theblaze--2020-06-08--McEnany: Any reduction of qualified immunity for police officers a 'non-starter' for Trump admin

McEnany : Any reduction of qualified immunity for police officers a 'non-starter ' for Trump admin

In comments at Monday's press briefing, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany seemed to rule out the possibility that the White House would support any police reform legislation that would eliminate or reduce "qualified immunity" for police officers.
During the course of a response to a question about Democratic proposals for criminal justice reform that have been floated in the wake of the civil unrest following the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, McEnany noted that she hadn't spoken with President Donald Trump about the specifics of the proposal and that he had not reviewed them, but that the bill would be unlikely to obtain the president's support because of several "non-starters," including reform to the doctrine of "qualified immunity."
The doctrine of "qualified immunity" is not currently codified in federal law, and was essentially created by judges as an interpretation of 42 USC 1983, which permits United States citizens to sue agents of the government for deprivation of their constitutional rights.
Although the statute does not contain this language, federal courts have decreed that police officers cannot be held liable under this statute unless the plaintiff can prove a "clearly established" violation of rights — which in practice means that the plaintiff who wishes to sue a police officer must prove that the officer acted exactly in a way that was already decreed to be unconstitutional by a prior court. Critics of the doctrine, which include conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, note that nothing in the history of the statute supports such an interpretation of the law, and that it makes it unnecessarily difficult to sue police officers.
Although the doctrine does not have any direct relevance to the George Floyd case, proponents of reform have argued that repealing the doctrine would make police officers more cautious about using force against suspects.
That very suspicion, however, is the stated reason why the administration would oppose any such measure. According to McEnany, "Particularly on the immunity issue, you have AG [William] Barr saying, this weekend he was asked about reduced immunity and he said, 'I don't think we need to reduce immunity to go after the bad cops because that would result certainly in police pulling back, which is not advisable.'"
McEnany did say, however, that President Trump was open to a number of ideas and that he was "looking at a number of proposals."


theblaze--2020-06-08--Not even Joe Biden wants to defund the police

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden does not support defunding police in America, despite calls to do so from some on the left in the wake of George Floyd's death late last month.
"As his criminal justice proposal made clear months ago, Vice President Biden does not believe that police should be defunded," Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement Monday.
"He hears and shares the deep grief and frustration of those calling out for change, and is driven to ensure that justice is done and that we put a stop to this terrible pain," Bates added before listing Biden's support for funding health and safety programs and community policing programs "so that officers can focus on the job of policing."
In the statement, Bates also mentioned Biden's support for "diversifying police departments so that they resemble the communities in which they serve."
Biden's opposition deals a blow to the growing movement to defund police departments in communities across America as a response to supposed systemic racism within law enforcement.
In Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed, the city council recently signed a pledge to end the city's police department. Last week, the council's president, Lisa Bender, confirmed that the police department would be "dismantled" and replaced with a "transformative new model of public safety."
According to Fox News, similar initiatives to transfer funding away from police have begun in New York City and Los Angeles, though the concept is still well outside the mainstream.
A recent YouGov survey found that only "16 percent of Democrats and 15 percent of Republicans support that idea."


theblaze--2020-06-08--De Blasio scolds NYPD for failing to wear masks while controlling protests: 'It's painful to people

De Blasio scolds NYPD for failing to wear masks while controlling protests: 'It's painful to people because it feels like they're flouting the rules'

De Blasio scolds NYPD for failing to wear masks while controlling protests : 'It 's painful to people because it @ @ @ @ @ the rules' Would you care to comment on this picture , Mayor ?

In a stunning display of hypocrisy and low self-awareness, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, who himself participated in protests that are themselves a giant violation of the city's COVID-19 guidelines, scolded New York police officers who, according to him, were not wearing masks during the course of controlling the crowds. On at least one of those occasions, as noted by the featured image in this story, de Blasio was not wearing a face mask at all.
According to the New York Post, de Blasio made the comments on Sunday. In the remarks, which were carried on C-SPAN, de Blasio claimed, "We've seen too many officers who just have [masks] off, and it's painful to people because it feels like they're flouting the rules.
The issue of masks and face coverings remains the subject of considerable scientific debate, particularly whether such masks are efficacious and whether they might, in fact, be harmful to people who wear them. What is not the subject of scientific debate is the fact that large gatherings of people who are closely pressed together, such as the protests that de Blasio himself has attended, are a violation of city and state guidelines for controlling the pandemic.
Nonetheless, in his remarks, de Blasio chose to focus on masks.
"Everyone is being asked to wear a face covering. That includes police officers. Now I'll grant you, if you're trying to communicate to a crowd of people, you might have to take off your face covering. If you're in the middle of something where there is a legitimate tactical reason to have your face covering off, if you're drinking water, there are reasons to have a face covering off," de Blasio continued. "We've seen too many officers who just have it off, and it's painful to people because it feels like they're flouting the rules. And we say to all the officers out there, 'I know you have a hard job, but, you know, do unto others.' ... It's just a human decency thing."
One might object, of course, that the rules against large gatherings themselves apply to the mayor, as well as the rules about masks. As shown by photographic proof, de Blasio has attended mass public gatherings and rallies in the middle of the pandemic, including one where he did not appear to have a mask handy at all and certainly was not wearing it while he was up on the stage, even during times when he was not speaking.


theblaze--2020-06-08--Newspaper ran article titled, 'Buildings Matter, Too.' The top editor was just forced to resign.

Newspaper ran article titled , 'Buildings Matter , Too . '
The top editor was just forced to resign .
@ @ @ @ @ for 20 years

The top editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Stan Wischnowski, was forced to resign over the weekend over outrage stemming from an article that declared, "Buildings Matter, Too."
In the shadow of George Floyd's tragic death two weeks ago, violence and looting have plagued cities nationwide. Thousands of businesses have been looted, set on fire, and completely destroyed by agitators exploiting racial tensions.
Last Tuesday, the Inquirer published a column highlighting the heartbreaking impact of the violence. The column was titled, "Buildings Matter, Too."
The headline generated immediate backlash, forcing the newspaper's leadership to issue an apology.
"The Philadelphia Inquirer published a headline in Tuesday's edition that was deeply offensive. We should not have printed it," the editors said. "We're sorry, and regret that we did. We also know that an apology on its own is not sufficient."
"The headline accompanied a story on the future of Philadelphia's buildings and civic infrastructure in the aftermath of this week's protests," the apology continued. "The headline offensively riffed on the Black Lives Matter movement, and suggested an equivalence between the loss of buildings and the lives of black Americans. That is unacceptable."
Unfortunately, the apology was not enough, and by Saturday the Inquirer announced that Wischnowski — the paper's executive editor and senior vice president — had resigned.
From the Inquirer:
In a statement Saturday afternoon, publisher Lisa Hughes said that Wischnowski "has decided to step down as senior vice president and executive editor." She thanked him for his 20 years working at the paper and serving as executive editor.
Wischnowski worked at the Inquirer 20 years. He will formally leave the newspaper at the end of business on Friday. His successor was not immediately announced.
Wischnowski is not the only major newspaper editor who was forced out of a job over a controversial article in recent days.
James Bennet, the editor of the New York Times editorial page, was also forced to resign over the weekend following controversy stemming from the newspaper publishing an op-ed from Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).


theblaze--2020-06-08--New Zealand prime minister declares: Coronavirus 'eliminated,' time to reopen everything

New Zealand prime minister declares : Coronavirus 'eliminated , ' time to reopen everything Now can they save their economy @

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Monday that her country has "eliminated" coronavirus transmissions.
Back in March, Middle-earth implemented one of the most draconian pandemic lockdowns on the planet. Most of the nation's businesses were forced to close and all but so-called "essential workers" were required to stay home for nearly seven weeks. The government closed its borders to nearly all foreign travel.
In late April, the government said it had defeated the virus and would begin reopening.
On May 27, CBS News reported that the country had discharged its last coronavirus hospital patient.
Less than two weeks later (and after a total of 1,154 reported cases and 22 deaths), Ardern declared that her nation hasn't reported a single new case in more than two weeks, the New York Post said.
Ardern told reporters that Monday marked a "milestone" in the country's battle against the epidemic.
"We are confident we have eliminated transmission of the virus in New Zealand for now," she said, the Post reported, "but elimination is not a point in time, it is a sustained effort."
The government has announced that all events — public and private — as well as retail outlets, hospitality businesses, and public transportation will be back to normal — all without social distancing requirements.
Though the Ardern government has been praised for its leadership and the prime minister's poll numbers have shot up, the Post said, the Kiwis still face a major task: reviving an economy that is expected to sink into a recession.
Ardern did note that the government would continue border controls and require everyone entering New Zealand to be tested for the virus.


theblaze--2020-06-08--Minneapolis City Council president says if you are concerned about not having any police, that 'come

Minneapolis City Council president says if you are concerned about not having any police, that 'comes from a place of privilege'

Minneapolis City Council president says if you are concerned about not having any police , that 'comes from a place @ @ @

Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender is standing by the council's plan to disband the local police department, and she responded to people who might be concerned about not having police to call if someone breaks into their house by saying that their concerns came "from a place of privilege."
On Monday, Bender spoke with Alisyn Camerota on CNN's "New Day," where she said that she's wholly able to envision a future for the city sans police department.
Last week, Bender said she would lead the fight to defund and dismantle the police force following the police killing of George Floyd.
What are the details?
Speaking to Camerota about the controversial pledge to entirely dismantle the police force, Bender said that she had a grand vision for a reduction in police force back in 2016 when she and other lawmakers were running for office.
"A lot of us were asked if we could imagine a future without police back in 2017 when we were running for office," Bender said. "And I answered 'yes' to that question."
Bender added that she's aware that disbanding the police force will come with problems of its own.
"I know that [concerns over having no law enforcement] comes from a place of privilege," she insisted. "For those of us for whom the system is working, I think we need to step back and imagine what it would feel like to already live in that reality where calling the police may mean more harm is done."
On Sunday, the Minneapolis City Council vowed to shut down the city's police department. Nine of the council's 13 members pledged to begin dismantling the local police department as it exists.
Councilwoman Alondra Cano said that the councilmembers' unity "signals a strong and clear direction about where this is going."
In a statement, members of the council said, "Decades of police reform efforts have proved that the Minneapolis Police Department cannot be reformed and will never be accountable for its actions. We are here today to begin the process of ending the Minneapolis Police Department and creating a new, transformative model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis."
The council did not detail what type of law enforcement would take the place of its existing law enforcement.


theblaze--2020-06-08--'Fed up' donut shop cancels police, military discount after alleged racial profiling incident: 'Sham

'Fed up' donut shop cancels police, military discount after alleged racial profiling incident: 'Shame on you for your silence'

'Fed up ' donut shop cancels police , military discount after alleged racial profiling incident : 'Shame on you for @ @ @ @ @ long line of customers came out Sunday morning in solidarity with Allie 's Donuts

A Rhode Island donut shop posted a scathing social media message Saturday evening, blasting Providence police after a city firefighter alleged two officers racially profiled him June 3, WPRI-TV reported.
What did the message say?
"A note to the officer who profiled the Providence firefighter the other night: That is an example of terrible job performance," the Instagram story from Allie's Donuts said. "If you were an athlete, you'd be cut from your team. If you were our employee, we would fire you immediately. But, you are a police officer. And despite being the ones responsible for protecting the law, you may be considered 'above it' & face ZERO consequences for your mistakes."
Another post from the North Kingstown shop added, "We're fed up. Until local police takes action to solve problems with racism & injustice, Allie's Donuts will choose to stand with the people of our great state. We will no longer offer military or police discounts. Thank you for your service, and shame on you for your silence."
What happened next?
The North Kingstown Police Department called the posts from Allie's Donuts "divisive."
"We certainly do not need nor want a discount, however this message of targeting (removed hate) your police and fire departments, your local military, and your veterans is distasteful," the police department's post added . "Let's start talking about how to lift UP our community and not tear it down; police themselves aren't the problem — racism is the problem."
In addition, some people said they're boycotting the business to support law enforcement and military members, WJAR-TV reported.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
Not everyone feels that way, though
But on Sunday morning a long line of customers — some holding "Black Lives Matters" and "End Police Brutality" signs — stretched around Allie's Donuts and back into the parking lot, WPRI-TV reported.
Singing a different tune
Allie's owner and operator, Matt Drescher — whose family has run the shop for three generations — seemed to sing a slightly different tune the following day, telling WPRI that "hopefully we will not lose customers over our willingness to speak up. We respect the military for their sacrifice, and their duty. We love every policeman, every fireman, every nurse, every National Guard member, every Naval recruit and officer and all of the men and women in the Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, and armed forces."
Drescher also took to Instagram and recorded a video reacting to the outpouring of support the shop received — selling out of donuts by 1 p.m. Sunday — and then admitting he erred with his initial social media posts.
Encouraging folks to not give in to the temptation to "insult people" and "make them feel like someone wants to be their enemy," he said his initial "message didn't really convey my intention. I just wanted to take away a privilege from people so that we could all be equal."
Drescher also encouraged people to start a conversation, WJAR-TV reported.
"People in power. People with influence. Let's discuss how to fix things. Let's acknowledge that they need to be fixed and not ignore it and not pass blame back and forth and say, 'What about you and what about me and what about that and why would you ignore this?' No, something is wrong. Let's fix it," Drescher said, according to the station.
Anything else?
As for the racial profiling claim, WPRI said the city is investigating, but the police union vehemently disputes it.
More from WJAR:
Providence firefighter Terrell Paci told NBC 10 News he became the victim of racial profiling while in uniform this week outside of the Messer Street fire station, where he works. He said police drew their guns and claimed Paci matched the description of a suspect reportedly seen waving a gun nearby.
The Providence Fraternal Order of Police denied the allegations Saturday and said a witness told police they believed the car Paci was in contained the suspects.
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza called the allegations "deeply disturbing," that station added.


theblaze--2020-06-08--Amid George Floyd fallout, prominent pastor refuses to teach adopted son to be suspicious of whites

Amid George Floyd fallout , prominent pastor refuses to teach adopted son to be suspicious of whites

An Arizona pastor says he refuses to teach his adopted son to be suspicious of white people because the child is a person of color.
Jeff Durbin, a pastor of Apologia Church in Tempe, Arizona, also added that God created him and his son both — and neither are inherently flawed or guilty because of the colors of their skin.
What are the details?
He wrote, "My son is a miracle. He is also a blend of tribes. He is Iranian and Guatemalan. I love him more than my own life. his differences from me make me happy and I truly celebrate and get excited about them. God has made him so special and I wouldn't want him any different."
"I despise the modern mindset (shared by many so-called Christians) that want to teach him to be suspicious of his father because he is white," Durbin continued. "I won't allow that division and I will spend my last breath fighting against anyone who wants to teach him that by being the color God made me (or him) means I am (or he is) inherently guilty and condemned."
"He is," Durbin wrote, "what God made him. And so am I. These colors are beautiful. As beautiful as a field of multi-colored roses. I refuse to lose that precious truth to people who want to replace it with tension hate, conflict, and war."
Anything else?
According to CBN News, Durbin recently spoke out against the rioting and destruction following the death of George Floyd.
Durbin said that there's no room in the Christian creed for "adopting the Marxist ideology" of "conflict between classes and groups."
He said, "When I see people professing the name of Jesus inciting riots and looting and adopting the Marxist ideology of conflict between classes and groups and trying to help with that and trying to put a Christian veneer over it, I wanna say that I am disgusted by it."
"You can't say you're concerned about the abuse of an image-bearer of God then go about the enterprise of abusing other image-bearers of God," he added. "Doesn't work. Here's the thing — I don't believe you. I don't believe you. I'm not convinced, whatsoever. I see through the lie. I see through the wickedness. And I know the only answer is Jesus."
"I don't mean that as a pithy, stupid Christian saying," Durbin concluded. "God is holy; we're sinners. We're rebels against a holy God. We deserve hell. And all this stuff you see in our nation right now is an expression of the evil and wickedness that comes from within people's hearts. It's coming from deep down within and the only escape from that is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ."
(H/T: Faithwire)


theblaze--2020-06-08--Sen. Tim Scott, Trey Gowdy rip idea of defunding the police: 'Single dumbest idea I have ever heard'

Sen. Tim Scott , Trey Gowdy rip idea of defunding the police : 'Single dumbest idea I have ever heard' @ @ @ @ @ any law ? '

Good friends and former colleagues Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and former Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) roundly condemned the push to defund police in America in the wake of George Floyd's tragic death on May 25.
Many on the left have begun calling for defunding the police in communities across America as a response to allegations of systemic racism within police departments. In Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed, the city council recently signed a pledge to officially dismantle the city's police department.
What did they say?
In an appearance on Fox News Sunday morning, Scott called defunding police a "ridiculous" idea whose "time has not come" and "should never come."
"The absolute nation requires law and order," he added. "We need order in our streets, and the easiest way to have that is to have a strong presence of character-driven law enforcement officers."
Gowdy went even further, saying, "Defunding the police is the single dumbest idea I have ever heard."
"Who is going to process crime scenes, arrest bad people?" continued the former South Carolina representative. "Who's going to enforce any law, child sex abuse, homicide? Who's going to do it if it's not the police?"
Senator Tim Scott and Trey Gowdy Join Sunday Morning Futures to Discuss Racism, Reform, Healing youtu.be
Anything else?
The two were careful to stress, however, that reform is definitely needed.
Scott, who has been stopped by police seven times since becoming a senator, specifically pushed back on an op-ed by Heather Mac Donald in the Wall Street Journal that suggests that systemic police racism is a myth. The senator said while he has no doubt the average police officer is not racist, he argues that the data Mac Donald used to build her argument is incomplete.
"When you look at the actual facts, black folks are two and a half times more likely to be shot by an officer than whites," Scott said, noting that less than 45% of law enforcement agencies report their data to the FBI. "There's a lot missing in the article."
Gowdy added that the issues of law enforcement in communities of color are "much broader than who shoots whom ... it's arrest rates, it's sentencing disparities, it's access to bond, it's access to diversion programs."
In an effort to compile more accurate data, Scott has proposed legislation called the George Floyd and Walter Scott Notification Act, which would require law enforcement agencies to provide detailed reports on use of force incidents that result in death.
In a tweet following the interview, Scott wrote: "Defunding the police would cause harm to our most vulnerable, but clearly, REFORM IS NEEDED! My upcoming George Floyd and Walter Scott Notification Act requires officers to report on shootings & use of force incidents."


theblaze--2020-06-08--Horowitz: Coronavirus scam: Our kids can’t go to summer camp, but rioters can rampage by the thousan

Horowitz: Coronavirus scam: Our kids can’t go to summer camp, but rioters can rampage by the thousands

Horowitz : Coronavirus scam : Our kids can ’ t go to summer camp , but rioters can rampage by @ @ @ @ @ a pretext to fundamentally transform America .

