L-R Attorney General William Barr, Donald Trump (public domain) From the New York Times:
Attorney William P. Barr said on Saturday that President Trump had fired the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, who has investigated the president’s closest associates, deepening a crisis over the independence of law enforcement and the president’s purge of officials he views as disloyal.
Mr. Trump removed the prosecutor, Geoffrey S. Berman, United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, after he had refused to step down on Friday night. The president’s announcement capped an extraordinary clash over an office that has been at the forefront of corruption inquiries into Mr. Trump’s inner circle.
In a statement released on Saturday, Mr. Barr said Mr. Berman had “chosen public spectacle over public service.” “Because you have declared that you have no intention of resigning, I have asked the President to remove you as of today, and he has done so,” the statement read.
Six members of the advance team preparing to staff President Trump’s rally here Saturday tested positive for the coronavirus, underscoring concerns about holding a massive indoor event in a city where cases are spiking.
The campaign made that announcement, saying quarantine procedures had gone into effect for the infected staff members and those in “immediate contact” with them, as hundreds of supporters filled downtown streets in anticipation of the president’s rally — his first since the virus brought much of public life to a standstill in March.
Upon entering the rally grounds, attendees were handed blue face coverings and directed through a maze of metal fencing, which led to a touchless temperature screening conducted by volunteers in purple smocks.
Note: Oklahoma has seen a 100 percent spike in new coronavirus cases in the past week. NBC News spoke to Trump supporters outside the rally venue today, all of whom expressed little to no concern about the virus. Several also expressed doubt about the severity of the pandemic. “If Trump felt comfortable having it here, then I’m comfortable,” said one supporter. Said another, of the coronavirus risk: “If today is the day I die, today is the day I die.” “As far as I know, I’m still an American,” said Tom Todd, Sheri’s husband and a retired welder. “This is a free country and I can do what I want. If I want to wear a mask, I wear a mask. If I don’t, I don’t. If I get sick, I get sick. That’s my choice,” Tom continued, adding that he thought the number of coronavirus deaths was being “padded.”
“If Trump felt comfortable having it here, then I’m comfortable,” said one supporter of the president.
Another said, of the coronavirus risk: “If today is the day I die, today is the day I die.” https://t.co/RxiJnPRu7t — Heidi Przybyla (@HeidiNBC) June 20, 2020
L-R John Bolton, Donald Trump (images via Flickr/WhiteHouse) A federal has refused to block the release of former White House national security adviser John Bolton’s new book, “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir,” which reveals highly critical insights into the presidency of Donald Trump. From USA Today:
“With hundreds of thousands of copies around the globe – many in newsrooms – the damage is done,” wrote Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the Federal District Court of the District of Columbia. “There is no restoring the status quo.”
But the judge also sharply rebuked Bolton for not following the government’s prepublication clearance protocols regarding potentially classified material and suggested he could lose his $2 million advance for the book, titled, “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir”.
Bolton attorney Charles Cooper, meanwhile, said his client broke no rules:
“We welcome today’s decision by the Court denying the Government’s attempt to suppress Ambassador Bolton’s book. We respectfully take issue, however, with the Court’s preliminary conclusion at this early stage of the case that Ambassador Bolton did not comply fully with his contractual prepublication obligation to the Government, and the case will now proceed to development of the full record on that issue. The full story of these events has yet to be told – but it will be.”
It’s interesting that Bolton’s attorney mentions the “full story of these events” not being told when Bolton COULD have testified during Trump’s impeachment trial and made a difference. Instead, he waited until he could sell his story for millions. What a patriot. Trump tried to spin the court ruling as a “win” via Twitter:
….Bolton broke the law and has been called out and rebuked for so doing, with a really big price to pay. He likes dropping bombs on people, and killing them. Now he will have bombs dropped on him!
