mercurynews--2020-08-20--Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a coma, allegedly poisoned

MOSCOW ( AP ) — Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny is in a coma and on a ventilator in a hospital intensive care unit after falling ill from suspected poisoning that his allies believe is linked to his political activity .
The 44-year-old foe of Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin felt unwell on a flight back to Moscow from Tomsk , a city in Siberia , and was taken to a hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk , Navalny ’ s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said on Twitter .
She told the Echo Moskvy radio station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he drank at an airport cafe before boarding the plane early Thursday .
During the flight , Navalny started sweating and asked her to talk to him so that he could “ focus on a sound of a voice.
” He then went to the bathroom and lost consciousness .
“ Looks like Putin is doing really badly — was handed some data on protest sentiment growing explosively — if he made the decision to poison Navalny , ” the politician ’ s close ally Vladimir Milov said in a tweet .
Navalny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulance hospital №1 .
He is in a coma in grave condition .
Doctors at the hospital remain tight-lipped about his diagnosis .
Anatoliy Kalinichenko , deputy chief doctor of the hospital , told reporters that Navalny was in grave , yet stable condition .
Kalinichenko said doctors are considering a variety of diagnosis , including poisoning , but refused to give details , citing a law preventing doctors from disclosing confidential patient information .
State news agency Tass reported that police were not considering deliberate poisoning , citing an anonymous source in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not unlikely that he drank or consumed something yesterday himself.
” Yarmysh on Twitter bristled at that suggestion : “ Of course .
It ’ s just the tea was bad .
This is what the state propaganda is going to do now — yell that there was no deliberate poisoning , he ( did something ) accidentally , he ( did something ) himself.
” Navalny ’ s doctor Yaroslav Ashikhmin told the independent Meduza outlet that he is trying to arrange his transfer to a clinic in Hanover or Strasbourg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can offer better treatment , but also figure out which toxin Navalny was poisoned with .
Last year , Navalny was rushed to a hospital from prison where he was serving a sentence following an administrative arrest , with what his team said was suspected poisoning .
Doctors then said he had a severe allergic attack and discharged him back to prison the following day .
Navalny ’ s Foundation for Fighting Corruption has been exposing graft among government officials , including some at the highest level .
Last month , he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastating lawsuit from Yevgeny Prigozhin , a businessman with close ties to the Kremlin .
Belarus ’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko accused Navalny last week of organizing unprecedented mass protests against his re-election that have rocked Russia ’ s ex-Soviet neighbor since Aug. 9 .
He did not , however , provide any evidence and that claim was one of many blaming foreign forces for the unrest .
Like many other opposition politicians in Russia , Navalny has been frequently detained by law enforcement and harassed by pro-Kremlin groups .
In 2017 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threw antiseptic in his face , damaging one eye .
The most prominent member of Russia ’ s opposition , Navalny campaigned to challenge Putin in the 2018 presidential election , but was barred from running .
He set up a network of campaign offices across Russia and has since been putting forward opposition candidates in regional elections , challenging members of Russia ’ s ruling party , United Russia .
One of his associates in Khabarovsk , a city in Russia ’ s Far East that has been engulfed in mass protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s governor , was detained just last week after calling for a strike at a rally .
In the interview with Echo Moskvy , Yarmysh said she believed the suspected poisoning was connected to this year ’ s regional election campaign .
Vyacheslav Gimadi , a lawyer with Navalny ’ s foundation , said the team is requesting Russia ’ s Investigative Committee open a criminal probe .
“ There is no doubt that Navalny was poisoned because of his political stance and activity , ” Gimadi said in a tweet on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure to come down with a mysterious poisoning .
In 2018 , Pyotr Verzilov , a member of Russia ’ s protest group Pussy Riot , ended up in an intensive care unit after a suspected poisoning and had to be flown to Berlin for treatment .
Opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza was hospitalized with poisoning symptoms twice — in 2015 and 2017 .
Both said they believed they were poisoned for their political activity .

By DARIA LITVINOVA Associated Press
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny is in a coma and on a ventilator in a hospital intensive care unit after falling ill from suspected poisoning that his allies believe is linked to his political activity.
The 44-year-old foe of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin felt unwell on a flight back to Moscow from Tomsk, a city in Siberia, and was taken to a hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk, Navalny’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said on Twitter.
She told the Echo Moskvy radio station he must have consumed something from tea he drank at an airport cafe before boarding the plane early Thursday. During the flight, Navalny started sweating and asked her to talk to him so that he could “focus on a sound of a voice.” He then went to the bathroom and lost consciousness.
“Looks like Putin is doing really badly — was handed some data on protest sentiment growing explosively — if he made the decision to poison Navalny,” the politician’s close ally Vladimir Milov said in a tweet.
Navalny is currently being treated at the Omsk ambulance hospital №1. He is in a coma in grave condition.
Doctors at the hospital remain tight-lipped about his diagnosis. Anatoliy Kalinichenko, deputy chief doctor of the hospital, told reporters that Navalny was in grave, yet stable condition. Kalinichenko said doctors are considering a variety of diagnosis, including poisoning, but refused to give details, citing a law preventing doctors from disclosing confidential patient information.
State news agency Tass reported that police were not considering deliberate poisoning, citing an anonymous source in law enforcement who said “it is not unlikely that he drank or consumed something yesterday himself.”
Yarmysh on Twitter bristled at that suggestion: “Of course. It’s just the tea was bad. This is what the state propaganda is going to do now — yell that there was no deliberate poisoning, he (did something) accidentally, he (did something) himself.”
Navalny’s doctor Yaroslav Ashikhmin told the independent Meduza outlet that he is trying to arrange his transfer to a clinic in Hanover or Strasbourg, saying that medics in Europe not only can offer better treatment, but also figure out which toxin Navalny was poisoned with.
Last year, Navalny was rushed to a hospital from prison where he was serving a sentence following an administrative arrest, with what his team said was suspected poisoning. Doctors then said he had a severe allergic attack and discharged him back to prison the following day.
Navalny’s Foundation for Fighting Corruption has been exposing graft among government officials, including some at the highest level. Last month, he had to shut the foundation after a financially devastating lawsuit from Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman with close ties to the Kremlin.
Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko accused Navalny last week of organizing unprecedented mass protests against his re-election that have rocked Russia’s ex-Soviet neighbor since Aug. 9. He did not, however, provide any evidence and that claim was one of many blaming foreign forces for the unrest.
Like many other opposition politicians in Russia, Navalny has been frequently detained by law enforcement and harassed by pro-Kremlin groups. In 2017, he was attacked by several men who threw antiseptic in his face, damaging one eye.
The most prominent member of Russia’s opposition, Navalny campaigned to challenge Putin in the 2018 presidential election, but was barred from running.
He set up a network of campaign offices across Russia and has since been putting forward opposition candidates in regional elections, challenging members of Russia’s ruling party, United Russia. One of his associates in Khabarovsk, a city in Russia’s Far East that has been engulfed in mass protests against the arrest of the region’s governor, was detained just last week after calling for a strike at a rally.
In the interview with Echo Moskvy, Yarmysh said she believed the suspected poisoning was connected to this year’s regional election campaign.
Vyacheslav Gimadi, a lawyer with Navalny’s foundation, said the team is requesting Russia’s Investigative Committee open a criminal probe. “There is no doubt that Navalny was poisoned because of his political stance and activity,” Gimadi said in a tweet on Thursday.
Navalny is not the first opposition figure to come down with a mysterious poisoning. In 2018, Pyotr Verzilov, a member of Russia’s protest group Pussy Riot, ended up in an intensive care unit after a suspected poisoning and had to be flown to Berlin for treatment. Opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza was hospitalized with poisoning symptoms twice — in 2015 and 2017. Both said they believed they were poisoned for their political activity.


mercurynews--2020-08-20--Kamala Harris’ speech at the DNC: Full transcript and video

