theroot--2020-06-17--The Stolen Life of Mecenia Dials

The Stolen Life of Mecenia Dials

She was not killed by a police officer while running away .
She was not killed by black-on-black crime .
She did not die in a school shooting .
She was not powerless—she was strong — but not strong enough to stop America from opening its ferocious mouth and sucking her into its unyielding belly , swallowing her whole .
America would not spit her out .
It devoured her whole and would not give her back to us .
We tried our damnedest .
We tugged at her legs .
We begged and pleaded .
We prayed like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is dead because she was a black woman in America .
Once upon a time in America , there was a tiny little girl named Mecenia Dials .
She was born on October 11 , 1974 , which was , as I often reminded her , four days later than the greatest birthday on earth .
In spite of her unfortunate birthday , Macie was born with the unique ability to make herself happy .
Even as she grew up in Hartsville , S.C. , with parents who struggled with drug addiction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gift of her presence can remember without a smile on her face .
I once heard Macie say a phrase once , that I have stolen as one of my life ’ s mantras .
“ You have the responsibility to be happy.
” Macie did not say that to me because Macie was not my friend .
She was a friend of my youngest sister and eventually became a member of my extended family .
She was always around…Until she wasn ’ t .
Because attending college was not financially feasible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good job ” in our hometown after high school .
When I would return home for summers , spring break and Christmas , Macie would visit my sister and we would talk about how much our small town had changed .
People who listen to Biggie songs and read about the crack epidemic from a distance can not understand the effects of crack cocaine .
From a distance , it is easy to see how this unnatural disaster destroyed black communities .
But anyone lived in a poor black neighborhood in the 1990s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crack cocaine : From afar , it is easy to see the violence , incarceration and crime .
But those whose knowledge of the leviathan of crack cocaine doesn ’ t come from songs about the Jay-Z ’ s inability to “ stop the hustle ” or Nino Brown ’ s dreams of a new jack city can tell you that the allure of this particular beast didn ’ t just manifest itself with addiction , violence and disproportionately harsh prison sentences .
Crack was a hallucinogen that gave hope to the hopeless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impoverished population that America had already crushed in its unforgiving jaws .
It afforded temporary financial stability for street-savvy boys who had been trampled upon by the apathy of the American education system .
It offered a modicum of respect to those who had been disrespected .
There were only two ways to escape—outrun it or be devoured .
Macie tried to outrun it ... until she didn ’ t .
Three years after graduating high school , Macie was working that “ good job ” that she would later tell me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macie ’ s boyfriend , a small-time drug dealer who didn ’ t own a boat , a plane or an international cartel , presented a business proposition that would benefit them both .
One trip , he insisted , could change their lives .
He tried to convince Macie that police officers wouldn ’ t notice a woman traveling by herself but Macie wasn ’ t dumb .
She knew the danger .
She knew the devastating effects of crack cocaine .
She had lived it her entire life .
Macie also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising two children—a 6-year-old and a 3-month-old newborn on a job that didn ’ t provide a living wage .
She had noticed that there were no black senior-level people at her job .
Macie knew she was black .
Still Macie said no… Eventually , Macie took a trip to Miami , Fla. , and returned to Florence , S.C. , on an Amtrak train with less than $ 10,000 worth of pure cocaine .
“ I remember sitting on that train and something told me : ‘ Get rid of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sleep , ” Macie would later explain .
When I woke up , I was already at the Amtrak station in Florence.
” When the Amtrak train pulled into a station , Macie noticed that there were more police officers than usual .
They were waiting for her .
Macie wasn ’ t dumb .
She knew that politicians had recently passed harsher drug sentences for crack cocaine that disproportionately affected black defendants .
But , luckily , Macie wasn ’ t smuggling crack .
She was carrying powder cocaine—white people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her a plea deal , which she was inclined to take .
All she had to do was plead guilty to a lesser charge of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute , acknowledge that she had not received a promise of a lighter sentence ( even though she had ) and she would receive a 7-year sentence of probation .
It seemed fair .
After all , Macie had never been convicted of a crime .
Plus , she couldn ’ t imagine her children growing up without a mother .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ date came around , someone called in a bomb threat to the county court building , delaying Macie ’ s hearing .
It happened again the next day .
Concerned that she was going to lose her job after she had called in sick two days in a row , Macie went to work on the third day after her lawyer informed her that the court docket was probably too backed up to hear her case .
“ I was so dumb , ” Macie would later tell me in a letter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sorry-ass job than going to the penitentiary.
” And just like that , America opened wide and bared its teeth .
On September 24 , 1997 , two weeks before her unfortunate birthday , a Florence County , S.C. , circuit court judge sentenced 22-year-old Mecenia Dials to a mandatory 25 years in prison for “ Trafficking in Crack Cocaine.
” And because , in South Carolina , trafficking in cocaine is considered a “ violent offense , ” she would not be eligible for parole until she served 85 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next 21 years in prison .
She did not complain once .
After she was incarcerated , I became obsessed with Macie ’ s harsh sentence .
I ’ ve told it every chance I got the opportunity for more than 20 years .
I begged her lawyer to send me her files , to no avail .
She became my pen-pal for two decades .
When people noted that the War on Drugs targeted black communities , I wrote about Macie .
I juxtaposed her predicament with Paul Manafort ’ s light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of systemic racism by regurgitating the white fairy tale of black people “ playing the victim ” or using the “ race card , ” I clapped back with Macie ’ s story .
In November 2018 , Macie was released from prison at the age of 44 years old .
She took advantage of every opportunity for education and self-improvement while she was incarcerated and found a job and—despite her initial struggles to find healthcare , she began rebuilding her life .
Even though the South Carolina Department of Corrections probably doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer screenings and formerly incarcerated people don ’ t have a lot of extra money for preventative health screenings , Macie wasn ’ t worried .
She had free healthcare for 21 years , so she was sure she was healthy .
By the time Macie discovered she had colon cancer , it was too late to stop it before it reached her brain .
At first , she did not tell anyone .
After all , she had a responsibility to be happy .
Even when she was put into hospice care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My mother would not stop praying .
Macie did not feel sorry for herself .
On Wednesday , June 17 , at 3:15 a.m. 45-year-old Mecenia Dials stopped being a black life .
People who become infuriated at those who kneel during songs by Francis Scott Key or get angry at the removal of Confederate statues can not understand the effects of the monster of systemic racism .
From a distance , it is easy to blame Macie ’ s tragedy on drugs , education , dope-dealing boyfriends or just bad choices .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ America has wrapped its tentacles around and slowly choked the life out of them .
This is not even a tale about victimhood or systemic racism .
It is just a thing that happened in a place that markets itself as the freest , richest , proudest country on planet earth that offers liberty and justice for all .
Mecenia Dials was an unarmed woman who was shot in the back by America .
This country strangled her to death .
It knelt on her neck and would not let her off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgotten .
I refuse .

