truthout--2020-08-12--Pro-Trump “News” Site Is Run by Trump’s Super PAC

A super PAC officially endorsed by President Trump ’ s campaign has launched a conservative “ news ” site , and some of its content raises questions about possible violations of regulations that bar coordination between campaigns and political organizations .
The site , first identified as an America First entity by The Daily Beast ’ s Lachlan Markay , is called the American Herald , and its pro-Trump content has been packaged and promoted by the official campaign as if it were an independent outlet .
The Herald ’ s domain was registered on July 31 , 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late June , and its “ about ” page self-identifies as “ a conservative news platform designed to bring you all the news the liberal media doesn ’ t want you to know.
” “ We commit to cover national issues that impact all Americans , not just what fits the left ’ s political agenda , ” the page says .
On Tuesday , the top stories on the Herald ’ s home page include : “ Democratic cities overrun by left-wing mobs ” ; “ Trump gives aid to jobless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats refuse to condemn antifa ” ; and “ President Trump ’ s executive orders put America first.
” One of its Facebook ads promotes a story criticizing Twitter for suspending Donald Trump Jr. after he posted misinformation about the coronavirus .
While the Herald promotes itself as all-embracing ( its tagline reads , “ Stop being told what to think ” ) none of the articles have author bylines , including the “ opinion ” section , making it impossible to tell who is actually creating its content .
A legal disclaimer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the page is funded by the America First Action super PAC — and the thousands of dollars in ad purchases on Google and Facebook also have that disclaimer — the Herald ’ s Facebook page does not possess the same transparency .
The Daily Beast also reported that the Herald ’ s Twitter page has been suspended , apparently within the last week .
A Twitter spokesperson told Salon that the company could not share information about the suspension .
It also appears that some of the site ’ s Facebook and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy violations .
In fairness , Democratic-affiliated organizations have created a number of partisan sites masked as “ news ” organizations , including the American Ledger , a site created in 2018 by Democratic super PAC American Bridge that seems to have been a source of inspiration for the Herald .
Like the Herald , the Ledger also discloses its connection to its PAC , but describes itself as delivering “ reporting ” dedicated to “ fast , hard-hitting investigations into the pressing issues.
” Unlike the American Herald , however , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page acknowledges that it ’ s directly linked to its super PAC parent : “ The American Ledger is powered by the fact-based research and nationwide reach of American Bridge 21st Century , which Time calls ‘ the dominant player ’ in progressive accountability research.
” ( Disclosure : Salon has published several articles featuring American Bridge research and spokespeople . )
“ Since day one , American Bridge has been fully transparent about the American Ledger and its role in our work , ” American Bridge spokesperson Kyle Morse told Salon in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s content is fully backed up by detailed research and existing reporting , and the digital property will continue to hold Republicans accountable as it has since it was launched in 2018.
” But what truly separates the American Herald from these sites is the direct affiliation with Trump .
The PAC has spent tens of millions of dollars on Trump ’ s re-election efforts over the last three years , hosting events at Trump properties and raising money through some of the president ’ s shadiest supporters — including accepting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shell company co-founded by Rudy Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman , who are currently under indictment .
The PAC ’ s chair , former pro-wrestling exec Linda McMahon , served under Trump as head of the Small Business Administration , and its spokesperson , Kelly Sadler , worked for the White House as a special assistant to the president handling surrogate and coalitions outreach .
The American Herald provides another example of the impenetrable murk of campaign finance in the Trump era .
As a super PAC , America First Action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals .
It can not legally coordinate its spending with campaigns , which are more financially restricted .
Furthermore , the super PAC has published content through the American Herald that promotes the overtly political activities of its dark-money nonprofit affiliate , America First Policies .
America First Policies was co-founded by former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale and Nick Ayers , a top adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , but its tax status as a “ social welfare organization ” bars it from engaging primarily in political activity or coordinating with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herald ’ s “ reporting ” about America First Policies promotes a video advertisement produced by America First Policies , as well as the nationwide “ Great American Comeback Tour , ” another America First Policies production , which features Pence and promotes not just policies , but Trump ’ s re-election : Beginning in June , America First Policies set out on the “ Great American Comeback Tour ” featuring Pence , members of Congress , and other special guests .
