theroot--2020-12-28--Black Paranoia and the COVID Vaccine, Explained

Hey , Racist Baby !
How are you doing ?
I haven ’ t seen you in a while .
What does that even mean , you little baby bigot ?
Wait ... are you trying to say “ As-Salaam-Alaikum ?
” Yes .
My dad says that ’ s how “ you people ” greet each other .
Ever since the government put us on lockdown and took away my rights to not wear a mask , I understand you much better .
As the great Moses Malone told Jay Pharoah : “ Let my people go !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ re going too far .
Please don ’ t tell me your racist parents have turned you into an anti-masker .
Not all masks .
The white hoods are still OK .
But today , my mom says “ the oppressor wants to turn us into slaves , ” so she allowed me to get some advice from you .
Plus , she said you ’ d understand why we shouldn ’ t be taking the vaccine .
Well .
my little neophyte Nazi , I hate to disappoint you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as I have the opportunity .
But you ’ re Black !
I thought Black people weren ’ t taking the vaccine ?
I read it in and saw it in .
But it ’ s just a thing that the media does to pretend its interested in “ talking about race.
” According to a Reuters poll , about 37 percent of Black people said they weren ’ t interested in taking the COVID vaccine , compared to 30 percent of white people .
A Kaiser Family Foundation poll found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ definitely ” take the coronavirus vaccine or “ probably take ” it .
Most people—Black or white—said they were planning to take the vaccine .
Only 15 percent of Black adults said they would “ definitely not get the vaccine , ” which is quite literally the exact same percentage of whites who expressed that sentiment .
Instead of trying to convince Black Americans to take the vaccine , the media should be focusing on the largest group who is hesitant about being inoculated against the coronavirus .
Which group is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the largest group of people in America who responded that they would “ probably not get it ” or “ definitely not get it.
” Look at this chart .
According to Pew Research , about 53 percent of white people identify as Republican .
And , since there are about 197 million white people in America , this means about 27 million white people might not get vaccinated against this deadly virus , compared to 15 million Black Americans who are vaccine-hesitant .
But we all have valid reasons , right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried about a repeat of the government experiment where doctors injected the Tuskegee Airmen with syphilis .
See , I know my Black history !
The Tuskegee Syphilis Study was a 40-year medical experiment where officials at the Public Health Service told Black men who were had tested positive for syphilis that they were being treated for “ bad blood.
” In truth , they were not being treated at all .
Wow .
So I can understand why that makes Black people reluctant .
Also , Black people are not reluctant because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative crafted by news reports paints Black people as uneducated conspiracy theorists , 71 percent of Black patients said they wanted to proceed cautiously because they were worried about side effects .
The same percentage of Black people said they were also worried about the short development period .
Only 48 percent of Black adults expressed a lack of confidence in the developers ’ willingness to take the needs of Black people into account .
The mumps vaccine ( the fastest vaccine ever developed ) took four years .
African Americans make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials , and over 90 percent of the volunteers in the AstraZeneca phase I and II clinical trial were white .
“ A similar lack of diversity was found in the Moderna phase I trial and Pfizer and BioNTech ’ s phase I and II study , ” Healthline reports .
Also , a 2018 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources assessed found even the most objective measures of healthcare quality showed that white people received better care from doctors than Black patients .
I feel you , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oppressed people have to stick together .
Not quite , my brother .
White people were not concerned about those things .
According to KFF , 71 percent of Republicans believe that vaccination is a personal choice , while everyone else says it ’ s “ part of everyone ’ s responsibility to protect others.
” Half of the white people and 57 percent of Republicans who were wary about the vaccine , attributed their reluctance to their belief that “ the risks of COVID-19 are being exaggerated.
” So , how could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine ?
Well , considering the medical discrimination , lack of healthcare and social inequality that white people have never had to deal with they have never faced , maybe I have five marketing slogans that might work : • Every time a white person gets vaccinated , a Black person loses their right to vote .
• The vaccine makes children immune to reverse racism , the gay agenda and The 1619 Project .
• Barack Obama , Ilhan Omar and Black Lives Matter created the coronavirus to destroy America and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white genocide .
• One of the side effects of the vaccine is that white women will no longer find Black men attractive .
• The vaccine will give you the ability to find Hillary ’ s emails , “ stop the steal ” and clap on beat .
And how will they convince Black people to take the vaccine ?
As a certified and registered Black person , I have no idea .
Perhaps they should make sure the vaccine is safe .
Seventy-two percent of Black people surveyed said they either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it becomes available or “ wait until it has been available for a while to see how it is working for other people.
” I do , however , know what won ’ t work .
Condensing Black people ’ s historically legitimate , scientifically accurate concerns down to a collective negro paranoia instead of addressing the actions that white people , the medical community and America actually did and are still doing to Black people will never work .
Getting our favorite rappers and politicians to pose for pictures probably won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is—and I know this sounds insane—what if they explained the importance of vaccination to Black people as if they are people ?
What if the healthcare industry acknowledged the harm they have caused to non-white communities and made a commitment to treating Black patients the same as white patients ?
Perhaps they should send healthcare workers to Black churches and neighborhoods—not because of some kind of affirmative action mandate , but because those are the communities COVID-19 is hitting the hardest .
On second thought , they ’ ll probably just try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking the shot on Instagram .
Is that why you ’ re taking the vaccine ?
No , I don ’ t want to die and I don ’ t want to be responsible for other people dying .
I have this thing about Black lives ; I believe they matter .
Plus , I want to go outside .
Well , I got ta go to the mask protest and I haven ’ t cleaned my gun yet .
See you later .
Salami Lakers to you , my little friend .