Macie’s dead.
She was not killed by a police officer while running away. She was not killed by black-on-black crime. She did not die in a school shooting. She was not powerless—she was strong — but not strong enough to stop America from opening its ferocious mouth and sucking her into its unyielding belly, swallowing her whole.
America would not spit her out. It devoured her whole and would not give her back to us. We tried our damnedest. We tugged at her legs. We begged and pleaded. We prayed like a motherfucker but America refused.
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Mecenia Dials is dead.
Mecenia Dials is dead because she was a black woman in America.
Once upon a time in America, there was a tiny little girl named Mecenia Dials. She was born on October 11, 1974, which was, as I often reminded her, four days later than the greatest birthday on earth. In spite of her unfortunate birthday, Macie was born with the unique ability to make herself happy. Even as she grew up in Hartsville, S.C., with parents who struggled with drug addiction, anyone who has ever been blessed with the gift of her presence can’t remember her without a smile on her face. I once heard Macie say a phrase once, that I have stolen as one of my life’s mantras.
Advertisement Advertisement
“You have the responsibility to be happy.”
Macie did not say that to me because Macie was not my friend. She was a friend of my youngest sister and eventually became a member of my extended family. She was always around…Until she wasn’t.
Advertisement
Because attending college was not financially feasible for Macie, she took a “good job” in our hometown after high school. When I would return home for summers, spring break and Christmas, Macie would visit my sister and we would talk about how much our small town had changed.
Crack did it.
People who listen to Biggie songs and read about the crack epidemic from a distance cannot understand the effects of crack cocaine. From a distance, it is easy to see how this unnatural disaster destroyed black communities. But anyone lived in a poor black neighborhood in the 1990s can will tell you something else about crack cocaine:
Crack cocaine is a beautiful monster.
From afar, it is easy to see the violence, incarceration and crime. But those whose knowledge of the leviathan of crack cocaine doesn’t come from songs about the Jay-Z’s inability to “stop the hustle” or Nino Brown’s dreams of a new jack city can tell you that the allure of this particular beast didn’t just manifest itself with addiction, violence and disproportionately harsh prison sentences.
Advertisement
Crack was a hallucinogen that gave hope to the hopeless. It created an entire economy for an impoverished population that America had already crushed in its unforgiving jaws. It afforded temporary financial stability for street-savvy boys who had been trampled upon by the apathy of the American education system. It offered a modicum of respect to those who had been disrespected. There were only two ways to escape—outrun it or be devoured.
Macie tried to outrun it...until she didn’t.
Three years after graduating high school, Macie was working that “good job” that she would later tell me paid her less than $25,000. Macie’s boyfriend, a small-time drug dealer who didn’t own a boat, a plane or an international cartel, presented a business proposition that would benefit them both. One trip, he insisted, could change their lives. He tried to convince Macie that police officers wouldn’t notice a woman traveling by herself but Macie wasn’t dumb.
Advertisement
She knew the danger. She knew the devastating effects of crack cocaine. She had lived it her entire life. Macie also knew what her life would look like raising two children—a 6-year-old and a 3-month-old newborn on a job that didn’t provide a living wage. She had noticed that there were no black senior-level people at her job. Macie knew she was black. Still Macie said no…
Until she didn’t.
Eventually, Macie took a trip to Miami, Fla., and returned to Florence, S.C., on an Amtrak train with less than $10,000 worth of pure cocaine.
Advertisement
“I remember sitting on that train and something told me: ‘Get rid of that stuff” but I ended up going to sleep,” Macie would later explain. When I woke up, I was already at the Amtrak station in Florence.”
When the Amtrak train pulled into a station, Macie noticed that there were more police officers than usual.
Advertisement
They were waiting for her.
Macie wasn’t dumb. She knew that politicians had recently passed harsher drug sentences for crack cocaine that disproportionately affected black defendants. But, luckily, Macie wasn’t smuggling crack. She was carrying powder cocaine—white people’s drug of choice.
Advertisement
But Macie was black.
Prosecutors offered her a plea deal, which she was inclined to take. All she had to do was plead guilty to a lesser charge of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, acknowledge that she had not received a promise of a lighter sentence (even though she had) and she would receive a 7-year sentence of probation.
Advertisement
It seemed fair. After all, Macie had never been convicted of a crime. Plus, she couldn’t imagine her children growing up without a mother. But when Macie’s scheduled court date came around, someone called in a bomb threat to the county court building, delaying Macie’s hearing. It happened again the next day. Concerned that she was going to lose her job after she had called in sick two days in a row, Macie went to work on the third day after her lawyer informed her that the court docket was probably too backed up to hear her case.
“I was so dumb,” Macie would later tell me in a letter. “I was more worried about losing that sorry-ass job than going to the penitentiary.”
Advertisement
And just like that, America opened wide and bared its teeth.
On September 24, 1997, two weeks before her unfortunate birthday, a Florence County, S.C., circuit court judge sentenced 22-year-old Mecenia Dials to a mandatory 25 years in prison for “Trafficking in Crack Cocaine.” And because, in South Carolina, trafficking in cocaine is considered a “violent offense,” she would not be eligible for parole until she served 85 percent of her sentence.
Advertisement
Macie would spend the next 21 years in prison.
She did not complain once.
After she was incarcerated, I became obsessed with Macie’s harsh sentence. I’ve told it every chance I got the opportunity for more than 20 years. I begged her lawyer to send me her files, to no avail. She became my pen-pal for two decades. When people noted that the War on Drugs targeted black communities, I wrote about Macie. I juxtaposed her predicament with Paul Manafort’s light sentence. When people discounted the effects of systemic racism by regurgitating the white fairy tale of black people “playing the victim” or using the “race card,” I clapped back with Macie’s story.
Advertisement
In November 2018, Macie was released from prison at the age of 44 years old. She took advantage of every opportunity for education and self-improvement while she was incarcerated and found a job and—despite her initial struggles to find healthcare, she began rebuilding her life.
Even though the South Carolina Department of Corrections probably doesn’t conduct a lot of preventative cancer screenings and formerly incarcerated people don’t have a lot of extra money for preventative health screenings, Macie wasn’t worried. She had free healthcare for 21 years, so she was sure she was healthy.
Advertisement
By the time Macie discovered she had colon cancer, it was too late to stop it before it reached her brain.
At first, she did not tell anyone. After all, she had a responsibility to be happy. Even when she was put into hospice care, she did not stop smiling. My mother would not stop praying. Macie did not feel sorry for herself.
Advertisement
On Wednesday, June 17, at 3:15 a.m. 45-year-old Mecenia Dials stopped being a black life.
America is a beautiful monster.
People who become infuriated at those who kneel during songs by Francis Scott Key or get angry at the removal of Confederate statues cannot understand the effects of the monster of systemic racism. From a distance, it is easy to blame Macie’s tragedy on drugs, education, dope-dealing boyfriends or just bad choices.
Advertisement
Macie is not the only person who America has wrapped its tentacles around and slowly choked the life out of them. This is not even a tale about victimhood or systemic racism. It is just a thing that happened in a place that markets itself as the freest, richest, proudest country on planet earth that offers liberty and justice for all.
America is a motherfucking liar.
And Macie is proof.
Mecenia Dials was an unarmed woman who was shot in the back by America. This country strangled her to death. It knelt on her neck and would not let her off the ground. But she will not be forgotten. I refuse.
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Her black life mattered…
Until it didn’t.


theroot--2020-06-17--'When You Love Someone, You Hold Them Accountable': Sil Lai Abrams Speaks Her Piece on The Breakfast

'When You Love Someone, You Hold Them Accountable': Sil Lai Abrams Speaks Her Piece on The Breakfast Club

