002 , Waters appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farrakhan defended Palestinian suicide bombers .
“ We have Maxine Waters here , ” Farrakhan told attendees of the California conference , describing her as “ our great congresswoman from this area.
” Waters hasn ’ t disavowed Farrakhan or the Nation of Islam .
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison ’ s ties to Farrakhan began in the 1990s and continued for years after Ellison entered Congress in 2006 , despite his statements to the contrary .
The Washington Post in March 2018 awarded Ellison four “ Pinocchios ” — its worst possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his relationship with Farrakhan ended before he entered Congress .
Indiana Rep. Andre Carson admitted taking a private meeting with Farrakhan in a Washington , D.C. , hotel room in 2015 .
Carson confirmed the meeting ’ s existence to a newspaper columnist in 2018 and declined to rule out further meetings with the Nation of Islam leader .
– – – Peter Hasson and Chuck Ross are reporters for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Karen Bass and Louis Farrakhan ” by Ahmad770 .

by Peter Hasson and Chuck Ross
Rep. Karen Bass, a top contender to become presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s running mate, appeared at Nation of Islam events, posed for a picture with a top Nation of Islam official, and attended a forum in 2013 hosted by the organization’s official mouthpiece.
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan has referred to Jewish people as “satanic,” blamed them for the Holocaust and the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attacks, and once praised Adolf Hitler as a “very great man.” Farrakhan has also denounced interracial marriage, which he said has “mongrelized” the black race.
The Nation of Islam holds that white people were created 6,000 years ago as the result of a selective breeding program by a black scientist called Yakub.
“This teaching of the birth of the White race has been central to the belief system in the Nation of Islam and it has been met with hostility and profound resistance by its critics, who have most commonly termed it ‘hate teaching,’” the Final Call, the Nation of Islam’s official mouthpiece, states on its website.
But Bass, a California Democrat, appeared alongside Tony Muhammad, the director of the Nation of Islam’s Western division, at events in 2014 and 2015. Bass is seen posing with Muhammad in a photo posted online by Mablean Ephriam, the former host of Fox television program “Justice With Judge Mable.”
She attended an anti-police brutality event in April 2015 along with Muhammad and other Los Angeles-area activists, video shows. Dr. Mauluna Karenga, the founder of the holiday Kwanzaa, also spoke at the rally.
Karenga was convicted in 1971 on charges that he tortured two women who were part of his black liberation paramilitary group, US Organization.
Bass attended a summit hosting first ladies from Africa in April 2013 hosted by the Final Call, the “official communications organ of the Nation of Islam,” which posted a photo of the California Democrat at the event.
Muhammad praised Bass and another California Democrat, Rep. Maxine Waters, during a 2018 interview.
“I have to say, I thank God for Maxine Waters and Congresswoman Karen Bass,” Muhammad told the Los Angeles Sentinel in April 2018, when some Democratic lawmakers were distancing themselves from Farrakhan.
“I think our Black politicians should stand down. Minister Farrakhan will take a call from a Maxine Waters or Karen Bass. He will stop what he’s doing … come and correct him, he’s told them. But don’t let anyone tell you I’ve done something wrong without checking,” Muhammad said.
A spokesperson for Bass told the Daily Caller News Foundation that Bass has never met or talked to Farrakhan, in contradiction to Muhammad’s statements in the 2018 interview.
“Rep. Bass has never met Louis Farrakhan, has never spoken to Louis Farrakhan and has no ties to Louis Farrakhan,” the spokesperson said, asserting that the congresswoman “is in no way linked to Louis Farrakhan or the Nation of Islam.”
Regarding the events that both Bass and Muhammad attended, the Bass aide said that she “did not control the program, the other speakers or attendees.”
The Bass spokesperson did not address a question of whether she is willing to denounce the Nation of Islam and Farrakhan.
The Church of Scientology awarded Muhammad its highest honor in 2017. The DCNF reported Friday that Bass praised the Church of Scientology at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for one of its facilities in Los Angeles in 2010.
Bass isn’t the only prominent Democrat to have faced scrutiny over connections to the Nation of Islam.
Illinois Rep. Danny Davis praised Farrakhan as an “outstanding human being.” In a March 2018 interview with the Daily Caller News Foundation, Davis confirmed that he had a personal relationship with Farrakhan and said he was unbothered by Farrakhan’s “position” on “the Jewish question.”
Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib in 2006 wrote an op-ed for the Final Call, which described her as a “guest columnist.” A spokesperson for Tlaib later said that she rejects Farrakhan’s “anti-Semitic and anti-LGBTQ views.”
Waters was captured on video hugging Farrakhan when he met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus in 2006.
In 2002, Waters appeared at a Nation of Islam conference where Farrakhan defended Palestinian suicide bombers. “We have Maxine Waters here,” Farrakhan told attendees of the California conference, describing her as “our great congresswoman from this area.”
Waters hasn’t disavowed Farrakhan or the Nation of Islam.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s ties to Farrakhan began in the 1990s and continued for years after Ellison entered Congress in 2006, despite his statements to the contrary. The Washington Post in March 2018 awarded Ellison four “Pinocchios” — its worst possible fact check rating — for claiming that his relationship with Farrakhan ended before he entered Congress.
Indiana Rep. Andre Carson admitted taking a private meeting with Farrakhan in a Washington, D.C., hotel room in 2015. Carson confirmed the meeting’s existence to a newspaper columnist in 2018 and declined to rule out further meetings with the Nation of Islam leader.
– – –
Peter Hasson and Chuck Ross are reporters for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Karen Bass and Louis Farrakhan ” by Ahmad770.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-05--Amy Acton Steps Down as Ohio Governor’s Health Advisor, Will Return to Work for the Columbus Foundat

