shareblue--2020-06-11--GOP to push its 'most anti-LGBT platform' again in 2020

On Wednesday evening , the executive committee of the Republican National Committee voted to scale back its nominating convention and to leave its platform unchanged .
The GOP is keeping the strongly transphobic and homophobic platform it released in 2016 .
The president of the Log Cabin Republicans , a group that represents LGBTQ conservatives , said in a fundraising email in 2016 that he was `` mad as hell '' about the platform .
Gregory Angelo said it was `` the most anti-LGBT platform in the party ’ s 162-year history . ''
Only 336 delegates will attend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Aug. 24 in Charlotte , North Carolina , instead of the 2,500 originally slated to be there .
The 2016 GOP platform includes planks opposing marriage equality , supporting discrimination against transgender people , and effectively endorsing conversion therapy , although it does not use those actual words .
Five years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality and Donald Trump called it `` settled law , '' Republican leaders are keeping a platform that seeks to undermine the right of same-sex couples to marry .
The 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` natural '' marriage , stating , `` Traditional marriage and family , based on marriage between one man and one woman , is the foundation for a free society and has for millennia been entrusted with rearing children and instilling cultural values . ''
It also insists , `` Children raised in a two-parent household tend to be physically and emotionally healthier , more likely to do well in school , less likely to use drugs and alcohol , engage in crime or become pregnant outside of marriage .
... Every child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dismissing same-sex marriage , same-sex households , and single parents as counter to `` American values , '' the platform explicitly condemns the landmark U.S. Supreme Court rulings in United States v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges that extended the constitutional right to marry to same-sex couples .
`` In Obergefell , five unelected lawyers robbed 320 million Americans of their legitimate constitutional authority to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman , '' the platform says .
Although the words `` conversion therapy '' do not appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on parents ' rights to control aspects of their children 's lives effectively supports the practice : `` We support the right of parents to determine the proper medical treatment and therapy for their minor children . ''
The American Psychiatric Association calls conversion therapy , a process of so-called treatments presumed to result in changes to a person 's sexuality or gender , a `` harmful and discriminatory practice . ''
`` The American Psychiatric Association does not believe that same-sex orientation should or needs to be changed , and efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm by subjecting individuals to forms of treatment which have not been scientifically validated and by undermining self-esteem when sexual orientation fails to change , '' the organization said in 2013 .
By standing by its 2016 platform , the Republican Party also makes it clear to transgender people that it supports discrimination against them in federally funded education programs and activities .
It supports the states that sued the Obama administration in 2016 in response to its guidance for public schools to allow transgender students to use the restrooms and other facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform says that Democrats are trying to `` impose a social and cultural revolution upon the American people by wrongly redefining sex discrimination to include sexual orientation or other categories . ''
The platform says that transgender equality `` has nothing to do with individual rights ; it has everything to do with power . ''
People who oppose discrimination against transgender people , it says , are trying to `` reshape '' society and schools to `` fit the mold of an ideology alien to America ’ s history and traditions '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has already rolled back , `` dangerous . ''
The Republican National Committee 's decision to keep its 2016 platform comes as hate crimes against LGBTQ people have increased across the United States .
The most recent FBI Hate Crime Statistics Report found that the number of hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ community in 2018 rose by nearly 6 % over the 2017 figure .
Hate crimes against gay men increased by nearly 7 % , and hate crimes against transgender people increased 34 % over the year before .
The Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would harm the LGBTQ community .
These would allow discrimination against LGBTQ people in health care , in homeless shelters , and in employment .
The organization GLAAD has tracked the administration 's anti-LGBTQ actions and found a total of 136 attacks on LGBTQ rights to date since Trump took office .
The Republican National Committee published a post on its website Thursday with the headline , `` President Trump Has Taken Unprecedented Steps to Protect the LGBTQ community . ''
It cites as evidence mention of LGBTQ rights in his acceptance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promise to protect LGBTQ people .
But Trump 's vague remarks about LGBTQ people in 2016 have to be considered in the context of his actions since he took office ; his party 's 2016 platform ; and the fact that that platform is being revived , unchanged , in 2020 .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

On Wednesday evening, the executive committee of the Republican National Committee voted to scale back its nominating convention and to leave its platform unchanged.
The GOP is keeping the strongly transphobic and homophobic platform it released in 2016.
The president of the Log Cabin Republicans, a group that represents LGBTQ conservatives, said in a fundraising email in 2016 that he was “mad as hell” about the platform. Gregory Angelo said it was “the most anti-LGBT platform in the party’s 162-year history.”
Only 336 delegates will attend the Republican National Convention when it’s held on Aug. 24 in Charlotte, North Carolina, instead of the 2,500 originally slated to be there.
The 2016 GOP platform includes planks opposing marriage equality, supporting discrimination against transgender people, and effectively endorsing conversion therapy, although it does not use those actual words.
Five years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality and Donald Trump called it “settled law,” Republican leaders are keeping a platform that seeks to undermine the right of same-sex couples to marry.
The 2016 platform refers to “traditional” or “natural” marriage, stating, “Traditional marriage and family, based on marriage between one man and one woman, is the foundation for a free society and has for millennia been entrusted with rearing children and instilling cultural values.”
It also insists, “Children raised in a two-parent household tend to be physically and emotionally healthier, more likely to do well in school, less likely to use drugs and alcohol, engage in crime or become pregnant outside of marriage. … Every child deserves a married mom and dad.”
Dismissing same-sex marriage, same-sex households, and single parents as counter to “American values,” the platform explicitly condemns the landmark U.S. Supreme Court rulings in United States v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges that extended the constitutional right to marry to same-sex couples.
“In Obergefell, five unelected lawyers robbed 320 million Americans of their legitimate constitutional authority to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman,” the platform says.
Although the words “conversion therapy” do not appear in the platform, its broad language on parents’ rights to control aspects of their children’s lives effectively supports the practice: “We support the right of parents to determine the proper medical treatment and therapy for their minor children.”
The American Psychiatric Association calls conversion therapy, a process of so-called treatments presumed to result in changes to a person’s sexuality or gender, a “harmful and discriminatory practice.”
“The American Psychiatric Association does not believe that same-sex orientation should or needs to be changed, and efforts to do so represent a significant risk of harm by subjecting individuals to forms of treatment which have not been scientifically validated and by undermining self-esteem when sexual orientation fails to change,” the organization said in 2013.
By standing by its 2016 platform, the Republican Party also makes it clear to transgender people that it supports discrimination against them in federally funded education programs and activities. It supports the states that sued the Obama administration in 2016 in response to its guidance for public schools to allow transgender students to use the restrooms and other facilities corresponding to their gender. The GOP platform says that Democrats are trying to “impose a social and cultural revolution upon the American people by wrongly redefining sex discrimination to include sexual orientation or other categories.”
The platform says that transgender equality “has nothing to do with individual rights; it has everything to do with power.” People who oppose discrimination against transgender people, it says, are trying to “reshape” society and schools to “fit the mold of an ideology alien to America’s history and traditions” and calls the Obama-era guidance, which Trump has already rolled back, “dangerous.”
The Republican National Committee’s decision to keep its 2016 platform comes as hate crimes against LGBTQ people have increased across the United States. The most recent FBI Hate Crime Statistics Report found that the number of hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ community in 2018 rose by nearly 6% over the 2017 figure. Hate crimes against gay men increased by nearly 7%, and hate crimes against transgender people increased 34% over the year before.
The Trump administration continues to propose and finalize rules that would harm the LGBTQ community. These would allow discrimination against LGBTQ people in health care, in homeless shelters, and in employment.
The organization GLAAD has tracked the administration’s anti-LGBTQ actions and found a total of 136 attacks on LGBTQ rights to date since Trump took office.
The Republican National Committee published a post on its website Thursday with the headline, “President Trump Has Taken Unprecedented Steps to Protect the LGBTQ community.” It cites as evidence mention of LGBTQ rights in his acceptance speech at the nominating convention and his promise to protect LGBTQ people.
But Trump’s vague remarks about LGBTQ people in 2016 have to be considered in the context of his actions since he took office; his party’s 2016 platform; and the fact that that platform is being revived, unchanged, in 2020.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-06-11--GOP senators vote to subpoena Obama officials after opposing 'partisan' impeachment

