theroot--2020-12-23--White Supremacists Plotted to Attack Power Plants, FBI Says

A group led by a teenage white supremacist plotted to attack multiple power plants across the country and write the words “ teenage white supremacist ” really drives home the feeling that we ’ re living in the darkest timeline .
According to the Associated Press , an accidentally unsealed affidavit revealed allegations from the FBI that a teenager based in Ohio was in a text chain with over a dozen people who shared white nationalist beliefs that discussed plans to pool their money and purchase a ranch that would more or less act like a summer camp for domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the then-17-year-old wanted the group to be “ operational ” by 2024 as he believed a Democrat would win that election .
He wanted an accelerated timeline in case Trump lost the 2020 election .
An informant told investigators that the teen intended for the group to be “ operational ” for both “ violence ” as well as “ activism.
” Just what did this ragtag band of assholes plan to do ?
Well , for starters , the teenager shared plans with a smaller group to stage what he called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plan was to be executed in summer 2021 and would have involved staging power outages by shooting at power stations throughout the southeast U.S .
The informant alleges that one of the group members , a then-student at Purdue University , sent a text that said “ leaving the power off would wake people up to the harsh reality of life by wreaking havoc across the nation.
” This is one of those moments I wish you could see how hard I ’ m giving my screen the “ this nigga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this gif of Omar Epps will just have to suffice .
The affidavit details an investigation into group members , who allegedly share white supremacist ideology .
The document outlines how they communicated over encrypted messaging applications before three of them eventually met up in person .
They also allegedly shared recommended reading on white supremacist literature , required a “ uniform ” to symbolize their commitment and talked about making weapons .
The affidavit says the Ohio teen put Nazi flags in his room , but his mother told him to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicated that they were prepared to die for their beliefs .
One man from Oshkosh , Wisconsin , allegedly told the Ohio teen : “ I can say with absolute certainty that I will die for this effort .
I swear it on my life.
” The teen replied : “ I can say the same , ” the court documents state .
According to the affidavit , the Wisconsin man also told an undercover FBI employee in February that the group was interested in taking “ direct action ” against the system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want a fascist society I will put in the effort to work with you but recruitment is long and not going to be easy.
” Wow .
When I was 17 , I was downloading basically every mixtape off Dat Piff , playing Call of Duty : Modern Warfare 2 with the homies , and counting down the days until Tron : Legacy came out—not plotting to commit domestic terrorism and create a fascist society .
White kids are just fucking weird ; I don ’ t know how else to put it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the teen repeatedly expressed his desire for the group to expand into militant cells throughout the country , similar to the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Divison .
If you ’ re unaware , Atomwaffen Divison is a lovely group of people who wish to accelerate the collapse of society through the use of mass violence .
The names of the suspects haven ’ t been released , as the charges haven ’ t been publicly filed , and federal prosecutors in Ohio are currently leading the case .
Jennifer Thornton , a spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Southern District of Ohio , told AP that while more information couldn ’ t be provided due to the investigation being ongoing , she wanted “ to emphasize that there is no imminent public safety threat related to this matter .
”

A group led by a teenage white supremacist plotted to attack multiple power plants across the country and write the words “teenage white supremacist” really drives home the feeling that we’re living in the darkest timeline.
According to the Associated Press, an accidentally unsealed affidavit revealed allegations from the FBI that a teenager based in Ohio was in a text chain with over a dozen people who shared white nationalist beliefs that discussed plans to pool their money and purchase a ranch that would more or less act like a summer camp for domestic terrorists.
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The affidavit also revealed that the then-17-year-old wanted the group to be “operational” by 2024 as he believed a Democrat would win that election. He wanted an accelerated timeline in case Trump lost the 2020 election. An informant told investigators that the teen intended for the group to be “operational” for both “violence” as well as “activism.”
Just what did this ragtag band of assholes plan to do? Well, for starters, the teenager shared plans with a smaller group to stage what he called the “Light’s Out” plot. The plan was to be executed in summer 2021 and would have involved staging power outages by shooting at power stations throughout the southeast U.S. The informant alleges that one of the group members, a then-student at Purdue University, sent a text that said “leaving the power off would wake people up to the harsh reality of life by wreaking havoc across the nation.”
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This is one of those moments I wish you could see how hard I’m giving my screen the “this nigga” face right now. I suppose this gif of Omar Epps will just have to suffice.
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From AP:
The affidavit details an investigation into group members, who allegedly share white supremacist ideology. The document outlines how they communicated over encrypted messaging applications before three of them eventually met up in person. They also allegedly shared recommended reading on white supremacist literature, required a “uniform” to symbolize their commitment and talked about making weapons. The affidavit says the Ohio teen put Nazi flags in his room, but his mother told him to take them down. Some group members also indicated that they were prepared to die for their beliefs. One man from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, allegedly told the Ohio teen: “I can say with absolute certainty that I will die for this effort. I swear it on my life.” The teen replied: “I can say the same,” the court documents state. According to the affidavit, the Wisconsin man also told an undercover FBI employee in February that the group was interested in taking “direct action” against the system and said, “If you truly want a fascist society I will put in the effort to work with you but recruitment is long and not going to be easy.”
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Wow. When I was 17, I was downloading basically every mixtape off Dat Piff, playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 with the homies, and counting down the days until Tron: Legacy came out—not plotting to commit domestic terrorism and create a fascist society. White kids are just fucking weird; I don’t know how else to put it.
The affidavit goes on to allege that the teen repeatedly expressed his desire for the group to expand into militant cells throughout the country, similar to the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Divison. If you’re unaware, Atomwaffen Divison is a lovely group of people who wish to accelerate the collapse of society through the use of mass violence.
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The names of the suspects haven’t been released, as the charges haven’t been publicly filed, and federal prosecutors in Ohio are currently leading the case. Jennifer Thornton, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Ohio, told AP that while more information couldn’t be provided due to the investigation being ongoing, she wanted “to emphasize that there is no imminent public safety threat related to this matter.”


