theblaze--2020-06-10--Bubba Wallace, the only black NASCAR driver, calls for ban on Confederate flag at races

'Get them out of here' Bubba Wallace , the only black NASCAR driver , calls for ban on Confederate flag @ @ @ @ @ driver of the # 43 McDonald 's Chevrolet , wears an `` I Ca n't @ @ @ @ @ '' T-shirt in solidarity with protesters around the world taking to the streets after the @ @ @ @ @ ( Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images )

Bubba Wallace, the only black driver in NASCAR, called for the organization to ban Confederate flags at its events in order to remove any perceived association of the sport with racism, Mediaite reported.
Wallace is the first black driver to participate in NASCAR's top series since the 1970s. He said the racing league has done a lot to combat racism, but the Confederate flag issue is one that should be removed immediately.
"My next step would be to get rid of all Confederate flags," Wallace said. "No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race. It starts with Confederate flags. Get them out of here. They have no place for them."
Wallace said fans who have a problem with the removal of the Confederate flag can "get back on the road where you came from." He said he previously didn't have a problem with the Confederate flag, and he was uneducated about kneeling protests when they first began, but his views have changed over time.
"There's going to be a lot of angry people that carry those flags proudly, but it's time for change," Wallace said. "We have to change that, and I encourage NASCAR — we will have those conversations to remove those flags."
Wallace wore a T-shirt that read "I can't breathe" and "Black Lives Matter" to a race in Georgia last weekend, in a show of solidarity with protesters of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.
Wallace, whose car normally features a McDonald's sponsorship, will drive a car featuring a Black Lives Matter paint scheme during Wednesday's race in Martinsville, Virginia.
"I think by running this branding on our car, putting the hashtag out there, bringing more awareness to it, it lines up with the videos that we had put out as NASCAR," Wallace said, according to CNN. "Listening and learning. Educating ourselves. So people will look up what this hashtag means. And hopefully get a better understanding."


theblaze--2020-06-10--Biden surrogate Terry McAuliffe recorded saying the campaign prefers Biden stay 'in the basement'

Biden surrogate Terry McAuliffe recorded saying the campaign prefers Biden stay 'in the basement '

One of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's top campaign surrogates, Terry McAuliffe, recently acknowledged that the campaign prefers that the former vice president stay "in the basement."
The former Virginia governor and campaign chairman for Hillary Clinton in 2016 can be seen and heard making the remarks to a group of Virginia Democrats in a video obtained by Fox News.
"People say all the time, 'Oh, we got to get the vice president out of the basement,'" McAuliffe told the Norfolk City Democratic Committee on a June 6 Zoom meeting. "He's fine in the basement. Two people see him a day: his two body people. That's it. Let Trump keep doing what Trump's doing.
"It's hard for the vice president to break through," he continued. "You've got the COVID crisis. He's not a governor, doesn't have the National Guard. He's not the president, doesn't have the briefing room. He needs to come out strategically. And when he says something like he did on race relations two days ago, it needs to have a big impact — thoughtful, and that's what we're preferring that he actually do at the time."
Terry McAuliffe Biden June 6 2020 youtu.be
"He's doing a lot of local. He's talking to two, three governors a day. He's doing roundtables, Zoom calls," McAuliffe added. "A lot of it's being done in those six battleground states that we have going forward."
Biden's public appearances, even from his basement, have been limited since the start of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year. In that time, the campaign has struggled getting the message out and the former vice president has made a series of gaffes.
Recently, in an interview with black radio host Charlamagne tha God, Biden suggested that African-American voters "ain't black" if they don't vote for him. Just a week later, he said that "10 to 15%" of Americans — or roughly 50 million individuals — are "not very good people."
Yet despite the limited, gaffe-filled appearances, Biden appears to have risen to a sizable lead in the presidential race, based on recent polling, which is likely why McAuliffe is insisting that Biden stay "in the basement" and "let Trump keep doing what Trump's doing."
While Biden continues to shelter in place, Trump, on the other hand, has opted to ramp up public appearances. His campaign announced a restart to the boisterous "Make America Great Again" rallies this month.
The president has also called on Biden to emerge from his basement as the pandemic wanes.
"I'd love to see him get out of the basement so he can speak," Trump told Fox News in a telephone interview last month.


theblaze--2020-06-11--Retired judge appointed in Mike Flynn case slams Justice Dept. for 'gross abuse of prosecutorial pow

Retired judge appointed in Mike Flynn case slams Justice Dept. for 'gross abuse of prosecutorial power'

Retired judge appointed in Mike Flynn case slams Justice Dept .
for 'gross abuse of prosecutorial power' The judge says @ @ @ @ @ poorly

A retired judge appointed to argue against the dismissal of charges in the case against Mike Flynn said that the Department of Justice was guilty of a "gross abuse of prosecutorial power."
John Gleeson issued his opinion in an 83-page submission to the court on Wednesday.
Gleeson argued that the DOJ had no power to dismiss the charges leveled against Flynn after they were filed, and said the only reason they would seek such a dismissal was Flynn's personal relationship to the president.
He was appointed by U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan after the DOJ said they would seek to drop the charges to which Flynn pleaded guilty. Flynn later sought to withdraw his plea.
Gleeson charged that the government's rationale for dropping the charges was "riddled with inexplicable and elementary errors of law and fact."
The government argued that although Flynn was guilty of lying to the government, his statements were immaterial to the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Gleeson argued otherwise and claimed the only basis to drop the charges was "on the fact that Flynn is an ally of President Trump."
He noted that the president had tweeted or retweeted posts about Flynn, who had formerly been his national security adviser, more than 100 times since the allegations were made.
Flynn's lawyers have filed a request to a federal appeals court to dismiss the case, and that hearing is scheduled for June 12.
Here's more about the charges against Flynn:


theblaze--2020-06-11--Sister of slain cop: 'Where is the outrage for a fallen officer that also happens to be African-Amer

Sister of slain cop: 'Where is the outrage for a fallen officer that also happens to be African-American?'

Sister of slain cop : 'Where is the outrage for a fallen officer that also happens to be African-American ?
@ @ @ @ @ brother was killed guarding a federal building amid protests over the death of George Floyd

A woman whose law enforcement officer brother was killed last month in the line of duty during ongoing nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd asked Congress on Wednesday: "Where is the outrage over a fallen officer that also happens to be African-American?"
What are the details?
Homeland Security Protective Service Officer David Patrick Underwood — a black policeman — was ambushed and fatally shot on May 29 while guarding the U.S. Courthouse in Oakland, California, according to KPIX-TV. His murder occurred amid violence and unrest over the death of Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis days before.
Underwood's sister, Angela Underwood Jacobs, was invited to testify before the House Judiciary Committee alongside Floyd's brother during a hearing focused on "policing practices and law enforcement accountability."
Ms. Underwood Jacobs described her brother as "a good man who only wanted to keep others safe. He had an infectious laugh and a corny sense of humor. He would go out of his way to help family, friends, and strangers. He did not deserve to die in such a horrendously inhumane way."
Discussing the loss of her brother, Underwood Jacobs explained, "The heartbreak and the grief is inexplainable because it's very, very hard to articulate when your entire world has been turned upside down. I do want to know, though, when I think about all of this is that — my brother wore a uniform, and he wore that uniform proudly. I'm wondering, where is the outrage for a fallen officer that also happens to be African-American?"
Underwood Jacobs, a former city councilwoman for Lancaster, California, also dismissed calls from activists seeking to dismantle and defund law enforcement in reaction to instances of police brutality. She told the committee, "It is ridiculous to claim that defunding police departments is the solution to police brutality and discrimination because it's not a solution."
The councilwoman added, 'It gets us nowhere as a nation and removes the safety net protection that every citizens deserves from their community's elected officials."


theblaze--2020-06-11--LIVE NOW: INSURRECTION USA: Exposing the Radicals' Dangerous Agenda to Burn America

LIVE NOW : INSURRECTION USA : Exposing the Radicals ' Dangerous Agenda to Burn America

The looting, the destruction, the deadly violence. President Donald Trump was right: Insurrection IS upon us, and everything that Glenn Beck has been warning us about for a decade is here.
On Wednesday night's special, Glenn exposes how organized Marxist revolutionaries have hijacked the George Floyd protests for a darker agenda. He rips the masks off to reveal their connections, who is funding them, and their strategy to attack our republic.
Watch the full special below:
Use code GLENN to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
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theblaze--2020-06-11--Glenn Beck: More than half of Americans AGREED with Tom Cotton op-ed that caused NYT meltdown

Glenn Beck : More than half of Americans AGREED with Tom Cotton op-ed that caused NYT meltdown The Times is @ @ @ @ @ '

The editorial page director for the New York Times, James Bennet, resigned this weekend after publishing an opinion piece written by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).
In the op-ed, the senator urged President Donald Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act and use military force to quell violent rioting in response to the death of George Floyd. According to a recent poll, 58 percent of registered voters, including nearly half of Democrats and 37 percent of African-Americans, support using the military to help police control protests that turn violent. But Cotton's op-ed caused such strife, Times' employees refused to show up for work, claiming it endangered the lives of black journalists. The paper immediately apologized, saying the senator's op-ed "fell short of our standards and should not have been published."
On his radio program, Glenn Beck said the Times is in "deep, deep trouble," if they can't publish an opinion from a Republican senator, an opinion that was shared by more than half the American people, without suffering an internal collapse.
Watch the video below to catch more of the conversation:
The New York Times cannot go back from this decision. The Times' editorial page editor, James Bennet, resigned this weekend after publishing an op-ed written...
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theblaze--2020-06-12--ATF offers reward for couple who allegedly lit businesses on fire during protests — and posted video

