shareblue--2020-08-21--Biden: 'United we can and will overcome this season of darkness in America'

Joe Biden vowed to unite an America torn by crisis and contempt Thursday night , accepting the Democratic presidential nomination and achieving a pinnacle in an unfinished quest that has spanned three decades and been marred by personal tragedy , political stumbles and more dynamic rivals .
The past hurdles fell away as Biden addressed his fellow Democrats and millions of Americans at home who he hopes will send him to the White House to replace Donald Trump — though his triumphant moment was drained of immediate drama by the coronavirus pandemic , which left him speaking to a nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joyously cheering crowd .
`` Here and now I give you my word , if you entrust me with the presidency , I will draw on the best of us , not the worst , '' Biden declared .
`` I 'll be an ally of the light , not our darkness . ''
`` And make no mistake , united we can and will overcome this season of darkness in America . ''
The pandemic has shaken the nation and fundamentally altered the campaign .
But Biden pointed to the public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn traits previously seen as vulnerabilities , notably a long career spent in elected office , into an advantage by presenting himself as a competent leader in a moment that Democrats say cries out for one in the White House .
The night 's keynote address was the speech of a lifetime for Biden , who at 77 would be the oldest president ever elected if he defeats Trump in November .
But his convention leaned on a younger generation earlier in the night to help energize his sprawling coalition .
Tammy Duckworth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legs in Iraq and is raising two young children , said Biden has `` common decency . ''
Cory Booker , only the ninth African American senator in U.S. history , said Biden believes in the dignity of all working Americans .
And Pete Buttigieg , a 38-year-old openly gay military veteran from Indiana , noted that Biden came out in favor of same-sex marriage as vice president even before President Barack Obama did .
`` Joe Biden is right , this is a contest for the soul of the nation .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good Americans and evil Americans , '' Buttigieg said .
`` It 's the struggle to call out what is good for every American . ''
Above all , Biden was focusing on uniting the nation as Americans grapple with the long and fearful health crisis , the related economic devastation , a national awakening on racial justice — and Trump , who stirs heated emotions from all sides .
Biden 's positive focus Thursday night marked a break from the dire warnings offered by former President Obama and others the night before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States warned that American democracy itself could falter if Trump is reelected , while Biden 's running mate , Kamala Harris , the 55-year-old California senator and the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants , addressed race problems in a way Biden could not .
Throughout their convention , the Democrats have summoned a collective urgency about the dangers of Trump as president .
In 2016 , they dismissed and sometimes trivialized him .
In the days leading up to Biden 's acceptance speech , they cast him as an existential threat to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipated speech , Thursday 's program was designed to highlight the diversity of the Democratic Party and the nation he hopes to lead .
`` We know how important it is that we elect real leaders like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris , people of honor and integrity , who hold justice close to their hearts and believe that the lives of my four Black children matter , '' Lance Bottoms said .
She spoke ahead of a tribute to the late John Lewis , the Georgia congressman and civil rights leader who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African Americans are able to vote .
Biden 's Democratic Party has sought this week to put forward a cohesive vision of values and policy priorities , highlighting efforts to combat climate change , tighten gun laws and embrace a humane immigration policy .
They have drawn a sharp contrast with Trump 's policies and personality , portraying him as cruel , self-centered , and woefully unprepared to manage virtually any of the nation 's mounting crises and policy challenges .
Voting was a prime focus of the convention on Thursday as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the pandemic — and the Trump administration — may make it difficult for voters to cast ballots in person or by mail .
Comedian Sarah Cooper , a favorite of many Democrats for her videos lip-syncing Trump 's speeches , put it bluntly : `` Donald Trump does n't want any of us to vote because he knows he ca n't win fair and square . ''
Biden 's call for unity comes as some strategists worry that Democrats can not retake the White House simply by tearing Trump down ; Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote for .
That 's easier said than done in a modern Democratic Party made up of disparate factions that span generation , race , and ideology .
Though he has been in the public spotlight for decades , much of the electorate knows little about Biden 's background before he began serving as President Barack Obama 's vice president in 2008 .
Thursday 's convention served as a national reintroduction of sorts that drew on some of the most painful moments of his life .
`` I know how mean and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Biden said .
He added : `` I found the best way through pain and loss and grief is to find purpose . ''
As a schoolboy , Biden was mocked by classmates and a nun for a severe stutter .
He became a widower at just 30 after losing his wife and infant daughter to a car accident .
And just five years ago , he buried his eldest son who was stricken by cancer .
From such hardship , Biden developed a deep sense of empathy that has defined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the convention , Biden 's allies testified that such empathy , backed by decades of governing experience , makes him the perfect candidate to guide the nation back from mounting health and economic crises .
His allies Thursday included Brayden Harrington , a 13-year-old boy from Concord , New Hampshire , who talked about the bond he shares with Biden over stuttering .
The boy said he and Biden were `` members of the same club , '' each with a stutter they 're working to overcome .
He noted that Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he liked to read aloud to practice his speech and showed the boy how he marks his speeches so they 're easier to read aloud .
`` I 'm just a regular kid , and in a short amount of time , Joe Biden made me more confident about a thing that 's bothered me my whole life , '' Harrington said .
The pandemic forced Biden 's team to abandon the typical convention pageantry and rely instead on a highly-produced , all-virtual affair that has failed to draw the same television ratings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noticeable Thursday night as Biden took the stage to make history in a cavernous hall in downtown Wilmington .
His audience consisted of a few dozen reporters and photographers .
It 's Trump 's turn next .
The Republican president , who abandoned plans to host his convention in North Carolina and in Florida , is expected to break tradition and accept his nomination from the White House lawn next week .
In the meantime , he 's seeking to take attention from Biden .
Trump was continuing this week 's swing-state tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's birthplace of Scranton , Pennsylvania .
While he is trying to stay on offense , the president has faced a series of distractions of his own this week , many of his own making .
Trump on Wednesday praised a conspiracy-theory group that believes the president 's political opponents support satanism and pedophilia .
On Thursday , a federal judge ruled that prosecutors could access his long-hidden tax returns .
Also Thursday , New York prosecutors announced the indictment of Steve Bannon , Trump 's former campaign manager and White House chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Joe Biden vowed to unite an America torn by crisis and contempt Thursday night, accepting the Democratic presidential nomination and achieving a pinnacle in an unfinished quest that has spanned three decades and been marred by personal tragedy, political stumbles and more dynamic rivals.
The past hurdles fell away as Biden addressed his fellow Democrats and millions of Americans at home who he hopes will send him to the White House to replace Donald Trump — though his triumphant moment was drained of immediate drama by the coronavirus pandemic, which left him speaking to a nearly empty arena rather than a to a joyously cheering crowd.
“Here and now I give you my word, if you entrust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us, not the worst,” Biden declared. “I’ll be an ally of the light, not our darkness.”
“And make no mistake, united we can and will overcome this season of darkness in America.”
The pandemic has shaken the nation and fundamentally altered the campaign. But Biden pointed to the public health emergency and the severe economic fallout to turn traits previously seen as vulnerabilities, notably a long career spent in elected office, into an advantage by presenting himself as a competent leader in a moment that Democrats say cries out for one in the White House.
The night’s keynote address was the speech of a lifetime for Biden, who at 77 would be the oldest president ever elected if he defeats Trump in November. But his convention leaned on a younger generation earlier in the night to help energize his sprawling coalition.
Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois senator who lost both legs in Iraq and is raising two young children, said Biden has “common decency.”
Cory Booker, only the ninth African American senator in U.S. history, said Biden believes in the dignity of all working Americans.
And Pete Buttigieg, a 38-year-old openly gay military veteran from Indiana, noted that Biden came out in favor of same-sex marriage as vice president even before President Barack Obama did.
“Joe Biden is right, this is a contest for the soul of the nation. And to me that contest is not between good Americans and evil Americans,” Buttigieg said. “It’s the struggle to call out what is good for every American.”
Above all, Biden was focusing on uniting the nation as Americans grapple with the long and fearful health crisis, the related economic devastation, a national awakening on racial justice — and Trump, who stirs heated emotions from all sides.
Biden’s positive focus Thursday night marked a break from the dire warnings offered by former President Obama and others the night before. The 44th president of the United States warned that American democracy itself could falter if Trump is reelected, while Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris, the 55-year-old California senator and the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, addressed race problems in a way Biden could not.
Throughout their convention, the Democrats have summoned a collective urgency about the dangers of Trump as president. In 2016, they dismissed and sometimes trivialized him. In the days leading up to Biden’s acceptance speech, they cast him as an existential threat to the country.
Beyond Biden’s highly anticipated speech, Thursday’s program was designed to highlight the diversity of the Democratic Party and the nation he hopes to lead.
“We know how important it is that we elect real leaders like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, people of honor and integrity, who hold justice close to their hearts and believe that the lives of my four Black children matter,” Lance Bottoms said. She spoke ahead of a tribute to the late John Lewis, the Georgia congressman and civil rights leader who devoted much of his life to ensuring African Americans are able to vote.
Biden’s Democratic Party has sought this week to put forward a cohesive vision of values and policy priorities, highlighting efforts to combat climate change, tighten gun laws and embrace a humane immigration policy. They have drawn a sharp contrast with Trump’s policies and personality, portraying him as cruel, self-centered, and woefully unprepared to manage virtually any of the nation’s mounting crises and policy challenges.
Voting was a prime focus of the convention on Thursday as it has been all week. Democrats fear that the pandemic — and the Trump administration — may make it difficult for voters to cast ballots in person or by mail.
Comedian Sarah Cooper, a favorite of many Democrats for her videos lip-syncing Trump’s speeches, put it bluntly: “Donald Trump doesn’t want any of us to vote because he knows he can’t win fair and square.”
Biden’s call for unity comes as some strategists worry that Democrats cannot retake the White House simply by tearing Trump down; Biden needs to give his sprawling coalition something to vote for. That’s easier said than done in a modern Democratic Party made up of disparate factions that span generation, race, and ideology.
Though he has been in the public spotlight for decades, much of the electorate knows little about Biden’s background before he began serving as President Barack Obama’s vice president in 2008.
Thursday’s convention served as a national reintroduction of sorts that drew on some of the most painful moments of his life.
“I know how mean and cruel and unfair life can be sometimes,” Biden said. He added: “I found the best way through pain and loss and grief is to find purpose.”
As a schoolboy, Biden was mocked by classmates and a nun for a severe stutter. He became a widower at just 30 after losing his wife and infant daughter to a car accident. And just five years ago, he buried his eldest son who was stricken by cancer.
From such hardship, Biden developed a deep sense of empathy that has defined much of his political career. And throughout the convention, Biden’s allies testified that such empathy, backed by decades of governing experience, makes him the perfect candidate to guide the nation back from mounting health and economic crises.
His allies Thursday included Brayden Harrington, a 13-year-old boy from Concord, New Hampshire, who talked about the bond he shares with Biden over stuttering.
The boy said he and Biden were “members of the same club,” each with a stutter they’re working to overcome. He noted that Biden told him about a book of poems he liked to read aloud to practice his speech and showed the boy how he marks his speeches so they’re easier to read aloud.
“I’m just a regular kid, and in a short amount of time, Joe Biden made me more confident about a thing that’s bothered me my whole life,” Harrington said.
The pandemic forced Biden’s team to abandon the typical convention pageantry and rely instead on a highly-produced, all-virtual affair that has failed to draw the same television ratings as past conventions. The silence was noticeable Thursday night as Biden took the stage to make history in a cavernous hall in downtown Wilmington. His audience consisted of a few dozen reporters and photographers.
It’s Trump’s turn next. The Republican president, who abandoned plans to host his convention in North Carolina and in Florida, is expected to break tradition and accept his nomination from the White House lawn next week.
In the meantime, he’s seeking to take attention from Biden. Trump was continuing this week’s swing-state tour on Thursday with a stop near Biden’s birthplace of Scranton, Pennsylvania. While he is trying to stay on offense, the president has faced a series of distractions of his own this week, many of his own making.
Trump on Wednesday praised a conspiracy-theory group that believes the president’s political opponents support satanism and pedophilia. On Thursday, a federal judge ruled that prosecutors could access his long-hidden tax returns. Also Thursday, New York prosecutors announced the indictment of Steve Bannon, Trump’s former campaign manager and White House chief counsel, who was charged with fraud.


