theblaze--2020-05-22--Joe Biden apologizes for saying black people 'ain't black' if they're considering voting for Trump

Joe Biden apologizes for saying black people 'ai n't black ' if they 're considering voting for Trump ' I @ @ @ @ @ a wise guy '

Former Vice President Joe Biden apologized Friday afternoon for saying people who aren't sure whether they'd vote for him against President Donald Trump "ain't black."
In his apology, Biden implied that he was not being serious when he said it, and that he did not believe someone has to vote for a certain candidate or party based on race, religion, or background.
"I should not have been so cavalier," Biden said on a call with black business leaders. "I've never, never, ever taken the African American community for granted.
"I shouldn't have been such a wise guy. I shouldn't have been so cavalier. ... No one should have to vote for any party based on their race, their religion, their background."
During an interview on the radio show, "The Breakfast Club," Friday morning, host Charlamagne tha God asked Biden to come back on the show because he had more questions.
"Listen, you've got to come see us when you come to New York, V.P. Biden," Charlamagne said. "It's a long way until November. We've got more questions."
"You've got more questions. Well, I tell you, if you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black," Biden shot back.
"It don't have nothing to do with Trump, it has to do with the fact I want something for my community," Charlamagne responded.
Biden was criticized by conservatives and liberals alike for being a white man telling black people they have to vote for him to maintain their racial identity. Biden senior adviser Symone Sanders said the comment was a joke.
Not everyone disagreed with what Biden said, however, even if they disagreed that he should be the one to say it.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Mayor de Blasio insists shuttered NYC businesses will be able to ‘hang on’ for months longer. A repo

Mayor de Blasio insists shuttered NYC businesses will be able to ‘hang on’ for months longer. A report says otherwise.

Mayor de Blasio insists shuttered NYC businesses will be able to ‘ hang on ’ for months longer .
A @ @ @ @

Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio insisted Friday that city businesses forced to close by the coronavirus lockdown orders will be able to hang on for months longer, the New York Post reported.
"I've talked to lots and lots of business leaders, especially the smallest businesses. They're very worried about their futures understandably, but they also are hanging on and they know it can be a matter of months until they'll be back in action," the mayor said on New York public radio.
The mayor's comments come as a new Department of Labor data release shows that the city has lost 21.8% of private-sector jobs since this time last year — far outpacing the national figure of 14.5%. Also, the city's unemployment rate jumped from 4.1% to a whopping 14.2% from March to April.
A caller named Cassius from Brooklyn reportedly called into the station and pressed de Blasio's to "take a more surgical approach" in his response to the virus by protecting at-risk populations while allowing businesses to reopen.
Cassius argued, "We're on the precipice of destroying the whole city basically."
But the mayor brushed aside the caller's "doomsday" concerns and responded, saying, "I couldn't disagree more with that core analysis."
"Rushing back is consistently proven to have the boomerang effect and make things worse and cause bigger shutdowns because it's not just about a small number of particularly vulnerable people," he added.
Democratic City Councilman Mark Gjonaj, who chairs the small business committee, slammed the mayor's remarks, saying the mayor is "setting up the city for failure."
"Out of all the things that have come out of his mouth this is the most outrageous. He lives in a de Blasio land. That is the furthest thing from the truth," Gjonaj said.
In his radio interview, de Blasio specifically mentioned that small businesses would be able to manage over the coming months, but an independent nonprofit is saying the opposite.
The Empire Center's E.J. McMahon said for the city's "leisure and hospitality [businesses], including restaurants and hotels, the downturn equates to a virtual apocalypse — a job loss of 68 percent."
McMahon added that he is concerned many of those jobs have been lost for good.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Dr. Fauci 'totally in favor' of reopening America — because remaining closed could cause 'irreparabl

Dr. Fauci 'totally in favor' of reopening America — because remaining closed could cause 'irreparable damage'

Dr. Fauci 'totally in favor ' of reopening America — because remaining closed could cause 'irreparable damage '

Dr. Anthony Fauci says if America doesn't reopen soon, it will suffer "irreparable damage."
What are the details?
On Friday, White House health adviser Fauci said that he supports reopening the country, and insisted that the country "can't stay locked down."
Fauci has been working with the Trump administration since the early days of the pandemic in order to gauge a proper and effective response to the deadly virus.
In a statement, Fauci told CNBC, "I don't want people to think that any of us feel that staying locked down for a prolonged period of time is the way to go."
He said that the government had no other choice during the initial days of the COVID-19 outbreak to shut down.
"[It] had to do that," he said.
Fauci added that proper precautions needs to be put in place — and soon — because the time has come to "seriously look at reopening the economy."
"[N]ow is the time, depending upon where you are and what your situation is, to begin to seriously look at reopening the economy, reopening the country to try to get back to some degree or normal," he said.
"I'm totally in favor of that if done in the proper way and appropriate setting," he added.
What else?
Fauci did issue a warning, however, and advised against relaxing social distancing measures too soon, and pointed out his concerns that some areas across the United States may be skipping steps or rushing through them in order to reopen.
"In general, I think most of the country is [using social distancing measures] in a prudent way," he said. "There are obviously some situations where people might be jumping over that. I just say please proceed with caution if you're going to do that."
At the time of this writing, researchers at Johns Hopkins University estimate that at least 5,169,907 coronavirus cases have been confirmed around the world, with at least 335,995 deaths resulting from the deadly respiratory disease.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Sloppy! Crooks botch getaway after homeowner fires at them — and bloodhound team nabs one shot suspe

Sloppy! Crooks botch getaway after homeowner fires at them — and bloodhound team nabs one shot suspect in swamp

Sloppy !
Crooks botch getaway after homeowner fires at them — and bloodhound team nabs one shot suspect in swamp @ @ @ @ @ of their vehicles stalled while their other auto got stuck

An alleged residential heist by a trio of men apparently became a comedy of errors in rapid fashion Thursday morning in Ridge Spring, South Carolina.
What are the details?
A homeowner told Aiken County Sheriff's deputies he was walking his dog around 8:30 a.m. when he saw at least two men and two vehicles on his property, the Augusta Chronicle reported.
The man told deputies he approached the suspects, yelled, and fired shots at them, the paper said.
With that, the suspects high-tailed it their vehicles and drove away through the woods, the Chronicle reported.
But alas, their getaway fell a bit short when one vehicle got stuck and the other stalled on Cobblestone Road, the paper said, adding that the suspects reportedly opted for Plan B and ran off on foot.
Enter the Bloodhound Team
But never fear, the Aiken Bloodhound Tracking Team and additional deputies responded to the area to search for the suspects, the Chronicle said.
And wouldn't you know that the bloodhound team later found and detained James Franklin Fink Jr. in a swamp adjacent to Whispering Pines Road, the paper said.
James Franklin Fink Jr. Image source: Aiken County Sheriff's Office
Fink was found with a gunshot wound to his left hand, taken to a hospital for treatment, and then booked into the Aiken County Detention Center, the Chronicle said. Jail records show the 46-year-old suspect was still in jail Friday. He's expected to be charged with second-degree burglary and grand larceny, the paper added.
In addition, Alister Keith Wingard, 32, and Brandon Lee Hall, 23, were identified as additional suspects and also are expected to be charged with burglary and grand larceny, the Chronicle said.
Alister Keith Wingard (left) and Brandon Lee Hall Image source: Aiken County Sheriff's Office (composite)
Anyone with information on Hall and Wingard is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at 803-648-6811, the paper added.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Florida teacher guilty of sexually assaulting students begs judge to have him castrated

Florida teacher guilty of sexually assaulting students begs judge to have him castrated He got 12 years in prison instead

A Florida teacher who pleaded guilty to multiple sex crimes against students had a strange request for the judge sentencing him this week: He begged to be castrated instead of being tossed in the hoosegow.
What's that now?
Mark Lua, a 32-year-old former English teacher at Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, pleaded guilty in October to sex-related crimes against former students. His guilty plea included multiple charges of unlawful sexual activity with minors and promoting a sexual performance by a child, the Pensacola News Journal reported.
According to the paper, Lua was arrested on three separate occasions last year. He was alleged to have had sex with an underage student, sexually assaulted an 18-year-old former student, and coerced a student into shooting an inappropriate video and sending it to him.
At his sentencing hearing Wednesday, Lua begged Judge Thomas Dannheisser not to throw the book at him and made a highly unusual request.
After admitting he deserved punishment for his "despicable" actions, the disgraced teacher implored the judge to have him chemically castrated — and even physically castrated — rather than send him to prison in order for him to be able to raise his daughter.
"My actions were despicable to say the least. I do believe that punishment is necessary, and I am requesting chemical castration not only as a punishment but as an act of solidarity to show how sorry I am for everything," he said, the News Journal reported. "If your honor is so inclined, I am even willing to undergo physical castration if that way I can stay home and raise my daughter."
The newspaper revealed that Assistant State Attorney Erin Ambrose made it clear to the judge that Lua was targeting vulnerable girls.
"He seemed to seek out girls that came from unstable or troubled homes," she said. "He manipulated them, and he betrayed them because he was a teacher."
According the paper, Judge Dannheisser didn't respond to Lua's strange request and sentenced him to 12 years in state prison followed by 15 years of probation.
What else?
WEAR-TV reported that though castration is a lawful punishment in Florida, Lua's crimes did not qualify:
The state attorney's office says under the law, chemical castration is a lawful option for sexual battery —but one that rarely is ever handed down. It's not something that could have been done in Lua's case though.
"In this case, Mark Lua did not qualify for physical or chemical castration because of the nature of the charges," State Attorney Bill Eddins said. "His charges were having sex with a minor, so it was not a sexual battery charge. So he did not qualify. Even if he had, we would have objected."
The News Journal said that Lua also told the judge that he suffered from a genetic disorder that caused painful, tumorous growths on his skin and that he had been suffering from debilitating panic attacks from the disease at the time of his crimes.
Ambrose wasn't having it and said during the sentencing hearing, "This condition did not seem to debilitate him while he was trolling the halls, looking for students to have sex with."