ATF offers reward for couple who allegedly lit businesses on fire during protests — and posted video online

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is seeking information from the public about a couple that the agency believes lit several businesses on fire during the recent protests over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
The official ATF social media account in St. Paul posted photographs of the two suspects on Thursday.
Officials said Jose Felan Jr. and his girlfriend Mena Yousif are on the run from law enforcement. They said Felan has multiple felony convictions on his record, including drug offenses, burglary, and aggravated assault.
They posted other screenshots of Felan from video he appeared to record during the protests.
And another set of screenshots with both suspects:
Numerous fires broke out in Minnesota during protests against the death of George Floyd, who died while in police custody.
The ATF asked for help from the public in obtaining more video evidence of any other suspects who might have committed arson during the rioting and looting.
Rioters torched as many as 250 businesses across the Twin Cities in Minnesota, according to one estimate by CBS News, including jewelry stores, grocery stores, and a police precinct.
Here's another video of suspected arsonists during the protests:


theblaze--2020-06-12--UPDATE: Rudy Giuliani on AG Barr investigation: I'd be 'shocked' if we don't have 7 or 8 indictments

UPDATE: Rudy Giuliani on AG Barr investigation: I'd be 'shocked' if we don't have 7 or 8 indictments soon

UPDATE : Rudy Giuliani on AG Barr investigation : I 'd be 'shocked ' if we do n't have 7 @ @ @ @

On the radio program Thursday, former New York City Mayor and personal attorney to President Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, told Glenn Beck he expects several arrests to result from the federal probe into the origins of the Russia investigation.
"I would be shocked if we did not have seven or eight indictments before the election," Giuliani said, adding that President Trump has "complete confidence" in Attorney General Bill Barr to get the job done.
Asked he could name anyone "consequential," Giuliani was quick to bring up former FBI Director James Comey.
"Comey committed perjury on his FISA application," he stated. "He gave a sworn statement, that was clear as hell, that the Steele affidavit was verified, and then told people, at or about the very same time, that it wasn't. So he's a witness against himself. Of course, there's 100 pieces of other evidence that he knew it was unverified."
Watch the video below to catch more of the conversation:
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To enjoy more of Glenn's masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multiplatform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-06-11--WATCH LIVE: Cancel EVERYTHING because racism — Michael Knowles Guests

Tonight , Steven Crowder will be culturally appropriating South Korea , discussing the latest protest news , the cancellation of @ @ @ @ @ why the polls so often get things wrong when it comes to Trump .
Joined @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Wire !
Do n't miss it , LIVE at 8 PM ET .
@ @ @ @ @ appropriating South Korea , discussing the latest protest news , the cancellation of everything cop-related @ @ @ @ @ polls so ... Want more from Steven Crowder ?
To enjoy more of Steven 's @ @ @ @ @ actually funny , join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored @ @ @ @

Tonight, Steven Crowder will be culturally appropriating South Korea, discussing the latest protest news, the cancellation of everything cops-related, and examining why the polls so often get things wrong when it comes to President Trump. Joined by guest Michael Knowles of the Daily Wire! Don't miss it, LIVE at 8 PM ET.
We’ll be culturally appropriating South Korea, discussing the latest protest news, the cancellation of everything cop-related, and examining why the polls so...
Use code LWC to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
Want more from Steven Crowder?
To enjoy more of Steven's uncensored late-night comedy that's actually funny, join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand.


theblaze--2020-06-11--Anytime Fitness apologizes for franchisee's 'I Can't Breathe' themed workout

The trainer who created the exercise routine has been placed on leave

Anytime Fitness has apologized after one of its franchise locations offered a workout called "I Can't Breathe," advertised with the image of a person taking a knee along with the order: "And don't you dare lay down."
What are the details?
A trainer at the Anytime Fitness location in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, posted a dry-erase board revealing their "I Can't Breathe" routine this week, which co-owner Jen Dunnington told TMZ Sports was intended to "honor" George Floyd — who uttered the words while being held down by a police officer before dying in police custody last month.
Someone snapped a photo of the board — which featured a drawing of a person kneeling along with the phrase, "And don't you dare lay down" — and it went viral, leading to widespread backlash from critics who said the workout theme mocked Floyd.
Dunnington delivered numerous apologies on social media over the ordeal, and Anytime Fitness corporate also stepped in to offer a two-part apologetic statement.
The president of Anytime Fitness joined the parent company's co-founders in expressing their "shock" over the "I Can't Breathe" workout, writing, "No matter the intent, we absolutely do not condone the words, illustrations, or actions this represents. To our employees, owners and members, we are truly and profoundly sorry that this incident occurred."
In a follow-up statement, the brand co-founders reported:
The franchise owner of the Wauwatosa location has taken full responsibility for the actions of his location. The trainer who created and promoted the 'I Can't Breathe' workout has been placed on leave and his employment status is under review. Additionally, the owner and his entire staff have volunteered to be the first ones to participate in the antiracism training that we announced last week and are providing for all franchise owners across our portfolio of brands.


theblaze--2020-06-11--White liberal celebrities post cringe-inducing video about racism and social media torches them

White liberal celebrities post cringe-inducing video about racism and social media torches them 'Did black people ask for this ?
@

White liberal celebrities compiled a video to apologize for not opposing racism enough, but the cringe-inducing propaganda was roundly mocked on social media.
The video included Sarah Paulson, Julianne Moore, Kristen Bell, Kesha, and Aaron Paul. The public service announcement was made in partnership with the NAACP and published on Thursday.
In the video, the celebrities take turns reading a statement of their complicity with micro-aggressions and racism.
"I take responsibility for every unchecked moment, for every time it was easier to ignore than to call it out for what it was, every not-so-funny joke, every unfair stereotype, every blatant injustice no matter how big or how small, every time I remained silent," they announce.
"Small people are getting slaughtered in the streets, killed in their own homes," said Julianne Moore.
The response
Many on social media mocked the video as a futile exercise in virtue signaling:
While some on the left demanded that the celebrities do more than post a video and called for them to make monetary donations to Black Lives Matter organizations.
The NAACP released a statement about the PSA to clarify its purpose.
"We encourage everyone to take action and donate," the statement read. "We are proud of those that used their voices in solidarity with this purpose."
Here's the celebrity racism PSA video:


theblaze--2020-06-11--Senate committee votes to require renaming of military bases named after Confederates

Senate committee votes to require renaming of military bases named after Confederates The GOP-led panel reportedly approved the amendment offered @ @ @ @ @ D )

The Republican-led Senate Armed Services Committee has voted to require the Pentagon to rename military bases named after Confederate officers, amid growing calls to do so in the wake of the death of George Floyd last month.
What are the details?
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D) tweeted Tuesday, "As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I filed an amendment to the annual defense bill last week to rename all bases named for Confederate generals. It's long past time to end the tribute to white supremacy on our military installations."
The senator linked to an op-ed by retired Army Gen. David Petraeus, who argued that Army installations bearing the names of such rebel "traitors" should be renamed.
CBS News reported that "the measure requires the Defense Department to rename posts and assets — streets, aircraft, ships, and other equipment — either named for Confederate officers or that honor the Confederacy within three years."
According to Roll Call, Warren's amendment passed on Wednesday. The outlet reported that the move by the GOP-led committee has put it on a "collision course" with President Donald Trump, who has expressed vehement opposition to the prospect of renaming military installations.
The president tweeted Tuesday, "It has been suggested that we should rename as many as 10 of our Legendary Military Bases, such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Hood in Texas, Fort Benning in Georgia, etc. These Monumental and very Powerful Bases have become part of a Great American Heritage, and a history of Winning, Victory, and Freedom. The United States of America trained and deployed our HEROES on these Hallowed Grounds, and won two World Wars. Therefore, my Administration will not even consider the renaming of these Magnificent and Fabled Military Installations."
On Wednesday, the president wrote on Twitter, "Seriously failed presidential candidate, Senator Elizabeth 'Pocahontas' Warren, just introduced an Amendment on the renaming of our legendary Military Bases from which we trained to WIN two World Wars. Hopefully our great Republican Senators won't fall for this!"


theblaze--2020-06-11--Zoom suspended US user for Tiananmen Square commemoration; Marco Rubio questions tech company's ties

Zoom suspended US user for Tiananmen Square commemoration; Marco Rubio questions tech company's ties with China

Zoom suspended US user for Tiananmen Square commemoration ; Marco Rubio questions tech company 's ties with China Zoom temporarily @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. that did n't violate any U.S. laws .

