delawareliberal--2020-06-03--Song of the Day 6/3: Nate and Craig Anderson, “Books of the Bible”

Song of the Day 6/3 : Nate and Craig Anderson , “ Books of the Bible ” This one ’ @ @ @ @ @ our Big Phony President , who couldn ’ t name a book of the Bible @ @ @ @ @ .
I have no idea who the musicians are , but of the dozens of @ @ @ @ @ kids the books of the Bible , this turn-of-the-millennium pop-punk production gave them the catchiest @ @ @ @ @ a sound one .
Song lyrics are processed in a different part of the brain @ @ @ @ @ most people are easier to memorize , which is why you learned the alphabet that @ @ @ @ @ their material one testament at a time .
Here ’ s the Old Testament .
@ @ @ @ @ all of Paul ’ s letters to his fractious , far-flung communities of Christians , @ @ @ @ @ Trump strikes me as more of an Old Testament guy anyway .

This one’s a public service for our Big Phony President, who couldn’t name a book of the Bible to save his shriveled soul. I have no idea who the musicians are, but of the dozens of songs online dedicated to teaching kids the books of the Bible, this turn-of-the-millennium pop-punk production gave them the catchiest tune. The idea is a sound one. Song lyrics are processed in a different part of the brain from text, and for most people are easier to memorize, which is why you learned the alphabet that way.
The Andersons handle their material one testament at a time. Here’s the Old Testament.
The New Testament, with all of Paul’s letters to his fractious, far-flung communities of Christians, is a little tougher. Trump strikes me as more of an Old Testament guy anyway.


delawareliberal--2020-06-03--DL Open Thread: Weds., June 3, 2020

DL Open Thread: Weds., June 3, 2020

Everything Falls Apart , Police Brutality Edition , Ctd .
A largely-peaceful and effective day of protests .
Dubya supports protesters .
An amazingly empathetic statement .
So far , public hates Trump ’ s response .
I am encouraged .
Public supports Black Lives Matter .
I am encouraged .
NYPD Continues Lawless Attacks Against Protesters .
Hey , they don ’ t live there and they enjoy inflicting pain .
Confirmed in their own words .
Pentagon Wants No Part Of Trump ’ s Militarization Of Protest Response .
Defense Sec .
Esper claims cluelessness as a defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gov .
Carney declines to send Delaware National Guard troops to ‘ police ’ Washington .
Good for him .
Racist Rep. Steve King Goes Down .
Black Woman Elected Mayor Of Ferguson , MO .
I am encouraged .
Trump To Pull RNC Convention From North Carolina .
RNC wouldn ’ t provide safety guarantees .
He has his choice of anti-science governors and locations from which to choose .
How Texas Democrats Will Work Around Rethug Voter Suppression .
Zoom !
I am encouraged .
Everything Falls Apart , Pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases and 106,181 deaths in the United States .
Rep. Eliot Engel Done Stepped In It .
Caught on tape saying he was only using a photo op b/c he has a primary .
Time for him to be replaced by his progressive challenger .
One more reason for him to go ?
: The senior Democrat had already come under fire in recent weeks after a report revealed that Engel had not spent any time in his New York district — which has been ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak — since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proposed Budget Reductions .
Anyone shocked that employee pay raises tops the list ?
Anyone shocked that raising additional revenue from the 1 % who have made money during the pandemic won ’ t be sought ?
What do you want to talk about ?

Everything Falls Apart, Police Brutality Edition, Ctd. A largely-peaceful and effective day of protests. Dubya supports protesters. An amazingly empathetic statement. So far, public hates Trump’s response. I am encouraged. Public supports Black Lives Matter. I am encouraged. NYPD Continues Lawless Attacks Against Protesters. Hey, they don’t live there and they enjoy inflicting pain. Confirmed in their own words.
Pentagon Wants No Part Of Trump’s Militarization Of Protest Response. Defense Sec. Esper claims cluelessness as a defense. There’s something happening here…BTW, Gov. Carney declines to send Delaware National Guard troops to ‘police’ Washington. Good for him.
Racist Rep. Steve King Goes Down. Black Woman Elected Mayor Of Ferguson, MO. I am encouraged.
Trump To Pull RNC Convention From North Carolina. RNC wouldn’t provide safety guarantees. He has his choice of anti-science governors and locations from which to choose.
How Texas Democrats Will Work Around Rethug Voter Suppression. Zoom! I am encouraged.
Everything Falls Apart, Pandemic Edition. The latest carnage: 1,831,821 confirmed cases and 106,181 deaths in the United States.
Rep. Eliot Engel Done Stepped In It. Caught on tape saying he was only using a photo op b/c he has a primary. Time for him to be replaced by his progressive challenger. One more reason for him to go?:
The senior Democrat had already come under fire in recent weeks after a report revealed that Engel had not spent any time in his New York district — which has been ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak — since late March.
Carney’s First Proposed Budget Reductions. Anyone shocked that employee pay raises tops the list? Anyone shocked that raising additional revenue from the 1% who have made money during the pandemic won’t be sought?
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-06-03--Joe Biden’s Philadelphia Speech – Full Transcript

I am persuaded that Democrats picked the right person to defeat Donald Trump .
…We can ’ t be naive about it .
I wish I could say that hate began with Donald Trump and will end with him .
It didn ’ t , and it won ’ t .
American history isn ’ t a fairy tale with a guaranteed happy ending .
The battle for the soul of this nation has been a constant push and pull for more than 240 years , a tug of war between the American ideal that we ’ re all created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism has long torn us apart .
The honest truth is that both elements are part the American character , both elements .
At our best , the American ideal wins out .
But it ’ s never a route , it ’ s always a fight and the battle is never fully won .
But we can ’ t ignore the truth that we ’ re at our best when we open our hearts rather than to clench our fist .
Donald Trump has turned this country into battlefield [ inaudible 00:19:39 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He thinks division helps him .
His narcissism has become more important than the nation ’ s wellbeing that he leads .
I ask every American , I mean this in the bottom of my heart , ask every American , look at where we are now and think a new .
Is this who we are ?
Is this who we want to be ?
Is this we want to pass onto our children and our grandchildren , fear , anger , finger pointing rather than the pursuit of happiness ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ selfishness ?
Or do we want to be the America we know we can be ?
The America we know in our hearts , we could be and should be .

I am persuaded that Democrats picked the right person to defeat Donald Trump.
…We can’t be naive about it. I wish I could say that hate began with Donald Trump and will end with him. It didn’t, and it won’t. American history isn’t a fairy tale with a guaranteed happy ending. The battle for the soul of this nation has been a constant push and pull for more than 240 years, a tug of war between the American ideal that we’re all created equal, and the harsh reality that racism has long torn us apart. The honest truth is that both elements are part the American character, both elements. At our best, the American ideal wins out. But it’s never a route, it’s always a fight and the battle is never fully won. But we can’t ignore the truth that we’re at our best when we open our hearts rather than to clench our fist.
Donald Trump has turned this country into battlefield [inaudible 00:19:39] by old resentments and fresh fears. He thinks division helps him. His narcissism has become more important than the nation’s wellbeing that he leads. I ask every American, I mean this in the bottom of my heart, ask every American, look at where we are now and think a new. Is this who we are? Is this who we want to be? Is this we want to pass onto our children and our grandchildren, fear, anger, finger pointing rather than the pursuit of happiness? Incompetence and anxiety, self absorption, selfishness? Or do we want to be the America we know we can be? The America we know in our hearts, we could be and should be.


delawareliberal--2020-06-04--Song of the Day 6/4: Roy Rogers, “Don’t Fence Me In”

Song of the Day 6/4 : Roy Rogers , “ Don ’ t Fence Me In ” Our Big Quivering President is furthering his image as an incompetent banana Republican dictator by installing more fencing around the House Painted White Because It ’ s Been Torched Before .
The optics are terrible for him — the open plains such a foundational part of the American myth that even Cole Porter himself could write a classic cowboy song .
No American hero would ever sing “ Fence Me In.
” Though originally credited to Porter alone , the lyrics are based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bob Fletcher that Porter bought the rights to for $ 250 .
Porter wrote it in 1934 for a 20th Century Fox musical , “ Adios , Argentina , ” that never got made .
It exploded into popularity ten years later .
It started after Kate Smith sang it on her radio show .
In short order it was recorded by everyone from Bing Crosby to Frank Sinatra , and Roy Rogers gave it a long overdue movie premiere in “ Hollywood Canteen.
” Just by-the-by , one can see why “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , given its harebrained plot .
According to Robert Kimball in “ The Complete Lyrics of Cole Porter , ” The plot concerned the decision of an orphan girl who had inherited a big cattle spread in Texas to ship her four polo-playing cowboy tutors East to challenge the winner of a polo match between teams from the United States and Argentina .
At one point the cowhands , unable to find anyone to accept their challenge , were supposed to burst into song to express their loneliness for the life back on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceptional talent at writing songs with a distinct Latin flavor , Porter was also expected to write the cowboy song required by producer Lou Brock for this nostalgic moment in the film .
Brock was the connection with Fletcher , his friend who at the time an engineer employed by the state of Montana .
Fletcher sent Brock his book of cowboy poems ; Brock wrote back about his desire to have a song entitled “ Don ’ t Fence Me In ” in “ Adios , Argentina.
” Fletcher promptly wrote a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Porter , telling Fletcher that Porter is “ one of our very best composers , who is rated as high as anyone on Broadway at the present time .
Unlike most of the others , he also writes his own lyrics and does not as a rule have anyone collaborating with him .
However , he was very much interested in your stuff , and what kind of a deal I can work out with him I do not know as these are matters to press somewhat delicately with a man of his @ @ @

