theroot--2020-11-05--White Women Overjoyed for Opportunity Every Four Years to Remind America That They're White

“ Did you see us ?
” called a mysterious and haunting chorus behind me while I was walking down the street .
I was puzzled because the street was just empty , so I assumed perhaps I was either daydreaming or just misheard an arbitrarily articulate dray of squirrels .
“ Tell us you saw us , ” they repeated .
I turned , cautiously , as if expecting a ghost .
Or worse , a pollster .
Instead , to my dismay , it was 17 white women , fused together into one latte-clutching phantasm .
The horror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you saw us .
We had to be sure , ” they chorused , as I backed away from them and into the street .
A police car zoomed past and almost hit me .
The UGG-booted fiend winked at the cop in the passenger seat , and then , immediately , the car began to levitate and twirl and kept rising and rising and rising and rising until it vanished into the atmosphere .
“ We forget sometimes how powerful we are .
All it takes is a wink to conjure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like they ’ re our imaginary friend—like ‘ Bing Bong ’ in Inside Out—except they ’ ll , you know , kill you if we ask.
” After collecting myself , I was finally able to speak .
“ So , what is your name ?
What do I call you ?
” The sound that emerged next—part staccato , part vocal fry , part echo , part Hell-speak , part AppleCare—haunts me to this day .
As my nose began to bleed , I needed to know more .
Where were they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We emerge every four years to walk the Earth and share our mission .
We don ’ t proselytize as much as we just , you know , exist.
” “ Just to remind everyone that we ’ re white.
” “ I mean , your mission is your mission , or whatever .
I won ’ t mission-shame .
But why do you need to remind us that you ’ re white when anyone can just see it ?
There ’ s literally no doubt of your whiteness .
You smell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Haha , ” they snort-laughed .
“ You ’ d think that ’ d be the case , right ?
We ’ re white as fuck .
Whiter than the crack Aaron Sorkin used to smoke.
” “ The Mt .
Rushmore of crackheads is just four selfies of Aaron Sorkin .
But yeah , people somehow forget .
Which is so perplexing , because we ’ ve always been white and will always be white .
So we just like to pop up and say ‘ Hey , everyone .
Guess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Well , it was great to meet you , but we have to be on our way.
” “ Where are you going next ?
” “ We don ’ t know .
We never know .
We just show up places , and then we just stay there until it ’ s time to be somewhere else .
So we guess it ’ s like we ’ re always everywhere.
” They winked again , vaporized themselves into some sort of amalgamation of a fog and Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The moment they left , the levitated police car dropped from the sky .
“ Can I help you ?
” the cop asked before his head exploded .
“ No , ” I shot back , at the headless corpse , before I went back into the house .

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

“Did you see us?” called a mysterious and haunting chorus behind me while I was walking down the street. I was puzzled because the street was just empty, so I assumed perhaps I was either daydreaming or just misheard an arbitrarily articulate dray of squirrels.
“Tell us you saw us,” they repeated.
I turned, cautiously, as if expecting a ghost. Or worse, a pollster. Instead, to my dismay, it was 17 white women, fused together into one latte-clutching phantasm. The horror.
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“We weren’t sure if you saw us. We had to be sure,” they chorused, as I backed away from them and into the street. A police car zoomed past and almost hit me. The UGG-booted fiend winked at the cop in the passenger seat, and then, immediately, the car began to levitate and twirl and kept rising and rising and rising and rising until it vanished into the atmosphere.
It laughed.
“We forget sometimes how powerful we are. All it takes is a wink to conjure and disappear police. It’s like they’re our imaginary friend—like ‘Bing Bong’ in Inside Out—except they’ll, you know, kill you if we ask.”
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After collecting myself, I was finally able to speak.
“So, what is your name? What do I call you?”
The sound that emerged next—part staccato, part vocal fry, part echo, part Hell-speak, part AppleCare—haunts me to this day.
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“We’reKARENKaRenkarenKAREnkarenKArenKARENKaRenkarenKAREnkarenKARENKaRenkarenKAREnkarenKArenKARENKaRenkarenKAREnkarenKArenKARENKaRenkarenKAREnkarenKAren.”
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As my nose began to bleed, I needed to know more. Where were they from? What was their purpose?
“We emerge every four years to walk the Earth and share our mission. We don’t proselytize as much as we just, you know, exist.”
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“What is this mission?”
“Just to remind everyone that we’re white.”
This confused me.
“I mean, your mission is your mission, or whatever. I won’t mission-shame. But why do you need to remind us that you’re white when anyone can just see it? There’s literally no doubt of your whiteness. You smell like cucumber kombucha, for chrissakes.”
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“Haha,” they snort-laughed. “You’d think that’d be the case, right? We’re white as fuck. Whiter than the crack Aaron Sorkin used to smoke.”
“Aaron Sorkin smoked crack?”
“The Mt. Rushmore of crackheads is just four selfies of Aaron Sorkin. But yeah, people somehow forget. Which is so perplexing, because we’ve always been white and will always be white. So we just like to pop up and say ‘Hey, everyone. Guess what? We’re white.’”
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“Fascinating.”
“Well, it was great to meet you, but we have to be on our way.”
“Where are you going next?”
“We don’t know. We never know. We just show up places, and then we just stay there until it’s time to be somewhere else. So we guess it’s like we’re always everywhere.”
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They winked again, vaporized themselves into some sort of amalgamation of a fog and Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist, and disappeared into the aether.
The moment they left, the levitated police car dropped from the sky.
“Can I help you?” the cop asked before his head exploded.
“No,” I shot back, at the headless corpse, before I went back into the house.
I hate Election Day.


theroot--2020-11-06--Behind Every Man Exclusive Clip: Jonnetta Patton Built Her Own Company to Manage Her Son Usher, Beca

Behind Every Man Exclusive Clip: Jonnetta Patton Built Her Own Company to Manage Her Son Usher, Because Mama Knows Best

If you were raised by a Black mama , you know a Black mama ’ s intuition is undefeated .
That is certainly the case for Jonnetta Patton , the mother of R & B and Pop sensation Usher Raymond .
Patton is one of the focal points of the upcoming OWN series , Behind Every Man , which is dedicated to “ the women behind some of the world ’ s most accomplished and recognizable men.
” From the episode synopsis via OWN ’ s press release sent to The Root : In an exclusive clip provided to The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her management company , JPat Management .
Jonnetta Patton Took Matters Into Her Own Hands / OWN ( YouTube ) In the clip , Patton speaks on the commonly held thought that managers who are also the mothers of the talent ( also known as “ momagers ” ) are hindered in their positions because they are too “ connected ” to the talent as their parent .
“ With the record company , I ’ m just not trusting them at all , ” Patton says .
“ They still don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like mothers are too connected and they can not separate .
I knew how to separate , but with them , I see deception over here , deception over there ... so I pray to God and I said , ‘ If you allow me to get through this , I ’ m going to buy my own building.
” And that she did , 25 years ago .
Patton owns a building that includes a recording studio , dance studio , wardrobe room , and office space .
“ Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you on the phone and ask you where are we going to rehearse , I ’ m going to tell you where we ’ re going to rehearse ... and then you ’ ll have to pay me.
” Behind Every Man premieres Saturday , Nov. 7 at 10 p.m .
ET on OWN .

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

If you were raised by a Black mama, you know a Black mama’s intuition is undefeated.
That is certainly the case for Jonnetta Patton, the mother of R&B and Pop sensation Usher Raymond. Patton is one of the focal points of the upcoming OWN series, Behind Every Man, which is dedicated to “the women behind some of the world’s most accomplished and recognizable men.”
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From the episode synopsis via OWN’s press release sent to The Root:
Usher Raymond is a multi-platinum R&B artist who has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. The manager who helped him rise to the top was his mother, Jonnetta Patton. From childhood to where her entrepreneurial spirit has taken her today, this is her story.
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In an exclusive clip provided to The Root, Patton talks about the start of her management company, JPat Management.
Jonnetta Patton Took Matters Into Her Own Hands / OWN (YouTube)
In the clip, Patton speaks on the commonly held thought that managers who are also the mothers of the talent (also known as “momagers”) are hindered in their positions because they are too “connected” to the talent as their parent.
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“With the record company, I’m just not trusting them at all,” Patton says. “They still don’t want me involved because they feel like mothers are too connected and they cannot separate. I knew how to separate, but with them, I see deception over here, deception over there...so I pray to God and I said, ‘If you allow me to get through this, I’m going to buy my own building.”
And that she did, 25 years ago. Patton owns a building that includes a recording studio, dance studio, wardrobe room, and office space.
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“Now, I’m not going to call you on the phone and ask you where are we going to rehearse, I’m going to tell you where we’re going to rehearse...and then you’ll have to pay me.”
I hear that, mama!
Behind Every Man premieres Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10 p.m. ET on OWN.


theroot--2020-11-06--The ‘Blue Wave’ Crashed Into a Wall of White Supremacy. How Can Democrats Break Through?

