hotair--2020-06-10--Harvard chemistry professor indicted for concealing connection to China's Thousand Talents Plan

In January Dr. Charles Lieber , the former chair of Harvard ’ s chemistry department , was arrested for lying about his close ties to China .
Yesterday Dr. Lieber was indicted by a grand jury , moving this case one step closer to trial .
The indictment might have come months ago if not for the coronavirus which halted the work of grand juries around the country .
From the DOJ Press Release : It is alleged that in 2018 and 2019 , Lieber lied to federal authorities about his involvement in the Thousand Talents Plan and his affiliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 , 2018 , during an interview with federal investigators , it is alleged that Lieber falsely stated that he was never asked to participate in the Thousand Talents Program , but that he “ wasn ’ t sure ” how China categorized him .
In November 2018 , NIH inquired of Harvard about whether Lieber had failed to disclose his then-suspected relationship with WUT and China ’ s Thousand Talents Plan .
Lieber allegedly caused Harvard to falsely tell NIH that Lieber “ had no formal association with WUT ” after 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exaggerate ” his involvement with WUT in subsequent years , and that Lieber “ is not and has never been a participant in ” China ’ s Thousand Talents Plan .
That ’ s what Lieber claimed when asked by investigators but in fact , he had signed a contract with the Thousand Talents Program and was receiving a substantial amount of money for his participation : It is alleged that , unbeknownst to Harvard University , beginning in 2011 , Lieber became a “ Strategic Scientist ” at Wuhan University of Technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later became contractual participant in China ’ s Thousand Talents Plan from at least 2012 through 2015…Under the terms of Lieber ’ s three-year Thousand Talents contract , WUT allegedly paid Lieber a salary of up to $ 50,000 USD per month , living expenses of up to 1 million Chinese Yuan ( approximately $ 158,000 USD at the time ) and awarded him more than $ 1.5 million to establish a research lab at WUT .
In return , Lieber was obligated to work for WUT “ not less than nine months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation projects , cultivating young teachers and Ph.D. students , organizing international conference [ s ] , applying for patents and publishing articles in the name of [ WUT ] .
” All of this seems pretty clear cut but Lieber ’ s defense attorney is saying his client doesn ’ t care about money and is the victim here : “ The government has this wrong , ” said his trial counsel , Marc Mukasey .
“ Professor Lieber has dedicated his life to science and to his students .
Not money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his students .
He is the victim in this case , not the perpetrator .
But he ’ s also a fighter — he always has been — so we ’ re not taking this lying down .
We ’ re fighting back .
And when justice is done , Charlie ’ s good name will be restored and the scientific community again will be able to benefit from his intellect and passion.
” I ’ m sorry but it ’ s hard to square the claim Lieber doesn ’ t care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting $ 750,000 per year for at least three years from China .
That ’ s a lot money to not care about .
Unless he has receipts showing he donated all the cash to charity , I think it ’ s safe to conclude he does care about money .
Dr. Lieber is one of several academics who have been targeted by the DOJ for their involvement in the Thousand Talents Program .
Last month a University of Arkansas professor Dr. Simon Ang was arrested for hiding his involvement with the program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a professor from Emory , pleaded guilty last month to filing a false tax return which omitted $ 500,000 of income he received from the Thousand Talents program .

In January Dr. Charles Lieber, the former chair of Harvard’s chemistry department, was arrested for lying about his close ties to China. Yesterday Dr. Lieber was indicted by a grand jury, moving this case one step closer to trial. The indictment might have come months ago if not for the coronavirus which halted the work of grand juries around the country. From the DOJ Press Release:
It is alleged that in 2018 and 2019, Lieber lied to federal authorities about his involvement in the Thousand Talents Plan and his affiliation with WUT. On or about April 24, 2018, during an interview with federal investigators, it is alleged that Lieber falsely stated that he was never asked to participate in the Thousand Talents Program, but that he “wasn’t sure” how China categorized him. In November 2018, NIH inquired of Harvard about whether Lieber had failed to disclose his then-suspected relationship with WUT and China’s Thousand Talents Plan. Lieber allegedly caused Harvard to falsely tell NIH that Lieber “had no formal association with WUT” after 2012, that “WUT continued to falsely exaggerate” his involvement with WUT in subsequent years, and that Lieber “is not and has never been a participant in” China’s Thousand Talents Plan.
That’s what Lieber claimed when asked by investigators but in fact, he had signed a contract with the Thousand Talents Program and was receiving a substantial amount of money for his participation:
It is alleged that, unbeknownst to Harvard University, beginning in 2011, Lieber became a “Strategic Scientist” at Wuhan University of Technology (WUT) in China. He later became contractual participant in China’s Thousand Talents Plan from at least 2012 through 2015…Under the terms of Lieber’s three-year Thousand Talents contract, WUT allegedly paid Lieber a salary of up to $50,000 USD per month, living expenses of up to 1 million Chinese Yuan (approximately $158,000 USD at the time) and awarded him more than $1.5 million to establish a research lab at WUT. In return, Lieber was obligated to work for WUT “not less than nine months a year” by “declaring international cooperation projects, cultivating young teachers and Ph.D. students, organizing international conference[s], applying for patents and publishing articles in the name of [WUT].”
All of this seems pretty clear cut but Lieber’s defense attorney is saying his client doesn’t care about money and is the victim here:
“The government has this wrong,” said his trial counsel, Marc Mukasey. “Professor Lieber has dedicated his life to science and to his students. Not money, not fame, just his science and his students. He is the victim in this case, not the perpetrator. But he’s also a fighter — he always has been — so we’re not taking this lying down. We’re fighting back. And when justice is done, Charlie’s good name will be restored and the scientific community again will be able to benefit from his intellect and passion.”
I’m sorry but it’s hard to square the claim Lieber doesn’t care about money with the fact he was getting $750,000 per year for at least three years from China. That’s a lot money to not care about. Unless he has receipts showing he donated all the cash to charity, I think it’s safe to conclude he does care about money.
Dr. Lieber is one of several academics who have been targeted by the DOJ for their involvement in the Thousand Talents Program. Last month a University of Arkansas professor Dr. Simon Ang was arrested for hiding his involvement with the program.
In addition, Dr. Xiao-Jiang Li, a professor from Emory, pleaded guilty last month to filing a false tax return which omitted $500,000 of income he received from the Thousand Talents program.


hotair--2020-06-10--CBS: Chauvin might have had a personal motive for assault on Floyd

This might explain why the state hiked the charges against Derek Chauvin from third-degree to second-degree murder .
Information about Chauvin and George Floyd overlapping work at the same nightclub came out early after Floyd ’ s death under Chauvin ’ s knee , but a mutual co-worker now tells CBS News ’ Jeff Pegues that the two “ bumped heads ” during that period .
David Penny says they had a “ history ” over treatment of the patrons , and Penny says there is no way that Chauvin wouldn ’ t have recognized Floyd at the time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem to be a solid witness to any conflict between Chauvin and Floyd , as he tends to put this testimony in terms of hearsay .
If police have a stronger statement from Penny , or better testimony from direct witnesses to any conflict , that would make their case stronger .
The bar owner doesn ’ t help much in telling Pegues that she doesn ’ t recall any dispute in pay .
However , she does say that she had some issues with Chauvin over his aggressiveness “ toward minority customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacing him with another police officer who might be worse .
Pegues notes that this could very well go to the question of intent .
In fact , Pegues reports that his sources say the investigation has already begun to explore the personal relationship and conflicts between the two men that might have played into the outcome .
The problem with this strategy is that it still doesn ’ t quite fit into a second-degree murder definition , at least in Minnesota , unless they can establish that Chauvin formed a specific intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that previous conflict over pay and alleged accusations of racism .
That seems like pretty weak sauce as a motive ; they ’ re better off sticking with the theory that Chauvin committed felonious assault on Floyd and killed him without forming that intent .
That fits neatly within second-degree murder statute , assuming they can establish the felonious assault ; otherwise , the jury might come back with manslaughter instead .
That might not be the last word on charges , however .
Prosecutors could also be thinking about a grand-jury indictment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county can ’ t file that charge without a grand jury , but they are under considerable pressure from the Floyd family and activists to escalate the charges to that level .
For that , they would definitely need to form both intent and premeditation , but the latter does not need to be a lengthy process .
If Chauvin formed an intent to kill Floyd sometime during the arrest , that might be enough — and keeping his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for eight-plus minutes even after he passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and perhaps the short premeditation .
Still a reach , but they could include the lesser charges as a backstop , too .
At the very least , this does establish that the two knew each other well enough to recognize each other , as the Floyd family has insisted all along .
That might make this a much more personal issue , especially for jurors who watch that video and wonder why Chauvin seemed so determined to keep his knee on Floyd ’ s neck .