Our Big Quivering President is furthering his image as an incompetent banana Republican dictator by installing more fencing around the House Painted White Because It’s Been Torched Before. The optics are terrible for him — the open plains such a foundational part of the American myth that even Cole Porter himself could write a classic cowboy song. No American hero would ever sing “Fence Me In.”
Though originally credited to Porter alone, the lyrics are based on a poem by Montana cowboy poet Bob Fletcher that Porter bought the rights to for $250. Porter wrote it in 1934 for a 20th Century Fox musical, “Adios, Argentina,” that never got made. It exploded into popularity ten years later. It started after Kate Smith sang it on her radio show. In short order it was recorded by everyone from Bing Crosby to Frank Sinatra, and Roy Rogers gave it a long overdue movie premiere in “Hollywood Canteen.”
Just by-the-by, one can see why “Adios, Argentina” never got made, given its harebrained plot. According to Robert Kimball in “The Complete Lyrics of Cole Porter,”
The plot concerned the decision of an orphan girl who had inherited a big cattle spread in Texas to ship her four polo-playing cowboy tutors East to challenge the winner of a polo match between teams from the United States and Argentina. At one point the cowhands, unable to find anyone to accept their challenge, were supposed to burst into song to express their loneliness for the life back on the ranch. Hired presumably for his exceptional talent at writing songs with a distinct Latin flavor, Porter was also expected to write the cowboy song required by producer Lou Brock for this nostalgic moment in the film.
Brock was the connection with Fletcher, his friend who at the time an engineer employed by the state of Montana. Fletcher sent Brock his book of cowboy poems; Brock wrote back about his desire to have a song entitled “Don’t Fence Me In” in “Adios, Argentina.”
Fletcher promptly wrote a song, which Brock passed along to Porter, telling Fletcher that Porter is “one of our very best composers, who is rated as high as anyone on Broadway at the present time. Unlike most of the others, he also writes his own lyrics and does not as a rule have anyone collaborating with him. However, he was very much interested in your stuff, and what kind of a deal I can work out with him I do not know as these are matters to press somewhat delicately with a man of his standing.”


delawareliberal--2020-06-04--DL Open Thread: Thurs., June 4, 2020

DL Open Thread: Thurs., June 4, 2020

American Military & Defense Leaders Abandon Trump .
Gen. Mattis .
Admiral Mullen .
James Miller .
Defense Secretary Esper .
Even the compromised current Joint Chiefs Chair , Gen. Mark Milley , tried to walk back his disastrous participation in Trump ’ s photo-op : Senior Pentagon leaders are now so concerned about losing public support — and that of their active-duty and reserve personnel , 40 percent of whom are people of color — that Gen. Mark A. Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , released a message to top military commanders on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces swears an oath to defend the Constitution , which he said “ gives Americans the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.
” I am encouraged .
I believe this is an important turning point .
Philly Dumps Rizzo Statue .
Virginia To Dump Robert E. Lee Statue .
How a statue dedicated to the racist ex-police chief-turned-mayor was allowed to even be erected is still beyond me .
Symbolic ?
Yes .
But it ’ s progress .
RWNJ ’ s Arrested As They Headed To Vegas To Foment Violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
1.9 Million More Jobless Claims This Week .
Slightly above predictions .
Bill Barr ’ s Secret Army .
He ’ s having the streets of Washington DC patrolled by law enforcement from unidentified Federal agencies .
In other words , no accountability .
Guess Who ’ s Pissed Off At Biden .
Go ahead , guess .
You can figure it out .
Whether you did or didn ’ t , click the link .
How To Hold Police Departments Accountable .
How one investigative reporter walked the walk .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The latest carnage : 1,851,520 confirmed cases and 107,175 .
We are seeing a slight uptick in the number of daily cases and deaths over the last few days .
We can only hope it ’ s not a trend .
Iowa gave out a no-bid contract for testing , it is/was a disaster .
Dover Motorsports To Farm Out One Of Its NASCAR Races To Nashville .
Denys McGlynn .
Isn ’ t he the same guy who has begged for state bailout after bailout for his casino ?
He rewards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dover races out of town .
PT Barnumesque .
What do you want to talk about ?

American Military & Defense Leaders Abandon Trump. Gen. Mattis. Admiral Mullen. James Miller. Defense Secretary Esper. Even the compromised current Joint Chiefs Chair, Gen. Mark Milley, tried to walk back his disastrous participation in Trump’s photo-op:
Senior Pentagon leaders are now so concerned about losing public support — and that of their active-duty and reserve personnel, 40 percent of whom are people of color — that Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, released a message to top military commanders on Wednesday affirming that every member of the armed forces swears an oath to defend the Constitution, which he said “gives Americans the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.”
I am encouraged. I believe this is an important turning point.
Philly Dumps Rizzo Statue. Virginia To Dump Robert E. Lee Statue. How a statue dedicated to the racist ex-police chief-turned-mayor was allowed to even be erected is still beyond me. Symbolic? Yes. But it’s progress.
RWNJ’s Arrested As They Headed To Vegas To Foment Violence. Right after they made Molotov cocktails.
1.9 Million More Jobless Claims This Week. Slightly above predictions.
Bill Barr’s Secret Army. He’s having the streets of Washington DC patrolled by law enforcement from unidentified Federal agencies. In other words, no accountability.
Guess Who’s Pissed Off At Biden. Go ahead, guess. You can figure it out. Whether you did or didn’t, click the link.
How To Hold Police Departments Accountable. How one investigative reporter walked the walk. A must-read.
Everything Falls Apart, Ctd. The latest carnage: 1,851,520 confirmed cases and 107,175. We are seeing a slight uptick in the number of daily cases and deaths over the last few days. We can only hope it’s not a trend. Iowa gave out a no-bid contract for testing, it is/was a disaster.
Dover Motorsports To Farm Out One Of Its NASCAR Races To Nashville. Denys McGlynn. Isn’t he the same guy who has begged for state bailout after bailout for his casino? He rewards the state by sending one of the Dover races out of town. PT Barnumesque.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-06-04--The War on White Supremacy Has Many Fronts

K-Pop [ a genre of popular music originating in South Korea that has amassed enormous fandoms of teenagers and young @ @ @ @ @ very active instagram group that expresses extreme fandom for popular artists or artist groups ] @ @ @ @ @ with post to drown out racists .
On Twitter , the hashtags # WhiteLivesMatter , @ @ @ @ @ are currently trending .
Traditionally , these hashtags would be used by right-wing conservatives to @ @ @ @ @ attention away from the Black Lives Matter movement , but today , things are different—K-Pop @ @ @ @ @ and are spamming it with fancams ( i.e.
, photos and videos of their faves @ @ @ @ @ are looking to find someone to agree with them .

K-Pop [a genre of popular music originating in South Korea that has amassed enormous fandoms of teenagers and young adults] Stans [a very active instagram group that expresses extreme fandom for popular artists or artist groups] are spamming racist twitter hashtags with post to drown out racists.
On Twitter, the hashtags #WhiteLivesMatter, #WhiteoutWednesday and #BlueLivesMatter are currently trending. Traditionally, these hashtags would be used by right-wing conservatives to amplify their whiteness and draw attention away from the Black Lives Matter movement, but today, things are different—K-Pop stans have reclaimed the hashtag and are spamming it with fancams (i.e., photos and videos of their faves) to upset conservatives who are looking to find someone to agree with them.


delawareliberal--2020-06-05--Delaware Political Weekly: May 29-June 4, 2020

1 .
The Most Important State Legislative Primary This Year .
Marie Pinkney has filed to challenge President Pro-Tempore David B. McBride in the 13th Senatorial District .
She has a great chance to win .
She is a progressive , she is a grassroots organizer , and , if she defeats McBride , it will mark a sea change in the Senate Democratic Caucus , one where progressives are ascendant .
And here ’ s the good news : While demographics aren ’ t necessarily destiny , the demographics favor Pinkney .
If you look at the composition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what you will see : A total registration of 30,889 voters , with a breakdown as follows : 19,171 D ’ s ; 4,871 R ’ s ; and 6847 I ’ s .
The winner of the Senate primary will be the next senator from the 13th SD .
Let ’ s now look at the registration broken down by RD ’ s and ED ’ s that comprise the 13th : 14,969 from RD 5 .
Represented by Kendra Johnson , an African-American .
2551 from RD 15 .
Represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
1064 from RD 16 .
Represented by Franklin Cooke , an African-American .
5219 from RD 17 .
Represented by Melissa Minor-Brown , an African-American .
7086 from RD 18 .
Represented by David Bentz , not an African-American , but one of the most progressive legislators in Delaware .
If you do the math , over 21,000 of the registered 30,889 voters in SD 13 are represented by minorities .
Now factor in Dave McBride ’ s increased absence from the district , his age , his disinterest in supporting progressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s grassroots involvement , and you have a formula that Melissa Minor-Brown successfully used to convince Mike Mulrooney that he was better off retiring rather than facing her in a primary .
Plus , Marie is an extraordinary candidate .
I ’ m telling you , not only does she have a chance to win , assuming she gets enough financial support and assuming that she continues to grow her grassroots organization , I think she will win .
Get involved !
2 .
Primary Challenge To Sen. Bruce Ennis Official .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an advocate for marijuana legalization , has filed for the SD 14 seat .
She may not be the last D to file for this seat .
Plus , I think it ’ s less than certain that Ennis will ultimately stay on the ballot .
I ’ ve always liked Bruce , but he ’ s been in the General Assembly since being elected in 1982 , after a career in law enforcement .
The R ’ s have a primary as well , and it ’ s possible , although not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R in 2020 .
3 .
Larry Lambert Files In RD 7 .
He will challenge incumbent Rep. Ray Seigfried , who won a 5-way D primary , with 28.71 % of the vote .
Lambert finished second , with 25.45 % of the vote .
Lambert , along with Madinah Anton-Wilson and Marie Pinkney , blew me away at that WFP/Leftward Delaware event in February .
Seigfried ’ s done a solid job , but Lambert is just outstanding .
Check him out here .
4 .
Nicole Poore Files For Reelection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most notorious self-dealing D in Dover will likely not face a primary challenge .
When you leverage your elected position to get a six-figure job with a useless organization like Jobs For Delaware Graduates , you should be thrown out on your ear .
I know that progressives tried , but couldn ’ t get anybody to run .
Maybe in 2022 , when all 21 senate seats are up… 5 .
Donyale Hall Files As R Candidate For Lt .
Governor .
She got less than a third of the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SD in 2018 .
She was better known for having her signs ( allegedly ) vandalized .
I know that yet another Republican announced for governor .
A downstate lawyer .
As far as I can tell , every vestige of her announcement has been removed from the internets .
Can someone share her name with me and us ?
That ’ s all I ’ ve got this week .
What ’ d I miss , and whaddayathink ?