The policy series follows the group ’ s tour touting Tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With events in Pennsylvania and Michigan already behind them , the tour will continue into various states throughout the U.S. to educate and mobilize voters around the policies that will lead to an economic resurgence post-coronavirus .
“ Through a combination of tax cuts , deregulation , unleashing our energy sector and renegotiating bad trade deals , the Trump administration built the greatest economy in the world , ” said America First Policies Communication Director Kelly Sadler .
“ They did it once , and they can do it again.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Great American Comeback Tour .
Furthermore , the campaign and America First Policies both routinely use the phrase , and the campaign applied it to Trump ’ s now-infamous rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , in June , weeks after the ongoing America First Policies tour kicked off .
It is unclear whether this is a series of coincidences , and if so , whether the campaign will ask its official super PAC and affiliated nonprofit to stop .
America First Action , American Bridge and the Trump campaign did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .

The American Herald looks like a conservative news site, but it’s funded by pro-Trump super PAC America First Action.
A super PAC officially endorsed by President Trump’s campaign has launched a conservative “news” site, and some of its content raises questions about possible violations of regulations that bar coordination between campaigns and political organizations.
The site, first identified as an America First entity by The Daily Beast’s Lachlan Markay, is called the American Herald, and its pro-Trump content has been packaged and promoted by the official campaign as if it were an independent outlet. The Herald’s domain was registered on July 31, 2019, but the site appears to have launched in late June, and its “about” page self-identifies as “a conservative news platform designed to bring you all the news the liberal media doesn’t want you to know.”
“We commit to cover national issues that impact all Americans, not just what fits the left’s political agenda,” the page says.
On Tuesday, the top stories on the Herald’s home page include: “Democratic cities overrun by left-wing mobs”; “Trump gives aid to jobless, rentless, borrowers”; “Democrats refuse to condemn antifa”; and “President Trump’s executive orders put America first.” One of its Facebook ads promotes a story criticizing Twitter for suspending Donald Trump Jr. after he posted misinformation about the coronavirus.
While the Herald promotes itself as all-embracing (its tagline reads, “Stop being told what to think”) none of the articles have author bylines, including the “opinion” section, making it impossible to tell who is actually creating its content.
A legal disclaimer at the bottom of the website discloses that the page is funded by the America First Action super PAC — and the thousands of dollars in ad purchases on Google and Facebook also have that disclaimer — the Herald’s Facebook page does not possess the same transparency.
The Daily Beast also reported that the Herald’s Twitter page has been suspended, apparently within the last week. A Twitter spokesperson told Salon that the company could not share information about the suspension. It also appears that some of the site’s Facebook and Google ads have been removed for unspecified policy violations.
In fairness, Democratic-affiliated organizations have created a number of partisan sites masked as “news” organizations, including the American Ledger, a site created in 2018 by Democratic super PAC American Bridge that seems to have been a source of inspiration for the Herald. Like the Herald, the Ledger also discloses its connection to its PAC, but describes itself as delivering “reporting” dedicated to “fast, hard-hitting investigations into the pressing issues.”
Unlike the American Herald, however, the American Ledger’s “about” page acknowledges that it’s directly linked to its super PAC parent: “The American Ledger is powered by the fact-based research and nationwide reach of American Bridge 21st Century, which Time calls ‘the dominant player’ in progressive accountability research.” (Disclosure: Salon has published several articles featuring American Bridge research and spokespeople.)
“Since day one, American Bridge has been fully transparent about the American Ledger and its role in our work,” American Bridge spokesperson Kyle Morse told Salon in a statement. “The American Ledger’s content is fully backed up by detailed research and existing reporting, and the digital property will continue to hold Republicans accountable as it has since it was launched in 2018.”
But what truly separates the American Herald from these sites is the direct affiliation with Trump. The PAC has spent tens of millions of dollars on Trump’s re-election efforts over the last three years, hosting events at Trump properties and raising money through some of the president’s shadiest supporters — including accepting a $3 million illegal donation from a shell company co-founded by Rudy Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, who are currently under indictment.
The PAC’s chair, former pro-wrestling exec Linda McMahon, served under Trump as head of the Small Business Administration, and its spokesperson, Kelly Sadler, worked for the White House as a special assistant to the president handling surrogate and coalitions outreach.
The American Herald provides another example of the impenetrable murk of campaign finance in the Trump era.