Zoom suspended a U.S.-based user after he hosted an event commemorating the anniversary of 1989's Tiananmen Square Massacre. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has questions about thevideoconferencing tech company's relationship with China.
Zhou Fengsuo, the founder of the U.S. nonprofit Humanitarian China and a former student leader of the Tiananmen protests, hosted an event on Zoom remembering the 31st anniversary of China's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests. The conference was attended by more than 250 people, and over 4,000 people streamed it online, including some in China, according to Zhou.
"And on June 3, a separate Tiananmen commemoration was severed after the Zoom account that hosted it was deactivated midstream," the Washington Post reported. "The live event that began with 200 participants suffered two disruptions that 'practically destroyed it,' said one of the organizers, former Tiananmen student protest leader Wang Dan, who is based in Washington."
Fengsuo, who lives in Hayward, California, said his account was suspended on June 7. He accused Zoom of being complicit in Beijing's censorship since the Tiananmen Square Massacre is highly censored in China.
"It seems possible Zoom acted on pressure from the CCP to shut down our account," Humanitarian China said in a statement. "If so, Zoom is complicit in erasing the memories of the Tiananmen Massacre in collaboration with an authoritarian government."
Zoom admitted that it had shut down the account, but had since reinstated it. Zoom provided a statement to Engadget:
"Like any global company, Zoom must comply with laws in the countries where we operate. We strive to limit actions taken to those necessary to comply with local law. Our platform is increasingly supporting complex, cross-border conversations, for which the compliance with the laws of multiple countries is very difficult. We regret that a few recent meetings with participants both inside and outside of China were negatively impacted and important conversations were disrupted. It is not in Zoom's power to change the laws of governments opposed to free speech. However, Zoom is committed to modifying its processes to further protect its users from those who wish to stifle their communications. For example, for situations where local authorities block communications for participants within their borders, Zoom is developing additional capabilities that protect these conversations for participants outside of those borders."
Zoom, which had 300 million daily users as of April, did not explain why the U.S.-based organization was suspended despite not violating any U.S. laws.
"We still want to know why our account was closed," Fengsuo wrote on Twitter.
Sen. Marco Rubio, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, tweeted some questions to Zoom.
"A few ?? for @zoom_us 1.What data do you routinely share with #China? 2.Do you have a CCP branch in your company? 3.Which "local laws" are you complying with? 4.How many other accounts/events affected?"
Former national security adviser John Bolton also questioned the close ties between Zoom and the Chinese government.
"It's troubling to see @zoom_us caving to the demands of communist China," Bolton wrote on Twitter. "Zoom disabled accounts of Chinese dissidents after using Zoom to commemorate the Tiananmen Square massacre. We should be suspicious of any company so willing to do China's bidding."


theblaze--2020-06-11--Prestigious music college practically trips over itself in profuse apology for letting cops use rest

Prestigious music college practically trips over itself in profuse apology for letting cops use restrooms during protest And observers rip @ @ @ @ @ ' by apologizing to social media mob

Berklee College of Music has sinned.
Yes, the prestigious music school in Boston is guilty of an egregious wrongdoing amid the George Floyd protests.
Deep breath...
Here goes: Boston police officers were allowed into the Berklee Performance Center to use its restrooms Sunday night after protests at the State House.
Yup. That's it.
Still top administrators — including President Roger H. Brown — signed a letter to the Berklee community in which they left no angle of apology unexplored for letting city police through campus doors.
"The decision to allow them into our facilities was ours," the letter states. "This was not a formal decision by the institution, but an informal one, made on the spot. Some have asked if the campus was used to house or stage activity of the Boston Police; it was not."
The letter adds that school officials "have heard from many of you personally and across social channels of your hurt and anger that this access was permitted," but the letter adds that "allowing police officers into the space was in no way meant to undermine Berklee's support for Black Lives Matter."
It concludes:
We understand that many members of our community feel betrayed. We are deeply sorry for the impact this had on our community and for perpetuating feelings of oppression, silencing, and marginalization. We will make a more concerted effort to consider the effects of our actions.
Let us assure you, this should not have happened, and going forward, it will not happen again.
Yes, there was backlash — for bowing to the virtual mob
A cursory look at comments following the letter of apology shows very little outrage at Berklee for letting Boston cops use its restrooms — but lots of outrage for apologizing in the first place. Here's a sampling.
"This is a ridiculous overreach by school administration," one commenter wrote. "I'm ashamed of their cowardice. These people aren't leaders and it shows. You cant let the police, that are there to protect your property, as well as the rest of the city, use the restroom or the building to stage? Really? Whoever made the decision was being human, and made a good choice to help these officers. I feel badly they have to answer to these clowns. We thought Berklee was better than this, but it has given us serious pause in our future relationship with them."
Another commenter added, "Law enforcement is essential for keeping our students, our children, safe in the city. And I'm grateful you showed them kindness. I'm disappointed however, that you promise 'never again' to show such kindness. How sad you should give in to bullies this way. I'll remember to say 'never again' when you ask for a donation."
And yet another observer reminded school officials that Boston police have been there for citizens in the darkest of times: "Perhaps you don't remember, but there have been police posted at the same intersection for every Boston Marathon run, including in 2013 when they cared for the injured, got people safely out of the area in case there were more devices, and oh, with the help of the FBI found the bombers in just FOUR days, FOUR! Then there were the many Championship Parades that they have been assigned to, many on mandatory overtime, at the same intersection in front of your school. Their presence never bothered anyone, including the plethora of drunk Berklee students they assisted where they were going, or when they called EMS for the children who were too drunk to walk away safely. Letting them use your facilities doesn't make you a hero, but refusing to let them use the facilities makes you ridiculous."


theblaze--2020-06-11--Starbucks memo to employees: Do not wear pins or shirts supporting Black Lives Matter movement to wo

Starbucks memo to employees: Do not wear pins or shirts supporting Black Lives Matter movement to work

Starbucks memo to employees : Do not wear pins or shirts supporting Black Lives Matter movement to work 'Partners are @ @ @ @ @ or pins that advocate a political , religious or personal issue . '

When Starbucks announced its adamant support of the Black Lives Matter movement on Twitter in the wake of George Floyd's death, many Starbucks employees asked their managers and corporate representatives if they could wear shirts or pins in support of the movement to work. The answer, according to a memo obtained by Buzzfeed News, was a firm "no."
The memo, which was confirmed as genuine by a company spokesman, states that a number of store managers had asked about the request during a weekly "Workplace Live" event.
In response, the memo stated, "As a reminder, the dress code policy we have carefully considered and defined over the past few years states: 'Partners may only wear buttons or pins issued to the partner by Starbucks for special recognition or for advertising a Starbucks-sponsored event or promotion. ... Partners are not permitted to wear buttons or pins that advocate a political, religious or personal issue."
The memo went on to explain why an exception would not be made for Black Lives Matter regalia, claiming that "there are agitators who misconstrue the fundamental principles of the Black Lives Matter movement — and in certain circumstances, intentionally re-purpose them to amplify divisiveness."
All is not lost for Starbucks employees who want to support Black Lives Matter, however, since the memo states, "We know your intent is genuine and understand how personal this is for so many of us. ... In the meantime, you can show support for black partners by wearing the Black Partner Network's 'Keep it Brewing' T-shirt."
Many of Starbucks' employees appear to have been unimpressed with the memo, with one black transgender employee telling The Hill that "Starbucks LGBTQ+ partners wear LGBTQ+ pins and shirts, that also could incite and create violent experiences amongst partners and customers... We have partners who experienced harassment and transphobia/homophobia for wearing their pins and shirts, and Starbucks still stands behind them."
In response to a request for further clarification in the memo, a spokesperson for Starbucks said, "We respect all of our partners' opinions and beliefs, and encourage them to bring their whole selves to work while adhering to our dress code policy."


theblaze--2020-06-11--Majority of Americans now say it's OK for NFL players to kneel during the national anthem

Majority of Americans now say it 's OK for NFL players to kneel during the national anthem

The majority of Americans now say it is appropriate for NFL players to protest by kneeling during the national anthem, according to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll.
The poll, released Thursday, found that the May 25 killing of George Floyd by former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin and subsequent protests against police brutality have moved public opinion significantly on the matter.
In the wake of nationwide demonstrations in support of Black Lives Matter and similar protests, a majority of Americans, 52 percent, now agree that it is "OK for NFL players to kneel during the national anthem to protest police killings of African Americans." Now, 36 percent of respondents say it's inappropriate to do so. (The remaining 12 percent answered "not sure.")
Both male and female respondents said they were OK with the action at a margin of 52% to 37% among male respondents and 52% to 34% among female respondents.
The biggest spilt was along political party lines, with 77% of Democrats but only 20% of Republicans supporting the practice. Pertaining to race, "77% of blacks, 57% of Hispanics, and 47% of whites answered positively."
A major shift
In 2016, when then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick jumpstarted the practice, only 28% of Americans considered his actions "appropriate," Yahoo News noted. Two years later, in 2018, as many other NFL players began joining Kaepernick in kneeling, the number jumped to 35% but failed to garner majority support.
Earlier this month, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees came under fire for saying that while he is heartbroken over George Floyd's death, he will "never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America" by kneeling during the anthem.
After swift backlash from teammates and many inside the sports world, Brees issued several apologies.
President Trump, who has always been adamantly opposed to kneeling during the anthem, took to Twitter to say that Drew Brees "should not have taken back his original stance on honoring our magnificent American Flag."
It remains to be seen if, with increased support, more NFL players will take part in kneeling in protest should games resume this fall.


theblaze--2020-06-11--Country group Lady Antebellum changes name because of 'blindspots' they didn't know existed, includi

Country group Lady Antebellum changes name because of 'blindspots' they didn't know existed, including slavery

Country group Lady Antebellum changes name because of 'blindspots ' they did n't know existed , including slavery 'We are @ @ @ @ @ this has caused and for anyone who has felt unsafe , unseen or unvalued '

