theroot--2020-05-13--I'm Finally Good Enough to Die

I'm Finally Good Enough to Die

I wasn ’ t always this guy .
I wasn ’ t always a married father who lives in a nice community .
I wasn ’ t always a writer .
When I was 16 , my dad sat me down and had a very real conversation with me .
He told me that he ’ d given up , that he wasn ’ t going to hit me anymore for acting out .
He said he wasn ’ t going to chase me around to go to school .
He told me that he would no longer fight to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man .
At this point , he thought I needed to feel the full weight of my decisions .
I no longer had a curfew .
I no longer had opposition to my insistence on going down the wrong path .
My hair grew longer .
I stayed in the streets .
My pants begin sagging .
I smoked whatever was around and drank until I blacked out .
I was with those guys , on those streets you didn ’ t want to come down .
I was around a lot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I was shot and killed by anyone , I still would ’ ve wanted my life to mean something .
I lost one of my closest friends this way .
My homeboy Ian was shot and killed when we were in our 20s .
I ’ d known him since we were little boys .
Since we would bend hangers to make basketball hoops .
He was a bright kid that loved to draw .
He had a hustle going in elementary school in which he was making cartoon drawings of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the dopest gear at the time .
He was his mother ’ s only son .
We used to tell people we were cousins .
The person who shot him was never found as no snitching was big in D.C .
When he was killed , his story was barely mentioned in the Washington Post .
But here ’ s the thing that won ’ t get mentioned , he didn ’ t deserve to die .
I don ’ t know if Ahmaud Arbery was jogging or not on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two white men—deputized by their whiteness—who shot and killed him and I don ’ t care ; he didn ’ t deserve to die .
I don ’ t know why Arbery was inside that house that was under construction and guess what , I don ’ t give a fuck , he didn ’ t deserve to die .
I don ’ t care what he was wearing when he walked outside of his home ; he didn ’ t deserve to die .
And yet there are many , who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will argue “ Why was Arbery going for the white man ’ s gun ?
” Instead of asking why a white man feels entitled enough to pull a gun on a black man he doesn ’ t know , who hasn ’ t done anything to him or his family .
I don ’ t need to comb through Arbery ’ s bonafides and look at his permanent record to determine whether or not his mantle is one worth taking up .
It is .
And I don ’ t need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the neighborhood to do this .
Arbery ’ s only offense on that day wa s being a black man in a neighborhood where white men lived who didn ’ t care for black men .
That ’ s it .
That ’ s the crime .
For some reason , America thinks that it ’ s OK to kill a black man unless he ’ s reached some level of respectability that will make his death truly sad and senseless so that then we can care for him .
Then his death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status .
Thankfully and prayerfully , I lived long enough to become this guy so that , should I be shot down just for existing , my untimely death might garner some outrage .
But let ’ s not forget that Arbery didn ’ t have to be jogging or house hunting or registering voters or any other narrative that helps make his killing less palatable .
Arbery was a man .
A black man , in a neighborhood where two white men believed that was enough .
They grabbed guns , left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot and killed him and the “ empty spot ” that President Trump talked about is the spot where empathy is supposed to go .
That ’ s the spot where everyone is supposed to just feel the pain of loss , that ’ s the spot where we don ’ t need to know what Arbery was doing or wearing or who he was before he lost his life .
His life was enough .

I wasn’t always this guy. I wasn’t always a married father who lives in a nice community. I wasn’t always a writer.
When I was 16, my dad sat me down and had a very real conversation with me. He told me that he’d given up, that he wasn’t going to hit me anymore for acting out. He said he wasn’t going to chase me around to go to school. He told me that he would no longer fight to make me a decent and kind young man. At this point, he thought I needed to feel the full weight of my decisions. I no longer had a curfew. I no longer had opposition to my insistence on going down the wrong path. My hair grew longer. I stayed in the streets. My pants begin sagging. I smoked whatever was around and drank until I blacked out. I was with those guys, on those streets you didn’t want to come down. I was around a lot, saw more than I needed to and if I was shot and killed by anyone, I still would’ve wanted my life to mean something.
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I lost one of my closest friends this way. My homeboy Ian was shot and killed when we were in our 20s. I’d known him since we were little boys. Since we would bend hangers to make basketball hoops. He was a bright kid that loved to draw. He had a hustle going in elementary school in which he would make cartoon drawings of some of the most beloved Disney characters wearing some of the dopest gear at the time. He was his mother’s only son. We used to tell people we were cousins. The person who shot him was never found as no snitching was big in D.C. When he was killed, his story was barely mentioned in the Washington Post.
But here’s the thing that won’t get mentioned; he didn’t deserve to die.
I don’t know if Ahmaud Arbery was jogging or not on the day that he was chased down by two white men—deputized by their whiteness—who shot and killed him and I don’t care; he didn’t deserve to die. I don’t know why Arbery was inside that house that was under construction and guess what, I don’t give a fuck, he didn’t deserve to die. I don’t care what he was wearing when he walked outside of his home; he didn’t deserve to die.
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And yet there are many, who have seen the video of his killing, that will argue “Why was Arbery going for the white man’s gun?” Instead of asking why a white man feels entitled enough to pull a gun on a black man he doesn’t know, who hasn’t done anything to him or his family.
I don’t need to comb through Arbery’s bona fides and look at his permanent record to determine whether or not his mantle is one worth taking up. It is. And I don’t need to know what he was doing in the neighborhood to do this. Arbery’s only offense on that day was being a black man in a neighborhood where white men lived who didn’t care for black men. That’s it. That’s the crime. For some reason, America thinks that it’s OK to kill a black man unless he’s reached some level of respectability that will make his death truly sad and senseless so that then we can care for him. Then his death will have reached outrage level and hashtag status.
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I wasn’t always this guy.
Thankfully and prayerfully, I lived long enough to become this guy so that, should I be shot down just for existing, my untimely death might garner some outrage. But let’s not forget that Arbery didn’t have to be jogging or house hunting or registering voters or any other narrative that helps make his killing less palatable. Arbery was a man. A black man, in a neighborhood where two white men believed that was enough. They grabbed guns, left their home, hunted him down and shot and killed him and the “empty spot” that President Trump talked about is the spot where empathy is supposed to go. That’s the spot where everyone is supposed to just feel the pain of loss, that’s the spot where we don’t need to know what Arbery was doing or wearing or who he was before he lost his life.
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His life was enough.


theroot--2020-05-13--BOGO on Select Items Today Only for New Graduates at Reebok

As we send 2020 's graduating class of high school and college students into an uncertain future they might as @ @ @ @ @ All jokes aside it ’ s going to be rough out there and a buy @ @ @ @ @ on a slick pair of kicks might just make your recent grad ’ s day @ @ @ @ @ leggings , and hoodies are all included in this offer .
There are 169 items @ @ @ @ @ you are grabbing two things with different values the lowest priced one will be deducted @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t tell anyone if you use this code and you aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ s still a great deal to grab a new pair of sneakers for you and @ @ @ @ @ on orders over $ 25 and sale runs all day .

