westernjournal--2020-06-23--AP, NPR, Others Fan Divisive Flames with Remarkably Similar, Despicable Headlines on Police Shooting

The details of Terron Jammal Boone ’ s death , at least according to news reports , are unfortunate , but fairly uncomplicated .
Boone , according to The Associated Press , had kept his girlfriend captive in a Palmdale , California , apartment between June 9 and June 15 , physically abusing her .
She escaped and called 911 .
Prosecutors filed 13 counts against him , the AP reported .
On Wednesday , according to the Los Angeles Times , Los Angeles County deputies tracing Boone followed a blue SUV he was riding in , driven by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 7-year-old child .
When the SUV reached an apartment complex in Rosamond , California , a desert town in Kern County , north of Los Angeles County , deputies attempted a traffic stop , the Times reported .
Boone got out of the SUV ’ s passenger door with a handgun and fired at least five rounds at deputies , the Times reported .
Three detectives fired back , striking Boone multiple times in the chest , according to the Times .
No alternative explanation has been offered for Boone ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shooting that ’ s in dispute .
Except for the sordid criminal details of the matter — the girlfriend being held captive for nearly a week , a 7-year-old child being in the vehicle when Boone opened fire on deputies — there isn ’ t any particular reason his death should be of national interest .
TRENDING : Chicago Mayor Calls 'Scooby-Doo ' Parody Criticizing Her 'Racist , ' Then the Artist Fires Back There was , however , one particular angle that the media fixated upon in the case : Boone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Fuller , a 24-year-old man whose death caused national headlines because of the fact he was found hanged in front of Palmdale City Hall on June 10 .
A preliminary autopsy the following day returned a finding of suicide .
There was no evidence of foul play at the scene , the AP reported .
Fuller ’ s family members , meanwhile , contended the coroner ’ s office had reached a cause of death too quickly , according to the AP .
After protests , the Los Angeles Times reported , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would do a full investigation , with assistance from the FBI and state attorney general.
” Fuller ’ s death made national headlines not just because of a protest and memorial that drew 1,000 demonstrators to the tree where he died , or because it is still under investigation , or because of the fact that Fuller himself had attended a Black Lives Matter protest days before .
There was also the hanging of another black man in a Victorville , California , homeless encampment nearby .
According to another Associated Press report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Malcolm Harsch , had hanged himself .
Authorities say he had been on suicide watch twice while in custody after recent arrests , the AP reported , and had recently broken up with his girlfriend .
These events , however , materially had no effect on the death of Terron Jammal Boone or the circumstances surrounding it .
They don ’ t put into dispute the allegation that Boone shot at least five times at deputies before he himself was shot .
There isn ’ t anything about Fuller ’ s death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first place — the alleged imprisonment and abuse of his girlfriend .
In short , the deaths have nothing to do with each other .
RELATED : Jimmy Kimmel Impersonated Comedian George Wallace , Used the ' N-Word ' Multiple Times in Parody Song That , one would assume , might make headlines like the AP ’ s feel misleading .
The thing is that the AP was hardly alone in how it presented the story .
NPR : “ Sheriff ’ s Deputies Shoot And Kill Half Brother Of Man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Guardian : “ California : half-brother of black man found hanged killed in police shooting.
” Refinery29 : “ Police Shot & Killed The Brother Of Robert Fuller , Who Was Found Dead Hanging In A Tree.
” Herald Mail Media : “ A search for answers after deputies kill brother of black man found hanging from tree.
” These headlines heavily imply what they don ’ t outright state : That the death of Terron Boone had a connection to Fuller ’ s death beyond the men ’ s kinship .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ still some uncertainty surrounding Robert Fuller ’ s death , even if authorities say they walked back the initial ruling of suicide because they “ felt better that we should look into it a little bit more deeply and carefully , just considering all the circumstances at play , ” as Los Angeles County chief medical examiner-coroner Jonathan Lucas put it , according to Los Angeles Magazine .
There ’ s no evidence yet , however , that we ’ re dealing with a lynching .
Beyond that , it ’ s misleading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Fuller the major point in a headline about his death .
All of these headlines omit the fact that Boone was killed in a shootout — as in , he initiated fire with law enforcement and was killed by return fire .
No one has brought forth the slightest piece of evidence that the shooting wasn ’ t justified .
The fact that he should have been charged for the crimes he allegedly perpetrated on his girlfriend is entirely unchallenged .
Why , then , was the death of his brother just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at police ?
There ’ s another similarity between these pieces , too : Only half of these six stories mention the fact that Boone allegedly fired upon deputies in the first paragraph .
( The NPR story , which I counted as not mentioning it , states there was “ an interaction with Los Angeles County sheriff ’ s deputies ” — which could be considered the broadest possible euphemism for a gunfight . )
If you ’ re the type of person who just glances at the headline and the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come away with the impression that just days after his brother was lynched , Boone was shot dead in contested circumstances .
Neither of these things is true , but that ’ s not the hook .
If there ’ s more to the death of Robert Fuller , one certainly hopes authorities discover the truth .
Absent evidence , however , what we have is conjecture .
Meanwhile , the death of Boone isn ’ t in dispute to all but the most conspiracy-minded or those who believe a sinister element is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color at the hands of police .
That ’ s not what these headlines convey , and that ’ s an entirely deliberate attempt to obscure the facts of the matter .
If these news organizations are not deliberately fanning the flames of racial division in the United States , they ’ re doing a great job looking like they ’ re trying .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The details of Terron Jammal Boone’s death, at least according to news reports, are unfortunate, but fairly uncomplicated.
Boone, according to The Associated Press, had kept his girlfriend captive in a Palmdale, California, apartment between June 9 and June 15, physically abusing her. She escaped and called 911.
Prosecutors filed 13 counts against him, the AP reported. On Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles County deputies tracing Boone followed a blue SUV he was riding in, driven by a former girlfriend of Boone and that woman’s 7-year-old child.
When the SUV reached an apartment complex in Rosamond, California, a desert town in Kern County, north of Los Angeles County, deputies attempted a traffic stop, the Times reported. Boone got out of the SUV’s passenger door with a handgun and fired at least five rounds at deputies, the Times reported. Three detectives fired back, striking Boone multiple times in the chest, according to the Times.
No alternative explanation has been offered for Boone’s death. This isn’t a shooting that’s in dispute. Except for the sordid criminal details of the matter — the girlfriend being held captive for nearly a week, a 7-year-old child being in the vehicle when Boone opened fire on deputies — there isn’t any particular reason his death should be of national interest.
There was, however, one particular angle that the media fixated upon in the case:
Boone, 31, was the half-brother of Robert Fuller, a 24-year-old man whose death caused national headlines because of the fact he was found hanged in front of Palmdale City Hall on June 10. A preliminary autopsy the following day returned a finding of suicide. There was no evidence of foul play at the scene, the AP reported.
Fuller’s family members, meanwhile, contended the coroner’s office had reached a cause of death too quickly, according to the AP. After protests, the Los Angeles Times reported, “sheriff’s officials said they would do a full investigation, with assistance from the FBI and state attorney general.”
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Fuller’s death made national headlines not just because of a protest and memorial that drew 1,000 demonstrators to the tree where he died, or because it is still under investigation, or because of the fact that Fuller himself had attended a Black Lives Matter protest days before. There was also the hanging of another black man in a Victorville, California, homeless encampment nearby.
According to another Associated Press report, video conclusively proved the other man, Malcolm Harsch, had hanged himself. Authorities say he had been on suicide watch twice while in custody after recent arrests, the AP reported, and had recently broken up with his girlfriend.
These events, however, materially had no effect on the death of Terron Jammal Boone or the circumstances surrounding it.
They don’t put into dispute the allegation that Boone shot at least five times at deputies before he himself was shot. There isn’t anything about Fuller’s death that affects why Boone was being pursued in the first place — the alleged imprisonment and abuse of his girlfriend.
In short, the deaths have nothing to do with each other.
That, one would assume, might make headlines like the AP’s feel misleading. The thing is that the AP was hardly alone in how it presented the story.
Time: “LA Sheriff’s Deputies Kill Half-Brother of Robert Fuller, Black Man Found Hanging in California Park.”
NPR: “Sheriff’s Deputies Shoot And Kill Half Brother Of Man Found Hanging In California.”
The U.K. Guardian: “California: half-brother of black man found hanged killed in police shooting.”
Refinery29: “Police Shot & Killed The Brother Of Robert Fuller, Who Was Found Dead Hanging In A Tree.”
Herald Mail Media: “A search for answers after deputies kill brother of black man found hanging from tree.”
These headlines heavily imply what they don’t outright state: That the death of Terron Boone had a connection to Fuller’s death beyond the men’s kinship.