Following the George Floyd protests, there have been cultural upheaval transpiring at breakneck speed. Christopher Columbus statues are being torn down, police TV shows are being canceled, rappers have taken control of autonomous zones, and cartoons dogs are being lambasted. With the woke mob ready to cancel anyone and anything, one country-pop music group took it upon themselves to try to avoid being maligned for their band name.
Grammy-winning group Lady Antebellum announced Thursday that it had changed its band name. From now on, Lady Antebellum will go by the name of "Lady A." The country-pop trio, who are best known for their 2009 hit song, "Need You Now," said they made the change because"blindspots we didn't even know existed have been revealed."
Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood released a letter to their fans about the change.
"We've watched and listened more than ever these last few weeks, and our hearts have been stirred with conviction, our eyes opened wide to the injustices, inequality and biases Black women and men have always faced and continue to face everyday," the letter read.
"After much personal reflection, band discussion, prayer and many honest conversations with some of our closest Black friends and colleagues, we have decided to drop the word 'antebellum' from our name and move forward as Lady A, the nickname our fans gave us almost from the start," the band announced.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary states that the definition of "antebellum" is "existing before a war, especially: existing before the American Civil War."
"Antebellum means 'before the war,' but it wasn't widely associated with the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865) until after that conflict was over," the dictionary said. "The word comes from the Latin phrase 'ante bellum' (literally, 'before the war'), and its earliest known print appearance in English dates back to the 1840s."
The term does not make reference to either side of the Civil War: the Confederate States of America or the United States of America. The word only pertains to anything before the Civil War.
"When we set out together almost 14 years ago, we named our band after the southern 'antebellum' style home where we took our first photos," the band explained. "As musicians, it reminded us of all the music born in the south that influenced us…Southern Rock, Blues, R&B, Gospel and of course Country. But we are regretful and embarrassed to say that we did not take into account the associations that weigh down this word referring to the period of history before The Civil War, which includes slavery.
"We are deeply sorry for the hurt this has caused and for anyone who has felt unsafe, unseen or unvalued," the letter continued. "Causing pain was never our hearts' intention, but it doesn't change the fact that indeed, it did just that. So today, we speak up and make a change. We hope you will dig in and join us."
There has been a renewed interest in dismantling Confederate statues in the past week, including beheading four Confederate statues in Virginia and tearing down a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis along Richmond's Monument Avenue.


theblaze--2020-06-11--Over a decade ago, a Buffalo police officer said she was fired for attempting to stop a fellow offic

Over a decade ago, a Buffalo police officer said she was fired for attempting to stop a fellow officer from choking a suspect. Now, her case is being reopened.

Over a decade ago , a Buffalo police officer said she was fired for attempting to stop a fellow officer @ @ @ @ @ Now , her case is being reopened .

The last two weeks have produced a sea change in public opinion regarding police use of force and police accountability, even as the country struggles with fallouts from protests that have been at times violent and destructive. Perhaps no case illustrates that more clearly than the story of Cariol Horne, who was a police officer in Buffalo, New York, until she was fired in 2008.
Horne's case was a source of controversy locally in Buffalo, although it did not gain much national traction at the time. The events of the altercation that led to Horne's termination are hotly disputed. In November 2006, a number of Buffalo police officers encountered a man named David Mack, who was in a state of violent agitation due to a domestic dispute.
Deputies were able to restrain Mack and place him in handcuffs, but according to a number of the officers on the scene, Mack was still agitated and not compliant with police commands. That's when a white officer named Gregory Kwiatowski began to apply a chokehold to Mack.
According to Horne, she became concerned that Kwiatowski might kill Mack in the course of subduing him, and verbally told him to stop. When he refused, she physically intervened to break up the chokehold.
The Buffalo Police Department conducted an investigation into the incident and harshly criticized Horne for her actions, claiming that her "actions created a substantial danger to the lives of all individuals in the incident, including Mr. Mack." Many black police officers in the department sharply criticized the report when it was issued as an obvious case of wagon circling.
As a result of the report, Horne was issued departmental discipline, which she refused and appealed to an arbitrator per the terms of her union contract. That arbitrator recommended that she be fired, and a judge subsequently upheld the arbitrator's verdict, resulting in Horne's termination. She had served on the force for 19 years and was eligible for pension benefits with one more year of service.
Of note, one year after Horne was terminated, Officer Kwiatowski arrested four black suspects ages 16-18 on suspicion of using a BB gun earlier that night. Kwiatowski would later be charged with federal crimes for the incident and would plead guilty to having used "unreasonable and excessive" force on those suspects. He was ultimately sentenced to four months' house arrest for the crime.
Horne's case has bubbled back to the surface after all these years because of the question many in America are asking about the other police officers who were present when Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd's neck: "Why didn't the other officers intervene?" Long-time police reform advocates have raised Horne's case as one possible explanation, as evidence that officers around the country may well have gotten the idea from Horne's case that doing so would lead to their termination and loss of pension.
Now, however, the Buffalo Common Council passed a resolution Tuesday night asking the state attorney general to take another look at Horne's case. Horne's case was due to be discussed at a Police Oversight Committee meeting in two months, but Councilmember Chris Scanlon said, "In light of recent events, I think that seven, eight weeks, nearly two months, is far too long to wait for answers from the administration of the Buffalo Police Department."
The Buffalo Police Department has come under national scrutiny after two police officers shoved 75-year-old peace activist Martin Gugino, injuring his head. The department's initial statement on the incident falsely stated that Gugino "tripped and fell."
Since her termination, Horne has become an anti-police brutality activist and has sought to have police accountability legislation passed.


theblaze--2020-06-11--National guardsmen deployed for DC protests reportedly discover glass in their pizza

National guardsmen deployed for DC protests reportedly discover glass in their pizza This goes beyond disturbing

At least two South Carolina National Guardsmen reportedly discovered glass in their pizza while deployed in Washington, D.C.
Last week, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) sent about 500 soldiers to Washington, D.C., in response to the protests associated with the death of George Floyd.
What are the details?
Members of the South Carolina National Guard say they found glass in their pizza during their deployment.
At least two soldiers who were staying at the Marriott Marquis Hotel reportedly used Uber Eats to deliver the pizza from a local restaurant. The restaurant remains unnamed at the time of this reporting.
The Charleston Post and Courier reported that the pizza appeared to have shards of glass baked into the dough as well as the cheese.
According to the Military Times, the soldiers were not harmed.
In a statement, Capt. Jessica Donnelly — a spokesperson for the South Carolina National Guard — said that the Guard believes the allegation was an isolated incident.
"The service members are okay," Donnelly said. "It was a single incident. Their command said the Soldiers were advised to file a report with [the] local police department. From my understanding they chose not to. There is no additional information to report."
The Charleston Post and Courier also reported that no report had been filed.
"Department of Defense personnel have seen an increase in threats, according to the report, but it went on to state that there have been no specific threats made by protesters against soldiers," the outlet reported. "The soldiers' names were not mentioned in the Department of Defense report or named by S.C. National Guard officials."
Donnelly told the Washingtonian that had the soldiers filed a police report, it would have been through a local precinct in Washington, D.C.
"I do not know what police department they would have called, if they did," she said. "It would be local to D.C. ... Again, the soldiers were advised to file a report. If they chose not to, then there wouldn't be a report."
The South Carolina National Guard troops returned from their deployment on Tuesday.


theblaze--2020-06-11--VIDEO: Mark Levin DESTROYS 'systemically leftist' media in one short montage

'The president is right , the media are the enemy of the people '

This week on "LevinTV," BlazeTV host Mark Levin exposed the mainstream media's glaring hypocrisy when it comes to the First Amendment, in particular the right to "peaceably assemble," and how they completely flipped their narrative on the topic in less that one month.
"They support peaceful protests, they keep telling us," Levin said. "Except, of course, if it's people who want their jobs, and their lives, and their businesses back."
Levin played a revealing video montage to highlight the stark contrast between the media's reaction to anti-lockdown protests amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the violent riots following the death of George Floyd.
"The president is right, the media are the enemy of the people," he added. "If you believe in liberty and the Constitution, if you believe in private property rights, law and order, and, you know, all those 'weird' things we've traditionally always embraced, then the media are the enemy of the people. They're also the enemy of the First Amendment and freedom of the press because they've destroyed it. We need a revolution when it comes to the media — they are systemically leftist."
Watch the video below to hear more from "the Great One":
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theblaze--2020-06-11--Hong Kong democracy activist calls out LeBron James for social justice hypocrisy: 'All he cares abou

Hong Kong democracy activist calls out LeBron James for social justice hypocrisy: 'All he cares about is money'

Hong Kong democracy activist calls out LeBron James for social justice hypocrisy : 'All he cares about is money' The @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong 's fight against Chinese oppression

An activist who protested for democracy in Hong Kong and who has testified in front of Congress called out NBA star LeBron James for being "hypocritical" on the issue of social justice, Bloomberg reported.
The activist, Joshua Wong, pointed out that while James is active and vocal about seeking justice for black Americans, he declined to say a word against China's oppression because doing so would put him at some financial risk.
"Defending democracy is vital, but @KingJames only talks loud in the U.S.," Wong wrote. "All he cares about is money, not human rights."
Wong served two months in jail for participation in the 2014 protests in Hong Kong against the influence of the communist Chinese government.
In the fall, the NBA got into a conflict with the Chinese government because Daryl Morey, an executive for the Houston Rockets, tweeted his support for pro-Democracy protesters in Hong Kong. The NBA has a significant presence in China, and many players have endorsement deals either in China or strongly boosted by sales in China.
China threatened to cut ties with the NBA over the tweet, and players were forced to choose between speaking out against human rights violations by the Chinese government or protecting their own business interests. James, one of the most influential voices in sports, chose the latter.
Instead, James criticized Morey for putting players in an uncomfortable position with his support for Hong Kong. The Los Angeles Lakers star was among players who were in China at the time for a series of preseason basketball games.
"I don't want to get into a word- or sentence-feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn't educated on the situation at hand," James said after a Lakers game in October in China. "And so many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually."
James recently started a group that aims to protect voting rights for black Americans. The organization is a response to reported voting issues in predominantly black precincts this week.
"Everyone talking about 'how do we fix this?'" James said. "They say 'go out and vote?' What about asking if how we vote is also structurally racist?"


