theroot--2020-10-16--Louisiana Police Blamed a Black Man’s 2019 Death on a Car Crash. His Family Just Viewed Footage of P

Louisiana Police Blamed a Black Man’s 2019 Death on a Car Crash. His Family Just Viewed Footage of Police Beating and Tasing Him Before He Died

A video of a Black man being beaten by Louisiana police , kept away from the public for more than a year , was finally shown to his family this week .
The family of Ronald Greene , who died after a brutal encounter with Louisiana State Police , saw a “ graphic ” 30-minute video on Wednesday depicting what happened to Greene when he was arrested by officers in May 2019 , attorney Lee Merritt told the Associated Press .
Merritt told the outlet the video shows cops choking and beating Greene , repeatedly stunning him with Tasers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The video was very difficult to watch .
It ’ s one of those videos like George Floyd and even Ahmaud Arbery where it ’ s just so graphic , ” Merritt said .
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards was also on hand to watch the video .
Before Merritt ’ s description of the footage from police body cameras , little was known about what actually happened to Greene .
Local and state officials have refused to release the video , citing ongoing investigations into the arrest .
Initially , State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries from a car crash after a high-speed chase .
The crash report filed by police did not mention any use of force , nor did it state that Greene had actually been taken into custody .
What Merritt described is a brutal arrest that may have well caused Greene , a 49-year-old barber , his life .
From the AP : At one point , an officer is seen placing a foot on Greene “ while another hogties him , ” he said .
One trooper can be heard calling Greene a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Merritt said , while another cautions that “ we shouldn ’ t tase him any more.
” “ Ronald immediately surrendered at his first contact with law enforcement .
When the vehicle stopped , he put his hands up and said , ’ I ’ m sorry , ’ ” Merritt said .
“ His dying words were , ‘ I ’ m sorry.
’ ” Along with the video , the AP also obtained a copy of the medical report from the incident showing that an emergency room doctor was skeptical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not add up , ” wrote Dr. Omokhuale Omokhodion , who saw Greene when he arrived at Glenwood Regional Medical Center , already dead .
According to the doctor , police had already told Greene ’ s family that he had “ died on impact ” after crashing his car into a tree , but Omokhodion noted that law enforcement gave “ different versions ” of the story of what happened .
Eventually , police told Omokhodion that Greene “ had been involved in a fight and struggle with them where he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital on May 10 bruised and bloodied , with lacerations all over his face and head .
The report also stated that two taser probes were still in Greene ’ s back when he was admitted .
The discrepancies in the medical report led Greene ’ s family to believe that State Police were covering up what actually happened to Greene .
In September , they released images of his injuries , noting that his SUV did not sustain much damage in the allegedly fatal crash .
Then , earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clip in which one of the six officers involved in Greene ’ s arrest , Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth , bragged about beating him .
“ I beat the ever-living fuck out of him , ” Hollingsworth said in an apparent phone conversation with a colleague .
The trooper added that cops “ choked him and everything else ” to try to subdue Greene , who he claimed was fighting back against officers .
“ He was spitting blood everywhere and all of a sudden he just went limp , ” said Hollingsworth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single-car crash , just hours after learning he was being fired for his part in Greene ’ s arrest .
No other troopers have been disciplined .
Greene ’ s family has filed a federal wrongful-death suit against the troopers .
His death is also the subject of a federal civil rights investigation .
On Thursday , Gov .
Edwards , a Democrat , told reporters that it would be “ detrimental ” to release video of Greene ’ s arrest to the public while an investigation is ongoing .
He also refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage .
“ I ’ m simply not going to sit here and characterize the video for you , ” said Edwards .

A video of a Black man being beaten by Louisiana police, kept away from the public for more than a year, was finally shown to his family this week.
The family of Ronald Greene, who died after a brutal encounter with Louisiana State Police, saw a “graphic” 30-minute video on Wednesday depicting what happened to Greene when he was arrested by officers in May 2019, attorney Lee Merritt told the Associated Press. Merritt told the outlet the video shows cops choking and beating Greene, repeatedly stunning him with Tasers and dragging him face-down on the pavement.
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“The video was very difficult to watch. It’s one of those videos like George Floyd and even Ahmaud Arbery where it’s just so graphic,” Merritt said.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards was also on hand to watch the video.
Before Merritt’s description of the footage from police body cameras, little was known about what actually happened to Greene. Local and state officials have refused to release the video, citing ongoing investigations into the arrest. Initially, State Police blamed Greene’s death on injuries from a car crash after a high-speed chase. The crash report filed by police did not mention any use of force, nor did it state that Greene had actually been taken into custody.
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What Merritt described is a brutal arrest that may have well caused Greene, a 49-year-old barber, his life. From the AP:
At one point, an officer is seen placing a foot on Greene “while another hogties him,” he said. One trooper can be heard calling Greene a “stupid son of a bitch,” Merritt said, while another cautions that “we shouldn’t tase him any more.” “Ronald immediately surrendered at his first contact with law enforcement. When the vehicle stopped, he put his hands up and said, ’I’m sorry,’” Merritt said. “His dying words were, ‘I’m sorry.’”
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Along with the video, the AP also obtained a copy of the medical report from the incident showing that an emergency room doctor was skeptical of the police narrative.
“Does not add up,” wrote Dr. Omokhuale Omokhodion, who saw Greene when he arrived at Glenwood Regional Medical Center, already dead. According to the doctor, police had already told Greene’s family that he had “died on impact” after crashing his car into a tree, but Omokhodion noted that law enforcement gave “different versions” of the story of what happened. Eventually, police told Omokhodion that Greene “had been involved in a fight and struggle with them where he was tased three times.”
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Greene arrived at the hospital on May 10 bruised and bloodied, with lacerations all over his face and head. The report also stated that two taser probes were still in Greene’s back when he was admitted.
The discrepancies in the medical report led Greene’s family to believe that State Police were covering up what actually happened to Greene. In September, they released images of his injuries, noting that his SUV did not sustain much damage in the allegedly fatal crash.
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Then, earlier this month, the AP obtained a 27-second audio clip in which one of the six officers involved in Greene’s arrest, Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, bragged about beating him.
“I beat the ever-living fuck out of him,” Hollingsworth said in an apparent phone conversation with a colleague. The trooper added that cops “choked him and everything else” to try to subdue Greene, who he claimed was fighting back against officers.
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“He was spitting blood everywhere and all of a sudden he just went limp,” said Hollingsworth. He died late September in a single-car crash, just hours after learning he was being fired for his part in Greene’s arrest.
No other troopers have been disciplined.
Greene’s family has filed a federal wrongful-death suit against the troopers. His death is also the subject of a federal civil rights investigation.
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On Thursday, Gov. Edwards, a Democrat, told reporters that it would be “detrimental” to release video of Greene’s arrest to the public while an investigation is ongoing. He also refused to detail what he saw in the footage.
“I’m simply not going to sit here and characterize the video for you,” said Edwards.


theroot--2020-10-16--Slice Your Heart Out: The Best Paring Knives, According To Reviewers

A paring knife can really change the game when it comes to slicing apples , quickly chopping onions ( without crying ) , and all those little tasks that require a small , efficient knife .
But they don ’ t have to be super expensive either !
All you really need is a tool that will , excuse my pun , cut around the corners .
So , here are the best paring knives based on insights from experts—and armchair experts AKA your average user—who know best .
Let ’ s get to it .
Told you paring knives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
This one from Victorinox , the originator of the Swiss Army knife , is t hin as hell , so you ’ ll be able to slice the skin off of apples easily .
The plastic handle , according to one reviewer , is sturdy and can dig into dense foods without breaking a sweat .
You can even switch between having a larger plastic handle or go for a serrated blade instead of straight for some heavy-duty chopping .
Love to see it .
It ’ s also recommended by America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s that too .
Narrow and perfect for exact cuts , the Wusthof Pro 3 1/2 '' paring knife is lightweight and e asy to maneuver , reviewers say it is simple to de-vein shrimp and cubing fruits .
Plus it ’ s only $ 25 , on the low end for the German brand .
Still , it ’ s sharp and reliable , two characteristics everyone wants in a paring knife .
Best Paring Knife for the Money : A favorite among our readers , Kyoku ’ s 3 1/2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from stainless , 67-layered Damascus steel .
It ’ s super sharp and can chuck strawberries and all other foods with ease .
Its durable handle makes it easy to really get a grip on whatever you ’ ve got your hands on .
Sure , it ’ s $ 37 , but it ’ ll last you for years .
Let the sales numbers speak for themselves .
With 89 5 ratings , Kuhn Rikon Colori paring knife is well worth the $ 16 .
Yes , it comes in a variety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shuck , and whatever else .
It ’ s just that versatile .
A non-stick coating rounds it off , so you ’ ll even be able to slice even the stickiest of cheeses with ease .
The knife also has a ma tching sheath if you don ’ t have room for a knife block and need to store it in a drawer .
We love to see it .
On the high end of the paring knife spectrum , Mac ’ s paring knife is $ 60 .
Composed of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this thing can chop up whatever the hell you wan na cut .
It has weight behind the blade , which adds an extra level of sturdiness to all your kitchen endeavors .
Mac kitchenware lasts a lifetime , too .
All you need is the right sharpener .
Global ’ s 3.5 ” paring knife has a glowing 4.8-star rating on Amazon from more than 240 reviews as of this writing .
This ergonomically-designed knife has a molded handle with a slip-resistant dimple texture , and reviewers suggest that it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s one five-star appraisal : This bird-beak shaped SKY LIGHT peeling knife is well suited for peeling potatoes , apples , mushrooms , and more , and the curved design has made it a favorite of Amazon reviewers .
Here ’ s one of the many positive takes : “ I really like how the curved blade cuts .
I didn ’ t realize the work I was making on myself by using a straight-blade paring knife for all my paring needs .
Anything rounded cuts better with this knife .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it has good heft so you maintain good control .
I ’ d certainly recommend adding it to your knife collection .
I have good quality knives , and this knife compares quite well to them .
I ’ m totally pleased .
”

