theroot--2020-06-02--The Difference Between Being 'Not Racist' and 'Anti-Racist'

Racism is a pestilence that affects the safety and well-being of people of color .
As we continue to witness the injustices that exist as a result of racism , one thing is clear : It isn ’ t enough for our white allies to just be “ not racist ” ; they must be anti-racist .
If you ’ re wondering what the difference is , we ’ ll break it down for you .
Racism has many layers ; that should always be understood .
The basic definition of racism is the blatant discrimination , prejudice , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belief that your race is superior to theirs .
Racism is not just brutalizing people through hate speech or physical actions—it also makes itself apparent systemically , through employment processes , unfair banking practices , healthcare , socioeconomic disparities , and the criminal justice system .
Here are the different types of racism as outlined by the National Museum of African American History & Culture : • Individual racism is the beliefs , viewpoint , and behaviors of individuals that support or maintain racism in both conscious and unconscious ways .
Examples include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not hiring a person of color because “ something doesn ’ t feel right , ” or telling a racist joke .
• Interpersonal racism happens between individuals .
These are public expressions of microaggressions , often involving slurs , biases , or hateful words or actions .
• Institutional racism is based around and within an organization .
These treatments , policies , or practices are discriminatory , unfair , and biased and based on race , giving a better outcome for white people over black people .
Although institutional policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to establish advantages outside of communities of color .
Example : A school system where students of color attend more frequently will be underfunded and overcrowded in comparison to schools with predominantly white students .
• Structural racism is the entire system of racial bias that spans through institutions and societies .
It allows privileges for white people , while providing extreme disadvantages to people of color .
Example : Racial stereotypes that depict people of color as criminals or “ thugs ” in mainstream movies , media and entertainment .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To not be racist means that somewhere in your humanity you realize that all humans have an equal right to respect and tolerance .
When you are not racist , you do not see yourself as better or more deserving of anything in this world because although we are not all the same or share the same experiences , we have the right to be afforded the same access to “ life , liberty , and the pursuit of happiness.
” However , just because you may not be racist does not mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in upholding the benefits and privileges given as a result of systemic racism Being anti-racist , on the other hand , means that you are actively doing the work to combat racism .
NAC International Perspectives : Women and Global Solidarity affirms that “ Anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems , organizational structures , policies , practices and attitudes , so that power is redistributed and shared equitably.
” Why being anti-racist is imperative It is not enough to simply say , “ I am not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people from marginalized communities did not lose their lives through state-sanctioned murder , prison , and failed healthcare practices as a result of racist systems .
While racism is a pervasive and deadly problem , you must actively work to combat it .
In order to not aid in racism , you must openly denounce it and demand change .
By being anti-racist , you acknowledge that something is horribly broken and has to be fixed .
Anti-racism requires real strategies and practices to challenge and counter racism in all of its subsets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-racist : • Speak up when you hear a racist joke among friends , family , or coworkers .
• Donate to reputable causes that are in need of support to aid marginalized groups .
• Learn where your privilege comes from and how it impacts others negatively .
• Become more active in dismantling racist systems ( underserved schools , criminal justice reform , healthcare advocacy ) Racism did not occur overnight and it will not end that way .
But if we all actively do our part we can truly effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ways to advocate for black lives ?
Check out this list of resources .

Imani Bashir on Lifehacker, shared by Danielle C. Belton to The Root

Racism is a pestilence that affects the safety and well-being of people of color. As we continue to witness the injustices that exist as a result of racism, one thing is clear: It isn’t enough for our white allies to just be “not racist”; they must be anti-racist. If you’re wondering what the difference is, we’ll break it down for you.
The definition of racism
Racism has many layers; that should always be understood. The basic definition of racism is the blatant discrimination, prejudice, and wrongful treatment of people based on the belief that your race is superior to theirs.
Racism is not just brutalizing people through hate speech or physical actions—it also makes itself apparent systemically, through employment processes, unfair banking practices, healthcare, socioeconomic disparities, and the criminal justice system.
Here are the different types of racism as outlined by the National Museum of African American History & Culture:
Individual racism is the beliefs, viewpoint, and behaviors of individuals that support or maintain racism in both conscious and unconscious ways. Examples include believing in the superiority of white people, not hiring a person of color because “something doesn’t feel right,” or telling a racist joke. Interpersonal racism happens between individuals. These are public expressions of microaggressions, often involving slurs, biases, or hateful words or actions. Institutional racism is based around and within an organization. These treatments, policies, or practices are discriminatory, unfair, and biased and based on race, giving a better outcome for white people over black people. Although institutional policies may not specify race, their intent is to establish advantages outside of communities of color.
Example: A school system where students of color attend more frequently will be underfunded and overcrowded in comparison to schools with predominantly white students.
Structural racism is the entire system of racial bias that spans through institutions and societies. It allows privileges for white people, while providing extreme disadvantages to people of color.
Example: Racial stereotypes that depict people of color as criminals or “thugs” in mainstream movies, media and entertainment.
The difference between being not racist and anti-racist
To not be racist means that somewhere in your humanity you realize that all humans have an equal right to respect and tolerance. When you are not racist, you do not see yourself as better or more deserving of anything in this world because although we are not all the same or share the same experiences, we have the right to be afforded the same access to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
However, just because you may not be racist does not mean that you are not complicit or engaged in upholding the benefits and privileges given as a result of systemic racism
Being anti-racist, on the other hand, means that you are actively doing the work to combat racism. NAC International Perspectives: Women and Global Solidarity affirms that “Anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably.”
Why being anti-racist is imperative
It is not enough to simply say, “I am not racist.” That would be nice if people from marginalized communities did not lose their lives through state-sanctioned murder, prison, and failed healthcare practices as a result of racist systems. While racism is a pervasive and deadly problem, you must actively work to combat it. In order to not aid in racism, you must openly denounce it and demand change.
By being anti-racist, you acknowledge that something is horribly broken and has to be fixed. Anti-racism requires real strategies and practices to challenge and counter racism in all of its subsets.
Here are some ways to be anti-racist:
Speak up when you hear a racist joke among friends, family, or coworkers.
Donate to reputable causes that are in need of support to aid marginalized groups.
Learn where your privilege comes from and how it impacts others negatively.
Become more active in dismantling racist systems (underserved schools, criminal justice reform, healthcare advocacy)
Racism did not occur overnight and it will not end that way. But if we all actively do our part we can truly effect real change in the world.
Looking for ways to advocate for black lives? Check out this list of resources.


theroot--2020-06-02--Cook The Best Burger You've Ever Had With This Hamilton Beach 4-In-1 Electric Grill

If you have a hell of a craving for a juicy , grilled burger , but don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ full-sized grill in your 750sqft apartment , I may have a solution for you .
@ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s only $ 55 , and can grill meats , cook bacon @ @ @ @ @ if you so choose .
It has a double griddle for breakfast , and has @ @ @ @ @ which make for easy AF cleaning .
I ’ m hungry just talking about this @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gone !

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

Hamilton Beach Electric Grill | $55 | Amazon
If you have a hell of a craving for a juicy, grilled burger, but don’t have room for an actual, full-sized grill in your 750sqft apartment, I may have a solution for you. The Hamilton Beach Electric Grill. It’s only $55, and can grill meats, cook bacon, and even make paninis if you so choose. It has a double griddle for breakfast, and has two removable non-stick cooking plates which make for easy AF cleaning. I’m hungry just talking about this. Grab it before it’s gone!


theroot--2020-06-02--There Are Two Different Projects About Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre in Development.

There Are Two Different Projects About Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre in Development. Both Are Necessary

When the pilot of HBO ’ s Watchmen premiered in October 2019 , the history of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre was put on display and at the forefront of a premium cable network in a significant way .
For many , it was the first time they had heard of the historically tragic event .
So , when I saw that two projects were announced around the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre ( May 31 , 1921 ) , my ears perked up .
I ’ m all for it .
For such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been essentially erased for so long , now ’ s the time to make up for that lost time with an array of different perspectives , so this knowledge is continuously at the forefront of our minds ; especially during a time where we ’ re noticing a highly hypocritical response to black protests and uprisings in contrast to their whitewashed counterparts .
According to Deadline , LeBron James and Maverick Carter ’ s SpringHill Entertainment will be producing a documentary based on the rioted massacre of the wealthy black community-based Greenwood District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is set to direct and executive produce the project .
“ The Tulsa Race Massacre is not just a black story but American history , ” Koroma , who directed a 2016 documentary following Asian-American rappers called Bad Rap , tweeted .
“ The fabric of this country is soaked in racism and today 99 years later , we ’ re still fighting for change.
” Following the impact of Surviving R. Kelly , Dream Hampton has another project in the works .
The executive producer of the R. Kelly docuseries will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street , produced by Cineflix Productions .
“ Black people from Tulsa have refused to let the Greenwood District Massacre be erased from history .
I ’ m so inspired by their persistence to lift up the stories of what North Tulsa was before the massacre , ” Hampton said in a statement on Monday , per The Hollywood Reporter .
As each of these projects is in the early stages of development , that ’ s about all we know at this time .
We ’ ll keep our eyes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they arise ( such as release dates , etc. )
.
Overall , I ’ m glad space is being provided for these kinds of projects .
More of that energy , please .

