shareblue--2020-08-31--Trump threatens to send troops to Portland while stoking violence against protesters

Donald Trump threatened on Monday to again send federal troops to Portland , Oregon , weeks after a similar move ramped up violence and chaos .
`` Portland is a mess , and it has been for many years , '' Trump tweeted .
`` If this joke of a mayor doesn ’ t clean it up , we will go in and do it for them . ''
The threat came hours after Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler accused him of spreading hate and provoking violence in America 's cities .
`` Do you seriously wonder , Mr. President , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decades that America has seen this level of violence ? ''
Wheeler said at a Sunday press conference .
`` It 's you who have created the hate and the division .
It 's you who have not found a way to say the names of Black people killed by police officers even as people in law enforcement have .
And it 's you who claimed that White supremacists are good people . ''
Spurred by police violence against citizens , protesters in Portland have demanded an end to systemic racism with months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouragement , right-wing counter-protesters have been streaming into the city in recent days and violently clashing with the anti-racism activists .
In July , Trump sent camouflaged federal agents into the city , claiming they were there to protect federal property .
In addition to tear-gassing protesters ( and Mayor Wheeler ) and firing projectiles at peaceful protesters , the agents were recorded abducting non-violent demonstrators from the streets .
Rather than calm the city , local officials argued that federal troops inflamed tensions further and increased the levels of violence .
Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` having the presence of federal officers here , it 's simply like adding gasoline to a fire . ''
Tensions eased after the troops were withdrawn at the end of July , but the protests have continued .
Trump has repeatedly blamed Wheeler .
On Sunday , he mocked him as the `` wacky Radical Left Do Nothing Democrat Mayor of Portland , who has watched great death and destruction of his City during his tenure . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump threatened on Monday to again send federal troops to Portland, Oregon, weeks after a similar move ramped up violence and chaos.
“Portland is a mess, and it has been for many years,” Trump tweeted. “If this joke of a mayor doesn’t clean it up, we will go in and do it for them.”
The threat came hours after Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler accused him of spreading hate and provoking violence in America’s cities.
“Do you seriously wonder, Mr. President, why this is the first time in decades that America has seen this level of violence?” Wheeler said at a Sunday press conference. “It’s you who have created the hate and the division. It’s you who have not found a way to say the names of Black people killed by police officers even as people in law enforcement have. And it’s you who claimed that White supremacists are good people.”
Spurred by police violence against citizens, protesters in Portland have demanded an end to systemic racism with months of nightly protests. With Trump’s encouragement, right-wing counter-protesters have been streaming into the city in recent days and violently clashing with the anti-racism activists.
In July, Trump sent camouflaged federal agents into the city, claiming they were there to protect federal property. In addition to tear-gassing protesters (and Mayor Wheeler) and firing projectiles at peaceful protesters, the agents were recorded abducting non-violent demonstrators from the streets.
Rather than calm the city, local officials argued that federal troops inflamed tensions further and increased the levels of violence. Gov. Kate Brown told NPR in July that “having the presence of federal officers here, it’s simply like adding gasoline to a fire.” Tensions eased after the troops were withdrawn at the end of July, but the protests have continued.
Trump has repeatedly blamed Wheeler. On Sunday, he mocked him as the “wacky Radical Left Do Nothing Democrat Mayor of Portland, who has watched great death and destruction of his City during his tenure.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-01--Pastor to Trump: Listen with 'empathy and compassion' to the Black community

Pastor James Ward of Insight Church urged Donald Trump to listen to the pain and struggles of the Black community during Trump 's visit to Kenosha , Wisconsin , on Tuesday .
Trump went to Kenosha after days of protests following the hospitalization of Jacob Blake , a Black man who was shot seven times in the back by a white police officer in the city .
Ward is the pastor if Blake 's mother .
Trump was discouraged from traveling to the area by Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers , a Democrat , who said Trump 's presence would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` delay our work to overcome division and move forward together . ''
From a community roundtable event in Kenosha , Wisconsin , on Sept. 1 , 2020 : PASTOR JAMES WARD : I just want to offer to you , Mr. President : Jesus himself said 'blessed are the peacemakers . '
And we want to help be of service to you and to our nation of having these conversations of : How do we rebuild the foundations of spirituality and morality , which gives us the context of love .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ moral man the launch codes to our nuclear arsenal , everyone would be safe because he 's a good man .
But if you give a malicious man who is immoral an ink pen , you have to fear for your life .
I just want to say that we 're here to be of service to you and to our country to bring unity .
We believe that we can help to listen with empathy and compassion to the real pain that hurts Black Americans .
But we want to of service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do whatever we can to bring true healing , true peace , and to really see God 's very best in our nation .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Pastor James Ward of Insight Church urged Donald Trump to listen to the pain and struggles of the Black community during Trump’s visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday.
Trump went to Kenosha after days of protests following the hospitalization of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot seven times in the back by a white police officer in the city. Ward is the pastor if Blake’s mother.
Trump was discouraged from traveling to the area by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, who said Trump’s presence would “only hinder our healing,” and “delay our work to overcome division and move forward together.”
From a community roundtable event in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sept. 1, 2020:
PASTOR JAMES WARD: I just want to offer to you, Mr. President: Jesus himself said ‘blessed are the peacemakers.’ And we want to help be of service to you and to our nation of having these conversations of: How do we rebuild the foundations of spirituality and morality, which gives us the context of love. If you give a righteous, good moral man the launch codes to our nuclear arsenal, everyone would be safe because he’s a good man. But if you give a malicious man who is immoral an ink pen, you have to fear for your life. I just want to say that we’re here to be of service to you and to our country to bring unity. We believe that we can help to listen with empathy and compassion to the real pain that hurts Black Americans. But we want to of service to you and to our nation to do whatever we can to bring true healing, true peace, and to really see God’s very best in our nation.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-01--Trump refuses to say if systemic racism is a problem in the US

Donald Trump refused to address systemic racism in the United States on Tuesday , telling reporters at a roundtable event that they should be more focused on the `` really bad people '' protesting police brutality .
Trump traveled to Kenosha , Wisconsin — despite objections from Wisconsin 's governor and local officials — a week after a police officer repeatedly shot 29-year-old Black man Jacob Blake in the back , and days after a Trump supporter allegedly murdered two anti-racism protesters .
There , he met with law enforcement officials , as well as business owners who sustained property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At one point , Trump was asked by a reporter whether he believes systemic racism was a problem , given the numerous accounts of police violence against Black Americans across the country .
Rather than respond directly , he scolded the reporter for even asking the question .
Pressed on whether he believed there was `` a need for structural change , '' he added that there were other citizens in Kenosha who `` want to see law and order ... That 's the change they want . ''
From a roundtable discussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 , 2020 : REPORTER : We 're focusing on violence action but there 's been countless non-violent protests here in Wisconsin and across the country this summer , people calling for an end to systemic racism .
Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in this country ?
TRUMP : Well , you know , you just keep getting back to the opposite subject .
We should talk about the kind of violence that we 've seen in Portland , and here , and other places .
It 's tremendous violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side , `` Well what do you think about this or that ? ''
The fact is that we have seen tremendous violence , and we will put it out very , very quickly if given the chance , and that 's what this is all about .
Yeah , I keep hearing about peaceful protests .
I hear it about everything , and then I come into an area like this and I see the town is burned down .
...
I just say this , that the kind of violence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but you have some really bad people too .
You have anarchists , and you have the looters , and you have the rioters , you have all types .
You have agitators .
And that 's what you should be focusing on with your question .
I keep hearing about peaceful protests .
It 's become — really I think it 's hurt the media very badly because you have somebody standing on one of the networks , I wo n't say which one , but there are more than one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a peaceful protest , and over the shoulder you see the whole place is burning down .
It 's become a pretty common sight .
So I do n't view the peaceful protests .
I think peaceful protesting is fantastic .
I think it 's great , but by and large , this is not peaceful protests .
... REPORTER : The peaceful protests that have happened , you acknowledged , some are peaceful they are calling for structural change .
[ Jacob ] Blake was shot seven times in the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for structural change ?
TRUMP : Well , I think people are calling for structural change .
And then you could take the people of Kenosha that are n't here , and that you wo n't see and that are n't protesting , but they want change also .
They want to see law and order .
That 's the change they want .
They want law and order .
They want the police to be police , they want the police to do what they do better than anybody else in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want too .
You do n't see them marching , and you do n't see them on the streets , but what they want is they want great police force .
They want people that are going to keep them safe , where their houses are n't broken into , where they 're not raped and murdered .
That 's what they want .
And they are protesters too , but they do n't walk up and down the street .
So , you know , just the way it is .
@ @ @ @ @ @