Ignacia and Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Top Product: Victorinox Paring Knife (3 1/4") | Amazon | $8
There are a lot of essential things to have in any kitchen, but sometimes you forget the most basic ones. A good paring knife is one of those things that it’s easy to forget, but there’s really nothing better than having one you can rely on.
A paring knife is an intensely versatile tool that’ll help you peel things without issue, cut and chop things as small as you’d like, or just generally get at those tasks that require a bit more precision. Plus, you can actually get some of the best paring knives for pretty cheap, as long as you know where to look.
So, we scoured the internet to find the best paring knives from around the web. Then we cut out all of the ones we didn’t think were genuinely good enough, and put the rest of them here for you.
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If you’re looking for the best budget paring knife, then the Victorinox knife might be what you’re looking for. It’s designed for tasks that require almost surgical precision, and has a blade that is obscenely thin because of that. It means you’ll be able to slice and dice your fruit and veg as you need with no issue. The handle is made ergonomically and textured to help avoid slips too. plus, you can actually switch between having a larger handle or go for a serrated blade if you’d rather. It’s actually one of the knives recommended by America’s Test Kitchen too.
“This Victorinox knife is simply fantastic. It is sharp as a scalpel (be careful!) and holds its edge for a long time. Perfect for paring and slicing fruit and vegetables, etc. I purchased a whole set of Victorinox knives after doing careful research, and they are the best I’ve ever had. And they don’t cost an arm and a leg like the Global or other big professional brands I used to covet.” - Kolekatkrush, Amazon Contributor
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Made with a high carbon stainless steel blade, the Wüsthof 3” Serrated Paring Knife is a great knife for chopping vegetables. Designed to resist fading, discoloration, heat, and impact, this knife is crafted with excellent, durable quality.
“This really sharp knife is perfect for cutting ginger, tomatoes, lemons, and also all things acidic since it’s not reactive and hasn’t stained from foods. I have a carbon steel knife I also love but it reacts to acid. I have to be super careful not to get raw meat or fish residue on the handle since its handle shouldn’t get wet when washing. This new knife doesn’t need pampering. It’s a creative cook’s dream.” - M. Halpin, Amazon Reviewer
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Best Pa ring Knife f or th e Money: Cuisinart® Classic Triple Rivet 3.5-Inch
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Cuisinart® Classic Triple Riveted 3 1/2-Inch Parer is a super dependable and practical knife for everyday use. It features a high carbon stainless steel blade and an ergonomic handle for speed and accuracy. This product also comes limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, so you are sure to get your money’s worth!
“This is a great paring knife. Holds blade sharpness and easy to sharpen when needed. Excellent quality construction with three rivet handle. Have had couple of these knives for several years and still good... no rust or blade degradation” - RobertHH, Bed, Bath & Beyond Reviewer
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At a fantastic price of $7, the Farberware Ceramic Knife offers precision and ease with each slice. It’s super easy to clean and is even dishwasher safe though hand washing is recommended.
“I’ve had many knives over the years and I can tell you, for the price, this thing is great. The handle feels nice in the hand, the blade is sharp, and the cover is a nice bonus to help keep it protected.” - Summer D, Amazon Reviewer
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Looking for a high-quality knife to deliver superior performance in the kitchen? The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro “S” paring knife has an ice-hardened blade that has been hand-honed to be extremely durable. It’s been manufactured from Zwilling’s special formula of high-carbon without any stainless steel. Its triple-riveted polymer handle creates a comfortable grip for easy handling.
“This is my favorite of any paring knife out there. Why? because it feels excellent in the hand, very sharp, elegant looking, tad longer than most paring knifes. Can’t say enough good about it. We use these 2 we have daily.” - Yvon, Bed, Bath & Beyond Reviewer
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This lightweight, balanced Global 3" Paring Knife has a blade made of high-tech molybdenum/vanadium. It works best for vegetables and fruit.
“Awesome knife, good hand control, feel, and great steel. Can’t say more.” - John Tanner, Amazon Reviewer
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The TUO Bird-Beak Paring Knife is made from premium, high-quality German steel. It’s made with high-tech vacuum heat and nitrogen cool treatments. This knife has good corrosion resistance and edge protection performance. It’s hand-polished by a blacksmith with each side measuring 18 degrees.
“Normally you can say that you want durable, sharp, and cheap but you only get to pick two. Well at about $20 this knife hits all three out of the park! I have used it daily for over a month to cut fruit or chop veggies for a salad and it is still going strong. As an added bonus, I love the flair of the wood handle. It’s so much better than most other knives in this price range with black plastic handles. Overall this knife is excellent for daily driver light kitchen duty.” - Nick E., Amazon Reviewer
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This story was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher on 09/28/2020 and updated with new information by Jason Coles on 02/11/2022.


theroot--2020-10-16--The Coronavirus Got Chris Christie Shooketh: I Was Wrong. I Should’ve Worn a Mask

Former New Jersey governor and the Cake Boss ’ before photo , Chris Christie , revealed that he went from feeling perfectly healthy to being admitted to the intensive care unit in less than a day after contracting the coronavirus .
Now that he ’ s on the mend , he ’ s admitting to being a complete asshole and warning Americans to take the virus seriously .
“ The ramifications are wildly random and potentially deadly , ” Christie said in a statement , CNN reports .
“ No one should be happy to get the virus and no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or infecting others.
” CNN notes that earlier this month after hanging out at the world ’ s largest toilet bowl , aka the White House , Christie tested positive for COVID-19 and then checked himself into the Morristown Medical Center .
“ Within 24 hours , I went from feeling absolutely fine to being in the intensive care unit , ” Christie said Friday on ABC ’ s Good Morning America .
Christie said that he was treated with the “ antiviral drug remdesivir and Eli Lilly ’ s monoclonal antibody combination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came just a day after President Superspreader and his wife Complicit announced that they both contracted the virus .
Probably didn ’ t help matters that Christie spent a few days with Trump helping him prepare for his first debate and no one wore a mask because they are assholes .
CNN notes that Christie , who is overweight and asthmatic , also attended the “ look at how we are about to change the course of America ” ceremony for leader of the Karenmaidens , Judge Amy Coney Barrett , on September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been a superspreader event .
Christie acknowledged that he had believed “ when I entered the White House grounds , that I had entered a safe zone , due to the testing that and I and many others underwent every day.
” “ I was wrong , ” he said .
“ I was wrong to not wear a mask at the Amy Coney Barrett announcement and I was wrong not to wear a mask at my multiple debate prep sessions with the President and the rest of the team .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens that you should follow CDC guidelines in public no matter where you are and wear a mask to protect yourself and others , ” CNN reports .
He also noted on Good Morning America that he ’ d made “ a big mistake ” by letting his guard down on the White House grounds , “ and it cost me in a significant way.
” “ I was led to believe that all the people I was interacting with had been tested and it gave you a false sense of security , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all across the politics , sports , the media , should be saying to people , put your masks on and be safe until we get a vaccine that could help to protect us , ” he said .

Former New Jersey governor and the Cake Boss’ before photo, Chris Christie, revealed that he went from feeling perfectly healthy to being admitted to the intensive care unit in less than a day after contracting the coronavirus. Now that he’s on the mend, he’s admitting to being a complete asshole and warning Americans to take the virus seriously.
“The ramifications are wildly random and potentially deadly,” Christie said in a statement, CNN reports. “No one should be happy to get the virus and no one should be cavalier about being infected or infecting others.”
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CNN notes that earlier this month after hanging out at the world’s largest toilet bowl, aka the White House, Christie tested positive for COVID-19 and then checked himself into the Morristown Medical Center.
“Within 24 hours, I went from feeling absolutely fine to being in the intensive care unit,” Christie said Friday on ABC’s Good Morning America. Christie said that he was treated with the “antiviral drug remdesivir and Eli Lilly’s monoclonal antibody combination therapy.”
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Christie’s positive test came just a day after President Superspreader and his wife Complicit announced that they both contracted the virus. Probably didn’t help matters that Christie spent a few days with Trump helping him prepare for his first debate and no one wore a mask because they are assholes.
CNN notes that Christie, who is overweight and asthmatic, also attended the “look at how we are about to change the course of America” ceremony for leader of the Karenmaidens, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, on September 26, which is now believed to have been a superspreader event.
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Christie acknowledged that he had believed “when I entered the White House grounds, that I had entered a safe zone, due to the testing that and I and many others underwent every day.”
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“I was wrong,” he said.
“I was wrong to not wear a mask at the Amy Coney Barrett announcement and I was wrong not to wear a mask at my multiple debate prep sessions with the President and the rest of the team. I hope that my experience shows my fellow citizens that you should follow CDC guidelines in public no matter where you are and wear a mask to protect yourself and others,” CNN reports.
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He also noted on Good Morning America that he’d made “a big mistake” by letting his guard down on the White House grounds, “and it cost me in a significant way.”
“I was led to believe that all the people I was interacting with had been tested and it gave you a false sense of security,” he said.
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“Leaders, all across the politics, sports, the media, should be saying to people, put your masks on and be safe until we get a vaccine that could help to protect us,” he said.
COVID-19 got Christie’s jiggly ass shook.