1. The Most Important State Legislative Primary This Year. Marie Pinkney has filed to challenge President Pro-Tempore David B. McBride in the 13th Senatorial District. She has a great chance to win. She is a progressive, she is a grassroots organizer, and, if she defeats McBride, it will mark a sea change in the Senate Democratic Caucus, one where progressives are ascendant. And here’s the good news: While demographics aren’t necessarily destiny, the demographics favor Pinkney. If you look at the composition of the 13th Senatorial District, here’s what you will see: A total registration of 30,889 voters, with a breakdown as follows: 19,171 D’s; 4,871 R’s; and 6847 I’s. The winner of the Senate primary will be the next senator from the 13th SD. Let’s now look at the registration broken down by RD’s and ED’s that comprise the 13th:
14,969 from RD 5. Represented by Kendra Johnson, an African-American.
2551 from RD 15. Represented by Val Longhurst, not an African-American.
1064 from RD 16. Represented by Franklin Cooke, an African-American.
5219 from RD 17. Represented by Melissa Minor-Brown, an African-American.
7086 from RD 18. Represented by David Bentz, not an African-American, but one of the most progressive legislators in Delaware.
If you do the math, over 21,000 of the registered 30,889 voters in SD 13 are represented by minorities.
Now factor in Dave McBride’s increased absence from the district, his age, his disinterest in supporting progressive initiatives, and contrast that with Pinkney’s grassroots involvement, and you have a formula that Melissa Minor-Brown successfully used to convince Mike Mulrooney that he was better off retiring rather than facing her in a primary.
Plus, Marie is an extraordinary candidate. I’m telling you, not only does she have a chance to win, assuming she gets enough financial support and assuming that she continues to grow her grassroots organization, I think she will win. Get involved!
2. Primary Challenge To Sen. Bruce Ennis Official. Kyra Hoffner, who is best-known as an advocate for marijuana legalization, has filed for the SD 14 seat. She may not be the last D to file for this seat. Plus, I think it’s less than certain that Ennis will ultimately stay on the ballot. I’ve always liked Bruce, but he’s been in the General Assembly since being elected in 1982, after a career in law enforcement. The R’s have a primary as well, and it’s possible, although not likely, that this seat could swing R in 2020.
3. Larry Lambert Files In RD 7. He will challenge incumbent Rep. Ray Seigfried, who won a 5-way D primary, with 28.71% of the vote. Lambert finished second, with 25.45% of the vote. Lambert, along with Madinah Anton-Wilson and Marie Pinkney, blew me away at that WFP/Leftward Delaware event in February. Seigfried’s done a solid job, but Lambert is just outstanding. Check him out here.
4. Nicole Poore Files For Reelection. It is more than disappointing that the most notorious self-dealing D in Dover will likely not face a primary challenge. When you leverage your elected position to get a six-figure job with a useless organization like Jobs For Delaware Graduates, you should be thrown out on your ear. I know that progressives tried, but couldn’t get anybody to run. Maybe in 2022, when all 21 senate seats are up…
5. Donyale Hall Files As R Candidate For Lt. Governor. She got less than a third of the vote in an R primary for the 17th SD in 2018. She was better known for having her signs (allegedly) vandalized.
I know that yet another Republican announced for governor. A downstate lawyer. As far as I can tell, every vestige of her announcement has been removed from the internets. Can someone share her name with me and us?
That’s all I’ve got this week. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?


delawareliberal--2020-06-05--Song of the Day 6/5: Bob Mould, “American Crisis”

Well , now Trump ’ s done it .
He ’ s gone and pissed off former Hüsker Dü and @ @ @ @ @ Granted , that isn ’ t too hard to do — Mould has made a @ @ @ @ @ tunefully pissed off — but it was only last year that he released an uncharacteristically @ @ @ @ @ Rock.
” The current pandemic put an end to that .
Mould , who was @ @ @ @ @ the ’ 80s AIDS crisis , sees plenty of similarities .
“ The parallels between @ @ @ @ @ bit scary for me : telegenic , charismatic leaders , praised and propped up by @ @ @ @ @ an epidemic ( HIV/AIDS ) or being outright deceitful about a pandemic ( COVID-19 ) @ @ @ @ @ be on his next LP , “ Blue Hearts , ” scheduled for release in @ @

Well, now Trump’s done it. He’s gone and pissed off former Hüsker Dü and Sugar frontman Bob Mould. Granted, that isn’t too hard to do — Mould has made a nearly 40-year career of getting tunefully pissed off — but it was only last year that he released an uncharacteristically optimistic LP, “Sunshine Rock.” The current pandemic put an end to that. Mould, who was still in the closet during the ’80s AIDS crisis, sees plenty of similarities. “The parallels between 1984 and 2020 are a bit scary for me: telegenic, charismatic leaders, praised and propped up by extreme Evangelicals, either ignoring an epidemic (HIV/AIDS) or being outright deceitful about a pandemic (COVID-19).” The tune will be on his next LP, “Blue Hearts,” scheduled for release in September.


delawareliberal--2020-06-05--DL Open Thread: Friday, June 5, 2020

DL Open Thread: Friday, June 5, 2020

How Mayor Mike And John Carney Tried To Stop Today ’ s Protest .
A must-read .
There are elements of this story that utterly fascinate me .
Plus , there is a villain , who is neither Carney nor Purzycki ( they are merely feckless ) .
First , I get it .
We just had a looting rampage in parts of Wilmington .
The governor and the mayor don ’ t want to see a repeat .
Although , talking about all the vacant commercial real estate , which the mayor did , hardly seems like it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Purzycki then said Wilmington has been “ fragile for some time and it ’ s finally coming back.
” He pointed to the city ’ s 2-million square feet of empty office space as an example of its fragility .
“ That ’ s two million square feet where there are no jobs , there ’ s no economic engine , there ’ s nothing going on , ” he said to the group of more than a dozen community activists .
And that ’ s about two million square feet where people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like right around Rodney Square .
At the meeting , the Mayor promised to bring body cameras to Wilmington for the police : During the meeting , Purzycki pledged to bring police body cameras to Wilmington ’ s department – a policy long called for in the city .
The calls grew louder last year following the shooting death of an armed man by Wilmington Police officers .
Police released few details following the incident .
When a woman at the meeting questioned whether he supported body cameras in exchange for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I ’ m not holding up anybody for this.
” “ I ’ m here to give you that commitment , no strings attached , ” he said of body cameras .
Which , of course , raises the question : Where the fuck has he been during his over three years in office ?
He only makes this ‘ no strings attached ’ offer at a meeting where he ’ s trying to shut down a protest ?
Among other issues , people are protesting what the police do and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has succeeded in making sure that every ‘ undesirable ’ is rousted from Rodney Square b/c it ’ s not a ‘ good look ’ .
Other than that , he ’ s been AWOL .
As has been Carney .
Check out this quote from his press secretary : Raising the obvious question , where has he been for three years ?
Believe it or not , neither are the True Villain in this piece .
That honor goes to the single most prominent symbol of institutionalized police oppression in Delaware : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Separately on Wednesday , Delaware House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf said activists who decide to peacefully protest when there ’ s “ a 50-50 chance it ’ s going to turn violent , ” should be “ held accountable if something bad happens.
” Schwartzkopf , a retired police officer and the leading Democrat in the House , did not state what that accountability would look like .
( He also didn ’ t say what should happen if one of his state cop buddies decides to bust some heads , accountability only extending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host a protest on Friday at 4 pm .
in Rehoboth Beach .
At the meeting with the mayor and governor , New Castle County Councilman Jea Street said Delaware ’ s legislature is “ basically run by former police officers and they got a lock on it.
” First of all , why is Pistol Pete sticking his snub nose in this at all ?
It ’ s not his district , not even close .
Was he speaking as the Speaker of the House , or was he speaking as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Captain .
Does the House Democratic Caucus think Pete speaks for them ?
Secondly , Jea Street is correct .
The cops run the place .
It ’ s why we have a Police Bill Of Rights which enables officers to kill , maim , and beat with impunity .
Which is why Carney ’ s pledge to work to end injustice rings hollow .
Until Carney is willing to stand up to the police lobby , both elected and unelected , there will be no justice .
Which is why there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( And White House ) Into Armed Fortress Over Protest From Mayor .
Did I mention the White House ?
: Police Are Out Of Control In NYC .
Just one case study .
Police have always been a law unto themselves in New York .
Here ’ s a brief history on how the police basically killed NYC ’ s vibrant jazz scene through enforcing of so-called cabaret card law .
Trump And Murkowski Divorce .
One R Senator is officially off the Trump train .
Who ’ s next ?
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All .
Plus , they ’ re stoopid .
If you ’ re gon na be a racist , don ’ t advertise it on social media .
Latest Jobs Numbers Are–Good ?
So far , nobody can figure out how this happened .
But Trump is already claiming credit .
Oh , and this probably kills any more relief for the American people .
Meet Minneapolis ’ Police Union Chief .
He ’ s pretty much like every other police union chief .
As Alby has argued time and again , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem .
Testing At Delaware Nursing Homes Still Royally Screwed Up .
This time , it ’ s the state that can ’ t get its act together .
What do you want to talk about ?