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris ’ speech from the 2020 Democratic National Convention , as prepared for delivery : It is truly an honor to be speaking with you .
That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me .
Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality , liberty , and justice for all .
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment .
And we celebrate the women who fought for that right .
Yet so many of the Black women who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from voting , long after its ratification .
But they were undeterred .
Without fanfare or recognition , they organized , testified , rallied , marched , and fought—not just for their vote , but for a seat at the table .
These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed .
They paved the way for the trailblazing leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton .
And these women inspired us to pick up the torch , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Terrell and Mary McCleod Bethune .
Fannie Lou Hamer and Diane Nash .
Constance Baker Motley and Shirley Chisholm .
We ’ re not often taught their stories .
But as Americans , we all stand on their shoulders .
There ’ s another woman , whose name isn ’ t known , whose story isn ’ t shared .
Another woman whose shoulders I stand on .
And that ’ s my mother—Shyamala Gopalan Harris .
She came here from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ she met my father , Donald Harris—who had come from Jamaica to study economics .
They fell in love in that most American way—while marching together for justice in the civil rights movement of the 1960s .
In the streets of Oakland and Berkeley , I got a stroller ’ s-eye view of people getting into what the great John Lewis called “ good trouble.
” When I was 5 , my parents split and my mother raised us mostly on her own .
Like so many mothers , she worked around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we woke up— and paying bills after we went to bed .
Helping us with homework at the kitchen table—and shuttling us to church for choir practice .
She made it look easy , though I know it never was .
My mother instilled in my sister , Maya , and me the values that would chart the course of our lives .
She raised us to be proud , strong Black women .
And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage .
She taught us to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into and the family you choose .
Family , is my husband Doug , who I met on a blind date set up by my best friend .
Family is our beautiful children , Cole and Ella , who as you just heard , call me Momala .
Family is my sister .
Family is my best friend , my nieces and my godchildren .
Family is my uncles , my aunts—my chitthis .
Family is Mrs. Shelton—my second mother who lived two doors down and helped raise me .
Family is my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HBCU brothers and sisters .
Family is the friends I turned to when my mother—the most important person in my life—passed away from cancer .
And even as she taught us to keep our family at the center of our world , she also pushed us to see a world beyond ourselves .
She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people .
To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility .
That led me to become a lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a United States Senator .
And at every step of the way , I ’ ve been guided by the words I spoke from the first time I stood in a courtroom : Kamala Harris , For the People .
I ’ ve fought for children , and survivors of sexual assault .
I ’ ve fought against transnational gangs .
I took on the biggest banks , and helped take down one of the biggest for-profit colleges .
I know a predator when I see one .
My mother taught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose and meaning .
And oh , how I wish she were here tonight but I know she ’ s looking down on me from above .
I keep thinking about that 25-year-old Indian woman—all of five feet tall—who gave birth to me at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland , California .
On that day , she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words : I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States of America .
I do so , committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Word that teaches me to walk by faith , and not by sight .
And to a vision passed on through generations of Americans—one that Joe Biden shares .
A vision of our nation as a Beloved Community—where all are welcome , no matter what we look like , where we come from , or who we love .
A country where we may not agree on every detail , but we are united by the fundamental belief that every human being is of infinite worth , deserving of compassion , dignity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look out for one another , where we rise and fall as one , where we face our challenges , and celebrate our triumphs—together .
Donald Trump ’ s failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods .
If you ’ re a parent struggling with your child ’ s remote learning , or you ’ re a teacher struggling on the other side of that screen , you know that what we ’ re doing right now isn ’ t working .
And we are a nation that ’ s grieving .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of jobs , the loss of opportunities , the loss of normalcy .
And yes , the loss of certainty .
And while this virus touches us all , let ’ s be honest , it is not an equal opportunity offender .
Black , Latino and Indigenous people are suffering and dying disproportionately .
This is not a coincidence .
It is the effect of structural racism .
Of inequities in education and technology , health care and housing , job security and transportation .
The injustice in reproductive and maternal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of force by police .
And in our broader criminal justice system .
This virus has no eyes , and yet it knows exactly how we see each other—and how we treat each other .
And let ’ s be clear—there is no vaccine for racism .
We ’ ve got ta do the work .
For George Floyd .
For Breonna Taylor .
For the lives of too many others to name .
For our children .
For all of us .
We ’ ve got ta do the work to fulfill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Because , none of us are free…until all of us are free… The constant chaos leaves us adrift .
The incompetence makes us feel afraid .
The callousness makes us feel alone .
It ’ s a lot .
And here ’ s the thing : We can do better and deserve so much more .
We must elect a president who will bring something different , something better , and do the important work .
A president who will bring all of us together—Black , White , Latino , Asian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I knew Joe as Vice President .
I knew Joe on the campaign trail .
But I first got to know Joe as the father of my friend .
Joe ’ s son , Beau , and I served as Attorneys General of our states , Delaware and California .
During the Great Recession , we spoke on the phone nearly every day , working together to win back billions of dollars for homeowners from the big banks that foreclosed on people ’ s homes .
And Beau and I would talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single father , Joe would spend 4 hours every day riding the train back and forth from Wilmington to Washington .
Beau and Hunter got to have breakfast every morning with their dad .
They went to sleep every night with the sound of his voice reading bedtime stories .
And while they endured an unspeakable loss , these two little boys Always knew that they were deeply , unconditionally loved .
And what also moved me about Joe is the work he did , as he went back and forth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Violence Against Women Act—and enacted the Assault Weapons Ban .
Who , as Vice President , implemented The Recovery Act , which brought our country back from The Great Recession .
He championed The Affordable Care Act , protecting millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions .
Who spent decades promoting American values and interests around the world , standing up with our allies and standing up to our adversaries .
Right now , we have a president who turns our tragedies into political weapons .
Joe will be a president who turns our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us together to build an economy that doesn ’ t leave anyone behind .
Where a good-paying job is the floor , not the ceiling .
Joe will bring us together to end this pandemic and make sure that we are prepared for the next one .
Joe will bring us together to squarely face and dismantle racial injustice , furthering the work of generations .
Joe and I believe that we can build that Beloved Community , one that is strong and decent , just and kind .
One in which we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the vision that our parents and grandparents fought for .
The vision that made my own life possible .
The vision that makes the American promise—for all its complexities and imperfections—a promise worth fighting for .
Make no mistake , the road ahead will not be not easy .
We will stumble .
We may fall short .
But I pledge to you that we will act boldly and deal with our challenges honestly .
We will speak truths .
And we will act with the same faith in you that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We believe that our country—all of us , will stand together for a better future .
We already are .
We see it in the doctors , the nurses , the home health care workers and the frontline workers who are risking their lives to save people they ’ ve never met .
We see it in the teachers and truck drivers , the factory workers and farmers , the postal workers and the Poll workers , all putting their own safety on the line to help us get through this pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you who are working , not just to get us through our current crises , but to somewhere better .
There ’ s something happening , all across the country .
It ’ s not about Joe or me .
It ’ s about us .
People of all ages and colors and creeds who are , yes , taking to the streets , and also persuading our family members , rallying our friends , organizing our neighbors , and getting out the vote .
And we ’ ve shown that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to health care , expand access to the ballot box , and ensure that more working families can make a decent living .
I ’ m inspired by a new generation of leadership .
You are pushing us to realize the ideals of our nation , pushing us to live the values we share : decency and fairness , justice and love .
You are the patriots who remind us that to love our country is to fight for the ideals of our country .
In this election , we have a chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re all in this fight .
You , me , and Joe—together .
What an awesome responsibility .
What an awesome privilege .
So , let ’ s fight with conviction .
Let ’ s fight with hope .
Let ’ s fight with confidence in ourselves , and a commitment to each other .
To the America we know is possible .
The America , we love .
Years from now , this moment will have passed .
And our children and our grandchildren will look in our eyes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stakes were so high ?
They will ask us , what was it like ?
And we will tell them .
We will tell them , not just how we felt .
We will tell them what we did .
Thank you .
God bless you .
And God bless the United States of America .