theblaze--2020-05-22--US colleges accepted billions in unreported foreign donations from China and Russia: report

US colleges accepted billions in unreported foreign donations from China and Russia : report

The Department of Education has uncovered billions of dollars in unreported donations to American colleges from China and Russia, the Department told House Republicans during a briefing and in a letter this week.
The DOE has so far found $6 billion in unreported donations as a part of House Republicans' inquiry into U.S. colleges under investigation for violating Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Townhall reported Friday. Section 117 prohibits an Institution of Higher Education from falsely reporting or failing to report foreign gifts of $250,000 or more.
According to a letter obtained by the news outlet, the DOE's Office of the General Counsel wrote: "Some IHE leaders are starting to acknowledge the threat of foreign academic espionage and have been working with federal law enforcement to address gaps in reporting and transparency. However, the evidence suggests massive investments of foreign money have bred dependency and distorted the decision making, mission, and values of too many institutions."
The letter went on to state that the DOE shares Congress' concerns over the potential that foreign adversaries could use "strategic investments" in order to turn American colleges into "indoctrination platforms."
The inquiry is part of a wider effort to probe the Chinese Communist Party's influence within the United States. Earlier in April, Attorney General William Barr claimed that China is in a "full-court blitzkrieg" against the U.S., part of which was the strategic infiltration of American universities.
Also in the letter, the DOE noted that certain academic institutions have been dragging their feet in assisting the investigation.
"The Department has yet to receive critical information needed to confirm the accuracy of previously submitted Section 117 reports. Certain institutions have yet to produce requested emails, metadata, and other information regarding business relationships with, and faculty funding from, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Russian foreign sources," the letter stated.
Those institutions have reportedly claimed Freedom of Information Act exemptions and privileges in order to resist turning over records.
During the briefing, the DOE allegedly told House Committee staffers that evidence has been found suggesting some colleges based decisions on donations they received.
Speaking in regard to the news, a GOP source told Townhall: "This is not a partisan problem. This is an American problem."


theblaze--2020-05-22--President Trump orders states to allow church services immediately: 'If they don't do it, I will ove

President Trump orders states to allow church services immediately: 'If they don't do it, I will override the governors'

President Trump orders states to allow church services immediately : 'If they do n't do it , I will override @ @ @ @ @ prayer , not less '

President Donald Trump called a news conference on short notice Friday to announce that churches and other places of worship would be considered essential services under federal guidelines, and governors should allow them to reopen and operate immediately.
After legal challenges in several states about statewide stay-at-home orders prohibiting or severely limiting the ability for churches to meet, Trump said any governor that resists his order to lift restrictions on worship gatherings will have to deal directly with him. His order includes synagogues, mosques, and any other house of worship.
"The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now," Trump said. "For this weekend. If they don't do it, I will override the governors. In America, we need more prayer, not less."
The president pointed out some of the other services that have been deemed "essential" by governments.
"Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential," the president said. "But have left out houses of worship. That's not right.
Pastors have been cited or arrested for defying coronavirus lockdown orders by holding in-person services with gatherings larger than the pandemic rules allow. The Department of Justice has been supportive of churches in some of these instances, viewing the limitations on religious gatherings as a violation of the First Amendment.
At the same time, some churches have had negative outcomes from gathering during the pandemic. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted an Arkansas church where 92 people attended church events in one weekend, leading to 35 COVID-19 infections and three deaths.
As a result, the CDC warns faith organizations to be aware of the risk of high transmission rates if they choose to begin gathering in-person. Dr. Deborah Birx, a member of the White House coronavirus response task force, suggested that churches in areas with high infection rates may want to wait before reopening, regardless of Trump's order.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Sex workers' slashed income due to COVID-19 shutdown reflects 'inequities in society,' advocate says

Sex workers ' slashed income due to COVID-19 shutdown reflects 'inequities in society , ' advocate says 'People whose living @ @ @ @ @ been unable to interface with any government assistance '

As TheBlaze has previously reported, the coronavirus economic shutdown has been hitting sex workers' bank accounts like many other people.
How desperate has it become? Well, after a Portland strip club called the Lucky Devil Lounge had to close up shop, the owner switched the outfit to a food-delivery service called Boober Eats — which, of course, features scantily clad strippers carting hot food to patrons' homes.
'The pandemic has laid bare all the inequities in society'
Commenting on sex workers' loss of business — which has left most of them ineligible for jobless benefits and struggling to make ends meet — a sex worker advocate told the Chicago Tribune in a story about the overall impact on the area's sex-work industry that it's all very unfair.
"It's kind of like the way the pandemic has laid bare all the inequities in society, especially the economic ones," Kathy Rosenfeld of Sex Workers Outreach Project Chicago told the paper. "For sex workers whose livelihood is precarious in the best of times, it has exacerbated the [instability] of our lives."
She also appeared to decry that sex work is "criminalized" — and told the paper that such treatment works against those in the profession when economic times are tough.
"Since sex work is a criminalized industry, there isn't the kind of paper trail that federal agencies are looking for," Rosenfeld noted to the Tribune. "I would say it goes case by case, but in a lot of cases, people whose living has been sex work have been unable to interface with any government assistance."
Sex Workers Outreach Project Chicago endeavors to raise money to help sex workers short on cash — but it can't do much more than hand out small amounts, such as $50 for groceries, the paper said.
"I don't know of any organization dedicated to sex workers that has resources to really make a long-term difference in people's lives economically," Rosenfeld noted to the Tribune.
Expert predicts long-lasting decline
Manisha Shah — a University of California at Los Angeles public policy scholar who's written about sex work economics — told the paper that the industry isn't likely to return to the way it operated any time soon.
"I don't think sex work will go back to its pre-pandemic state even when stay-at-home orders ease, as potential clients will still feel wary of in-person meetings," Shah noted to the Tribune. "It will likely take longer, perhaps even until a vaccine, before people feel comfortable interacting in person for sex services."


theblaze--2020-05-22--Washington health official says state counted some gunshot victims as COVID-19 deaths

Washington health official says state counted some gunshot victims as COVID-19 deaths '' We currently do have some deaths that @ @ @ @ @ clearly from other causes . ''

A Washington health official admitted that the state counted some deaths from causes other than coronavirus, including victims of gunshot wounds, as part of the COVID-19 death toll.
The Washington Department of Health held a virtual meeting Thursday with reporters. During the press briefing, a Washington health official said that some gunshot victims had been counted as COVID-19 deaths.
"There are a number of nuances to the data that we report and often it is very difficult — especially quickly — to make an assessment on the cause of death," said Dr. Katie Hutchison, health statistics manager for the Washington State Department of Health.
"We currently have a number where it says unspecified natural causes, for example, again for these deaths, we really aren't able to make a determination on whether they died from COVID or not," Hutchison said. "We're currently reporting only deaths that are identified to a COVID positive case."
"We have a number of deaths, and right now it's just under 100, where the death certificate indicates that the person is COVID-19, or probable COVID-19, we've not been able to link them to a positive case in our disease tracking system," she continued. "So we're not able to definitively rule them in or rule them out."
"Our current dashboard reflects anyone who died, that tested positive for COVID, irrespective of cause of death," Hutchison said during the news briefing.
Included in the COVID-19 deaths are some fatalities where the patients were victims of gunshot wounds.
"We don't always know the cause of death for a death when it is first reported on our dashboard. That is true," Hutchison said. "Over the course of the outbreak, we have been monitoring and recording the causes of death as we know it. We currently do have some deaths that are being reported that are clearly from other causes."
"We have about five deaths — less than five deaths — that we know of that are related to obvious other causes," the Washington health official said. "In this case, they are from gunshot wounds."
"Over the course of the outbreak, we have been very aware of a small number of deaths being reported on our dashboard that end up not being due to COVID," she stated. "We will be removing them over time from our death count."
Hutchison said it might "take up to a year or more to get final counts on COVID-19 deaths."
According to the Washington Department of Health, the state has over 19,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 1,044 COVID-19 deaths as of Friday afternoon. Nearly 10% of Washington's COVID-19 deaths cannot be linked "to a positive case" of coronavirus in the state's disease tracking system.
"Currently, we're reporting just over 1,000 deaths, I would say that we currently have about a 3% variance on that," Hutchison explained. "So, if we were to take our 30 deaths that are questionable – that we have about a 3% variance on that. And that is really quite excellent — considering how death certificates are processed."
Washington's Department of Health is reviewing the cases that are likely from other causes to see if the coronavirus played a part in the deaths.
Hutchison stated that there are about 3,000 cases dating back to Jan. 1, where the person's death certificate indicated symptoms similar to COVID-19.
There has been scrutiny on other cases when a person's cause of death was labeled as "COVID-19," when it likely wasn't. Last week, there was a Colorado man who died of acute alcohol poisoning, according to the Montezuma County coroner. However, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment said that the man died of the coronavirus.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health questioned the cause of death of a 17-year-old that was initially declared to be from COVID-19.
"Though early tests indicated a positive result for COVID-19, the case is complex and there may be an alternate explanation for this fatality," the statement from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health read. "Patient privacy prevents our offering further details at this time."
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond said that only six of the coronavirus deaths in his county were "purely, solely" from COVID-19.
Colorado lowered the state's COVID-19 death toll by nearly 300 last week. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment significantly changed the way it counted COVID-19 deaths, lowering the state's coronavirus deaths from 1,150 to 878.


theblaze--2020-05-22--CNN article about Biden's racist remark somehow does not include the word 'racist,' except in refere