This might explain why the state hiked the charges against Derek Chauvin from third-degree to second-degree murder. Information about Chauvin and George Floyd overlapping work at the same nightclub came out early after Floyd’s death under Chauvin’s knee, but a mutual co-worker now tells CBS News’ Jeff Pegues that the two “bumped heads” during that period. David Penny says they had a “history” over treatment of the patrons, and Penny says there is no way that Chauvin wouldn’t have recognized Floyd at the time of the arrest:
Penny doesn’t seem to be a solid witness to any conflict between Chauvin and Floyd, as he tends to put this testimony in terms of hearsay. If police have a stronger statement from Penny, or better testimony from direct witnesses to any conflict, that would make their case stronger. The bar owner doesn’t help much in telling Pegues that she doesn’t recall any dispute in pay. However, she does say that she had some issues with Chauvin over his aggressiveness “toward minority customers,” but that she worried about replacing him with another police officer who might be worse.
Pegues notes that this could very well go to the question of intent. In fact, Pegues reports that his sources say the investigation has already begun to explore the personal relationship and conflicts between the two men that might have played into the outcome. The problem with this strategy is that it still doesn’t quite fit into a second-degree murder definition, at least in Minnesota, unless they can establish that Chauvin formed a specific intent to kill in the moment based on that previous conflict over pay and alleged accusations of racism. That seems like pretty weak sauce as a motive; they’re better off sticking with the theory that Chauvin committed felonious assault on Floyd and killed him without forming that intent. That fits neatly within second-degree murder statute, assuming they can establish the felonious assault; otherwise, the jury might come back with manslaughter instead.
That might not be the last word on charges, however. Prosecutors could also be thinking about a grand-jury indictment for first-degree murder. The state and the county can’t file that charge without a grand jury, but they are under considerable pressure from the Floyd family and activists to escalate the charges to that level. For that, they would definitely need to form both intent and premeditation, but the latter does not need to be a lengthy process. If Chauvin formed an intent to kill Floyd sometime during the arrest, that might be enough — and keeping his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight-plus minutes even after he passed out could be evidence of that intent, and perhaps the short premeditation. Still a reach, but they could include the lesser charges as a backstop, too.
At the very least, this does establish that the two knew each other well enough to recognize each other, as the Floyd family has insisted all along. That might make this a much more personal issue, especially for jurors who watch that video and wonder why Chauvin seemed so determined to keep his knee on Floyd’s neck.


hotair--2020-06-10--Seattle protesters declare "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" in city as police pull back

The reporting on this is surprisingly scarce , enough so that I can ’ t tell if it ’ s a violent mini-insurrection or an especially cringy hippie sit-in that the authorities let get out of hand .
This post lays out the timeline .
Apparently Seattle PD cracked down hard on protesters on Sunday night despite the mayor having given a speech earlier that day calling for deescalation .
In order to lower the temperature , the week-long blockade by the police of their East Precinct was lifted and demonstrators were allowed to march past .
But that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess , that demonstrators might try to do to the precinct what rioters did to that police precinct in Minneapolis , cops and the National Guard pulled out of the building entirely by Monday afternoon .
They removed equipment and files , boarded the place up , and skedaddled .
And thus was born a new nation , the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone ( or “ CHAZ ” for short ) .
A place where progressives can indulge in some of the most humiliating stereotypes of left-wing protest subculture .
By early Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvised barriers and deputized scouts .
In the afternoon , the “ No Cop Co-Op ” popped up , slinging kebabs , snacks , and free water to passersby .
A teach-in square was established at the intersection of 12th and Pine .
Tents were pitched near the precinct , where people were encouraged to stay throughout the night , or even just for two or three hours to hold the space .
And by nightfall , they ’ d even built their own outdoor cinema… The crowd was energized to build connections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banks , divesting from corporations , and prison reform .
One speaker issued a warning about the American Legislative Exchange Council , “ a group of usually white men from major corporations… who don ’ t know our issues and make laws.
” “ Midway through the evening , protestors hung a banner on the East Precinct that read , ‘ Property of the People , ' ” reported KOMO .
Photos of the CHAZ are abundant on social media , some courtesy of our Townhall colleague Julio Rosas .
Why , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with deeply embarrassing labels like “ Regime Occupied Safeway ” : All fledgling nations have their struggles and the CHAZ is no different .
An unforeseen complication has already arisen : What ’ s unclear to me is the extent to which force is being used to hold this “ territory ” around the precinct .
“ Some nearby businesses told KOMO News they did fear of the potential for violence from an uprising without SPD present , ” reported a local news bureau .
“ However , crews on scene have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Another story claims that speakers at the , ahem , teach-in area of the CHAZ have repeatedly warned people not to get violent .
“ If you ’ re here to f*** sh*t up , GO HOME !
” was the general message , according to The Stranger .
“ If you see someone doing some bullsh*t , say something about them doing some bullsh*t , ” one speaker said .
It may not be the case that Seattle PD is afraid to enter the area , in other words .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided that , for now , they ’ re going to sit back in the name of de-escalation and let these tools cosplay a people ’ s revolution .
Maybe they ’ ll get bored and gradually drift away in the next few days , averting a confrontation .
Or maybe they ’ ll get more menacing with the locals , which will work to the police ’ s benefit by reminding the country that no matter how mad Americans may be right now , they still need cops to keep the peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things may be turning sinister .
Andy Ngo claims that there are calls within the CHAZ for an armed guard .
There ’ s incitement to that effect happening on social media too .
A reader points out that some of the comments to this story already allege that criminal intimidation is taking place inside the zone .
One commenter says he ’ s seen people carrying AK-47s ; another commenter replied but didn ’ t dispute the claim , arguing that the “ rifles ” were needed for self-defense because of rumors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headed their way .
Another commenter says he owns a business within the zone and has been shaken down for protection money : I ’ m a business owner in the area ; my business was entered this evening by a group of six Free Cap Hill participants who requested I pay $ 500 to help finance what they said was community security and protection .
They said they will accept cash or Bitcoin ; I told them I would prefer to pay in the latter in hope it would buy time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give me digital wallet details ( none of them actually had that info when they showed up ; I ’ m assuming there ’ s a leader or someone in the background who keeps it ) .
Even $ 500 is going to be a hit for us as we only just reopened but I ’ d rather pay than ask for trouble .
Is that true , or just disinformation by some rando who wanted to give the police a reason to move in ?
Who knows ?
It wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essentially stood aside and let woke thugs run wild , though .
A confrontation between police and the CHAZ hippies could end up feeding the narratives on both sides of the political debate over use of force by the police .
It might be time to at least let National Guard in the area start carrying sidearms .
Stay tuned .
In lieu of an exit question , here was the scene last night at Seattle ’ s City Hall .
Rumors on Twitter said that the protesters had broken in , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a city council member who was marching with them .

The reporting on this is surprisingly scarce, enough so that I can’t tell if it’s a violent mini-insurrection or an especially cringy hippie sit-in that the authorities let get out of hand.
Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone in Seattle. 6 blocks retaken back for the people. “You are now leaving the USA” when you enter. Long live the fucking revolution. ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/xgFVjA33mx — Armani (@historyofarmani) June 9, 2020
This post lays out the timeline. Apparently Seattle PD cracked down hard on protesters on Sunday night despite the mayor having given a speech earlier that day calling for deescalation. In order to lower the temperature, the week-long blockade by the police of their East Precinct was lifted and demonstrators were allowed to march past. But that’s not all: Fearing, I guess, that demonstrators might try to do to the precinct what rioters did to that police precinct in Minneapolis, cops and the National Guard pulled out of the building entirely by Monday afternoon. They removed equipment and files, boarded the place up, and skedaddled.
And thus was born a new nation, the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (or “CHAZ” for short). A place where progressives can indulge in some of the most humiliating stereotypes of left-wing protest subculture.
By early Tuesday, demonstrators had established a perimeter with improvised barriers and deputized scouts. In the afternoon, the “No Cop Co-Op” popped up, slinging kebabs, snacks, and free water to passersby. A teach-in square was established at the intersection of 12th and Pine. Tents were pitched near the precinct, where people were encouraged to stay throughout the night, or even just for two or three hours to hold the space. And by nightfall, they’d even built their own outdoor cinema… The crowd was energized to build connections. People spoke about investing in Black-owned banks, divesting from corporations, and prison reform. One speaker issued a warning about the American Legislative Exchange Council, “a group of usually white men from major corporations… who don’t know our issues and make laws.”
“Midway through the evening, protestors hung a banner on the East Precinct that read, ‘Property of the People,'” reported KOMO. Photos of the CHAZ are abundant on social media, some courtesy of our Townhall colleague Julio Rosas. Why, there’s even a map, replete with deeply embarrassing labels like “Regime Occupied Safeway”:
All fledgling nations have their struggles and the CHAZ is no different. An unforeseen complication has already arisen:
You'd have to have a heart of stone not to laugh. pic.twitter.com/2AelV8CgOb — Jeff B., who on earth is this guy?? (@EsotericCD) June 10, 2020
What’s unclear to me is the extent to which force is being used to hold this “territory” around the precinct. “Some nearby businesses told KOMO News they did fear of the potential for violence from an uprising without SPD present,” reported a local news bureau. “However, crews on scene have not witnessed any violence since the police left.” Another story claims that speakers at the, ahem, teach-in area of the CHAZ have repeatedly warned people not to get violent. “If you’re here to f*** sh*t up, GO HOME!” was the general message, according to The Stranger. “If you see someone doing some bullsh*t, say something about them doing some bullsh*t,” one speaker said.
It may not be the case that Seattle PD is afraid to enter the area, in other words. The mayor and the police chief may have decided that, for now, they’re going to sit back in the name of de-escalation and let these tools cosplay a people’s revolution. Maybe they’ll get bored and gradually drift away in the next few days, averting a confrontation. Or maybe they’ll get more menacing with the locals, which will work to the police’s benefit by reminding the country that no matter how mad Americans may be right now, they still need cops to keep the peace.
But there are also signs that things may be turning sinister. Andy Ngo claims that there are calls within the CHAZ for an armed guard. There’s incitement to that effect happening on social media too. A reader points out that some of the comments to this story already allege that criminal intimidation is taking place inside the zone. One commenter says he’s seen people carrying AK-47s; another commenter replied but didn’t dispute the claim, arguing that the “rifles” were needed for self-defense because of rumors that a group of Proud Boys was headed their way. Another commenter says he owns a business within the zone and has been shaken down for protection money:
I’m a business owner in the area; my business was entered this evening by a group of six Free Cap Hill participants who requested I pay $500 to help finance what they said was community security and protection. They said they will accept cash or Bitcoin; I told them I would prefer to pay in the latter in hope it would buy time. They’re supposedly coming back tomorrow to give me digital wallet details (none of them actually had that info when they showed up; I’m assuming there’s a leader or someone in the background who keeps it). Even $500 is going to be a hit for us as we only just reopened but I’d rather pay than ask for trouble.
Is that true, or just disinformation by some rando who wanted to give the police a reason to move in? Who knows? It wouldn’t be the first Seattle cops have essentially stood aside and let woke thugs run wild, though.
A confrontation between police and the CHAZ hippies could end up feeding the narratives on both sides of the political debate over use of force by the police. It might be time to at least let National Guard in the area start carrying sidearms. Stay tuned. In lieu of an exit question, here was the scene last night at Seattle’s City Hall. Rumors on Twitter said that the protesters had broken in, but it sounds like they were let in by a city council member who was marching with them.