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

When the pilot of HBO’s Watchmen premiered in October 2019, the history of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre was put on display and at the forefront of a premium cable network in a significant way. For many , it was the first time they had heard of the historically tragic event.
So, when I saw that two projects were announced around the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre (May 31, 1921), my ears perked up. I’m all for it. For such a pivotal event in our history to have been essentially erased for so long, now’s the time to make up for that lost time with an array of different perspectives, so this knowledge is continuously at the forefront of our minds; especially during a time where we’re noticing a highly hypocritical response to black protests and uprisings in contrast to their whitewashed counterparts.
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A Black Wall Street Documentary From LeBron James & Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment, Directed by Salima Koroma
According to Deadline, LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment will be producing a documentary based on the rioted massacre of the wealthy black community-based Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Salima Koroma is set to direct and executive produce the project.
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“The Tulsa Race Massacre is not just a black story but American history,” Koroma, who directed a 2016 documentary following Asian-American rappers called Bad Rap, tweeted. “The fabric of this country is soaked in racism and today 99 years later, we’re still fighting for change.”
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Black Wall Street, a Limited Documentary Series From Cineflix Productions, Directed by Dream Hampton
Following the impact of Surviving R. Kelly, Dream Hampton has another project in the works. The executive producer of the R. Kelly docuseries will be directing a documentary series titled, Black Wall Street, produced by Cineflix Productions.
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“Black people from Tulsa have refused to let the Greenwood District Massacre be erased from history. I’m so inspired by their persistence to lift up the stories of what North Tulsa was before the massacre,” Hampton said in a statement on Monday, per The Hollywood Reporter.
As each of these projects is in the early stages of development, that’s about all we know at this time. We’ll keep our eyes and ears peeled for more significant updates as they arise (such as release dates, etc.). Overall, I’m glad space is being provided for these kinds of projects. More of that energy, please.


theroot--2020-06-02--NBA Community Reacts to the Death of Wes Unseld at 74

In a joint statement , the Washington Wizards and the family of Wes Unseld announced his passing on Tuesday .
He was 74 .
“ It is with profound sadness that we share that our adored husband , father and grandfather Wes Unseld passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family following lengthy health battles , most recently with pneumonia , ” the statement said .
“ He was the rock of our family—an extremely devoted patriarch who reveled in being with his wife , children , friends and teammates .
He was our hero and loved playing and working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities of Baltimore and Washington , D.C. , cities he proudly wore on his chest for so many years.
” After playing for the Washington Bullets ( now the Wizards ) from 1968 to 1981 , Unseld was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988 .
Over the course of his career , he led the Bullets to four NBA Finals appearances and played a pivotal role in the franchise ’ s only NBA title in 1978 .
A five-time All-Star , he ’ s one of two players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilt Chamberlain ) to be named league MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season .
Despite not playing in decades , he remains the 12th-leading rebounder in the history of the NBA with a jaw-dropping 13,769 career boards .
“ Wes Unseld was one of the most consequential players of his era , ” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement .
“ An NBA MVP and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer , Wes elevated the game by mastering the fundamentals .
His competitive drive and selfless approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respected opponent and a cornerstone of the Washington Wizards franchise , with whom he won an NBA championship .
Wes also set the model of class , integrity and professionalism for the entire NBA family during stints as a player , coach and team executive with Washington and through his dedication to expanding educational opportunities for children.
” Former NBA star Rex Chapman was one of several members of the NBA community to offer his condolences on social media .
“ Wes Unseld was one of the finest people I ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my friend , my Kentucky homeboy , and my coach .
Heartbreaking , ” he tweeted .
“ The gentlest of giants.
” He is survived by his daughter Kim , son Wes , daughter-in-law Evelyn , grandchildren Layla and Wes , and his wife of 50 years , Connie .

In a joint statement, the Washington Wizards and the family of Wes Unseld announced his passing on Tuesday. He was 74.
“It is with profound sadness that we share that our adored husband, father and grandfather Wes Unseld passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family following lengthy health battles, most recently with pneumonia,” the statement said. “He was the rock of our family—an extremely devoted patriarch who reveled in being with his wife, children, friends and teammates. He was our hero and loved playing and working around the game of basketball for the cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., cities he proudly wore on his chest for so many years.”
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After playing for the Washington Bullets (now the Wizards) from 1968 to 1981, Unseld was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988. Over the course of his career, he led the Bullets to four NBA Finals appearances and played a pivotal role in the franchise’s only NBA title in 1978. A five-time All-Star, he’s one of two players in NBA history (the other is Wilt Chamberlain) to be named league MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Despite not playing in decades, he remains the 12th-leading rebounder in the history of the NBA with a jaw-dropping 13,769 career boards.
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“Wes Unseld was one of the most consequential players of his era,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “An NBA MVP and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Wes elevated the game by mastering the fundamentals. His competitive drive and selfless approach made him a beloved teammate, a respected opponent and a cornerstone of the Washington Wizards franchise, with whom he won an NBA championship. Wes also set the model of class, integrity and professionalism for the entire NBA family during stints as a player, coach and team executive with Washington and through his dedication to expanding educational opportunities for children.”
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Former NBA star Rex Chapman was one of several members of the NBA community to offer his condolences on social media.
“Wes Unseld was one of the finest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He was my friend, my Kentucky homeboy, and my coach. Heartbreaking,” he tweeted. “The gentlest of giants.”
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He is survived by his daughter Kim, son Wes, daughter-in-law Evelyn, grandchildren Layla and Wes, and his wife of 50 years, Connie.


theroot--2020-06-02--White Bar Owner Won’t Face Charges in Shooting Death of James Scurlock in Omaha

On Monday , The Root reported that 22-year-old James Scurlock was shot and killed by Jake Gardner , the white owner of two bars near the scene of the incident .
Gardner was detained but not jailed while investigators looked into the shooting , and now , authorities have determined that it was a case of self-defense and Gardner will not be charged .
Video footage of the altercation posted to social media didn ’ t provide any real clarity as to what exactly happened but a number of bystanders claimed they heard Gardner using racial slurs and taunting protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a Facebook post made by Gardner just hours before the shooting that read , “ Just when you think , ‘ what else could 2020 throw at me ?
’ Then you have to pull 48 hours of military-style firewatch , ” it was widely believed that he instigated the confrontation .
But according to investigators , that was not the case .
The Associated Press reports that Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Monday that Gardner was only defending himself and would not be charged .
“ We felt that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point in time , ” Kleine said .
Prosecutors showed video of the incident before Kleine announced that he wouldn ’ t file charges .
Shortly before the shooting the bar owner was backing up away from protesters and asking them to leave .
Then the bar owner was shoved to the ground by two people before he fired two shots .
Then Scurlock jumped on top of the bar owner .
Kleine said Gardner asked Scurlock to get off of him several times before he fired the fatal shot .
Kleine noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could exacerbate tensions and lead to more protests .
“ This decision may not be popular and may cause more people to be upset .
I would hope that they understand that we ’ re doing our job to the best of our ability in looking at the evidence and the law and that ’ s all we can do , ” he said .
Scurlock ’ s death sparked new protests and demonstrations in downtown Omaha over the weekend .
His father , also named James Scurlock , spoke at the Malcolm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the shooting , urging Kleine to take his son ’ s death seriously .
“ Last night , I lost a son , ” he said Sunday .
“ My kids lost a brother .
His daughter lost a father .
We want them to go to court.
” He remains unconvinced that his son ’ s death was a result of self-defense and is calling for a grand jury to look at the evidence , according to AP .
“ What I want is justice , not a quick answer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scurlock said .

On Monday, The Root reported that 22-year-old James Scurlock was shot and killed by Jake Gardner, the white owner of two bars near the scene of the incident. Gardner was detained but not jailed while investigators looked into the shooting, and now, authorities have determined that it was a case of self-defense and Gardner will not be charged.
Video footage of the altercation posted to social media didn’t provide any real clarity as to what exactly happened but a number of bystanders claimed they heard Gardner using racial slurs and taunting protesters while wielding a gun. Between that and a Facebook post made by Gardner just hours before the shooting that read, “Just when you think, ‘what else could 2020 throw at me?’ Then you have to pull 48 hours of military-style firewatch,” it was widely believed that he instigated the confrontation. But according to investigators, that was not the case.
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The Associated Press reports that Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Monday that Gardner was only defending himself and would not be charged.
“We felt that this case was a self-defense case at this point in time,” Kleine said.
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From AP:
Prosecutors showed video of the incident before Kleine announced that he wouldn’t file charges. Shortly before the shooting the bar owner was backing up away from protesters and asking them to leave. Then the bar owner was shoved to the ground by two people before he fired two shots. Then Scurlock jumped on top of the bar owner. Kleine said Gardner asked Scurlock to get off of him several times before he fired the fatal shot.
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Kleine noted that the decision not to charge Gardner could exacerbate tensions and lead to more protests.
“This decision may not be popular and may cause more people to be upset. I would hope that they understand that we’re doing our job to the best of our ability in looking at the evidence and the law and that’s all we can do,” he said.
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Scurlock’s death sparked new protests and demonstrations in downtown Omaha over the weekend. His father, also named James Scurlock, spoke at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation Visitors Center the day after the shooting, urging Kleine to take his son’s death seriously.
“Last night, I lost a son,” he said Sunday. “My kids lost a brother. His daughter lost a father. We want them to go to court.” He remains unconvinced that his son’s death was a result of self-defense and is calling for a grand jury to look at the evidence, according to AP.
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“What I want is justice, not a quick answer. This was a quick answer,” Scurlock said.