Exactly one week after their interview with Russell Simmons , The Breakfast Club confirmed that Sil Lai Abrams , one of his accusers and participants in HBO ’ s doc On The Record , would be appearing on the show .
On Wednesday , the writer , essayist , cultural commentator and activist sat down with co-host Angela Yee to discuss the documentary , her allegations against Simmons , the Oprah controversy that followed the announcement of the documentary , unpacking misogynoir in the black community as well as the aftermath of Simmons ’ interview .
In terms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular black radio show for having Simmons on the show , unchallenged .
Abrams herself spoke out about it on Twitter , as well as detailing the harm the interview did in an immediate interview with ZORA .
Accordingly , when Abrams confirmed she would be appearing on the show , I have to admit my eyebrows raised in surprise , while also noting with some satisfaction that the call-outs were not completely in vain .
The two ladies got straight to the point , acknowledging the fact that many black women were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , frustrated and fed-up with The Breakfast Club ’ s participation in a rampantly misogynistic culture .
“ I understand that everyone ’ s entitled to tell their story , ” Abrams began .
“ Everyone ’ s entitled to share their side of things .
What was incredibly painful for me as a survivor was being silenced for so long and the first time that Russell pops up is on a show with such a reach as The Breakfast Club and that he was unchallenged , essentially throughout the entire interview .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to perpetuate a lot of harmful myths around rape and around the women that have accused him but also , it was very retraumatizing .
It was a traumatic experience because we didn ’ t have an opportunity to speak .
There ’ s been this huge vortex of silence around the film within the black community , which I believe in a large part has been managed and negotiated by him .
He ’ s a man with incredible power.
” “ I would say The Breakfast Club is not perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform gets it right all the time , but I know—and I think I can speak on behalf of all of us—that we do try to make sure that we uplift our community in many different ways and if things are triggering , I do apologize for that because that ’ s never my intention for that to happen , ” Yee responded .
Yee noted that following their Simmons interview , HBO immediately reached out to them , which she claimed was the first time the network had reached out to them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached out to the show at the top of May—naturally since they are a leading platform for Black America .
With booking procedures and beyond , the two agreed the source of confusion there was due to miscommunication .
Additionally , as we watch the constant erasure of those who do not identify as a cis-gendered , heterosexual black male within the Black Lives Matter movement , this conversation proved timely on a larger scale .
Honoring the life of Oluwatoyin Salau , Abrams assured that this movement can not go forward without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , poor people , women ” and many other identities within the intersection .
So , while it ’ s a difficult and hurtful conversation to have while we ’ re experiencing and witnessing these traumatizing injustices , we can ’ t continue to be silent about the erasure .
“ That ’ s not black love , ” Abrams noted .
“ That ’ s not accountability .
And when you love someone , you hold them accountable .
The love can ’ t just extend to those who are famous , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are the most marginalized and oppressed and don ’ t have a voice.
” Seeking to remedy a moment not previously afforded on the black-led platform , Yee asked Abrams what she wanted .
“ I want accountability , ” Abrams said , firmly .
“ If we ’ re not able to navigate the criminal justice system [ since ] what happened between us is outside of the statute of limitations and to be very clear , I chose not to press charges at the time because I was drunk that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a prior sexual relationship and because I was terrified of the imbalance in power and money between us and what happened in the examination room , so I was scared.
” “ Now , today , as a woman who is going to be turning 50 [ years old ] in a month , what does the grown-ass woman want ?
What I want is a chance to begin restorative justice , ” she continued .
“ I want Russell to actually stop the pantomime of being an innocent and truly acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then start to make amends to the individuals and the community that he continues to harm by peddling mistruths he ends up contradicting himself on.
” Personally , I do appreciate the decision to allow Yee to take the lead as I don ’ t believe Charlamagne Da God and DJ Envy ’ s presence would ’ ve been productive or contributed to a safe environment for Abrams .
But just like Abrams pointed out , I am awaiting a public confirmation of accountability from them and their complicity , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that comes with having the privilege of the position that your show has , ” Abrams added in the interview .
“ At times , the show hasn ’ t done right by the community it says it loves.
” As noted in the interview , Abrams has served on the board for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Safe Horizon .
She further recommended RAINN as a helpful resource for survivors of sexual assault .
Check out the full interview below : Sil Lai Abrams Speaks Out About Russell Simmons And Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM ( YouTube )

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Grapevine, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

Exactly one week after their interview with Russell Simmons, The Breakfast Club confirmed that Sil Lai Abrams, one of his accusers and participants in HBO’s doc On The Record, would be appearing on the show.
On Wednesday, the writer, essayist, cultural commentator and activist sat down with co-host Angela Yee to discuss the documentary, her allegations against Simmons, the Oprah controversy that followed the announcement of the documentary, unpacking misogynoir in the black community as well as the aftermath of Simmons’ interview. In terms of the latter, several people called out the popular black radio show for having Simmons on the show, unchallenged. Abrams herself spoke out about it on Twitter, as well as detailing the harm the interview did in an immediate interview with ZORA.
Advertisement
Accordingly, when Abrams confirmed she would be appearing on the show, I have to admit my eyebrows raised in surprise, while also noting with some satisfaction that the call-outs were not completely in vain.
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement
The two ladies got straight to the point, acknowledging the fact that many black women were not only disappointed but triggered, hurt, frustrated and fed-up with The Breakfast Club’s participation in a rampantly misogynistic culture.
“I understand that everyone’s entitled to tell their story,” Abrams began. “Everyone’s entitled to share their side of things. What was incredibly painful for me as a survivor was being silenced for so long and the first time that Russell pops up is on a show with such a reach as The Breakfast Club and that he was unchallenged, essentially throughout the entire interview. And not only was he unchallenged and allowed to perpetuate a lot of harmful myths around rape and around the women that have accused him but also, it was very retraumatizing. It was a traumatic experience because we didn’t have an opportunity to speak. There’s been this huge vortex of silence around the film within the black community, which I believe in a large part has been managed and negotiated by him. He’s a man with incredible power.”
Advertisement
“I would say The Breakfast Club is not perfect and I don’t think any platform gets it right all the time, but I know—and I think I can speak on behalf of all of us—that we do try to make sure that we uplift our community in many different ways and if things are triggering, I do apologize for that because that’s never my intention for that to happen,” Yee responded.
Yee noted that following their Simmons interview, HBO immediately reached out to them, which she claimed was the first time the network had reached out to them. However, Abrams confirmed that HBO reached out to the show at the top of May—naturally since they are a leading platform for Black America. With booking procedures and beyond, the two agreed the source of confusion there was due to miscommunication.
Advertisement
Additionally, as we watch the constant erasure of those who do not identify as a cis-gendered, heterosexual black male within the Black Lives Matter movement, this conversation proved timely on a larger scale. Honoring the life of Oluwatoyin Salau, Abrams assured that this movement can not go forward without including “trans people, queer people, poor people, women” and many other identities within the intersection. So, while it’s a difficult and hurtful conversation to have while we’re experiencing and witnessing these traumatizing injustices, we can’t continue to be silent about the erasure.
“That’s not black love,” Abrams noted. “That’s not accountability. And when you love someone, you hold them accountable. The love can’t just extend to those who are famous, the love has to extend to those who are the most marginalized and oppressed and don’t have a voice.”
Advertisement
Seeking to remedy a moment not previously afforded on the black-led platform, Yee asked Abrams what she wanted.
“I want accountability,” Abrams said, firmly. “If we’re not able to navigate the criminal justice system [since] what happened between us is outside of the statute of limitations and to be very clear, I chose not to press charges at the time because I was drunk that night, because he and I did have a prior sexual relationship and because I was terrified of the imbalance in power and money between us and what happened in the examination room, so I was scared.”
Advertisement
“Now, today, as a woman who is going to be turning 50 [years old] in a month, what does the grown-ass woman want? What I want is a chance to begin restorative justice,” she continued. “I want Russell to actually stop the pantomime of being an innocent and truly acknowledge the harm that he’s done and then start to make amends to the individuals and the community that he continues to harm by peddling mistruths he ends up contradicting himself on.”
Advertisement
Personally, I do appreciate the decision to allow Yee to take the lead as I don’t believe Charlamagne Da God and DJ Envy’s presence would’ve been productive or contributed to a safe environment for Abrams. But just like Abrams pointed out, I am awaiting a public confirmation of accountability from them and their complicity, as well.
“There is a tremendous responsibility that comes with having the privilege of the position that your show has,” Abrams added in the interview. “At times, the show hasn’t done right by the community it says it loves.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
As noted in the interview, Abrams has served on the board for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Safe Horizon. She further recommended RAINN as a helpful resource for survivors of sexual assault.
Check out the full interview below:


theroot--2020-06-17--Karen the Kop Kries Kause She Had to Wait in the McDonald's Drive-Thru