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

BOGO Sale | Reebok | Use code CONGRATS
As we send 2020's graduating class of high school and college students into an uncertain future they might as well have comfy footwear . All jokes aside it’s going to be rough out there and a buy one get one free deal on a slick pair of kicks might just make your recent grad’ s day.
Sneakers, tees, leggings, and hoodies are all included in this offer. There are 169 items to pick from. If you are grabbing two things with different values the lowest priced one will be deducted at checkout.
Look we won’t tell anyone if you use this code and you aren’t a grad, it’s still a great deal to grab a new pair of sneakers for you and a friend.
Free shipping on orders over $25 and sale runs all day.


theroot--2020-05-13--Melanie Fiona Will Portray Chaka Khan on Season 2 Of American Soul

Melanie Fiona has landed the coveted role of music icon Chaka Khan for the second season of American Soul , which tells the behind-the-scenes story of Don Cornelius ’ hit show , Soul Train .
Season 2 premieres on May 27 on BET .
The Grammy Award-winning R & B singer announced the exciting news on her Instagram page and wrote about how the “ Through The Fire ” musician inspired her growing up .
“ I still can ’ t believe this actually happened !
” Fiona wrote in the caption accompanying a photo of her in character as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a huge inspiration to me .
The fashion , the fire , the gift !
Sheeeesh !
I have been humbled to meet her , perform for her and now play her ...
I ’ ve done some really cool things in my life and career , but this one definitely feels like destiny.
” She continues by writing that as an artist , people respecting her enough for this opportunity is something she ’ s dreamed of .
She thanks BET , the show ’ s executive producer Jesse Collins and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
“ To be thought of and entrusted with this role , is probably one of the highest honors and compliments I have ever received , ” she continues .
“ I hope I made you all proud .
I am eternally grateful .
”

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

Melanie Fiona has landed the coveted role of music icon Chaka Khan for the second season of American Soul, which tells the behind-the-scenes story of Don Cornelius’ hit show, Soul Train. Season 2 premieres on May 27 on BET.
The Grammy Award-winning R&B singer announced the exciting news on her Instagram page and wrote about how the “Through The Fire” musician inspired her growing up.
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“I still can’t believe this actually happened!” Fiona wrote in the caption accompanying a photo of her in character as Chaka Khan on set. “Chaka is a huge inspiration to me. The fashion, the fire, the gift! Sheeeesh! I have been humbled to meet her, perform for her and now play her...I’ve done some really cool things in my life and career, but this one definitely feels like destiny.”
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She continues by writing that as an artist, people respecting her enough for this opportunity is something she’s dreamed of. She thanks BET, the show’s executive producer Jesse Collins and casting agent Robi Reed for believing in her.
“To be thought of and entrusted with this role, is probably one of the highest honors and compliments I have ever received,” she continues. “I hope I made you all proud. I am eternally grateful.”


theroot--2020-05-13--Same Man Who Feigned Concern Over Zaya Wade Admits He Allowed 'Grown Women' to Perform Oral Sex on H

Same Man Who Feigned Concern Over Zaya Wade Admits He Allowed 'Grown Women' to Perform Oral Sex on His Son and Nephews

Boosie Badazz ( formerly known as Lil Boosie , born Torrence Hatch Jr. ) is perpetually using his phone to display his stupidity , and his most recent act is disturbingly dangerous , to say the least .
The rapper recently took to Instagram Live to discuss the ways in which he basically has the children in his family undergo a toxic masculinity boot camp .
Trigger Warning : The following footage contains a recounting of pedophilic acts .
“ I ’ m training these boys right , I ’ m training these boys right , ” Boosie said during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask any of my nephews , ask any of them , ask my son .
Yeah , when they was 12 , 13 , they got head .
Yeah , that ’ s how it ’ s supposed to be .
Hell yeah I got my fuckin ’ son dick sucked .
You fuckin ’ right .
Yes , a grown woman , grown , super grown ... checked his ass out .
Checked all my nephews out , super grown .
Is she grown ?
She check me out .
I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; she checked me out , that bitch .
I ’ m getting them prepared , man.
” The 37-year-old rapper currently lives in Baton Rouge , La.
, per Complex .
According to the Rape , Abuse & Incest National Network ( RAINN ) the state of Louisiana defines statutory rape as : Statutory rape is not specifically penalized in Louisiana .
But several statutes criminalize specific sex acts with minors : Aggravated rape punishes sexual intercourse with someone under 13 ; Sexual battery when , though the sex act is consensual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at least three years younger than the offender ; and Oral sexual battery when the victim is younger than 15 and at least three years younger than the offender .
Information regarding the state ’ s reporting mandate is also located at rainn.org .
Understandably , this caused major concern on social media , with some suggesting that Child Protective Services should get involved .
Back in February , Boosie went on a rant saying Dwyane Wade went “ too fucking far ” when he announced his and Gabrielle Union ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gender identity under the guise of concern for the 12-year-old ( i.e .
people who express disagreement are often fixated on potential sex reassignment surgery , despite no indication that this was the next step of her transition nor would it be anyone ’ s business if she chose to do so ) .
Somehow , he chooses to chastise loving parents for choosing to embrace their 12-year-old for living in her truth but is perfectly fine with adults performing sexual acts on children in his family who are of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taught his son how to put on a condom when he was just 9 or 10 years old .
“ I don ’ t care what y ’ all say , ” he added .
“ It ’ s better than watching cartoons .
That ’ s why they have iPhone 11s .
They can watch as much porn as they want .
It ’ s better than them watching cartoons with two men kissing ... Yeah , it ’ s like that .
Yeah , we raise them different ... That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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

Boosie Badazz (formerly known as Lil Boosie, born Torrence Hatch Jr.) is perpetually using his phone to display his stupidity, and his most recent act is disturbingly dangerous, to say the least.
The rapper recently took to Instagram Live to discuss the ways in which he basically has the children in his family undergo a toxic masculinity boot camp.
Advertisement
Trigger Warning: The following footage contains a recounting of pedophilic acts.
“I’m training these boys right, I’m training these boys right,” Boosie said during his live session on Monday. “Ask any of my nephews, ask any of them, ask my son. Yeah, when they was 12, 13, they got head. Yeah, that’s how it’s supposed to be. Hell yeah I got my fuckin’ son dick sucked. You fuckin’ right. Yes, a grown woman, grown, super grown...checked his ass out. Checked all my nephews out, super grown. Is she grown? She check me out. I know what the fuck she did to them; she checked me out, that bitch. I’m getting them prepared, man.”
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The 37-year-old rapper currently lives in Baton Rouge, La., per Complex. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) the state of Louisiana defines statutory rape as:
Statutory rape is not specifically penalized in Louisiana. But several statutes criminalize specific sex acts with minors: Aggravated rape punishes sexual intercourse with someone under 13; Sexual battery when, though the sex act is consensual, the victim is younger than 15 and at least three years younger than the offender; and Oral sexual battery when the victim is younger than 15 and at least three years younger than the offender.
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Information regarding the state’s reporting mandate is also located at rainn.org.
Understandably, this caused major concern on social media, with some suggesting that Child Protective Services should get involved.
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Back in February, Boosie went on a rant saying Dwyane Wade went “too fucking far” when he announced his and Gabrielle Union’s child 2020 Young Futurists honoree Zaya Wade’s gender identity under the guise of concern for the 12-year-old (i.e. people who express disagreement are often fixated on potential sex reassignment surgery, despite no indication that this was the next step of her transition nor would it be anyone’s business if she chose to do so). Somehow, he chooses to chastise loving parents for choosing to embrace their 12-year-old for living in her truth but is perfectly fine with adults performing sexual acts on children in his family who are of the same age.
Bet.
Boosie also noted he taught his son how to put on a condom when he was just 9 or 10 years old. “I don’t care what y’all say,” he added. “It’s better than watching cartoons. That’s why they have iPhone 11s. They can watch as much porn as they want. It’s better than them watching cartoons with two men kissing ... Yeah, it’s like that. Yeah, we raise them different ... That’s just how it is.”
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“Different,” indeed.


theroot--2020-05-13--St. Louis Assistant Police Chief Files a Lawsuit Claiming He Was Denied a Promotion Because He’s Whi