Hey, Racist Baby! How are you doing? I haven’t seen you in a while.
Hello, my brother. A salami Lakers.
What does that even mean, you little baby bigot? Wait...are you trying to say “As-Salaam-Alaikum?”
Yes. My dad says that’s how “you people” greet each other. Ever since the government put us on lockdown and took away my rights to not wear a mask, I understand you much better. As the great Moses Malone told Jay Pharoah: “Let my people go!”
Stop it, my little tyke nationalist. You’re going too far. Please don’t tell me your racist parents have turned you into an anti-masker.
Advertisement
Not all masks. The white hoods are still OK. But today, my mom says “the oppressor wants to turn us into slaves,” so she allowed me to get some advice from you. Plus, she said you’d understand why we shouldn’t be taking the vaccine.
Well. my little neophyte Nazi, I hate to disappoint you but I’m taking the vaccine as soon as I have the opportunity.
Advertisement Advertisement
But you’re Black! I thought Black people weren’t taking the vaccine? I read it in the newspaper and saw it in Time magazine .
I know Racist Baby.
But it’s just a thing that the media does to pretend its interested in “talking about race.” According to a Reuters poll, about 37 percent of Black people said they weren’t interested in taking the COVID vaccine, compared to 30 percent of white people. A Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that 62 percent of Black people would “definitely” take the coronavirus vaccine or “probably take” it. Most people—Black or white—said they were planning to take the vaccine.
Advertisement
Only 15 percent of Black adults said they would “definitely not get the vaccine,” which is quite literally the exact same percentage of whites who expressed that sentiment.
Instead of trying to convince Black Americans to take the vaccine, the media should be focusing on the largest group who is hesitant about being inoculated against the coronavirus.
Advertisement
Which group is that?
White people.
Those same polls show that Republicans are the largest group of people in America who responded that they would “probably not get it” or “definitely not get it.” Look at this chart.
Advertisement
According to Pew Research, about 53 percent of white people identify as Republican. And, since there are about 197 million white people in America, this means about 27 million white people might not get vaccinated against this deadly virus, compared to 15 million Black Americans who are vaccine-hesitant.
Advertisement
But we all have valid reasons, right? I know that Black people are worried about a repeat of the government experiment where doctors injected the Tuskegee Airmen with syphilis. See, I know my Black history!
Not quite, racist baby.
The Tuskegee Syphilis Study was a 40-year medical experiment where officials at the Public Health Service told Black men who were had tested positive for syphilis that they were being treated for “bad blood.” In truth, they were not being treated at all.
Advertisement
Wow. So I can understand why that makes Black people reluctant.
Yes.
Also, Black people are not reluctant because of the Tuskegee experiment.
Although the narrative crafted by news reports paints Black people as uneducated conspiracy theorists, 71 percent of Black patients said they wanted to proceed cautiously because they were worried about side effects. The same percentage of Black people said they were also worried about the short development period. Only 48 percent of Black adults expressed a lack of confidence in the developers’ willingness to take the needs of Black people into account.
Advertisement
The mumps vaccine (the fastest vaccine ever developed) took four years. African Americans make up only 5 percent of participants in clinical trials, and over 90 percent of the volunteers in the AstraZeneca phase I and II clinical trial were white. “A similar lack of diversity was found in the Moderna phase I trial and Pfizer and BioNTech’s phase I and II study,” Healthline reports. Also, a 2018 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources assessed found even the most objective measures of healthcare quality showed that white people received better care from doctors than Black patients.
That’s not paranoia; that’s just science.
I feel you, my brother. That’s why we oppressed people have to stick together.
Not quite, my brother. White people were not concerned about those things.
According to KFF, 71 percent of Republicans believe that vaccination is a personal choice, while everyone else says it’s “part of everyone’s responsibility to protect others.” Half of the white people and 57 percent of Republicans who were wary about the vaccine, attributed their reluctance to their belief that “the risks of COVID-19 are being exaggerated.”
Advertisement
So, how could we get white Republicans to take the vaccine?
Well, considering the medical discrimination, lack of healthcare and social inequality that white people have never had to deal with they have never faced, maybe I have five marketing slogans that might work:
Every time a white person gets vaccinated, a Black person loses their right to vote.
The vaccine makes children immune to reverse racism, the gay agenda and The 1619 Project.
Barack Obama, Ilhan Omar and Black Lives Matter created the coronavirus to destroy America and this is the only way to stop the white genocide.
One of the side effects of the vaccine is that white women will no longer find Black men attractive.
The vaccine will give you the ability to find Hillary’s emails, “stop the steal” and clap on beat.
Advertisement
And how will they convince Black people to take the vaccine?
As a certified and registered Black person, I have no idea.
Perhaps they should make sure the vaccine is safe. Seventy-two percent of Black people surveyed said they either planned to get vaccinated as soon as it becomes available or “wait until it has been available for a while to see how it is working for other people.”
Advertisement
I do, however, know what won’t work.
Condensing Black people’s historically legitimate, scientifically accurate concerns down to a collective negro paranoia instead of addressing the actions that white people, the medical community and America actually did and are still doing to Black people will never work. Getting our favorite rappers and politicians to pose for pictures probably won’t work either.
Advertisement
My only suggestion is—and I know this sounds insane—what if they explained the importance of vaccination to Black people as if they are people? What if the healthcare industry acknowledged the harm they have caused to non-white communities and made a commitment to treating Black patients the same as white patients? Perhaps they should send healthcare workers to Black churches and neighborhoods—not because of some kind of affirmative action mandate, but because those are the communities COVID-19 is hitting the hardest.
On second thought, they’ll probably just try to get Beyoncé and LeBron to post themselves taking the shot on Instagram.
Advertisement
Is that why you’re taking the vaccine?
No, I don’t want to die and I don’t want to be responsible for other people dying. I have this thing about Black lives; I believe they matter.
Advertisement
Plus, I want to go outside.
Well, I gotta go to the mask protest and I haven’t cleaned my gun yet. See you later.
Salami Lakers to you, my little friend.


theroot--2020-12-28--Boost Your Kitchen Capabilities With $40 off the Instant Pot Duo Plus

I too know the unique pain of owning far too many single-use , gimmicky kitchen appliances that leave the countertop @ @ @ @ @ banished to the basement to collect dust and generate regret every time you pass by @ @ @ @ @ get behind the Instant Pot Duo Plus , which is $ 40 off the regular @ @ @ @ @ This 6-quart model packs a lot of capabilities into a compact design , letting you @ @ @ @ @ , steam rice and more , sauté , cook eggs , sterilize , and more @ @ @ @ @ great !
Find out why people have been raving over the Instant Pot in recent @ @ @ @ @ Plus edition for just $ 90 today .
This deal was originally posted by Andrew @ @ @ @ @ updated with new information on 12/28/2020 .