Pierre Vuala (via Instagram) Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: Fitness trainer and model Pierre Vuala (above) offers up this #FBF moment until “traveling is a thing again.” Follow him on the Gram of Insta here. • Instinct: A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the State Department must recognize that the daughter of a gay couple in Maryland has been a U.S. citizen since her birth in Canada via a surrogate last year. The Trump administration had changed the interpretation of a 1952 citizenship law to view children born abroad via surrogacy as being born “out of wedlock.” • KIT212: Don’t miss Kenneth’s weekly round-up of the what’s what in local LGBTQ publications. • Washington Post: Even though the population of the European Union surpasses the United States by more than 100 million (446 million vs. 328 million), coronavirus cases in the U.S. haven’t fallen as quickly as in the EU. (graphic via Washington Post) • Media Matters: referencing the Supreme Court’s rulings on marriage equality and this week’s decision on LGBTQ employment protections, Rush Limbaugh blames the “deep state” for “cultural rot.” Rushbo told his listeners, “We are so low that when we look up, we see a filthy gutter.” • The Hill: Oklahoma has reported more than 800 new coronavirus cases in the past two days, marking a significant spike ahead of a massive rally for President Trump in the state planned for Saturday. The state reported 352 new cases on Friday, one day after a record 450 new cases on Thursday. • Outsports: Declaring himself “proud and free,” Daniel Arcos, a pro basketball player from Chile, came out Wednesday as gay in an Instagram post. The 26-year-old forward in the top Chile pro basketball league posted a three-page letter on Instagram in which he talked about his struggles to accept himself but decided the time to make a statement was now. He followed the post with a message of thanks to supporters: “Thank each of the messages of support, signs of affection and respect. The tranquility that I have with myself is incredible. #pride.”
Today is the 155th anniversary of the day Union troops delivered federal orders freeing all previously enslaved people in Texas. The Lone Star state was the last to receive the news of emancipation two years after the fact. Juneteenth, as the holiday became known, is a time to honor and reflect on the history, independence, and resilience of the Black community in America. This year’s observance carries particular weight in light of national protests calling out the brutality and systemic racism that still exists specifically in police departments across the country. The murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Dion Johnson, and so many others underscore in stark terms the fight for Black lives, for justice, and for racial equality is far from over. Sadly, we live in a time when many of the nation’s leaders, like Donald Trump, reveal their ignorance on the history of Juneteenth. After receiving pushback for scheduling a campaign rally on this date in Tulsa, Oklahoma – the site of the deadly massacre that left 300 Black Americans dead 99 years ago – Trump told the Wall Street Journal in an interview that no one had ever heard of the historic date before he scheduled his rally. “I did something good: I made Juneteenth very famous,” Trump told the Journal. “It’s actually an important event, an important time. But nobody had ever heard of it.” The Journal added that Trump “paused the interview to ask an aide if she had heard of Juneteenth, and she pointed out that the White House had issued a statement last year commemorating the day.” “Oh really? We put out a statement?” responded Trump, apparently surprised by the news. “The Trump White House put out a statement? OK, OK. Good.” Note: Having grown up in Texas, I’ve been aware of Juneteenth since I was a small child. As we move forward, please consider supporting the NAACP, Black Lives Matter Action Fund, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Any donation, large or small, can help these important advocacy groups in their efforts to end systemic racism and move closer to attaining justice and equality for the Black community.
On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, TX, the last enslaved African Americans were finally given notice of their freedom. 155 years later, we're still on the long road to equality, equity, and fairness for all.
Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible––and there is still so much work to do.https://t.co/5XCRdnk3iR
L-R Gary Bouvier, bartender Shane CullinanWSVN News reports that Gary Bouvier, owner of the local restaurant Wilton Wings, spit into the face of a bartender at The PUB, located in Wilton Manors, Florida, after being asked to wear a face mask due to the ongoing coronavirus health threat. Bouvier is reportedly under investigation by Wilton Manors Police Department and faces felony assault charges related to the attack. It’s worth noting The PUB has a sign posted on the front door requiring customers to wear a face mask. The Independent reported today the number of coronavirus cases in Florida has hit a new daily record. Via Shane Cullinan’s Facebook:
Friday night I had a guy actually come behind the bar looking for a restroom. I told him it was on the other side and he needed to put his mask on while walking around. He said, “ You don’t know who I am, and fuck off.”
I followed him to near the bathroom and told him the masks were to protect others and he needed to wear one while walking about. Again, he said, “You don’t know who I am and to fuck your mom.”
He continued to say “you don’t know who I am” and shouted profanity. I walked away although he said I assaulted him in the bathroom. We have video and I never went in the bathroom.