theroot--2020-12-23--Newly Elected Black Santa Could Leave Millions Giftless

The newly elected Black CEO in charge of the charity startup founded in a small Bethlehem manger before moving to its sprawling North Pole headquarters has issued a slate of groundbreaking policies that could result in a very unmerry Christmas for millions of children around the globe .
Although many people stupidly assume one person has run the outfit for thousands of years , the position has gone through many different Santas-in-chief .
This year , for the first time , elves have selected a Black Santa to replace the outgoing Saint Nick .
While decidedly less rotund , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicholas , is known for his infectious jolliness as well as his impeccable beard game .
Of course , there are some elves who refuse to accept the new Santa .
But the “ Stop the Sleigh ” movement won ’ t change the outcome of the elves decision .
“ The last guy was utterly incompetent , ” an unnamed elf told The Root .
“ He wanted to build a wall around the North Pole and spent most of his time playing golf at his resort , Mar-a-Igloo .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stolen and is even trying to subvert the final decision of the Elf-toral College.
” The Root has obtained internal documents circulated by the A. Reel Nick administration , outlining new directives for the 2020 holiday season .
While the memos mostly concern COVID-19 safety protocol ( because of climate change , the coronavirus hit the elf community really hard ) , the emails also reveal startling new changes to the Standard Appraisal of Natural Tolerance and Affability ( SANTA ) that makes the ultimate determination on whether a potential gift recipient is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules , in conjunction with Chief Operating Officer LaKeisha Claus ’ commitment to diversity and inclusion , include changes such as : • Ignoring racism now an act of “ naughtiness ” : Even if you didn ’ t call someone the n-word or discriminate against someone , the selection committee will consider everyone who was silent in the face of white supremacy as complicit .
• MAGAmuffins get coal : Any American who owns a MAGA hat or voted for Donald Trump will receive a lump of Kingsford Original charcoal .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand and have their stocking placed closer to the fireplace .
• Black Lives Matter policy : All peaceful Black Lives Matter rally attendees will be placed on a priority list for the Playstation 5 .
Boogaloo Boys , Proud Boys and manboy Tucker Carlson will get a free Switch—not the one made by Nintendo ; the one that is manufactured by bushes .
• Anti-Maskers : Santa will not visit the homes of anyone who believe that not wearing a mask is a constitutional right .
However , they will rece ive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservatives : Santa has already made an early delivery for Fox News watchers—A Supreme Court handmaiden .
• Black children will get an early gift : News outlets have wrongly attributed your new superpowers to the Negro Solstice .
That wasn ’ t Jupiter and Saturn aligning in the night sky , that was my new Xenon-nosed reindeer , Jamaal and Kareem .
A circuit court sidelined Rudolph and Blitzen after Rudy Giuliani accused them of voting in Wisconsin .
We are working on an appeal .
In an email to The Root @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following statement : In spite of the Trump administration ’ s denial of our application to the Personal Paycheck Program , we are dedicated to bringing joy and happiness to the world .
But in light of recent events , we decided that we could no longer ignore the injustices and inequality around the globe .
We also remain committed to the cause of antiracism and , unlike those sorry bastards at Amazon who stole our distribution model , our workers have always paid a living wage .
We have never discriminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gender or sexuality .
However , we have adjusted our hiring policies and acknowledge our past role in anti-tall elf hiring practices .
While we decided to shift our focus to the Black children who face economic , political and social oppression every day , white children will still recieve the greatest gift of all : My people perish for a lack of presents .
Scientists at the North Pole School of Stocking Stuffing Technology , one of the world ’ s few historically elf colleges and universities , say this new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water shortage if their white tears desalinization equipment passes inspection .
Their project has been lauded by one of their most celebrated alumnus—Dr .
Anthony Fauci .
The old Santa criticized the new policy as anti-white and condemned North Pole State ’ s basketball team ( the Fighting Ho Ho Hos ) for kneeling during the playing of “ Silent Night.
” “ I don ’ t care , ” wept Jesus , when asked for comment .
“ That ain ’ t even my birthday .
”