How Mayor Mike And John Carney Tried To Stop Today’s Protest. A must-read. There are elements of this story that utterly fascinate me. Plus, there is a villain, who is neither Carney nor Purzycki (they are merely feckless). First, I get it. We just had a looting rampage in parts of Wilmington. The governor and the mayor don’t want to see a repeat. Although, talking about all the vacant commercial real estate, which the mayor did, hardly seems like it would be an effective argument for organizers:
Purzycki then said Wilmington has been “fragile for some time and it’s finally coming back.” He pointed to the city’s 2-million square feet of empty office space as an example of its fragility. “That’s two million square feet where there are no jobs, there’s no economic engine, there’s nothing going on,” he said to the group of more than a dozen community activists.
And that’s about two million square feet where people of color aren’t general welcome, like right around Rodney Square.
At the meeting, the Mayor promised to bring body cameras to Wilmington for the police:
During the meeting, Purzycki pledged to bring police body cameras to Wilmington’s department – a policy long called for in the city. The calls grew louder last year following the shooting death of an armed man by Wilmington Police officers. Police released few details following the incident. When a woman at the meeting questioned whether he supported body cameras in exchange for a cancellation of the protest, Purzycki said, “I’m not holding up anybody for this.” “I’m here to give you that commitment, no strings attached,” he said of body cameras.
Which, of course, raises the question: Where the fuck has he been during his over three years in office? He only makes this ‘no strings attached’ offer at a meeting where he’s trying to shut down a protest? Among other issues, people are protesting what the police do and what they get away with. Purzycki has succeeded in making sure that every ‘undesirable’ is rousted from Rodney Square b/c it’s not a ‘good look’. Other than that, he’s been AWOL.
As has been Carney. Check out this quote from his press secretary:
At the meeting, Carney told the attendees he had “engaged” with Owens to get the organizers together. Instead of a protest, Carney wants to work with them to “make changes in policy to address issues around persistent racial inequalities,” Starkey said.
Raising the obvious question, where has he been for three years?
Believe it or not, neither are the True Villain in this piece. That honor goes to the single most prominent symbol of institutionalized police oppression in Delaware: Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf.
Separately on Wednesday, Delaware House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf said activists who decide to peacefully protest when there’s “a 50-50 chance it’s going to turn violent,” should be “held accountable if something bad happens.” Schwartzkopf, a retired police officer and the leading Democrat in the House, did not state what that accountability would look like. (He also didn’t say what should happen if one of his state cop buddies decides to bust some heads, accountability only extending so far.) His district will host a protest on Friday at 4 pm. in Rehoboth Beach. At the meeting with the mayor and governor, New Castle County Councilman Jea Street said Delaware’s legislature is “basically run by former police officers and they got a lock on it.”
First of all, why is Pistol Pete sticking his snub nose in this at all? It’s not his district, not even close. Was he speaking as the Speaker of the House, or was he speaking as an ex-cop? A retired Delaware State Police Captain. Does the House Democratic Caucus think Pete speaks for them? Secondly, Jea Street is correct. The cops run the place. It’s why we have a Police Bill Of Rights which enables officers to kill, maim, and beat with impunity. Which is why Carney’s pledge to work to end injustice rings hollow. Until Carney is willing to stand up to the police lobby, both elected and unelected, there will be no justice.
Which is why there will be a protest.
Trump Turns DC (And White House) Into Armed Fortress Over Protest From Mayor. Did I mention the White House?:
The White House is now so heavily fortified that it resembles the monarchical palaces or authoritarian compounds of regimes in faraway lands — strikingly incongruous with the historic role of the executive mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, which since its cornerstone was laid in 1792 has been known as the People’s House and celebrated as an accessible symbol of American democracy.
Police Are Out Of Control In NYC. Just one case study. Police have always been a law unto themselves in New York. Here’s a brief history on how the police basically killed NYC’s vibrant jazz scene through enforcing of so-called cabaret card law.
Trump And Murkowski Divorce. One R Senator is officially off the Trump train. Who’s next? I think this is important.
Texas Rethugs–Racists All. Plus, they’re stoopid. If you’re gonna be a racist, don’t advertise it on social media.
Meet Trump’s Latest USAID Hire. Rails against ‘Our Homo-Empire’.
Latest Jobs Numbers Are–Good? So far, nobody can figure out how this happened. But Trump is already claiming credit. Oh, and this probably kills any more relief for the American people.
Meet Minneapolis’ Police Union Chief. He’s pretty much like every other police union chief. As Alby has argued time and again, police unions are a significant part of the problem.
Testing At Delaware Nursing Homes Still Royally Screwed Up. This time, it’s the state that can’t get its act together.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-06-06--Song of the Day 6/6: Elton John, “Border Song”

Another sobering reminder that the 1960s never really ended and that the Boomers will fight this out unto the grave @ @ @ @ @ John purports to show him performing the gospel-tinged song that provides the climax of Side @ @ @ @ @ LP in March 1970 , a month before it was released as a single .
@ @ @ @ @ 92 .
He wouldn ’ t play his first US concert until August .
Given @ @ @ @ @ gospel leanings , it was inevitable Aretha Franklin would record it .

Another sobering reminder that the 1960s never really ended and that the Boomers will fight this out unto the grave. This video of Elton John purports to show him performing the gospel-tinged song that provides the climax of Side 2 of his eponymous second LP in March 1970, a month before it was released as a single. It reached only No. 92. He wouldn’t play his first US concert until August.
Given the tune’s obvious gospel leanings, it was inevitable Aretha Franklin would record it.


delawareliberal--2020-06-06--DL Open Thread: Sat., June 6, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sat., June 6, 2020

We Have Proof : It ’ s Not Just A Few ‘ Bad Apples ’ .
Jamelle Bouie puts it in context for us .
It ’ s systemic abuse of power against citizens w/o the ability to fight back .
Followed by filing false police reports on incidents .
It ’ s also what happens when applicants aren ’ t properly screened for their motivation to become police officers .
Rampant racism is everywhere .
Even Delaware ’ s Democratic Speaker of The House/former State Cop demonstrated his inbred racism for all to see : Separately on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who decide to peacefully protest when there ’ s “ a 50-50 chance it ’ s going to turn violent , ” should be “ held accountable if something bad happens.
” Schwartzkopf , a retired police officer and the leading Democrat in the House , did not state what that accountability would look like .
( He also didn ’ t say what should happen if one of his state cop buddies decides to bust some heads , accountability only extending so far . )
His district will host a protest on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach .
Question For All Members Of The House Democratic Caucus : “ Is this what you want out of your leader ?
” It ’ s a simple yes or no question .
To me , the top Democrat in the House of Representatives should be someone who encourages , not threatens , peaceful protest .
If you are represented by a D in Dover , call and ask them if they can continue to support a ‘ leader ’ like this lifer cop , and let us know what they say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in protest from the Emergency Response Team–over the suspension of the cops who shoved the 75 year-old protester .
More than a few bad apples .
Buffalo ’ s Mayor Rips Police Union .
George Floyd Is Applauding From Heaven Over Great Jobs Report .
Thus saith Le Grand Orange : How Six Teenage Girls Organized A 10,000-Person Rally In Nashville .
Just fantastic !
About That Great Jobs Report–It Wasn ’ t So Great .
A ‘ major misclassification error ’ indeed .
More Silly Anti-Trust Tricks From Amazon .
Amazon must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court Bars Use Of Controversial Herbicide .
EPA and the Department Of Agriculture had run interference for Monsanto .
The Protests Are Already Having A Positive Impact .
In other words , keep it up !
Joint Finance Committee Once Again Tosses Millions At UD , Requires No Further Accountability .
This won ’ t change without change in the General Assembly .
Props to Sen. Trey Paradee for saying what needed to be said : “ This idea that the University of Delaware is a public institution and should be treated as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that was settled law in 1950 , and yet we have letters that have been sent from university signed by the college president , by the president of the Board of Trustees , by their attorney , making this case that they are essentially a private corporation–and that ’ s wrong.
” Paradee called debates over what can and can ’ t be audited is ridiculous .
He wants to see a plan to increase undergraduate in-state enrollment to 50-percent of the Newark campus student body by 2025 , increasing to at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that plan shouldn ’ t require an increase in state funding or unreasonable tuition increases for in-state students .
“ The taxpayers of this state deserve more , ” he said .
“ We have two other fine higher education institutions in Del Tech and Delaware State University that could certainly use more funding , and in my mind , are a much better value to the Delaware taxpayer .
I would just like to see the University of Delaware start acting like the University of DELAWARE.
” A Peaceful March In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders now have the symbolism down pat , time to see some substance .
What do you want to talk about ?