theroot--2020-10-16--Nicki Minaj's Baby Barb Is a Boy, and She's 'Madly in Love' With Him

It looks like Nicki Minaj ’ s baby is channeling his mama ’ s “ Bedrock ” verse opener with , “ Let me think , I guess it ’ s my turn !
” According to Elle , Minaj reportedly gave birth this month , and while we don ’ t yet know the baby ’ s name , we do know one more thing that we didn ’ t know then—the baby ’ s gender !
On Thursday , Nicki subtly dropped the gender reveal along with sharing the notes she received attached to well wishes and gifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beyoncé , Winnie Harlow and more .
“ Thank you to Queen B , Kim & Ye , Riccardo Tisci , Winnie , Karol & everyone who sent well wishes during this time , ” Nicki captioned on IG .
“ It meant the world to me .
I am so grateful & in love with my son .
Madly in love .
My favorite liddo [ sic ] boy in the whole wide world.
” Beyoncé ’ s note read , “ ” Onika , Welcome to motherhood .
God bless you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote a simple and sweet , “ Congrats !
We love you !
” This summer , Nicki Minaj announced that she was expecting a baby with her husband Kenneth Petty , equipped with lavish and Minaj-worthy maternity shoot photos .
In June , Nicki confirmed on her show Queen Radio that she and Petty obtained their marriage license noting , “ ” We did get our marriage license .
I think I have what I was striving for , just happiness .
It was so hard to get to a happy place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I don ’ t want to compromise that for anyone or anything .
”

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

It looks like Nicki Minaj’s baby is channeling his mama’s “Bedrock” verse opener with, “Let me think, I guess it’s my turn!”
According to Elle, Minaj reportedly gave birth this month, and while we don’t yet know the baby’s name, we do know one more thing that we didn’t know then—the baby’s gender!
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On Thursday, Nicki subtly dropped the gender reveal along with sharing the notes she received attached to well wishes and gifts from Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Beyoncé, Winnie Harlow and more.
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“Thank you to Queen B, Kim & Ye, Riccardo Tisci, Winnie, Karol & everyone who sent well wishes during this time,” Nicki captioned on IG. “It meant the world to me. I am so grateful & in love with my son. Madly in love. My favorite liddo [sic] boy in the whole wide world.”
Beyoncé’s note read, “”Onika, Welcome to motherhood. God bless you and your family” while the Wests wrote a simple and sweet, “Congrats! We love you!”
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This summer, Nicki Minaj announced that she was expecting a baby with her husband Kenneth Petty, equipped with lavish and Minaj-worthy maternity shoot photos.
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In June, Nicki confirmed on her show Queen Radio that she and Petty obtained their marriage license noting, “”We did get our marriage license. I think I have what I was striving for, just happiness. It was so hard to get to a happy place. Now that I’m there, I don’t want to compromise that for anyone or anything.”
Congrats to Nicki!


theroot--2020-10-16--Atlanta Man Arrested and Charged With Murder in Connection With Fatal Shooting of Thomas Jefferson B

Atlanta Man Arrested and Charged With Murder in Connection With Fatal Shooting of Thomas Jefferson Byrd

The fatal shooting of beloved actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd shocked fans and peers alike when it was announced earlier this month .
The actor , who was mostly known for acting in an array of Spike Lee films , died in Atlanta at the age of 70 .
Now , it looks like there ’ s a leading suspect involved in the fatal shooting that stemmed from an argument , resulting in Byrd being shot in the back .
Police recovered spent rifle rounds near Byrd ’ s body at the crime scene .
Following up on evidence and tips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the case as 30-year-old Antonio Demetrice Rhynes .
Warrants were issued for his arrest Wednesday and he was taken into custody early Friday morning at the Royal Oaks Apartments along North Camp Creek Parkway , Atlanta police said .
He has been arrested at least five other times in Fulton since 2007 , online jail records show .
His previous charges include armed robbery , aggravated assault with a deadly weapon , burglary and hijacking a motor vehicle , among others .
“ Any progress that is made , we are thankful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter Shannon Byrd-Crossley said in a statement .
“ I do feel great relief .
But at the same time , it doesn ’ t bring him back.
” Byrd-Crossley , who is an artist and theater teacher in Atlanta , does not personally know the suspect .
Earlier this month , investigators announced a $ 10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect ’ s arrest .
Lee recently launched a GoFundMe for Byrd ’ s children , which has now surpassed its goal of $ 100,000 .
A memorial service was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Hillside International Truth Center in Atlanta and it was also streamed online .

The fatal shooting of beloved actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd shocked fans and peers alike when it was announced earlier this month.
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The actor, who was mostly known for acting in an array of Spike Lee films, died in Atlanta at the age of 70. Now, it looks like there’s a leading suspect involved in the fatal shooting that stemmed from an argument, resulting in Byrd being shot in the back . Police recovered spent rifle rounds near Byrd’s body at the crime scene.
Atlanta-Journal Constitution reports:
Following up on evidence and tips, investigators said they identified the suspect in the case as 30-year-old Antonio Demetrice Rhynes. Warrants were issued for his arrest Wednesday and he was taken into custody early Friday morning at the Royal Oaks Apartments along North Camp Creek Parkway, Atlanta police said. He has been arrested at least five other times in Fulton since 2007, online jail records show. His previous charges include armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and hijacking a motor vehicle, among others.
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“Any progress that is made, we are thankful for it,” Byrd’s daughter Shannon Byrd-Crossley said in a statement. “I do feel great relief. But at the same time, it doesn’t bring him back.” Byrd-Crossley, who is an artist and theater teacher in Atlanta, does not personally know the suspect .
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Earlier this month, investigators announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Lee recently launched a GoFundMe for Byrd’s children, which has now surpassed its goal of $100,000. A memorial service was held for the late actor on Tuesday at Hillside International Truth Center in Atlanta and it was also streamed online.


theroot--2020-10-16--Nigerian Army Threatens Action Against 'Trouble Makers' as Government Bans Police Brutality Protests

Nigerian Army Threatens Action Against 'Trouble Makers' as Government Bans Police Brutality Protests in Nation's Capital

The Nigerian military has issued a warning to the public amid weeks of anti-police brutality protests , calling on “ subversive elements and trouble makers to desist.
” While protesters have actually been the target of violence this week as they continue demonstrations against the country ’ s Special Anti-Robbery Squad ( SARS ) , the warning from an army spokesman has been widely viewed by activists as a threat against them .
“ The Nigerian army ( NA ) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace , security and defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ army spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said in a Facebook post ( h/t BBC ) .
“ The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.
” Musa also said the military was ready to “ fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively , ” adding that army officers have been trained “ never to be distracted by anti democratic forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came as the government banned protests in the capital city , Abuja , claiming the demonstrations were violating safety protocols to control the spread of COVID-19 .
There ’ s reason to question the government ’ s stated rationale , however : In the United States , researchers found that months of anti-police brutality protests have not led to upticks in COVID-19 cases .
The fight against police brutality in Nigeria bears many similarities to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in the U.S. this year .
Earlier this month , young Nigerians took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to disband SARS , a policing unit accused of extrajudicial killings , extortion and the torture of young Nigerians .
Across the world , members of the diaspora , alongside human rights activists , amplified their calls—sharing anecdotes about coercion , sexual harassment , wrongful detainment and “ disappeared ” relatives with the hashtag # EndSARS .
Following the sustained protests and international attention , Nigeria ’ s chief of police announced this week that the unit would be immediately disbanded but replaced by a new group , the Special Weapons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Muhammadu Buhari has promised an “ extensive ” reform of Nigeria ’ s police , activists have not been satisfied by the proposed changes , and have continued to rally for more substantive policing reforms .
The demonstrations have at times turned bloody , with protesters bearing the brunt of the violence from police and other attackers .
The BBC reports that demonstrators in Abuja were attacked by an unidentified group of assailants with machetes on Wednesday .
There were similar reports of men with machetes showing up to the # EndSars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fulani Kwajafa , who founded the SARS unit , disavowed the group .
“ Sars of today is not the same Sars I established in 1984 , ” Kwajafa told the BBC , adding that he felt “ sad ” and “ guilty ” over what the unit had become .
“ I always tell my wife that I was sad [ that ] what I created with good purpose and direction has been turned into banditry , ” Kwajafa continued .
He said he supported the dissolution of SARS “ 100 percent @ @