Joe Biden likely will be the next president of the United States because Black and Latinx people overcame the raging , racist , white Republican shitstorm hellbent on ensuring that he would not overcome their fury .
While Biden will be able to claim victory , the very fact that this race was even close should concern Democrats .
Biden breezed through the primaries , buoyed by Black people ’ s belief that it would take a decent but nonetheless underwhelming white man to beat an extremely racist white one .
He was supposed to have blown Trump out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports , we were supposed to see another “ blue wave ” help Democrats expand their lead in the House and possibly win back the Senate .
Democrats still have the House but lost seats , and they will be lucky if they can come within one seat of the majority in the Senate .
At the local level , none of the state legislatures flipped in Democrats ’ favor .
What in the hell happened ?
The immediate and obvious answer : racism .
Commentators , political analysts and operatives—most of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of white America really does not care that Trump is a kleptocrat , files dodgy tax returns , alleged abuser of women , virulent racist , extremely anti-LGBTQ+ and completely mismanaged the coronavirus pandemic to the point where a quarter of a million Americans have died and millions more have contracted the virus and lifelong complications that come with them .
These white Americans , in fact , came out in larger numbers in 2020 than they did in 2016 .
Hundreds of thousands of people are dead because Trump , who contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy than keeping Americans safe .
None of this persuaded white voters from casting ballots for Trump on Tuesday .
Christina Greer , associate professor of political science at Fordham University , told The Root that much of white America saw COVID-19 restrictions less as public safety precautions and more of an infringement on their personal liberties .
She mentions Florida , which Trump won again , and how its governor , Ron DeSantis , ignored medical doctors ’ guidelines on how to manage it in his state .
“ Even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more popular than ever because so many white Americans see the management of COVID as just a figment of Democratic imagination and hysteria , ” Greer said .
“ Even though the numbers are almost a quarter million Americans , you ’ ve got outlets like Fox News saying that those numbers are inflated .
So there ’ s this disinformation , but a lot of white American see wearing a mask , practicing basic public health and public safety as an attack on their first amendment rights.
” Pew Research Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of Trump supporters saw COVID-19 as a serious issue and reported that Republicans who get their news on COVID-19 from Trump ’ s task force are more likely to believe that the media are overexaggerating how bad the pandemic is .
Indeed , resistance is palpable .
Across the nation , white people are revolting against Democrats who follow science .
White people despise Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer so much that they raided the state capital with guns in protest of her coronavirus safety measures and even went as far as planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mississippi , where the highest percentage Black Americans live , a local health official wondered if attitudes over masks and social distancing are behind why more white people are contracting the virus at higher rates than Black residents .
Democrats running against their GOP opponents and Trump over the pandemic were not effective because white people do not care about dying .
Sen. Mitch McConnell destroyed his well-financed Democratic opponent , Amy McGrath , who decried his handling of COVID-19 relief efforts and his state is experiencing a record number of cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rubber stamping of Trump ’ s agenda—including the Republicans refusal to challenge the current occupant ’ s fawning over Putin .
It didn ’ t matter .
Trump also outperformed Biden in areas around the nation with the highest number of new COVID-19 cases per capita .
This man presided over one of the worst public health crises in American history and he was still competitive .
Why ?
Because white people will kill themselves if it means preserving the republic—for themselves and no one else .
There is no political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have swayed these voters to their side .
You just have to let them sit in their racism and , instead , lean more into the people of color and progressive-minded whites .
During elections , much is said about “ energizing the base ” and gauging people ’ s “ enthusiasm ” for a candidate .
Democrats , traditionally , have long chosen boring moderate white candidates in the hopes that “ white , working class ” voters will be compelled to go blue .
This tends not to work all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where millions of dollars were spent on McGrath , a now two-time loser in House and Senate races , instead of Charles Booker , the younger , Black candidate who , in the senate race this year came close to beating her in the primary and polled better against McConnell in one-on-one primary matchups .
Political commentator Avis Jones-Deweever told The Root that many Democrats underperformed this year in national house and local races because they haven ’ t accepted that white voters left them decades ago in protest of their progressive values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party is enamored with wanting white people to love them , ” she said .
“ For years , they have been trying to get this elusive white vote .
When in reality , the Democratic Party has not seen a majority of white voters since the 1960s .
But it continues to be their most desired voter .
In this election in particular , we ’ ve gone through four years of not just the Democratic Party , but the media being very enamored with the Republican voter .
So when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic Party fell into the same trap about wanting to win this Republican voter and get the Trump voter to switch and vote for the Democrats.
” Joe Biden was supposed to be the antithesis of Bernie Sanders , a man whose far-left politics were feared to be too polarizing for “ middle America , ” another moniker for conservative white people who could vote Democrats if they aren ’ t too much of a Democrat .
There is no indication that that plan bore any fruit .
The reality is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color voters like they do white ones .
Take Georgia for example , where Black female organizers and political operatives led by Stacey Abrams almost won the governorship in 2018 .
And though state Democrats missed the mark this go-around , they are within striking distance of eventually taking the state house .
The reason why Georgia may very well go to Democrats any day now ( and Biden has a slim lead over Trump in Georgia as of Friday ) is because Abrams took advantage of the state ’ s growing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to outnumber whites by 2028 .
She set the stage for what is possible because she saw the numbers and worked them .
Biden ’ s moderate approach would not have made the state as much of a possibility for him as it almost was for Abrams two years ago .
The numbers are also in Texas , where Hispanics are set to become the state ’ s largest population group by next year .
Democrats lost ground to Republicans there because , as political experts explained to Vox , they did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not have the same name recognition as did Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
The numbers were there , but Democrats failed to seize the opportunity .
In 2022 , they should try and take that state during the midterm elections and try again for the presidency in 2024 .
The state is definitely in play .
Then you have Arizona , where Democrats did well .
Though it was not easy , they succeeded because they actually invested resources in the state .
Just imagine if Arizona , Texas and Georgia voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a wrap .
White progressives , the working poor and people of color can win year after year for Democrats if they can shake their desire for white moderates .
But it would require national Democrats to make a painful paradigm shift in thinking .
The type of work that is being done in Georgia requires people in positions of power who fight from the margins , not from within the center .
A Black female activist as the chair of the National Democratic Committee would help take Georgia ’ s playbook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course .
One of the main reasons we saw a blue wave in 2018 was because the candidates running , at least at the national level , were the most diverse in history in regards to race and gender .
They ran on abolishing ICE , Medicare for All , the Green New Deal .
Even if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi doesn ’ t care for “ The Squad , ” she would not be in her position without progressive candidates , who galvanized millions of young people to the polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed Democrats farther left than they wanted to go and consequently generated interest in new voters because they saw their values on the ballot .
The blue wave of 2018 was as much an activist movement as it was a midterm .
Barring a few trickles like Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush , we saw no blue wave in 2020 because national Democrats failed to realize that their true base is farther left than they care to admit .
( Also , I honestly think they are too damn lazy to fight for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats need more # BlackGirlMagic and less K Street moving forward to avoid the disappointing finishes we ’ re experiencing now .
And while Black voters are the heart and soul of the Democratic Party , they need to do some serious engagement of Latinx voters .
Biden won a majority of the Latinx vote , but could have done better , as operatives explained to NPR .
Many media pundits and reporters pointed to gains Trump made with Latinx voters .
But , as Julio Ricardo Varela of Latino USA points out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are a wide range of them , including those who do not consider themselves “ people of color ” —have always supported the GOP in one form or another .
But more than 80 percent of young Latinx voters say the Black Lives Matter movement and issues around racial inequality are drawing them to the polls , a great opportunity to connect with them on policing and the criminal legal system .
Varela also noted that Florida is not the only game in town when it comes to Latinx voters .
Natalie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Castro ’ s People First Future political organization , told The Root that Democrats at all levels could have done a better job of engaging Latinx voters .
If there are any lessons they could take from 2020 , it ’ s that they should not run away from progressive issues that are of great importance to Latinx people .
Montelongo especially emphasized those between the ages of 18-35 .
“ It ’ s a very young electorate that ’ s ripe to be tapped into , ” she said .
“ Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they have a progressive streak that motivates them to get involved .
It ’ s not just messaging in Spanish or ads in their community .
No , these people are young and care about free access to college .
They care about the environment .
They care about all of these progressive issues .
It ’ s pushing issues that inspire and motivate especially young Latinos who make up the largest part of our electorate.
” The blame for Democrats ’ relatively poor showing nationally isn ’ t their fault alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election since the Supreme Court gutted key provisions in the Voter Rights Act of 1965 , which required nine states to notify the federal government of changes in their election laws .
Georgia , one of the states under the 1965 statute , saw local Republicans abuse this High Court in 2018 by purging voter rolls of mostly minority residents and mandating confusing and highly subjective matching signature rules that can disqualify ballots .
The 2013 ruling also allowed many states to pass repressive voter ID laws , as well as end early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1,600 polling stations in which people of color reside .
Texas , Georgia and Arizona have closed the most polls of any states since the High Court decision .
Maybe Democrats should spend as much time fighting voter suppression as they do pursuing the white working-class voter .
So , yes .
Biden revealed that a white moderate like himself was not a sure antidote against Trump .
But this election proves something larger than Biden : White people are very happy with the racist , undemocratic , unequal America we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steal the election as I type this .
We are not a united nation , and in order for Democrats to win , they have to get as many of their people ( the working poor and people of color ) to the polls as possible and abandon the white moderates who left the party in the 1960s because Black people were granted some semblance of freedom .
“ A lot of people wanted to believe that Donald Trump was some aberration and what he represents is not indicative of America , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that he represents millions across this nation .
A lot of people did not want to face that , but it ’ s a stark reality that that ’ s who America is .
”

