I appreciate what VT Gov Phil Scott said on Monday about the graffiti plastered around "BLACK LIVES MATTER" painted on the street in front of the Vermont Statehouse:
"In a statement to the media, Gov. Phil Scott condemned the vandalism and said he had instructed both the Vermont State Police and the Department of Buildings and General Services to assist Montpelier police in their investigation.
“Early this morning, in an effort to fuel hate and division, the Black Lives Matter painting in front of the State House was vandalized. This painting serves as an important reminder to make equity a priority and use this movement to drive real action and long-overdue change,” Scott stated. “This act of vandalism only reinforces that we’re not immune to racism, divisiveness and hate in Vermont. We must redouble our efforts to dismantle systemic racism and bigotry, and stay united as Vermonters.”
Moreover, Gov Scott has supported the protesters, not asking them to cease protesting because of COVID-19 concerns. When pressed on this, at Monday's news conference, he said that citizens' first amendment rights were also very important. He praised the protesters for being peaceful, and for using common sense in wearing masks and using much social distancing.
Attributing motives to people is generally dangerous ground. That said, and being very cynical, this is surely the most profitable time to publish such a book. Given the evident bad blood between them, if it twists the knife, so much the better. She seems to have little if anything to lose.
Trump’s Potemkin Reelection Campaign [Click] “A major goal of the Trump reelection effort has become shielding the president from the truth about how widely he is reviled.” Calls to mind the latter days of the Fuehrerbunker.
Regarding DT and the people around him: Healthy people faced with a double bind (damned if you do and damned if you don't) situation will respond with either fight or flight. The unhealthy ones turn codependent.
A new Public Policy Polling survey finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump, 48% to 46%. In the U.S. Senate race, Jon Ossof (D) leading Sen. David Perdue (R), 45% to 44%.
I am reminded of an account of Calvin Coolidge being visited by an outstanding economist. The economist and Coolidge conversed for hours; they agreed that the stock market was heading into danger. Finally Coolidge asked the economist "What can I do about it?" To which the economist replied "nothing." (Bear in mind that the President was far weaker in those days than subsequently.) Not being able to do anything more substantive, Coolidge did his best to encourage confidence in the markets, but the Depression came nevertheless, leading to restructuring of the government and later the New Deal. I take the moral of this story to be that the ability of individuals to bring about reform is limited or in most cases even nonexistent, but when enough individuals become dissatisfied enough with conditions, big change becomes possible. Current conditions seem closer to bringing about such a watershed event than I can remember in my lifetime. Yes, a good read.
Having written that, I thought "Well, we hope for the best." Then the other little voice pipes up and says "Yeah, these days hope and a couple of bucks might buy a cup of coffee. Might.
Well, actually, you couldn't afford anything fancy like latte or cappuccino but, rather to my surprise, a couple of bucks would buy you a pretty good cup of coffee.
I have a Starbuck's gift card that I use on rare occasions; either their smallest cup of plain coffee or a double espresso (which I don't see on that price list, but as I recall it is tolerably priced).
OHIO; As of Tuesday afternoon, there have been at least 42,010 confirmed or probable cases in the state, 2,597 deaths, and 7,007 hospitalizations, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Buffalo protester has fractured skull and cannot walk
Martin Gugino, the 75-year-old man who was shoved to the ground by two police officers during a George Floyd protest in Buffalo, New York, has a fractured skull and cannot currently walk.
Gugino’s lawyer, Kelly Zarcone, confirmed the news in a statement provided to CNN.
“I am not at liberty to elaborate at this time other than to confirm that his skull was fractured,” Zarcone said. “While he is not able to walk yet, we were able to have a short conversation before he became too tired. He is appreciative of all of the concern about him but he is still focused on the issues rather than himself.”
Zarcone also relayed a comment from Gugino: “I think it’s very unnecessary to focus on me. There are plenty of other things to think about besides me.”
The two Buffalo police officers who were captured on video shoving Gugino, Aaron Torgalski and Robert McCabe, have each pleaded not guilty to assault.