The Nigerian military has issued a warning to the public amid weeks of anti-police brutality protests, calling on “subversive elements and trouble makers to desist.” While protesters have actually been the target of violence this week as they continue demonstrations against the country’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the warning from an army spokesman has been widely viewed by activists as a threat against them.
“The Nigerian army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria,” Nigerian army spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said in a Facebook post (h/t BBC). “The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.”
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Musa also said the military was ready to “fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively,” adding that army officers have been trained “never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity.”
The warning came as the government banned protests in the capital city, Abuja, claiming the demonstrations were violating safety protocols to control the spread of COVID-19. There’s reason to question the government’s stated rationale, however: In the United States, researchers found that months of anti-police brutality protests have not led to upticks in COVID-19 cases.
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The fight against police brutality in Nigeria bears many similarities to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in the U.S. this year. Earlier this month, young Nigerians took to the streets to call for the government to disband SARS, a policing unit accused of extrajudicial killings, extortion and the torture of young Nigerians. Across the world, members of the diaspora, alongside human rights activists, amplified their calls—sharing anecdotes about coercion, sexual harassment, wrongful detainment and “disappeared” relatives with the hashtag #EndSARS.
Following the sustained protests and international attention, Nigeria’s chief of police announced this week that the unit would be immediately disbanded but replaced by a new group, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. While President Muhammadu Buhari has promised an “extensive” reform of Nigeria’s police, activists have not been satisfied by the proposed changes, and have continued to rally for more substantive policing reforms.
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The demonstrations have at times turned bloody, with protesters bearing the brunt of the violence from police and other attackers. The BBC reports that demonstrators in Abuja were attacked by an unidentified group of assailants with machetes on Wednesday. There were similar reports of men with machetes showing up to the #EndSars protests in Lagos.
On Friday, Fulani Kwajafa, who founded the SARS unit, disavowed the group.
“Sars of today is not the same Sars I established in 1984,” Kwajafa told the BBC, adding that he felt “sad” and “guilty” over what the unit had become.
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“I always tell my wife that I was sad [that] what I created with good purpose and direction has been turned into banditry,” Kwajafa continued. He said he supported the dissolution of SARS “100 percent.”


theroot--2020-10-16--Ice Cube Is Ellis From Die Hard

Ice Cube Is Ellis From Die Hard

Do you remember this guy ?
If you ’ re my age ( 41 ) or older , you probably do .
I ’ m sure Ice Cube does , because he ’ s old as fuck !
If you don ’ t , his name is Ellis and he ’ s from a movie called Die Hard .
In it , a group of sophisticated terrorists—led by the iconic Hans Gruber—take a building hostage as they attempt to steal a bunch of really expensive papers or whatever from it .
Their plans , however , are thwarted by John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just happens to also be in the building because his wife works there .
After ambushing and killing a few of the terrorists , John manages to procure one of their walkie-talkies , and is able to communicate with Hans and a police officer on the street .
A cat and mouse game ensues as John repeatedly sabotages them while the terrorists try to find him .
Ellis is one of the hostages , and embodies a perfect amalgamation of every douchey finance dipshit , literally everyone who ’ s ever been named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s chess , not checkers ” -ass nigga .
He ’ s a boat shoe dipped in scotch and bigen .
Basically , he ’ s Don Trump Jr .
Anyway , Ellis decides its wise to enter the office Hans is stationed in , pretend to be John ’ s close friend , and negotiate John ’ s surrender .
Hans gives Ellis his walkie-talkie , and Ellis “ begs ” John to give up or they ’ re going to kill him .
High off coke and the crust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s becoming chummy with Hans , and doesn ’ t believe he ’ d actually shoot him .
John , however , knows exactly what type of man Hans is , and that Ellis is about to get murked .
Which he does .
This is what happens when you ’ re too “ smart ” for your own good .
When you don ’ t listen to the people who just know more about things than you do .
When you ’ re so high off your own seminal supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t see that your actions endanger everyone .
When you ’ re so accustomed to having your voice platformed that sitting the fuck down and shutting the fuck up remains elusive .
What John knew—and what Ellis and Ice Cube and the rest of the “ seat at the table ” -ass niggas don ’ t—is that there ’ s no negotiating with terrorists .
Either they win or you win , but there is no winning together .
No symbiosis .
No quid pro quo .
If you ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a pawn to them , and you will be discarded the moment they ’ ve exhausted their use for you .
( Unless , of course , you just want to be a terrorist too . )

Damon Young on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Damon Young to The Root

Do you remember this guy? If you’re my age (41) or older, you probably do. I’m sure Ice Cube does, because he’s old as fuck! If you don’t, his name is Ellis and he’s from a movie called Die Hard.
In it, a group of sophisticated terrorists—led by the iconic Hans Gruber—take a building hostage as they attempt to steal a bunch of really expensive papers or whatever from it. Their plans, however, are thwarted by John McClane, a preternaturally resourceful cop who just happens to also be in the building because his wife works there. After ambushing and killing a few of the terrorists, John manages to procure one of their walkie-talkies, and is able to communicate with Hans and a police officer on the street. A cat and mouse game ensues as John repeatedly sabotages them while the terrorists try to find him.
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Ellis is one of the hostages, and embodies a perfect amalgamation of every douchey finance dipshit, literally everyone who’s ever been named “Connor,” and every “it’s chess, not checkers”-ass nigga. He’s a boat shoe dipped in scotch and bigen. Basically, he’s Don Trump Jr.
Anyway, Ellis decides its wise to enter the office Hans is stationed in, pretend to be John’s close friend, and negotiate John’s surrender. Hans gives Ellis his walkie-talkie, and Ellis “begs” John to give up or they’re going to kill him.
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High off coke and the crust from his own anus, Ellis thinks he’s becoming chummy with Hans, and doesn’t believe he’d actually shoot him. John, however, knows exactly what type of man Hans is, and that Ellis is about to get murked. Which he does.
This is what happens when you’re too “smart” for your own good. When you don’t listen to the people who just know more about things than you do. When you’re so high off your own seminal supply that you don’t/can’t/won’t see that your actions endanger everyone. When you’re so accustomed to having your voice platformed that sitting the fuck down and shutting the fuck up remains elusive.
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What John knew—and what Ellis and Ice Cube and the rest of the “seat at the table”-ass niggas don’t—is that there’s no negotiating with terrorists. Either they win or you win, but there is no winning together. No symbiosis. No quid pro quo. If you’re not actively attempting to punish them, you are a pawn to them, and you will be discarded the moment they’ve exhausted their use for you. (Unless, of course, you just want to be a terrorist too.)


theroot--2020-10-16--'We Can't Do This Thing by Ourselves': The Root Presents: It's Lit! Talks Justice With Claudia Ranki

'We Can't Do This Thing by Ourselves': The Root Presents: It's Lit! Talks Justice With Claudia Rankine

There is the multiverse , and then , there are the multi-versed ; award-winning poet , playwright , author , editor , and artist Claudia Rankine , is undoubtedly one of the latter .
With seven books , several plays , and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation , the Lannan Foundation , the MacArthur Foundation , United States Artists , and the National Endowment of the Arts , Rankine , the Frederick Iseman Professor of Poetry at Yale and co-founder of the Racial Imaginary Institute , has literally made an art of dissecting some of our most difficult conversations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of poetry Citizen : An American Lyric hailed as one of the best books of the last decade ( h/t ) Literary Hub , as well as earning a National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry and the 2015 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in Poetry .
For this new , already deeply troubled decade , Rankine offers us a new dialogue ; one that challenges us—through poetry , prose , personal essays , interviews , photographs , and more—to consider the myriad mechanisms and more nuanced aspects of racial justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Us : An American Conversation , is a stunning exploration of white male privilege , and how , even when at its most benign , it remains the most destructive and oppressive force in our collective culture .
“ I think one of the most important things around white male privilege that I discovered in the writing of this book was that when I talk about white male privilege , and I think maybe when you use that term , too , ” Rankine tells us during this week ’ s episode of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lit !
“ We ’ re thinking about what it means to be able to walk in the world as a white person and how that automatically attaches to mechanisms of power .
When white people hear the term ‘ white male privilege , ’ they seem to think you ’ re talking about economic privilege .
And even though economic privilege comes from white privilege , it isn ’ t the same thing .
It ’ s not necessarily the same thing .
I am talking about the inability to walk into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inability to be pulled over by police without the police not having to engage the mechanisms of projected criminality on to me , whoever I am.
” Gone to print well before racial justice returned to the forefront of our national conversation , Just Us , proves uniquely right for the moment we are in ; one that demands that the work not fall upon the most marginalized , and asks us all to recognize our attachment to privilege .
“ I think it ’ s difficult for people—anybody , white , Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give up anything they have .
And it just so happens that in this country , white people have the most stuff , you know—and not accidentally , intentionally , intentionally .
They have things , ” says Rankine .
“ I think this concept of sharing resources is going to be the toughest part of their anti-racist commitment .
You know , they say ‘ we don ’ t support racial profiling , we don ’ t support over-policing , we don ’ t support the killing of Black people.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about how housing works , think about how education works , think about opening up spots for children , rerouting those neighborhoods that were gentrified ... that will be a harder and bigger question.
” Ultimately , Rankine says , “ we can ’ t do this thing by ourselves.
” For Just Us , she conducted informal field research on the white men ( and occasionally women ) she encountered , and with an unfathomably crucial election hanging in the balance , she maintains that a racial divide is ironically the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration has cleverly used anti-Blackness to create a wedge and now it ’ s using anti-science to create a wedge into the population , ” she says .
“ And so I think we need to start talking ... Because we are all going to have to , you know , we have to flood .
We have to vote early .
We have to fly to the voting booths .
We have to make it so that any kind of voter suppression is made mute by the overwhelming response in support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re really going to have to understand where our differences really are.
” Hear this and more in the fourth episode of The Root Presents : It ’ s Lit !
, featuring the multi-versed Claudia Rankine , available on Apple , Spotify , Stitcher , iHeart Radio , Google Podcasts , Amazon , NPR One , TuneIn , and Radio Public .
A transcript of The Root Presents : It ’ s Lit , Ep .
4 : Claudia Rankine is available below :