theblaze--2020-06-11--Far-left lawmaker blasts President Trump's rally plans as 'irresponsible and selfish' — except she s

Far-left lawmaker blasts President Trump's rally plans as 'irresponsible and selfish' — except she spoke at George Floyd rally just days earlier

Far-left lawmaker blasts President Trump 's rally plans as 'irresponsible and selfish ' — except she spoke at George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ apparently are acceptable to the left as long as they 're for the correct reasons

Democratic U.S. Rep. Val Demings on Thursday blasted President Donald Trump's plans to hold rallies in her home state of Florida — and elsewhere — as "irresponsible and selfish" due to the coronavirus.
Trump is planning on upcoming rallies in Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina as well.
Demings also tweeted Thursday that Florida is "experiencing a new surge in COVID-19 cases. I urge you to do everything you can to protect yourself and your neighbors. Wear a mask. Limit gatherings."
Rallies for me, but not for thee?
A number of folks were quick to point out that Demings said she spoke at a George Floyd "Hope and Healing" rally just a few days before decrying Trump's plan to hold rallies of his own:
Observers naturally were incensed at Demings' hypocrisy — which has been widespread among fellow leftists who have dispensed with attempts to defend or explain away their double standard. Namely, that protests and riots against police are OK, even though they attract massive numbers of people who end up not socially distanced, which health experts have advised against in order to contain the COVD-19 spread.
But religious services, students going to school, weddings and funerals — and protests against coronavirus lockdowns? Sorry, they're bad and will kill granny.
How did folks respond?
Commenters on Twitter took no prisoners:
Oh, and:


theblaze--2020-06-11--Chris Cuomo was not prepared for a Georgia voting official who came on his show dishing facts about

Chris Cuomo was not prepared for a Georgia voting official who came on his show dishing facts about alleged 'voter suppression'

Chris Cuomo was not prepared for a Georgia voting official who came on his show dishing facts about alleged 'voter @ @

Georgia's statewide voting implementation manager Gabriel Sterling appeared on Chris Cuomo's primetime show on CNN Tuesday night armed with facts and ready to fire back at allegations of voter suppression.
The state had been accused by several members of the media of disenfranchising minority voters after long lines and delays occurred in predominantly black precincts during Tuesday's primary election.
Cuomo himself threw out an allegation at the start of the segment, saying, "Here is the tragedy of the travesty that the president has created on this issue: We have real voter suppression concerns. One is playing out now [in Georgia]."
Cuomo then turned to Sterling: "People are concerned that what they saw today is a reflection of what they've seen before, which is disenfranchisement of minorities who tend to vote Democrat. Your take?"
Then the tables turned
"Well, the reality of what you're seeing in Georgia today is a function of the COVID situation in large part," Sterling countered, according to video of the exchange uploaded by NewsBusters. The Georgia voting official then explained that many polling places were lost as host sites pulled out last minute due to the pandemic.
Sterling then specifically cited Fulton County, which "collapsed many of those locations into mega precincts" despite the advice of state election officials who told them "this is not a good idea, you need to find other alternative locations."
As for who is in charge of making those decisions, Sterling noted, "They are made at the county level and the state has zero ability to tell them not do that."
Sterling continued to push back against claims of voter suppression, arguing that the long lines and delays were also due to an influx of new poll workers who unfortunately were not trained well by officials in some counties. The average age of poll workers in the state had been 70 and many of those people opted not to work this time around over health concerns.
'Chris, you're just incorrect'
"Isn't that still on you?" Cuomo said. "I mean, these are your people, this is your planning and, you know."
"We do not employ poll workers to those locations," Sterling insisted before acknowledging that everyone is in agreement that a greater emphasis on training is needed moving forward.
Cuomo wasn't satisfied. "But you had the same problem in 2018," he said.
"Chris, you're just incorrect," Sterling countered. "We've never had these machines before, they're brand new."
"No, no, no. The machines are new, the problem is not," Cuomo contended. "In 2018, 87,000 people were prevented from voting, a disproportionate number were people of color and young voters. I agree with you that you had anticipation of a turnout. You had to prepare for it, it doesn't seem you did. And it seems convenient, if you're going to be not able to handle the demand, it's nice that you do it in places that tend to vote Democrat."
At this point, a fed-up Sterling shot back, "Those counties where people tend to vote Democrat, are run by Democrats, and they're the ones that set the elections boards, they're the ones who hire the staff."
He then went on to note that the primary county in question, Fulton County, home to Atlanta, has had problems for years and has paid hundreds of thousands of fines for election rules violations.
By the end of the interview, Cuomo had dropped his "real voter suppression" claims in exchange for simply saying, "Gabe, look, I'm not looking to ascribe animus, I'm just saying it looks bad."


theblaze--2020-06-11--School sics cops on 11-year-old after seeing a BB gun in his house during virtual lessons, says it's

School sics cops on 11-year-old after seeing a BB gun in his house during virtual lessons, says it's no different than bringing a gun to school

School sics cops on 11-year-old after seeing a BB gun in his house during virtual lessons , says it 's @ @ @ @ @ gun to school

A Maryland school official called the police on an 11-year-old boy after the teacher reportedly saw a BB gun in the child's room during virtual instruction.
What are the details?
According to WBFF-TV, a police officer visited the home of the fifth-grader following the incident.
Courtney Lancaster, the child's mother and a Navy veteran, told the station that the child is in the process of becoming an Eagle Scout and is enrolled in Baltimore County Schools.
"[An officer] explained to me that he was here to search for weapons, in my home," Lancaster said.
The child has reportedly taken a variety of lessons related to outdoor sportsmanship, including archery lessons.
Lancaster said that a school official phoned authorities because they were concerned over seeing a BB gun mounted on the child's wall. The teacher reportedly took a screenshot of the child's room and passed it along to the school's resource officer, who turned the information over to local authorities.
Lancaster told WBFF that the school's principal complained that the child having a BB gun in his room was like bringing a gun to school.
"This is despicable," Lancaster said. "I had no idea what in the world [the police visit] could be over? BB guns never even once entered my mind. How many 11-year-old boys have BB guns?"
She also said that she is not happy that a teacher took a screenshot of her son in her home.
"It's absolutely scary to think about," Lancaster admitted. "Who are on these calls? Who do we have viewing your children and subsequently taking these screenshots that can be sent anywhere or used for any purpose?"
Lancaster also said that she takes issue with the fact that no one at the school contacted her before sending police to her home.
"So, what are the parameters? Where are the lines drawn? If my son is sitting at the kitchen island next to a butcher block, does that constitute a weapon? It's not allowed at school, right? So, would my home then be searched because he's sitting next to a butcher block," Lancaster reasoned. "I feel like parents need to be made aware of what the implications are, what the expectations are."
Has the school responded to the incident?
In a statement, a spokesperson for the district said, "Our longstanding policy is not to debate individual circumstances through the media. There are multiple ways for families to share concerns with us. In general terms, the safety of students and staff is our chief concern, whether we are meeting in classrooms or via continuity of learning."
(H/T: The College Fix)


theblaze--2020-06-11--'Live PD' canceled; critics now demand changes for 'PAW Patrol' and Disney's Splash Mountain

'Live PD ' canceled ; critics now demand changes for 'PAW Patrol ' and Disney 's Splash Mountain Nothing is @ @ @ @