shareblue--2020-08-21--World War II vet and NRA member: 'Trump has been the worst president we've ever had'

Donald Trump speaks often of how he loves veterans and supports them , despite raiding the pensions of veterans to fund his wall and misusing charitable funds earmarked for them .
On Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention , 95-year-old Edward Good — a World War II veteran , lifetime Republican , NRA member , and a 2016 Trump voter — spoke about how he 'll be voting for Joe Biden for president .
I am Edward Good .
I 'm a veteran of World War II and of Korea .
When I wear a uniform , I wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the combat infantry badge .
I did make combat jump over the Rhine in Germany and I 'm proud of that .
I have been a republican since the 1960s .
I 'm a member of the NRA and voted for Trump .
I think Trump has been the worst president we 've ever had so I 'll be glad to see him go .
I think Joe Biden will be a great leader for the United States .
Like me on the day of my jump into Germany , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proper duty for the United States and if he 's elected , that 's what he will do .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump speaks often of how he loves veterans and supports them, despite raiding the pensions of veterans to fund his wall and misusing charitable funds earmarked for them.
On Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention, 95-year-old Edward Good — a World War II veteran, lifetime Republican, NRA member, and a 2016 Trump voter — spoke about how he’ll be voting for Joe Biden for president.
I am Edward Good. I’m a veteran of World War II and of Korea. When I wear a uniform, I wear only two badges, my parachute wings, and the combat infantry badge. I did make combat jump over the Rhine in Germany and I’m proud of that. I have been a republican since the 1960s. I’m a member of the NRA and voted for Trump. I think Trump has been the worst president we’ve ever had so I’ll be glad to see him go. I think Joe Biden will be a great leader for the United States. Like me on the day of my jump into Germany, I think Joe Biden cares about doing his proper duty for the United States and if he’s elected, that’s what he will do.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-21--Rep. Deb Haaland invokes Native American heritage: 'Voting is sacred'

Rep. Deb Haaland ( D-NM ) invoked her Pueblo heritage on Thursday in a Democratic National Convention address from tribal lands to highlight the importance of voting .
Halaand , an enrolled member of the Pueblo Laguna , became one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress in November 2018 .
Rep. Sharice Davids ( D-KS ) , an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin , was the other .
Halaand noted in her speech that `` tribal nations have fought for and helped build this country , '' and explained the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud 35th generation New Mexican and one of the first Native American women ever elected to congress .
I am a symbol of our resilience , as the embodiment of America 's progress as a nation .
I know we ca n't take our democracy for granted , especially now as people are dying , as our land is abused , as our Constitution is under attack .
We must work for it , by getting involved , by registering voters , by voting .
Voting is sacred .
My people know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to vote until 1962 .
And that fundamental right is more important than ever .
Whether your ancestors have been here for hundreds of years or you 're a new citizen , know this : whether we vote and how we vote will determine if our nation 's promise of social , racial , and environmental justice will outlast us .
Haaland concluded by praising Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as leaders who `` respect our past and understand our present . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) invoked her Pueblo heritage on Thursday in a Democratic National Convention address from tribal lands to highlight the importance of voting.
Halaand, an enrolled member of the Pueblo Laguna, became one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress in November 2018. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, was the other.
Halaand noted in her speech that “tribal nations have fought for and helped build this country,” and explained the importance of voting:
I stand here today a proud 35th generation New Mexican and one of the first Native American women ever elected to congress. I am a symbol of our resilience, as the embodiment of America’s progress as a nation. I know we can’t take our democracy for granted, especially now as people are dying, as our land is abused, as our Constitution is under attack. We must work for it, by getting involved, by registering voters, by voting. Voting is sacred. My people know that. We were not universally granted the right to vote until 1962. And that fundamental right is more important than ever. Whether your ancestors have been here for hundreds of years or you’re a new citizen, know this: whether we vote and how we vote will determine if our nation’s promise of social, racial, and environmental justice will outlast us.
Haaland concluded by praising Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as leaders who “respect our past and understand our present.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-21--News you might have missed: DC installs Ida B. Wells mural to celebrate the 19th Amendment