Joe Biden likely will be the next president of the United States because Black and Latinx people overcame the raging, racist, white Republican shitstorm hellbent on ensuring that he would not overcome their fury.
While Biden will be able to claim victory, the very fact that this race was even close should concern Democrats. Biden breezed through the primaries, buoyed by Black people’s belief that it would take a decent but nonetheless underwhelming white man to beat an extremely racist white one. He was supposed to have blown Trump out, according to polling. Based on media reports, we were supposed to see another “blue wave” help Democrats expand their lead in the House and possibly win back the Senate. Democrats still have the House but lost seats, and they will be lucky if they can come within one seat of the majority in the Senate. At the local level, none of the state legislatures flipped in Democrats’ favor.
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What in the hell happened? The immediate and obvious answer: racism.
Commentators, political analysts and operatives—most of whom are people of color—have lamented that much of white America really does not care that Trump is a kleptocrat, files dodgy tax returns, alleged abuser of women, virulent racist, extremely anti-LGBTQ+ and completely mismanaged the coronavirus pandemic to the point where a quarter of a million Americans have died and millions more have contracted the virus and lifelong complications that come with them. These white Americans, in fact, came out in larger numbers in 2020 than they did in 2016. Hundreds of thousands of people are dead because Trump, who contracted coronavirus himself, cared more about reopening the economy than keeping Americans safe.
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None of this persuaded white voters from casting ballots for Trump on Tuesday.
Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, told The Root that much of white America saw COVID-19 restrictions less as public safety precautions and more of an infringement on their personal liberties. She mentions Florida, which Trump won again, and how its governor, Ron DeSantis, ignored medical doctors’ guidelines on how to manage it in his state.
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“Even though the rates are increasing, he’s more popular than ever because so many white Americans see the management of COVID as just a figment of Democratic imagination and hysteria,” Greer said. “Even though the numbers are almost a quarter million Americans, you’ve got outlets like Fox News saying that those numbers are inflated. So there’s this disinformation, but a lot of white American see wearing a mask, practicing basic public health and public safety as an attack on their first amendment rights.”
She has a point.
Pew Research Center found before the election, only 24 percent of Trump supporters saw COVID-19 as a serious issue and reported that Republicans who get their news on COVID-19 from Trump’s task force are more likely to believe that the media are overexaggerating how bad the pandemic is. Indeed, resistance is palpable. Across the nation, white people are revolting against Democrats who follow science. White people despise Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer so much that they raided the state capital with guns in protest of her coronavirus safety measures and even went as far as planning to kidnap her over it. In Mississippi, where the highest percentage Black Americans live, a local health official wondered if attitudes over masks and social distancing are behind why more white people are contracting the virus at higher rates than Black residents.
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Democrats running against their GOP opponents and Trump over the pandemic were not effective because white people do not care about dying. Sen. Mitch McConnell destroyed his well-financed Democratic opponent, Amy McGrath, who decried his handling of COVID-19 relief efforts and his state is experiencing a record number of cases. Jaime Harrison plugged holes in Lindsay Graham’s rubber stamping of Trump’s agenda—including the Republicans refusal to challenge the current occupant’s fawning over Putin. It didn’t matter. Trump also outperformed Biden in areas around the nation with the highest number of new COVID-19 cases per capita. This man presided over one of the worst public health crises in American history and he was still competitive.
Why? Because white people will kill themselves if it means preserving the republic—for themselves and no one else.
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There is no political strategy Democrats could have deployed that would have swayed these voters to their side. You just have to let them sit in their racism and, instead, lean more into the people of color and progressive-minded whites. During elections, much is said about “energizing the base” and gauging people’s “enthusiasm” for a candidate. Democrats, traditionally, have long chosen boring moderate white candidates in the hopes that “white, working class” voters will be compelled to go blue. This tends not to work all that well. We saw it in Kentucky where millions of dollars were spent on McGrath, a now two-time loser in House and Senate races, instead of Charles Booker, the younger, Black candidate who, in the senate race this year came close to beating her in the primary and polled better against McConnell in one-on-one primary matchups.
Political commentator Avis Jones-Deweever told The Root that many Democrats underperformed this year in national house and local races because they haven’t accepted that white voters left them decades ago in protest of their progressive values on civil rights.
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“The Democratic Party is enamored with wanting white people to love them,” she said. “For years, they have been trying to get this elusive white vote. When in reality, the Democratic Party has not seen a majority of white voters since the 1960s. But it continues to be their most desired voter. In this election in particular, we’ve gone through four years of not just the Democratic Party, but the media being very enamored with the Republican voter. So when it came time to this particular election, the Democratic Party fell into the same trap about wanting to win this Republican voter and get the Trump voter to switch and vote for the Democrats.”
Joe Biden was supposed to be the antithesis of Bernie Sanders, a man whose far-left politics were feared to be too polarizing for “middle America,” another moniker for conservative white people who could vote for Democrats if they aren’t too much of a Democrat. There is no indication that that plan bore any fruit. The reality is that Democrats have to start treating people of color voters like they do white ones.
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Take Georgia for example, where Black female organizers and political operatives led by Stacey Abrams almost won the governorship in 2018. And though state Democrats missed the mark this go-around, they are within striking distance of eventually taking the state house. The reason why Georgia may very well go to Democrats any day now (and Biden has a slim lead over Trump in Georgia as of Friday) is because Abrams took advantage of the state’s growing people of color population, which is set to outnumber whites by 2028. She set the stage for what is possible because she saw the numbers and worked them. Biden’s moderate approach would not have made the state as much of a possibility for him as it almost was for Abrams two years ago.
The numbers are also in Texas, where Hispanics are set to become the state’s largest population group by next year. Democrats lost ground to Republicans there because, as political experts explained to Vox, they did not invest enough in this group and Biden did not have the same name recognition as did Hillary Clinton in 2016. The numbers were there, but Democrats failed to seize the opportunity. In 2022, they should try and take that state during the midterm elections and try again for the presidency in 2024. The state is definitely in play. Then you have Arizona, where Democrats did well. Though it was not easy, they succeeded because they actually invested resources in the state. Just imagine if Arizona, Texas and Georgia voted blue consistently for Democrats.
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That would be a wrap.
White progressives, the working poor and people of color can win year after year for Democrats if they can shake their desire for white moderates. But it would require national Democrats to make a painful paradigm shift in thinking. The type of work that is being done in Georgia requires people in positions of power who fight from the margins, not from within the center. A Black female activist as the chair of the National Democratic Committee would help take Georgia’s playbook national—if she is given the proper resources, of course.
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One of the main reasons we saw a blue wave in 2018 was because the candidates running, at least at the national level, were the most diverse in history in regards to race and gender. They ran on abolishing ICE, Medicare for All, the Green New Deal. Even if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi doesn’t care for “The Squad,” she would not be in her position without progressive candidates, who galvanized millions of young people to the polls. The Black women leading street protests pushed Democrats farther left than they wanted to go and consequently generated interest in new voters because they saw their values on the ballot. The blue wave of 2018 was as much an activist movement as it was a midterm. Barring a few trickles like Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, we saw no blue wave in 2020 because national Democrats failed to realize that their true base is farther left than they care to admit. (Also, I honestly think they are too damn lazy to fight for these voters.)
In short, Democrats need more #BlackGirlMagic and less K Street moving forward to avoid the disappointing finishes we’re experiencing now.
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And while Black voters are the heart and soul of the Democratic Party, they need to do some serious engagement of Latinx voters. Biden won a majority of the Latinx vote, but could have done better, as operatives explained to NPR. Many media pundits and reporters pointed to gains Trump made with Latinx voters. But, as Julio Ricardo Varela of Latino USA points out, this is misleading because Latinx voters—and there are a wide range of them, including those who do not consider themselves “people of color”—have always supported the GOP in one form or another. But more than 80 percent of young Latinx voters say the Black Lives Matter movement and issues around racial inequality are drawing them to the polls, a great opportunity to connect with them on policing and the criminal legal system.
Varela also noted that Florida is not the only game in town when it comes to Latinx voters.
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Natalie Montelongo, the executive director of Julian Castro’s People First Future political organization, told The Root that Democrats at all levels could have done a better job of engaging Latinx voters. If there are any lessons they could take from 2020, it’s that they should not run away from progressive issues that are of great importance to Latinx people. Montelongo especially emphasized those between the ages of 18-35.
“It’s a very young electorate that’s ripe to be tapped into,” she said. “Many of these voters are first-time voters, but they have a progressive streak that motivates them to get involved. It’s not just messaging in Spanish or ads in their community. No, these people are young and care about free access to college. They care about the environment. They care about all of these progressive issues. It’s pushing issues that inspire and motivate especially young Latinos who make up the largest part of our electorate.”
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The blame for Democrats’ relatively poor showing nationally isn’t their fault alone. We are in our second presidential election since the Supreme Court gutted key provisions in the Voter Rights Act of 1965, which required nine states to notify the federal government of changes in their election laws. Georgia, one of the states under the 1965 statute, saw local Republicans abuse this High Court in 2018 by purging voter rolls of mostly minority residents and mandating confusing and highly subjective matching signature rules that can disqualify ballots. The 2013 ruling also allowed many states to pass repressive voter ID laws, as well as end early voting, same-day registration and close more than 1,600 polling stations in which people of color reside. Texas, Georgia and Arizona have closed the most polls of any states since the High Court decision. Maybe Democrats should spend as much time fighting voter suppression as they do pursuing the white working-class voter.
So, yes. Biden revealed that a white moderate like himself was not a sure antidote against Trump. But this election proves something larger than Biden: White people are very happy with the racist, undemocratic, unequal America we have now. Trump is literally trying to steal the election as I type this article . We are not a united nation, and in order for Democrats to win, they have to get as many of their people (the working poor and people of color) to the polls as possible and abandon the white moderates who left the party in the 1960s because Black people were granted some semblance of freedom.
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“A lot of people wanted to believe that Donald Trump was some aberration and what he represents is not indicative of America,” Jones-Deweever said. “But the reality is that he represents millions across this nation. A lot of people did not want to face that, but it’s a stark reality that that’s who America is.”


theroot--2020-11-06--America Has Yet to Achieve Racial Equity in Cannabis Reform. New Jersey Is Hoping Dianna Houenou Can

America Has Yet to Achieve Racial Equity in Cannabis Reform. New Jersey Is Hoping Dianna Houenou Can Change That