As a super PAC, America First Action can accept unlimited donations from entities and individuals. It cannot legally coordinate its spending with campaigns, which are more financially restricted. Furthermore, the super PAC has published content through the American Herald that promotes the overtly political activities of its dark-money nonprofit affiliate, America First Policies.
America First Policies was co-founded by former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale and Nick Ayers, a top adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, but its tax status as a “social welfare organization” bars it from engaging primarily in political activity or coordinating with any political campaign or party.
The Herald’s “reporting” about America First Policies promotes a video advertisement produced by America First Policies, as well as the nationwide “Great American Comeback Tour,” another America First Policies production, which features Pence and promotes not just policies, but Trump’s re-election:
Beginning in June, America First Policies set out on the “Great American Comeback Tour” featuring Pence, members of Congress, and other special guests. The policy series follows the group’s tour touting Tax Cuts and historic trade deals like USMCA. With events in Pennsylvania and Michigan already behind them, the tour will continue into various states throughout the U.S. to educate and mobilize voters around the policies that will lead to an economic resurgence post-coronavirus. “Through a combination of tax cuts, deregulation, unleashing our energy sector and renegotiating bad trade deals, the Trump administration built the greatest economy in the world,” said America First Policies Communication Director Kelly Sadler. “They did it once, and they can do it again.”
The official Trump campaign website has also promoted the Great American Comeback Tour. Furthermore, the campaign and America First Policies both routinely use the phrase, and the campaign applied it to Trump’s now-infamous rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June, weeks after the ongoing America First Policies tour kicked off.
It is unclear whether this is a series of coincidences, and if so, whether the campaign will ask its official super PAC and affiliated nonprofit to stop.
America First Action, American Bridge and the Trump campaign did not immediately reply to Salon’s request for comment.
Tired of reading the same old news from the same old sources? So are we! That’s why we’re on a mission to shake things up and bring you the stories and perspectives that often go untold in mainstream media. But being a radically, unapologetically independent news site isn’t easy (or cheap), and we rely on reader support to keep the lights on.
If you like what you’re reading, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for an investment: Invest in a nonprofit news site that’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, not afraid to stand up for what’s right, and not afraid to tell it like it is.
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truthout--2020-08-12--Trump Calls QAnon Conspiracy Theorist Who Won Georgia Primary “Republican Star”

A Georgia Republican primary runoff election on Tuesday has resulted with voters selecting a candidate who promotes a highly dubious and potentially violent far-right conspiracy theory .
Marjorie Taylor Greene , who is a supporter of the QAnon set of conspiracy theories , defeated John Cowan in a runoff primary race in Georgia ’ s 14th congressional district .
Being one of the most Republican districts in the country , Greene ’ s win on Tuesday means she ’ s likely to take the seat in the general election in November , too .
Though both Greene and Cowan are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cowan sought to differentiate himself from Greene by highlighting her fervent belief in the unproven conspiracy theory .
“ She deserves a YouTube channel , not a seat in Congress , ” Cowan said of his opponent during the campaign .
“ She ’ s a circus act.
” Indeed , many Republicans sought to distance themselves from Greene ’ s candidacy , a fact that she herself noted in her primary election victory speech on Tuesday night .
“ The Republican establishment was against me .
The D.C. swamp is against me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hates my guts , ” Greene said , adding that she ’ s “ just as fed up with what I ’ ve seen from spineless Republicans ” as she is with what she believes Democrats in Washington represent .
Though she wasn ’ t the “ mainstream ” choice of Republicans , Greene did receive support from other far-right conservatives in Congress , including from Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio , who raised thousands of dollars on her behalf .
A political action committee with ties to Trump ’ s chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her campaign win .
Greene even got a congratulatory note from Trump himself on Wednesday morning .
“ Congratulations to future Republican Star Marjorie Taylor Greene on a big Congressional primary win in Georgia against a very tough and smart opponent , ” Trump tweeted .
“ Marjorie is strong on everything and never gives up — a real WINNER !
” Greene ’ s win may prove difficult for Republicans running for office elsewhere , however , as they try to appeal to a mainstream audience , particularly in suburban areas where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to win the White House and several congressional seats .
With one of its own candidates peddling in QAnon conspiracies , that goal becomes much more difficult .
The QAnon conspiracy is actually a wide set of theories .
Broadly speaking , QAnon followers believe that there is a widespread Satanist cabal of Washington insiders ( typically Democratic-leaning ) , businesses and media companies that are running a massive child trafficking ring throughout the country .