This week , the nation 's capital celebrates the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution with a mural of Ida B .
Wells , Michigan distributes masks to those in need , and eight states band together to fight for free and fair elections .
Read on to see what else you might have missed this week in the news .
Union Station in Washington , D.C. , will soon be the site of a 1,000-foot mural of Ida B .
Wells , the journalist , suffragist , and civil rights icon .
The mural , a mosaic composed of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fought for the right to vote , is being installed on the station 's floor and will be on display from Aug. 24 through 28 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution .
The 19th Amendment , ratified in 1920 , states : `` The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex . ''
That right was functionally granted only to white women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to fight for their rights for decades longer before the Voting Rights Act was signed into law in 1965 .
`` I see this artwork as a truly international commemoration , '' Helen Marshall , the British artist who designed the mosaic , said earlier this month .
Wells ' life `` as a suffragist , civil rights activist and investigative journalist is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago , '' said Christina Korp , the mural 's producer .
`` We hope this project will inspire the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others featured within the digital interactive mosaic online . ''
Michigan to provide millions of free masks to at-risk residents The state of Michigan will provide 4 million masks to vulnerable residents at risk during the coronavirus pandemic , Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer announced on Aug. 14 .
`` Michigan needs to continue to 'mask up ' to protect us all from COVID-19 , '' Whitmer said in a statement .
`` Vulnerable populations may have difficulties buying masks and our schools need face coverings to keep students , staff and community members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to low-income schools , homeless shelters , coronavirus testing sites , and Native American tribes through a partnership of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services , the Ford Motor Company , and the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
Eight Democratic governors , led by Oregon 's Kate Brown , signed a pledge to ensure safe and open elections this fall `` in light of unprecedented attacks on voting rights and voting access , '' according to a press release on Thursday sent out by Brown 's office .
The governors agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure the vote is accessible , safe , and secure ; communicate openly with voters about the possibility of delayed election results due to the time it takes to count mail-in ballots ; and quickly and thoroughly investigate allegations of voter suppression .
`` In order to defeat this virus , no aspect of our society will remain untouched , and that means we also need to take steps to ensure people do not have to choose between their health and safety and their right to vote , '' Brown said .
Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , Minnesota , Nevada , New Jersey , North Carolina , and Wisconsin .
North Carolina removes employment barriers for those with criminal records North Carolina is the 36th state to remove criminal history questions from state employment applications , thanks to an executive order issued by Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper .
The order also prohibits questions about criminal history in the initial stages of the hiring process , according to a press statement sent out by his office .
`` People who have made mistakes often deserve a second chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives around , '' Cooper said .
`` Not only will this help reduce recidivism , it will give state government access to more qualified job applicants who now do n't even get the chance to show what good employees they would be . ''
The order went into effect on Tuesday and should be fully implemented by Nov. 1 .
Three gay lawmakers were among 17 keynote speakers on Tuesday at this year 's Democratic National Convention , marking the first time a keynote address featured openly LGBTQ speakers .
Georgia state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malcolm Kenyatta , and Long Beach , California , Mayor Robert Garcia joined 14 other so-called rising stars on Tuesday night to speak about why they were supporting Democratic nominee Joe Biden for president .
`` When I wanted to marry the man I love , Joe Biden was the first national figure to support me and my family , '' Kenyatta said .
Miller then added , `` Appreciate you , man . ''
International Recycling Group announced this week that it plans to build the world 's largest plastic recycling plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would invest $ 100 million to build a plant that would process 275,000 tons of plastic per year , aiming to reduce plastic 's carbon footprint by 70 % .
`` We are losing valuable recyclables to landfills , '' said Mitch Hecht , the group 's founder .
At the Democratic National Convention on Thursday , 13-year-old Brayden Harrington shared his story about meeting Joe Biden .
When the two met in New Hampshire a few months ago , Biden `` told me that we were members of the same club : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It was really amazing to hear that someone like me became vice president . ''
Biden `` showed me how he marks his addresses to make them easier to say out loud , '' Harrington said , holding up his speech , which was marked that way .
`` I 'm just a regular kid , and in a short amount of time , Joe Biden made me more confident about something that 's bothered me my whole life , '' Harrington said .
`` Joe Biden cared . ''

This week, the nation’s capital celebrates the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution with a mural of Ida B. Wells, Michigan distributes masks to those in need, and eight states band together to fight for free and fair elections.
Read on to see what else you might have missed this week in the news.
Union Station in Washington, D.C., will soon be the site of a 1,000-foot mural of Ida B. Wells, the journalist, suffragist, and civil rights icon. The mural, a mosaic composed of thousands of historical photos of women who fought for the right to vote, is being installed on the station’s floor and will be on display from Aug. 24 through 28 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, states: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
That right was functionally granted only to white women in 1920, as women of color had to fight for their rights for decades longer before the Voting Rights Act was signed into law in 1965.
“I see this artwork as a truly international commemoration,” Helen Marshall, the British artist who designed the mosaic, said earlier this month.
Wells’ life “as a suffragist, civil rights activist and investigative journalist is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago,” said Christina Korp, the mural’s producer. “We hope this project will inspire the public to learn more about her and countless others featured within the digital interactive mosaic online.”
The state of Michigan will provide 4 million masks to vulnerable residents at risk during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Aug. 14.
“Michigan needs to continue to ‘mask up’ to protect us all from COVID-19,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Vulnerable populations may have difficulties buying masks and our schools need face coverings to keep students, staff and community members safe.”
Masks will be provided to low-income schools, homeless shelters, coronavirus testing sites, and Native American tribes through a partnership of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Ford Motor Company, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Eight Democratic governors, led by Oregon’s Kate Brown, signed a pledge to ensure safe and open elections this fall “in light of unprecedented attacks on voting rights and voting access,” according to a press release on Thursday sent out by Brown’s office.
The governors agreed to work with local election officials to ensure the vote is accessible, safe, and secure; communicate openly with voters about the possibility of delayed election results due to the time it takes to count mail-in ballots; and quickly and thoroughly investigate allegations of voter suppression.
“In order to defeat this virus, no aspect of our society will remain untouched, and that means we also need to take steps to ensure people do not have to choose between their health and safety and their right to vote,” Brown said.
Brown was joined by governors from California, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
North Carolina is the 36th state to remove criminal history questions from state employment applications, thanks to an executive order issued by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. The order also prohibits questions about criminal history in the initial stages of the hiring process, according to a press statement sent out by his office.
“People who have made mistakes often deserve a second chance, and having a job helps turn lives around,” Cooper said. “Not only will this help reduce recidivism, it will give state government access to more qualified job applicants who now don’t even get the chance to show what good employees they would be.”
The order went into effect on Tuesday and should be fully implemented by Nov. 1.
Three gay lawmakers were among 17 keynote speakers on Tuesday at this year’s Democratic National Convention, marking the first time a keynote address featured openly LGBTQ speakers.
Georgia state Rep. Sam Park, Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, and Long Beach, California, Mayor Robert Garcia joined 14 other so-called rising stars on Tuesday night to speak about why they were supporting Democratic nominee Joe Biden for president.
Kenyatta spoke alongside his fiancé, Matthew Miller.
“When I wanted to marry the man I love, Joe Biden was the first national figure to support me and my family,” Kenyatta said. Miller then added, “Appreciate you, man.”
International Recycling Group announced this week that it plans to build the world’s largest plastic recycling plant in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The group would invest $100 million to build a plant that would process 275,000 tons of plastic per year, aiming to reduce plastic’s carbon footprint by 70%.
“We are losing valuable recyclables to landfills,” said Mitch Hecht, the group’s founder.
At the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, 13-year-old Brayden Harrington shared his story about meeting Joe Biden.
When the two met in New Hampshire a few months ago, Biden “told me that we were members of the same club: We stutter,” Harrington said. “It was really amazing to hear that someone like me became vice president.”
Biden “showed me how he marks his addresses to make them easier to say out loud,” Harrington said, holding up his speech, which was marked that way.
“I’m just a regular kid, and in a short amount of time, Joe Biden made me more confident about something that’s bothered me my whole life,” Harrington said. “Joe Biden cared.”


shareblue--2020-08-21--Democrats made sure their convention looked like America

This week 's Democratic National Convention was notable for its diversity , showcasing Americans of all types , in myriad ways .
The party made history , nominating Joe Biden , who would be only America 's second Catholic president if elected , and Kamala Harris , who would be the nation 's first female vice president , first Black vice president , and first Asian American vice president .
But it also included speakers that reflected America 's many races , religions , genders , sexual orientations , ages , national origins , and life experiences .
America 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack and Michelle Obama ; America 's first Latina senator , Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada ; its first Democratic Latina governor , Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico ; one of America 's first two Native American women to serve in Congress , Deb Haaland of New Mexico ; the first Asian American to be a major Democratic presidential candidate , Andrew Yang ; and two white former presidents , Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter , all played important roles in the proceedings .
In addition to the convention chair , Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Black , the programs featured many Democrats of color , including Black Sen. Cory Booker ( D-NJ ) , House Majority Whip James Clyburn , Rep. Gwen Moore ( D-WI ) , Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester ( D-DE ) , and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ; Asian American Sen. Tammy Duckworth ( D-IL ) ; and Latina Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) .
The convention included people from many religious faiths .
Delaware Rabbi Michael Beals told a story about Biden quietly participating in a Jewish Shiva prayer service for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Roman Catholic who has advocated for social justice with `` Nuns on the Bus '' trips , prayed for an America where `` hungry people are fed , children are nourished , immigrants are welcomed . ''
And Muslim-American Gold Star father Khzir Khan reminded Donald Trump that his 2016 offer to lend him a copy of the U.S. constitution `` still stands . ''
Two of the most powerful speakers on Thursday night were among the youngest and oldest participants .
First , 95-year-old Edward Good — a veteran of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifelong Republican , an NRA member , and a 2016 Trump voter — explained why he will vote for Biden this time around .
Then , a self-described 13-year-old `` regular kid '' from New Hampshire named Brayden Harrington recounted how Biden had helped him learn to speak in public , despite having a stutter .
The party also spotlighted its many powerful and accomplished women .
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton , Sens .
Amy Klobuchar ( D-MN ) and Elizabeth Warren ( D-MA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ; and 1996 Republican National Convention keynote speaker Susan Molinari all took part .
The speakers ran the ideological gamut , and even included several Republicans .
Progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) and conservatives like former Gov .
John Kasich ( R-OH ) agreed on their support for Biden and the urgent need to replace Trump .
Beyond just reaffirming the party 's support for LGBTQ rights , several historic LGBTQ trailblazers were involved .
Sen. Tammy Baldwin ( D-WI ) , the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her experiences with childhood illness and the need for affordable health care .
Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , the first major openly gay presidential candidate , talked about serving in the military before Do n't Ask Do n't Tell was repealed and Biden 's leadership on marriage equality .
Virginia state Del .
Danica Roem , the nation 's first openly transgender state legislator , helped recite the preamble to the U.S. Constitution .
Rep. Deb Haaland , a 35th generation New Mexican and enrolled member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how `` tribal nations have fought for and helped build this country '' and understand that `` voting is sacred . ''
On Wednesday , the Sanchezes of Charlotte , North Carolina , spoke of their experiences as undocumented immigrants and the importance of the DACA program for Dreamers .
And 11-year-old Estela Juarez read a letter to Donald Trump about seeing her mother deported back to Mexico after two years in the United States .
The speakers also shared their diverse experiences as Americans .
Sen. Tammy Duckworth ( D-IL ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service in Iraq , spoke about the sacrifices of military families .
Kristin Urquiza , who lost her father to COVID-19 , spoke of the Trump administration 's botched handling of the pandemic .
Ady Barkan , a 36-year-old dad who was diagnosed with ALS in 2016 , highlighted the need to fix the `` fundamentally broken '' health care system .
And DeAndra Dycus , an Indianapolis mom whose 13-year-old son lost his ability to speak and walk when he was shot in the head at a birthday party , called out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Next week 's Republican National Convention will reportedly highlight the small number of GOP leaders who are not straight , white , cisgender men .
But given the lack of diversity in the party 's elected officials , it is not likely to come close to what was on display this week .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