In a tweet last week, the president suggested (without evidence) that Gugino was actually an Antifa plant, but Gugino’s lawyer and loved ones ardently denied that allegation, describing the elderly man as a longtime peace activist. =================== I figure that the cops should be charged with assault under color of authority causing serious bodily harm, with enhancement for elder abuse, or separately for elder abuse. That ought to be good for five years in prison--for a non-cop.
Why were they even touching much less shoving an elderly person in the first place? That is so incredibly disrespectful! And the bastards fractured his skull? Get 'em for everything you can possibly get 'em for, and give 'em the maximum possible sentence. Lousy SObBs! Not guilty, my arss!
By now I have seen two different Biden ads on YouTube, each of them twice in the space of about twelve hours. In one, he's in a book-lined study and in the other outdoors, backed by trees. He struck me as old, tired and defeated. His shtick was simple - Vote for me because I'm not Donald Trump. He totally failed to fill me with confidence, much less enthusiasm. Howie Hawkins isn't Trump either, and he's a whole lot more dynamic... Though, truthfully, that's a low bar. A bowl of Shredded Wheat is more dynamic than Joe Biden! God help us if *he's* our savior!
I am eternally thankful to live in Massachusetts, which means I am free to vote my conscience. I'd rather he didn't select Warren, frankly, since that would allow Gov. Baker, a Republican, to appoint her replacement. The last time that happened we got Scott Brown. Nobody's anxious to replay that fiasco. I'd seriously consider voting for him if he selected Abrams,* since that would position her for '24. Otherwise, unless things change radically, Hawkins will be getting my vote.
*Abrams: I saw her talking with Robert Reich for a half an hour (In Conversation with Stacey Abrams: Voting in the Age of COVID & the Future of the Democratic Party - Click) and though I recall that she accepted money from Bloomberg, still she is an extremely impressive, dynamic and charismatic woman. I'd be delighted to vote for her for president. If Biden pulled a William Henry Harrison, she'd be an incumbent going into the '24 election, and pretty much unstoppable. *sigh* A girl can dream, I guess.
Us old parlor pinks, anarchosyndacalists, and New Deal Democrats too, Cat. I've also seen Biden ads popping up the past couple of days, but I just flip right past them. I continue to hope that I may yet live to see the Dems nominate a presidential ticket I really want to vote for, but time for that keeps getting shorter. For now I will send a little love to Booker in Kentucky, Warnock in Georgia, and Bowman in NY.
If you click on today's title, it takes you to the related news article.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI appreciate what VT Gov Phil Scott said on Monday about the graffiti plastered around "BLACK LIVES MATTER" painted on the street in front of the Vermont Statehouse:
"In a statement to the media, Gov. Phil Scott condemned the vandalism and said he had instructed both the Vermont State Police and the Department of Buildings and General Services to assist Montpelier police in their investigation.
“Early this morning, in an effort to fuel hate and division, the Black Lives Matter painting in front of the State House was vandalized. This painting serves as an important reminder to make equity a priority and use this movement to drive real action and long-overdue change,” Scott stated. “This act of vandalism only reinforces that we’re not immune to racism, divisiveness and hate in Vermont. We must redouble our efforts to dismantle systemic racism and bigotry, and stay united as Vermonters.”
https://vtdigger.org/2020/06/14/police-investigate-vandalism-of-black-lives-matter-mural/
Moreover, Gov Scott has supported the protesters, not asking them to cease protesting because of COVID-19 concerns. When pressed on this, at Monday's news conference, he said that citizens' first amendment rights were also very important. He praised the protesters for being peaceful, and for using common sense in wearing masks and using much social distancing.
DeleteSounds like you've got a good gov., Listener.
DeleteMary Trump: Why has president's niece penned damning memoir?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53058811
Attributing motives to people is generally dangerous ground. That said, and being very cynical, this is surely the most profitable time to publish such a book. Given the evident bad blood between them, if it twists the knife, so much the better. She seems to have little if anything to lose.