Andrew Hayward and Elizabeth Lanier on Kinja Deals, shared by Jordan McMahon to The Root

Instant Pot Duo Plus (6qt) | $8 0 | Amazon
I too know the unique pain of owning far too many single-use, gimmicky kitchen appliances that leave the countertop after a few months, banished to the basement to collect dust and generate regret every time you pass by.
But even I can get behind the Instant Pot Duo Plus, which is $40 off the regular price at Amazon today. This 6-quart model packs a lot of capabilities into a compact design, letting you pressure cook, slow cook, steam rice and more, sauté, cook eggs, sterilize, and more. It’s pretty great!
Find out why people have been raving over the Instant Pot in recent years by grabbing this Duo Plus edition for just $8 0 today.
This deal was originally posted by Andrew Hayward in September 2020 and updated with new information on 07/06/2021.


theroot--2020-12-28--In a League Short on Black Quarterbacks, Dwayne Haskins Did Himself No Favors—And Just Got Fired for

In a League Short on Black Quarterbacks, Dwayne Haskins Did Himself No Favors—And Just Got Fired for His Trouble

If there ’ s one thing football fans are short of—besides proper decorum—it ’ s sympathy .
And on April 25 , 2019 , for better or worse , promising Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins was picked 15th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft .
In the year and change since , he ’ s been expected to develop within a corrosive environment that isn ’ t exactly conducive to productivity—to put it lightly .
As I ’ ve previously written here at The Root : For those out the loop , Haskins has never had the opportunity to thrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armpit of the NFL universe , he ’ s played for three different coaches since being drafted , with each one installing their own offense .
Then when Ron Rivera came aboard , guess who he brought with him ?
His old quarterback from his old team : Kyle Allen—a.k.a .
the guy who just stole Haskins ’ job .
Washington has also been mired in controversy after controversy after controversy since Haskins ’ arrival , so it ’ s hard not to believe that all this chaos and perpetual bullshit hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter how good of a player you are , where you play is not only crucial to your development but to your ability to excel on the field .
Does anyone really think Lamar Jackson , Kyler Murray or Patrick Mahomes would be playing at the same level in Washington ?
Of course not .
Compounding matters is the fact that Haskins isn ’ t exactly the most mature player in the league , as evidenced by the fact that he broke COVID-19 protocols in October by attempting to make reservations for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubled down on his stupidity last week when pictures surfaced of him being maskless in a strip club—putting his entire team at risk of exposure to COVID-19 .
( Did I mention that his coach is currently fighting throat cancer and is especially susceptible to experiencing complications should he contract that shit ? )
Needless to say , coming into Washington ’ s game on Sunday , the 23-year-old was on thin ice .
He was stripped of his captaincy yet was still forced to play since Alex Smith was still out with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the adversity by ballin ’ out and proving his mettle as an NFL quarterback in a game that could ’ ve allowed Washington to clinch a much-needed playoff berth , he stunk up the joint and got his ass benched in favor of a fourth-string quarterback .
Washington lost , their playoff chances are remote , if not minuscule , and Haskins had some explaining to do after his piss-poor , two-interception performance .
“ Definitely the hardest week of my life , ” he told reporters on Sunday .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward and pray and get my life together.
” Wellllllllllllllllll , I don ’ t know how much prayer he ’ s been doing , but he ’ ll definitely have all the time in the world to get his life together after Washington announced on Monday that his services are no longer needed , effective immediately .
“ This afternoon I met with Dwayne and informed him that we would be releasing him , ” Coach Rivera wrote in a statement .
“ I told him that I believe it benefits both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We want to thank Dwayne for his contributions these last two seasons and wish him well moving forward.
” Getting rid of a first-round quarterback before he even finishes the second year of his contract isn ’ t unprecedented , but it sure as hell is a shocker .
Even JaMarcus Russell , arguably the biggest bust in NFL history , played three seasons in Oakland .
That should provide a bit of perspective as to how badly Haskins breached trust and avoided accountability in Washington .
And you already know Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : So what ’ s next for Haskins ?
After taking that long , miserable walk of shame to the waiver wire , any team interested in picking him up will be responsible for the two remaining years on his rookie contract .
SPOILER WARNING : Nobody is touching that shit .
But I wouldn ’ t be surprised if somebody scoops him for far less this offseason as a free agent .
He unquestionably has his warts , but who ’ s to say he can ’ t eventually thrive in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price—and I mean pennies on the dollar—I would be willing to roll those dice to find out .
“ My time with the WFT has unfortunately come to an end , ” Haskins tweeted on Monday from his now-private Twitter account .
“ I thank the team & fans for the opportunity to play for the team I grew up rooting for .
I take full responsibility for not meeting the standards of an NFL QB & will become a better man & player because of this experience.
” It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uphill battle in getting the same opportunities or treatment as their white counterparts throughout the league , but Haskins couldn ’ t have done any worse with the cards he was dealt .
And with the next generation of Black quarterbacks waiting in the wings to make their mark on the league , I can ’ t help but wonder if they ’ ll somehow be penalized for Haskins ’ shortcomings .

If there’s one thing football fans are short of—besides proper decorum—it’s sympathy. And on April 25, 2019, for better or worse, promising Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins was picked 15th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
In the year and change since, he’s been expected to develop within a corrosive environment that isn’t exactly conducive to productivity—to put it lightly.
Advertisement
As I’ve previously written here at The Root:
For those out the loop, Haskins has never had the opportunity to thrive. Outside of being banished to the armpit of the NFL universe, he’s played for three different coaches since being drafted, with each one installing their own offense. Then when Ron Rivera came aboard, guess who he brought with him? His old quarterback from his old team: Kyle Allen—a.k.a. the guy who just stole Haskins’ job. Washington has also been mired in controversy after controversy after controversy since Haskins’ arrival, so it’s hard not to believe that all this chaos and perpetual bullshit hasn’t hampered his play. Because no matter how good of a player you are, where you play is not only crucial to your development but to your ability to excel on the field. Does anyone really think Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray or Patrick Mahomes would be playing at the same level in Washington? Of course not.
Advertisement Advertisement
Compounding matters is the fact that Haskins isn’t exactly the most mature player in the league, as evidenced by the fact that he broke COVID-19 protocols in October by attempting to make reservations for a friend at a team-only hotel, then doubled down on his stupidity last week when pictures surfaced of him being maskless in a strip club—putting his entire team at risk of exposure to COVID-19. (Did I mention that his coach is currently fighting throat cancer and is especially susceptible to experiencing complications should he contract that shit?)
Advertisement
Needless to say, coming into Washington’s game on Sunday, the 23-year-old was on thin ice. He was stripped of his captaincy yet was still forced to play since Alex Smith was still out with an injury. But instead of responding to the adversity by ballin’ out and proving his mettle as an NFL quarterback in a game that could’ve allowed Washington to clinch a much-needed playoff berth, he stunk up the joint and got his ass benched in favor of a fourth-string quarterback.
Washington lost, their playoff chances are remote, if not minuscule, and Haskins had some explaining to do after his piss-poor, two-interception performance.
Advertisement
“Definitely the hardest week of my life,” he told reporters on Sunday. “I just want to bounce back and move forward and pray and get my life together.”
Advertisement
Wellllllllllllllllll, I don’t know how much prayer he’s been doing, but he’ll definitely have all the time in the world to get his life together after Washington announced on Monday that his services are no longer needed, effective immediately.
“This afternoon I met with Dwayne and informed him that we would be releasing him,” Coach Rivera wrote in a statement. “I told him that I believe it benefits both parties that we go our separate ways. We want to thank Dwayne for his contributions these last two seasons and wish him well moving forward.”
Advertisement
Getting rid of a first-round quarterback before he even finishes the second year of his contract isn’t unprecedented, but it sure as hell is a shocker. Even JaMarcus Russell, arguably the biggest bust in NFL history, played three seasons in Oakland. That should provide a bit of perspective as to how badly Haskins breached trust and avoided accountability in Washington.
Advertisement
And you already know Twitter had plenty to say about the matter:
Advertisement
Advertisement
Lord.
So what’s next for Haskins? After taking that long, miserable walk of shame to the waiver wire, any team interested in picking him up will be responsible for the two remaining years on his rookie contract.
Advertisement
SPOILER WARNING: Nobody is touching that shit. But I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody scoops him for far less this offseason as a free agent. He unquestionably has his warts, but who’s to say he can’t eventually thrive in a less dysfunctional environment? For the right price—and I mean pennies on the dollar—I would be willing to roll those dice to find out.
Advertisement
“My time with the WFT has unfortunately come to an end,” Haskins tweeted on Monday from his now-private Twitter account. “I thank the team & fans for the opportunity to play for the team I grew up rooting for. I take full responsibility for not meeting the standards of an NFL QB & will become a better man & player because of this experience.”
It’s not exactly a secret that Black quarterbacks face an uphill battle in getting the same opportunities or treatment as their white counterparts throughout the league, but Haskins couldn’t have done any worse with the cards he was dealt. And with the next generation of Black quarterbacks waiting in the wings to make their mark on the league, I can’t help but wonder if they’ll somehow be penalized for Haskins’ shortcomings.