This week’s Democratic National Convention was notable for its diversity, showcasing Americans of all types, in myriad ways.
The party made history, nominating Joe Biden, who would be only America’s second Catholic president if elected, and Kamala Harris, who would be the nation’s first female vice president, first Black vice president, and first Asian American vice president.
But it also included speakers that reflected America’s many races, religions, genders, sexual orientations, ages, national origins, and life experiences.
Racial diversity
America’s first Black president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obama; America’s first Latina senator, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada; its first Democratic Latina governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico; one of America’s first two Native American women to serve in Congress, Deb Haaland of New Mexico; the first Asian American to be a major Democratic presidential candidate, Andrew Yang; and two white former presidents, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, all played important roles in the proceedings.
In addition to the convention chair, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), who is Black, the programs featured many Democrats of color, including Black Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), House Majority Whip James Clyburn, Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms; Asian American Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); and Latina Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
Religious diversity
The convention included people from many religious faiths. Delaware Rabbi Michael Beals told a story about Biden quietly participating in a Jewish Shiva prayer service for a longtime supporter.
Sister Simone Campbell, a Roman Catholic who has advocated for social justice with “Nuns on the Bus” trips, prayed for an America where “hungry people are fed, children are nourished, immigrants are welcomed.”
And Muslim-American Gold Star father Khzir Khan reminded Donald Trump that his 2016 offer to lend him a copy of the U.S. constitution “still stands.”
Age diversity
Two of the most powerful speakers on Thursday night were among the youngest and oldest participants.
First, 95-year-old Edward Good — a veteran of World War II and Korea, a lifelong Republican, an NRA member, and a 2016 Trump voter — explained why he will vote for Biden this time around.
Then, a self-described 13-year-old “regular kid” from New Hampshire named Brayden Harrington recounted how Biden had helped him learn to speak in public, despite having a stutter.
Accomplished women
The party also spotlighted its many powerful and accomplished women. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA); former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates; Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; and 1996 Republican National Convention keynote speaker Susan Molinari all took part.
Ideological diversity
The speakers ran the ideological gamut, and even included several Republicans. Progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and conservatives like former Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) agreed on their support for Biden and the urgent need to replace Trump.
LGBTQ inclusion
Beyond just reaffirming the party’s support for LGBTQ rights, several historic LGBTQ trailblazers were involved.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), the first openly lesbian U.S. senator, spoke about her experiences with childhood illness and the need for affordable health care.
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, the first major openly gay presidential candidate, talked about serving in the military before Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was repealed and Biden’s leadership on marriage equality.
Virginia state Del. Danica Roem, the nation’s first openly transgender state legislator, helped recite the preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
Native Americans
Rep. Deb Haaland, a 35th generation New Mexican and enrolled member of the Pueblo Laguna, talked on Thursday about how “tribal nations have fought for and helped build this country” and understand that “voting is sacred.”
Immigrants
On Wednesday, the Sanchezes of Charlotte, North Carolina, spoke of their experiences as undocumented immigrants and the importance of the DACA program for Dreamers. And 11-year-old Estela Juarez read a letter to Donald Trump about seeing her mother deported back to Mexico after two years in the United States.
Experiences
The speakers also shared their diverse experiences as Americans.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who lost both legs during her Army service in Iraq, spoke about the sacrifices of military families.
Kristin Urquiza, who lost her father to COVID-19, spoke of the Trump administration’s botched handling of the pandemic.
Ady Barkan, a 36-year-old dad who was diagnosed with ALS in 2016, highlighted the need to fix the “fundamentally broken” health care system.
And DeAndra Dycus, an Indianapolis mom whose 13-year-old son lost his ability to speak and walk when he was shot in the head at a birthday party, called out Trump’s apathy toward gun violence.
Next week’s Republican National Convention will reportedly highlight the small number of GOP leaders who are not straight, white, cisgender men. But given the lack of diversity in the party’s elected officials, it is not likely to come close to what was on display this week.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-21--How Democrats used their convention to celebrate LGBTQ rights

Throughout the 2020 Democratic National Convention , speakers addressed issues of LGBTQ equality , including progress in queer and transgender people 's rights over the past 10 years , LGBTQ diversity in Congress , and continuing violence against transgender people .
On the first night of the convention , Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) gave a keynote address in which he noted gay people 's fight for equality .
`` Together , we moved this country in a bold new direction , showing that all of us , Black and white , Latino , Native American , Asian American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and immigrant , yearn for the principles of a nation based on the principles of justice , love , and compassion , '' Sanders said .
On Tuesday evening , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) , talked about a `` mass people 's movement '' to secure social , economic , and human rights , which she said included a `` movement striving to recognize and repair the wounds of racial injustice , colonization , misogyny , and homophobia . ''
That same night , three gay politicians made history as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convention .
The speakers , billed as `` rising stars '' of the party , included Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta , Georgia state Rep. Sam Park , and Long Beach , California , Mayor Robert Garcia .
Actor Kerry Washington hosted the convention on Wednesday and highlighted the troubling trend of violence against transgender people , following a segment on gun violence .
In that segment , Washington introduced the `` change-makers who are using their powers for good , who are working to confront other epidemics we 're facing : COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black bodies , violence against members of the trans community . ''
At least 26 transgender or gender-nonconforming people have been killed so far in 2020 , according to the Human Rights Campaign .
In 2019 , there were at least 27 such deaths .
The majority of the victims were Black transgender women .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) also said Wednesday that she was proud of House Democrats ' diversity , pointing to last year 's House passage of the Equality Act , a sweeping nondiscrimination bill that improves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has opposed the legislation .
Pelosi celebrated `` the most diverse [ House ] majority in history : more than 60 % women , people of color , and LGBTQ . ''
She added , `` We have sent the Senate bills to protect our dreamers , to advance LGBTQ equality , to prevent gun violence , to preserve our planet for future generations , and even more . ''
And on Thursday , three history-making LGBTQ political leaders spoke on issues of LGBTQ rights .
Sen. Tammy Baldwin ( D-WI ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Congress and first openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate , said on Thursday evening that all Americans want `` the freedom to love who we want . ''
Virginia Del .
Danica Roem ( D ) , the first openly transgender person to be elected and serve in a state legislature , spoke that night as well , saying , `` I want to see a president of the United States who can look a trans woman in the eye and tell her her rights are worth protecting . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former Democratic mayor of South Bend , Indiana , talked about the progress that had been made , such as Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality and protections for LGBTQ workers .
`` Just over 10 years ago , I joined a military where firing me because of who I am wasn ’ t just possible .
It was policy .
Now in 2020 , it is unlawful in America to fire someone because of who they are or who they love .
The very ring on my finger , a wedding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing , reflects how this country can change , '' Buttigieg said .
Buttigieg said that the day he was born , the idea of an openly gay candidate seeking federal office was `` laughable . ''
`` Yet earlier this year , I campaigned for president , often with my husband Chasten at my side , winning delegates to this very convention , '' he said .
`` Love makes my marriage real , '' he added .
`` But political courage made it possible , including that of Joe Biden who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Throughout the 2020 Democratic National Convention, speakers addressed issues of LGBTQ equality, including progress in queer and transgender people’s rights over the past 10 years, LGBTQ diversity in Congress, and continuing violence against transgender people.
On the first night of the convention, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) gave a keynote address in which he noted gay people’s fight for equality.
“Together, we moved this country in a bold new direction, showing that all of us, Black and white, Latino, Native American, Asian American, gay and straight, native born and immigrant, yearn for the principles of a nation based on the principles of justice, love, and compassion,” Sanders said.
On Tuesday evening, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), talked about a “mass people’s movement” to secure social, economic, and human rights, which she said included a “movement striving to recognize and repair the wounds of racial injustice, colonization, misogyny, and homophobia.”
That same night, three gay politicians made history as the first out LGBTQ keynote speakers at the convention. The speakers, billed as “rising stars” of the party, included Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, Georgia state Rep. Sam Park, and Long Beach, California, Mayor Robert Garcia.
Actor Kerry Washington hosted the convention on Wednesday and highlighted the troubling trend of violence against transgender people, following a segment on gun violence.
In that segment, Washington introduced the “change-makers who are using their powers for good, who are working to confront other epidemics we’re facing: COVID-19, structural racism, police violence against Black bodies, violence against members of the trans community.”
At least 26 transgender or gender-nonconforming people have been killed so far in 2020, according to the Human Rights Campaign. In 2019, there were at least 27 such deaths. The majority of the victims were Black transgender women.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also said Wednesday that she was proud of House Democrats’ diversity, pointing to last year’s House passage of the Equality Act, a sweeping nondiscrimination bill that improves nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people. Donald Trump has opposed the legislation.
Pelosi celebrated “the most diverse [House] majority in history: more than 60% women, people of color, and LGBTQ.” She added, “We have sent the Senate bills to protect our dreamers, to advance LGBTQ equality, to prevent gun violence, to preserve our planet for future generations, and even more.” And on Thursday, three history-making LGBTQ political leaders spoke on issues of LGBTQ rights. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), the first openly gay woman elected to Congress and first openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate, said on Thursday evening that all Americans want “the freedom to love who we want.” Virginia Del. Danica Roem (D), the first openly transgender person to be elected and serve in a state legislature, spoke that night as well, saying, “I want to see a president of the United States who can look a trans woman in the eye and tell her her rights are worth protecting.”
Pete Buttigieg, a gay man and the former Democratic mayor of South Bend, Indiana, talked about the progress that had been made, such as Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality and protections for LGBTQ workers.
“Just over 10 years ago, I joined a military where firing me because of who I am wasn’t just possible. It was policy. Now in 2020, it is unlawful in America to fire someone because of who they are or who they love. The very ring on my finger, a wedding we celebrated, here where I’m standing, reflects how this country can change,” Buttigieg said.
Buttigieg said that the day he was born, the idea of an openly gay candidate seeking federal office was “laughable.”
“Yet earlier this year, I campaigned for president, often with my husband Chasten at my side, winning delegates to this very convention,” he said.
“Love makes my marriage real,” he added. “But political courage made it possible, including that of Joe Biden who stepped out ahead even of this party.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-21--Ron Johnson claims mail issues are 'ginned up' as postal chief admits they're real