A&E has canceled "Live PD," the network's highest-rated TV show. The live television program, which followed law enforcement around the country, was pummeled with backlash following the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody.
"This is a critical time in our nation's history, and we have made the decision to cease production on 'Live PD,'" the network said in a statement Wednesday. "Going forward, we will determine if there is a clear pathway to tell the stories of both the community and the police officers whose role it is to serve them. And with that, we will be meeting with community and civil rights leaders as well as police departments."
Following massive ratings during the show's nearly 300 episodes, "Live PD" had been picked up for 160 additional episodes by A&E in May.
Dan Abrams, who hosted "Live PD" since 2016, tweeted:
Shocked & beyond disappointed about this. To the loyal #LivePDNation #LivePDNation. Thank you for making this so much more than a tv show. You created a huge community of kind, caring people with whom I hope to stay in touch with in this next chapter. More tomorrow.
Abrams released a statement on his website Law & Crime:
I am frustrated and sad because I truly believed in the mission of the show to provide transparency in policing. I completely agree with advocates calling for more bodycams on officers and more uniform rules for their use. It seems to me that the antidote to bad policing and officers is transparency and that means more bodycams and more shows like 'Live PD.' It's important to distinguish 'Live PD' from a show like 'Cops' that just presented a highlight reel of crazy moments. 'Live PD' was totally different — following the officers in real time, in their real environments showing the nerves, the adrenaline, the bad, the good, and often the mundane and boring. I will miss it all.
"Live PD" was recently scrutinized over having footage of a 40-year-old man dying after a police chase. Javier Ambler led Texas police on a 22-minute pursuit in Austin on March 28, 2019. Ambler's vehicle crashed, and he was tased four times by Williamson County deputies. Bodycam footage of the incident reportedly has Ambler screaming "save me" and "I can't breathe." Ambler became unresponsive and died.
"Live PD" was on hiatus when the incident happened, and the death was never aired. "Live PD" said it deleted the footage in June. Abrams said the show has a "long standing policy to only keep footage for a few weeks absent a specific legal request to retain it and all of the departments we followed were aware of that policy." He said they delete footage so that law enforcement can't use the video to "prosecute citizens seen on the footage."
A&E Networks, which is owned by Hearst Communications and Disney Media Networks, canceled "Live PD" after weeks of protests against police brutality. The TV show was pressured to be canceled because it dared to show cops in a positive light.
Another docuseries that follows police officers, "Cops," was canceled by the Paramount Network on Tuesday after 32 seasons.
Civil rights advocacy organization Color of Change celebrated Viacom canceling "Cops," and demanded other networks to "cancel similarly harmful shows."
"For more than 30 years, "Cops" has miseducated the public and normalized injustice," Arisha Hatch, vice president of Color Of Change, said. "Crime television encourages the public to accept the norms of over-policing and excessive force and reject reform, while supporting the exact behavior that destroys the lives of Black people. 'Cops' led the way, pushing troubling implications for generations of viewers. Now it's time for other networks to cancel similarly harmful shows. We call on A&E to cancel "Live PD" next. In a moment when everyone wants to proclaim that Black Lives Matter, we must hold these companies accountable to put actions to words with a complete industry overhaul."
But "Cops" and "Live PD" aren't the only TV shows facing criticisms on how they depict police officers. The cartoon "PAW Patrol" has not escaped attacks for portraying cops in a positive manner.
Despite having a target demographic of toddlers and preschool children, the "PAW Patrol" Twitter account posted a message on June 2, that said: "In solidarity of #amplifymelanatedvoices we will be muting our content until June 7th to give access for Black voices to be heard so we can continue to listen and further our learning. #amplifyblackvoices."
The tweet was welcomed by trolls and the rage mob with messages saying,"Abolish Chase," who is the adorable animated German Shepherd character in the show that serves as a police dog, demanding the "PAW Patrol to be defunded," and to "euthanize the police dog." An alleged "anti-fascist" Twitter account responded to the message from the Twitter account of a children's cartoon with the acronym: "ACAB," meaning "All Cops Are Bastards."
The New York Times amplified the calls to prohibit TV shows, including cartoons, from showing police officers in a favorable way.
It's a joke, but it's also not. As the protests against racist police violence enter their third week, the charges are mounting against fictional cops, too. Even big-hearted cartoon police dogs — or maybe especially big-hearted cartoon police dogs — are on notice. The effort to publicize police brutality also means banishing the good-cop archetype, which reigns on both television and in viral videos of the protests themselves. "PAW Patrol" seems harmless enough, and that's the point: The movement rests on understanding that cops do plenty of harm.
So any entertainment property depicting cops in a positive light is now under scrutiny and could be removed from streaming libraries, much like how HBO Max yanked the 1939 film "Gone With the Wind" this week.
TV shows such as "Law and Order," "ChiPs," "The Shield," and "Hill Street Blues" have apparently been put "on notice." You had better get a Blu-ray copy of your favorite law enforcement flicks before the censorship gang attempts a digital book burning of buddy cop movies such as "48 Hours," "Lethal Weapon," "Bad Boys," "Turner & Hooch," "Tango and Cash," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Super Troopers," "Die Hard," "Seven," "21 Jump Street," "Fargo," "The Other Guys," "Ride Along," "Hot Fuzz," and "Police Academy."
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) came to the defense of "PAW Patrol" by tweeting: "The left is tearing down statues of Christopher Columbus, getting 'PAW Patrol' and 'Live PD' canceled, and pushing to defund the police. This is not progress—it's mob rule and madness."
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) also called out the "absurdity" of cancel culture targeting cartoons.
Not only are TV shows and cartoon dogs on the hot seat, but so are amusement park rides. A Change.org petition titled, "Re-theme Splash Mountain to Princess and the Frog," which has been signed by over 10,000 people, is asking that Disney rename one of the park's most iconic rides.
The petition points out that Splash Mountain is based on the 1946 movie "Song of the South," a movie critics claim is "steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes." Splash Mountain is featured in Disneyland, Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland.
"There is a huge need for diversity in the parks and this could help fill that need. 'Princess and the Frog' is a beloved princess movie but has very little representation in the parks," the petition states. "Tiana could be one of the first princesses with a thrill ride, as well as giving her a much deserved place in the parks. The framing of the ride is such that it could be easily changed to tell the story of Tiana while not compromising too much of the ride/costing a fortune in remodeling for Disney. This change could kill two birds with one stone, remove the offensive stereotypical theming the ride currently has and bring a much needed diversity to the parks. As well as a much bigger merchandising opportunity for 'Princess and the Frog.'"
Earlier this year, Disney executive chairman Bob Iger said "Song of the South" would not appear on the Disney+ streaming service because it is "not appropriate in today's world." The film was previously tagged with a disclaimer warning of "outdated cultural depictions."


theblaze--2020-06-11--NASCAR driver quits because fans can't bring Confederate flags to races any more

NASCAR driver quits because fans ca n't bring Confederate flags to races any more A fan waves Confederate flags from @ @ @ @ @ Sprint Cup Series Bojangles ' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 6 , 2015 @ @ @ @ @ Carolina .
( Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images )

A NASCAR driver announced his intention to quit the sport after the organization announced a ban on Confederate flags at races, according to MSN.
Ray Ciccarelli, a 50-year-old driver in NASCAR's truck racing series, criticized NASCAR for "political BS" for the flag ban and for allowing kneeling during the national anthem. The following quote has been edited for clarity.
"Well it's been a fun ride and dream come true, but if this is the direction NASCAR is headed, we will not participate after [the] 2020 season is over," Ciccarelli wrote on Facebook, "I don't believe in kneeling during [the] anthem nor [taking people's] right to fly whatever flag they love. I could care less about the Confederate flag, but there are people that do and it doesn't make them a racist; all you are doing is f***ing one group to cater to another and I ain't spend the money we are to participate in any political BS!! So everything is for sale!!"
Ciccarelli has participated in 18 races over the past four years, with no wins and one top-10 finish.
NASCAR banned Confederate flags after Bubba Wallace, the sport's only black driver, called for the ban during an interview on CNN. Wallace participated in social justice protesting by wearing a shirt that read "I can't breathe" and "Black Lives Matter" during a race. On Wednesday night, Wallace drove a car featuring a Black Lives Matter paint scheme.
"The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry," a NASCAR statement read. "Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties."


theblaze--2020-06-11--Seattle rapper denies he's 'terrorist warlord,' insists 'autonomous zone' has been 'peaceful and not

Seattle rapper denies he's 'terrorist warlord,' insists 'autonomous zone' has been 'peaceful and nothing else.' But videos seem to tell different story.

Seattle rapper denies he 's 'terrorist warlord , ' insists 'autonomous zone ' has been 'peaceful and nothing else .
@ @ @ @ @ tell different story .
Police also say they 've heard reports of extortion and intimidation @ @ @ @ @

A rapper named Raz Simone has emerged as a leader within Seattle's so-called "autonomous zone," which George Floyd protesters created this week as police abandoned the area in the hopes of de-escalating tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement.
What are the details?
Simone was described in the City Journal as having an AK-47 slung from his shoulder "and a pistol attached to his hip" and screaming "This is war!" into a megaphone and ordering "armed paramilitaries to guard the barricades in shifts." The outlet added that Simone was "filmed allegedly assaulting multiple protestors who disobeyed his orders, informing them that he was the 'police' now, sparking fears that he was becoming the de facto warlord of the autonomous zone."
Simone denied the "warlord" allegation.
But one video seems to tell a different story about the zone's peace and tranquility.
The clip shows Simone apparently "policing in the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" without "oversight and accountability. This was an attempt at de-escalation for spraying paint onto a building which resulted in an alleged assault."
As Simone is shown attempting to stop the man from spraying graffiti on the building, another man apparently with Simone is heard saying, "We are the police of this community now. We are the leaders of this community now."
A woman is heard telling the graffiti artist "you're being disrespectful."
Image source: Twitter video screenshot
Simone then approaches the spray painter who responds by saying, "Don't touch me! Get your f***in' hands off me!" Seconds later Simone is seen getting in the man's face.
Image source: Twitter video screenshot
Then an apparent scuffle ensues:
In response to the video, Simone tweeted that the incident "actually went beautifully, and we all hugged it out and spoke with his dad. His dad now wants me to mentor him. It was great black dialogue and men apologizing to each other, abandoning pride. We all hugged each other, cried it out, and it was beautiful."
A second video shows Simone confronting another man who's streaming video on the street, apparently days before the "autonomous zone" was established. An angry Simone asks the man, 'Why you playin' dumb? I don't like that s**t." He also asks, "Why you creatin' dissension?" and "I'm a peaceful man. Why you doin' that?"
It isn't clear what the issue was, but before the video ends Simone appears to attack the man:
Content warning: Language:
Raz Simone youtu.be
But in a video posted Sunday — the day before the "autonomous zone" went up — Simone appeared in a video with Omari Salisbury who said he and Simone "discussed our issues as men last night" and telling viewers "don't get distracted."
Another altercation and another kiss-and-make-up aftermath. Indeed, Salisbury concludes, "Stay on message."
'Armed protesters'
KIRO-TV reported that armed protesters said they are protecting the East Precinct police building after Seattle police officers boarded it up and left the protest area Monday.
Indeed, the station said video from Simone on Facebook shows some of those armed protesters:
Image source: KIRO-TV video screenshot
"We're all trying to protect the building," Simone said, according to KIRO.
Image source: KIRO-TV video screenshot
Another protester, Maurice Cola, told the station "we also have people who are lawfully capable of having their weaponry."
Simone told KIRO in an interview that "people are afraid of the police. Not just the guns and throwing bombs and stuff like that. People are afraid of police — they're above the law. They don't have any accountability. Once they have the badge on there, they can do anything and no one stops it."
Image source: KIRO-TV video screenshot
The precinct's sign now shows the word "police" spray-painted over and replaced with the word "people."
"They want the streets open for peaceful marches, and we're going to facilitate that opportunity for them," Police Chief Carmen Best said Monday, according to the station.
How's that working out so far?
While Washington is an open-carry state, police told KOMO-TV there are limits.
"There is no legal right for those arms to be used to intimidate community members," Assistant Chief Deanna Nollette told the station during a briefing outside of police department headquarters.
Nollette added to KOMO that "we have heard anecdotally reports of citizens and businesses being asked to pay a fee to operate within this area" and that such an act is "extortion."
She also told the station in a separate story that police are receiving reports of armed people manning checkpoints in the autonomous zone — and that operating a citizen checkpoint on a public street is illegal.
KOMO said Simone snickered when he heard the allegations: "Definitely no extortion, definitely nothing of that. We've invited people to come in."