Trump , according to those who believe in the theory , is waging a secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will lead to the eventual conviction and execution of those involved .
The name “ QAnon ” comes from the original “ source ” of the conspiracy theory , a user named “ Q ” who appeared on the anonymous 4chan user boards , leaving “ breadcrumbs ” of clues for followers to read in order to stay aware of the situation , often reinterpreting mainstream news stories as being something more than what they were .
Followers of the QAnon conspiracy number in the millions — a fact underscored just this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action against thousands of groups and pages promoting QAnon theories .
Users and groups sympathetic to the conspiracy theories have also faced bans on other sites , including on Reddit , which closed a popular QAnon group in 2018 after users consistently urged violent actions to further their cause .
“ We are very clear in our site terms of service that posting content that incites violence , disseminates personal information , or harasses will get users and communities banned from Reddit , ” the company said in a statement at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be instigating violence offline , too , with a report from West Point ’ s Combating Terrorism Center alleging that QAnon “ represents a militant and anti-establishment ideology ” that could threaten national security .
The FBI last year also issued a bulletin that stressed “ conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists ” like QAnon followers could inspire “ groups and individual extremists to carry out criminal or violent acts .
”

Marjorie Taylor Greene won her race in a largely Republican district, all but assuring her a seat in Congress next year.
A Georgia Republican primary runoff election on Tuesday has resulted with voters selecting a candidate who promotes a highly dubious and potentially violent far-right conspiracy theory.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is a supporter of the QAnon set of conspiracy theories, defeated John Cowan in a runoff primary race in Georgia’s 14th congressional district. Being one of the most Republican districts in the country, Greene’s win on Tuesday means she’s likely to take the seat in the general election in November, too.
Though both Greene and Cowan are strong supporters of President Donald Trump, Cowan sought to differentiate himself from Greene by highlighting her fervent belief in the unproven conspiracy theory.
“She deserves a YouTube channel, not a seat in Congress,” Cowan said of his opponent during the campaign. “She’s a circus act.”
Indeed, many Republicans sought to distance themselves from Greene’s candidacy, a fact that she herself noted in her primary election victory speech on Tuesday night.
“The Republican establishment was against me. The D.C. swamp is against me. And the lying fake news media hates my guts,” Greene said, adding that she’s “just as fed up with what I’ve seen from spineless Republicans” as she is with what she believes Democrats in Washington represent.
Though she wasn’t the “mainstream” choice of Republicans, Greene did receive support from other far-right conservatives in Congress, including from Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who raised thousands of dollars on her behalf. A political action committee with ties to Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows also helped to fund her campaign win.
Greene even got a congratulatory note from Trump himself on Wednesday morning.
“Congratulations to future Republican Star Marjorie Taylor Greene on a big Congressional primary win in Georgia against a very tough and smart opponent,” Trump tweeted. “Marjorie is strong on everything and never gives up — a real WINNER!”
Greene’s win may prove difficult for Republicans running for office elsewhere, however, as they try to appeal to a mainstream audience, particularly in suburban areas where the party is hoping to do well in order to win the White House and several congressional seats. With one of its own candidates peddling in QAnon conspiracies, that goal becomes much more difficult.
The QAnon conspiracy is actually a wide set of theories. Broadly speaking, QAnon followers believe that there is a widespread Satanist cabal of Washington insiders (typically Democratic-leaning), businesses and media companies that are running a massive child trafficking ring throughout the country. Trump, according to those who believe in the theory, is waging a secret war to defeat this supposed cabal, which will lead to the eventual conviction and execution of those involved.
The name “QAnon” comes from the original “source” of the conspiracy theory, a user named “Q” who appeared on the anonymous 4chan user boards, leaving “breadcrumbs” of clues for followers to read in order to stay aware of the situation, often reinterpreting mainstream news stories as being something more than what they were.
Followers of the QAnon conspiracy number in the millions — a fact underscored just this week when social media site Facebook took action against thousands of groups and pages promoting QAnon theories.
Users and groups sympathetic to the conspiracy theories have also faced bans on other sites, including on Reddit, which closed a popular QAnon group in 2018 after users consistently urged violent actions to further their cause.