theroot--2020-06-02--30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 2: Janet Jackson, 'Rhythm Nation'

When I think of iconic music videos , several come to mind .
Janet Jackson is responsible for several of them .
While this series will probably get real loose with the definition of “ iconic , ” there is no need to qualify it with the video for the title track from Janet ’ s 1989 game-changing album , Rhythm Nation , officially titled Janet Jackson ’ s Rhythm Nation 1814 .
Several things make this video iconic .
For one , this is when Janet Jackson hit peak resonance .
This whole album was a socially conscious referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gate with “ Miss You Much , ” but a significant number of the songs on this album were about the state of the world .
“ Rhythm Nation , ” was one of those songs , and for the video , Janet decided she wanted to level it all the way up .
The entire video aesthetic is powerful .
From the industrial , warehouse-like setting , to the black and white video , to the all-black military- esque stylings of everybody in the video .
Even the dance numbers were military-esque @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illicit power .
The music video , which stars a pre-Menace II Society Tyrin Turner , is part of a larger VHS Rhythm Nation 1814 film ( that my family absolutely owned and watched ad nauseam ) back when Michael and Janet Jackson couldn ’ t just do videos , they were doing events .
What also makes the video iconic is that if you were old enough to dance in 1989 , you were then trying to work out the dance numbers .
Everybody was practicing the dance sequences from this video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a perhaps slower , more rickety version of the dance number .
Hell , when I count down from 5 to 1 , I still do it in the way that Janet does to set off the video .
Ain ’ t nothing more iconic than influencing the way a person counts down from 5 to 1 some thirty-one years after the fact .
Similarly , I remember a deluge of Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation-inspired costumes in Halloween of that year and 1990 .
Janet , and especially this video and era impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , any time I speak about this song and album in particular , I always remember my concert experience in Germany seeing Janet on the Rhythm Nation Tour as an 11-year-old .
I wrote this last year in celebration of the album turning 30 ( !
!
!
! )
.
One of my favorite memories of this album dates back to October 18 , 1990 ( which I absolutely had to look up ) .
This is the date that the Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 rolled into Frankfurt , Germany ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father , in particular ) loved Janet .
And they loved concerts , so they took my siblings and me to see her .
I was 11-years-old at the time , and what I remember most of this concert is that when “ Miss You Much ” was being performed , I was somehow separated from my parents but standing against a rail watching and Janet had on a black bustier number and some older—probably in his late 20s or early 30s—American black dude in the military looked at me like “ Look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dapped me up because I guess there were no adults around to dap up in acknowledgment of just how bad Janet was ; an undersized 11-year-old black kid would have to do .
I can still remember the look of pure joy on his face .
And I got it .
I got it then and I get it now , because in 1989 , I was a part of the Rhythm Nation and in 2019 , 30 years later , I am still a part of the Rhythm Nation .
Still .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video for “ Rhythm Nation ” is iconic .

Panama Jackson on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Panama Jackson to The Root

When I think of iconic music videos, several come to mind. Janet Jackson is responsible for several of them. While this series will probably get real loose with the definition of “iconic,” there is no need to qualify it with the video for the title track from Janet’s 1989 game-changing album, Rhythm Nation, officially titled Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.
Several things make this video iconic. For one, this is when Janet Jackson hit peak resonance. This whole album was a socially conscious referendum on America. It came out the gate with “Miss You Much,” but a significant number of the songs on this album were about the state of the world. “Rhythm Nation,” was one of those songs, and for the video, Janet decided she wanted to level it all the way up.
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The entire video aesthetic is powerful. From the industrial, warehouse-like setting, to the black and white video, to the all-black military- esque stylings of everybody in the video. Even the dance numbers were military-esque, very rigid, and intended to illicit power.
The music video, which stars a pre-Menace II Society Tyrin Turner, is part of a larger VHS Rhythm Nation 1814 film (that my family absolutely owned and watched ad nauseam) back when Michael and Janet Jackson couldn’t just do videos, they were doing events.
Advertisement Advertisement
What also makes the video iconic is that if you were old enough to dance in 1989, you were then trying to work out the dance numbers. Everybody was practicing the dance sequences from this video. Some folks can probably still do a perhaps slower, more rickety version of the dance number. Hell, when I count down from 5 to 1, I still do it in the way that Janet does to set off the video. Ain’t nothing more iconic than influencing the way a person counts down from 5 to 1 some thirty-one years after the fact.
Similarly, I remember a deluge of Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation-inspired costumes in Halloween of that year and 1990. Janet, and especially this video and era impacted. Hard.
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On a personal note, any time I speak about this song and album in particular, I always remember my concert experience in Germany seeing Janet on the Rhythm Nation Tour as an 11-year-old. I wrote this last year in celebration of the album turning 30 (!!!!).
One of my favorite memories of this album dates back to October 18, 1990 (which I absolutely had to look up). This is the date that the Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 rolled into Frankfurt, Germany’s Festhalle. My parents (my father, in particular) loved Janet. And they loved concerts, so they took my siblings and me to see her. I was 11-years-old at the time, and what I remember most of this concert is that when “Miss You Much” was being performed, I was somehow separated from my parents but standing against a rail watching and Janet had on a black bustier number and some older—probably in his late 20s or early 30s—American black dude in the military looked at me like “Look at her, man!” and dapped me up because I guess there were no adults around to dap up in acknowledgment of just how bad Janet was; an undersized 11-year-old black kid would have to do. I can still remember the look of pure joy on his face. And I got it. I got it then and I get it now, because in 1989, I was a part of the Rhythm Nation and in 2019, 30 years later, I am still a part of the Rhythm Nation.
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Still. Janet Jackson is an icon living and the video for “Rhythm Nation” is iconic.


theroot--2020-06-02--Social Studies: The Conspiracy Theories Are True

If you ’ re protesting , the feds are watching .
While that may sound like a harebrained conspiracy theory , it is also an incontrovertible fact .
In cities across America , police departments , federal agencies and even private companies are using state-of-the-art technology to monitor and surveil black protesters .
While we have written about this many times before , it is worth revisiting .
First of all , if you are on Facebook Live , Instagram ( which is just Facebook for pictures ) or even Periscope , your actions are being monitored .
Even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is possible for anyone to extract the metadata that includes information that includes your location , identity and your personal information .
But it ’ s not just the cops and military in Minneapolis .
Local authorities already have networks in place to monitor protesters and social justice organizations .
We have reported on Massachusetts State Troopers monitoring activist groups ’ Facebook activity , Baltimore ’ s privately-funded spy planes , undercover agents in Memphis , Tenn. surveilling black organizations and the FBI watching Black Lives Matter .
And it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also using facial recognition technology to identify protesters .
And then there ’ s the disinformation .
Remember all those people ( Including the Minnesota governor and y ’ all ’ s president ) who complained about “ outside agitators ” and “ Antifa ” who were funded by George Soros ?
Well , a lot of those Antifa antagonizers are actually white supremacists posing as anti-fascists , according to multiple reports .
But , of course , Donald Trump doesn ’ t believe it .
But this is perhaps the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the protests :

If you’re protesting, the feds are watching.
While that may sound like a harebrained conspiracy theory, it is also an incontrovertible fact.
In cities across America, police departments, federal agencies and even private companies are using state-of-the-art technology to monitor and surveil black protesters. While we have written about this many times before, it is worth revisiting.
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First of all, if you are on Facebook Live, Instagram (which is just Facebook for pictures) or even Periscope, your actions are being monitored. Even if you just post pictures online, it is possible for anyone to extract the metadata that includes information that includes your location, identity and your personal information.
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But it’s not just the cops and military in Minneapolis. Local authorities already have networks in place to monitor protesters and social justice organizations. We have reported on Massachusetts State Troopers monitoring activist groups’ Facebook activity, Baltimore’s privately-funded spy planes, undercover agents in Memphis, Tenn. surveilling black organizations and the FBI watching Black Lives Matter.
And it’s not just your social media posts. Agencies are also using facial recognition technology to identify protesters.
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And then there’s the disinformation. Remember all those people (Including the Minnesota governor and y’all’s president) who complained about “outside agitators” and “Antifa” who were funded by George Soros?
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Well, a lot of those Antifa antagonizers are actually white supremacists posing as anti-fascists, according to multiple reports.
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But, of course, Donald Trump doesn’t believe it.
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But this is perhaps the best evidence that there are foreign actors interfering with the protests:
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Told y’all.


theroot--2020-06-02--Have Nothing but Positive Vibes and Orgasms With This $40 Ella Paradis Vibrator Bundle [Exclusive]

Happy Pride !
I don ’ t know about you , but one of the best ways to celebrate love @ @ @ @ @ on yourself or your partner ( but especially your partner ) .
With this $ @ @ @ @ @ vibes ” bundle , you can do just that !
It comes with two couples @ @ @ @ @ remote so you can liven things up in the most satisfying way .
You can @ @ @ @ @ your boo ’ s other erogenous zones , so don ’ t forget about the @ @ @ @ @ the best part 😉 .
Grab this deal before it ’ s gone !