There is the multiverse, and then, there are the multi-versed; award-winning poet, playwright, author, editor, and artist Claudia Rankine, is undoubtedly one of the latter. With seven books, several plays, and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Lannan Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, United States Artists, and the National Endowment of the Arts, Rankine, the Frederick Iseman Professor of Poetry at Yale and co-founder of the Racial Imaginary Institute, has literally made an art of dissecting some of our most difficult conversations and dynamics around race. Her 2014 book of poetry Citizen: An American Lyric hailed as one of the best books of the last decade (h/t) Literary Hub, as well as earning a National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry and the 2015 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in Poetry.
For this new, already deeply troubled decade, Rankine offers us a new dialogue; one that challenges us—through poetry, prose, personal essays, interviews, photographs, and more—to consider the myriad mechanisms and more nuanced aspects of racial justice. Released in late September, Just Us: An American Conversation, is a stunning exploration of white male privilege, and how, even when at its most benign, it remains the most destructive and oppressive force in our collective culture.
Advertisement
“I think one of the most important things around white male privilege that I discovered in the writing of this book was that when I talk about white male privilege, and I think maybe when you use that term, too,” Rankine tells us during this week’s episode of The Root Presents: It’s Lit! “We’re thinking about what it means to be able to walk in the world as a white person and how that automatically attaches to mechanisms of power. When white people hear the term ‘white male privilege,’ they seem to think you’re talking about economic privilege. And even though economic privilege comes from white privilege, it isn’t the same thing. It’s not necessarily the same thing. I am talking about the inability to walk into a store without being followed. The inability to be pulled over by police without the police not having to engage the mechanisms of projected criminality on to me, whoever I am.”
Gone to print well before racial justice returned to the forefront of our national conversation, Just Us, proves uniquely right for the moment we are in; one that demands that the work not fall upon the most marginalized, and asks us all to recognize our attachment to privilege.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I think it’s difficult for people—anybody, white, Black, you know, Latinx, Asian—anybody to give up anything they have. And it just so happens that in this country, white people have the most stuff, you know—and not accidentally, intentionally, intentionally. They have things,” says Rankine. “I think this concept of sharing resources is going to be the toughest part of their anti-racist commitment. You know, they say ‘we don’t support racial profiling, we don’t support over-policing, we don’t support the killing of Black people.’ But when it comes to having to think about how housing works, think about how education works, think about opening up spots for children, rerouting those neighborhoods that were gentrified...that will be a harder and bigger question.”
Ultimately, Rankine says, “we can’t do this thing by ourselves.” For Just Us, she conducted informal field research on the white men (and occasionally women) she encountered, and with an unfathomably crucial election hanging in the balance, she maintains that a racial divide is ironically the time for continued communication.
Advertisement
“This administration has cleverly used anti-Blackness to create a wedge and now it’s using anti-science to create a wedge into the population,” she says. “And so I think we need to start talking...Because we are all going to have to, you know, we have to flood. We have to vote early. We have to fly to the voting booths. We have to make it so that any kind of voter suppression is made mute by the overwhelming response in support of the Biden-Harris ticket. And so we’re really going to have to understand where our differences really are.”
Hear this and more in the fourth episode of The Root Presents: It’s Lit!, featuring the multi-versed Claudia Rankine, available on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Amazon, NPR One, TuneIn, and Radio Public.
Advertisement
A transcript of The Root Presents: It’s Lit, Ep. 4: Claudia Rankine is available below:
It’s Lit E4 Claudia Rankine by GMG Editorial on Scribd


theroot--2020-10-16--Fenty Beauty Is Having a Friends & Family Sale, So Stack Up On Your Faves

Stack up on beauty products at the Fenty Friends and Family sale .
You ’ ll get 25 % off @ @ @ @ @ 10 % off with the code EXTRA10 .
What are you waiting for ?
The @ @ @ @ @ 10/19 .
My math may be a little off , I ’ m a writer @ @ @ @ @ but h ere are some of my faves :

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

Fenty Beauty Friends & Family Sale | Fenty Beauty
The weekend isn’t over yet, so that means there is still time to stock up and stack discounts on beauty products at the Fenty Friends and Family sale. You’ll get 25% off items, with an additional 10% off with the code EXTRA10. What are you waiting for? The deal lasts from now until 10/19. My math may be a little off (I’m a writer, not a mathematician) but some of the best deals seem to be the bundled items, like the Complete Your Complexion Essentials. T his includes Fenty’s top of the line concealer, setting powder, and makeup refreshing spray for only $46 after discounts have been applied— and did I mention shipping is free too?
If you’re new to Fenty Beauty, maybe stick your toe in the water with one of the mini sets offered, like the Lil Fly Stunna mini eye and lip set, which includes a travel-sized Flyliner and Stunna Lip Paint for only $16 after coupons have been applied.
This is also a great time to start thinking about holiday gifts, and I feel like there are a few people in my life that might enjoy the Holo’daze Mini Gloss Bomb collection, which is down to $24 after promos are applied.
With a brand as popular as Fenty, you should take advantage of these discounts while you can— The Friends and Family sale ends tomorrow!
This deal was originally published by Ignacia in October 2020 and was updated by Elizabeth Lanier on 10/18/2020.


theroot--2020-10-16--QAnon Supporter? Osama Bin Laden Is Still Alive? How Trump Stole the Battle of the Town Halls but No

QAnon Supporter? Osama Bin Laden Is Still Alive? How Trump Stole the Battle of the Town Halls but Not the Voters

President Trump knows how to make good TV .
While he might be delusional in just about every aspect of his presidency , he ’ s not lying when he boasts that his Apprentice ratings were sky high .
The president understands one thing that has always worked in his favor : crazy sells .
And last night was no different .
Instead of having an in-person debate , because the president may or may not be a one-man superspreader of the coronavirus , thanks to NBC News with their pressed asses , voters had to choose between competing town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity to do a virtual debate , former Vice President and current Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden signed on to do a town hall event with ABC .
Not to be outdone , the president of people who wear EZ-drinker beer hats to Little League games was saved when NBC News came running with their “ We will take these ratings at all costs ” asses and gave Trump a competing time slot on the same night .
The result was a loss for the people who couldn ’ t watch both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God there are DVRs so people could record Biden ’ s to watch later because who are we kidding ?
The president is shit for the country but he makes great TV .
And he didn ’ t disappoint Thursday as he refused to denounce QAnon , the far-right conspiracy theory that Trump is fighting a secret international ring Satanic cult of pedophiles made up of Democrats .
Safe to say this group doesn ’ t believe any of the Tump sexual assault accusations or those Jeffery Epstein stories—you know the guy Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that wasn ’ t all ; the president also claimed that there were trash cans full of ballots with his name on them .
He also wouldn ’ t denounce or explain this wild-ass tweet that he retweeted claiming that Osama Bin Laden was still alive .
“ People can decide for themselves , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t get that , ” moderator Savannah Guthrie said almost exasperated with the president ’ s stupidity .
“ You ’ re the president , not somebody ’ s crazy uncle.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the president more than just the crazy uncle in the White House ?
Methinks not .
And this is how Biden lost the battle of the town halls .
The crazy uncle is fun at Thanksgiving .
There is a good chance that he ’ s going to steal grandpa ’ s good whiskey and sit in the basement until he ’ s good and sauced and come upstairs butt naked and pee all over the living room floor .
Who wouldn ’ t want to see that ?
The problem for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to live with the crazy uncle .
No one wants to wake up to a house that ’ s almost burned to the ground because the crazy uncle decided to try and fry some potato salad .
And no one wants to be governed by the crazy uncle because he ’ s fucking crazy .
While viewership numbers don ’ t mean shit , Trump reportedly won the night online while Biden won actual TV viewers because only QAnon members watch live TV online .
So what did Biden viewers get ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ politician who is ready to take office .
Sike ; they got Joe Biden , who was made to answer for some of the stupid Joe shit he ’ s said in the past .
One clear window into Biden ’ s tactics in a town-hall setting , with voters pressing him one-on-one , came when a young Black man recalled the former vice president ’ s flip comment to radio host Charlamagne tha God that if someone was struggling to decide between supporting him and Trump , “ you ain ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t Black , ” the man asked , how could Biden convince Black voters to take part “ in a system that has failed to protect them ?
” Instead of addressing his controversial remark , Biden delved into a several-minutes-long litany of policy specifics aimed at helping Black people .
On his list : Tripling Title I funding for low-income schools ; helping first-time homebuyers with a $ 15,000 credit for down payments so that low-income families can begin to build wealth ; $ 70 billion in new funding for historically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans for young Black entrepreneurs .
Asked if he ’ d heard enough , the young man responded , “ Uh , I think so.
” Then Biden offered to continue their conversation after the town hall ended .
What does any of this mean ?
Who the fuck knows as one candidate was on NBC blowing his racist saxophone , the other was on ABC blowing smoke up everyone ’ s asses .
( While I ’ m sure I ’ ve used this turn of phrase correctly , I have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ass means .
Seriously , think about it .
What does it mean ?
Anyone ? )
Trump campaign senior adviser Mercedes Schlapp tweeted that watching Biden ’ s town hall “ feels like I am watching an episode of Mister Rodgers Neighborhood ” but she fucked up the diss by spelling Mister Rogers wrong .
It kind of sums up the whole night .
Mister Rogers might be one of the most beloved Americans in the history of America .
Fucking Tom Hanks played him in the movie of his life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans !
Do you know how fucking putrid you have to be to use wanting to live in a world in which Mister Rogers ’ level of kindness is a diss ?
But it wasn ’ t just Schlapp ’ s misspelling that was wrong , it was also her comparison of Biden to Rogers .
Biden is no Mister Rogers unless when the cameras were turned off , he popped that collar loose , took off that cardigan and started swinging it around his head looking for some action !
And what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what America has been stuck with since the beginning : a choice between crazy racist uncle Trump and the guy who is way too touchy and sometimes says racist shit that he swears he doesn ’ t mean because he just drank too much .
Trump may have stolen viewers but without Russia ’ s interference or the countless attempts by Republican governors to suppress the vote , he won ’ t steal this election .