Donald Trump refused to address systemic racism in the United States on Tuesday, telling reporters at a roundtable event that they should be more focused on the “really bad people” protesting police brutality.
Trump traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin — despite objections from Wisconsin’s governor and local officials — a week after a police officer repeatedly shot 29-year-old Black man Jacob Blake in the back, and days after a Trump supporter allegedly murdered two anti-racism protesters. There, he met with law enforcement officials, as well as business owners who sustained property damage during some of the demonstrations.
At one point, Trump was asked by a reporter whether he believes systemic racism was a problem, given the numerous accounts of police violence against Black Americans across the country.
Rather than respond directly, he scolded the reporter for even asking the question. Pressed on whether he believed there was “a need for structural change,” he added that there were other citizens in Kenosha who “want to see law and order … That’s the change they want.”
From a roundtable discussion in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sept. 1, 2020:
REPORTER: We’re focusing on violence action but there’s been countless non-violent protests here in Wisconsin and across the country this summer, people calling for an end to systemic racism. Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in this country?
TRUMP: Well, you know, you just keep getting back to the opposite subject. We should talk about the kind of violence that we’ve seen in Portland, and here, and other places. It’s tremendous violence. You always get to the other side, “Well what do you think about this or that?” The fact is that we have seen tremendous violence, and we will put it out very, very quickly if given the chance, and that’s what this is all about.
Yeah, I keep hearing about peaceful protests. I hear it about everything, and then I come into an area like this and I see the town is burned down.
… I just say this, that the kind of violence that I saw, you may have protesters, but you have some really bad people too.
You have anarchists, and you have the looters, and you have the rioters, you have all types. You have agitators. And that’s what you should be focusing on with your question. I keep hearing about peaceful protests.
It’s become — really I think it’s hurt the media very badly because you have somebody standing on one of the networks, I won’t say which one, but there are more than one, many of them saying how it is a peaceful protest, and over the shoulder you see the whole place is burning down. It’s become a pretty common sight.
So I don’t view the peaceful protests. I think peaceful protesting is fantastic. I think it’s great, but by and large, this is not peaceful protests.
…
REPORTER: The peaceful protests that have happened, you acknowledged, some are peaceful they are calling for structural change. [Jacob] Blake was shot seven times in the back. Do you believe there’s a need for structural change?
TRUMP: Well, I think people are calling for structural change. And then you could take the people of Kenosha that aren’t here, and that you won’t see and that aren’t protesting, but they want change also. They want to see law and order.
That’s the change they want. They want law and order. They want the police to be police, they want the police to do what they do better than anybody else in the world, and that’s what they want too.
You don’t see them marching, and you don’t see them on the streets, but what they want is they want great police force. They want people that are going to keep them safe, where their houses aren’t broken into, where they’re not raped and murdered. That’s what they want. And they are protesters too, but they don’t walk up and down the street.
So, you know, just the way it is. Just the way it is.


shareblue--2020-09-01--Fact check: Trump's version of what happened in Kenosha doesn't match reality

Donald Trump is not waiting for a trial to sort out what happened on the streets of Kenosha , Wisconsin , where prosecutors say a 17-year-old with a semi-automatic rifle gunned down two men on a night of protest and violence .
He 's giving an account at odds with the authorities who charged Kyle Rittenhouse with homicide .
TRUMP , asked if was going to condemn the actions of vigilantes like Rittenhouse : `` We 're looking at all of it .
And that was an interesting situation .
You saw the same tape as I saw .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , I guess ; it looks like .
And he fell , and then they very violently attacked him .
And it was something that we 're looking at right now and it 's under investigation .
But I guess he was in very big trouble .
He would have been — I —he probably would have been killed . ''
— news conference Monday before traveling to Kenosha on Tuesday .
THE FACTS : His implication that Rittenhouse only shot two men after he tripped and they attacked him is wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran away and fell .
Trump did not say whom he meant by `` they '' — the two men he shot or others in pursuit of him .
But he spoke in defense of a vigilante who opposed racial justice protesters , who authorities say was illegally carrying a semi-automatic rifle , and who prosecutors accuse of committing intentional homicide .
According to the criminal complaint released by prosecutors , victim Joseph Rosenbaum was shot and killed first , after following Rittenhouse into a used car lot , where Rosenbaum threw a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take the weapon from him .
The medical examiner found that Rosenbaum was shot in the groin and back — which fractured his pelvis and perforated his right lung and liver — and his left hand .
He also suffered a superficial wound to his left thigh and a graze wound to his forehead .
Rittenhouse then ran down the street and was chased by several people trying to stop him and shouting that he just shot someone , according to the criminal complaint and cellphone video footage .
He tripped and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying a skateboard , was shot in the chest after apparently trying to wrest the gun from Rittenhouse , the complaint said .
A third man who was shot was injured .
Rittenhouse 's lawyer said he acted to defend himself .

Donald Trump is not waiting for a trial to sort out what happened on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, where prosecutors say a 17-year-old with a semi-automatic rifle gunned down two men on a night of protest and violence. He’s giving an account at odds with the authorities who charged Kyle Rittenhouse with homicide.
TRUMP, asked if was going to condemn the actions of vigilantes like Rittenhouse: “We’re looking at all of it. And that was an interesting situation. You saw the same tape as I saw. And he was trying to get away from them, I guess; it looks like. And he fell, and then they very violently attacked him. And it was something that we’re looking at right now and it’s under investigation. But I guess he was in very big trouble. He would have been — I —he probably would have been killed.” — news conference Monday before traveling to Kenosha on Tuesday.
THE FACTS: His implication that Rittenhouse only shot two men after he tripped and they attacked him is wrong. The first shooting happened before Rittenhouse ran away and fell.
Trump did not say whom he meant by “they” — the two men he shot or others in pursuit of him. But he spoke in defense of a vigilante who opposed racial justice protesters, who authorities say was illegally carrying a semi-automatic rifle, and who prosecutors accuse of committing intentional homicide.
According to the criminal complaint released by prosecutors, victim Joseph Rosenbaum was shot and killed first, after following Rittenhouse into a used car lot, where Rosenbaum threw a plastic bag at the gunman and tried to take the weapon from him.
The medical examiner found that Rosenbaum was shot in the groin and back — which fractured his pelvis and perforated his right lung and liver — and his left hand. He also suffered a superficial wound to his left thigh and a graze wound to his forehead.
Rittenhouse then ran down the street and was chased by several people trying to stop him and shouting that he just shot someone, according to the criminal complaint and cellphone video footage.
He tripped and fell. Anthony Huber, who was carrying a skateboard, was shot in the chest after apparently trying to wrest the gun from Rittenhouse, the complaint said. A third man who was shot was injured.
Rittenhouse’s lawyer said he acted to defend himself.


shareblue--2020-09-01--GOP congressman lies about preexisting conditions protections in new ad

A new ad released by the campaign of Rep. Don Bacon , a vulnerable incumbent Republican congressman in Nebraska , claims that Bacon is a defender of affordable health care for everyone , including those with preexisting conditions .
But the small print in the ad points to Bacon 's vote for H.R .
1628 , the American Health Care Act of 2017 ( also known as Trumpcare ) .
That bill would have removed limits on premiums insurance companies could charge , so that while it contained a provision requiring insurers to offer coverage to all regardless of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed them to charge much higher premiums for those customers .
Obamacare , which H.R .
1628 was intended to repeal and replace , offers much stronger protections , barring plans that cost significantly more for people with preexisting conditions .
In the 30-second campaign spot , Bacon touts his support for `` affordable healthcare and protecting preexisting conditions . ''
He cites his late sister as his motivation to `` fight like hell to ensure every Nebraska family has affordable health care . ''
Bacon did not just vote for a bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said of his support for it at the time : `` I 've changed my vote , from 'yes ' to 'hell , yes . '
`` The bill , which narrowly passed in the House , died in the Senate .
`` 71 % of Americans like their healthcare , and we should seek to improve it , not destroy it , '' Bacon tweeted on Tuesday .
`` My opponent would take away the healthcare that most Americans want to keep . ''
Multiple independent fact-checkers have debunked claims that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with preexisting conditions and confirmed criticisms that it would have allowed discrimination in pricing .
According to estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation , the proposal would have increased `` the number of people who are uninsured by 23 million in 2026 relative to current law . ''
An analysis by the Center for American Progress determined that about 175,500 of those newly uninsured would have been Nebraskans .
Bacon joins a growing number of vulnerable Republicans who are making false claims about their records on preexisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Daines ( MT ) , Martha McSally ( AZ ) , and David Perdue ( GA ) — along with Donald Trump himself .
Bacon faces Democrat Kara Eastman this November as he seeks a third term representing Nebraska 's 2nd Congressional District .
The Cook Political Report lists the race as a toss up .
A spokesperson for Bacon did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