St. Louis Assistant Police Chief Files a Lawsuit Claiming He Was Denied a Promotion Because He’s White

White men can ’ t jump but apparently , they sure can leap .
The assistant police chief for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department was told he was passed up for the chief of police position due to events that happened under his watch involving a black man who was fatally shot by police and subsequent protests .
He interpreted this to mean one thing : He was passed up for a promotion because he ’ s white .
Now , he ’ s suing the city and the police department alleging that he ’ s a victim of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Lt. Col. Lawrence O ’ Toole filed his lawsuit on May 1 claiming he was told by Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards that , “ If Jason Stockley didn ’ t happen , you would be the police chief.
” In 2011 , police officer Stockley shot and killed Anthony Lamar Smith , a black man suspected of a drug-related crime , after a high-speed chase and crash .
Jason “ I ’ m going to kill this motherfucker , don ’ t you know it !
” Stockley was charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point-blank range with an AK-47 he wasn ’ t supposed to be carrying .
He was found not guilty in 2017 and , as a result , protests ensued , including one where a black undercover police officer was beaten by other officers—one among several complaints of St. Louis police officers using excessive force against protesters .
The acquittal and resulting protests happened while O ’ Toole was acting police chief .
Despite all of that chaos and controversy , O ’ Toole has somehow interpreted Edwards ’ words as explicit proof that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get the job .
Edward , unsurprisingly , says something different .
“ I gave him several reasons why he did not get the job .
And race was not one of them , ” Edwards said .
Perhaps O ’ Toole ’ s belief that his race was the reason he was passed on is based on something much simpler : A Black man got the job he wanted .
According to the Dispatch , Chief John Hayden , who is black , was promoted to chief after Mayor Lyda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct meetings—which were open to the public—as part of a selection process to find someone to replace the city ’ s former chief , Sam Dotson , who retired suddenly .
O ’ Toole claims there was a clear bias against him on the part of the advisory board and that the meetings were made public as a way of embarrassing him .
But let ’ s be real : He wouldn ’ t be the first white man to go on some anti-affirmative action tear because he just can ’ t fathom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be better qualified for a job than he is .

White men can’t jump but apparently, they sure can leap.
The assistant police chief for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department was told he was passed up for the chief of police position due to events that happened under his watch involving a black man who was fatally shot by police and subsequent protests. He interpreted this to mean one thing: He was passed up for a promotion because he’s white. Now, he’s suing the city and the police department alleging that he’s a victim of racism.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole filed his lawsuit on May 1 claiming he was told by Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards that, “If Jason Stockley didn’t happen, you would be the police chief.”
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In 2011, police officer Stockley shot and killed Anthony Lamar Smith, a black man suspected of a drug-related crime, after a high-speed chase and crash. Jason “I’m going to kill this motherfucker, don’t you know it!” Stockley was charged with first-degree murder after he shot Smith at point-blank range with an AK-47 he wasn’t supposed to be carrying. He was found not guilty in 2017 and, as a result, protests ensued, including one where a black undercover police officer was beaten by other officers—one among several complaints of St. Louis police officers using excessive force against protesters.
The acquittal and resulting protests happened while O’Toole was acting police chief. Despite all of that chaos and controversy, O’Toole has somehow interpreted Edwards’ words as explicit proof that his whiteness is the reason he didn’t get the job. Edward, unsurprisingly, says something different.
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“I gave him several reasons why he did not get the job. And race was not one of them,” Edwards said.
Perhaps O’Toole’s belief that his race was the reason he was passed on is based on something much simpler: A Black man got the job he wanted.
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According to the Dispatch, Chief John Hayden, who is black, was promoted to chief after Mayor Lyda Krewson appointed a citizen advisory board to conduct meetings—which were open to the public—as part of a selection process to find someone to replace the city’s former chief, Sam Dotson, who retired suddenly. O’Toole claims there was a clear bias against him on the part of the advisory board and that the meetings were made public as a way of embarrassing him.
But let’s be real: He wouldn’t be the first white man to go on some anti-affirmative action tear because he just can’t fathom the idea that a black person might be better qualified for a job than he is.


theroot--2020-05-13--Never Lose Your Keys Again, Get Four Tile Mate Trackers for Just $39

If you ’ re anything like me , and I hope you ’ re not , you lose your keys @ @ @ @ @ like .
With Tile , you place the actual tile on whatever device you would @ @ @ @ @ When it inevitably gets misplaced , you just log into the tile app , and @ @ @ @ @ the location in real time .
It ’ s like Find My iPhone , except @ @ @ @ @ And since you can buy four for $ 39 at SideDeal—just one of these is @ @ @ @ @ worth a try .
Buy one before it ’ s gone !
This article was @ @ @ @ @ on 3/09/2020 and updated with new information by Quentyn Kennemer on 5/13/2020 .

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

Tile Mate 4-Pack | $39 | SideDeal
If you’re anything like me, and I hope you’re not, you lose your keys more often than you would like. With Tile, you place the actual tile on whatever device you would prefer not to lose. When it inevitably gets misplaced, you just log into the tile app, and it’ll show you the location in real time. It’s like Find My iPhone, except with any and everything. And since you can buy four for $39 at SideDeal—just one of these is normally $20—it’s worth a try. Buy one before it’s gone!
This article was original posted by Ignacia Fulcher on 3/09/2020 and updated with new information by Quentyn Kennemer on 5/13/2020.


theroot--2020-05-13--Social Studies: May 13, 2020

Social Studies: May 13, 2020

One day in the future , just before we head out into the post-apocalyptic dystopian landscape to forage for food , we ’ re probably going to look back at this administration and wonder what the hell was wrong with us .
We ’ ve just gotten used to his antics .
I know , I know—there ’ s just too much Trump malfeasance to get upset about it all , especially when you also have to worry about being lynched while jogging , catching the ’ Rona , Republicans stealing your vote , global warming and Face ID not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone remember my passcode ?
I know it had an 8 in the middle .
Oh , wait ... We were talking about Donald Trump .
Anyway , Russia ’ s at it again : The Trump administration also forced Mississippi to count CARES Acts payments as unearned income , which means that many people won ’ t be eligible for food stamps .
That ’ s right , $ 600 per week means you ’ re too rich for government assistance .
Of course , you have to find a way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No one wants welfare queens living off their dime .
I get tired of these ... Oh , wait : Someone at The Guardian wrote a whole article about being named Karen .
I bet the writer told them she was “ the manager.
” Angry Karens are my favorite Karens and here is the realest Karen you ever saw .
She ’ s the Tupac of Karens .
First of all , I ’ m lactose intolerant so I wouldn ’ t know , but are cheddar bay biscuits really that good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we hold Red Lobster in the same esteem that Italians regard Olive Garden .
The only red lobster we acknowledge is Sebastian .
Meanwhile , as COVID-19 continues to disproportionately affect black and brown communities , people are searching for solutions by any means necessary , including Facebook : Well , actually ... the black nurses who are risking their lives on the front lines are both .
By the way , has anyone recognized this strange phenomenon ?
I love the elders , lawd knows I do .
But is Stef Curry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurate .
I love these deep fakes .
I bet the baby reads at a higher level than Donald , though .
Does anyone remember that we have an election coming up ?
And where is Joe Biden ?
If Joe really wants to be president , he ’ s probably gon na have to risk it all and get out and start campaigning .
This ad is pretty good , but they ain ’ t showing this long shit on Fox News .
What I ’ m trying to say is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Rona doesn ’ t kill us , Trump will .
And even if he doesn ’ t Karens are going to make you wish you were dead .
Maybe this will make you happy :