“We are very clear in our site terms of service that posting content that incites violence, disseminates personal information, or harasses will get users and communities banned from Reddit,” the company said in a statement at the time.
Some believe that the conspiracy theory may be instigating violence offline, too, with a report from West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center alleging that QAnon “represents a militant and anti-establishment ideology” that could threaten national security. The FBI last year also issued a bulletin that stressed “conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists” like QAnon followers could inspire “groups and individual extremists to carry out criminal or violent acts.”
Tired of reading the same old news from the same old sources? So are we! That’s why we’re on a mission to shake things up and bring you the stories and perspectives that often go untold in mainstream media. But being a radically, unapologetically independent news site isn’t easy (or cheap), and we rely on reader support to keep the lights on.
If you like what you’re reading, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for an investment: Invest in a nonprofit news site that’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, not afraid to stand up for what’s right, and not afraid to tell it like it is.
Copyright © Truthout. May not be reprinted without permission.


truthout--2020-08-12--Ilhan Omar Soundly Defeats Big-Money Challenger

Fueled by small donations , grassroots progressive enthusiasm , and an expanding base of support , Rep. Ilhan Omar on Tuesday handily defeated a dark money-backed challenger in the Democratic primary for Minnesota ’ s 5th congressional district — a win the progressive incumbent characterized as further evidence that “ organized people will always beat organized money.
” Omar , a Somali refugee and one of the strongest progressive voices in Congress , was leading Anton Melton-Meaux by a comfortable 18-point margin with 96 % of precincts reporting when the race was called .
Melton-Meaux was one of four candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his campaign was by far the best-funded — according to the Center for Responsive Politics , large donations made up 90 % of the $ 4.1 million he raised .
But Melton-Meaux ’ s big spending — much of which was funneled through anonymous corporations — was not nearly enough to unseat Omar , who said her victory Tuesday amounts to a “ mandate for change ” from the people of Minnesota .
Omar ’ s win in the heavily Democratic district virtually guarantees she will retain her seat .
“ Despite outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again broke turnout records .
Despite the attacks , our support has only grown , ” Omar wrote in a series of tweets late Tuesday .
“ This election isn ’ t about me .
It ’ s about an agenda rooted in people ’ s everyday struggles — and the corporations and right-wing donors who are threatened by it.
” “ It ’ s about standing up to a president who promised to ban an entire group of people from this country based solely on their Muslim identity , calls our countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and threatened to send us back to where we came from , ” Omar continued .
“ It ’ s about standing up for the basic human rights around the world — and fighting a military-industrial complex that opposes the recognition of people ’ s humanity and dignity.
” Omar ’ s victory was celebrated by her progressive allies in Congress and advocacy groups that backed her reelection fight .
“ Congratulations to Ilhan Omar , a leader of incredible courage , for winning her primary in Minnesota tonight , ” said Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans want bold , progressive leaders like Ilhan in Congress , and together we will create a nation that works for all.
” The youth-led Sunrise Movement tweeted that Omar — a vocal supporter of the Green New Deal , Medicare for All , and other big-ticket priorities — has “ been a bold and progressive leader since she stepped foot Congress and we couldn ’ t have been any prouder to support her in her re-election.
” “ Congratulations Ilhan , ” the group added , “ we can ’ t wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omar , Rep. Rashida Tlaib ( D-Mich. ) , and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) having vanquished their primary challengers and Rep. Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass . )
running unopposed in next month ’ s Massachusetts primary , “ The Squad ” is poised to secure at least another two years in Congress .
Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report noted that “ so far , the three members of The Squad who have faced 2020 primary challenges have prevailed by a combined 201,235 votes to 105,993 votes.
” “ Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking them , The Squad is winning , it ’ s growing , and is here to stay , ” advocacy group Justice Democrats tweeted , alluding to Cori Bush ’ s upset win in Missouri and Jamaal Bowman ’ s victory in New York .
“ Ilhan Omar fights for her constituents with courage and a positive progressive vision .
”

Fueled by small donations, grassroots progressive enthusiasm, and an expanding base of support, Rep. Ilhan Omar on Tuesday handily defeated a dark money-backed challenger in the Democratic primary for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district — a win the progressive incumbent characterized as further evidence that “organized people will always beat organized money.”