Probably about 7 minutes later he comes in from outside, actually has a mask on, pulls it down and spits in my face. He says, “Fuck off and you messed with the wrong person” I was completely in shock and so was his wife. This man spit in my face and put my life at risk and other patrons who were around the area. Spit stays in the air for a while. We called the Wilton police right away but he ran out to his Lamborghini to get away.
Bouvier issued a statement on the Wilton Manors Gayborhood Facebook page expressing his “sincere regret” for the incident. He wrote, in part, “I consumed too much alcohol and engaged in out-of-character behavior for which I profoundly regret.” Saying he “deeply” apologizes to Mr. Cullinan, he adds he is “making efforts” to convey his sorrow and hopes that “one moment of poor judgment does not define” who he is. Some folks on the Gayborhood FB page have alluded to “everyone” having a “moment of weakness” and the apology should be enough. I have to ask – who reading this has ever SPIT in the face of a bartender or announced: “You don’t know who I am!”
R-L Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and ‘son’ Nestor (image via Twitter) UPDATE: Rep. Matt Gaetz confirmed to PEOPLE today that he’s never ‘formally’ adopted Nestor Galban. I admit, in many cases, “family” can be defined in many ways and what counts is in the heart. But in this case, Gaetz defended his ‘outrage’ for his over-the-top reaction in a congressional committee hearing by announcing the “local student” or “helper” (his own words) is suddenly his “son,” it sure sounds like he’s using someone’s ethnicity to justify his own woeful voting record on immigration and racial issues.
Wednesday’s House Judiciary Committee hearing on police reform blew up when Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) took offense at remarks made by Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) about race, asking the Black congressman “who the hell” he thought he was.
The Democrat noted that he was aware that there are GOP congressmen who have Black grandchildren before pointing out that “it is not about the color of your kids” but instead about “Black males, Black people in the streets getting killed.”
“And if one of them happens to be your kid, I’m concerned about him too, and clearly I’m more concerned about him than you are,” Richmond added, causing Gaetz to become irate. (Gaetz is not married and has no children.)
“You’re claiming you have more concern about my family than I do,” the pro-Trump congressman shouted. “Who in the hell do you think you are?” After Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) called on Gaetz to cease, Richmond coolly asked Gaetz, “Was that a nerve?”
The reason the story is interesting is…apparently, Gaetz (who is single) has an adopted Cuban-born son named Nestor, but no one knew this…? There’s no mention of Nestor on Gaetz’s campaign website. Now, I don’t believe in pimping out kids for political points, but usually, on a politician’s “About” section on their website, there’s a mention of spouse and children. Nope. Not on Gaetz’s website. Gaetz tweeted a photo with Nestor today explaining Nestor is his son, although he makes a point to say they ‘share no blood’ and Nestor came to the U.S. from Cuba (with the notation ‘legally, of course’). But then, folks clicked back through the congressman’s Twitter feed and it turns out Nestor has made a couple of appearances in the past, but Gaetz referred to him as his “helper” in a video and in other tweets listed him as a “local student Nestor Galban” or “House page Nestor Galban.” But never identified his son as his son? I think that’s, umm, weird. So did some other folks. As Boy Culture writes, “People are understandably shocked that Gaetz — who has a DUI record — was able to adopt (?) a 12-year-old boy from another country, and that he chose to keep this arrangement a secret until he felt it was politically expedient to come out of the closet … as a dad. Or a father figure. Or a ward.” By the way, to be clear, I think adoption ROCKS. It’s just odd that Gaetz suddenly reveals this after a shouting match over non-white children…
— Ted Corcoran (Red T Raccoon) (@RedTRaccoon) June 17, 2020
For all those wondering, this is my son Nestor. We share no blood but he is my life. He came from Cuba (legally, of course) six years ago and lives with me in Florida.
I am so proud of him and raising him has been the best, most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life. pic.twitter.com/JB96wzOzYU — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 18, 2020
Nestor turned 19 a few days ago & will be off to University. He arrived here at 12.
As you can imagine, I was triggered when (to make an absurd debate point) a fellow congressman diminished the contributions of Republicans because we don’t raise non-white kids. Well, I have. — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 18, 2020
Just to be clear about what’s being mocked today… A single man adopting or fostering an older kid: Excellent. Keeping it secret for 7 years: Weird. Calling him your “helper” or “local student”: Creepy. Revealing his existence only when it’s politically convenient: Contemptible.