One day in the future, just before we head out into the post-apocalyptic dystopian landscape to forage for food, we’re probably going to look back at this administration and wonder what the hell was wrong with us. We’ve just gotten used to his antics.
I know, I know—there’s just too much Trump malfeasance to get upset about it all, especially when you also have to worry about being lynched while jogging, catching the ’Rona, Republicans stealing your vote, global warming and Face ID not working with your mask on.
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Does anyone remember my passcode? I know it had an 8 in the middle.
Oh, wait... We were talking about Donald Trump.
Anyway, Russia’s at it again:
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The Trump administration also forced Mississippi to count CARES Acts payments as unearned income, which means that many people won’t be eligible for food stamps.
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That’s right, $600 per week means you’re too rich for government assistance. Of course, you have to find a way to stop people from abusing the system. No one wants welfare queens living off their dime. I get tired of these...
Oh, wait:
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Someone at The Guardian wrote a whole article about being named Karen. I bet the writer told them she was “the manager.”
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Angry Karens are my favorite Karens and here is the realest Karen you ever saw. She’s the Tupac of Karens.
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First of all, I’m lactose intolerant so I wouldn’t know, but are cheddar bay biscuits really that good? As a proud South Carolinian, we hold Red Lobster in the same esteem that Italians regard Olive Garden.
The only red lobster we acknowledge is Sebastian.
Meanwhile, as COVID-19 continues to disproportionately affect black and brown communities, people are searching for solutions by any means necessary, including Facebook:
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Well, actually...the black nurses who are risking their lives on the front lines are both.
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By the way, has anyone recognized this strange phenomenon?
Advertisement
I love the elders, lawd knows I do. But is Stef Curry fine?
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This is both disturbing and accurate. I love these deep fakes.
I bet the baby reads at a higher level than Donald, though.
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Does anyone remember that we have an election coming up?
And where is Joe Biden? If Joe really wants to be president, he’s probably gonna have to risk it all and get out and start campaigning. This ad is pretty good, but they ain’t showing this long shit on Fox News.
Advertisement
What I’m trying to say is that we’re doomed. If the ‘Rona doesn’t kill us, Trump will.
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And even if he doesn’t Karens are going to make you wish you were dead.
Maybe this will make you happy:
Happy Birthday, Stevie Wonder!


theroot--2020-05-13--Tyler Perry's Sistas and The Oval Will Be the First TV Series to Return to Full-Time Production Amid

Tyler Perry's Sistas and The Oval Will Be the First TV Series to Return to Full-Time Production Amid Pandemic

Tyler Perry is doing bad all by himself by social distancing away from the industry pack and making major moves during an uncertain time .
On Tuesday , BET announced the network had renewed both Tyler Perry ’ s The Oval and Tyler Perry ’ s Sistas for a second season , each of which had top ratings among their respective demographics .
Plus , Perry will be reopening his Tyler Perry Studios lot in Atlanta to resume production of both shows starting July 8 .
According to TV Guide , these will be the first tv series to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are excited to continue our partnership with Tyler Perry and for the renewals of our two Wednesday night programming staples , The Oval and Sistas .
BET is committed to investing in quality programming from top industry power players and giving viewers more of the content they love and expect from the brand across our platforms , ” Scott Mills , President of BET , said in a statement via a press release sent to The Root .
BET announced 22-episode orders for both shows on Tuesday .
Filming for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two and a half weeks .
A source tells Variety that Perry ’ s “ doing everything by the book ” when it comes to his plan to reopen the studio .
He ’ s working closely with local officials and unions to implement his plan to restart production as safely as possible .
While most of the crew on “ Sistas ” and “ The Oval ” are Atlanta-based , Perry will use his personal private plane to fly cast in from New York and Los Angeles after they are tested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlanta , they will head straight to set where all cast and crew will immediately be tested again for COVID-19 , awaiting their results for four hours before they are cleared to work .
Carlos Del Rio , professor at the Emory Vaccine Center in Georgia , will serve as the testing consultant .
Testing will occur four times during the two-and-a-half-week shoot .
Recently , Perry laid out a thorough mapped-out plan to safely return to production as part of Deadline ’ s “ Reopening Hollywood ” series .
His plan includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proper insurance and more .
To the cautious eye , this announcement seems to be a super early and ambitious feat .
Perry ’ s penchant to keep his productions low-budget and short-term could be the most effective and low-risk way to ease back into working life in Hollywood ( especially since adding testing would increase the overall budget ) .
The Hollywood Reporter mentioned that crew members ( with the exception of talent who appear on camera ) may have to wear masks while shooting and that sanitation on set will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still quite an unpredictable time , so I ’ m sure other production companies and networks will be looking at Perry ’ s production as a guinea pig of some sorts .
We ’ ll see how it goes .
In the meantime , here ’ s the breakdown of The Oval and Sistas from BET , in case you ’ ve been meaning to catch up on each : “ Tyler Perry ’ s The Oval , ” tells the story of a family placed in the White House by people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and everyday lives of the staff who run the inner workings of the nation ’ s most iconic residence .
“ Tyler Perry ’ s The Oval ” stars Ed Quinn , Kron Moore , Javon Johnson , Ptosha Storey , Vaughn Hebron , Teesha Renee , Paige Hurd , Daniel Croix Henderson , Lodric Collins , Ciera Payton , Walter Fauntleroy , Taja V. Simpson , Brad Benedict , Travis Cure , and Matthew Law .
“ Tyler Perry ’ s Sistas , ” follows a group of single black females as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” careers and friendship through the ups-and-downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic relationship goals .
The one-hour drama takes viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions and hilarious moments that are the epitome of # squadgoals .
“ Tyler Perry ’ s Sistas ” stars KJ Smith , Mignon Von , Ebony Obsidian , Novi Brown , DeVale Ellis , Chido Nwokocha , Anthony Dalton , Brian Jordan Jr. , and Kevin Walton .
Premiere dates for The Oval and Sistas have not yet been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forthcoming .