President Trump knows how to make good TV.
While he might be delusional in just about every aspect of his presidency, he’s not lying when he boasts that his Apprentice ratings were sky high.
The president understands one thing that has always worked in his favor: crazy sells.
Advertisement
And last night was no different. Instead of having an in-person debate, because the president may or may not be a one-man superspreader of the coronavirus, thanks to NBC News with their pressed asses, voters had to choose between competing town hall events. When Trump turned down an opportunity to do a virtual debate, former Vice President and current Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden signed on to do a town hall event with ABC. Not to be outdone, the president of people who wear EZ-drinker beer hats to Little League games was saved when NBC News came running with their “We will take these ratings at all costs” asses and gave Trump a competing time slot on the same night. The result was a loss for the people who couldn’t watch both events at the same time. Thank God there are DVRs so people could record Biden’s to watch later because who are we kidding? The president is shit for the country but he makes great TV.
And he didn’t disappoint Thursday as he refused to denounce QAnon, the far-right conspiracy theory that Trump is fighting a secret international ring Satanic cult of pedophiles made up of Democrats. Safe to say this group doesn’t believe any of the Tump sexual assault accusations or those Jeffery Epstein stories—you know the guy Trump used to kick it with.
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But that wasn’t all; the president also claimed that there were trash cans full of ballots with his name on them. He also wouldn’t denounce or explain this wild-ass tweet that he retweeted claiming that Osama Bin Laden was still alive.
“People can decide for themselves,” he said.
“I don’t get that,” moderator Savannah Guthrie said almost exasperated with the president’s stupidity. “You’re the president, not somebody’s crazy uncle.”
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But is he? I mean is the president more than just the crazy uncle in the White House? Methinks not.
And this is how Biden lost the battle of the town halls. The crazy uncle is fun at Thanksgiving. There is a good chance that he’s going to steal grandpa’s good whiskey and sit in the basement until he’s good and sauced and come upstairs butt naked and pee all over the living room floor. Who wouldn’t want to see that? The problem for the rest of America is no one wants to live with the crazy uncle. No one wants to wake up to a house that’s almost burned to the ground because the crazy uncle decided to try and fry some potato salad. And no one wants to be governed by the crazy uncle because he’s fucking crazy.
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While viewership numbers don’t mean shit, Trump reportedly won the night online while Biden won actual TV viewers because only QAnon members watch live TV online.
From Newsweek:
On YouTube, ABC’s live stream of Biden’s town hall had around 2.8 million views at the time of writing. However, Trump’s town hall was streamed on the NBC News, CNBC, and CNBC Television YouTube channels, and had 1.9 million, 1.6 million, and 1 million views, respectively.
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From the Wrap:
On ABC, Biden drew 12.7 million viewers from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. On NBC alone, Trump got 10.4 million viewers in the same time slot.
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So what did Biden viewers get? They got steady answers from a polished politician who is ready to take office. Sike; they got Joe Biden, who was made to answer for some of the stupid Joe shit he’s said in the past.
From CNN:
One clear window into Biden’s tactics in a town-hall setting, with voters pressing him one-on-one, came when a young Black man recalled the former vice president’s flip comment to radio host Charlamagne tha God that if someone was struggling to decide between supporting him and Trump, “you ain’t Black.” “Besides ‘you ain’t Black,” the man asked, how could Biden convince Black voters to take part “in a system that has failed to protect them?” Instead of addressing his controversial remark, Biden delved into a several-minutes-long litany of policy specifics aimed at helping Black people. On his list: Tripling Title I funding for low-income schools; helping first-time homebuyers with a $15,000 credit for down payments so that low-income families can begin to build wealth; $70 billion in new funding for historically Black colleges and universities; and government-backed loans for young Black entrepreneurs. Asked if he’d heard enough, the young man responded, “Uh, I think so.” Then Biden offered to continue their conversation after the town hall ended.
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What does any of this mean? Who the fuck knows as one candidate was on NBC blowing his racist saxophone, the other was on ABC blowing smoke up everyone’s asses. (While I’m sure I’ve used this turn of phrase correctly, I have no idea what blowing smoke up someone’s ass means. Seriously, think about it. What does it mean? Anyone?)
Trump campaign senior adviser Mercedes Schlapp tweeted that watching Biden’s town hall “feels like I am watching an episode of Mister Rodgers Neighborhood” but she fucked up the diss by spelling Mister Rogers wrong. It kind of sums up the whole night. Mister Rogers might be one of the most beloved Americans in the history of America. Fucking Tom Hanks played him in the movie of his life and Tom Hanks only fucks with beloved Americans! Do you know how fucking putrid you have to be to use wanting to live in a world in which Mister Rogers’ level of kindness is a diss?
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But it wasn’t just Schlapp’s misspelling that was wrong, it was also her comparison of Biden to Rogers. Biden is no Mister Rogers unless when the cameras were turned off, he popped that collar loose, took off that cardigan and started swinging it around his head looking for some action!
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And what we witnessed last night was a glimpse of what America has been stuck with since the beginning: a choice between crazy racist uncle Trump and the guy who is way too touchy and sometimes says racist shit that he swears he doesn’t mean because he just drank too much.
Trump may have stolen viewers but without Russia’s interference or the countless attempts by Republican governors to suppress the vote, he won’t steal this election.


theroot--2020-10-16--As the Coronavirus Continues to Play Musical Chairs With the NFL, the Colts Practice Facility Closes

As the Coronavirus Continues to Play Musical Chairs With the NFL, the Colts Practice Facility Closes While the Falcons Re-Open

Despite President COVID-45 's insistence that the coronavirus is “ disappearing , ” this pandemic is still very much alive—as evidenced by the fact that 21 states have just set record weekly averages for new cases this week .
That being said , participating in a full-contact sport is probably one of the last things anyone should be doing right now .
But since the NFL ’ s got money to make and contractual obligations to fulfill , it ’ s tried its best to move forward with its season while the coronavirus continues to unleash all types of hell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve seen the Jets , Titans , Vikings , Patriots and other teams shut down their facilities after discovering positive coronavirus tests within their organizations—the Titans had over 20 players and staff test positive at one point—and on Friday morning , the Colts became the latest team to incur the wrath of this pandemic .
“ This morning , we were informed that several individuals within our organization have tested positive for COVID-19 , ” the team said in a statement .
“ The team is currently in the process of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the practice facility will be closed and the team will work remotely while following NFL protocols.
” With Indy scheduled to host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday , the timing of this brush with the coronavirus isn ’ t exactly ideal .
Especially since this news came on the same day that the Atlanta Falcons were cleared to re-open their practice facilities after an assistant coach tested positive on Thursday , according to the NFL Network .
Thankfully , the Colts received some good news hours later and released a subsequent statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , we were informed that four individuals within the organization tested positive for COVID-19 , ” the team said .
“ The four positive samples were re-tested and have been confirmed negative .
After consultation with the NFL and Chief Medical Officer , Dr. Allen Sills , the team will open the practice facility this afternoon under the league ’ s intensive protocol and will continue preparation for Sunday ’ s game against Cincinnati.
” I ’ m keeping my fingers crossed that there won ’ t be any other issues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to safely reopen .
Something else to keep an eye on is the status of Odell Beckham Jr. , who was sent home on Thursday after it was determined that he was battling an unknown illness .
Per ESPN , he ’ s tested negative for the coronavirus , but as a precautionary measure he ’ s been kept away from the team and not allowed to participate in practice .
The league can ’ t afford for any more games to be postponed , so hopefully , this is the last we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a little while .

