theblaze--2020-08-01--Only one NBA player so far has stood for the anthem. Here's how he explained his decision.

Only one NBA player so far has stood for the anthem .
Here 's how he explained his decision .
@ @ @ @ @ attention of the nation

A single player in the NBA has stood alone—literally—during America's national anthem since games resumed this week after a 20-week break due to COVID-19.
During a press conference on Friday, that player, Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic, explained why.
What are the details?
After noting that he did not kneel during the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner" or wear a Black Lives Matter shirt along with all the other players, a reporter asked Isaac (who is black), if he believes black lives matter.
"Absolutely," Isaac replied. "I believe that black lives matter. A lot went into my decision and part of it is, first off, it's my thought that kneeling or wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt don't go hand-in-hand with supporting black lives."
"I think when you look around, racism isn't the only thing that plagues our society. That plagues our nation, that plagues our world," he continued. "I feel like coming together on that message that we want to get past not only racism but everything that plagues us in society I feel like the answer to it is the Gospel."
According to CNN, Isaac reiterated, "For me Black lives are supported through the Gospel. All lives are support through the Gospel. We all have things that we do wrong and sometimes it gets to a place that we're pointing fingers at who's wrong is worst. Or who's wrong is seen, so I feel like the Bible tells us that we all fall short of God's glory. That will help bring us closer together and get past skin color, and get past anything that's on the surface and doesn't really get into the hearts of men and women."
Isaac also waded into the current political tone of the U.S., saying, "I feel like a lot of people have a stake in it with the flag, a lot of people have a stake in it for the president, I think a lot of people have a stake in it with hating the flag or not hating it or hating the president or whatever."
He added, "I'm black...I'm not for racism and I don't think that me not kneeling before the game and wearing a t-shirt makes me mean that at all."
Jonathan Isaac explains decision to stand during national anthem | NBA on ESPN www.youtube.com
Anything else?
In a statement on Friday, the owners of the Orlando Magic expressed full support of their players kneeling during the anthem "to send a powerful message condemning bigotry, racial injustice and the unwarranted use of violence by police, especially against people of color."
The statement did not mention Isaac's lone stance for the stars and stripes, but BleacherReport reported that according to ESPN, Magic head coach Steve Clifford said, "himself, the players and the franchise support Jonathan Isaac's decision to stand during the anthem and not kneel."
The coach also passed along that Magic guard Evan Fournier said of Isaac's move, "That's his choice and he doesn't need to [explain]."


theblaze--2020-08-01--Michigan GOP tries to ban coronavirus patients from nursing homes — Democrat Gov. Whitmer vetoes bil

Michigan GOP tries to ban coronavirus patients from nursing homes — Democrat Gov. Whitmer vetoes bill

Michigan GOP tries to ban coronavirus patients from nursing homes — Democrat Gov .
Whitmer vetoes bill

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed a bill supported by Republicans that would have banned coronavirus patients from being housed in nursing homes in Michigan.
Whitmer accused Republicans of playing political games with patients' lives in a statement Friday after she vetoed the bill.
"Protecting the health and safety of nursing home residents and their staff continues to be a top priority for my administration," said Whitmer in the statement.
"Senate Bill 956 is nothing more than a political game that would relocate vulnerable seniors without any requirement for consent, doctor's approval, or notification to patients and their families. It's time for the Republican legislature to get serious about protecting our most vulnerable and addressing the public health and economic crisis faced by our state," she added.
"We look forward to continuing our work with stakeholders and legislators on the task force to develop real solutions that make sense for Michigan seniors and their families," she concluded.
The language of the bill said that it "bans nursing homes from admitting or retaining an individual starting Sept. 1 who tests positive for COVID-19 unless the person had recovered or unless a nursing home could provide care in a separate building."
Michigan Republicans excoriated the decision from the governor and predicted that many people might lose their lives over the veto.
"In a mean-spirited move, Gov. Whitmer announced she vetoed a plan that would have prevented COVID-19 patients from entering our nursing homes," read the statement.
"Only a few governors had allowed this reckless practice in the first place, and all except Gov. Whitmer have since changed course and stopped the practice, including embattled New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Gov. Whitmer should be ashamed, and she certainly is acting like it," the statement added.
"Her veto decision was hidden in a late Friday afternoon news release with a headline announcing something entirely different. But make no mistake. The governor owns her veto and the abhorrent policy that has contributed to the deaths of thousands of people," the statement continued.
"Their families deserved much better," they concluded, "and the families who will eventually lose their loved ones because of the governor's decision today deserve better as well.
Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been roundly criticized for claiming victory over the coronavirus and ignoring the devastating impact of his decision to allow coronavirus infected patients into nursing homes.
Here's more about Whitmer's nursing home policies:


theblaze--2020-08-01--'You don't know what you are talking about': Richard Grenell calls out Jake Tapper over CNN's report

'You don't know what you are talking about': Richard Grenell calls out Jake Tapper over CNN's reporting

'You do n't know what you are talking about ' : Richard Grenell calls out Jake Tapper over CNN 's @

CNN's Jake Tapper tried to pick apart President Donald Trump's answer to a reporter on Thursday, leading former acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell to remind the anchor of his own network's false reporting while asserting: "You don't know what you're talking about."
What are the details?
During a news conference, President Trump was asked about the report that Russia offered bounties to the Taliban to kill American troops and whether he had read about it in the President's Daily Brief.
The president answered that he reads his briefings "all the time," and said of the bounty report, "It was never brought to my attention, I think it's another Russia hoax."
He continued, "We're working with Russia right now on a non-proliferation agreement—nuclear non-proliferation—and if we can get something like that it would be great. But it was never brought to my attention ... because it didn't reach the level. There were a lot of people, including Democrats, that said it never took place.
"If it did take place, it would have been brought to my attention and I would take very strong action," Trump added. "There's been nobody tougher with Russia or China than I have—not even by a long shot."
Tapper posted a clip of the exchange on Twitter claiming Trump's comments that "It was never brought to my attention" and "I think it's another Russia hoax" are "Not true."
The anchor admitted, "Yes there is disagreement among Intel Community about GRU 'bounties' but there's [intelligence community] consensus that Russia is arming and funding the Taliban. Who are killing US service members."
Grenell replied in a tweet, "You haven't seen the intel. You don't know what you are talking about."
He reminded Tapper, "Your network told Americans that Kim Jung Un was incapacitated and brain dead for weeks. And you said you had intel on it. Your intel 'sources' have agendas. And so do you."
Anything else?
Grenell is starting to make a habit of dangling the Kim Jong Un story in CNN's face. Last month, host Erin Burnett attempted to trap the former cabinet member on air into agreeing that former national security adviser John Bolton's book couldn't be both "highly classified" and "fake."
"Of course, it can be both," Grenell replied. "What are you talking about? Life is not simple."
Grenell added, "CNN reported for a very long time that Kim Jong Un was brain dead. The fact of the matter is that was erroneous but had a nugget of classified information in there."


theblaze--2020-08-02--Former New York Times opinion editor blasts cancel culture as 'social murder' on Bill Maher's show

Former New York Times opinion editor blasts cancel culture as 'social murder ' on Bill Maher 's show ‘ Twitter @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times ’

Former New York Times opinion editor Bari Weiss ripped cancel culture and had some parting shots at her former employer during her appearance on "Real Time with Bill Maher" on Friday.
"We're used to criticism. Criticism is kosher in the work that we do," Weiss told Bill Maher. "Criticism is great. What cancel culture is about is not criticism. It is about punishment. It is about making a person radioactive. It is about taking away their job."
"The writer Jonathan Rauch [of The Atlantic] called it social murder. And I think that's right," she said.
"It's not just about punishing the sinner. It's not just about punishing the person for being insufficiently pure," Weiss explained. "It's about this sort of secondary boycott of people who would deign to speak to that person or appear on a platform with that person."
"And we see just very obviously where that kind of politics gets us," she continued. "If conversation with people that we disagree with becomes impossible, what is the way that we solve conflict? It's violence."
"That's an enormous problem because what it's meant is the collapse of moderates," the former Times writer said. "It's meant the collapse of the center and the retribalization of this country and the whole deal with this country, the reason that it's exceptional with all of its flaws is because we depart from history."
"We say that clannishness, tribalism, that we can overcome that, that there's something bigger than lineage or kin or the political tribe we belong to," she said on the HBO talk show. "And I think what we're seeing right now, and it's a very scary moment, is a kind of returning to the mean of history. And I think it is up to us to defend the ideas that made this country unique and a departure of history."
Weiss said that "politics has come to supplant religion," where people on the right see President Donald Trump as a "deity," and people on the left who believe "anything less than defunding the police or abolish the police to choose the issue of the day, makes you something like a heretic."
Weiss resigned from The New York Times last month with a scathing public letter to publisher A.G. Sulzberger. Weiss wrote that her "forays into Wrongthink have made me the subject of constant bullying by colleagues who disagree with my views." She alleges that coworkers called her a "Nazi and a racist," making for a "hostile work environment."
"Still other New York Times employees publicly smear me as a liar and a bigot on Twitter with no fear that harassing me will be met with appropriate action," she wrote. "Showing up for work as a centrist at an American newspaper should not require bravery."
Weiss also talked about her fiery departure from the New York Times, and provided some criticisms of the newspaper of record.
"The reason that Twitter is the assigning editor of The New York Times is because the printing press isn't the printing press anymore. It's because the printing press is in each one of our pockets," Weiss said.
"To do our job well, writers and editors, we need to have a level of bravery and thick skin and fearlessness," she said. "And when you're living in fear of an online mob, you know, all it takes is a dozen people to repeat a lie about you — that you're a racist, that you're a transphobe, that you're a bigot — for that lie to become true and that's extremely dangerous."
This week's episode of "Real Time" also featured Harper's Magazine columnist Thomas Chatterton Williams, who was one of 150 liberal writers, journalists, and academics who signed an open letter calling for an end to cancel culture. Others who signed the open letter include Weiss, "Harry Potter" creator J.K. Rowling, philosopher Noam Chomsky, and feminist Gloria Steinem.
"What strikes me about it is the pushback is coming from liberals and almost everyone who signs this letter ... is a liberal!" Maher said. "Bari, the fact that you -- they call you a centrist or right-winger! I mean, if a hip, millennial, Jewish bisexual girl living in San Francisco is not a liberal ... who is these days?"
"What we're trying to say with the letter – and what Thomas did in forming it – was saying what's happening now with this growing culture of illiberalism is different from criticism," Weiss stated.
Williams said that "cancellation" isn't about "bringing down elites back to Earth" but instead causes an "onlooker effect" that has "a chilling and stifling and narrowing influence on all of our behaviors."