Twelve Senate Republicans who decried the partisanship of the impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump voted along party lines Thursday to subpoena Obama administration officials .
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12 to 10 to let Chairman Lindsey Graham issue subpoenas to officials who were involved in the decision to open an investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election in support of Donald Trump .
`` I assure you , we 're not going to be deterred , '' Graham told his colleagues .
`` If we have to do it by ourselves , we 'll do it by ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all these counterintelligence investigations were opened to begin with . ''
Graham and every one of the committee 's other Republican members opposed the impeachment of Trump , suggesting it was illegitimate because the House vote for the articles of impeachment was `` partisan . ''
Here is what they argued a few months ago : Lindsey Graham : `` If you think you 've done the country a good service by legitimizing this impeachment process , what you have done is unleashed the partisan forces of hell .
This is sour grapes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's driven by blind partisanship and hatred of the man himself , and they wanted to do it in 78 days . ''
Chuck Grassley : `` Today marks the first partisan impeachment of the President of the United States in modern history , '' Grassley wrote in December .
`` The only bipartisanship the American people witnessed today stood opposed to impeachment .
The Framers of the Constitution did not want impeachment to be a partisan process .
John Cornyn : `` If the House can undertake a partisan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote on articles of impeachment , and dump it into the Senate 's lap , where these questions on executive privilege would have to be litigated through the courts with delays of weeks , if not months , that that would set a bad precedent and basically allow the House to take over the Senate agenda where we ca n't do anything else , '' Cornyn told Fox News in January .
`` So I 'm pretty optimistic that senators understand that this is a product of a partisan , half-baked , unprepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become the new normal . ''
Mike Lee : `` Yesterday was a sad day for our republic , '' Lee wrote in December .
`` A president of the United States was impeached along partisan lines for purely partisan political reasons . ''
Ted Cruz : `` This was a partisan impeachment and we are right now in an election year , '' Cruz said in February .
`` The voters are voting and it is up to the voters to decide which policies they want to continue .
The House Managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use impeachment to settle a partisan score . ''
Ben Sasse : `` The Senate 's constitutional duty is not to launch an open-ended , months-long , partisan investigation , just nine months before Election Day , '' Sasse wrote in January .
`` The Senate 's duty is to carefully consider the case presented . ''
Josh Hawley : `` The House Democrats have given us the first purely partisan impeachment in our history , '' Hawley said in February .
`` We must leave this impeachment circus behind us and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abused in this way . ''
Thom Tillis : `` House Democrats ran this blatantly partisan impeachment process like a kangaroo court , presuming the President was guilty and shamefully denying the President and the minority basic due process rights , '' Tillis wrote in December .
`` In spite of the lack of evidence they gathered and the facts not being on their side , they still voted to impeach the President to pander to their fringe base . ''
Joni Ernst : `` This process was fraught from the start with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not be overlooked , '' Ernst said in February , adding : `` As we sit here today , we believe we are experiencing a unique and historical event .
However , if the case presented by the House of Representatives is allowed to be the basis for the removal of this president , I 'm afraid that impeachment will become just another tool used by those who play partisan politics . ''
Mike Crapo : Crapo criticized the `` highly partisan impeachment in the House of Representatives '' in February , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation were clear that impeachment and removal of the President of the United States both from office and from the ballot in future elections must face very high hurdles .
They specifically wanted to protect impeachment from being used as a partisan tool . ''
John Kennedy : `` The vote today was nothing more than a proxy vote on President Trump .
It was a partisan impeachment in both houses , '' Kennedy wrote in February , ignoring the fact that Republican Sen. Mitt Romney had voted with every Senate Democrat to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intend impeachment to be used this way .
I believe Speaker Pelosi 's attempt to normalize impeachment and to turn it into a routine political weapon was a mistake .
In fact , it was reckless .
A country as great as ours deserves better , and so do her people . ''
Marsha Blackburn : `` While this is the first time impeachment has been used as a partisan political tool , it was unseemly that it made its way to the Senate chamber , '' Blackburn said in February .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not a matter of procedure—it was an attempted coup , brought forth at the expense of the safety and prosperity of the American people .
Every member of Congress must now reflect , remember , and take to heart the real legacy of this dark moment in history , when ruthless partisanship undermined due process , trampled the rule of law , and very nearly erased from precedent those rules that underpin our democratic republic . ''
The 10 Democratic members of the committee opposed the subpoenas on Thursday .
Their requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the GOP majority .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Twelve Senate Republicans who decried the partisanship of the impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump voted along party lines Thursday to subpoena Obama administration officials.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12 to 10 to let Chairman Lindsey Graham issue subpoenas to officials who were involved in the decision to open an investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election in support of Donald Trump.
“I assure you, we’re not going to be deterred,” Graham told his colleagues. “If we have to do it by ourselves, we’ll do it by ourselves. … I want to know why all these counterintelligence investigations were opened to begin with.”
Graham and every one of the committee’s other Republican members opposed the impeachment of Trump, suggesting it was illegitimate because the House vote for the articles of impeachment was “partisan.”
Here is what they argued a few months ago:
Lindsey Graham: “If you think you’ve done the country a good service by legitimizing this impeachment process, what you have done is unleashed the partisan forces of hell. This is sour grapes,” Graham said in February. “It’s driven by blind partisanship and hatred of the man himself, and they wanted to do it in 78 days.”
Chuck Grassley: “Today marks the first partisan impeachment of the President of the United States in modern history,” Grassley wrote in December. “The only bipartisanship the American people witnessed today stood opposed to impeachment. The Framers of the Constitution did not want impeachment to be a partisan process.
John Cornyn: “If the House can undertake a partisan, sort of half-baked, impeachment inquiry, vote on articles of impeachment, and dump it into the Senate’s lap, where these questions on executive privilege would have to be litigated through the courts with delays of weeks, if not months, that that would set a bad precedent and basically allow the House to take over the Senate agenda where we can’t do anything else,” Cornyn told Fox News in January. “So I’m pretty optimistic that senators understand that this is a product of a partisan, half-baked, unprepared impeachment inquiry that we should not let become the new normal.”
Mike Lee: “Yesterday was a sad day for our republic,” Lee wrote in December. “A president of the United States was impeached along partisan lines for purely partisan political reasons.”
Ted Cruz: “This was a partisan impeachment and we are right now in an election year,” Cruz said in February. “The voters are voting and it is up to the voters to decide which policies they want to continue. The House Managers have abused the constitutional process by trying to use impeachment to settle a partisan score.”
Ben Sasse: “The Senate’s constitutional duty is not to launch an open-ended, months-long, partisan investigation, just nine months before Election Day,” Sasse wrote in January. “The Senate’s duty is to carefully consider the case presented.”
Josh Hawley: “The House Democrats have given us the first purely partisan impeachment in our history,” Hawley said in February. “We must leave this impeachment circus behind us and ensure that our Constitution is never again abused in this way.”
Thom Tillis: “House Democrats ran this blatantly partisan impeachment process like a kangaroo court, presuming the President was guilty and shamefully denying the President and the minority basic due process rights,” Tillis wrote in December. “In spite of the lack of evidence they gathered and the facts not being on their side, they still voted to impeach the President to pander to their fringe base.”
Joni Ernst: “This process was fraught from the start with political aims and partisan innuendos that simply cannot be overlooked,” Ernst said in February, adding: “As we sit here today, we believe we are experiencing a unique and historical event. However, if the case presented by the House of Representatives is allowed to be the basis for the removal of this president, I’m afraid that impeachment will become just another tool used by those who play partisan politics.”
Mike Crapo: Crapo criticized the “highly partisan impeachment in the House of Representatives” in February, writing, “The Founders of our nation were clear that impeachment and removal of the President of the United States both from office and from the ballot in future elections must face very high hurdles. They specifically wanted to protect impeachment from being used as a partisan tool.”
John Kennedy: “The vote today was nothing more than a proxy vote on President Trump. It was a partisan impeachment in both houses,” Kennedy wrote in February, ignoring the fact that Republican Sen. Mitt Romney had voted with every Senate Democrat to convict. “Our founders did not intend impeachment to be used this way. I believe Speaker Pelosi’s attempt to normalize impeachment and to turn it into a routine political weapon was a mistake. In fact, it was reckless. A country as great as ours deserves better, and so do her people.”
Marsha Blackburn: “While this is the first time impeachment has been used as a partisan political tool, it was unseemly that it made its way to the Senate chamber,” Blackburn said in February. “The impeachment of President Donald J. Trump was not a matter of procedure—it was an attempted coup, brought forth at the expense of the safety and prosperity of the American people. Every member of Congress must now reflect, remember, and take to heart the real legacy of this dark moment in history, when ruthless partisanship undermined due process, trampled the rule of law, and very nearly erased from precedent those rules that underpin our democratic republic.”
The 10 Democratic members of the committee opposed the subpoenas on Thursday. Their requests to subpoena Trump associates were all rejected by the GOP majority.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-06-11--Treasury secretary praises Trump for shutting down the economy when he didn't

