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Hundreds Of Thousands Of Puerto Ricans Continue Protests Against Gov. Rosselló

The protests against Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo A. Rosselló have now last more than a week with an estimated 500,000 residents of the U.S. territory coming together to demand Rosselló's resignation.
Fox News anchor Shepard Smith interviews Gov. Ricardo Rosselló

The protests against Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo A. Rosselló have now lasted for more than a week with an estimated 500,000 residents of the U.S. territory coming together to demand Rosselló’s resignation.

From the New York Times:

Hundreds of thousands of people swept through the capital of Puerto Rico on Monday, shutting down a major highway and paralyzing much of the city in the latest in a series of furious protests over the island’s embattled governor, Ricardo A. Rosselló.

The protest was one of the largest ever seen on the island, as Puerto Ricans streamed into the capital on buses — and some on planes from the mainland — in a spontaneous eruption of fury over the years of recession, mismanagement, natural disaster and corruption that have fueled a recent exodus.

Ignoring sporadic deluges, demonstrators launched impromptu line dances, paraded on horseback, banged pots and carried banners along several miles of highway, many shouting: “Ricky, renuncia, el pueblo te repudia!” — Ricky, resign, the people reject you.

Mr. Rosselló said on Sunday that he would step down from the leadership of his party and pledged not to run for re-election in 2020. But the governor, a 40-year-old former biomedical scientist and businessman, is growing increasingly isolated as a series of influential political leaders, some from his own party, have called on him to accede to public demands for an immediate resignation.

After years of mounting frustrations due to austerity measures and a slow moving recovery after Hurricane Maria, news of hundreds of mocking homophobic/sexist text messages between Rosselló and his advisors, appearing as a kind of ‘bro’ culture, appears to have been the tipping point.

International pop star Ricky Martin, who was a target of homophobic and sexist comments in the leaked text messages, has been helping to lead the protests for days now.

Fox News anchor Shepard Smith spoke with the governor today and asked him who in Puerto Rico still supports him. The governor was pretty much at a loss to come up with a name.

This is brutal.

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News Round-Up: July 22, 2019

(image via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• InstaHunks: Electric power went down for much of NYC Sunday night, but InstaHunk Jeff Ferreira is getting through the current heat wave. #sweat

• New Yorker: Former Minnesota Sen. Al Franken, one of the early targets of the #MeToo movement, regrets resigning so quickly. “Oh yeah, absolutely.”

• NOLA: The Gretna Police Department has put Officer Charlie Rispoli on administrative leave following Rispoli’s Facebook comment last week that suggested a Democratic congresswoman should be shot. He commented on a story, clearly marked ‘Satire,’ that insinuated AOC had said, “We pay soldiers too much.”

• Friendly Atheist: Christian hate-preacher Steven “Death to the Gays” Anderson of Arizona’s (independent fundamentalist) Faithful Word Baptist Church says he’s now banned from entering Australia. There are now 33 countries that have banned Anderson.

• Talking Points Memo: Vice President Mike Pence will attend a $35,000 per couple fund-raising event in Colorado hosted at a private club owned by two gay men. #quislings

• Broadway: Pop music icon Barry Manilow heads back to Broadway for an exclusive limited engagement July 26 through August 17 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street). For ticket information, click HERE.

‘Fanilows’ should expect a non-stop evening of Top 40 Hits from Manilow’s decades-long list of songs ranging from pop, to Broadway, Jazz, and adult contemporary.

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Asked About Melania Trump’s Fashion, Vogue’s Anna Wintour Gushes About Michelle Obama

First Lady Melania Trump (L), Anna Wintour (R)

In an interview with Anne McElvoy for The Economist’s podcast, legendary fashion guru and editor-in-chief for Vogue Magazine, Anna Wintour, threw serious shade at First Lady Melania Trump in the most finessed manner you can imagine.

Sometimes, not saying anything at all is the purest form of shade.

In a discussion about Donald and Melania Trump’s sense of fashion, McElvoy notes the Donald’s often “ill-fitting suits and strange trousers and red baseball caps,” but then pivoted to Melania.