On Election Day , New Jersey became one of four states where voters legalized marijuana for recreational purposes , joining a wave of drug reform and decriminalization that has been sweeping the country since Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012 .
This means that a third of Americans ( more than 111 million total ) now live in states where adults can legally purchase pot .
But although reform is sweeping the nation , with dispensaries popping up everywhere from Oakland and Denver to Baltimore and Chicago , America ’ s “ green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the communities most harmed by the country ’ s devastating “ war on drugs.
” Instead , white business-owners and large corporations have disproportionately benefited from cannabis reform , prompting fresh concerns about what the future of marijuana legalization holds for the Black and Latinx communities who suffered the most from America ’ s punitive drug policies .
New Jersey hopes to change that narrative .
On Friday morning , Gov .
Phil Murphy appointed Dianna Houenou , a senior advisor with an extensive background in criminal justice reform , to lead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will be charged with shaping the state ’ s cannabis laws and ensuring that the communities devastated by the New Jersey ’ s drug policies reap the benefits of the burgeoning industry .
“ Dianna has been a critical voice for social justice and equity on my team for the past year and a half after spending several years working on the fight to legalize marijuana with the ACLU , ” Gov .
Murphy told The Root in a statement .
“ Her commitment to doing what is right and to leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice reform agenda , and I am immensely proud that she will be continuing that commitment as Chair of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
” “ Since day one , we have said that the legalization of recreational marijuana must prioritize the communities marginalized and decimated by the failed War on Drugs , ” Murphy added .
“ I know that Dianna is the perfect person to lead our state ’ s effort to create a marketplace for recreational marijuana that is equitable , fair , and inclusive of all communities.
” Previously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also serves as Gov .
Murphy ’ s associate counsel , worked with the ACLU of New Jersey as its policy counsel , in which she worked on advocacy campaigns that included marijuana reform .
Houenou told The Root she first became interested in drug policy as part of her broader interest in criminal justice reform while attending law school at the University of North Carolina .
“ That was really the time where I started to connect the dots from earlier in life—where I was recognizing huge inequities , even among my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said during a phone interview on Tuesday .
“ The way we have treated drug use has really been a disservice to people.
” “ Cannabis legalization and regulation is just one illustration of much larger work that is needed to reform our drug policies wholesale , ” she said , adding that doing so would give individuals “ the freedom to thrive.
” New Jersey is the most populous of all the states that legalized recreational marijuana this week , and the first state in the mid-Atlantic to do so—leading Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long discussed legalization but have disagreed on how to do so .
In New York , a major part of that disagreement has stemmed from questions around equity and accessibility .
Nationwide , Black and Latinx Americans aren ’ t leading cannabis operations in significant numbers , nor have they been leading regulation or law-making efforts .
“ The lack of equal access leads to corporations and out-of-state operators dominating the market , and many small businesses miss out on the opportunity to enter the market while it ’ s still emerging , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activist and President of New York Cannabis United Bocourt told Forbes earlier this year .
“ We also need to bridge the gap between regulators and stakeholders [ and ] communities who have truly , disproportionately been affected by the war on drugs .
New York is in need of extensive preparation before we reach full legalization.
” Some of the issues that have prevented Black folks from staking their claim in the emerging cannabis market include smaller legal restrictions , such as morality clauses and non-compete clauses that limit the viability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marijuana .
There have also been , ironically , restrictions on people who have drug-related or adjacent arrests being able to get licenses .
And as with other industries , finding adequate property and capital to start a cannabis business is difficult .
In Massachusetts , Forbes reports , more than 63 percent of cannabis businesses are white-owned , and a great share is run by large operators .
In other states , such as Illinois , a lack of clear or accessible ownership data means there ’ s opacity about who ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug reforms .
“ Obtaining a marijuana license is practically impossible without a million dollars [ or more ] , which is why there are only a handful of women and person of color-led dispensaries , ” Imani Dawson , Executive Director of the Cannabis Education Advocacy Symposium and Expo ( CEASE ) and National Communications Director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana ( M4MM ) told Forbes .
“ We aren ’ t reflected in venture capital spaces , and it ’ s clear how much representation matters.
” Racial equity in cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formal programs exist , such as Oakland , which offers equity permits to support marijuana entrepreneurs who were either convicted for pot-related offenses or are from neighborhoods heavily impacted by drug prohibition .
Even holders of these permits can be boxed out of opportunities by larger , outside dispensaries that can undersell rival businesses and extract profits from local communities , reports The Guardian .
Working to make cannabis reform equitable will be no small task for Houenou and the commission , particularly in a state like New Jersey , where , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are 3.45 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white people .
As recently as 2016 , the Garden State spent $ 669.3 million to enforce restrictive drug policies , “ despite the grave racial inequities in fuels , ” writes Insider New Jersey .
Because the country has yet to really get equity in the cannabis industry right , Houenou will be leading New Jersey into uncharted territory .
But if successful , the state could very well be a model for the region and the country at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it alone .
She has the full support of Gov .
Murphy , who made marijuana legalization a signature part of his 2017 election campaign .
She also understands that making cannabis reform truly equitable will be a holistic process requiring education , advocacy and buy-in from a variety of stakeholders , from law enforcement to those who lost years of their lives to drug prohibition policies .
For her and the commission , equity won ’ t be an afterthought , as it has been in other places .
“ We really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is built into a regulated structure at the onset , ” she said .
Houenou stresses that under her leadership , nothing would be off the table for the commission .
This includes policies already existing in other places , including prioritizing permits for those who live in neighborhoods impacted by harsh drug policies , as well as individuals who have been entangled in the court system specifically for cannabis offenses .
But she ’ s also interested in exploring—and breaking down—other barriers to entry and ensuring that revenue from these burgeoning businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a key part of the commission ’ s mission and whether it ’ s successful , Houenou said .
The five-person group will need to make sure they understand “ what issues people are facing , how people are wanting to be involved in the cannabis industry and where they are—where we need to do the investment.
” She acknowledges that this means a slower process than some people may like , but community involvement will be crucial to help state lawmakers avoid the equity issues that have plagued America ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s ultimately aiming for , she said , is sustainability , not speed .
To get there , the commission—and New Jerseyians—will need to think big .
“ There is no limit to how big we can dream and how creative we can get to make sure that people of color and specifically Black people , who have been disproportionately negatively impacted by the war on drugs—making sure that they have room in this new industry , ” she said .
“ To benefit and to take part in setting up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities .
“ Every part of this process is so important because equality isn ’ t just about who gets a license , ” Houenou noted .
“ It ’ s not just about what you do with the revenue that ’ s generated .
We also should be using this opportunity , this chance to really build something great—and build it great at the outset .
”