theblaze--2020-06-11--TOP 5 leftist protester MYTHS

TOP 5 leftist protester MYTHS

OMG !
Remember the recent viral video about the NYPD officer who allegedly shot and killed a 13-year-old 19 times ?
It turns out the officer fired shots at a 34-year-old suspected gunman who 'd just shot another man .
The story is one of many recent lies against police officers to spread across the nation quicker than COVID-19 spread across the Diamond Princess cruise ship .
Here 's some irony — police presence at a protest exists for one reason : to maintain order .
Without a police presence , protesters could compromise their position if counter-protesters show and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a protest is genuinely peaceful , having cops on-site ensures safety for participants .
The moment a demonstration evolves into riot mode , the police 's mission of keeping order remains the same .
So , the next time a leftist advocates to abolish the police , wish them luck in future protests in a world where protester protection is no longer a thing .
Steven Crowder is genuinely doing the Lord 's work by exposing the lies spread on social media .
Top lie number four ... Want more from Steven Crowder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncensored late-night comedy that 's actually funny , join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand .

OMG! Remember the recent viral video about the NYPD officer who allegedly shot and killed a 13-year-old 19 times? It turns out the officer fired shots at a 34-year-old suspected gunman who'd just shot another man. The story is one of many recent lies against police officers to spread across the nation quicker than COVID-19 spread across the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Here's some irony — police presence at a protest exists for one reason: to maintain order. Without a police presence, protesters could compromise their position if counter-protesters show and attempt to disband the protest.
If a protest is genuinely peaceful, having cops on-site ensures safety for participants. The moment a demonstration evolves into riot mode, the police's mission of keeping order remains the same. So, the next time a leftist advocates to abolish the police, wish them luck in future protests in a world where protester protection is no longer a thing.
Steven Crowder is genuinely doing the Lord's work by exposing the lies spread on social media. Top lie number four ...
Steven looks at some of the most recent stories about police treating protesters unfairly and uncovers the full context of these videos.
Want more from Steven Crowder?
To enjoy more of Steven's uncensored late-night comedy that's actually funny, join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand.


theblaze--2020-06-11--Louisville police report on Breonna Taylor's death left out key details, listed her injuries as 'non

Louisville police report on Breonna Taylor's death left out key details, listed her injuries as 'none'

Louisville police report on Breonna Taylor 's death left out key details , listed her injuries as 'none '

The police report related to the police shooting of Breonna Taylor had some inaccurate and missing details, including listing "none" for Taylor's injuries, despite the fact that officers shot her eight times and killed her during a botched raid, the Louisville Courier Journal reported.
Months after Taylor was killed when officers attempted to execute a no-knock warrant at her home after midnight as part of a drug case, Louisville Metropolitan Police released the report from the incident. The "narrative" portion of the report, where you would expect to find the most important information, only has the words "PIU investigation.
The "no" box is checked under the "forced entry" portion of the report, but officers used a battering ram to break down Taylor's door.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer called the report "unacceptable."
"Full stop. It's issues like this that erode public confidence in LMPD's ability to do its job, and that's why I've ordered an external top-to-bottom review of the department," Fischer said, according to the Courier Journal. "I am sorry for the additional pain to the Taylor family and our community."
The police department blamed the error on the reporting program, and said they're trying to correct it.
"Inaccuracies in the report are unacceptable to us, and we are taking immediate steps to correct the report and ensure the accuracy of incident reports going forward," an LMPD statement said.
Taylor was killed March 13 when three LMPD officers — Jon Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove, and Brett Hankison — showed up to her home after midnight with a no-knock search warrant to enter her home. Taylor was named on the warrant due to an alleged connection to drug trafficking. The officers, who were reportedly dressed in plainclothes, say they knocked first anyway, but witnesses have contradicted that claim.
Kenneth Walker, Taylor's boyfriend, was in the home at the time. He said he thought intruders were trying to break in. When officers burst into the apartment, Walker fired one shot that struck an officer in the leg. Officers returned fire, killing Taylor, before leaving the scene. Walker can be heard sobbing on the 911 call after the confrontation, as he was left at the home with Taylor's dead body.
Walker was charged with attempted murder of a police officer, but that charge was later dropped. He owned the firearm used in the shooting legally. The three officers have been placed on administrative reassignment, along with Joshua Jaynes, the officer who requested the no-knock warrant, pending the investigation.


theblaze--2020-06-11--CHAZ protesters release list of crazy demands: Abolish police, close prisons, hire black doctors for

CHAZ protesters release list of crazy demands: Abolish police, close prisons, hire black doctors for black patients, give free college and housing to everyone

CHAZ protesters release list of crazy demands : Abolish police , close prisons , hire black doctors for black patients @ @ @ @ @ housing to everyone

A group claiming to be behind the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone — a six-block area in Seattle where armed protesters have ousted police and seized control — have published a list of demands that amount to a strange mix of anarchy and socialism, with some having absolutely nothing to do with police reform.
The CHAZ group's lengthy list of demands was published on Medium Tuesday and makes just one mention of George Floyd, whose May 25 death in Minneapolis spawned nationwide protests over police treatment of black Americans.
Rather than seeking justice for Floyd's family, the demands seek a wish list of anarchistic and socialistic reforms including the abolishment of the city's police department and its "attached Criminal Justice Apparatus," the end to all use of armed force, widespread wealth redistribution, free college — and a bizarre requirement that hospitals employ "black doctors and nurses specifically to help care for black patients."
Here's what they said
The post's transcribers, @irie_kenya and @AustinCHowe, broke down the demands into four categories: The Justice System, Health and Human Services, Economics, and Education.
"In credit to the people who freed Capitol Hill, this list of demands is neither brief nor simplistic," the Medium post says. "This is no simple request to end police brutality. We demand that the City Council and the Mayor, whoever that may be, implement these policy changes for the cultural and historic advancement of the City of Seattle, and to ease the struggles of its people."
Here are some of the items that follow on the list of justice system demands:
The Seattle Police Department and attached court system are beyond reform. We do not request reform, we demand abolition. We demand that the Seattle Council and the Mayor defund and abolish the Seattle Police Department and the attached Criminal Justice Apparatus. This means 100% of funding, including existing pensions for Seattle Police. At an equal level of priority we also demand that the city disallow the operations of ICE in the city of Seattle.
We demand a retrial of all People in Color currently serving a prison sentence for violent crime, by a jury of their peers in their community ...
We demand the abolition of imprisonment, generally speaking, but especially the abolition of both youth prisons and privately-owned, for-profit prisons.
The last item on the justice system list goes full-fledge socialist in stating: "We demand that the funding previously used for Seattle Police be redirected into: A) Socialized Health and Medicine for the City of Seattle. B) Free public housing, because housing is a right, not a privilege. C) Public education, to decrease the average class size in city schools and increase teacher salary. D) Naturalization services for immigrants to the United States living here undocumented. (We demand they be called 'undocumented' because no person is illegal.) E) General community development. Parks, etc."
At this point in the post, things really get zany as the demands stray away from any form of police or criminal justice reform. Under the Economics section, the post states:
We demand the de-gentrification of Seattle, starting with rent control.
We demand the restoration of city funding for arts and culture to re-establish the once-rich local cultural identity of Seattle.
We demand free college for the people of the state of Washington, due to the overwhelming effect that education has on economic success, and the correlated overwhelming impact of poverty on people of color, as a form of reparations for the treatment of Black people in this state and country.
Under the Health and Human Services and Education sections, the demands continue to drift away from anything even remotely related to police and criminal justice reform:
We demand the hospitals and care facilities of Seattle employ black doctors and nurses specifically to help care for black patients.
We demand the people of Seattle seek out and proudly support Black-owned businesses. Your money is our power and sustainability ...
We demand that thorough anti-bias training become a legal requirement for all jobs in the education system, as well as in the medical profession and in mass media.
And with that, the criteria for utopia are complete.
What else?
CHAZ has caught the attention of President Trump, who referred to the protesters as "domestic terrorists" and "ugly anarchists" in a pair of Wednesday tweets.
The president also called on Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan to "take back" the city from the protesters.
"If you don't do it, I will," he threatened.