Tyler Perry is doing bad all by himself by social distancing away from the industry pack and making major moves during an uncertain time.
On Tuesday, BET announced the network had renewed both Tyler Perry’s The Oval and Tyler Perry’s Sistas for a second season, each of which had top ratings among their respective demographics. Plus, Perry will be reopening his Tyler Perry Studios lot in Atlanta to resume production of both shows starting July 8. According to TV Guide, these will be the first tv series to return to full-time production amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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“We are excited to continue our partnership with Tyler Perry and for the renewals of our two Wednesday night programming staples, The Oval and Sistas. BET is committed to investing in quality programming from top industry power players and giving viewers more of the content they love and expect from the brand across our platforms,” Scott Mills, President of BET, said in a statement via a press release sent to The Root.
Variety further reports:
BET announced 22-episode orders for both shows on Tuesday. Filming for each series will take place over approximately two and a half weeks. A source tells Variety that Perry’s “doing everything by the book” when it comes to his plan to reopen the studio. He’s working closely with local officials and unions to implement his plan to restart production as safely as possible. While most of the crew on “Sistas” and “The Oval” are Atlanta-based, Perry will use his personal private plane to fly cast in from New York and Los Angeles after they are tested for coronavirus before boarding. Upon arriving in Atlanta, they will head straight to set where all cast and crew will immediately be tested again for COVID-19, awaiting their results for four hours before they are cleared to work. Carlos Del Rio, professor at the Emory Vaccine Center in Georgia, will serve as the testing consultant. Testing will occur four times during the two-and-a-half-week shoot.
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Recently, Perry laid out a thorough mapped-out plan to safely return to production as part of Deadline’s “Reopening Hollywood” series. His plan includes testing, housing, quarantining, securing proper insurance and more.
To the cautious eye, this announcement seems to be a super early and ambitious feat. Perry’s penchant to keep his productions low-budget and short-term could be the most effective and low-risk way to ease back into working life in Hollywood (especially since adding testing would increase the overall budget). The Hollywood Reporter mentioned that crew members (with the exception of talent who appear on camera) may have to wear masks while shooting and that sanitation on set will be of the utmost priority.
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This is still quite an unpredictable time, so I’m sure other production companies and networks will be looking at Perry’s production as a guinea pig of some sorts. We’ll see how it goes.
In the meantime, here’s the breakdown of The Oval and Sistas from BET, in case you’ve been meaning to catch up on each:
About “Tyler Perry’s The Oval” “Tyler Perry’s The Oval,” tells the story of a family placed in the White House by people of power while also highlighting the personal side and everyday lives of the staff who run the inner workings of the nation’s most iconic residence. “Tyler Perry’s The Oval” stars Ed Quinn, Kron Moore, Javon Johnson, Ptosha Storey, Vaughn Hebron, Teesha Renee, Paige Hurd, Daniel Croix Henderson, Lodric Collins, Ciera Payton, Walter Fauntleroy, Taja V. Simpson, Brad Benedict, Travis Cure, and Matthew Law. About “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” “Tyler Perry’s Sistas,” follows a group of single black females as they navigate their “complicated love life,” careers and friendship through the ups-and-downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic relationship goals. The one-hour drama takes viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions and hilarious moments that are the epitome of #squadgoals. “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” stars KJ Smith, Mignon Von, Ebony Obsidian, Novi Brown, DeVale Ellis, Chido Nwokocha, Anthony Dalton, Brian Jordan Jr., and Kevin Walton.
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Premiere dates for The Oval and Sistas have not yet been announced, but those dates will be forthcoming.


theroot--2020-05-13--UK Railroad Worker Dies of COVID-19 After Being Spat on at Work; Union Says Death 'Wasn't Inevitable

UK Railroad Worker Dies of COVID-19 After Being Spat on at Work; Union Says Death 'Wasn't Inevitable'

The United Kingdom ’ s transport union , TSSA , is calling for better protection and compensation for its members after a railway worker died following an attack from an irate passenger claiming to have the coronavirus .
As the BBC reports , 47-year-old Belly Mujinga was attacked , along with another female colleague , at London ’ s Victoria Station on March 22 .
The enraged passenger spat and coughed on the two workers , claiming he had the coronavirus .
Within days of the assault , both women became sick .
Mujinga , who had underlying respiratory problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 2 after her condition worsened .
She died three days later , survived by her 11-year-old daughter and her husband .
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes , responding to Mujinga ’ s death , said the union is “ shocked and devastated.
” He also questioned whether the company Mujinga worked for , Southern Railway , adequately protected her and its other staff .
“ She is one of far too many front-line workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus , ” Cortes said .
“ As a vulnerable person in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her condition known to her employer , there are questions about why she wasn ’ t stood down from frontline duties early on in this pandemic.
” “ There are serious questions about her death .
It wasn ’ t inevitable , ” he said .
Mujinga ’ s cousin , Agnes Ntumba , told the BBC she thinks Southern Railway could have done more to protect her .
“ She shouldn ’ t have died in this condition .
We could have prevented it—if she had more PPE or if they kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concourse , ” Ntumba said .
Frontline workers around the world have been uniquely exposed to the virus—and in places like the U.S. and U.K. , have rallied for adequate protection as they continue to do essential work .
Last week , America ’ s largest nurses union , National Nurses United , protested outside of the White House calling for personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
“ How many of these nurses were failed by chaotic and haphazard protocols which left them vulnerable to exposure and illness ?
, ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , D.C. “ How many of these nurses died because this administration , this Congress , our elected officials , our government agencies failed to act , to lead and to protect them ?
” In a widely circulated New York Times op-ed last week , one Metropolitan Transportation Authority conductor in the city wrote : “ We are not essential .
We are sacrificial.
” The TSSA ’ s Cortes not only called for more protection but for government compensation for the families of transport workers who have died from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation has thus far only been promised to healthcare workers in the U.K .
Managing Director of Southern Railway Angie Doll said the company was “ devastated ” by Mujinga ’ s passing .
“ We take any allegations extremely seriously , and we are investigating these claims , ” Doll said , adding that the safety of its customers and staff “ continues to be front of mind at all times.
” Britain ’ s transport police say they are still looking for the man who attacked Mujinga .

The United Kingdom’s transport union, TSSA, is calling for better protection and compensation for its members after a railway worker died following an attack from an irate passenger claiming to have the coronavirus.
As the BBC reports, 47-year-old Belly Mujinga was attacked, along with another female colleague, at London’s Victoria Station on March 22. The enraged passenger spat and coughed on the two workers, claiming he had the coronavirus.
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Within days of the assault, both women became sick. Mujinga, who had underlying respiratory problems, was admitted to a hospital on April 2 after her condition worsened. She died three days later, survived by her 11-year-old daughter and her husband.
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TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes, responding to Mujinga’s death, said the union is “shocked and devastated.”
He also questioned whether the company Mujinga worked for, Southern Railway, adequately protected her and its other staff.
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“She is one of far too many front-line workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus,” Cortes said. “As a vulnerable person in the ‘at-risk’ category, and her condition known to her employer, there are questions about why she wasn’t stood down from frontline duties early on in this pandemic.”
“There are serious questions about her death. It wasn’t inevitable,” he said.
Mujinga’s cousin, Agnes Ntumba, told the BBC she thinks Southern Railway could have done more to protect her.
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“She shouldn’t have died in this condition. We could have prevented it—if she had more PPE or if they kept her inside instead of being on the concourse,” Ntumba said.
Frontline workers around the world have been uniquely exposed to the virus—and in places like the U.S. and U.K., have rallied for adequate protection as they continue to do essential work. Last week, America’s largest nurses union, National Nurses United, protested outside of the White House calling for personal protective equipment (PPE).
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“How many of these nurses were failed by chaotic and haphazard protocols which left them vulnerable to exposure and illness?,” said Stephanie Sims, a registered nurse from Washington, D.C. “How many of these nurses died because this administration, this Congress, our elected officials, our government agencies failed to act, to lead and to protect them?”
In a widely circulated New York Times op-ed last week, one Metropolitan Transportation Authority conductor in the city wrote: “We are not essential. We are sacrificial.”
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The TSSA’s Cortes not only called for more protection but for government compensation for the families of transport workers who have died from COVID-19, Al-Jazeera reports. That kind of compensation has thus far only been promised to healthcare workers in the U.K.
Managing Director of Southern Railway Angie Doll said the company was “devastated” by Mujinga’s passing.
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“We take any allegations extremely seriously, and we are investigating these claims,” Doll said, adding that the safety of its customers and staff “continues to be front of mind at all times.”
Britain’s transport police say they are still looking for the man who attacked Mujinga.


theroot--2020-05-13--Still Looking for Hand Sanitizer? Get Free Shipping on This Five-Pack From CBD Luxe

Now is a great time to engage in a clean and calm mentality .
CBD Luxe is offering free shipping @ @ @ @ @ most importantly they now have hand sanitizer packs starting at $ 30 .
There are @ @ @ @ @ and four ounce .
The one ounce is ideal for travel to take wherever you @ @ @ @ @ have to touch along the way .
It comes in a five ( $ 30 @ @ @ @ @ $ 55 ) .
Made with 80 % ethyl alcohol , organic aloe , organic @ @ @ @ @ willow bark , and of course , Colorado certified hemp .
All that organic goodness @ @ @ @ @ t dry out and it ’ s gentle enough for sensitive skin .
They do @ @ @ @ @ about the same price .
Hand sanitizer isn ’ t going out of fashion anytime @ @ @ @ @ pick you ’ ll definitely use all of it .