On Election Day, New Jersey became one of four states where voters legalized marijuana for recreational purposes, joining a wave of drug reform and decriminalization that has been sweeping the country since Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012.
This means that a third of Americans (more than 111 million total) now live in states where adults can legally purchase pot. But although reform is sweeping the nation, with dispensaries popping up everywhere from Oakland and Denver to Baltimore and Chicago, America’s “green rush” has yet to substantially uplift the communities most harmed by the country’s devastating “war on drugs.” Instead, white business-owners and large corporations have disproportionately benefited from cannabis reform, prompting fresh concerns about what the future of marijuana legalization holds for the Black and Latinx communities who suffered the most from America’s punitive drug policies.
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New Jersey hopes to change that narrative. On Friday morning, Gov. Phil Murphy appointed Dianna Houenou, a senior advisor with an extensive background in criminal justice reform, to lead the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which will be charged with shaping the state’s cannabis laws and ensuring that the communities devastated by the New Jersey’s drug policies reap the benefits of the burgeoning industry.
“Dianna has been a critical voice for social justice and equity on my team for the past year and a half after spending several years working on the fight to legalize marijuana with the ACLU,” Gov. Murphy told The Root in a statement. “Her commitment to doing what is right and to leaving no one behind has powered our criminal justice reform agenda, and I am immensely proud that she will be continuing that commitment as Chair of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission.”
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“Since day one, we have said that the legalization of recreational marijuana must prioritize the communities marginalized and decimated by the failed War on Drugs,” Murphy added. “I know that Dianna is the perfect person to lead our state’s effort to create a marketplace for recreational marijuana that is equitable, fair, and inclusive of all communities.”
Previously, Houenou (pronounced way-now), who also serves as Gov. Murphy’s associate counsel, worked with the ACLU of New Jersey as its policy counsel, in which she worked on advocacy campaigns that included marijuana reform. Houenou told The Root she first became interested in drug policy as part of her broader interest in criminal justice reform while attending law school at the University of North Carolina.
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“That was really the time where I started to connect the dots from earlier in life—where I was recognizing huge inequities, even among my friends and their life outcomes,” she said during a phone interview on Tuesday. “The way we have treated drug use has really been a disservice to people.”
“Cannabis legalization and regulation is just one illustration of much larger work that is needed to reform our drug policies wholesale,” she said, adding that doing so would give individuals “the freedom to thrive.”
Advertisement
New Jersey is the most populous of all the states that legalized recreational marijuana this week, and the first state in the mid-Atlantic to do so—leading Pennsylvania and New York, where lawmakers have long discussed legalization but have disagreed on how to do so. In New York, a major part of that disagreement has stemmed from questions around equity and accessibility. Nationwide, Black and Latinx Americans aren’t leading cannabis operations in significant numbers, nor have they been leading regulation or law-making efforts.
“The lack of equal access leads to corporations and out-of-state operators dominating the market, and many small businesses miss out on the opportunity to enter the market while it’s still emerging,” Grizzly Bocourt, an NYC cannabis activist and President of New York Cannabis United Bocourt told Forbes earlier this year. “We also need to bridge the gap between regulators and stakeholders [and] communities who have truly, disproportionately been affected by the war on drugs. New York is in need of extensive preparation before we reach full legalization.”
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Some of the issues that have prevented Black folks from staking their claim in the emerging cannabis market include smaller legal restrictions, such as morality clauses and non-compete clauses that limit the viability of getting and keeping a job selling legal marijuana. There have also been, ironically, restrictions on people who have drug-related or adjacent arrests being able to get licenses.
And as with other industries, finding adequate property and capital to start a cannabis business is difficult. In Massachusetts, Forbes reports, more than 63 percent of cannabis businesses are white-owned, and a great share is run by large operators. In other states, such as Illinois, a lack of clear or accessible ownership data means there’s opacity about who’s profiting off the state’s drug reforms.
Advertisement
“Obtaining a marijuana license is practically impossible without a million dollars [or more], which is why there are only a handful of women and person of color-led dispensaries,” Imani Dawson, Executive Director of the Cannabis Education Advocacy Symposium and Expo (CEASE) and National Communications Director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) told Forbes. “We aren’t reflected in venture capital spaces, and it’s clear how much representation matters.”
Racial equity in cannabis has been difficult even in areas where formal programs exist, such as Oakland, which offers equity permits to support marijuana entrepreneurs who were either convicted for pot-related offenses or are from neighborhoods heavily impacted by drug prohibition. Even holders of these permits can be boxed out of opportunities by larger, outside dispensaries that can undersell rival businesses and extract profits from local communities, reports The Guardian.
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Working to make cannabis reform equitable will be no small task for Houenou and the commission, particularly in a state like New Jersey, where, despite similar rates of marijuana usage, Black people are 3.45 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white people. As recently as 2016, the Garden State spent $669.3 million to enforce restrictive drug policies, “despite the grave racial inequities in fuels,” writes Insider New Jersey.
Because the country has yet to really get equity in the cannabis industry right, Houenou will be leading New Jersey into uncharted territory. But if successful, the state could very well be a model for the region and the country at large.
Advertisement
Houenou isn’t going it alone. She has the full support of Gov. Murphy, who made marijuana legalization a signature part of his 2017 election campaign. She also understands that making cannabis reform truly equitable will be a holistic process requiring education, advocacy and buy-in from a variety of stakeholders, from law enforcement to those who lost years of their lives to drug prohibition policies. For her and the commission, equity won’t be an afterthought, as it has been in other places.
“We really are looking to make sure that equity is built into a regulated structure at the onset,” she said.
Advertisement
Houenou stresses that under her leadership, nothing would be off the table for the commission. This includes policies already existing in other places, including prioritizing permits for those who live in neighborhoods impacted by harsh drug policies, as well as individuals who have been entangled in the court system specifically for cannabis offenses. But she’s also interested in exploring—and breaking down—other barriers to entry and ensuring that revenue from these burgeoning businesses goes back into Black communities.
Outreach will be a key part of the commission’s mission and whether it’s successful, Houenou said. The five-person group will need to make sure they understand “what issues people are facing, how people are wanting to be involved in the cannabis industry and where they are—where we need to do the investment.”
Advertisement
She acknowledges that this means a slower process than some people may like, but community involvement will be crucial to help state lawmakers avoid the equity issues that have plagued America’s cannabis reforms thus far. What she’s ultimately aiming for, she said, is sustainability, not speed. To get there, the commission—and New Jerseyians—will need to think big.
“There is no limit to how big we can dream and how creative we can get to make sure that people of color and specifically Black people, who have been disproportionately negatively impacted by the war on drugs—making sure that they have room in this new industry,” she said. “To benefit and to take part in setting up what can be a great boon for communities.
Advertisement
“Every part of this process is so important because equality isn’t just about who gets a license,” Houenou noted. “It’s not just about what you do with the revenue that’s generated. We also should be using this opportunity, this chance to really build something great—and build it great at the outset.”


theroot--2020-11-07--Boogaloo Boys Charged With Attempting to Sell Weapons to Overseas Terrorist Organization

Further proving that white people simply won ’ t let America be great , a group of Boogaloo Boy s have been charged with attempting to sell weapons to an overseas terrorist organization .
Forbes reports Michael Robert Solomon , 30 , and Benjamin Ryan Teeter , 22 , have both been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice with “ conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization ( Hamas ) and firearms violations.
” Prosecutors say that Solomon and Teeter met with an undercover FBI informant who they believed to be a high-ranking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send five “ untraceable ” suppressors for $ 1,800 .
These dudes agreed to commit an egregious violation of federal law .
It wasn ’ t even $ 1,800 a pop ; all five were included in the price , according to a statement from the Department of Justice .
I get there ’ s an ideological component here , but if you ’ re going to commit a crime , at least get paid more than what a mid-level manager takes home in a corporate 9-5 .
They never watched Paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , son , not even Belly ?
Oh wait , they ’ re white , let me run that back .
They never watched The Godfather ?
Heat ?
Shit , son , not even Goodfellas ?
At least get your money up before shit goes south , damn .
Sorry about that , time in .
The two were part of a Boogaloo sub-group called Boojahideen ; seeking to incite violence against the police , politicians , and several other groups in an effort to ignite a civil war and overthrow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon accessories to Hamas in the hopes they would be used against American soldiers serving overseas .
According to the U.S. DOJ , the two also discussed possible attacks on government monuments , attacking the headquarters of a white supremacist group , and murdering politicians and notable media figures .
So just an all around , solid group of guys we ’ re dealing with .
The Boogaloo Boys are so trash that Hamas , a group considered by the U.S. to be a terrorist organization , released a statement disavowing any knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mov ement - Hamas denies knowledge of the ‘ Boogaloo Bois ’ group or any of its members , and denounces the US administration attempt to link between the movement and any of these group members.
” Solomon and Teeter were charged alongside Ivan Hunter , another Boogaloo Boy who was charged for inciting riots during the early days of George Floyd protests in Minneapolis .

Further proving that white people simply won’t let America be great, a group of Boogaloo Boy s have been charged with attempting to sell weapons to an overseas terrorist organization.
Forbes reports Michael Robert Solomon, 30, and Benjamin Ryan Teeter, 22, have both been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice with “conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (Hamas) and firearms violations.” Prosecutors say that Solomon and Teeter met with an undercover FBI informant who they believed to be a high-ranking member of Hamas, and two agreed to send five “untraceable” suppressors for $1,800.
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Time out.
These dudes agreed to commit an egregious violation of federal law.
For only $1,800.
My nigga, that’s a paycheck.
It wasn’t even $1,800 a pop; all five were included in the price, according to a statement from the Department of Justice. I get there’s an ideological component here, but if you’re going to commit a crime, at least get paid more than what a mid-level manager takes home in a corporate 9-5.
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They never watched Paid in Full? State Property? Shit, son, not even Belly?
Oh wait, they’re white, let me run that back.
They never watched The Godfather? Heat? Shit, son, not even Goodfellas?
At least get your money up before shit goes south, damn.
Sorry about that, time in.
The two were part of a Boogaloo sub-group called Boojahideen; seeking to incite violence against the police, politicians, and several other groups in an effort to ignite a civil war and overthrow the government. The two attempted to sell weapon accessories to Hamas in the hopes they would be used against American soldiers serving overseas.
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According to the U.S. DOJ, the two also discussed possible attacks on government monuments, attacking the headquarters of a white supremacist group, and murdering politicians and notable media figures. So just an all around, solid group of guys we’re dealing with.
The Boogaloo Boys are so trash that Hamas, a group considered by the U.S. to be a terrorist organization, released a statement disavowing any knowledge of them. “The Islamic Resistance Mov ement - Hamas denies knowledge of the ‘Boogaloo Bois’ group or any of its members, and denounces the US administration attempt to link between the movement and any of these group members.”
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Solomon and Teeter were charged alongside Ivan Hunter, another Boogaloo Boy who was charged for inciting riots during the early days of George Floyd protests in Minneapolis.


theroot--2020-11-05--AirPods 2 (Wired Charging) Hit New $99 Low

There ’ s a good chance you know someone who has a pair of AirPods , and you have been @ @ @ @ @ of the group .
Thanks to Prime Day , there ’ s a good chance @ @ @ @ @ $ 99 , Apple ’ s AirPods with Wired Charging Case are the lowest they @ @ @ @ @ Especially if 2020 is the year you are upgrading to the newest iPhone 12 line @ @ @ @ @ the device , with its touch controls and sensors that pause tracks when you take @ @ @ @ @ deal was originally posted by Daryl Baxter in October 2020 and updated by Quentyn Kennemer @ @ @ @ @ .