Another day , another Karen exhibiting her white privilege and weaponizing her white woman tears to show how the world is so down on and against her ... kind .
No , but for real .
Have y ’ all seen this ?
A white female cop recorded herself crying in the McDonald ’ s parking lot because her order wasn ’ t ready and they had her pull to the side and wait for it .
Kop Karen kreated an entire video so she could accuse McDonald ’ s employees of being late with her food because they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a cop .
No , seriously .
She actually intimated that in the video .
In a video that lasts 2 minutes and 20 seconds , Kop Karen tells us that on her way home from work , she placed her order via the mobile app so that people “ don ’ t try to pay ” for her stuff because she likes to pay for it herself .
Unfortunately , the order wasn ’ t ready when she got there , and she was asked to pull over to the side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her .
Kop Karen says that an employee comes out a bit later and hands her a cup of coffee but not her food .
Through crocodile tears and exaggerated sobs , Kop Karen tells us that she told the employee not to bother bringing her the rest of the food , because “ Right now , I ’ m too nervous to take it.
” “ It doesn ’ t matter how many hours I ’ ve been up .
It doesn ’ t matter what I ’ ve done for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too nervous to take a meal from McDonald ’ s because I can ’ t see it being made.
” What ?
It ’ s a McDonald ’ s , not a Benihana , you goofy bitch .
No one goes to McDonald ’ s to see their food get made .
Just pass me some hot fries and my Filet-o-Fish and leave me the fuck alone .
Who goes to McDonald ’ s and stands watch over the fry cook ?
Absolutely no one , that ’ s who .
Kop Karen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her fake tears .
“ I don ’ t know what ’ s going on with people nowadays , ” she continues , “ but please , just give us a break .
Please just give us a break .
I don ’ t know how much more I can take , cause I ’ ve been in this for 15 years and I ’ ve never , ever had such anxiety about waiting for McDonald ’ s drive thru food.
” “ So just have a heart , and if you see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , because I don ’ t hear thank you enough anymore.
” Girl , if you don ’ t get your fragile white ass on somewhere with all these dramatics over a fucking Egg McMuffin .
To be clear , this has absolutely nothing to do with her being a cop .
The mobile app doesn ’ t know you are a cop .
The mobile app doesn ’ t notify them before you arrive that you are a cop .
Honestly , no one gives a fuck that you are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ literally dying in the streets because cops are killing them , and you are upset and crying in your car like Red from Friday because your order isn ’ t ready ?
Never mind that this happens in the McDonald ’ s drive-thru to literally everyone regularly .
Never mind that the overworked and underpaid McDonald ’ s workers couldn ’ t care less where the fuck you work or what you do for a living .
They just want you to grab your hash browns and your coffee and get the fuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason cops are under fire right now is because some cops choose to use their badge as an excuse to act as judge , jury and executioner when it comes to black people while their fellow cops stand by turning a blind eye to their murderous bullshit .
Kop Karen is the victim here , and all because she just wants to help people , according to her .
Well , Kop Karen , you can help by not painting yourself as a victim because your McDonald ’ s order wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ thank you ” comes in the form of your paycheck , courtesy of the taxpayers in the jurisdiction where you work .
You can help by not creating a narrative that cops are under attack .
They aren ’ t .
And if they are , trust me , it ’ s not underpaid McDonald ’ s workers who are waging that war .
It ’ s your white right-wing brothers , baby .
Soak that in and let it moisturize your fragile white skin .
I ’ m really praying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parody , but I ’ m convinced it is not .
Because in a world where white privilege exists , it is entirely possible for a white lady cop to feel put upon all because her McDonald ’ s order wasn ’ t ready when she got to the drive thru window .
We should all be concerned though .
In the video she literally says “ I don ’ t know how much more I can take ” which is the red flag of someone who might fly off the deep end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t kill anyone because she ’ s upset about late hash browns .
Or , you know , just kill someone the way all the other cops do .

Another day, another Karen exhibiting her white privilege and weaponizing her white woman tears to show how the world is so down on and against her...kind.
No, but for real. Have y’all seen this? A white female cop recorded herself crying in the McDonald’s parking lot because her order wasn’t ready and they had her pull to the side and wait for it.
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Kop Karen kreated an entire video so she could accuse McDonald’s employees of being late with her food because they were possibly tampering with her food since she is a cop.
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No, seriously. She actually intimated that in the video.
In a video that lasts 2 minutes and 20 seconds, Kop Karen tells us that on her way home from work, she placed her order via the mobile app so that people “don’t try to pay” for her stuff because she likes to pay for it herself. Unfortunately, the order wasn’t ready when she got there, and she was asked to pull over to the side and so someone could bring it out to her.
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Kop Karen says that an employee comes out a bit later and hands her a cup of coffee but not her food. Through crocodile tears and exaggerated sobs, Kop Karen tells us that she told the employee not to bother bringing her the rest of the food, because “Right now, I’m too nervous to take it.”
“It doesn’t matter how many hours I’ve been up. It doesn’t matter what I’ve done for anyone. Right now I’m too nervous to take a meal from McDonald’s because I can’t see it being made.”
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What? It’s a McDonald’s, not a Benihana, you goofy bitch. No one goes to McDonald’s to see their food get made. Just pass me some hot fries and my Filet-o-Fish and leave me the fuck alone. Who goes to McDonald’s and stands watch over the fry cook? Absolutely no one, that’s who.
But I digress.
Kop Karen kontinues to melt down, dissolving into her fake tears.
“I don’t know what’s going on with people nowadays,” she continues, “but please, just give us a break. Please just give us a break. I don’t know how much more I can take, cause I’ve been in this for 15 years and I’ve never, ever had such anxiety about waiting for McDonald’s drive thru food.”
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“So just have a heart, and if you see an officer, just tell them thank you, because I don’t hear thank you enough anymore.”
Girl, if you don’t get your fragile white ass on somewhere with all these dramatics over a fucking Egg McMuffin.
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To be clear, this has absolutely nothing to do with her being a cop. The mobile app doesn’t know you are a cop. The mobile app doesn’t notify them before you arrive that you are a cop. Honestly, no one gives a fuck that you are a cop, Karen.
Black people are literally dying in the streets because cops are killing them, and you are upset and crying in your car like Red from Friday because your order isn’t ready?
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Never mind that this happens in the McDonald’s drive-thru to literally everyone regularly. Never mind that the overworked and underpaid McDonald’s workers couldn’t care less where the fuck you work or what you do for a living. They just want you to grab your hash browns and your coffee and get the fuck on.
Never mind that the entire reason cops are under fire right now is because some cops choose to use their badge as an excuse to act as judge, jury and executioner when it comes to black people while their fellow cops stand by turning a blind eye to their murderous bullshit.
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Kop Karen is the victim here, and all because she just wants to help people, according to her.
Well, Kop Karen, you can help by not painting yourself as a victim because your McDonald’s order wasn’t ready.
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You can help by remembering the “thank you” comes in the form of your paycheck, courtesy of the taxpayers in the jurisdiction where you work.
You can help by not creating a narrative that cops are under attack. They aren’t. And if they are, trust me, it’s not underpaid McDonald’s workers who are waging that war.
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It’s your white right-wing brothers, baby. Soak that in and let it moisturize your fragile white skin.
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I’m really praying that this video is fake and a parody, but I’m convinced it is not.
Because in a world where white privilege exists, it is entirely possible for a white lady cop to feel put upon all because her McDonald’s order wasn’t ready when she got to the drive thru window.
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We should all be concerned though. In the video she literally says “I don’t know how much more I can take” which is the red flag of someone who might fly off the deep end soon.
Hopefully Kop Karen won’t kill anyone because she’s upset about late hash browns.
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Or, you know, just kill someone the way all the other cops do.


theroot--2020-06-17--Save up to 20% on Snuggle-Pedic's Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillows and Mattresses

Save up to 20 % on Snuggle-Pedic Pillows and Mattresses | Amazon Gold Box For today only , Amazon has @ @ @ @ @ by up to 20 % .
They ’ re memory foam with breathable covers made @ @ @ @ @ You can get the mattress in sizes from Twin all the way to California King @ @ @ @ @ now are massive .
The latter is down to $ 559 after a $ 190 @ @ @ @ @ is $ 420 off its list price for a $ 480 total .
As for @ @ @ @ @ size is $ 10 off , down to $ 40 .
You ’ ll also @ @ @ @ @ $ 24 and a full body model down to $ 56 .
Head here to @ @ @ @ @ achieving better sleep , which—believe you me—is one of life ’ s most effective elixirs @

Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Save up to 20% on Snuggle-Pedic Pillows and Mattresses | Amazon Gold Box
For today only, Amazon has Snuggle-Pedic pillows and mattress discounted by up to 20%. They’re memory foam with breathable covers made of bamboo and polyester . You can get the mattress in sizes from Twin all the way to California King, and the savings right now are massive. The latter is down to $559 after a $190 discount, while a queen is $420 off its list price for a $480 total. As for the pillows, the standard size is $10 off, down to $40. You’ll also find the toddler version for $24 and a full body model down to $56.
Head here to see all your options for achieving better sleep, which—believe you me—is one of life’s most effective elixirs .