The newly elected Black CEO in charge of the charity startup founded in a small Bethlehem manger before moving to its sprawling North Pole headquarters has issued a slate of groundbreaking policies that could result in a very unmerry Christmas for millions of children around the globe.
Although many people stupidly assume one person has run the outfit for thousands of years, the position has gone through many different Santas-in-chief. This year, for the first time, elves have selected a Black Santa to replace the outgoing Saint Nick. While decidedly less rotund, the new head of operations, Ahmad Reel Nicholas, is known for his infectious jolliness as well as his impeccable beard game. Of course, there are some elves who refuse to accept the new Santa. But the “Stop the Sleigh” movement won’t change the outcome of the elves decision.
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“The last guy was utterly incompetent,” an unnamed elf told The Root. “He wanted to build a wall around the North Pole and spent most of his time playing golf at his resort, Mar-a-Igloo. Of course, he claims that the election was stolen and is even trying to subvert the final decision of the Elf-toral College.”
The Root has obtained internal documents circulated by the A. Reel Nick administration, outlining new directives for the 2020 holiday season. While the memos mostly concern COVID-19 safety protocol (because of climate change, the coronavirus hit the elf community really hard), the emails also reveal startling new changes to the Standard Appraisal of Natural Tolerance and Affability (SANTA) that makes the ultimate determination on whether a potential gift recipient is “naughty or nice.”
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The new rules, in conjunction with Chief Operating Officer LaKeisha Claus’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, include changes such as:
Ignoring racism now an act of “naughtiness”: Even if you didn’t call someone the n-word or discriminate against someone, the selection committee will consider everyone who was silent in the face of white supremacy as complicit.
Even if you didn’t call someone the n-word or discriminate against someone, the selection committee will consider everyone who was silent in the face of white supremacy as complicit. MAGAmuffins get coal: Any American who owns a MAGA hat or voted for Donald Trump will receive a lump of Kingsford Original charcoal. Those who attended rallies will get Match Light brand and have their stocking placed closer to the fireplace.
Any American who owns a MAGA hat or voted for Donald Trump will receive a lump of Kingsford Original charcoal. Those who attended rallies will get Match Light brand and have their stocking placed closer to the fireplace. Black Lives Matter policy : All peaceful Black Lives Matter rally attendees will be placed on a priority list for the Playstation 5. Boogaloo Boys, Proud Boys and manboy Tucker Carlson will get a free Switch—not the one made by Nintendo; the one that is manufactured by bushes.
: All peaceful Black Lives Matter rally attendees will be placed on a priority list for the Playstation 5. Boogaloo Boys, Proud Boys and manboy Tucker Carlson will get a free Switch—not the one made by Nintendo; the one that is manufactured by bushes. Anti-Maskers: Santa will not visit the homes of anyone who believe that not wearing a mask is a constitutional right. However, they will rece ive a special gift—the coronavirus.
Santa will not visit the homes of anyone who believe that not wearing a mask is a constitutional right. However, they will rece ive a special gift—the coronavirus. Christian conservatives: Santa has already made an early delivery for Fox News watchers—A Supreme Court handmaiden.
Santa has already made an early delivery for Fox News watchers—A Supreme Court handmaiden. Black children will get an early gift: News outlets have wrongly attributed your new superpowers to the Negro Solstice. That wasn’t Jupiter and Saturn aligning in the night sky, that was my new Xenon-nosed reindeer, Jamaal and Kareem. A circuit court sidelined Rudolph and Blitzen after Rudy Giuliani accused them of voting in Wisconsin. We are working on an appeal.
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In an email to The Root, a spokesperson for Santa Claus issued the following statement:
In spite of the Trump administration’s denial of our application to the Personal Paycheck Program, we are dedicated to bringing joy and happiness to the world. But in light of recent events, we decided that we could no longer ignore the injustices and inequality around the globe. We also remain committed to the cause of antiracism and, unlike those sorry bastards at Amazon who stole our distribution model, our workers have always paid a living wage. We have never discriminated on the basis of race, religion, gender or sexuality. However, we have adjusted our hiring policies and acknowledge our past role in anti-tall elf hiring practices. We will do better. While we decided to shift our focus to the Black children who face economic, political and social oppression every day, white children will still recieve the greatest gift of all: White privilege. My people perish for a lack of presents. Sincerely, A. Nick
Scientists at the North Pole School of Stocking Stuffing Technology, one of the world’s few historically elf colleges and universities, say this new policy could solve the world’s water shortage if their white tears desalinization equipment passes inspection. Their project has been lauded by one of their most celebrated alumnus—Dr. Anthony Fauci.
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The old Santa criticized the new policy as anti-white and condemned North Pole State’s basketball team (the Fighting Ho Ho Hos) for kneeling during the playing of “Silent Night.”
“I don’t care,” wept Jesus, when asked for comment. “That ain’t even my birthday.”