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/08/19/kamala-harris-dnc-2020-speech-full-video-vpx.cnn”]
Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ speech from the 2020 Democratic National Convention, as prepared for delivery:
Greetings America.
It is truly an honor to be speaking with you.
That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me. Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all.
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment. And we celebrate the women who fought for that right.
Yet so many of the Black women who helped secure that victory were still prohibited from voting, long after its ratification.
But they were undeterred.
Without fanfare or recognition, they organized, testified, rallied, marched, and fought—not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table. These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed.
They paved the way for the trailblazing leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
And these women inspired us to pick up the torch, and fight on.
Women like Mary Church Terrell and Mary McCleod Bethune. Fannie Lou Hamer and Diane Nash. Constance Baker Motley and Shirley Chisholm.
We’re not often taught their stories. But as Americans, we all stand on their shoulders.
There’s another woman, whose name isn’t known, whose story isn’t shared. Another woman whose shoulders I stand on. And that’s my mother—Shyamala Gopalan Harris.
She came here from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. At the University of California Berkeley, she met my father, Donald Harris—who had come from Jamaica to study economics.
They fell in love in that most American way—while marching together for justice in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
In the streets of Oakland and Berkeley, I got a stroller’s-eye view of people getting into what the great John Lewis called “good trouble.”
When I was 5, my parents split and my mother raised us mostly on her own. Like so many mothers, she worked around the clock to make it work—packing lunches before we woke up— and paying bills after we went to bed. Helping us with homework at the kitchen table—and shuttling us to church for choir practice.
She made it look easy, though I know it never was.
My mother instilled in my sister, Maya, and me the values that would chart the course of our lives.
She raised us to be proud, strong Black women. And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage.
She taught us to put family first—the family you’re born into and the family you choose.
Family, is my husband Doug, who I met on a blind date set up by my best friend. Family is our beautiful children, Cole and Ella, who as you just heard, call me Momala. Family is my sister. Family is my best friend, my nieces and my godchildren. Family is my uncles, my aunts—my chitthis. Family is Mrs. Shelton—my second mother who lived two doors down and helped raise me. Family is my beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha…our Divine 9…and my HBCU brothers and sisters. Family is the friends I turned to when my mother—the most important person in my life—passed away from cancer.
And even as she taught us to keep our family at the center of our world, she also pushed us to see a world beyond ourselves.
She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people. To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility.
That led me to become a lawyer, a District Attorney, Attorney General, and a United States Senator.
And at every step of the way, I’ve been guided by the words I spoke from the first time I stood in a courtroom: Kamala Harris, For the People.
I’ve fought for children, and survivors of sexual assault. I’ve fought against transnational gangs. I took on the biggest banks, and helped take down one of the biggest for-profit colleges.
I know a predator when I see one.
My mother taught me that service to others gives life purpose and meaning. And oh, how I wish she were here tonight but I know she’s looking down on me from above. I keep thinking about that 25-year-old Indian woman—all of five feet tall—who gave birth to me at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California.
On that day, she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words: I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States of America.
I do so, committed to the values she taught me. To the Word that teaches me to walk by faith, and not by sight. And to a vision passed on through generations of Americans—one that Joe Biden shares. A vision of our nation as a Beloved Community—where all are welcome, no matter what we look like, where we come from, or who we love.
A country where we may not agree on every detail, but we are united by the fundamental belief that every human being is of infinite worth, deserving of compassion, dignity and respect.
A country where we look out for one another, where we rise and fall as one, where we face our challenges, and celebrate our triumphs—together.
Today… that country feels distant.
Donald Trump’s failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods.
If you’re a parent struggling with your child’s remote learning, or you’re a teacher struggling on the other side of that screen, you know that what we’re doing right now isn’t working.
And we are a nation that’s grieving. Grieving the loss of life, the loss of jobs, the loss of opportunities, the loss of normalcy. And yes, the loss of certainty.
And while this virus touches us all, let’s be honest, it is not an equal opportunity offender. Black, Latino and Indigenous people are suffering and dying disproportionately.
This is not a coincidence. It is the effect of structural racism.
Of inequities in education and technology, health care and housing, job security and transportation.
The injustice in reproductive and maternal health care. In the excessive use of force by police. And in our broader criminal justice system.
This virus has no eyes, and yet it knows exactly how we see each other—and how we treat each other.
And let’s be clear—there is no vaccine for racism. We’ve gotta do the work.
For George Floyd. For Breonna Taylor. For the lives of too many others to name. For our children. For all of us.
We’ve gotta do the work to fulfill that promise of equal justice under law. Because, none of us are free…until all of us are free…
We’re at an inflection point.
The constant chaos leaves us adrift. The incompetence makes us feel afraid. The callousness makes us feel alone.
It’s a lot.
And here’s the thing: We can do better and deserve so much more.
We must elect a president who will bring something different, something better, and do the important work. A president who will bring all of us together—Black, White, Latino, Asian, Indigenous—to achieve the future we collectively want.
We must elect Joe Biden.
I knew Joe as Vice President. I knew Joe on the campaign trail. But I first got to know Joe as the father of my friend.
Joe’s son, Beau, and I served as Attorneys General of our states, Delaware and California. During the Great Recession, we spoke on the phone nearly every day, working together to win back billions of dollars for homeowners from the big banks that foreclosed on people’s homes.
And Beau and I would talk about his family.
How, as a single father, Joe would spend 4 hours every day riding the train back and forth from Wilmington to Washington. Beau and Hunter got to have breakfast every morning with their dad. They went to sleep every night with the sound of his voice reading bedtime stories. And while they endured an unspeakable loss, these two little boys Always knew that they were deeply, unconditionally loved.
And what also moved me about Joe is the work he did, as he went back and forth. This is the leader who wrote the Violence Against Women Act—and enacted the Assault Weapons Ban. Who, as Vice President, implemented The Recovery Act, which brought our country back from The Great Recession. He championed The Affordable Care Act, protecting millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. Who spent decades promoting American values and interests around the world, standing up with our allies and standing up to our adversaries.
Right now, we have a president who turns our tragedies into political weapons.
Joe will be a president who turns our challenges into purpose.
Joe will bring us together to build an economy that doesn’t leave anyone behind. Where a good-paying job is the floor, not the ceiling.
Joe will bring us together to end this pandemic and make sure that we are prepared for the next one.
Joe will bring us together to squarely face and dismantle racial injustice, furthering the work of
generations.
Joe and I believe that we can build that Beloved Community, one that is strong and decent, just and kind. One in which we all can see ourselves.
That’s the vision that our parents and grandparents fought for. The vision that made my own life possible. The vision that makes the American promise—for all its complexities and imperfections—a promise worth fighting for.
Make no mistake, the road ahead will not be not easy. We will stumble. We may fall short. But I pledge to you that we will act boldly and deal with our challenges honestly. We will speak truths. And we will act with the same faith in you that we ask you to place in us.
We believe that our country—all of us, will stand together for a better future. We already are.
We see it in the doctors, the nurses, the home health care workers and the frontline workers who are risking their lives to save people they’ve never met.
We see it in the teachers and truck drivers, the factory workers and farmers, the postal workers and the Poll workers, all putting their own safety on the line to help us get through this pandemic.
And we see it in so many of you who are working, not just to get us through our current crises, but to somewhere better.
There’s something happening, all across the country.
It’s not about Joe or me.
It’s about you.
It’s about us. People of all ages and colors and creeds who are, yes, taking to the streets, and also persuading our family members, rallying our friends, organizing our neighbors, and getting out the vote.
And we’ve shown that, when we vote, we expand access to health care, expand access to the ballot box, and ensure that more working families can make a decent living.
I’m inspired by a new generation of leadership. You are pushing us to realize the ideals of our nation, pushing us to live the values we share: decency and fairness, justice and love.
You are the patriots who remind us that to love our country is to fight for the ideals of our country.
In this election, we have a chance to change the course of history. We’re all in this fight.
You, me, and Joe—together.
What an awesome responsibility. What an awesome privilege.
So, let’s fight with conviction. Let’s fight with hope. Let’s fight with confidence in ourselves, and a commitment to each other. To the America we know is possible. The America, we love.
Years from now, this moment will have passed. And our children and our grandchildren will look in our eyes and ask us: Where were you when the stakes were so high?
They will ask us, what was it like?
And we will tell them. We will tell them, not just how we felt.
We will tell them what we did.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.


mercurynews--2020-08-20--When is the NBA draft lottery? How to watch, Warriors odds and history

The last time the Warriors participated in the NBA draft lottery , Stephen Curry was coming off his second ankle surgery in one year , Steve Kerr was calling playoff games on TNT and Bob Myers was beginning his first season as general manager .
Three championships , two league MVPs and a move to a new arena later , and the Warriors are back in the lottery again .
Every year , the lottery determines the draft order for the non-playoff teams .
Each team is assigned odds to land certain picks based on their record .
The Warriors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are tied for the best odds to land to No .
1 pick and are the only team guaranteed a top-five pick .
As Golden State aims to return to contention , the lottery starts a pivotal offseason and will provide them with a resource to add a valuable young talent who could potentially blossom into the next face of the franchise .
Here ’ s what you need to know about how to watch Thursday ’ s lottery , the Warriors ’ chances to get the top pick and how they fared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 NBA draft lottery is Thursday , August 20 .
It will be televised live on ESPN at 5:30 p.m. and will be hosted by the league virtually due to coronavirus pandemic conditions .
• Warriors ’ Steph Curry is starting a book club focused on underdogs and trailblazers • The Bay Area ’ s pro teams are all endorsing Prop 16 .
What is it ?
• Steph Curry calls out TNT analyst for doubting his shooting range in praising Damian Lillard How to watch : You can watch live on ESPN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ESPN and WatchESPN apps .
Warriors ’ odds : The Warriors have a 14 % chance at the No .
1 pick , a 13.4 % chance at the No .
2 pick , a 12.7 % chance at the No .
3 pick , a 12 % chance at the No .
4 pick and a 47.9 % chance at the No .
5 pick .
They are tied with Cleveland and Minnesota with equal chances for picks 1 through 4 , but are the only team guaranteed that their pick won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five .
Draft lottery history : The Warriors have previously been involved in the NBA lottery 21 times in the 35 years since its inception in 1985 .
The Warriors have moved up in the draft via the lottery three times , dropped down eight times and stayed the same 10 times .
1985 : Moved down from No .
1 to No .
7 and drafted Chris Mullin .
1986 : Moved up from No .
4 to No .
3 and drafted Chris Washburn .
1988 : Moved down from No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drafted Mitch Richmond .
1990 : Moved down from No .
9 to No .
11 and drafted Tyrone Hill .
1993 : Moved up from No .
7 to No .
3 and drafted Anfernee Hardaway ( who was traded to Orlando for Chris Webber ) .
1995 : Moved up from No .
5 to No .
1 and drafted Joe Smith .
1996 : Remained at No .
11 and drafted Todd Fuller .
1997 : Remained at No .
8 and drafted Adonal Foyle .
1998 : Moved down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 and drafted Vince Carter ( who was traded to Toronto for Antawn Jamison ) .
1999 : Moved down from No .
9 to No .
10 and drafted Jason Terry ( who was traded for Mookie Blaylock and the No .
21 pick ) .
2001 : Moved down from No .
2 to No .
5 and drafted Jason Richardson .
2002 : Moves down from No .
1 to No .
3 and drafted Mike Dunleavy .
2003 : Remained at No .
11 and drafted Mickael Pietrus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drafted Andris Biedrins .
2005 : Remained at No .
9 and drafted Ike Diogu .
2006 : Remained at No .
9 and drafted Patrick O ’ Bryant .
2008 : Remained at No .
14 and drafted Anthony Randolph .
2009 : Remained at No .
7 and drafted Stephen Curry .
2010 : Moved down from No .
4 to No .
6 and drafted Ekpe Udoh .
2011 : Remained at No .
11 and drafted Klay Thompson .
2012 : Remained at No .
7 and drafted @ @ @

