Monday, June 1, 2020

And another day--maybe even the day--where Americans must choose fascism or not comes to a close:

“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and waving a cross.” -- Sinclair Lewis

Deaths

US: 106,925 (+730)

World: 377,437 (+3538)

Countdown: 155 days.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. Your silence will not protect you and it definitely won’t protect people of color.” — Michael Crawford

“Millions of Americans would rather empower a dictator than eradicate white supremacy.” -- Keith Boykin

To be clear: Trump refused to invoke the Defense Production Act to mobilize and save lives quickly against COVID-19. But he didn't hesitate at all to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act to deploy the military on American streets against protests. That speaks volumes.

If you're a white person wondering what to do during the George Floyd protests, I have some advice. it is not enough to claim you are not a racist in the face of state-sanctioned violence...It’s crucial that you move from “not racist” to becoming an antiracist.

Independent autopsy finds George Floyd's death a homicide due to 'asphyxiation from sustained pressure'.

While the nation has been riveted by images of police battling protesters, some police departments have been trying to quell the violence by locking arms with protesters. -- And that’s how you start a conversation to foster change.

National Guard troops deployed near White House after Trump calls for military show of force.

“It’s a war in a certain sense and we’re going to end it fast.” — Donald Trump

It’s not a war. But he wants one.

Pentagon officials express concern as Trump threatens to use military to 'dominate' protestors.

Illinois governor rejects Trump's mobilization of troops.

Trump must be removed. So must his congressional enablers. -- It is vitally important that Republican senators be removed from office. Vote them all out.

President Obama: How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change.

"In the end, what we have is a fool in place of a president, while the person who really runs the country, Senator Mitch McConnell, destroys the United States for generations to come. McConnell has destroyed and degraded our judicial system. He has tried to destroy heath care. He’s destroyed the environment. He’s the master and Trump’s the stooge, and what’s funny is that Trump doesn’t even know it. Trump’s always wanted to be part of the in-group, but McConnell is an in-group of one and Trump plays the fool.” -- Nailed it.

Trump calls governors facing unrest 'weak' and 'fools,' urges stronger police tactics. — Because that’s what leaders do?

Trump, Barr tell governors to ‘dominate’ streets in response to unrest. Trump put blame for the unrest squarely on 'the radical left.'

“When someone is throwing a rock, that’s like shooting a gun. What’s the difference?” -- Donald Trump

After weekend of police brutality, Trump demands more violence. “If you don’t dominate, you’re wasting your time.”

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) says President Donald Trump should deploy the U.S. military to help contain the unrest in major American cities over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. “If necessary, the 10th Mountain, 82nd Airborne, 1st Cav, 3rd Infantry—whatever it takes to restore order. No quarter for insurrectionists, anarchists, rioters, and looters.” -- Tom Cotton is an asshole.

Officers fire tear gas on peaceful protesters to clear the way for Trump's photo op.

The White House’s explanation for a tear gas attack on peaceful protesters doesn’t add up. And the White House still won’t answer the most important question: Who ordered the attack?

As protests over George Floyd's death continue, over 17,000 members of the US' National Guard are standing ready to support local law enforcement. That represents approximately the same number of active-duty troops deployed in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. -- Trump declares war with Americans.

White nationalist group posing as antifa called for violence on Twitter.

Trump calls for Supreme Court to reconsider flag burning laws. -- He’s trying to rile his base.

Becoming a Parent in the Age of Black Lives Matter. When the movement for black lives began, I did not have children. Now the fight means more to me—coupled with fears that are even deeper.

Minneapolis police rendered 44 people unconscious with neck restraints in five years. Several police experts said that number appears to be unusually high. "By using this tactic, it's a self-fulfilling tragedy," said one.

A recent analysis by advocacy group Mapping Police Violence found that 99% of police killings from 2014 to 2019 did not result in officers even being charged with, let alone convicted of, a crime.

Trump Killed Obama's Police Reforms. Now He's Getting What He Asked For.

Trump declares he’s president of law and order amid protests. -- Law and order? That is some funny shit.

Dr. Anthony Fauci hasn't spoken with Trump in two weeks. -- Yeah, there’s still a fucking pandemic going on.

Spain, one of the hardest-hit European countries in the coronavirus pandemic, reported no COVID-19 deaths in a 24-hour period for the first time since March. A health official called the development “very, very encouraging.”

Mexico has announced a nationwide lifting of coronavirus restrictions — but a government map shows nearly the entire country marked in red, still unready to reopen.

Little Progress Made In Trump's Plan For Private Retailers To Test For Coronavirus.

Trump Falls for Video of Dallas Clash Edited to Cast Machete-Wielding Vigilante as Victim. -- Hopefully you didn’t.

Facebook employees walk out in protest of Donald Trump’s posts.

Facebook employees go public with disagreement over Zuckerberg's handling of Trump.

Trump informed his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin of his idea to hold an expanded Group of Seven summit later this year in a telephone call on Monday, the Kremlin said.

The Music Business Is Holding a ‘Blackout.’ But No One Seems to Know What That Means. The industry-wide call to action, which asks for a day of “pause” on June 2nd, has garnered both support and skepticism from record labels and artists.

Trump’s push to regulate social media faces uphill battle at FCC.

A Minneapolis school asked for groceries to help the families in looted communities. They received thousands. — Most people are good people. 

Congo health ministry confirms at least 4 new Ebola Deaths in Western city. — But of course. It’s 2020.

Football (Soccer) and dementia: Alan Jarvis inquest to explore heading link.

Is sexuality a spectrum? Americans aren’t sure. Gen Z and Millennials are less likely than older generations to consider themselves completely heterosexual. Fewer than half of Gen Z (48%) and Millennial (48%) respondents say they are completely heterosexual. -- If the people involved are consenting adults, then go at it. Sex is supposed to be fun.

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Stay safe and stay sane. Good night.