But hey, congrats, Matt! You managed to derail the conversation about the immense danger and fear that black people—especially black men—face every day at the hands of law enforcement, & make it about you instead!
In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration cannot move forward with plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has enabled an estimated 800,000 young people, known as ‘Dreamers,’ to remain in the United States. The decision represents a huge rebuke of Donald Trump’s immigration policy, which has been central to his presidency since he announced his run for office in 2015. According to the majority opinion, the administration failed to give an adequate justification for ending the federal program. From the New York Times:
The court’s ruling was a blow to one of President Trump’s central campaign promises — that as president he would “immediately terminate” an executive order by former President Barack Obama that Mr. Trump had called an illegal executive amnesty for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote the majority opinion, joined by the court’s four more liberal members in upholding the program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.
“We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies,” the chief justice wrote. “We address only whether the agency complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action.”
As the ruling notes, the decision didn’t rule on the legality of ending DACA, just that the Trump administration hadn’t followed proper procedures. Several pundits have shared the ruling could be used as a ‘road map’ for Trump to re-submit his executive order with more success. Trump has since announced he plans to do exactly that. This is the second ruling this week from the high court that decided against the Trump administration. On Monday, SCOTUS ruled that LGBTQ people are protected in the workplace by existing federal civil rights laws. It’s notable that Chief Justice Roberts voted in the majority in that decision as well. The Trumpster was, of course, not happy.
These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives. We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd. Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020!
…ruling & request of yesterday. I have wanted to take care of DACA recipients better than the Do Nothing Democrats, but for two years they refused to negotiate – They have abandoned DACA. Based on the decision the Dems can’t make DACA citizens. They gained nothing! @DHSgov
Former Atlanta police officer Garrett Rolfe (via Atlanta Police Dept) From the New York Times:
A former Atlanta police officer was charged on Wednesday with murder and aggravated assault in the killing last week of a black motorist outside a fast-food restaurant, and prosecutors revealed chilling new details of the late-night encounter, including that the officer kicked the dying man after shooting him twice in the back.
The former officer, Garrett Rolfe, faces a total of 11 charges in connection with the death of the motorist, Rayshard Brooks. The shooting, which was captured on a widely circulated video, has prompted the resignation of Atlanta’s police chief and further inflamed the tensions over race and policing that are roiling the nation.
At a news conference on Wednesday to announce the charges, prosecutors said that Mr. Rolfe declared, “I got him,” after firing the fatal shots at Mr. Brooks. Mr. Rolfe kicked the victim, prosecutors said, while his partner stood on the fatally wounded man’s shoulder.
Mr. Rolfe and his partner, Devin Brosnan, both of whom are white, then failed to render aid for more than two minutes, said Paul L. Howard Jr., the Fulton County district attorney.
Brosnan was charged with three counts, including aggravated assault and violations of oath, although he is said to be cooperating with prosecutors in the case.
Joel Green (via Instagram) Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: Wise words of the day from fitness guy Joel Green (above) – “It’s not about your reflection, it’s what you see beyond it.” #DreamBigger • Washington Blade: Sara Hegazy, 30, an LGBTQ rights activist from Egypt who was arrested for raising a rainbow flag during a 2017 concert in Cairo died by suicide on Sunday at her home in Canada. She was reportedly tortured for months in prison before an Egyptian court ordered her release on bail in January 2018. • KIT212: Kenneth’s weekly ‘Wrestle Wednesday’ (below) is really worth the click 🙂 (via kenneth-in-the-212) • CNN: Martin Gugino, the 75-year-old protester who was pushed to the ground by two Buffalo, New York police officers earlier this month, has a fractured skull and is still unable to walk, his lawyer said in a statement provided to CNN. Gugino’s attorney passed along a message from the senior protester: “I think it’s very unnecessary to focus on me. There are plenty of other things to think about besides me.” • NY Daily News: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has issued an order requiring all lawmakers to wear masks in committee hearings after Rep. Tom Rice (R-South Carolina) announced he and several family members have contracted the COVID-19 virus. Rice has refused to wear a mask at House meetings. Pelosi has ordered the Sargeant at Arms to deny entry by any violators. • OMG Blog: RuPaul is so good at ‘Family Feud’ he doesn’t even need to hear the question! Watch below.