Amy Acton Steps Down as Ohio Governor’s Health Advisor, Will Return to Work for the Columbus Foundation

Dr. Amy Acton stepped down from her role as Governor Mike DeWine ’ s Chief Health Advisor , the Ohio Department of Health announced Wednesday .
DeWine called Acton a “ friend and advisor ” on Twitter , saying that “ she has assured [ him ] that she is just a phone call away and will be available to continuing advising [ his administration ] as [ they ] move through this pandemic.
” Acton will return to the private sector to resume working for The Columbus Foundation , where she worked before she was appointed the director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 , 2019 .
Acton resigned from the Health Department on June 11 , 2020 , stepping into a role as the Chief Health Advisor for DeWine ’ s administration .
During her tenure , Acton was a magnet for controversy throughout the coronavirus pandemic , garnering both praise and disgust from citizens and politicians alike .
Acton acted aggressively at the outset of the pandemic , drawing the ire of many for over-predicting the extent of the disease and over-reacting in response .
Acton drew heavy fire in March for estimating that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus at the beginning of March .
This estimate came when Ohio was recording less than 20 new cases a day .
Later in March , Acton infamously predicted that Ohio could see between 8,000 and 10,000 new cases of the Chinese virus per day in the coming months .
Ohio ’ s new daily case total peaked at 1,733 on July 30 .
Acton became one of the primary targets of multiple protests in April .
Ohioans demanded that the governor ’ s office end lockdowns across the state so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even saw the appearance of an anti-Semitic sign .
It is believed that Acton , who is Jewish , was the prey of that sign .
A group of 25 protesters even demonstrated outside of Acton ’ s home in Bexley .
Bills introduced to the Ohio state legislature attempted to limit the Health Department ’ s ability to declare emergencies and order Acton to be more forthcoming with data related to COVID-19 .
Multiple businesses also sued Acton over the lockdowns ordered by Governor DeWine and the Health Department .
Acton ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office marks one of the most controversial and tumultuous periods in recent Ohio history .
Acton will return to The Columbus Foundation on September 1 , 2020 .
She will work as the Director of Kind Columbus , which is “ dedicated to spreading the words and actions of kindness as a defining value for our region.
” Sam Medley is a journalist at the Tennessee Star and Star News Network .
You can follow Sam at Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

Dr. Amy Acton stepped down from her role as Governor Mike DeWine’s Chief Health Advisor, the Ohio Department of Health announced Wednesday.
DeWine called Acton a “friend and advisor” on Twitter, saying that “she has assured [him] that she is just a phone call away and will be available to continuing advising [his administration] as [they] move through this pandemic.”
Acton will return to the private sector to resume working for The Columbus Foundation, where she worked before she was appointed the director of the Ohio Department of Health on February 26, 2019.
Acton resigned from the Health Department on June 11, 2020, stepping into a role as the Chief Health Advisor for DeWine’s administration.
During her tenure, Acton was a magnet for controversy throughout the coronavirus pandemic, garnering both praise and disgust from citizens and politicians alike.
Acton acted aggressively at the outset of the pandemic, drawing the ire of many for over-predicting the extent of the disease and over-reacting in response.
Acton drew heavy fire in March for estimating that as many as 100,000 Ohioans had contracted the virus at the beginning of March. This estimate came when Ohio was recording less than 20 new cases a day.
Later in March, Acton infamously predicted that Ohio could see between 8,000 and 10,000 new cases of the Chinese virus per day in the coming months. Ohio’s new daily case total peaked at 1,733 on July 30.
Acton became one of the primary targets of multiple protests in April. Ohioans demanded that the governor’s office end lockdowns across the state so they could return to work. One protest even saw the appearance of an anti-Semitic sign. It is believed that Acton, who is Jewish, was the prey of that sign.
A group of 25 protesters even demonstrated outside of Acton’s home in Bexley.
Bills introduced to the Ohio state legislature attempted to limit the Health Department’s ability to declare emergencies and order Acton to be more forthcoming with data related to COVID-19.
Multiple businesses also sued Acton over the lockdowns ordered by Governor DeWine and the Health Department.
Acton’s departure from the governor’s office marks one of the most controversial and tumultuous periods in recent Ohio history.
Acton will return to The Columbus Foundation on September 1, 2020. She will work as the Director of Kind Columbus, which is “dedicated to spreading the words and actions of kindness as a defining value for our region.”
– – –
Sam Medley is a journalist at the Tennessee Star and Star News Network. You can follow Sam at Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]