No American, not even the president, has an inherent right to a social media account. Tech companies are free to ban any user they see fit.
They’re free to fact-check anyone they want, to create a framework of acceptable speech, and to enforce their policies either consistently or capriciously. They’re free to accuse Donald Trump—and only Trump, if they see fit—of being a liar. They’re free to do all of these things.
Even if they shouldn’t.
Yesterday, after years of pressure from media and Democrats, Twitter labeled two of Trump’s tweets—in which he had claimed that the use of mail-in ballots for large numbers of people would be “substantially fraudulent” and result in a “rigged election”—as “potentially misleading.”
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Exposed: 'Fascinating' alliance between China, Mexican drug cartels
Massive amounts of precursor chemicals coming from China are being used to supply super-labs in Mexico for the production of methamphetamines and more – and America is being harmed in the process.
OneNewsNow spoke to a former head of the Special Operations Division (SOD) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) about the global drug trade, which uses precursor chemicals in illegally manufacturing narcotics and psychoactive substances. According to Derek Maltz, China's participation in the global drug crisis an "underreported story" and that "it's been going on for years and the average person doesn't even realize it."
However, he does acknowledge that in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the DEA "did an amazing job cutting off the ability for 'mom and pop' labs [in the U.S.] to produce meth." During that period, importation of precursor chemicals into the U.S. to produce meth was targeted with great success.
As a result, the former DEA executive says, drug-dealing "kingpins" like Chapo Guzmán and others recognized the U.S. success as "a golden opportunity to make a killing — so … they started bringing in massive quantities of precursor chemicals from China and other countries in Asia."
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OneNewsNow spoke to a former head of the Special Operations Division (SOD) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) about the global drug trade, which uses precursor chemicals in illegally manufacturing narcotics and psychoactive substances. According to Derek Maltz, China's participation in the global drug crisis an "underreported story" and that "it's been going on for years and the average person doesn't even realize it."
However, he does acknowledge that in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the DEA "did an amazing job cutting off the ability for 'mom and pop' labs [in the U.S.] to produce meth." During that period, importation of precursor chemicals into the U.S. to produce meth was targeted with great success.
As a result, the former DEA executive says, drug-dealing "kingpins" like Chapo Guzmán and others recognized the U.S. success as "a golden opportunity to make a killing — so … they started bringing in massive quantities of precursor chemicals from China and other countries in Asia."
More
Black business owner weeps after looters destroy sports bar he invested life savings into: "We worked so hard to get here"
A black business owner in Minneapolis wept on camera Friday after rioters destroyed his sports bar into which he had invested his life savings.
Video:
"I don't know what we're going to do," the man cried. "We have worked so hard to get here. So hard."
Video:
"I don't know what we're going to do," the man cried. "We have worked so hard to get here. So hard."
The Unacceptably Unjust Death of George Floyd
The tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer has circulated all over social media in the past two days. It is exceptionally difficult to watch.
The facts leading up to what the video captures have been recounted by numerous media outlets.
Minneapolis police officers arrived Monday evening to arrest Floyd, 46, on suspicion that he had committed forgery. Police said the officers ordered him out of his car, but he physically resisted them.
By the time a bystander begins to record the video, Floyd is handcuffed, face down on the asphalt, and Officer Derek Chauvin is driving a knee into Floyd’s neck with what often appears to be his full body weight.
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The facts leading up to what the video captures have been recounted by numerous media outlets.
Minneapolis police officers arrived Monday evening to arrest Floyd, 46, on suspicion that he had committed forgery. Police said the officers ordered him out of his car, but he physically resisted them.
By the time a bystander begins to record the video, Floyd is handcuffed, face down on the asphalt, and Officer Derek Chauvin is driving a knee into Floyd’s neck with what often appears to be his full body weight.
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Restaurants say socially distant dining rooms could wipe out business
Owners pare staff, calculate how long they can last as officials restrict seating to contain coronavirus
Restaurants that built their businesses on keeping seats full are trying to figure out how to run at a fraction of that capacity.
Across the U.S., dining rooms are reopening and some customers are returning, industry data shows. But restaurants say they expect months of sales losses ahead due to capacity constraints imposed to contain the new coronavirus. They are also buying plexiglass walls to separate tables, hiring cleaning staff and turning fewer tables to give booths deeper scrub downs between customers, expenses that draw on a shallower pool of revenue.
"This business model is fundamentally altered," said John Cywinski, president of Applebee's, which was on the path to opening new stores for the first time in years before the crisis hit. Across the restaurant industry, he said, "There will be a likely contraction as a result of this."
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Restaurants that built their businesses on keeping seats full are trying to figure out how to run at a fraction of that capacity.
Across the U.S., dining rooms are reopening and some customers are returning, industry data shows. But restaurants say they expect months of sales losses ahead due to capacity constraints imposed to contain the new coronavirus. They are also buying plexiglass walls to separate tables, hiring cleaning staff and turning fewer tables to give booths deeper scrub downs between customers, expenses that draw on a shallower pool of revenue.
"This business model is fundamentally altered," said John Cywinski, president of Applebee's, which was on the path to opening new stores for the first time in years before the crisis hit. Across the restaurant industry, he said, "There will be a likely contraction as a result of this."