A new ad released by the campaign of Rep. Don Bacon, a vulnerable incumbent Republican congressman in Nebraska, claims that Bacon is a defender of affordable health care for everyone, including those with preexisting conditions. But the small print in the ad points to Bacon’s vote for H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017 (also known as Trumpcare).
That bill would have removed limits on premiums insurance companies could charge, so that while it contained a provision requiring insurers to offer coverage to all regardless of any preexisting medical conditions, it would have allowed them to charge much higher premiums for those customers.
Obamacare, which H.R. 1628 was intended to repeal and replace, offers much stronger protections, barring plans that cost significantly more for people with preexisting conditions.
In the 30-second campaign spot, Bacon touts his support for “affordable healthcare and protecting preexisting conditions.” He cites his late sister as his motivation to “fight like hell to ensure every Nebraska family has affordable health care.”
[media-credit name=”Don Bacon campaign ad screenshot” align=”none” width=”300″] [/media-credit]
Bacon did not just vote for a bill that would have repealed Obamacare; he also said of his support for it at the time: “I’ve changed my vote, from ‘yes’ to ‘hell, yes.’ ”
The bill, which narrowly passed in the House, died in the Senate.
“71% of Americans like their healthcare, and we should seek to improve it, not destroy it,” Bacon tweeted on Tuesday. “My opponent would take away the healthcare that most Americans want to keep.”
Multiple independent fact-checkers have debunked claims that the bill Bacon championed adequately protected people with preexisting conditions and confirmed criticisms that it would have allowed discrimination in pricing.
According to estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation, the proposal would have increased “the number of people who are uninsured by 23 million in 2026 relative to current law.” An analysis by the Center for American Progress determined that about 175,500 of those newly uninsured would have been Nebraskans.
Bacon joins a growing number of vulnerable Republicans who are making false claims about their records on preexisting conditions. Others have included Sens. Steve Daines (MT), Martha McSally (AZ), and David Perdue (GA) — along with Donald Trump himself.
Bacon faces Democrat Kara Eastman this November as he seeks a third term representing Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. The Cook Political Report lists the race as a toss up.
A spokesperson for Bacon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-01--Police offer misleading narrative to justify brutal Jacob Blake shooting

A familiar narrative emerged in the days that followed Jacob Blake 's shooting by a police officer in Kenosha , Wisconsin , one seen many times after a Black man or woman is killed or grievously wounded by police : That somehow Blake 's actions or his past can explain why an officer fired seven bullets into his back .
Despite shocking bystander video and impassioned pleas from community and family members , authorities have offered few details about the shooting or the white officer who carried it out , instead highlighting scant information about Blake without elaborating or explaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the sexual assault charge levied against Blake in July in connection with domestic abuse allegations quickly became part of the story , though authorities have refused to discuss its bearing on the police use of force on Aug. 23 .
`` This is what they do .
They are trying to distract us from what we saw on the video , '' said Blake family attorney Ben Crump , who has represented the families of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , Trayvon Martin , Michael Brown , and dozens of other victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They are trying to leave him with any kind of criminal history ( so ) it 's OK not to care about his life , '' said Crump , who called it a `` playbook '' for when police maim or kill Black people .
That 's the message Blake 's family has hammered home as the 29-year-old remains in the hospital , where doctors have told them he may never walk again .
`` They shot my son seven times — seven times , like he did n't matter , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said .
`` But my son matters .
He 's a human being and he matters . ''
Relatives have called Blake a devoted father who was attempting to break up a domestic dispute , `` trying to be a hero , '' as his cousin , Adria-Joi Watkins put it .
The grandson of an Illinois minister who was active in the civil rights movement , Blake , his mother tearfully told reporters , would have been `` very unpleased '' by the eruption of unrest in Kenosha after the shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police unions have been particularly aggressive in putting as much responsibility for violent confrontations as possible on those killed or injured by officers .
In 2014 , for example , a union spokesman rushed to the scene where a white Chicago officer fatally shot 17-year-old Laquan McDonald .
He told reporters that , in the moments before the shooting , the teenager had lunged at the officer and his partner , leaving them `` no choice at that point but to defend themselves . ''
It was not until a year later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was finally made public , that the city saw that the teen was in fact walking away from police when he was shot 16 times .
The video became the centerpiece of the trial in which the officer was convicted of second-degree murder .
This year , after video showed the waning minutes of Floyd 's life under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer after he allegedly passed a counterfeit bill at a store , the police union president complained about media coverage of the subsequent unrest and firing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's `` violent history '' was n't being reported .
While state and local authorities issued vague statements about the investigation of Blake 's shooting and refused to address most questions seeking clarity , the police union in Kenosha issued a statement combating what it called `` the purely fictional depiction of events '' from Blake 's lawyers and others .
Among the contentions were that Blake was holding a knife , had resisted arrest , and even put one of the officers in a headlock — none of which authorities investigating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And because arrests and civil court proceedings are a matter of public record , details about people wounded or killed by police officers that have nothing to do with the encounter in question — ranging from divorces to minor drug charges — also enter the narrative .
In contrast , service records of police officers are guarded and often only made public after lengthy legal battles .
As a result , the information authorities have provided thus far about the officer who shot Blake begins and ends with this : His name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Kenosha police department for seven years .
As for the shooting itself , authorities , citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation , have raised far more questions than they 've answered .
In a cellphone video recorded by a bystander , Blake is seen walking to the driver-side door of an SUV as officers follow him with guns drawn , shouting .
As Blake opens the door and leans into the SUV , an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire .
Three of Blake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A shakier second bystander video taken from the other side shows officers appearing to try to grab Blake while he is on the ground before he stands up and walks toward the vehicle .
Blake 's family has said that he initially went to the scene to break up a domestic dispute .
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul would not address that contention at his only news conference about the shooting , saying only that police were dispatched to the scene after a woman reported her boyfriend was `` present and was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' On police audio from the day of the shooting , a dispatcher can be heard telling officers a `` complaintant says Jacob Blake is n't supposed to be there . ''
But Kaul refused to address whether Blake was indeed the boyfriend referred to in his statements or on what charge Blake was being arrested .
In discussing whether Blake was armed , Kaul said Blake admitted to police that `` he had a knife in his possession . ''
But Kaul did not say when Blake said that or whether Blake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said a knife was found after the shooting on the driver 's side floorboard of the SUV .
For Crump and others , the shooting and all that followed has again revealed the existence of two criminal justice systems : one for Black defendants and the other for white defendants .
They point to video footage showing police vehicles driving past Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha as the white teen carried an assault rifle moments after he allegedly fatally shot two protesters .
`` Do you think armed vehicles and Jeeps are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
`` asked filmmaker Spike Lee during an interview on CNN last week .
To Crump , investigators ' failure to release information is the first chapter in a story he 's seen over and over .
`` They are trying to cover for this officer , they do n't want him held accountable , '' the attorney said .

A familiar narrative emerged in the days that followed Jacob Blake’s shooting by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, one seen many times after a Black man or woman is killed or grievously wounded by police: That somehow Blake’s actions or his past can explain why an officer fired seven bullets into his back.
Despite shocking bystander video and impassioned pleas from community and family members, authorities have offered few details about the shooting or the white officer who carried it out, instead highlighting scant information about Blake without elaborating or explaining its relevance to the shooting.
So, the sexual assault charge levied against Blake in July in connection with domestic abuse allegations quickly became part of the story, though authorities have refused to discuss its bearing on the police use of force on Aug. 23.
“This is what they do. They are trying to distract us from what we saw on the video,” said Blake family attorney Ben Crump, who has represented the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and dozens of other victims of police brutality and vigilante violence.
“They are trying to leave him with any kind of criminal history (so) it’s OK not to care about his life,” said Crump, who called it a “playbook” for when police maim or kill Black people.
That’s the message Blake’s family has hammered home as the 29-year-old remains in the hospital, where doctors have told them he may never walk again.
“They shot my son seven times — seven times, like he didn’t matter,” Blake’s father, Jacob Blake Sr., said. “But my son matters. He’s a human being and he matters.”
Relatives have called Blake a devoted father who was attempting to break up a domestic dispute, “trying to be a hero,” as his cousin, Adria-Joi Watkins put it. The grandson of an Illinois minister who was active in the civil rights movement, Blake, his mother tearfully told reporters, would have been “very unpleased” by the eruption of unrest in Kenosha after the shooting.
In the absence of investigative details, police unions have been particularly aggressive in putting as much responsibility for violent confrontations as possible on those killed or injured by officers.
In 2014, for example, a union spokesman rushed to the scene where a white Chicago officer fatally shot 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. He told reporters that, in the moments before the shooting, the teenager had lunged at the officer and his partner, leaving them “no choice at that point but to defend themselves.”
It was not until a year later, when dash-cam video of the shooting was finally made public, that the city saw that the teen was in fact walking away from police when he was shot 16 times. The video became the centerpiece of the trial in which the officer was convicted of second-degree murder.
This year, after video showed the waning minutes of Floyd’s life under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer after he allegedly passed a counterfeit bill at a store, the police union president complained about media coverage of the subsequent unrest and firing of the officers involved, falsely claiming that Floyd’s “violent history” wasn’t being reported.
While state and local authorities issued vague statements about the investigation of Blake’s shooting and refused to address most questions seeking clarity, the police union in Kenosha issued a statement combating what it called “the purely fictional depiction of events” from Blake’s lawyers and others.
Among the contentions were that Blake was holding a knife, had resisted arrest, and even put one of the officers in a headlock — none of which authorities investigating the shooting have been willing to comment on.
And because arrests and civil court proceedings are a matter of public record, details about people wounded or killed by police officers that have nothing to do with the encounter in question — ranging from divorces to minor drug charges — also enter the narrative. In contrast, service records of police officers are guarded and often only made public after lengthy legal battles.
As a result, the information authorities have provided thus far about the officer who shot Blake begins and ends with this: His name is Rusten Sheskey and he’s been with the Kenosha police department for seven years.
As for the shooting itself, authorities, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation, have raised far more questions than they’ve answered.
In a cellphone video recorded by a bystander, Blake is seen walking to the driver-side door of an SUV as officers follow him with guns drawn, shouting. As Blake opens the door and leans into the SUV, an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire. Three of Blake’s children were in the vehicle. A shakier second bystander video taken from the other side shows officers appearing to try to grab Blake while he is on the ground before he stands up and walks toward the vehicle.
Blake’s family has said that he initially went to the scene to break up a domestic dispute.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul would not address that contention at his only news conference about the shooting, saying only that police were dispatched to the scene after a woman reported her boyfriend was “present and was not supposed to be on the premises.”
On police audio from the day of the shooting, a dispatcher can be heard telling officers a “complaintant says Jacob Blake isn’t supposed to be there.”
But Kaul refused to address whether Blake was indeed the boyfriend referred to in his statements or on what charge Blake was being arrested.
In discussing whether Blake was armed, Kaul said Blake admitted to police that “he had a knife in his possession.” But Kaul did not say when Blake said that or whether Blake was holding the knife. Instead, he said a knife was found after the shooting on the driver’s side floorboard of the SUV.
For Crump and others, the shooting and all that followed has again revealed the existence of two criminal justice systems: one for Black defendants and the other for white defendants. They point to video footage showing police vehicles driving past Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha as the white teen carried an assault rifle moments after he allegedly fatally shot two protesters.
“Do you think armed vehicles and Jeeps are going to ride right past a Black man? ” asked filmmaker Spike Lee during an interview on CNN last week.
To Crump, investigators’ failure to release information is the first chapter in a story he’s seen over and over.
“They are trying to cover for this officer, they don’t want him held accountable,” the attorney said.