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin praised Donald Trump on Thursday for his decision to shut down the economy to curb the COVID-19 pandemic .
But Trump never did so .
In a CNBC interview , Mnuchin argued that Trump was right to institute social distancing rules as the coronavirus spread across the country , but he said that such an approach would never be used again .
`` The good news is , you have a lot of capacity of testing and hospitals , '' he claimed .
`` That was something that was the big problem and the reason why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the economy . ''
`` I think it was very prudent , what the president did , '' he added .
`` But I think we learned a lot . ''
But Trump in fact refused to issue stay-at-home orders to close down parts of the economy , leaving it to state governors to decide whether and how to act on their own .
`` We 've talked about it ... obviously there are some parts of the country that are in far deeper trouble than others , '' he said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , we will let you know , but it 's pretty unlikely , I think , at this time . ''
`` You have to give a little bit of flexibility , '' he said on April 1 .
`` I mean , if a state in the Midwest , or if Alaska , as an example , does n't have a problem , it 's awfully tough to say , 'Close it down . '
So we have to have a little bit of flexibility . ''
On April 10 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeSantis ' refusal to close Florida , Trump said , `` I like to allow governors to make decisions without overruling them , because from a constitutional standpoint , that 's the way it should be done . ''
As states ease social distancing rules , many have seen a spike in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations .
CNN reported on Thursday that 19 states are currently seeing an upward trend in new coronavirus cases .
Public health experts and economists warned that a premature reopening would cause more deaths and economic damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , states or what-have-you , jump over those various checkpoints and prematurely open up without having the capability of being able to respond effectively and efficiently , my concern is that we will start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks , '' Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told Congress last month .
Still , Mnuchin said Thursday , `` We ca n't shut down the economy again .
I think we 've learned that if you shut down the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage , and not just economic damage but there are other areas , and we 've talked about this , medical problems and everything else that get put on hold . ''
Trump has for the most past stopped focusing on the pandemic since ending his daily briefings in May .
Instead , he has spent his time attacking peaceful protesters , defending Confederate memorials , and bragging about his golf courses .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin praised Donald Trump on Thursday for his decision to shut down the economy to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. But Trump never did so.
In a CNBC interview, Mnuchin argued that Trump was right to institute social distancing rules as the coronavirus spread across the country, but he said that such an approach would never be used again.
“The good news is, you have a lot of capacity of testing and hospitals,” he claimed. “That was something that was the big problem and the reason why the president needed to close down parts of the economy.”
“I think it was very prudent, what the president did,” he added. “But I think we learned a lot.”
But Trump in fact refused to issue stay-at-home orders to close down parts of the economy, leaving it to state governors to decide whether and how to act on their own.
“We’ve talked about it … obviously there are some parts of the country that are in far deeper trouble than others,” he said in late March. “If we do that, we will let you know, but it’s pretty unlikely, I think, at this time.”
“You have to give a little bit of flexibility,” he said on April 1. “I mean, if a state in the Midwest, or if Alaska, as an example, doesn’t have a problem, it’s awfully tough to say, ‘Close it down.’ So we have to have a little bit of flexibility.”
On April 10, when asked specifically about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ refusal to close Florida, Trump said, “I like to allow governors to make decisions without overruling them, because from a constitutional standpoint, that’s the way it should be done.”
As states ease social distancing rules, many have seen a spike in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. CNN reported on Thursday that 19 states are currently seeing an upward trend in new coronavirus cases.
Public health experts and economists warned that a premature reopening would cause more deaths and economic damage.
“If some areas, cities, states or what-have-you, jump over those various checkpoints and prematurely open up without having the capability of being able to respond effectively and efficiently, my concern is that we will start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told Congress last month.
Still, Mnuchin said Thursday, “We can’t shut down the economy again. I think we’ve learned that if you shut down the economy, you’re going to create more damage, and not just economic damage but there are other areas, and we’ve talked about this, medical problems and everything else that get put on hold.”
Trump has for the most past stopped focusing on the pandemic since ending his daily briefings in May. Instead, he has spent his time attacking peaceful protesters, defending Confederate memorials, and bragging about his golf courses.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-06-11--Majority of Americans support NFL players protesting despite what Trump says

A majority of Americans , 52 % , support NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality targeting black Americans , a Yahoo News/YouGov poll released Thursday showed .
Support for the protests has increased since 2016 , when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick first knelt at a game .
At that time , just 28 % considered them `` appropriate , '' according to Yahoo Sports/YouGov polls .
In the latest poll , 77 % of Democrats support the kneeling protests , while only 20 % Republicans do .
Younger Americans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older Americans .
The overall support by the American public stands in sharp contrast with the viewpoints of Donald Trump and other high-profile Republicans , who have harshly criticized the protests for years .
In 2017 , Vice President Mike Pence walked out of a game between the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers when some players kneeled during the anthem .
`` While everyone is entitled to their own opinions , I do n't think it 's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The same year , Trump attacked the protests .
`` Would n't you love to see one of these NFL owners , when someone disrespects our flag to say , 'get that son of a bitch off the field right now .
Out .
He 's fired .
He 's fired , ' '' Trump said .
In the wake of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd , a black man in Minnesota who died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite previous attacks on NFL players ' peaceful protests , claimed on May 29 that the administration `` will always stand for the right of Americans to peacefully protest and let their voices be heard . ''
Three days later , the Trump administration ordered federal law enforcement officers to shoot tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters across the street from the White House to clear the way so Trump could pose for a photo-op in front of a church .
A few days after the protesters were tear-gassed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knelt in protest .
`` We should be standing up straight and tall , ideally with a salute , or a hand on heart .
There are other things you can protest , but not our Great American Flag — NO KNEELING ! ''
Trump tweeted on June 5 .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

A majority of Americans, 52%, support NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality targeting black Americans, a Yahoo News/YouGov poll released Thursday showed.
Support for the protests has increased since 2016, when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick first knelt at a game. At that time, just 28% considered them “appropriate,” according to Yahoo Sports/YouGov polls.
In the latest poll, 77% of Democrats support the kneeling protests, while only 20% Republicans do. Younger Americans are more likely to support the action than older Americans.
The overall support by the American public stands in sharp contrast with the viewpoints of Donald Trump and other high-profile Republicans, who have harshly criticized the protests for years.
In 2017, Vice President Mike Pence walked out of a game between the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers when some players kneeled during the anthem.
“While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don’t think it’s too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem,” Pence said at the time.
The same year, Trump attacked the protests.
“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when someone disrespects our flag to say, ‘get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out. He’s fired. He’s fired,'” Trump said.
In the wake of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minnesota who died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes, the Trump administration sent conflicting messages.
Pence, despite previous attacks on NFL players’ peaceful protests, claimed on May 29 that the administration “will always stand for the right of Americans to peacefully protest and let their voices be heard.”
Three days later, the Trump administration ordered federal law enforcement officers to shoot tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters across the street from the White House to clear the way so Trump could pose for a photo-op in front of a church.
A few days after the protesters were tear-gassed, Trump reiterated his disdain for players who knelt in protest.
“We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag — NO KNEELING!” Trump tweeted on June 5.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-06-11--Democratic lawmakers slam Trump for resuming rallies on Juneteenth