More
https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/restaurants-say-socially-distant-dining-rooms-could-wipe-out-business?fbclid=IwAR3WOt_lXpVbQgKHxDjVDxKjNL-wXm3YI1HxIAJHjj_oHOTPkDTzOKsSi1Y
Donald Trump: Twitter Censors ‘Doing Nothing’ to Stop China and Democrat ‘Lies and Propaganda’
President Donald Trump on Friday again criticized Twitter, after the social media platform censored one of his tweets.
Trump once more accused the company of bias, after signing an executive order on Thursday, warning them of further regulation.
“Twitter is doing nothing about all of the lies & propaganda being put out by China or the Radical Left Democrat Party,” he wrote. “They have targeted Republicans, Conservatives and the President of the United States.”
Trump said social media platforms should lose their Section 230 protections under the Communications Decency Act arguing they were no longer a neutral public platform.
“Section 230 should be revoked by Congress,” he wrote. “Until then, it will be regulated!”
Trump cited a comment from Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo that Trump was being “targeted” by Twitter.
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Trump once more accused the company of bias, after signing an executive order on Thursday, warning them of further regulation.
“Twitter is doing nothing about all of the lies & propaganda being put out by China or the Radical Left Democrat Party,” he wrote. “They have targeted Republicans, Conservatives and the President of the United States.”
Trump said social media platforms should lose their Section 230 protections under the Communications Decency Act arguing they were no longer a neutral public platform.
“Section 230 should be revoked by Congress,” he wrote. “Until then, it will be regulated!”
Trump cited a comment from Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo that Trump was being “targeted” by Twitter.
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Friday, May 29, 2020
Minneapolis Mayor to Rioters: Please Practice Social Distancing, Wear Masks
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) requested on Thursday that “protesters” in the City of Lakes practice social distancing and wear masks to reduce coronavirus transmission. The municipal government claimed to provide hundreds of masks to the public for this purpose.
Frey’s comments came during ongoing protests and riots in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, a man who died after a municipal police officer placed his knee on Floyd’s neck while handcuffed.
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Frey’s comments came during ongoing protests and riots in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, a man who died after a municipal police officer placed his knee on Floyd’s neck while handcuffed.
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Valerie Jarrett: Trump’s Embrace of White Supremacists ‘Fueling Anger’ of Protesters
Thursday on MSNBC, former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett accused President Donald Trump of “fueling” the anger on display from the demonstrators protesting for the last three days in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Host Joy Reid said, “I want to get your comment. We know that during President Obama’s term, there were uprisings in Baltimore, in Ferguson, Missouri. So this is something that President Obama dealt with. How do you respond to the way the current president is handling this?”
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Host Joy Reid said, “I want to get your comment. We know that during President Obama’s term, there were uprisings in Baltimore, in Ferguson, Missouri. So this is something that President Obama dealt with. How do you respond to the way the current president is handling this?”
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As Seen On Facebook
Steve Rakow
11 hrs ·
Very disappointed in our local OC council and county commissioners. Now that restaurants can open for outside dining - these governing bodies have required additional permits and the local health department must also approve the request. After nearly 90 days of shut down, why did these leaders wait until the last minute announcement of opening for outside dining to issue these decrees? Yes, they are now going to expedite the processing and/or allow for opening if the application for a permit is filed, but this does NOTHING to help our restaurants who have suffered throughout this pandemic. Simply no need for these permits. These restaurants already have licenses to operate, why make another hurdle for these owners to jump through at the last minute? I just continue to shake my head in wonderment of the decision-making process, or lack thereof, by our local government leaders. Real leadership would have simply allowed these restaurants to open for outside dining without any additional permitting. Our local restaurant owners can handle the pandemic-imposed restrictions - of that I'm confident. So, instead of requiring these permits, please trust our local businesses to open properly and conduct business as they know how.
11 hrs ·
Very disappointed in our local OC council and county commissioners. Now that restaurants can open for outside dining - these governing bodies have required additional permits and the local health department must also approve the request. After nearly 90 days of shut down, why did these leaders wait until the last minute announcement of opening for outside dining to issue these decrees? Yes, they are now going to expedite the processing and/or allow for opening if the application for a permit is filed, but this does NOTHING to help our restaurants who have suffered throughout this pandemic. Simply no need for these permits. These restaurants already have licenses to operate, why make another hurdle for these owners to jump through at the last minute? I just continue to shake my head in wonderment of the decision-making process, or lack thereof, by our local government leaders. Real leadership would have simply allowed these restaurants to open for outside dining without any additional permitting. Our local restaurant owners can handle the pandemic-imposed restrictions - of that I'm confident. So, instead of requiring these permits, please trust our local businesses to open properly and conduct business as they know how.
CNN's Omar Jimenez, former WBALTV reporter, arrested live by Minnesota police
CNN journalist Omar Jimenez was arrested on live TV Friday morning at a site of protests in Minneapolis by state police, despite identifying himself to officers and asking where he and his crew should move.
"We can move back to where you like. We are live on the air here. ... Put us back where you want us. We are getting out of your way — wherever you want us (we'll) get out of your way," Jimenez said before he was led away.