Positive Vibes Bundle | $40 | Ella Paradis
Happy Pride! I don’t know about you, but one of the best ways to celebrate love is to love all up on yourself or your partner (but especially your partner) . With this $40 Ella Paradis “positive vibes” bundle, you can do just that! It comes with two couples vibrators along with a handy remote so you can liven things up in the most satisfying way. You can also use these vibes on your boo’s other erogenous zones, so don’t forget about the foreplay, it’s the best part 😉. Grab this deal before it’s gone!


theroot--2020-06-02--Biden Comes for Trump’s Saggy Throat: 'I Won’t Traffic in Hate and Fear'—Unless It’s Trump, Because

Biden Comes for Trump’s Saggy Throat: 'I Won’t Traffic in Hate and Fear'—Unless It’s Trump, Because I Hate Him (OK, I’m Paraphrasing a Bit)

Former Vice President Joe Biden is tired of Trump ’ s hateful and divisive speech .
He ’ s tired of Trump speaking out of both sides of his mouth , and he , like much of America who doesn ’ t believe that McDonald ’ s is a sustainable and healthy diet , is just tired of watching Trump grandstand just to grandstand .
“ When peaceful protesters are dispersed by the order of the president from the doorstep of the people ’ s house , the White House—using tear gas and flash grenades—in order to stage a photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be forgiven for believing that the president is more interested in power than in principle , ” Biden said at Philadelphia ’ s City Hall , Politico reports .
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee was addressing the president ’ s use of force to clear peaceful protesters in Washington , D.C. Law enforcement used tear gas , flash-bang grenades and rubber bullets Monday just to move an unsuspecting group of protesters from Lafayette Square , which is across from the White House , so that Trump could walk to St. John ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding a Bible .
For those of you who believe that silent crunking is the most effective way to protest—because , seriously , there are some of y ’ all who believe in this—see below : Or for those of you who have been on a fast from tragedy and violence , the protest and calls for police to stop killing black and brown folks were started after an asshole cop , Derek Chauvin , decided to kneel on the neck of George Floyd , a 46-year-old black man who was already handcuffed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be fired and charged with continuing the long history of over-policing black bodies—oh , and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
Protests have called for the three other officers who were fired with Chauvin to be arrested and charged , as well .
During his speech , Biden noted that Floyd also uttered , “ I can ’ t breathe ” — “ which became a rallying cry in 2014 after another black man , Eric Garner , died after a caught-on-camera struggle with New York City police , ” Politico reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words .
But they didn ’ t die with him .
They ’ re still being heard .
They ’ re echoing across this nation , ” Biden said .
“ They speak to a nation where too often just the color of your skin puts your life at risk .
They speak to a nation where more than 100,000 people have lost their lives to a virus and 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment—with a disproportionate number of these deaths and job losses concentrated in the black and minority communities.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been the first he ’ s released that wasn ’ t made from the basement of his Wilmington , Del.
, home .
Biden and his all-black mask have mostly been hunkered down there since the coronavirus pandemic hit .
Biden has been heavily criticized for this from both the left and the right , but his Republican opponent is such a bag of wet soggy cheese spread that Biden is winning in polls simply by not being Trump .
Floyd ’ s death and the subsequent protest that followed gave Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between him and Trump : Biden cares about the protesters ; Trump believes protesting is akin to not voting for him , and therefore , he doesn ’ t give a shit about them .
Biden “ met with protesters in Delaware over the weekend and with black faith leaders at a Wilmington church on Monday , ” Politico reports .
“ I promise you this .
I won ’ t traffic in fear and division .
I won ’ t fan the flames of hate .
I will seek to heal the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country–not use them for political gain , ” Biden pledged during his speech Tuesday .
“ I ’ ll do my job and take responsibility .
I won ’ t blame others .
I ’ ll never forget that the job isn ’ t about me .
It ’ s about you .
And I ’ ll work to not only rebuild this nation .
But to build it better than it was .
”

Former Vice President Joe Biden is tired of Trump’s hateful and divisive speech. He’s tired of Trump speaking out of both sides of his mouth, and he, like much of America who doesn’t believe that McDonald’s is a sustainable and healthy diet, is just tired of watching Trump grandstand just to grandstand.
“When peaceful protesters are dispersed by the order of the president from the doorstep of the people’s house, the White House—using tear gas and flash grenades—in order to stage a photo op at a noble church, we can be forgiven for believing that the president is more interested in power than in principle,” Biden said at Philadelphia’s City Hall, Politico reports.
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The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee was addressing the president’s use of force to clear peaceful protesters in Washington, D.C. Law enforcement used tear gas, flash-bang grenades and rubber bullets Monday just to move an unsuspecting group of protesters from Lafayette Square, which is across from the White House, so that Trump could walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church and take a photo holding a Bible.
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For those of you who believe that silent crunking is the most effective way to protest—because, seriously, there are some of y’all who believe in this—see below:
Or for those of you who have been on a fast from tragedy and violence, the protest and calls for police to stop killing black and brown folks were started after an asshole cop, Derek Chauvin, decided to kneel on the neck of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was already handcuffed. Floyd would eventually die and Chauvin would be fired and charged with continuing the long history of over-policing black bodies—oh, and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Protests have called for the three other officers who were fired with Chauvin to be arrested and charged, as well.
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During his speech, Biden noted that Floyd also uttered, “I can’t breathe”—“which became a rallying cry in 2014 after another black man, Eric Garner, died after a caught-on-camera struggle with New York City police,” Politico reports.
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“George Floyd’s last words. But they didn’t die with him. They’re still being heard. They’re echoing across this nation,” Biden said. “They speak to a nation where too often just the color of your skin puts your life at risk. They speak to a nation where more than 100,000 people have lost their lives to a virus and 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment—with a disproportionate number of these deaths and job losses concentrated in the black and minority communities.”
Politico notes that Biden’s speech has been the first he’s released that wasn’t made from the basement of his Wilmington, Del., home. Biden and his all-black mask have mostly been hunkered down there since the coronavirus pandemic hit. Biden has been heavily criticized for this from both the left and the right, but his Republican opponent is such a bag of wet soggy cheese spread that Biden is winning in polls simply by not being Trump.
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Floyd’s death and the subsequent protest that followed gave Biden an opportunity to show the major differences between him and Trump: Biden cares about the protesters; Trump believes protesting is akin to not voting for him, and therefore, he doesn’t give a shit about them. Biden “met with protesters in Delaware over the weekend and with black faith leaders at a Wilmington church on Monday,” Politico reports.
“I promise you this. I won’t traffic in fear and division. I won’t fan the flames of hate. I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country–not use them for political gain,” Biden pledged during his speech Tuesday. “I’ll do my job and take responsibility. I won’t blame others. I’ll never forget that the job isn’t about me. It’s about you. And I’ll work to not only rebuild this nation. But to build it better than it was.”


theroot--2020-06-02--What You Need to Know About David McAtee, the Louisville Restaurant Owner Killed After Sunday's Prot

What You Need to Know About David McAtee, the Louisville Restaurant Owner Killed After Sunday's Protests

There are a lot of stories circulating about David McAtee , the 53-year-old black man shot and killed while Louisville Metro Police and the National Guard attempted to “ disperse ” a crowd who had gathered outside a Dino ’ s Food Mart in the early hours of Monday morning .
The details are hazy by circumstance ( information coming out in the immediate aftermath can be speculative and inaccurate ) , and by intent ( the LMPD officers involved in the shooting didn ’ t activate their body cameras ) .
What police are saying is this : A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as had LMPD and National Guard soldiers .
Someone allegedly shot at the police and the troops , at which point law enforcement returned fire .
In the shooting , McAtee was killed and Louisville police left his body on the street for 12 hours .
What you will read in these stories about McAtee is that he was a beloved owner of a barbecue restaurant not far from the scene of the shooting .
What is oft-repeated is how he fed police officers for free .
That detail feels necessary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or indirectly .
It feels tragic and ironic .
But McAtee ’ s life was bigger than a moment of horrific irony in a news story .
What you need to know about McAtee , known by friends and neighbors as “ YaYa ” or “ Barbecue Man , ” is that he was deeply invested in his community—that he fed cops because he fed everyone in his pocket of western Louisville .
A longtime friend , Greg Cotton Jr. , told the Louisville Courier Journal that McAtee , the owner of YaYa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events “ for at least 15 years if not longer.
” “ He was one of the ones who would donate all his time and all his food , everybody could just come up and take it and he wouldn ’ t charge because it was for the neighborhood , ” said Cotton .
“ Mr .
McAtee ’ s legacy is something that can not be duplicated or replaced , ” he said .
“ There are only a handful of people who care about the community the way that he did.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , his mother , Odessa Riley , has to mourn the loss of her second child this year .
Riley told the Courier Journal that she buried her “ baby daughter ” in January— “ now , my baby son has gotten killed.
” There are any number of reasons McAtee chose to provide cops free meals on their shifts , but the most straightforward rationale is that he viewed those cops as part of the community .
It ’ s a view that LMPD hasn ’ t shared in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out across the country last week—a load of many straws finally broken by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , Minn. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer fired Police Chief Steve Conrad on Monday after the chief said officers involved in the shooting didn ’ t activate their body cameras .
Police usage of body cameras had become an issue for the department after Breonna Taylor ’ s fatal shooting in March .
Then , officers serving a “ no-knock ” warrant at her home also didn ’ t wear body cameras .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be required to wear body-cams .
“ This type of institutional failure will not be tolerated , ” Fischer said during his Monday announcement .
The shooting is being investigated by Kentucky State Police .
The Associated Press reports that police were able to get video from surveillance cameras around the scene of the shooting .
Officials say two Louisville officers and two guard soldiers returned fire .
One of the officers placed on leave is Katie Crews , whom the Courier Journal reported had mocked a protester last week .
Crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken by a Courier Journal photographer : the image showed her among a line of police in riot gear ; before her stood a protester wearing a face mask , offering her flowers .
“ I hope the pepper balls that she got lit up with a little later on hurt , ” Crews wrote in the photo ’ s caption .
“ She was saying and doing a lot more than ‘ offering flowers ’ to me .
Just so for it to be known , ” Crews continued in the post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and knows that facial expression tells everything.
” “ Come back and get ya some more ole girl , I ’ ll be on the line again tonight.
” Crews may not have fired that bullet that killed McAtee , but make no mistake about it : She and other police officers coddled in a culture with a complete lack of accountability with a complete disregard for black lives are the reason McAtee is dead .
Officers who were somehow responsible for a community they hated , feared , sneered at , dismissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fed Crews and her colleagues , not even because he cared for and understood that community in a way she never could .
But because his life had value in and of itself , and was worth protecting .
“ My son was a good son .
All he did on that barbecue corner is try to make a dollar for himself and his family , ” said Riley .
“ And they come along and they killed my son .
”