theroot--2020-12-23--Dwayne Haskins Apologizes After Maskless Strip Club Pictures Leak—Just Don't Expect an Apology From

Dwayne Haskins Apologizes After Maskless Strip Club Pictures Leak—Just Don't Expect an Apology From James Harden for Doing the Exact Same Thing

As someone who ’ s never had even a remote desire to pay somebody to get naked , I will never understand the allure of strip clubs .
That being said , I ’ m clearly in the minority since they ’ re very much a thing and rather popular with professional athletes .
In July , Clippers guard Lou Williams wanted some “ lemon pepper wings ” so damn bad he escaped the NBA bubble to go hit up Magic City in Atlanta .
And now we have Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins , who had some explaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him partaking in boobs and beer while maskless in a strip club .
That ’ s probably not the brightest idea considering he ’ s been playing like ass this season , but more importantly , putting his team at risk of COVID-19 exposure while Washington is in the midst of a playoff hunt is pretty damn stupid—and incredibly selfish .
It ’ s also a blatant violation of the league ’ s COVID-19 protocols .
Washington said Tuesday that it will handle the matter internally , and Haskins took to Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll probably never play for again .
“ I want to publicly apologize for my actions this past Sunday , ” he tweeted .
“ I spoke with Coach Rivera yesterday and took full accountability for putting the team at risk .
It was irresponsible and immature of me and I accept full responsibility for my action.
” Not to be outdone , rogue agent James Harden—the same James Harden who skipped part of training camp to go party with Lil Baby and routinely parties in Las Vegas throughout the NBA season—might have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands .
On Wednesday morning , ESPN ’ s Tim MacMahon reported that the eight-time All-Star may have violated the NBA ’ s COVID-19 protocols after a video of Harden maskless at a strip club surfaced .
“ If the video circulating on social media is verified to be recent , it is a violation of league ’ s COVID protocols , which would put Harden ’ s availability for tonight ’ s opener in jeopardy , ” MacMahon tweeted .
The video is reportedly from a Christmas party this week that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League protocols prohibit players from hitting up bars , lounges or clubs , or participating in any social gatherings of more than 15 people .
The Rockets and NBA are currently investigating the situation and if it ’ s discovered that Harden violated protocol , he could be subject to league discipline .
Not that Harden gives a shit though , considering he ’ s doing everything humanly possible to escape the Rockets anyway .
At the very least , I think it ’ s safe to assume that Harden won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opener Wednesday night , and this could be what finally pushes the Rockets to cut their losses and trade The Beard .
So what ’ s the moral of the story here ?
Please stay the hell out of strip clubs while we ’ re in the middle of a global pandemic .
But if you absolutely must , social distance by wearing a mask and making it rain with Cash App instead .

As someone who’s never had even a remote desire to pay somebody to get naked, I will never understand the allure of strip clubs. That being said, I’m clearly in the minority since they’re very much a thing and rather popular with professional athletes.
In July, Clippers guard Lou Williams wanted some “lemon pepper wings” so damn bad he escaped the NBA bubble to go hit up Magic City in Atlanta. And now we have Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who had some explaining to do on Tuesday after images surfaced of him partaking in boobs and beer while maskless in a strip club.
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That’s probably not the brightest idea considering he’s been playing like ass this season, but more importantly, putting his team at risk of COVID-19 exposure while Washington is in the midst of a playoff hunt is pretty damn stupid—and incredibly selfish. It’s also a blatant violation of the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
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Washington said Tuesday that it will handle the matter internally, and Haskins took to Twitter to apologize to a team he’ll probably never play for again.
“I want to publicly apologize for my actions this past Sunday,” he tweeted. “I spoke with Coach Rivera yesterday and took full accountability for putting the team at risk. It was irresponsible and immature of me and I accept full responsibility for my action.”
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Not to be outdone, rogue agent James Harden—the same James Harden who skipped part of training camp to go party with Lil Baby and routinely parties in Las Vegas throughout the NBA season—might have his own strip club controversy on his hands.
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On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the eight-time All-Star may have violated the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols after a video of Harden maskless at a strip club surfaced.
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“If the video circulating on social media is verified to be recent, it is a violation of league’s COVID protocols, which would put Harden’s availability for tonight’s opener in jeopardy,” MacMahon tweeted.
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The video is reportedly from a Christmas party this week that was hosted by a Houston-area strip club. League protocols prohibit players from hitting up bars, lounges or clubs, or participating in any social gatherings of more than 15 people. The Rockets and NBA are currently investigating the situation and if it’s discovered that Harden violated protocol, he could be subject to league discipline. Not that Harden gives a shit though, considering he’s doing everything humanly possible to escape the Rockets anyway.
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At the very least, I think it’s safe to assume that Harden won’t be playing in Houston’s season opener Wednesday night, and this could be what finally pushes the Rockets to cut their losses and trade The Beard.
So what’s the moral of the story here? Please stay the hell out of strip clubs while we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. But if you absolutely must, social distance by wearing a mask and making it rain with Cash App instead.