We Have Proof: It’s Not Just A Few ‘Bad Apples’. Jamelle Bouie puts it in context for us. It’s systemic abuse of power against citizens w/o the ability to fight back. Followed by filing false police reports on incidents. It’s also what happens when applicants aren’t properly screened for their motivation to become police officers. Rampant racism is everywhere. Even Delaware’s Democratic Speaker of The House/former State Cop demonstrated his inbred racism for all to see:
Separately on Wednesday, Delaware House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf said activists who decide to peacefully protest when there’s “a 50-50 chance it’s going to turn violent,” should be “held accountable if something bad happens.” Schwartzkopf, a retired police officer and the leading Democrat in the House, did not state what that accountability would look like. (He also didn’t say what should happen if one of his state cop buddies decides to bust some heads, accountability only extending so far.) His district will host a protest on Friday at 4 pm. in Rehoboth Beach.
Question For All Members Of The House Democratic Caucus: “Is this what you want out of your leader?” It’s a simple yes or no question. To me, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives should be someone who encourages, not threatens, peaceful protest. If you are represented by a D in Dover, call and ask them if they can continue to support a ‘leader’ like this lifer cop, and let us know what they say.
BTW, 57 Buffalo cops resigned in protest from the Emergency Response Team–over the suspension of the cops who shoved the 75 year-old protester. More than a few bad apples. Buffalo’s Mayor Rips Police Union.
George Floyd Is Applauding From Heaven Over Great Jobs Report. Thus saith Le Grand Orange:
“Hopefully, George is looking down right now in saying this is a great thing happening for our country. A great day for him, a great day for everybody.”
How Six Teenage Girls Organized A 10,000-Person Rally In Nashville. Just fantastic!
About That Great Jobs Report–It Wasn’t So Great. A ‘major misclassification error’ indeed.
More Silly Anti-Trust Tricks From Amazon. Amazon must be broken up. Period.
Federal Court Bars Use Of Controversial Herbicide. EPA and the Department Of Agriculture had run interference for Monsanto.
The Protests Are Already Having A Positive Impact. In other words, keep it up!
Joint Finance Committee Once Again Tosses Millions At UD, Requires No Further Accountability. This won’t change without change in the General Assembly. Props to Sen. Trey Paradee for saying what needed to be said:
“This idea that the University of Delaware is a public institution and should be treated as much. It is a state agency, that was settled law in 1950, and yet we have letters that have been sent from university signed by the college president, by the president of the Board of Trustees, by their attorney, making this case that they are essentially a private corporation–and that’s wrong.” Paradee called debates over what can and can’t be audited is ridiculous. He wants to see a plan to increase undergraduate in-state enrollment to 50-percent of the Newark campus student body by 2025, increasing to at least 60 percent by 2030. He said that plan shouldn’t require an increase in state funding or unreasonable tuition increases for in-state students. “The taxpayers of this state deserve more,” he said. “We have two other fine higher education institutions in Del Tech and Delaware State University that could certainly use more funding, and in my mind, are a much better value to the Delaware taxpayer. I would just like to see the University of Delaware start acting like the University of DELAWARE.”
A Peaceful March In Wilmington–With Political Leaders In Tow. The leaders now have the symbolism down pat, time to see some substance.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-06-07--Song of the Day 6/7: Randy Rainbow, “Bunker Boy”

So much for that image of strength Trump was trying to project by refusing to wear a mask .
Between @ @ @ @ @ his Bunker Inspection Tour , he ’ s managed to convey the image of a @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s poutine minus the potatoes .
Even Randy Rainbow has noticed .

So much for that image of strength Trump was trying to project by refusing to wear a mask. Between his Fence of Invincibility and his Bunker Inspection Tour, he’s managed to convey the image of a bowl of quivering curds. He’s poutine minus the potatoes. Even Randy Rainbow has noticed.


delawareliberal--2020-06-07--DL Open Thread: Sunday, June 7, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sunday, June 7, 2020

How Police Unions Impede Any Policing Reform .
Read the article and understand this : You can ’ t negotiate with these guys .
They have one approach : Scorched earth .
You also can ’ t pass meaningful reform with an ex-cop running interference for them in the Delaware House Of Representatives .
Will AFL-CIO Cut Ties With Police Unions ?
Democrats Draft ‘ Justice In Policing ’ Act .
Read this , then ask yourselves : Is a senator who places the feelings of the widow of a Philly cop ahead of the fight for voting rights likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If not , what will you do to change the equation ?
States Have Passed Laws Criminalizing Protests .
Mostly to prevent protests against pipelines .
Mostly in Rethuglican states .
More Racism From Trump Campaign .
How can anyone think this was a good idea ?
These Protests Are The Coalescing Of A Movement .
The protests have become more peaceful over time .
Some police have revealed their true racist nature .
Others have joined protests .
The sheer size of these protests over more than a week now is truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning , though ( see 1st article above ) .
Which doesn ’ t mean you shouldn ’ t embrace the moment .
You should , and then you can take the inspiration as far as you can .
More R ’ s Think Country Is On Wrong Track .
Bad sign for Trump ?
Trump Regime Begins To Topple .
Yes , there are precedents , and they are encouraging .
What do you want to talk about ?

How Police Unions Impede Any Policing Reform. Read the article and understand this: You can’t negotiate with these guys. They have one approach: Scorched earth. You also can’t pass meaningful reform with an ex-cop running interference for them in the Delaware House Of Representatives. Will AFL-CIO Cut Ties With Police Unions?
Democrats Draft ‘Justice In Policing’ Act. Read this, then ask yourselves: Is a senator who places the feelings of the widow of a Philly cop ahead of the fight for voting rights likely to support a package like this? If not, what will you do to change the equation?
States Have Passed Laws Criminalizing Protests. Mostly to prevent protests against pipelines. Mostly in Rethuglican states.
More Racism From Trump Campaign. How can anyone think this was a good idea?
These Protests Are The Coalescing Of A Movement. The protests have become more peaceful over time. Some police have revealed their true racist nature. Others have joined protests. The sheer size of these protests over more than a week now is truly inspiring. The hard work is just beginning, though (see 1st article above). Which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t embrace the moment. You should, and then you can take the inspiration as far as you can.
More R’s Think Country Is On Wrong Track. Bad sign for Trump?
Trump Regime Begins To Topple. Yes, there are precedents, and they are encouraging.
Politico: Kamala Harris On Ascendancy For Veep. I remain–ambivalent.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-06-08--DL Open Thread: Mon., June 8, 2020

DL Open Thread: Mon., June 8, 2020

Wealthy Hospitals Laid Off Workers And Gave Executives Bonuses From Fed Funds .
They were already sitting on billions in cash reserves .
They got more , and spent none of it on , you know , health care .
Isn ’ t that fraud ?
‘ Real Stiff ’ Colin Powell Endorses Biden .
Won ’ t make much difference , but I like the symbolism .
And yes , it ’ s Trump who called him a ‘ real stiff ’ and ‘ highly overrated ’ .
Minneapolis To Disband Police Department .
Looks like they may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a ‘ public safety response team ’ .
Real change .
White House Fence Turned Into Memorial For Black Victims Of Violence .
At this point , the question is : How much will really change ?
In Delaware , the Democratic House Leadership team is comprised of two ex-cops and the Executive Director Of the Police Athletic League .
There is no way in Hell that there will be meaningful reform as long as that team remains intact .
Memo to the House Democratic Caucus : Until or unless you choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who want to reform the system , you will never be able to reform the system even a little bit .
I know that this session is almost over , but it ’ s up to you to get rid of these ‘ knee on your neck ’ neanderthals if you are serious about change .
I mean , seriously , three cop groupies as your leaders ?
WTF ?
BTW , Our PAL Val lists her ‘ occupation ’ as ‘ Full-Time Legislator ’ .
And yet , there ’ s this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true .
Dem .
Rep .
Pushed For Loans That Benefited Her Husband ’ s Casino .
Proof that corruption is not limited to Rethugs .
Cops Have Arrested 10,000 Protesters , Almost All Non-Violent .
Wan na help pay bail for these political prisoners ?
What do you want to talk about ?

Wealthy Hospitals Laid Off Workers And Gave Executives Bonuses From Fed Funds. They were already sitting on billions in cash reserves. They got more, and spent none of it on, you know, health care. Isn’t that fraud?
‘Real Stiff’ Colin Powell Endorses Biden. Won’t make much difference, but I like the symbolism. And yes, it’s Trump who called him a ‘real stiff’ and ‘highly overrated’.
Minneapolis To Disband Police Department. Looks like they may have a veto-proof majority. To be replaced by a ‘public safety response team’. Real change.
White House Fence Turned Into Memorial For Black Victims Of Violence. At this point, the question is: How much will really change? In Delaware, the Democratic House Leadership team is comprised of two ex-cops and the Executive Director Of the Police Athletic League. There is no way in Hell that there will be meaningful reform as long as that team remains intact. Memo to the House Democratic Caucus: Until or unless you choose leaders who stand with those of you who want to reform the system, you will never be able to reform the system even a little bit. I know that this session is almost over, but it’s up to you to get rid of these ‘knee on your neck’ neanderthals if you are serious about change. I mean, seriously, three cop groupies as your leaders? WTF? BTW, Our PAL Val lists her ‘occupation’ as ‘Full-Time Legislator’. And yet, there’s this. They can’t both be true.
Dem. Rep. Pushed For Loans That Benefited Her Husband’s Casino. Proof that corruption is not limited to Rethugs.
Cops Have Arrested 10,000 Protesters, Almost All Non-Violent. Wanna help pay bail for these political prisoners?
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-06-09--Police Reform In Delaware Must Start At The Top…Of The Delaware General Assembly