theblaze--2020-08-01--Feds arrest suspect in bombing of federal building, Trump-loving grandmother outed him to police

Feds arrest suspect in bombing of federal building , Trump-loving grandmother outed him to police ' ...
I am against @ @ @ @ @ chose his poison '

The Justice Department announced Friday that they have arrested 18-year-old Gabriel Agard-Berryhill for allegedly throwing a "large explosive device" at a federal courthouse during violent protests in Portland this week.
From the DOJ:
According to court documents, at approximately 11:50pm on July 28, 2020, security cameras at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse captured footage of a large incendiary object enter the building's portico area and land near plywood sheeting affixed to the building's façade. A few seconds later, the object exploded, igniting a fire near the building's main entrance. Federal law enforcement personnel collected various items near the site of the explosion and sent them to a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) laboratory for further analysis.
ATF investigators reviewed social media posts from the night of the explosion and located videos of the incendiary object being thrown. The individual depicted throwing the object, later identified to be Agard-Berryhill, was a young, Caucasian male wearing a green colored vest, camouflage pants, and a mask. Investigators observed the person in other protest-related videos posted online wearing the same vest and attempting to hold a shield in front of a naked woman.
According to the New York Post, federal agents were able to quickly identify Agard-Berryhill because his grandmother outed him to law enforcement.
Karla Fox, whom the Post described as a "Trump-loving, 69-year-old woman," recognized her grandson in videos of the explosion because he was wearing a vest that she had gifted him.
"I bought the vest for him after he found one online after getting hit with rubber bullets the night before at the protest," Fox told the Post.
Fox had even gone so far as to write a positive review on the clothing website where she purchased the vest, writing, "I got this for my grandson who's a protester downtown, he uses it every night and says it does the job."
According to the Post, Fox later wrote about her grandson on Twitter under the username, "TRUMPSGIRL2020."
"This is my only grandson, I love him to death, and didn't know he was going to do such a bad thing, I had been posting several things about the antifa and BLM, he knows I am against those riots bigtime...he chose his poison," Fox wrote.
Fox told the Post that she was unaware that her online postings helped authorities identify her grandson as the alleged perpetrator of the explosion.
What did the government say?
"No legitimate protest message is advanced by throwing a large explosive device against a government building. Mr. Agard-Berryhill's actions could have gravely injured law enforcement officers positioned near the courthouse, other protesters standing nearby, or himself," U.S. Attorney Billy Williams said.
Agard-Berryhill is officially being charged with arson, which the DOJ noted has a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison.


theblaze--2020-08-01--Protesters burn Bibles and American flags in Portland

'This is who they are '

Protests and riots have been waged in Portland for over two months since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in late May. During Friday night's protests, demonstrators exhibited their rage by burning Bibles and American flags in the street outside of the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse.
Video shows demonstrators create a bonfire in the street, and protesters with Black Lives Matter signs toss Bibles into the inferno.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) retweeted the Bible-burning video with the caption, "This is who they are."
Donald Trump Jr., the president's son, commented on the video of Bibles being set on fire.
"Now we move to the book burning phase," he wrote on Twitter. "I'm pretty sure ANTIFA doesn't actually stand for what they say it stands for. Maybe just remove the anti part of them name and it's perfect."
Conservative activist Mindy Robinson said, "They've finally gone full Gestapo, never go full Gestapo."
Besides burning Bibles, the demonstrators also set American flags on fire, some demonstrators chant: "F*** Trump!"
Protesters dumped garbage in front of the Justice Center and battered the garage door of the courthouse to agitate federal officers. Rioters also set large fires around downtown Portland.
One rioter nearly burned his own face after igniting a firework.
There was a shooting in Portland on Friday night where more than 150 rounds were fired, one hitting a woman.
"East Precinct officers have secured the crime scene and determined that more that 150 rounds were fired outside of an apartment building," the Portland Police Bureau stated. "One round struck an adult female victim in an arm. Responding officers applied a tourniquet and she was transported to the hospital by ambulance with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries. No other injuries have been reported to police, however bullets struck at least 8 occupied apartments and 7 vehicles (unknown if occupied)."
During Thursday night's demonstrations, agitators set fire to a severed pig's head that was wearing a police officer hat outside the Justice Center in downtown Portland.
Last weekend, the violence was much more intense, and the Portland Police Department declared a riot by early Sunday morning. Rioters tore down the fence outside of the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse. "The violent conduct of people downtown is creating grave risk of public alarm," the Portland Police Department stated.
Fox News reporter William La Jeunesse was embedded with federal officers in Portland for 12 hours this week. He witnessed officers get attacked with lasers and fireworks.
"It's really loud and very disconcerting when you're on the inside," he said. "And these things, when they burn up in front of you, they burn agents' legs and arms and neck, stuff like that. They've got to go in for treatment."


theblaze--2020-08-01--Powerful picture exposes the double standard politicians allow for themselves on social distancing

Powerful picture exposes the double standard politicians allow for themselves on social distancing Rules for thee , but not for @

Americans nationwide continue to be impacted by coronavirus-related restrictions implemented by their state leaders. Although most lockdowns have lifted, leaders continue to restrict gatherings to few people, require social distancing of at least six feet between people, and mandate the wearing of face coverings.
The restrictions have forced millions of Americans to miss out on important family-related events, like weddings and funerals.
But, for some reason, the same restrictions that apply to the general public were not followed during the funeral for American hero John Lewis, which took place at Atlanta's historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.
A powerful picture revealed the double standard on social distancing that apparently applies to politicians and other American leaders.
In a viral Twitter post, user "brink," wrote, "I get it. My dad wasn't important. So it's ok to limit his funeral to 10 people tomorrow." Accompanied was a picture from Lewis' memorial showing attendees not social distancing.
"This is not an attack or statement on Lewis or Masks. Rather, a statement on the double standards of those we have voted into office vs. the people who voted for them," the user added in a follow up tweet.
Indeed, one of the most tragic aspects of the coronavirus pandemic is that many people have died alone in hospitals and other care facilities, and that families have been unable to attend funerals, instead being forced to settle for watching a memorial service via livestream.


theblaze--2020-08-01--Dozens of former 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' employees accuse producers of rampant sexual misconduct and

Dozens of former 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' employees accuse producers of rampant sexual misconduct and harassment

Dozens of former 'Ellen DeGeneres Show ' employees accuse producers of rampant sexual misconduct and harassment A former employee alleged @ @ @ @ @ sex from him in the bathroom during a company party

Dozens of former employees of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" have accused top executive producers of rampant sexual harassment and misconduct. According to a report from BuzzFeed News, one former employee alleged that a producer requested oral sex from him in the bathroom during a company party.
BuzzFeed News said they spoke to 36 former employees of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." The former staffers did not reveal their identities in fear of retribution. The report states that many of the former employees "independently corroborated incidents of harassment, sexual misconduct, and assault from top producers."
"One ex-employee said head writer and executive producer Kevin Leman asked him if he could give him a hand job or perform oral sex in a bathroom at a company party in 2013," the report alleged. "Another said they separately saw Leman grab a production assistant's penis."
A former employee of the massively popular daytime talk show accused Leman of groping a production assistant inside a vehicle and kissing his neck in May of 2017.
Nearly a dozen former staffers claim that Leman would make "explicit comments in the office, including pointing out male workers' bulges in their crotches, or ask them questions such as, 'Are you a top or a bottom?'"
Leman refuted the allegations.
"I started at the Ellen Show as a PA more than 17 years ago and have devoted my career to work my way to the position I now hold," he told BuzzFeed in a statement. "While my job as head writer is to come up with jokes — and, during that process, we can occasionally push the envelope — I'm horrified that some of my attempts at humor may have caused offense."
"I have always aimed to treat everyone on the staff with kindness, inclusivity and respect," Leman continued. "In my whole time on the show, to my knowledge, I've never had a single HR or inter-personal complaint made about me, and I am devastated beyond belief that this kind of malicious and misleading article could be published."
Dozens of former employees said executive producer Ed Glavin "had a reputation for being handsy with women," especially in the control room.
"You could definitely see the creep factor and the creepy touching," one ex-employee alleged. "That was out in the open for everybody to see."
WarnerMedia, the distributor of the show, said it had conducted an internal investigation. Warner Bros. issued a statement.
"'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' is, and has always strived to be, a place that brings positivity to the world. And though not all of the allegations were corroborated, we are disappointed that the primary findings of the investigation indicated some deficiencies related to the show's day-to-day management," the statement read.
"We have identified several staffing changes, along with appropriate measures to address the issues that have been raised, and are taking the first steps to implement them," the statement continued. "Warner Bros. and Ellen DeGeneres are all committed to ensuring a workplace based on respect and inclusion. We are confident this course of action will lead us to the right way forward for the show."
BuzzFeed published another damning report in mid-July claiming the show's work environment is "toxic." One current and 10 former staffers allege they experienced "racism, fear, and intimidation" while working for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
Glavin, and fellow executive producers Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner, issued a statement regarding the allegations.
"For the record, the day to day responsibility of the 'Ellen' show is completely on us," they said. "We take all of this very seriously and we realize, as many in the world are learning, that we need to do better, are committed to do better, and we will do better."
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Glavin would be let go and "others are expected to be out as well."
On Thursday, DeGeneres addressed the controversy by sending an email to the staff.
"As we've grown exponentially, I've not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I'd want them done. Clearly some didn't," the beleaguered talk show host wrote. "That will now change and I'm committed to ensuring this does not happen again."
DeGeneres is one of several celebrities who have been falsely linked to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. After documents were unsealed from a 2015 defamation lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell this week, a conspiracy theory spread online that fallaciously claimed DeGeneres took flights on Epstein's private plane dubbed the "Lolita Express."