Democrats are criticizing Donald Trump 's decision to hold his first campaign rally since coronavirus lockdowns began on a holiday commemorating the effective end of slavery in the United States , in a city with a violent and racist past .
The Trump campaign announced on Wednesday that it would hold a rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on June 19 — a holiday known as Juneteenth or Black Independence Day .
The date marks the anniversary of Union Gen. Gordon Granger 's announcement to enslaved black people in Texas , the last state to emancipate , that they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odd choice for multiple reasons .
Oklahoma is not expected to be a competitive state in 2020 — typically a consideration when deciding where campaign rallies will be held .
Trump carried the state by a 36-point margin four years ago .
But Tulsa also has an ugly racist past .
In May 1921 , mobs of white people attacked and murdered black residents there , in an affluent black neighborhood known colloquially as `` Black Wall Street . ''
Historians believe as many as 300 people were killed in the attacks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raiding and looting black homes and setting them on fire .
Most of the neighborhood was destroyed .
Scores of black survivors were eventually rounded up and thrown in detention .
Many of the black victims were dumped into mass graves , their bodies never recovered .
Democratic lawmakers say the symbolism of holding a rally in a city like Tulsa , as protesters flood the streets demanding an end to racist police brutality following the death of George Floyd , a black Minneapolis man killed by a white law enforcement officer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site of the worst racist violence in American history , '' Rep. Val Demmings ( D-FL ) , a member of the Congressional Black Caucus , tweeted on Thursday .
`` The president 's speech there on Juneteenth is a message to every Black American : more of the same . ''
Rep. Al Green ( D-TX ) , also a member of the CBC , did not mince words .
`` A Trump rally with rebel flags ( a symbol of slavery and racism ) in Tulsa , OK ( the place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day of emancipation recognition ) is more than a slap in the face to African Americans ; it is overt racism from the highest office in the land , '' Green tweeted .
Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-CA ) tweeted that the decision to hold a rally in Tulsa `` is n't just a wink to white supremacists — he 's throwing them a welcome home party . ''
Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett ( TX ) tweeted similarly , `` What a horrible place for our bigoted President to organize next rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans in 20th Century .
What timing , on Juneteenth — when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to announce enslaved African Americans were free . ''
The Trump campaign has not stated whether it chose Tulsa as a rally location intentionally , although spokesperson Katrina Pierson told The Hill on Thursday that the campaign was aware of the importance of Juneteenth .
`` As the party of Lincoln , Republicans are proud of the history of Juneteenth , which is the anniversary of the last reading of the Emancipation Proclamation , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record of success for Black Americans , including unprecedented low unemployment prior to the global pandemic , all-time high funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities , and criminal justice reform . ''
Meanwhile , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany claimed this week that Juneteenth was a `` meaningful day '' for Trump , and that he was holding a rally on that day because he wants to `` share some of the progress that has been made '' for black Americans .
`` The African American community is very near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these rallies he often shares the great work he has done for minority communities , '' McEnany told CNN .
In recent days , following a wave of nationwide protests against systemic racism and police brutality , Trump has further stoked racial tensions , tear-gassing peaceful protesters demanding justice for Floyd and countless other black Americans , in order to hold a photo-op at a nearby church .
Trump also tweeted a phrase made infamous by racist cop in the 1960s in order to justify his desire to have the United States military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of looting and property destruction at the rallies .
`` These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd , and I wo n't let that happen .
Just spoke to [ Minnesota ] Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way , '' Trump wrote on May 29 .
`` Any difficulty and we will assume control but , when the looting starts , the shooting starts .
Thank you ! ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Democrats are criticizing Donald Trump’s decision to hold his first campaign rally since coronavirus lockdowns began on a holiday commemorating the effective end of slavery in the United States, in a city with a violent and racist past.
The Trump campaign announced on Wednesday that it would hold a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 19 — a holiday known as Juneteenth or Black Independence Day. The date marks the anniversary of Union Gen. Gordon Granger’s announcement to enslaved black people in Texas, the last state to emancipate, that they had been officially freed.
Tulsa is an odd choice for multiple reasons. Oklahoma is not expected to be a competitive state in 2020 — typically a consideration when deciding where campaign rallies will be held. Trump carried the state by a 36-point margin four years ago.
But Tulsa also has an ugly racist past.
In May 1921, mobs of white people attacked and murdered black residents there, in an affluent black neighborhood known colloquially as “Black Wall Street.” Historians believe as many as 300 people were killed in the attacks, and witnesses recalled seeing some white instigators raiding and looting black homes and setting them on fire.
Most of the neighborhood was destroyed.
Scores of black survivors were eventually rounded up and thrown in detention. Many of the black victims were dumped into mass graves, their bodies never recovered.
Democratic lawmakers say the symbolism of holding a rally in a city like Tulsa, as protesters flood the streets demanding an end to racist police brutality following the death of George Floyd, a black Minneapolis man killed by a white law enforcement officer, is unacceptable.
“Tulsa was the site of the worst racist violence in American history,” Rep. Val Demmings (D-FL), a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, tweeted on Thursday. “The president’s speech there on Juneteenth is a message to every Black American: more of the same.”
Rep. Al Green (D-TX), also a member of the CBC, did not mince words.
“A Trump rally with rebel flags (a symbol of slavery and racism) in Tulsa, OK (the place of #TulsaMassacre) on Juneteenth (a day of emancipation recognition) is more than a slap in the face to African Americans; it is overt racism from the highest office in the land,” Green tweeted.
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) tweeted that the decision to hold a rally in Tulsa “isn’t just a wink to white supremacists — he’s throwing them a welcome home party.”
Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX) tweeted similarly, “What a horrible place for our bigoted President to organize next rally: location of worst massacre of African Americans in 20th Century. What timing, on Juneteenth — when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to announce enslaved African Americans were free.”
The Trump campaign has not stated whether it chose Tulsa as a rally location intentionally, although spokesperson Katrina Pierson told The Hill on Thursday that the campaign was aware of the importance of Juneteenth.
“As the party of Lincoln, Republicans are proud of the history of Juneteenth, which is the anniversary of the last reading of the Emancipation Proclamation,” she said. “President Trump has built a record of success for Black Americans, including unprecedented low unemployment prior to the global pandemic, all-time high funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and criminal justice reform.”
Meanwhile, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany claimed this week that Juneteenth was a “meaningful day” for Trump, and that he was holding a rally on that day because he wants to “share some of the progress that has been made” for black Americans.
“The African American community is very near and dear to his heart. At these rallies he often shares the great work he has done for minority communities,” McEnany told CNN.
In recent days, following a wave of nationwide protests against systemic racism and police brutality, Trump has further stoked racial tensions, tear-gassing peaceful protesters demanding justice for Floyd and countless other black Americans, in order to hold a photo-op at a nearby church.
Trump also tweeted a phrase made infamous by racist cop in the 1960s in order to justify his desire to have the United States military called in to break up some instances of looting and property destruction at the rallies.
“These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to [Minnesota] Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way,” Trump wrote on May 29. “Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-06-11--Trump's threat to remove US troops from Germany makes Russia happy

Russia 's Foreign Ministry on Thursday welcomed Donald Trump 's reported plan to withdraw more than a quarter of U.S. troops from Germany , saying it would help bolster security in Europe .
Trump has reportedly signed off on a plan to cut the number of troops stationed in Germany from 34,500 to no more than 25,000 .
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that `` we would welcome any steps by Washington to scale down its military presence in Europe . ''
`` Such steps would undoubtedly help reduce confrontational potential and ease military and political tensions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a briefing , adding that the large U.S. military presence in Germany is a `` vestige of the Cold War . ''
Zakharova challenged the U.S. to also take its tactical nuclear weapons home from Germany .
German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer told reporters earlier this week that Berlin had n't yet been informed of any U.S. troops pullout .
She warned that if the United States goes ahead the move would do more harm to NATO as a whole than to Germany 's own defense .
Relations between Russia and the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 Russian annexation of Ukraine 's Crimean Peninsula , Moscow 's alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and other issues .
Moscow has described the deployment of NATO forces near Russian borders as a top security threat .
Zakharova strongly warned Washington against redeploying some of the troops from Germany to Poland , saying it would further exacerbate tensions and undermine prospects of dialogue between Russia and NATO .

Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday welcomed Donald Trump’s reported plan to withdraw more than a quarter of U.S. troops from Germany, saying it would help bolster security in Europe.
Trump has reportedly signed off on a plan to cut the number of troops stationed in Germany from 34,500 to no more than 25,000.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that “we would welcome any steps by Washington to scale down its military presence in Europe.”
“Such steps would undoubtedly help reduce confrontational potential and ease military and political tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region,” Zakharova said at a briefing, adding that the large U.S. military presence in Germany is a “vestige of the Cold War.”
Zakharova challenged the U.S. to also take its tactical nuclear weapons home from Germany.
German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer told reporters earlier this week that Berlin hadn’t yet been informed of any U.S. troops pullout. She warned that if the United States goes ahead the move would do more harm to NATO as a whole than to Germany’s own defense.
Relations between Russia and the West are at post-Cold War lows following the 2014 Russian annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and other issues.
Moscow has described the deployment of NATO forces near Russian borders as a top security threat.
Zakharova strongly warned Washington against redeploying some of the troops from Germany to Poland, saying it would further exacerbate tensions and undermine prospects of dialogue between Russia and NATO.


shareblue--2020-06-11--Police are harassing LGBTQ people at protests across the country