`` We all feel bad about what the dip in our service level has been , '' he added later .
Other Senate Republicans on the committee said they too had heard from constituents who have had trouble with mail delays — especially veterans , who have faced long waits for critical medications delivered via the Postal Service .
`` I am concerned with the delays that we have seen in Ohio and elsewhere , '' Sen .
Rob Portman ( R-OH ) told DeJoy at the hearing .
`` We have a number of veterans who contacted us and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their medication . ''
Portman told the story of a 70-year-old Vietnam veteran in his district whose inhaler for his COPD was delayed .
`` The inhaler refill was mailed through the postal service , due to delays , he ran out of it while waiting for it to arrive , '' Portman said , recalling the story .
`` And then his insurance said , 'You know what , we 're not going to pay for another refill because it 's already been shipped through the Postal Service . '
And he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency refill personally . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

“We had some delays in the mail and our recovery process in this should have been a few days and it’s amounted to being a few weeks,” DeJoy said, discussing the slowdowns.
“We all feel bad about what the dip in our service level has been,” he added later.
Other Senate Republicans on the committee said they too had heard from constituents who have had trouble with mail delays — especially veterans, who have faced long waits for critical medications delivered via the Postal Service.
“I am concerned with the delays that we have seen in Ohio and elsewhere,” Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) told DeJoy at the hearing. “We have a number of veterans who contacted us and said they weren’t able to get their medication.”
Portman told the story of a 70-year-old Vietnam veteran in his district whose inhaler for his COPD was delayed.
“The inhaler refill was mailed through the postal service, due to delays, he ran out of it while waiting for it to arrive,” Portman said, recalling the story. “And then his insurance said, ‘You know what, we’re not going to pay for another refill because it’s already been shipped through the Postal Service.’ And he can’t afford to pay for another emergency refill personally.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-21--Rand Paul demands job cuts at Postal Service amid unemployment crisis

Sen. Rand Paul ( R-KY ) argued during a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security Committee Friday that the United States Postal Service should cut jobs to save money — despite the fact that the country is currently experiencing a historic unemployment crisis , with tens of millions of Americans collecting job-loss benefits amid a coronavirus-fueled economic downturn .
`` When the Post Office becomes desperate for money — less employees , '' Paul said Friday at a hearing with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy .
`` We started that a few years ago , but we 've got to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you 've got to have less employees . ''
DeJoy was called to answer questions about recent changes to the Postal Service that have caused significant delays in mail and package delivery .
The slowdowns have caused delays in such varied areas as the delivery of critical medications to veterans and of baby chicks to farmers , with chicks being reported to have arrived dead because of the lag .
Slowdowns at the agency have also raised questions about whether mail-in ballots will be counted on time and whether voters could face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul , however , called for more cuts at the agency , which could further exacerbate delivery delays .
Paul also argued that the Postal Service should cut the number of delivery days in rural areas from six a week to five — something that would almost certainly impact many of Paul 's own constituents in the largely rural state of Kentucky .
However , arguing for more job cuts during a global pandemic , during which unemployment in the United States has risen to record highs , leaving tens of millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the Postal Service — which currently employs more than 600,000 people across the country — is almost universally popular with Americans .
In a 2019 Gallup poll , 74 % of Americans said the Postal Service was doing an `` excellent '' or `` good '' job , making it the top-rated federal agency .
That would also make tinkering with the agency politically risky , as Americans like the services they are receiving and could grow angry if they were to lose them .
Published with permission of The American @ @ @

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) argued during a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security Committee Friday that the United States Postal Service should cut jobs to save money — despite the fact that the country is currently experiencing a historic unemployment crisis, with tens of millions of Americans collecting job-loss benefits amid a coronavirus-fueled economic downturn.
“When the Post Office becomes desperate for money — less employees,” Paul said Friday at a hearing with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “We started that a few years ago, but we’ve got to do more of it. Mail keeps dropping, you’ve got to have less employees.”
DeJoy was called to answer questions about recent changes to the Postal Service that have caused significant delays in mail and package delivery.
The slowdowns have caused delays in such varied areas as the delivery of critical medications to veterans and of baby chicks to farmers, with chicks being reported to have arrived dead because of the lag.
Slowdowns at the agency have also raised questions about whether mail-in ballots will be counted on time and whether voters could face disenfranchisement due to Postal Service delays.
Paul, however, called for more cuts at the agency, which could further exacerbate delivery delays.
Paul also argued that the Postal Service should cut the number of delivery days in rural areas from six a week to five — something that would almost certainly impact many of Paul’s own constituents in the largely rural state of Kentucky.
Cutting jobs is always unpopular.
However, arguing for more job cuts during a global pandemic, during which unemployment in the United States has risen to record highs, leaving tens of millions of workers jobless, could be politically damaging.
And the Postal Service — which currently employs more than 600,000 people across the country — is almost universally popular with Americans.
In a 2019 Gallup poll, 74% of Americans said the Postal Service was doing an “excellent” or “good” job, making it the top-rated federal agency.
That would also make tinkering with the agency politically risky, as Americans like the services they are receiving and could grow angry if they were to lose them.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-21--Kanye West won't be running for president in Wisconsin after all

The Wisconsin Elections Commission on Thursday tossed rapper Kanye West from the state 's presidential ballot , saying in a 5-1 decision that he missed the deadline by one minute and thus was disqualified , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported .
West 's bid appeared to be an effort by Republicans to try to siphon voters from Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden — who is looking to win back the state after Trump carried it in 2016 by just over 20,000 votes .
A Republican source in Wisconsin told the Journal Sentinel that the plan was to get West to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A number of Republican officials in Wisconsin tied to Trump appeared to be helping West with his bid .
Lane Ruhland , a GOP election lawyer who represented the Trump campaign in a lawsuit , was the one who turned in West 's ballot petition 1 minute after the 5 p.m. deadline — ultimately disqualifying him .
Ruhland 's work for both Trump and West raised ethical concerns .
The watchdog group Campaign for Accountability filed an ethics complaint with the Wisconsin Bar Association saying that her work for both Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's ethical obligations under Wisconsin Bar Rules to avoid representing parties where there is a conflict of interests between the parties . ''
Also helping West was Greg Keller , another GOP operative who worked on former Wisconsin Gov .
Scott Walker 's failed presidential bid in 2016 .
And several of the people who signed up to be electors for West are either major Trump backers or GOP activists in the state .
West has also met with Trump 's son-in-law Jared Kushner , raising questions about how far the Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ultimately , West is not on enough state ballots to even come close to getting the 270 Electoral College votes needed for a win .
West has filed to be on the ballot in a handful of other states , including Colorado , Oklahoma , and Vermont .
West was also removed from the ballot this week in two other states , Illinois and Ohio .
According to the Ohio secretary of state , West 's signature and the information on his candidacy paperwork `` did not match the documents actually used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cincinnati Enquirer reported .
West also failed to qualify for the ballot in Montana on Thursday .
The secretary of state 's office there said that , of the 8,800 signatures turned in with his petition , only 3,972 were deemed valid , according to the Associated Press .
This article was updated to include the most recent information on West 's ballot petitions in several other states .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