theroot--2020-12-18--TGIF Playlist: Holiday Cheer

TGIF Playlist: Holiday Cheer

It ’ s been a wild 2020 , but I ’ m back for a special edition of TGIF .
@ @ @ @ @ of songs that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit , even if you @ @ @ @ @ it this year .
I ’ ve packed a bunch of classics ( blassic = @ @ @ @ @ Black artists to make your Christmas warm , jolly , and full of soul .
@ @ @ @ @ to the end for a bit of Black Christmas History .
2 .
All I @ @ @ @ @ Carey 15 .
Do You Hear What I Hear—Gladys Knight Here ’ s the full @ @ @ @ @ : And to end this slice of joy : a piece of genuine Black Christmas @ @ @ @ @ of Patti LaBelle singing This Christmas asking for her background singers , cue cards , @ @ @ @ @ up-tempo at the 1996 National Tree Lighting Ceremony .
Legendary .

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

3 Months Free | Amazon Music Unlimited
It’s been a wild 2020, but I’m back for a special edition of TGIF. Here’s a ton of songs that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit, even if you really aren’t feeling it this year. I’ve packed a bunch of classics (blassic = black classic) hits from Black artists to make your Christmas warm, jolly, and full of soul. Make sure you scroll down to the end for a bit of Black Christmas History.
Happy Friday, y’all!
1. This Christmas—Donnie Hathaway
2. All I Want for Christmas Is You—Mariah Carey
3. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus—The Jackson 5
4. Joy to the World—Whitney Houston
5. Ave Maria—Stevie Wonder
6. Christmas In Hollis—Run D.M.C.
7. Give Love On Christmas Day—The Jackson 5
8. The Little Drummer Boy—The Temptations
9. Santa Baby—Eartha Kitt
10. O Come All Ye Faithful—Nat King Cole
11. Frosty The Snowman—Ella Fitzgerald
12. Carol of the Bells—Destiny’s Child
13. Someday At Christmas—Stevie Wonder
14. Who Would Imagine A King—Whitney Houston
15. Do You Hear What I Hear—Gladys Knight
16. The Christmas Song—Nat King Cole
17. Let It Snow—Boyz II Men
Here’s the full playlist for your listening pleasure:
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And to end this slice of joy: a piece of genuine Black Christmas history. The entire video of Patti LaBelle singing This Christmas asking for her background singers, cue cards, and the band to keep up-tempo at the 1996 National Tree Lighting Ceremony. Legendary.
Happy Holidays, y’all.


theroot--2020-12-23--Uncle Luke Opens Up About Contracting Coronavirus, Tells Fans ‘You Have to Think About the Consequen

Uncle Luke Opens Up About Contracting Coronavirus, Tells Fans ‘You Have to Think About the Consequences’