Shutting schools for a virus that killed one-eighth the number of children who die from the flu every season will turn out to be one of the most devastating decisions ever made by government. At least our kids will be able to enjoy the fun and companionship of camp this summer, with the virus burning out in the summer heat. As thousands are encouraged to rampage through the streets every day, surely our kids can get together in bunks of 10-15, right?
Welcome to Sodom and Gomorrah, otherwise known as Baltimore, Maryland, and many other liberal bastions.
Last week, we received an email from the camp my cooped-up son was planning to attend in Baltimore saying that it can no longer open – even at the end of the summer, even in a modified way, because the restrictions are too prohibitive. Mayor Jack Young placed even greater restrictions on the city than were being observed in New York, the epicenter of the outbreak. He also canceled all outdoor events for the remainder of the summer.
Or at least we thought so.
Last week, thousands of protesters began marching in downtown Baltimore every day, with packed crowds. The mayor must have had a heart attack imagining all of the microbiological matter of SARS-CoV-2 in the air creating mass infections, right?
Wrong!
"In Baltimore yesterday, we were a national example of what it looks like to engage in passionate protesting without widespread breaking of the law," said the mayor, praising the protesters last week.
Nobody in the media held him accountable for his glaring hypocrisy about the virus. So what if they were peaceful? Why was he praising them and not condemning them for spreading the virus the way he would July 4 parades, anti-lockdown protests of small business owners, or even summer camps?
Camps are full of children who, even at the peak of the outbreak, suffered one-eighth of the fatalities as from the seasonal flu and one-tenth of the hospitalizations. We never shut schools or camps for the flu.
At this point, liberals are engaging in national child abuse against America's children for a nonexistent threat that they themselves suddenly overlook when it comes to mass protests against a nonexistent race problem.
Study after study has shown that kids play no meaningful role in community spread of the virus. And contrary to what the doomsayers warned, asymptomatic individuals of any age are very unlikely to transmit the disease. Consider that one serology study done by Tribeca Pediatrics found that 20 percent of children tested in New York City have antibodies. Thus, the reason we are not seeing child-to-adult transmission is not because children do not get the disease, but likely because almost none of them present meaningful enough symptoms to transmit.
This is true of adults too. A study of 455 "contacts" in China, including 35 asymptomatic patients, 196 family members, and 224 hospital staff, failed to find a single transmission. Dr. Donald Yealy, the chair of emergency medicine at UPMC, who's been responsible for 30,000 tests in Pennsylvania, concluded based on his observations that "the risk of catching COVID-19 … from someone who doesn't even know they have the infection, in our communities, is very small."
And indeed, this is why we are finding that there is no measurable outbreak in mass gatherings – from the much-scorned swimming pool party on Memorial Day in Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks to the endless riots and protests.
Clearly, the politicians recognize the truth that this virus, especially at the current stage, is not nearly as transmissible as they made it out to be. So why are they continuing to treat summer camps like the plague, while genuflecting to protests that are as packed as the one in Philadelphia over the weekend?
Take a look at this crowd in Philadelphia, where people can't have more than 30 mourners at a family funeral.
Based on everything we've been told, this protest in Philly should set off a greater wave of infections that what happened in Philadelphia in 1918 when a war bond parade was held in middle of the Spanish Flu epidemic. But nothing will happen, the same way nothing happened in the countries and states that set their people free (not just criminals and rioters) weeks ago.
Officials in Switzerland announced an end to the national emergency last week, after having been partially opened throughout May. Summer camps, schools, vocational training, zoos, amusement parks, swimming pools, and sports and fitness are all open. Professional sporting events can have up to 1,000 people attending. Schools have been open for weeks. The result?
So why are American liberals continuing to leave draconian restrictions in place when they are permitting larger crowds for racial protests than even the Swiss?
The answer is very simple. This was never about science or public safety. It was a pretext to beat down the forgotten Americans who have no voice in our government while promoting anarchists at the same time. That is why the decisions were consistently designed to benefit favored classes of citizens or businesses rather than reflecting the best science. After all, under a scientific approach, subways would have been the first thing to close, yet they never were closed, even as five-person small businesses were shut.
Last week, whistleblowers who identify themselves as members of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's Pandemic Response Team wrote in a letter to state legislators that rather than using real science and data, top state officials are just "making things up as they proceed or making decisions and justifying them on the back end."
Now that we see the powerful juxtaposition of restrictions on Americans with the permissive attitude toward the rioting, we know this was always a pretext to fundamentally transform America. So remember, those of you who plan to send your kids to camp, just tell the staff to inform the state that they are merely engaging in a riot. After all, boys will be boys.


theblaze--2020-06-08--Employees of media company call for its own Blue Lives Matter website to be shut down, deplatformed:

Employees of media company call for its own Blue Lives Matter website to be shut down, deplatformed: Website is a 'disgrace'

Employees of media company call for its own Blue Lives Matter website to be shut down , deplatformed : Website @ @ @ @

Employees at Maven Media Brands — the company that owns Maxim and Sports Illustrated — are demanding one of their brand's websites, Defense Maven, be shuttered amid the George Floyd protests.
Defense Maven is a highly popular pro-law enforcement website also known as Blue Lives Matter.
What are the details?
According to a Monday New York Post report, the call came during a Friday staff meeting on site revenue.
The company announced a 15% salary cut to offset advertising losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Daily Beast.
After the company announced the mandatory cut, many employees railed against the existence of Blue Lives Matter and called the website a "disgrace," with a comments section rife with "racist" remarks.
"Blue Lives Matters' comment sections are full of people calling for the extermination of people like me," another employee reportedly said.
Defense Maven has been a part of Maven Media Brands' portfolio since 2017.
Maven Media Brands' CEO and founder James Heckman, however, insisted that the company's mission remains — which is to cultivate open dialogue and "break down ideological bubbles with different perspectives," the Post reported.
According to the Daily Beast's report, at least one staffer responded, "We are not asking for a wide-ranging conversation about diversity right now. We're asking for you to take that site down and explain why it is still up."
Despite his insistence upon free speech, Heckman reportedly told staffers in a second meeting that he planned to ask the company's board to remove the Blue Lives Matter website.
"I think this for sure is something we have to do," Heckman said, according to the Daily Beast's reporting. "I'm going to make that recommendation to the board, I'm sure the board will be supportive."


theblaze--2020-06-08--Terry Crews tries to promote racial unity, gets told to 'shut yo coon a** up'

Terry Crews tries to promote racial unity , gets told to 'shut yo coon a** up' 'Like it or not @ @ @ @ @ this together '

Actor Terry Crews triggered a wave of backlash on Sunday for declaring that equality and interracial cooperation are the only solutions to the current racial turmoil in America.
"Defeating White supremacy without White people creates Black supremacy. Equality is the truth," Crews said. "Like it or not, we are all in this together."
Crews' message of unity and interracial solidarity was met with immediate backlash from people who decried his suggestion that "black supremacy" results when gatekeepers employ litmus tests to determine who is really a part of the fight for equality.
"Black Supremacy should not, does not, will not & cannot exist. You could easily just speak up for the benefits of co-existing w/ White people (who use their privilege for good) w/o creating some ludicrous false equivalency b/w Black self-love & systemic White oppression," another person replied.
"how are you this stupid," another person said.
"Dear Terry Crews, You showed us time & time again that you weren't sh*t, most recently with not standing by Gabrielle Union so you could keep your job. This seals the deal," another person responded.
"There are really some ignorant Black people with platforms that depend on keeping White people comfortable & it shows," another person said.
"Shut yo coon a** up," another person said.
"Why is it that every Black man I know with a white partner feels the need to 'both sides' this?" another person replied.
In response to the vitriolic outrage, Crews clarified that he does not think "black supremacy" exists.
"I was not saying Black supremacy exists, because it doesn't. I am saying if both Black and Whites don't continue to work together-- bad attitudes and resentments can create a dangerous self-righteousness. That's all," Crews explained.
Crews later explained that he was mainly responding to members of the black community "who decide who's black and who's not."
"I have often been called out for not being 'black enough'. How can that be?" Crews said.
"Any Black person who calls me a coon or and Uncle Tom for promoting EQUALITY is a Black Supremist, because they have determined who's Black and who is not," he added.


theblaze--2020-06-08--NYT editor resigns after outrage over publication of GOP Sen. Tom Cotton's 'Send in the Troops' op-e

NYT editor resigns after outrage over publication of GOP Sen. Tom Cotton's 'Send in the Troops' op-ed

NYT editor resigns after outrage over publication of GOP Sen. Tom Cotton 's 'Send in the Troops ' op-ed He @ @ @ @ @ the piece before publication

James Bennet, the editor of the New York Times editorial page, resigned Sunday amid outrage from employees and readers over publication of a piece written by Arkansas GOP Sen. Tom Cotton, Politico reported.
Cotton's piece, titled "Send in the Troops," advocated for President Donald Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act and use military force to stop the riots causing severe damage in many U.S. cities. The Times was heavily criticized for amplifying what some believed was dangerous rhetoric.
"Running this puts Black @NYTimes staff in danger," some NYT staffers tweeted after the column was published.
Bennet and publisher A.G. Sulzberger initially defended the publication of the piece, arguing that it is better to debate ideas openly rather than let them go unchallenged, as open debate is "far more likely to help society reach the right answers."
That defense did nothing to quiet the anger over Cotton's article, and Bennet's situation was worsened by the revelation that he hadn't even read the piece before it was published. Cotton had been invited by the Times to write the column, but now the paper says it doesn't meet its editorial standards. It remains online with an editor's note:
The basic arguments advanced by Senator Cotton — however objectionable people may find them — represent a newsworthy part of the current debate. But given the life-and-death importance of the topic, the senator's influential position and the gravity of the steps he advocates, the essay should have undergone the highest level of scrutiny. Instead, the editing process was rushed and flawed, and senior editors were not sufficiently involved. While Senator Cotton and his staff cooperated fully in our editing process, the Op-Ed should have been subject to further substantial revisions — as is frequently the case with such essays — or rejected.
Jim Dao, the deputy editorial director who oversaw the editing of Cotton's piece, has been reassigned to the newsroom. Deputy editorial page director Katie Kingsbury will take over for Bennet from now through the 2020 election.
Going forward, the Times will publish fewer op-eds and devote more resources to fact-checking. Kingsbury said anyone who sees "any piece of Opinion journalism—including headlines or social posts or photos or you name it—that gives you the slightest pause, please call or text me immediately."


theblaze--2020-06-08--Reebok, professional athletes sever ties with CrossFit after founder's tweet about George Floyd. Exc

Reebok, professional athletes sever ties with CrossFit after founder's tweet about George Floyd. Except much of the media isn't reporting his full remarks.