The last time the Warriors participated in the NBA draft lottery, Stephen Curry was coming off his second ankle surgery in one year, Steve Kerr was calling playoff games on TNT and Bob Myers was beginning his first season as general manager. Three championships, two league MVPs and a move to a new arena later, and the Warriors are back in the lottery again.
Every year, the lottery determines the draft order for the non-playoff teams. Each team is assigned odds to land certain picks based on their record. The Warriors, with a league-worst 15-50 record, are tied for the best odds to land to No. 1 pick and are the only team guaranteed a top-five pick.
As Golden State aims to return to contention, the lottery starts a pivotal offseason and will provide them with a resource to add a valuable young talent who could potentially blossom into the next face of the franchise. Here’s what you need to know about how to watch Thursday’s lottery, the Warriors’ chances to get the top pick and how they fared in previous lotteries.
When: The 2020 NBA draft lottery is Thursday, August 20. It will be televised live on ESPN at 5:30 p.m. and will be hosted by the league virtually due to coronavirus pandemic conditions. Related Articles Golden State Warriors | Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament
Here’s the Warriors’ schedule for NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament Golden State Warriors | Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12
Kurtenbach: What’d I miss? A summer’s worth of takes on the Warriors, Giants, Niners, and Pac-12 Golden State Warriors | Former Warriors president Bob Myers joins ESPN as analyst
Former Warriors president Bob Myers joins ESPN as analyst Golden State Warriors | Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role
Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report
How to watch: You can watch live on ESPN, or stream the event on the ESPN and WatchESPN apps.
Warriors’ odds: The Warriors have a 14% chance at the No. 1 pick, a 13.4% chance at the No. 2 pick, a 12.7% chance at the No. 3 pick, a 12% chance at the No. 4 pick and a 47.9% chance at the No. 5 pick. They are tied with Cleveland and Minnesota with equal chances for picks 1 through 4, but are the only team guaranteed that their pick won’t fall outside of the top five.
Draft lottery history: The Warriors have previously been involved in the NBA lottery 21 times in the 35 years since its inception in 1985. The Warriors have moved up in the draft via the lottery three times, dropped down eight times and stayed the same 10 times.
1985: Moved down from No. 1 to No. 7 and drafted Chris Mullin.
1986: Moved up from No. 4 to No. 3 and drafted Chris Washburn.
1988: Moved down from No. 3 to No. 5 and drafted Mitch Richmond.
1990: Moved down from No. 9 to No. 11 and drafted Tyrone Hill.
1993: Moved up from No. 7 to No. 3 and drafted Anfernee Hardaway (who was traded to Orlando for Chris Webber).
1995: Moved up from No. 5 to No. 1 and drafted Joe Smith.
1996: Remained at No. 11 and drafted Todd Fuller.
1997: Remained at No. 8 and drafted Adonal Foyle.
1998: Moved down from No. 4 to No. 5 and drafted Vince Carter (who was traded to Toronto for Antawn Jamison).
1999: Moved down from No. 9 to No. 10 and drafted Jason Terry (who was traded for Mookie Blaylock and the No. 21 pick).
2001: Moved down from No. 2 to No. 5 and drafted Jason Richardson.
2002: Moves down from No. 1 to No. 3 and drafted Mike Dunleavy.
2003: Remained at No. 11 and drafted Mickael Pietrus.
2004: Remained at No. 11 and drafted Andris Biedrins.
2005: Remained at No. 9 and drafted Ike Diogu.
2006: Remained at No. 9 and drafted Patrick O’Bryant.
2008: Remained at No. 14 and drafted Anthony Randolph.
2009: Remained at No. 7 and drafted Stephen Curry.
2010: Moved down from No. 4 to No. 6 and drafted Ekpe Udoh.
2011: Remained at No. 11 and drafted Klay Thompson.
2012: Remained at No. 7 and drafted Harrison Barnes.


mercurynews--2020-08-20--Horoscopes Aug. 20, 2020: Amy Adams, implement personal updates as well

Happy Birthday : Set priorities to ensure you use your time wisely this year .
You have plenty to gain if you are persistent and open to new concepts and technology .
Implement personal updates as well .
Freshen up your appearance to reflect what ’ s trending and what will help you market yourself for projects you want to pursue .
Aim to please .
Your numbers are 8 , 14 , 26 , 28 , 33 , 41 , 44 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Take a deep breath , and stay focused on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tabs on your health and your emotional well-being .
Put your energy to good use , and maintain balance and composure when dealing with others .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : A change will encourage you to do things differently .
Look over your options , and do your best to reduce stress and anxiety .
You have everything to gain if you are straightforward and focus on what ’ s important to you .
Romance is favored .
5 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look at what ’ s unfolding , and take care of personal business yourself instead of relying on others .
Someone will misinterpret what you say or use emotional manipulation to get his or her way .
Be abrupt , and get things done .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Spend more time with someone you love .
Work through differences , and figure out a way to make your life better .
An opportunity will put you in an excellent position to make a good move .
Embrace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Get the lowdown before you make a move .
It ’ s essential to have a solid plan in place before you take on additional tasks .
Listen to suggestions , and you ’ ll find a way to keep everyone interested in working with you to achieve your goal .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Push forward with poise .
Stand tall , be bold and let your thoughts be known .
A change you make will be well-received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve always wanted to pursue .
It ’ s time to step up and be innovative .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Do your best to help .
Offer support , advice and experience to organizations , peers and your community , and be part of the solution .
Refuse to let something stand between you and doing what ’ s right .
Uncertainty will cause chaos and divisiveness .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Take pride in what you do , and don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start .
Your input , imagination and desire to do what ’ s right and best for everyone will encourage you to make changes that will improve your life .
Romance is featured .
4 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Be careful what you say .
Someone will be quick to twist your words around or offer misleading information that will push you in the wrong direction .
Stick close to home , and channel your energy into making home and personal improvements .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right on the mark when it comes to negotiations or dealing with financial , legal or medical issues .
A decision you make with someone you love will lead to a healthier , happier home environment .
Embrace change , and make love a priority .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Slow down , go over what ’ s transpired and rethink your strategy before moving forward .
Relive what ’ s happened , and figure out how you can prevent repeating history .
Anger will not help settle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution will .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Emotions will surface and , if channeled correctly , can be used to your advantage .
Show how passionate you are about your beliefs , concerns and prospects , and you will get the respect and support you need to excel .
Romance is encouraged .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are reliable , persuasive and proactive .
You are smart and resourceful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Misha Collins, 46; Amy Adams, 46; Billy Gardell, 51; Al Roker, 66.
Happy Birthday: Set priorities to ensure you use your time wisely this year. You have plenty to gain if you are persistent and open to new concepts and technology. Implement personal updates as well. Freshen up your appearance to reflect what’s trending and what will help you market yourself for projects you want to pursue. Aim to please. Your numbers are 8, 14, 26, 28, 33, 41, 44.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take a deep breath, and stay focused on what you have to accomplish. Keep close tabs on your health and your emotional well-being. Put your energy to good use, and maintain balance and composure when dealing with others. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A change will encourage you to do things differently. Look over your options, and do your best to reduce stress and anxiety. You have everything to gain if you are straightforward and focus on what’s important to you. Romance is favored. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t leave anything to chance. Look at what’s unfolding, and take care of personal business yourself instead of relying on others. Someone will misinterpret what you say or use emotional manipulation to get his or her way. Be abrupt, and get things done. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Spend more time with someone you love. Work through differences, and figure out a way to make your life better. An opportunity will put you in an excellent position to make a good move. Embrace change, and see what happens. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Get the lowdown before you make a move. It’s essential to have a solid plan in place before you take on additional tasks. Listen to suggestions, and you’ll find a way to keep everyone interested in working with you to achieve your goal. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Push forward with poise. Stand tall, be bold and let your thoughts be known. A change you make will be well-received and help you launch something you’ve always wanted to pursue. It’s time to step up and be innovative. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Do your best to help. Offer support, advice and experience to organizations, peers and your community, and be part of the solution. Refuse to let something stand between you and doing what’s right. Uncertainty will cause chaos and divisiveness. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take pride in what you do, and don’t stop until you finish what you start. Your input, imagination and desire to do what’s right and best for everyone will encourage you to make changes that will improve your life. Romance is featured. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be careful what you say. Someone will be quick to twist your words around or offer misleading information that will push you in the wrong direction. Stick close to home, and channel your energy into making home and personal improvements. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll be right on the mark when it comes to negotiations or dealing with financial, legal or medical issues. A decision you make with someone you love will lead to a healthier, happier home environment. Embrace change, and make love a priority. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Slow down, go over what’s transpired and rethink your strategy before moving forward. Relive what’s happened, and figure out how you can prevent repeating history. Anger will not help settle a pending problem, but a reasonable solution will. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Emotions will surface and, if channeled correctly, can be used to your advantage. Show how passionate you are about your beliefs, concerns and prospects, and you will get the respect and support you need to excel. Romance is encouraged. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are reliable, persuasive and proactive. You are smart and resourceful.