CNN article about Biden's racist remark somehow does not include the word 'racist,' except in reference to Trump

CNN article about Biden 's racist remark somehow does not include the word 'racist , ' except in reference to @

When I first heard Joe Biden's racist remark this morning, I immediately wondered whether CNN would cover them at all. Of all the news networks that used to pretend at objectivity, CNN has without a doubt fallen farthest and fastest into becoming an obvious and open arm of the anti-Trump resistance.
CNN has always been biased, but the network used to at least be semi-serious. Trump has, by all accounts, broken them. It's sad, in a way.
Well, to my surprise, CNN did, in fact, cover Biden's remarks. When I saw this article, I immediately hit the old ctrl-F and did a search for the word "racist." I did this for a specific reason, you see.
Over the last couple of years, CNN has taken it upon itself to just flat out call things said by Trump and members of his administration "racist." This is clearly editorializing and not reporting, but CNN has repeatedly defended this practice by saying that various remarks by Trump are "objectively racist."
So now that Joe Biden had uttered the objectively racist sentiment that black people who aren't sure if they want to vote for him aren't really black, I wondered if CNN was interested in preserving at least the appearance of impartiality.
I should not have been surprised, but nonetheless was, to find that the word "racist" appeared exactly once in the article (at least as it appeared as of the time of the publication of this article.) Here is the paragraph in which it appears (emphasis added):
Biden has frequently criticized Trump's history of racist comments and actions, which includes questioning former President Barack Obama's citizenship, expressing frustration with immigrants from "s***hole countries" and referring to white supremacist protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, and counter-protesters by saying there were "very fine people on both sides."
Get it? Biden utters racist comments and CNN uses this as an excuse to ... somehow call Trump a racist? What an absolute joke this once-proud network has become.
Look, if you will, at the three examples CNN cites to say that Trump is, objectively, racist. First, Obama birtherism. I am not here to defend Obama birtherism, which I view as a nutty and satisfactorily debunked conspiracy theory. I don't like that Trump espoused it. However, I didn't truck any more with the McCain birthers or the Ted Cruz birthers, which were most definitely a thing. I understand that some people say that Trump questioned Obama's citizenship because he's black, but that's an inference, not a fact. And given that birtherism in general targets people of all races, it's simply false to suggest that only Obama has faced it and that it only happened to him because he's black.
Whatever you want to say about birtherism, it certainly isn't as objectively racist as saying that black people who aren't 100% they want to vote for Joe Biden aren't really black. It's not even close. As Jules Winnfield once said, it ain't in the same ballpark, and ain't even the same sport.
Second, CNN says that Trump calling Haiti a "s***hole country" in a private meeting was racist. I don't even know what to say about this. Again, you can I suppose make the argument that this was a racist remark, since most of the people in Haiti are black. But, as is facially obvious from the words he used, Trump didn't say anything about "s***hole people." He said something about "s***hole countries." If you don't see that there's a distinction between saying that Haiti is a "s***hole country" and saying black people in general are "s***y" then your logical faculties are so stunted that there's probably nothing I can do to help you.
Third, CNN references Trump's comments about the rally in Charlottesville. Here, CNN just lies. Trump definitively did not say that the white supremacists were "very fine people." He, in fact, explicitly stated that he condemned the white supremacists at the rally literally in the same remarks that CNN is quotiing. But don't take my word for it, take the word of ... CNN's Jake Tapper:
CNN's Tapper: Trump Didn't Say 'White Supremacists Are Very Fine People' youtu.be
The claim that Trump called white supremacists "very fine people" has been debunked even by left-leaning fact-checking orgs like factcheck.org. In case there were any doubt, Trump also issued a statement two days later in which he made it clear that he did not consider the white supremacists at the rally to be "very fine people:"
As I said on Saturday, we condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry, and violence. It has no place in America.
And as I have said many times before: No matter the color of our skin, we all live under the same laws, we all salute the same great flag, and we are all made by the same almighty God. We must love each other, show affection for each other, and unite together in condemnation of hatred, bigotry, and violence. We must rediscover the bonds of love and loyalty that bring us together as Americans.
Racism is evil. And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans.
We are a nation founded on the truth that all of us are created equal. We are equal in the eyes of our Creator. We are equal under the law. And we are equal under our Constitution. Those who spread violence in the name of bigotry strike at the very core of America. It would be racist for Trump to have called white supremacists "very fine people," but problematically for CNN, he did not.
I suppose I should have lost my capacity for surprise at CNN's descent into a national joke. Sadly, it appears, I'm not. If CNN can't bring themselves to call Joe Biden lecturing Charlamagne tha God on who is and who is not black "racist," then there is literally nothing anyone who is running against Trump might do to get called racist.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Trump campaign shreds Biden over his insensitive, bizarre black voter remarks: 'Racist and dehumaniz

Trump campaign shreds Biden over his insensitive, bizarre black voter remarks: 'Racist and dehumanizing'

Trump campaign shreds Biden over his insensitive , bizarre black voter remarks : 'Racist and dehumanizing' 'Joe Biden believes black @ @ @ @ @ of being independent or free thinking '

President Donald Trump's campaign blasted former Vice President and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden for his remarks about black voters.
On Thursday, Biden told famed radio host Charlamagne tha God that if you don't vote for Biden, "then you ain't black."
What did the Trump campaign say?
Katrina Pierson, senior adviser to the Trump campaign, slammed Biden for his remarks on Friday.
"White liberal elitists have continuously dictated which black Americans are allowed to come to the table and have a voice," Pierson said. "It is clear now more than ever, following these racist and dehumanizing remarks, that Joe Biden believes black men and women are incapable of being independent or free thinking."
Pierson, who also heads the campaign's Black Voices for Trump, added that Biden, 77, "truly believes" that he, as a white man, "should dictate how black people should behave."
"Biden has a history of racial condescension and today he once again proved what a growing number of black Americans and I have always known — Joe Biden does not deserve our votes," she insisted.
In a "Breakfast Club" interview that aired on Friday, Biden seemed to insist that he deserves the black vote by stating, "I'll tell you what: If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black."
The longtime radio host said that Biden's remarks had nothing to do with Trump. Charlamagne added that he and many other black people within the community want to hear more about Biden's plans for the community itself.
The radio host fired back, "It don't have nothing to do with Trump, it has to do with the fact — I want something for my community."
You can read more about the testy exchange here.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Tim Scott: Biden's 'you ain't black' comment typical of Democrats who take blacks 'for granted' and

Tim Scott: Biden's 'you ain't black' comment typical of Democrats who take blacks 'for granted' and intimidate those who 'don’t agree'

Tim Scott : Biden 's 'you ai n't black ' comment typical of Democrats who take blacks 'for granted ' @ @ @ @ @ ’ t agree '

After former Vice President Joe Biden told a black radio host that "if you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black," U.S. Sen. Tim Scott strongly rebuked Biden and the Democratic Party.
The South Carolina Republican tweeted Friday morning that "1.3 million black Americans already voted for Trump in 2016. This morning, Joe Biden told every single one of us we 'ain't black.' I'd say I'm surprised, but it's sadly par for the course for Democrats to take the black community for granted and brow beat those that don't agree."
How did commenters react to Scott's comments?
A cursory glance at the comments under Scott's tweet reveal a mixed reaction, with those against President Donald Trump's re-election saying Scott is out of line and simply going to bat for him. But others don't see it that way:
"How noble of them to allow you one choice in political viewpoints."
"That's because a tenet of Liberalism is to tell black people how to think and feel. This has been going on with them for a while, now. Biden's comments don't surprise me at all; it's just par for the course with Liberalism."
"NAILED IT."
"The black community is waking up to how insidious their white and black Plantation Democratic Politicians are. They want the black electorate to remain dependent upon them."
"You are courageous, and I hope that others will recognize your leadership."
"From the same guy, Joe Biden, who also said about Barack Obama: 'I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean, that's a storybook, man.'" (Yup, the quote is accurate.)
What's the background?
In an interview on "The Breakfast Club" that aired Friday, host Charlamagne tha God challenged Biden — the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee — saying many are upset about reports that he asked U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a former presidential candidate, to undergo vetting as his vice presidential running mate and that a black woman should be considered instead.
"I'm not acknowledging anybody who is being considered, but I guarantee you: There are multiple black women being considered," Biden responded. "Multiple."
Toward the end of the segment the host told Biden he wanted to talk to him again and that he has "more questions."
But Biden shot back: "You've got more questions? Well, I'll tell you what: If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black."
Charlamagne replied that for him it's not about Trump versus Biden, only that "I want something for my community."
Joe Biden on Black Woman Running Mate, Democrats Taking Black Voters for Granted + Wiping Weed Crime youtu.be
(H/T: FaithWire)


theblaze--2020-05-22--WATCH: Gavin McInnes on 'Hydro-clox-a-chloroquine'

Are you tired of hearing about the coronavirus yet ?
I 'm over it .
Steven Crowder is tired of it , too .
We are all pretty sick of hearing about it and talking about it .
Nevertheless , Gavin McInnes makes the conversation interesting again with his in-your-face opinion on how to stay safe from `` the COVID . ''
`` How are you staying safe on the Eastern seaboard , '' Crowder asked ?
`` By existing , '' Gavin replied .
`` This whole thing is a myth .
We 're in Manhattan right now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are only construction workers and homeless people .
And I 'm walking around thinking , you 're all being lied to — go back to work ! ''
For those of us paying attention , the grossly inflated number of `` expert '' reported COVID-19 deaths is enough to make any thinking-person question the stats .
If you have n't watched the latest `` Louder with Crowder '' Thursday night livestream , then you have yet to be enlightened by what is arguably the most candid back-and-forth conversation about COVID-19 and the prescription @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or more commonly known as hydroxychloroquine .
Use code LWC to save $ 10 on one year of BlazeTV .
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To enjoy more of Steven 's uncensored late-night comedy that 's actually funny , join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand .

Are you tired of hearing about the coronavirus yet? I'm over it. Steven Crowder is tired of it, too. We are all pretty sick of hearing about it and talking about it. Nevertheless, Gavin McInnes makes the conversation interesting again with his in-your-face opinion on how to stay safe from "the COVID."
"How are you staying safe on the Eastern seaboard," Crowder asked?
"By existing," Gavin replied. "This whole thing is a myth. We're in Manhattan right now. It's a ghost town. There are only construction workers and homeless people. And I'm walking around thinking, you're all being lied to — go back to work!"
For those of us paying attention, the grossly inflated number of "expert" reported COVID-19 deaths is enough to make any thinking-person question the stats.
If you haven't watched the latest "Louder with Crowder" Thursday night livestream, then you have yet to be enlightened by what is arguably the most candid back-and-forth conversation about COVID-19 and the prescription treatment known as "Hydroclox-a-chloroquine," or more commonly known as hydroxychloroquine.
Here's a clip from the show. Enjoy...
Gavin gives us his very bad, non-approved thoughts on the coronavirus. Listen to Jimmy Kimmel. Do not listen to Gavin. Want to watch the full show every day? ...
Use code LWC to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
Want more from Steven Crowder?
To enjoy more of Steven's uncensored late-night comedy that's actually funny, join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Joe Biden's racism creates a huge opportunity for the GOP to win black voters. But will they take ad

Joe Biden's racism creates a huge opportunity for the GOP to win black voters. But will they take advantage?

Joe Biden 's racism creates a huge opportunity for the GOP to win black voters .
But will they take @ @

During an interview on a popular radio station with a black host and a large number of black listeners Friday morning, Joe Biden did what Joe Biden does — said something stupid and kind of racist.
"If you're having a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black," Biden told host Charlamagne tha God, after the host told Biden he had some more questions for him.
I can't think of a clearer example of Democrats taking the black vote for granted. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee telling a black man that if he's not sure he wants to vote Democrat, then he's not black.
Many black voters won't appreciate that kind of rhetoric, even if they consider themselves Democrats. You don't get to define someone's racial identity based on whether they agree with your politics. And if you think black people are going to vote for you just because of their skin color, you're not going to be motivated to pursue policies that help them.
What an opportunity here for the Grand Old Party heading into the 2020 election. Black Democrats are already more moderate than other demographics within the party. Pew Research found that 68% of black Democrats consider themselves either moderate or conservative. Now you've got Joe Biden openly telling black people they should be voting for him because they're black.
But will the Republican Party take advantage? Neither the moderate leanings of black Democrats nor the lazy approach to black voters by the Democratic Party are new, and yet a recent poll showed Biden beating Trump with black voters by a margin of 81% to 3%. What can be done to improve that?
Don't replicate Democrats' mistake. Meaning, don't take the stance of "Look how bad they are, so you should just come join our side." Negative arguments aren't winning arguments in this case. Biden's racism may be offensive enough to cause a black Democratic voter to be turned off from voting for Biden, but it probably isn't enough, on its own, to turn that voter into a Republican voter. Make a positive case for voting for conservative candidates.
Don't try to be color-blind. The opposite of racism isn't color-blindness. I'm black. I like being black. I care about things that affect black people in a unique way, because I'm black. Black voters care about black issues, and are looking for leaders who will fight for solutions to those issues. Show them how conservative policies and values, applied equally and appropriately, create those solutions to issues that impact the black community. Bonus tip: Crime isn't the only issue in the black community.
Charlamagne's response to Biden during that interview is important.
"It don't have nothing to do with Trump, it has to do with the fact I want something for my community," he replied.
Choose your ambassadors wisely. The public faces of black conservatism, the ones sent to advocate on behalf of the Republican Party, should be connected to the black community. They must care about the black community. They must respect the black community, and have the ability to earn respect in return.
If you can't empathize with someone's perspective and demonstrate real, personal respect, you're unlikely to be able to convince them of your own perspective. Winning an argument is not the same thing as effective outreach. This quote from the 2012 Republican "autopsy" applies here: "You can't call someone ugly and expect them to go to the prom with you."
The opportunity is there for the Republican Party to gain ground with black voters. The understanding of what to do is there (on paper). Will the Republican Party take advantage this time around? We'll see.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Memorial Day gas prices lowest in nearly 20 years. Here are the 10 states where gas is the cheapest

Memorial Day gas prices lowest in nearly 20 years. Here are the 10 states where gas is the cheapest as vacation season gets underway.

Memorial Day gas prices lowest in nearly 20 years .
Here are the 10 states where gas is the cheapest @ @ @ @ @ .

Memorial Day weekend is normally the kickoff for the summer travel season, but this year will be a little different. Millions of people are under stay-at-home orders, so they won't risk going out. Nearly 39 million Americans have lost their jobs during the shutdown, so many people won't be able to afford traveling as the summer season begins.
The traditional demand for gasoline will be way down this holiday weekend — as it has been for months.
But there's good news for those who will be driving: Memorial Day weekend gas prices haven't been this low in 17 years.
According to AAA, Friday's national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $1.942.
The last time gas was under $2 per gallon going into this holiday weekend was 2003, when the average price was $1.50.
Despite the expected travel surge, AAA expects to see travel volume at a record low this holiday.
"Gas prices around Memorial Day have not been this cheap in nearly 20 years. However, as the country continues to practice social distancing, this year's unofficial kick-off to summer is not going to drive the typical millions of Americans to travel," AAA spokeswoman Jeanette Casselano said. "Despite inexpensive gas prices, AAA anticipates this year's holiday will likely set a record low for travel volume."
Pump prices have risen over the last week — up 7 cents since Monday — and will continue to move up as summer demand increases. But it will be nothing like previous summers.
Below are the states with the cheapest average gas prices as you gear up for Memorial Day weekend and prepare to kick off your summer:
10 states with lowest gas prices
No. 1: Mississippi — $1.566
No. 2: Arkansas — $1.601
No. 3: Texas — $1.609
No. 4: Oklahoma — $1.617
No. 5: Alabama — $1.621
No. 6: Louisiana — $1.635
No. 7: Missouri — $1.641
No. 8: South Carolina — $1.657
No. 9: Kansas — $1.667
No. 10: Tennessee — $1.686


theblaze--2020-05-22--‘This is the end of Hong Kong': Pro-democracy lawmaker warns China’s new anti-protest law will be th

‘This is the end of Hong Kong': Pro-democracy lawmaker warns China’s new anti-protest law will be the demise of the city

‘ This is the end of Hong Kong ' : Pro-democracy lawmaker warns China ’ s new anti-protest law will @ @ @ @ @ city 'This is the end of one country , two systems '

Pro-democracy legislators in Hong Kong sounded the alarm Friday over a new national security law introduced by Beijing that outlaws "foreign interference" and cracks down on the territory's autonomy, with one legislator grimly warning that "this is the end of Hong Kong."
"I just want to say to the international community that this is the end of Hong Kong. This is the end of one country, two systems," said lawyer and lawmaker Dennis Kwok. "Make no mistake about it."
"Beijing, the Central People's government, has completely breached its promise to the Hong Kong people," he continued. "I foresee that the international status of Hong Kong as a city, international city, will be gone very soon."
'This Is The End Of Hong Kong,' Warns Legislator, As China Proposes New Security Law | NBC News youtu.be
Another pro-democracy lawmaker, Tanya Chan, echoed that sentiment in a speech at the start of China's annual National People's Congress in Beijing, where the bill was to be discussed.
"I recall the time when I was young, and I believed in 'one country, two systems,' and I believed we were going to showcase to the world that Hong Kong people can rule Hong Kong," she said, according to NBC News. "But now, I'm not yet 50 years old and suddenly all is gone."
Wu Chi-wai, chairman of Hong Kong's Democratic party, told the news outlet: "The rule of law in Hong Kong is over, because of the implementation of the national security ordinance."
Last year, a firestorm of massive protests erupted in the city as Hong Kong residents demonstrated their displeasure over pro-China policies backed by the city's leadership, namely Chief Executive Carrie Lam. One of which was a bill that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be extradited to mainland China to stand trial.
After months of protests, Lam eventually agreed to scrap the bill but refused to implement other pro-democracy reforms. Lam has since used the coronavirus quarantine to arrest advocates of democracy in the city.
Now Lam is arguing in lockstep with Beijing's talking points, saying that the new law is necessary for security and is in the interest of all Hong Kong residents.
Lam told reporters Friday that the protests are "seriously jeopardizing public safety" and scaring off investors.
"There is now another way of ensuring that Hong Kong will have the necessary legislation and the safeguards in place for national security," she said. "This is really the time for us not to waste any more time and to get on with these important legislative safeguards."


theblaze--2020-05-22--1,200 California pastors will defy Gov. Gavin Newsom's order and resume in-person church services

'Simply put , there is no pandemic exception to the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights '

More than 1,200 California pastors say they will defy Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's shelter-in-place executive order and will resume in-person church services on May 31.
Newsom issued a mandatory statewide stay-at-home order to slow the spread of COVID-19 on March 19. California is currently in Phase 2 of its four-stage re-opening plan. Phase 2 allows for the operation of retail (curbside and delivery only), related logistics and manufacturing, office workplaces, limited personal services, outdoor museums, child care, and essential businesses.
Places of worship, gyms, tattoo shops, libraries, and movie theaters are not allowed to reopen in Phase 2. There is a likelihood that those businesses will be allowed to reopen in Phase 3, which could arrive as early as June 1. However, no official date has been set as of yet for Phase 3, and there will likely be restrictions.
Pastors in California are not waiting for the Democratic governor's approval to reopen. A group of more than 1,200 pastors declared that they would open their churches and resume in-person services on May 31, even if the state forbids them to do so.
A lawyer said more than 1,200 pastors have signed a "declaration of essentiality," and will reopen on May 31. The churches plan to adhere to social distancing guidelines and take other coronavirus precautions.
Attorney Robert Tyler wrote a letter to Newsom on behalf of the churches that accused the governor of overlooking the "essential and critical nature of the services provided by clergy and religious assemblies throughout California."
The letter made a note of the quarantine's effect on mental health and referenced a spike in suicides in Tennessee. The letter also quoted a study published by JAMA Psychiatry that said: "Religious service attendance is associated with a lower risk of death from despair among registered nurses and health care professionals. These results may be important in understanding trends in deaths from despair in the general population."
"The clergy is convinced that 'we the people' are ultimately responsible to protect the individual liberties that may be lost unnecessarily during times of crisis regardless of whether public officials' actions are well intentioned," the letter stated. "Without the checks and balances of the courts and legislature, the clergy now stand as a counterbalance to unchecked regulatory action."
"This letter was not sent for the purposes of asking for permission," Tyler said.
The attorney expects as many as 3,000 churches across California could reopen on May 31 and offer in-person religious services. Sunday, May 31, is the Christian holy day of Pentecost.
Tyler represents the Cross Culture Christian Center in Lodi, a church that sued Newsom in April for barring in-person religious services. A federal judge in Sacramento later ruled that Newsom's stay-at-home order was not unconstitutional and that the church was not unfairly targeted.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division told Newsom that his reopening plan discriminates against places of worship.
Eric Dreiband, the U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, wrote a letter to Newsom that said the governor's coronavirus executive orders places an "unfair burden" on churches. Dreiband said places of worship should be allowed to resume services in Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan.
"Simply put, there is no pandemic exception to the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights," the letter read.


theblaze--2020-05-22--CDC admits to giving misleading COVID-19 testing data. Several states have been making the same mist

CDC admits to giving misleading COVID-19 testing data. Several states have been making the same mistake.

CDC admits to giving misleading COVID-19 testing data .
Several states have been making the same mistake .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention admitted that it is combining viral and antibody tests when reporting its overall testing totals, a decision which scientists say paints an inaccurate picture of the state of the pandemic in America.
The test mix was first reported by NPR's WRLN station in Miami after a nationwide analysis found major discrepancies between state reports on testing and CDC reports.
"It's apples to oranges. The two tests measure two different things," said Mary Jo Trepka, a professor of epidemiology at Florida International University.
"You've got to be kidding me," said Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, in a report by The Atlantic. "How could the CDC make that mistake? This is a mess."
The Atlantic report also found that the CDC is not alone in making the mistake — Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Vermont and other states have also been conflating the results of the two different types of tests. Virginia and Maine only recently stopped.
What exactly is the mistake?
Viral tests — also known as PCR tests due to a process known as polymerase chain reaction — are administered to discover whether someone has an acute, current infection of COVID-19. These tests are what public officials are referencing when confirmed cases are reported.
Antibody, or serology tests, on the other hand, measure whether or not an individual might have come into contact with COVID-19 in the past. They do this by testing an individual's blood to see if their immune system has developed antibodies in response to the disease.
CDC guidelines note that antibody tests are adequate for research but not for individual use, "i.e., to test people who want to know if they have been previously infected."
Why does it matter?
By conflating the results of the two tests, the CDC, along with several states, have been making it more difficult to understand the meaning of positive and negative tests.
"The viral testing is to understand how many people are getting infected, while antibody testing is like looking in the rearview mirror. The two tests are totally different signals," Jha added in The Atlantic report. He added that combining the results makes the date "uninterpretable."
The conflation also makes it more difficult to judge whether the country or an individual state has improved in their viral testing capacity, since results may be buffeted by the inclusion of antibody tests.
"If they are reporting the numbers of real time PCR tests, plus the number of serology tests together, it's hard to interpret and hard to know how many people are actually screened for an acute infection," added Trepka.
It's important to remember that the test results do not merely amount to a technical error, but have wide-ranging consequences for state and local leaders who make decisions on when to reopen their jurisdictions based on the data.
What's next?
Since acknowledging the mistake, the CDC is reportedly at work to update its dashboard.
"Now that serology testing is more widely available, CDC is working to differentiate those tests from the viral tests and will report this information, differentiated by test type, publicly on our COVID Data Tracker website in the coming weeks," CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund told The Hill on Thursday.


theblaze--2020-05-22--Feds issue $80 million coronavirus bailout to Planned Parenthood affiliates

On `` The Chad Prather Show '' Wednesday , Chad Prather explained that despite the COVID-19 induced shutdown of medical facilities across the nation , Planned Parenthood was considered an essential business , and many affiliates received a bailout .
While many were unable to receive elective heart surgery , Planned Parenthood improperly filed for loans from the Paycheck Protection Program .
In total , all 37 affiliates received a combined $ 80 million in coronavirus stimulus funds .
Fox News ' `` Tucker Carlson Tonight '' reported , `` And now the federal government wants the money back , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were n't eligible for the coronavirus stimulus payouts . ''
Fox News said , `` The Small Business Administration ( SBA ) is reaching out to each involved Planned Parenthood affiliate explaining that affiliates of larger organizations with more than 500 employees are n't eligible for PPP distributions , '' According to Fox News , Planned Parenthood Clinic Federation alone has had more than 600 employees .
According to Fox News , back in August , Planned Parenthood clinics were banned from making abortion referrals if they wanted to secure federal funding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and decided not to comply with the order .
Watch the video for the full story .
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On "The Chad Prather Show" Wednesday, Chad Prather explained that despite the COVID-19 induced shutdown of medical facilities across the nation, Planned Parenthood was considered an essential business, and many affiliates received a bailout.
While many were unable to receive elective heart surgery, Planned Parenthood improperly filed for loans from the Paycheck Protection Program. In total, all 37 affiliates received a combined $80 million in coronavirus stimulus funds.
Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" reported, "And now the federal government wants the money back, saying the affiliates should have known they weren't eligible for the coronavirus stimulus payouts."
Fox News said, "The Small Business Administration (SBA) is reaching out to each involved Planned Parenthood affiliate explaining that affiliates of larger organizations with more than 500 employees aren't eligible for PPP distributions,"
According to Fox News, Planned Parenthood Clinic Federation alone has had more than 600 employees.
What else?
According to Fox News, back in August, Planned Parenthood clinics were banned from making abortion referrals if they wanted to secure federal funding. The organization chose to forfeit federal funding and decided not to comply with the order.
Watch the video for the full story.
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theblaze--2020-05-22--Airbus A320 crashes in residential area in Pakistan leaving town looking like a war zone; all 107 pe

Airbus A320 crashes in residential area in Pakistan leaving town looking like a war zone; all 107 people aboard presumed dead

Airbus A320 crashes in residential area in Pakistan leaving town looking like a war zone ; all 107 people aboard @ @

An Airbus AS320 jet crashed in Pakistan's port city of Karachi on Friday, according to a spokesperson for the country's civil aviation authority.
All 107 passengers and crew on board are presumed dead at the time of this writing.
PAKISTAN-AVIATION-ACCIDENT AFP via Getty Images
What are the details?
The flight — a Pakistani International Airlines passenger plane — took off from Lahore and was carrying 99 passengers and eight crew. The flight bound for Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, but crashed after three reported attempts to land. The airliner crashed just two miles northeast of the airport.
Pakistan: Passenger plane with 107 onboard crashes Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
CNBC reported that "houses were damaged" and the army's Quick Reaction Force "arrived at the crash site to assist with rescue efforts."
The Hindustan Times also noted that the Friday crash coincided with the first day of Muslim festival Eid al-Fitr.
In a statement, Pakistani Prime Minster Imran Khan says that an immediate probe into the crash is forthcoming.
Khan tweeted, "Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash. Am in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik, who has left for Karachi & with the rescue & relief teams on ground as this is the priority right now. Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased."


theblaze--2020-05-22--Heartwarming: Husband fights coronavirus-imposed hospital restrictions by bringing 'date night' to h

Heartwarming: Husband fights coronavirus-imposed hospital restrictions by bringing 'date night' to his wife's hospital window once a week

Heartwarming : Husband fights coronavirus-imposed hospital restrictions by bringing 'date night ' to his wife 's hospital window once a @ @ @ @ @ into his own hands to support his pregnant wife

One of the worst and yet least commented upon ways that the coronavirus has impacted American life is that thousands or perhaps millions of Americans languishing in hospitals without being able to have family and friends present to support them during their illnesses.
Even people who are facing end-of-life illnesses like terminal cancer have been forced to face their death alone, and families have been unable to properly say goodbye as they normally would.
According to "Good Morning America," one Chicago-area man decided to take matters into his own hands to support his pregnant wife, who's been spending the last six weeks in a hospital on bed rest due to complications for her pregnancy.
The man, Robert Conlin, has been bringing "date night" to the hospital to support his wife Shona Moeller once a week. According to "Good Morning America," he sets up a complete table decorated with candles and flowers on the sidewalk outside Moeller's fourth-floor window where she can see it. Conlin orders takeout food for the both of them and has Moeller's portion sent up to her room.
Then, the two open up FaceTime and have a conversation while they have their dinner "together."
Conlin told "Good Morning America," "I think it's a little glimpse of some normalcy. We ask each other on dates all the time still and the first time I came [to the hospital] as a date night, I asked her the same thing, 'Do you want to go on a dinner date with me?'"
Moeller told Good Morning America that she "lost her breath" the first time she saw what Conlin had done.
"It felt like he had traveled the world to come see me because it meant so much," she said.
Moeller is in the hospital because her water broke prematurely at 20 weeks. She is on bed rest in order to give her unborn child as much time as possible to gestate and thus increase its chances at survival. Doctors were initially very pessimistic that Moeller would ever deliver a healthy child, but now that she has reached the 28-week mark, they are considerably more optimistic. The couple plans to name their baby boy Forest.
According to "GMA," Conlin will be allowed to attend the actual delivery of the child, but he is not allowed inside the hospital until doctors have determined that Moeller is in labor.