Deputies kill half-brother of black man found hanged in park https://t.co/8k2grApsVF — CBS News (@CBSNews) June 18, 2020
It’s true that there is still some uncertainty surrounding Robert Fuller’s death, even if authorities say they walked back the initial ruling of suicide because they “felt better that we should look into it a little bit more deeply and carefully, just considering all the circumstances at play,” as Los Angeles County chief medical examiner-coroner Jonathan Lucas put it, according to Los Angeles Magazine.
There’s no evidence yet, however, that we’re dealing with a lynching.
Beyond that, it’s misleading to make Boone’s familial relationship to Fuller the major point in a headline about his death.
All of these headlines omit the fact that Boone was killed in a shootout — as in, he initiated fire with law enforcement and was killed by return fire. No one has brought forth the slightest piece of evidence that the shooting wasn’t justified. The fact that he should have been charged for the crimes he allegedly perpetrated on his girlfriend is entirely unchallenged. Why, then, was the death of his brother just as important as the fact he shot at police?
There’s another similarity between these pieces, too: Only half of these six stories mention the fact that Boone allegedly fired upon deputies in the first paragraph. (The NPR story, which I counted as not mentioning it, states there was “an interaction with Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies” — which could be considered the broadest possible euphemism for a gunfight.)
If you’re the type of person who just glances at the headline and the first paragraph, it’s easy to come away with the impression that just days after his brother was lynched, Boone was shot dead in contested circumstances. Neither of these things is true, but that’s not the hook.
If there’s more to the death of Robert Fuller, one certainly hopes authorities discover the truth. Absent evidence, however, what we have is conjecture. Meanwhile, the death of Boone isn’t in dispute to all but the most conspiracy-minded or those who believe a sinister element is behind any death of a person of color at the hands of police.
That’s not what these headlines convey, and that’s an entirely deliberate attempt to obscure the facts of the matter.
If these news organizations are not deliberately fanning the flames of racial division in the United States, they’re doing a great job looking like they’re trying.
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westernjournal--2020-06-23--An Entire State Is Now Considering a Name Change Over ‘Horrific Connotation’

Seeking to conform with the racial sensitivities of the times , Rhode Island is lopping off part of its history along with its official state name .
Legally , Rhode Island is on the books as the “ State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
” An executive order from Democratic Gov .
Gina Raimondo says that the governor ’ s office and all executive agencies under her control will officially use only “ State of Rhode Island ” as the state ’ s name in all correspondence until such time as a referendum is held to wipe away the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She noted in the order that the word “ plantation ” has been an object of discussion for years and that “ many of the State ’ s residents find it painful that a word so closely associated with slavery should appear in the official name of the state.
” As a result , the word will be stricken from websites , official notices and everything else controlled by the executive branch as soon as possible .
TRENDING : Chicago Mayor Calls 'Scooby-Doo ' Parody Criticizing Her 'Racist , ' Then the Artist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many African-Americans in Rhode Island — actually , particularly in the past couple of weeks as I have really been amping up my efforts to listen , that it ’ s a painful thing to see , ” the governor said at a news briefing Friday , according to WJAR-TV .
“ Like , state employees .
Every time they get their paycheck , they have to see the word , ‘ Plantation , ' ” she said .
“ Every time you get a proclamation from the state for doing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it , [ but ] you have to see the word , ‘ Plantation.
’ So , I think we ought to do the right thing — put it on the ballot .
Ask the people of Rhode Island to do the right thing and change our name.
” Raimondo said it is up to the people to officially change the name for good via a referendum .
Democratic state Sen. Harold Metts has sponsored legislation to allow voters to do so .
A bill he has introduced , approved unanimously in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put before voters an amendment to the state ’ s constitution to legally change the name of the state to simply the “ State of Rhode Island.
” “ The word ‘ plantations ’ conjures extremely painful images for many Rhode Islanders .
Whatever the history of the term is in Rhode Island , it is an unnecessary and painful reminder of our nation ’ s racist past , ” Metts , who is black , said in a statement on his website .
“ ‘ Plantations ’ brings to mind the inhuman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slave sales that tore families apart , rapes and lynchings .
It is a hurtful term to so many of us.
” “ Whatever the meaning of the term ‘ plantations ’ in the context of Rhode Island ’ s history , it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation , ” Metts also said , according to the Providence Journal .
“ Not unlike the debate over the Confederate flag , retaining the term does nothing to memorialize history but conjures an unnecessary and painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
In 2010 , Rhode Island voters were offered the chance to revise the state ’ s name , but rejected the proposed change 77.9 percent to 22.1 percent .
The “ Providence ” part of the state ’ s name has its roots in 1636 , when minister Roger Williams , on the run from Massachusetts Bay Colony , where his brand of religion was found injurious to the general order , purchased land on Narragansett Bay from the Narragansett Indians to found a place where people of all faiths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocated strict separation of church and state on the grounds that delving into policy concerns would pollute the church , wrote that “ having , of a sense of God ’ s merciful providence unto me in my distress , [ I ] called the place PROVIDENCE , I desired it might be for a shelter for persons distressed for conscience , ” according to Smithsonian Magazine .
The vision Williams had of a colony where those of all faiths would be welcome first came alive in 1644 , when , on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Plantations gave Williams a charter that granted colonists there “ full Powre & Authority to Governe & rule themselves … by such a form of Civil Government , as by voluntary consent of all , or the greater Part of them shall find most suteable ” so long as its laws “ be conformable to the Laws of England , so far as the Nature and Constitution of the place will admit.
” Professor emeritus J. Stanley Lemons of Rhode Island College said the meaning of plantation at the time was any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slaves .
“ Plymouth Plantation , or Ulster Plantation , or Roxbury Plantation , or Providence Plantation , has zero to do with slavery , ” Lemons told WJAR-TV .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Seeking to conform with the racial sensitivities of the times, Rhode Island is lopping off part of its history along with its official state name.
Legally, Rhode Island is on the books as the “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”
An executive order from Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo says that the governor’s office and all executive agencies under her control will officially use only “State of Rhode Island” as the state’s name in all correspondence until such time as a referendum is held to wipe away the second half of the official name.
She noted in the order that the word “plantation” has been an object of discussion for years and that “many of the State’s residents find it painful that a word so closely associated with slavery should appear in the official name of the state.”
As a result, the word will be stricken from websites, official notices and everything else controlled by the executive branch as soon as possible.
“I have heard from so many African-Americans in Rhode Island — actually, particularly in the past couple of weeks as I have really been amping up my efforts to listen, that it’s a painful thing to see,” the governor said at a news briefing Friday, according to WJAR-TV.
“Like, state employees. Every time they get their paycheck, they have to see the word, ‘Plantation,'” she said. “Every time you get a proclamation from the state for doing a good thing, you should feel proud about it, [but] you have to see the word, ‘Plantation.’ So, I think we ought to do the right thing — put it on the ballot. Ask the people of Rhode Island to do the right thing and change our name.”
Raimondo said it is up to the people to officially change the name for good via a referendum.
Democratic state Sen. Harold Metts has sponsored legislation to allow voters to do so. A bill he has introduced, approved unanimously in the state Senate last week, would put before voters an amendment to the state’s constitution to legally change the name of the state to simply the “State of Rhode Island.”
Do you think changing the state of Rhode Island's name will accomplish anything of value? Yes No
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“The word ‘plantations’ conjures extremely painful images for many Rhode Islanders. Whatever the history of the term is in Rhode Island, it is an unnecessary and painful reminder of our nation’s racist past,” Metts, who is black, said in a statement on his website.
“‘Plantations’ brings to mind the inhuman and degrading treatment of the African-Americans, slave sales that tore families apart, rapes and lynchings. It is a hurtful term to so many of us.”
“Whatever the meaning of the term ‘plantations’ in the context of Rhode Island’s history, it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation,” Metts also said, according to the Providence Journal.
“Not unlike the debate over the Confederate flag, retaining the term does nothing to memorialize history but conjures an unnecessary and painful reminder of our racist past,” he added.
In 2010, Rhode Island voters were offered the chance to revise the state’s name, but rejected the proposed change 77.9 percent to 22.1 percent.
Providence Plantation is not synonymous with slavery. Guess actually educating people is too difficult in this day and age. Will we all get participation trophies for this mindless revision of history? — Sean Stevens (@sean4philly) June 23, 2020
Makes no sense. Rhode Island was arguably the most progressive of the 13 original colonies. And the word “plantation” does not equal “slavery.” The meaning was “settlements.” Roger Williams, its founder, was one of the first abolitionists. https://t.co/TM42iLexbU https://t.co/CoVSc8vSN1 — Corie Whalen (@CorieWhalen) June 22, 2020
The “Providence” part of the state’s name has its roots in 1636, when minister Roger Williams, on the run from Massachusetts Bay Colony, where his brand of religion was found injurious to the general order, purchased land on Narragansett Bay from the Narragansett Indians to found a place where people of all faiths would be welcome.