DeleteIt seems that the book is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com.
Delete
DeleteArwa Mahdawi: Is the Trump family destroying Donald's presidency from the inside? [Click] And who will get his/her knife in next?
Niece Mary's book sounds like a winner to me. And, yes, timing is everything.
DeleteA new EPIC-MRA poll in Michigan finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by 16 points, 55% to 39%. A new TIPP poll finds Biden leading 50% to 37%.
ReplyDeleteA new TIPP poll in Florida finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by 11 points among likely voters, 51% to 40%.
U.S. Slumps to 10th Spot In Competitiveness Rankings [Click] in 2017 it was in first place; much of the decline is attributed to Trump’s trade wars.
Warren Endorses Challenger to Elliot Engel [Click] Good for her IMO.
Warren’s outreach to black voters could help VP standing [Click]
House Will Vote on D.C. Statehood [Click] Mitch McConnell says not in the Senate while he is in charge; so in Spring 2021?
ReplyDeleteTrump’s Potemkin Reelection Campaign [Click] “A major goal of the Trump reelection effort has become shielding the president from the truth about how widely he is reviled.” Calls to mind the latter days of the Fuehrerbunker.
Inspectors General Ask Congress for Help [Click]
Regarding DT and the people around him:
DeleteHealthy people faced with a double bind (damned if you do and damned if you don't) situation will respond with either fight or flight. The unhealthy ones turn codependent.
Man Charged With Shooting Protester After Scuffle Over Statue In Albuquerque [Click]
ReplyDeleteA new Public Policy Polling survey finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump, 48% to 46%. In the U.S. Senate race, Jon Ossof (D) leading Sen. David Perdue (R), 45% to 44%.
ReplyDeleteOops--that's in Georgia.
DeleteViewpoint: US must confront its Original Sin to move forward https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52912238
ReplyDeleteThis highly worthwhile article offers a quality civics lesson.
DeleteI am reminded of an account of Calvin Coolidge being visited by an outstanding economist. The economist and Coolidge conversed for hours; they agreed that the stock market was heading into danger. Finally Coolidge asked the economist "What can I do about it?" To which the economist replied "nothing." (Bear in mind that the President was far weaker in those days than subsequently.) Not being able to do anything more substantive, Coolidge did his best to encourage confidence in the markets, but the Depression came nevertheless, leading to restructuring of the government and later the New Deal. I take the moral of this story to be that the ability of individuals to bring about reform is limited or in most cases even nonexistent, but when enough individuals become dissatisfied enough with conditions, big change becomes possible. Current conditions seem closer to bringing about such a watershed event than I can remember in my lifetime. Yes, a good read.
DeleteHaving written that, I thought "Well, we hope for the best." Then the other little voice pipes up and says "Yeah, these days hope and a couple of bucks might buy a cup of coffee. Might.
DeleteWell, actually, you couldn't afford anything fancy like latte or cappuccino but, rather to my surprise, a couple of bucks would buy you a pretty good cup of coffee.
DeleteStarbuck's Prices - Click
I have a Starbuck's gift card that I use on rare occasions; either their smallest cup of plain coffee or a double espresso (which I don't see on that price list, but as I recall it is tolerably priced).
DeleteOHIO; As of Tuesday afternoon, there have been at least 42,010 confirmed or probable cases in the state, 2,597 deaths, and 7,007 hospitalizations, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
ReplyDelete6.18%
DeleteGOP Money Flows Into Super PAC Backing Engel [Click] One more nail in his [political] coffin?
ReplyDeleteWarren Helped Raise $6 Million for Biden [Click]
A little more on Black support for Warren as VP [Click]
Warren endorses Jamaal Bowman vs, Engel [Click]
If Biden were to choose Warren as his running mate, all the more reason to announce at least some Cabinet nominees before the election.
A new Civiqs poll in Arizona finds Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race among registered voters, 49% to 45%.