shareblue--2020-09-01--Trump doubles down on debunked claim about 'entire plane filled up with' rioters

Donald Trump doubled-down Tuesday morning on a bizarre conspiracy theory about a plane full of black-clad rioters and looters that has been thoroughly debunked .
Trump first floated the conspiracy theory on Laura Ingram 's Fox News program Monday night , claiming without evidence that `` we had somebody get on a plane from a certain city this weekend , and in the plane it was almost completely loaded with thugs , wearing these dark uniforms , black uniforms , with gear and this and that . ''
There is no evidence of any such flight , according to multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , matches a viral Facebook conspiracy theory from June claiming a group of anarchists flew from Seattle to Boise to cause trouble .
That rumor circulated enough that the Payette County Sheriff 's Office was forced to issue a statement clarifying that the Facebook post contained `` false information . ''
Trump was asked about his earlier claims on Tuesday , before flying to Wisconsin to meet with law enforcement and survey property damage in Kenosha following several nights of unrest over the police shooting of Jacob Blake .
He insisted to reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but provided no evidence other than suggesting a person on that plane had told him about the experience .
From a press availability at Joint Base Andrews on Sept. 1 , 2020 : REPORTER : Can you tell us more about this plot that you were referring to on Fox News last night ?
REPORTER : This plot of people gathering on a plane [ inaudible ] ... TRUMP : Yeah , I can tell you — I can probably refer you to the person and they could do it .
I 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was OK .
But a person was on a plane said that there were about six people like that person , more or less .
And what happened is the entire plane filled up with the looters , the anarchists , the rioters , people that obviously were looking for trouble .
And the person felt very uncomfortable on the plane .
This would be a person you know , so I will see whether or not I can get that person — I 'll let them know and I 'll see whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak to you .
But this was a firsthand account of a plane going from Washington to wherever .
And I 'll see if I can get that information for you .
Maybe they 'll speak to you , maybe they wo n't .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump doubled-down Tuesday morning on a bizarre conspiracy theory about a plane full of black-clad rioters and looters that has been thoroughly debunked.
Trump first floated the conspiracy theory on Laura Ingram’s Fox News program Monday night, claiming without evidence that “we had somebody get on a plane from a certain city this weekend, and in the plane it was almost completely loaded with thugs, wearing these dark uniforms, black uniforms, with gear and this and that.”
There is no evidence of any such flight, according to multiple outlets. Trump’s account, however, matches a viral Facebook conspiracy theory from June claiming a group of anarchists flew from Seattle to Boise to cause trouble. That rumor circulated enough that the Payette County Sheriff’s Office was forced to issue a statement clarifying that the Facebook post contained “false information.”
Trump was asked about his earlier claims on Tuesday, before flying to Wisconsin to meet with law enforcement and survey property damage in Kenosha following several nights of unrest over the police shooting of Jacob Blake. He insisted to reporters that the debunked conspiracy was true, but provided no evidence other than suggesting a person on that plane had told him about the experience.
Trump refused to identify his source.
From a press availability at Joint Base Andrews on Sept. 1, 2020:
REPORTER: Can you tell us more about this plot that you were referring to on Fox News last night? DONALD TRUMP: The which? REPORTER: This plot of people gathering on a plane [inaudible]… TRUMP: Yeah, I can tell you — I can probably refer you to the person and they could do it. I’d like to ask that person if it was OK. But a person was on a plane said that there were about six people like that person, more or less. And what happened is the entire plane filled up with the looters, the anarchists, the rioters, people that obviously were looking for trouble. And the person felt very uncomfortable on the plane. This would be a person you know, so I will see whether or not I can get that person — I’ll let them know and I’ll see whether or not I can get that person to speak to you. But this was a firsthand account of a plane going from Washington to wherever. And I’ll see if I can get that information for you. Maybe they’ll speak to you, maybe they won’t.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-01--Trump defends Kenosha shooter and denounces Black Lives Matter

Donald Trump attacked the Black Lives Matter movement as `` discriminatory '' on Monday , but defended the man accused of murdering two anti-racism protesters in Kenosha , Wisconsin , last week .
In an interview with Fox News ' Laura Ingraham , Trump said the anti-racism movement is Marxist and racist .
`` The first time I ever heard of Black Lives Matter , I said , 'That 's a terrible name .
It 's so discriminatory .
It 's bad for Black people , it 's bad for everybody , ' '' Trump said .
He called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Earlier in the day , Trump was asked at a press conference if he would condemn his own supporter , 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse , who was arrested last week and charged with multiple homicides after traveling from Illinois to Kenosha with an AR-15-style assault weapon .
`` That was an interesting situation .
You saw the same tape as I saw , and he was trying to get away from them , I guess , it looks like .
And he fell .
And then they very violently attacked him , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that we 're looking at right now , and it 's under investigation .
But I guess he was in very big trouble .
He probably would 've been killed .
But it 's under investigation . ''
Police have charged Rittenhouse with multiple felonies , including two counts of first-degree homicide , one count of attempted first-degree homicide , and one count of endangering safety with a deadly weapon .
The two people killed in the shootings were protesters demonstrating against police violence after a Kenosha police officer repeatedly shot Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the back and seriously wounded him .
This is not the first time Trump has tailored his demands for `` law & order '' to exclude his own supporters and far-right extremists .
In 2017 , Trump defended white nationalists after they carried out deadly attacks during a rally in Charlottesville , Virginia , suggesting there were `` some very fine people on both sides . ''
This April , after right-wing protesters ignored social distancing and safety guidelines to protest stay-at-home orders , Trump praised them as his loyal supporters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think they listen to me , '' he said .
`` They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion , and my opinion is the same as just about all of the governors . ''
In May , Trump demanded that Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer give in to the demands of an armed mob of protesters who stormed the state 's Capitol .
`` The Governor of Michigan should give a little , and put out the fire , '' he tweeted .
`` These are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They want their lives back again , safely !
See them , talk to them , make a deal . ''
Over the weekend , a group of Trump supporters drove into Portland , Oregon , to counter anti-racism protesters .
The caravan further inflamed tensions by firing paint balls and pepper spray at civil rights activists as it drove around the city ; Trump tweeted that they were `` GREAT PATRIOTS ! ''
He has also repeatedly pardoned his own political allies who have been convicted of crimes and commuted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Trump has regularly attacked even the most peaceful of protesters as they demand an end to systemic racism .
He called for censorship of professional athletes for expressing their views and smeared anti-racism protesters as `` violent anarchists and agitators and criminals who threaten our citizens '' and `` rioters and criminals spreading mayhem in Democrat-run cities . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump attacked the Black Lives Matter movement as “discriminatory” on Monday, but defended the man accused of murdering two anti-racism protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last week.
In an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, Trump said the anti-racism movement is Marxist and racist.
“The first time I ever heard of Black Lives Matter, I said, ‘That’s a terrible name. It’s so discriminatory. It’s bad for Black people, it’s bad for everybody,'” Trump said. He called the group “a lot of thugs.”
Earlier in the day, Trump was asked at a press conference if he would condemn his own supporter, 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, who was arrested last week and charged with multiple homicides after traveling from Illinois to Kenosha with an AR-15-style assault weapon.
“That was an interesting situation. You saw the same tape as I saw, and he was trying to get away from them, I guess, it looks like. And he fell. And then they very violently attacked him,” Trump claimed. “And it was something that we’re looking at right now, and it’s under investigation. But I guess he was in very big trouble. He probably would’ve been killed. But it’s under investigation.”
Police have charged Rittenhouse with multiple felonies, including two counts of first-degree homicide, one count of attempted first-degree homicide, and one count of endangering safety with a deadly weapon.
The two people killed in the shootings were protesters demonstrating against police violence after a Kenosha police officer repeatedly shot Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, in the back and seriously wounded him.
This is not the first time Trump has tailored his demands for “law & order” to exclude his own supporters and far-right extremists.
In 2017, Trump defended white nationalists after they carried out deadly attacks during a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, suggesting there were “some very fine people on both sides.”
This April, after right-wing protesters ignored social distancing and safety guidelines to protest stay-at-home orders, Trump praised them as his loyal supporters. “I think they’re listening. I think they listen to me,” he said. “They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion, and my opinion is the same as just about all of the governors.”
In May, Trump demanded that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer give in to the demands of an armed mob of protesters who stormed the state’s Capitol. “The Governor of Michigan should give a little, and put out the fire,” he tweeted. “These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal.”
Over the weekend, a group of Trump supporters drove into Portland, Oregon, to counter anti-racism protesters. The caravan further inflamed tensions by firing paint balls and pepper spray at civil rights activists as it drove around the city; Trump tweeted that they were “GREAT PATRIOTS!”
He has also repeatedly pardoned his own political allies who have been convicted of crimes and commuted the sentences of his friends and supporters.
But Trump has regularly attacked even the most peaceful of protesters as they demand an end to systemic racism. He called for censorship of professional athletes for expressing their views and smeared anti-racism protesters as “violent anarchists and agitators and criminals who threaten our citizens” and “rioters and criminals spreading mayhem in Democrat-run cities.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-01--Fact check: Trump lies about his powers over National Guard