hotair--2020-06-10--HBO discovers slavery in "Gone With the Wind", New service drops movie

Happy birthday , Hattie McDaniel .
HBO Max is making news today for pulling Gone With the Wind from its library of movies available for streaming .
Gone With the Wind ( GWTW ) is an epic American classic .
It is the story of the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction .
The movie was made in 1939 and is now being held to 2020 standards .
On Monday , writer-director John Ridley ( 12 Years a Slave ) called for HBO Max to remove the film in an op-ed in the L.A. Times .
He spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stereotypes .
“ It doesn ’ t just ‘ fall short ’ with regard to representation .
It is a film that glorifies the antebellum south .
It is a film that , when it is not ignoring the horrors of slavery , pauses only to perpetuate some of the most painful stereotypes of people of color.
” It is a film that , as part of the narrative of the “ Lost Cause , ” romanticizes the Confederacy in a way that continues to give legitimacy to the notion that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better , or more noble than what it was — a bloody insurrection to maintain the “ right ” to own , sell and buy human beings .
Recent current events like the death of George Floyd have made this an issue .
Yes , GWTW romanticizes the antebellum south .
It was a huge box office success , the highest-grossing film adjusted for inflation .
And it won eight Oscars , including Best Supporting Actress .
Hattie McDaniel won , making her the first African-American actor to win an Oscar .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Best Director ; Best Actress in a Leading Role ; Best Writing , Screenplay ; Best Cinematography , Color ; Best Film Editing and Best Art Direction .
It took the film ’ s producer , David O. Selznick speaking up for her to get her an invitation to the movie ’ s premiere in Los Angeles , but not in Atlanta .
This move by HBO Max is not the first time that controversy has arisen over the movie .
Emory University film studies professor Matthew Bernstein has conducted extensive research into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producer , David O. Selznick .
His findings illustrate some of Selznick ’ s concerns with the city ’ s treatment of the film ’ s black stars at the Dec. 15 , 1939 premiere .
“ Producer David O. Selznick was upset that Hattie McDaniel would not be invited to the Atlanta premiere , ” said Bernstein .
“ He argued over and over that she should be allowed.
” Selznick was guided by the office of Atlanta ’ s then-mayor William B. Hartsfield .
It was Hartsfield that originally reached out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city .
But due to the racial segregation laws in the Jim Crow south , none of the movie ’ s black stars were allowed to attend the premiere or even be included in the movie ’ s promotional program .
McDaniel did attend the Los Angeles premiere and was featured in the program .
“ Selznick , because he was Jewish , was very mindful of the persecution of the Jews in Europe in the late-1930s under Nazism , ” Bernstein remarks .
“ And he saw an analogy between that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jim Crow , especially in the South.
” Any little girl , especially those of us raised in the South , who watched that movie was immediately taken by two things – the sheer magnificence of the antebellum plantation , Tara , and Scarlett O ’ Hara .
Scarlett was a badass , though also a deeply flawed human being .
Her romance with Rhett Butler , though , was real chick-flick stuff .
No one in modern times looks at that movie and thinks it is a historically-based documentary .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertainment .
HBO Max will bring it back for subscribers to stream with “ a discussion ” that explains its historical context and of course , denounce the depictions of slavery .
Because , apparently , viewers are too stupid to understand that the Civil War era is a different place in time and the history of our nation than modern-day America .
Gone With the Wind is a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have , unfortunately , been commonplace in American society .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are wrong today , and we felt that to keep this title up without an explanation and a denouncement of those depictions would be irresponsible .
These depictions are certainly counter to WarnerMedia ’ s values , so when we return the film to HBO Max , it will return with a discussion of its historical context and a denouncement of those very depictions but will be presented as it was originally created , because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed .
If we are to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclusive future , we must first acknowledge and understand our history .
It smacks a lot like the demand that all Confederate statues be torn down .
Removing statues ( or movies ) doesn ’ t erase history .
I would argue it is important to see the statues and make it a teachable moment , as I learned to say when my son was young .
Put them in museums if they can no longer be in public squares , but don ’ t destroy them .
I am first generation Southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Confederacy , my family never owned slaves .
I have no white guilt .
So , I know I have a different perspective than those with family members who died in the war .
Hattie McDaniel is often celebrated by woke Hollywood as the first black Oscar winner , as she should be celebrated .
But Mammie , her character , was her own person .
She didn ’ t take crap from Scarlett and Scarlett leaned on her for advice and support .
Mammie was a strong person , not one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be slaves .
Taking down the movie somehow lessens Ms. McDaniel ’ s achievement .
HBO Max and Warner Brothers are on a roll .
The virtue-signaling is strong .
First , they took away Elmer Fudd ’ s rifle and now this .
They are terrified of the cancel culture and the social media outrage mob .
And , it ’ s really dumb .
Gone With the Wind isn ’ t up there on my top favorite movies and it never has been .
Frankly , I ’ ve never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in one seating .
But it is a sentimental favorite .
I loved the story of Scarlett O ’ Hara , warts and all .
Even at a young age , I knew it wasn ’ t a true story .
Margaret Mitchell , the author of the book , was kind of a real-life Scarlett O ’ Hara but clearly not to the degree of the book , which is fiction .
And , yes , the Civil War was fought over slavery .
At one time , my husband and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for GWTW characters – a yellow tabby with a distinctly bitchy personality named Scarlett , a beautiful calico named Prissy who was very shy and ran from strangers , a big yellow tabby named Rhett , and a yellow tabby named Beauregard .
( Beauregard wasn ’ t a specific character , just a popular name for the time . )
We called him Beau .
It was just a fun thing to do to acknowledge the classic story .
Now , I guess , it just makes us racist .

Happy birthday, Hattie McDaniel. HBO Max is making news today for pulling Gone With the Wind from its library of movies available for streaming.
Gone With the Wind (GWTW) is an epic American classic. It is the story of the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction. The movie was made in 1939 and is now being held to 2020 standards. On Monday, writer-director John Ridley (12 Years a Slave) called for HBO Max to remove the film in an op-ed in the L.A. Times. He spoke to the depiction of slavery and the use of stereotypes.
“It doesn’t just ‘fall short’ with regard to representation. It is a film that glorifies the antebellum south. It is a film that, when it is not ignoring the horrors of slavery, pauses only to perpetuate some of the most painful stereotypes of people of color.” It is a film that, as part of the narrative of the “Lost Cause,” romanticizes the Confederacy in a way that continues to give legitimacy to the notion that the secessionist movement was something more, or better, or more noble than what it was — a bloody insurrection to maintain the “right” to own, sell and buy human beings.
Recent current events like the death of George Floyd have made this an issue. Yes, GWTW romanticizes the antebellum south. It was a huge box office success, the highest-grossing film adjusted for inflation. And it won eight Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress. Hattie McDaniel won, making her the first African-American actor to win an Oscar. It also received Oscars for Best Picture; Best Director; Best Actress in a Leading Role; Best Writing, Screenplay; Best Cinematography, Color; Best Film Editing and Best Art Direction.
It took the film’s producer, David O. Selznick speaking up for her to get her an invitation to the movie’s premiere in Los Angeles, but not in Atlanta. This move by HBO Max is not the first time that controversy has arisen over the movie.
Emory University film studies professor Matthew Bernstein has conducted extensive research into the archives of the film’s producer, David O. Selznick. His findings illustrate some of Selznick’s concerns with the city’s treatment of the film’s black stars at the Dec. 15, 1939 premiere. “Producer David O. Selznick was upset that Hattie McDaniel would not be invited to the Atlanta premiere,” said Bernstein. “He argued over and over that she should be allowed.” Selznick was guided by the office of Atlanta’s then-mayor William B. Hartsfield. It was Hartsfield that originally reached out to Selznick to bring the premiere to the city. But due to the racial segregation laws in the Jim Crow south, none of the movie’s black stars were allowed to attend the premiere or even be included in the movie’s promotional program. McDaniel did attend the Los Angeles premiere and was featured in the program. “Selznick, because he was Jewish, was very mindful of the persecution of the Jews in Europe in the late-1930s under Nazism,” Bernstein remarks. “And he saw an analogy between that persecution and the life of African-Americans under Jim Crow, especially in the South.”
Any little girl, especially those of us raised in the South, who watched that movie was immediately taken by two things – the sheer magnificence of the antebellum plantation, Tara, and Scarlett O’Hara. Scarlett was a badass, though also a deeply flawed human being. Her romance with Rhett Butler, though, was real chick-flick stuff. No one in modern times looks at that movie and thinks it is a historically-based documentary. It’s a movie. It’s entertainment.
HBO Max will bring it back for subscribers to stream with “a discussion” that explains its historical context and of course, denounce the depictions of slavery. Because, apparently, viewers are too stupid to understand that the Civil War era is a different place in time and the history of our nation than modern-day America.
Gone With the Wind is a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have, unfortunately, been commonplace in American society. These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today, and we felt that to keep this title up without an explanation and a denouncement of those depictions would be irresponsible. These depictions are certainly counter to WarnerMedia’s values, so when we return the film to HBO Max, it will return with a discussion of its historical context and a denouncement of those very depictions but will be presented as it was originally created, because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed. If we are to create a more just, equitable and inclusive future, we must first acknowledge and understand our history.
It smacks a lot like the demand that all Confederate statues be torn down. Removing statues (or movies) doesn’t erase history. I would argue it is important to see the statues and make it a teachable moment, as I learned to say when my son was young. Put them in museums if they can no longer be in public squares, but don’t destroy them. I am first generation Southern, and I have no ties to the Confederacy, my family never owned slaves. I have no white guilt. So, I know I have a different perspective than those with family members who died in the war.
Hattie McDaniel is often celebrated by woke Hollywood as the first black Oscar winner, as she should be celebrated. But Mammie, her character, was her own person. She didn’t take crap from Scarlett and Scarlett leaned on her for advice and support. Mammie was a strong person, not one of the field workers depicted as content to be slaves. Taking down the movie somehow lessens Ms. McDaniel’s achievement.
HBO Max and Warner Brothers are on a roll. The virtue-signaling is strong. First, they took away Elmer Fudd’s rifle and now this. They are terrified of the cancel culture and the social media outrage mob. And, it’s really dumb.
Gone With the Wind isn’t up there on my top favorite movies and it never has been. Frankly, I’ve never made it all the way through it in one seating. But it is a sentimental favorite. I loved the story of Scarlett O’Hara, warts and all. Even at a young age, I knew it wasn’t a true story. Margaret Mitchell, the author of the book, was kind of a real-life Scarlett O’Hara but clearly not to the degree of the book, which is fiction. And, yes, the Civil War was fought over slavery.
At one time, my husband and I had four cats. Each was named for GWTW characters – a yellow tabby with a distinctly bitchy personality named Scarlett, a beautiful calico named Prissy who was very shy and ran from strangers, a big yellow tabby named Rhett, and a yellow tabby named Beauregard. (Beauregard wasn’t a specific character, just a popular name for the time.) We called him Beau. It was just a fun thing to do to acknowledge the classic story. Now, I guess, it just makes us racist.