Protesters across the country have reported a spate of anti-LGBTQ incidents as police crack down on crowds demanding justice for George Floyd , a black man killed by a white Minneapolis police officer in April .
Chicago police are currently investigating a May 30 incident that was caught on video , in which an officer used a homophobic slur to address protesters .
In the video , originally posted to Facebook , several unidentified individuals yell at the officer , who is seen walking away to his vehicle , as another person out of frame throws a traffic cone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then turns around and walks toward the crowd again .
`` Yeah , wait until I turn my back , you fucking f -- -- t , '' he yells .
The man who recorded the video , Kyle Cunningham , later told CBS Chicago that the incident `` sets us back so many years . ''
`` It 's really unnerving to know that the people in uniform who are supposed to protect us are actively going against us , '' he said .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot , the first black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be elected mayor in Chicago , said of the incident , `` We will not tolerate profanity and homophobic comments that demean the badge , demean the honor of being a Chicago police officer , and demean the value of who we are as Chicagoans . ''
According to CBS Chicago , lawsuits against the Chicago Police Department involving misconduct toward LGBTQ people have cost the city nearly $ 300,000 in settlements .
Similar reports of police harassing gender nonconforming , transgender , and nonbinary protesters have cropped up at other protests recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles , Julia Dupuis , tweeted about their alleged assault by police on June 2 , saying that , after they were zip-tied and facing a wall , they heard two male police officers say , `` Do you think it 's a female ?
Are you sure ? ''
Dupuis said the police officers then laughed as they touched Dupuis ' breasts and the front and back pockets of their pants .
`` I was not the only gender non conforming protestor to be called 'it . '
There were trans/non-binary protestors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' buses and deliberately misgendered , '' they wrote .
Dupuis added that they were `` not the only protestor to be sexually harassed or made uncomfortable . ''
Dupuis said that LAPD Police Chief Michel Moore had reached out to them about an internal investigation and that they were `` discussing the possibility '' of legal representation .
As the number of people arrested at the nationwide protests rises , so too are incidents of sexual assault and harassment against transgender women .
Joan Fochs , a transgender woman , attended a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 31 , at which an officer accused her of assaulting him .
Fochs said she did n't touch the officer but was booked on suspicion of assault regardless and taken to the King County Correctional Facility early in the morning , where she was housed with men .
According to Patch.com , Fochs was told she could n't be housed separately from men because she had n't yet changed her gender marker officially .
A man in the cell across from her subsequently harassed her for several hours and allegedly exposed himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver food to inmates , she told Patch .
Fochs said she pressed a call button in her cell to get help but officers did not answer it .
When she told officers she wanted to file a harassment complaint , they reportedly ignored her and `` just [ kept ] moving along . ''
Even after officers finally moved the man who harassed her , Fochs faced repeated harassment from other male inmates before she was released .
In other parts of the country , police have entered LGBTQ establishments uninvited .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered an LGBTQ bar last week , after some staff went outside to aid protesters who had been hit with tear gas .
Police showed up moments later , demanding that everyone who had retreated inside the bar leave immediately .
They then entered the establishment , making their way to the basement where they found one individual , who was not a protester , and frisked him .
`` I do n't know if they thought that we were hiding anybody , but we were n't .
I do n't see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without reason , '' bar owner Bryan Smith said .
The ongoing attacks by police against LGBTQ protesters and bystanders are indicative of a larger problem .
According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey , conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality , 58 % of trans people said they had been verbally , physically , or sexually mistreated in some way by law enforcement and more than half of the more than 27,000 respondents said they were uncomfortable going to the police for help .
A 2015 Williams Institute at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that LGBTQ people still face discrimination from police officers and that LGBTQ people of color and all members of the transgender community were among the group most targeted by police officers .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Protesters across the country have reported a spate of anti-LGBTQ incidents as police crack down on crowds demanding justice for George Floyd, a black man killed by a white Minneapolis police officer in April.
Chicago police are currently investigating a May 30 incident that was caught on video, in which an officer used a homophobic slur to address protesters.
In the video, originally posted to Facebook, several unidentified individuals yell at the officer, who is seen walking away to his vehicle, as another person out of frame throws a traffic cone in the officer’s direction.
The officer then turns around and walks toward the crowd again. “Yeah, wait until I turn my back, you fucking f—-t,” he yells.
The man who recorded the video, Kyle Cunningham, later told CBS Chicago that the incident “sets us back so many years.”
“It’s really unnerving to know that the people in uniform who are supposed to protect us are actively going against us,” he said.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the first black woman and first openly gay person to be elected mayor in Chicago, said of the incident, “We will not tolerate profanity and homophobic comments that demean the badge, demean the honor of being a Chicago police officer, and demean the value of who we are as Chicagoans.”
According to CBS Chicago, lawsuits against the Chicago Police Department involving misconduct toward LGBTQ people have cost the city nearly $300,000 in settlements.
Similar reports of police harassing gender nonconforming, transgender, and nonbinary protesters have cropped up at other protests recent days.
A protester arrested in Los Angeles, Julia Dupuis, tweeted about their alleged assault by police on June 2, saying that, after they were zip-tied and facing a wall, they heard two male police officers say, “Do you think it’s a female? Are you sure?”
Dupuis said the police officers then laughed as they touched Dupuis’ breasts and the front and back pockets of their pants.
“I was not the only gender non conforming protestor to be called ‘it.’ There were trans/non-binary protestors divided into the ‘male’ and ‘female’ buses and deliberately misgendered,” they wrote.
Dupuis added that they were “not the only protestor to be sexually harassed or made uncomfortable.”
Dupuis said that LAPD Police Chief Michel Moore had reached out to them about an internal investigation and that they were “discussing the possibility” of legal representation.
As the number of people arrested at the nationwide protests rises, so too are incidents of sexual assault and harassment against transgender women.
Joan Fochs, a transgender woman, attended a demonstration in Seattle on the evening of May 31, at which an officer accused her of assaulting him. Fochs said she didn’t touch the officer but was booked on suspicion of assault regardless and taken to the King County Correctional Facility early in the morning, where she was housed with men.
According to Patch.com, Fochs was told she couldn’t be housed separately from men because she hadn’t yet changed her gender marker officially. A man in the cell across from her subsequently harassed her for several hours and allegedly exposed himself to her through a slot where staff deliver food to inmates, she told Patch.
Fochs said she pressed a call button in her cell to get help but officers did not answer it. When she told officers she wanted to file a harassment complaint, they reportedly ignored her and “just [kept] moving along.”
Even after officers finally moved the man who harassed her, Fochs faced repeated harassment from other male inmates before she was released.
In other parts of the country, police have entered LGBTQ establishments uninvited.
Police in Des Moines, Iowa, entered an LGBTQ bar last week, after some staff went outside to aid protesters who had been hit with tear gas. Police showed up moments later, demanding that everyone who had retreated inside the bar leave immediately.
They then entered the establishment, making their way to the basement where they found one individual, who was not a protester, and frisked him.
“I don’t know if they thought that we were hiding anybody, but we weren’t. I don’t see the reason for them to march in here without reason,” bar owner Bryan Smith said.
The ongoing attacks by police against LGBTQ protesters and bystanders are indicative of a larger problem.
According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality, 58% of trans people said they had been verbally, physically, or sexually mistreated in some way by law enforcement and more than half of the more than 27,000 respondents said they were uncomfortable going to the police for help.
A 2015 Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law report also found that LGBTQ people still face discrimination from police officers and that LGBTQ people of color and all members of the transgender community were among the group most targeted by police officers.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-06-11--GOP lawmaker suggests black Americans are to blame for being hit hard by virus

A white Ohio state senator suggested during a hearing on Tuesday that people of color might be to blame for higher rates of COVID-19 through poor hygiene .
Republican State Sen. Steve Huffman , a emergency department physician , used a racist term in his question for Angela Dawson , the executive director of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health .
`` I understand African Americans have a higher incidence of chronic conditions and that makes them more susceptible to death from COVID .
But why — it does not make them more susceptible to just get COVID , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's twice as often , correct ?
Could it just be that African Americans — the colored population — do not wash their hands as well as other groups ?
Or wear a mask ?
Or do not socially distance themselves ?
Could that , that could just be maybe the explanation of why the higher incidence ? ''
Dawson , who is black , answered , `` That is not the opinion of leading medical experts in this country . ''
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus released a statement Thursday responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world 'colored ' is associated with segregation and Jim Crow laws and is almost universally considered offensive in 2020 .
`` Additionally , the unfounded idea that 'Black people are dirty ' has long been used as a racist stereotype in the United States to justify centuries of white superiority and Black oppression . ''
The caucus ' president , Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Howse , said in the statement : `` The fact that a well-educated legislator , a Vice Chair of the Health Committee and a practicing medical doctor would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use such antiquated terminology paired with a hurtful , racist stereotype all in one breath reflects how unconscious this problem of racism is for too many . ''
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the black community disproportionately hard .
Last month , a study found that 50.3 African Americans have died of causes related to the coronavirus per 100,000 people , compared to 20.7 whites , 22.9 Latinos , and 22.7 Asian Americans .
An NPR analysis of data from the COVID Tracking Project in May found that African-Americans die of the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected based on their share of the population .
A report released in April by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that data suggest `` an overrepresentation of blacks among hospitalized patients . ''
After coming under fire for his comments , Huffman told the Columbus Dispatch , `` Regrettably , I asked a question in an unintentionally awkward way that was perceived as hurtful and was exactly the opposite of what I meant .
I was trying to focus on why COVID-19 affects people of color at a higher rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reasons . ''
Other Republicans have used racist language in discussing the coronavirus .
Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted on calling it the `` Chinese virus '' even after public health experts warned that doing so can result in increased stigmatization of and hates crimes against Asian and Asian-Americans .
On Wednesday , Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-AR ) launched a new ad claiming , `` China 's lies spread the China virus across the world . ''
Huffman has been the subject of controversy before .
In December of last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote an opinion piece against `` Medicare for All '' `` with the help '' of a lobbyist for the health care industry .
His column , which ran in September in a local Ohio newspaper , did not disclose the lobbyist 's assistance .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