The Wisconsin Elections Commission on Thursday tossed rapper Kanye West from the state’s presidential ballot, saying in a 5-1 decision that he missed the deadline by one minute and thus was disqualified, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
West’s bid appeared to be an effort by Republicans to try to siphon voters from Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden — who is looking to win back the state after Trump carried it in 2016 by just over 20,000 votes.
A Republican source in Wisconsin told the Journal Sentinel that the plan was to get West to pull more than 100,000 votes from Biden.
A number of Republican officials in Wisconsin tied to Trump appeared to be helping West with his bid.
Lane Ruhland, a GOP election lawyer who represented the Trump campaign in a lawsuit, was the one who turned in West’s ballot petition 1 minute after the 5 p.m. deadline — ultimately disqualifying him.
Ruhland’s work for both Trump and West raised ethical concerns. The watchdog group Campaign for Accountability filed an ethics complaint with the Wisconsin Bar Association saying that her work for both Trump and West “appears to violate Ms. Ruhland’s ethical obligations under Wisconsin Bar Rules to avoid representing parties where there is a conflict of interests between the parties.”
Also helping West was Greg Keller, another GOP operative who worked on former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s failed presidential bid in 2016. And several of the people who signed up to be electors for West are either major Trump backers or GOP activists in the state.
West has also met with Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, raising questions about how far the Trump campaign’s involvement in his presidential bid goes.
Ultimately, West is not on enough state ballots to even come close to getting the 270 Electoral College votes needed for a win.
West has filed to be on the ballot in a handful of other states, including Colorado, Oklahoma, and Vermont.
West was also removed from the ballot this week in two other states, Illinois and Ohio. According to the Ohio secretary of state, West’s signature and the information on his candidacy paperwork “did not match the documents actually used for petitions signed by voters,” the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
West also failed to qualify for the ballot in Montana on Thursday. The secretary of state’s office there said that, of the 8,800 signatures turned in with his petition, only 3,972 were deemed valid, according to the Associated Press.
This article was updated to include the most recent information on West’s ballot petitions in several other states.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-21--Even Republicans are praising Biden's Democratic convention speech

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden 's nomination acceptance speech Thursday night earned bipartisan praise , including from Republicans who attack Democrats for a living .
Praise came from unlikely places on the right , including Fox News ' Laura Ingraham , who has been one of Donald Trump 's loudest cheerleaders on the cable network known as a platform for Republican propaganda .
`` He delivered a good speech and it was , for what he was doing , very emotional , the emotional stuff , you know , walk down memory lane and so forth , it was fairly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the annoyance of her guest , Trump 's eldest son Donald Trump Jr. Dana Perino , a Fox News personality who served as press secretary to former President George W. Bush , lauded Biden for his speech .
`` Joe Biden just hit a home run in the bottom of the ninth , '' Perino said on Fox News after Biden 's speech , `` He had pace , rhythm , energy , emotion , and delivery , so I think that , if he looks back , he 's got ta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his life and he really just took the moment , and I love that . ''
Even longtime Republican strategist Karl Rove had to hand it to Biden .
`` I thought it was an excellent end , it was a very good speech , '' said Rove , who is reportedly working as an adviser to the Trump campaign .
Rich Galen , a former spokesperson for top Trump surrogate Newt Gingrich , also lauded Biden for his address .
`` @ JoeBiden is n't that good an actor , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the heart and it reached mine . ''
Biden 's speech focused on returning decency to America , promising , `` Here and now I give you my word , if you entrust me with the presidency , I will draw on the best of us , not the worst .
I 'll be an ally of the light , not our darkness . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s nomination acceptance speech Thursday night earned bipartisan praise, including from Republicans who attack Democrats for a living.
Praise came from unlikely places on the right, including Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, who has been one of Donald Trump’s loudest cheerleaders on the cable network known as a platform for Republican propaganda.
“He delivered a good speech and it was, for what he was doing, very emotional, the emotional stuff, you know, walk down memory lane and so forth, it was fairly well delivered,” Ingraham said, to the annoyance of her guest, Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr.
Dana Perino, a Fox News personality who served as press secretary to former President George W. Bush, lauded Biden for his speech.
“Joe Biden just hit a home run in the bottom of the ninth,” Perino said on Fox News after Biden’s speech, “He had pace, rhythm, energy, emotion, and delivery, so I think that, if he looks back, he’s gotta say that’s probably the best speech of his life and he really just took the moment, and I love that.”
Even longtime Republican strategist Karl Rove had to hand it to Biden.
“I thought it was an excellent end, it was a very good speech,” said Rove, who is reportedly working as an adviser to the Trump campaign.
Rich Galen, a former spokesperson for top Trump surrogate Newt Gingrich, also lauded Biden for his address.
“@JoeBiden isn’t that good an actor,” Galen tweeted. “That speech came from the heart and it reached mine.”
Biden’s speech focused on returning decency to America, promising, “Here and now I give you my word, if you entrust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us, not the worst. I’ll be an ally of the light, not our darkness.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-21--Trump competes with Democratic convention by praising dictators on Fox News

In a move to draw viewers from the final night of the Democratic National Convention , Donald Trump appeared on Fox News with Sean Hannity Thursday night for a rambling 28-minute interview .
Trump touched on restarting college football during the COVID-19 pandemic , praised `` chess master '' authoritarians , promised to send police to polls during the election , and complained that Michelle Obama understated the coronavirus death toll .
As Trump spoke , the Democratic National Convention was addressing racial injustice , voting rights , attacks on mail-in voting , voter suppression , union rights , health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump returned in his discussion with Hannity , one of his closest allies at Fox , to his complaint that former first lady Michelle Obama had taped her convention speech in advance , had n't known who the Democratic vice presidential nominee was when she did , and `` had certain numbers wrong '' when she referred to the U.S. coronavirus death toll .
Obama mentioned `` more than 150,000 '' coronavirus deaths in her taped comments ; the death toll at the time the speech aired was over 170,000 .
Trump also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearing the final turn , '' the latest in a series of comments he has made downplaying the pandemic as thousands are infected and dying .
Asked about the Republican National Convention , Trump said he would `` do mine live . ''
The Democratic Convention was a mix of taped segments and live speeches , with Joe Biden delivering his acceptance speech live .
Democrats `` have to open up the schools and let 's play football , '' Trump said , pushing aside concerns about virus transmission as schools reopen during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools that have opened have already had to close back down after outbreaks among students and staff , .
Asked by Hannity how he was going to ensure that on Election Day every ballot cast was `` a real vote from a real American , '' Trump said , `` We 're going to have sheriffs and we 're going to have law enforcement , and we 're going to have hopefully U.S. attorneys , and we 're going to have everybody , and attorney generals '' monitoring the voting .
Trump had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Kim Jong Un , Vladimir Putin , and Recep Erdoğan , whom he praised as `` very sharp '' and `` at the top of their game . ''
Trump described them as `` chess masters . ''
As Trump held court on Fox , the Democratic Convention dealt with issues affecting millions of people .
Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico spoke about the role tribal nations have played in American history and noted that `` voting is sacred . ''
Voters spoke about attempts by the Trump administration to slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in which millions plan to vote by mail due to the pandemic .
California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson discussed efforts to combat voter suppression .
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey talked about the historic role that unions have played in ensuring workers ' rights .
After he spoke , the convention featured a roundtable with union activists and former Vice President Joe Biden .
Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that America can handle the viral outbreak , but `` what we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time Trump was concluding his interview , Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin was discussing the importance of health care coverage for families and businesses .
The Trump administration is currently engaged in efforts to strike down Obamacare , which would leave millions of Americans without health insurance .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