Reebok , professional athletes sever ties with CrossFit after founder 's tweet about George Floyd .
Except much of the @ @ @ @ @ full remarks .

Reebok and athletes are breaking with CrossFit over its founder's recent tweet about George Floyd.
Proving context matters, much of the media is reporting only a portion of the story and not Greg Glassman's rationale behind the tweet that got him and his company into trouble.
What are the details?
According to a Monday Forbes report, Glassman stirred controversy with a Sunday tweet about the late Floyd and the ensuing protests and demonstrations following his police-involved death.
In response to a tweet from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation that read, "Racism and discrimination are critical public health issues that demand an urgent response," Glassman wrote, "It's FLOYD-19."
After almost immediate backlash, Glassman apologized and insisted that his tweet wasn't meant to be taken as racist.
"I, CrossFit HQ, and the CrossFit community will not stand for racism. I made a mistake by the words I chose yesterday. My heart is deeply saddened by the pain it has caused. It was a mistake, not racist but a mistake."
He continued, "Floyd is a hero in the black community and not just a victim. I should have been sensitive to that and wasn't. I apologize for that. I was trying to stick it to the @IHME_UW for their invalidated models resulting in needless, economy-wrecking, life-wrecking lockdown ... and when I saw they were announcing modeling a solution to our racial crisis, I was incredulous, angry, and overly emotional."
"Involving George Floyd's name in that effort was wrong," he explained.
"It's our hope that his murder catalyzes real change resulting in a level playing field for our black brothers and sisters," the statement concluded. "Please hear me when I say, we stand by our community to fight for justice. I care about you, our community, and I am here for you."
In a statement, Reebok said, "Our partnership with CrossFit HQ comes to an end later this year. Recently, we have been in discussions regarding a new agreement, however, in light of recent events, we have made the decision to end our partnership with CrossFit HQ."
What has been the response?
In addition to Reebok severing its ties with the fitness company, one of its professional athletes — Rich Froning — said that Glassman's remarks made it "impossible to stay loyal to leadership who make callous statements that alienate and divide in a time when unity is needed."
Froning wasn't the only one.
Athletes Tia-Clair Toomey and Noah Ohlsen — who have both competed in the CrossFit Games — expressed their disappointment in the founder's social media message. Toomey revealed that Froning's message encouraged her to reconsider her future with the company. Ohlson outright refused to compete in this year's games.
The outlet also reported that CrossFit games supplier Rogue Fitness plans to remove the CrossFit logo from this year's event.
On Monday, the Daily Mail also reported that "hundreds" of CrossFit-affiliated athletes also severed ties with Glassman and the company.


theblaze--2020-06-08--Woman cop of color blasts Los Angeles councilwoman to her face — and Black Lives Matter, too

Woman cop of color blasts Los Angeles councilwoman to her face — and Black Lives Matter , too 'You bowed @ @ @ @ @ '

Amid a growing "defund the police" movement as protests continue nationwide in reaction to George Floyd's death, there are also proposed budget cuts looming for Los Angeles police — but cops there aren't having it.
'You bowed down to Black Lives Matter'
Sgt. Jerretta Sandoz — vice president of the L.A. police union — stood in front of City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and told her so, right to her face. And Sandoz didn't hold back her disdain for Black Lives Matter, either — nor for the councilwoman and city officials she said "bowed down" to the organization.
"You bowed down to Black Lives Matter. These police officers that are out here protecting this city ... protecting it from being on fire. If it wasn't for them, this city would be burned down right now. I promise you this union will go to our grave fighting," the sergeant told Rodriguez Friday, KCBS-TV reported, as uniformed officers stood around their colleague and applauded. "We're not letting this happen to these officers. It's not right."
She wasn't done.
Sandoz also blasted Rodriguez over the idea of giving "$250 million to Black Lives Matter" after officials had placed civilian employees "on furlough because you didn't have money" and "now you're finding the money to give?"
She also pointed out that Black Lives Matter and the group's followers threw rocks and bottles at LAPD officers amid rioting, "cracking their skulls," yet city officials are still listening to BLM members — "a hundred of them" — instead of the far greater number of "law-abiding citizens" who only want "these officers to protect them."
"And this is what they do every day," Sandoz concluded, referring to her fellow officers. "And now you're cutting from their families, when they put everything on the line? We're gonna fight."
As Sandoz walked away, another officer was heard saying, "We'll take care of it at the ballot box."
What's the background?
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced last week the city would make $250 million in cuts, spread across all departments, and give that money to black communities and other communities of color, KCBS reported, adding that $150 million would come out of the police department's budget.
The police union held a Zoom news conference over Garcetti's proposed cuts from the department's $1.8 billion budget, and Jamie McBride — director of the Los Angeles Police Protective League — said the mayor "panicked and blamed the men and women of the LAPD for his failed leadership," the station reported.
The union also wasn't happy with Garcetti's "killers" comment Thursday to a group of black community leaders at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, KCBS said.
'The killers that we are'
"We must lead," the mayor said at the meeting, according to the station. "I got calls from mayors around the country, some of them saying, 'I'm so excited,' the other ones saying, 'What the hell did you do? Now I [have to] shift money.' That's exactly the point. It starts someplace, and we say we are going to be who we want to be, or we're going to continue being the killers that we are."
McBride, a 30-year veteran of the department, said Garcetti "smeared every single police officer in Los Angeles and across the nation by calling us killers" and that union members have lost "all confidence" in him, KCBS reported.
And while the union has not undertaken a formal no-confidence vote, the station said the Police Protective League added Friday that Garcetti "has apparently lost his damn mind" and said that if L.A. could remove its mayor for illness or incapacity, "we'd plead for it to be invoked."
What did Garcetti have to say in response?
Garcetti told MSNBC Friday that the union took his remark out of context, KCBS said.
"I said all of us, meaning 100% of us as Americans, we make a choice to allow death to happen in this country, to allow, if you grew up in Watts, to have 12 years less of life than if you grew up in Bel Air," he told the cable network, according to KCBS. "Do we want to say you should have a four-to-six-times higher chance of dying in childbirth if you're a black woman [than] a white woman, have 10 times more household wealth depending on the color of your skin or not? These things kill people every single day."
The city council must approve Garcetti's proposed budget, including proposed cuts, the station said, adding that the budget must be adopted and signed by June 30.
This story has been updated with the correct spelling of the LAPD sergeant's name: Jerretta Sandoz. It was incorrectly spelled Jeretta Sanchez. TheBlaze regrets this error.


theblaze--2020-06-08--Black Georgia state trooper refuses to kneel at a Black Lives Matter protest: ‘I only kneel for one

Black Georgia state trooper refuses to kneel at a Black Lives Matter protest: ‘I only kneel for one person'

Black Georgia state trooper refuses to kneel at a Black Lives Matter protest : ‘ I only kneel for one @ @

Georgia State Trooper O'Neal Saddler refused to kneel during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hartwell, Georgia, on Sunday, saying he "has much respect" but only kneels "for one person."
Video was rolling after Saddler had apparently been asked by a protester to kneel during the demonstration out of respect for the black community.
"If I didn't have any respect, I wouldn't [be here]," Saddler began saying to a female protester. "I was supposed to be out of town this weekend with my wife. I took off today, this weekend, but I'm out here to make sure y'all are safe."
"Don't go there with respect, OK? I have much respect, but I only kneel for one person," Saddler continued.
"And that's God," someone else from the crowd chimed in. Saddler affirmed the statement.
Protests and riots over George Floyd's death have continued to erupt across the nation, moving from big cities into more rural areas of the country. In some instances, law enforcement officers have opted to kneel or march with protesters to show solidarity with them, but in other cases, officers have refused for a variety of reasons. Some protesters have even denounced the practice, calling it a PR stunt.
Saddler's reason seemed to be good enough for the protesters in his immediate vicinity. You can hear some say "thank you" and "we know you have respect" as Saddler speaks.
(H/T: The Daily Caller)


theblaze--2020-06-09--Reporters from Axios are allowed to join protests, and the outlet will cover their bail and medical

Reporters from Axios are allowed to join protests, and the outlet will cover their bail and medical bills