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

Apple AirPods with Wired Charging Case | $99 | Amazon
There’s a good chance you know someone who has a pair of AirPods, and you have been wanting to be a part of the group. Thanks to Prime Day, there’s a good chance you can be.
At $99 , Apple’s AirPods with Wired Charging Case are the lowest they’ve ever been. Especially if 2020 is the year you are upgrading to the newest iPhone 12 line, these will perfectly compliment the device, with its touch controls and sensors that pause tracks when you take an AirPod out.
This deal was originally posted by Daryl Baxter in October 2020 and updated by Quentyn Kennemer with new information on 11/5/2020.


theroot--2020-11-07--Some Chill-Ass Games for a Stressful Ass Week. (Yes, They’re Still at Good-Ass Prices)

Sup , y ’ all .
It ’ s your mentally and emotionally exhausted boy .
I ’ m sure for most of us this week has been—to put it plainly—Not Fun .
So , in the spirit of bringing some fun and relaxation to your weekend , here are some affordable games that you can just vibe to .
While not “ relaxing ” in the traditional sense of the word , Mafia III does allow you to blast on racists in 1960s America—which is something I ’ m safely assuming some of us might need right now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bordeaux , which is very much modeled after New Orleans , you play as Lincoln Clay , a Black man .
The game opens with Lincoln returning from the Vietnam war to find his mentor has fallen into debt with the Marcano mob .
Lincoln agrees to do a job with the mob to settle the debt only to be double-crossed and left for dead .
Lincoln then begins his crusade to grow a criminal empire and take revenge against the Marcano family .
On a core gameplay level , Mafia III is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even front .
This is the definition of a 7 out of 10 .
It doesn ’ t do much with the open-world formula that hasn ’ t been done before and , outside of the cutscenes , the graphics aren ’ t particularly impressive .
That said , the setting , characters , and story are some of the best of this last console generation .
Playing through Lincoln ’ s moral descent is engrossing and quite often tragic .
The cutscenes are beautifully rendered , with future versions of the characters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lincoln did .
All of that is cool but , to me , the main selling point is that the game lets you set klansmen on fire .
I don ’ t know about you , but that ’ s worth 20 bucks to me .
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2 has been a godsend since its release in late August .
The inherent structure of the game makes it the perfect title to pick up , play , and tune everything else out .
The game , a full-on remake of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series , is simply about nailing as many tricks as you can within two-minute intervals .
No long winding story , complicated mechanics , or crazy intense difficulty .
The game is a pleasant experience no matter your skill level , and if you have any nostalgia for playing the series on PS1 or the N64 , this is a must-cop .
The pick-up-and-play nature of the game makes it perfect for just about anyone .
If you only have a limited amount of time to game , you can bang out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of time .
Also , big shout out to the soundtrack for still managing to bang a whole two decades later .
Even if skateboarding isn ’ t your jam , and you didn ’ t spend childhood afternoons trying to beat your cousins in h-o-r-s-e , this gameplay is so well designed that it ’ s fun no matter what .
If you ’ re just trying to tune out the chaos with some easy yet rewarding fun , Tony Hawk ’ s Pro Skater 1+2 is the fix you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my folks who are just trying to capital-V vibe .
I was going through my personal library to try and find some chill-ass games this week and remembered the lovely time I had playing through Abzu .
The game is a linear puzzle-based adventure game that puts you in control of a deep-sea diver .
You explore various underwater environments , all beautifully rendered in the game ’ s unique art style .
Each time you solve a puzzle , the environment comes to life and the screen is filled with beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very easy and very short game ; I ’ m fairly certain I beat it entirely in one sitting .
The music and visuals combine to create a calming , serene experience .
So if you ’ re looking for a satisfying , undemanding game that will put you at ease for a couple hours , give Abzu a shot .
The game is also available on PC , Xbox , and Nintendo Switch for $ 19.99 .
Before I go , I have to give the honorable mention to Tetris : Effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 19.99 on PS4 .
I ’ ve talked ad nausea m about why this game is incredible and at 20 bucks you really should consider giving a go .
Now , if you ’ ll excuse me , I ’ m gon na drink this whiskey and play Tony Hawk cause dammit , I need it .
Stay safe , wash your hands , and indulge in whatever self-care you need to this weekend .
You earned that shit .

Sup, y’all. It’s your mentally and emotionally exhausted boy. I’m sure for most of us this week has been—to put it plainly—Not Fun. So, in the spirit of bringing some fun and relaxation to your weekend, here are some affordable games that you can just vibe to.
Mafia III: Definitive Edition- $19.49 (PS4)
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While not “relaxing” in the traditional sense of the word, Mafia III does allow you to blast on racists in 1960s America—which is something I’m safely assuming some of us might need right now. Set in the fictional city of New Bordeaux, which is very much modeled after New Orleans, you play as Lincoln Clay, a Black man.
The game opens with Lincoln returning from the Vietnam war to find his mentor has fallen into debt with the Marcano mob. Lincoln agrees to do a job with the mob to settle the debt only to be double-crossed and left for dead. Lincoln then begins his crusade to grow a criminal empire and take revenge against the Marcano family.
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On a core gameplay level, Mafia III is thoroughly mid, I can’t even front. This is the definition of a 7 out of 10. It doesn’t do much with the open-world formula that hasn’t been done before and, outside of the cutscenes, the graphics aren’t particularly impressive.
That said, the setting, characters, and story are some of the best of this last console generation. Playing through Lincoln’s moral descent is engrossing and quite often tragic. The cutscenes are beautifully rendered, with future versions of the characters talking about the lasting consequences of what Lincoln did.
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All of that is cool but, to me, the main selling point is that the game lets you set klansmen on fire.
I don’t know about you, but that’s worth 20 bucks to me.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2- $39.99 (PS4, PC, Xbox One)
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Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2 has been a godsend since its release in late August. The inherent structure of the game makes it the perfect title to pick up, play, and tune everything else out. The game, a full-on remake of the first two titles in the Tony Hawk series, is simply about nailing as many tricks as you can within two-minute intervals.
That’s it, that’s the game.
No long winding story, complicated mechanics, or crazy intense difficulty. The game is a pleasant experience no matter your skill level, and if you have any nostalgia for playing the series on PS1 or the N64, this is a must-cop.
Advertisement
The pick-up-and-play nature of the game makes it perfect for just about anyone. If you only have a limited amount of time to game, you can bang out a solid number of runs in a short amount of time. Also, big shout out to the soundtrack for still managing to bang a whole two decades later.
Even if skateboarding isn’t your jam, and you didn’t spend childhood afternoons trying to beat your cousins in h-o-r-s-e, this gameplay is so well designed that it’s fun no matter what. If you’re just trying to tune out the chaos with some easy yet rewarding fun, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is the fix you’re looking for.
Advertisement
Advertisement
This one is for my folks who are just trying to capital-V vibe. I was going through my personal library to try and find some chill-ass games this week and remembered the lovely time I had playing through Abzu.
The game is a linear puzzle-based adventure game that puts you in control of a deep-sea diver. You explore various underwater environments, all beautifully rendered in the game’s unique art style. Each time you solve a puzzle, the environment comes to life and the screen is filled with beautiful sea creatures.
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It’s a very easy and very short game; I’m fairly certain I beat it entirely in one sitting. The music and visuals combine to create a calming, serene experience. So if you’re looking for a satisfying, undemanding game that will put you at ease for a couple hours, give Abzu a shot. The game is also available on PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch for $19.99.
Before I go, I have to give the honorable mention to Tetris: Effect, which is currently on sale for $19.99 on PS4. I’ve talked ad nausea m about why this game is incredible and at 20 bucks you really should consider giving a go.
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Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna drink this whiskey and play Tony Hawk cause dammit, I need it.
Stay safe, wash your hands, and indulge in whatever self-care you need to this weekend. You earned that shit.


theroot--2020-11-06--Shop Early Black Friday Deals on Apple, Bose, LEGO, and Board Games in Amazon’s Holiday Dash Sale

Prime Day might be done , but the savings haven ’ t stopped .
Amazon ’ s Holiday Dash sale collects all sorts of bargains from across the site , from headphones to smartphones , toys , candy , DNA tests , and plenty more .
Each day brings new deals , and we ’ ll be updating this space daily to bring you the best of the sales in the weeks ahead .
Whether you ’ re starting your holiday shopping early or just want to keep an eye out for serious savings , be sure to check back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Electronic Arts game deals today , with Star Wars Squadrons for PS4 and Xbox One down to $ 25 , and both FIFA 21 and Madden NFL 21 knocked down to half-price at $ 30 apiece on both platforms .
There ’ s no telling how long these deals will last , so grab ‘ em while they ’ re hot .
Looking for a dedicated screen that your kid can use for games , apps , media , and more ?
Amazon ’ s Fire Kids Edition tablets are a great option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective case but also come with a two-year worry-free guarantee , and Amazon will replace them if broken .
Beyond that , you also get a year of Amazon Kids ( formerly FreeTime Unlimited ) service , which provides gated access to kid-friendly games , apps , and content .
Right now , the 7-inch tablet is marked down to $ 60 ( from $ 100 ) , the 8-inch version is $ 80 ( from $ 140 ) , and the 10-inch tablet is $ 130 ( from $ 200 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tools Here ’ s a great opportunity to save some cash on essential kitchen tools and devices from KitchenAid .
Whether it ’ s a dish drying rack , mixing bowls , can opener , or digital scale , you can save up to 40 % off an array of items right now .
Click the link for the full sale listing .
Save Up to 40 % off Board Games You might need a board game or two handy during this long winter , especially with the pandemic raging right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale on some of the most acclaimed modern board games .
You ’ ll find gems like Catan , Ticket to Ride , Pandemic , and Carcassonne , in the mix , along with expansions , kid-friendly versions , spinoffs , and more .
Have a look at the full offering !
If you ’ re on the hunt for cozy wireless can with active noise canceling smarts , you can ’ t do much better than Bose ’ s acclaimed QuietComfort 35 II headphones .
They have three levels of noise canceling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexa voice assistant for spoken commands , and promise up to 20 hours of battery life .
Best of all , they ’ re $ 100 off right now .
This is the lowest price we ’ ve ever seen on Apple ’ s current-gen AirPods wireless earbuds .
Marked $ 59 off the list price , these little ‘ buds pop into your ears and stay put , connecting with your smartphone or other electronic device to keep the tunes coming into your earholes .
You ’ ll get about 5 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included case recharges the AirPods , providing up to 24 total hours of use before the case needs to be plugged in again .
Samsung ’ s latest wireless buds ditch the look of previous models and eschew the popular AirPods copycat aesthetic , instead taking the form of… well , beans .
They look like glossy beans that you stick in your ears .
But that ’ s a good thing in this case , as these noise-canceling buds deliver strong sound and actually fit like a dream .
Save $ 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any color .
While the required LEGO Super Mario starter set is still full-price at $ 60 , you can save 20 % on several of the expansion sets at Amazon today .
The sale includes the Piranha Plant Power Slide expansion , Mario ’ s House and Yoshi expansion , and Toad ’ s Treasure Hunt expansion , among others .
If you ’ re building up your collection of these cool , digitally-augmented sets , now ’ s the time to stock up .
Clip the coupon on the page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s infrared forehead thermometer is just $ 18 at Amazon right now when you clip the coupon , a total savings of $ 8 .
This handy device measures someone ’ s temperature at a distance of a few centimeters or less , delivering an near-instant reading for adults , kids , and infants alike .
Most new TVs these days have streaming apps built into them , but if you don ’ t have a Smart TV and just want a really easy , affordable way to upgrade it , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect option .
It just plugs right into an HDMI port and gives you access to Netflix , Hulu , Disney+ , and Amazon ’ s own offerings , of course , along with plenty more .
It ’ s 40 % off right now .
Save $ 80 right now on the Amazon Echo Show ( 2nd Gen ) , an Alexa-powered smart screen and speaker that can be a handy companion around your home .
Whether used in the kitchen as a screen for recipes or watching streaming videos while cooking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls , streaming music , or smart home gadget controls , it ’ s a versatile device .
Save $ 21 right now on Amazon ’ s compact Echo Dot , one of the easiest and most affordable ways to bring the Alexa voice assistant into your home .
With Alexa and the Echo Dot , you can call up tunes from various streaming services , control smart home gadgets , ask a wide array of questions , and plenty more .
This small Wi-Fi speaker is an ideal way to bring tunes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other perks are just the cherry on top .
If you ’ re willing to invest a bit more cash , an OLED TV can seriously impress with its deeper black levels and dazzling contrast over typical LCD sets .
This LG CX 55 ” 4K HDR set is an excellent option , and right now it ’ s down to $ 1,397 on Amazon—a 30 % savings .
Save nearly half-off the regular price of Bio Bidet ’ s SlimEdge toilet attachment , which easily hooks up to your existing throne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spitzing capabilities with minimal fuss .
Save on toilet paper and get a more refreshing finish by adding a bidet attachment to your toilet .
Save Up to 40 % off Le Creuset Cookware Le Creuset ’ s cast iron cookware and stoneware is serious business and it commands serious prices , as well .
Luckily , Amazon has a bunch of it on deep discount right now , including 40 % off of an Enameled Cast Iron Signature Sauteuse Oven , now $ 180 , plus a cast iron grill pan for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pepper shakers .