ReplyDeleteIn the U.S. Senate race, Mark Kelly (D) leads Sen. Martha McSally (R), 51% to 42%.
Buffalo protester has fractured skull and cannot walk
ReplyDeleteMartin Gugino, the 75-year-old man who was shoved to the ground by two police officers during a George Floyd protest in Buffalo, New York, has a fractured skull and cannot currently walk.
Gugino’s lawyer, Kelly Zarcone, confirmed the news in a statement provided to CNN.
“I am not at liberty to elaborate at this time other than to confirm that his skull was fractured,” Zarcone said. “While he is not able to walk yet, we were able to have a short conversation before he became too tired. He is appreciative of all of the concern about him but he is still focused on the issues rather than himself.”
Zarcone also relayed a comment from Gugino: “I think it’s very unnecessary to focus on me. There are plenty of other things to think about besides me.”
The two Buffalo police officers who were captured on video shoving Gugino, Aaron Torgalski and Robert McCabe, have each pleaded not guilty to assault.
In a tweet last week, the president suggested (without evidence) that Gugino was actually an Antifa plant, but Gugino’s lawyer and loved ones ardently denied that allegation, describing the elderly man as a longtime peace activist.
===================
I figure that the cops should be charged with assault under color of authority causing serious bodily harm, with enhancement for elder abuse, or separately for elder abuse. That ought to be good for five years in prison--for a non-cop.
Why were they even touching much less shoving an elderly person in the first place? That is so incredibly disrespectful! And the bastards fractured his skull? Get 'em for everything you can possibly get 'em for, and give 'em the maximum possible sentence. Lousy SObBs! Not guilty, my arss!
DeleteYes, AND they walked by him en masse as he lay on the sidewalk with his head bleeding!
DeleteBleeding from the ear, as I recall...
DeleteBy now I have seen two different Biden ads on YouTube, each of them twice in the space of about twelve hours. In one, he's in a book-lined study and in the other outdoors, backed by trees. He struck me as old, tired and defeated. His shtick was simple - Vote for me because I'm not Donald Trump. He totally failed to fill me with confidence, much less enthusiasm. Howie Hawkins isn't Trump either, and he's a whole lot more dynamic... Though, truthfully, that's a low bar. A bowl of Shredded Wheat is more dynamic than Joe Biden! God help us if *he's* our savior!
ReplyDeleteI am eternally thankful to live in Massachusetts, which means I am free to vote my conscience. I'd rather he didn't select Warren, frankly, since that would allow Gov. Baker, a Republican, to appoint her replacement. The last time that happened we got Scott Brown. Nobody's anxious to replay that fiasco. I'd seriously consider voting for him if he selected Abrams,* since that would position her for '24. Otherwise, unless things change radically, Hawkins will be getting my vote.
*Abrams: I saw her talking with Robert Reich for a half an hour (In Conversation with Stacey Abrams: Voting in the Age of COVID & the Future of the Democratic Party - Click) and though I recall that she accepted money from Bloomberg, still she is an extremely impressive, dynamic and charismatic woman. I'd be delighted to vote for her for president. If Biden pulled a William Henry Harrison, she'd be an incumbent going into the '24 election, and pretty much unstoppable. *sigh* A girl can dream, I guess.
Us old parlor pinks, anarchosyndacalists, and New Deal Democrats too, Cat. I've also seen Biden ads popping up the past couple of days, but I just flip right past them. I continue to hope that I may yet live to see the Dems nominate a presidential ticket I really want to vote for, but time for that keeps getting shorter. For now I will send a little love to Booker in Kentucky, Warnock in Georgia, and Bowman in NY.
DeleteOklahoma coronavirus rate surges as Trump rally nears [Click]
ReplyDeleteTuesday:
ReplyDeleteVT: 1131/55 (+3/ 0)
162 active cases
0 deaths for 24 days
Recovered: 914 (+2)
In Hospital = 2 ( 0)
Tests 52,890 (+333)
4.86%
Delete