hotair--2020-06-10--Columbus statue is the latest victim of the protests

In Richmond , Virginia ’ s Byrd Park there stands a statue of the great explorer Christopher Columbus .
Or at least it used to stand there until last night .
Now it ’ s sitting on the bottom of a nearby lake .
And that was only after it was spray-painted with graffiti .
And set on fire .
It ’ s hard to be sure , but it sounds like somebody really has some issues with Columbus .
A statue of Christopher Columbus in Richmond was torn down by protesters , set on fire and then thrown into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than two hours after protesters gathered in the city ’ s Byrd Park were chanting for the statue to be taken down , news outlets reported .
After the figure was removed from its pedestal around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday by protesters using several ropes , a sign that reads , “ Columbus represents genocide ” was placed on the spray-painted foundation that once held the statue .
It was then set on fire and rolled into a lake in the park , NBC 12 reported .
Riling up the crowd shortly before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman named Chelsea Higgs-Wise .
She gave a speech about the “ struggles of indigenous people and African-Americans in America.
” She informed the masses that they needed to “ start where it all began , with the people who first stood on this land.
” Interestingly , Higgs-Wise promotes herself as “ a clinical social worker and experienced facilitator who specializes in connecting people from different walks of life to create equitable communication strategies.
” Really ?
So I take it that inciting a mob to tear down a piece of city-owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or perhaps she didn ’ t go along with the actual destruction and would have preferred that the protesters pursue a more legal route to their objectives ?
Not by the looks of her Twitter account .
And from the looks of this , she wasn ’ t too upset about the statue being set on fire , either .
At least she includes a video of the crime taking place .
Wow .
That ’ s an interesting interpretation of “ connecting people from different walks of life.
” I wonder if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The sad part of all of this is that the protesters probably could have had the statue removed legally by the city , judging by the way the dominos have been falling lately .
The Governor is currently battling the courts to get permission to take down a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee , and while he ’ s run into a ten-day setback , it looks as if he ’ ll wind up succeeding .
He could probably have managed the same with the Columbus statue .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is simply the latest incident of progressives taking advantage of the current national unrest to try to ram through every one of their previously thwarted priorities while they feel like their opponents are in the mood to apologize .
Columbus had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to George Floyd unless you want to lay the blame for any sort of racial confrontations around the planet for the past 500 years at his feet .
( Columbus never even set foot on the North American mainland , by the way . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists are overplaying their hands with calls to defund or abolish law enforcement , those who have legitimate complaints about incidents of racial animus related to excessive use of force by police seem to be attracting anyone and everyone with any sort of social justice complaint .
And they ’ re not tearing down a statue of a Confederate soldier here .
Columbus is still a revered figure to many and he holds an important place in our history .
At some point , the rest of the country is going to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may turn out to have been wasted or entirely lost for progressives .

In Richmond, Virginia’s Byrd Park there stands a statue of the great explorer Christopher Columbus. Or at least it used to stand there until last night. Now it’s sitting on the bottom of a nearby lake. And that was only after it was spray-painted with graffiti. And set on fire. It’s hard to be sure, but it sounds like somebody really has some issues with Columbus.
A statue of Christopher Columbus in Richmond was torn down by protesters, set on fire and then thrown into a lake. The figure was toppled less than two hours after protesters gathered in the city’s Byrd Park were chanting for the statue to be taken down, news outlets reported. After the figure was removed from its pedestal around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday by protesters using several ropes, a sign that reads, “Columbus represents genocide” was placed on the spray-painted foundation that once held the statue. It was then set on fire and rolled into a lake in the park, NBC 12 reported.
Riling up the crowd shortly before they tore the statue down was a woman named Chelsea Higgs-Wise. She gave a speech about the “struggles of indigenous people and African-Americans in America.” She informed the masses that they needed to “start where it all began, with the people who first stood on this land.”
Interestingly, Higgs-Wise promotes herself as “a clinical social worker and experienced facilitator who specializes in connecting people from different walks of life to create equitable communication strategies.” Really? So I take it that inciting a mob to tear down a piece of city-owned property is an equitable communication strategy? Or perhaps she didn’t go along with the actual destruction and would have preferred that the protesters pursue a more legal route to their objectives? Not by the looks of her Twitter account.
KKKolumbus is down. The statue is down. #richmondrebellion — Chelsea Higgs (no hyphen) Wise (@ChelseaWiseRVA) June 10, 2020
And from the looks of this, she wasn’t too upset about the statue being set on fire, either. At least she includes a video of the crime taking place.
Wow. That’s an interesting interpretation of “connecting people from different walks of life.” I wonder if she does children’s birthday parties?
The sad part of all of this is that the protesters probably could have had the statue removed legally by the city, judging by the way the dominos have been falling lately. The Governor is currently battling the courts to get permission to take down a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and while he’s run into a ten-day setback, it looks as if he’ll wind up succeeding. He could probably have managed the same with the Columbus statue.
Of course, what we’re seeing here is simply the latest incident of progressives taking advantage of the current national unrest to try to ram through every one of their previously thwarted priorities while they feel like their opponents are in the mood to apologize. Columbus had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to George Floyd unless you want to lay the blame for any sort of racial confrontations around the planet for the past 500 years at his feet. (Columbus never even set foot on the North American mainland, by the way.)
In much the same way that anti-police activists are overplaying their hands with calls to defund or abolish law enforcement, those who have legitimate complaints about incidents of racial animus related to excessive use of force by police seem to be attracting anyone and everyone with any sort of social justice complaint. And they’re not tearing down a statue of a Confederate soldier here. Columbus is still a revered figure to many and he holds an important place in our history. At some point, the rest of the country is going to start pushing back and this “moment” may turn out to have been wasted or entirely lost for progressives.


hotair--2020-06-10--CBP helicopter hit with lasers from Canada during riots

Here ’ s one of the stranger stories to come out of the ongoing protests and riots , though it took place a week ago .
During the June 3 protests in Detroit , a Customs and Border Protection helicopter was being used to monitor the activities in the southeastern portion of the city near the Canadian border .
While the pilot was aloft and keeping an eye on things , someone on the other side of the border began repeatedly pointing a green laser into the cockpit .
This continued even after the pilot took evasive action to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American CBP chopper from Canada ?
( NY Daily News ) A U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter surveilling protesters in Detroit on June 3 was repeatedly hit by a green laser fired from across the border in Canada .
Phil Petro , the pilot , told ABC News the suspect pointed the beam at the cockpit repeatedly even after he maneuvered the aircraft away .
“ They knew what they were doing , ” Petro said .
“ They were aiming and adjusting their aim on purpose , with purpose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was able to capture video of the attack and follow the attacker , leading to the arrest of 22-year-old Ali Zuhair of Windsor Canada .
The pilot was able to keep track of Zuhair ’ s location continuously while he called in the crime to an airport tower in Windsor , leading to his capture .
We don ’ t know much about Zuhair at this point and it ’ s unclear how much of an online profile he might have because Ali Zhhair turns out to be a really common name .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this wasn ’ t his first brush with the law .
He was charged with not only “ mischief , ” but breach of probation .
What he ’ d done to land himself on probation was not disclosed .
This was a lot more than just mischief , however .
The United States will be able to request extradition of Zuhair on felony charges .
If the Canadians turn him over ( a big “ if ” with Trudeau in charge ) , he could be looking at up to 20 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What we don ’ t know thus far is… why ?
What motivates a Canadian like Zuhair to endanger and potentially bring down an American CBPP helicopter .
( Perhaps unlikely , but possible if he had blinded the pilot . )
Was this just a young punk who thought he was pulling a prank ?
Or was he perhaps acting in some sort of misguided solidarity with the American protesters and rioters ?
The most extreme possibility is that this is a guy with some serious terrorist aspirations who was seeking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayhem surrounding the protests to strike a blow against the American government .
I suppose we won ’ t have much insight into that unless he starts talking or we at least learn what he was previously charged with .
Sadly , Zuhair isn ’ t alone in these activities .
The FAA reported upwards of 6,000 instances of people shining lasers into aircraft cockpits last year .
Whether they ’ re all aspiring terrorists or just idiots , we see yet another case of modern technology making the world a more dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @

Here’s one of the stranger stories to come out of the ongoing protests and riots, though it took place a week ago. During the June 3 protests in Detroit, a Customs and Border Protection helicopter was being used to monitor the activities in the southeastern portion of the city near the Canadian border. While the pilot was aloft and keeping an eye on things, someone on the other side of the border began repeatedly pointing a green laser into the cockpit. This continued even after the pilot took evasive action to avoid being blinded. Who would be targeting an American CBP chopper from Canada? (NY Daily News)
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter surveilling protesters in Detroit on June 3 was repeatedly hit by a green laser fired from across the border in Canada. Phil Petro, the pilot, told ABC News the suspect pointed the beam at the cockpit repeatedly even after he maneuvered the aircraft away. “They knew what they were doing,” Petro said. “They were aiming and adjusting their aim on purpose, with purpose to strike the aircraft repeatedly.”
The pilot was able to capture video of the attack and follow the attacker, leading to the arrest of 22-year-old Ali Zuhair of Windsor Canada. The pilot was able to keep track of Zuhair’s location continuously while he called in the crime to an airport tower in Windsor, leading to his capture.
We don’t know much about Zuhair at this point and it’s unclear how much of an online profile he might have because Ali Zhhair turns out to be a really common name. But according to his local paper, this wasn’t his first brush with the law. He was charged with not only “mischief,” but breach of probation. What he’d done to land himself on probation was not disclosed.
This was a lot more than just mischief, however. The United States will be able to request extradition of Zuhair on felony charges. If the Canadians turn him over (a big “if” with Trudeau in charge), he could be looking at up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
What we don’t know thus far is… why? What motivates a Canadian like Zuhair to endanger and potentially bring down an American CBPP helicopter. (Perhaps unlikely, but possible if he had blinded the pilot.) Was this just a young punk who thought he was pulling a prank? Or was he perhaps acting in some sort of misguided solidarity with the American protesters and rioters? The most extreme possibility is that this is a guy with some serious terrorist aspirations who was seeking to take advantage of all the confusion and mayhem surrounding the protests to strike a blow against the American government. I suppose we won’t have much insight into that unless he starts talking or we at least learn what he was previously charged with.
Sadly, Zuhair isn’t alone in these activities. The FAA reported upwards of 6,000 instances of people shining lasers into aircraft cockpits last year. Whether they’re all aspiring terrorists or just idiots, we see yet another case of modern technology making the world a more dangerous place in the wrong hands.


hotair--2020-06-10--"You're not my brother": The trainwreck Cornel West-Leo Terrell segment you can't miss

I ’ m not sure what else I learned from this four-minute food fight , except that “ Dinosaurs on the Fringe ” would make an awesome band name .
Sean Hannity starts off the fun by pointing out that progressive Democrats have run America ’ s cities for decades and asks Cornel West to explain why policing and education in them remain problematic .
West starts talking over Hannity even before the set-up ends , Leo Terrell says that West is offering nothing more than “ old talking points , ” and … it ’ s on ( via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not my brother , ” shouted Terrell .
He added that West was hurting black people with his positions .
“ Are you a Christian too ?
Then , check yourself , negro , ” shouted West .
“ Oh , my god—you have lost control , ” said Terrell in response .
“ You ’ re a dinosaur.
” Throw in a couple of who do you think you ares from West and a couple of fringes from Terrell , and you ’ ve got about as much substance as you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at one point gamely tries to restore order to this verbal brawl , but then wisely retreats until the commercial break .
Why interrupt 275 seconds of pure cable-news gold ?
Spend the time prepping the next segment , I say .
Viewers might rightly feel a bit nostalgic for the bad old days of cable-news programming after watching this segment .
The talking-head programming started off as discussions with experts , but Crossfire set a new model of conflict for conflict ’ s sake , and suddenly everyone was fighting for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard ideological positions these have become less frequent , mainly because audiences have much less tolerance for opposing points of view even from guests these days .
This segment exists as a demonstration that these issues don ’ t break along traditional partisan lines ; it is , as Terrell says ( yells , really ) , a case of the “ fringe ” getting a momentary platform .
That ’ s about all we get to learn from this meltdown , but that doesn ’ t mean we can ’ t enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And Dinosaurs on the Fringe , man .
Can ’ t wait for their first album , “ Talking Points.
” I ’ m available on bass .

I’m not sure what else I learned from this four-minute food fight, except that “Dinosaurs on the Fringe” would make an awesome band name. Sean Hannity starts off the fun by pointing out that progressive Democrats have run America’s cities for decades and asks Cornel West to explain why policing and education in them remain problematic. West starts talking over Hannity even before the set-up ends, Leo Terrell says that West is offering nothing more than “old talking points,” and … it’s on (via Townhall):
“You’re not my brother,” shouted Terrell. He added that West was hurting black people with his positions. “Are you a Christian too? Then, check yourself, negro,” shouted West. “Oh, my god—you have lost control,” said Terrell in response. “You’re a dinosaur.”
Throw in a couple of who do you think you ares from West and a couple of fringes from Terrell, and you’ve got about as much substance as you’ll get out of that. Hannity at one point gamely tries to restore order to this verbal brawl, but then wisely retreats until the commercial break. Why interrupt 275 seconds of pure cable-news gold? Spend the time prepping the next segment, I say.
Viewers might rightly feel a bit nostalgic for the bad old days of cable-news programming after watching this segment. The talking-head programming started off as discussions with experts, but Crossfire set a new model of conflict for conflict’s sake, and suddenly everyone was fighting for a while. As the cable channels embraced hard ideological positions these have become less frequent, mainly because audiences have much less tolerance for opposing points of view even from guests these days. This segment exists as a demonstration that these issues don’t break along traditional partisan lines; it is, as Terrell says (yells, really), a case of the “fringe” getting a momentary platform.
That’s about all we get to learn from this meltdown, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it in a World Wrestling Federation sense. And Dinosaurs on the Fringe, man. Can’t wait for their first album, “Talking Points.” I’m available on bass.


hotair--2020-06-10--CrossFit CEO out after "insensitive" tweet

I guess the Pelaton Wife is out there somewhere having the last laugh .
Greg Glassman , the founder and CEO of fitness brand giant CrossFit , is resigning from his position effective immediately .
As with so many stories in the modern era , it was all because of a couple of tweets that were deemed to be anywhere from “ insensitive ” to outright racist by the woke crowd .
But as soon as you read into the details , it ’ s tough to get a read on what , if anything , Glassman was thinking when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter at… the University of Washinton Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ?
As Twitter wars go , this has to be one of the strangest matchups on record .
And yet , Glassman wasn ’ t in trouble for his specific complaint against the IHME , but rather the fact that he invoked the name of George Floyd in his attack for no apparent reason whatsoever .
( NBC News ) The founder and CEO of CrossFit , who has come under fire for tweets about the death of George Floyd and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced his retirement Tuesday .
“ On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members , ” Greg Glassman , who started the fitness company , said in a statement announcing his retirement .
Glassman responded to a tweet Saturday by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation , that called racism and discrimination “ critical public health issues that demand an urgent response.
” Somebody is going to have to help me sort out exactly what Glassman was thinking here .
He was apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet saying that racism is a “ critical public health issue that demands an urgent response.
” This ticked off Glassman for some reason .
And even though the IHME didn ’ t even mention COVID-19 , he decided to tweet back at them that it was actually “ FLOYD-19.
” We start to catch a glimmer of what Glassman is angry about in his followup tweet… or at least I think we do .
He ’ complaining about quarantines being ineffective and mocking the IHME for suggesting there ’ s a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd ’ s “ brutal murder , ” so it doesn ’ t sound like he ’ s mocking either the victim or the resultant riots .
He ’ s clearly upset about quarantines ( and he ’ s hardly alone in that ) but that brings us back full circle .
If the quarantine model is what he ’ s upset about , what on Earth prompts him to morph COVID into Floyd ’ s name in response ?
Some media analysts are suggesting that his actions prior to those tweets point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters and the response to Floyd ’ s death .
According to Buzzfeed , earlier that day the CEO was on a conference call arguing against putting out a statement in support of the protesters .
But yet again , while he could certainly be described as “ insensitive ” by 2020 progressive standards , it ’ s hard to pin down precisely what his problem is or if he ’ s even fully coherent .
He starts off by saying “ we ’ re not mourning for George Floyd.
” He later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think many people “ in any community ” are really mourning for Floyd .
He complicates things further by dredging up some conspiracy theory about Floyd having been intentionally targeted and murdered to “ silence ” him about a counterfeiting ring .
Huh ?
If Glassman had simply said that he didn ’ t want the company getting dragged into the politics surrounding Floyd ’ s death so there wouldn ’ t be a public statement , I could see that as being a defensible position .
Saying nothing might anger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than saying something and having it turn out to be the wrong thing ( in the eyes of the woke patrol , anyway ) .
But between his bizarre FLOYD-19 tweet and the counterfeiting – murder conspiracy talk , he sounds more deranged than anything else .
Either way , whether he ’ s harboring some racist sentiments of simply losing his grip on the narrative , perhaps it was time for him to step aside anyway for the sake of salvaging his brand .