“Melania is much more put together,” said McElvoy. “She did come to the UK and I think very consciously wanted to see herself as an ambassador for British fashion in this case, or a transatlantic ambassador. Do you value that?”

“Well,” began Wintour, “I think First Lady Michelle Obama was really so incredible in every decision she made about fashion. She supported young American designers. She supported designers, indeed, from all over the world. She was the best ambassador this country could possibly have, in many ways, obviously way beyond fashion…”

And at that point McElvoy interrupted to bring the discussion back to Melania. “But she’s not the First Lady now – what about the one you have now?”

“…beyond fashion, and for me, she is the example I admire,” continued Wintour, putting a period on her thoughts.

Earlier in the chat McElvoy noted that the Trumps don’t seem to make the pages of Vogue Magazine, and the journalist wondered if that might be “a conscious decision?”

Wintour responded, “There’s so many women in politics that deserve celebration, whether it’s Kirsten (Gillibrand) or Senator Harris, or Senator Warren.”

See what she did there?

 “We just recently ran a piece in our current issue about five of the six political female candidates, all of which I felt deserved a place in Vogue,” she continued. “And how wonderful that after a lot of naysayers saying that after (Hillary Clinton) not succeeding that it would be very difficult to find a voice in the current presidential campaigns. How wonderful that that is not the case.”

“I think that both Senator Warren and Senator Harris are among the top candidates right now,” added the woman who provided the inspiration for Meryl Streep’s ‘Miranda Priestly’ in The Devil Wears Prada.

Realizing her question had been sidelined, McElvoy circled back a few minutes later.

“We just glided, or perhaps it’s clear, I don’t know, past the question of Melania and where she features in Vogue world,” said McElvoy. “Do you feel that she’s not the right person to feature in the magazine?”

“I think it’s important for Vogue to support women who are leading change in this country,” answered Wintour.

And, scene.

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Trump Has Plans To Win Afghanistan War But Doesn’t “Want To Kill 10 Million People”

During a press event in the Oval Office today with Pakistan’s prime minister, Imran Khan, Donald Trump told reporters he could end the Afghanistan war “in a week,” but that doing so would cause millions of deaths.

During a press event in the Oval Office today with Pakistan’s prime minister, Imran Khan, Donald Trump told reporters he could end the Afghanistan war “in a week,” but that doing so would cause millions of deaths.

“I could win that war in a week,” said Trump. “I just don’t want to kill 10 million people.”

The president added that Afghanistan would be “wiped off the face of the earth” in 10 days if he chose to bring a quick end to the nation’s longest war.

Note – the United States is not at war with Afghanistan.

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Country Radio Host Interviews Mayor Pete, Bosses Say Chat Can’t Be Aired

Radio host Blair Garner interviewed Mayor Pete Buttigieg for his syndicated radio show, but bosses later told him the segment couldn't be aired
Country radio host Blair Garner interviews Mayor Pete Buttigieg (image via Twitter)

Blair Garner, whose syndicated country music radio show is heard in nearly 200 cities, was recently contacted by the presidential campaign of Mayor Pete Buttigieg requesting an interview.

Garner openly admits he was “stunned” by the request considering his radio show isn’t political, and most country music fans tend to be on the conservative end of the political spectrum.

But the veteran radio host also says he was “extremely flattered” by the approach.

“One of the few truly viable candidates in the race raised his hand and asked for a place at the table,” says Garner. “I was willing to give him that seat.”

Garner shares, via social media, that his only condition was that the Buttigieg campaign “value and appreciate our listeners, and never treat them as pawns.”

You’ve got to give it to Mayor Pete – he’s not leaving a single vote on the floor.

But after recording the 20 minute chat, Garner was told by his bosses at Cumulus Media he couldn’t share the interview on air.

“I was proud of it,” says the National Radio Hall of Famer. “But in the end, I was told I couldn’t air it.”

Cumulus issued a statement explaining their decision was based on the “large number of political candidates” currently running and the FCC’s Equal Time Rule, which requires media companies to provide equal airtime to all candidates.