Police Reform In Delaware Must Start At The Top…Of The Delaware General Assembly We know what we have in John Carney : Someone whose jellyfish proclivities impelled him to cave to the gun store owners in the early days of the COVID pandemic .
We think we know what we have in AG Kathleen Jennings : Someone who is receptive to reform , but is somewhat circumscribed by the mutual dependency of the Department Of Justice and the law enforcement community .
Which brings us to the one body that can enact police reform–The Delaware General Assembly .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation that essentially places the police above the law .
Primarily , though not exclusively , in the form of the ‘ Police Bill Of Rights ’ .
Not only can police use force with impunity , any record of misconduct on their part is confidential : You should really read that Bill Of Rights in its entirety just to understand how the legal protections afforded officers are far more generous than those afforded the usual suspect .
At the least , hiding the malfeasance of bad cops from the public is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should check out the ‘ use of force ’ statute .
Bottom line : Except under certain restricted circumstances , a cop can use deadly force if he/she ‘ believes ’ that one of any number of eventualities is in effect .
Meaning , and I ’ m no attorney , that in order to prosecute an officer for excessive use of force , you would have to disprove what the officer claims to have believed .
How do you do that ?
Former AG Matt Denn basically admitted that he couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning .
We haven ’ t yet addressed the rights of police to steal stuff with impunity , and to convert their booty into more money for cops ( Read the cited article , it ’ ll make most of you real angry ) .
We haven ’ t discussed the cops accessing military-type weaponry to ‘ police ’ .
Gee , you ’ d think that the cops would be on the front line of supporting an end to assault weaponry in the hands of private citizens , but instead they surreptitiously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I wonder what they have in their private stashes…of weapons , I mean .
They probably get all the drugs they can use/sell through ‘ civil forfeiture ’ .
And if you think that ’ s too harsh a statement , I say lift the cloak of police secrecy and let us see just how ethical the police are when such lucre falls into their hands .
Which brings us to the General Assembly .
Jea Street , who has a way of cutting to the chase , said it best .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ run by former police officers and they got a lock on it.
” The Delaware House Of Representatives is literally run by two ex-cops and a legislator who owes her generous salary to the cops .
Even by Delaware standards , the composition of the Delaware Democratic House leadership is hard to fathom .
Speaker Of The House Pete Schwartzkopf is a ‘ retired Delaware State Police captain and troop commander with 25 years of service ‘ .
Once he got his legislative gig , he served for awhile as the ‘ Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fair .
He has been most recently seen/heard threatening peaceful protesters : Let ’ s parse this out : Was Schwartzkopf , as the Speaker Of The House , threatening that organizers should be held accountable if there was some violence ( 50-50 chance , my ass ) ?
Was he speaking as his former Badass Cop Self ?
Was he speaking on behalf of the Democratic House Caucus ?
Did he even bother to speak to members of the caucus before he issued his intemperate remarks ?
And why was he sticking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place ?
I have another , more important , question .
This is to all of the members of the House Democratic Caucus : Is this the person you want leading the Delaware General Assembly at a time when calls for police reform have grown exponentially ?
Feel free to provide your answers in the comments section .
Remember , silence = complicity .
House Majority Leader Val Longhurst still lists herself as a ‘ full-time legislator ’ .
This can only be true if her job as Executive Director Of the Delaware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job .
Which it might be , but she still gets paid very well for not showing up .
At least $ 75 K per year .
( BTW , just for fun , see how many Board members ’ names you recognize . )
Time for a trip in the Wayback Machine to relive how Longhurst miraculously secured this position .
She literally has her job because of the police .
She will only keep it as long as the police are happy with her .
To all of the members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the person you want leading the Democratic Caucus at a time when calls for police reform have grown exponentially ?
Feel free to provide your answers in the comments section .
Remember , silence = complicity .
House Majority Whip Larry Mitchell .
Mitchell replaced labor ’ s designated sop , John Viola , in leadership .
Viola is/was a backbencher who has now returned to the back bench .
Presumably perfect for some father-daughter chats .
Mitchell has had even more police involvement than Speaker Pete .
From his bio : Mitchell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The cops and Del-Tech .
As a member of the PAL Board of Directors , he likely voted to confirm our PAL Val for Executive Director .
Then he got a caucus leadership position .
The cops are three for three when it comes to the House Leadership Team .
( The Rethugs don ’ t really count , all they do is vote no anyway . )
To all of the members of the House Democratic Caucus : Is this the team you want leading the Democratic Caucus at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exponentially ?
Feel free to provide your answers in the comments section .
Remember , silence = complicity .
I would suggest that all of you who have D ’ s as your State Reps would do well to ask these questions of your representatives .
And share their answers with us .
Time for a brief moment for all of us to breathe .
Without cheating ( I had to cheat ) , name the other retired police officer who is a member of the House Democratic Caucus .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a well-known political ne ’ er-do-well .
OK , kids , you may be thinking , ‘ This is all well and good , but what can/should we do about it ?
” Here ’ s what : 1 .
Hold your elected representatives accountable .
Demand answers and demand commitments .
If you don ’ t get them , vote for an alternative if you have one .
Madinah Wilson-Anton , Larry Lambert , and Eric Morrison could well be upgrades on the issue of police reform .
Maybe the heretofore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well , I don ’ t know .
At least , it ’ s worth finding out as Gerald Brady has always been a cop groupie .
Work to elect Debbie Harrington over Kevin Hensley .
Work to elect Stephanie Barry over Mike Ramone .
This is stuff you can do .
2 .
After the elections , work hard to develop support for police reform .
It will not be easy .
Even if we elect a couple more enlightened Democrats , there are still several members of the Democratic Caucus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this issue .
I ’ ll name them , why not ?
: Gerald Brady , Debra Heffernan ( we need to see more , especially in that district ) , Quinn Johnson , the Leadership Troika , John Viola ( seriously , John , in your district , not a fucking word ?
Retire , and take your clueless daughter with you ) , Earl Jaques and Lumpy Carson ( neither of whom appear to be on social media ) , and Andria Viola Bennett .
BTW , for all you math @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the formula that best illustrates the legislative careers of John Viola and Andria Viola Bennett .
Nah , I ’ m not waiting for you on this one : While the Senate Democratic leadership doesn ’ t boast any ex-cops in its membership , President President Pro-Tem Dave McBride and Senate Majority Leader Nicole Poore have crushed progressive initiatives at every turn , most recently common-sense gun control legislation even after they had publicly pledged to run those bills .
The cops and the building trades unions have fought D attempts for reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of racism in both groups .
( BTW , what was the name of that terrible News Journal reporter who went to work for the Senate D ’ s ?
Doesn ’ t look like he can even be bothered to produce original material for McBride and Poore .
Their Facebook posts are , to put it mildly , similar .
You won ’ t find a word about the protests on either . )
Any successful push for reasonable police reform will require different leaders .
Prospects on the Senate side may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the House .
You have some top-notch senators with solid progressive credentials who could end up in leadership : Bryan Townsend , who is already there ; Tizzy Lockman , who has all the potential in the world ; and Dave Sokola , who could be something of a consensus pick for Pro-Tem .
You also have Darius Brown , Laura Sturgeon , and will have Sarah McBride , who replaces a pretty darn good progressive in his own right in Harris McDowell .
You also have Trey Paradee and Stephanie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are ‘ gettable ’ .
Believe it or not , even Colin Bonini has been a sponsor of legislation that would do away with civil forfeiture .
There ’ s hope for the Senate , but here ’ s what you can do to help make police reform a reality : 1 .
First and foremost , do everything you can to help Marie Pinkney to defeat Dave McBride .
Not only would this replace a neanderthal with a progressive , but it would send the message loud and clear that business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She has the demographics on her side and she ’ s incredible .
Plus , she lives in the district as opposed to Beachcomber Dave .
2 .
Help Kyle Evans Gay to defeat Cathy Cloutier .
When Cloutier says that she ’ s ‘ really a Democrat ’ , she means that she will only cast votes on behalf of Democrats that the cops and the trade unions will permit her to cast .
I can guarantee you that a vote for Gay is a vote for a more progressive leadership team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing this pathetic game for over 20 years now .
Time to send her back to Hockessin , where she lives and which is not even in her district .
I ’ m not sure whether we will find a moderately more progressive alternative to ex-cop Bruce Ennis in the 14th SD , but we should keep our eye on it and jump in if there ’ s a viable primary challenger .
I ’ m also not sure that it would be better if Democrat Jaci Hugg defeats Rethug ex-cop Dave Lawson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s even thought about this issue .
Meaning , it ’ s difficult to envision her supporting more progressive leaders in the Senate .
There ’ s lots more to be done outside of the General Assembly .
But 2000 words begin to challenge my attention span , and , I suspect , yours .
So that ’ s an article for another day .