Williams, who advocated strict separation of church and state on the grounds that delving into policy concerns would pollute the church, wrote that “having, of a sense of God’s merciful providence unto me in my distress, [I] called the place PROVIDENCE, I desired it might be for a shelter for persons distressed for conscience,” according to Smithsonian Magazine.
The vision Williams had of a colony where those of all faiths would be welcome first came alive in 1644, when, on March 14, Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Plantations gave Williams a charter that granted colonists there “full Powre & Authority to Governe & rule themselves … by such a form of Civil Government, as by voluntary consent of all, or the greater Part of them shall find most suteable” so long as its laws “be conformable to the Laws of England, so far as the Nature and Constitution of the place will admit.”
Professor emeritus J. Stanley Lemons of Rhode Island College said the meaning of plantation at the time was any settlement, not simply fields worked by slaves.
“Plymouth Plantation, or Ulster Plantation, or Roxbury Plantation, or Providence Plantation, has zero to do with slavery,” Lemons told WJAR-TV.
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westernjournal--2020-06-23--Mock Lynching of Pig-Faced Mannequin Dressed in NYPD Uniform Found Hanging from FL Overpass

It ’ s a sign of where we are in June 2020 when it ’ s not even a shock that a pig-faced mannequin dressed in a mock New York City Police Department uniform with “ KKK ” scrawled on it is found hanging from a highway overpass .
This sort of mock lynching is a matter of cause and effect : Amplify the message about the perfidies of all law enforcement and eventually you ’ re going to get people who think intimidating policemen is fair game .
Hang an mannequin dressed to represent almost any other occupation over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sicken people .
Hang a cop and , well , it just feels like it ’ s indicative of our current cultural sickness .
The incident happened in Jacksonville , Florida .
According to KHQ-TV , the Jacksonville Sheriff ’ s Office responded to a call made at 6:00 a.m. Saturday about a possible suicide on an overpass .
Instead , what they found was a mannequin hanging from a rope and wearing a pig mask and a police uniform with NYPD patches , Fox News reported .
The letters “ KKK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dummy .
TRENDING : Chicago Mayor Calls 'Scooby-Doo ' Parody Criticizing Her 'Racist , ' Then the Artist Fires Back “ Our goal at this point is to identify persons of interest for , most importantly , the safety of the members of the community and for our officers ’ safety as well , ” Sgt .
Bruce Baker told KHQ-TV .
“ We are thankful this was not a real person .
Anyone who has any information on who may be responsible for this is encourage to call our partners at crimestoppers.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning depicting the mock lynching of a mannequin dressed in what appeared to be the uniform of a law enforcement officer is extremely disturbing , ” Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams added in a statement on Facebook .
“ Both the tactics and props used were a deliberate attempt to exasperate an anti-police sentiment and drive a divide in our community .
“ This incident was carried out by people wanting to undermine our dedicated efforts to keep our city safe .
Too many good citizens are working with us to keep our community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations about the challenges we all face .
This type of act will not be tolerated by our agency or our community , and we will work together to hold those responsible accountable.
” “ I won ’ t tolerate actions like this so blatantly meant to intimidate our police nor will I stand for it against any citizen , ” Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said on Twitter .
The incident comes as Jacksonville is just two months away from hosting the Republican National Convention .
Can ’ t wait to see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not really much that needs to be said about the inappropriateness of hanging an effigy of anyone during these times , particularly in a place that requires this kind of police intervention .
But this is what we ’ ve become .
We ’ ve been riding a wave of steady anti-cop sentiment for weeks since the death of George Floyd .
We ’ re told to be afraid of those who are supposed to protect us .
We ’ re told that the outliers are actually the norm and the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanity .
We ’ re even told shows that paint police in a positive light are insidious propaganda and need to be shunted off the air .
Sample headline/sub-headline from Rolling Stone : “ Sorry , Olivia Benson Is Canceled Too : The ‘ Law and Order : SVU ’ protagonist gets lionized as a TV ‘ good cop.
’ That does real-world damage.
” Not The Onion .
I want to say that it ’ s easy to be outraged at this sort of thing — and yet , I almost feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overuse .
We were all outraged over the death of George Floyd .
Then the backlash — and the insanity — began .
We were told that we needed to defund the police ; in Los Angeles , the mayor pushed a plan to divert money from the police budget even as the city couldn ’ t pay for the overtime racked up by police officers during the protests .
At many protests and riots , “ ACAB ” — “ All Cops are B——s ” — is a frequent graffito .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been identified in the Jacksonville case , although police were looking to find DNA from the mannequin in order to get a match .
In any case like this , you usually want to see the person brought to justice .
I ’ ll admit to a bit of ambivalence on the matter .
It ’ s not that I don ’ t want to see them punished .
It ’ s that I don ’ t want to see them turned into a hero by a culture that ’ s lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s a sign of where we are in June 2020 when it’s not even a shock that a pig-faced mannequin dressed in a mock New York City Police Department uniform with “KKK” scrawled on it is found hanging from a highway overpass.
This sort of mock lynching is a matter of cause and effect: Amplify the message about the perfidies of all law enforcement and eventually you’re going to get people who think intimidating policemen is fair game.
Hang an mannequin dressed to represent almost any other occupation over a bridge and you’d probably sicken people. Hang a cop and, well, it just feels like it’s indicative of our current cultural sickness.
The incident happened in Jacksonville, Florida. According to KHQ-TV, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a call made at 6:00 a.m. Saturday about a possible suicide on an overpass.
Instead, what they found was a mannequin hanging from a rope and wearing a pig mask and a police uniform with NYPD patches, Fox News reported. The letters “KKK,” meanwhile, were written on the dummy.
Mannequin in police uniform found hanging from overpass in Jacksonville https://t.co/bafmV57WMk pic.twitter.com/Fb0ineO1HY — KHQ Local News (@KHQLocalNews) June 21, 2020
Police condemned the effigial lynching.
“Our goal at this point is to identify persons of interest for, most importantly, the safety of the members of the community and for our officers’ safety as well,” Sgt. Bruce Baker told KHQ-TV.
Should the people who hung this mannequin be prosecuted? Yes No
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“We are thankful this was not a real person. Anyone who has any information on who may be responsible for this is encourage to call our partners at crimestoppers.”
“The incident that occurred this morning depicting the mock lynching of a mannequin dressed in what appeared to be the uniform of a law enforcement officer is extremely disturbing,” Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams added in a statement on Facebook.
“Both the tactics and props used were a deliberate attempt to exasperate an anti-police sentiment and drive a divide in our community.
“This incident was carried out by people wanting to undermine our dedicated efforts to keep our city safe. Too many good citizens are working with us to keep our community safe through active partnerships, and frank conversations about the challenges we all face. This type of act will not be tolerated by our agency or our community, and we will work together to hold those responsible accountable.”
“I won’t tolerate actions like this so blatantly meant to intimidate our police nor will I stand for it against any citizen,” Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said on Twitter.
We are working to come together & invoke change & growth in our community. We won’t let an appalling & disturbing act like this derail our progress. I won’t tolerate actions like this so blatantly meant to intimidate our police nor will I stand for it against any citizen. https://t.co/MA64hvVuR0 — Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) June 20, 2020
The incident comes as Jacksonville is just two months away from hosting the Republican National Convention. Can’t wait to see what gets carted out then.
There’s not really much that needs to be said about the inappropriateness of hanging an effigy of anyone during these times, particularly in a place that requires this kind of police intervention.
But this is what we’ve become. We’ve been riding a wave of steady anti-cop sentiment for weeks since the death of George Floyd.
We’re told to be afraid of those who are supposed to protect us. We’re told that the outliers are actually the norm and the police are a violent and evil subset of humanity.
We’re even told shows that paint police in a positive light are insidious propaganda and need to be shunted off the air. Sample headline/sub-headline from Rolling Stone: “Sorry, Olivia Benson Is Canceled Too: The ‘Law and Order: SVU’ protagonist gets lionized as a TV ‘good cop.’ That does real-world damage.” Not The Onion.
I want to say that it’s easy to be outraged at this sort of thing — and yet, I almost feel as if my outrage has short-circuited from overuse. We were all outraged over the death of George Floyd. Then the backlash — and the insanity — began.
We were told that we needed to defund the police; in Los Angeles, the mayor pushed a plan to divert money from the police budget even as the city couldn’t pay for the overtime racked up by police officers during the protests.