In a move to draw viewers from the final night of the Democratic National Convention, Donald Trump appeared on Fox News with Sean Hannity Thursday night for a rambling 28-minute interview.
Trump touched on restarting college football during the COVID-19 pandemic, praised “chess master” authoritarians, promised to send police to polls during the election, and complained that Michelle Obama understated the coronavirus death toll.
As Trump spoke, the Democratic National Convention was addressing racial injustice, voting rights, attacks on mail-in voting, voter suppression, union rights, health care, and the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump returned in his discussion with Hannity, one of his closest allies at Fox, to his complaint that former first lady Michelle Obama had taped her convention speech in advance, hadn’t known who the Democratic vice presidential nominee was when she did, and “had certain numbers wrong” when she referred to the U.S. coronavirus death toll. Obama mentioned “more than 150,000” coronavirus deaths in her taped comments; the death toll at the time the speech aired was over 170,000.
Trump also said he hoped the virus is “nearing the final turn,” the latest in a series of comments he has made downplaying the pandemic as thousands are infected and dying.
Asked about the Republican National Convention, Trump said he would “do mine live.” The Democratic Convention was a mix of taped segments and live speeches, with Joe Biden delivering his acceptance speech live.
Democrats “have to open up the schools and let’s play football,” Trump said, pushing aside concerns about virus transmission as schools reopen during the pandemic. In some instances, schools that have opened have already had to close back down after outbreaks among students and staff, .
Asked by Hannity how he was going to ensure that on Election Day every ballot cast was “a real vote from a real American,” Trump said, “We’re going to have sheriffs and we’re going to have law enforcement, and we’re going to have hopefully U.S. attorneys, and we’re going to have everybody, and attorney generals” monitoring the voting.
Trump had words of praise for authoritarian leaders such as Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin, and Recep Erdoğan, whom he praised as “very sharp” and “at the top of their game.” Trump described them as “chess masters.”
As Trump held court on Fox, the Democratic Convention dealt with issues affecting millions of people.
Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico spoke about the role tribal nations have played in American history and noted that “voting is sacred.”
Voters spoke about attempts by the Trump administration to slow down mail delivery ahead of the election, in which millions plan to vote by mail due to the pandemic. California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson discussed efforts to combat voter suppression.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey talked about the historic role that unions have played in ensuring workers’ rights. After he spoke, the convention featured a roundtable with union activists and former Vice President Joe Biden.
Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that America can handle the viral outbreak, but “what we’re missing is leadership.”
At nearly the same time Trump was concluding his interview, Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin was discussing the importance of health care coverage for families and businesses.
The Trump administration is currently engaged in efforts to strike down Obamacare, which would leave millions of Americans without health insurance.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-21--Postmaster general to face Senate questions on efforts to slow service

Facing public backlash , Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is set to testify Friday about disruptions in mail delivery as a Senate committee digs into changes in postal operations being made just as millions of Americans will be relying on mail-in ballots for the November election .
Donald Trump praises the new head of the Postal Service , a Republican donor and ally .
But Democrats warn DeJoy 's cost-cutting initiatives since arriving in June are causing an upheaval that threatens the election .
Trump raised the stakes by saying he wants to block agency funds to make it harder for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge of mail-in ballots during the COVID-19 crisis .
Republican Sen. Ron Johnson , the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , will gavel open the session dismissing the `` false political narrative '' that DeJoy is trying to `` sabotage '' the election .
`` It is Postmaster DeJoy 's commendable attempt to reduce those excess costs that are now being cynically used to create this false political narrative , '' the Wisconsin senator will say , according to prepared remarks .
The morning hearing will be held remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been conducting much of their business during the coronavirus outbreak in virtual settings .
It 's unclear if Sen. Kamala Harris of California , the Democratic vice presidential nominee , will be among those beaming into the session as the weeklong Democratic National Convention comes to a close .
The outcry over mail delays and warnings of political interference have put the Postal Service at the center of the nation 's tumultuous election year , with Americans rallying around one of the nation 's oldest and more popular institutions .
With mounting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , vowing to postpone any further changes until after the election , saying he wanted to avoid even the `` perception '' of any interference .
Blue mailboxes were being been removed , back-of-shop sorting equipment shut down , and overtime hours kept in check .
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said DeJoy told her in a subsequent phone call he had no intention of restoring the equipment .
An internal directive to postal staff said , `` They are not to reconnect/reinstall machines , '' according to an email obtained by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing ahead with a rare Saturday session to pass legislation that would prohibit the actions and send $ 25 billion to shore up postal operations .
Some 20 states , along with voting rights advocates , have sued to reverse the changes .
During an interview Thursday on Washington Post Live , Pelosi said Republicans `` have been after the post office for a while '' as they try to run it more like a profitable business .
`` A business ?
No , it 's a service , '' Pelosi said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 10 billion postal rescue as part of the next COVID-19 relief package .
`` The Post Office is not in trouble , '' the GOP leader said Thursday during a home-state stop in Paducah , Kentucky .
`` We 're going to make sure that they are able to deliver our ballots on time . ''
The White House has said it would be open to more postal funding as part of a broader virus aid package .
The Postal Service is struggling financially under a decline in mail volume , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a rare , and some say cumbersome , congressional requirement to fund in advance its retiree health care benefits .
For many , the Postal Service provides a lifeline , sending not just cards and letters , but prescription drugs , financial statements , and other items that are especially needed by mail during the pandemic .
The choice of DeJoy to lead the service , the first postmaster general in nearly two decades who is not a career postal employee , is coming under increased scrutiny .
The Postal Service board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected DeJoy in May to take the job .
A GOP donor , he previously owned a logistics business that was a longtime Postal Service contractor .
He maintains significant financial stakes in companies that do business or compete with the agency , raising conflict of interest questions .
In a statement , the Postal Service said DeJoy has made all required financial disclosures but that he might have to divest some holdings if conflicts arise .
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said this week he has asked for an accounting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously told by the board of governors some information remains confidential .
Schumer said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin played a role in the process .
David C. Williams , the former vice chairman of the U.S .
Postal Service Board of Governors , on Thursday told lawmakers that he resigned from the board , in part , over DeJoy 's selection , and because he believed the White House was taking extraordinary steps to turn the independent agency into a `` political tool . ''
He said , `` I was convinced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Williams , who resigned in April , told members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus at an online forum that DeJoy `` did n't strike me as a serious candidate . ''

Facing public backlash, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is set to testify Friday about disruptions in mail delivery as a Senate committee digs into changes in postal operations being made just as millions of Americans will be relying on mail-in ballots for the November election.
Donald Trump praises the new head of the Postal Service, a Republican donor and ally. But Democrats warn DeJoy’s cost-cutting initiatives since arriving in June are causing an upheaval that threatens the election. Trump raised the stakes by saying he wants to block agency funds to make it harder for the Postal Service to handle the expected surge of mail-in ballots during the COVID-19 crisis.
Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, will gavel open the session dismissing the “false political narrative” that DeJoy is trying to “sabotage” the election.
“It is Postmaster DeJoy’s commendable attempt to reduce those excess costs that are now being cynically used to create this false political narrative,” the Wisconsin senator will say, according to prepared remarks.
The morning hearing will be held remotely as Congress is on recess and lawmakers have been conducting much of their business during the coronavirus outbreak in virtual settings.
It’s unclear if Sen. Kamala Harris of California, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, will be among those beaming into the session as the weeklong Democratic National Convention comes to a close.
The outcry over mail delays and warnings of political interference have put the Postal Service at the center of the nation’s tumultuous election year, with Americans rallying around one of the nation’s oldest and more popular institutions.
With mounting pressure, DeJoy abruptly reversed course this week, vowing to postpone any further changes until after the election, saying he wanted to avoid even the “perception” of any interference. Blue mailboxes were being been removed, back-of-shop sorting equipment shut down, and overtime hours kept in check.
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said DeJoy told her in a subsequent phone call he had no intention of restoring the equipment.
An internal directive to postal staff said, “They are not to reconnect/reinstall machines,” according to an email obtained by the Associated Press.
House Democrats are pushing ahead with a rare Saturday session to pass legislation that would prohibit the actions and send $25 billion to shore up postal operations. Some 20 states, along with voting rights advocates, have sued to reverse the changes.
During an interview Thursday on Washington Post Live, Pelosi said Republicans “have been after the post office for a while” as they try to run it more like a profitable business.
“A business? No, it’s a service,” Pelosi said.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is eyeing a $10 billion postal rescue as part of the next COVID-19 relief package.
“The Post Office is not in trouble,” the GOP leader said Thursday during a home-state stop in Paducah, Kentucky. “We’re going to make sure that they are able to deliver our ballots on time.”
The White House has said it would be open to more postal funding as part of a broader virus aid package.
The Postal Service is struggling financially under a decline in mail volume, rising costs from the coronavirus pandemic, and a rare, and some say cumbersome, congressional requirement to fund in advance its retiree health care benefits.
For many, the Postal Service provides a lifeline, sending not just cards and letters, but prescription drugs, financial statements, and other items that are especially needed by mail during the pandemic.
The choice of DeJoy to lead the service, the first postmaster general in nearly two decades who is not a career postal employee, is coming under increased scrutiny.
The Postal Service board of governors, appointed by Trump, selected DeJoy in May to take the job. A GOP donor, he previously owned a logistics business that was a longtime Postal Service contractor. He maintains significant financial stakes in companies that do business or compete with the agency, raising conflict of interest questions.
In a statement, the Postal Service said DeJoy has made all required financial disclosures but that he might have to divest some holdings if conflicts arise.
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said this week he has asked for an accounting of how DeJoy was selected, but was previously told by the board of governors some information remains confidential. Schumer said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin played a role in the process.
David C. Williams, the former vice chairman of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, on Thursday told lawmakers that he resigned from the board, in part, over DeJoy’s selection, and because he believed the White House was taking extraordinary steps to turn the independent agency into a “political tool.”
He said, “I was convinced that its independent role had been marginalized.”
Williams, who resigned in April, told members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus at an online forum that DeJoy “didn’t strike me as a serious candidate.”