theroot--2020-12-28--Oakland Breonna Taylor Sculpture Smashed in Act of ‘Racist Aggression’ Two Weeks After Its Installat

Oakland Breonna Taylor Sculpture Smashed in Act of ‘Racist Aggression’ Two Weeks After Its Installation

Most people in America celebrate the holidays with family , good food and gift exchanges , but at least one miserable human being decided ‘ tis the season for racism and vandalism when they chose the day after Christmas to smash to pieces a sculpture of Breonna Taylor in downtown Oakland , Calif .
The Mercury News reports that the bust created in Taylor ’ s image was destroyed two weeks after it was sculpted and displayed in Oakland ’ s Latham Square .
Who knows why some coward who doesn ’ t believe victims of police violence should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statue celebrating the life of someone whose killers will likely never be brought to justice anyway ?
It ’ s the kind of violent act that serves as a reminder that neither the ousting of Donald Trump as president nor the racial reckoning that America has been facing since this past summer means that we can expect much racial healing in the coming year .
Leo Carson , the artist who sculpted the statue , decried its destruction as an act of “ racist aggression ” against Taylor and Black Lives Matter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hours of my work and built it by hand , ” Carson said , Mercury News reports .
“ Before the pandemic , I was a waiter so I paid for this out of my own pocket .
It wasn ’ t cheap and it was incredibly hurtful personally .
But it was also an attack on Breonna Taylor and the Black Lives Matter movement.
” Fortunately , Carson hasn ’ t been deterred from creating art to honor the movement or Taylor .
He told KRON 4 that he “ just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bronze to repair it and to reinstall it in bronze so that this couldn ’ t happen again.
” The GoFundMe page has already surpassed its goal of raising $ 5,000 for the effort .
Meanwhile , according to SFist , the Oakland Police Department has released a statement saying it ’ s “ aware of the incident regarding the vandalism of a bust honoring Breonna Taylor , ” and that an investigation is underway .
Carson said he will continue to make more art inspired by the BLM movement and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the art scene in Oakland .
“ This is a struggle that will continue to go on so I want my art to help encourage that process and encourage people to fight longer , fight harder and be more passionate , ” Carson said , according to Mercury News .
“ Those protests have the power to really change things.
” “ The art community that we have now , it originally sprung up around the Black Lives Matter struggle and it has since then completely transformed the city of Oakland , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected with the movement and so I really want my art to be a part of that course to change history.
” Racists have never been able to end a civil rights movement or any fight against systemic racism in America through random acts of violence and hatred .
Some angry bigot taking his rage out on an inanimate object won ’ t stop anyone from protesting on behalf of Taylor or any other victims of police violence .
The fight against racism in America will continue for as long as it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight can die mad .
You can destroy a statue , but you can ’ t destroy the movement responsible for its creation .

Most people in America celebrate the holidays with family, good food and gift exchanges, but at least one miserable human being decided ‘tis the season for racism and vandalism when they chose the day after Christmas to smash to pieces a sculpture of Breonna Taylor in downtown Oakland, Calif.
The Mercury News reports that the bust created in Taylor’s image was destroyed two weeks after it was sculpted and displayed in Oakland’s Latham Square.
Advertisement
Who knows why some coward who doesn’t believe victims of police violence should be honored felt the need to smash a statue celebrating the life of someone whose killers will likely never be brought to justice anyway? It’s the kind of violent act that serves as a reminder that neither the ousting of Donald Trump as president nor the racial reckoning that America has been facing since this past summer means that we can expect much racial healing in the coming year.
Leo Carson, the artist who sculpted the statue, decried its destruction as an act of “racist aggression” against Taylor and Black Lives Matter.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I’ve put in hours and hours of my work and built it by hand,” Carson said, Mercury News reports. “Before the pandemic, I was a waiter so I paid for this out of my own pocket. It wasn’t cheap and it was incredibly hurtful personally. But it was also an attack on Breonna Taylor and the Black Lives Matter movement.”
Fortunately, Carson hasn’t been deterred from creating art to honor the movement or Taylor. He told KRON 4 that he “just started a GoFundMe to cast it in bronze to repair it and to reinstall it in bronze so that this couldn’t happen again.” The GoFundMe page has already surpassed its goal of raising $5,000 for the effort.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, according to SFist, the Oakland Police Department has released a statement saying it’s “aware of the incident regarding the vandalism of a bust honoring Breonna Taylor,” and that an investigation is underway.
Carson said he will continue to make more art inspired by the BLM movement and that the nationwide protests have actually inspired much of the art scene in Oakland.
Advertisement
“This is a struggle that will continue to go on so I want my art to help encourage that process and encourage people to fight longer, fight harder and be more passionate,” Carson said, according to Mercury News. “Those protests have the power to really change things.”
“The art community that we have now, it originally sprung up around the Black Lives Matter struggle and it has since then completely transformed the city of Oakland,” he continued. “It has really connected with the movement and so I really want my art to be a part of that course to change history.”
Advertisement
Racists have never been able to end a civil rights movement or any fight against systemic racism in America through random acts of violence and hatred. Some angry bigot taking his rage out on an inanimate object won’t stop anyone from protesting on behalf of Taylor or any other victims of police violence. The fight against racism in America will continue for as long as it’s necessary and anyone who opposes the fight can die mad. You can destroy a statue, but you can’t destroy the movement responsible for its creation.