Bridge: Aug. 20, 2020

“ I hate to say so , ” Wendy , my club ’ s feminist , told us in the lounge , “ but I ’ m approaching 40.
” “ If I have any gray hairs , ” Wendy said sourly , “ it ’ s from defending with you.
” When Cy and Wendy were East-West in a penny game , she led the three of spades against 3NT .
South took the king and tried a diamond to dummy ’ s queen , and Cy won and returned a spade .
South won , led a diamond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diamond .
Wendy cashed two spades , but South took the rest , making his game .
Cy knows from Wendy ’ s lead of the three of spades that the defense may win only two spade tricks .
Cy must focus on depriving declarer of his tricks .
At Trick Three , Cy shifts to the king of clubs , attacking dummy ’ s entry .
If South wins , he gets three clubs but only one diamond and only eight tricks in all .
If instead South lets the king of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spades effectively .
You hold : S A K 8 H A K 7 6 3 D 9 4 C Q J 3 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you bid one heart , he rebids two diamonds and you try two spades .
Partner then bid 2NT .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your partner has suggested minimum values , but slam is still possible .
Bid 4NT .
Since no trump suit is agreed , this bid is a “ quantitative ” try for slam , not ace-asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With a sound hand such as 5 4 , Q 2 , A K Q 10 7 6 , K 9 6 , he will bid slam .

“I hate to say so,” Wendy, my club’s feminist, told us in the lounge, “but I’m approaching 40.”
“From which direction?” Cy the Cynic asked.
“If I have any gray hairs,” Wendy said sourly, “it’s from defending with you.”
When Cy and Wendy were East-West in a penny game, she led the three of spades against 3NT. South took the king and tried a diamond to dummy’s queen, and Cy won and returned a spade. South won, led a diamond to the ace and gave up a diamond. Wendy cashed two spades, but South took the rest, making his game.
“Wonderful defense, partner,” Wendy growled at the Cynic.
SPADE TRICKS
Cy knows from Wendy’s lead of the three of spades that the defense may win only two spade tricks. Cy must focus on depriving declarer of his tricks. At Trick Three, Cy shifts to the king of clubs, attacking dummy’s entry.
If South wins, he gets three clubs but only one diamond and only eight tricks in all. If instead South lets the king of clubs win, Cy shifts back to spades effectively.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A K 8 H A K 7 6 3 D 9 4 C Q J 3. Your partner opens one diamond, you bid one heart, he rebids two diamonds and you try two spades. Partner then bid 2NT. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner has suggested minimum values, but slam is still possible. Bid 4NT. Since no trump suit is agreed, this bid is a “quantitative” try for slam, not ace-asking. Let partner use his judgment. With a sound hand such as 5 4, Q 2, A K Q 10 7 6, K 9 6, he will bid slam.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S 9 5
H 10
D A Q 7 6 5 3
C A 9 8 7
WEST
S J 10 6 3
H Q J 9 8 5
D J 10 8
C 6
EAST
S Q 7 4 2
H 4 2
D K 2
C K 10 5 4 2
SOUTH
S A K 8
H A K 7 6 3
D 9 4
C Q J 3
South West North East
1 H Pass 2 D Pass
3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 3
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


Word Game: Aug. 20, 2020

Can you find 33 or more words in MATRIARCH ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — MATRIARCH (MATRIARCH: MAY-tree-ark: A woman who rules a family, clan or tribe.)
Average mark 24 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 33 or more words in MATRIARCH? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — ASTHMATIC aitch amah astatic asthma attach attic scam
scat sham shim smith stat static stich stitch tacit tact that this mach mash mast mastic
match math mica mist mitt itch cash cast chasm chat chit
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-08-20--Ask Amy: She denies it happened, but I saw the proof on her phone

Dear Amy : What started out as a favor for my girlfriend led to an unsettling discovery .
We ’ ve been dating on and off for about six months .
Both of us have been married before .
She needed me to unlock her phone for her because she left it at the house and needed some information from it .
What happened next is completely my fault .
I began scanning through a few text messages .
I found out she has a “ friend ” whom she met for breakfast and lunch recently .
She made no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I also found a message from someone in her past who was telling her how much he missed her and that he loved her .
She agreed that she missed him and loved him , too .
• Ask Amy : I ’ m angry that the hostess didn ’ t tell me who this man was • Ask Amy : He was way out of line , and it shattered our friendship • Ask Amy : If I ’ m ‘ lucky to have a job , ’ why am I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-laws don ’ t realize how horrible they are • Ask Amy : There was no emergency , he was just being rude I obviously can ’ t disclose to her that I have violated her trust .
I did tell her that she was talking in her sleep and said the guy ’ s name from her past .
I asked about him and she said he is just a childhood friend from her hometown and yes , she loves him just as she does her other friends .
I pressed her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , despite me having seen for my own eyes via text and pictures that it is a lie .
Do I reveal how I found out about these things and challenge her ?
I know I created the situation , but I am confused .
Help !
Dear Guilty : Yes , you should confess what you ’ ve done , because , yes , it is the truth !
The truth is the truth , and if you want to have an honest , authentic relationship , then you should both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current relationships .
Do not confront her in anger or accuse her of anything ( she doesn ’ t seem to have done anything wrong ) ; simply ask her to talk to you about her likes and loves , past and present .
Your off-and-on-again girlfriend of six months can then make a choice either to blame you for what you ’ ve done or to engage in an honest conversation about the people in her life who are important to her .
You can hope that you are one of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought your advice regarding my wife ’ s codependent relationship with her daughters .
Your counsel to me was to either accept things as they were or leave .
I saw your wisdom , and knowing that I could never be happy in that life , I decided to move on .
After a bitter legal conflict , we divorced .
Recently , my ex-wife contacted me .
She says she misses our life together .
She says she recognizes the error in not prioritizing our marriage , and that she wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the bitterness of our legal conflict .
I love her dearly , and yet I am emotionally wounded .
I also worry that past habits will destroy our relationship once again .
My inclination is to work together to put this behind us , but I know we still face an uncertain future .
Do you have any thoughts on what our path should be ?
Dear Uncertain : To recap your previous situation ( if I recall correctly ) , you entered an entrenched family system with a new wife and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by their own admission , froze you out of the family .
Your wife waited on them hand and foot and spent the majority of her time with them exclusively .
The justification for my stark advice was that the family members were aware of the dynamic in the household and had declared that they didn ’ t intend to try to change it .
So yes , given that , realistically your choice would be to accept the family dynamic , or leave the marriage .
I certainly hope you aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make such huge life choices , but , yes , for a second marriage with a blended family to work , both spouses need to be willing to make very big changes over time , and then give the family time to adjust .
To have a strong and lasting marriage , a couple must consider the marriage itself to be central to the couple ’ s family structure .
In terms of reconnecting , please commit to mediation .
Dear Amy : I was so amused and truly comforted to see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the woman who worried about the fact that she talked all day long to her cat .
I ’ ve been doing this for years !
Dear Lucid : Hundreds of readers responded : If this is wrong , I don ’ t want to be right !
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: What started out as a favor for my girlfriend led to an unsettling discovery.
We’ve been dating on and off for about six months. Both of us have been married before.
She needed me to unlock her phone for her because she left it at the house and needed some information from it.
What happened next is completely my fault. I began scanning through a few text messages. I found out she has a “friend” whom she met for breakfast and lunch recently. She made no mention of this male friend to me.
I also found a message from someone in her past who was telling her how much he missed her and that he loved her. She agreed that she missed him and loved him, too.
Related Articles Advice | Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments
Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments Advice | Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt?
Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt? Advice | Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment!
Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment! Advice | Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now?
Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy I obviously can’t disclose to her that I have violated her trust. I did tell her that she was talking in her sleep and said the guy’s name from her past. I asked about him and she said he is just a childhood friend from her hometown and yes, she loves him just as she does her other friends.
I pressed her about a past relationship and she denies it, despite me having seen for my own eyes via text and pictures that it is a lie.
Do I reveal how I found out about these things and challenge her? I know I created the situation, but I am confused. Help!
Guilty and Confused
Dear Guilty: Yes, you should confess what you’ve done, because, yes, it is the truth! The truth is the truth, and if you want to have an honest, authentic relationship, then you should both ask and answer questions about past and current relationships. Do not confront her in anger or accuse her of anything (she doesn’t seem to have done anything wrong); simply ask her to talk to you about her likes and loves, past and present.
Your off-and-on-again girlfriend of six months can then make a choice either to blame you for what you’ve done or to engage in an honest conversation about the people in her life who are important to her. You can hope that you are one of them.
Dear Amy: Last year I sought your advice regarding my wife’s codependent relationship with her daughters. Your counsel to me was to either accept things as they were or leave.
I saw your wisdom, and knowing that I could never be happy in that life, I decided to move on. After a bitter legal conflict, we divorced.
Recently, my ex-wife contacted me. She says she misses our life together. She says she recognizes the error in not prioritizing our marriage, and that she wants to start over. She blames her attorney for the bitterness of our legal conflict.
I love her dearly, and yet I am emotionally wounded. I also worry that past habits will destroy our relationship once again.
My inclination is to work together to put this behind us, but I know we still face an uncertain future.
Do you have any thoughts on what our path should be?
Uncertain
Dear Uncertain: To recap your previous situation (if I recall correctly), you entered an entrenched family system with a new wife and her two live-in adult daughters who, by their own admission, froze you out of the family. Your wife waited on them hand and foot and spent the majority of her time with them exclusively.
The justification for my stark advice was that the family members were aware of the dynamic in the household and had declared that they didn’t intend to try to change it. So yes, given that, realistically your choice would be to accept the family dynamic, or leave the marriage.
I certainly hope you aren’t relying solely on my advice to make such huge life choices, but, yes, for a second marriage with a blended family to work, both spouses need to be willing to make very big changes over time, and then give the family time to adjust. To have a strong and lasting marriage, a couple must consider the marriage itself to be central to the couple’s family structure.
In terms of reconnecting, please commit to mediation.
Dear Amy: I was so amused and truly comforted to see the question from “Screw Loose in Lucedale,” the woman who worried about the fact that she talked all day long to her cat.
I’ve been doing this for years!
Lucid
Dear Lucid: Hundreds of readers responded: If this is wrong, I don’t want to be right!
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-08-20--Harriette Cole: I’m different, and my boss won’t accept that