Free Shipping on Hand Sanitizer Pack | $29 | CBD Luxe
Now is a great time to engage in a clean and calm mentality. CBD Luxe is offering free shipping on all their items but most importantly they now have hand sanitizer packs starting at $30.
There are two sizes: one ounce and four ounce. The one ounce is ideal for travel to take wherever you venture and for whatever you have to touch along the way. It comes in a five ($30) or ten pack ($55).
Made with 80% ethyl alcohol, organic aloe, organic tea tree oil, white willow bark, and of course, Colorado certified hemp. All that organic goodness guarantees your hands won’t dry out and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. They do offer a non-CBD option for about the same price.
Hand sanitizer isn’t going out of fashion anytime soon so whatever pack you pick you’ll definitely use all of it.


theroot--2020-05-13--This 'Genius' Designer Is Selling Masks With a Straw-Sized Mouth Hole, Because Drinking With Friends

This 'Genius' Designer Is Selling Masks With a Straw-Sized Mouth Hole, Because Drinking With Friends Is Way More Important Than Safety

Some people are having a terrible time trying to live their normal life with this pesky COVID-19 getting in the way .
The illness that has infected millions and claimed the lives of more than 292,500 around the world really has been getting in the way of plans , like seeing friends for that ever-so-important midday Frappuccino or Happy Hour cocktail .
Ugh !
But fear not–those who say “ poo-poo ” to these *sooooo so stupid* social distancing precautions are in luck !
Ellen Macomber has designed a face mask with a straw-sized hole right in the mouth area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t resist a drink outside with friends to imbibe in some libations .
Social distancing ?
I don ’ t know her !
It ’ s a thing of the past now !
The fine art and textiles designer , who described herself as “ an alcoholic from New Orleans ” ( because alcoholism is something to joke about ) told Fast Company that since COVID-19 took over , her online business has experienced a dip in sales .
In order to make a profit , she had to think outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes for $ 30 and comes with super cute prints like sequins , flowers and snakeskin .
She also makes caftans that match , because who knows ?
Maybe those who buy these masks will board a plane or catamaran to sip on a beach somewhere !
The world is now their oyster !
“ We ’ re all in New Orleans , and here in New Orleans , we like to drink , ” she said .
“ We were thinking of doing a lip appliqué , where [ the mask ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ d have to touch your face .
I was like , ‘ Well that won ’ t work because you have to touch your mask .
That ’ s when I was like , ‘ Dude , we just drill a little flap , an extra layer , and you angle the straw to get in .
So the hole is never completely open.
’ ” Considering potentially infected COVID-19 droplets can get into your mouth ( pdf ) and give you the virus , a small , straw-sized hole could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that thing about throwing out masks that don ’ t protect your eyes and mouths any longer due to tears and holes ?
Totally doesn ’ t apply , because you ’ re having a drink !
This mask serves a purpose .
What an innovative , super-safe , effective way to dance around these silly CDC rules .
Macomber believes that the mask is just what the doctor ordered ( Pun ?
Intended ?
‘ Not I , ’ said the cat ! )
, and hopes that those who are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this incredibly useful .
“ Anything is better than nothing , ” she continues .
“ If we ’ re going to be handling different errands … this is just one option for one of the variety of errands you ’ re needing to .
This is the biggest shitshow I ’ ve ever encountered in my life , so I ’ m just rolling with the punches , and trying to provide my clients with what they ’ re asking for : a mask .
This is my take on it .
@

J'na Jefferson on The Glow Up, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

Some people are having a terrible time trying to live their normal life with this pesky COVID-19 getting in the way. The illness that has infected millions and claimed the lives of more than 292,500 around the world really has been getting in the way of plans, like seeing friends for that ever-so-important midday Frappuccino or Happy Hour cocktail. Ugh!
But fear not–those who say “poo-poo” to these *sooooo so stupid* social distancing precautions are in luck! Ellen Macomber has designed a face mask with a straw-sized hole right in the mouth area, in order for those who just can’t resist a drink outside with friends to imbibe in some libations.
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Social distancing? I don’t know her! It’s a thing of the past now!
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The fine art and textiles designer, who described herself as “an alcoholic from New Orleans” (because alcoholism is something to joke about) told Fast Company that since COVID-19 took over, her online business has experienced a dip in sales. In order to make a profit, she had to think outside of safety regulations the box. This particular mask goes for $30 and comes with super cute prints like sequins, flowers and snakeskin.
She also makes caftans that match, because who knows? Maybe those who buy these masks will board a plane or catamaran to sip on a beach somewhere! The world is now their oyster!
Advertisement
“We’re all in New Orleans, and here in New Orleans, we like to drink,” she said. “We were thinking of doing a lip appliqué, where [the mask] would flap open and close, but you’d have to touch your face. I was like, ‘Well that won’t work because you have to touch your mask. That’s when I was like, ‘Dude, we just drill a little flap, an extra layer, and you angle the straw to get in. So the hole is never completely open.’”
Considering potentially infected COVID-19 droplets can get into your mouth (pdf) and give you the virus, a small, straw-sized hole could never allow that to happen. And that thing about throwing out masks that don’t protect your eyes and mouths any longer due to tears and holes? Totally doesn’t apply, because you’re having a drink! This mask serves a purpose. What an innovative, super-safe, effective way to dance around these silly CDC rules.
Advertisement
Macomber believes that the mask is just what the doctor ordered (Pun? Intended? ‘Not I,’ said the cat!), and hopes that those who are in public more often than not will find this incredibly useful.
“Anything is better than nothing,” she continues. “If we’re going to be handling different errands … this is just one option for one of the variety of errands you’re needing to. This is the biggest shitshow I’ve ever encountered in my life, so I’m just rolling with the punches, and trying to provide my clients with what they’re asking for: a mask. This is my take on it.”


theroot--2020-05-13--Trump’s Former Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort and His Precious White Lungs Released From Prison

Coronavirus is running rampant in prisons , so America is doing everything it can to make sure Trump ’ s accomplices are released because they can ’ t run the risk of fucking up their precious white lungs .
According to the Washington Post , Trump ’ s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort is no longer in prison and has been relegated to house arrest because , who are we kidding , he ’ s friends with the president and therefore his lungs are more precious than a run-of-the-mill prisoner who doesn ’ t have a friendship with the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hide the shit anymore .
Manafort had been incarcerated since June 2018 “ when he was indicted for witness tampering while awaiting trial on bank and tax fraud charges , for which he was convicted that summer .
He later entered a cooperation deal with prosecutors after pleading to conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice related to his undisclosed lobbying for a pro-Russian politician and political party in Ukraine.
” Manafort ’ s cooperation in special counsel Robert S. Mueller III ’ s probe of Russian interference in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors accused him of continuing to lie to them and “ sought prison time , ” the Post reports .
Manafort was set to serve seven years and instead was released from the minimum-security Lorretto Federal Correctional Institution in central Pennsylvania to serve his time from his home in Alexandria , Va. His term is set to end in 2024 .
“ Mr .
Manafort is 71 years old and suffers from several preexisting health conditions , including high blood pressure , liver disease , and respiratory ailments , ” his lawyers wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t care .
I ’ m sure there are other prisoners in the same position as Manafort who don ’ t have friends in high places and , in turn , are still at risk of catching the potentially deadly virus .
The U.S. Bureau of Prisons reported as of Tuesday that 2,818 inmates and 262 staff in its 140,000 prisoner system have tested positive for the virus , and 50 inmates have died .
There have been no confirmed infections at the Loretto complex , according to the bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in light of the covid-19 pandemic , Manafort should be released to serve out at least a portion of that sentence with his wife in their Northern Virginia condominium .
His release was confirmed by attorney Todd Blanche .
Here ’ s the really funny part , and by funny , I mean totally fucked up part : Attorney General William P. Barr , aka Evil Fred Flintstone , asked the Bureau of Prisons ( BOP ) to start releasing vulnerable prisoners who were not a threat to the community .
BOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmates who served more than half their sentences or had less than 18 months on their sentence : Manafort had neither .
Yet , Trump ’ s friend , who tried his best to protect Trump , is free to serve the remainder of his sentence at home .
And there have been no COVID-19 cases reported at Loretto , but that doesn ’ t matter anymore as Manafort and his precious white lungs are safe in Alexandria , Va. , because the law only applies to people of color .