Despite President COVID-45's insistence that the coronavirus is “disappearing,” this pandemic is still very much alive—as evidenced by the fact that 21 states have just set record weekly averages for new cases this week.
That being said, participating in a full-contact sport is probably one of the last things anyone should be doing right now. But since the NFL’s got money to make and contractual obligations to fulfill, it’s tried its best to move forward with its season while the coronavirus continues to unleash all types of hell on its schedule.
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Thus far, we’ve seen the Jets, Titans, Vikings, Patriots and other teams shut down their facilities after discovering positive coronavirus tests within their organizations—the Titans had over 20 players and staff test positive at one point—and on Friday morning, the Colts became the latest team to incur the wrath of this pandemic.
“This morning, we were informed that several individuals within our organization have tested positive for COVID-19,” the team said in a statement. “The team is currently in the process of confirming those tests. In the meantime, the practice facility will be closed and the team will work remotely while following NFL protocols.”
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With Indy scheduled to host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the timing of this brush with the coronavirus isn’t exactly ideal. Especially since this news came on the same day that the Atlanta Falcons were cleared to re-open their practice facilities after an assistant coach tested positive on Thursday, according to the NFL Network.
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Thankfully, the Colts received some good news hours later and released a subsequent statement with an update.
“Earlier this morning, we were informed that four individuals within the organization tested positive for COVID-19,” the team said. “The four positive samples were re-tested and have been confirmed negative. After consultation with the NFL and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills, the team will open the practice facility this afternoon under the league’s intensive protocol and will continue preparation for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati.”
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Whew.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there won’t be any other issues and that their practice facilities will be able to safely reopen.
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Something else to keep an eye on is the status of Odell Beckham Jr., who was sent home on Thursday after it was determined that he was battling an unknown illness. Per ESPN, he’s tested negative for the coronavirus, but as a precautionary measure he’s been kept away from the team and not allowed to participate in practice.
The league can’t afford for any more games to be postponed, so hopefully, this is the last we hear about the coronavirus plaguing the NFL for a little while.


theroot--2020-10-16--Here's How to Protect Yourself From GOP Voter Suppression Tactics

Donald Trump has made one thing clear : he doesn ’ t care about democracy or protecting your right to vote .
With an on-going pandemic hampering local and state government ’ s capacity to run safe elections , Trump and the GOP at every level are making it harder for people to vote .
In Florida , people who are formerly convicted of felonies have to pay off fines before they are able to cast ballots in this year ’ s election—even though Florida voters , through referendum in 2018 , decided that a felony should no longer preclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states across the nation , Republicans are holding up mail-in ballots and trying to limit the number of drop-off ballot boxes under the unproven argument of voter fraud .
Then , of course , there is the very real specter of Trump campaign-trailed supporters who may be deployed to intimidate voters at the polls under the gaze of poll watchers .
And the reality is that you may not be able to rely on your elected officials , particularly in GOP-controlled areas , to help you because they are likely the ones behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see men with guns near your polling station , it may not be wise to call the cops because they , too , may not help the situation .
As a voter , how do you protect yourself against these attempts to undermine your right to cast a ballot ?
Activists and voter rights advocates told The Root that the No .
1 thing people can do is educate themselves on how they plan to vote .
“ Voters need to come up with a plan on how they are going to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney who works on both LDF ’ s Prepared to Vote and Voting Rights Defender projects .
“ If you are going to be voting by mail , it ’ s important to understand the requirements in your state .
Make sure you ’ re signing the envelope .
Make sure you ’ re checking all of those boxes , so your ballot won ’ t be shunted off into a queue like you ’ re seeing in North Carolina with absentee ballots that aren ’ t being counted .
North Carolina has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along these lines.
” Pernick is referring to the 1,000 or so ballots at Guilford County Board of Elections in North Carolina that are waiting to be “ cured , ” a process by which a voter can correct any mistakes on their ballot so it can be counted .
Some states follow up with voters if there is an issue with their ballot , but some require the voter to do the following up .
Black voters make up 16 percent of total ballot returns , but account for nearly 40 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or “ pending cure , ” according to CNN .
“ We know there are disparities , so voters coming up with a plan is the most important thing individual folks can do , ” Perick said .
“ But we have to identify disparities and work to prevent them .
But the obligation is really on the states and election officials to make this process easier.
” Republicans aren ’ t making that happen .
In Georgia , Nsé Ufot , CEO of the New Georgia Project , said her organization is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger refuse to do because it is not in the best interests of their party .
Her group has been working with legal organizations to monitor polling sites for any potential irregularities and signs of intimidation .
Georgia just started early voting this week and it continues until October 30 .
Ufot said one of the best defenses against voter suppression is voting early .
Even if you can not succeed in voting the first time , you can always return again .
So far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long lines and a lack of clarity about social distancing rules at polling sites and how that impacts how efficiently people can vote .
Ufot says the ongoing pandemic has impeded much of the in-person work of getting used to the types of new voting machines Georgia recently purchased for the election .
She added that many polling stations around the state have ample machines , but all of them aren ’ t available because of some technical difficulties , the need for social distancing or other issues .
“ So there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really clear communication about what the law requires or mandates as it relates to physical distancing , ” she said .
“ And so it seems like in some instances a desire to keep voters safe and to physically distance is also resulting in an extreme limitation of the lines of people voting .
I ’ ve heard it compared to bouncers at the club holding the line .
So the line is extraordinarily long outside , even though there ’ s more capacity inside the club.
” Another issue holding lines up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on measures and amendments they are seeing for the first time .
So the New Georgia Project launched readyset.vote so voters can type in their address and pull up a sample ballot .
The more people know ahead of time , the more efficient the poll lines can move .
The impetus behind much of the voter suppression we ’ re seeing is that Republicans fear they can lose this election big .
What ’ s more is that many states they believed would never turn blue show signs of flipping , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Democrats for the first time in decades .
Biden has a comfortable lead over Trump in the state and both Democratic senate candidates are performing well , according to a Quinnipiac University Poll released Tuesday .
Jon Ossoff is ahead of his GOP challenger David Perdue 51-45 .
Warnock , who is in the so-called “ jungle primary ” is ahead of both of the closest Republican challengers with a commanding 41 percent versus U.S. Rep. Doug Collins at 22 percent and Kelly Loeffler at 20 .
Biden leads Trump 51-44 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the last Democratic president to win Georgia , in 1992 .
After that , it was considered safely red .
But with shifting racial demographics trending to a majority minority , Georgia Democrats have been working at the local level to turn the state blue .
In 2018 , Stacey Abrams barely lost the gubernatorial race in an election that was wrought with voter suppression .
She ran with the message that Georgia is a blue state and that its residents don ’ t reflect the Dixie stereotypes of its Jim Crow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even the Republicans .
That ’ s why they ’ re engaged in voter suppression , ” Warnock said .
“ They see that the wind is at our back and the momentum is with us .
And that ’ s why they play these games .
Georgia is already a blue state .
And we saw , we saw the early expression of that , I think in 2018 .
I mean , there ’ s no question that Stacey was running against an opponent who was both the opponent on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like her , but able to call balls and strikes , unlike her They see it coming and they ’ re trying to slow it down by gazing at voter suppression .
We intend to expedite that work by registering portions of the electorate .
That tier two , four has been ignored and motivates them to show up by providing them an excellent field of candidates.
” In the other Senate race , Ossoff was a lot more blunt about the long lines in mostly Black polling areas .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ I got to attribute that to those who have so rightly pointed out that this is a story as old as the South .
This is the new poll tax.
” The Trump campaign is training some 50,000 volunteers to watch polls , adding more potential chaos to an already intense election cycle .
With Trump and the Republicans looking to intimidate voters at the polls , it is best to know who is eligible to be a poll watcher and what they can and can ’ t do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanction poll watchers appointed by political parties .
In Georgia , state law requires poll watchers to wear badges saying “ Official Poll Watcher.
” In national elections , political parties can appoint two poll watchers per voting precinct , according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
Generally speaking , poll watchers are not allowed to talk to voters , use recording devices , interfere in any way and voters have a right to report any behavior poll watchers they deem illegal to a poll worker or , preferably , the poll site supervisor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do your homework on who , exactly , can be a poll watcher or not .
For example , in Florida , it is against state law for a police officer to be a poll watcher .
Voter intimidation is illegal and examples of it include brandishing firearms or intimidating displays of firearms , violent behavior inside or outside polling stations , confronting voters while wearing military-style or official-looking uniforms , blocking entrances to polling sites , aggressively approaching voters ’ vehicles and spreading false information .
Usually , one would call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter intimidation—especially with armed white men with guns who have vowed to show up at the polls .
Kenosha County , Wis. , Sheriff David Beth , for example , warned militia members not to “ bring any guns to the polling places , don ’ t put any form of intimidation out there.
” Pernic k , citing Black communities ’ decades-long distrust of and abuse by police officers , says the NAACP-LDF is urging election officials only to call on police “ as a last resort.
” If you have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says to call 866 Our Vote .
Another way to avoid challenges at the polls is to know the rules in your state .
Some states require certain types of identification to vote .
In Kentucky , for example , a photo ID with your name and photo on it is required .
The state also has guidelines for people who could not get an ID due to pandemic-related issues ; 35 states require some form of ID .
Then there are dress code rules in some states .
California , Delaware , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas and Vermont restrict campaign apparel .
So be ready to leave your MAGA hats and “ Go Joe ” T-shirts at home or be ready to take it off before you enter a voting station .
The goal is to educate yourself on the rules of your state , so that you aren ’ t surprised or give anyone a reason to deny you the right to vote .
If , for any reason you are unable to vote because your name isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your ID , you can always cast a provisional ballot , a right you have via federal law .
Angie Nixon , who recently won a Florida house seat out of Jacksonville , is actively working to get people formerly convicted of felons to understand their voting rights .
A big problem in Florida is that Gov .
Ron DeSantis has been waging legal battles in court since 2018 to keep people with felonies on their records from casting ballots and has worked with the Republicans , who have a supermajority in Tallahassee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must pay old fines and fees before they can vote .
“ A lot of people don ’ t even know how much their fines and fees are , ” Nixon said .
“ We partner with groups like the DW Perkins Bar Association and others and holding virtual town halls so people can learn where they can go to find out if they have to pay fines and fees and , of course , partnering with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition because they are receiving a lot of money from some donors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fines and fees .
So we direct people to them when they know how much they need to [ pay ] .
” Above all , Nixon says , there is a lot of misinformation among people with felonies about the voter restoration process because DeSantis is “ continuing trying to suppress them.
” The recurring themes activists and voter rights advocates are pushing to voters is voter early if you can , educate yourself on the voter rules of your state and be vigilant .
“ The idea is that you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know , ” Ufot said .
“ We ’ ve seen it .
So why not do what we can to bank as many folks as possible early ?
”