It 's become a pattern when unrest flares in a city : Donald Trump suggests he has National Guard troops ready to send to the scene and takes credit for dispatching them and restoring calm while he accuses Democrats of being squishy on law and order .
Trump omits the fact that he is largely a bystander in National Guard deployments .
While presidents can tap rarely used powers to use federal officers for local law enforcement , there is no National Guard with national reach for Trump to send around the country .
And when violence broke out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump 's demand that National Guard troops be used came a day after the Democratic governor had already activated them .
National Guard units in each state answer to the governor and sometimes state legislatures , not to the president .
When National Guard forces from outside Wisconsin came in to help , it was because the governor has asked for that help from fellow governors , not the White House .
You would know none of this from Trump 's Twitter account and much of his other rhetoric in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota , Oregon , and Wisconsin for not doing enough quickly enough to stem violence .
Here 's how Trump 's words played against reality after a Kenosha , Wisconsin , police officer shot Jacob Blake , sparking protests and yet more violence over police actions and racism : TRUMP , TUESDAY , AUG. 25 : `` Governor should call in the National Guard in Wisconsin .
It is ready , willing , and more than able .
End problem FAST !
`` THE FACTS : Although Trump was within his right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not seem up to speed on the fact it had already happened .
On Monday , Aug. 24 — the day after Blake 's shooting — Gov .
Tony Evers issued a statement saying that at the request of local officials , he had `` authorized the Wisconsin National Guard to support local law enforcement in Kenosha County to help protect critical infrastructure and assist in maintaining public safety and the ability of individuals to peacefully protest . ''
On that Tuesday night , when police say a 17-year-old armed civilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Guard troops were on the ground .
TRUMP , WEDNESDAY , AUG. 26 : `` TODAY , I will be sending federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Kenosha , WI to restore LAW and ORDER ! ''
THE FACTS : The statement that he was sending the National Guard is false .
The statement that he would send federal law enforcement is true .
The federal government sent deputy marshals from the U.S .
Marshals Service and agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the meantime , the governor declared a state of emergency and kept increasing the numbers of deployed Wisconsin National Guard troops while saying he was working with other states to get `` additional National Guard and state patrol support . ''
The next day , Thursday , Evers announced that National Guard troops from Arizona , Michigan , and Alabama were coming and would operate under the control of those states and Wisconsin , `` not in a federal status . ''
TRUMP , FRIDAY , AUG. 28 : `` Success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kenosha , Wisconsin , two days ago , there has been NO FURTHER VIOLENCE , not even a small problem .
When legally asked to help by local authorities , the Federal Government will act and quickly succeed .
Are you listening Portland ? ''
THE FACTS : This statement falsely insinuates that the federal government sent the National Guard and took care of the problem .
He also implies that Portland , Oregon , was dragging its feet in having federal authorities do the same there .
In Wisconsin , officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1,000 in Kenosha and more were coming from the three states tapped to help .
TRUMP , SATURDAY , AUG. 29 : `` Kenosha has been very quiet for the third night in a row or , since the National Guard has shown up .
That 's the way it works , it 's all very simple .
Portland , with a very ungifted mayor , should request help from the Federal Government .
If lives are endangered , we 're going in !
`` THE FACTS : Another boast based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard to Kenosha .
That night , in Portland , a skirmish broke out between Trump supporters and counterprotesters , and afterward a right-wing Trump supporter was fatally shot .
TRUMP , AUG. 30 , referring to Portland : `` The National Guard is Ready , Willing and Able .
All the Governor has to do is call ! ''
THE FACTS : No , calling the White House is not what governors do when they want National Guard help .
They call other governors .
In earlier protests in Portland , Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent security teams from federal agencies over the objections of local leaders .
TRUMP , MONDAY : `` If I did n't INSIST on having the National Guard activate and go into Kenosha , Wisconsin , there would be no Kenosha right now .
Also , there would have been great death and injury .
I want to thank Law Enforcement and the National Guard . ''
THE FACTS : He insisted on action that the governor had already taken and claims a success he did not earn .

It’s become a pattern when unrest flares in a city: Donald Trump suggests he has National Guard troops ready to send to the scene and takes credit for dispatching them and restoring calm while he accuses Democrats of being squishy on law and order.
That’s a distortion.
Trump omits the fact that he is largely a bystander in National Guard deployments. While presidents can tap rarely used powers to use federal officers for local law enforcement, there is no National Guard with national reach for Trump to send around the country.
And when violence broke out in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a week ago, Trump’s demand that National Guard troops be used came a day after the Democratic governor had already activated them.
National Guard units in each state answer to the governor and sometimes state legislatures, not to the president. When National Guard forces from outside Wisconsin came in to help, it was because the governor has asked for that help from fellow governors, not the White House.
You would know none of this from Trump’s Twitter account and much of his other rhetoric in recent weeks as he has assailed Democratic officials in Minnesota, Oregon, and Wisconsin for not doing enough quickly enough to stem violence.
Here’s how Trump’s words played against reality after a Kenosha, Wisconsin, police officer shot Jacob Blake, sparking protests and yet more violence over police actions and racism:
TRUMP, TUESDAY, AUG. 25: “Governor should call in the National Guard in Wisconsin. It is ready, willing, and more than able. End problem FAST! ”
THE FACTS: Although Trump was within his right to urge use of the National Guard, he did not seem up to speed on the fact it had already happened.
On Monday, Aug. 24 — the day after Blake’s shooting — Gov. Tony Evers issued a statement saying that at the request of local officials, he had “authorized the Wisconsin National Guard to support local law enforcement in Kenosha County to help protect critical infrastructure and assist in maintaining public safety and the ability of individuals to peacefully protest.”
On that Tuesday night, when police say a 17-year-old armed civilian shot and killed two protesters, Wisconsin National Guard troops were on the ground.
___
TRUMP, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26: “TODAY, I will be sending federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Kenosha, WI to restore LAW and ORDER!”
THE FACTS: The statement that he was sending the National Guard is false.
The statement that he would send federal law enforcement is true. The federal government sent deputy marshals from the U.S. Marshals Service and agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, about 200 in all.
In the meantime, the governor declared a state of emergency and kept increasing the numbers of deployed Wisconsin National Guard troops while saying he was working with other states to get “additional National Guard and state patrol support.”
The next day, Thursday, Evers announced that National Guard troops from Arizona, Michigan, and Alabama were coming and would operate under the control of those states and Wisconsin, “not in a federal status.”
___
TRUMP, FRIDAY, AUG. 28: “Success: Since the National Guard moved into Kenosha, Wisconsin, two days ago, there has been NO FURTHER VIOLENCE, not even a small problem. When legally asked to help by local authorities, the Federal Government will act and quickly succeed. Are you listening Portland?”
THE FACTS: This statement falsely insinuates that the federal government sent the National Guard and took care of the problem. He also implies that Portland, Oregon, was dragging its feet in having federal authorities do the same there.
In Wisconsin, officials said the ranks of the Guard had swollen to 1,000 in Kenosha and more were coming from the three states tapped to help.
___
TRUMP, SATURDAY, AUG. 29: “Kenosha has been very quiet for the third night in a row or, since the National Guard has shown up. That’s the way it works, it’s all very simple. Portland, with a very ungifted mayor, should request help from the Federal Government. If lives are endangered, we’re going in! ”
THE FACTS: Another boast based on the falsehood that Trump sent in the Guard to Kenosha.
That night, in Portland, a skirmish broke out between Trump supporters and counterprotesters, and afterward a right-wing Trump supporter was fatally shot.
___
TRUMP, AUG. 30, referring to Portland: “The National Guard is Ready, Willing and Able. All the Governor has to do is call!”
THE FACTS: No, calling the White House is not what governors do when they want National Guard help. They call other governors. In earlier protests in Portland, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., Trump sent security teams from federal agencies over the objections of local leaders.
___
TRUMP, MONDAY: “If I didn’t INSIST on having the National Guard activate and go into Kenosha, Wisconsin, there would be no Kenosha right now. Also, there would have been great death and injury. I want to thank Law Enforcement and the National Guard.”
THE FACTS: He insisted on action that the governor had already taken and claims a success he did not earn.