There are a lot of stories circulating about David McAtee, the 53-year-old black man shot and killed while Louisville Metro Police and the National Guard attempted to “disperse” a crowd who had gathered outside a Dino’s Food Mart in the early hours of Monday morning.
The details are hazy by circumstance (information coming out in the immediate aftermath can be speculative and inaccurate), and by intent (the LMPD officers involved in the shooting didn’t activate their body cameras). What police are saying is this: A crowd had gathered around the food mart, as had LMPD and National Guard soldiers. Someone allegedly shot at the police and the troops, at which point law enforcement returned fire.
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In the shooting, McAtee was killed and Louisville police left his body on the street for 12 hours.
What you will read in these stories about McAtee is that he was a beloved owner of a barbecue restaurant not far from the scene of the shooting. What is oft-repeated is how he fed police officers for free. That detail feels necessary, I suppose because the police killed him—directly or indirectly. It feels tragic and ironic.
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But McAtee’s life was bigger than a moment of horrific irony in a news story. What you need to know about McAtee, known by friends and neighbors as “YaYa” or “Barbecue Man,” is that he was deeply invested in his community—that he fed cops because he fed everyone in his pocket of western Louisville.
A longtime friend, Greg Cotton Jr., told the Louisville Courier Journal that McAtee, the owner of YaYa’s BBQ, helped with community events “for at least 15 years if not longer.”
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“He was one of the ones who would donate all his time and all his food, everybody could just come up and take it and he wouldn’t charge because it was for the neighborhood,” said Cotton.
“Mr. McAtee’s legacy is something that cannot be duplicated or replaced,” he said. “There are only a handful of people who care about the community the way that he did.”
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And now, McAtee is dead. Now, his mother, Odessa Riley, has to mourn the loss of her second child this year. Riley told the Courier Journal that she buried her “baby daughter” in January—“now, my baby son has gotten killed.”
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There are any number of reasons McAtee chose to provide cops free meals on their shifts, but the most straightforward rationale is that he viewed those cops as part of the community.
It’s a view that LMPD hasn’t shared in the wake of the mass protests that broke out across the country last week—a load of many straws finally broken by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn.
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Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer fired Police Chief Steve Conrad on Monday after the chief said officers involved in the shooting didn’t activate their body cameras. Police usage of body cameras had become an issue for the department after Breonna Taylor’s fatal shooting in March. Then, officers serving a “no-knock” warrant at her home also didn’t wear body cameras. In May, Fischer announced that all officers will be required to wear body-cams.
“This type of institutional failure will not be tolerated,” Fischer said during his Monday announcement.
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The shooting is being investigated by Kentucky State Police. The Associated Press reports that police were able to get video from surveillance cameras around the scene of the shooting. Officials say two Louisville officers and two guard soldiers returned fire.
One of the officers placed on leave is Katie Crews, whom the Courier Journal reported had mocked a protester last week. Crews posted a photo of herself on Facebook taken by a Courier Journal photographer: the image showed her among a line of police in riot gear; before her stood a protester wearing a face mask, offering her flowers.
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“I hope the pepper balls that she got lit up with a little later on hurt,” Crews wrote in the photo’s caption.
“She was saying and doing a lot more than ‘offering flowers’ to me. Just so for it to be known,” Crews continued in the post. “For anyone that knows me and knows that facial expression tells everything.”
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“Come back and get ya some more ole girl, I’ll be on the line again tonight.”
Crews may not have fired that bullet that killed McAtee, but make no mistake about it: She and other police officers coddled in a culture with a complete lack of accountability with a complete disregard for black lives are the reason McAtee is dead. Officers who were somehow responsible for a community they hated, feared, sneered at, dismissed.
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McAtee deserved better—not because he may have fed Crews and her colleagues, not even because he cared for and understood that community in a way she never could. But because his life had value in and of itself, and was worth protecting.
“My son was a good son. All he did on that barbecue corner is try to make a dollar for himself and his family,” said Riley. “And they come along and they killed my son.”


theroot--2020-06-02--The Breakfast Club Had a Chat With Rush Limbaugh About George Floyd, Black Lives Matter and White Pr

The Breakfast Club Had a Chat With Rush Limbaugh About George Floyd, Black Lives Matter and White Privilege...Whew

Someone had the bright idea to ask conservative radio shock jock Rush Limbaugh to have a candid conversation with the hosts of Power 105.1 ’ s The Breakfast Club—Charlamagne Tha God , Angela Yee and DJ Envy—about racism , white privilege and the Black Lives Matter movement .
The nearly 30-minute chat took place on Monday , and it went just about as swimmingly as you ’ d expect .
“ We are fed up , we are angry , hurt and tired , ” DJ Envy says at the beginning of the conversation .
“ The inhumane treatment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the final straw ... for almost 10 years , [ The Breakfast Club ] [ has ] been the voice of our community , working to push our culture forward ... the dialogue has to be open beyond who we know or who we talk to every morning.
” The episode was also broadcast on Rush Limbaugh ’ s self-titled , nationally syndicated radio show .
When Limbaugh began to speak on the show , he made it a point to voice his anger regarding the murder of George Floyd on May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans are probably more upset than they let on .
He also chastised all four cops who were involved in his death .
The conversation really kicked off when he and Charlamagne started having a discussion about if America is “ really ” like this .
Limbaugh believes that the violence and racism we ’ ve been seeing are “ not America , ” nor does it display American ideals .
Charlamagne disagrees .
“ You ’ re a white male , and that comes with a different level of privilege , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America does work , but it works for the people it was designed to work for.
” He then doubles down on how the system also hasn ’ t been working in ( really ) anyone ’ s favor recently , since 40 million people of all races are unemployed .
Around the 10-minute mark , things got spicy when Limbaugh claimed Charlamagne ( do you see a pattern of who gets Rush most riled up here ? )
put words in his mouth regarding who in minority communities are allowed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be complimentary of you ... if you wan na try , you can succeed , ” Limbaugh affirmed . )
Perhaps the most interesting part of the conversation pertained to white supremacy and white privilege .
Does it exist ?
Limbaugh doesn ’ t believe so and “ [ doesn ’ t ] buy into ” it .
While doubling down on what that means , he states that white privilege is a social construct created by the Democratic party .
“ [ White privilege ] a liberal , political construct ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get people to shut up and admit they ’ re guilty of doing things they haven ’ t done , ” he explains .
“ I ’ m not going to agree with any aspect of it as they put it forth .
I ’ m not denying that there are certain individuals out there that think they are better than other people .
But structurally , institutionally , white supremacy , that ’ s a construct.
” “ You can ’ t see how white people are just treated better in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling Limbaugh “ delusional.
” “ I ’ ve had my car keyed , ” Limbaugh replies .
“ I ’ ve had my tires blown .
Of course.
” Charlamagne explains that ’ s not even close to being the same thing , and he meant being thrown out of his car and being pat-down for no reason.
” “ I ’ m a hermit , a recluse , and I don ’ t go out and do all that kind of stuff .
No , that kind of stuff has never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant you , ” he responds .
I have a headache now trying to listen to the back-and-forth here , but if you ’ re interested in the full interview for yourself , listen below .