Donald Trump has made one thing clear: he doesn’t care about democracy or protecting your right to vote.
With an on-going pandemic hampering local and state government’s capacity to run safe elections, Trump and the GOP at every level are making it harder for people to vote. In Florida, people who are formerly convicted of felonies have to pay off fines before they are able to cast ballots in this year’s election—even though Florida voters, through referendum in 2018, decided that a felony should no longer preclude a person from voting. In several states across the nation, Republicans are holding up mail-in ballots and trying to limit the number of drop-off ballot boxes under the unproven argument of voter fraud. Then, of course, there is the very real specter of Trump campaign-trailed supporters who may be deployed to intimidate voters at the polls under the gaze of poll watchers.
Advertisement
And the reality is that you may not be able to rely on your elected officials, particularly in GOP-controlled areas, to help you because they are likely the ones behind the voter suppression. And if you see men with guns near your polling station, it may not be wise to call the cops because they, too, may not help the situation.
As a voter, how do you protect yourself against these attempts to undermine your right to cast a ballot? Activists and voter rights advocates told The Root that the No. 1 thing people can do is educate themselves on how they plan to vote.
Advertisement Advertisement
“Voters need to come up with a plan on how they are going to vote,” said Michael Pernick, an attorney who works on both LDF’s Prepared to Vote and Voting Rights Defender projects. “If you are going to be voting by mail, it’s important to understand the requirements in your state. Make sure you’re signing the envelope. Make sure you’re checking all of those boxes, so your ballot won’t be shunted off into a queue like you’re seeing in North Carolina with absentee ballots that aren’t being counted. North Carolina has had a pretty significant history of issues along these lines.”
Pernick is referring to the 1,000 or so ballots at Guilford County Board of Elections in North Carolina that are waiting to be “cured,” a process by which a voter can correct any mistakes on their ballot so it can be counted. Some states follow up with voters if there is an issue with their ballot, but some require the voter to do the following up.
Advertisement
Black voters make up 16 percent of total ballot returns, but account for nearly 40 percent of ballots labeled as “pending” or “pending cure,” according to CNN.
“We know there are disparities, so voters coming up with a plan is the most important thing individual folks can do,” Perick said. “But we have to identify disparities and work to prevent them. But the obligation is really on the states and election officials to make this process easier.”
Advertisement
Republicans aren’t making that happen. In Georgia, Nsé Ufot, CEO of the New Georgia Project, said her organization is doing the voter education work that Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger refuse to do because it is not in the best interests of their party. Her group has been working with legal organizations to monitor polling sites for any potential irregularities and signs of intimidation. Georgia just started early voting this week and it continues until October 30. Ufot said one of the best defenses against voter suppression is voting early. Even if you cannot succeed in voting the first time, you can always return again. So far, the biggest problems in Georgia are long lines and a lack of clarity about social distancing rules at polling sites and how that impacts how efficiently people can vote.
Ufot says the ongoing pandemic has impeded much of the in-person work of getting used to the types of new voting machines Georgia recently purchased for the election. She added that many polling stations around the state have ample machines, but all of them aren’t available because of some technical difficulties, the need for social distancing or other issues.
Advertisement
“So there’s not a lot of public, really clear communication about what the law requires or mandates as it relates to physical distancing,” she said. “And so it seems like in some instances a desire to keep voters safe and to physically distance is also resulting in an extreme limitation of the lines of people voting. I’ve heard it compared to bouncers at the club holding the line. So the line is extraordinarily long outside, even though there’s more capacity inside the club.”
Another issue holding lines up are people figuring out how to vote on measures and amendments they are seeing for the first time. So the New Georgia Project launched readyset.vote so voters can type in their address and pull up a sample ballot. The more people know ahead of time, the more efficient the poll lines can move.
Advertisement
The impetus behind much of the voter suppression we’re seeing is that Republicans fear they can lose this election big. What’s more is that many states they believed would never turn blue show signs of flipping, like Georgia. The state is in play for Democrats for the first time in decades. Biden has a comfortable lead over Trump in the state and both Democratic senate candidates are performing well, according to a Quinnipiac University Poll released Tuesday. Jon Ossoff is ahead of his GOP challenger David Perdue 51-45. Warnock, who is in the so-called “jungle primary” is ahead of both of the closest Republican challengers with a commanding 41 percent versus U.S. Rep. Doug Collins at 22 percent and Kelly Loeffler at 20. Biden leads Trump 51-44, according to the poll.
Bill Clinton was the last Democratic president to win Georgia, in 1992. After that, it was considered safely red. But with shifting racial demographics trending to a majority minority, Georgia Democrats have been working at the local level to turn the state blue. In 2018, Stacey Abrams barely lost the gubernatorial race in an election that was wrought with voter suppression. She ran with the message that Georgia is a blue state and that its residents don’t reflect the Dixie stereotypes of its Jim Crow days
Advertisement
“Nobody believes that. Not even the Republicans. That’s why they’re engaged in voter suppression,” Warnock said. “They see that the wind is at our back and the momentum is with us. And that’s why they play these games. Georgia is already a blue state. And we saw, we saw the early expression of that, I think in 2018. I mean, there’s no question that Stacey was running against an opponent who was both the opponent on the field, running the bases, just like her, but able to call balls and strikes, unlike her They see it coming and they’re trying to slow it down by gazing at voter suppression. We intend to expedite that work by registering portions of the electorate. That tier two, four has been ignored and motivates them to show up by providing them an excellent field of candidates.”
In the other Senate race, Ossoff was a lot more blunt about the long lines in mostly Black polling areas.
Advertisement
“This is called James Crow, Esq,” he said. “I got to attribute that to those who have so rightly pointed out that this is a story as old as the South. This is the new poll tax.”
The Trump campaign is training some 50,000 volunteers to watch polls, adding more potential chaos to an already intense election cycle. With Trump and the Republicans looking to intimidate voters at the polls, it is best to know who is eligible to be a poll watcher and what they can and can’t do. Some states do have laws that sanction poll watchers appointed by political parties. In Georgia, state law requires poll watchers to wear badges saying “Official Poll Watcher.” In national elections, political parties can appoint two poll watchers per voting precinct, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Generally speaking, poll watchers are not allowed to talk to voters, use recording devices, interfere in any way and voters have a right to report any behavior poll watchers they deem illegal to a poll worker or, preferably, the poll site supervisor.
Advertisement
In fact, it is wise to do your homework on who, exactly, can be a poll watcher or not. For example, in Florida, it is against state law for a police officer to be a poll watcher.
Voter intimidation is illegal and examples of it include brandishing firearms or intimidating displays of firearms, violent behavior inside or outside polling stations, confronting voters while wearing military-style or official-looking uniforms, blocking entrances to polling sites, aggressively approaching voters’ vehicles and spreading false information.
Advertisement
Usually, one would call police in to solve an issue with voter intimidation—especially with armed white men with guns who have vowed to show up at the polls. Kenosha County, Wis., Sheriff David Beth, for example, warned militia members not to “bring any guns to the polling places, don’t put any form of intimidation out there.”
Pernic k, citing Black communities’ decades-long distrust of and abuse by police officers, says the NAACP-LDF is urging election officials only to call on police “as a last resort.”
Advertisement
If you have any troubles at the polls, Pernic k says to call 866 Our Vote.
Another way to avoid challenges at the polls is to know the rules in your state. Some states require certain types of identification to vote. In Kentucky, for example, a photo ID with your name and photo on it is required. The state also has guidelines for people who could not get an ID due to pandemic-related issues; 35 states require some form of ID. Then there are dress code rules in some states. California, Delaware, Kansas, Montana, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Vermont restrict campaign apparel. So be ready to leave your MAGA hats and “Go Joe” T-shirts at home or be ready to take it off before you enter a voting station. The goal is to educate yourself on the rules of your state, so that you aren’t surprised or give anyone a reason to deny you the right to vote.
Advertisement
If, for any reason you are unable to vote because your name isn’t in the system or you forgot your ID, you can always cast a provisional ballot, a right you have via federal law.
Angie Nixon, who recently won a Florida house seat out of Jacksonville, is actively working to get people formerly convicted of felons to understand their voting rights. A big problem in Florida is that Gov. Ron DeSantis has been waging legal battles in court since 2018 to keep people with felonies on their records from casting ballots and has worked with the Republicans, who have a supermajority in Tallahassee, to create laws stipulating that they must pay old fines and fees before they can vote.
Advertisement
“A lot of people don’t even know how much their fines and fees are,” Nixon said. “We partner with groups like the DW Perkins Bar Association and others and holding virtual town halls so people can learn where they can go to find out if they have to pay fines and fees and, of course, partnering with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition because they are receiving a lot of money from some donors so that they can help pay these fines and fees. So we direct people to them when they know how much they need to [pay].”
Above all, Nixon says, there is a lot of misinformation among people with felonies about the voter restoration process because DeSantis is “continuing trying to suppress them.”
Advertisement
The recurring themes activists and voter rights advocates are pushing to voters is voter early if you can, educate yourself on the voter rules of your state and be vigilant.
“The idea is that you know they on that bullshit. Right? We know,” Ufot said. “We’ve seen it. So why not do what we can to bank as many folks as possible early?”