theblaze--2020-08-01--New Jersey gym owners, who were arrested for defying shutdown, kick down gov't-installed barriers to

New Jersey gym owners, who were arrested for defying shutdown, kick down gov't-installed barriers to reopen

New Jersey gym owners , who were arrested for defying shutdown , kick down gov't-installed barriers to reopen

The owners of embattled Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, New Jersey, were arrested on Monday for reopening their gym in defiance of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy's lockdown order. The arrests came after a judge ruled New Jersey could forcibly shut down the gym.
However, Murphy couldn't keep the gym owners down for long.
On Saturday, just days after being released from jail, owners Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti kicked down government-installed barriers to reopen the gym.
"Gov. Murphy has weaponized the police force against us over and over," Smith said, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. "I think he looks foolish, the way he's treating us — he's pulling out all the stops. You have to ask, how far will one man go to destroy a small business?"
Atilis Gym has faced an uphill battle since defiantly reopening in May. Law enforcement has forced the gym to shut down several times.
In fact, the government is so determined to keep the gym closed that, according to the Inquirer, Bellmawr officials will consider revoking the gym's business license at an upcoming meeting on Tuesday.
If their license is revoked, Atilis Gym may have to shutter its doors permanently.
The decision to reopen the gym despite their recent arrest was popular with locals. From the Inquirer:
Around 8 a.m. Saturday, Smith and Trumbetti kicked and forced in the boards as supporters and gym members cheered them on, then replaced the doors on their hinges. Several dozen people watched from the parking lot, many waving American flags and listening to patriotic music blasting from speakers in front of the gym. Several attendees had traveled from other parts of New Jersey, and some waved anti-Murphy signs or wore pro-Trump accessories.
However, Smith and Trumbetti did not reopen without first ensuring that members would be safe.
Although they did not require members to wear masks, they limited the gym capacity to just 25% — which equates to 40 to 50 members working out at once — constantly monitored members' temperatures, asked members to sign waivers, and gave each member their own disinfectant spray. They also installed a new air purification system.
"You can do this safely," Smith told the Inquirer. "You can't say that all gyms have bad ventilation. Some might — but to put them all in one category shows you don't understand discrepancies and nuance. It shows you're not actually interested in helping small businesses."
All told, the gym spent thousands of dollars on safety upgrades before reopening.


theblaze--2020-08-01--Steve Kerr ripped for silence on China after complaining about critics of national anthem protests

Steve Kerr ripped for silence on China after complaining about critics of national anthem protests Steve Kerr did not provide @ @ @ @ @ of abuse at NBA training academies in China

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was slammed online for his silence on human rights abuses in China after complaining about critics of national anthem protests.
The NBA restarted its season on Thursday, the first games since shutting down in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, every NBA player, except one, has knelt during the national anthem.
Previously, the NBA had a rule requiring players to stand during the national anthem. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has dismissed the rule for the rebooted season due to the nationwide protests against police brutality and racism.
"I respect our teams' unified act of peaceful protest for social justice and under these unique circumstances will not enforce our long-standing rule requiring standing during the playing of our national anthem," Silver said on Thursday.
On Friday, Kerr defended the kneeling protests and addressed critics who don't support players kneeling during the national anthem.
"With NBA games now in full force, the inevitable race baiting 'kneeling is a sign of disrespect!' tweets are coming," Kerr tweeted. "Our message is clear: We love our country. And we also believe that this nation can and must do better to eliminate racism and bigotry. That is why we kneel."
Twitter users were quick to point out Kerr's silence regarding China's human rights abuses.
Kerr was mocked by conservative commentator Stephen Miller, who replied, "Steve, I speak for all Americans when I say we're just relieved China has given you permission to once again speak out on important social and human rights abuses."
National Review contributor Pradheep J. Shanker inquired, "Cool. You ready to speak out against China yet...or nah?"
Curtis Houck, Managing Editor at Newsbusters, asked, "Now how about 'do[ing] better to eliminate racism and bigotry' in China? Or do the concentration camps there not matter?"
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) proposed that Kerr and NBA players respect the American flag.
"Here's a better idea: stand for the anthem, to honor our Nation & the heroes who died for our freedom," Cruz responded. "And then support school choice by donating 10% of your salaries for scholarships for low-income children to attend excellent schools."
Noam Blum, Tablet Magazine associate editor, asked, "Any word on ESPN's expose of your training program in Xinjiang or nah?"
The tweet was a reference to a bombshell report in ESPN that exposed violence in the NBA's training academies in China. The report features testimony from anonymous American coaches who were employed at the NBA training academies, including one in the Xinjiang province where more than a million Uighur Muslims are imprisoned.
The report alleges that young players were physically abused by Chinese coaches and were not provided proper schooling, despite Silver promising that education would be "central" to the program.
"Imagine you have a kid who's 13, 14 years old, and you've got a grown coach who is 40 years old hitting your kid," a coach told ESPN. "We're part of that. The NBA is part of that."
The NBA specifically told the coaches not to reveal the abuse.
In a recent Washington Post interview, Kerr said he regretted not defending Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey when he was in hot water for supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
Kerr spoke with Candace Buckner, a "sports reporter focusing on the intersection of race, gender and diversity issues in the world of sports." The interview was for an article on white NBA coaches and social justice.
Kerr's admittance that he was wrong in not supporting Morey's free speech did not make it into the article, but Buckner shared it on Twitter.
Buckner asked Kerr if it is "burdensome" to speak out about political issues. "I haven't always handled it well," Kerr replied, and then mentioned the Morey incident. "I handled it really poorly."
"I was frankly sort of tongue tied," the Warriors coach continued. "I'm sitting there trying to figure out what I'm supposed to say to make sure I don't put the league in jeopardy but also trying to find the right balance and I realize it was probably the one time over the years when I haven't just spoken my heart and I sort of got caught in this political hail storm. It was very uncomfortable because it wasn't a topic I was very comfortable with and the circumstances were really strange."
"I've learned of the last four years since I've been... [outspoken] the questions aren't always easy," he revealed. "If you follow your gut and your heart, you generally just speak your truth and you're going to feel good about it afterwards. That's the one episode where I walked away shaking my head saying, 'What the hell was that?'"
Kerr was asked what he would do differently.
"Well I would first of all back up Daryl," Kerr replied. "I would just say Daryl, has a right, as an American, to free speech. He can say anything he wants and we should support him in that and that's the main message. And then if you want to get into the depths of a really complex issue (chuckles) then you can have a conversation."
Last month, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) blasted the NBA for its close relationship with China.
The NBA is allowing players to select a message that will be displayed on the backs of their jerseys. The list of 29 approved social and political messages includes "Black Lives Matter," "How Many More," "Power to the People," "I Can't Breathe," and "Anti-Racist."
Hawley wrote a letter to Silver, which asked why there were no phrases "in support of victims of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including the people of Hong Kong, whose remaining freedoms are being extinguished by the CCP's newly-enacted national security law." Hawley challenged Silver to allow NBA players to stand up for the Uighur Muslims who are being held in Chinese internment camps.
ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski lashed out at Hawley by cursing at the Missouri senator. Wojnarowski apologized and was suspended by ESPN for two weeks for the outburst.


theblaze--2020-08-01--Catholic bishop fires back at AOC for disparaging Catholic saint who gave life serving people with l

Catholic bishop fires back at AOC for disparaging Catholic saint who gave life serving people with leprosy

A Catholic bishop fired back at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Friday after the freshman lawmaker disparaged a famed Catholic saint.
What did Ocasio-Cortez say?
While denouncing statues in the U.S. Capitol that she claimed represent "colonizers and settlers," Ocasio-Cortez singled out St. Damien of Molokai as an example of "white supremacist culture."
The New York Democrat said, in part:
Even when we select figures to tell the stories of colonized places, it is the colonizers and settlers whose stories are told — and virtually no one else. Check out Hawaii's statue.
It's not Queen Lili'uokalani of Hawaii, the only Queen Regnant of Hawaii, who is immortalized and whose story is told. It is Father Damien. This isn't to litigate each and every individual statue, but to point out the patterns that have emerged among the totality of them in who we are taught to deify in our nation's Capitol: virtually all men, all white, and mostly both. This is what patriarchy and white supremacist culture looks like! It's not radical or crazy to understand the influence white supremacist culture has historically had in our overall culture & how it impacts the present day.
The comments left many people scratching their heads, particularly because Damien was a 19th century Catholic priest from Belgium who dedicated his life to caring for people with leprosy in Hawaii, even dying from the disease himself.
In fact, Damien is an extremely revered person in Hawaiian history. He spoke and preached in the Hawaiian language, and the statue that Ocasio-Cortez denounced is merely a replica of the one found outside the Hawaiian state capitol building. To the Hawaiian people, Damien is considered a hero.
How did the bishop respond?
In a response video on Friday, Los Angeles-based Bishop Robert Barron called Ocasio-Cortez's comments "so crazy and outrageous."
"To associate this man, in any way, with colonialism or white supremacy is so ridiculous and insulting, and it shows the superficiality and the simplistic quality of these sort of woke categories," Barron said.
He continued, "I can't help but think: Of all the people that could have been singled out ... what is it with this attack on Catholic saints?!"
Barron went on to highlight that a statue of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy, remains in Statutory Hall in the U.S. Capitol — but Ocasio-Cortez still chose to target the statue of Damien.
"It's time to get beyond these simplistic categories," Barron suggested.


theblaze--2020-08-01--Trump says he will ban TikTok in the US. Here's everything you need to know.