A white Ohio state senator suggested during a hearing on Tuesday that people of color might be to blame for higher rates of COVID-19 through poor hygiene.
Republican State Sen. Steve Huffman, a emergency department physician, used a racist term in his question for Angela Dawson, the executive director of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health.
“I understand African Americans have a higher incidence of chronic conditions and that makes them more susceptible to death from COVID. But why — it does not make them more susceptible to just get COVID,” Huffman said. “We know it’s twice as often, correct? Could it just be that African Americans — the colored population — do not wash their hands as well as other groups? Or wear a mask? Or do not socially distance themselves? Could that, that could just be maybe the explanation of why the higher incidence?”
Dawson, who is black, answered, “That is not the opinion of leading medical experts in this country.”
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus released a statement Thursday responding to Huffman, noting, “Historically, the world ‘colored’ is associated with segregation and Jim Crow laws and is almost universally considered offensive in 2020.
“Additionally, the unfounded idea that ‘Black people are dirty’ has long been used as a racist stereotype in the United States to justify centuries of white superiority and Black oppression.”
The caucus’ president, Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Howse, said in the statement: “The fact that a well-educated legislator, a Vice Chair of the Health Committee and a practicing medical doctor would, in a public setting, nonchalantly use such antiquated terminology paired with a hurtful, racist stereotype all in one breath reflects how unconscious this problem of racism is for too many.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the black community disproportionately hard. Last month, a study found that 50.3 African Americans have died of causes related to the coronavirus per 100,000 people, compared to 20.7 whites, 22.9 Latinos, and 22.7 Asian Americans.
An NPR analysis of data from the COVID Tracking Project in May found that African-Americans die of the disease at rate nearly two times greater that expected based on their share of the population. A report released in April by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that data suggest “an overrepresentation of blacks among hospitalized patients.”
After coming under fire for his comments, Huffman told the Columbus Dispatch, “Regrettably, I asked a question in an unintentionally awkward way that was perceived as hurtful and was exactly the opposite of what I meant. I was trying to focus on why COVID-19 affects people of color at a higher rate since we really do not know all the reasons.”
Other Republicans have used racist language in discussing the coronavirus. Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted on calling it the “Chinese virus” even after public health experts warned that doing so can result in increased stigmatization of and hates crimes against Asian and Asian-Americans. On Wednesday, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) launched a new ad claiming, “China’s lies spread the China virus across the world.”
Huffman has been the subject of controversy before.
In December of last year, the Washington Post reported that he wrote an opinion piece against “Medicare for All” “with the help” of a lobbyist for the health care industry. His column, which ran in September in a local Ohio newspaper, did not disclose the lobbyist’s assistance.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-06-11--McSally to hold in-person book signing as coronavirus spikes in Arizona

Sen. Martha McSally ( R-AZ ) is planning to hold an in-person book signing and campaign fundraiser in here state on Friday , even as coronavirus cases are reaching record levels there .
`` Join us on June 12th for a special book signing of Dare to Fly with Martha McSally .
Enjoy tacos on the tarmac , Martha-ritas , and receive an autographed copy of Senator McSally 's book Dare to Fly , '' the invitation reads , according to Yvonne Wingett Sanchez , a reporter with the Arizona Republic .
Plans for the fundraiser remain in place even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Cara Christ , urged hospitals in a letter sent Saturday to `` fully activate '' emergency plans because of the increase in coronavirus cases in the state .
A day after Christ sent the letter , Banner Health , the state 's largest hospital system , reported that , if current trends continued , the number of patients needing care could exceed its capacity .
A Washington Post analysis from Tuesday showed a sharp uptick in coronavirus-related hospitalizations in the state , from 833 on Memorial Day to 1,243 on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the month , Arizona had 20,123 confirmed coronavirus cases , and at least 917 people had died .
On Thursday , less than two weeks later , the state had 29,981 confirmed coronavirus cases , and at least 1,100 people had died , according to the New York Times .
Dr. William Hanage , an epidemiology professor at Harvard 's School of Public Health , told the Arizona Republic on Tuesday that the spike in cases in Arizona is `` alarming .
`` The only sort of crumb of comfort that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in general , it 's sort of easier to social distance in Arizona than it is in some places , '' he said .
Health experts told the Republic the increase in cases is not simply the result of more testing , adding that the situation has become so severe that another state-wide stay-at-home order may be necessary .
In mid-May , McSally pushed for businesses to reopen early across the state despite warnings from health experts .
`` I got my hair cut on Saturday , got a pedicure on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's time for us to be safely allowing more activities . ''
Just a day before McSally made those comments , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's top infectious disease expert , issued a stark warning to states during his Senate testimony .
`` [ T ] he consequences could be really serious if cities , states , or what have you , jump over those various checkpoints and prematurely open up , without having the capability of being able to respond effectively and efficiently , '' Fauci said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll start to see little spikes that will turn into outbreaks . ''
The McSally campaign did not respond to an inquiry about what safety precautions if any it is taking for the fundraiser .
The Arizona Senate race is one of the most closely watched races in the 2020 election cycle .
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate , meaning Democrats need to gain four seats to regain control of the chamber , or gain three seats and win the White House .
McSally lost her Senate bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current job by the state 's governor to fill out the remainder of the late Sen. John McCain 's term .
She has trailed her Democratic opponent , former astronaut Mark Kelly , in two recent polls , both showing Kelly leading by 13 points .
McSally responded by calling the most recent poll , conducted by Fox News , `` stupid . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) is planning to hold an in-person book signing and campaign fundraiser in here state on Friday, even as coronavirus cases are reaching record levels there.
“Join us on June 12th for a special book signing of Dare to Fly with Martha McSally. Enjoy tacos on the tarmac, Martha-ritas, and receive an autographed copy of Senator McSally’s book Dare to Fly,” the invitation reads, according to Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, a reporter with the Arizona Republic.
Plans for the fundraiser remain in place even though Arizona’s chief health official, Dr. Cara Christ, urged hospitals in a letter sent Saturday to “fully activate” emergency plans because of the increase in coronavirus cases in the state.
A day after Christ sent the letter, Banner Health, the state’s largest hospital system, reported that, if current trends continued, the number of patients needing care could exceed its capacity.
A Washington Post analysis from Tuesday showed a sharp uptick in coronavirus-related hospitalizations in the state, from 833 on Memorial Day to 1,243 on Tuesday, a 49% increase.
At the beginning of the month, Arizona had 20,123 confirmed coronavirus cases, and at least 917 people had died. On Thursday, less than two weeks later, the state had 29,981 confirmed coronavirus cases, and at least 1,100 people had died, according to the New York Times.
Dr. William Hanage, an epidemiology professor at Harvard’s School of Public Health, told the Arizona Republic on Tuesday that the spike in cases in Arizona is “alarming.
“The only sort of crumb of comfort that I can find is that I think, in general, it’s sort of easier to social distance in Arizona than it is in some places,” he said.
Health experts told the Republic the increase in cases is not simply the result of more testing, adding that the situation has become so severe that another state-wide stay-at-home order may be necessary.
In mid-May, McSally pushed for businesses to reopen early across the state despite warnings from health experts.
“I got my hair cut on Saturday, got a pedicure on Sunday,” McSally said on May 13. “It’s time for us to be safely allowing more activities.”
Just a day before McSally made those comments, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, issued a stark warning to states during his Senate testimony.
“[T]he consequences could be really serious if cities, states, or what have you, jump over those various checkpoints and prematurely open up, without having the capability of being able to respond effectively and efficiently,” Fauci said. “My concern is that we’ll start to see little spikes that will turn into outbreaks.”
The McSally campaign did not respond to an inquiry about what safety precautions if any it is taking for the fundraiser.
The Arizona Senate race is one of the most closely watched races in the 2020 election cycle. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate, meaning Democrats need to gain four seats to regain control of the chamber, or gain three seats and win the White House.
McSally lost her Senate bid in 2018 but was appointed to her current job by the state’s governor to fill out the remainder of the late Sen. John McCain’s term.
She has trailed her Democratic opponent, former astronaut Mark Kelly, in two recent polls, both showing Kelly leading by 13 points.
McSally responded by calling the most recent poll, conducted by Fox News, “stupid.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-06-12--News you might have missed: LeBron James launches voting rights group

