US NATIONAL NEWS

Report finds democracy for Black Americans is under attack

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2023

WASHINGTON (AP) — Extreme views adopted by some local, state and federal political leaders who try to limit what history can be taught in schools and seek to undermine how Black officials perform their jobs are among the top threats to democracy for Black Americans, the National Urban League says.

Marc Morial, the former New Orleans mayor who leads the civil rights and urban advocacy organization, cited the most recent example: the vote this month by the Republican-controlled Tennessee House to oust two Black representatives for violating a legislative rule. The pair had participated in a gun control protest inside the chamber after the shooting that killed three students and three staff members at a Nashville school.

“We have censorship and Black history suppression, and now this,” Morial said in an interview. “It’s another piece of fruit of the same poisonous tree, the effort to suppress and contain.”

Both Tennessee lawmakers were quickly reinstated by leaders in their districts and were back at work in the House after an uproar that spread well beyond the state.

The Urban League’s annual State of Black America report released Saturday draws on data and surveys from a number of organizations, including the UCLA Law School, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League. The collective findings reveal an increase in recent years in hate crimes and efforts to change classroom curriculums, attempts to make voting more difficult and extremist views being normalized in politics, the military and law enforcement.

One of the most prominent areas examined is so-called critical race theory. Scholars developed it as an academic framework during the 1970s and 1980s in response to what they viewed as a lack of racial progress following the civil rights legislation of the 1960s. The theory centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation’s institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society.

Director Taifha Alexander said the Forward Tracking Project, part of the UCLA Law School, began in response to the backlash that followed the protests of the George Floyd killing in 2020 and an executive order that year from then-President Donald Trump restricting diversity training.

The project’s website shows that 209 local, state and federal government entities have introduced more than 670 bills, resolutions, executive orders, opinion letters, statements and other measures against critical race theory since September 2020.

Anti-critical race theory is “a living organism in and of itself. It’s always evolving. There are always new targets of attack,” Alexander said.

She said the expanded scope of some of those laws, which are having a chilling effect on teaching certain aspects of the country’s racial conflicts, will lead to major gaps in understanding history and social justice.

“This anti-CRT campaign is going to frustrate our ability to reach our full potential as a multiracial democracy” because future leaders will be missing information they could use to tackle problems, Alexander said.

She said one example is the rewriting of Florida elementary school material about civil rights figure Rosa Parks and her refusal to give up her seat to a white rider on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus in 1955 — an incident that sparked the bus boycott there. Mention of race was omitted entirely in one revision, a change first reported by The New York Times.

Florida has been the epicenter of many of the steps, including opposing AP African American studies, but it’s not alone.

“The things that have been happening in Florida have been replicated, or governors in similarly situated states have claimed they will do the same thing,” Alexander said.

In Alabama, a proposal to ban “divisive” concepts passed out of legislative committee this past week. Last year, the administration of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, rescinded a series of policies, memos and other resources related to diversity, equity and inclusion that it characterized as “discriminatory and divisive concepts” in the state’s public education system.

Oklahoma public school teachers are prohibited from teaching certain concepts of race and racism under a bill Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law in 2021.

On Thursday, the Llano County Commissioners Court in Texas held a special meeting to consider shutting down the entire public library system rather than follow a federal judge’s order to return a slate of books to the shelves on topics ranging from teenage sexuality to bigotry.

After listening to public comments in favor and against the shutdown, the commissioners decided to remove the item from the agenda.

“We will suppress your books. We will suppress the conversation about race and racism, and we will suppress your history, your AP course,” Morial said. “It is singular in its effort to suppress Blacks.”

Other issues in his group’s report address extremism in the military and law enforcement, energy and climate change, and how current attitudes can affect public policy. Predominantly white legislatures in Missouri and Mississippi have proposals that would shift certain government authority from some majority Black cities to the states.

In many ways, the report mirrors concerns evident in recent years in a country deeply divided over everything from how much K-12 students should be taught about racism and sexuality to the legitimacy of the 2020 election.

Forty percent of voters in last year’s elections said their local K-12 public schools were not teaching enough about racism in the United States, while 34% said it already was too much, according to AP VoteCast, an expansive survey of the American electorate. Twenty-three percent said the current curriculum was about right.

About two-thirds of Black voters said more should be taught on the subject, compared with about half of Latino voters and about one-third of white voters.

Violence is one of the major areas of concern covered in the Urban League report, especially in light of the 2022 mass shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York. The accused shooter left a manifesto raising the “great replacement theory ” as a motive in the killings.

Data released this year by the FBI indicated that hate crimes rose between 2020 and 2021. African Americans were disproportionately represented, accounting for 30% of the incidents in which the bias was known.

By comparison, the second largest racial group targeted in the single incident category was white victims, who made up 10%.

Rachel Carroll Rivas, deputy director of research with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project, said when all the activities are tabulated, including hate crimes, rhetoric, incidents of discrimination and online disinformation, “we see a very clear and concerning threat to America and a disproportionate impact on Black Americans.”

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump Hints at Possible Third Term, Suggests “Methods” to Stay in Office

Published

4 weeks ago

March 30, 2025

Willie David

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – President Donald Trump refused to rule out the idea of a third term, despite the constitutional limits set by the 22nd Amendment, stating there are “methods” that could allow him to return to the Oval Office.

In a Sunday morning phone interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, Trump touted his high approval ratings, claiming, “You have to start by saying, I have the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years. We’re in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls, and you see that. We’re very popular.”