Trump says he will ban TikTok in the US .
Here 's everything you need to know .
There are @ @ @ @ @ TikTok 's U.S. operations

President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday night that he is planning to ban TikTok in the United States. Trump said he would ban the Chinese-owned social media platform that has over 800 million daily active users as soon as Saturday.
What did the president say?
"As far as TikTok is concerned, we're banning them from the United States," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "I will sign the document tomorrow," said Trump on Friday night. He was asked when the TikTok ban would go into effect, the president replied, "Soon, immediately. I mean essentially immediately."
On July 6, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. is "looking at" banning TikTok and other Chinese social media apps.
"We are taking this very seriously. We are certainly looking at it," Pompeo said during a Fox News interview. "We have worked on this very issue for a long time."
"Whether it was the problems of having Huawei technology in your infrastructure we've gone all over the world and we're making real progress getting that out. We declared ZTE a danger to American national security," Pompeo said of two Chinese telecommunications companies that have been designated as threats to U.S. national security. "With respect to Chinese apps on peoples' cellphones, the United States will get this one right too."
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a short-form video app owned by the Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd., one of China's biggest tech companies. TikTok is not used in China, instead there is a Chinese version known as "Douyin." ByteDance had revenue of $17 billion in 2019.
In 2019, TikTok was the second-most popular free app in the world. The app has been downloaded over 2 billion times globally, according to research firm Sensor Tower. There are 80 million daily active TikTok users in the U.S.
Why would TikTok be banned?
There are concerns that the Chinese government could use TikTok to spy on Americans. Last month, Pompeo said using TikTok puts "your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party."
The Defense Department said in December that TikTok has "potential security risks associated with its use."
Earlier this year, the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Army, and Navy prohibited TikTok from being used on government-issued phones.
In a Fox Business interview on July 12, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said, "[TikTok] and WeChat are the biggest forms of censorship on the Chinese mainland, and so expect strong action on that."
"What the American people have to understand is all of the data that goes into those mobile apps that kids have so much fun with and seem so convenient, it goes right to servers in China, right to the Chinese military, the Chinese communist party, and the agencies which want to steal our intellectual property," Navarro added.
TikTok claims that it doesn't keep any data from users in China and would never give the information to the Chinese government.
"TikTok U.S. user data is stored in the U.S., with strict controls on employee access," a TikTok spokesperson said. "TikTok's biggest investors come from the U.S. We are committed to protecting our users' privacy and safety."
"TikTok is led by an American CEO, with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product, and public policy here in the US," a TikTok spokesperson said in July. "We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked."
In March, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced legislation to ban all federal employees from using TikTok on government devices.
Sen. Hawley announces new legislation to ban TikTok from all federal employees, on all gov devices youtu.be
Can Trump ban TikTok?
Trump said he could use emergency economic powers or an executive order to ban TikTok.
"Well, I have that authority. I can do it with an executive order or that," he said, referring to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The law allows the president to regulate international commerce after declaring a national emergency in response to an extraordinary threat to the country.
Could an American company buy TikTok?
On Friday morning, Bloomberg reported that Trump planned to order ByteDance to divest ownership of TikTok. That prompted rumors that Microsoft could purchase the influential social media platform's U.S. operations.
Trump appeared to downplay the Microsoft rumors on Friday night.
"[It's] not the deal that you have been hearing about, that they are going to buy and sell, and this and that," Trump said. And Microsoft and another one. We're not an M&A company."
A Reuters report on Saturday morning claims that ByteDance has agreed to divest U.S. operations of TikTok completely.
"Under ByteDance's new proposal, Microsoft will be in charge of protecting all U.S. user data, the sources said," according to Reuters. "The plan allows for another U.S. company other than Microsoft to take over TikTok in the United States, the sources added."
Microsoft declined to comment.
"If TikTok separates as an American company, that doesn't help us," Navarro said in July. "Because it's going to be worse – we're going to have to give China billions of dollars for the privilege of having TikTok operate on U.S. soil."
Which countries have banned TikTok?
India banned TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps on June 29, following a border clash between the two countries that left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead. There were 119 million TikTok users in India, the largest market for the Chinese video app.
Australia is also considering blocking the massively popular app that features viral videos, music, and people dancing. TikTok responded to Australia's potential ban by saying it was "caught in the middle" of rising tensions between countries, and claiming it is being used as a "political football," according to the Guardian.
TikTok is available in 141 countries.
How would a TikTok ban work?
There is no precedent of a network block in the U.S.
The Trump administration could introduce new regulations for app stores. The government could order app providers, such as Apple and Google, to yank TikTok from their stores.
"The tech community will be very hesitant to go along with this app ban," Wayne Lam, an independent technology analyst, told CNET. "It sets a precedent for the government to ban other apps or even for other global apps to be inaccessible to the US market."
However, even if the large app stores stop offering TikTok, the app could still be installed from other sources.
The U.S. Commerce Department could put TikTok on its "entity" list, according to Carolina Milanesi, a tech analyst at Creative Strategies. This would restrict TikTok's access to U.S. technology. Chinese communications giant Huawei, which specializes in 5G tech, was placed on that list.
"There is no law that would authorize the federal government to ban ordinary Americans from using an app," said Kurt Opsahl, general counsel at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an advocacy group.


theblaze--2020-08-01--Dershowitz floats theory about Jeffrey Epstein's suspicious death: 'It seems to me very difficult'

Dershowitz floats theory about Jeffrey Epstein 's suspicious death : 'It seems to me very difficult' ' I think he @ @ @ @ @ '

Alan Dershowitz floated a theory on Friday suggesting that Jeffrey Epstein was responsible for his own death.
Speaking to Fox News host Tucker Carlson, the former Harvard Law professor explained he does not believe Epstein was murdered, but still finds his death suspicious.
"I think he committed suicide," Dershowitz said. "But, I think he may have paid off guards to allow him to commit suicide."
"It seems to me very difficult that he would've been allowed with video cameras off, cellmate taken out of the cell. I wouldn't put it beyond him to have paid guards to close their eyes. I don't think he could bear the possibility of having to spend the rest of his life in jail," he continued.
Epstein, a financier whose net worth swelled north of $500 million, was arrested last July on federal sex trafficking charges. It was long alleged that Epstein trafficked teenage girls for sex, using his network of powerful friends to shield himself from law enforcement.
Just weeks after his arrest, Epstein was found dead inside his jail cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center where he was awaiting trial. Conspiracy theories quickly erupted about Epstein's untimely death, but New York City's chief medical examiner ruled his death a suicide.
The Epstein case was thrust back into the national spotlight this week after newly unsealed court documents claimed former President Bill Clinton, a known friend of Epstein's, visited Epstein's private island.
Although Clinton's team earnestly denies the allegations, the court documents — from a now-settled defamation case between accused Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts — also claim that Dershowitz had sex with Roberts at the direction of Epstein.
During his interview with Carlson, Dershowitz vigorously denied those accusations. He claimed that Roberts is lying, and denied being a close friend to Epstein.
Both Roberts and Dershowitz are suing one another for defamation.


theblaze--2020-08-03--Cuban immigrant says activist group using 'mafia tactics' to intimidate Louisville business owners

Cuban immigrant says activist group using 'mafia tactics ' to intimidate Louisville business owners The group demands business have ' @ @ @ @ @ inventory of Black retailers OR make a recurring monthly donation of 1.5 % of net @ @ @ @ @ '