Jimenez worked at WBALTV as a reporter from July 2015 through June 2017.
Jimenez's crew, including producer Bill Kirkos and photojournalist Leonel Mendez, were also placed in handcuffs and arrested shortly after 5 a.m.
Police told the crew they were being detained because they were told to move, and didn't, one member of the CNN crew relayed to the network.
CNN released a statement, saying, "A CNN reporter & his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves - a clear violation of their First Amendment rights. The authorities in Minnesota, incl. the Governor, must release the 3 CNN employees immediately."
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"We can move back to where you like. We are live on the air here. ... Put us back where you want us. We are getting out of your way — wherever you want us (we'll) get out of your way," Jimenez said before he was led away.
Jimenez worked at WBALTV as a reporter from July 2015 through June 2017.
Jimenez's crew, including producer Bill Kirkos and photojournalist Leonel Mendez, were also placed in handcuffs and arrested shortly after 5 a.m.
Police told the crew they were being detained because they were told to move, and didn't, one member of the CNN crew relayed to the network.
CNN released a statement, saying, "A CNN reporter & his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves - a clear violation of their First Amendment rights. The authorities in Minnesota, incl. the Governor, must release the 3 CNN employees immediately."
More
With car alarm blaring, off-duty cop shot teen in head after boy's phone flashed: JPSO
An off-duty college campus police officer investigating why a car alarm was blaring outside his Metairie home shot a teenager in the head after a bright light on the boy’s cell phone suddenly flashed, something the officer mistook as a firing gun, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.
The Sheriff’s Office said its detectives are still investigating the confrontation that led William Daniel Short to shoot a 14-year-old boy in Metairie last week. Short has not been booked with a crime, and sheriff’s investigators intend to consult with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office to determine whether he should face charges.
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The Sheriff’s Office said its detectives are still investigating the confrontation that led William Daniel Short to shoot a 14-year-old boy in Metairie last week. Short has not been booked with a crime, and sheriff’s investigators intend to consult with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office to determine whether he should face charges.
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Md. makes online groceries available for SNAP recipients
The Maryland Department of Human Services has made several adjustments to the supplemental nutrition assistance program in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
As of Thursday, all SNAP recipients can purchase groceries online from approved United States Department of Agriculture retailers without extra charge.
SNAP helps low-income households purchase food. To qualify for SNAP, an individual’s or family’s income must be 130 percent below the federal poverty line.
Katherine Morris, communications director for the human services department, said in a press release that SNAP is playing a critical role in the coronavirus pandemic.
More
As of Thursday, all SNAP recipients can purchase groceries online from approved United States Department of Agriculture retailers without extra charge.
SNAP helps low-income households purchase food. To qualify for SNAP, an individual’s or family’s income must be 130 percent below the federal poverty line.
Katherine Morris, communications director for the human services department, said in a press release that SNAP is playing a critical role in the coronavirus pandemic.
More
MD Department of Labor addresses unemployment issues with 12-page letter
MARYLAND — The Maryland Department of Labor issued a 12-page letter in response to concerns brought up in a joint Senate committee's hearing on unemployment issues earlier this month.
In the letter, the MD Dept. of Labor said they are working around the clock to ensure that all claimants receive the unemployment benefits they are entitled to as quickly as possible.
The Department stated they feel the frustration and desperation from so many Marylanders in need of assistance and are listening and acting upon feedback from customers daily, in order to further improve systems and processes to better handle the unprecedented volume they are faced with.
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In the letter, the MD Dept. of Labor said they are working around the clock to ensure that all claimants receive the unemployment benefits they are entitled to as quickly as possible.
The Department stated they feel the frustration and desperation from so many Marylanders in need of assistance and are listening and acting upon feedback from customers daily, in order to further improve systems and processes to better handle the unprecedented volume they are faced with.
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Derek Chauvin, cop who pinned down George Floyd, faces murder charge
The cop who was caught on camera using his knee to pin George Floyd’s neck to the ground is being charged with unintentional murder and manslaughter — but may face more serious allegations, a Minnesota prosecutor said Friday.
The three other cops at the scene will likely also face charges in Floyd’s racially charged death, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said.
Since-fired Officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody pending the filing of a criminal complaint charging him with third-degree murder and manslaughter, Freeman said.
Under Minnesota law, third-degree murder covers “eminently dangerous” acts that cause death without the intent of doing so, and is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
“We are in the process of continuing to review the evidence,” Freeman said. “There may be subsequent charges later.”
Freeman said Chauvin’s arrest was “by far, the fastest we’ve ever charged a police officer.”
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The three other cops at the scene will likely also face charges in Floyd’s racially charged death, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said.
Since-fired Officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody pending the filing of a criminal complaint charging him with third-degree murder and manslaughter, Freeman said.
Under Minnesota law, third-degree murder covers “eminently dangerous” acts that cause death without the intent of doing so, and is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
“We are in the process of continuing to review the evidence,” Freeman said. “There may be subsequent charges later.”
Freeman said Chauvin’s arrest was “by far, the fastest we’ve ever charged a police officer.”
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