theblaze--2020-05-22--HS graduation banner called 'racist' for using photos of students of color to form dark outlines

HS graduation banner called 'racist ' for using photos of students of color to form dark outlines ' I saw @ @ @ @ @ of my friends and classmates multiple times in the shading , which raised questions ... @

A Virginia high school's banner honoring graduating seniors is being called out as racist — and the principal is apologizing.
What are the details?
The banner from Yorktown High School in Arlington used photos of students of color to form the dark outlines of the school's logo, ARLnow reported, adding that school officials removed the banner following their "oversight."
"I thoroughly don't understand how Yorktown put forth such a racist banner," one student wrote in a social media post, the outlet noted. "I understand they were trying to do something nice for the seniors, but the execution was horrible. [People of color] shouldn't be the outline and there are better ways to highlight the Y."
What did school officials have to say?
An Arlington Public Schools spokesman told the outlet the banner was created using computer software that arranges hundreds of photos according to the background colors in each photo — and the grouping of the students' photos corresponded to the colors in the Yorktown HS logo.
"The printer sent a proof to the school by email, so it was difficult to see how the photos were placed to create image," Frank Bellavia added to ARLnow.
Yorktown Principal Kevin Clark said in an email to students and parents that the school didn't create the banner but "did review it and did not recognize that the background photo unintentionally grouped students by colors in their photos. Therefore, it appears that our students of color seem to make up the darker areas of the photo. Upon realizing our oversight, we immediately removed the banner and notified the printing company of this issue," the outlet said.
"This banner does not appropriately reflect our graduating class or our values, and we sincerely apologize to any student who felt offended or marginalized," Clark added, according to ARLnow. "We do not condone any activity or imagery that offends our students."
Anything else?
The outgoing co-editor-in-chief of the Yorktown Sentry student newspaper posted on Twitter about the banner controversy Wednesday, the ARLnow said. Joseph Ramos also said the banner "does not include all members of the class, but repeats the photos of certain students."
Yoni Yohannes, a black senior at Yorktown, told the Washington Post he "didn't catch the alignment" of the photos initially but soon "realized that the poster featured blacks and Latinos arranged as a shading to the Yorktown logo. ... I saw my face and the faces of my friends and classmates multiple times in the shading, which raised questions as why they would do that."
But Yohannes told the paper he knew it wasn't intentional and appreciated the school's apology.
"I don't want people to think that my school is a racist school — it's far from the truth," he added to the Post. "Many of the Yorktown staff are amazing people, and the environment that they created helped me and many students succeed as high schoolers."


theblaze--2020-05-22--President Trump: 'We're not going to close the country,' even if there's a second wave of COVID-19

President Trump : 'We 're not going to close the country , ' even if there 's a second wave @ @

President Donald Trump said Thursday in Michigan that the country would not shut down during a potential second wave of COVID-19 in the same way it has over the previous two months, Fox News reported.
Some experts predict a fall or winter resurgence of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and those predictions have led some governors to be more hesitant to reopen their states as virus spread gradually slows.
"People say that's a very distinct possibility," Trump said of a second wave. "It's standard. And, we're going put out the fires. We're not going to close the country."
The president's comments indicate he now favors a more targeted coronavirus response in the future, now that there is more available information about the virus and who it impacts most severely.
The economic toll of widespread lockdowns has been devastating. Nearly 40 million people have filed for unemployment since late March, and a recent survey showed that half of all small businesses could be in danger of failing if the lockdowns continue.
Rather than widespread shelter-in-place orders, some public health experts argue that future pandemic policies should focus more on the elderly, the immunocompromised, and others with underlying conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19.
Perhaps the most significant public health revelation of the past two months is the percentage of U.S. coronavirus deaths that have been nursing home residents. The New York Times reported that approximately one-third of all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. are from nursing homes.
In some states, that percentage is even greater. The Guardian reported that 72% of coronavirus deaths in New Hampshire were from nursing homes, as well as half of the deaths in Connecticut. In New York, the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak, nearly 6,000 people from nursing homes have died of the virus.


theblaze--2020-05-23--President Trump continues pummeling Jeff Sessions, but this time he punches back

President Trump continues pummeling Jeff Sessions , but this time he punches back 'Tuberville 's a coward who is rightly @ @ @ @ @ '

Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired back at President Donald Trump over the latest personal insult aimed at supporting his competitor in the Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat.
The president endorsed former college football coach Tommy Tuberville over his old attorney general and has openly berated Sessions for recusing him in the Department of Justice investigation into Russian election interference.
"3 years ago, after Jeff Sessions recused himself, the Fraudulent Mueller Scam began. Alabama, do not trust Jeff Sessions. He let our Country down. That's why I endorsed Coach Tommy Tuberville (@TTuberville), the true supporter of our #MAGA agenda!" the president tweeted on Friday.
While Sessions has faced the slings and arrows of public insults from the president in the past with nary a word of protest, he finally issued a response in his defense.
"Look, I know your anger, but recusal was required by law. I did my duty & you're damn fortunate I did. It protected the rule of law & resulted in your exoneration. Your personal feelings don't dictate who Alabama picks as their senator, the people of Alabama do," said Sessions in his own tweet.
Sessions went after Trump's favored candidate in a second tweet.
"Tuberville's a coward who is rightly too afraid to debate me. He says you're wrong on China & trade. He wants to bring in even more foreign workers to take American jobs. That's not your agenda and it's not mine or Alabama's. I know Alabama. Tuberville doesn't," he added.
Tuberville's a coward who is rightly too afraid to debate me. He says you're wrong on China & trade. He wants to bring in even more foreign workers to take American jobs. That's not your agenda and it's not mine or Alabama's. I know Alabama. Tuberville doesn't.
— Jeff Sessions (@jeffsessions) May 23, 2020
Sessions' response might be his last gasp in the runoff competition for the Republican nomination on July 14. In a poll published on Thursday, he fell far short of the commanding 24% point lead by Tuberville.
Here's more about the race for Alabama's U.S. Senate seat:


theblaze--2020-05-23--Harvard professor blames Christian 'malignant delusion' for anti-lockdown protest and faces the wrat

Harvard professor blames Christian 'malignant delusion' for anti-lockdown protest and faces the wrath of social media

Harvard professor blames Christian 'malignant delusion ' for anti-lockdown protest and faces the wrath of social media

A Harvard professor and public intellectual said that Evangelical Christianity was to blame for the movement against the lockdown over the coronavirus, and social media did not respond warmly.
Steven Pinker posted a tweet in support of the thesis being put forth in an opinion piece in the Washington Post criticizing the Evangelical Christian worldview for the lockdown protests.
"Belief in an afterlife is a malignant delusion, since it devalues actual lives and discourages action that would make them longer, safer, and happier. Exhibit A: What's really behind Republicans wanting a swift reopening? Evangelicals," he tweeted.
The article written by Gary Abernathy argued that the anti-lockdown protests were animated by more than simply the partisan support for President Donald Trump, but that the focus on the afterlife made Christians care less about the virus.
Christian fundamentalism is often fatalistic. As far as many evangelicals are concerned, life passes quickly, suffering is temporary and worrying solves nothing. That's not a view that comports well with long stretches of earthly time spent waiting out business closures or stay-at-home orders. It should be no surprise that a person's deepest beliefs about the world influence how they measure the risks they're willing to take.
Abernathy concluded, "when ruminating over why there are millions of people who don't seem to panic over a global pandemic or other life-threatening event, critics should remember that, right or wrong, it often involves a belief in something even bigger than people named Trump, Hannity or Limbaugh."
The response
Among those incensed at the description Pinker used against Christians was Ben Shapiro, who is Jewish.
"So if I believe that my actions don't merely matter here on earth but in eternity, my actions are somehow devalued? Also, please explain why my synagogue shut down BEFORE any governmental orders to do so if we don't care about actual life. Ridiculous on its face," responded Shapiro.
Others fired back at Pinker for his dismissive accusation.
"Religious people live longer on average, report higher happiness and have more children. But Pinker believes in SCIENCE!" responded Michael Brendan Dougherty of National Review.
"More proof of why godless Psyches are destroying the planet.. you cats ARE the malignancy who have been trying to turn us into 'brains' instead of spiritual beings for centuries .. your gifts to man are ETC, drugs, lobotomy and lock up.. I'll take my chances with God," replied actress Kirstie Alley.
"Christopher Hitchens once described this pompous Harvard pedant as 'educated beyond his intelligence.' Pinker here proves Hitchens right. People want to get back to their jobs, their friends, their life but Pinker insists their real motive is 'belief in an afterlife,'" said Dinesh D'Souza.
"Word of advice: If something makes logical sense to you but doesn't play out in reality then the problem is in your head," responded Catholic comedian Jeremy McLellan.
Here's more about the coronavirus lockdown:


theblaze--2020-05-23--Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extends lockdown order for the fifth time — through June 12

Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer extends lockdown order for the fifth time — through June 12 The Democrat suggested several @ @ @ @ @ Memorial Day at home , such as trying ' a meditation '