We know what we have in John Carney: Someone whose jellyfish proclivities impelled him to cave to the gun store owners in the early days of the COVID pandemic.
We think we know what we have in AG Kathleen Jennings: Someone who is receptive to reform, but is somewhat circumscribed by the mutual dependency of the Department Of Justice and the law enforcement community.
Which brings us to the one body that can enact police reform–The Delaware General Assembly. Of course, the Delaware General Assembly has passed legislation that essentially places the police above the law. Primarily, though not exclusively, in the form of the ‘Police Bill Of Rights’. Not only can police use force with impunity, any record of misconduct on their part is confidential:
You should really read that Bill Of Rights in its entirety just to understand how the legal protections afforded officers are far more generous than those afforded the usual suspect. At the least, hiding the malfeasance of bad cops from the public is a threat to the public.
You also should check out the ‘use of force’ statute. Bottom line: Except under certain restricted circumstances, a cop can use deadly force if he/she ‘believes’ that one of any number of eventualities is in effect. Meaning, and I’m no attorney, that in order to prosecute an officer for excessive use of force, you would have to disprove what the officer claims to have believed. How do you do that? Former AG Matt Denn basically admitted that he couldn’t.
These statutes are only the beginning. We haven’t yet addressed the rights of police to steal stuff with impunity, and to convert their booty into more money for cops (Read the cited article, it’ll make most of you real angry). We haven’t discussed the cops accessing military-type weaponry to ‘police’. Gee, you’d think that the cops would be on the front line of supporting an end to assault weaponry in the hands of private citizens, but instead they surreptitiously support suppression of such legislation. Gee, I wonder what they have in their private stashes…of weapons, I mean. They probably get all the drugs they can use/sell through ‘civil forfeiture’. And if you think that’s too harsh a statement, I say lift the cloak of police secrecy and let us see just how ethical the police are when such lucre falls into their hands.
Which brings us to the General Assembly. Jea Street, who has a way of cutting to the chase, said it best. The Delaware General Assembly is “basically run by former police officers and they got a lock on it.”
The Delaware House Of Representatives is literally run by two ex-cops and a legislator who owes her generous salary to the cops. Even by Delaware standards, the composition of the Delaware Democratic House leadership is hard to fathom.
Speaker Of The House Pete Schwartzkopf is a ‘retired Delaware State Police captain and troop commander with 25 years of service‘. Once he got his legislative gig, he served for awhile as the ‘Director Of Security’ for the Delaware State Fair. He has been most recently seen/heard threatening peaceful protesters:
Separately on Wednesday, Delaware House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf said activists who decide to peacefully protest when there’s “a 50-50 chance it’s going to turn violent,” should be “held accountable if something bad happens.” Schwartzkopf, a retired police officer and the leading Democrat in the House, did not state what that accountability would look like. His district will host a protest on Friday at 4 pm. in Rehoboth Beach.
Let’s parse this out: Was Schwartzkopf, as the Speaker Of The House, threatening that organizers should be held accountable if there was some violence (50-50 chance, my ass)? Was he speaking as his former Badass Cop Self? Was he speaking on behalf of the Democratic House Caucus? Did he even bother to speak to members of the caucus before he issued his intemperate remarks? And why was he sticking his nose into this in the first place?
I have another, more important, question. This is to all of the members of the House Democratic Caucus: Is this the person you want leading the Delaware General Assembly at a time when calls for police reform have grown exponentially? Feel free to provide your answers in the comments section. Remember, silence = complicity.
House Majority Leader Val Longhurst still lists herself as a ‘full-time legislator’. This can only be true if her job as Executive Director Of the Delaware Police Athletic League is literally a no-show job. Which it might be, but she still gets paid very well for not showing up. At least $75 K per year. (BTW, just for fun, see how many Board members’ names you recognize.) Time for a trip in the Wayback Machine to relive how Longhurst miraculously secured this position.
My favorite li(n)e:
“Nobody handed me this job,” she said.
She literally has her job because of the police. She will only keep it as long as the police are happy with her. To all of the members of the House Democratic Caucus: Is this the person you want leading the Democratic Caucus at a time when calls for police reform have grown exponentially? Feel free to provide your answers in the comments section. Remember, silence = complicity.
House Majority Whip Larry Mitchell. Mitchell replaced labor’s designated sop, John Viola, in leadership. Viola is/was a backbencher who has now returned to the back bench. Presumably perfect for some father-daughter chats. Mitchell has had even more police involvement than Speaker Pete. From his bio:
For over 30 years, Representative Mitchell has devoted his career to protecting public safety and improving the quality of life for Delawareans. He began his career as a member of the Elsmere Police Department and eventually moved on to the New Castle County Police Department where he retired in early 2006 with the rank of Senior Sergeant. Upon retiring from the police force, Representative Mitchell immediately became the Campus Chief of Public Safety for Delaware Technical and Community College which is a position he continues to hold.
And, there’s this:
He is a former President and State Lodge Vice President of the Delaware State Fraternal Order of Police.
Mitchell is in Dover to represent two constituencies: The cops and Del-Tech. As a member of the PAL Board of Directors, he likely voted to confirm our PAL Val for Executive Director. Then he got a caucus leadership position.
The cops are three for three when it comes to the House Leadership Team. (The Rethugs don’t really count, all they do is vote no anyway.)
To all of the members of the House Democratic Caucus: Is this the team you want leading the Democratic Caucus at a time when calls for police reform have grown exponentially? Feel free to provide your answers in the comments section. Remember, silence = complicity.
I would suggest that all of you who have D’s as your State Reps would do well to ask these questions of your representatives. And share their answers with us.
Time for a brief moment for all of us to breathe. Without cheating (I had to cheat), name the other retired police officer who is a member of the House Democratic Caucus. Here’s a hint, this legislator also worked for a well-known political ne’er-do-well.
OK, kids, you may be thinking, ‘This is all well and good, but what can/should we do about it?” Here’s what:
1. Hold your elected representatives accountable. Demand answers and demand commitments. If you don’t get them, vote for an alternative if you have one. Madinah Wilson-Anton, Larry Lambert, and Eric Morrison could well be upgrades on the issue of police reform. Maybe the heretofore anonymous Amy. Solomon is an upgrade as well, I don’t know. At least, it’s worth finding out as Gerald Brady has always been a cop groupie. Work to elect Debbie Harrington over Kevin Hensley. Work to elect Stephanie Barry over Mike Ramone. This is stuff you can do.
2. After the elections, work hard to develop support for police reform. It will not be easy. Even if we elect a couple more enlightened Democrats, there are still several members of the Democratic Caucus who have not shown any leadership on this issue. I’ll name them, why not?: Gerald Brady, Debra Heffernan (we need to see more, especially in that district), Quinn Johnson, the Leadership Troika, John Viola (seriously, John, in your district, not a fucking word? Retire, and take your clueless daughter with you), Earl Jaques and Lumpy Carson (neither of whom appear to be on social media), and Andria Viola Bennett. BTW, for all you math wizards out there, please give me the formula that best illustrates the legislative careers of John Viola and Andria Viola Bennett. Nah, I’m not waiting for you on this one:
2 times zero equals zero.
While the Senate Democratic leadership doesn’t boast any ex-cops in its membership, President President Pro-Tem Dave McBride and Senate Majority Leader Nicole Poore have crushed progressive initiatives at every turn, most recently common-sense gun control legislation even after they had publicly pledged to run those bills. The cops and the building trades unions have fought D attempts for reasonable reform. There’s a lot of racism in both groups. (BTW, what was the name of that terrible News Journal reporter who went to work for the Senate D’s? Doesn’t look like he can even be bothered to produce original material for McBride and Poore. Their Facebook posts are, to put it mildly, similar. You won’t find a word about the protests on either.) Any successful push for reasonable police reform will require different leaders. Prospects on the Senate side may, may be slightly stronger than they are in the House. You have some top-notch senators with solid progressive credentials who could end up in leadership: Bryan Townsend, who is already there; Tizzy Lockman, who has all the potential in the world; and Dave Sokola, who could be something of a consensus pick for Pro-Tem. You also have Darius Brown, Laura Sturgeon, and will have Sarah McBride, who replaces a pretty darn good progressive in his own right in Harris McDowell. You also have Trey Paradee and Stephanie Hansen who, depending on the issues, are ‘gettable’.
Believe it or not, even Colin Bonini has been a sponsor of legislation that would do away with civil forfeiture.
There’s hope for the Senate, but here’s what you can do to help make police reform a reality:
1. First and foremost, do everything you can to help Marie Pinkney to defeat Dave McBride. Not only would this replace a neanderthal with a progressive, but it would send the message loud and clear that business as usual will not be tolerated. She has the demographics on her side and she’s incredible. Plus, she lives in the district as opposed to Beachcomber Dave.
2. Help Kyle Evans Gay to defeat Cathy Cloutier. When Cloutier says that she’s ‘really a Democrat’, she means that she will only cast votes on behalf of Democrats that the cops and the trade unions will permit her to cast. I can guarantee you that a vote for Gay is a vote for a more progressive leadership team in the Senate. Cloutier has been playing this pathetic game for over 20 years now. Time to send her back to Hockessin, where she lives and which is not even in her district.
I’m not sure whether we will find a moderately more progressive alternative to ex-cop Bruce Ennis in the 14th SD, but we should keep our eye on it and jump in if there’s a viable primary challenger. I’m also not sure that it would be better if Democrat Jaci Hugg defeats Rethug ex-cop Dave Lawson. Nothing she has posted indicates she’s even thought about this issue. Meaning, it’s difficult to envision her supporting more progressive leaders in the Senate.
There’s lots more to be done outside of the General Assembly. But 2000 words begin to challenge my attention span, and, I suspect, yours.
So that’s an article for another day.


delawareliberal--2020-06-09--DL Open Thread: Tuesday, June 9, 2020

DL Open Thread: Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Remember The Coronavirus ?
: It ’ s Still Spreading .
Bolsonaro may be even worse than Trump .
And/or Trump might just decide to follow Bolsonaro ’ s game plan .
Hey , we ’ ve got some serious hot spots right here in the good ol ’ USA : The Complete Record Of The Federal Response To Peaceful Protests in DC .
Separating fact from White House fiction .
A must-watch .
Eugene Robinson To D ’ s : Stop Worrying .
For me , that ain ’ t happening .
Minny Cops Punctured Protesters ’ Tires–Because They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
More proof that the law has been far more lawless than any of the protesters .
Trump Throwing Jared Under The Bus ?
‘ These are desperate times , Mrs. Lovett .
And desperate measures must be taken.
’ ( name the source for that quote ) : Maybe they can bring in Manafort , Flynn and Stone to right the ship .
I ’ m serious .
LA Mayor To Redirect $ 150 Mill In Police Funding To Community Programs .
Real change .
Portland ( OR ) Police Chief Resigns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this as my daughter has taken part in several of these protests out there .
She ’ s smart about it , has a lawyer ’ s phone number written on her arm , wears her mask , stays hydrated , comes prepared .
The Portland police have been out of control .
Tossing tear gas ( more dangerous than advertised ) at peaceful protesters , utilizing a ‘ sonic ’ device to basically deafen protesters .
When you think about the generally progressive nature of the city , the behavior of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it hasn ’ t really been the fault of the chief , it ’ s the fact that the cops view the protesters as the Enemy , and they ignore the ‘ leadership ’ .
Period .
Time to come down hard on them .
BTW , Check Out What Phoenix Cops Did .
While nobody ’ s been watching , Trump has continued his war against immigrants .
Aided by the Phoenix cops .
Cops Have Spied On Black Reporters And Activists For Years .
A must-read .
If this doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know what does .
Boogaloos With Weapons .
Using everything from trucks to chainsaws to go after protesters .
What do you want to talk about ?