theblaze--2020-06-11--President Trump demands Washington leaders take back Seattle area captured by protesters: 'If you do

President Trump demands Washington leaders take back Seattle area captured by protesters: 'If you don't do it, I will'

President Trump demands Washington leaders take back Seattle area captured by protesters : 'If you do n't do it , @ @ @ @ @ the edge of the so-called `` Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone '' in Seattle .
Protesters @ @ @ @ @ near where Seattle police boarded up and seemingly abandoned their East Precinct building following days @ @ @ @ @ the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
( Photo by Toby Scott/SOPA Images/LightRocket @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump called for Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan (D) to regain control over the "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone," a six-block area of the city taken over by protesters and declared a police-free jurisdiction.
Durkan ordered police to surrender the East Precinct on Monday in an effort to de-escalate conflict between officers and protesters. Protesters then established a barricaded zone around the precinct, with armed individuals reportedly controlling entry and exit.
Assistant Police Chief Deanna Nollette said she has heard anecdotally that businesses within the zone have been asked to pay a fee in order to continue operating.
"Radical left Governor Jay Inslee and the mayor of Seattle are being taunted and played at a level that our great country has never seen before," President Trump wrote on Twitter on Wednesday night. "Take back your city NOW. If you don't do it, I will. This is not a game. These ugly anarchists must be stopped IMMEDIATELY. MOVE FAST!"
Inslee claimed Wednesday that he was unaware of the situation in Seattle, although it has been the subject of national news reports for days.
"Well, that's news to me," Inslee said. "So, I'll have to reserve any comment about it. I have not, I have not heard anything about that from a credible source, not that you're not credible, it's just like before I espouse an opinion, I should know of which I speak."
The zone is apparently not run by any one person or group. Activities in the zone have included town hall discussions, mural painting, and a viewing of a documentary about racism in the criminal justice system.
A list of demands from the protesters was published on Medium, and includes the abolition of the Seattle Police Department, including defunding existing pensions for officers. The list also calls for an end to all use of armed force against protesters, a ban on Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city of Seattle, free college in Washington, and rent-control policies to affect "de-gentrification."


theblaze--2020-06-11--Chairman of Joint Chiefs issues apology for appearing with President Trump in church photo-op: 'I sh

Chairman of Joint Chiefs issues apology for appearing with President Trump in church photo-op: 'I should not have been there'

Chairman of Joint Chiefs issues apology for appearing with President Trump in church photo-op : ' I should not have @ @ @

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says he's sorry for taking part in President Donald Trump's photo-op at St. John's Church on June 1.
Trump and members of his administration faced criticism after walking from the White House to St. John's Church to pose for a photo. Controversy erupted when, prior to the president's appearance, law enforcement used crowd-dispersing tactics to clear out protesters.
What are the details?
In a video for the National Defense University's commencement ceremony, Milley said, "As senior leaders, everything you do will be closely watched. And I am not immune. As many of you saw, the result of the photograph of me at Lafayette Square last week. That sparked a national debate about the role of the military in civil society.
"I should not have been there. My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics," he continued.
Amid protests, Trump appeared in front of the church with Milley as well as Defense Secretary Mark Esper.
"As a commissioned, uniformed officer, it was a mistake that I have learned from," Milley admitted. "And I sincerely hope we can all learn from it."
Milley added, "We who wear the cloth of our nation come from the people of our nation. And we must hold dear the principles of an apolitical military that is so deeply rooted in the very essence of our Republic."
According to the New York Times, the senior military member also spoke out against the police-involved death of George Floyd.
"I am outraged by the senseless and brutal killing of George Floyd," he said. "His death amplified the pain, the frustration, and the fear that so many of our fellow Americans live with day in [and] day out. The protests that have ensued not only speak to his killing, but also to the centuries of injustice toward African Americans. We should all be proud that the vast majority of protests have been peaceful."


theblaze--2020-06-11--US Soccer reverses itself, repeals rule requiring players to stand during the national anthem

US Soccer reverses itself , repeals rule requiring players to stand during the national anthem 'We are here for our @ @ @ @ @ support them in elevating their efforts to achieve social justice '

The U.S. Soccer Federation voted to reverse a rule that required players to stand during the national anthem. "U.S. Soccer affirms Black Lives Matter, and we support the fight against racial injustices," a Wednesday statement said.
The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors voted to repeal Policy 604-1, which prohibited players from kneeling during the national anthem.
"The policy was put in place after Megan Rapinoe kneeled in solidarity with the peaceful protest inspired by Colin Kaepernick, who was protesting police brutality, and the systematic oppression of Black people and people of color in America," the U.S. Soccer Federation said. "It has become clear that this policy was wrong and detracted from the important message of Black Lives Matter."
The U.S. Soccer Federation said it had "not done enough to listen — especially to our players — to understand and acknowledge the very real and meaningful experiences of Black and other minority communities in our country."
"We apologize to our players — especially our Black players — staff, fans, and all who support eradicating racism," the federation said. "Sports are a powerful platform for good, and we have not used our platform as effectively as we should have. We can do more on these specific issues and we will.
"It should be, and will be going forward, up to our players to determine how they can best use their platforms to fight all forms of racism, discrimination, and inequality," the statement said. "We are here for our players and are ready to support them in elevating their efforts to achieve social justice.
"We cannot change the past, but we can make a difference in the future," the statement concluded. "We are committed to this change effort, and we will be implementing supporting actions in the near future."
Rapinoe kneeled during the national anthem at an international match in September 2016. The gesture was to show solidarity with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during "The Star-Spangled Banner" before San Francisco 49ers preseason games before the 2016 NFL season.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick explained in August 2016 as his reason for the kneeling. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
"It was a little nod to Kaepernick and everything that he's standing for right now. I think it's actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about something that it absolutely isn't," Rapinoe said in September 2016. "Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it."
Last week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league was "wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier" following the backlash over George Floyd's death while in Minneapolis police custody.
"We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier, and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest," Goodell said. "We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter.
"I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country. Without black players, there would be no National Football League, and the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of black players, coaches, fans, and staff," Goodell added. "We are listening, I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family."
Last week, New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees and his wife issued several apologies for making statements that condemned kneeling during the national anthem.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly castigated players who kneel during the national anthem. Most famously, President Trump said in 2017: "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners when somebody disrespects our flag, to say get that son of a b***h off the field right now?"
"You know," Trump added. "Some owner's gonna do that. He's gonna say that guy that disrespects our flag, he's fired."


theblaze--2020-06-11--Joe Biden says the military will make sure Trump is physically removed from White House if he loses

Joe Biden says the military will make sure Trump is physically removed from White House if he loses in 2020 and refuses to leave

Joe Biden says the military will make sure Trump is physically removed from White House if he loses in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ like fighting words or whatever

Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden says he will use the military to escort President Donald Trump from the White House if necessary — assuming that Biden wins a 2020 matchup.
What are the details?
Biden told Trevor Noah, host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," that he fully believes the incumbent president will attempt to "steal this election."
During the Wednesday interview, Noah asked Biden if he believed Trump would attempt to resist a defeat.
"You have so many rank-and-file military personnel saying, 'Whoa, we're not a military state. This is not who we are,' " Biden said. "I promise you, I'm absolutely convinced [military officers] will escort him from the White House with great dispatch" if Trump refuses to leave.
Biden also explained that his greatest concern is that Trump will attempt to engage in election fraud.
"I think it's safe to say that America is expecting a really dirty election," Noah told the former vice president. "We know how Donald Trump plays in an election."
Biden said that he fully believes Trump will not play by the rules.
"This president is going to try to steal this election," Biden said. "This is the guy who said all mail-in ballots are fraudulent — voting by mail — while he sits behind a desk in the Oval Office and writes his mail-in ballot to vote in the primary. This is a guy who, I believe 23 states have passed over 82 pieces of legislation making it harder for people to vote. Harder. That's why we're putting together a major initiative of lawyers to go out and make sure we're in every single district in the country to patrol this. If I'm president — and this is what worries them — we're going to have same-day registration."
Joe Biden - Healing the Country & Acknowledging Weaknesses | The Daily Social Distancing Show www.youtube.com
What else?
He also later reiterated that he was not in support of defunding the police.
Noah asked, "If you were to become president, would there be a world where defunding the police would be the solution?"
Biden responded, "A lot of changes can take place, period, without defunding the police completely."
"I don't think police should be defunded, but I think the conditions should be placed upon them where departments are having to take significant reforms relating to [whether] we should set up a national use of force standard," he continued.
The presumptive Democratic nominee also added that if police don't support a "use of force" initiative, they should not be entitled to any federal monies.
"In addition, that they have to demonstrate that they release all the data that relates to misconduct by police, that all has to be sent to the Justice Department," he added. "If they don't send it to the Justice Department nationally, they don't get funded."