theroot--2020-06-17--Okay, So Maybe Life Inside the NBA's Bubble Won't Be So Bad After All

I haven ’ t been to summer camp since I was a child , but if it ’ s anything like what NBA players are about to experience at Disney World when they return to work in July , where do I sign up ?
According to T he Athletic , o n Tuesday , the league sent out a 108-page memo outlining what teams can expect when they make that move to Orlando and resume what ’ s left of the 2019-20 NBA season—a season marred by the death of Kobe Bryant and three months of inactivity ( and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will Mickey Mouse referee games ?
Will players be treated to unlimited rides ?
Life inside of the NBA ’ s bubble will be unlike anything NBA players have ever experienced before , but the league wants to make it explicitly clear that it will also make combating racial inequality a priority .
“ A central goal of our season restart will be to utilize the NBA ’ s platform to bring attention and sustained action to issues of social injustice , including combating systemic racism , expanding educational and economic opportunities across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and criminal justice reform and promoting greater civic engagement , ” the memo reads .
“ We are in discussions with the players association to develop a comprehensive strategy on how the NBA , its teams and players can best address these important issues and uniquely position our league to drive action and create meaningful and generational change.
” Presumably , this is to alleviate concerns that the NBA ’ s return will detract from the progress being made by the Black Lives Matter movement in light of the death of George Floyd—an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ w ar of sorts within the NBA ’ s pool of players .
The memo also states that players reserve the right not to play and that those who decline to participate “ will have his compensation reduced by 1/92.6 for each game missed up to a cap of 14 games , even if his team plays more than 14 games in Orlando.
” No other reductions in pay will be assessed , such as fines for missing practice .
Players are required to notify their team by June 24th of their decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken down into six phases , with mandatory COVID-19 testing beginning on June 23 upon arrival at their team practice facilities .
On July 7 , teams will report to the Disney World complex in Orlando and be quarantined until they provide two negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart .
Each player will also be required to wear a mask at all times , as well as a MagicBand , which serves as a room key , wallet and check-in device for use throughout their hotel and Disney properties .
Players will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarm “ that will notify a player if he spends more than five seconds within six feet of another person on campus who is also wearing an alarm.
” These will be mandatory for team and league staff .
As for life off the court , players are prohibited from entering hotel rooms that they aren ’ t assigned to .
Also of note , any player who leaves campus without approval with be subject to a 10-day quarantine without pay upon their return .
Those allowed to leave due to “ extenuating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon returning .
But for those who stay on campus , what is there to actually do ?
The Athletic also noted that hotels will include a players-only lounge complete with arcade games , ping pong , DJ sets , movie nights , lawn games and other ways to keep players occupied , as well as comedy shows and concerts .
Mental health will also be given priority , with access to virtual chaplains , mental health services and yoga/meditation available to players .
Barbers and other personal grooming services will be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have access to pools and trails to ride bikes or go jogging .
Additionally , there will be bowling , boating , golfing and fishing , as well as Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom and Wild Africa Trek on hand to keep players occupied—though sadly , it sounds like the amusement park is off-limits .
Considering the circumstances , this doesn ’ t sound like such a bad deal , al though , I can ’ t help but wonder how this will all affect the quality of basketball we see on the @ @

I haven’t been to summer camp since I was a child, but if it’s anything like what NBA players are about to experience at Disney World when they return to work in July, where do I sign up?
According to T he Athletic, o n Tuesday, the league sent out a 108-page memo outlining what teams can expect when they make that move to Orlando and resume what’s left of the 2019-20 NBA season—a season marred by the death of Kobe Bryant and three months of inactivity (and counting) due to the coronavirus.
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Will Mickey Mouse referee games? Will players be treated to unlimited rides? Life inside of the NBA’s bubble will be unlike anything NBA players have ever experienced before, but the league wants to make it explicitly clear that it will also make combating racial inequality a priority.
Advertisement Advertisement
“A central goal of our season restart will be to utilize the NBA’s platform to bring attention and sustained action to issues of social injustice, including combating systemic racism, expanding educational and economic opportunities across the Black community, enacting meaningful police and criminal justice reform and promoting greater civic engagement,” the memo reads. “We are in discussions with the players association to develop a comprehensive strategy on how the NBA, its teams and players can best address these important issues and uniquely position our league to drive action and create meaningful and generational change.”
Presumably, this is to alleviate concerns that the NBA’s return will detract from the progress being made by the Black Lives Matter movement in light of the death of George Floyd—an issue that has created a c ivil w ar of sorts within the NBA’s pool of players.
Advertisement
The memo also states that players reserve the right not to play and that those who decline to participate “will have his compensation reduced by 1/92.6 for each game missed up to a cap of 14 games, even if his team plays more than 14 games in Orlando.” No other reductions in pay will be assessed, such as fines for missing practice. Players are required to notify their team by June 24th of their decision.
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The actual season itself will be broken down into six phases, with mandatory COVID-19 testing beginning on June 23 upon arrival at their team practice facilities. On July 7, teams will report to the Disney World complex in Orlando and be quarantined until they provide two negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart.
Each player will also be required to wear a mask at all times, as well as a MagicBand, which serves as a room key, wallet and check-in device for use throughout their hotel and Disney properties. Players will also have the option to wear a proximity alarm “that will notify a player if he spends more than five seconds within six feet of another person on campus who is also wearing an alarm.” These will be mandatory for team and league staff.
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As for life off the court, players are prohibited from entering hotel rooms that they aren’t assigned to. Also of note, any player who leaves campus without approval with be subject to a 10-day quarantine without pay upon their return. Those allowed to leave due to “extenuating circumstances” should expect a four-day quarantine upon returning.
But for those who stay on campus, what is there to actually do?
The Athletic also noted that hotels will include a players-only lounge complete with arcade games, ping pong, DJ sets, movie nights, lawn games and other ways to keep players occupied, as well as comedy shows and concerts. Mental health will also be given priority, with access to virtual chaplains, mental health services and yoga/meditation available to players. Barbers and other personal grooming services will be made available by appointment and players will also have access to pools and trails to ride bikes or go jogging. Additionally, there will be bowling, boating, golfing and fishing, as well as Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Wild Africa Trek on hand to keep players occupied—though sadly, it sounds like the amusement park is off-limits.
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Considering the circumstances, this doesn’t sound like such a bad deal, al though, I can’t help but wonder how this will all affect the quality of basketball we see on the court.


theroot--2020-06-17--Quaker Oats Will Remove Aunt Jemima Brand From Its Products in Favor of Something ‘Appropriate and R

Quaker Oats Will Remove Aunt Jemima Brand From Its Products in Favor of Something ‘Appropriate and Respectful’

It seems like the national spotlight that all these protests and demonstrations have put on systemic racism has all the corporations scrambling to show their “ Black Lives Matter ” solidarity and , if necessary , rebrand their own products to make sure they ’ re racism-origin free .
Quaker Oats announced Wednesday that they will be changing the name and image of their Aunt Jemima syrup and pancake mix because they “ recognize Aunt Jemima ’ s origins are based on a racial stereotype.
” The 130-year-old brand features a Black woman named Aunt Jemima , who was originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture has changed over time , and in recent years Quaker removed the “ mammy ” kerchief from the character to blunt growing criticism that the brand perpetuated a racist stereotype that dated to the days of slavery .
But Quaker , a subsidiary of PepsiCo , said removing the image and name is part of an effort by the company “ to make progress toward racial equality.
” “ We recognize Aunt Jemima ’ s origins are based on a racial stereotype , ” Kristin Kroepfl , vice president and chief marketing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a press release .
“ As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives , we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers ’ expectations.
” Kroepfl said the company has worked to “ update ” the brand to be “ appropriate and respectful ” but it realized the changes were insufficient .
In addition to changing the Aunt Jemima brand , Quaker Oats announced that it will donate at least $ 5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create meaningful , ongoing support and engagement in the Black community.
” In all honestly , that couldn ’ t possibly be a vaguer description of who or what they ’ ll be donating to ... but whatever .
In case any of you are still on some “ Hey , what ’ s the big deal ?
It ’ s just syrup !
” shit , singer-songwriter Kirby Maurier did a decent job of explaining things in a TikTok video where she lets it be known that “ Black lives matter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to NBC , Quaker Oats said it will be announcing the new name for their products at a later date and that the new packaging will appear sometime in the fall .
It ’ s nice to see that Quaker Oats and other corporations are starting to understand that caricature isn ’ t what we have in mind when we say “ representation matters .
”