Remember The Coronavirus?: It’s Still Spreading. Bolsonaro may be even worse than Trump. And/or Trump might just decide to follow Bolsonaro’s game plan. Hey, we’ve got some serious hot spots right here in the good ol’ USA:
The badly hit states are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Carolina, Mississippi, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah—while Puerto Rico has also recorded its highest-ever weekly average.
20 states give nursing homes (!) broad immunity from lawsuits. No justice.
The Complete Record Of The Federal Response To Peaceful Protests in DC. Separating fact from White House fiction. A must-watch.
Eugene Robinson To D’s: Stop Worrying. For me, that ain’t happening.
Minny Cops Punctured Protesters’ Tires–Because They Could. Isn’t that behavior–illegal? More proof that the law has been far more lawless than any of the protesters.
Trump Throwing Jared Under The Bus? ‘These are desperate times, Mrs. Lovett. And desperate measures must be taken.’ (name the source for that quote):
“Trump is malignantly crazy about the bad poll numbers,” a former West Wing official said. “He’s going to broom Kushner and [Brad] Parscale—the numbers are not getting better,” a Republican close to the campaign said.
Maybe they can bring in Manafort, Flynn and Stone to right the ship. I’m serious.
LA Mayor To Redirect $150 Mill In Police Funding To Community Programs. Real change.
Portland (OR) Police Chief Resigns. I know a little something about this as my daughter has taken part in several of these protests out there. She’s smart about it, has a lawyer’s phone number written on her arm, wears her mask, stays hydrated, comes prepared. The Portland police have been out of control. Tossing tear gas (more dangerous than advertised) at peaceful protesters, utilizing a ‘sonic’ device to basically deafen protesters. When you think about the generally progressive nature of the city, the behavior of the cops has been beyond the pale. And it hasn’t really been the fault of the chief, it’s the fact that the cops view the protesters as the Enemy, and they ignore the ‘leadership’. Period. Time to come down hard on them.
BTW, Check Out What Phoenix Cops Did. While nobody’s been watching, Trump has continued his war against immigrants. Aided by the Phoenix cops.
Cops Have Spied On Black Reporters And Activists For Years. A must-read. If this doesn’t reflect inherent racism, I don’t know what does.
Boogaloos With Weapons. Using everything from trucks to chainsaws to go after protesters.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-06-10--Trump’s New Fav TV Network is Bonkers & Connected to Putin

Trump ’ s New Fav TV Network is Bonkers & Connected to Putin Trump got his insane bullshit about Martin @ @ @ @ @ old who was severely injured by Buffalo police when they knocked to the ground outside @ @ @ @ @ bonkers , Russian propaganda outlet , One America News Donald J. Trump ✔ @ realDonaldTrump @ @ @ @ @ could be an ANTIFA provocateur .
75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after @ @ @ @ @ in order to black out the equipment .
@ OANN I watched , he fell @ @ @ @ @ Was aiming scanner .
Could be a set up ?
This tweet , came out @ @ @ @ @ watched OAN ’ s Kristian Rouz promote a report from a Russian national who is @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin ’ s official propaganda outlet , Sputnik .
”

Trump got his insane bullshit about Martin Gugino, the 75 year old who was severely injured by Buffalo police when they knocked to the ground outside City Hall, from the bonkers, Russian propaganda outlet, One America News
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. @OANN I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?
This tweet, came out right after the fucking idiot watched OAN’s Kristian Rouz promote a report from a Russian national who is on the payroll of the Kremlin’s official propaganda outlet, Sputnik.”


delawareliberal--2020-06-10--Two Police Reform Packages Proposed Today

One package that was proposed by the Legislative Black Caucus , and one that was proposed by Attorney General Kathleen Jennings .
Got ta say , the package proposed by the AG is much bolder and more directly addresses the police reform issues we ’ ve discussed .
Here is the proposal from the Legislative Black Caucus : Frankly , that ’ s pretty weak .
Make that very weak .
We pass a ceremonial amendment to the Constitution , we create not one , but two task forces .
We slightly amend the Police Bill of Rights to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but continue to shut out the public , and we pass two pretty good initiatives to protect the rights of juvenile defendants .
I must say , I ’ m disappointed .
Contrast that package with the Attorney General ’ s proposals : Now , that , right there , would address every single issue we ’ ve discussed .
The use-of-force standards would be strengthened to have serious teeth .
The Police Bill Of Rights would ensure the release of relevant information on officer transgressions , the bleeping ‘ civil forfeiture ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seized as part of a felony arrest .
And a whole lot more .
Including creating a public statewide database of police misconduct and a statewide public ‘ Do Not Hire ’ list .
This is the real deal .
I have never , ever , seen such an all-encompassing police reform package .
And it came from the Attorney General !
I can see it now .
What passes for legislative leadership might embrace the Black Caucus package because ( a ) it doesn ’ t do much , and ( b @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But what the State of Delaware needs is the adoption of the Attorney General ’ s proposals .
I ’ ll be honest–the Attorney General has thrown down the gauntlet to the cops .
Their relationship will be well worth watching going forward .

One package that was proposed by the Legislative Black Caucus, and one that was proposed by Attorney General Kathleen Jennings. Gotta say, the package proposed by the AG is much bolder and more directly addresses the police reform issues we’ve discussed.
Here is the proposal from the Legislative Black Caucus:
Pass Senate Bill 191, a bill introduced in February, which would start the process of amending the Delaware Constitution to protect against discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin.
Create an African American Task Force that would look at racial inequities in Delaware and propose ways to change those inequities. The task force would also commit to investing in historically black communities over the next five years.
Prohibit law enforcement from releasing mugshots or other photographs of juvenile defendants.
Require all Delaware law enforcement to video-record all interrogations of juvenile suspects and defendants, except under certain circumstances.
Amend the Delaware Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights to allow criminal defendants’ legal counsel to receive internal affairs investigative records of law enforcement officers accused of wrongdoing.
Create a Law Enforcement Accountability Task Force made up of stakeholders, including police officers and impacted citizens, who would consider issues and proposals regarding the use of force, civil rights protections, transparency and community policing.
Frankly, that’s pretty weak. Make that very weak. We pass a ceremonial amendment to the Constitution, we create not one, but two task forces. We slightly amend the Police Bill of Rights to give defense attorneys access to internal investigations, but continue to shut out the public, and we pass two pretty good initiatives to protect the rights of juvenile defendants. I must say, I’m disappointed.
Contrast that package with the Attorney General’s proposals:
Change the police use of force statute to require belief in the necessity of force to be “objectively reasonable.” The attorney general argues that the current statute is “unclear and entirely subjective,” and does not require an officer to show that the use of force was actually necessary.
Create a statewide use of force standard for every police agency. Officers would be required to exhaust all other “reasonable alternatives” before using deadly force, according to the attorney general’s office. Officers would also have to intervene to stop another officer for using excessive force. Officers would also have to report a violation of use of force policy. This standard would be the minimum, and agencies could adopt higher standards.
Create a law that criminalizes the knowing or reckless deprivation of someone’s constitutional rights.
Create a statewide civilian review board that would do independent reviews of police misconduct cases.
Change the disciplinary process for officers to add more transparency and accountability for misconduct, including amending the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights. Investigations would go unimpeded. Drug and alcohol testing would also be required following a use of force incident.
Disclose videos of police shootings. However, if releasing the video to the public would jeopardize an accused’s right to a fair trial, the state would have to withhold publishing it before introducing it in the courtroom as evidence.
Create a public, statewide database of police misconduct findings and a public “Do Not Hire” list of officers who have been fired or resigned due to abuse of force or misconduct.
Ban the forfeiture of property when it’s not part of an arrest for a felony.
Encourage all police agencies to adopt community-oriented policing policies consistent with the report on 21st Century Policing.
Review and reform programs between probation and parole and law enforcement that currently provide expanded search and seizure opportunities for those on probation to analyze racial impact and effectiveness.
Pass the remaining criminal justice reform bills that were proposed in 2019. The bills tackle laws related to sentencing and fines that reform advocates say disproportionately hurt minority and low-income residents.
Now, that, right there, would address every single issue we’ve discussed. The use-of-force standards would be strengthened to have serious teeth. The Police Bill Of Rights would ensure the release of relevant information on officer transgressions, the bleeping ‘civil forfeiture’ law would be eliminated unless property was seized as part of a felony arrest. And a whole lot more. Including creating a public statewide database of police misconduct and a statewide public ‘Do Not Hire’ list. This is the real deal. I have never, ever, seen such an all-encompassing police reform package. And it came from the Attorney General!
I can see it now. What passes for legislative leadership might embrace the Black Caucus package because (a) it doesn’t do much, and (b) it provides them political cover.
But what the State of Delaware needs is the adoption of the Attorney General’s proposals. I’ll be honest–the Attorney General has thrown down the gauntlet to the cops. Their relationship will be well worth watching going forward.


delawareliberal--2020-06-10--Song of the Day 6/10: The National, “Karen”

Song of the Day 6/10 : The National , “ Karen ” There aren ’ t many songs written for @ @ @ @ @ given the events of the past few weeks I wouldn ’ t expect any flattering @ @ @ @ @ soon .
Matt Berninger of The National is an exception .
“ ‘ Karen ’ @ @ @ @ @ wife , whose name is ‘ Carin ’ — I protected her innocence by changing @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The song is on the 2005 “ Alligator ” LP .
I @ @ @ @ @ when it ’ s sped up a bit .
The song turns into a Beatlesque @ @ @ @ @ Berninger ’ s natural voice is so deep he still doesn ’ t sound like @ @ @

There aren’t many songs written for anyone named Karen, and given the events of the past few weeks I wouldn’t expect any flattering ones will get written anytime soon. Matt Berninger of The National is an exception. “‘Karen’ is very much about my wife, whose name is ‘Carin’ — I protected her innocence by changing it to Karen,” he said. The song is on the 2005 “Alligator” LP.
I actually enjoy the song more when it’s sped up a bit. The song turns into a Beatlesque baroque-pop confection, and Matt Berninger’s natural voice is so deep he still doesn’t sound like a Chipmunk.