An activist group is threatening Louisville business owners with possible repercussions if they fail to submit to their list of social justice-related demands.
Phelix Crittenden, who is allegedly the "lead supply organizer for BLM Louisville chapter," created a group called "Blacks Organizing Strategic Success." Its website claims to be a "creative cooperative designed to level the playing field" and "empowering minorities with business resources & networking opportunities."
Fernando Martinez, a partner of the Olé Restaurant Group, believes the group uses "mafia tactics" to intimidate Louisville business owners. Martinez, who is a Cuban immigrant, became incensed after his restaurant, as well as other businesses, were given a list of demands from the activist group.
Businesses in East Market District of downtown Louisville, also known as NuLu (New Louisville), were given a list of demands such as:
Adequately represent the Black population of Louisville by having a minimum of 23% Black staff
Purchase a minimum of 23% inventory from Black retailers or make a recurring monthly donation of 1.5% of net sales to a local Black nonprofit or organization
Require diversity and inclusion training for all staff members on a bi-annual basis
And display a visible sign that increases awareness and shows support for the reparations movement
The Blacks Organizing Strategic Success website created a "Social Justice Rating System," where businesses are given a grade for how many of the demands they submit to. The organization gives businesses a sort of social credit score, "Ally," "Complicit," and "Failed."
"We're holding Louisville businesses accountable, and we're starting in Nulu. We will give businesses the standard 25-30 days to remedy any violation," the site states. "We will offer them a realistic opportunity & resources to raise their grade."
If business owners who do not comply with the demands, "protesters would respond by launching negative reviews and social media posts about the businesses," according to WDRB-TV.
"I hate the word demands," Rick Murphy, the president of the NuLu Business Association, said. "It's bullying, it's mean. We look at what they've given us as goals. I don't embrace demands from anyone. No one can demand something of me, particularly if they accompany that demand with some sort of threat or doing harm to businesses. Right now is the wrong time to try to do harm to businesses."
Some NuLu business owners were happy to agree to the terms, including Angie Garner, who is the owner of Garner Narratives, an art gallery. Garner even signed a contract, "addressing the gentrification of Clarksdale with some modest steps forward."
"I knew not to get distracted by any impulses toward hand-wringing and defensiveness, just get busy," Garner told the Courier-Journal. "It's important to stay clear that what matters is what happened to the people in Clarksdale, and what opportunities and resources can be made available to Black Louisvillians."
"Maybe that history will help business owners here understand why it's not nearly enough, just to be welcoming to Black people who are looking to spend money with them," she said.
Murphy said that he believes the group's demands are legitimate, adding that he and other business owners had failed the black community when it comes to making NuLu inclusive for everyone, according to the Courier-Journal.
"I as an individual and we as a group totally endorse what they want," Murphy said. "We consider those valid goals that we hope to meet in the relatively near future."
However, Martinez and other Cubans do not plan on giving in to the demands.
Martinez said several protesters presented him with the list of demands and warned that he "better put the letter on the door so your business is not f***ed with."
"There comes a time in life that you have to make a stand and you have to really prove your convictions and what you believe in," Martinez wrote on Facebook. "... All good people need to denounce this. How can you justified (sic) injustice with more injustice?"
Martinez responded that as a Cuban immigrant with black relatives, he does not need diversity training.
"Although our community has achieved great success in this city, we continue to miss our homeland, our neighborhoods we grew up in and our families we left behind. We did not want to leave all of those, but we had to," Luis David Fuentes said. "We had to escape the socialist government that took away our grandparents' private businesses in 1959 and continue to restrict our civil and political rights today."
Fuentes said so many Cubans risked their lives for "freedom, respect, and prosperity" in America, but now these values are under attack "because of the diffusion and expansion of Marxist ideas."
Martinez held a rally at his La Bodeguita de Mima restaurant on Sunday afternoon with American and Cuban flags displayed. Supporters held up signs that read "No 2 Socialism In America," and "Justice 4 All."
"La Bodeguita is open to everybody," Martinez said on Sunday. "If you're gay, this is your home. If you're black, this is your home. If you're white, this is your home. If you're human, this is your home."
"How can I be called a bigot and a racist when my family is black? When my son is gay?" he asked. "I'm the proud father of a gay son, and I'm gonna fight for him against anybody."


theblaze--2020-08-02--Minneapolis, plagued by violent crime, wants victims to cooperate with criminals, surrender property

Minneapolis , plagued by violent crime , wants victims to cooperate with criminals , surrender property

As violent crime surges in Minneapolis, the city is now telling residents they are essentially on their own.
The Minneapolis City Government has circulated a letter informing residents what to do if they are targeted by carjackers or robbers. The letter, addressed to residents living in the city's 3rd precinct, was written July 28.
"Robberies and Carjacking's have increased in our precinct. Cell phones, purses, and vehicles are being targeted. Some victims have been maced, dragged, assaulted, and threatened with a gun," the letter states.
"100 Robberies and 20 Carjackings have been reported to the 3rd Precinct Police in July alone," the letter adds.
However, instead of committing to increase police activity in areas plagued by violent crime, the letter goes on to suggest that residents protect themselves — and if they are targeted by violent criminals, to surrender their property.
Under a section titled, "Robbery Prevention Tips," the letter tells residents, "Be prepared to give up your cell phone and purse/wallet."
The letter goes on to instruct residents to — if confronted by a violent robber — "do as they say."
Here's the not cropped, unmarked version of that message pic.twitter.com/Dpf1nqRknc
— Kyle Hooten (@KyleHooten2) August 1, 2020
Violent crime has been especially prevalent in Minneapolis' 3rd precinct following the death of George Floyd, which sparked violent protests in Minneapolis.
In fact, just days after Floyd's tragic death, violent protesters breached the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd precinct building, igniting a fire inside the police station.
Unfortunately for city residents, the Democrat-controlled Minneapolis City Council has voted to defund the city's police department, and is searching for alternatives to traditional policing.
Now, as shootings have tripled in the city since Floyd's death, Minneapolis neighborhoods are forming patrols in hopes of curbing crime.


theblaze--2020-08-02--Dunkin' Donuts employee arrested for spitting in cop's coffee after trooper finds 'thick piece of mu

Dunkin' Donuts employee arrested for spitting in cop's coffee after trooper finds 'thick piece of mucus' in drink

Dunkin ' Donuts employee arrested for spitting in cop 's coffee after trooper finds 'thick piece of mucus ' in @ @ @ @ @ disgusting '

A Dunkin' Donuts employee was arrested on Friday after an Illinois State Trooper discovered a "thick piece of mucus" in his drink.
An Illinois State Police District Chicago Trooper purchased a large black coffee from the Dunkin' Donuts location at 6738 West Archer Avenue around 10:20 p.m. on Thursday. The coffee was "extremely hot," so the officer removed the lid to let it cool down.
Once the lid was off, the cop discovered what he described as "a large, thick piece of mucus" floating in his coffee. According to the press release from the Illinois State Police, the bodily fluid was "later confirmed to be saliva."
Vincent J. Sessler, the Dunkin' Donuts employee suspected of spitting in the cop's coffee, was arrested without incident by ISP District Chicago Troopers around 1 p.m. on Friday. The 25-year-old has been charged with disorderly conduct, reckless conduct, and battery to a peace officer for spitting in the police officer's drink. As of Saturday, Sessler was still in custody at the Chicago Police Department 8th District, according to WBBM-TV.
Sessler has since been fired from Dunkin' Donuts.
"This is outrageous and disgusting. The men and women of the Illinois State Police put their heart and soul into protecting the lives and rights of all people in this state every day," ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said in a statement. "They deserve better than this insulting and dangerous treatment. For their safety, ISP officers and employees will be prohibited from patronizing this location."
"The type of behavior reported to us is inconsistent with the brand's values," a Dunkin' Donuts spokesperson said. "Dunkin' has a deep appreciation for police officers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, and the franchise owner has reached out directly to the officer to apologize for the experience."
Last month, a Starbucks worker in New Jersey was arrested after spitting in the beverages of police officers. Kevin A. Trejo, 21, was exposed after he was "arrogant enough to be bragging about" spitting in the drinks of police officers. He was charged with subjecting a law enforcement officer to bodily fluid, purposely tampering with a law enforcement officer's drink, and creating a hazardous environment.
Also in July, a Five Guys restaurant in Alabama refused to serve police officers. Several employees at a Five Guys restaurant refused to take the orders of three officers of the Daphne Police Department. The burger joint has since fired or suspended the employees who refused to serve the cops.


theblaze--2020-08-02--Marines call off search for 8 missing troops; service members presumed dead from training 'mishap'

Marines call off search for 8 missing troops ; service members presumed dead from training 'mishap' 'It is with a @ @ @ @ @ to conclude the search and rescue effort '

Eight troops who went missing after a "training mishap" are all presumed dead, the U.S. Marine Corps announced on Sunday.
A 26-ton amphibious assault vehicle carrying 15 Marines and one Navy sailor sank off the coast of Southern California on Thursday. Eight Marines were rescued from the sinking vehicle nicknamed an "amtrac," short for "amphibious tractor." Of those rescued, one later died, and two are in critical condition.
The vehicle was one of 13 amphibious assault crafts that had just completed a training exercise. The amtrac sank in the Pacific Ocean near San Clemente Island, approximately 80 miles west of San Diego.
The ships were heading back to the Navy-owned island when one of the AAVs began taking on water about a half-mile from San Clemente Island. Troops from two other amtracs attempted to save the sinking vessel, but it was too late.
Since Thursday, dozens of helicopters and ships spent 40 hours searching over 1,000-square nautical miles of sea. The vehicle sank in an area of water that was hundreds of feet deep, making it too deep for divers to reach the sunken military vehicle, according to the Associated Press.
On Sunday, the search was called off, and the eight missing troops were presumed dead.
"Search and rescue operations for the 7 Marines and 1 Sailor have concluded," the Twitter account for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit posted on Sunday. "All eight missing service members are presumed deceased. Efforts will now turn to search and recovery. All next-of-kin have been notified. Keep our 15thMEU families in your thoughts and prayers."
"It is with a heavy heart that I decided to conclude the search and rescue effort," Col. Christopher Bronzi, commander of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, said in a statement. "The steadfast dedication of the Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen to the persistent rescue effort was tremendous."
"Our Navy family mourns for the 8 Marines and one Sailor lost when an amphibious assault vehicle carrying 16 service members sank July, 30th, during routine training off San Clemente Island, California," the U.S. Navy said.
The Marine Corps commandant, Gen. David Berger, suspended waterborne operations of all of its 800-plus amphibious assault vehicles while an investigation is conducted. Berger said the move was out of "an abundance of caution."
All of the Marines involved in the accident are assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based at nearby Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego. All of the troops ranged in age from 19 to early 30s. They were all wearing combat gear, including body armor and flotation vests, according to Lt. Gen. Joseph Osterman, commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
The names of the victims will be released 24 hours after their families are notified.
Amtracs have been used by the U.S. military since 1972.


theblaze--2020-08-02--Black motorist erupts at BLM protesters blocking highway, forces them to move: 'Get the f**k out my

Black motorist erupts at BLM protesters blocking highway, forces them to move: 'Get the f**k out my way!'