Omar, a Somali refugee and one of the strongest progressive voices in Congress, was leading Anton Melton-Meaux by a comfortable 18-point margin with 96% of precincts reporting when the race was called. Melton-Meaux was one of four candidates who attempted to oust Omar, but his campaign was by far the best-funded — according to the Center for Responsive Politics, large donations made up 90% of the $4.1 million he raised.
But Melton-Meaux’s big spending — much of which was funneled through anonymous corporations — was not nearly enough to unseat Omar, who said her victory Tuesday amounts to a “mandate for change” from the people of Minnesota. Omar’s win in the heavily Democratic district virtually guarantees she will retain her seat.
“Despite outside efforts to defeat us, we once again broke turnout records. Despite the attacks, our support has only grown,” Omar wrote in a series of tweets late Tuesday. “This election isn’t about me. It’s about an agenda rooted in people’s everyday struggles — and the corporations and right-wing donors who are threatened by it.”
“It’s about standing up to a president who promised to ban an entire group of people from this country based solely on their Muslim identity, calls our countries of origin ‘shithole countries,’ and threatened to send us back to where we came from,” Omar continued. “It’s about standing up for the basic human rights around the world — and fighting a military-industrial complex that opposes the recognition of people’s humanity and dignity.”
In Minnesota, we know that organized people will always beat organized money. Tonight, our movement didn’t just win. We earned a mandate for change. Despite outside efforts to defeat us, we once again broke turnout records. Despite the attacks, our support has only grown. — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) August 12, 2020
Omar’s victory was celebrated by her progressive allies in Congress and advocacy groups that backed her reelection fight. “Congratulations to Ilhan Omar, a leader of incredible courage, for winning her primary in Minnesota tonight,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). “Americans want bold, progressive leaders like Ilhan in Congress, and together we will create a nation that works for all.”
The youth-led Sunrise Movement tweeted that Omar — a vocal supporter of the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and other big-ticket priorities — has “been a bold and progressive leader since she stepped foot Congress and we couldn’t have been any prouder to support her in her re-election.”
“Congratulations Ilhan,” the group added, “we can’t wait to keep fighting alongside you.”
With Omar, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) having vanquished their primary challengers and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) running unopposed in next month’s Massachusetts primary, “The Squad” is poised to secure at least another two years in Congress. Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report noted that “so far, the three members of The Squad who have faced 2020 primary challenges have prevailed by a combined 201,235 votes to 105,993 votes.”
“Despite all the manufactured hype and money spent attacking them, The Squad is winning, it’s growing, and is here to stay,” advocacy group Justice Democrats tweeted, alluding to Cori Bush’s upset win in Missouri and Jamaal Bowman’s victory in New York. “Ilhan Omar fights for her constituents with courage and a positive progressive vision.”
Tired of reading the same old news from the same old sources? So are we! That’s why we’re on a mission to shake things up and bring you the stories and perspectives that often go untold in mainstream media. But being a radically, unapologetically independent news site isn’t easy (or cheap), and we rely on reader support to keep the lights on.
If you like what you’re reading, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for an investment: Invest in a nonprofit news site that’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, not afraid to stand up for what’s right, and not afraid to tell it like it is.
This piece was reprinted by Truthout with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.


truthout--2020-08-12--Economic Justice Is Necessary to Stop Murders of Trans Women of Color

Even after this summer ’ s series of historic protests and marches led by trans women of color , the murder of Black and Brown trans women continues unabated .
During this long summer , the number of deaths of transgender women has climbed ever upward to at least 23 , higher than the entire number killed in all of 2019 .
These include the recent brutal stabbing of 32-year-old Tiffany Harris in New York City and 24-year-old Queasha Hardy of Baton Rouge , Louisiana .
Their deaths underscore why the American Medical Association last year labeled the killing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they point to why it is clearly time for unprecedented action to stem the tide of blood in trans communities of color .
The good news is that there is a way to do it .
One way to lower the levels of extreme violence against trans women of color is to center the economic justice of Black and Brown trans women .
The essential point here is that for many trans women , anti-violence and economic well-being are one and the same .
A key trend in the murders of trans women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who know these women .
In Harris ’ s case , local news reports say that she was in a relationship with the man whom police wish to question about her death .
In case after case , Black and Brown trans women are killed by their partners , neighbors or clients .
This pattern of intimate partner violence mirrors that of cis women of color , especially Black women , who suffer some of the highest levels of intimate partner violence in the country .
And high levels of intimate partner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insecurity .