It seems like the national spotlight that all these protests and demonstrations have put on systemic racism has all the corporations scrambling to show their “Black Lives Matter” solidarity and, if necessary, rebrand their own products to make sure they’re racism-origin free. Quaker Oats announced Wednesday that they will be changing the name and image of their Aunt Jemima syrup and pancake mix because they “recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype.”
From NBC News:
The 130-year-old brand features a Black woman named Aunt Jemima, who was originally dressed as a minstrel character. The picture has changed over time, and in recent years Quaker removed the “mammy” kerchief from the character to blunt growing criticism that the brand perpetuated a racist stereotype that dated to the days of slavery. But Quaker, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, said removing the image and name is part of an effort by the company “to make progress toward racial equality.” “We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype,” Kristin Kroepfl, vice president and chief marketing officer of Quaker Foods North America, said in a press release. “As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers’ expectations.” Kroepfl said the company has worked to “update” the brand to be “appropriate and respectful” but it realized the changes were insufficient.
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In addition to changing the Aunt Jemima brand, Quaker Oats announced that it will donate at least $5 million over the next five years “to create meaningful, ongoing support and engagement in the Black community.” In all honestly, that couldn’t possibly be a vaguer description of who or what they’ll be donating to...but whatever.
In case any of you are still on some “Hey, what’s the big deal? It’s just syrup!” shit, singer-songwriter Kirby Maurier did a decent job of explaining things in a TikTok video where she lets it be known that “Black lives matter, people; even over breakfast.”
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According to NBC, Quaker Oats said it will be announcing the new name for their products at a later date and that the new packaging will appear sometime in the fall.
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It’s nice to see that Quaker Oats and other corporations are starting to understand that caricature isn’t what we have in mind when we say “representation matters.”


theroot--2020-06-17--Exclusive: Issa Rae's Raedio, HBO and Tenderfoot TV to Donate $30K to the Black and Missing Foundati

Exclusive: Issa Rae's Raedio, HBO and Tenderfoot TV to Donate $30K to the Black and Missing Foundation

As we reminisce on the rollercoaster ride that was season 4 of Insecure , we also appreciate the series ’ continued tradition of providing a well-produced show-within-a-show .
This season was the witty true crime series , Looking For LaToya ( in which SZA portrays the titular character ) .
In a satirical look at today ’ s society , the internal show offered cultural commentary into the lack of true crime shows that highlight the investigations surrounding missing black women .
Though we have to wait until who-knows-when for the premiere of Insecure ’ s fifth season , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap because Looking For LaToya is now a podcast !
Our true crime podcasts fans out there will love this one .
The Looking For LaToya podcast is a one-episode scripted special directed by Insecure executive producer Amy Aniobi , written by Insecure writers Chris Sanford and Kindsey Young and produced by Tenderfoot TV and Issa Rae ’ s record label Raedio with additional production services provided by Atlanta-based production company Swirl Films .
Rae , Benoni Tagoe ( Raedio ) , Deniese Davis ( Issa Rae Productions ) and Donald Albright ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Per the press release sent to The Root : “ It ’ s been an honor to partner with Tenderfoot TV to produce the Looking For LaToya podcast .
Their team has incredible skills and brings an uncompromised passion to the podcast space .
With Raedio being an audio everywhere company with roots in music and storytelling the Looking For LaToya project was a seamless next step as we develop our slate of content , ” Benoni Tagoe , president of Raedio , said in a statement .
The Root has exclusively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debut and highlight the importance of bringing awareness to missing persons of color , Rae and her label Raedio , Tenderfoot TV and HBO are donating $ 30,000 to the Black and Missing Foundation .
In addition to bringing awareness , the Black and Missing Foundation ’ s mission also includes conducting searches and educating communities on personal safety .
“ Partnering with Issa Rae and her incredibly talented team is an honor , ” Donald Albright , President of Tenderfoot TV said in a statement .
“ Insecure is a phenomenal series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the black experience in both a humorous and respectful way .
There is always a message and a larger point behind the humor , which holds true on Looking For Latoya .
I look forward to bringing a new side of Looking for LaToya to life , and sharing this episode with podcast listeners and fans of the show.
” The special episode of Looking For LaToya , “ Missing or Murrrrrrdered ?
” is now available on participating podcast platforms .
For more info , head to LookingForLaToya.com .

As we reminisce on the rollercoaster ride that was season 4 of Insecure, we also appreciate the series’ continued tradition of providing a well-produced show-within-a-show . This season was the witty true crime series, Looking For LaToya (in which SZA portrays the titular character). In a satirical look at today’s society, the internal show offered cultural commentary into the lack of true crime shows that highlight the investigations surrounding missing black women.
Though we have to wait until who-knows-when for the premiere of Insecure’s fifth season, we can fill in a bit of that gap because Looking For LaToya is now a podcast! Our true crime podcasts fans out there will love this one.
Advertisement
The Looking For LaToya podcast is a one-episode scripted special directed by Insecure executive producer Amy Aniobi, written by Insecure writers Chris Sanford and Kindsey Young and produced by Tenderfoot TV and Issa Rae’s record label Raedio with additional production services provided by Atlanta-based production company Swirl Films. Rae, Benoni Tagoe (Raedio), Deniese Davis (Issa Rae Productions) and Donald Albright (Tenderfoot TV) serve as Executive Producers.
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Per the press release sent to The Root:
The podcast will feature cast members Terri J. Vaughn, Ray J, Porsha Williams, Kandi Burruss-Tucker, and Carl Anthony Payne II. In this special episode, listeners will get a jam-packed dive into the disappearance and speculated murder of LaToya Thompson, with never-before-seen details and information.
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“It’s been an honor to partner with Tenderfoot TV to produce the Looking For LaToya podcast. Their team has incredible skills and brings an uncompromised passion to the podcast space. With Raedio being an audio everywhere company with roots in music and storytelling the Looking For LaToya project was a seamless next step as we develop our slate of content,” Benoni Tagoe, president of Raedio, said in a statement.
The Root has exclusively learned that to further celebrate the podcast debut and highlight the importance of bringing awareness to missing persons of color, Rae and her label Raedio, Tenderfoot TV and HBO are donating $30,000 to the Black and Missing Foundation. In addition to bringing awareness, the Black and Missing Foundation’s mission also includes conducting searches and educating communities on personal safety.
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“Partnering with Issa Rae and her incredibly talented team is an honor,” Donald Albright, President of Tenderfoot TV said in a statement. “Insecure is a phenomenal series that highlights the beauty and the struggle of the black experience in both a humorous and respectful way. There is always a message and a larger point behind the humor, which holds true on Looking For Latoya. I look forward to bringing a new side of Looking for LaToya to life, and sharing this episode with podcast listeners and fans of the show.”
The special episode of Looking For LaToya, “Missing or Murrrrrrdered?” is now available on participating podcast platforms. For more info, head to LookingForLaToya.com.


theroot--2020-06-17--Take a Load off With Prospera's $69 Shiatsu Foot Massager

If you ’ re back to work and don ’ t have the luxury of sitting in a chair all @ @ @ @ @ t actually a luxury past a certain point , but , you know ) , @ @ @ @ @ shiatsu foot massager by Prospera .
It ’ s only $ 69 at MorningSave today @ @ @ @ @ with air compression to snuggle and cuddle your aching dogs the best it can .