In a recent op-ed for the Miami New Times , 2 Live Crew member Luther Campbell , aka Uncle Luke , revealed that he had previously tested positive for coronavirus .
Admitting to initially following CDC guidelines by practicing social distancing and self-isolation , Campbell says he was eventually peer pressured into attending a birthday party at a strip club .
That party is what he says led to his subsequent COVID-19 diagnosis .
“ Recently , I joined the ranks of the more than 1 million Floridians who ’ ve caught the coronavirus , ” Uncle Luke wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been strictly adhering to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) guidelines , especially wearing a mask whenever I stepped out of my house .
Then I gave in to the peer pressure of going out to a party.
” He then goes on to describe what he observed at the strip club and how even though hardly anyone was wearing masks , he stayed late anyhow : Last month , a friend celebrating his birthday at a local strip club would not stop blowing up my phone .
He kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself I would go in for 15 minutes and duck out .
As soon as I walked through the doors , it was like stepping into a coronavirus-spreading chamber .
Everybody was wildin ’ out and getting drunk .
Almost no one was wearing masks .
My buddies were all up in my face .
Patrons and strippers were walking up to me and asking to take selfies .
Of course , I obliged when they asked me to take my mask off .
Even though I felt like everyone in the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late .
A few days later , he started exhibiting some symptoms of coronavirus : a dry cough , fever , loss of appetite and eventually loss of smell or taste .
After checking into a hospital and ultimately testing positive , he was then sent home and told to quarantine for two weeks while he “ rode out the ‘ Rona.
” And while the “ Hoochie Mama ” artist has since made a full recovery , he has a message to share for all those who still aren ’ t taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about the consequences of catching the coronavirus .
You don ’ t want to take it home and infect your parents and your grandparents .
You don ’ t want to be responsible for killing them .
So if you go out , put your mask on when you are not drinking or eating .
You don ’ t have to be all up on each other , either .
You can still hang out at a six-foot distance from each other .
And if the establishment has too many people not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be afraid to go home and call it a night .
To read the full op-ed , head to miaminewtimes.com .

Shanelle Genai on The Grapevine, shared by Shanelle Genai to The Root

In a recent op-ed for the Miami New Times, 2 Live Crew member Luther Campbell, aka Uncle Luke, revealed that he had previously tested positive for coronavirus.
Admitting to initially following CDC guidelines by practicing social distancing and self-isolation, Campbell says he was eventually peer pressured into attending a birthday party at a strip club. That party is what he says led to his subsequent COVID-19 diagnosis.
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“Recently, I joined the ranks of the more than 1 million Floridians who’ve caught the coronavirus,” Uncle Luke wrote. “Throughout the pandemic, I had been strictly adhering to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, especially wearing a mask whenever I stepped out of my house. Then I gave in to the peer pressure of going out to a party.”
He then goes on to describe what he observed at the strip club and how even though hardly anyone was wearing masks, he stayed late anyhow:
Last month, a friend celebrating his birthday at a local strip club would not stop blowing up my phone. He kept begging me to come. I told myself I would go in for 15 minutes and duck out. As soon as I walked through the doors, it was like stepping into a coronavirus-spreading chamber. Everybody was wildin’ out and getting drunk. Almost no one was wearing masks. My buddies were all up in my face. Patrons and strippers were walking up to me and asking to take selfies. Of course, I obliged when they asked me to take my mask off. Even though I felt like everyone in the club was an asymptomatic carrier, I stayed late.
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A few days later, he started exhibiting some symptoms of coronavirus: a dry cough, fever, loss of appetite and eventually loss of smell or taste. After checking into a hospital and ultimately testing positive, he was then sent home and told to quarantine for two weeks while he “rode out the ‘Rona.” And while the “Hoochie Mama” artist has since made a full recovery, he has a message to share for all those who still aren’t taking COVID-19 seriously enough:
You have to think about the consequences of catching the coronavirus. You don’t want to take it home and infect your parents and your grandparents. You don’t want to be responsible for killing them. So if you go out, put your mask on when you are not drinking or eating. You don’t have to be all up on each other, either. You can still hang out at a six-foot distance from each other. And if the establishment has too many people not following the protocols, don’t be afraid to go home and call it a night.
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To read the full op-ed, head to miaminewtimes.com.


theroot--2020-12-23--Ohio Police Leave Bodycams Off and Kill Unarmed Black Man Who Had a Cellphone in His Hand. Incident

Ohio Police Leave Bodycams Off and Kill Unarmed Black Man Who Had a Cellphone in His Hand. Incident Captured on Video Anyway

I ’ m angered and exhausted to report that another unarmed Black man has been killed by police , this time in Columbus , Ohio .
The 47-year old man , who is still unnamed by authorities , was shot on Tuesday by a Columbus police officer while sitting in the garage of a home he was visiting on the northwest side of the city , according to a statement by the Columbus Department of Public Safety .
The cops notably did not turn on their body cameras until after the shooting—but it was captured on video because the devices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ look back ” footage .
That footage recorded no audio , says the official statement , but shows the man walking towards the police with a cellphone in one hand .
He was shot by one of the officers , after which the footage shows that they delayed giving him first aid .
The victim later died at a hospital , and in the wake of that rapid snuffing out of his life by police , there were no weapons found on the scene .
Of course .
What ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a non-emergency call in response to a neighbor ’ s complaint that an SUV had been running on and off and causing noise disturbance , a seemingly innocuous beginning to what reads like a predictably tragic end to situations where police are involved and Black people are present .
The officer who fired on the victim is a 15-year veteran of the force named Adam Coy , reports WSYX ABC 6 .
He ’ s been stripped of his police powers and made to turn in his badge and gun pending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Andrew Ginther .
Ginther has also asked the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio to investigate the shooting as a possible civil rights violation .
At a press conference Tuesday , Ginther lambasted the officers involved in the incident for turning off their body cameras while on duty .
“ It is unacceptable to me and the community that officers did not turn on their cameras , ” he said , according to the Columbus Dispatch .
“ If you won ’ t turn on your body camera , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The body camera footage will be shown to the victim ’ s family and is expected to be released to the public sometime this week .
The outrageous , sickening story echoes many other killings of Black people by police , like that of Stephon Clark , the 22-year-old man who was shot by police in Sacramento , Calif. , in his grandmother ’ s backyard with a phone in his hand in 2018 , and then was left lying for five minutes before they even bothered to act as if they cared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of CPR .
And there ’ s Casey Goodson Jr. , a 23-year-old Black man shot and killed by police earlier this month , also in Columbus , while reportedly entering his home with a bag of sandwiches in his hand .
His family and loved ones are having a private funeral to put him to rest today .
It ’ s clear that police have no plans to stop shooting Black people—and despite all the well-meaning speeches and statements made by politicians this year , cops will continue taking our lives as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for doing so .