At many protests and riots, “ACAB” — “All Cops are B——s” — is a frequent graffito. And now we get this.
No suspects have been identified in the Jacksonville case, although police were looking to find DNA from the mannequin in order to get a match. In any case like this, you usually want to see the person brought to justice. I’ll admit to a bit of ambivalence on the matter.
It’s not that I don’t want to see them punished. It’s that I don’t want to see them turned into a hero by a culture that’s lost its moral compass.
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westernjournal--2020-06-23--Minneapolis Police Union: We Have Become the ‘Scapegoat’

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police union president Bob Kroll called the bystander video of the death of George Floyd “ horrific ” while cautioning the public not to rush to judgment .
The union has been mostly silent about Floyd ’ s death since issuing a statement soon after he died on May 25 after a police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly eight minutes .
Kroll said Tuesday on “ CBS This Morning ” he thinks union members are being scapegoated for incompetent department leadership .
Kroll says the union has been denied its right to review officer body-camera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ any human being ” watching the video knows Floyd ’ s arrest “ should not have ended the way it did.
” TRENDING : Chicago Mayor Calls 'Scooby-Doo ' Parody Criticizing Her 'Racist , ' Then the Artist Fires Back But Walker questioned statements that Floyd didn ’ t resist officers because the union hasn ’ t seen footage of the minutes leading up to the bystander video showed .
Police chief Medaria Arradondo said after Floyd ’ s death that he ’ s pausing contract negotiations with the union to consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union director , says the union had been having “ great conversations ” with city leaders and Arradondo before Floyd ’ s death .
She says it ’ s “ dumbfounding to me that one incident , we become the scapegoat to having a bad officer.
” Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder .
Three other officers at the scene are charged with aiding and abetting .
WASHINGTON — Americans overwhelmingly want clear standards for police on when officers may use force and consequences imposed on officers who do so excessively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research that finds Americans favor significant changes to the country ’ s criminal justice system .
Americans are largely united behind the idea that action is required : 40 percent say it needs “ major changes ; ” 29 percent think the criminal justice system needs “ a complete overhaul ” and 25 percent say it needs “ minor changes.
” Just 5 percent believe no changes are necessary .
The poll also finds there is strong support for penalizing officers who engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely now than five years ago to say that police violence against the public is a very serious problem and that officers who cause injury or death on the job are treated too leniently .
The survey of American adults took place after weeks of mass demonstrations against police violence and calls from some politicians and activists to “ defund ” police departments in response to the death of George Floyd .
DES MOINES , Iowa — The Des Moines City Council unanimously approved an anti-racial profiling ordinance that prohibits biased policing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by officers .
Some supporters say the vote Monday night was only a first step and officials need to take additional actions .
The ordinance prohibits discriminatory pretextual stops , in which drivers are stopped for one infraction but charged with a different infraction .
Many residents who spoke before the council voted wanted all pretextual stops banned .
The ordinance also mandates additional officer training , requires city employees to report incidents of biased policing they witness and creates a board with community members that helps the city manager review data and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy and advocacy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa , says passage of the measure was a good step .
He ’ d also like to see a citizen oversight committee .
For years , advocates have been calling for the council to approve such an ordinance .
Officials began working on the new rules following protests of George Floyd ’ s death .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police union president Bob Kroll called the bystander video of the death of George Floyd “horrific” while cautioning the public not to rush to judgment.
The union has been mostly silent about Floyd’s death since issuing a statement soon after he died on May 25 after a police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly eight minutes.
Kroll said Tuesday on “CBS This Morning” he thinks union members are being scapegoated for incompetent department leadership.
Kroll says the union has been denied its right to review officer body-camera video. Union director Rich Walker says “any human being” watching the video knows Floyd’s arrest “should not have ended the way it did.”
Do you think police officers have been unfairly scapegoated after the death of George Floyd? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 90% (26 Votes) No: 10% (3 Votes)
But Walker questioned statements that Floyd didn’t resist officers because the union hasn’t seen footage of the minutes leading up to the bystander video showed.
Police chief Medaria Arradondo said after Floyd’s death that he’s pausing contract negotiations with the union to consider major changes. Anna Hedberg, another union director, says the union had been having “great conversations” with city leaders and Arradondo before Floyd’s death.
She says it’s “dumbfounding to me that one incident, we become the scapegoat to having a bad officer.”
Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers at the scene are charged with aiding and abetting.
___
WASHINGTON — Americans overwhelmingly want clear standards for police on when officers may use force and consequences imposed on officers who do so excessively.
That’s according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research that finds Americans favor significant changes to the country’s criminal justice system.
Americans are largely united behind the idea that action is required: 40 percent say it needs “major changes;” 29 percent think the criminal justice system needs “a complete overhaul” and 25 percent say it needs “minor changes.” Just 5 percent believe no changes are necessary.
The poll also finds there is strong support for penalizing officers who engage in racially biased policing. Americans are more likely now than five years ago to say that police violence against the public is a very serious problem and that officers who cause injury or death on the job are treated too leniently.
The survey of American adults took place after weeks of mass demonstrations against police violence and calls from some politicians and activists to “defund” police departments in response to the death of George Floyd.
___
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines City Council unanimously approved an anti-racial profiling ordinance that prohibits biased policing and requires city employees to report violations by officers.
Some supporters say the vote Monday night was only a first step and officials need to take additional actions.
The ordinance prohibits discriminatory pretextual stops, in which drivers are stopped for one infraction but charged with a different infraction. Many residents who spoke before the council voted wanted all pretextual stops banned.
The ordinance also mandates additional officer training, requires city employees to report incidents of biased policing they witness and creates a board with community members that helps the city manager review data and make policy recommendations.
Daniel Zeno, policy and advocacy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, says passage of the measure was a good step. He’d also like to see a citizen oversight committee.
For years, advocates have been calling for the council to approve such an ordinance. Officials began working on the new rules following protests of George Floyd’s death.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-06-23--Deadly Shootings Spike as Left Embraces Anti-Cop Movement

A spate of shootings over the past several days has law enforcement on edge , with some fearing that the country is in for a deadly summer .
Although mass shootings are down sharply this year , other non-suicidal gun deaths are on pace to exceed last year , according to incidents tracked by the Gun Violence Archive .
That increase came before the start of summer , when there is traditionally a spike during the warmer months as people venture outside more , and before Independence Day , which historically has been one of the deadliest days each year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American public increasingly stressed by the pandemic that has roiled the economy and kept them cooped up at home , unrest over justice and policing , and the political divides of a presidential election year .
“ There ’ s something going on at the moment , these underlying tensions , ” according to James Densley , professor of law enforcement and criminal justice at Metropolitan State University .
TRENDING : Chicago Mayor Calls 'Scooby-Doo ' Parody Criticizing Her 'Racist , ' Then the Artist Fires Back “ Everyone ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , and then we had this sort of explosion of anger and grief after George Floyd ’ s killing.
” In just the past few days , more than 100 people were wounded in shootings in Chicago , including a 3-year-old boy who was killed while riding in the back seat of a car with his father .
Police said the boy ’ s father was the intended victim .
In North Carolina , three people were killed and six were wounded early Monday when unknown gunmen opened fire during an impromptu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party in Syracuse , New York , over the weekend was marred by gun violence that wounded nine people .
In Minneapolis , people fled a popular nightlife and retail area as a shooter killed one man and injured 11 others early Sunday .
And for the second time in less than 48 hours , there was a shooting in Seattle ’ s anti-police protest zone .
A 17-year-old victim was shot late Sunday night in the area known as CHOP — for “ Capitol Hill Occupied Protest ” — a day after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 33-year-old man critically injured there .
Densley said the pace of gun violence may be a harbinger of a rough summer ahead .
“ You ’ ve got people who are frustrated , angry , struggling in life and have been at home during this time processing all this and often processing this alone , maybe with the help with the Internet , ” he said .
“ Once the door starts to open , there could well be an uptick in violence.
” The scattered weekend shootings come as police face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
RELATED : Gunman Disguises Himself as Police Officer for 12-Hour Rampage , Deadliest Shooting in Canadian History This year has seen historic numbers of background checks being conducted for firearms purchases .
Gun rights advocates say the numbers reflect a public worried about personal safety and wanting to ensure they can defend themselves .
Those worries are only being amplified amid calls to defund the police , they say .
Gun proponents noted these fears when many Atlanta police officers refused to show up for their shifts after two white officers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black suspect .
Antonia Okafor Cover , director of outreach for Gun Owners of America , tweeted : “ If you live in Atlanta THIS might be the time to buy that gun you were thinking of getting… The social experiment of having to rely on yourself for your own safety might be coming to fruition .