Reporters from Axios are allowed to join protests , and the outlet will cover their bail and medical bills

News outlet Axios was criticized by many over a statement that encouraged reporters to join the political protests rocking the country.
Axios co-founder and chief executive Jim VandeHei sent a memorandum to employees on Monday to let them know how supportive the outlet would be if they decided to join the protests.
"First, let me say we proudly support and encourage you to exercise your rights to free speech, press, and protest," VandeHei wrote, according to the New York Times.
"If you're arrested or meet harm while exercising these rights, Axios will stand behind you and use the Family Fund to cover your bail or assist with medical bills," he added.
VanderHei clarified to the New York Times that the memo was not a change in Axios' policies.
"We trust our colleagues to do the right thing, and stand firmly behind them should they decide to exercise their constitutional right to free speech," he said.
The Trump campaign responds
Brad Parscale, the campaign manager for Trump 2020, decried the statement and questioned how journalists could maintain their objectivity while publicly taking one side in a political debate.
"I'm old enough to remember when reporters covered the news, not took part in it," he tweeted.
"Journalists as political activists," he added. "This is objectivity?"
Here's the latest about the protests:


theblaze--2020-06-09--African woman excoriates Democrats for pandering to blacks in viral video — now she's being attacked

African woman excoriates Democrats for pandering to blacks in viral video — now she's being attacked over it

African woman excoriates Democrats for pandering to blacks in viral video — now she 's being attacked over it 'Excuse @ @ @ @ @ treat Africans like we 're children ! '

An African woman posted a video excoriating Democrats for using traditional African garb in their political photo op on Monday, but her viral message was met with vitriolic anger by some liberals.
Obianuju Ekeocha posted the video to Twitter where it quickly garnered hundreds of thousands views for criticizing the Black Lives Matter demonstration by Democrats using a traditional Kente cloth.
"Hi friends! I'm usually either too busy or too lazy to make this kind of quick video response, but today something happened and I thought, it's actually important enough that I get in front of my camera and make a short video to explain something short enough for me to post on Twitter," she began.
"I was just looking online today like most of you and what did I see, a bunch of Democrat politicians, kneeling down, of which I have nothing to say about that because I am not an American. However, they were all having around their necks this colorful fabric, which I'm sure they put around their necks as some kind of mark or show, of unity or solidarity with black people," she explained.
"So in other words, they are putting the Kente material, or this colorful fabric they had around their necks as some kind of placating sign or symbol to show that they are not racist, and they are together with black people," Ekeocha said.
"Excuse me! Dear Democrats, in your tokenism, you didn't wait to find out that this thing that you hanging around your neck is not just some African uniform. It's actually the Kente material, the Kente belongs to the Ghanaian people, mainly, the Ashanti tribe!" she exclaimed passionately.
"Excuse me Democrats! Don't treat Africans like we're children! These fabrics and these, you know, colorful things that we have within our culture and tradition, they all mean something to us! I know you look at us and you say, 'Oh Africans, you're so cute in all your colorful dresses!' Well, some of those dresses and patterns, and colors and fabrics actually do mean something to us!" Ekeocha continued.
"Some of them belong to ancient tribes and mean something to them, so why are you using it as your own show of non-racism, or your own show of virtue? Why are you using the Kente material to signal your virtue?" she asked.
"Stop it, we are not children!" Ekeocha concluded. "Africans are not children!"
Some African Americans on social media also criticized the political photo op by Democrats, while others noted that it was the Congressional Black Caucus that passed out the kente cloths to the lawmakers.
Later, Ekeocha posted an example of a vitriolic email she received from someone angry about her video.
"Well, they've sent their dogs after me," she said. "This is exactly how people view Africans who dare to contradict them."
Here's more about the photo op:


theblaze--2020-06-09--'Harry Potter' actor slams J.K. Rowling's comments on gender, argues: 'Transgender women are women'

Daniel Radcliffe said that despite his success — thanks to Rowling — he had to 'say something at this moment @

"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling continues to take heat for arguing against "erasing the concept of sex" or biological gender, and even the actor that played the lead in the movies about her books has condemned her comments.
Daniel Radcliffe penned an essay wherein he acknowledged that he has Rowling to thank for his success, but pushed back against her statement while insisting: "Transgender women are women."
What are the details?
Over the weekend, Rowling tweeted, "If sex isn't real, there's no same-sex attraction. If sex isn't real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn't hate to speak the truth."
Social justice warriors pounced on Rowling's comments, attempting to "cancel" her over her views.
Radcliffe reacted in a post published Monday on the website of The Trevor Project, an organization that provides "crisis intervention and suicide prevention services" to LGBTQ youth.
The actor — who has been involved with The Trevor Project for years — wrote, "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I."
He continued, "According to The Trevor Project, 78% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity. It's clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm."
Radcliffe also acknowledged "that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself, but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what's important right now."
He added, "While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken...I feel compelled to say something at this moment."
But he went on to apologize to anyone hurt by Rowling's remarks, saying, "To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you."


theblaze--2020-06-09--Democratic Kentucky governor promises health care coverage for '100%' of black residents

Gov .
Andy Beshear says 'it 's time for prioritization in black and African American communities , so we 're @ @ @ @ @

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) vowed Monday to provide health care coverage for all black residents of the state, saying that the coronavirus crisis and protests over the death of George Floyd indicate "it's time for prioritization in black and African American communities."
What are the details?
During a news conference, Beshear said, "In our health care system, the inequalities have been laid bare, have been exposed by this COVID-19 epidemic, and the results of inequality in health care have been shown — it's death. By allowing this type of inequality to exist for as long as it has, we see African Americans dying at twice the rate that they make up of the population.
"It shouldn't have taken this type of pandemic, or it shouldn't have taken these types of demonstrations for us to commit to ending it," the governor added.
Beshear went on to say he believes health care is a basic human right and that he would eventually like every Kentucky resident to have health care coverage, but that black residents must take precedence over anyone else and that his new initiative would be the first step.
"It's time for prioritization in black and African American communities, so we're going to do that," the governor declared. "My commitment today is we are going to begin an effort to cover 100% of our individuals in our black and African American communities. Everybody. We're going to be putting dollars behind it. We're going to have a multifaceted campaign to do it."


theblaze--2020-06-08--Protest hypocrisy and COVID insanity on full display

Look , the riots we see in the wake of George Floyd 's murder are out of control , and the left-wing condemnation of law enforcement renders police officers ineffective .
Progressives forced President Trump 's hand to deploy the National Guard and restore order .
On the one hand , the left demands that lawmakers defund and abolish the police and seem fine with calling in the military as long as local police stay away .
But , not even a month ago , the left wanted law enforcement to arrest COVID-19 lockdown protesters for `` violating social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up their minds .
The situation reminds me of 2018 , when a migrant caravan marched toward the U.S.-Mexico border , intent to enter America .
At the time , since the Immigration and Customs Enforcement refused to act on the matter , Trump merely suggested sending in the National Guard to intercept the caravan , sending Democrats into a frenzy over who could call Trump a racist the quickest .
Now , the left prefers the National Guard to the police ?
Whatever .
Want more from Steven Crowder ?
To enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's actually funny , join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand .

Look, the riots we see in the wake of George Floyd's murder are out of control, and the left-wing condemnation of law enforcement renders police officers ineffective. Progressives forced President Trump's hand to deploy the National Guard and restore order.
On the one hand, the left demands that lawmakers defund and abolish the police and seem fine with calling in the military as long as local police stay away. But, not even a month ago, the left wanted law enforcement to arrest COVID-19 lockdown protesters for "violating social distancing guidelines." Democrats can't make up their minds.
The situation reminds me of 2018, when a migrant caravan marched toward the U.S.-Mexico border, intent to enter America. At the time, since the Immigration and Customs Enforcement refused to act on the matter, Trump merely suggested sending in the National Guard to intercept the caravan, sending Democrats into a frenzy over who could call Trump a racist the quickest. Now, the left prefers the National Guard to the police? Whatever.
Watch Crowder make sense of the senseless.
Steven and the crew talk about the glaring hypocrisy of protesting (like it needs explaining) and updates everyone on Lady Crowder's hospital situation.
Use code LWC to save $10.
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--2020-06-10--Petraeus calls for removing the names of Confederate officers from Army bases

Petraeus calls for removing the names of Confederate officers from Army bases The retired general says 'traitors like Benning and @ @ @ @ @ honored by the United States military

Former CIA Director and retired Army Gen. David Petraeus is calling for military installations named after Confederate officers to be renamed, saying that "traitors like Benning and Bragg" should not be honored by the United States military.
What are the details?
In a column published Tuesday by The Atlantic, Petraeus wrote, "As I have watched Confederate monuments being removed by state and local governments, and sometimes by the forceful will of the American people, the fact that 10 U.S. Army installations are named after Confederate officers has weighed on me."
The retired Army general argued in his op-ed that "it is time to remove the names of traitors like Benning and Bragg from our country's most important military installations, referring to, as The Hill noted, "training bases named after Gen. Henry Benning and Gen. Braxton Bragg, who Petraeus argued were subpar military leaders 'who left much to be desired.'"
Petreaus went on to say of memorialized Confederates, "Plainly put, [Gen. Robert E.] Lee, Bragg, and the rest committed treason, however much they may have agonized over it. The majority of them had worn the uniform of the U.S. Army, and that Army should not brook any celebration of those who betrayed their country."
What are other military leaders saying?
The former CIA director's call to action comes after a series of military leaders in recent days have signaled a readiness to implement change as nationwide protests continue over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died May 25 in Minneapolis police custody.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday:
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy, both former Army officers, put word out through their spokesmen that they are 'open to a bipartisan discussion' of renaming Army bases such as North Carolina's Fort Bragg that honor Confederate officers who led the fight against the Union and directly or implicitly defended the institution of slavery.
Separately, the Navy's top admiral announced Tuesday that he will follow the example of Gen. David Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, who last week directed Marine commanders to remove public displays of the Confederate battle flag carried during the Civil War.