This week , U.S. Soccer Federation reverses a policy against protesting , Elmer Fudd loses his gun , and Beyoncé celebrates the inherent beauty of LGBTQ graduates .
Read on to see what else you might have missed this week in the news .
On Wednesday , basketball star LeBron James announced that he and other black celebrities are forming a new group aimed at protecting the voting rights of African Americans against voter suppression efforts , the New York Times reported .
The group , More Than a Vote , will encourage African Americans to register to vote and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're going to give you the background of how to vote and what they 're trying to do , the other side , to stop you from voting , '' James said .
Other stars involved with the group include current and former basketball players Trae Young , Skylar Diggins-Smith , and Jalen Rose ; NFL player Alvin Kamara ; and comedian Kevin Hart .
U.S. Soccer 's official governing body reversed a 2017 policy and will now allow players on its national teams to kneel in protest during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` U.S. Soccer affirms Black Lives Matter , '' the U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement .
`` We apologize to our players - especially our Black players - staff , fans , and all who support eradicating racism , '' the group said , adding , `` We can do more on these specific issues and we will . ''
The policy was put in place after Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem in 2016 , becoming one of the first white athletes to take a knee in solidarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's protests against racist police violence .
In 2019 , Rapinoe led the U.S. Women 's National Team to its fourth World Cup title , was named MVP of the tournament , and was later named both FIFA 's Woman World Player of the Year and Sports Illustrated 's Sportsperson of the Year .
On Monday , the New York state Assembly voted to make the use of chokeholds a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison if the tactic results in the injury or death of a person , CBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the NYPD in 1993 , but the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act , when enacted , will make it a crime .
The act is named for Eric Garner , who was killed in 2014 when a police officer used a chokehold on him .
Said Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley , a sponsor of the legislation , `` Almost six years ago , we heard Eric Garner tell police ' I ca n't breathe ' as he was put into a chokehold by an NYPD officer .
His words now speak from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police killing of George Floyd under nearly identical circumstances . ''
The bill has already passed the state Senate .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign it into law .
The Senate Armed Services Committee this week voted to require the Pentagon to remove the names of Confederate figures from bases and other all other military property , including streets and ships , Roll Call reported .
The amendment , offered by Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-MA ) , would require the names to be removed within three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end the tribute to white supremacy on our military installations , '' Warren tweeted before the vote .
Illinois to provide assistance to all immigrants impacted by coronavirus Illinois will provide assistance to immigrants affected by the coronavirus pandemic who are ineligible for assistance through federal programs , the state 's Department of Human Services announced on Tuesday .
The administration of Democratic Gov .
JB Pritzker announced the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project to provide `` pandemic-related emergency assistance funding to Illinois immigrants ... who are facing unemployment , loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and housing insecurity as a direct result of COVID-19 . ''
Grace Hou , the Department of Human Services secretary , said , `` Immigrants play an essential role in our society and make up the fabric of our communities across the state of Illinois .
... We want everyone to know help is here — for anyone who needs it . ''
The state will provide $ 2 million to the program , with a group of private foundations raising an additional $ 750,000 .
Bugs Bunny , Daffy Duck , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a new series of cartoon shorts on HBO Max , but guns will not be a part of the reboot , the New York Times reported .
`` We 're not doing guns , '' Peter Browngardt , executive producer of the reboot , told the Times .
`` But we can do cartoony violence — TNT , the Acme stuff .
All that was kind of grandfathered in . ''
The decision means that in one short , Elmer Fudd is hunting `` wabbits '' with a scythe instead of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have his six-shooters at his side .
The new episodes launched in late May .
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter delivered an empowering speech to graduating high school and college students on Sunday night as part of YouTube 's graduation special , `` Dear Class of 2020 . ''
`` To all those who feel different , if you are part of a group that 's called 'other , ' a group that does not get the chance to be center stage : Build your own stage , and make them see you , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful .
Your blackness is beautiful .
Your compassion , your understanding , your fight for people who may be different from you is beautiful , '' she added .
Beyoncé was part of an all-star line-up of speakers that included former President Barack Obama , former first lady Michelle Obama , Lady Gaga , Alicia Keys , Lizzo , Tracee Ellis Ross , and Yara Shahidi , among many others .

This week, U.S. Soccer Federation reverses a policy against protesting, Elmer Fudd loses his gun, and Beyoncé celebrates the inherent beauty of LGBTQ graduates.
Read on to see what else you might have missed this week in the news.
On Wednesday, basketball star LeBron James announced that he and other black celebrities are forming a new group aimed at protecting the voting rights of African Americans against voter suppression efforts, the New York Times reported.
The group, More Than a Vote, will encourage African Americans to register to vote and to vote in the November general election.
“We’re going to give you the background of how to vote and what they’re trying to do, the other side, to stop you from voting,” James said.
Other stars involved with the group include current and former basketball players Trae Young, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Jalen Rose; NFL player Alvin Kamara; and comedian Kevin Hart.
U.S. Soccer’s official governing body reversed a 2017 policy and will now allow players on its national teams to kneel in protest during the national anthem, CNBC reported on Wednesday.
“U.S. Soccer affirms Black Lives Matter,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement. “We apologize to our players – especially our Black players – staff, fans, and all who support eradicating racism,” the group said, adding, “We can do more on these specific issues and we will.”
The policy was put in place after Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem in 2016, becoming one of the first white athletes to take a knee in solidarity with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protests against racist police violence.
In 2019, Rapinoe led the U.S. Women’s National Team to its fourth World Cup title, was named MVP of the tournament, and was later named both FIFA’s Woman World Player of the Year and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year.
On Monday, the New York state Assembly voted to make the use of chokeholds a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison if the tactic results in the injury or death of a person, CBS News reported.
The practice was banned by the NYPD in 1993, but the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act, when enacted, will make it a crime.
The act is named for Eric Garner, who was killed in 2014 when a police officer used a chokehold on him.
Said Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley, a sponsor of the legislation, “Almost six years ago, we heard Eric Garner tell police ‘I can’t breathe’ as he was put into a chokehold by an NYPD officer. His words now speak from the grave as we deal with the police killing of George Floyd under nearly identical circumstances.”
The bill has already passed the state Senate. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign it into law.
The Senate Armed Services Committee this week voted to require the Pentagon to remove the names of Confederate figures from bases and other all other military property, including streets and ships, Roll Call reported.
The amendment, offered by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), would require the names to be removed within three years.
“It’s long past time to end the tribute to white supremacy on our military installations,” Warren tweeted before the vote.
Illinois will provide assistance to immigrants affected by the coronavirus pandemic who are ineligible for assistance through federal programs, the state’s Department of Human Services announced on Tuesday.
The administration of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker announced the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project to provide “pandemic-related emergency assistance funding to Illinois immigrants … who are facing unemployment, loss of income, medical costs, and food and housing insecurity as a direct result of COVID-19.”
Grace Hou, the Department of Human Services secretary, said, “Immigrants play an essential role in our society and make up the fabric of our communities across the state of Illinois. … We want everyone to know help is here — for anyone who needs it.”
The state will provide $2 million to the program, with a group of private foundations raising an additional $750,000.
Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and other classic Looney Tunes characters are back in a new series of cartoon shorts on HBO Max, but guns will not be a part of the reboot, the New York Times reported.
“We’re not doing guns,” Peter Browngardt, executive producer of the reboot, told the Times. “But we can do cartoony violence — TNT, the Acme stuff. All that was kind of grandfathered in.”
The decision means that in one short, Elmer Fudd is hunting “wabbits” with a scythe instead of his usual shotgun. And Yosemite Sam will not have his six-shooters at his side.
The new episodes launched in late May.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter delivered an empowering speech to graduating high school and college students on Sunday night as part of YouTube’s graduation special, “Dear Class of 2020.”
“To all those who feel different, if you are part of a group that’s called ‘other,’ a group that does not get the chance to be center stage: Build your own stage, and make them see you,” Knowles-Carter said.
“Your queerness is beautiful. Your blackness is beautiful. Your compassion, your understanding, your fight for people who may be different from you is beautiful,” she added.
Beyoncé was part of an all-star line-up of speakers that included former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, Lizzo, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Yara Shahidi, among many others.