# ATLcopwalkout ” “ If you invest in healing and restorative justice and bring the community to the table to heal and solve its own problems , you will see more and more that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to Kofi Ademola , an adult mentor to the anti-violence organization Good Kids Mad City in Chicago .
Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown , who took over the department in April , is encouraged by police partnerships with community outreach groups , social services and other government agencies .
“ Police can ’ t do it alone , ” Brown said .
“ We need partners to be effective and protect this city .
We ’ re just asking for a little bit of help now .
You give this department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city will be safer from violent offenders.
” There is perhaps one silver lining : This year is on pace to have half as many mass shootings as the record-breaking 2019 .
A big reason is the “ contagion ” effect , according to James Alan Fox , a criminologist at Northeastern University who , along with The Associated Press and USA Today , has been tracking mass killings back to 2006 .
With people focused more on the virus and other woes , mass shootings no longer get the attention that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A similar effect happened in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks , he said .
“ We ’ ve been distracted .
We are no longer obsessing about mass shootings like we were in the past couple of years , ” Fox said .
“ The less we have obsessed about it and talked about it and being scared of it , the less we fuel the contagion.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our @ @ @

A spate of shootings over the past several days has law enforcement on edge, with some fearing that the country is in for a deadly summer.
Although mass shootings are down sharply this year, other non-suicidal gun deaths are on pace to exceed last year, according to incidents tracked by the Gun Violence Archive.
That increase came before the start of summer, when there is traditionally a spike during the warmer months as people venture outside more, and before Independence Day, which historically has been one of the deadliest days each year.
Gun experts say the statistics reflect an American public increasingly stressed by the pandemic that has roiled the economy and kept them cooped up at home, unrest over justice and policing, and the political divides of a presidential election year.
“There’s something going on at the moment, these underlying tensions,” according to James Densley, professor of law enforcement and criminal justice at Metropolitan State University.
“Everyone’s been cooped up for so long with the pandemic, and then we had this sort of explosion of anger and grief after George Floyd’s killing.”
In just the past few days, more than 100 people were wounded in shootings in Chicago, including a 3-year-old boy who was killed while riding in the back seat of a car with his father. Police said the boy’s father was the intended victim.
In North Carolina, three people were killed and six were wounded early Monday when unknown gunmen opened fire during an impromptu block party in Charlotte. A birthday party in Syracuse, New York, over the weekend was marred by gun violence that wounded nine people.
In Minneapolis, people fled a popular nightlife and retail area as a shooter killed one man and injured 11 others early Sunday.
Do you think anti-police measures are contributing to the rise in gun crime? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (117 Votes) No: 2% (3 Votes)
And for the second time in less than 48 hours, there was a shooting in Seattle’s anti-police protest zone. A 17-year-old victim was shot late Sunday night in the area known as CHOP — for “Capitol Hill Occupied Protest” — a day after a 19-year-old man was fatally shot and a 33-year-old man critically injured there.
Densley said the pace of gun violence may be a harbinger of a rough summer ahead.
“You’ve got people who are frustrated, angry, struggling in life and have been at home during this time processing all this and often processing this alone, maybe with the help with the Internet,” he said.
“Once the door starts to open, there could well be an uptick in violence.”
The scattered weekend shootings come as police face protests and calls to defund their departments.
This year has seen historic numbers of background checks being conducted for firearms purchases. Gun rights advocates say the numbers reflect a public worried about personal safety and wanting to ensure they can defend themselves. Those worries are only being amplified amid calls to defund the police, they say.
Gun proponents noted these fears when many Atlanta police officers refused to show up for their shifts after two white officers were criminally charged in the fatal shooting of a black suspect.
Antonia Okafor Cover, director of outreach for Gun Owners of America, tweeted: “If you live in Atlanta THIS might be the time to buy that gun you were thinking of getting… The social experiment of having to rely on yourself for your own safety might be coming to fruition. #ATLcopwalkout”
If you live in Atlanta THIS might be the time to buy that gun you were thinking of getting… The social experiment of having to rely on yourself for your own safety might be coming to fruition. #ATLcopwalkout — Antonia Okafor Cover (@antonia_okafor) June 18, 2020
“If you invest in healing and restorative justice and bring the community to the table to heal and solve its own problems, you will see more and more that you don’t need police intervention,” according to Kofi Ademola, an adult mentor to the anti-violence organization Good Kids Mad City in Chicago.
Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown, who took over the department in April, is encouraged by police partnerships with community outreach groups, social services and other government agencies.
“Police can’t do it alone,” Brown said. “We need partners to be effective and protect this city. We’re just asking for a little bit of help now. You give this department a little bit of help and this city will be safer from violent offenders.”
There is perhaps one silver lining: This year is on pace to have half as many mass shootings as the record-breaking 2019.
A big reason is the “contagion” effect, according to James Alan Fox, a criminologist at Northeastern University who, along with The Associated Press and USA Today, has been tracking mass killings back to 2006.
With people focused more on the virus and other woes, mass shootings no longer get the attention that can end up inadvertently spurring such crimes. A similar effect happened in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks, he said.
“We’ve been distracted. We are no longer obsessing about mass shootings like we were in the past couple of years,” Fox said. “The less we have obsessed about it and talked about it and being scared of it, the less we fuel the contagion.”
[jwplayer crS6j3NQ]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-06-23--Japanese Pray for Peace on 75th Anniversary of Battle of Okinawa

Residents on Okinawa prayed for peace and remembered lost loved ones on Tuesday on the 75th anniversary of the end of one of WWII ’ s deadliest conflicts , the Battle of Okinawa .
At the ceremony held on the southern Japanese island to honor the more than 200,000 who died in the fighting near the war ’ s end , Okinawa Gov .
Denny Tamaki said accounts of the tragedy must be remembered accurately and handed down to younger generations .
Fear and economic devastation in recent months have divided societies , Tamaki said .
That makes tolerance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever , he said .
“ We must gather our wisdom and push forward to achieve nuclear weapons ban , war renouncement and lasting peace , ” Tamaki said .
Okinawa was Japan ’ s only home battleground in WWII , and the island remained under U.S. occupation for 20 years longer than the rest of Japan , until 1972 .
TRENDING : Chicago Mayor Calls 'Scooby-Doo ' Parody Criticizing Her 'Racist , ' Then the Artist Fires Back Many Okinawans believe the post-World War II Japan-U.S. security alliance was built on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friction over the American troops on the island are centuries-old tensions between Okinawa and the Japanese mainland , which annexed the islands , formerly the independent kingdom of the Ryukus , in 1879 .
One major disagreement is over a decades-old plan to relocate a U.S. Marine Corps air station from the densely populated Futenma area in southern Okinawa to the less-crowded Henoko region on the east coast .
Many Okinawans want the air station to be moved off the island entirely .
Tamaki renewed his pledge Tuesday to block the relocation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe , speaking remotely from Tokyo , said the government would do its utmost to lighten Okinawa ’ s burden .
He did not elaborate .
Scenic Okinawa , ideally located as an Asian gateway , has “ immeasurable ” potential for future growth , he said , promising more government support .
Tuesday also marks the 60th anniversary of the enactment of the Japan-U.S. security treaty .
President Donald Trump has pushed Japan and South Korea both to increase spending to reduce costs for the U.S. for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Toshiitsu Motegi told reporters on Tuesday in Tokyo that the Japan-U.S. alliance today is “ stronger than ever and indispensable.
” Japan wants to maintain close cooperation , he said , and will consider ways to do more to strengthen its defense capabilities as a U.S. ally .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Residents on Okinawa prayed for peace and remembered lost loved ones on Tuesday on the 75th anniversary of the end of one of WWII’s deadliest conflicts, the Battle of Okinawa.
At the ceremony held on the southern Japanese island to honor the more than 200,000 who died in the fighting near the war’s end, Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki said accounts of the tragedy must be remembered accurately and handed down to younger generations.
Fear and economic devastation in recent months have divided societies, Tamaki said. That makes tolerance, mutual trust and cooperation more important than ever, he said.
“We must gather our wisdom and push forward to achieve nuclear weapons ban, war renouncement and lasting peace,” Tamaki said.
Okinawa was Japan’s only home battleground in WWII, and the island remained under U.S. occupation for 20 years longer than the rest of Japan, until 1972.
Many Okinawans believe the post-World War II Japan-U.S. security alliance was built on their sacrifices during the war.
Adding to friction over the American troops on the island are centuries-old tensions between Okinawa and the Japanese mainland, which annexed the islands, formerly the independent kingdom of the Ryukus, in 1879.
One major disagreement is over a decades-old plan to relocate a U.S. Marine Corps air station from the densely populated Futenma area in southern Okinawa to the less-crowded Henoko region on the east coast.