theblaze--2020-06-10--LAPD investigating defense lawyer over social media posts calling for blacks to murder police

LAPD investigating defense lawyer over social media posts calling for blacks to murder police ' I would absolutely 100 % @ @ @ @ @ any African American who picked off a cop or two . '

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating social media posts from a criminal defense lawyer who advocated for black people to murder police officers.
KTTV-TV in Los Angeles obtained screenshots of the posts attributed to San Gabriel criminal defense attorney Mark McBride on Instagram.
"It won't stop until black people start murdering cops, which they should do often and with great relish. These ****sucking, low IQ, can't get into law school jarheads need an asphalt nap, during which they're bleeding out on the street where they're shot down. I would have no problem with them," the comment read.
"I would absolutely 100% defend to the death of any African American who picked off a cop or two. It's time, it's well past time," the comment continued.
McBride allegedly posted another incendiary comment in a different post.
"It wouldn't be the first time I've defended 'terrorists', sign me up pro bono for somebodies granddad putting a couple of hollow points between the eyes of these PTSD addled rednecks, I'd take one or two pro bono," the comment read.
'Disheartening and disgusting'
An LAPD union representative excoriated the comments.
"When we first saw the comments it was disgust, it was anger," said Sgt. Jerretta Sandoz, vice president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League. "There are so many good police officers in this country and to be painted with a broad brush and then threatened with bodily harm, just for wearing a uniform, it's disheartening and disgusting."
When KTTV Fox 11 attempted to obtain a comment from McBride about the comments, he refused, but did not deny that he had authored them.
The LAPD told Fox 11 that the comments were extremely disturbing and said an investigation was underway.
Here's more about the investigation:


theblaze--2020-06-09--Statistics DON'T support left's toxic narrative about America's police: Manhattan Institute

In the wake of George Floyd 's death at the hands of Minneapolis police , we 've all heard the @ @ @ @ @ against black Americans .
But according to Rafael Mangual , a fellow at the Manhattan @ @ @ @ @ the statistics do n't support this narrative of systemic racism among police officers at all @ @ @ @ @ on the radio program Tuesday to break down the statistics and explain why he believes @ @ @ @ @ 's police is absolutely wrong .
Watch the video below for the details : Use @ @ @ @ @ 10 on one year of BlazeTV .
Want more from Glenn Beck ?
To enjoy @ @ @ @ @ storytelling , thought-provoking analysis and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos , subscribe @ @ @ @ @ multiplatform network of voices who love America , defend the Constitution and live the American @ @

In the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police, we've all heard the reports of widespread police brutality against black Americans. But according to Rafael Mangual, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, the statistics don't support this narrative of systemic racism among police officers at all.
Mangual joined Glenn Beck on the radio program Tuesday to break down the statistics and explain why he believes the toxic narrative about America's police is absolutely wrong.
Watch the video below for the details:
Use code GLENN to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
Want more from Glenn Beck?
To enjoy more of Glenn's masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multiplatform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-06-09--'Give Colin Kaepernick a job back,' Al Sharpton orders NFL chief during George Floyd's funeral

The reverend says Roger Goodell 's apology is not enough

Rev. Al Sharpton used his platform at George Floyd's funeral Tuesday to scold NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, saying his apology on behalf of the league was insufficient and then ordering Goodell to "give Colin Kaepernick a job back."
What are the details?
Speaking during a service held for Floyd in his hometown of Houston, Sharpton said, "The head of the NFL (Roger Goodell) said, 'Yeah, maybe we was wrong. Football players, maybe they did have the right to peacefully protest,'" MassLive reported.
"Well, don't apologize," Sharpton continued. "Give Colin Kaepernick a job back. Don't come with some empty apology. Take a man's livelihood. Strip a man down of his talents. And four years later, when the whole world is marching, all of a sudden you go and do a FaceTime, talk about you sorry. Minimizing the value of our lives."
Sharpton added, "You sorry? Then repay the damage you did to the career you stood down, 'cause when Colin took a knee, he took it for the families in this building. And we don't want an apology. We want him repaired."
Sharpton's remarks were met with loud applause from the audience.
After two weeks of protests, riots, and looting in cities across the U.S. over the May 25 death of Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, kneeling and honoring the Black Lives Matter movement has become a popular practice by demonstrators — including many politicians.
What's the history?
In 2016, Kaepernick — then quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers — sparked a firestorm when he began taking a knee while the national anthem was played during games in protest over the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown at the hands of law enforcement. The league pushed back against the protests at the time, amid criticism that the demonstrations were disrespectful to the U.S. and the flag.
Kaepernick was released by the 49ers, but found fame through his protests and signed lucrative endorsement deals with Nike despite no longer being a player. A special workout was held for Kaepernick last year in an effort to have an NFL team pick him up again, but he has not been re-signed.
What did the NFL players say?
Last week, a group of black NFL players released a video calling on the league to "condemn racism and the systemic oppression of black people," to "admit wrong in silencing [their] players from peacefully protesting," and to declare they "believe black lives matter."
Goodell responded with a video statement wherein he said, in part, "We, the National Football League, condemn racism, and the systemic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to the NFL players earlier, and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protests. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter."


theblaze--2020-06-09--CNN wins journalism award for controversial coverage of FBI raid and arrest of Roger Stone in 2019

CNN wins journalism award for controversial coverage of FBI raid and arrest of Roger Stone in 2019 How is this @ @ @ @ @ , exactly ?

CNN is celebrating an award it received over the controversial 2019 filming of the FBI raid and arrest of Roger Stone, one of President Donald Trump's longtime friends and campaign associates.
The award for journalism was given to CNN by the White House Correspondents' Association on Tuesday.
"CNN's reporting on the Roger Stone arrest began a month earlier, with a clue about a court scheduling anomaly. Then came unusual grand jury activity. Then an odd, packed suitcase wheeled by one of the prosecutors in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Stone," the WHCA judges said of the report.
"It culminated early in the morning of Jan. 25, 2019, when a CNN producer and a photojournalist, staked outside of Stone's home in Ft. Lauderdale, captured the 5 a.m., no-knock raid by the FBI of the former confidant of President Donald Trump," the judges added.
The controversy
Some on social media questioned whether CNN merited praise over the reporting after speculation that the network was tipped off about the arrest, ostensibly by someone within the government trying to damage the president.
The president himself fed those theories when he tweeted about it in January 2019.
"Greatest Witch Hunt in the History of our Country! NO COLLUSION! Border Coyotes, Drug Dealers and Human Traffickers are treated better. Who alerted CNN to be there?" he tweeted.
A CNN producer denied the allegations and explained that it was merely a reporter's "instinct" based on unusual activity reported from a grand jury in Washington, D.C., before the arrest.
In an outraged statement in February, Stone repeated the allegations against CNN without evidence.
He was later convicted and sentenced to more than three years in prison over charges arising from the Mueller investigation into Russian election interference and alleged collusion.
Here's more about the Stone raid:


theblaze--2020-06-09--Watch: NY police union boss delivers fiery defense of the men and women who wear the badge

Watch : NY police union boss delivers fiery defense of the men and women who wear the badge 'Stop treating @ @ @ @ @ , and start treating us with some respect '

The president of New York state's Police Benevolent Association unleashed against growing anti-cop narratives spun by activists, politicians and the media on Tuesday, lambasting critics and delivering an impassioned defense of the men and women who wear the badge.
What are the details?
During a news conference covered by Fox News, NYPBA boss Mike O'Meara stepped up to the microphones and began by saying that law enforcement officers have 375 million interactions with the public each year, with "overwhelmingly positive responses."
"But I read in the papers all week — we all read in the papers — that in the black community, mothers are worried about their children getting home from school without being killed by a cop," O'Meara said. "What world are we living in? That does not happen! It does not happen."
O'Meara's speech came several days into nationwide protests that often became violent over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died May 25 in police custody in Minneapolis after former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes during detainment.
"I am not Derek Chauvin," O'Meara' continued.
Then, pointing to a crowd of law enforcement officers standing behind him, he added, "They are not him. He killed someone. We didn't."
Addressing the officers, O"Meara said, "Everybody's trying to shame us. The legislators. The press. Everybody's trying to shame us into being embarrassed about our profession."
Pulling a badge out of his pocket, O'Meara told the audience, "This isn't stained by someone in Minneapolis. It's still got a shine on it. And so do theirs. So do theirs.
"Stop treating us like animals and thugs, and start treating us with some respect," the NYPBA president continued. "We've been left out of the conversation. We've been vilified. It's disgusting."
He added, "Nobody talks about the all the police officers that were killed in the last week in the United States of America, and there were a number of them."
O'Meara ended his speech by saying to his fellow officers, "You know what guys? I'm proud to be a cop, and I'm going to continue to be proud to be a cop until the day I retire."


theblaze--2020-06-09--Idiot threatens to 'beat the s**t out of' about 20 NYPD officers. But they soon give him a much-need

Idiot threatens to 'beat the s**t out of' about 20 NYPD officers. But they soon give him a much-needed dose of reality.