According to the Department of Justice ’ s National Center for Victims of Crime , women who make between $ 15,000 and $ 24,000 a year report a third more incidences of domestic violence than those who earn above $ 75,000 , and those who earn under $ 7,500 report violence at 12 times the level of those who earn more than $ 75,000 .
These numbers point to the fact that intimate partner violence is , among other things , an economic issue .
This is partly because abusers target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women lack confidence in the current criminal legal system to address the violence they face .
Given that transgender people , as the 2015 National Center for Transgender Equality data shows , are more likely to be low-income earners and twice as likely to be unemployed , the economic precarity of trans people is a perfect storm for exposure to higher rates of violence and death .
In order to make serious headway to decrease violence , we have to get serious about economic empowerment .
To be clear , we need a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice and fairness .
But within current constraints , here are three ideas which could help .
With 1 in 3 trans people earning under $ 20,000 a year , universal basic income would help many trans people escape violence .
The current average living wage in the United States is around $ 25,000 , which is above the economic threshold that corresponds to the highest levels of violence .
We know that the minimum wage falls far short of a living wage .
That is why 2 out of 5 people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but can ’ t earn enough to escape poverty .
Universal basic income payments would end this dynamic .
They would make up the difference between the salary received and whatever the living wage is for the worker depending on where they live .
Universal basic income programs are not new and have been tried in pilot initiatives both in the United States and around the world .
It ’ s time to scale up and expand these initiatives for transgender women of color .
With nearly 80 percent of trans women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a radical rethink about trans women ’ s access to jobs .
One route to increase the hiring of trans women is through affirmative action .
Even though promoting diversity by considering the historic marginalization of job candidates has been attacked by the right and diminished by the Supreme Court , it worked .
According to research by the Urban Institute , affirmative action improved the type of jobs , incomes and educational opportunities for Black people in the United States .
Therefore , employers and educational institutions should add and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ending violence against sex workers is essential to preserving the lives of trans women of color .
Due to a combination of economic and educational marginalization , sex work is a necessity for many .
For others it is also a choice centered around control and earning flexibility .
Either way , the fact remains that sex work is a vital lifeline for trans women , with nearly half of Black trans women having engaged in the practice .
The word “ decriminalization ” in the context of sex work can evoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but done correctly , the opposite is likely .
Decriminalizing sex work would likely decrease the incidence of arrest and incarceration of trans women of color .
Decriminalization would also make sex workers eligible for government programs which , during the COVID-19 crisis for example , are keeping people afloat .
For all of these reasons , sex work decriminalization is potentially both an anti-violence and economic support mechanism .
These ideas are just a beginning .
Other important policies to consider are the creation of a multibillion-dollar fund which would give cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Medicare for All , which would lower out-of-pocket costs and increase well-being .
Additionally , there are community-led visions out there for a world of freedom without fear , such as the Trans Agenda for Liberation , which is housed at the Transgender Law Center and led by Black trans women .
The Trans Agenda for Liberation is developing a wide-sweeping vision to allow for trans women to thrive politically , socially and personally .
Economic ideas alone will not solve the full range of challenges for trans women of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care system responsive to trans needs are all pivotal pieces of the puzzle .
So is a radical change to policing and the abolition of prisons , institutions which target trans women of color in overwhelmingly disproportionate numbers .
But there is no way to end violence against transgender women of color , particularly Black trans women , without a dramatic shift in the economic realities for this community .
The only question is how high the death toll has to reach before we act boldly to end the marginalization of the most @ @ @ @ @

Even after this summer’s series of historic protests and marches led by trans women of color, the murder of Black and Brown trans women continues unabated. During this long summer, the number of deaths of transgender women has climbed ever upward to at least 28, higher than the entire number killed in all of 2019. These include the recent brutal stabbing of 32-year-old Tiffany Harris in New York City and 24-year-old Queasha Hardy of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Their deaths underscore why the American Medical Association last year labeled the killing of transgender women “an epidemic.” And they point to why it is clearly time for unprecedented action to stem the tide of blood in trans communities of color. The good news is that there is a way to do it.
One way to lower the levels of extreme violence against trans women of color is to center the economic justice of Black and Brown trans women. The essential point here is that for many trans women, anti-violence and economic well-being are one and the same.