Many Okinawans want the air station to be moved off the island entirely.
Do you believe the U.S. should remove its troops from Japan? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 32% (26 Votes) No: 68% (55 Votes)
Tamaki renewed his pledge Tuesday to block the relocation.
Tuesday’s ceremony was significantly scaled down. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, speaking remotely from Tokyo, said the government would do its utmost to lighten Okinawa’s burden. He did not elaborate.
Scenic Okinawa, ideally located as an Asian gateway, has “immeasurable” potential for future growth, he said, promising more government support.
Tuesday also marks the 60th anniversary of the enactment of the Japan-U.S. security treaty.
President Donald Trump has pushed Japan and South Korea both to increase spending to reduce costs for the U.S. for its security presence in the region.
Foreign Minister Toshiitsu Motegi told reporters on Tuesday in Tokyo that the Japan-U.S. alliance today is “stronger than ever and indispensable.”
Japan wants to maintain close cooperation, he said, and will consider ways to do more to strengthen its defense capabilities as a U.S. ally.
[jwplayer UcT5oHFO]
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westernjournal--2020-06-23--While Media Savages Trump’s Rally, Reporters Hardly Notice Biden Disaster at PA Rally

The “ news ” media made much of the fact that President Donald Trump ’ s campaign rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , did not fill the venue .
You really can ’ t win with the media , though , because in the days leading up to the event , the constant banging on the drums was the health risk posed by packing out the BOK Center to its 19,000 capacity .
The Tulsa Fire Department said only 6,200 attended based on scanned tickets , while the campaign countered that 12,000 went through the magnetometers .
“ Let me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the BOK Center and that ’ s approximately 11,990 more people than attended Joe Biden ’ s last event , ” Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh told Fox News on Monday .
I guess people can decide for themselves whether the center was approximately one-third or two-thirds full .
I would say OAN ’ s Chanel Rion ’ s 75 percent estimate is high , but somewhere more than a half to two-thirds seems about right .
TRENDING : Chicago Mayor Calls 'Scooby-Doo ' Parody Criticizing Her 'Racist , ' Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a heyday reporting on the first Trump rally that was not filled to the brim .
Unsurprisingly , CNN called it a “ debacle.
” NBC News reported that Trump was “ furious ” at the “ underwhelming ” crowd , while Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin described it as “ disastrous.
” Let ’ s compare that to Biden ’ s latest campaign event , which took place in Philadelphia on Wednesday .
The New York Times reported that there were about 20 “ handpicked ” people on hand , with multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my career covering politics , I have attended hundreds of presidential campaign events , ” The Times ’ Lisa Lerer wrote .
“ I ’ ve never been to one anything like Joe Biden ’ s economic address in the Philadelphia suburbs today , ” she continued .
“ About 20 handpicked local officials , small-business owners and reporters sat in folding chairs , each placed within a large white circle taped on the floor of a recreation center to maintain — or at least encourage — social distancing.
” The silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to Lerer , who did not notice when Biden entered the room with “ such little fanfare.
” “ There was no introduction by an organizer to pump up a crowd that wasn ’ t there , as is typical with campaign events .
He just stood behind a lectern , pasted with the placard ‘ Reopen Right : Safer and Stronger , ’ and began reading a speech off the teleprompters , assailing President Trump , ” the reporter wrote .
The full speech took all of 18 minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s event .
The “ disastrous ” rally was the most-watched event in Fox News network ’ s Saturday night prime-time history .
More than 8 million tuned in , Fox reported .
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel told the network on Monday that fears about coronavirus and potential violence at the event may have kept some people away .
Nevertheless , over 11 million tuned in to watch it online on Trump ’ s social media platforms alone .
Additionally , 2.1 million viewers tuned in to watch Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube .
A YouTube search shows multiple other news outlets also carried the event online , some with over one million views and many tallying hundreds of thousands .
That sure seems like a campaign communications win by any measure .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The “news” media made much of the fact that President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, did not fill the venue.
You really can’t win with the media, though, because in the days leading up to the event, the constant banging on the drums was the health risk posed by packing out the BOK Center to its 19,000 capacity.
The Tulsa Fire Department said only 6,200 attended based on scanned tickets, while the campaign countered that 12,000 went through the magnetometers.
“Let me tell you, we had 12,000 people in the BOK Center and that’s approximately 11,990 more people than attended Joe Biden’s last event,” Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh told Fox News on Monday.
I guess people can decide for themselves whether the center was approximately one-third or two-thirds full. I would say OAN’s Chanel Rion’s 75 percent estimate is high, but somewhere more than a half to two-thirds seems about right.
Trump Tulsa Rally 75% full – enthusiasm nonetheless is loud and full throttle.@OANN pic.twitter.com/H5V2WvgH6J — Chanel Rion OAN (@ChanelRion) June 21, 2020
Media outlets had a heyday reporting on the first Trump rally that was not filled to the brim.
Unsurprisingly, CNN called it a “debacle.” NBC News reported that Trump was “furious” at the “underwhelming” crowd, while Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin described it as “disastrous.”
Do you think Trump will win in November? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (6587 Votes) No: 1% (94 Votes)
Let’s compare that to Biden’s latest campaign event, which took place in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
The New York Times reported that there were about 20 “handpicked” people on hand, with multiple unoccupied chairs.
We found #SleepyJoe! From a NYT reporter: Joe Biden arrived at his OWN event, “With such little fanfare that I didn’t even notice him enter the room…he just stood behind a lectern…reading a speech off the teleprompters.”#HidenBiden #TulsaTrumpRallyhttps://t.co/nqIb9kPJwB — Jessie Jane Duff – Text FIGHT to 88022 (@JessieJaneDuff) June 20, 2020
“Over the course of my career covering politics, I have attended hundreds of presidential campaign events,” The Times’ Lisa Lerer wrote.
“I’ve never been to one anything like Joe Biden’s economic address in the Philadelphia suburbs today,” she continued.
“About 20 handpicked local officials, small-business owners and reporters sat in folding chairs, each placed within a large white circle taped on the floor of a recreation center to maintain — or at least encourage — social distancing.”
The silence before the event was “striking,” according to Lerer, who did not notice when Biden entered the room with “such little fanfare.”
“There was no introduction by an organizer to pump up a crowd that wasn’t there, as is typical with campaign events. He just stood behind a lectern, pasted with the placard ‘Reopen Right: Safer and Stronger,’ and began reading a speech off the teleprompters, assailing President Trump,” the reporter wrote.
The full speech took all of 18 minutes.
Now let’s get back to Trump’s event.
The “disastrous” rally was the most-watched event in Fox News network’s Saturday night prime-time history.
More than 8 million tuned in, Fox reported.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel told the network on Monday that fears about coronavirus and potential violence at the event may have kept some people away. Nevertheless, over 11 million tuned in to watch it online on Trump’s social media platforms alone.
11 MILLION people watched @realDonaldTrump’s rally on Saturday. That does not even include the millions who watched on TV. Biden will never be able to compete with that level of enthusiasm! pic.twitter.com/OqjMEzQfxS — Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) June 22, 2020
Additionally, 2.1 million viewers tuned in to watch Fox News’ stream of the rally on YouTube.
A YouTube search shows multiple other news outlets also carried the event online, some with over one million views and many tallying hundreds of thousands.
That sure seems like a campaign communications win by any measure.
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westernjournal--2020-06-24--Considering Homeschooling? Here Are the First Three Steps You Should Take

Public schools are being cleared to open again in the fall , however , many parents are now wondering whether homeschooling their children may be the better option in light of the coronavirus pandemic and related regulations .
During COVID-19 lockdowns between April 18-21 , a RealClear Opinion Research question with 626 respondents found 40.8 percent of families said they would be more likely to choose home or virtual schooling once stay-at-home orders lifted .
In a statement , John Schilling , president of the American Federation of Children , noted that parents have expressed increasingly favorable opinions of remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public school system .
Phones at state homeschool organizations have been ringing off the hook with parents curious about how to get started .
Sherry McKown , a member of the board of directors at Arizona Families for Homeschool Education , told The Western Journal that the interest in homeschooling has exploded , as she and other board members have each been adding up to a dozen new people to their Facebook page every day .
TRENDING : Chicago Mayor Calls 'Scooby-Doo ' Parody Criticizing Her 'Racist , ' Then the Artist Fires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 years ago .
Even though she had a bachelor ’ s degree in education , she still had reservations about homeschooling .
“ I come from a family of teachers , namely public educators , that had many doubts about home education in general , ” she said .
“ I wondered about my ability and the social aspect questions.
” But after homeschooling her oldest daughter during preschool , she fell in love with the process and kept making the decision to do so year after year .