Idiot threatens to 'beat the s**t out of ' about 20 NYPD officers .
But they soon give him a @ @ @ @ @

A man apparently took cellphone video of himself traipsing down a New York City sidewalk — with uniformed police officers lined up against a building — and actually started threatening them.
The bewildering clip — posted Monday to Twitter — depicts what appears to be the videographer sizing up the long line of about 20 officers and raining down threats, insults, and multiple N-words upon them.
Image source: Twitter video screenshot
The diverse group — consisting of whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asians, as well as one officer who appeared to be wearing a head covering — uttered hardly a word and simply stared the man down.
He then turned his attention to a "small" officer in particular: "I'm gonna f*** with you! I'm gonna f*** with you!"
But soon the cop appeared to invite the loudmouthed man to try — and the officer put his helmet down and drew his nightstick, keeping it ready just in front of him:
Image source: Twitter video screenshot
Still the man kept right on taunting the officer saying, "Me and you? Together? By ourselves? ... I will f*** you up, badly. You hear me? I'm gonna f*** you up somethin' different ... your DNA would be under my sneaker motherf***er!"
But alas, our hero's time was just about up — and the officers appeared to have enough of his tiresome boasts, converging on him suddenly and shutting down his routine.
Content warning: Profanity, racial slurs


theblaze--2020-06-09--'The View' co-hosts laud Colin Kaepernick: He deserves back pay and an apology — oh, and a Nobel Pea

'The View' co-hosts laud Colin Kaepernick: He deserves back pay and an apology — oh, and a Nobel Peace Prize, too

'The View ' co-hosts laud Colin Kaepernick : He deserves back pay and an apology — oh , and a @ @ @ @ @ That 's what you call a 'hot take '

Co-hosts on "The View" expressed their love and appreciation for NFL player-turned-activist Colin Kaepernick on Tuesday.
What are the details?
At least two of the show's co-hosts lauded Kaepernick's activism efforts amid — and leading up to — the George Floyd protests.
Co-host Sunny Hostin said that Kaepernick — who has not played in the NFL since spearheading the national anthem protest movement in 2016 — should be rehired in the NFL, and should receive back pay along with a comprehensive apology.
She also insisted that Kaepernick, an outspoken racial equality advocate, should receive a Nobel Peace Prize.
"I think he's not only owed an apology," she said. "I think he's owed his job. I think he's owed back pay. I think he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. I think what is fascinating about it is when you listen to [NFL Commissioner] Roger Goodell's mea culpa, he mentions everything. He says we are wrong. We should have listened. Athletes in the league are now allowed to take a knee. We support peaceful protests. He mentions everything except the name of the man who started this peaceful protest."
Hostin added that Kaepernick's gesture of taking a knee during the protests has become the symbol of the racial equality movement.
"Taking the knee has become the symbol of these protests. We see it just all over the country," she said. "We see it actually internationally now. I think it's shameful that people were allowed to co-opt that movement and make it about the flag and make it something it was never about. It really is just shameful. I'm sort of shocked that Roger Goodell never mentioned [Kaepernick's] name."
Co-host Joy Behar later added that she feels Kaepernick isn't so dissimilar from boxing star Muhammad Ali, and also "gave up his livelihood for a principle."
"Well, you know, Sunny just said Colin Kaepernick is really the hero of this and should be rewarded instead of thrown out of his job," Behar said.
"I think that Roger Goodell and the NFL need to get behind history and not be on the wrong side of it," Behar insisted. "I say that about a lot of people. Mitch McConnell and the rest of them, who are on the wrong side of history right now. They will pay the price in years to come."
(H/T: The Daily Caller)


theblaze--2020-06-09--VIDEO: NYPD cop loses gun and badge after smacking protester with car door

VIDEO : NYPD cop loses gun and badge after smacking protester with car door

Authorities reportedly stripped a New York City police officer of his gun and badge after hitting a protester with a police car door during a march in Brooklyn, according to the New York Post.
What did he do?
On May 29, as people gathered in Brooklyn to protest the killing of George Floyd at the hands of four fired Minneapolis police officers, NYPD cars made their way through a crowd at an unidentified intersection. As the cops turned the corner, one cop opened his door, swinging it out and smacking a male protester in the legs.
The incident was caught on video and shared on social media.
On Tuesday, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea called it a "troubling incident" and said the unnamed officer was on "modified duty," which, the Post says, typically means the cop lost his badge and gun and had been reassigned.
"As part of our obligation to provide accountability when officers fail to reflect the high standards we set, the NYPD is taking action regarding an episode in recent days that raises serious concerns," Shea said, WPIX-TV reported. "While the investigation is still ongoing, there is no doubt in my mind that based on the seriousness of what we've seen in recent days, transparency is critical.
"As part of our obligation to provide accountability when officers fail to reflect the high standards we set, the NYPD is taking action regarding an episode in recent days that raises serious concerns," Shea continued.
According to Shea, the officer has been referred for disciplinary action and further investigations were underway.


theblaze--2020-06-09--With public restrooms closed and thousands of protesters packing the streets, NYC's public urination

With public restrooms closed and thousands of protesters packing the streets, NYC's public urination problem is on the rise

With public restrooms closed and thousands of protesters packing the streets , NYC 's public urination problem is on the @ @ @ @ @ to get pretty bad . '

As New Yorkers emerge from quarantine and thousands flood the streets in protests, the city's lack of public restrooms is leading to the escalation of an infamous and particularly pungent problem — public urination.
According to the New York Post, the "Big Apple" has become the "Big Toilet" as "drink windows selling to-go cocktails and beers have sprung up throughout the city" only to leave a "steady flow of revelers freely peeing in public since most bathrooms remain closed."
Combine that with daily gatherings of protesters and increasingly warming weather and you get a particularly foul-smelling concoction.
Here's more from the Post report:
A lack of restrooms has left New Yorkers in a bind. They want to go out but then they are left holding it in. Restaurants, bars and coffee shops where New Yorkers could always find relief in the past have closed their restrooms to the public. Plus, with fears over the coronavirus still very present, many don't feel safe going into germ-infested public restrooms.
"Last night, my co-worker saw some guy just coming down the street and pulling down his pants [to urinate]," said Brittany Spano, 27, who works at a beer store on St. Mark's Place. "She was like, 'Nah, not here, man.'"
"There's definitely been an uptick on this street, from what I've seen," she added. "Public urination was already an issue in New York. If this continues into the summer, the smell is going to get pretty bad."
According to the Post, the lack of public restrooms has come to the fore during recent Black Lives Matter protests. The Twitter account @OpenYourLobby has even taken action by reaching out to museums and theaters and creating a spreadsheet of available toilets in the city.
A 23-year-old who lives in Park Slope told the Post that public urination has become a "big topic" since the coronavirus pandemic.
"My friends and I talk about it all of the time now," she said. "I have done it myself in Prospect Park ... All of the public restrooms like McDonald's and Starbucks are closed. If you are far away from your home, what are you supposed to do?"
It's worth noting that even if police wanted to crack down on the act, there is very little that they could do. In 2017, New York City softened its regulations on public urination as part of the Criminal Justice Reform Act, allowing police to issue a civil summons rather than a criminal one in such cases. But the New York Times reported that many officers opt to do neither.


theblaze--2020-06-09--Seattle police reportedly ready to abandon precinct as protesters create 'autonomous zone' — and one

Seattle police reportedly ready to abandon precinct as protesters create 'autonomous zone' — and one journalist gets a little too close

Seattle police reportedly ready to abandon precinct as protesters create 'autonomous zone ' — and one journalist gets a little @ @ @ @ @ gon na be able to say s**t while I 'm next to you ! '

Amid the George Floyd protests and rioting in Seattle, police on Monday were preparing to abandon the East Precinct if necessary and were removing items of value, KCPQ-TV reported.
What are the details?
A station journalist, Brandi Kruse, on Tuesday reported that "protesters have dubbed the surrounding blocks an autonomous zone, or more colloquially, 'Free Capitol Hill.'"
According to Democracy Now! the autonomous zone is barricaded and stretches around the boarded-up police precinct building.
It appears protesters are claiming the zone as their own — and they apparently don't take kindly to journalists, particularly ones associated with the Fox Network, as Kruse found out while cellphone video was rolling Monday night.
In one clip a protester identified Kruse and her colleagues and instructed the growing crowd, "Don't let 'em get an inch of space!" and said the news crew was "part of the problem."
The protester got louder and more aggressive: "You ain't gonna be able to say s**t while I'm next to you!"
Kruse & Co. attempted to walk away, but the crowd followed and harassed them.
Content warning: Language:
In a separate clip, a crowd surrounded Kruse and her team — and the scene got a little threatening.
"You lost, Karen?" one protester asked while another threw in a "f*** off, Karen!"
Content warning: Language:
In another series of clips, the protesters demanded that Kruse leave the area — and she and her team eventually took refuge inside a fire station.
Content warning: Language:
Kruse tweeted that she and her colleagues were "OK."


theblaze--2020-06-09--Multiracial family on a camping trip stalked, trapped at the campsite after being accused of being

Multiracial family on a camping trip stalked, trapped at the campsite after being accused of being Antifa protesters, police say

Multiracial family on a camping trip stalked , trapped at the campsite after being accused of being Antifa protesters , @ @ @ @ @ by 'at least four vehicles '