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

Black Friday weekend hit a little different this year, and for your sake and everyone’s, we hope you did all of your deals shopping online. Luckily, retailers far and wide served up fantastic deals all weekend long, and they’re not stopping.
We’ve seen loads of great Cyber Monday deals, ranging from cheap earbuds and bath towels to PS4 games, cookware, apparel, cosmetics, and more. Here are some of the best deals around right now, updated daily through the rest of this weekend to bring even more can’t-miss bargains.
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This isn’t a deal in terms of price, but if you’re still looking to secure a Nintendo Switch before Christmas, Amazon has the standard console with red and blue Joy-Con controllers up for grabs at $300. It’s currently listed as being in stock on December 15 as of this writing, although that’s sure to change as people snap ‘em up.
Meanwhile, Best Buy has the newly-announced Fortnite Wildcat Bundle in stock, which comes with a specially-branded console along with the free-to-play game pre-downloaded on the system, plus 2,000 V-Bucks and exclusive in-game content. That’s also $300. And lastly, it won’t ship until January, but Amazon also has the adorable Animal Crossing-themed Switch console available for purchase at regular price.
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Amazon has a big Cyber Monday sale on smartphones that includes models from a variety of brands and is mostly focused on budget-friendly hardware. But there are a few big discounts on flagship phones here, too.
Standouts include the new OnePlus 8T for $630, a $120 savings from the list price, as well as the higher-end OnePlus 8 Pro for $750—that’s $250 off. Other bargains include the Moto G Power for $175, Google Pixel 3a XL for $299, and even a Tracfone Apple iPhone 7 for $130. Check out the full deal listing for several sub-$100 phones, as well.
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Got a Nintendo Switch or is someone you love getting it as a holiday gift? If you haven’t already played Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Party, they’re two of the must-play multiplayer gems on the console. And right now, Target is slashing $40 off the combined price for these hits with this discounted bundle. Now that’s a heck of a deal.
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JACHS NY dropped prices up to 70% off for Black Friday, but the deals are even more serious for Cyber Monday, with items now up to 90% off without a coupon or code. JACHS NY primarily specializes in men’s apparel and accessories, but also has a handful of women’s pieces in the mix. Whether you’re looking to stock up for winter or grab some cheap bargains for the rest of the year, now’s the time to save big.
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Clip coupon and use code D3O7SXCN at checkout
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Looking for affordable wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank? You won’t find a much better deal than Mpow’s M5 wireless earbuds for just $30 at Amazon right now. This deal is exclusively for Prime members, mind you, and you’ll have to clip the coupon and use code D3O7SXCN at checkout. These earbuds have a strong 4.4-star rating at Amazon and deliver up to 6 hours of battery life per charge, with an additional 36 hours of charge available in the case.
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If you grew up in a certain era (say, the early-to-mid ‘90s), then you might remember these classic Tiger Electronics handheld video games. They were cheap, featured great licenses, and were a fun way to kill some time. Well, they’re back: these X-Men and Transformers games have been revived exactly as they were back when, and right now they’re $10 each at Amazon. Stuff one of these in a nostalgic fan’s stocking.
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If your dull blades aren’t slicing through proteins like butter these days, then it might be time for a kitchen upgrade. Luckily, Macy’s has these color-coded Cuisinart knives for just $15 right now, a savings of $25. You get five stainless steel blades here, each with a cover for safe storage, ranging from a lil’ 3.5” paring knife up to an 8” chef’s knife.
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Get your game on from essentially anywhere with the Acer Nitro 5, a notebook primed for high-quality PC gaming. This portable beast has an Intel Core i5 chip alongside a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, plus the 15.6” screen has a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and there’s a hefty 1TB hard drive here and a speedy 256GB SSD alongside too. It’s $300 off the list price at Walmart right now.
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If it’s high time to upgrade your entertainment center, especially ahead of the long winter ahead, then scope out this massive deal on a massive Samsung 4K TV from Best Buy. Right now, you can save $600 off the list price of this 82” Class 8 set, which will look super crisp in Ultra HD glory. Whether paired with a new game console or even just for streaming Netflix, it’s bound to be a beauty. Just make sure you have something large enough to hold it!
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Apple’s latest Macs are powered by its own brand new M1 chips, which are shockingly more powerful than the old Intel-driven models. Amazingly, you can already save $100 off the list price of either the base 256GB or larger 512GB models of the super-thin MacBook Air, which are now $899 and $1,149 respectively at Adorama. They’re significantly more powerful than the old Air laptops, making them more capable options for content creation.
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Clip coupon and use promo code KINGSO456G at checkout
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If your old artificial tree isn’t looking the part anymore, or if you’re finally ready to be done with buying a real tree each year, KingSo is offering discounts on fake Christmas trees at Amazon. A 7.5-foot tree is $60 when you clip the coupon on the page and use promo code KINGSO456G at checkout. A snow-flecked version of the same tree comes out to $72 when you clip the coupon and put in the same code.
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AirPods-like wireless earbuds don’t have to break the bank or even stress your wallet much at all. Amazon has these Boltune wireless earbuds for $26 right now, a savings of $14 from the already-low list price. They have a 4.5-star rating from Amazon customers and provide about 4 hours of playback per charge, with another 34 hours’ worth of charges available in the case.
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Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is an incredible value, delivering 100+ playable games for Xbox One/Series X/Series S and PC players, including all of the company’s own big first-party games and lots of other gems large and small. It’s usually $15 a month, which includes an Xbox Live Gold subscription, but right now Target is offering a three-month subscription card for a mere $20. Check it out now if you haven’t, or add extra time to keep gaming through the winter.
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If you need a cheap and easy way to transform a “dumb” TV into a smart one, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite can do the trick. This tiny lil’ stick plugs right into an HDMI port and provides easy access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon’s own video offerings. It comes with a remote, too, and is marked down 40% to just $18 right now.
Looking for something that can hit 4K resolution? The Fire TV Stick 4K is also 40% off at $30 today.
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Home ownership may seem forever out of reach for some of us, but right now you can bestow such a wondrous gift on your feline friend(s) for a mere $39 from Chewy. FRISCO’s 33” faux fur cat tree and condo has a couple of cubbies, a big laying platform at the top, and a dangly ball to bat around. The full savings will show up in your cart.
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Paper Mario: The Origami King was one of the standout releases in a relatively quiet year for the Nintendo Switch, so if you didn’t check it out earlier in 2020, now’s the time to dive in. This role-playing adventure is currently $10 off at Amazon—a rare discount indeed.
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If you have a die-hard Dragon Ball fan on your list, then you can ensure an enormous grin on their face this holiday with the Dragon Ball Z Complete Box Set. Currently half off the list price from Amazon, this set comes with 26 (!) paperback books that tell the entire saga—and thankfully without the added filler of the anime adaptation.
Clip the coupon on the page
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If sitting all the time at your home desk isn’t doing any favors for your back, then you might want to consider upgrading to a standing desk. Flexispot’s adjustable desk converts from sitting to standing heights with the simple buttons, and right now Amazon is slashing $100 off the list price. Reap the potential health benefits with this affordable standing setup. Just clip the coupon on the page to snag the savings.
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If you need a beautiful new screen for your stay-at-home cinematic exploits, check out this Sony X800H 65-inch 4K HDR set. This LED display is sure to be a stunner, and would undoubtedly pair well with the new PlayStation 5… or Xbox Series X or S, even. Save $202 at Amazon.
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Looking for one of those infrared thermometers that scans someone’s temperature without actually touching their forehead? You’re in luck: Amazon has iHealth’s forehead thermometer for just $20 , a 6 0% savings over the list price, when you clip the coupon.
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Some might scoff at the idea of an adult cruising around on an electric scooter, but we bet you’d feel pretty boss roaming around town on this thing. Segway’s Ninebot ES4 electric kick scooter is a premium model and priced accordingly, but right now it’s $270 off the list price — that’s just $500 at Amazon right now.
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If you’ve been curious about Apple’s famed wireless earbuds but didn’t want to pay full price, here’s your chance: Amazon has the AirPods for just $110 right now. That’s a $49 savings off the regular list price. Or you can snag the version with a wirelessly-chargeable case for $140, which is $59 off list. In either case, you get compact ‘buds that charge within the case, pair easily with iOS devices and Macs (but work with others too), and last up to 5 hours per charge.
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Snag one of the season’s hottest new video games for the adventurer in your family. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla shifts the action to the Viking conquest of England, with dazzling terrain, brutal action, and captivating storytelling. Right now, you can save $10 off the list price on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or Xbox (works on Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One) at Amazon.
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If you’re looking to bring the Amazon Alexa voice assistant into your home, whether it’s for the first time or you’re expanding into new rooms and spaces, now’s the time. Amazon is offering up to 60% off various models, including $30 off the brand new globe-shaped Echo, $21 off the smaller new Echo Dot, and half-off the screen packing Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8.
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Right now is a rough time for spotty home Wi-Fi connectivity, especially for those of us working from home and doubly so for those of us with kids doing remote learning. If your old Wi-Fi router isn’t cutting it anymore, consider an Eero mesh router. These handy whole-home systems use multiple access points to blanket your entire space with seamless, smooth internet access. Right now, Amazon has multiple sets and devices for 20% off the list price.
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Snag the heart of your next gaming rig with this 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K Coffee Lake processor, which is marked down $230 right now from the original list price at Newegg. Along with a powerful chip for your new desktop, you’ll also get an Intel software bundle—valued at $150—which has creativity and productivity tools alongside some in-game goodies for titles like Fortnite and Auto Chess.
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Rev up your next quiet afternoon or evening with a LEGO Speed Champions building kit. These officially-licensed sets let you create blocky recreations of iconic sports cars and other rides, including the McLaren Senna, Ferrari F40 Competizione, and Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0, along with many others, and several sets are marked down 20% right now at Amazon.
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If you need a better streaming solution for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or any of your other favorite services, why not snag a Roku? The company’s most popular devices are on sale right now, with the Roku Ultra down to $69 (from $100), the Roku Streaming Stick+ for just $30 (down from $50), and the Roku Premiere for $24 (usually $40). They all have 4K video support, but otherwise have various features.
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Use code SUPERSALE at checkout
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The Always Pan is a recent cookware sensation: a well-designed, attractive, multi-function ceramic non-stick pan that can potentially replace all of the old pots and pans in your kitchen. Whether braising, steaming, frying, boiling, and more, it’s a super-handy addition that includes a modular lid, steaming basket and colander, easy-pour spouts, and beech wood spatula with a built-in rest. It’s not cheap, but right now you can save $50 off the list price directly from Our Place with the promo code SUPERSALE. Some color options won’t ship until late December, however, so be sure to check if you need it sooner.
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Secure virtual private network (VPN) service into early 2023 with this great NordVPN Black Friday bargain. You’ll save 68% off the regular price for two years of service, and then they’ll toss in another three free months on top of that. All told, you’ll get 27 months of VPN service for just $89 right now, and the popular provider has 5,400+ global servers to connect through and lets you use up to six simultaneous devices.
Use promo code 4STUDENT at checkout + mail-in rebate
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Save $300 total off of a powerful MSI GL75 Leopard 17.3-inch gaming laptop at Newegg right now with this promotion. This beast has a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 chip with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card, 16GB RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and 512GB SSD. There’s $100 instant savings and the promo code 4STUDENT will knock another $100 off, and then the last $100 savings comes via a mail-in rebate (don’t forget!).