She loved helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning style , identify their strengths and become lifelong learners .
Stephen Howsley , Public Policy Analyst for The Texas Homeschool Coalition , said their websites have also experienced an uptick in traffic following COVID-19 lockdowns .
He told The Western Journal he understands why parents who are looking into homeschooling might be hesitant about starting the process , but said they should take comfort in knowing they are not alone .
“ It ’ s okay to be nervous about something new .
This is a big adjustment , so it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nervous .
But also , just be encouraged that hundreds of thousands of other parents have already done it as well , ” he said .
AFHE and THSC are among the many homeschool organizations available nationwide to help parents considering homeschooling .
Here are three key steps they recommend for those looking into homeschooling their kids : Both McKown and Howsley said the first and most important step to start homeschooling is for parents to research the homeschooling laws in their state .
Under Arizona Revised Statutes §15-802 , homeschooling is defined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the parent , guardian , or other person who has custody of the child or nonpublic instruction provided in the child ’ s home.
” According to Arizona law , children from age 6 to age 16 are required to get an education in reading , grammar , mathematics , social studies and science .
Parents who wish to homeschool their children in the Grand Canyon State are required to fill out an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool within 30 days of when the child officially begins homeschooling .
The affidavit must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school superintendent along with proof of birth documents .
After parents complete the steps necessary to file the affidavit , they are free to get started on their homeschooling journey .
In Texas , parents are not required to fill out paperwork to begin homeschooling if their child has not previously been enrolled in public school .
If they have , parents can withdraw their children from public school by sending a letter or email to the school and to the leaders of a homeschool support group such as the Texas Homeschool Coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeschooling immediately after withdrawal to avoid violating guidelines of cooperation in compliance with compulsory attendance laws .
Should the public school request additional action , parents can send in a letter of assurance to meet such requirements .
Howsley told The Western Journal that parents should also avoid legal complications by signing their child ’ s diploma instead of letting homeschool groups sign it to dispel questions of legitimacy .
“ Sometimes we ’ ll get homeschool groups that like to put their signature on the diploma , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleges , if they see that you were homeschooled but they see somebody else ’ s signature on that diploma , that could really hurt the child if they ’ re applying for something.
” He also cautioned parents against naming their homeschools , as sometimes the names will resemble those of organizations that sell diplomas illegally , which are called diploma mills .
He recommends parents simply write “ homeschool diploma ” on the document instead .
Though the laws and requirements may seem complicated at first , organizations like AFHE and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete necessary legal processes and can connect members with legal help should they run into regulatory issues .
2 .
Look for resources and curriculum McKown told The Western Journal that it ’ s important for new homeschool parents to research what to teach their children and when they should teach it .
One of the best ways for parents to get started is to connect with the homeschooling organization of their state .
Howsley recommended parents go to HomeEducator.com , an affiliate website of THSC , where they can find a page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of each state .
THSC and AFHE each host annual homeschooling conventions , but both were canceled this year because of COVID-19 .
However , the pandemic has created a great demand and a rising supply of homeschooling materials online .
Howsely also noted a variety of free resources are available at coronaviruslearning.com , a website launched by THSC in March .
AFHE now offers a number of free downloads from their live New Homeschooler Mini-Conference .
Since the sheer amount of resources available can become overwhelming , AFHE advises parents to evaluate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs .
They will be able to narrow down their options tremendously by acquainting themselves with the required subjects of their state and their child ’ s specific learning style .
Connecting with experienced homeschool parents is also an invaluable practice , as they can share what has worked best for their family .
Reading books on homeschooling will also help .
Once parents find the curriculum that suits their family best , they are well on their way to starting a successful homeschooling journey .
While being a homeschool parent might feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be done alone .
Homeschoolers can be seen as stereotypically anti-social , but in reality , homeschooling allows students the time to connect with others in ways they may not have had the opportunity to before .
There are endless activities and extracurriculars offered by the homeschool community that can enrich a homeschool student ’ s social skills and go beyond a regular classroom setting of teachers and peers .
AFHE has a list of support groups located in each of the state ’ s counties that can help homeschool students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passions .
In Arizona , We Make History holds a number of historic reenactments and balls .
Kids with a passion for theater can participate with organizations like Mozart Productions , which offers a Christian performing arts education to homeschoolers .
But McKown advises potential homeschool parents not to stretch themselves too thin : “ When the parent gets burnt out , so will the child.
” She emphasized that being available to the kids takes priority .
In order to avoid the fear of missing out , she suggests that parents choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s homeschooling needs .
Parents should consider their mobility , finances and the age of the children when vetting their list of activities to make sure that they get the most out of the experience .
New homeschooling parents also need support from their community , as well-meaning family and friends might question their choice to teach their children at home .
McKown encourages families to know their vision and their mission for homeschooling and get “ likeminded people in your corner.
” Not only will a mission and a vision help parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeschooling , but it will also help the family stay on track in the long run — even if parents are just approaching homeschooling from a year-by-year basis .
McKown also told The Western Journal that it is normal for parents to be nervous when taking on a new adventure like homeschooling .
However , the fear of the unknown should not stop them .
“ You can do it !
” she said .
“ The amount of information , support and resources are readily available to you to make the educational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are built in your family through homeschooling are priceless .
The memories you make are treasures !
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Public schools are being cleared to open again in the fall, however, many parents are now wondering whether homeschooling their children may be the better option in light of the coronavirus pandemic and related regulations.
During COVID-19 lockdowns between April 18-21, a RealClear Opinion Research question with 626 respondents found 40.8 percent of families said they would be more likely to choose home or virtual schooling once stay-at-home orders lifted.
In a statement, John Schilling, president of the American Federation of Children, noted that parents have expressed increasingly favorable opinions of remote education and are losing faith in the public school system.
Phones at state homeschool organizations have been ringing off the hook with parents curious about how to get started.
Sherry McKown, a member of the board of directors at Arizona Families for Homeschool Education, told The Western Journal that the interest in homeschooling has exploded, as she and other board members have each been adding up to a dozen new people to their Facebook page every day.
McKown first started homeschooling her kids 23 years ago. Even though she had a bachelor’s degree in education, she still had reservations about homeschooling.
“I come from a family of teachers, namely public educators, that had many doubts about home education in general,” she said. “I wondered about my ability and the social aspect questions.”
But after homeschooling her oldest daughter during preschool, she fell in love with the process and kept making the decision to do so year after year. She loved helping each of her four children find their learning style, identify their strengths and become lifelong learners.
Do you think homeschooling is a superior option to public schooling? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 90% (133 Votes) No: 10% (15 Votes)
Stephen Howsley, Public Policy Analyst for The Texas Homeschool Coalition, said their websites have also experienced an uptick in traffic following COVID-19 lockdowns.
He told The Western Journal he understands why parents who are looking into homeschooling might be hesitant about starting the process, but said they should take comfort in knowing they are not alone.
“It’s okay to be nervous about something new. This is a big adjustment, so it’s totally fine if you’re nervous. But also, just be encouraged that hundreds of thousands of other parents have already done it as well,” he said.
AFHE and THSC are among the many homeschool organizations available nationwide to help parents considering homeschooling.
Here are three key steps they recommend for those looking into homeschooling their kids:
1. Know the laws
Both McKown and Howsley said the first and most important step to start homeschooling is for parents to research the homeschooling laws in their state.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes §15-802, homeschooling is defined as “a nonpublic school conducted primarily by the parent, guardian, or other person who has custody of the child or nonpublic instruction provided in the child’s home.”
According to Arizona law, children from age 6 to age 16 are required to get an education in reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science.
Parents who wish to homeschool their children in the Grand Canyon State are required to fill out an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool within 30 days of when the child officially begins homeschooling.
The affidavit must be notarized and sent to the county school superintendent along with proof of birth documents.
After parents complete the steps necessary to file the affidavit, they are free to get started on their homeschooling journey.
In Texas, parents are not required to fill out paperwork to begin homeschooling if their child has not previously been enrolled in public school.
If they have, parents can withdraw their children from public school by sending a letter or email to the school and to the leaders of a homeschool support group such as the Texas Homeschool Coalition.
The THSC encourages parents to start homeschooling immediately after withdrawal to avoid violating guidelines of cooperation in compliance with compulsory attendance laws. Should the public school request additional action, parents can send in a letter of assurance to meet such requirements.
Howsley told The Western Journal that parents should also avoid legal complications by signing their child’s diploma instead of letting homeschool groups sign it to dispel questions of legitimacy.
“Sometimes we’ll get homeschool groups that like to put their signature on the diploma,” he said. “But when it comes to universities and colleges, if they see that you were homeschooled but they see somebody else’s signature on that diploma, that could really hurt the child if they’re applying for something.”