Black motorist erupts at BLM protesters blocking highway , forces them to move : 'Get the f**k out my way @ @

A black motorist is going viral after erupting on Black Lives Matter protesters for blocking a highway in Austin, Texas.
Late Saturday night, far-left activists gathered on Interstate 35 in the Texas capital city to protest. They refused to let cars pass, claiming, "this is our highway."
Then an unidentified motorist got out of his truck and screamed at the protesters, telling them to let him through, so that he could go to work and provide for his family.
"Hey look, I understand the cause, I appreciate it — but I gotta go to work!" the man yelled. "I'm black — I gotta go to work! I got bills. I got kids. Get the f*** out my way!"
Video of the incident showed that the protesters obliged the man and allowed him to pass. However, they refused to let any other motorists through.
Black man exits his car and angrily tells protesters to let him go to work and provide for his kids pic.twitter.com/GQUDw0lmfR
— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) August 2, 2020
Blocking highways is a tactic frequently used by protesters.
From the Wall Street Journal:
Benjamin Jealous, former president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said blocking highways is a tactic used by activists "who feel like they have no other way to get their community and the world to stop and take notice of what's happened."
It sends the broader public a message that "we will be inconvenienced if we allow our local government to continue to tolerate the killing of innocent civilians," said Jealous, a visiting professor at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
"There's a recognition of the use of placing one's body in peril," said Townsand Price-Spratlen, a professor at Ohio State University who studies grass-roots organizing. The practice echoes earlier protests, including the 1965 civil-rights march on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., he said.
Unfortunately, demonstrations on highways — which almost always happen at night — sometimes have deadly consequences.
Just last month, a protester was struck and killed on a Seattle highway.


theblaze--2020-08-02--Dr. Birx fires back at Nancy Pelosi after Pelosi trash talks behind closed doors, lodges accusations

Dr. Birx fires back at Nancy Pelosi after Pelosi trash talks behind closed doors , lodges accusations ' I will @ @ @ @ @ those fundamental principles ... '

Dr. Deborah Birx, a key member of the White House coronavirus task force, responded to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the New York Times on Sunday over criticism that she has been overly optimistic about the trajectory of COVID-19.
What was the criticism?
During a recent meeting with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Pelosi reportedly trash talked Birx and questioned her credibility.
"Deborah Birx is the worst. Wow, what horrible hands you're in," Pelosi said, according to Politico.
The California Democrat doubled down on that criticism Sunday, saying on ABC News' "This Week" that she does not trust Birx because she was appointed to her position by President Donald Trump.
"I think the president is spreading — spreading disinformation about the virus and she is his — she is his appointee," Pelosi said.
Meanwhile, the New York Times said last week that, "Dr. Birx was the chief evangelist for the idea that the threat from the virus was fading."
The Times report repeatedly attacked Birx and contrasted her with Dr. Anthony Fauci, whom the Times praised.
How did Birx respond?
Speaking on CNN's "State of the Union," Birx fired back at her critics, explaining that her decisions are influenced by data only.
Birx responded:
I think it was unfortunate that "New York Times" wrote this article without speaking to me. I could have brought forth the data. I provide data every single day with an analysis. The day that they are talking about that I was —quote — "Pollyannish," it said there was improvement in the New York metro, but ongoing cases in Boston and Chicago, a new outbreak in Houston and full logarithmic spread, and new concerning outbreaks in Baltimore, New Haven, and Washington, D.C.
She continued, "This was not a Pollyannish view. I have never been called Pollyannish or non-scientific or non-data-driven."
"And I will stake my 40-year career on those fundamental principles of utilizing data to really implement better programs to save more lives," Birx said.


theblaze--2020-08-02--Chicago sees 139% spike in murders for July, shootings up 75%; 9-year-old boy killed on last day of

Chicago sees 139% spike in murders for July, shootings up 75%; 9-year-old boy killed on last day of violent month

Chicago sees 139 % spike in murders for July , shootings up 75 % ; 9-year-old boy killed on last @ @ @ @ @ 's senseless , I 'm still lost ...
He was everything .
He was an @ @ @ @ @ in the community '

Murders and shootings in Chicago soared in July compared to the same month in 2019, according to a police report released on Saturday.
There were 105 murders reported last month in Chicago, a spike of nearly 139% compared to July 2019. Chicago suffered 406 shooting incidents in July, surging 75% from last year.
Police say that murders are up 51% in 2020, compared to the time frame of January 2019 until July 2019. There was also a 47% increase in shootings over the same period.
August hasn't started off in a promising manner. So far this weekend since 6 p.m. on Friday, at least 27 people have been shot, seven were killed, including a 9-year-old boy.
Chicago police responded to a shooting around 6:45 p.m. on Friday. Janari Andre Ricks was in a parking lot with friends when a gunman opened fire. The 9-year-old suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Lurie Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"He was in the house all day, he didn't come out 'til maybe after 5 when one of his friends knocked on the door to ask if he could come outside to play," his mother, Jalisa Ford, said. "And I allowed him to come out to play with his friends. He never made it back to the house."
Janari's father, Raymond Ricks, said his son was going to get a video game controller from a friend's house when he was gunned down on the last day of July.
"It's senseless, I'm still lost," the father told CNN. "He was everything. He was an inspiration behind all kids around in the community. Sports, anything, he would tell you stats from back in the day about everybody. He was a genius."
As of July 26, Chicago has seen 212 children shot, 36 fatally. Some of the kids who have been shot and killed in Chicago include 13-year-old Amaria Jones, 10-year-old Lena Nunez, 7-year-old Natalie Wallace, 3-year-old Mekhi James, and 20-month-old Sincere Gaston.
George Bady, founder of Stop The Violence, said children are scared. "They are very scared; they are scared to come outside, they are scared to sit in their front rooms now, some scared to go outside because they might not make it back home," Bady said.
Last month, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) claimed rising gun violence is because the city is "being inundated with guns" from outside states. "We are being inundated with guns from states that have virtually no gun control, no background checks, no ban on assault weapons," Lightfoot said.


theblaze--2020-08-02--'We don't have freedom of speech anymore': Greg Gutfeld on how INSANE cancel culture has become

'We do n't have freedom of speech anymore ' : Greg Gutfeld on how INSANE cancel culture has become 'Cancel @ @ @ @ @ work-around of the First Amendment '

Fox News host Greg Gutfeld joined Glenn on "The Glenn Beck Podcast" this week to talk about his new book, "The Plus: Self-Help for People Who Hate Self-Help."
Greg admits he is probably the last person who should write a self-help book. Nevertheless, he offers his offbeat advice on how to save America during what has become one of the most tumultuous times in history, as well as drinking while tweeting (spoiler: don't do it).
He also shares his "evolution" on President Donald Trump, his prediction for the election, and what it means to be an agnostic-atheist.
In this clip, Greg shares what he calls his "first great epiphany" on how dangerous cancel culture has become.
"I believe that cancel culture is the first successful work-around of the First Amendment," he said. "Because freedom of speech doesn't protect me from my career being ruined, my livelihood being destroyed, or me getting so depressed I commit suicide. Cancel culture is the first successful work-around of freedom of speech. It can oppress your speech with the scepter of destruction. We don't have freedom of speech anymore."
Watch the video clip below or find the full Glenn Beck Podcast with Greg Gutfeld here.
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theblaze--2020-08-02--Dr. Alveda King rips Obama for politicizing John Lewis' funeral: Leftists will 'grab at any opportun

Dr. Alveda King rips Obama for politicizing John Lewis' funeral: Leftists will 'grab at any opportunity'

Dr. Alveda King rips Obama for politicizing John Lewis ' funeral : Leftists will 'grab at any opportunity' 'President Obama @ @ @ @ @ took us back to the 1960's '

Former President Barack Obama delivered the eulogy at the funeral of John Lewis in Atlanta on Thursday. While paying tribute to the civil rights pioneer at the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church, Obama utilized the widely-viewed platform to take jabs at President Donald Trump.
"As we sit here, there are those in power who are doing their darnedest to discourage people from voting by closing polling locations and targeting minorities…even undermining the postal service in the run-up to an election that's going to be dependent on mail-in ballots so people don't get sick," Obama said of mail-in voting, which Trump has been vehemently against.
"George Wallace may be gone, but we can still witness our federal government sending agents to use tear gas and batons against peaceful demonstrators," Obama said, referring to the pro-segregation Democratic governor of Alabama in the 1960s.
Dr. Alveda King, the niece of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., ripped Obama for politicizing the Lewis funeral service.
"Well, I guess we should have expected that the Left, including President Obama, would take that occasion for a political moment," King said during an interview on Fox News' "Fox & Friends." "They'll grab at any opportunity, that's to be understood."
"I have chosen not to politicize the death of congressman Lewis, but to remember him as a peaceful, nonviolent warrior, and encourage everyone to resolve our conflicts peacefully," King said of Lewis, who at the age of 23 was a keynote speaker at 1963's March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his powerful "I Have a Dream" speech.
"However, President Obama, with word play, took us back to the 1960's, and that was a time when segregation was still on the books, segregation was still legal, and those in power, some of them were trying to enforce that and keep that," King added. "Today, when the National Guard goes in, sent by the president for example, or the state troopers, they're trying to protect the people of America in every community and to save lives and protect people. There is a totally distinct difference."
"Also implying without calling any names, he was very clever not to call any names, saying that there was an effort to undermine the voting process," King said. "You know, actually President Trump is saying, people, please pay attention, we do want you to vote, use your absentee ballots, go to the polls."
"He's even encouraged, you know, people to be poll watchers and poll workers and that kind of thing. President Trump is not trying to suppress the vote," she continued. "As a matter of fact, you can see in my community, I'm telling everybody, make sure you vote, register to vote, pastors and leaders, encourage your people to vote. We do want people to vote safely and we need the voting process to be fair, and so to politicize the funeral of a peaceful warrior, I mean, I guess they grabbed at an opportunity to be political."