shareblue--2020-09-01--First lady's ex-adviser says working for the Trumps was a 'mistake'

A former friend and adviser of Melania Trump says it was `` the worst mistake of my life '' to work for Donald Trump and his family , lashing out at the first lady for not defending her over questions about costs for the presidential inauguration she helped produce .
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff was an unpaid White House adviser to the first lady until February 2018 , when her contract was terminated as questions about inaugural spending arose .
`` When it really counted , Melania was n't there for me , '' Wolkoff writes in `` Melania and Me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friendship with the First Lady , '' to be published Tuesday .
`` She was n't really my friend .
In fact , I wish I had never met her , '' Wolkoff says about the first lady , a former fashion model .
Wolkoff , a New York-based event planner , said the pair first met in 2003 in the hallways of Vogue magazine , where Wolkoff worked .
Stephanie Grisham , a spokesperson for Mrs. Trump , blasted the book in an emailed statement as `` full of mistruths and paranoia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for revenge . ''
Wolkoff also writes about frostiness in the relationship between the first lady and the president 's eldest daughter , Ivanka Trump .
She said she and the first lady both once `` bellied over with laughter '' after Mrs. Trump referred to Ivanka Trump — long seen as her father 's favorite child — as `` Princess . ''
Wolkoff also detailed how they launched `` Operation Block Ivanka '' to keep her from being too prominently featured in inauguration day photographs of her father being sworn in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A person close to Ivanka Trump said it 's traditional for a president 's children to join in such a historic occasion .
Wolkoff devotes two of the book 's 11 chapters to planning for the January 2017 inauguration , describing the committee responsible for raising money to pay for several days of events as beset with organizational and communications issues that complicated her work .
She says she repeatedly raised questions about spending but she eventually came to be viewed as the problem .
Trump 's Presidential Inaugural Committee raised nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an unprecedented inaugural price tag nearly twice that of President Barack Obama 's inauguration in 2009 .
`` Like a broken record , I kept expressing my concerns about budgets , '' Wolkoff wrote .
`` Also like a broken record , I became everyone 's problem . ''
Some of those involved in or aware of the committee 's work told the Associated Press in September 2017 that the orchestration of the inauguration was marred by last-minute decisions , staffing turnover , and little financial oversight .
Wolkoff told ABC News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to cooperate with multiple criminal investigations into the committee 's operations .
In the book , Wolkoff portrays herself in a positive light and says she agreed to stay on and work in the White House for long hours , without pay and away from her husband and three children in New York , because she wanted to help the first lady set up her operation and avoid being marginalized .
She also sheds light on Mrs. Trump 's desire for privacy , recounting numerous occasions where the first lady had told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her , or her now 14-year-old son , Barron , and did not care what the public thought about her .
She continued to live in New York after the inauguration so Barron would n't have to change schools in the middle of the year .
They moved to the White House in June 2017 .
Wolkoff says Mrs. Trump delayed her arrival in Washington for another reason : She was waiting for renovations and redecorating in the White House residence to be completed , starting with a new shower and toilet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an explanation for widely viewed Inauguration Day footage of Mrs. Trump smiling — then sharply frowning — after Donald Trump turned around to smile at her on the platform .
The footage led to the # FreeMelania hashtag and speculation that she was unhappy in her new role .
The author says the first lady frowned to reflect pain she felt from an accidental kick in the ankle from Barron , who was standing beside her .
She says she urged the first lady to set the record straight , but Mrs. Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they think ?
It 's my private business .
I do n't owe them an explanation . ''

A former friend and adviser of Melania Trump says it was “the worst mistake of my life” to work for Donald Trump and his family, lashing out at the first lady for not defending her over questions about costs for the presidential inauguration she helped produce.
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff was an unpaid White House adviser to the first lady until February 2018, when her contract was terminated as questions about inaugural spending arose.
“When it really counted, Melania wasn’t there for me,” Wolkoff writes in “Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady,” to be published Tuesday.
“She wasn’t really my friend. In fact, I wish I had never met her,” Wolkoff says about the first lady, a former fashion model. Wolkoff, a New York-based event planner, said the pair first met in 2003 in the hallways of Vogue magazine, where Wolkoff worked.
Stephanie Grisham, a spokesperson for Mrs. Trump, blasted the book in an emailed statement as “full of mistruths and paranoia” based on an “imagined need for revenge.”
Wolkoff also writes about frostiness in the relationship between the first lady and the president’s eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump. She said she and the first lady both once “bellied over with laughter” after Mrs. Trump referred to Ivanka Trump — long seen as her father’s favorite child — as “Princess.”
Wolkoff also detailed how they launched “Operation Block Ivanka” to keep her from being too prominently featured in inauguration day photographs of her father being sworn in to office.
Ivanka Trump declined comment Monday. A person close to Ivanka Trump said it’s traditional for a president’s children to join in such a historic occasion.
Wolkoff devotes two of the book’s 11 chapters to planning for the January 2017 inauguration, describing the committee responsible for raising money to pay for several days of events as beset with organizational and communications issues that complicated her work.
She says she repeatedly raised questions about spending but she eventually came to be viewed as the problem. Trump’s Presidential Inaugural Committee raised nearly $107 million for the lavish event, an unprecedented inaugural price tag nearly twice that of President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.
“Like a broken record, I kept expressing my concerns about budgets,” Wolkoff wrote. “Also like a broken record, I became everyone’s problem.”
Some of those involved in or aware of the committee’s work told the Associated Press in September 2017 that the orchestration of the inauguration was marred by last-minute decisions, staffing turnover, and little financial oversight.
Wolkoff told ABC News in an interview broadcast Monday that she continues to cooperate with multiple criminal investigations into the committee’s operations.
In the book, Wolkoff portrays herself in a positive light and says she agreed to stay on and work in the White House for long hours, without pay and away from her husband and three children in New York, because she wanted to help the first lady set up her operation and avoid being marginalized.
She also sheds light on Mrs. Trump’s desire for privacy, recounting numerous occasions where the first lady had told Wolkoff she would do what was right for her, or her now 14-year-old son, Barron, and did not care what the public thought about her.
She continued to live in New York after the inauguration so Barron wouldn’t have to change schools in the middle of the year. They moved to the White House in June 2017.
Wolkoff says Mrs. Trump delayed her arrival in Washington for another reason: She was waiting for renovations and redecorating in the White House residence to be completed, starting with a new shower and toilet in her bedroom.
Wolkoff also offered an explanation for widely viewed Inauguration Day footage of Mrs. Trump smiling — then sharply frowning — after Donald Trump turned around to smile at her on the platform. The footage led to the #FreeMelania hashtag and speculation that she was unhappy in her new role.
The author says the first lady frowned to reflect pain she felt from an accidental kick in the ankle from Barron, who was standing beside her. She says she urged the first lady to set the record straight, but Mrs. Trump declined, saying: “Who cares what they think? It’s my private business. I don’t owe them an explanation.”


shareblue--2020-09-01--Iowa leads US in new virus cases after governor bragged about keeping state open