He also cautioned parents against naming their homeschools, as sometimes the names will resemble those of organizations that sell diplomas illegally, which are called diploma mills. He recommends parents simply write “homeschool diploma” on the document instead.
Though the laws and requirements may seem complicated at first, organizations like AFHE and THSC offer simple resources to help parents complete necessary legal processes and can connect members with legal help should they run into regulatory issues.
2. Look for resources and curriculum
McKown told The Western Journal that it’s important for new homeschool parents to research what to teach their children and when they should teach it.
One of the best ways for parents to get started is to connect with the homeschooling organization of their state.
Howsley recommended parents go to HomeEducator.com, an affiliate website of THSC, where they can find a page that features links to the homeschool organization of each state.
THSC and AFHE each host annual homeschooling conventions, but both were canceled this year because of COVID-19. However, the pandemic has created a great demand and a rising supply of homeschooling materials online.
Howsely also noted a variety of free resources are available at coronaviruslearning.com, a website launched by THSC in March. AFHE now offers a number of free downloads from their live New Homeschooler Mini-Conference.
Since the sheer amount of resources available can become overwhelming, AFHE advises parents to evaluate their family’s specific circumstances and needs.
They will be able to narrow down their options tremendously by acquainting themselves with the required subjects of their state and their child’s specific learning style.
Connecting with experienced homeschool parents is also an invaluable practice, as they can share what has worked best for their family. Reading books on homeschooling will also help.
Once parents find the curriculum that suits their family best, they are well on their way to starting a successful homeschooling journey.
3. Find support systems
While being a homeschool parent might feel like a lone-ranger experience, it shouldn’t be done alone.
Homeschoolers can be seen as stereotypically anti-social, but in reality, homeschooling allows students the time to connect with others in ways they may not have had the opportunity to before.
There are endless activities and extracurriculars offered by the homeschool community that can enrich a homeschool student’s social skills and go beyond a regular classroom setting of teachers and peers.
AFHE has a list of support groups located in each of the state’s counties that can help homeschool students engage with school subjects and pursue their passions.
In Arizona, We Make History holds a number of historic reenactments and balls. Kids with a passion for theater can participate with organizations like Mozart Productions, which offers a Christian performing arts education to homeschoolers.
But McKown advises potential homeschool parents not to stretch themselves too thin: “When the parent gets burnt out, so will the child.”
She emphasized that being available to the kids takes priority. In order to avoid the fear of missing out, she suggests that parents choose activities that cater to their family’s homeschooling needs.
Parents should consider their mobility, finances and the age of the children when vetting their list of activities to make sure that they get the most out of the experience.
New homeschooling parents also need support from their community, as well-meaning family and friends might question their choice to teach their children at home.
McKown encourages families to know their vision and their mission for homeschooling and get “likeminded people in your corner.”
Not only will a mission and a vision help parents explain their choices to those unfamiliar with homeschooling, but it will also help the family stay on track in the long run — even if parents are just approaching homeschooling from a year-by-year basis.
McKown also told The Western Journal that it is normal for parents to be nervous when taking on a new adventure like homeschooling. However, the fear of the unknown should not stop them.
“You can do it!” she said. “The amount of information, support and resources are readily available to you to make the educational choice to homeschool.”
“The relationships that are built in your family through homeschooling are priceless. The memories you make are treasures!”
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westernjournal--2020-06-23--Twitter Flags Trump Tweet as ‘Abusive Behavior’

Twitter continued its censorship of President Donald Trump on Tuesday by flagging a post that was critical of anarchists seeking to take over a portion of the nation ’ s capital .
Trump was reacting to news that a group of demonstrators was attempting to establish an “ autonomous zone ” — similar to the one in Seattle —near the White House .
He sent out a message to his followers explaining that such an area would not be permitted , and a takeover would be met with “ force ” if necessary .
“ There will never be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. , as long as I ’ m your President .
If they try they will be met with serious force !
” the president tweeted .
TRENDING : Chicago Mayor Calls 'Scooby-Doo ' Parody Criticizing Her 'Racist , ' Then the Artist Fires Back But , as with other recent Trump posts , Twitter flagged the tweet with a so-called “ public interest notice , ” and claimed that it violated the company ’ s terms of use .
“ This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about abusive behavior .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the public ’ s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible , ” Twitter ’ s note read .
As a result , the post remains visible , but it can not be “ liked.
” Trump posted the message about another “ autonomous zone ” as Seattle ’ s Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone or Capitol Hill Occupied Protest is now being targeted for closure by police after multiple shootings killed one person and injured others in the area in recent days .
The censorship of Trump ’ s message is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Silicon Valley has attempted to intervene against the president .
Last month , Twitter fact-checked a pair of Trump tweets about the potential for fraud with regard to widespread mail-in voting .
RELATED : Watch the Blatantly Satirical Video Trump Posted That Twitter Has Labeled 'Manipulated Media' The company used reports from CNN and The Washington Post , two outlets which are routinely challenged for the accuracy of their reporting and are hostile toward Trump ’ s presidency , to flag Trump ’ s posts in an apparent attempt at discrediting them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against another Trump post that was critical of riots and looting following the death of George Floyd while in the custody of police in Minneapolis .
“ These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd , and I won ’ t let that happen .
Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way .
Any difficulty and we will assume control but , when the looting starts , the shooting starts .
Thank you !
” Trump tweeted .
The company accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his post .
“ This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence .
However , Twitter has determined that it may be in the public ’ s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible , ” a warning on Trump ’ s post reads .
Twitter ’ s continued action against the president has sparked a fierce debate in Washington about freedom of speech and Big Tech ’ s role in playing mediator on its platform .
A number of Republican lawmakers have called for Twitter to lose certain protections it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act .
So far , though , no legislative action has been taken against the continued censorship of conservatives , including the president , online .
Trump has accused Twitter of attempting to interfere in the 2020 election .
“ Twitter is completely stifling FREE SPEECH , and I , as President , will not allow it to happen !
” the president tweeted .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Twitter continued its censorship of President Donald Trump on Tuesday by flagging a post that was critical of anarchists seeking to take over a portion of the nation’s capital.
Trump was reacting to news that a group of demonstrators was attempting to establish an “autonomous zone” — similar to the one in Seattle —near the White House.
He sent out a message to his followers explaining that such an area would not be permitted, and a takeover would be met with “force” if necessary.
“There will never be an ‘Autonomous Zone’ in Washington, D.C., as long as I’m your President. If they try they will be met with serious force!” the president tweeted.
There will never be an “Autonomous Zone” in Washington, D.C., as long as I’m your President. If they try they will be met with serious force! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 23, 2020
But, as with other recent Trump posts, Twitter flagged the tweet with a so-called “public interest notice,” and claimed that it violated the company’s terms of use.
“This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about abusive behavior. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible,” Twitter’s note read.
As a result, the post remains visible, but it cannot be “liked.”
Would you support legislation to make social media companies liable for censoring free speech? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (333 Votes) No: 3% (10 Votes)
Trump posted the message about another “autonomous zone” as Seattle’s Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone or Capitol Hill Occupied Protest is now being targeted for closure by police after multiple shootings killed one person and injured others in the area in recent days.
The censorship of Trump’s message is one of a number of instances in which Silicon Valley has attempted to intervene against the president.
Last month, Twitter fact-checked a pair of Trump tweets about the potential for fraud with regard to widespread mail-in voting.
….living in the state, no matter who they are or how they got there, will get one. That will be followed up with professionals telling all of these people, many of whom have never even thought of voting before, how, and for whom, to vote. This will be a Rigged Election. No way! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2020
The company used reports from CNN and The Washington Post, two outlets which are routinely challenged for the accuracy of their reporting and are hostile toward Trump’s presidency, to flag Trump’s posts in an apparent attempt at discrediting them.
The same week, Twitter took action against another Trump post that was critical of riots and looting following the death of George Floyd while in the custody of police in Minneapolis.
“These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!” Trump tweeted.
….These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
The company accused the president of “glorifying violence” in his post.
“This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible,” a warning on Trump’s post reads.
Twitter’s continued action against the president has sparked a fierce debate in Washington about freedom of speech and Big Tech’s role in playing mediator on its platform.
A number of Republican lawmakers have called for Twitter to lose certain protections it and other social media giants enjoy under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
So far, though, no legislative action has been taken against the continued censorship of conservatives, including the president, online.
Trump has accused Twitter of attempting to interfere in the 2020 election.
….Twitter is completely stifling FREE SPEECH, and I, as President, will not allow it to happen! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2020
“Twitter is completely stifling FREE SPEECH, and I, as President, will not allow it to happen!” the president tweeted.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.