DEAR HARRIETTE : I am half-deaf , and because of it , I have a learning disability .
I just started a new job , and the hiring manager is aware of my disability .
Now that he is training me , it is clear that he is becoming frustrated as it takes me longer to learn and process new information than the average person .
He doesn ’ t bring up my disability or ask if he is going too fast , but when I ask him to slow down , he tells me that this is the job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep up or I will not succeed in this job and should consider something else .
I am confident that I can do that work ; I just need more time to learn and process everything at first .
How do I professionally correct him about my disability and defend myself ?
DEAR HEAR ME OUT : Have a direct conversation with him .
Tell him about your learning process in relation to your disability .
Explain that it takes you a little longer to grasp directions , but once you understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ask him to have patience with you during these early days .
• Harriette Cole : My young siblings want to live with me , not with our parents • Harriette Cole : My shy roommate now has four virtual boyfriends on a string • Harriette Cole : I regret my decision about the family dog • Harriette Cole : My mom has an offensive person living on her driveway • Miss Manners : He won ’ t take my advice about not being a jerk When you do believe that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , be sure to let him know .
Check and see if there is another employee who can be a buddy for you , so that if you need support later , you can turn to that person rather than your hiring manager to get help .
DEAR HARRIETTE : My friend and I are designing a clothing line together .
She is a model I met doing a fashion internship where I was a seamstress .
I am a designer at heart ; I make all my own clothes and have always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand .
We decided to go off on our own to meet with investors to kickstart our line and production .
She helps me with the business end since she has met a lot of people while modeling .
She set up an important virtual meeting with an investor who could change everything for us .
While meeting with the investor , she hijacked the interview and changed the brand name and our whole inspiration and idea for the line .
After the meeting , I told her how upset I was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken to me about it .
She told me that if we are going to use her connections , this company is going to go her way .
This is supposed to be a partnership , and I can ’ t start a clothing line that isn ’ t me .
How do I back out and take my designs ?
DEAR DESIGN WITH HEART : Unless you have signed a contract with her , you can simply walk away — with your designs in tow .
If you are already legally entangled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
You may want to work with an attorney anyway to ensure that she doesn ’ t try to steal your designs .
Consider this a wake-up call .
You can not do business with someone you can not trust .
Walk away from her — now .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 @

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am half-deaf, and because of it, I have a learning disability. I just started a new job, and the hiring manager is aware of my disability.
Now that he is training me, it is clear that he is becoming frustrated as it takes me longer to learn and process new information than the average person.
He doesn’t bring up my disability or ask if he is going too fast, but when I ask him to slow down, he tells me that this is the job pace — I need to be able to keep up or I will not succeed in this job and should consider something else.
I am confident that I can do that work; I just need more time to learn and process everything at first. How do I professionally correct him about my disability and defend myself?
Hear Me Out
DEAR HEAR ME OUT: Have a direct conversation with him. Tell him about your learning process in relation to your disability. Explain that it takes you a little longer to grasp directions, but once you understand, you can perform at full speed. Ask him to have patience with you during these early days.
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DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend and I are designing a clothing line together. She is a model I met doing a fashion internship where I was a seamstress. I am a designer at heart; I make all my own clothes and have always had a dream to start my own brand.
We decided to go off on our own to meet with investors to kickstart our line and production. She helps me with the business end since she has met a lot of people while modeling.
She set up an important virtual meeting with an investor who could change everything for us. While meeting with the investor, she hijacked the interview and changed the brand name and our whole inspiration and idea for the line.
After the meeting, I told her how upset I was that she had changed my vision and not spoken to me about it. She told me that if we are going to use her connections, this company is going to go her way. This is supposed to be a partnership, and I can’t start a clothing line that isn’t me. How do I back out and take my designs?
Design With Heart
DEAR DESIGN WITH HEART: Unless you have signed a contract with her, you can simply walk away — with your designs in tow. If you are already legally entangled, get an attorney and hash it out. You may want to work with an attorney anyway to ensure that she doesn’t try to steal your designs.
Consider this a wake-up call. You cannot do business with someone you cannot trust. Walk away from her — now.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-20--Miss Manners: My letter got sent back, and I’m afraid he thinks me rude

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I am a member of a community musical group .
We received an email notifying us that our conductor ’ s mother had passed away , and his mailing address was included in the message , in case members wanted to send a sympathy card .
I purchased a card and mailed it .
Now , over a week later , the card has been returned by the post office with an “ undeliverable ” label stating the address does not exist .
What do I do now ?
The envelope is ruined , so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I get the correct address .
Should I simply email my condolences to the family at this point ?
GENTLE READER : Your concern that your condolences be received is understandable , but Miss Manners urges you not to lose sight of your original purpose .
• Miss Manners : This dishwashing incident years ago still bugs me • Miss Manners : The bride has something to say , and the wording is a little tricky • Miss Manners : Why is my co-worker suddenly shunning me ?
• Miss Manners : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a jerk ?
• Miss Manners : I have problems with this co-worker , and I can ’ t tell our boss This is not a race : The situation will be the same one week or one month from now .
A handwritten letter ( not a card ) shows that , even with everything going on in your own life , you stopped to think about your bereaved conductor .
And you will , in any case , have an opportunity to blame the post office for the delay when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : My spouse and I are expecting our first child soon .
We are minimalists living in a small space , and we would rather our child grow up with a small collection of treasured favorite items rather than a room full of stuff that they could never possibly play with .
( If this sounds hyperbolic , I lived this situation in my own childhood . )
We have some very enthusiastic grandparents-to-be who already seem at risk of showering the baby with tons of things .
Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is really unnecessary , both now and as the child grows up ?
And not in a deflecting way that makes them think we ’ re just being polite , but in a way that shows we mean it , without hurting their feelings ?
Obviously , we appreciate their generosity , and we by no means want to deprive our child .
There ’ s nothing wrong with birthday gifts !
But I would rather the grandparents and other well-wishers spend time doing fun activities with our child , and keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What do you think ?
GENTLE READER : With some judicious editing , Miss Manners recommends you tell your parents what you just told her ( your spouse can deal with your in-laws ) .
She suggests leaving out the part about having lived the problem yourself : There is no need for them to start feeling bad about those outpourings from them or from your own grandparents , which they had hoped delighted you as a child .
And you must have patience when your parents do not change their behavior overnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will be in the fortunate position of being able to use the surplus of gifts to show generosity to less fortunate children .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a member of a community musical group. We received an email notifying us that our conductor’s mother had passed away, and his mailing address was included in the message, in case members wanted to send a sympathy card.
I purchased a card and mailed it. Now, over a week later, the card has been returned by the post office with an “undeliverable” label stating the address does not exist.
What do I do now? The envelope is ruined, so I can’t resend the card if I get the correct address. Should I simply email my condolences to the family at this point?
GENTLE READER: Your concern that your condolences be received is understandable, but Miss Manners urges you not to lose sight of your original purpose.
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This is not a race: The situation will be the same one week or one month from now. A handwritten letter (not a card) shows that, even with everything going on in your own life, you stopped to think about your bereaved conductor. And you will, in any case, have an opportunity to blame the post office for the delay when you call to get the correct address.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My spouse and I are expecting our first child soon. We are minimalists living in a small space, and we would rather our child grow up with a small collection of treasured favorite items rather than a room full of stuff that they could never possibly play with. (If this sounds hyperbolic, I lived this situation in my own childhood.)
We have some very enthusiastic grandparents-to-be who already seem at risk of showering the baby with tons of things. Is there any polite way to say that this is really unnecessary, both now and as the child grows up? And not in a deflecting way that makes them think we’re just being polite, but in a way that shows we mean it, without hurting their feelings?
Obviously, we appreciate their generosity, and we by no means want to deprive our child. There’s nothing wrong with birthday gifts! But I would rather the grandparents and other well-wishers spend time doing fun activities with our child, and keep it simpler on the “stuff.” What do you think?
GENTLE READER: With some judicious editing, Miss Manners recommends you tell your parents what you just told her (your spouse can deal with your in-laws).
She suggests leaving out the part about having lived the problem yourself: There is no need for them to start feeling bad about those outpourings from them or from your own grandparents, which they had hoped delighted you as a child.
And you must have patience when your parents do not change their behavior overnight.
If none of this helps, you will be in the fortunate position of being able to use the surplus of gifts to show generosity to less fortunate children.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-08-21--The Latest: Newsom talks climate change at DNC as fires rage