Cumulus Nashville’s programming managers made the decision not to air Blair Garner’s pre-recorded interview with Mayor Pete Buttigieg because of the large number of political candidates currently in this race. The decision was made by local programming management based solely on concerns related to the application of the FCC’s Equal Time Rule. The effects of the FCC’s Equal Time Rule are widely understood and considered whenever these types of issues arise.

Garner says he would “GLADLY” welcome other serious candidates as a guest but “nobody else reached out.”

Garner did ask for, and received, permission to post the interview on his Soundcloud account.

You can listen to the chat between Blair Garner and Mayor Pete below.

As I was writing this post, I realized the third man in the photo below is Garner’s husband, Eric.

I’m not a political guy. My radio show isn’t political, nor does it aspire to be. I’m just the host of a syndicated Country music program who loves his country – both the amazing land in which we live, and the outstanding music from today’s Country artists. The phrase, “I love my Country” is one that I state proudly and without reservation. I mean it to my core. I was stunned when we were contacted by Mayor Pete’s team requesting an interview. Absolutely stunned. Since Country music tends to lean in a conservative direction, I was surprised. But more than surprised, I was EXTREMELY flattered. One of the few truly viable candidates in the race raised his hand and asked for a place at the table. I was willing to give him that seat. I would have also given a seat to any other viable candidate, from both sides. The only condition? They must also value and appreciate our listeners, and never treat them as pawns. Nobody else reached out. I assume nobody else even thought to reach out. The interview is twenty minutes in total length. I was proud of it. But in the end, I was told that I couldn’t air it. Again, I would have GLADLY welcomed any other viable candidates to be a guest, especially President Trump. To my thinking, the best way to a reasoned, thoughtful position on any topic, is to hear from both sides. Regardless, the interview was killed. I did, however, ask for permission to post the interview on my own personal SoundCloud account. I was given that blessing, and I am happy to share it with you there. (Link in Bio) #buttigieg #petebuttigieg #mayorpete #pete #peteforamerica #presidentpete #chastenbuttigieg #warren #democraticprimary #firstgent #biden #peteforprez #bootedgeedge #harris #election #beto #iowa #joe #sanders #bernie #runningforpresident #nextgeneration #policies #democracy #hope #youthvote #democrats #partywithpete #mayorpetebuttigieg
A post shared by blairgarner (@blairgarner) on Jul 19, 2019 at 12:30pm PDT

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Video: Just A Few Of The Times Trump Called Americans “Stupid”

Video montage of Donald Trump calling Americans 'stupid'

Donald Trump says the four freshmen congresswomen known as ‘the squad’ should leave the country for criticizing specific policies in the U.S.

Trump frames the discussion by saying Americans shouldn’t say negative things about the country. The Donald feels that is just plain ‘unpatriotic.’

But then – what about candidate Donald Trump on the 2016 presidential campaign trail?

Oh yes, there just happens to be video of his many critical statements about ‘how stupid’ the people of the United States were.

Funny how it was ok then, huh?

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Shawn Mendes Catches Flack For Declining To Help Young Fan Come Out To Parents

Shawn Mendes (image via Instagram)

Pop star Shawn Mendes is catching some flack on the interwebs after a fan asks him to help here come out to her parents.

During a July 14 Q&A in Oakland, California, a fan asked if Mendes would record a ‘coming out’ video to her parents as she wanted to share with them that she identifies as bisexual.

“I’m bisexual and I haven’t told anybody, but my parents are very strict and I don’t know how to tell them so I was wondering if you could do a little video,” said the fan.

Mendes declined, but for a very good reason.

“This is what I want to tell you, your parents are your parents,” said Mendes. “They’re going to love you no matter what you say, no matter how you say it, no matter how you look when you say it, any time of the day.” 

Unfortunately, that’s not quite true as we know many young people come out as LGBTQ and are often rejected by their families. Many studies show that up to 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ who were kicked out of their homes after coming out.

“Nothing I say is going to mean anything that is even close to what you saying it means to them,” continued Mendes. “You’re their world. I cannot possibly come close to the amount of joy and happiness that they’re going to feel when they find out that you’re telling them your truth and your honesty.” 