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

Someone had the bright idea to ask conservative radio shock jock Rush Limbaugh to have a candid conversation with the hosts of Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club—Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee and DJ Envy—about racism, white privilege and the Black Lives Matter movement. The nearly 30-minute chat took place on Monday, and it went just about as swimmingly as you’d expect.
“We are fed up, we are angry, hurt and tired,” DJ Envy says at the beginning of the conversation. “The inhumane treatment and senseless murder of George Floyd has to be the final straw...for almost 10 years, [The Breakfast Club] [has] been the voice of our community, working to push our culture forward...the dialogue has to be open beyond who we know or who we talk to every morning.” The episode was also broadcast on Rush Limbaugh’s self-titled, nationally syndicated radio show.
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When Limbaugh began to speak on the show, he made it a point to voice his anger regarding the murder of George Floyd on May 25, and also said that more Americans are probably more upset than they let on. He also chastised all four cops who were involved in his death.
Advertisement Advertisement
The conversation really kicked off when he and Charlamagne started having a discussion about if America is “really” like this. Limbaugh believes that the violence and racism we’ve been seeing are “not America,” nor does it display American ideals. Charlamagne disagrees.
“You’re a white male, and that comes with a different level of privilege,” he explains. “I think that America does work, but it works for the people it was designed to work for.” He then doubles down on how the system also hasn’t been working in (really) anyone’s favor recently, since 40 million people of all races are unemployed.
Advertisement
Around the 10-minute mark, things got spicy when Limbaugh claimed Charlamagne (do you see a pattern of who gets Rush most riled up here?) put words in his mouth regarding who in minority communities are allowed to be successful. (“I was trying to be complimentary of you...if you wanna try, you can succeed,” Limbaugh affirmed.)
Advertisement
Perhaps the most interesting part of the conversation pertained to white supremacy and white privilege. Does it exist? Limbaugh doesn’t believe so and “[doesn’t] buy into” it. While doubling down on what that means, he states that white privilege is a social construct created by the Democratic party.
“[White privilege] a liberal, political construct...it’s designed to intimidate, get people to shut up and admit they’re guilty of doing things they haven’t done,” he explains. “I’m not going to agree with any aspect of it as they put it forth. I’m not denying that there are certain individuals out there that think they are better than other people. But structurally, institutionally, white supremacy, that’s a construct.”
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“You can’t see how white people are just treated better in this country?” Charlamagne asks, after calling Limbaugh “delusional.”
“I’ve had my car keyed,” Limbaugh replies. “I’ve had my tires blown. Of course.” Charlamagne explains that’s not even close to being the same thing, and he meant being thrown out of his car and being pat-down for no reason.”
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“I’m a hermit, a recluse, and I don’t go out and do all that kind of stuff. No, that kind of stuff has never happened to me, I’ll grant you,” he responds.
I have a headache now trying to listen to the back-and-forth here, but if you’re interested in the full interview for yourself, listen below.


theroot--2020-06-04--'Your Lives Matter': Barack Obama Strikes Optimistic Tone With Young Black Activists, Urges Politica

'Your Lives Matter': Barack Obama Strikes Optimistic Tone With Young Black Activists, Urges Political Engagement

On Wednesday evening , Barack Obama sought to give the sort of public address that Donald Trump has thus far failed to give : validating the concerns of protesters and offering them encouragement—while offering , controversially , an olive branch to law enforcement .
The remarks were part of the My Brother ’ s Keeper Virtual Town Hall titled “ Reimagining Policing in the Continue Police Violence.
” Also referred to as MBK , the organization is an Obama-era initiative aimed at developing and fostering the growth of black boys and young men .
The event featured comments from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel discussion attended by civic leaders and activists from around the country .
There is the obvious : unlike the current occupant of the White House , Obama spoke in an optimistic and encouraging tone ( and complete , coherent sentences ! )
.
The former community organizer praised the diligence and diversity of the protesters—notably drawing a line between peaceful and violent protests—and emphasized the need for political engagement .
It stood in stark contrast to Donald Trump ’ s remarks in the last week , but Obama ’ s optimistic tenor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has fueled the nationwide protests .
In the last week , anti-police brutality activists have called for bigger , more transformational changes to policing in the U.S. , and for more explicit condemnation of violent police forces that have arrested and brutalized peaceful protesters across the country .
Obama spoke early in the program , beginning by acknowledging the protests of the last week , calling them “ the kinds of epic changes and events in our country that are as profound as anything that I ’ ve seen in my lifetime.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been feeling pain , some folks have been feeling it more than others , ” Obama continued , specifically citing the families of victims of police brutality and white vigilantism , including George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , and Ahmaud Arbery .
“ We ’ re committed to the fight for a more just nation in the memory of your sons and daughters , ” he said .
He acknowledged that the protests were happening with a global pandemic in the backdrop , one that has disproportionately sickened and killed black people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly linked the disproportionate rates of COVID-19 with systemic and historic injustices : listing enslavement , Jim Crow , redlining , and other forms of institutionalized racism .
“ As difficult and scary as [ the last few weeks ] have been , they ’ ve also been an incredible opportunity to people to be awakened to those problems , ” Obama said , presenting the current moment as an opening to tackle them .
He was particularly moved by the sight of so many young people participating in and leading the protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that many of America ’ s most substantive transformations—the c ivil r ights movement , the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights , the w omen ’ s r ights movement , and the l abor movement—were led by young leaders .
He also took the time to specifically address “ young men and women of color in this country , ” telling them , “ I want you to know that you matter , that your lives matter.
” He drew a comparison between young activists and his daughters , Sasha and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... that deserves to flourish and thrive.
” But Obama also shied away from condemning police escalations during the protests , instead praising police who had “ joined ” the demonstrations—referring to instances when police had kneeled or marched with protesters .
“ We ’ re grateful for the vast majority of you that protect and serve , ” he said , adding that “ change is going to require everybody ’ s participation.
” The conciliatory tone contrasts with many images circulating social media in the last week , showing police ramming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas and shooting rubber bullets at peaceful protesters , or trapping hundreds of demonstrators—many of whom had been trying to practice social distancing as they protest—onto narrow sidewalks or byways .
But Obama clearly aimed to present himself as an even-handed , optimistic healer , bridging a yawning divide between law enforcement and the protesters demanding accountability from them .
He stressed the need for political action and strategy , pointing repeatedly to the task force on policing established during his presidency .
These remarks echoed his recent Medium blog , published on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state and local level .
“ I ’ ve been hearing a bit of chatter about voting versus protest , politics and participation versus civil disobedience and direct action , ” he said .
“ This is not an either/or.
” “ We both have to highlight a problem and make people in power uncomfortable , ” he said later , adding that mayors and county executives needed to make police reform a top priority .
Later , during a panel moderated by Brittany Packnett Cunningham , c o-f ounder of Campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Obama ’ s 21st Century Policing Task Force , Obama pointed to eight specific reforms that local elected officials could enact now to decrease police brutality incidents .
This suite of reforms , packaged as # 8cantwait , includes banning chokeholds and strangleholds , requiring police to exercise de-escalation tactics , and mandating that officers have a duty to intervene when they see excessive force being used .
But as Minneapolis City Council Member Phillipe Cunningham noted , the political will in his ward has shifted to larger changes—namely , defunding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd in Minneapolis , major city institutions have pulled out from their contracts with the city police , including the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis public school system .
Packnett Cunningham noted that the two paths—police reform and defunding departments—don ’ t “ have to stand in competition with each other , ” noting that the former is a “ starting point ” that can protect people in the short term while more substantive changes are fought for .
Still , Obama ’ s rosy view of a broad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in protest and politics could seem out of step with decisions currently being made by police departments , mayors , and governors throughout the country .
Just the night before , NBC Washington reported that a D.C. cop told people waiting in line at a polling site that they were in violation of a 7 p. m. curfew by waiting to vote .
While many have compared the turmoil of this moment to the protests of the ’ 60s , Obama said that this movement felt different .
He pointed to people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets—at one point holding up University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh ’ s recent participation in an anti-police brutality march in Ann Arbor as an example .
“ That wouldn ’ t have existed 30 or 40 years ago , ” said Obama .
He gave the credit to activists who had been working on the frontlines of the racial justice movement for years .
“ You have unlikely participants because all of you have worked so hard to raise awareness , ” he said .
“ That ’ s the progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t mean everything has been solved .
”