shareblue--2020-06-12--LGBTQ businesses struggle as Pride events are canceled

LGBTQ businesses are suffering after the cancellation of Pride events , most of which have been nixed over concerns that mass gatherings will further fuel the ongoing pandemic .
Some events are continuing as scheduled but are functioning more as solidarity protests against police brutality , in line with the many anti-racism protests that followed the death of George Floyd , a black Minneapolis man killed last month by a white police officer .
Other Pride organizers have turned their previous plans into virtual events to both celebrate Pride and stand against racism and police violence .
But the sudden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue streams away from LGBTQ-owned businesses across the country , leaving many of them scrambling .
Pride events in St. Petersburg , Florida , for instance , were canceled last month due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 .
Business owners there told local Fox affiliate WTVT they have lost money from tent rentals and food purchases made well in advance of the celebration .
Hotels in the area say they 're also losing guest bookings over the canceled events .
During this time last year , a quarter-million people descended on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million at local businesses , WTVT reported .
Business owners in Tampa Bay are also likely to lose big while also struggling to keep their heads above water as they make it through the pandemic .
One business owner told the Tampa Bay Times he had spent $ 25,000 on alcohol in anticipation of Pride and , as a result , is now `` cash-poor . ''
`` I was being 'smart ' and had already ordered all the alcohol for Pride , '' Bradley Nelson said .
`` ( I ) ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Tampa Pride President Carrie West told the outlet that Pride events helped businesses take in between $ 8 million and $ 10 million in 2018 .
`` We knew this year would be another major influx because we were bringing in three major concerts , '' West said .
Chrys Bundy , president of St. Petersburg Pride , echoed business owners ' concerns , telling the Tampa Bay Times , `` To have such an event not happen is certainly a big blow to the county . ''
Across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was also done as a safety precaution , is expected to harm businesses in the Castro District , where there is a high concentration of LGBTQ bars .
Each year , Pride event attendees in San Francisco spend millions of dollars at local businesses — $ 186.9 million in 2015 , alone , with $ 33.6 million going to restaurants and bars and $ 14.3 million going to hotels that year .
Chris Hastings , who owns a Castro restaurant and gay bar and co-owns a number of other establishments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already applied for 22 federal Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) loans since March , when he was forced to shut down to keep those businesses going .
None of those applications had been approved .
Now , the cancellation of Pride has made things worse .
`` Unless we receive aid , I can probably last another month , '' he said .
`` All three of my businesses were in a healthy , strong position going into this ...
It has been the most stressful month of my life . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of surviving the pandemic and the wave of Pride cancellations .
In New York City , Alibi Lounge , one of very few black-owned LGBTQ bars in Harlem , is trying to keep its doors open after having trouble making rent and utility payments when the pandemic first began .
According to Eater New York , the bar still has to make rent for July , pay state taxes , and pay fees for renewing its liquor license .
The bar has been approved for a federal loan , but owner Alexi Minko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that loan later , if troubles continued .
`` If Alibi goes away , it will be a tragedy for the LGBTQ community uptown , '' Minko said .
The financial uncertainty LGBTQ-owned businesses are facing has naturally trickled down to their employees .
In March , the Human Rights Campaign released a research brief analyzing General Social Survey data and found that LGBTQ people are more likely to work in industries that are highly affected by the pandemic , including restaurants and food services , hospitals , K-12 education , retail , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 5 million LGBTQ workers could be impacted by COVID-19 and other business closures , with 2 million potentially affected in food services alone .
Recent polls have also found that 30 % of LGBTQ respondents have had their work hours reduced compared to 22 % of the general population .
In addition to the pandemic , police brutality and instances of violence against LGBTQ people have weighed heavily on the community of late .
There have already been at least 12 killings of transgender and gender non-conforming people in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black .
Among them is Tony McDade , a black transgender man , was shot and killed by a white police officer in Florida on May 27 , and has been memorialized at recent protests against police brutality .
Since those protests began , LGBTQ people have also experienced increased sexual harassment from police , have faced intolerable conditions in jail , and in some cases , have had their establishments raided by police after aiding protesters .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

LGBTQ businesses are suffering after the cancellation of Pride events, most of which have been nixed over concerns that mass gatherings will further fuel the ongoing pandemic.
Some events are continuing as scheduled but are functioning more as solidarity protests against police brutality, in line with the many anti-racism protests that followed the death of George Floyd, a black Minneapolis man killed last month by a white police officer.
Other Pride organizers have turned their previous plans into virtual events to both celebrate Pride and stand against racism and police violence.
But the sudden change in plans has shifted otherwise reliable revenue streams away from LGBTQ-owned businesses across the country, leaving many of them scrambling.
Pride events in St. Petersburg, Florida, for instance, were canceled last month due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Business owners there told local Fox affiliate WTVT they have lost money from tent rentals and food purchases made well in advance of the celebration. Hotels in the area say they’re also losing guest bookings over the canceled events.
During this time last year, a quarter-million people descended on the city and spent around $67 million at local businesses, WTVT reported.
Business owners in Tampa Bay are also likely to lose big while also struggling to keep their heads above water as they make it through the pandemic.
One business owner told the Tampa Bay Times he had spent $25,000 on alcohol in anticipation of Pride and, as a result, is now “cash-poor.”
“I was being ‘smart’ and had already ordered all the alcohol for Pride,” Bradley Nelson said. “(I) ended up shut down being alcohol-rich and cash-poor.”
Tampa Pride President Carrie West told the outlet that Pride events helped businesses take in between $8 million and $10 million in 2018.
“We knew this year would be another major influx because we were bringing in three major concerts,” West said.
Chrys Bundy, president of St. Petersburg Pride, echoed business owners’ concerns, telling the Tampa Bay Times, “To have such an event not happen is certainly a big blow to the county.”
Across the country, the cancellation of San Francisco Pride, which was also done as a safety precaution, is expected to harm businesses in the Castro District, where there is a high concentration of LGBTQ bars.
Each year, Pride event attendees in San Francisco spend millions of dollars at local businesses — $186.9 million in 2015, alone, with $33.6 million going to restaurants and bars and $14.3 million going to hotels that year.
Chris Hastings, who owns a Castro restaurant and gay bar and co-owns a number of other establishments, told Hoodline in April that he had already applied for 22 federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans since March, when he was forced to shut down to keep those businesses going.
None of those applications had been approved. Now, the cancellation of Pride has made things worse.
“Unless we receive aid, I can probably last another month,” he said. “All three of my businesses were in a healthy, strong position going into this … It has been the most stressful month of my life.”
Others are similarly facing the dual struggle of surviving the pandemic and the wave of Pride cancellations.
In New York City, Alibi Lounge, one of very few black-owned LGBTQ bars in Harlem, is trying to keep its doors open after having trouble making rent and utility payments when the pandemic first began. According to Eater New York, the bar still has to make rent for July, pay state taxes, and pay fees for renewing its liquor license.
The bar has been approved for a federal loan, but owner Alexi Minko said he was concerned about paying off that loan later, if troubles continued.
“If Alibi goes away, it will be a tragedy for the LGBTQ community uptown,” Minko said.
The financial uncertainty LGBTQ-owned businesses are facing has naturally trickled down to their employees.
In March, the Human Rights Campaign released a research brief analyzing General Social Survey data and found that LGBTQ people are more likely to work in industries that are highly affected by the pandemic, including restaurants and food services, hospitals, K-12 education, retail, and colleges and universities.
That means more than 5 million LGBTQ workers could be impacted by COVID-19 and other business closures, with 2 million potentially affected in food services alone.
Recent polls have also found that 30% of LGBTQ respondents have had their work hours reduced compared to 22% of the general population.
In addition to the pandemic, police brutality and instances of violence against LGBTQ people have weighed heavily on the community of late.
There have already been at least 12 killings of transgender and gender non-conforming people in the past year alone, many of whom are black. Among them is Tony McDade, a black transgender man, was shot and killed by a white police officer in Florida on May 27, and has been memorialized at recent protests against police brutality.
Since those protests began, LGBTQ people have also experienced increased sexual harassment from police, have faced intolerable conditions in jail, and in some cases, have had their establishments raided by police after aiding protesters.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.