He added, “I would if I thought that it was a better thing to do, but I know in my heart that it’s not. I know your parents are going to love you even more for being honest with them.”
Some folks felt Mendes appears out of touch for his complete confidence that all will be well for the young girl. But that’s what comes from a straight person who’s never had to face the reality of coming out.

But at the end of the day, coming out really is one of the most personal and empowering acts an LGBTQ person will ever do for themselves. Asking a young pop star to put a ‘seal of approval’ on the girl’s coming out isn’t likely to impact the parents.

“Hey – your kid is bisexual! Have a great day!”

I appreciate that Mendes seemed genuine and sincere in his response, and recognized the personal nature of coming out. 

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Randy Rainbow Skewers Trump Via Jonas Bros “Suckers”

Political satirist Randy Rainbow offers his riff on the Jonas Brothers recent #1 hit, "Suckers," as he skewers Trump supporters for their blind allegiance.

Political satirist Randy Rainbow offers his riff on the Jonas Brothers recent #1 hit, “Suckers,” as he skewers Trump supporters for their blind allegiance.

The segment with dueling Lindsey Grahams is cute, but my favorite moment is incorporating Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s now famous ‘clapping’ at one of the Donald’s State of the Union addressed.

Cute way to start the week. By the way, did I mention Randy is nominated for an Emmy Award in the short form category? Congrats to Randy!

Hit play below.

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Trump Once Pitched A Whites Vs. Blacks Version Of ‘The Apprentice’

Donald Trump

Donald Trump’s recent racist tweets are nothing new for the Donald.

The New York Times reports that in 2005, he pitched to NBC a season of The Apprentice that would have pitted an all-white team against an all-black team.

From the New York Times:

For the fourth season of “The Apprentice,” Donald J. Trump searched for a gimmick to bolster ratings. His idea was simple if explosive — pit an all-white team against an all-black team.

“Do you like it?” he asked, previewing the concept on Howard Stern’s radio show in April 2005.

“Yes,” Mr. Stern said.

“Do you like it?” Mr. Trump asked Robin Quivers, the African-American co-host.

“Well,” she said, “I think you’re going to have a riot.”

That gave Mr. Trump no pause. “It would be the highest-rated show on television,” he exulted.

During the Stern interview, Trump reportedly said his idea would be to have an “assortment” of light and dark skinned black contestants, but the white team would be “all blond.”

The New York Times goes on to note that NBC executives quickly squashed the idea.

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Fox News Anchor Smacks Down Trump Advisor Stephen Miller Trying To Defend Racist Tweets

Stephen Miller

In an interview on Fox News, host Chris Wallace asked White House adviser Stephen Miller to explain Donald Trump’s “go back where they came from” remark and the “send her back” chant at a recent campaign rally.

From Raw Story:

“That is not protecting the American people, that is playing the race card,” Wallace said. “Let’s take the Obama birther — you don’t think that questioning whether the first black president is [a citizen]…”

“That’s not a race question!” Miller interrupted.

“I fundamentally disagree with the view that if you criticize someone and they happen to be a different color skin that that makes it a racial criticism,” Miller complained. “If you want to have a colorblind society, it means you can criticize immigration policy, you can criticize people’s views, you can ask questions about where they’re born and not have it be seen as racial.”

“And can you also say ‘go back’ where you came from?” Wallace wondered.

Miller argued that “the president was clear” that he disagreed with the “send her back” chant at his rally.

“He let it go on for 13 seconds and it was only when the chant diminished that he started talking again,” Wallace noted. “He said nothing there or in his tweet after the rally that indicated any concern about the chant.”

According to Miller, the audience chanted the racist phrase because they are tired of being “beat up” by liberals.

“During his 2016 campaign and even as president Mr. Trump has been as critical of this country as anything The Squad [of Democratic congresswomen] has said,” Wallace observed. “He said President Obama was the most ignorant president in our history. But about [Russian President Vladimir Putin], he says, ‘You think our country is so innocent?’”

“You don’t think the president ran on ‘lock her up?’” Wallace pressed. “Nobody has any problem with what the president’s policies have been, it’s when he goes into stoking racial fears. I’ve never called any of his tweets racist, but there’s no question that he is stoking racial divisions.”

Watch clips from the segment below.