theblaze--2020-08-02--'Wrong!': President Trump clashes with Dr. Fauci over surge of COVID-19 cases

'Wrong ! '
: President Trump clashes with Dr. Fauci over surge of COVID-19 cases

President Donald Trump fiercely rejected Dr. Anthony Fauci's viewpoint on why the U.S. has experienced a new surge of COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Fauci testified before the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis on Friday. Fauci, a top member of the White House coronavirus task force, gave his explanation as to why new cases of coronavirus in European countries are decreasing while surging in the United States.
"If you look at what happened in Europe when they shut down or locked down or went into shelter-in-place. … They really did it to the tune of about 95-plus percent of the country did that," Fauci said. "When you actually look at what we did, even though we shut down, even though we created a great deal of difficulty, we really functionally shut down only about 50 percent in the sense of the totality of the country."
Trump staunchly responded to a CBS News video of Fauci's comments by saying, "Wrong! We have more cases because we have tested far more than any other country, 60,000,000. If we tested less, there would be less cases. How did Italy, France & Spain do? Now Europe sadly has flare ups. Most of our governors worked hard & smart. We will come back STRONG!"
The U.S. has tested approximately 60 million people for coronavirus. The European country with the most COVID-19 testing is the U.K., with over 16 million. Germany has tested 8 million, total testing for Italy and Spain is nearly 7 million, and France is at 3 million.
The U.S. has the fourth-most COVID-19 tests per one million population among countries most severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, trailing Qatar, Russia, and the U.K., which has the highest testing rate in the world.
The U.S. has 4.7 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, the most in the world. The U.S. also has the most novel coronavirus deaths, nearly 158,000.
Trump isn't the only one to clash with the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases over his recent testimony. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) grilled Fauci during Friday's hearing about the impact that nationwide protests have had on the spread of coronavirus. Trump retweeted the video of the tense exchange between Jordan and Fauci.
"Great job by Jim Jordan, and also some very good statements by Tony Fauci," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Big progress being made!"
Last month, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) berated Fauci over what he called the politicization of the COVID-19 response, especially the reopening of schools.


theblaze--2020-08-02--DC's mayor exempts politicians from strict quarantine rules, but says normal people must follow them

DC 's mayor exempts politicians from strict quarantine rules , but says normal people must follow them

Lawmakers who attended the funeral of John Lewis in Atlanta last week are exempt from adhering strict coronavirus quarantine guidelines upon returning to the nation's capital city.
What are the details?
On July 24, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, issued a proclamation that stated:
All residents and persons traveling to or from "high-risk areas" within the prior fourteen (14) days for non-essential travel must self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days following their return or arrival to the District.
According to Roll Call, 50 members of Congress attended Lewis funeral, including:
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
Maryland House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.)
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.)
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)
Despite having traveled to Georgia, which Bowser's office has classified as a "high-risk area," people in power do not have to self-quarantine upon reentry into the nation's capital, Bowser's office told JustTheNews.
Why do lawmakers get a pass?
Bowser press secretary Susana Castillo told JustTheNews that lawmakers would be exempt from the mayor's order, which applies to everyone else, because the mayor classified Lewis' funeral as "government activity."
"Government activity is essential, and the Capitol of the United States is exempt from the Mayor's Order," Castillo said.
Shockingly, the press secretary admitted that people who attend funerals in "high-risk areas" for people who were not government officials would be forced to self-quarantine for 14 days.
According to JustTheNews, the funeral exemption was not the first time that lawmakers received a pass on adhering to COVID-related restrictions.
Earlier in July, Bowser declared that D.C. residents must wear masks while in public indoor spaces, as well as outdoors when likely to be around other people for "more than a fleeting time."
Yet exempt from that order were "persons in the judicial or legislative branches of the District government while those persons are on duty," as well as "any employees of the federal government while they are on duty."
Pelosi, however, has since mandated that House members wear a face covering when inside the House after Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) contracted COVID-19.


theblaze--2020-08-02--CDC director admits hospitals have monetary 'incentive' to inflate coronavirus death count

' I think you 're correct in that we 've seen this in other disease processes , too '

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Robert Redfield admitted last week that American hospitals may have monetary incentive to inflate coronavirus death counts.
During a hearing by the House Oversight and Reform Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis on Friday, Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.) asked whether hospitals have "perverse incentive" to inflate COVID-19 fatality numbers.
Shockingly, Redfield admitted that they do.
"I think you're correct in that we've seen this in other disease processes, too," Redfield said.
"Really, in the HIV epidemic, somebody may have a heart attack but also have HIV — the hospital would prefer the [classification] for HIV because there's greater reimbursement," he explained. "So, I do think there's some reality to that."
"When it comes to death reporting, though, ultimately, it's how the physician defines it in the death certificate, and … we review all of those death certificates. So I think, probably it is less operable in the cause of death, although I won't say there are not some cases," he continued. "I do think though [that] when it comes to hospital reimbursement issues or individuals that get discharged, there could be some play in that for sure."
Debate has raged over whether coronavirus deaths are being counted accurately, and various studies have found conflicting conclusions.
More from the Washington Examiner:
A Yale study concluded that the overall coronavirus death toll in the United States is a "substantial undercount" of the actual number; White House coronavirus response team member Dr. Deborah Birx suggested in May that deaths are being overcounted by 25%.
There appear to be cases where the opposite has happened. An investigation in Florida found that several deaths were wrongly attributed to the virus, including the case of a man who died from a gunshot wound to the head.
The CDC's website lists over 3,700 coronavirus deaths characterized as "intentional and unintentional injury, poisoning and other adverse events." In Texas, more than 3,000 people were recently removed from the overall coronavirus count because they were never actually tested but considered "probable" cases.
Still, it may never be possible to get an accurate count of deaths or cases, considering not everyone who contracts the disease is tested.
Indeed, antibody tests continually show that a significant portion of the population has likely contracted COVID-19, yet never knew they had the virus.


theblaze--2020-08-03--Exclusive: Arizona bar owner charged with crime for violating COVID-19 executive order, says busines

Exclusive: Arizona bar owner charged with crime for violating COVID-19 executive order, says business may not survive

Exclusive : Arizona bar owner charged with crime for violating COVID-19 executive order , says business may not survive

Deborah Wohle owns a small, neighborhood bar in Apache Junction, Arizona, called Lucky Strikes. Her business has been financially devastated by COVID-19 lockdowns, and on the one day she opened up to offer takeout services in April, she was charged with a crime.
As a result, Wohle is facing thousands of dollars in fines from the misdemeanor, and from citations issued by the Arizona Department of Liquor. With her business barely surviving, she said she can't afford to pay, and she doesn't believe she did anything wrong.
"I've never done anything to anybody," Wohle said. "I'm just a business owner. … I just want to reopen and run my business."
When Republican Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order in late March shutting down or limiting operations for bars and restaurants, Wohle closed down Lucky Strikes.
Over the next few weeks, however, Wohle said she noticed other bars around the city operating by offering takeout, apparently in compliance with the executive order. Desperate to make ends meet and to enable her employees to work, she decided to do the same.
On April 19, Wohle posted on Facebook: "Lucky's will be open tomorrow from 4 to 10 p.m. hot dogs and brats. Karaoke. All food and drinks will be to go in the back parking lot. Hope to see all my friends are there."
Someone who saw the post sent a complaint to the Apache Junction Police Department. Sgt. Daniel Saldana called Wohle. Saldana wrote in the police report that he spoke to Wohle twice.
During the first call, he said he advised her about the executive order's rules for food and drink establishments. Wohle informed Saldana that she had spoken to Apache Junction Mayor Jeff Serdy, who viewed the setup outside her bar and approved it. Saldana told Wohle he would check whether anything had changed.
Saldana called Wohle again, and said he told her "no change has been made and that she needs to follow the emergency orders set forth by the Governor." Saldana wrote that Wohle agreed to abide by the order. Wohle said that after the call, she decided not to have karaoke to ensure she was in compliance.
The police report states that Officer Danny Campano drove by the bar twice, once at 5:15 p.m. and again at 5:36 p.m., recording the scene on his body camera on the second pass.
At 5:48 p.m. Campano, Saldana, and two other officers went to Lucky Strikes to confront Wohle about her gathering, which was reported to be about 20 people. Wohle had speakers set up playing music, and there were chairs and tables set up in the parking lot. Wohle said she made sure to distance them appropriately.
The officers cited her for violating the executive order and ordered her to disperse the gathering, which Wohle said she did. She faces a class 1 misdemeanor charge, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 in fines, plus surcharges. Her next court date is Aug. 5.
Mayor Serdy confirmed that he evaluated and approved Wohle's bar arrangement, but said Wohle may have gone too far by having speakers set up to play music. He said the citation would be inappropriate if she wasn't warned beforehand, but if police had warned her before citing her, then they acted appropriately.
Still, Serdy is supportive of Wohle and hopes that she isn't made to pay the fine.
"Our businesses have been punished enough, let's help them survive," Serdy said, referencing the damage done by COVID-19 and Ducey's executive orders.
Attorney Kurt Altman is working on Wohle's case pro bono, and said he believes that not only did Wohle not violate the executive order, but the order itself is unconstitutional.
"The executive order is incredibly unclear," Altman said. "Nobody knew if they were in compliance or noncompliance or what they were supposed to do. Quite frankly I don't think the governor knew what people could or couldn't do."
Wohle, meanwhile, is in a difficult situation. She said she took a loan out to pay her bills, but now that bars have again been shut down, she's quickly running out of money. Making matters worse, she's seeing her customers go to nearby restaurants, which are able to serve customers, at a reduced capacity.
After the lockdown order expired on May 15, a subsequent June 29 executive order again prohibited bars from doing anything except takeout service as the number of new COVID-19 cases increased. That order was renewed on July 23, and will be reevaluated every two weeks.
When asked how much longer the business could survive under current circumstances, Wohle's prognosis was grim.
"Not much longer," Wohle said. "Not much longer. My rent and utilities and everything still goes on, and I have no revenue coming in."
Wohle has organized a GoFundMe to help support her business and employees, as well as to pay for legal costs.


theblaze--2020-08-02--Black motorist erupts at BLM protesters blocking highway, forces them to move: 'Get the f*** out my

Black motorist erupts at BLM protesters blocking highway, forces them to move: 'Get the f*** out my way!'