In early May , Iowa 's governor co-wrote an editorial bragging about her state 's laissez-faire response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Now , her state leads the country for most new average new daily cases , per capita , according to data compiled by the New York Times and the Washington Post .
Gov .
Kim Reynolds was one of five Republican governors who authored a May 5 Washington Post opinion piece boasting , `` Our states stayed open in the [ COVID ] -19 pandemic .
Here 's why our approach worked . ''
`` While our specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept our states 'open for business ' and delivered food and other goods Americans need during this pandemic , '' Reynolds and Govs .
Mark Gordon of Wyoming , Pete Ricketts of Nebraska , Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas , and Mark Parson of Missouri wrote .
`` Our collective experience ensures that our contribution toward reopening our nation 's economy is stable , safe and durable .
Restarting our economy is not a race to be won but a cooperative effort .
Our approach has created a model for success that can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Parson were among the seven governors who had refused to issue any statewide `` stay-at-home '' orders when the pandemic hit— ignoring the advice of Surgeon General Jerome Adams , who in April urged the entire nation to stay home to curb the coronavirus ' spread .
Even around the time of the op-ed , Iowa 's per capita case load of more than 433 infections per 100,000 residents ranked high nationally — higher than early hotspots like California and Virginia .
As things worsened in Iowa , Reynolds ignored federal guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
`` It 's time , '' she announced at an April 24 news conference , pledging to do so it a `` responsible and safe manner . ''
Cases continued to spike in the state as summer began .
Still , Reynolds plowed ahead , demanding schools reopen with in-person instruction and refusing to issue a mask mandate .
According to the Times and Post analysis , Iowa is now the worst state in the country with a daily average of 37 new infections for every 100,000 people over the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday that two major Iowa college towns — Ames and Iowa City — currently rank as the number one and number two worst coronavirus outbreaks in the entire country .
Per capita , their rates were worse than any industrialized country , ranking them as two of the biggest hot spots in the world .
A Reynolds spokesperson did not immediately respond to an inquiry for this story .
`` I 'm extremely concerned .
I think we should all be , '' Daniel Diekema , director of the Division of Infectious Diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College of Medicine , told KIWA , a local radio station , on Monday .
`` I think we ’ re now in the unenviable position of being one of the global hotspots for COVID-19 spread . ''
He continued , `` Although right now it seems mostly concentrated in the 18-to-24 year population , how soon before it begins to expand into other groups that are at higher risk for severe disease ? ''
To date , more than 64,000 Iowans have contracted the coronavirus — more than 2 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,100 have died .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

In early May, Iowa’s governor co-wrote an editorial bragging about her state’s laissez-faire response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, her state leads the country for most new average new daily cases, per capita, according to data compiled by the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Gov. Kim Reynolds was one of five Republican governors who authored a May 5 Washington Post opinion piece boasting, “Our states stayed open in the [COVID]-19 pandemic. Here’s why our approach worked.”
“While our specific approaches may differ, we have all kept our states ‘open for business’ and delivered food and other goods Americans need during this pandemic,” Reynolds and Govs. Mark Gordon of Wyoming, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, and Mark Parson of Missouri wrote. “Our collective experience ensures that our contribution toward reopening our nation’s economy is stable, safe and durable. Restarting our economy is not a race to be won but a cooperative effort. Our approach has created a model for success that can be applied throughout the country.”
All but Parson were among the seven governors who had refused to issue any statewide “stay-at-home” orders when the pandemic hit— ignoring the advice of Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who in April urged the entire nation to stay home to curb the coronavirus’ spread.
Even around the time of the op-ed, Iowa’s per capita case load of more than 433 infections per 100,000 residents ranked high nationally — higher than early hotspots like California and Virginia.
As things worsened in Iowa, Reynolds ignored federal guidelines and rushed to reopen her state’s economy. “It’s time,” she announced at an April 24 news conference, pledging to do so it a “responsible and safe manner.”
Cases continued to spike in the state as summer began. Still, Reynolds plowed ahead, demanding schools reopen with in-person instruction and refusing to issue a mask mandate.
According to the Times and Post analysis, Iowa is now the worst state in the country with a daily average of 37 new infections for every 100,000 people over the last week.
Iowa Starting Line reported on Monday that two major Iowa college towns — Ames and Iowa City — currently rank as the number one and number two worst coronavirus outbreaks in the entire country. Per capita, their rates were worse than any industrialized country, ranking them as two of the biggest hot spots in the world.
A Reynolds spokesperson did not immediately respond to an inquiry for this story.
“I’m extremely concerned. I think we should all be,” Daniel Diekema, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine, told KIWA, a local radio station, on Monday. “I think we’re now in the unenviable position of being one of the global hotspots for COVID-19 spread.”
He continued, “Although right now it seems mostly concentrated in the 18-to-24 year population, how soon before it begins to expand into other groups that are at higher risk for severe disease?”
To date, more than 64,000 Iowans have contracted the coronavirus — more than 2% of the state’s population — and more than 1,100 have died.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-02--Iowa governor refuses to promote virus safety measures for football games

Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds on Wednesday dismissed concerns that having 25,000 people attend a football game might make her state 's spiking coronavirus caseload even worse .
`` If you do n't think it 's safe , do n't go , '' she told residents of the state .
Asked by a reporter if , given the especially high number of new cases around Ames , the home of Iowa State University , she was concerned about fans in the stadium spreading the virus at an upcoming college football game there , Reynolds answered that it was important `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iowans , but also the livelihood and to start to try to find ways that we can get our lives back to normal .
We can do these things safely and responsible .
We can open our schools back up .
We can open our colleges back up .
We can continue to move forward .
But we have to have personal responsibility .
We have to be aware of what the data is and then we have to make decisions based on that .
`` So if you have underlying conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable population , maybe I would n't go to the Iowa State football game next week . ''
Reynolds then noted , `` It 's 25,000 out of a capacity of 61,500 , '' said that the event would be outdoors , and suggested that attendees `` should , I 'm sure , should wear a mask . ''
`` Do n't go .
If you do n't think it 's safe , do n't go , '' she concluded .
When the reporter pressed her about the Iowa State students ' safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` I 've answered the question . ''
Later on Wednesday afternoon , Iowa State announced that it would not allow fans to attend the game , citing community `` feedback . ''
The decision , the university 's statement noted , was actually made on Tuesday night — prior to Reynolds ' press conference .
A spokesperson for the governor did not immediately respond to an request for comment .
Earlier this week Iowa became the state with the highest daily average of new infections over seven days , per capita @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Wednesday , it fell to second-worst , behind South Dakota .
The local political website Iowa Starting Line reported on Monday that two major Iowa college towns — Ames and Iowa City — ranked as the sites of the number one and number two worst coronavirus outbreaks in the entire country .
Per capita , their rates were worse than any industrialized country , making them two of the biggest hot spots in the world .
Reynolds has done relatively little to curb the spread of the coronavirus in her state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governors who refused to issue any statewide stay-at-home orders when the pandemic began , ignoring the advice of Surgeon General Jerome Adams , who in April urged the entire nation to stay home .
In May , she and four other Republican governors authored a Washington Post opinion piece titled , `` Our states stayed open in the covid-19 pandemic .
Here ’ s why our approach worked . ''
`` Our collective experience ensures that our contribution toward reopening our nation 's economy is stable , safe and durable , '' they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a race to be won but a cooperative effort .
Our approach has created a model for success that can be applied throughout the country . ''
Iowa had one of the nation 's higher per capita caseloads at the time .
It has gotten worse since , as Reynolds rushed to reopen businesses , demanded schools resume in-person instruction , and refused to issue a statewide mask mandate .
More than 64,000 Iowans have contracted the coronavirus — more than 2 % of the state 's population — and more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of The American Independent Foundation .

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday dismissed concerns that having 25,000 people attend a football game might make her state’s spiking coronavirus caseload even worse. “If you don’t think it’s safe, don’t go,” she told residents of the state.
Asked by a reporter if, given the especially high number of new cases around Ames, the home of Iowa State University, she was concerned about fans in the stadium spreading the virus at an upcoming college football game there, Reynolds answered that it was important “to help maintain the safety and health of Iowans, but also the livelihood and to start to try to find ways that we can get our lives back to normal. We can do these things safely and responsible. We can open our schools back up. We can open our colleges back up. We can continue to move forward. But we have to have personal responsibility. We have to be aware of what the data is and then we have to make decisions based on that.
“So if you have underlying conditions and you’re a part of a vulnerable population, maybe I wouldn’t go to the Iowa State football game next week.”
Reynolds then noted, “It’s 25,000 out of a capacity of 61,500,” said that the event would be outdoors, and suggested that attendees “should, I’m sure, should wear a mask.”
“Don’t go. If you don’t think it’s safe, don’t go,” she concluded. When the reporter pressed her about the Iowa State students’ safety, Reynolds cut her off, saying, “I’ve answered the question.”
Later on Wednesday afternoon, Iowa State announced that it would not allow fans to attend the game, citing community “feedback.” The decision, the university’s statement noted, was actually made on Tuesday night — prior to Reynolds’ press conference.
A spokesperson for the governor did not immediately respond to an request for comment.
Earlier this week Iowa became the state with the highest daily average of new infections over seven days, per capita: 37 infections for every 100,000 people. On Wednesday, it fell to second-worst, behind South Dakota.
The local political website Iowa Starting Line reported on Monday that two major Iowa college towns — Ames and Iowa City — ranked as the sites of the number one and number two worst coronavirus outbreaks in the entire country. Per capita, their rates were worse than any industrialized country, making them two of the biggest hot spots in the world.
Reynolds has done relatively little to curb the spread of the coronavirus in her state.
She was one of just seven governors who refused to issue any statewide stay-at-home orders when the pandemic began, ignoring the advice of Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who in April urged the entire nation to stay home.
In May, she and four other Republican governors authored a Washington Post opinion piece titled, “Our states stayed open in the covid-19 pandemic. Here’s why our approach worked.” “Our collective experience ensures that our contribution toward reopening our nation’s economy is stable, safe and durable,” they wrote.
“Restarting our economy is not a race to be won but a cooperative effort. Our approach has created a model for success that can be applied throughout the country.”
Iowa had one of the nation’s higher per capita caseloads at the time. It has gotten worse since, as Reynolds rushed to reopen businesses, demanded schools resume in-person instruction, and refused to issue a statewide mask mandate.
More than 64,000 Iowans have contracted the coronavirus — more than 2% of the state’s population — and more than 1,100 have died.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-09-02--Another Trump appointee ousted from FDA after agency inflated benefits of virus treatment