Coronavirus is running rampant in prisons, so America is doing everything it can to make sure Trump’s accomplices are released because they can’t run the risk of fucking up their precious white lungs.
According to the Washington Post, Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort is no longer in prison and has been relegated to house arrest because, who are we kidding, he’s friends with the president and therefore his lungs are more precious than a run-of-the-mill prisoner who doesn’t have a friendship with the president. They aren’t even trying to hide the shit anymore.
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Manafort had been incarcerated since June 2018 “when he was indicted for witness tampering while awaiting trial on bank and tax fraud charges, for which he was convicted that summer. He later entered a cooperation deal with prosecutors after pleading to conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice related to his undisclosed lobbying for a pro-Russian politician and political party in Ukraine.”
Manafort’s cooperation in special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election was short-lived , as prosecutors accused him of continuing to lie to them and “sought prison time,” the Post reports.
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Manafort was set to serve seven years and instead was released from the minimum-security Lorretto Federal Correctional Institution in central Pennsylvania to serve his time from his home in Alexandria, Va. His term is set to end in 2024.
“Mr. Manafort is 71 years old and suffers from several preexisting health conditions, including high blood pressure, liver disease, and respiratory ailments,” his lawyers wrote to the Post . And yet, I don’t care. I’m sure there are other prisoners in the same position as Manafort who don’t have friends in high places and, in turn, are still at risk of catching the potentially deadly virus.
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From the Post:
The U.S. Bureau of Prisons reported as of Tuesday that 2,818 inmates and 262 staff in its 140,000 prisoner system have tested positive for the virus, and 50 inmates have died. There have been no confirmed infections at the Loretto complex, according to the bureau. His attorneys last April argued that, in light of the covid-19 pandemic, Manafort should be released to serve out at least a portion of that sentence with his wife in their Northern Virginia condominium. His release was confirmed by attorney Todd Blanche.
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Here’s the really funny part, and by funny, I mean totally fucked up part: Attorney General William P. Barr, aka Evil Fred Flintstone, asked the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to start releasing vulnerable prisoners who were not a threat to the community. BOP was reportedly “prioritizing for consideration” inmates who served more than half their sentences or had less than 18 months on their sentence: Manafort had neither.
Yet, Trump’s friend, who tried his best to protect Trump, is free to serve the remainder of his sentence at home. And there have been no COVID-19 cases reported at Loretto, but that doesn’t matter anymore as Manafort and his precious white lungs are safe in Alexandria, Va., because the law only applies to people of color.


theroot--2020-05-15--Armed Black Men Show Up In Neighborhood Where Armed White Men Lynched Ahmaud Arbery

A group of black men exercising their Second Amendment rights showed up in the Georgia neighborhood where Ahmaud Arbery was killed to demonstrate for freedom and liberty because… Oh , wait , I ’ m showing my journalistic bias by reporting this story in the same way that outlets reported on the white protesters who storm state capital buildings and order $ 5 foot-longs at Subway while cosplaying their favorite Call of Duty avatars .
My bad .
Sometimes I be on that “ all men are created equal ” shit .
Instead , I ’ ll defer to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Panther Special Operations command armed patrol has gone viral .
On Saturday , the organization led an armed patrol in front of Gregory McMichael ’ s home .
McMichael is one of the men accused of being involved in the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery .
Special Operations Commander of the armed patrol , General Rottweiler , says he wants justice by any means necessary .
“ You don ’ t win wars by marching and protesting you win wars by fighting back , ” said Rottweiler .
“ You have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way I was bre d and that ’ s the way the military teaches you .
You have to fight back you can ’ t just sit there when your family gets murdered or people get murdered.
” See , that ’ s the objective reporting that you should want .
Of course , the story doesn ’ t mention that the gun-toting negro thugs were part of a group of more than 1,000 people .
They probably also forgot to write the part where the crowd terrorized the neighborhood by furiously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course , the WTOC story made sure to differentiate between the peaceful protesters who were honoring Arbery and the black militants who were also peaceful and also honoring Arbery .
But that ’ s understandable .
I mean , look at these scary black men acting the same way as white men who are never arrested .
Please forgive me , protesters .
I didn ’ t mean to compare you to the McMichaels .
There is absolutely no evidence that you hunted anyone down and shot them in broad daylight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular peaceful demonstration of balloons .
Although they did not engage the armed law-abiding citizens , they kept close watch , unlike when the McMichael fugitive slave caravan paraded through the neighborhood with someone literally riding shotgun on the back of a pickup truck .
I wonder why ?
The Panthers appeared to have “ firearms being carried in open fashion , ” which is exactly how District Attorney George Barnhill described the gunmen in his letter explaining why he decided to shield Arbery ’ s killers from justice .
I wonder why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dudes with guns when , as Barnhill wrote , “ under Georgia law ... is legal open carry ” ?
As Bugs Bunny said to likely Brunswick resident Elmer Fudd : “ It ain ’ t no fun when the rabbit got the gun.
” The McMichaels are currently being held in jail without bond while neighborhood residents are being held in their bathroom scared shitless .

A group of black men exercising their Second Amendment rights showed up in the Georgia neighborhood where Ahmaud Arbery was killed to demonstrate for freedom and liberty because…
Oh, wait, I’m showing my journalistic bias by reporting this story in the same way that outlets reported on the white protesters who storm state capital buildings and order $5 foot-longs at Subway while cosplaying their favorite Call of Duty avatars.
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My bad. Sometimes I be on that “all men are created equal” shit.
Instead, I’ll defer to an objective organization like CBS 46:
Video of the Panther Special Operations command armed patrol has gone viral. On Saturday, the organization led an armed patrol in front of Gregory McMichael’s home. McMichael is one of the men accused of being involved in the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery. Special Operations Commander of the armed patrol, General Rottweiler, says he wants justice by any means necessary. “You don’t win wars by marching and protesting you win wars by fighting back,” said Rottweiler. “You have to fight back. That’s the way I was bre d and that’s the way the military teaches you. You have to fight back you can’t just sit there when your family gets murdered or people get murdered.”
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See, that’s the objective reporting that you should want.
Of course, the story doesn’t mention that the gun-toting negro thugs were part of a group of more than 1,000 people. They probably also forgot to write the part where the crowd terrorized the neighborhood by furiously releasing balloons, as WTOC reports. Of course, the WTOC story made sure to differentiate between the peaceful protesters who were honoring Arbery and the black militants who were also peaceful and also honoring Arbery. But that’s understandable. I mean, look at these scary black men acting the same way as white men who are never arrested.
Please forgive me, protesters. I didn’t mean to compare you to the McMichaels. There is absolutely no evidence that you hunted anyone down and shot them in broad daylight.
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Curiously, police showed up at this particular peaceful demonstration of balloons. Although they did not engage the armed law-abiding citizens, they kept close watch, unlike when the McMichael fugitive slave caravan paraded through the neighborhood with someone literally riding shotgun on the back of a pickup truck.
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I wonder why? The Panthers appeared to have “firearms being carried in open fashion,” which is exactly how District Attorney George Barnhill described the gunmen in his letter explaining why he decided to shield Arbery’s killers from justice. I wonder why there was such interest in the black dudes with guns when, as Barnhill wrote, “under Georgia law...is legal open carry”?
As Bugs Bunny said to likely Brunswick resident Elmer Fudd: “It ain’t no fun when the rabbit got the gun.”
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The McMichaels are currently being held in jail without bond while neighborhood residents are being held in their bathroom scared shitless.