By The Associated Press California Gov .
Gavin Newsom says wildfires raging in his state should give pause to anyone who denies climate change .
Newsom spoke at the virtual Democratic National Convention on Thursday from a forest near California ’ s Central Coast after visiting a nearby Red Cross evacuation center .
More than two dozen major wildfires were blazing across California , blanketing cities and towns in smoke and putting tens of thousands of people under evacuation orders .
Newsom recorded the video after choosing to scrap the prerecorded video he originally recorded .
“ I confess this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking here tonight , ” he said in a video recorded on a cellphone .
He added , “ If you are in denial about climate change , come to California.
” Newsom criticized President Donald Trump for working to roll back vehicle emission standards meant to curb climate change and for threatening to withhold funding from California .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THURSDAY ’ S DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION : — What to watch : Joe Biden ’ s big moment at the DNC — ‘ Best that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjust to virtual format HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : Joe Biden is set to make his case for his White House candidacy on the fourth and final night of the all-virtual Democratic National Convention .
Biden will speak Thursday night from Wilmington , Delaware , as he accepts the Democratic nomination in his third bid for the presidency .
He will be joined by some of his former rivals for the Democratic nomination , as well as some of the women he considered as running mates .
New Jersey Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg will speak early Thursday night , followed later in the evening by Andrew Yang , whose outsider presidential campaign was marked by a buzzy online following and a platform to give Americans a universal basic income .
Several women who were considered potential running mates for Biden are also slated to appear : Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth .
Other speakers include California Gov .
Gavin Newsom , Delaware Sen. Chris Coons and members of the Biden family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden is no friend of Pennsylvania ” as he criticizes the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee near his childhood hometown of Scranton .
Trump isn ’ t laying low during the Democratic National Convention .
He ’ s mocking Biden and blaming him for supporting trade policies that he says resulted in manufacturing job losses .
Trump is attempting to frighten voters about the future of their retirement investments as well if Biden is elected , and he bragged that markets are up despite the coronavirus .
He ’ s also evoking images of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s biggest cities during his own presidency , saying it will only spread if Biden is elected .
He says that if voters “ want a vision of your life under a Joe Biden presidency , imagine the smoldering ruins of Minneapolis ” and “ the violent anarchy of Portland ” coming to every city .
“ There ’ s only one thing standing between your family and the radical left-wing mob , ” he says .
“ And that ’ s your vote this November.
” Hillary Clinton ’ s 2016 campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Barack Obama issued an important warning to Democrats at their national convention that they can ’ t be complacent in 2020 .
Mook said Thursday in an appearance on CBS that Clinton lost because of turnout .
He says what Obama “ was trying to do ” in his speech Wednesday on the third day of the convention was “ send out that call — that beacon — to everybody to say , ‘ We can ’ t sit back.
’ ” Mook says he worries that Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change and he thinks “ it was very important to put people on notice ” that “ we all got ta do our part.
” Mook was joined on CBS by Reince Priebus , President Donald Trump ’ s former White House chief of staff .
Priebus accuses Democrats of repeating their 2016 playbook by painting Trump as too divisive .
Priebus says the American people rejected that message and voted for Trump .
He also says that , generally , few persuadable voters watch the conventions , so “ What matters is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day.
” Thursday is the fourth and final night of Democrats ’ virtual convention .
Biden is set to make his first address as the party ’ s official nominee .
Sen. Cory Booker says that “ there may be dirty tricks ” from President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 general election vote and that the nation ’ s voters should be stalwart in their determination to cast ballots .
On ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America ” on Thursday , the Democratic New Jersey senator said that as a Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and are not deterred ” by distractions involving the voting process , such as the recent dispute over U.S .
Postal Service funding and access to voting by mail .
The Republican president has warned repeatedly without evidence about potential fraud in mail-in voting even though voter fraud is exceedingly rare .
Booker speaks on the fourth and final night of Democrats ’ virtual convention Thursday , ahead of former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s first address as the party ’ s official nominee .
Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard “ many or even any reasons to vote for Joe Biden ” at the convention on Wednesday night , when former President Barack Obama , Biden running mate Kamala Harris and 2016 Trump opponent Hillary Clinton spoke .
Cotton says Democrats “ have to explain why America would be better off with Joe Biden as our president .
”