theroot--2020-11-06--The Best Night Creams to Fake a Good Night’s Sleep

We ’ ve all been there , you get a bad night ’ s sleep and it reads all over your face .
Dull skin , raccoon eyes , and uneven patches are all culprits when a night without peaceful slumber hits .
Lucky for us there are a few quality night creams to aid with each of those concerns .
Here are the best of the bunch , based on my personal , anecdotal experience as well as that of my favorite beauty gurus .
I have a close friend that used to work for No7 's parent company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their products ages ago for the holidays .
All of my U.K. pals told me to use the Lift and Luminate triple-action night cream first and assured me I ’ d fall in love with it .
Well , they were right .
I still keep a tub of the stuff in my nightstand for when I ’ m having off days .
This cream does everything you can think of : softens skin , evens tone , firms , and reduces fine lines .
If you ’ ve got a big event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days or a week ahead of time and I can assure you ’ ll be glowing .
No7 is known for top-notch skin care products , and Lift and Luminate is one of its best sellers for a reason .
Boy , am I lucky to have a dermatology expert as a best friend .
I always snoop around to see what ’ s on her nightstand , and from what I can tell she ’ s CeraVe ’ s biggest fan .
The company ’ s skin renewing night cream works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of repairing your skin while you sleep .
And wouldn ’ t you know it , it was created by first-class dermatologists .
Gently formulated , this night cream allows you to wake up with refreshed skin .
The niacinamide helps calm irritation ( if you have any ) and the hyaluronic acid keeps your face dewy by maintaining moisture through the night .
It ’ s gentle and great for sensitive faces , too .
If you ’ re looking for a budget brand , this is the cream for you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and absolutely loved it .
My skin tends to get dry in patches , especially during winter , and the belif Aqua Bomb sleeping mask was ideal to spot treat those areas .
Literally , a little dab ’ ll do ya .
I ’ ve used this also as an under-eye solution from time to time to help bring some life back after a couple of late nights on deadline .
The Aqua Bomb sleeping mask from belif is more like a jelly than a cream but it ’ s just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pricey for a smaller tub , but I can tell you firsthand , you will get your money ’ s worth .
Because you don ’ t need to slather on a ton of this , you ’ ll be absolutely radiant with even just a small smear .
This is a clean beauty product and it even has a bit of a cooling aspect when applied .
I bought this for my mom ’ s birthday last year .
She ’ s in her 70s with sensitive fair skin and wanted something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how delicate her skin is , I thought a certified clean beauty product was a perfect option .
Fresh ’ s antioxidant-rich Lotus anti-aging night moisturizer was just what she was searching for .
Obviously , it doesn ’ t erase wrinkles but it did sorta blanket them with a softness that left her beaming after just a few uses .
Both the lotus and peach leaf extract help protect against free-radical damage and it lets off a subtle , relaxing scent too .
Known for its first-class line of masks , moisturizers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Lotus night cream falls right in line with the rest of its offerings in terms of reliability and quality .
Time to treat yourself and splurge on a top-rated bestseller , Dermalogica ’ s Sound Sleep Cocoon .
Much like all the night creams on this list , the Sound Sleep Cocoon can help with dryness and fine lines but it really comes through for dullness and patchy textures .
If you ’ ve been fatigued for a few days and it ’ s starting to show on your pretty mug , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 😉 Another clean beauty pick , it contains some of the best natural ingredients .
Tamarind seed , Persian silk tree , and Wu-Zhu-Yu fruit extract may sound a little woo-woo , but together they ’ ll make your face glow once again .
The “ Cocoon ” also works to jumpstart microcirculation which leads to the luminous look you ’ ve been trying to achieve .

Sheilah Villari on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Top Product: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream | $ 25 | Ulta Beauty
We’ve all been there, you get a bad night’s sleep and it reads all over your face. Dull skin, raccoon eyes, and uneven patches are all culprits when a night without peaceful slumber hits. Lucky for us there are a few quality night creams to aid with each of those concerns. Here are the best of the bunch, based on my personal, anecdotal experience as well as that of my favorite beauty gurus.
Buy 2, get 1 FREE - add 3 items to qualify.
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Ready for younger-looking skin in just a few weeks? Then, it’s time to cash in on the No7's Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream. Formulated with Matrixyl 3000+, the brand’s powerful anti-wrinkle peptide, this product will visibly improve the appearance of deep lines & wrinkles. Meant to be applied at night time, this cream helps your skin recover from a long day during your sleep. As a bonus, it even works great with sensitive skin
Free gift with purchase
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La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Eye Cream will instantly your eyes lift and improve the texture of your skin. This retinol formula will instantly reduce the look of wrinkles. Beyond retinol, this cream also contains caffeine and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes, this cream is ultra-gentle and even tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists .
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Sometimes, a little hydration is all you need! This all-natural, vegan beauty product is formulated with beautiful botanicals, such as aloe vera juice, cranberry, and rose distillate, all meant to keep your skin looking radiant. Plus, this cream also helps correct dark spots, dullness, and hyperpigmentation. Also, you can rest assured knowing that no animals were tested in creating this product.
Free gift with purchase
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Looking for a lightweight eye cream to diminish the appearance of puffy undereyes and dark circles? Look no further than Clinique’s All About Eyes. Its oil-free formula will hydrate your skin while keeping your makeup in place. This cream is also free of sulfates , parabens, fragrance, and phthalates, so you never have to worry about researching the ingredients to death.
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Olay Total Effects Night Firming Cream will leave your skin looking firmer and younger. This product is infused with a vitamin-rich complex to fight the signs of aging in one portable container. It also helps even your skin tone’s appearance, enhancing its brightness, and reducing the look of dark spots. To boot, this cream is formulated with glycerin technology to improve surface cell strength after just four days.
This story was originally published by Sheilah Villari on 11/16/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 05/31/2021.