theroot--2020-05-14--Kentucky Attorney General to Serve as Special Prosecutor in Breonna Taylor Case

The shooting death of Breonna Taylor at the hands of police has spurred national conversation and outrage .
Now , the state of Kentucky has appointed a special prosecutor to handle the case .
NBC News reports that state Attorney General Daniel Cameron will serve in the role in the Taylor case .
“ The Office of the Attorney General has been asked to serve as special prosecutor in the matter involving the death of Breonna Taylor .
At the conclusion of the investigation , the office will review the evidence and take appropriate action , ” Cameron announced on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear demanded investigators to “ carefully review the results of the initial investigation.
” Beshear has requested that Cameron “ carefully review the results of the initial investigation to ensure justice is done at a time when many are concerned that justice is not blind.
” Kentucky State Rep. Charles Booker wrote a letter to Cameron requesting that an independent investigation be carried out .
“ Ms .
Taylor was an innocent and valued member of our community , and it is unjust that she has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death at the hands of officers of the Louisville Metro Police Department are deeply troubling.
” Booker said in the letter .
On March 13 , Taylor and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker were at home when officers Myles Cosgrove , Jonathan Mattingly and Brett Hankison attempted to execute a search warrant .
According to a statement released by the Louisville Metro Police Department , the officers knocked multiple times and announced their presence when Walker fired on them , hitting Mattingly in the leg .
The officers then fired back in response .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother , Tamika Palmer , alleges that the officers did not announce their presence and that Walker fired on the officers in self-defense as he thought someone was attempting to rob them .
The lawsuit alleges the officers committed wrongful death , excessive force and gross negligence .
The suit said the officers were looking for a suspect who lived in a different part of the city and was already in police custody .
The Courier-Journal reported that records show the officers were investigating a “ trap house ” that was more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartment .
They had been issued a “ no-knock ” search warrant for that residence .
A police spokesperson had no comment this week because the investigation was still ongoing .
The officers were reassigned pending the outcome of the investigation .
Taylor and Walker had no criminal history or drug convictions .
No drugs were found in the apartment .
While initially the case didn ’ t receive much attention , awareness has begun to build over Taylor ’ s tragic death .
She was 26 years old and an EMT in @ @ @ @

The shooting death of Breonna Taylor at the hands of police has spurred national conversation and outrage. Now, the state of Kentucky has appointed a special prosecutor to handle the case.
NBC News reports that state Attorney General Daniel Cameron will serve in the role in the Taylor case. “The Office of the Attorney General has been asked to serve as special prosecutor in the matter involving the death of Breonna Taylor. At the conclusion of the investigation, the office will review the evidence and take appropriate action,” Cameron announced on Wednesday.
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On Thursday, The Root reported that Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear demanded investigators to “carefully review the results of the initial investigation.” Beshear has requested that Cameron “carefully review the results of the initial investigation to ensure justice is done at a time when many are concerned that justice is not blind.”
Kentucky State Rep. Charles Booker wrote a letter to Cameron requesting that an independent investigation be carried out.
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“Ms. Taylor was an innocent and valued member of our community, and it is unjust that she has been killed. The circumstances surrounding her violent death at the hands of officers of the Louisville Metro Police Department are deeply troubling.” Booker said in the letter.
On March 13, Taylor and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker were at home when officers Myles Cosgrove, Jonathan Mattingly and Brett Hankison attempted to execute a search warrant. According to a statement released by the Louisville Metro Police Department, the officers knocked multiple times and announced their presence when Walker fired on them, hitting Mattingly in the leg. The officers then fired back in response.
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A lawsuit filed by Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, alleges that the officers did not announce their presence and that Walker fired on the officers in self-defense as he thought someone was attempting to rob them. The lawsuit alleges the officers committed wrongful death, excessive force and gross negligence.
From NBC News:
The suit said the officers were looking for a suspect who lived in a different part of the city and was already in police custody. The Courier-Journal reported that records show the officers were investigating a “trap house” that was more than 10 miles away from Taylor’s apartment. They had been issued a “no-knock” search warrant for that residence. A police spokesperson had no comment this week because the investigation was still ongoing. The officers were reassigned pending the outcome of the investigation. Taylor and Walker had no criminal history or drug convictions. No drugs were found in the apartment.
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While initially the case didn’t receive much attention, awareness has begun to build over Taylor’s tragic death. She was 26 years old and an EMT in Louisville, Ky.


theroot--2020-05-14--Black Man in Vermont Pulled Over and Told to Leave the Entire State by White Man

It has become incredibly apparent over the last few weeks that white people believe it is their divine right to police black people .
CNN reports that a black man in Vermont was pulled over by a random white man and told to leave the state .
On Friday , the victim was driving with his 11-year-old son when two vehicles flagged him down .
Assuming they needed help , he pulled over , only for them to begin threatening him and telling him he was “ not wanted in Vermont and told to leave , ” according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The victim told police there were “ significant racial undertones to the interaction.
” The news release from police did not list the race or gender of the person in the other vehicle .
The victim told police he was scared both for his and his son ’ s safety but was able to verbally de-escalate the situation and drive home , the release said .
Police did not release the name of the victim , citing safety concerns .
“ Making this situation in Hartford even more disturbing was the racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual who is a person of color .
So let me be very clear , this is not acceptable and it can ’ t be tolerated and there ’ s no excuse for it , ” Vermont Gov .
Phil Scott said on Wednesday .
The governor also said he called the family to apologize for the incident .
While this is disturbing , it is not entirely unsurprising .
Whether it ’ s holding up a delivery driver for just doing his job or playing judge , jury and executioner over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it seems the simple act of existing is enough for white people to feel threatened by black people .

It has become incredibly apparent over the last few weeks that white people believe it is their divine right to police black people.
CNN reports that a black man in Vermont was pulled over by a random white man and told to leave the state. On Friday, the victim was driving with his 11-year-old son when two vehicles flagged him down. Assuming they needed help, he pulled over, only for them to begin threatening him and telling him he was “not wanted in Vermont and told to leave,” according to a news release from the Vermont State Police.
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From CNN:
The victim told police there were “significant racial undertones to the interaction.” The news release from police did not list the race or gender of the person in the other vehicle. The victim told police he was scared both for his and his son’s safety but was able to verbally de-escalate the situation and drive home, the release said. Police did not release the name of the victim, citing safety concerns.
“Making this situation in Hartford even more disturbing was the racial undertone used during this exchange with the individual who is a person of color. So let me be very clear, this is not acceptable and it can’t be tolerated and there’s no excuse for it,” Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said on Wednesday. The governor also said he called the family to apologize for the incident.
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While this is disturbing, it is not entirely unsurprising. Whether it’s holding up a delivery driver for just doing his job or playing judge, jury and executioner over a man looking at a construction site, it seems the simple act of existing is enough for white people to feel threatened by black people.