On Wednesday evening, Barack Obama sought to give the sort of public address that Donald Trump has thus far failed to give: validating the concerns of protesters and offering them encouragement—while offering, controversially, an olive branch to law enforcement.
The remarks were part of the My Brother’s Keeper Virtual Town Hall titled “Reimagining Policing in the Continue Police Violence.” Also referred to as MBK, the organization is an Obama-era initiative aimed at developing and fostering the growth of black boys and young men. The event featured comments from the former president, as well as a panel discussion attended by civic leaders and activists from around the country.
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There is the obvious: unlike the current occupant of the White House, Obama spoke in an optimistic and encouraging tone (and complete, coherent sentences!). The former community organizer praised the diligence and diversity of the protesters—notably drawing a line between peaceful and violent protests—and emphasized the need for political engagement.
It stood in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s remarks in the last week, but Obama’s optimistic tenor occasionally seemed at odds with the anger that has fueled the nationwide protests. In the last week, anti-police brutality activists have called for bigger, more transformational changes to policing in the U.S., and for more explicit condemnation of violent police forces that have arrested and brutalized peaceful protesters across the country.
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Obama spoke early in the program, beginning by acknowledging the protests of the last week, calling them “the kinds of epic changes and events in our country that are as profound as anything that I’ve seen in my lifetime.”
“Although all of us have been feeling pain, some folks have been feeling it more than others,” Obama continued, specifically citing the families of victims of police brutality and white vigilantism, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.
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“We’re committed to the fight for a more just nation in the memory of your sons and daughters,” he said.
He acknowledged that the protests were happening with a global pandemic in the backdrop, one that has disproportionately sickened and killed black people and other communities of color. Obama also directly linked the disproportionate rates of COVID-19 with systemic and historic injustices: listing enslavement, Jim Crow, redlining, and other forms of institutionalized racism.
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“As difficult and scary as [the last few weeks] have been, they’ve also been an incredible opportunity to people to be awakened to those problems,” Obama said, presenting the current moment as an opening to tackle them. He was particularly moved by the sight of so many young people participating in and leading the protests that have bloomed across the country, noting that many of America’s most substantive transformations—the c ivil r ights movement, the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights, the w omen’s r ights movement, and the l abor movement—were led by young leaders.
“It makes me feel optimistic,” Obama said.
He also took the time to specifically address “young men and women of color in this country,” telling them, “I want you to know that you matter, that your lives matter.”
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He drew a comparison between young activists and his daughters, Sasha and Malia, emphasizing their “limitless potential...that deserves to flourish and thrive.”
But Obama also shied away from condemning police escalations during the protests, instead praising police who had “joined” the demonstrations—referring to instances when police had kneeled or marched with protesters.
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“We’re grateful for the vast majority of you that protect and serve,” he said, adding that “change is going to require everybody’s participation.”
The conciliatory tone contrasts with many images circulating social media in the last week, showing police ramming their cars through crowds, spraying tear gas and shooting rubber bullets at peaceful protesters, or trapping hundreds of demonstrators—many of whom had been trying to practice social distancing as they protest—onto narrow sidewalks or byways.
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But Obama clearly aimed to present himself as an even-handed, optimistic healer, bridging a yawning divide between law enforcement and the protesters demanding accountability from them. He stressed the need for political action and strategy, pointing repeatedly to the task force on policing established during his presidency. These remarks echoed his recent Medium blog, published on Monday, which stressed engaging politicians at the state and local level.
“I’ve been hearing a bit of chatter about voting versus protest, politics and participation versus civil disobedience and direct action,” he said. “This is not an either/or.”
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“We both have to highlight a problem and make people in power uncomfortable,” he said later, adding that mayors and county executives needed to make police reform a top priority.
Later, during a panel moderated by Brittany Packnett Cunningham, c o-f ounder of Campaign Zero, and a former member of President Obama’s 21st Century Policing Task Force, Obama pointed to eight specific reforms that local elected officials could enact now to decrease police brutality incidents. This suite of reforms, packaged as #8cantwait, includes banning chokeholds and strangleholds, requiring police to exercise de-escalation tactics, and mandating that officers have a duty to intervene when they see excessive force being used.
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But as Minneapolis City Council Member Phillipe Cunningham noted, the political will in his ward has shifted to larger changes—namely, defunding the Minneapolis Police Department. Since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, major city institutions have pulled out from their contracts with the city police, including the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis public school system.
Packnett Cunningham noted that the two paths—police reform and defunding departments—don’t “have to stand in competition with each other,” noting that the former is a “starting point” that can protect people in the short term while more substantive changes are fought for.
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Still, Obama’s rosy view of a broad, diverse coalition of young voices peacefully engaging in protest and politics could seem out of step with decisions currently being made by police departments, mayors, and governors throughout the country. Just the night before, NBC Washington reported that a D.C. cop told people waiting in line at a polling site that they were in violation of a 7 p. m. curfew by waiting to vote.
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While many have compared the turmoil of this moment to the protests of the ’60s, Obama said that this movement felt different. He pointed to people of all races and backgrounds taking to the streets—at one point holding up University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh’s recent participation in an anti-police brutality march in Ann Arbor as an example.
“That wouldn’t have existed 30 or 40 years ago,” said Obama.
He gave the credit to activists who had been working on the frontlines of the racial justice movement for years.
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“You have unlikely participants because all of you have worked so hard to raise awareness,” he said. “That’s the progress that has been made. It doesn’t mean everything has been solved.”


theroot--2020-06-04--Florida Police Investigating Officer Who Put Knee on Man's Neck

The past week has seen people all over the country protest against police violence after video was released showing George Floyd death as the result of Minneapolis Police officers placing their knee on his neck , suffocating him .
Now , an officer in Sarasota , Fl .
are under investigation for using a similar tactic .
Bay News 9 reports that a Sarasota police officer has been placed on leave after video emerged of him placing his knee on the neck of a man .
This is not a technique utilized or taught by the Sarasota Police Department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an formal investigation into the incident .
Luckily , the man in the video was not seriously injured or in need of medical assistance .
The identities of both the officer and the victim are currently unknown .
Sarasota has been one of the many places across the country that has seen protests related to the killing of George Floyd .
The city has its own history of police violence with the deaths of Rodney Mitchell , Corey Mobley and Justin Stackhouse at the hands of Sarasota and Bradenton police officers .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marched to the headquarters of the Sarasota Police Department on Tuesday in honor of all four men .
There were concerns that rain would depress turnout for a Wednesday march towards the headquarters but as the day progressed turnout remained strong .

The past week has seen people all over the country protest against police violence after video was released showing George Floyd death as the result of Minneapolis Police officers placing their knee on his neck, suffocating him. Now, an officer in Sarasota, Fl. are under investigation for using a similar tactic.
Bay News 9 reports that a Sarasota police officer has been placed on leave after video emerged of him placing his knee on the neck of a man. This is not a technique utilized or taught by the Sarasota Police Department. Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino has launched an formal investigation into the incident. Luckily, the man in the video was not seriously injured or in need of medical assistance. The identities of both the officer and the victim are currently unknown.
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Sarasota has been one of the many places across the country that has seen protests related to the killing of George Floyd. The city has its own history of police violence with the deaths of Rodney Mitchell, Corey Mobley and Justin Stackhouse at the hands of Sarasota and Bradenton police officers. According to the Herald-Tribune, over 200 people marched to the headquarters of the Sarasota Police Department on Tuesday in honor of all four men. There were concerns that rain would depress turnout for a Wednesday march towards the headquarters but as the day progressed turnout remained strong.


theroot--2020-06-03--Eight Easy-to-Carry Outdoor Games to Schlep Around All Summer

Outdoor games are a staple of summertime , and this summer , as we ’ re being encouraged to socialize more outside rather than inside , you may want to invest in a new game or two to play with your families , friends , neighbors , etc .
But not all outdoor games are created equally , especially when it comes to ease of transport .
So we rounded up eight outdoor games that fit two important criteria : They had to be relatively lightweight , and they had to come in an easy-to-carry bag .
Do you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell us about it in the comments and we ’ ll round them all up !
They can call it “ Bucket Ball ” but we all know this is beer pong , right ?
Right .
There ’ s something very old time-y about playing a game of horseshoes , like you should be doing so while chewing on sassafras root and hitching up your britches .
The best part about Kadima is when you go to the beach with two friends and then convince them to play each other so you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read your romance novel .
Kan Jam is a mashup of corn hole , disc golf , and beer pong AND it lights up so you can play at night or just clap excitedly at it while exclaiming , “ Oooooh prettttttyyyyy !
!
!
” I would tell you that I ’ m too much of a lady to make the obvious “ cornhole ” joke but you and I both know that is a lie , and I ’ m committed to the truth in journalism , so .
The ring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games genre , and this little set is a great choice because it comes with different style rings ( rope and plastic ) that make play either more challenging or easier , so you can customize the rules of the game based on the age and skill-level of the players .
This is , essentially , jumbo Jenga .
It is also , technically , cheating for me to include it in this roundup because it ’ s too heavy to be considered “ easy-to-carry ” but the opportunity for me to encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes with to turn the blocks into Dirty Jenga is too much to resist .
These oversized w ooden dice can be used to play any kind of dice game , but the most common use for them is Yardzee , which is Yatzee but just outside .

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Outdoor games are a staple of summertime, and this summer, as we’re being encouraged to socialize more outside rather than inside, you may want to invest in a new game or two to play with your families, friends, neighbors, etc. But not all outdoor games are created equally, especially when it comes to ease of transport. So we rounded up eight outdoor games that fit two important criteria: They had to be relatively lightweight, and they had to come in an easy-to-carry bag.
Do you have a favorite portable outdoor game? Please tell us about it in the comments and we’ll round them all up!
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Bucket Ball | $60 | Amazon
They can call it “Bucket Ball” but we all know this is beer pong, right? Right.
Advertisement Advertisement
Horseshoes | $19 | Amazon
There’s something very old time-y about playing a game of horseshoes, like you should be doing so while chewing on sassafras root and hitching up your britches.
Advertisement
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Kadima | $18 | Amazon
The best part about Kadima is when you go to the beach with two friends and then convince them to play each other so you can get some peace and quiet to read your romance novel.
Advertisement
Kan Jam | $60 | Amazon
Kan Jam is a mashup of corn hole, disc golf, and beer pong AND it lights up so you can play at night or just clap excitedly at it while exclaiming, “Oooooh prettttttyyyyy!!!”
Advertisement
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Corn Hole | $34 | Amazon
I would tell you that I’m too much of a lady to make the obvious “cornhole” joke but you and I both know that is a lie, and I’m committed to the truth in journalism, so.
Advertisement
Ring Toss | $38 | Amazon
The ring toss is a classic of the lawn games genre, and this little set is a great choice because it comes with different style rings (rope and plastic) that make play either more challenging or easier, so you can customize the rules of the game based on the age and skill-level of the players.
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Tumbling Timbers | $60 | Amazon
This is, essentially, jumbo Jenga. It is also, technically, cheating for me to include it in this roundup because it’s too heavy to be considered “easy-to-carry” but the opportunity for me to encourage you to use the marker this set comes with to turn the blocks into Dirty Jenga is too much to resist.
Advertisement
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Yard Dice | $26 | Amazon
These oversized w ooden dice can be used to play any kind of dice game, but the most common use for them is Yardzee, which is Yatzee but just outside.