shareblue--2020-08-22--2020 March on Washington emphasizes coronavirus safety

Amid widespread protests and unrest over the police killings of Black Americans , a national commemoration of the 1963 civil rights March on Washington is being reconfigured to comply with coronavirus protocols in the District of Columbia .
Although many marchers will arrive via charter buses from surrounding communities on Aug. 28 , the Rev .
Al Sharpton , one of the organizers , will ask some to join satellite marches planned in states that are considered hot spots for COVID-19 .
`` We 're following protocol , '' Sharpton told the Associated Press in an exclusive interview .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people will be ( in Washington ) .
It 'll still be a good crowd . ''
The commemoration , taking place on the 57th anniversary of the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. 's `` I Have A Dream '' speech , will begin with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial .
Martin Luther King III , a son of the late civil rights icon , attorney Benjamin Crump , and the families of George Floyd , Trayvon Martin , Eric Garner , Ahmaud Arbery , and Breonna Taylor are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commemorative rally , participants in Washington will march to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in West Potomac Park , next to the National Mall , and then disperse .
All participants will be required to wear masks , Sharpton said .
Organizers also will provide hand sanitizing stations and conduct temperature checks throughout the event .
`` The objective is to put on one platform , in the shadow of Abe Lincoln , the families of people that ... have lost loved ones in unchecked racial bias , '' Sharpton said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about his dream , and the dream is unfulfilled .
This is the Exhibit A of that not being fulfilled . ''
The revised plan appears to avoid a potentially awkward faceoff with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser 's government over COVID-19 restrictions in the nation 's capital .
In late July , with local infection numbers rising , Bowser ordered that anyone traveling or returning to Washington from a virus hot spot must self-quarantine for 14 days .
The list is revised every two weeks and the newest list , released on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot spots .
Bowser , when asked on July 30 about the potential conflict , said government officials had been in contact with march organizers and that Washington would not be relaxing its virus rules for participants .
`` They are aware of all the local guidance that would affect their planning , '' she said .
`` If there are people who are coming from jurisdictions that are on that list , they would need to be quarantined . ''
The application for the Aug. 28 event has already been approved by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a permit application submitted by activist and radio host the Rev .
Mark Thompson , the original application estimates 100,000 participants .
Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst said the permit has not been issued yet , but it 's normal for such permits to be issued closer to the actual event .
Litterst said his agency was discussing COVID-19 mitigation plans with the organizers , but that compliance with local virus restrictions was `` not a requirement or condition of the permit . ''
Sharpton 's civil rights group , the National Action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapters to hold commemorations in Kentucky , South Carolina , and Texas , where outdoor jumbo screens will display a live simulcast of the rally in Washington .
All of those states are currently on Washington 's hot spot list .
The NAACP , one of several partners in this year 's commemoration , last week launched a website for a virtual March on Washington .
The site will livestream the Washington march , in addition to other programming leading up to and after the event .
The Movement for Black Lives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations that make up the broader Black Lives Matter movement , will hold its virtual Black National Convention later in the evening .
Organizers said their convention will coincide with the unveiling of a new political agenda intended to build on the success of this summer 's BLM-themed protests , which called for the defunding of police departments in favor of investments in health care , education , housing , and other social services in Black communities .
Sharpton first announced plans for the commemoration during a June memorial service in Minneapolis for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the hands of police galvanized nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism .
The march 's theme — `` Get Your Knee Off Our Necks '' — is inspired by a refrain from Sharpton 's eulogy for Floyd , who died May 25 after a white police officer held his knee to Floyd 's neck .
The civil rights leader has called for participants in other states to march on their U.S. senators ' offices , to demand their support of federal policing reforms .
Sharpton said protesters should also demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the late Congressman John Lewis who , until his death on July 17 , was the last living speaker at the original March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 .
In June , the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act , which would ban police use of stranglehold maneuvers and end qualified immunity for officers , among other reforms .
In July , following Lewis ' death , Democratic senators reintroduced legislation that would restore a provision of the historic Voting Rights Act of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2013 .
The law previously required states with a history of voter suppression to seek federal clearance before changing voting regulations .
Both measures are awaiting action in the Republican-controlled Senate .
`` Everybody is trying to jump from demonstration and to reconciliation , with no legislation , '' Sharpton said .
`` If we do n't have the legislation , we 'll be back here again . ''

Amid widespread protests and unrest over the police killings of Black Americans, a national commemoration of the 1963 civil rights March on Washington is being reconfigured to comply with coronavirus protocols in the District of Columbia.
Although many marchers will arrive via charter buses from surrounding communities on Aug. 28, the Rev. Al Sharpton, one of the organizers, will ask some to join satellite marches planned in states that are considered hot spots for COVID-19.
“We’re following protocol,” Sharpton told the Associated Press in an exclusive interview. “The objective is not how many thousands of people will be (in Washington). It’ll still be a good crowd.”
The commemoration, taking place on the 57th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, will begin with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial. Martin Luther King III, a son of the late civil rights icon, attorney Benjamin Crump, and the families of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are expected to participate in Washington.
Following the commemorative rally, participants in Washington will march to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in West Potomac Park, next to the National Mall, and then disperse.
All participants will be required to wear masks, Sharpton said. Organizers also will provide hand sanitizing stations and conduct temperature checks throughout the event.
“The objective is to put on one platform, in the shadow of Abe Lincoln, the families of people that … have lost loved ones in unchecked racial bias,” Sharpton said. “On these steps, Dr. King talked about his dream, and the dream is unfulfilled. This is the Exhibit A of that not being fulfilled.”
The revised plan appears to avoid a potentially awkward faceoff with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser’s government over COVID-19 restrictions in the nation’s capital. In late July, with local infection numbers rising, Bowser ordered that anyone traveling or returning to Washington from a virus hot spot must self-quarantine for 14 days. The list is revised every two weeks and the newest list, released on Aug. 10, classifies 29 states as hot spots.
Bowser, when asked on July 30 about the potential conflict, said government officials had been in contact with march organizers and that Washington would not be relaxing its virus rules for participants.
“They are aware of all the local guidance that would affect their planning,” she said. “If there are people who are coming from jurisdictions that are on that list, they would need to be quarantined.”
The application for the Aug. 28 event has already been approved by the National Park Service. Operating under a permit application submitted by activist and radio host the Rev. Mark Thompson, the original application estimates 100,000 participants. Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst said the permit has not been issued yet, but it’s normal for such permits to be issued closer to the actual event. Litterst said his agency was discussing COVID-19 mitigation plans with the organizers, but that compliance with local virus restrictions was “not a requirement or condition of the permit.”
Sharpton’s civil rights group, the National Action Network, is working with its local chapters to hold commemorations in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Texas, where outdoor jumbo screens will display a live simulcast of the rally in Washington. All of those states are currently on Washington’s hot spot list.
The NAACP, one of several partners in this year’s commemoration, last week launched a website for a virtual March on Washington. The site will livestream the Washington march, in addition to other programming leading up to and after the event.
The Movement for Black Lives, a coalition of more than 150 Black-led organizations that make up the broader Black Lives Matter movement, will hold its virtual Black National Convention later in the evening. Organizers said their convention will coincide with the unveiling of a new political agenda intended to build on the success of this summer’s BLM-themed protests, which called for the defunding of police departments in favor of investments in health care, education, housing, and other social services in Black communities.
Sharpton first announced plans for the commemoration during a June memorial service in Minneapolis for Floyd, a Black man whose death at the hands of police galvanized nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. The march’s theme — “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” — is inspired by a refrain from Sharpton’s eulogy for Floyd, who died May 25 after a white police officer held his knee to Floyd’s neck.
The civil rights leader has called for participants in other states to march on their U.S. senators’ offices, to demand their support of federal policing reforms. Sharpton said protesters should also demand reinvigorated U.S. voter protections, in memory of the late Congressman John Lewis who, until his death on July 17, was the last living speaker at the original March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
In June, the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act, which would ban police use of stranglehold maneuvers and end qualified immunity for officers, among other reforms.
In July, following Lewis’ death, Democratic senators reintroduced legislation that would restore a provision of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 gutted by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013. The law previously required states with a history of voter suppression to seek federal clearance before changing voting regulations.
Both measures are awaiting action in the Republican-controlled Senate.
“Everybody is trying to jump from demonstration and to reconciliation, with no legislation,” Sharpton said. “If we don’t have the legislation, we’ll be back here again.”