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) extended her strict and controversial coronavirus lockdown of the state for a fifth time on Friday, continuing her unilateral dictate through June 12.
Apparently realizing her three-week extension of the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order would crush some Memorial Day plans, the governor also released a list of ways Michiganders could "enjoy" the holiday weekend while remaining in compliance with the mandates.
What are the details?
WJBK-TV reported that Whitmer extended her order on Friday evening at around 5:00 p.m., just as the Memorial Day weekend kicked off. The decision impacts "certain places of public accommodations such as theaters, gyms, and casinos."
The outlet reported that "also on Friday, businesses in the upper peninsula and parts of the lower peninsula were allowed to reopen and operate in a limited capacity" — a decision "Republicans have pressed for weeks, despite Whitmer's emphasis on maintaining blanket bans on business across the state.
The governor also extended the statewide State of Emergency until June 19.
Whitmer said in a statement, "While the data shows that we are making progress, we are not out of the woods yet. If we're going to lower the chance of a second wave and continue to protect our neighbors and loves ones from the spread of this virus, we must continue to do our part by staying safer at home."
She added, "If we open too soon, thousands more could die and our hospitals will get overwhelmed. While we finally have more protective equipment like masks, we can't run the risk of running low again."
As of Friday, Michigan had nearly 54,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and more than 5,150 deaths from the virus.
Anything else?
Around the same time as the governor's announcement, she posted two messages on Twitter providing stay-at-home and social distancing activities compiled by her office, as suggestions for how Michiganders could spend their time over the weekend since many traditional Memorial Day activities are prohibited this year.
The first message shared a link to the state's Pinterest account, showing "ideas for [at-home] games, crafts, grilling and more."
In the second post, Whitmer wrote, "We know that this year's Memorial Day weekend will look a bit different than before, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday weekend and honor those who died in military service while keeping our communities safe."
She included a flyer showing options for stay-at-home activities, such as getting outside, ordering takeout, or thanking "veterans by putting a homemade sign or decoration in your yard or window." Recognizing that "this unprecedented time has been stressful for many," the governor also suggested citizens "take some time to read a book, watch your favorite show, or try a meditation."


theblaze--2020-05-23--'Pick a f***ing side!': Barstool Sports founder calls out Dr. Fauci over the doctor's latest advice

'Pick a f***ing side ! '
: Barstool Sports founder calls out Dr. Fauci over the doctor 's latest advice

Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy recorded another of his signature profanity-laced tirades on Friday, this time directing his ire at White House health adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci after the doctor came out in favor of reopening the country despite recently declaring that doing so would lead to "needless suffering and death."
What are the details?
Fauci cautiously suggested Friday that he supports reopening the country, acknowledging that citizens and the economy "can't stay locked down" for "a prolonged period of time" because it could cause "irreparable damage."
The Daily Wire noted that just last week, "Fauci told the U.S. Senate that reopening too soon would cause 'needless suffering and death.'"
Portnoy—who recently unleashed against officials (including Fauci) over the destructive shutdowns—took notice of Fauci's latest advice, and then took to Instagram, saying, "OK, rant time!" before laying into Fauci again over what he saw as a change of heart.
Addressing the doctor, Portnoy said, "Fauci, I just did a rant that went viral, literally like last week, because you're like, 'If we open up the country everyone is gonna f***ing die.'"
"I'm paraphrasing," Portnoy told his audience, "but that's like what he said."
He continued, "Now, I put a little f***in' heat on him, and people are like, 'we gotta open, we're gonna die if we stay inside.' Now, he's just, the wind blows, and he's like, "No, no, no, we can't stay in forever, it causes irreparable damage.'"
"What is it, Fauci!" Portnoy yelled. "Pick a f***ing side! Or at least say you don't know what the f*** you're talking about. That's the problem, that's the whole point: Nobody knows what they're talking about."
Portnoy went on to point out the evolving and contradictory advice handed down by officials over the months since COVID-19 hit the U.S. He did say that Fauci "seems like a nice guy," but added, "I'm beginning to think he's senile."


theblaze--2020-05-23--'What the hell have they been doing?!' — Trey Gowdy excoriates FBI Director Wray's probe into Mike F

'What the hell have they been doing?!' — Trey Gowdy excoriates FBI Director Wray's probe into Mike Flynn debacle

'What the hell have they been doing ?
! '
— Trey Gowdy excoriates FBI Director Wray 's probe into @ @ @ @ @ known about it since the day he became the FBI director ! '

Former congressman Trey Gowdy excoriated the announcement from FBI Director Christopher Wray of an internal probe into the Mike Flynn debacle.
Gowdy made the comments to Martha MacCallum on her Fox News show on Friday.
"It's been four years! What the hell have they been doing?!" replied Gowdy.
"I mean, this happened in 2016 and 2017 so, I mean it's not like he just learned of the misconduct, we just learned of it, or some of your viewers just learned of it. He's known about it since the day he became the FBI director," he added.
Wray announced on Friday the internal inquiry into the conduct of FBI agents in their investigation into former Trump national security advisor Flynn. Critics of the prosecution of Flynn say the Obama administration improperly abused the power of government to punish political opponents.
"So, why now in May of 2020 you are announcing a look back at misconduct in 2016 and 2017, uh, I don't know what's next, I mean, the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, John Wilkes Booth, I mean I don't know what else he's going to look at that happened a long time ago," Gowdy continued.
"The time for investigating misconduct is much more contemporaneous than four years!" he concluded.
Gowdy also opined on the demand from Susan Rice, the former Obama national security advisor, that the unredacted transcripts of Flynn's calls to a Russian ambassador be released. He said that he had seen some of them and that they would be "boring" to read.
Here are the comments from Trey Gowdy:


theblaze--2020-05-22--FBI Director Wray orders internal investigation of alleged misconduct in Mike Flynn probe

The FBI is investigating itself now

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray announced an internal investigation into the alleged misconduct by FBI agents in the probe of former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn.
Wray made the announcement in a statement on Friday after revelations about the FBI questioning of Flynn that led him to plead guilty for lying.
"FBI Director Christopher Wray today ordered the Bureau's Inspection Division to conduct an after-action review of the Michael Flynn investigation," said the Bureau in the statement according to Fox News.
The statement said that the purpose of the probe was to see if any FBI employees acted improperly, and also to determine whether the bureau's policies need to be amended and updated.
"Although the FBI does not have the prosecutorial authority to bring a criminal case, the Inspection Division can and will evaluate whether any current onboard employees engaged in actions that might warrant disciplinary measures," the FBI added.
The investigation is in response to accusations that the investigation into Flynn was a politically motivated partisan hunt to ultimately seek prosecution against President Donald Trump.
Democrats have countered that Republicans have leaked partial documentation in order to mislead the public on efforts from the FBI that they say were done "by the book."
In response to the allegations former Obama national security advisor Susan Rice, infamous for pushing the narrative that the Benghazi terror attack was sparked by a YouTube video, has called for the release of unredacted transcripts of calls between Flynn and a Russian ambassador.
Here's more about the FBI probe into Mike Flynn:


theblaze--2020-05-24--The internet hilariously ridiculed Alyssa Milano for her useless crocheted face mask

The internet hilariously ridiculed Alyssa Milano for her useless crocheted face mask The actress was mocked mercilessly for her virtue-signaling @ @ @ @ @ protect her from coronavirus

Actress and #MeToo activist Alyssa Milano attempted to show just how safe she was being by wearing a face mask to protect her from coronavirus. So she wore a crocheted mask that has giant holes.
Milano attempted to virtue-signal about how she was being safe and wearing a face mask. The internet was more than willing to point out the major flaw in the resistance crusader's knitted face mask.
"Show me your masks! Masks keep people safe and healthy. Show me yours! Ready? Go! #WearAMask," Milano tweeted on Saturday. She included a photo of her family and her mask.
Milano claims that there is a white-colored carbon filter underneath the crocheted mask. There is debate as to whether or not carbon filters are effective against COVID-19.
Never-the-less, the internet mercilessly mocked the actress for her knitted face mask.
Hate to see it.


theblaze--2020-05-23--Judge at center of Michael Flynn case hires high-profile attorney to defend himself

United States District Judge Emmet Sullivan, who refused to immediately drop the charges against Michael Flynn at the request of the Justice Department, has now hired a high-profile attorney.
Sullivan has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks for making several unusual decisions in the Flynn case.
First, after refusing the Justice Department's request, Sullivan invited outside groups to file amicus curiae, or "friend of the court," briefs. This was unusual because such petitions are typically only allowed in appellate courts and civil cases — not criminal cases.
Second, Sullivan tapped retired federal judge John Gleeson to both argue against the Justice Department and examine whether Flynn committed perjury for pleading guilty to lying to FBI agents.
In response, Flynn's attorneys formally petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to force Sullivan to comply with the Justice Department's request. On Thursday, the appellate court gave Sullivan just 10 days to justify his actions.
To defend himself, Sullivan has retained Beth Wilkinson, according to the Washington Post. She will be tasked with helping formulate Sullivan's defense.
More from the Post:
Wilkinson, a go-to advocate for prominent officials snared in major Washington investigations and high-stakes legal battles, now joins the fray. Wilkinson represented Brett M. Kavanaugh when he was a Supreme Court Justice nominee and battling accusations he had sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford when they were both teens. Her firm also represented the lawyer and longtime confidant of Hillary Clinton amid an investigation into whether Clinton, then secretary of state, had mishandled classified information while trying to avoid using government emails.
Wilkinson is expected to file a brief within the week notifying the court that she is representing Sullivan.


theblaze--2020-05-23--Beto O'Rourke says Texas re-opening is 'dangerous, dumb and weak,' Dan Crenshaw and Ted Cruz hit bac

Beto O'Rourke says Texas re-opening is 'dangerous, dumb and weak,' Dan Crenshaw and Ted Cruz hit back

Beto O'Rourke says Texas re-opening is 'dangerous , dumb and weak , ' Dan Crenshaw and Ted Cruz hit back @ @ @ @ @ Crenshaw and Ted Cruz smash Beto 's attention-seeking nonsense