theroot--2020-12-28--Anjanette Young Agrees to a Sit-Down With Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot

Anjanette Young , the woman who was handcuffed naked while her home was being wrongfully raided by Chicago police , has agreed to a meeting with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and a handful of Chicago aldermen .
According to Chicago ’ s CBS 2 station , Young ’ s lawyer Keenan Saulter wrote in a letter on Saturday that Lightfoot sent an email requesting to meet with Young just before her scheduled press conference on Dec. 17 .
And while both Saulter and Young felt the timing could have been better , Young is willing to meet with the mayor—but under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to meet at Young ’ s church instead of Chicago police headquarters or City Hall .
The other request is that the conversation be held with Young , her lawy er , Aldermen Pat Dowell , Sophia King , Raymond Lopez , Stephanie Coleman , Jeanette Taylor , Jason Ervin , Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez , the police superintendent and members of the media .
Per the letter obtained by CBS 2 : Ms. Young would like to honor Mayor Lightfoot ’ s request for a more personal meeting ( this will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young , myself , Mayor Lightfoot , and an aid of the Mayor ’ s choosing .
At 12:00 , Ms. Young desires an audience with each of the above-referenced Alderman and Chicago Police Department Superintendent David O .
Brown .
A limited number of media will be invited—as we all have expressed a desire for Transparency .
While our church is very large and has a 1500-person capacity in the sanctuary , we intend to follow strict health and safety protocols as it relates to Covid-19 and we plan to keep this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 people , with a strict mask mandate unless a person is speaking at the podium , and social distancing of at least 10 feet between individuals in attendance.We understand that Mayor Lightfoot and Superintendent Brown typically attend events outside of City Hall and the Chicago Police Department Headquarters with a security detail and staff .
As such , we have allotted space for three additional security/staff personnel for Mayor Lightfoot and one additional security/staff personnel for Superintendent Brown .
We ask that the Alderman attend alone unless there is a special circumstance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as many of the invited Aldermen have expressed a desire for increased Accountability and Transparency .
Ms. Young desires the same and she deserves .
Justice .
“ I think it ’ s also important that we hear directly from her , that the mayor hear directly from her so that we don ’ t make these mistakes again , whether it ’ s with the police or whether it ’ s with how future mayors handle situations like this , ” Lopez told CBS 2 .
“ We can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same coverup playbook simply because it ’ s damaging to the city of Chicago.
” In the meantime , Mayor Lightfoot has tapped former federal judge Anne Claire Williams to look into Young ’ s case , as well as the city ’ s mishandling of it in the aftermath .

Anjanette Young, the woman who was handcuffed naked while her home was being wrongfully raided by Chicago police, has agreed to a meeting with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and a handful of Chicago aldermen.
According to Chicago’s CBS 2 station, Young’s lawyer Keenan Saulter wrote in a letter on Saturday that Lightfoot sent an email requesting to meet with Young just before her scheduled press conference on Dec. 17. And while both Saulter and Young felt the timing could have been better, Young is willing to meet with the mayor—but under certain guidelines. One of those guidelines is to meet at Young’s church instead of Chicago police headquarters or City Hall. The other request is that the conversation be held with Young, her lawy er, Aldermen Pat Dowell, Sophia King, Raymond Lopez, Stephanie Coleman, Jeanette Taylor, Jason Ervin, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, the police superintendent and members of the media.
Advertisement
Per the letter obtained by CBS 2:
Ms. Young would like to honor Mayor Lightfoot’s request for a more personal meeting (this will take place at 11:30 a.m.) with Ms. Young, myself, Mayor Lightfoot, and an aid of the Mayor’s choosing. At 12:00, Ms. Young desires an audience with each of the above-referenced Alderman and Chicago Police Department Superintendent David O. Brown. A limited number of media will be invited—as we all have expressed a desire for Transparency. While our church is very large and has a 1500-person capacity in the sanctuary, we intend to follow strict health and safety protocols as it relates to Covid-19 and we plan to keep this meeting to a capacity of less than 35 people, with a strict mask mandate unless a person is speaking at the podium, and social distancing of at least 10 feet between individuals in attendance.We understand that Mayor Lightfoot and Superintendent Brown typically attend events outside of City Hall and the Chicago Police Department Headquarters with a security detail and staff. As such, we have allotted space for three additional security/staff personnel for Mayor Lightfoot and one additional security/staff personnel for Superintendent Brown. We ask that the Alderman attend alone unless there is a special circumstance that requires additional security/staff. Mayor Lightfoot as well as many of the invited Aldermen have expressed a desire for increased Accountability and Transparency. Ms. Young desires the same and she deserves. Justice.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I think it’s also important that we hear directly from her, that the mayor hear directly from her so that we don’t make these mistakes again, whether it’s with the police or whether it’s with how future mayors handle situations like this,” Lopez told CBS 2. “We can’t continue to go back to the same coverup playbook simply because it’s damaging to the city of Chicago.”
In the meantime, Mayor Lightfoot has tapped former federal judge Anne Claire Williams to look into Young’s case, as well as the city’s mishandling of it in the aftermath.


theroot--2020-12-28--Save 35% on a Waterpik Electric Flosser, and Make Dental Hygiene a Priority in 2021

As I joked in my Colgate Hum review over the summer , I haven ’ t always been as disciplined as I should be when it comes to my teeth .
In fact , if I ’ m being honest , I neglected to floss regularly until a few weeks ago when I found out I ’ ll need grafting surgery due to gum recession .
Don ’ t make the same mistake I did .
While analog dental floss or floss picks will do the trick for most people , my dentist recommended investing in an electric water flosser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent retainer affixed to my bottom teeth , which makes it difficult to eliminate the food-derived bacteria that often gets stuck in there .
The Waterpik WF-02W011 , a cordless battery-operated water flosser is one of the most affordable options when it ’ s on sale , as it is now for just $ 26 .
By combining water pressure with pulsations , Waterpik ’ s flosser is able to reach those spots you can ’ t access with a toothbrush—or , in my case , even regular old dental floss .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional string floss , removing up to 99.9 % of plaque at the press of a button .
Just make sure to pick up some rechargeable batteries while you ’ re at it .
Although the Waterpik does include a trio of AAs , replacing the non-rechargeable cells is sure to add up over time .
Otherwise , a water flosser is a good , practical use of your Christmas cash .