A second Trump administration appointee has been ousted at the Food and Drug Administration in the wake of the agency 's botched announcement about an experimental therapy for COVID-19 , which medical experts said damaged the health regulator 's credibility with the public .
An FDA spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that John `` Wolf '' Wagner , a political appointee installed by the White House earlier this summer , is no longer heading the agency 's office of external affairs .
Instead , Heidi Rebello , a longtime FDA career official , has stepped into the position on an acting basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politico first reported the news .
The shakeup comes just five days after conservative communications specialist Emily Miller was removed from her post heading the agency 's press office .
Miller served just 11 days on the job and helped coordinate the agency 's announcement that it had granted emergency authorization to convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients .
That announcement triggered a backlash last week after FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn was forced to correct misstatements that inflated the potential benefits of the therapy .
The decision to authorize the treatment also followed threats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising concerns that the FDA had buckled to political pressure from the president .
Health experts and former FDA officials say Hahn tarnished the agency 's reputation at the moment it 's needed most : as agency scientists prepare to decide whether upcoming coronavirus vaccines are effective and safe to be given to millions of Americans .
Public doubts about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines could derail U.S. plans for a mass vaccination effort .
Wagner is a longtime government and military spokesman with strong ties to the Republican Party and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the FDA in June .
He previously worked as a communications consultant for the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland , where he developed talking points and messaging , lined up surrogates for Trump and oversaw media engagements .
He was appointed in 2017 as deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs , overseeing its public affairs operations and advising government officials on veterans issues .
He helped develop the ChooseVA marketing program launched in 2018 that promoted the department 's services and benefits to veterans and aimed to attract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of several Trump loyalists appointed to the FDA over the summer .
Miller 's appointment in mid-August drew scrutiny because it brought an outspoken pro-Trump media strategist with little background in science into an influential FDA role usually reserved for a career professional .
During her few days as chief spokeswoman , she defended her credentials , sparred with some reporters on Twitter and pushed back against claims that the FDA 's convalescent plasma announcement was influenced by politics .
The FDA spokesperson said Wednesday that FDA communications adviser Michael Felberbaum had stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an acting basis .

A second Trump administration appointee has been ousted at the Food and Drug Administration in the wake of the agency’s botched announcement about an experimental therapy for COVID-19, which medical experts said damaged the health regulator’s credibility with the public.
An FDA spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that John “Wolf” Wagner, a political appointee installed by the White House earlier this summer, is no longer heading the agency’s office of external affairs. Instead, Heidi Rebello, a longtime FDA career official, has stepped into the position on an acting basis, overseeing all FDA public communications. Politico first reported the news.
The shakeup comes just five days after conservative communications specialist Emily Miller was removed from her post heading the agency’s press office. Miller served just 11 days on the job and helped coordinate the agency’s announcement that it had granted emergency authorization to convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients.
That announcement triggered a backlash last week after FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn was forced to correct misstatements that inflated the potential benefits of the therapy. The decision to authorize the treatment also followed threats and complaints from President Donald Trump, raising concerns that the FDA had buckled to political pressure from the president.
Health experts and former FDA officials say Hahn tarnished the agency’s reputation at the moment it’s needed most: as agency scientists prepare to decide whether upcoming coronavirus vaccines are effective and safe to be given to millions of Americans. Public doubts about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines could derail U.S. plans for a mass vaccination effort.
Wagner is a longtime government and military spokesman with strong ties to the Republican Party and Trump White House. He was appointed to the FDA in June.
He previously worked as a communications consultant for the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, where he developed talking points and messaging, lined up surrogates for Trump and oversaw media engagements.
He was appointed in 2017 as deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs, overseeing its public affairs operations and advising government officials on veterans issues. He helped develop the ChooseVA marketing program launched in 2018 that promoted the department’s services and benefits to veterans and aimed to attract and retain employees.
Wagner was one of several Trump loyalists appointed to the FDA over the summer.
Miller’s appointment in mid-August drew scrutiny because it brought an outspoken pro-Trump media strategist with little background in science into an influential FDA role usually reserved for a career professional.
During her few days as chief spokeswoman, she defended her credentials, sparred with some reporters on Twitter and pushed back against claims that the FDA’s convalescent plasma announcement was influenced by politics.
The FDA spokesperson said Wednesday that FDA communications adviser Michael Felberbaum had stepped into the role previously held by Miller on an acting basis.


shareblue--2020-09-02--Biden: Presidents should 'set the right example' for traveling during pandemic

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Wednesday at a campaign event that he has to balance his desire to get out on the trail with ensuring that he is not spreading the coronavirus , and set the right example for the country .
`` I would like to get out more , but I think a president has the responsibility to set examples — set the right example for how to get out , '' Biden said .
`` Not go out and not wear a mask , and not to have large crowds of people standing next to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being the potential cauldron for significant outbreaks of COVID . ''
Biden 's comments appear to be a direct dig at Donald Trump , who has violated numerous public health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic while campaigning , including just last week when he crammed thousands of supporters— most of whom were not wearing masks — onto the White House lawn in the finale of the Republican National Convention to watch him deliver his nomination acceptance speech .
Trump has attacked Biden numerous times for being in his `` basement '' — a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as Biden has been out and about campaigning and holding virtual campaign events .
Trump even gave Biden a new nickname on Wednesday , calling him `` Joe Hiden ' '' in a tweet .
`` I 'm trying to set the example , '' Biden said of his campaign .
`` I 'm wearing the protective gear , a mask .
... Making sure we proceed in a way with adequate social distancing and do it the right way . ''
Biden is taking more trips now that the election is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to Kenosha , Wisconsin , to meet with community leaders in the aftermath of protests after police in the city shot Jacob Blake , who is Black , seven times in the back .
Biden is also expected to pay a visit on Sept. 11 to Shanksville , Pennsylvania , where hijacked Flight 93 crashed on 9/11 in an empty field , avoiding greater mass casualties at its intended target of the U.S. Capitol , after passengers onboard fought to gain control of the aircraft from the hijackers .
Published with permission @ @ @ @ @ @

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Wednesday at a campaign event that he has to balance his desire to get out on the trail with ensuring that he is not spreading the coronavirus, and set the right example for the country.
“I would like to get out more, but I think a president has the responsibility to set examples — set the right example for how to get out,” Biden said. “Not go out and not wear a mask, and not to have large crowds of people standing next to one other not wearing a mask, not being the potential cauldron for significant outbreaks of COVID.”
Biden’s comments appear to be a direct dig at Donald Trump, who has violated numerous public health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic while campaigning, including just last week when he crammed thousands of supporters— most of whom were not wearing masks — onto the White House lawn in the finale of the Republican National Convention to watch him deliver his nomination acceptance speech.
Trump has attacked Biden numerous times for being in his “basement” — a favorite GOP talking point that is false, as Biden has been out and about campaigning and holding virtual campaign events. Trump even gave Biden a new nickname on Wednesday, calling him “Joe Hiden'” in a tweet.
“I’m trying to set the example,” Biden said of his campaign.”I’m wearing the protective gear, a mask. … Making sure we proceed in a way with adequate social distancing and do it the right way.”
Biden is taking more trips now that the election is nearing.
On Thursday, he is going to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to meet with community leaders in the aftermath of protests after police in the city shot Jacob Blake, who is Black, seven times in the back.
Biden is also expected to pay a visit on Sept. 11 to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where hijacked Flight 93 crashed on 9/11 in an empty field, avoiding greater mass casualties at its intended target of the U.S. Capitol, after passengers onboard fought to gain control of the aircraft from the hijackers.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.