Failed presidential candidate and unsuccessful Senate candidate Robert Francis O'Rourke had strong words about the re-opening of Texas. O'Rourke told Gov. Greg Abbott that opening up Texas is "dangerous, dumb and weak."
Abbott allowed Texas to move to Phase 2 of its re-opening plan, which permitted more businesses to open up and expand capacity for businesses that were already open. Abbott moved the state to Phase 2 after the state's hospitalization and COVID-19 positivity rates improved.
"Gov. Abbott's focus is to keep Texans safe while also restoring their ability to get back to work, pay their bills and put food on their tables," John Wittman, a spokesman for the governor's office, said. "That is why he is opening the Texas economy in a safe and strategic manner that relies on data and doctors and will protect lives while restoring livelihoods."
On Friday night, Gov. Abbott tweeted: "Texas is Opening Safe, Smart, and Strong." To which, O'Rourke responded: "Dangerous, dumb and weak."
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) lampooned O'Rourke's tweet by taking a comical shot at all Democrats.
"A deadly lesson in failed leadership: Texas leads the country in uncontrolled spread of coronavirus," O'Rourke also wrote in a tweet that included a link to a Washington Post article titled, "Study estimates 24 states still have uncontrolled coronavirus spread."
"Despite what Trump & co. (Abbott & Patrick) say, stay home if you can & wear a mask if you have to go out. It will save lives," O'Rourke added.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) fired back at O'Rourke for chiding the governor's re-opening strategy.
"What a condescending reaction," Crenshaw tweeted to O'Rourke. "The guy who wanted to be Texas's Senator truly believes Texans can't make decisions for themselves and that they are 'dumb and weak' for living their lives and trying to feed their families."
"And yes, he's talking to all Texans, not just our governor," Crenshaw wrote. "Governor Abbott can't force anyone to go back to work. Texans are choosing to do that, despite what people like Beto scream from their ivory towers."
Despite having the second-largest population in the U.S., Texas has the seventh-most confirmed COVID-19 cases and 15th-most coronavirus deaths. Texas has 48 confirmed coronavirus deaths per 1 million, 11th-best in the nation.
Crenshaw and O'Rourke also locked horns after Beto accused the former Navy SEAL and representative in Texas's 2nd congressional district of "selling his own book to the GOP." Crenshaw hit back at O'Rourke by saying: "Millionaires fundraising for millionaires."


theblaze--2020-05-23--NYC shutters field hospital that never saw single patient — and officials want taxpayers to pick up

NYC shutters field hospital that never saw single patient — and officials want taxpayers to pick up the tab

A field hospital set up in Brooklyn specifically for coronavirus patients is now being dismantled without having served a single patient, The City reported.
As New York City quickly became the global COVID-19 epicenter, city officials ordered that many sites across the city be converted into field hospitals. At the time, experts said the growing pandemic would easily overwhelm the city's hospital system.
One such site transformed into a hospital was the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook, which was designed to treat nearly 700 patients.
According to The City, the field hospital was "slated to open in mid-April but wasn't ready for service until May 4." But by the time construction was completed, New York's coronavirus-related hospital population had dropped significantly, meaning the city no longer needed the field hospital.
And now, the site is being demolished.
What's worse, city officials reportedly expect the Federal Emergency Management Agency — via the taxpayer — to pick up the $20.8 million tab for constructing and tearing down the temporary site.
The City reported that the bill would include an additional $2 million fee paid to a construction management firm.
"As part of our hospital surge, we expanded capacity at a breakneck speed, ensuring our hospital infrastructure would be prepared to handle the very worst. We did so only with a single-minded focus: saving lives," Avery Cohen, a city hall spokesperson, said.
"Over the past few months, social distancing, face coverings, and other precautionary measures have flattened the curve drastically, and we remain squarely focused on taking that progress even further," Cohen added.
Despite grisly predictions, New York on Saturday reported its lowest death toll since March.


theblaze--2020-05-23--Jemele Hill tries to defend Biden's racist comment — but it immediately backfires

Jemele Hill tries to defend Biden 's racist comment — but it immediately backfires 'The issue was n't what Joe @ @ @ @ @ was accurate '

Former ESPN host Jemele Hill attempted to defend Joe Biden's racist comments about black voters on Friday, but it did not go over well with Hill's followers.
According to Hill, the former vice president's declaration that black people "ain't black" if they do not vote for him is "accurate." Hill also excused Biden's remark as a "joke."
"The issue wasn't what Joe Biden said, because it was accurate. The issue was that it came from Biden. It also was clearly a joke that didn't land. But I'm wondering where all this outrage was yesterday when y'all president declared his public devotion to a Nazi sympathizer," Hill tweeted.
What was the reaction?
Hill's response did not go over as planned. Turns out, people don't like being told who to vote for just because their skin is of a certain color.
"Nah. It was inaccurate. And *we* determine what is culturally, customarily, politically 'Black' in its orientation. From the in-group, not the out-group. And the Trump part is a red herring. He creates outrage fatigue," one person told Hill.
"So I'm not black according to because I don't support the party you support? Makes total sense," another person responded.
"Trump being racist isn't an excuse to carry water for Biden, who has a very long record of white supremacy," another person told Hill.
"Sorry I'm black, it ain't accurate, he lost me with this one. It's basically saying we have no nuanced positions about anything other than being outraged daily about racism, so we'll basically do anything to vote against Trump," another person said.
Another person simply responded, "'It was accurate' wow."
"Nah. It's NOT accurate. It WASNT a joke. That deflection ain't working either. Can't wait for the day we stop justifying goofy shit just because the person saying it is a part of whatever party we THINK is for us," another person told Hill.
Anything else?
Hill was not the only prominent voice of the black community who seemingly defend Biden.
Nikole Hannah-Hones, the Pulitzer Prize winner for the controversial 1619 Project, wrote in a since-deleted tweet that there is a difference between being "politically black" and "racially black."
"There is a difference between being politically black and being racially black," Hannah-Jones said. "I am not defending anyone, but we all know this and should stop pretending that we don't."


theblaze--2020-05-23--San Francisco sanctions tent city, residents say 'unsafe' homeless epidemic makes them feel like pri

San Francisco sanctions tent city, residents say 'unsafe' homeless epidemic makes them feel like prisoners in their own city

San Francisco sanctions tent city , residents say 'unsafe ' homeless epidemic makes them feel like prisoners in their own @ @ @ @ @ in one SF neighborhood and residents are worried about rampant drug use , violence , @ @

Tents have increased by 71% in San Francisco since January, and temporary structures for homeless people have risen a whopping 285% in the Tenderloin neighborhood. With the spike in people living in tents, San Francisco has dealt with its homeless epidemic by sanctioning the city's first tent city.
San Francisco set up encampment squares this week that allows homeless people to legally pitch tents while keeping a safe distance from others. The tent city, which is called the "Safe Sleeping Site," is located in close proximity to City Hall. San Francisco will open two more designated tent city sites soon.
The tent city, which is maintained by the Department of Public Works, features seven portable toilets, two hand-washing stations, and 24-hour security.
The city decided to sanction the "Safe Sleeping Village" after San Francisco's homeless shelters were forced to reduce capacity so that social distancing guidelines could be practiced during the coronavirus pandemic. With less availability at homeless shelters, vagrants started living in the streets.
"While in normal times I would say that we should focus on bringing people inside and not sanctioning tent encampments, we frankly do not have many other options right now," Mayor London Breed said. "Having places with resources serving people in the neighborhood is better than unsanctioned encampments."
During the COVID-19 outbreak, San Francisco procured 2,000 hotel rooms for the city's homeless population of more than 8,000. City officials say over 1,000 homeless individuals have been moved into hotel rooms during the shelter-in-place order.
San Francisco is supplying drugs and alcohol to homeless people who are staying at city-leased hotels during the coronavirus quarantine.
Urban Alchemy, a nonprofit services provider, is offering health services and nutrition to unsheltered individuals in the tent city. The group urged musicians, therapists, artists, and teachers to donate their services to the tent city and its inhabitants.
San Francisco Opens First Temporary Sanctioned Tent Homeless Encampment With Social Distance Markings Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
However, many San Francisco residents are concerned about the skyrocketing amount of homeless individuals. Lisa Russell told KGO-TV that she feels like a prisoner in her own home, in which she lives with her father, husband, and 11-year-old son. "I feel 100% like a prisoner," Russell said.
Russell said that a large tent was set up right outside her home, only an arm's reach from a window at their house.
"The virus, it's so close that it could easily be brought in, you know," Russell said. "I mean, if you open these windows or with that, you're basically having anybody who's that close inside your room, might as well invite them inside your apartment, you know, because they're that close to it."
The tent is near a vent, and Russell is worried that her family could be infected with coronavirus despite sheltering in place.
"We are scared that, by no fault of our own and by following the rules, we're going to end up getting COVID. And that could be deadly for both my father and myself," Russell, who suffers from severe asthma and her 73-year-old father, who is at high risk for the disease, said.
The Russells said they see rampant drug use daily, fights, and fires. The family claims that two tents caught on fire in recent months, sending smoke into their building.
"After 15 years of living in San Francisco, it's where my heart is, I love this place," Russell said. "And it kills me inside to see what is happening because we do not have city officials stepping up and doing their job."
Tenderloin officials say that since the pandemic, tents have gone from 400 to more than 1,100. Mike Abuyaghi, an owner of an auto shop in the Tenderloin district, is also worried about the homeless epidemic.
"It's unsafe. It's unsanitary. Whatever is going on here, it's inhumane," Abuyaghi told CNN. "It's like, you know, you come to work and you want to focus on what you're here for. Then you have all the craziness going on."
"What I am seeing that's different are more tents, and it's what the city calls 'visible homelessness,' and visible homelessness is not the issue," said Kelley Cutler of the Coalition on Homelessness. "The issue is that people don't have access to alternatives. There are no alternatives."