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

Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser | $26 | Amazon
As I joked in my Colgate Hum review over the summer, I haven’t always been as disciplined as I should be when it comes to my teeth. In fact, if I’m being honest, I neglected to floss regularly until a few weeks ago when I found out I’ll need grafting surgery due to gum recession. Don’t make the same mistake I did. While analog dental floss or floss picks will do the trick for most people, my dentist recommended investing in an electric water flosser, especially since I have a metal permanent retainer affixed to my bottom teeth, which makes it difficult to eliminate the food-derived bacteria that often gets stuck in there.
The Waterpik WF-02W011, a cordless battery-operated water flosser is one of the most affordable options when it’s on sale, as it is now for just $26. By combining water pressure with pulsations, Waterpik’s flosser is able to reach those spots you can’t access with a toothbrush—or, in my case, even regular old dental floss. It’s also easier to use than traditional string floss, removing up to 99.9% of plaque at the press of a button. Just make sure to pick up some rechargeable batteries while you’re at it. Although the Waterpik does include a trio of AAs, replacing the non-rechargeable cells is sure to add up over time. Otherwise, a water flosser is a good, practical use of your Christmas cash.


theroot--2020-12-28--Body Bags Placed Outside Alabama Courthouse to Protest Confederate Monument, Flag

An Alabama courthouse has been the site of months of protests regarding the Confederate monument and flag that are displayed outside .
The protesters have intensified their efforts by placing prop body bags outside the courthouse .
According to CNN , the bags were placed outside the Marshall County Courthouse in Albertville by 24-year-old organizer Unique Morgan Dunston and two other protesters as a way to emphasize what the Confederacy was truly fighting for .
Specifically , the bags , as well as 150 wooden dowels , are meant to represent the slaves owned by former U.S. Chief Justice John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County its name .
“ I want to emphasize how gruesome and real the institution of slavery was , and how the Confederacy fought to uphold that institution , ” Dunston told CNN .
Dunston acknowledges that individuals are allowed to wave whatever flag they want under the First Amendment ; it ’ s the fact that the symbols are flying outside a courthouse that disturbs her .
“ You have the right to fly the flag at home , on your truck , but it doesn ’ t make sense for these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where everybody has to go , ” Dunston told CNN .
“ It ’ s supposed to be a place for justice for all , to have to walk by that courthouse and see those traumatizing symbols of White supremacy , it ’ s not fair.
” Since this is America in the godforsaken year of 2020 , there have obviously been counter-protesters .
Nancy Horton , 64 , counts herself among those protesting the protesters .
“ I went to school in Guntersville and had many Black friends , I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body but I do have a problem with people trying to change my community because they think a piece of stone is a symbol of racism , ” Horton told CNN .
“ The South is what it is , and removing a statue or a flag is not going to change what happened so many years ago.
” Ol ’ girl really said “ I don ’ t have a racist bone in my body , ” before going , “ That said , I ’ m not going to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s racist.
” The whites really stay at it , goddamn .
The strangest thing about the “ Southern heritage ” argument that gets wheeled out whenever we talk about Confederate monuments is that it really doesn ’ t hold much weight when you look around the globe .
There aren ’ t too many statues of Hitler up beyond historical preservation in museums , and quite honestly , I don ’ t think folks would have beef if these Confederate statues were relegated to Civil War museums .
That would actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inform people about the history of this country .
Putting them up in public spaces with loving tributes–like the Marshall monument which reads “ in memory of the brave Confederate soldiers of Marshall County , ” –isn ’ t remembering history .
That ’ s celebrating and valorizing a group of people who betrayed their country for a morally unjust war .
They can say symbols don ’ t matter all they want , but when that Saddam statue fell back in ‘ 03 , I remember white folks basically acting like Drake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marshall County haven ’ t responded to the protesters ’ complaints , nor made any attempt to at least discuss the monuments .
County commissioners did , however , pass a resolution on Dec. 9 altering the guidelines surrounding protests at the courthouse .
The changes include protesters now needing permits to protest at the court and preventing them from chanting within 21 feet of county property .
Regarding the changes , Chairman James Hutcheson told WAFF , “ It was getting to the point where I was getting scared that there would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was causing interruptions inside the Marshall County Courthouse.
” While there was no discussion about moving the monuments , Hutcheson previously indicated that the commission was looking into putting up a fence around the monument to protect it from damage .
So it ’ s quite clear the commission isn ’ t taking the issue seriously , but Dunston remains undeterred , telling CNN she intends to continue fighting until the monument comes down .
“ No matter how hard or hopeless these times feel as an activist , we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and we are stronger together .
”

An Alabama courthouse has been the site of months of protests regarding the Confederate monument and flag that are displayed outside. The protesters have intensified their efforts by placing prop body bags outside the courthouse.
According to CNN, the bags were placed outside the Marshall County Courthouse in Albertville by 24-year-old organizer Unique Morgan Dunston and two other protesters as a way to emphasize what the Confederacy was truly fighting for. Specifically, the bags, as well as 150 wooden dowels, are meant to represent the slaves owned by former U.S. Chief Justice John Marshall, the man who gave Marshall County its name.
Advertisement
“I want to emphasize how gruesome and real the institution of slavery was, and how the Confederacy fought to uphold that institution,” Dunston told CNN.
Dunston acknowledges that individuals are allowed to wave whatever flag they want under the First Amendment; it’s the fact that the symbols are flying outside a courthouse that disturbs her. “You have the right to fly the flag at home, on your truck, but it doesn’t make sense for these symbols to be at our public courthouses where everybody has to go,” Dunston told CNN. “It’s supposed to be a place for justice for all, to have to walk by that courthouse and see those traumatizing symbols of White supremacy, it’s not fair.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Since this is America in the godforsaken year of 2020, there have obviously been counter-protesters. Nancy Horton, 64, counts herself among those protesting the protesters. “I went to school in Guntersville and had many Black friends, I don’t have a racist bone in my body but I do have a problem with people trying to change my community because they think a piece of stone is a symbol of racism,” Horton told CNN. “The South is what it is, and removing a statue or a flag is not going to change what happened so many years ago.”
Y’all.
Advertisement
Ol’ girl really said “I don’t have a racist bone in my body,” before going, “That said, I’m not going to have a group of Black people tell me what’s racist.” The whites really stay at it, goddamn.
The strangest thing about the “Southern heritage” argument that gets wheeled out whenever we talk about Confederate monuments is that it really doesn’t hold much weight when you look around the globe. There aren’t too many statues of Hitler up beyond historical preservation in museums, and quite honestly, I don’t think folks would have beef if these Confederate statues were relegated to Civil War museums. That would actually be using them as a way to inform people about the history of this country.
Advertisement
Putting them up in public spaces with loving tributes–like the Marshall monument which reads “in memory of the brave Confederate soldiers of Marshall County,”–isn’t remembering history. That’s celebrating and valorizing a group of people who betrayed their country for a morally unjust war. They can say symbols don’t matter all they want, but when that Saddam statue fell back in ‘03, I remember white folks basically acting like Drake after the 2019 Finals.
Officials in Marshall County haven’t responded to the protesters’ complaints, nor made any attempt to at least discuss the monuments. County commissioners did, however, pass a resolution on Dec. 9 altering the guidelines surrounding protests at the courthouse. The changes include protesters now needing permits to protest at the court and preventing them from chanting within 21 feet of county property.
Advertisement
Regarding the changes, Chairman James Hutcheson told WAFF, “It was getting to the point where I was getting scared that there would be some issues, people getting arrested and it was causing interruptions inside the Marshall County Courthouse.” While there was no discussion about moving the monuments, Hutcheson previously indicated that the commission was looking into putting up a fence around the monument to protect it from damage.
So it’s quite clear the commission isn’t taking the issue seriously, but Dunston remains undeterred, telling CNN she intends to continue fighting until the monument comes down.
Advertisement
“No matter how hard or hopeless these times feel as an activist, we will win because the power belongs to the people and we are stronger together .”