I guess the Pelaton Wife is out there somewhere having the last laugh. Greg Glassman, the founder and CEO of fitness brand giant CrossFit, is resigning from his position effective immediately. As with so many stories in the modern era, it was all because of a couple of tweets that were deemed to be anywhere from “insensitive” to outright racist by the woke crowd. But as soon as you read into the details, it’s tough to get a read on what, if anything, Glassman was thinking when he decided to vent his frustrations on Twitter at… the University of Washinton Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation? As Twitter wars go, this has to be one of the strangest matchups on record. And yet, Glassman wasn’t in trouble for his specific complaint against the IHME, but rather the fact that he invoked the name of George Floyd in his attack for no apparent reason whatsoever. (NBC News)
The founder and CEO of CrossFit, who has come under fire for tweets about the death of George Floyd and public health orders surrounding the coronavirus, announced his retirement Tuesday. “On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members,” Greg Glassman, who started the fitness company, said in a statement announcing his retirement. Glassman responded to a tweet Saturday by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, that called racism and discrimination “critical public health issues that demand an urgent response.” Glassman responded: “It’s FLOYD-19.”
Somebody is going to have to help me sort out exactly what Glassman was thinking here. He was apparently incensed when the IHME sent out a tweet saying that racism is a “critical public health issue that demands an urgent response.”
Racism and discrimination are critical public health issues that demand an urgent response. #BlackLivesMatter Read our director’s statement: https://t.co/kZkP2s82oV pic.twitter.com/0A7VEqoHkq — Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) (@IHME_UW) June 6, 2020
This ticked off Glassman for some reason. And even though the IHME didn’t even mention COVID-19, he decided to tweet back at them that it was actually “FLOYD-19.”
https://twitter.com/CrossFitCEO/status/1269404726581288960
We start to catch a glimmer of what Glassman is angry about in his followup tweet… or at least I think we do. He’ complaining about quarantines being ineffective and mocking the IHME for suggesting there’s a “cure” for racism.
https://twitter.com/CrossFitCEO/status/1269691293958991877
Your failed model quarantined us and now you’re going to model a solution to racism? George Floyd’s brutal murder sparked riots nationally. Quarantine alone is “accompanied in every age and under all political regimes by an undercurrent of suspicion, distrust, and riots.” Thanks!
He references Floyd’s “brutal murder,” so it doesn’t sound like he’s mocking either the victim or the resultant riots. He’s clearly upset about quarantines (and he’s hardly alone in that) but that brings us back full circle. If the quarantine model is what he’s upset about, what on Earth prompts him to morph COVID into Floyd’s name in response?
Some media analysts are suggesting that his actions prior to those tweets point to some sort of animus against the protesters and the response to Floyd’s death. According to Buzzfeed, earlier that day the CEO was on a conference call arguing against putting out a statement in support of the protesters. But yet again, while he could certainly be described as “insensitive” by 2020 progressive standards, it’s hard to pin down precisely what his problem is or if he’s even fully coherent.
He starts off by saying “we’re not mourning for George Floyd.” He later goes on to say that he doesn’t think many people “in any community” are really mourning for Floyd. He complicates things further by dredging up some conspiracy theory about Floyd having been intentionally targeted and murdered to “silence” him about a counterfeiting ring. Huh?
If Glassman had simply said that he didn’t want the company getting dragged into the politics surrounding Floyd’s death so there wouldn’t be a public statement, I could see that as being a defensible position. Saying nothing might anger some people, but it’s better than saying something and having it turn out to be the wrong thing (in the eyes of the woke patrol, anyway). But between his bizarre FLOYD-19 tweet and the counterfeiting – murder conspiracy talk, he sounds more deranged than anything else. Either way, whether he’s harboring some racist sentiments of simply losing his grip on the narrative, perhaps it was time for him to step aside anyway for the sake of salvaging his brand.


hotair--2020-06-10--The return of MAGA: Trump sets first rally in months for June 19 in Tulsa

A tweet by The Hill earlier today described this as his first “ post-coronavirus ” rally , which grossly misstates the reality but perfectly states the mentality of many Americans .
COVID is over .
Why not celebrate by packing thousands of people into an enclosed indoor space ?
Reportedly hand sanitizer will be available , which is nice but not as important as it used to be back when we ’ d all been misled into believing that touching contaminated surfaces was the chief mode of transmission .
Lotta interesting things about this event , from the pandemic backdrop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Trump will return to the campaign trail on June 19 with a rally in Tulsa , Okla. , for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak forced most of the country into quarantine three months ago , a campaign official said Wednesday , as polls show former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. establishing a significant national lead over Mr. Trump and the president ’ s approval ratings plummeting… Trump campaign officials are unlikely to put into place any social distancing measures for rally attendees , or require them to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process said , adding that it would be unnecessary because the state is so far along in its reopening .
Mr. Trump has also made it clear he doesn ’ t want to speak in front of gatherings that look empty because of social distancing , or to look out on a sea of covered faces as he tries to project a positive message about the country returning to normal life and the economy roaring back , even as his top health advisers have warned the pandemic is far from over .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S. Fauci , the federal government ’ s top infectious disease expert , said Tuesday .
“ Where is it going to end ?
We ’ re still at the beginning of it.
” Oklahoma isn ’ t one of the 21 states where cases of coronavirus are increasing right now .
The epidemic there is flat : The transmission rate is slightly below one , as best anyone can tell , and the positivity rate hasn ’ t increased lately .
That ’ s a better look for the White House than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally in Texas or Arizona , where things really are deteriorating and an ill-advised mass gathering with minimal social distancing can ’ t be risked .
But Oklahoma is an odd choice for the simple reason that it ’ s not in play this fall .
It ’ s safely red .
I can sort of understand that as a landing spot under the circumstances : Trump wants a big comeback after not doing rallies for three months and figures a red-state crowd will be extra adoring .
But it ’ s still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are now less than five months until Election Day .
Why not go to Florida instead ?
Their epidemic is momentarily under control too , just like Oklahoma ’ s .
There ’ s another thing that makes Oklahoma an interesting choice , especially on June 19 .
I doubt the White House intended any sort of symbolism but lefties are going to cream him for the coincidence : June 19 is the date black Americans traditionally celebrate emancipation and Tulsa was the site of one of America ’ s most infamous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those facts in its story about the rally , an early sign that these details will very much be part of the mainstream media framing of the event .
It ’ s an opportunity for Trump potentially , as he could use the occasion to say a few words about both events .
We ’ ll see if he does .
I think both sides will come away with extra motivation from the rally .
For Trump fans it ’ ll be a treat seeing him back in his element .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt , having waited months for this chance to vent at his enemies to raucous cheers .
Maybe he ’ ll land some meaningful shots on Biden .
If nothing else , it ’ ll be a chance to remind the country of that surprisingly optimistic jobs report from last week .
Democrats will be sitting back hoping that he riffs on something they can use against him .
Maybe it ’ ll be no more significant than him accusing the old man in Buffalo of being an Antifa super-soldier .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impassioned defense of police at a moment when both parties in Congress are working on reform bills to limit abuses like the one perpetrated on George Floyd .
If they ’ re really lucky he ’ ll go off on a rant about how we need to protect the Confederate names of our military bases , the Confederate flags at our NASCAR events , and the Confederate statues in the U.S. Capitol .
That ’ ll be a fine gloss on Juneteenth in Tulsa .
The most interesting reactions , though , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ ll have to be tactful in their criticism , as they always are , but there ’ s no way they ’ ll be able to condone Trump holding this event .
His campaign people know they ’ re going to take heat for it and are already preemptively rebutting the charges : He ’ s right about the double standard for the protests but ( a ) the protests at least had the virtue of being held outdoors , with the crowd usually in motion , and ( b @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less influence over public behavior than the president of the United States does .
The question will inevitably be asked of Fauci , Birx , and every other expert afterward : If Trump can hold rallies , why can ’ t we go to baseball or basketball games ?
The obvious answer is “ Because Trump is grossly irresponsible about social distancing and doesn ’ t care if his supporters get each other sick.
” E.g .
: But they can ’ t give that answer .
What answer will they give ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Oklahoma ’ s Phase 3 guidelines for reopening ( the current phase ) : “ Citizens should minimize time spent in crowded environments and continue following CDC guidelines regarding social distancing ” .