theroot--2020-06-03--Philadelphia Finally Takes Down Monument to Racist, Homophobic Mayor Frank Rizzo

Frank Rizzo was a truly awful human being .
As police commissioner and later mayor of Philadelphia through the ’ 70s , he spent his time in power terrorizing black and LGBTQ communities .
Despite this information being common knowledge , a statue erected in his honor stood in front of city hall for more than two decades .
Everyone can kiss that tribute to this racist homophobe goodbye as the city finally removed the statue on Tuesday , The Hill reports .
Initially , Mayor Jim Kenney ( D-Philadelphia ) said that the statue would be taken down at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Philadelphia is one of the many American cities currently seeing protests against police brutality in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
Rizzo ’ s statue has become a symbol during these protests , representing the city ’ s history of mistreating the black community .
“ The continued display of the statue has understandably enraged and hurt many Philadelphians , including those protesting the heinous murders of George Floyd and too many others .
I have seen and heard their anguish .
This statue now no longer stands in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphians , ” Kenney said in a statement announcing the statue ’ s removal .
As police commissioner , Rizzo led crackdowns against the Black Panther Party and black liberation groups .
He once said his response to anti-police protestors would “ make Attila the Hun look like a f——-.
” He summed up his theory of treating criminals as “ spacco il cappo , ” or breaking the head .
The Philadelphia Inquirer won a Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for documenting patterns of police brutality under Rizzo ’ s leadership .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects in majority-white neighborhoods , and he opposed desegregating the city ’ s schools .
He switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 1986 .
He ran for mayor a third time , winning the Republican nomination in 1991 .
Rizzo died of a heart attack before Election Day .
So yeah , dude was kind of fucking trash .
The most perplexing part of this story is that the statue isn ’ t some monument from a bygone era .
The statue was erected in 1999 , just a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 years old , watching Dexter ’ s Lab when Philly decided to pay tribute to one of its most infamous racists .
In 2017 , The Root released a video explaining the history of the statue and the city ’ s relationship with it .
Understandably , the statue had been vandalized throughout the years as folks haven ’ t forgotten the legacy of racism and homophobia he left during his lifetime .
As nationwide efforts to remove Confederate monuments have grown in recent years , so to have calls in Philadelphia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed .

Frank Rizzo was a truly awful human being. As police commissioner and later mayor of Philadelphia through the ’70s, he spent his time in power terrorizing black and LGBTQ communities. Despite this information being common knowledge, a statue erected in his honor stood in front of city hall for more than two decades.
Everyone can kiss that tribute to this racist homophobe goodbye as the city finally removed the statue on Tuesday, The Hill reports. Initially, Mayor Jim Kenney (D-Philadelphia) said that the statue would be taken down at some point within the next few months. Philadelphia is one of the many American cities currently seeing protests against police brutality in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Rizzo’s statue has become a symbol during these protests, representing the city’s history of mistreating the black community.
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“The continued display of the statue has understandably enraged and hurt many Philadelphians, including those protesting the heinous murders of George Floyd and too many others. I have seen and heard their anguish. This statue now no longer stands in front of a building that serves all Philadelphians,” Kenney said in a statement announcing the statue’s removal.
From The Hill:
As police commissioner, Rizzo led crackdowns against the Black Panther Party and black liberation groups. He once said his response to anti-police protestors would “make Attila the Hun look like a f——-.” He summed up his theory of treating criminals as “spacco il cappo,” or breaking the head. The Philadelphia Inquirer won a Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for documenting patterns of police brutality under Rizzo’s leadership. As mayor, Rizzo opposed new public housing projects in majority-white neighborhoods, and he opposed desegregating the city’s schools. He switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 1986. He ran for mayor a third time, winning the Republican nomination in 1991. Rizzo died of a heart attack before Election Day.
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So yeah, dude was kind of fucking trash. The most perplexing part of this story is that the statue isn’t some monument from a bygone era. The statue was erected in 1999, just a little over 20 years ago. I was 7 years old, watching Dexter’s Lab when Philly decided to pay tribute to one of its most infamous racists. In 2017, The Root released a video explaining the history of the statue and the city’s relationship with it.
Afro Pick Sculpture Pops Up In Philly
Understandably, the statue had been vandalized throughout the years as folks haven’t forgotten the legacy of racism and homophobia he left during his lifetime. As nationwide efforts to remove Confederate monuments have grown in recent years, so to have calls in Philadelphia for Rizzo’s statue to be removed.


theroot--2020-06-03--DEA Granted Authority to ‘Conduct Covert Surveillance’ on George Floyd Protesters

The Drug Enforcement Administration is supposed to be exactly what it sounds like—an agency tasked with combatting drug trafficking and distribution in the United States .
Since the department was formed in 1973 , enforcing federal drug laws has been its one job ... until Sunday .
Over the weekend , the DEA was grated temporary and unprecedented authority to surveil protesters participating in nationwide demonstrations over the death of George Floyd .
Buzzfeed reports that a memorandum seeking “ Approval of Temporary Designation of Non-Title 21 Law Enforcement Authority ” was signed off on by the Justice Department , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct covert surveillance ” amid “ widespread protests across the nation , which , in some instances , have included violence and looting , ” according to the memo .
The memo indicates that the DEA has been granted the authority to engage in the following activities : If this request is granted , DEA Special Agents and Task Force Officers will , as necessary ( 1 ) conduct covert surveillance and protect against threats to public safety ; ( 2 ) share intelligence with federal , state , local , and tribal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , intervene as Federal law enforcement officers to protect both participants and spectators in the protests ; and ( 4 ) if necessary , engage in investigative and enforcement activity including , but not limited to , conducting interviews , conducting searches and making arrests for violations of Federal law .
The powers granted to the department are set to expire after 14 days , but that does little to quell the concerns of some officials , such as ACLU Senior Attorney Hugh Handeyside .
“ Drug enforcement agents should not be conducting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected speech , ” Handeyside told Buzzfeed .
“ That kind of monitoring and information sharing may well constitute unwarranted investigation of people exercising their constitutional rights to seek justice .
The executive branch continues to run headlong in the wrong direction.
” According to Buzzfeed , three DEA agents who wish to remain anonymous also have issues with the new powers granted to the department and see it as “ an example of the Justice Department potentially abusing its power in an attempt to smear the protests and crack down on protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the DOJ request was officially approved—Attorney General William Barr issued a statement that begins , “ The greatness of our nation comes from our commitment to the rule of law.
” In the statement , Barr goes on to say that much of the violence occurring during protests has been “ planned , organized , and driven by anarchistic and far-left extremists , using Antifa-like tactics , ” a claim that has been echoed by many conservatives and Republican officials— including y ’ all ’ s president—who conveniently neglect to offer any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his statement pledging that the FBI , DEA , U.S .
Marshals and the ATF will be “ deployed to support local efforts to enforce federal law .
”

The Drug Enforcement Administration is supposed to be exactly what it sounds like—an agency tasked with combatting drug trafficking and distribution in the United States. Since the department was formed in 1973, enforcing federal drug laws has been its one job...until Sunday. Over the weekend, the DEA was grated temporary and unprecedented authority to surveil protesters participating in nationwide demonstrations over the death of George Floyd.
Buzzfeed reports that a memorandum seeking “Approval of Temporary Designation of Non-Title 21 Law Enforcement Authority” was signed off on by the Justice Department, giving the DEA the go-ahead to “conduct covert surveillance” amid “widespread protests across the nation, which, in some instances, have included violence and looting,” according to the memo.
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The memo indicates that the DEA has been granted the authority to engage in the following activities:
If this request is granted, DEA Special Agents and Task Force Officers will, as necessary (1) conduct covert surveillance and protect against threats to public safety; (2) share intelligence with federal, state, local, and tribal counterparts; (3) if necessary, intervene as Federal law enforcement officers to protect both participants and spectators in the protests; and (4) if necessary, engage in investigative and enforcement activity including, but not limited to, conducting interviews, conducting searches and making arrests for violations of Federal law.
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The powers granted to the department are set to expire after 14 days, but that does little to quell the concerns of some officials, such as ACLU Senior Attorney Hugh Handeyside.
“Drug enforcement agents should not be conducting covert surveillance of protests and First Amendment protected speech,” Handeyside told Buzzfeed. “That kind of monitoring and information sharing may well constitute unwarranted investigation of people exercising their constitutional rights to seek justice. The executive branch continues to run headlong in the wrong direction.”
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According to Buzzfeed, three DEA agents who wish to remain anonymous also have issues with the new powers granted to the department and see it as “an example of the Justice Department potentially abusing its power in an attempt to smear the protests and crack down on protected First Amendment activity.”
On Saturday—the day before the DOJ request was officially approved—Attorney General William Barr issued a statement that begins, “The greatness of our nation comes from our commitment to the rule of law.”
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In the statement, Barr goes on to say that much of the violence occurring during protests has been “planned, organized, and driven by anarchistic and far-left extremists, using Antifa-like tactics,” a claim that has been echoed by many conservatives and Republican officials— including y’all’s president—who conveniently neglect to offer any evidence to support it.
Barr ends his statement pledging that the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals and the ATF will be “deployed to support local efforts to enforce federal law.”