theroot--2020-12-28--Nike Bids 2020 Adieu With Inspirational 'You Can't Be Stopped' Film Featuring Naomi Osaka, Kevin Dur

Nike Bids 2020 Adieu With Inspirational 'You Can't Be Stopped' Film Featuring Naomi Osaka, Kevin Durant

Throughout an unprecedented year rife with loss and turmoil , Nike has made it its mission to elevate our spirits by encouraging us to remain active .
It ’ s also demonstrated how the power of sports can help move the world forward despite these turbulent times .
In March , Nike provided us all with tools and resources to stay active indoors while preserving our health and safety as part of its “ You Can ’ t Stop Us ” campaign .
And in May , it dropped the short film Never Too Far Down , narrated by LeBron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that together we are capable of anything .
In July came You Can ’ t Stop Us , narrated by soccer great Megan Rapinoe , which celebrated sports ’ unique ability to bring people together while also providing a platform to advocate for change and address issues that directly impact our communities .
August brought us You Can ’ t Stop Sisters , which explored the influence and impact that Serena and Venus Williams have had on tennis , and how their sisterhood has been their superpower .
“ We were born sisters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other ’ s biggest allies , ” Serena says in the film .
“ For us , being sisters is everything .
On and off the court , we ’ re each other ’ s biggest competitors , but we ’ re also each other ’ s biggest advocates .
We are where we are today because we did this together.
” And now , with the year drawing to a close , Nike is back with You Can ’ t Be Stopped , the final chapter in its groundbreaking “ You Can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Only this time around , the focus is on how an athlete ’ s mindset can help them achieve whatever goals are set before them .
From Naomi Osaka to Kevin Durant to soccer star Marcus Rashford and countless others , each gives us a glimpse into what it takes to become a preeminent athlete and what motivates them to continue to make sacrifices to retain their stature in their respective sports .
So why do they train so hard ?
Why do they subject themselves to the rigors and punishment of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my ‘ why ’ is something that will continue to evolve over the course of my lifetime , but it ’ s definitely something that I started to be more conscious of as I ’ ve matured , ” Osaka said in a statement to The Root .
“ Interacting with fans has taught me a lot about the impact of my actions on others ; I think they actually inspire me more than I inspire them .
“ Honestly , I ’ m still figuring out what my ‘ why ’ is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court with the purpose of making history .
I am proud to be the first Japanese person to win a Grand Slam .
Off court , I like the idea of inspiring the next generation .
I would not be here without the people who inspired me growing up , so the idea that I may potentially do the same for the next generation is why I keep grinding.
” “ My earliest memories always involved football , ” Rashford said in a statement to The Root .
“ It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had in my life .
It makes me proud that I am living what I ’ ve dreamed of doing as a kid .
That football helped me and my family out of difficulty .
It has offered me a platform where I can have a voice for those so rarely heard .
A pathway that tells these children it is possible .
Dreams can come true.
” That they can .
You can watch You Can ’ t Be Stopped below and learn more about Nike ’ s “ You Can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Throughout an unprecedented year rife with loss and turmoil, Nike has made it its mission to elevate our spirits by encouraging us to remain active. It’s also demonstrated how the power of sports can help move the world forward despite these turbulent times.
In March, Nike provided us all with tools and resources to stay active indoors while preserving our health and safety as part of its “You Can’t Stop Us” campaign. And in May, it dropped the short film Never Too Far Down, narrated by LeBron James, which delivered the powerful message that together we are capable of anything.
Advertisement
In July came You Can’t Stop Us, narrated by soccer great Megan Rapinoe, which celebrated sports’ unique ability to bring people together while also providing a platform to advocate for change and address issues that directly impact our communities.
Advertisement Advertisement
August brought us You Can’t Stop Sisters, which explored the influence and impact that Serena and Venus Williams have had on tennis, and how their sisterhood has been their superpower.
“We were born sisters, but we’ve become each other’s biggest allies,” Serena says in the film. “For us, being sisters is everything. On and off the court, we’re each other’s biggest competitors, but we’re also each other’s biggest advocates. We are where we are today because we did this together.”
Advertisement
And now, with the year drawing to a close, Nike is back with You Can’t Be Stopped, the final chapter in its groundbreaking “You Can’t Stop Us” campaign. Only this time around, the focus is on how an athlete’s mindset can help them achieve whatever goals are set before them.
From Naomi Osaka to Kevin Durant to soccer star Marcus Rashford and countless others, each gives us a glimpse into what it takes to become a preeminent athlete and what motivates them to continue to make sacrifices to retain their stature in their respective sports.
Advertisement
So why do they train so hard? Why do they subject themselves to the rigors and punishment of being a professional athlete?
“I think my ‘why’ is something that will continue to evolve over the course of my lifetime, but it’s definitely something that I started to be more conscious of as I’ve matured,” Osaka said in a statement to The Root. “Interacting with fans has taught me a lot about the impact of my actions on others; I think they actually inspire me more than I inspire them.
Advertisement
“Honestly, I’m still figuring out what my ‘why’ is. Right now, I go on court with the purpose of making history. I am proud to be the first Japanese person to win a Grand Slam. Off court, I like the idea of inspiring the next generation. I would not be here without the people who inspired me growing up, so the idea that I may potentially do the same for the next generation is why I keep grinding.”
“My earliest memories always involved football,” Rashford said in a statement to The Root. “It’s the most consistent thing I’ve ever had in my life. It makes me proud that I am living what I’ve dreamed of doing as a kid. That football helped me and my family out of difficulty. It has offered me a platform where I can have a voice for those so rarely heard. A pathway that tells these children it is possible. Dreams can come true.”
Advertisement
That they can.
You can watch You Can’t Be Stopped below and learn more about Nike’s “You Can’t Stop Us” campaign here.


theroot--2020-12-28--Collective Work and Responsibility–7 Gifts for Wellness on the Third Night of Kwanzaa

For Ujima , the celebration of the third night of Kwanzaa , we look towards how we can incorporate collective @ @ @ @ @ lives .
It is imperative that we continue to take care of ourselves and others @ @ @ @ @ a close and find a way to do it as an individual and as a @ @ @ @ @ making changes for the sake of your better health , finding ways to create change @ @ @ @ @ the idea of dismantling ideas that suppress Blackness .