A key trend in the murders of trans women is that they are overwhelmingly committed by people who know these women. In Harris’s case, local news reports say that she was in a relationship with the man whom police wish to question about her death. In case after case, Black and Brown trans women are killed by their partners, neighbors or clients. This pattern of intimate partner violence mirrors that of cis women of color, especially Black women, who suffer some of the highest levels of intimate partner violence in the country. And high levels of intimate partner violence correspond with high levels of economic insecurity.
According to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Victims of Crime, women who make between $15,000 and $24,000 a year report a third more incidences of domestic violence than those who earn above $75,000, and those who earn under $7,500 report violence at 12 times the level of those who earn more than $75,000. These numbers point to the fact that intimate partner violence is, among other things, an economic issue. This is partly because abusers target low-income women, and many of these women lack confidence in the current criminal legal system to address the violence they face.
Given that transgender people, as the 2015 National Center for Transgender Equality data shows, are more likely to be low-income earners and twice as likely to be unemployed, the economic precarity of trans people is a perfect storm for exposure to higher rates of violence and death.
In order to make serious headway to decrease violence, we have to get serious about economic empowerment. To be clear, we need a fundamentally different system overall to promote economic justice and fairness. But within current constraints, here are three ideas which could help.
Transgender people, as the 2015 National Center for Transgender Equality data shows, are more likely to be low-income earners and twice as likely to be unemployed.
Universal Basic Income
With 1 in 3 trans people earning under $20,000 a year, universal basic income would help many trans people escape violence. The current average living wage in the United States is around $25,000, which is above the economic threshold that corresponds to the highest levels of violence. We know that the minimum wage falls far short of a living wage. That is why 2 out of 5 people in the United States who are poor work, but can’t earn enough to escape poverty. Universal basic income payments would end this dynamic. They would make up the difference between the salary received and whatever the living wage is for the worker depending on where they live. Universal basic income programs are not new and have been tried in pilot initiatives both in the United States and around the world. It’s time to scale up and expand these initiatives for transgender women of color.
Affirmative Action for Trans Women of Color
With nearly 80 percent of trans women having faced job discrimination, there needs to be a radical rethink about trans women’s access to jobs. One route to increase the hiring of trans women is through affirmative action. Even though promoting diversity by considering the historic marginalization of job candidates has been attacked by the right and diminished by the Supreme Court, it worked. According to research by the Urban Institute, affirmative action improved the type of jobs, incomes and educational opportunities for Black people in the United States. Therefore, employers and educational institutions should add and prioritize gender identity in their diversity goals.
Decriminalization of Sex Work
Ending violence against sex workers is essential to preserving the lives of trans women of color. Due to a combination of economic and educational marginalization, sex work is a necessity for many. For others it is also a choice centered around control and earning flexibility. Either way, the fact remains that sex work is a vital lifeline for trans women, with nearly half of Black trans women having engaged in the practice. The word “decriminalization” in the context of sex work can evoke images of exploitation and increased violence, but done correctly, the opposite is likely. Decriminalizing sex work would likely decrease the incidence of arrest and incarceration of trans women of color. Decriminalization would also make sex workers eligible for government programs which, during the COVID-19 crisis for example, are keeping people afloat. For all of these reasons, sex work decriminalization is potentially both an anti-violence and economic support mechanism.
There is no way to end violence against transgender women of color without a dramatic shift in the economic realities for this community.
Thinking Beyond Short-Term Fixes
These ideas are just a beginning. Other important policies to consider are the creation of a multibillion-dollar fund which would give cash grants to trans women to start businesses, and Medicare for All, which would lower out-of-pocket costs and increase well-being. Additionally, there are community-led visions out there for a world of freedom without fear, such as the Trans Agenda for Liberation, which is housed at the Transgender Law Center and led by Black trans women. The Trans Agenda for Liberation is developing a wide-sweeping vision to allow for trans women to thrive politically, socially and personally.
Economic ideas alone will not solve the full range of challenges for trans women of color. Housing, education and a health care system responsive to trans needs are all pivotal pieces of the puzzle. So is a radical change to policing and the abolition of prisons, institutions which target trans women of color in overwhelmingly disproportionate numbers.
But there is no way to end violence against transgender women of color, particularly Black trans women, without a dramatic shift in the economic realities for this community. The only question is how high the death toll has to reach before we act boldly to end the marginalization of the most marginalized and save lives.
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