A tweet by The Hill earlier today described this as his first “post-coronavirus” rally, which grossly misstates the reality but perfectly states the mentality of many Americans.
COVID is over. Why not celebrate by packing thousands of people into an enclosed indoor space? Reportedly hand sanitizer will be available, which is nice but not as important as it used to be back when we’d all been misled into believing that touching contaminated surfaces was the chief mode of transmission.
Lotta interesting things about this event, from the pandemic backdrop to the location to even the date.
President Trump will return to the campaign trail on June 19 with a rally in Tulsa, Okla., for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak forced most of the country into quarantine three months ago, a campaign official said Wednesday, as polls show former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. establishing a significant national lead over Mr. Trump and the president’s approval ratings plummeting… Trump campaign officials are unlikely to put into place any social distancing measures for rally attendees, or require them to wear masks, people familiar with the decision-making process said, adding that it would be unnecessary because the state is so far along in its reopening. Mr. Trump has also made it clear he doesn’t want to speak in front of gatherings that look empty because of social distancing, or to look out on a sea of covered faces as he tries to project a positive message about the country returning to normal life and the economy roaring back, even as his top health advisers have warned the pandemic is far from over. “Oh my goodness,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious disease expert, said Tuesday. “Where is it going to end? We’re still at the beginning of it.”
Oklahoma isn’t one of the 21 states where cases of coronavirus are increasing right now. The epidemic there is flat: The transmission rate is slightly below one, as best anyone can tell, and the positivity rate hasn’t increased lately. That’s a better look for the White House than if he’d scheduled his first rally in Texas or Arizona, where things really are deteriorating and an ill-advised mass gathering with minimal social distancing can’t be risked.
But Oklahoma is an odd choice for the simple reason that it’s not in play this fall. It’s safely red. I can sort of understand that as a landing spot under the circumstances: Trump wants a big comeback after not doing rallies for three months and figures a red-state crowd will be extra adoring. But it’s still a strange use of resources given that there are now less than five months until Election Day. Why not go to Florida instead? Their epidemic is momentarily under control too, just like Oklahoma’s.
There’s another thing that makes Oklahoma an interesting choice, especially on June 19. I doubt the White House intended any sort of symbolism but lefties are going to cream him for the coincidence:
https://twitter.com/waltshaub/status/1270845042249412609
June 19 is the date black Americans traditionally celebrate emancipation and Tulsa was the site of one of America’s most infamous racial pogroms. The Times mentioned both of those facts in its story about the rally, an early sign that these details will very much be part of the mainstream media framing of the event. It’s an opportunity for Trump potentially, as he could use the occasion to say a few words about both events.
We’ll see if he does.
I think both sides will come away with extra motivation from the rally. For Trump fans it’ll be a treat seeing him back in his element. He’ll be in fine form, no doubt, having waited months for this chance to vent at his enemies to raucous cheers. Maybe he’ll land some meaningful shots on Biden. If nothing else, it’ll be a chance to remind the country of that surprisingly optimistic jobs report from last week.
Democrats will be sitting back hoping that he riffs on something they can use against him. Maybe it’ll be no more significant than him accusing the old man in Buffalo of being an Antifa super-soldier. But we’re probably destined for an impassioned defense of police at a moment when both parties in Congress are working on reform bills to limit abuses like the one perpetrated on George Floyd. If they’re really lucky he’ll go off on a rant about how we need to protect the Confederate names of our military bases, the Confederate flags at our NASCAR events, and the Confederate statues in the U.S. Capitol. That’ll be a fine gloss on Juneteenth in Tulsa.
The most interesting reactions, though, will come from Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx. They’ll have to be tactful in their criticism, as they always are, but there’s no way they’ll be able to condone Trump holding this event. His campaign people know they’re going to take heat for it and are already preemptively rebutting the charges:
“Where we go we will make sure it is safe to hold a rally and what safety precautions we put in place. We will talk about when we know exactly what kind of venue that it is that we are talking about,” Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh told Fox during an interview on Wednesday. “But I would point out to the national media that I don’t remember them doing any social distancing shaming when they were doing all the coverage of the demonstrations that were going on.”
He’s right about the double standard for the protests but (a) the protests at least had the virtue of being held outdoors, with the crowd usually in motion, and (b) some rando at a protest has less influence over public behavior than the president of the United States does. The question will inevitably be asked of Fauci, Birx, and every other expert afterward: If Trump can hold rallies, why can’t we go to baseball or basketball games? The obvious answer is “Because Trump is grossly irresponsible about social distancing and doesn’t care if his supporters get each other sick.” E.g.:
https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1270862264279719943
But they can’t give that answer. What answer will they give?
Here’s your exit quotation, from Oklahoma’s Phase 3 guidelines for reopening (the current phase): “Citizens should minimize time spent in crowded environments and continue following CDC guidelines regarding social distancing”.


hotair--2020-06-10--These two companies caved to angry employees - hiring quotas and contributions pledged

Everything is exaggerated in 2020 .
It wasn ’ t just a typical flu season , it was a coronavirus pandemic that is attacking the world like The Plague .
Bad cops are captured on video killing a black man over an alleged counterfeit $ 20 bill and suddenly Defund the Police is the cry from social justice activists .
Now angry employees are emboldened to make demands on major corporations and the corporations are caving .
Two recent examples of employees demanding social justice activism from their employers come from Adidas and Estee Lauder .
Sneakers and make-up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , employees of both companies demand more than sympathetic corporate social media posts .
First , let ’ s look at Adidas .
A group of black employees told the Wall Street Journal about some grievances – dismissed complaints of racism , a potential design incorporating the Confederate flag , and a former coworker who used the N-word .
Also , there is anger that neither Adidas ’ s executive team nor the board has any black people .
Part of the anger stems from the fact that the company “ courts ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to executives titled “ Our State of Emergency ” which included two demands – 1 ) boost black and Latino representation at all levels of the company to 31 % by the end of 2021 and 2 ) make a $ 50 million yearly donation to black U.S. communities .
An Adidas footwear designer posted a story on Instagram .
And the company responded that they were working on some changes .
Recent statements “ don ’ t necessarily align with how anybody feels internally about the things that [ Adidas ] does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Aric Armon , an Adidas footwear designer in Portland , Ore. On Sunday , Mr. Armon publicly shared a story on Instagram , where he said a former Adidas co-worker called him the N-word during a trip to the Super Bowl in Miami this February .
The former co-worker said he wouldn ’ t comment on the post until he meets with Mr. Armon and Adidas ’ s human-resources department .
Adidas hires black people to help it “ connect with the black consumer , ” said Mr. Armon , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In his experience , though , it has been difficult for black people to advance at Adidas .
“ It really becomes evident that we ’ re just kind of there for our insights and not necessary for leadership , ” he said in an interview Monday .
Adidas declined to comment about individual employees or executives .
“ We recognize that we have not done enough , and we are dedicated to doing more , ” the company said in response to the general employee backlash .
“ We are close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , most importantly our black employees , are heard , supported and involved in solutions.
” Yesterday Adidas announced it has agreed to donate $ 20 million to black communities over the next four years and to hire black and Latino people for 30 % of new U.S. jobs .
( African-Americans comprise 13 % of the U.S. population , Latinos almost 17 % . )
The second company making changes to placate employees is Estee Lauder .
This story is a little more dramatic and has a Trump connection .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that heir and board member Ronald Lauder be removed .
( He is also President of the World Jewish Congress . )
His offense ?
He supports President Trump .
Since 2016 Lauder has donated over $ 1.6M to organizations that support President Trump .
The employees sent a letter to Chairman William Lauder .
This isn ’ t something new – Lauder has been a longtime Republican , going back to the Reagan years .
“ Ronald Lauder ’ s involvement with the Estee Lauder Companies is damaging to our corporate values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our relationship with this company ’ s Black employees , and this company ’ s legacy , ” the letter said .
Among their grievances are Lauder ’ s political contributions to President Trump .
The son of founders Estee and Joseph Lauder , Ronald Lauder , 76 , is a longtime Republican , having served as a diplomat under Ronald Reagan before running for mayor of New York in the 1980s and losing to Rudy Giuliani .
Since rejoining Estee Lauder ’ s board of directors in 2016 , he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political contributions to pro-Trump organizations , according to federal disclosures .
The company quickly threw Lauder under the bus and released a statement saying hey , he doesn ’ t represent all of us .
There is a petition , too , calling for the removal of Lauder .
It asks the Estée Lauder Companies to increase its donation to $ 5 million ( up from $ 1M ) to “ organizations providing education and advocacy for social , economic , and racial justice ” , and remove Ronald Lauder from the Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal donations of going to “ state-sanctioned violence.
” Hoo boy .
So , Monday the changes that will be made were announced .
They are 1 ) hire more black employees until it reaches parity with the makeup of the U.S. population 2 ) more than double sourcing from black sellers and 3 ) donate $ 10 million to racial justice organizations ( up from the $ 1M initial pledge . )
These are two major corporations agreeing to an employment quota system .
In order to pacify social activists in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the bricks if they don ’ t like how the company is run , the companies take a knee to them .
What about hiring people who are most qualified ?
This is the re-emergence of affirmative action .
The Estee Lauder Instagram account posted “ Change is coming , and it is necessary .
We will be a part of it.
” It pledges more transparency and says it will continue to reveal data regarding the percentage of its “ People of Color and Black ” employees .
The company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sent to employees on June 7 .
The specifics are listed at length in the letter .
We have all taken time recently to grapple with the systemic racial injustice that has plagued the United States for far too long…We are a company committed to living our values and we are proud of the overall progress and commitment we have made to inclusion and diversity , but we also recognize that we have much more work to do in order to accomplish greater results .
As promised , we are following up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking in the United States that have been informed by your invaluable feedback .
Some of these actions will be immediate , others will take some time , but all will be impactful .
A few of these actions are accelerations of programs that are already in place , while others are completely new , and all reflect our history of constant improvement .
Will Ronald Lauder keep his position on the board ?
I guess we ’ ll have to wait and see .