A multiracial family from Spokane was on a camping trip in Washington state last week when they were accused of being Antifa provocateurs by a large group of people and subsequently stalked and harassed, according to police.
The family — which consisted of a husband and wife, their 16-year-old daughter, and the husband's mother — were first confronted by "seven or eight car-loads of people" in the parking lot when they stopped to gather supplies at a store in Forks, Washington, a Clallam County Sheriff's Office news release about the incident stated.
"The people in the parking lot repeatedly asked them if they were 'ANTIFA' protesters," the release said. "The family told the people they weren't associated with any such group and were just camping. The family had to drive their bus around vehicles in the parking lot in order to get back onto Highway 101."
Police noted that "at least four vehicles" followed the family after they exited the parking lot and that "two of the vehicles had people in them carrying what appeared to be semi-automatic rifles."
Later in the evening after the family had arrived at their campsite, they allegedly heard gunshots and chainsaws in the distance and became concerned for their safety. They packed up and decided to leave, but on their way out they came across felled trees in the road blocking them from leaving.
At this point, the family called police.
While officers were on their way to the scene, a small group of Forks High School students on their way up to the campsite stopped to help the family by using their own chainsaws to clear the road.
Police then escorted the family to safety and took their statement about the incident before helping them continue their travels.
The Department of Justice and President Trump have been outspoken about the involvement of Antifa, as well as similar extremist groups, in inciting violence at riots across America over George Floyd's death May 25 in Minneapolis.
Last week, Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray announced in a press briefing that they have "evidence" that Antifa has been "instigating and participating" in violence at the riots.


theblaze--2020-06-09--Los Angeles Democrat wants to pull funding from LAPD — even though she's had a private LAPD detail a

Los Angeles Democrat wants to pull funding from LAPD — even though she's had a private LAPD detail at her home

Los Angeles Democrat wants to pull funding from LAPD — even though she 's had a private LAPD detail at @ @

Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez filed a motion last week to cut $150 million from the Los Angeles Police Department budget, even though she's taken advantage of a private LAPD detail at her home for the past few months, Spectrum News 1 reported.
Los Angeles is among the cities across the country considering reducing funding to police departments or disbanding them altogether. The LAPD budget is $3.1 billion, according to the report.
"We need a vision for our city that says 'there is going to be justice,'" the motion stated. "American society is founded on a racial hierarchy, one that is born out of slavery, followed by Jim Crow segregation and corporate abuse of labor. As such, police departments are asked to enforce a system of laws that are designed to reinforce and maintain economic and racial inequality."
Yet, due to reported death threats against Martinez and her daughter, a 24/7 LAPD protection unit has watched over Martinez's home, sometimes with two officers at a time.
Detective Jamie McBride, the head of the LAPD's union, was outraged by Martinez's motion, considering how much taxpayer money has gone toward protecting her with LAPD officers.
"It's kind of ironic. Here she is demanding $150 million be reallocated from the police budget, but yet she has security at her house by the Los Angeles Police Department. ... It's disgusting. For two officers in front of a residence since April, you're probably over $100,000 of the people's money," McBride said, according to Spectrum News 1.
Rick Coca, a spokesperson for Martinez, said the detail has now been canceled because the security has been compromised. The cancellation has led to questions about whether there really was a credible threat to Martinez and her family.
"Obviously there wasn't a threat there because the units from what I understand have disappeared," McBride told Spectrum News 1.
The LAPD would not disclose to the outlet whether other city officials had LAPD security details.
(H/T: The Daily Wire)


theblaze--2020-06-09--Maryland school district passes first step in removing police officers from school campuses

Prince George's County Public Schools is ready to remove police from area schools amid heightened tensions spurred on by the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
What are the details?
On Monday, WTTG-TV reported that a proposal to remove officers from district schools passed its first step.
The proposal was set forth by several school board members at a Black Lives Matter protest outside of the District Court in Hyattsville, Maryland.
In a statement, school board member David Murray said, "What we're saying is that there's not a place for police officers, armed police officers in Prince George's County Public Schools and not only that ... we think that that money can be better served supporting our students with more social workers, more mental health professionals, more academic interventionists to get elementary school students reading on grade level."
Murray pointed out that the school would simply have to solve issues — such as active shooters and the general need for an armed school resource officer on campus — on a case-by-case basis.
"I think there's a couple ways we can go about solving issues like that, and I think what we're trying to do is address these issues on the front end," he added.
School board member Holly Leon-Lierman added that funds saved by not having to pay police officers to patrol the schools could better be used for the children themselves.
"If at all possible, we need to divert those resources to counselors and to recreational activities that will engage children in fun and sports and socializing and learning," she said.
What else?
WTTG reported that it's "unclear" if the school board can remove all police officers from district schools under current Maryland law.
In 2018, a law was passed stating a school resource officer must be present in every public school across the state, or there must be adequate law enforcement coverage.
Another vote on the controversial issue could come as early as next Thursday.


theblaze--2020-06-09--Idaho offers $1,500 bonuses to get people to return to work

Idaho offers $ 1,500 bonuses to get people to return to work Ca n't rebuild the economy without workers

How do you compete with the federal government's coronavirus unemployment plan that incentivizes people to stay unemployed?
Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little has an idea: Offer Idahoans a major "bonus" to get back to work.
What is Idaho doing?
When the U.S. Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed the coronavirus relief bill, critics pointed out that one very significant provision in the bill could encourage people to remain unemployed.
The $2.2 trillion bill included a $250 billion expansion for unemployment benefits that not only extended the time workers could receive benefits from 26 weeks to 39 weeks, but also added $600 per week on top of what they would normally receive for up to four months.
That $600 per week in addition what a worker normally received — typically half of a worker's weekly wages — was what caught critics' eyes. They noted that the upgraded unemployment benefits would encourage people not to work because they would be making more on unemployment than if they returned to work. Those concerns turned out to be warranted, as one Washington state business demonstrated.
In order to encourage the Gem State's population to get back to work, Gov. Little said Friday that the state will use up to $100 million in federal relief funds to give onetime bonuses of $1,500 to full-time workers and $750 to part-time workers who return to work instead of remaining on unemployment, the Idaho Statesman said. Bonuses will also be available to laid-off workers who are already back on the job.
The plan to get people to choose work over inflated unemployment payments will cover up to 70,000 workers.
The Associated Press reported that the governor's budget chief, Alex Adams, said the bonus program could also be supplemented with unused money from a $300 million program set up to help small businesses in Idaho.
Little said about 60% of workers receiving unemployment benefits under the federal stimulus package are making more money on unemployment, but noted that that's no way to rebuild an economy.
"A strong economic rebound cannot occur without workers returning to a job, and the new Return to Work cash bonuses incentivize our workforce to get back to work safely," Little said.
Can it be done?
Critics of the move, however, say the governor is just adding another layer of bureaucracy to a state Labor Department that is already failing its citizens by mishandling unemployment claims.
The Statesman editorial board said that the state's "inability to provide unemployment benefits for thousands of Idahoans has become a disgrace." According to the paper, "an untold number of Idahoans are still without benefits" — and not only have many people not seen a check, some citizens still have not been contacted about their benefits status.
More from the Statesman:
Little began his press conference by expressing his concern that people who make more money on enhanced unemployment would have no incentive to go back to work.
So he announced that the state will offer $1,500 bonuses to unemployed Idahoans who return to work rather than stay on unemployment.
Gov. Little, this is the least of your problems. You've got a bigger one that's more immediate — that you need to take care of right now.
A go-back-to-work bonus payment will only add yet another layer of bureaucracy on top of a bureaucracy that's not working.
If the state can't efficiently get unemployment payments to all of its legitimate recipients, how does it plan to get $1,500 checks to full-time workers and $750 checks to part-time workers who return to jobs? And if Little and state officials think there won't be hangups in distributing that money to workers, then why are there still so many problems with distributing the unemployment money?
The paper further noted that the governor's plan includes bonuses for anyone who filed a claim since March 1, but the Labor Department has not yet even processed many of those claims.


theblaze--2020-06-09--Gov. Phil Murphy announces he is ending New Jersey's 'stay at home' order

Gov .
Phil Murphy announces he is ending New Jersey 's 'stay at home ' order Wonder what changed his @ @

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced via Twitter Tuesday that he was signing an executive order lifting the state's "stay at home" order. The move surprised many, considering that Murphy announced late Thursday night that he was extending the state's public health emergency for another 30 days.
In the tweet, Murphy stated that he would sign the order "today" and said, "Please continue to be responsible and safe. Wear face coverings and keep a social distance from others when out in public." In a series of subsequent tweets, Murphy offered a sort of explanation for his abrupt about-face on the necessity of a stay-at-home order.
It was not clear from Gov. Murphy's thread of tweets whether businesses and churches would be affected by his executive order or not. According to the latest guidance issued by the state, restaurants will be able to accept customers for outdoor dining on July 15 and businesses like hair and nail salons can reopen with restrictions on June 22.
Murphy also made news last week when he admitted that a double standard was being applied to the protests about George Floyd's death as compared to church services and other gatherings protected by the First Amendment.
According to reports, Murphy said, "It's one thing to protest what day nail salons are opening and it's another to come out and peaceful protest about somebody who was murdered right before our eyes."
Of course, for the purposes of an infectious disease, they are exactly the same, since diseases are not known for their social conscience.
Murphy's announcement comes as Attorney General William Barr is being asked to investigate whether some states are impermissibly favoring the George Floyd protests over other protected activities with respect to their coronavirus guidelines.