Vivaspa Shiatsu Foot Massager | $79 | SideDeal
If you’re back to work and don’t have the luxury of sitting in a chair all day (which isn’t actually a luxury past a certain point, but, you know), take a look at this shiatsu foot massager by Vivaspa. It’s only $79 at SideDeal today and features a 360-degree heating element with air compression and kneading nodes to snuggle and cuddle your aching dogs the best it can.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer on 6/17/2020 and updated with new information on 7/22/2020.


theroot--2020-06-17--Alleged 'Boogaloo Boy' Charged With Murder in Death of Federal Officer During Oakland Black Lives Ma

Alleged 'Boogaloo Boy' Charged With Murder in Death of Federal Officer During Oakland Black Lives Matter Protests

For as long as the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests began gathering momentum , there were rumors of infiltration of the protests by outside groups .
Much of the focus , at first , was placed on alleged anarchist or anti-fascist groups destroying public and corporate property .
But as the massive protests stretch into their fourth week , attention has shifted to extremist libertarian and far-right groups using the protests as cover to incite a race war .
On Tuesday , federal authorities charged Air Force Staff Sgt .
Steven Carillo with murder and attempted murder in the fatal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a federal courthouse in Oakland on May 29 .
As the Washington Post reports , Carillo is a “ Boogaloo Boy , ” a decentralized and extremist movement comprising mostly young white men ( surprise ) who are advocating for a second civil war .
While there ’ s a range of political ideologies in the movement—some are blatant white supremacists eager to kick off a race war , while others are more libertarian in their beliefs ( so , just milder racists ? )
—where they are aligned is in their desire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began getting nationwide attention during the COVID-19 social distancing protests , where they dressed up in Hawaiian shirts and whined very loudly about government overreach during a pandemic .
Libertarian and white supremacist groups being who they are , they also attended those protests heavily armed .
Authorities investigating Carillo tracked the 32-year-old ’ s online activity prior to the Oakland protests last month .
According to the FBI , Carillo ambushed two security officers , injuring one and killing the other , with Robert Alvin Justus Jr. , who confessed to being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s on our coast now , this needs to be nationwide , ” Carrillo allegedly posted in a group chat with Justus and one other person , referring to a YouTube video showing a crowd of protesters attacking two California Highway Patrol vehicles .
“ It ’ s a great opportunity to target the specialty soup bois .
Keep that energy going.
” The term “ soup bois ” has been used in Boogaloo memes to refer to the “ alphabet soup ” of federal law enforcement agencies ranging from the FBI to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Firearms and Explosives ( ATF ) to the Federal Protective Service ( FPS ) .
Facebook messages also show that Justus and Carrillo planned to use nearby protests as a distraction , knowing police resources would be focused on preventing rioting and looting , the criminal complaint alleges .
The killing led to a nationwide manhunt that lasted more than a week .
Before Carillo was apprehended , he shot and killed a police officer , Santa Cruz County Sgt .
Damon Gutzwiller , and critically injured another sheriff ’ s deputy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carrillo , Jeffrey Stotter , told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that the public should not “ rush to judgment ” about the killings , adding to NBC News that Carrillo suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2009 and was still shaken by his wife ’ s suicide in 2018 .
Carillo could face the death penalty if convicted for murder , and up to 20 years in prison if convicted for attempted murder .
The same penalties would apply to Justus if he ’ s convicted on aiding and abetting charges .

For as long as the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests began gathering momentum, there were rumors of infiltration of the protests by outside groups. Much of the focus, at first, was placed on alleged anarchist or anti-fascist groups destroying public and corporate property. But as the massive protests stretch into their fourth week, attention has shifted to extremist libertarian and far-right groups using the protests as cover to incite a race war.
On Tuesday, federal authorities charged Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Carillo with murder and attempted murder in the fatal shooting of a federal security officer outside a federal courthouse in Oakland on May 29.
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As the Washington Post reports, Carillo is a “Boogaloo Boy,” a decentralized and extremist movement comprising mostly young white men (surprise) who are advocating for a second civil war. While there’s a range of political ideologies in the movement—some are blatant white supremacists eager to kick off a race war, while others are more libertarian in their beliefs (so, just milder racists?)—where they are aligned is in their desire to overthrow the government.
They first began getting nationwide attention during the COVID-19 social distancing protests, where they dressed up in Hawaiian shirts and whined very loudly about government overreach during a pandemic. Libertarian and white supremacist groups being who they are, they also attended those protests heavily armed.
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Authorities investigating Carillo tracked the 32-year-old’s online activity prior to the Oakland protests last month. According to the FBI, Carillo ambushed two security officers, injuring one and killing the other, with Robert Alvin Justus Jr., who confessed to being the getaway driver.
From the Washington Post:
“It’s on our coast now, this needs to be nationwide,” Carrillo allegedly posted in a group chat with Justus and one other person, referring to a YouTube video showing a crowd of protesters attacking two California Highway Patrol vehicles. “It’s a great opportunity to target the specialty soup bois. Keep that energy going.” “Let’s boogie,” Justus allegedly replied. The term “soup bois” has been used in Boogaloo memes to refer to the “alphabet soup” of federal law enforcement agencies ranging from the FBI to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to the Federal Protective Service (FPS). Facebook messages also show that Justus and Carrillo planned to use nearby protests as a distraction, knowing police resources would be focused on preventing rioting and looting, the criminal complaint alleges.
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The killing led to a nationwide manhunt that lasted more than a week. Before Carillo was apprehended, he shot and killed a police officer, Santa Cruz County Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, and critically injured another sheriff’s deputy, reports NBC News.
An attorney for Carrillo, Jeffrey Stotter, told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that the public should not “rush to judgment” about the killings, adding to NBC News that Carrillo suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2009 and was still shaken by his wife’s suicide in 2018.
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Carillo could face the death penalty if convicted for murder, and up to 20 years in prison if convicted for attempted murder. The same penalties would apply to Justus if he’s convicted on aiding and abetting charges.


theroot--2020-06-17--Dr. Fauci Wouldn’t Attend Trump’s Tulsa Rally, Even With a 6-Foot Pole (I’m Paraphrasing)

I know that President Trump is a white man and that has afforded him luxuries and special powers that have allowed him to be the most mediocre of white men alive .
He even parlayed that all the way to the highest office in the land , but acting like the coronavirus doesn ’ t exist doesn ’ t make it go away—no matter how magical your whiteness is .
In just days , Trump is set to have his followers—some 19,000 of them—packed into an arena in Tulsa , Okla. , for the first “ Keep America Great ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the buildings .
I believe the event is Saturday ; I mean , do you really want me to look up the date ?
Are you planning on attending ?
Why are you reading this ?
How did you get here ?
This is not my beautiful house ?
!
Fine .
I do know that the event will be held inside , which goes against everything that the coronavirus instructors have told us , at someplace called the BOK Center , and Tulsa health officials and community leaders are super concerned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ much out here running around like an early 1990s Suge Knight ; secondly , I don ’ t know if the Trump administration is aware of this , but the nation is currently experiencing a national uprising over black lives taken by the overly aggressive policing of people of color .
To his credit , Trump did move his rally from Juneteenth to who-fucking-knows-when because he didn ’ t want the wrath of God to fall on Tulsa for having his white power rally on the same day slaves were freed .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to stop Trump and the Trumpettes from holding their event by seeking a temporary injunction against the company that manages the BOK Center “ to protect against a substantial , imminent , and deadly risk to the community , ” a lawsuit stated , but a judge denied the request , the Washington Post notes .
But there will be one person notably absent from the white-tivities and that ’ s Dr. Anthony S. Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious-disease expert—which should speak volumes , but you know Trump ain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beast asked if Dr. Fauci would be attending the rally , the good doctor responded : “ Bitch , are you trippin ’ ?
Fuck I look like ?
” Fine .
Fauci actually said , “ No .
I ’ m in a high-risk category .
Personally , I would not .
Of course not.
” The 79-year-old added that in the case of Trump ’ s rallies “ outside is better than inside , no crowd is better than [ a ] crowd ” and a “ crowd is better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no one knows if Fauci was even asked to attend and whether or not he had khakis and his own government-issued tiki torch .
I ’ m currently not fucking with Dr. Fauci after learning that the Trump administration didn ’ t tell the public to wear masks when the coronavirus hit because they didn ’ t want to feel the strain of a shortage of PPE .
“ [ We ] were concerned that it was at a time when personal protective equipment , including the N95 masks and the surgical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Fauci told The Street .
According to the Hill , “ By early April , the Strategic National Stockpile had been depleted , and around the same time President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to have manufacturing chains across the U.S. focus on making vital medical equipment such as ventilators and masks.
” Dr. Fauci added that the Trump administration wanted to give front line workers and emergency personnel the opportunity to get masks .
“ We wanted to make sure that the people , namely the health care workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves in harm ’ s way , to take care of people who you know were infected with the coronavirus and the danger of them getting infected , ” Fauci concluded .
Yeah , but that was at the expense of American lives .
So yeah , I ’ m cool on Dr. Fauci , even if I understand the thinking .
But back to Trump ’ s bootleg-ass rally ; get this shit : Those who attend have to agree that they won ’ t sue should they contract the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present , ” the campaign website says on the RSVP page for the rally , CBS News reports .
“ By attending the Rally , you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President , Inc. ; BOK Center ; ASM Global ; or any of their affiliates , directors , officers , employees , agents , contractors , or volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So yeah , good luck with your rally , white people .
With your rallying ass .