By The Associated Press
Joe Biden is vowing to unite an America torn by crisis and contempt.
Biden accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday, achieving a pinnacle in an unfinished quest that has spanned three decades and been marred by personal tragedy, political stumbles and more dynamic rivals.
The past hurdles fell away as Biden addressed his fellow Democrats and millions of Americans at home who he hopes will send him to the White House to replace Donald Trump.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/08/21/first-action-as-president-coronavirus-biden-dnc-2020-speech-sot-vpx.cnn”]
Biden declared, “Here and now I give you my word, if you entrust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us, not the worst.” He said, “I’ll be an ally of the light, not our darkness.”
The night’s keynote address was the speech of a lifetime for Biden, who at 77 would be the oldest president ever elected if he defeats President Donald Trump in November.
___
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THURSDAY’S DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION:
— Takeaways from the final night of the Democratic convention
— Biden vows end of national ‘darkness’ in convention finale
— AP FACT CHECK: Democrats on minimum wage and poverty
— For Biden, a long path to a potentially crucial presidency
___
Follow AP’s election coverage at https://apnews.com/Election2020
___
HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:
The Democratic Party officially has its presidential nominee.
Joe Biden formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday, a position he has sought for more than 30 years and through three White House bids. His running mate, California Sen. Kamala Harris, accepted the vice presidential nomination on Wednesday.
Biden served three decades as a senator from Delaware before being tapped as President Barack Obama’s vice president. He first ran for president in 1988 and tried again in 2008 before launching his 2020 campaign last year.
President Donald Trump will formally be renominated as his party’s candidate during the virtual Republican National Convention next week.
The general election is 75 days away. Trump has been struggling in the polls amid a confluence of health, economic and racial crises.
___
A boy whom Joe Biden bonded with on the campaign trail over their joint struggles with stuttering says the former vice president is “someone who cares.”
Brayden Harrington met Biden at an event in New Hampshire and asked for help overcoming his stutter. Biden struggled with a stutter as a boy and continues to counsel youngsters who are going through the same.
Brayden said at Thursday’s Democratic National Convention that Biden told him he improved his speaking by reading aloud verses by the poet Yeats.
Brayden says, “Joe Biden made me feel confident about something that’s been bothering me my whole life.”
He added: “Without Joe Biden, I wouldn’t be talking to you today.”
___
Businessman Mike Bloomberg is urging Americans to evaluate President Donald Trump like a coworker or employee when deciding whether to give him another term.
At Thursday’s Democratic National Convention, Bloomberg asked: “Would you rehire or work for someone who ran your business into the ground, and who always does what’s best for him or her, even when it hurts the company?”
He asked, “If the answer is no, why the hell would we ever rehire Donald Trump for another four years?”
Bloomberg’s addition to the convention lineup is another example of Biden trying to appeal to moderate and even Republican voters. Bloomberg has been a Republican, independent and a Democrat throughout his career.
Bloomberg was particularly effective at getting under Trump’s skin. He’s now telling voters that Trump’s slogan of “Make America Great Again” makes “a pretty good case for Joe Biden.”
___
Pete Buttigieg says his experience as an openly gay man and military veteran shows how far the U.S. has come in just a few years and how much farther it has to go.
The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, says when he was born in 1982, it was unthinkable for an openly gay person to seek any federal office. Yet he noted Thursday at the Democratic National Convention that he had campaigned for the presidency.
He says he did so “often with my husband at my side, winning delegates to this very convention.”
Buttigieg, a combat veteran in Afghanistan, also noted that when he joined the military, “firing me because of who I am wasn’t just possible — it was policy,” because of “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”
He said there’s still a long way to go in making America a place of healing and not exclusion, but he says if things changed so much in major social issues for the country over the last 10 years, imagine how much they could during the next.
“Joe Biden is right,” Buttigieg said. “This is a contest for the soul of the nation.”
___
Joe Biden is honoring his late son Beau as he prepares to accept the Democratic nomination for president.
A video tribute that aired Thursday at the Democratic National Convention recalled Beau Biden through his life as a major in the Army National Guard and as Delaware’s attorney general.
Beau died in 2015 of brain cancer. Biden often speaks of his son on the campaign trail as one of his heroes, and in the video he was described as an “inspiration” to his father even now.
The video featured President Barack Obama delivering Beau Biden’s eulogy, saying that “some folks may never know that their lives are better because of Beau Biden, but that’s OK.”
The video’s voiceover declared of Beau that “you never had to ask if he’d do something the right way — he didn’t know any other way.”
The video closed with Beau’s own words from his 2008 convention speech. He told the audience that he wouldn’t be able to be with his father during the fall campaign and asked them to “be there for my dad like he was for me.”
___
Sen. Tammy Duckworth says Donald Trump is a “coward in chief” who has proved himself unfit to lead the U.S. armed forces.
The Illinois Democrat and military veteran lost her legs during a helicopter crash while serving in Iraq. She said at Thursday’s Democratic National Convention that Joe Biden understands the sacrifices military families make.
Duckworth says, “Joe knows the fear military families live because he’s felt that.”
Biden’s late son Beau served as a major in the Army National Guard.
Duckworth says Trump, on the other hand, is uninterested, doesn’t read his daily briefing and has been manipulated by dictators who are enemies of the U.S.
She says, “Donald Trump doesn’t deserve to call himself commander in chief for another four minutes, let alone four more years.”
___
Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin is sharing her struggles with a childhood illness to tout the importance of health coverage for preexisting conditions.
Baldwin said at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday that she was hospitalized for three months as a 9-year-old. Her grandparents were her caregivers, and their insurance did not cover her. Baldwin says she then struggled to get health insurance as an adult.
She asks: “Do we want to be a country where medical bills bury people in debt?”
Baldwin is touting her support under the Obama-Biden administration for the Affordable Care Act. It allows young people to stay on their parents’ insurance until they are 26.
Baldwin spoke from Milwaukee, the city where the convention was set to be held before the coronavirus pandemic forced most of the events to be held virtually.
___
The final night of the Democratic convention was designed to be Joe Biden’s moment to soar.
But actor and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the master of ceremonies on Thursday, gave him a run for his money, uncorking a brutal roast of President Donald Trump.
“American carnage,” she said, referring to the dominant theme of Trump’s inaugural speech. “I assumed that was something he was against, not a campaign promise.”
Invoking Biden’s Catholic faith, she mocked a recent Trump photo op outside a church during protests against police brutality.
“Just remember: Joe Biden goes to church so regularly, that he doesn’t even need tear gas and a bunch of federalized troops to help him get there,” she said.
Later, following a segment on voting, she quipped: “If we all vote, there is nothing Facebook, Fox News or Vladimir Putin can do to stop us.”
___
Cory Booker has evoked the memory of his late grandfather to argue that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can bolster unions and empower the middle class.
“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris know the dignity of all working Americans,” the New Jersey senator said Thursday on the final night of the virtual Democratic National Convention. “They know the urgency and the demand of our dream.”
Booker says the Trump administration’s policies have left “working people under attack” and the middle class shrinking. Booker says, “He has failed us.”
Booker added of his grandfather, “If he was alive, Joe and Kamala, he would be so proud of you.”
“And he’d tell us, take another by the hand, and another, and let’s get to work,” Booker said. “This dream ain’t free, you gotta work for it.”
___
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has invoked the legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis as she encourages people to vote.
“Congressman Lewis would not be silenced, and neither can we,” Bottoms said. “We cannot wait for some other time, some other place, some other heroes.”
Lewis represented the Atlanta area in Congress for decades. He was among a group of freedom riders who were beaten by Alabama State Police on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma in 1965.
Before he died of cancer in July, he published an essay encouraging people to exercise their right to vote.
Bottoms said Lewis was a “God-fearing man who did what he could to fulfill the as-of-yet-unfulfilled promise of America.”
And she urged others to live up to his call.
“We must register and we must vote,” Bottoms said.
___
Democrats are opening the fourth and final night of their convention with a not-so-subtle dig at Republicans mispronouncing Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ first name.
“I cannot wait to see her debate our current vice president, Mika Pints. Or is it Paints?” said actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus, referring to Vice President Mike Pence. After Democrat Andrew Yang suggested it was “Ponce,” Louis-Dreyfus responded, “Oh, some kind of weird foreign name.”
Harris is the child of immigrants, and her first name reflects her Indian heritage. Her name is pronounced “comma-la,” like the punctuation mark.
But President Donald Trump and other members of his party have been saying it wrong, even after they have been corrected.
The bit came after brief remarks by Yang, who ran in the Democratic primary.
___
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says wildfires raging in his state should give pause to anyone who denies climate change.
Newsom spoke at the virtual Democratic National Convention on Thursday from a forest near California’s Central Coast after visiting a nearby Red Cross evacuation center.
More than two dozen major wildfires were blazing across California, blanketing cities and towns in smoke and putting tens of thousands of people under evacuation orders.
Newsom recorded the video after choosing to scrap the prerecorded video he originally recorded.
“I confess this is not where I expected to be speaking here tonight,” he said in a video recorded on a cellphone.
He added, “If you are in denial about climate change, come to California.”
Newsom criticized President Donald Trump for working to roll back vehicle emission standards meant to curb climate change and for threatening to withhold funding from California.
___
President Donald Trump says “Joe Biden is no friend of Pennsylvania” as he criticizes the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee near his childhood hometown of Scranton.
Trump isn’t laying low during the Democratic National Convention. He’s mocking Biden and blaming him for supporting trade policies that he says resulted in manufacturing job losses.
Trump is attempting to frighten voters about the future of their retirement investments as well if Biden is elected, and he bragged that markets are up despite the coronavirus.
He’s also evoking images of violence in some of the nation’s biggest cities during his own presidency, saying it will only spread if Biden is elected. He says that if voters “want a vision of your life under a Joe Biden presidency, imagine the smoldering ruins of Minneapolis” and “the violent anarchy of Portland” coming to every city.
“There’s only one thing standing between your family and the radical left-wing mob,” he says. “And that’s your vote this November.”


mercurynews--2020-08-21--Maxwell tries again to block release of her deposition

NEW YORK , Aug 20 ( Reuters ) – Ghislaine Maxwell on Thursday urged a U.S. appeals court to block the release of a deposition on the grounds it could destroy her chance for a fair trial on criminal charges she aided the late financier Jeffrey Epstein ’ s sexual abuse of girls .
Maxwell ’ s deposition was taken in April 2016 for a now-settled civil defamation lawsuit against the British socialite by Virginia Giuffre , who said Epstein kept her as a “ sex slave ” with Maxwell ’ s assistance .
In a filing with the 2nd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manhattan , Maxwell ’ s lawyers said a lower court order to unseal the deposition and other documents from that case threatened her constitutional right to a fair trial by an impartial jury .
The order “ eviscerates the promise of confidentiality ” on which Maxwell relied , he lawyers said .
“ If the unsealing order goes into effect , it will forever let the cat out of the bag , ” they added .
Prosecutors have until Sept. 9 to respond .
Oral arguments are scheduled for Sept. 22 .
Maxwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to helping Epstein recruit and eventually abuse three girls , who prosecutors did not publicly name , from 1994 to 1997 , and to committing perjury by denying her involvement under oath .
She was arrested on July 2 in New Hampshire , where prosecutors said she was trying to evade capture , and is being held in a Brooklyn jail after a judge called her a flight risk .
Maxwell ’ s trial is scheduled for next July .
Epstein was found hanged at age 66 last August in a Manhattan jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

By Jeffrey Stempel | Reuters
NEW YORK, Aug 20 (Reuters) – Ghislaine Maxwell on Thursday urged a U.S. appeals court to block the release of a deposition on the grounds it could destroy her chance for a fair trial on criminal charges she aided the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of girls.
Maxwell’s deposition was taken in April 2016 for a now-settled civil defamation lawsuit against the British socialite by Virginia Giuffre, who said Epstein kept her as a “sex slave” with Maxwell’s assistance.
In a filing with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, Maxwell’s lawyers said a lower court order to unseal the deposition and other documents from that case threatened her constitutional right to a fair trial by an impartial jury.
The order “eviscerates the promise of confidentiality” on which Maxwell relied, he lawyers said.
“If the unsealing order goes into effect, it will forever let the cat out of the bag,” they added.
Prosecutors have until Sept. 9 to respond. Oral arguments are scheduled for Sept. 22.
Maxwell, 58, has pleaded not guilty to helping Epstein recruit and eventually abuse three girls, who prosecutors did not publicly name, from 1994 to 1997, and to committing perjury by denying her involvement under oath.
She was arrested on July 2 in New Hampshire, where prosecutors said she was trying to evade capture, and is being held in a Brooklyn jail after a judge called her a flight risk.
Maxwell’s trial is scheduled for next July.
Epstein was found hanged at age 66 last August in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.