I’m angered and exhausted to report that another unarmed Black man has been killed by police, this time in Columbus, Ohio.
The 47-year old man, who is still unnamed by authorities, was shot on Tuesday by a Columbus police officer while sitting in the garage of a home he was visiting on the northwest side of the city, according to a statement by the Columbus Department of Public Safety. The cops notably did not turn on their body cameras until after the shooting—but it was captured on video because the devices have a function that records 60 seconds of “look back” footage.
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That footage recorded no audio, says the official statement, but shows the man walking towards the police with a cellphone in one hand. He was shot by one of the officers, after which the footage shows that they delayed giving him first aid. The victim later died at a hospital, and in the wake of that rapid snuffing out of his life by police, there were no weapons found on the scene. Of course.
What’s worse, the cops went there initially to make a non-emergency call in response to a neighbor’s complaint that an SUV had been running on and off and causing noise disturbance, a seemingly innocuous beginning to what reads like a predictably tragic end to situations where police are involved and Black people are present.
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The officer who fired on the victim is a 15-year veteran of the force named Adam Coy, reports WSYX ABC 6. He’s been stripped of his police powers and made to turn in his badge and gun pending an independent criminal investigation, said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. Ginther has also asked the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio to investigate the shooting as a possible civil rights violation.
At a press conference Tuesday, Ginther lambasted the officers involved in the incident for turning off their body cameras while on duty.
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“It is unacceptable to me and the community that officers did not turn on their cameras,” he said, according to the Columbus Dispatch. “If you won’t turn on your body camera, you cannot work in our city.”
The body camera footage will be shown to the victim’s family and is expected to be released to the public sometime this week.
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The outrageous, sickening story echoes many other killings of Black people by police, like that of Stephon Clark, the 22-year-old man who was shot by police in Sacramento, Calif., in his grandmother’s backyard with a phone in his hand in 2018, and then was left lying for five minutes before they even bothered to act as if they cared about his life by performing one minute of CPR.
And there’s Casey Goodson Jr., a 23-year-old Black man shot and killed by police earlier this month, also in Columbus, while reportedly entering his home with a bag of sandwiches in his hand. His family and loved ones are having a private funeral to put him to rest today.
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It’s clear that police have no plans to stop shooting Black people—and despite all the well-meaning speeches and statements made by politicians this year, cops will continue taking our lives as long as they face no material consequences for doing so.


theroot--2020-12-23--Christmas Miracle or Trump's Final Fake Out? President Waits Until Last Minute to Hold Up Stimulus C

Christmas Miracle or Trump's Final Fake Out? President Waits Until Last Minute to Hold Up Stimulus Checks With $2,000 Demand and Veto Threat