I know that President Trump is a white man and that has afforded him luxuries and special powers that have allowed him to be the most mediocre of white men alive. He even parlayed that all the way to the highest office in the land, but acting like the coronavirus doesn’t exist doesn’t make it go away—no matter how magical your whiteness is.
In just days, Trump is set to have his followers—some 19,000 of them—packed into an arena in Tulsa, Okla., for the first “Keep America Great” rally since COVID-19 came through and crushed the buildings.
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I believe the event is Saturday; I mean, do you really want me to look up the date? Are you planning on attending? Why are you reading this? How did you get here? This is not my beautiful house?!
Fine. I do know that the event will be held inside, which goes against everything that the coronavirus instructors have told us, at someplace called the BOK Center, and Tulsa health officials and community leaders are super concerned. First, the virus is still very much out here running around like an early 1990s Suge Knight; secondly, I don’t know if the Trump administration is aware of this, but the nation is currently experiencing a national uprising over black lives taken by the overly aggressive policing of people of color. To his credit, Trump did move his rally from Juneteenth to who-fucking-knows-when because he didn’t want the wrath of God to fall on Tulsa for having his white power rally on the same day slaves were freed.
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A group of Tulsa residents and business owners tried to stop Trump and the Trumpettes from holding their event by seeking a temporary injunction against the company that manages the BOK Center “to protect against a substantial, imminent, and deadly risk to the community,” a lawsuit stated, but a judge denied the request, the Washington Post notes.
But there will be one person notably absent from the white-tivities and that’s Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert—which should speak volumes, but you know Trump ain’t listening.
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When the Daily Beast asked if Dr. Fauci would be attending the rally, the good doctor responded: “Bitch, are you trippin’? Fuck I look like?”
Fine. Fauci actually said, “No. I’m in a high-risk category. Personally, I would not. Of course not.” The 79-year-old added that in the case of Trump’s rallies “outside is better than inside, no crowd is better than [a] crowd” and a “crowd is better than [a] big crowd.”
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Admittedly, no one knows if Fauci was even asked to attend and whether or not he had khakis and his own government-issued tiki torch.
I’m currently not fucking with Dr. Fauci after learning that the Trump administration didn’t tell the public to wear masks when the coronavirus hit because they didn’t want to feel the strain of a shortage of PPE.
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“[We] were concerned that it was at a time when personal protective equipment, including the N95 masks and the surgical masks, were in very short supply,” Fauci told The Street.
According to the Hill, “By early April, the Strategic National Stockpile had been depleted, and around the same time President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to have manufacturing chains across the U.S. focus on making vital medical equipment such as ventilators and masks.”
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Dr. Fauci added that the Trump administration wanted to give front line workers and emergency personnel the opportunity to get masks.
“We wanted to make sure that the people, namely the health care workers, who were brave enough to put themselves in harm’s way, to take care of people who you know were infected with the coronavirus and the danger of them getting infected,” Fauci concluded.
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Yeah, but that was at the expense of American lives. So yeah, I’m cool on Dr. Fauci, even if I understand the thinking.
But back to Trump’s bootleg-ass rally; get this shit: Those who attend have to agree that they won’t sue should they contract the coronavirus.
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“By clicking register below, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present,” the campaign website says on the RSVP page for the rally, CBS News reports.
“By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.”
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So yeah, good luck with your rally, white people. With your rallying ass.


theroot--2020-06-17--Netflix CEO Donating $120 Million to HBCUs and the United Negro College Fund

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife Patty Quillin will donate an allotted total of $ 120 million to HBCUs and black scholarship funds .
Spelman College , Morehouse College and the United Negro College Fund ( UNCF ) will each receive $ 40 million .
“ There are many good places to donate , but the [ historically Black colleges and universities ] are 150 years old , incredibly resilient , producing an amazing number of Black graduates , ” Hastings said during an interview with CNBC on Monday .
“ We want to help draw attention to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the solution for America , and for black children to aspire to.
” The generous donation comes during a time where many are calling for racial justice and equality in America , sparked by the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s death at the hands of police in Minnesota in May .
Additionally , black people are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic due to disparities in access to healthcare in the community .
“ The amount of tragedy really did get us to focus and say , ‘ let ’ s do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these great institutions and give people some sense of hope , ’ ” Hastings continued .
“ This moment is not the first time that racism has reared its , you know , terribly ugly head.
” Forbes reports that Hastings has a net worth of nearly $ 4.8 billion , and he ’ s also no stranger to donating his earnings to fund education .
In 2016 , he started a $ 100 million fund through the Silicon Valley Community Foundation for children ’ s education .
Through the fund , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Negro College Fund and the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley totaling $ 1.5 million .

J'na Jefferson on The Grapevine, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife Patty Quillin will donate an allotted total of $120 million to HBCUs and black scholarship funds. Spelman College, Morehouse College and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will each receive $40 million.
“There are many good places to donate, but the [historically Black colleges and universities] are 150 years old, incredibly resilient, producing an amazing number of Black graduates,” Hastings said during an interview with CNBC on Monday. “We want to help draw attention to the HBCUs, to them being part of the solution for America, and for black children to aspire to.”
The generous donation comes during a time where many are calling for racial justice and equality in America, sparked by the aftermath of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minnesota in May. Additionally, black people are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic due to disparities in access to healthcare in the community.
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“The amount of tragedy really did get us to focus and say, ‘let’s do something now that will be supportive of these great institutions and give people some sense of hope,’” Hastings continued. “This moment is not the first time that racism has reared its, you know, terribly ugly head.”
Forbes reports that Hastings has a net worth of nearly $4.8 billion, and he’s also no stranger to donating his earnings to fund education. In 2016, he started a $100 million fund through the Silicon Valley Community Foundation for children’s education. Through the fund, he donated inaugural grants to both the United Negro College Fund and the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley totaling $1.5 million.


theroot--2020-06-17--Easily Organize Your Pantry With a Set of Food Storage Containers

Are your counters a hot mess ?
What about your pantry ?
You can easily organize your kitchen easily with @ @ @ @ @ storage containers .
They ’ re $ 31 for a pack of seven , and @ @ @ @ @ % off the original list price , which means you save about $ 20 !
@ @ @ @ @ so you can actually see what is in them , as well as labels just @ @ @ @ @ you still don ’ t recognize what the hell you ’ re looking at .

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Quentyn Kennemer to The Root

Food Storage Containers | $31 | Amazon | Clip Coupon
Are your counters a hot mess? What about your pantry? You can easily organize your kitchen easily with the help of these food storage containers. They’re $31 for a pack of seven, and they’re about 40% off the original list price, which means you save about $20! They’re clear containers so you can actually see what is in them, as well as labels just in case you look and you still don’t recognize what the hell you’re looking at.