For Ujima, the celebration of the third night of Kwanzaa, we look towards how we can incorporate collective work and responsibility into our lives. It is imperative that we continue to take care of ourselves and others as this year comes to a close and find a way to do it as an individual and as a group. Wellness can include making changes for the sake of your better health, finding ways to create change within your small community and the idea of dismantling ideas that suppress Blackness.


theroot--2020-12-28--Trump Signs COVID Relief Bill, Says $2,000 Stimulus Checks Are Still Up for Congressional Vote

On Sunday night , President Donald Trump signed legislation for $ 900 billion in COVID relief funding along with $ 1.4 trillion in government spending , which averted a government shutdown that was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday .
The COVID relief bill—which was approved by both the House and Senate on Dec. 21 , but Trump refused to sign it for various reasons—will provide most Americans with $ 600 in direct payments , but since $ 600 is barely enough to make a dent in the stacks of bills , back rent and general cost of living for most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will vote Monday on increasing direct payments to $ 2,000 for adults making up to $ 75,000 per year and children .
CBS News reports that the bill also extends unemployment benefits and the moratorium on evictions for renters—which was set to expire on Dec. 31—by one month .
“ I am signing this bill to restore unemployment benefits , stop evictions , provide rental assistance , add money for PPP , return our airline workers back to work , add substantially more money for vaccine distribution , and much more , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to CBS , Trump was expected to sign the bill last week , but instead , he released a surprise statement saying he wouldn ’ t sign it until serious changes were made .
“ I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $ 600 to $ 2,000 , or $ 4,000 dollars for a couple , ” Trump said .
“ I ’ m also asking Congress to immediately get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver a COVID relief package.
” House Republicans initially blocked Democrats ’ attempt at implementing the payment increase to $ 2,000 last Thursday .
According to Axios , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) said in a statement that the bill finally being signed is “ welcome news for the fourteen million Americans who just lost the lifeline of unemployment benefits on Christmas weekend , and for the millions more struggling to stay afloat during this historic pandemic and economic crisis.
” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill to give Americans $ 2,000 checks .
Then I will move to pass it in the Senate .
No Democrats will object .
Will Senate Republicans ?
” In case you ’ re starting to think you have entered some kind of bizarro world where Trump is the decent Republican in the room , y ’ all ’ s almost-ex-president couldn ’ t get through his Sunday statement without referring to COVID-19 as the “ China virus , ” and blaming business shutdowns due to the pandemic on “ harsh actions by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Trump ’ s signing of the bill included a promise that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—a law that shields internet companies from liability for what is posted on their websites by them or third parties— “ will be reviewed and either be terminated or substantially reformed , ” Trump said in his statement .
And of course , Trump also managed to negotiate further investigations into his imaginary widespread voter fraud .
Trump said that , along with the House voting to increase the amount of the direct relief payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process for a vote that increases checks to $ 2,000 , repeals Section 230 , and starts an investigation into voter fraud.
” It ’ s also worth mentioning that if Trump had agreed to sign the bill when it was approved by Congress—which happened after negotiations that Trump didn ’ t participate in , according to CNN—it would have been done before unemployment benefits for millions of Americans had lapsed .
However , because Trump did not sign the bill on Saturday , those in the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and the Pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive a payment for the final week of the year .
And the $ 300 federal enhancement may only last 10 weeks instead of 11 weeks for most folks .
That ’ s because states can ’ t provide benefits for weeks that start before programs are authorized , but the legislation calls for the extra payments to end on March 14 .

On Sunday night, President Donald Trump signed legislation for $900 billion in COVID relief funding along with $1.4 trillion in government spending, which averted a government shutdown that was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.
The COVID relief bill—which was approved by both the House and Senate on Dec. 21, but Trump refused to sign it for various reasons—will provide most Americans with $600 in direct payments, but since $600 is barely enough to make a dent in the stacks of bills, back rent and general cost of living for most people, Trump said that the House will vote Monday on increasing direct payments to $2,000 for adults making up to $75,000 per year and children.
Advertisement
CBS News reports that the bill also extends unemployment benefits and the moratorium on evictions for renters—which was set to expire on Dec. 31—by one month.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I am signing this bill to restore unemployment benefits, stop evictions, provide rental assistance, add money for PPP, return our airline workers back to work, add substantially more money for vaccine distribution, and much more,” Trump said in a statement.
According to CBS, Trump was expected to sign the bill last week, but instead, he released a surprise statement saying he wouldn’t sign it until serious changes were made.
Advertisement
“I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000, or $4,000 dollars for a couple,” Trump said. “I’m also asking Congress to immediately get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill or else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package.” House Republicans initially blocked Democrats’ attempt at implementing the payment increase to $2,000 last Thursday.
According to Axios, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement that the bill finally being signed is “welcome news for the fourteen million Americans who just lost the lifeline of unemployment benefits on Christmas weekend, and for the millions more struggling to stay afloat during this historic pandemic and economic crisis.”
Advertisement
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) tweeted, “The House will pass a bill to give Americans $2,000 checks. Then I will move to pass it in the Senate. No Democrats will object. Will Senate Republicans?”
Advertisement
In case you’re starting to think you have entered some kind of bizarro world where Trump is the decent Republican in the room, y’all’s almost-ex-president couldn’t get through his Sunday statement without referring to COVID-19 as the “China virus,” and blaming business shutdowns due to the pandemic on “harsh actions by Democrat-run states.”
Part of the negotiations for Trump’s signing of the bill included a promise that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—a law that shields internet companies from liability for what is posted on their websites by them or third parties— “ will be reviewed and either be terminated or substantially reformed,” Trump said in his statement.
Advertisement
And of course, Trump also managed to negotiate further investigations into his imaginary widespread voter fraud. Trump said that, along with the House voting to increase the amount of the direct relief payments, the “Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $2,000, repeals Section 230, and starts an investigation into voter fraud.”
It’s also worth mentioning that if Trump had agreed to sign the bill when it was approved by Congress—which happened after negotiations that Trump didn’t participate in, according to CNN—it would have been done before unemployment benefits for millions of Americans had lapsed.
Advertisement
From CNN: