Tear gas is used to repel crowds through maximum misery. It causes searing pain in the eyes, skin, lungs and mouth--or anywhere it touches. Then comes coughing, nausea and vomiting.

Here's why the chemicals have such devastating effects on the human body [_link]

— Scientific American (@sciam) May 29, 2020

Here is video of the @SecretService officers taking one of the protesters into the federal building across from White House just after the marchers got to PA Ave. Unclear what occurred prior. Important to note: The overwhelming majority of the protest has been peaceful. @CBSNews pic.twitter.com/hoO320pSEB

— Fin Gomez (@finnygo) May 29, 2020

The professionally managed so-called "protesters" at the White House had little to do with the memory of George Floyd. They were just there to cause trouble. The @SecretService handled them easily. Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2020

Former NBA player Stephen Jackson delivers a powerful message to honor his longtime friend George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/OxvwtNSzlu

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 29, 2020

@Dude_Br0 pic.twitter.com/oJrF6mTZ8v

— Dora Milaje (@kfrastar) May 31, 2020

President @realDonaldTrump: "In the years ahead, America will go bigger, bolder, further, faster, and America will go first." pic.twitter.com/czJid1ggth

— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) May 30, 2020

We have viruses to die from, knees to be held on our necks and so many lies to still be told.

— AJ (@butterbeangabs) May 31, 2020

Happy #MLKDay! Ever wonder why it is a Day of Service?

Watch this video and learn from @RepJohnLewis, Ruby Bridges, Harris Wofford, Rev. Joseph Lowery, & @TheKingCenter CEO @BerniceKing how the Civil Rights leader changed American history. #DayON25 #MLK [_link]

— MLK Day (@MLKDay) January 20, 2020

Remember USA in 1968 ... Vietnam War and those who did NOT serve their country: George Bush - Dick Cheney - Bill Vlinton - Donald Trump ... leadership? What a bull.

Protests, some violent, swept across the US as people demonstrated against the killing of #GeorgeFloyd while in police custody. pic.twitter.com/twm3QL1gcT

— DW News (@dwnews) May 30, 2020

Fresh protests as Trump threatens to call in US military

Video: DW team confronted by Minneapolis police ...

Donald Trump has threatened to use the military to intervene in protests across the US over the killing of George Floyd. [_link]

— DW News (@dwnews) May 30, 2020

But our President was mostly busy with other things: getting into a public fight with Twitter, condemning China over Hong Kong and terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization -- an entity that once looked to the United States as the world's leading institution in fighting pandemics.

National Guard marches through a quiet residential neighborhood in #Minneapolis, screaming at citizens to get inside.

Soldiers stop to point their guns at residents on their balcony.

They yell "LIGHT THEM UP" as they fire riot control rounds at them.pic.twitter.com/NAsCxmeBlp

— Chad Loder (@chadloder) May 31, 2020

US protests over police killings, in pictures [_link]

— ABC News (@abcnews) May 31, 2020

Man loads bow and aims it at protesters against police brutality after yelling 'All Lives Matter' [_link]

— ABC News (@abcnews) May 31, 2020

Oh my god. What is the @NYPDnews doing? pic.twitter.com/rZayr421pJ

— Rob Bennett @ 🏡 (@rob_bennett) May 31, 2020

Images of police using violence against peaceful protesters are going viral | Vox News |

George Floyd's brother says Trump 'didn't want to hear what I was talking about' [_link]

— The Independent (@Independent) May 31, 2020

Cops are using the same exact chokehold that killed George Floyd on the people protesting his death.

Demonstrators were screaming "get off his neck" before another cop had to physically remove the officer's knee.

(Footage captured by @MattMillsPhoto) [_link]

— Chris Riotta (@chrisriotta) May 31, 2020

`Light `em up!': Police shoot paintballs at Minneapolis residents standing on their porch [_link]

— The Independent (@Independent) May 31, 2020

Woman who 'lost eye in George Floyd protest' tells people to keep demonstrating [_link]

— The Independent (@Independent) May 31, 2020

○ Global Protests for George Floyd Staged in Berlin, London and Toronto | Variety |

Trafalgar Square in London right now, standing in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, George Floyd and protestors across the world. pic.twitter.com/5sYlXePcpv

— Ian Mantgani (@mant_a_tangi) May 31, 2020

George Floyd must not become just another name. His shocking death should be the catalyst for change.

To build a better society we must stand together against racism and injustice.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 30, 2020

Will Any EU "Leader" Stand-up and Criticise the USA for Endemic Racism and Inequality?

Resisting the Call of Nativism: What U.S. Political Parties Can Learn From Other Democracies | Carnegie Endowment |

Nativism has once again gained momentum in U.S. politics. This tendency to define nationhood not by values or laws but in racial, ethnic, or religious terms is not new. Yet nativism is inherently undemocratic because nativists demote citizens who have the "wrong" characteristics to, at best, second-class citizenship. As nativist voters flex their muscle, what can political parties on both sides of the aisle do to put the genie back in the bottle? Examining how Austria, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy have addressed nativism in their politics offers some useful lessons.

Case studies of these countries' experiences indicate that:

• Nativists can be found on both sides of the political spectrum. Though currently congregating in conservative parties globally, nativists' preference for redistributive economics that are restricted to their preferred group make them "swing" voters who may vote for candidates on the left or right.


• Mainstream parties that embrace or collaborate with nativists often believe they can temper nativist preferences. Instead, they tend to absorb the nativists' views. Nativists then either take over the establishment party or beat it in elections.

 

○ My President Was Black
A history of the first African American White House--and of what came next | The Atlantic |

We have at least seven more months of President Donald Trump and the bravest space pilots of the Rebel Alliance are all finding woke ways to side against civil rights protesters.

— Flamin' Hot Cheetos Rasp (@SeanRMoorhead) May 31, 2020

Now @VICE reporting that @CBP is sending predator drones over #GeorgeFloyd protests in Minneapolis.

This is what happens when leaders sign blank check after blank check to militarize police, CBP, etc while letting violence go unchecked.

We need answers. And we need to defund. [_link]

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 29, 2020

Predator drone used for tracking and killing terrorists in Middle East is flown over Minneapolis to record protests despite ban on it flying that far | Mail Online |

Protest has arrived at the White House. pic.twitter.com/NPGt8LHPLC

— Alexander Marquardt (@MarquardtA) May 31, 2020

This protest has gathered a lot of steam and supporters as it gets closer to the White House pic.twitter.com/3D6jHEh25A

— Alexander Marquardt (@MarquardtA) May 31, 2020

pic.twitter.com/4hxfAq4AJU

— Alexander Marquardt (@MarquardtA) May 31, 2020

A DW reporter and his camera operator have been shot at with projectiles by Minneapolis police and threatened with arrest while covering the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/SFKMv5SFW6

— DW News (@dwnews) May 31, 2020

No explanation needed. pic.twitter.com/5JO1CCJexU

— Gladbach (@borussia_en) May 31, 2020

I get that the protests are scary but to put things in perspective 34,000 people died of the flu last year.

— Don Hughes 🦌 (@getfiscal) May 31, 2020

Tanker Truck Drives Into Minneapolis George Floyd Protesters On I-35W Bridge; Driver In Custody | CBS Minneapolis |

Very disturbing actions by a truck driver on I-35W, inciting a crowd of peaceful demonstrators. The truck driver was injured & taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He is under arrest. It doesn't appear any protesters were hit by the truck. #MACCMN

— MnDPS_DPS (@MnDPS_DPS) May 31, 2020

The Minnesota State Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are jointly investigating what happened with the semi that drove into demonstrators tonight on I-35W. The incident is being investigated as a criminal matter. We will share more when we have it. #MACCMN

— MnDPS_DPS (@MnDPS_DPS) June 1, 2020

Het racistisch politiegeweld in de VS komt voort uit institutioneel racisme. We mogen en kunnen daar niet van wegkijken of er stil over blijven. Het is onze taak om dag in dag uit te werken aan gelijkwaardige samenlevingen. Voor iedereen, overal. pic.twitter.com/YcsbZgstbf

— Jesse Klaver (@jesseklaver) May 31, 2020

"Racist police brutality in the US stems from institutional racism. We cannot and cannot look away from this or remain silent about it. It is our job to work day after day on equal societies. For everyone, everywhere."

EU leaders and the European Union with human value in its founding principle ...

Where is the rage? Where are the letters to both Houses of U.S. Congress and addressing the racial issue directly with President Trump during the coming G7 Conference!! putting COVID-19 blame, Hong Kong and China on the agenda won't cut it today.

Not that American racist police system needs help, but Israeli occupation militias have been training hundreds of American police officers on brutal techniques Israel uses to massacre thousands of native Palestinians. #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorge#BLACK_LIVES_MATTER pic.twitter.com/8VADGZ9LLH

— Palestine Info Center (@palinfoen) May 30, 2020

Both speak about American "exceptionalism" ... as a nation "this is not what we are"?? Yes that's what the nation of hope has become! Deal with it. The result of pure Capitalism ... Burn that flag and for what it stands! Much better than burning down businesses in your community. RIP it up ... take a knee with Colin Kaepernick ... a lone hero in American Football.

U.S. National Anthem Protests 2016-present

We should ALL listen to and watch message from civil rights icon ⁦@AmbAndrewYoung⁩ -- who worked w/Dr. King to GIVE the civil rights to those those abusing it.
`I'm thinking I want to cry': Andrew Young reacts to violent protests in Atlanta [_link]

— John Hope Bryant (@johnhopebryant) May 30, 2020

Atlanta a few hours ago ... we're walking together!

Atlanta police walking with protesters pic.twitter.com/zHS8mF37XI

— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) June 1, 2020

Antifa has been engaging in terrorism and seditious conspiracy for years. But FBI and DOJ were too busy to care much, their leadership engaging in their own seditious conspiracy against the presidency @RealDonaldTrump. Glad to see that AG Barr is beginning to get back to basics.

— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) May 31, 2020

CRISIS: Violent Left Riots but @Twitter Censors @RealDonaldTrump (and promotes CA illegal vote by mail scheme!);Fed Court Rules Against MD county plan to spend tax $ on illegal aliens;Desperate Clinton Appeal to AVOID Testimony! HUGE @JudicialWatch Update:[_link] pic.twitter.com/56admSbYlT

— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) May 31, 2020

And today Susan Rice told CNN that the BLM protests are a Kremlin conspiracy to subvert America. We've come a long way, baby!https://t.co/3TkIvm3snY

— Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) June 1, 2020

Mr. President, don't hide behind the Secret Service. Go to talk to demonstrators seriously. Negotiate with them, just like you urged Beijing to talk to Hong Kong rioters. pic.twitter.com/nTOnO0sptk

— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) May 30, 2020

The 'beautiful sight' difined by US politicians has eventually extended from Hong Kong to the US. Now they can witness it by their home windows. I want to ask Speaker Pelosi and Secretary Pompeo: Should Beijing support protests in the US, like you glorified rioters in Hong Kong? pic.twitter.com/tvg0kyK8j0

— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) May 30, 2020

'Mr. President, Don't Go Hide': China Goads US over George Floyd Protests | The Guardian |

At a press conference on Monday, foreign ministry spokesman, Lijian Zhao urged the US to eliminate racial discrimination and protect the lawful rights of minorities, according to state-backed media, CGTN.

"The death of George Floyd reflects the severity of racial discrimination and police brutality in the US," said Zhou, The Guardian reported.

Zhao also threatened "counter-attacks" on the US for continued retaliatory measures over China's increased control over Hong Kong, which include reversing Hong Kong's special customs status.

'Rotten racism': newspapers around the world react to George Floyd protests | The Guardian |  

In the Sydney Morning Herald, columnist Tom Swizer sees an all too familiar pattern.

"The mayhem follows a depressing pattern in American history. The record of state failures to protect blacks and others against police brutality is all too full. Ditto the looting and arson, killings and general eruption of racial violence in many American cities when injustices occur."

An editorial Le Monde paints a similar picture of structural racism and police brutality by police and others against black Americans.

"George Floyd and Eric Garner are not isolated victims. The list is too long to give here of these black American men of all ages, who are too often victims of encounters with the police that turn out badly; of the trigger-happy in a country where firearms are routinely carried as an accessory, or just plain racism.

"Too many mothers in the African American community must teach their sons from early adolescence how to behave on the street so as not to arouse suspicion and not to be in turn the target of blunders or mistakes.

El Periódico in Barcelona also points to a history of endemic racism in the US.

"The truth is that what happened in Minneapolis, recorded on video and viewed worldwide through social networks, is just the latest proof that the racism epidemic is far from being controlled, and that the two Barack Obama administrations did nothing to cauterize any wounds.

The Global Times - under the headline "George Floyd murder exposes rotten racism in the US" - is predictably scathing.

Biden moments ago said we should train cops to shoot unarmed people "in the leg instead of the heart."

This is so problematic. Cops shouldn't shoot unarmed people at all.

How much longer are Democrats going to pretend that @JoeBiden's cut out for this? pic.twitter.com/Fc3H2tn1fG

— Ryan Knight 🌹 (@ProudSocialist) June 1, 2020

White nationalist group posing as antifa called for violence on Twitter | NBC News |

As protests were taking place in multiple states across the U.S. Sunday night, the newly created account, @ANTIFA_US, tweeted, "Tonight's the night, Comrades," with a brown raised fist emoji and "Tonight we say 'F--- The City' and we move into the residential areas... the white hoods.... and we take what's ours ..."

This isn't the first time Twitter has taken action against fake accounts engaged in hateful conduct linked to Identity Evropa, according to the spokesperson.

The antifa movement -- a network of loosely organized radical groups who use direct action to fight the far-right and fascism -- has been targeted by President Donald Trump as the force behind some of the violence and property destruction seen at some protests, though little evidence has been provided for such claims.

Other misinformation and misleading claims spread across Twitter on Sunday night and into Monday related to the protests.

100% Correct. Thank you Tom! [_link]

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 1, 2020

.@EdOKeefe says several governors who were on a call with President Trump today said his comments calling for crackdowns on protesters were "disturbing" [_link] pic.twitter.com/wGSNKpErLW

— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 1, 2020

Protesters in Washington, D.C. tackle a man seen breaking up sidewalk curbs with a hammer, and hand him over to police.

Demonstrators said they tackled the man to prevent him provoking officers. [_link] pic.twitter.com/NQwJmrEeeE

— ABC News (@ABC) June 2, 2020

Police forcefully pushed back demonstrators outside the White House to clear a way for President Trump to visit a church, just minutes after he said he wanted a military show of force against violent protests gripping the country. [_link] pic.twitter.com/UyS02REYGb

— ABC News (@ABC) June 2, 2020

Police reinforced by National Guard troops forcefully pushed back protesters near the White House to clear a way for Pres. Trump to visit a church, just minutes after he said he wanted a military show of force against violent protests gripping the country. [_link]

— ABC News (@ABC) June 2, 2020

Trump threatens to deploy military as teargas fired on nearby protesters | The Guardian |

Trump would have to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty personnel to conduct law enforcement on US soil. It was used by President George H W Bush during the Los Angeles riots in 1992.

Trump spoke briefly of Floyd in the beginning of his comments, but said nothing about police brutality or racial injustice in America.

Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor at Harvard University, tweeted: "Peaceful protesters were gassed and shot with rubber bullets to clear away a space near a church to give Trump a photo-op waving a bible flanked by AG Barr and Sec Def Esper. Monstrous. Anticonstitutional."

Susan Glasser, a staff writer at the New Yorker magazine, tweeted: "Who is the brilliant strategist who decided to attack peaceful protesters during a presidential event in the Rose Garden? Is this the split screen message to America and the world that Donald Trump wants to send?"

Pentagon chief urges governors to 'dominate the battlespace' to end unrest as thousands of National Guard troops take to the streets in US cities | Business Insider |

"We need to dominate the battlespace," Esper explained. "You have deep resources in the Guard. I stand ready. The chairman stands ready. The head of the National Guard stands ready to fully support you in helping mobilize the Guard."

Esper's comments, which have drawn some criticism for characterizing US cities where people are protesting racism, injustice, and police brutality as a "battlespace," come as the number of National Guard troops called up in response to protests, as well as acts of violence and destruction, has risen sharply.

Our department is currently assisting the Ferguson Police department with protests occurring in front of their precinct. At this time, Ferguson PD is giving verbal warnings to agitators in the crowd who are throwing items at officers.

— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) June 1, 2020

As protestors continue to vacillate in Ferguson, we will continue to assist in the protection of life and property in the City of Ferguson and other areas of St. Louis County. Officers, even in the midst of a pandemic and unrest, continue to serve.

— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) June 1, 2020

More orders to leave the area have been given after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a police car just moments ago. Criminal activity will not be tolerated.

— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) June 1, 2020

From a diary in 2018 ...

Fake America In 3 Tweets

The Pendulum

The history of people of African descent in America - which is to say the history of America - is a pendulum of progress and setbacks, of resilience and retaliation, of protest and backlash. There have been allies and there have been opponents. There have been demagogues, who would divide Americans on the basis of colour and class, and visionaries who would seek to lead us to common ground.

○ Iraq A Mess, Now National Guard Send to Ferguson

○ St. Louis Cop: 'I Believe In Jesus, I'm A Merciless Killer'

RACIAL AMERICA - SLAVERY IN ANY FORM IS PART OF ITS DNA, ITS FOUNDING! RELIGION PLAYS A ROLE!

Let us vow to make this, at last, an era of action to reverse systemic racism with long overdue and concrete changes. This morning I'm speaking in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on where we are and where we need to go. Tune in: [_link]

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 2, 2020

We are a nation in pain, but we must not allow this pain to destroy us. We are a nation enraged, but we cannot allow our rage to consume us. Please stay safe. Please take care of each other. [_link]

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 31, 2020

We are a nation in pain right now, but we must not allow this pain to destroy us.

As President, I will help lead this conversation -- and more importantly, I will listen, just as I did today visiting the site of last night's protests in Wilmington. pic.twitter.com/0h2ApbKT0C

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 31, 2020

Biden Slowly Emerges From Seclusion, Hoping to Meet the Moment | NY Times |

New Post: Trump Declares War on America [_link] pic.twitter.com/j5pyKDHUst

— Tikun Olam (@richards1052) June 2, 2020

Incredible. Antifa paraphernalia in Hebrew/Yiddish from Palestine dating back to 1934. Includes a stamp espousing Arab-Jewish solidarity, a May Day flyer calling on workers to join the ranks, and a statement of principles against fascism.

This was a year after Hitler's rise. pic.twitter.com/0TZLFU8lhP

— Edo Konrad (@edokonrad) June 1, 2020

○ New Fascist Pariah States America and Israel Lashing Out

...AND THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 2, 2020

Has anyone told him?

Watch the shocking moment #7NEWS reporter @AmeliaBrace and our cameraman were knocked over by a police officer LIVE on air after chaos erupted in Washington DC. pic.twitter.com/R8KJLnfxPN

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) June 1, 2020

Omg pic.twitter.com/2m9fB91IpX

— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) July 5, 2019

Rep. Steve King ousted in Iowa GOP primary, NBC News projects | NBC News |

The scenes have been disturbingly familiar to CIA analysts accustomed to monitoring scenes of societal unraveling abroad - the massing of protesters, the ensuing crackdowns and the awkwardly staged displays of strength by a leader determined to project authority.

In interviews and posts on social media in recent days, current and former U.S. intelligence officials have expressed dismay at the similarity between events at home and the signs of decline or democratic regression they were trained to detect in other countries.

I support the American people's revolution against wild capitalism#Muntadher_Alzaidi #America #GeorgeFlyod #Trump pic.twitter.com/L4IicdCLv5

— منتظر الزيدي (@muntazer_zaidi) June 3, 2020

Pulleesh!

'He wears the armor of God': evangelicals hail Trump's church photo op | The Guardian |

The Horbowys had gathered in Tallahassee, Florida, to watch live as Trump walked from the White House to St John's. "My mother just shouted out, `God give him strength! He's doing a Jericho walk!'"

A Jericho walk, in some evangelical circles, refers to the biblical book of Joshua, where God commanded the Israelites to walk seven times around the opposing city of Jericho, whose walls then came crashing down.

Horbowy already supported Trump politically - he heads the local chapter of a pro- Trump motorcycle club and is campaigning for a seat in Florida's state senate - but when Trump lifted the Bible, Horbowy and his family felt overcome spiritually.

Trump said that the two countries will be "significantly expanding" trade relations once the USMCA (U.S. - Mexico - Canada Agreement) is done.

At a loss for words ...

Trump Questions Render Trudeau Speechless for 21 Seconds | AP - NY Times |

In their own words: political leaders in Canada weigh in on Trump's response to U.S. protests | CBC News |

Asked why the government won't criticize U.S. President Donald Trump by name over his threats to use the army against protesters, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland avoided talking about the president and said she's worried about "Canadian complacency" regarding anti-black racism.

...
"They have their issues in the U.S. and they have to fix their issues, but it's like night and day compared to Canada," Doug Ford said. "I'm proud to be Canadian. I'm proud to be the premier of Ontario.

"Thank God that we're different than the United States. We don't have the systemic, deep roots they've had for years ... The difference between the U.S. and Canada, for the most part, for the most part -- we get along."

...
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil offered a less diplomatic comment when speaking about Floyd's death and the Trump administration's response to the protests that followed.

"When you watch what's happened south of the border, where a black American was killed at the hands of law enforcement, you understand the outrage and hurt and anger that people are feeling," he said.

"Quite frankly, the political response in the United States has been offensive ... to the world."

Amsterdam mayor won't step down; pledges to handle large crowds better in future

Today in Rotterdam, the demonstration gathered thousands of supporters and was called-off early.

De organisatie blijft het roepen: houd je aan die 1,5 m. Dat lukt op het plein rondom het podium, maar aan de overkant aan de Boompjes en op de Erasmusbrug staat iedereen bovenop elkaar pic.twitter.com/hlOq12RjZJ

— Salwa van der Gaag (@SalwavanderGaag) June 3, 2020

Dit is toch wel indrukwekkend hoor. Behalve een muziekje op de achtergrond is het muisstil in aanvang van de demonstratie, iedereen in positie #BlackLivesMattter #Rotterdam pic.twitter.com/tjA4xF71E5

— Salwa van der Gaag (@SalwavanderGaag) June 3, 2020

Rotterdam protest halted after thousands show up on Erasmus bridge

The spacious Erasmus bridge was filled with marchers for equality and end to racism worldwide.

No signs yet of "Trump Murderer". Very civilized and no violence.

More than 20,000 people took the streets of Paris, France, to support Black Lives Matter protests and demand justice for Adama Traoré, a young black man who, like George Floyd, was killed due to suspected police brutality in July 2016.

Shouting "no justice, no peace," the demonstrators gathered in front of the French capital's court house and called for the end of racism and impunity. The protest had not been authorized by the prefect of Paris due to the ban on gatherings of more than 10 people during the coronavirus crisis. Although it started peacefully, several incidents and clashes with police were later reported. Similar protests were also staged in other cities across the country, including Lille.

Since the killing of George Floyd and the upheaval it has sparked, people in France have drawn parallels to the case of Traoré, who was 24 when he died at a police station in a Parisian suburb two hours after being arrested as he was riding his bike with his brother. His family immediately filed a wrongful death complaint, but faced many obstacles.

#GeorgeFloyd #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/LOIcKLcB5i

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) June 1, 2020

All officers involved in the killing of George Floyd have now been charged. Three with aiding & abetting murder, the fourth upgraded to murder, 2nd degree. Our investigation takes a closer look at each of those officers' actions and how they turned fatal.

— Haley Willis (@heytherehaIey) June 3, 2020

Protests continue as US defense secretary rejects Trump's demand for troops

Defense secretary, Mark Esper, said he did not agree with Trump's wish to use combat troops to impose or maintain order.

"I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act," Esper told reporters at the Pentagon, referring to 1807 legislation which would allow the president to call in units moved close to Washington.

Though it was reported that such active-duty troops were returning to home bases, the White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, told reporters the Insurrection Act was "definitely a tool within [Trump's] power". She also declined to say if Trump might fire his defense secretary for expressing his disagreement in public.

"Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people--does not even pretend to try. Instead he tries to divide us."

Ex-Defense Secretary James Mattis castigated his former boss President Trump in a statement. [_link] pic.twitter.com/JxHtRlhzii

— CNN (@CNN) June 4, 2020

James Mattis Denounces President Trump, Describes Him as a Threat to the Constitution | The Atlantic |

James Mattis, the esteemed Marine general who resigned as secretary of defense in December 2018 to protest Donald Trump's Syria policy, has, ever since, kept studiously silent about Trump's performance as president. But he has now broken his silence, writing an extraordinary broadside in which he denounces the president for dividing the nation, and accuses him of ordering the U.S. military to violate the constitutional rights of American citizens.

Trump's response to George Floyd protests could complicate efforts to shore up his Christian voter base | CNBC |

Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited a shrine in Northeast Washington, erected to honor the late Pope John Paul II. The shrine is not operated directly by the Catholic Church, but by the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal organization known for its conservative political bent.

But just as Trump was arriving at the shrine, Washington's Catholic Archbishop, Wilton Gregory, slammed Trump's visit in a statement to the press.

"I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree."

"Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings. His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth," Gregory said.

Editorial: Dolan delivers the church to Trump and the GOP | Obituaries NCR |

"Elements of the Chinese Army have been brutally suppressing popular and peaceful demonstrations..." President Bush on June 5, 1989. #OnThisDay - Tiananmen Square massacre of democracy protesters in China. Watch more: https://t.co/YdRIVIQdCT pic.twitter.com/AB6mj0XVVI

— American History TV (@cspanhistory) June 4, 2020

Running this puts Black @NYTimes staff in danger. pic.twitter.com/dhEE8K64m7

— Lindsey Underwood (@thunderwooddd) June 3, 2020

Current situation in #Buffalo as police work to enforce the 8 p.m. curfew in Niagara Square. Caution: there is some vulgar language in the video. Tune to @SPECNewsBuffalo for the latest. Video Courtesy: Photojournalist Anthony Nelson pic.twitter.com/nP4AXgQGeR

— Katie Gibas (@KatieGibasTV) June 5, 2020

Just about an hour ago, police officers shove man in Niagara Square to the ground (WARNING: Graphic). Video from: @MikeDesmondWBFO pic.twitter.com/JBKQLvzfET

— WBFO (@WBFO) June 5, 2020

A letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper | By James N. Miller - June 2, 2020 |

...
You recited that same oath on July 23, 2019, when you were sworn in as Secretary of Defense. On Monday, June 1, 2020, I believe that you violated that oath. Law-abiding protesters just outside the White House were dispersed using tear gas and rubber bullets -- not for the sake of safety, but to clear a path for a presidential photo op. You then accompanied President Trump in walking from the White House to St. John's Episcopal Church for that photo.

President Trump's actions Monday night violated his oath to "take care that the laws be faithfully executed," as well as the First Amendment "right of the people peaceably to assemble." You may not have been able to stop President Trump from directing this appalling use of force, but you could have chosen to oppose it. Instead, you visibly supported it.

Biography James N. Miller

James N. Miller, former under secretary of defense for policy, has published his resignation letter from the Defense Science Board in @PostOpinions. Here it is. [_link]

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) June 2, 2020

Defense Secretary Supposedly Didn't Know He Was Joining Trump's Authoritarian Photo Op | Vanity Fair |

Trump on George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis cops: "Hopefully George is looking down right now and saying, 'this is a great thing that's happening for our country.' This is a great day for him." pic.twitter.com/LDl4V9Phzg

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2020

Today is a great day for George Floyd? Trump is truly the dumbest man alive.

— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) June 5, 2020

The section of 16th street in front of the White House is now officially "Black Lives Matter Plaza". pic.twitter.com/bbJgAYE35b

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 5, 2020

UN experts condemn modern-day 'racial terror' lynchings in US | The Guardian |

A group of 66 United Nations human rights monitors have issued a devastating critique of what they call modern-day "racial terror" lynchings in the US in the form of state-sponsored police violence against black Americans.

The group released two joint statements on Friday, prompted by the wave of protests against police brutality that has swept the nation in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky.

The action marks an almost unparalleled outpouring of criticism by the UN's independent body of human rights experts. Rarely have so many come together to speak as one voice. The language they deploy is also highly unusual in its excoriating critique of what the monitors state is the "fundamental racial inequality and discrimination that characterize life in the United States for black people".

Democrats pillory Trump for saying today is a 'great day' for George Floyd | NY Times |

@realDonaldTrump, keep George Floyd's name out of your mouth until you can say Black Lives Matter.
By Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris)

Mayor of Tacoma calls for city manager to fire 4 police officers after the death of a black man in custody was ruled a homicide; the man could be heard on police scanner traffic saying "I can't breathe," after he was handcuffed. [_link]

— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 5, 2020

My son just looked at the television and said "Daddy, do you think these rioters will register to vote?" He's a 46 year old Vox journalist and I hate him so fucking much.

— Socialist Alternative Rock & Pop Punk (@MildCuthbert) June 4, 2020

Geragos & Geragos official statement on @Kaepernick7 who we are proud to represent pic.twitter.com/c0Jr1ugNV1

— Mark Geragos (@markgeragos) October 16, 2017

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says league was wrong for not listening to players earlier about racism - CNN [_link]

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 5, 2020

Roger Goodell Tacitly Admits That NFL Mishandled Colin Kaepernick Peaceful Protests Improperly | CBS News |

57 Buffalo Police Resign From Riot Unit In Protest Of Officers' Suspension | Forbes |

According to Buffalo Police Benevolent Association President John Evans, the two suspended officers were merely following directives and that the 75-year-old man slipped. "Our position is these officers were simply following orders from Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia to clear the square," said Evans. "It doesn't specify clear the square of men, 50 and under or 15 to 40. They were simply doing their job. I don't know how much contact was made. He did slip in my estimation. He fell backwards."

THREAD: I am told it is the ENTIRE Emergency Reaponse team. The Union tells me it fully understands their "disgust" "These officers were simply following orders given by DPC Joe Gramaglia to clear the Square" @wkbw

— Hannah Buehler (@HannahBuehler) June 5, 2020

The Union is wrong ...

Two Buffalo Police ERT members say resignation was not in solidarity with suspended officers

"It went bad. It went bad."

The officers we spoke with said the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association's statement asserting all 57 officers resigned from ERT in a "show of support" with the two officers that were suspended without pay is not true.

"I don't understand why the union said it's a thing of solidarity. I think it sends the wrong message that `we're backing our own' and that's not the case," said one officer with whom we spoke.

"We quit because our union said [they] aren't legally backing us anymore. So why would we stand on a line for the City with no legal backing if something [were to] happen? Has nothing to do with us supporting," said another.

Black Lives Matter rallies start in Australia amid court ban

A demonstrator who interrupted House, arguing that the rally's focus should be on "what's happening in the United States" rather than Australia's colonial history, was shouted down in a heated confrontation with several protesters. The demonstrator eventually followed the crowd's advice to leave.

Indigenous Australians make up 2% of the Australian adult population but 27% of the prison population.

'nuf said! 😎

Houston police chief #ArtAcevedo
to #DonaldTrump: "If you can't be constructive, keep your mouth shut."🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭#auspol[_link]

— Iggy🇱🇰 (@igraju62) June 1, 2020

In case you missed @foxnewsnight with @ShannonBream: [_link]

— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) June 4, 2020

Cynthia Brehm must resign now, today. There is no excuse for this outrageous,ignorant racist message made worse by using her position as a local party leader to spread it. It does not reflect the thinking of Bexar GOP or Republicans anywhere. [_link] #txlege

— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) June 4, 2020

Yeah ... please turn to Jesus to solve racism in America today ... exceptionalism 😎

In case you missed @foxnewsnight with @ShannonBream: [_link]

— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) June 4, 2020

So JESUS is the solution to America's racism problem! Oh how silly of me, I never realised. No doubt that's why Thoughts and Prayers have proved so effective. I should have guessed.[_link]

— Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) June 5, 2020

...We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020

Drew Brees Kicks Back Hard At Donald Trump; NFL QB Says "We Are At A Critical Juncture In Our Nation's History" After George Floyd Death & Protests

Having had a rude awakening himself on his own short sighted point of view, Drew Brees just effectively sacked Donald Trump tonight on the field of public debate over the ongoing George Floyd death protests and NFL player and others taking a kneel for social and racial justice.

"We can no longer use the flag to turn people away or distract them from the real issues that face our black communities," the New Orleans Saints QB declared in a new post online this evening.

...
Clearly looking for another wedge issue to fire up his base heading into the November election, the poll-sagging Trump basically is banging on the same drum he did in 2017. Back in the first year of his administration, the former USFL owner repeatedly attacked Colin Kaepernick for the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback's sidelines protest against racial injustice during the playing of the National Anthem. Trump also took to ridiculing the NFL for its changing policies on the issue, as it caught fire with many players and unveiled the ire of less-than-diplomatic owners.

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, `Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he's fired," Trump bellowed to a rally in September 2017.

What does the league's new position mean for Colin Kaepernick?

Malcolm Jenkins

"The onslaught of sh-t that we have to deal with is f-king crazy right now ... Drew Brees, if you don't understand how hurtful, how insensitive your comments are, you are part of the problem."

Just received update from @metpoliceuk. Thanked officers & expressed my concern at small number of reports of violence.

I'm sickened at George Floyd's death. But protests must be peaceful & in accordance with social distancing rules.

This virus remains a threat to us all.

— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) June 3, 2020

In light of evolving evidence, @WHO advises governments to encourage the general public to wear masks where there is widespread #COVID19 transmission and physical distancing is difficult, such as on public transport, in shops or in other confined or crowded environments.

Outdoors is not a confined space ... social distancing IS important.

Native born manhood of this America - WASP rising from its ashes after the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

○ Why Wasps are an endangered species in the US | The Independent - Dec. 2013 |

We still live in a democracy, we can still vote and organize. The whole point of our political system is that it renders violence unnecessary

— Anne Applebaum (@anneapplebaum) June 4, 2020

Anne Sikorski-Applebaum the Raving War Lunatic

WATCH: U.S. Army officials deployed to Washington, D.C. say they are relieved to be going home and that they did not want active duty troops called to the city. - @NBCNewsNOW [_link]

— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 6, 2020

○ Poll: Two-Thirds Think Trump Made Racial Tensions Worse After Floyd Was Killed | NPR |

○ Hill-HarrisX poll: Trump approval falls six points amid civil unrest

In the face of the security concerns, the White House increasingly looks like a fortress under siege [_link]

— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 6, 2020

Members of the National Guard arrive on the ellipse near the White House ahead of today's Black Lives Matter protest. pic.twitter.com/LeqkSGFde4

— Doug Mills (@dougmillsnyt) June 6, 2020

○ Trump Campaign Looks at Electoral Map and Doesn't Like What It Sees | NY Times |

Signs of anxiety inside the Trump team are evident across the electoral map. Over the past few weeks, the president's operation has spent about $1.7 million on advertising in just three states he carried in 2016 -- Ohio, Iowa and Arizona -- that it had hoped would not be competitive at all this year.

Donald Trump in his bunker - cartoon [_link]

— The Guardian (@guardian) June 6, 2020

Maybe, if the underlying catalyst for the current actions is actually something to do with the lack of wealth equity, then they might bring significant change. But there's a long list of failed revolutions in history that were a lot bigger and broader and better organized--and that were backed by some kind of cohesive analysis guiding a political and economic theory--that went nowhere.

Protestors gather along 16th Street NW near the White House during George Floyd protests on Saturday in Washington, D.C.

📷 Samuel Corum / Getty Images pic.twitter.com/YuDLp38I35

— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 6, 2020

There is no generic DOJ police force, obviously. No badges, no identifying info, refusal to say who they represent - it's like Russia's little green men have taken over the nation's capital. [_link]

— Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) June 2, 2020

Asked who they're with, these guys say only that they're with "The Department of Justice." pic.twitter.com/ciVDtP8ndk

— Dan Friedman (@dfriedman33) June 2, 2020

On Wednesday, protesters, former national security officials, and legal analysts raised alarms about the refusal of these units to identify their specific agency, and the legal authority under which they are operating. Some critics compared the units to "little green men" -- a reference to the unmarked Russian soldiers who appeared in Crimea, Ukraine, prior to its 2014 annexation.

Fixed it! 🔥Tell @MayorBowser
BLACK LIVES MATTER = #DefundPolice
Go to https://t.co/W2jKoLdG0V for more info!#BlackLivesMatter  #BlackLivesMatterDC #BLMDC #AbolishThePolice @Mvmnt4BlkLives @DMVBlackLives #InDefenseOfBlackLife #M4BL #StopMPD pic.twitter.com/miYXUmyh0b

— BYP100 (@byp100) June 7, 2020

Screen shot: After citing that, if he had done like Brazil, the United States would have more than 2 million people killed by the new coronavirus, Donald Trump caught the attention of Brazilian internet users for not following President Jair Bolsonaro on Twitter. The fact moved social networks on Friday night (6/6), when users realized that the Brazilian representative is not on the American's "following" list on the social network.

Brazil takes down COVID-19 data, hiding soaring death toll | Reuters |

Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. @OANN I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020

Trump Tweets Unfounded Conspiracy Theory About Elderly Buffalo Protester Injured by Police | TIME |

President Donald Trump on Tuesday advanced an unfounded conspiracy theory about a 75-year-old protester in Buffalo, New York, who was pushed down by police officers, tweeting without evidence that the confrontation may have been a "set up."

Trump, who has called himself "your president of law and order," was once again siding firmly with police over the protesters who have taken to the streets across the country.

With his tweet, Trump attempted to cast doubt on video showing Buffalo police shoving the man, who fell backward and hit his head on the sidewalk. He was seen bleeding from his head as officers walk away.

Gov. Cuomo (D-NY) gets fired up over Trump's Buffalo tweet: "How reckless, how irresponsible, how mean, how crude. If there was ever a reprehensible, dumb comment ... and from the president of the United States." pic.twitter.com/wHqlRTCPb8

— The Recount (@therecount) June 9, 2020

Trump's conspiracy theory on 75-year-old protester draws sharp backlash | Politico |

New Post: Seattle Charges Capitol Hill Attacker with First-Degree Assault, Police Chief Defends Violent Response to Protests, Falsely Claims Armed Protesters Extorting Payments from Local Business [_link] pic.twitter.com/3AFjk2CvCi

— Tikun Olam (@richards1052) June 12, 2020

First, Lara Logan promoted this obvious antifa joke involving the Insane Clown Posse as if it was real.

Now, Fox airs an obvious antifa joke involving Monty Python as if it was real.

(h/t @jbillinson) pic.twitter.com/WciNxP6JJN

— Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) June 13, 2020

Anarcho-syndicalist commune:

In case you missed it, here are three @AuroraPD officers reenacting the chokehold of #ElijahMclain at the memorial site where he was last seen alive.

In their defense, the officers said they sent the picture to "cheer up" a a fellow cop who was on suspension. pic.twitter.com/7hz7N4SUdg

— Midwest People's History (@MPHProject) July 4, 2020

BREAKING: Aurora's police chief has fired three of the officers involved in the photos re-enacting the chokehold used against #ElijahMcClain when he died in August.

She called the act "a crime against humanity and decency." pic.twitter.com/W3qKNNXQwS

— AJ+ (@ajplus) July 3, 2020

This is an urgent crisis - Seattle Police are engaged in a pattern of arresting their critics and journalists and protesters who are trying to hold them accountable. @MayorJenny is totally silent on this. We need @SeattleCouncil to act immediately to protect basic human rights. [_link]

— Robert Cruickshank ☂️ (@cruickshank) July 10, 2020

Today's News from Washington State ...

Trump-Ordered Federal Agents Are Reportedly Pulling Protesters Into Unmarked Vehicles, Drawing Outrage | Forbes |

Get the feds the fuck outa Portland!! [_link]

— Tikun Olam (@richards1052) July 17, 2020