Black motorist erupts at BLM protesters blocking highway , forces them to move : 'Get the f*** out my way @ @


theblaze--2020-08-04--Seattle police chief denounces 'mob rule' after her armed neighbors confront 'aggressive protesters'

Seattle police chief denounces 'mob rule' after her armed neighbors confront 'aggressive protesters' targeting her home

Seattle police chief denounces 'mob rule ' after her armed neighbors confront 'aggressive protesters ' targeting her home The neighbors @ @ @ @ @ the well-coordinated protest mob

Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said her home had been targeted by "aggressive protesters," but her neighbors stopped them from any mischief.
Best revealed the incident when she informed the Seattle City Council in a letter asking them to denounce the "mob rule" of the protesters.
"A residence of mine in Snohomish County was targeted by a large group of aggressive protestors late last night," Best wrote.
"My neighbors were concerned by such a large group, but they were successful in ensuring the crowd was not able to trespass or engage in other illegal behavior in the area, despite repeated attempts to do so," explained Best. "Currently, the local sheriff (not SPD resources) is monitoring the situation."
Best was not in the home at the time of the confrontation.
Social media video
Supporters of the protesters posted video on social media purporting to be from the incident. Some of the counter-protesters identified as Best's neighbors were armed as they persuaded the protesters to leave.
Neighbors in the area spoke to the Lynwood Times and said that there were about 200 mostly white protesters who showed up in dark clothing and with suspicious duffel bags.
The neighbors banded together in order to prevent the protesters from committing any illegal acts, but some were afraid that they would come back.
"They were very organized," one resident whose identity was withheld said. "They had radios, talking to each other. They had numbers they used to decal all their cars for who knows what. So, they were identifying all their vehicles individually by number. They came with a mission…They were out here intimidating us."
"Stand up for what is right"
Best went on in her letter to ask for the council to condemn the intimidation of public officials by protesters.
"I urge both of you, and the entire council, to stand up for what is right. These direct actions against elected officials, and especially civil servants like myself, are out of line with and go against every democratic principle that guides our nation," Best wrote.
"Before this devolves into the new way of doing business by mob rule here in Seattle, and across the nation, elected officials like you must forcefully call for the end of these tactics," she concluded.
She concluded by making a statement in support of peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
Here's a local news report about the incident:


theblaze--2020-08-04--Ousted Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill tries to dunk on Richard Grenell. It does not go well.

Ousted Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill tries to dunk on Richard Grenell .
It does not go well .
'Ummm , @ @ @ @ @ '

Former Missouri Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, who was voted out in 2018, attempted to paint former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell as "unqualified" on Monday. But Grenell was quick to remind her that she actually voted in favor of his nomination to the Trump administration — and added a dig of his own.
What are the details?
Referring to Grenell, McCaskill tweeted, "Of all the sycophants and unqualified folks surround [President Donald] Trump, why do I find this guy particularly repugnant? Because he was given real jobs and didn't have a clue?"
Grenell replied, "Ummm, you voted for me. Or was that because had an upcoming election and wanted to hoodwink the people of Missouri into thinking you weren't a partisan?"
McCaskill, who is now an analyst for MSNBC, voted in favor of Grenell becoming the U.S. ambassador to Germany before she lost her re-election bid to Republican Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.). Grenell, in his tweet, included a roster showing the votes for his confirmation by the Senate, circling McCaskill's "Yea" vote with a highlighter.
Grenell was promoted to acting DNI in February, outraging liberals who launched a campaign to paint him as unqualified for the position. He subsequently declassified the list of Obama officials who could have been involved in the unmasking of Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn before John Ratcliffe took over as DNI in May following Senate confirmation.
The Twitter tiff between Grenell and McCaskill began after retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling criticized the Trump administration's recent announcement that the U.S. would be pulling roughly 12,000 troops out of Germany.
Hertling said of the action, "While being aware of how many will stay & probably more aware than @RichardGrenell of the threat changes in Europe, this action is not part of a strategy or a threat assessment. And it damages both our national security and our alliances."
Grenell replied, "It may not be your assessment but it was planned and will be implemented by the Pentagon. Times change."
Anything else?
Grenell, who was the first openly gay person to serve in a U.S. president's Cabinet, has been a thorn in the side of Democrats and the media and a staunch defender of President Trump.
He has been especially active in flagging "fake news" on Twitter, calling out CNNmultiple times for false reporting and pushing back against fervent Trump critic Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) for attempting to interfere with personnel changes made during Grenell's tenure as acting DNI.


theblaze--2020-08-03--Chris Cuomo says he doesn't believe the polls after previously mocking Trump for criticizing 'fake p

Chris Cuomo says he doesn't believe the polls after previously mocking Trump for criticizing 'fake polls'

Chris Cuomo says he does n't believe the polls after previously mocking Trump for criticizing 'fake polls '

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo said in an interview that he didn't trust the polling showing Joe Biden ahead of President Donald Trump after previously mocking the president for stating the identical opinion.
Cuomo made the comments during an interview with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.
"Biden is up. Michigan was huge for the president, Trump, in terms of winning, uh has a large number of white working class people that is supposed to be his stronghold," Cuomo said.
"We've seen in the polls, you know, you're too busy you're not doing poll analysis, he is losing those white voters," he continued. "Biden is gaining there most of all. And now Trump has pulled the ads. What do you think is going on with the pandemic politics in Michigan?"
Whitmer said that Michigan was going to be a competitive race despite the sign from the Trump campaign that they were going to devote fewer resources to the key swing state.
"See, I'm with you! I don't believe the polls!" Cuomo responded.
"Because, uh, the economic difficulties and the culture war that's going on now, as you know, captured in the person of Black Lives Matter, but it's just the latest iteration of a culture war, an us versus them war," he added.
Cuomo went on to prompt Whitmer to encourage Democrats to show up for the polls and not take Michigan for granted despite the polling.
'I don't want to cry. It is so sick and sad.'
Cuomo previously mocked the president for doubting polls that showed him losing to Biden.
"The president's campaign demanded that CNN retract and apologize for a recent poll because it showed him well behind presumptive democratic nominee Joe Biden," Cuomo in June.
"Why am I laughing? Because I don't want to cry on television, that's why," Cuomo said. "I don't want to cry. It is so sick and sad and obvious: lie, deny, defy. Divide, divide, divide. Divide and conquer. That's what this president is about. And it worked for him, it got him here. Will it keep him here? That's up to you, OK?"
Here's more about the CNN polls Cuomo doesn't believe:


theblaze--2020-08-03--Minneapolis Fed chief pushing for 'hard' nationwide shutdown lasting 4 to 6 weeks

Neel Kashkari says America can afford to keep paying unemployment benefits until recovery occurs

Neel Kashkari, president of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank, is calling for America to go into a "hard" shutdown for at least a month, saying it is necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19 and arguing that the U.S. government can afford it.
What are the details?
Kashkari made his case for shutting down during an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday, saying, "If we were to lock down really hard — I hate to even suggest it, people will be frustrated by it — but if we were to lock down hard for a month or six weeks, we could get the case count down so that our testing and our contact tracing was actually enough to control it."
"If we don't do that," Kashkari continued, "and we just have this raging virus spreading throughout the country with flare-ups and local lockdowns for the next year or two — which is entirely possible — we're going to see many, many more business bankruptcies...and that's going to take a lot of time to recover from to rebuild those businesses and then to bring workers back in."'
He argued, "That's going to be a much slower recovery for all of us."
The Minneapolis fed chief also said that despite 20 million Americans being out of work due to the coronavirus crisis, the one bright spot he sees is that the savings rate has gone up among those who do still have an income. He says that means the debt incurred from the possible continuation of elevated unemployment benefits does not concern him.
"Those of us who are fortunate enough to still have our jobs, we're saving a lot more money because we're not going to restaurants or movie theaters or vacations," Kashkari said. "That actually means we have a lot more resources as a country to support those who have been laid off."
He explained, "While historically we would worry about racking up too much debt, we're generating this savings ourselves. That means Congress has the resources to support those who are most hurting."
Minneapolis Fed's Kashkari says "fear" a major factor to declining consumer activity www.youtube.com
Kashkari reiterated his position on Monday, arguing on Twitter, "Want to open schools? Do a hard lockdown now for 6 weeks to get the virus under control then open schools late September. I haven't heard any other strategy to reopen safely that sounds remotely plausible given rampant spread in many areas."
He shared a Wall Street Journal op-ed to bolster his argument.