Everything is exaggerated in 2020. It wasn’t just a typical flu season, it was a coronavirus pandemic that is attacking the world like The Plague. Bad cops are captured on video killing a black man over an alleged counterfeit $20 bill and suddenly Defund the Police is the cry from social justice activists. Now angry employees are emboldened to make demands on major corporations and the corporations are caving.
Two recent examples of employees demanding social justice activism from their employers come from Adidas and Estee Lauder. Sneakers and make-up. In light of the George Floyd protests, employees of both companies demand more than sympathetic corporate social media posts.
First, let’s look at Adidas. A group of black employees told the Wall Street Journal about some grievances – dismissed complaints of racism, a potential design incorporating the Confederate flag, and a former coworker who used the N-word. Also, there is anger that neither Adidas’s executive team nor the board has any black people. Part of the anger stems from the fact that the company “courts” black customers. They sent a presentation to executives titled “Our State of Emergency” which included two demands – 1) boost black and Latino representation at all levels of the company to 31% by the end of 2021 and 2) make a $50 million yearly donation to black U.S. communities.
An Adidas footwear designer posted a story on Instagram. And the company responded that they were working on some changes.
Recent statements “don’t necessarily align with how anybody feels internally about the things that [Adidas] does to help support black people,” said Aric Armon, an Adidas footwear designer in Portland, Ore. On Sunday, Mr. Armon publicly shared a story on Instagram, where he said a former Adidas co-worker called him the N-word during a trip to the Super Bowl in Miami this February. The former co-worker said he wouldn’t comment on the post until he meets with Mr. Armon and Adidas’s human-resources department. Adidas hires black people to help it “connect with the black consumer,” said Mr. Armon, who has worked at the company for seven years. In his experience, though, it has been difficult for black people to advance at Adidas. “It really becomes evident that we’re just kind of there for our insights and not necessary for leadership,” he said in an interview Monday. Adidas declined to comment about individual employees or executives. “We recognize that we have not done enough, and we are dedicated to doing more,” the company said in response to the general employee backlash. “We are close to finalizing our commitments to ensure our people, most importantly our black employees, are heard, supported and involved in solutions.”
Yesterday Adidas announced it has agreed to donate $20 million to black communities over the next four years and to hire black and Latino people for 30% of new U.S. jobs. (African-Americans comprise 13% of the U.S. population, Latinos almost 17%.)
The second company making changes to placate employees is Estee Lauder. This story is a little more dramatic and has a Trump connection. More than 100 Estee Lauder employees are demanding that heir and board member Ronald Lauder be removed. (He is also President of the World Jewish Congress.) His offense? He supports President Trump. Since 2016 Lauder has donated over $1.6M to organizations that support President Trump. The employees sent a letter to Chairman William Lauder. This isn’t something new – Lauder has been a longtime Republican, going back to the Reagan years.
“Ronald Lauder’s involvement with the Estee Lauder Companies is damaging to our corporate values, our relationship with the Black community, our relationship with this company’s Black employees, and this company’s legacy,” the letter said. Among their grievances are Lauder’s political contributions to President Trump. The son of founders Estee and Joseph Lauder, Ronald Lauder, 76, is a longtime Republican, having served as a diplomat under Ronald Reagan before running for mayor of New York in the 1980s and losing to Rudy Giuliani. Since rejoining Estee Lauder’s board of directors in 2016, he has made more than $1.6 million in political contributions to pro-Trump organizations, according to federal disclosures.
The company quickly threw Lauder under the bus and released a statement saying hey, he doesn’t represent all of us.
Ronald Lauder couldn’t be reached for comment. A spokesperson for Estee Lauder said the organization respects everyone’s right to make their own political decisions and that his views don’t represent that of the company. “This week, several employees asked whether a single member of the Lauder family and our board, represents the views of our company,” the company said in a statement Thursday. “The answer is no.”
There is a petition, too, calling for the removal of Lauder. It asks the Estée Lauder Companies to increase its donation to $5 million (up from $1M) to “organizations providing education and advocacy for social, economic, and racial justice”, and remove Ronald Lauder from the Board. The group accuses Lauder’s personal donations of going to “state-sanctioned violence.” Hoo boy.
So, Monday the changes that will be made were announced. They are 1) hire more black employees until it reaches parity with the makeup of the U.S. population 2) more than double sourcing from black sellers and 3) donate $10 million to racial justice organizations (up from the $1M initial pledge.)
These are two major corporations agreeing to an employment quota system. In order to pacify social activists in their employment, instead of telling them to hit the bricks if they don’t like how the company is run, the companies take a knee to them. What about hiring people who are most qualified? This is the re-emergence of affirmative action.
The Estee Lauder Instagram account posted “Change is coming, and it is necessary. We will be a part of it.” It pledges more transparency and says it will continue to reveal data regarding the percentage of its “People of Color and Black” employees. The company’s website posted a letter today that was sent to employees on June 7. The specifics are listed at length in the letter.
We have all taken time recently to grapple with the systemic racial injustice that has plagued the United States for far too long…We are a company committed to living our values and we are proud of the overall progress and commitment we have made to inclusion and diversity, but we also recognize that we have much more work to do in order to accomplish greater results. As promised, we are following up with the next steps we will be taking in the United States that have been informed by your invaluable feedback. Some of these actions will be immediate, others will take some time, but all will be impactful. A few of these actions are accelerations of programs that are already in place, while others are completely new, and all reflect our history of constant improvement.
Will Ronald Lauder keep his position on the board? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.


hotair--2020-06-11--NBA: Let's lock reporters up at Disney World for the season

Sounds great , but … do they have to all cover basketball to qualify for quarantine ?
Can we nominate some others for three-plus months in the Mickeysphere ?
According to an internal memo acquired by The Daily Beast ’ s Robert Silverman , the league wants to get back to playing , but sequestered in order to avoid a COVID-19 spread that could derail the season all over again .
That means beat reporters would have to put “ It ’ s a Small World ” on constant replay , apparently — and cough up the dough for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019-20 season this summer , it won ’ t just be the players , team employees , and league officials who ’ ll be sequestered at Walt Disney World for several months .
According to a Professional Basketball Writers Association memo , a select group of reporters could be locked inside the Disney bubble for at least three-and-a-half months—with no option to re-enter if they exit quarantine .
On June 4 , the NBA Board of Governors approved a plan to restart the season , which came to a screeching halt after Rudy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 .
There are still more than a few details to be worked out with the union , and some players are concerned about being kept in relative isolation through autumn , but as things currently stand , 22 teams would relocate to Disney ’ s 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex .
There , a handful of games would be played to determine seeding for the playoffs , with the NBA Finals concluding in mid-October .
Beyond all the logistical difficulties and unknown possible future roadblocks for this locked-down-in-Orlando reboot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t yet been addressed : Who would report from these quarantined games in-person , and how ?
According to an email sent by Josh Robbins , the president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association , the answer is that the NBA will allow a select group of journalists onto the premises—but they will be stuck there the whole time and such a privilege won ’ t come cheaply .
Er … is the NBA under the impression that reporters make similar salaries as its players do ?
Or that they have no other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan is based on both assumptions , which are , um … not realistic .
Actually , the plan involves two tiers of access .
Reporters can access the games themselves in person without going into quarantine , but that ’ s all they can access .
Reporters who want to interview players and coaches after games and in between would have to commit to quarantining with them for the whole season .
Not only do they have to commit to separating from their family and friends , they also have to pony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently .
( The league apparently would offer to pay for their food , however .
How generous . )
Needless to say , not too many media outlets will rush to fund four months of resort living for their beat reporters on top of their other expenses and salaries .
In this economy , most of those media outlets are probably barely hanging on as it is .
Rather than report from the scene , most will probably just start reporting based on TV broadcasts instead .
What ’ s the point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end up with no other access ?
The lack of human-interest reporting will likely dry up some fan interest too , meaning that the NBA will become less engaging and more remote .
Maybe the league should consider packing it in for the year if this is what they need .
Or maybe , just maybe , have the Q & A sessions outside with masks and distancing protocols in place and let reporters live their lives .

Sounds great, but … do they have to all cover basketball to qualify for quarantine? Can we nominate some others for three-plus months in the Mickeysphere? According to an internal memo acquired by The Daily Beast’s Robert Silverman, the league wants to get back to playing, but sequestered in order to avoid a COVID-19 spread that could derail the season all over again.
That means beat reporters would have to put “It’s a Small World” on constant replay, apparently — and cough up the dough for the privilege:
When the NBA resumes its 2019-20 season this summer, it won’t just be the players, team employees, and league officials who’ll be sequestered at Walt Disney World for several months. According to a Professional Basketball Writers Association memo, a select group of reporters could be locked inside the Disney bubble for at least three-and-a-half months—with no option to re-enter if they exit quarantine. On June 4, the NBA Board of Governors approved a plan to restart the season, which came to a screeching halt after Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 on March 12. There are still more than a few details to be worked out with the union, and some players are concerned about being kept in relative isolation through autumn, but as things currently stand, 22 teams would relocate to Disney’s 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There, a handful of games would be played to determine seeding for the playoffs, with the NBA Finals concluding in mid-October. Beyond all the logistical difficulties and unknown possible future roadblocks for this locked-down-in-Orlando reboot of the NBA, one question hasn’t yet been addressed: Who would report from these quarantined games in-person, and how? According to an email sent by Josh Robbins, the president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association, the answer is that the NBA will allow a select group of journalists onto the premises—but they will be stuck there the whole time and such a privilege won’t come cheaply.
Er … is the NBA under the impression that reporters make similar salaries as its players do? Or that they have no other lives? Because it seems that this plan is based on both assumptions, which are, um … not realistic.
Actually, the plan involves two tiers of access. Reporters can access the games themselves in person without going into quarantine, but that’s all they can access. Reporters who want to interview players and coaches after games and in between would have to commit to quarantining with them for the whole season. Not only do they have to commit to separating from their family and friends, they also have to pony up rent — at DisneyWorld prices, apparently. (The league apparently would offer to pay for their food, however. How generous.)
Needless to say, not too many media outlets will rush to fund four months of resort living for their beat reporters on top of their other expenses and salaries. In this economy, most of those media outlets are probably barely hanging on as it is. Rather than report from the scene, most will probably just start reporting based on TV broadcasts instead. What’s the point of traveling to the games if you end up with no other access? The lack of human-interest reporting will likely dry up some fan interest too, meaning that the NBA will become less engaging and more remote.
Maybe the league should consider packing it in for the year if this is what they need. Or maybe, just maybe, have the Q&A sessions outside with masks and distancing protocols in place and let reporters live their lives.