Just as Democrats and Republicans in Congress have finally agreed on how much ( or rather , how little ) stimulus money to throw to the American people , President Trump has emerged in his favorite role as head troll to play with our feelings all over again .
In a video issued Tuesday night , the president implied he would not sign the $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief bill that was recently passed by Congress unless the $ 600 amount outlined in the stimulus checks for Americans is increased to $ 2,000 .
“ I am also asking Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , and maybe that administration will be me , ” Trump said .
While I agree with Trump ’ s description of the $ 600 stimulus checks as being the “ bare minimum ” for the American people , his threat to hold up any money at all from going out until January—or when he somehow retains office by winning an election he has lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another example of the fake-out stunts we ’ ve had to deal with from him for the past four years .
It also isn ’ t the first time Trump has played around with our money on this stimulus issue .
Democrats , who had been pushing for more money in the stimulus checks to begin with but were repeatedly shot down by Senate Republicans , responded to Trump ’ s announcement on Tuesday with unanimous agreement with his proposal—essentially putting the ball in his and the GOP ’ s court to finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation of citizens still struggling through a crisis .
“ Mr .
President , sign the bill to keep the government open , ” said Nancy Pelosi tweeted on Wednesday morning .
“ Urge McConnell and McCarthy to agree with the Democratic unanimous consent request for $ 2,000 direct payments !
This can be done by noon on Christmas Eve !
” House Democrats Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also stepped up on Tuesday night to co-write an amendment to the existing relief bill , leaving the decision to Trump and Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off .
Trump has said nothing publicly since his eleventh-hour intervention , setting the stage for another protracted shutdown .
This would likely translate into a delay in any stimulus funds reaching us any time soon , though they had been scheduled to begin going next week according to Trump ’ s own Treasury Secretary , Steven Mnuchin .
Trump could veto the bill that would have made that possible , but Congress could override that veto .
Republicans in Congress are also unlikely to unanimously vote in support of the $ 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times .
So it ’ s either we get $ 600 soon or we get nothing until Trump leaves office .
Thankfully , President-elect Biden has already signaled his plans to advocate for another stimulus package with additional funds for Americans when he takes office in January .
Mr. Biden said he planned to ask Congress to pass another bill that would include more funding to help firefighters , police officers and nurses .
He said that his bill would include a new round of stimulus checks to Americans , but that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter of negotiation .
His focus , he said , was to have the money necessary to distribute vaccines to 300 million people , to support Americans who have lost jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic and to help businesses stay open .
Like anyone else , I ’ m all in for Americans to get more than a measly $ 600 .
But I can ’ t help but be exhausted by Trump ’ s shenanigans , and I want us to at least get something soon .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people whose economic well-being has been hanging in the balance for months during this pandemic crisis—and for what feels like nothing but politics .
We ’ ll be watching if this drama turns out to be anything more than that .

Just as Democrats and Republicans in Congress have finally agreed on how much (or rather, how little) stimulus money to throw to the American people, President Trump has emerged in his favorite role as head troll to play with our feelings all over again.
In a video issued Tuesday night, the president implied he would not sign the $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill that was recently passed by Congress unless the $600 amount outlined in the stimulus checks for Americans is increased to $2,000.
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“I am 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, and maybe that administration will be me,” Trump said.
While I agree with Trump’s description of the $600 stimulus checks as being the “bare minimum” for the American people, his threat to hold up any money at all from going out until January—or when he somehow retains office by winning an election he has lost too many times to count—feels like just another example of the fake-out stunts we’ve had to deal with from him for the past four years. It also isn’t the first time Trump has played around with our money on this stimulus issue.
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Democrats, who had been pushing for more money in the stimulus checks to begin with but were repeatedly shot down by Senate Republicans, responded to Trump’s announcement on Tuesday with unanimous agreement with his proposal—essentially putting the ball in his and the GOP’s court to finally get some decent funds out to a nation of citizens still struggling through a crisis.
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“Mr. President, sign the bill to keep the government open,” said Nancy Pelosi tweeted on Wednesday morning. “Urge McConnell and McCarthy to agree with the Democratic unanimous consent request for $2,000 direct payments! This can be done by noon on Christmas Eve!”
House Democrats Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also stepped up on Tuesday night to co-write an amendment to the existing relief bill, leaving the decision to Trump and Senate Republicans if the higher checks will be signed off.
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Trump has said nothing publicly since his eleventh-hour intervention, setting the stage for another protracted shutdown. This would likely translate into a delay in any stimulus funds reaching us any time soon, though they had been scheduled to begin going next week according to Trump’s own Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin.
Trump could veto the bill that would have made that possible, but Congress could override that veto. Republicans in Congress are also unlikely to unanimously vote in support of the $2,000 increase, according to the New York Times. So it’s either we get $600 soon or we get nothing until Trump leaves office.
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Thankfully, President-elect Biden has already signaled his plans to advocate for another stimulus package with additional funds for Americans when he takes office in January.
From the Times:
Mr. Biden said he planned to ask Congress to pass another bill that would include more funding to help firefighters, police officers and nurses. He said that his bill would include a new round of stimulus checks to Americans, but that the amount of money they contained would be a matter of negotiation. His focus, he said, was to have the money necessary to distribute vaccines to 300 million people, to support Americans who have lost jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic and to help businesses stay open.
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Like anyone else, I’m all in for Americans to get more than a measly $600. But I can’t help but be exhausted by Trump’s shenanigans, and I want us to at least get something soon. It’s cruel to play with the very lives of people whose economic well-being has been hanging in the balance for months during this pandemic crisis—and for what feels like nothing but politics.
We’ll be watching if this drama turns out to be anything more than that.