When asked directly whether he would seek another term in 2028, Trump did not deny the possibility, saying:

“Well, there are plans. There are—not plans. There are, there are methods which you could do it, as you know.”

22nd Amendment & Legal Hurdles

Trump’s comments come in direct conflict with the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states:

“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”

This amendment, ratified in 1951, was introduced largely due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency. It makes no exception for presidents who serve non-consecutive terms, which means Trump would legally be barred from running again in 2028 after a second presidency.

Trump’s Strategy: JD Vance as a Placeholder?

During the NBC News interview, Trump hinted at potential workarounds to bypass the 22nd Amendment, including having Vice President JD Vance run in 2028 and later stepping aside to allow Trump to return to office.

“Well, that’s one,” Trump said. “But there are others too. There are others.”

This raises legal and ethical concerns, as it would be seen as a direct attempt to circumvent the Constitutional limit on presidential terms.

Steve Bannon & MAGA Allies Push for 2028

Trump’s close ally Steve Bannon, host of the War Room podcast, has been a vocal proponent of the idea, stating in December that Trump could “credibly seek another term” in 2028. The idea has gained traction among MAGA hardliners, with some advocating for legislative changes or legal loopholes that could allow Trump to reclaim the presidency.

White House Response: “Too Early” to Decide

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung downplayed the speculation, stating:

“Americans overwhelmingly approve and support President Trump and his America First policies. As the President said, it’s far too early to think about it, and he is focused on undoing all the hurt Biden has caused and Making America Great Again.”

What’s Next?

While Trump’s comments have sparked debate over the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, legal scholars and political analysts emphasize that any attempt to bypass the presidential term limit would likely face significant legal challenges and Congressional pushback.

As Trump continues to tease 2028, Democrats and legal experts are expected to push back against any potential constitutional maneuvering.

___________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

US NATIONAL NEWS

Global Tesla Takedown Protests Target Elon Musk and DOGE

Published

4 weeks ago

March 30, 2025

FNN NEWS

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – The global anti-Tesla protest movement intensified on March 29, as demonstrators targeted hundreds of Tesla dealerships and showrooms worldwide. Protesters voiced outrage over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. government policies, layoffs in federal agencies, and budget cuts affecting critical programs.

Protesters Condemn Musk’s Influence in Government

The demonstrations, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown”, were fueled by frustration over what activists call Musk’s unchecked power over federal decision-making. Protesters argue that Musk, the world’s richest man, has used his political and financial leverage to lay off thousands of workers, slash government agency budgets, and consolidate power.

“Nobody voted for Elon,” one protester stated. “He’s hijacking our government, cutting funding for essential programs, and treating workers as disposable.”

Anti-Tesla Movement Gains Momentum

The anti-Tesla sentiment is spreading across multiple countries, with protestors uniting under a common goal: hurting Musk’s bottom line. Demonstrators held boldly worded signs with statements such as:

“Fire Musk”
“We Don’t Need This Fascist”
“Honk If You Hate Nazis”
“No Swastikas – No Fascists”

Some placards even depicted Musk as an oligarch gaslighting the public, drawing comparisons between his leadership style and authoritarian regimes.

DOGE Backlash and Government Cuts

The protests also criticized Musk’s role in cryptocurrency manipulation, particularly regarding DOGE (Dogecoin). Many believe Musk’s influence over financial markets has led to instability, impacting small investors.

Moreover, demonstrators highlighted concerns over Musk’s reported backroom deals with the Trump administration, which they claim have resulted in:

Massive layoffs across federal agencies
Defunding critical public programs
Deregulation that benefits corporations while hurting workers

Protesters Demand Change

As the Tesla Takedown movement grows, activists vow to escalate demonstrations, urging consumers to boycott Tesla products and Musk-owned companies.

“We refuse to support a billionaire who disregards democracy, fires workers, and cuts essential programs,” said one organizer. “This is just the beginning.”

US NATIONAL NEWS

Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Calls Trump Officials’ Response to War Plans Leak “A Shameless Mountain of Lies”

Published

1 month ago

March 26, 2025

FNN NEWS

WASHINGTON (FNN) – A major national security scandal has erupted after top officials from President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly shared classified U.S. military strike plans in a private Signal chat, raising alarms about national security breaches and possible legal violations.

Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Speaks Out

Former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, who served as a Trump impeachment manager, strongly condemned the breach, describing it as “a shameless mountain of lies” and a reckless compromise of military strategy.

“As a former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security committees, the thought of these people sharing strategic military operations on Signal is shocking. Those who testified before the Senate were under oath. Power built on endless lies is not power at all—it’s a house of cards. America, this will end badly unless you demand better,” Demings wrote in a statement on her personal Facebook page.

Val Demings is a former U.S. Congresswoman, former Trump Impeachment Manager, former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees, and retired Orlando Chief of Police.

Details of the Leaked War Plans

The National Security Council has confirmed the authenticity of the leaked messages, which included classified operational details of upcoming U.S. military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The leaked documents allegedly contained:

Target locations for military strikes
Weapon deployment strategies
Attack sequencing and operational details

The sensitive war plans were reportedly shared with The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a private Signal group chat involving:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Vice President JD Vance
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz

Possible Violations of Federal Laws & National Security Rules

The unauthorized disclosure of sensitive military operations may violate multiple federal laws, including:

Espionage Act (18 U.S. Code § 793) – Unlawful disclosure of classified national defense information
Presidential Records Act – Mishandling of government records and sensitive communications
Federal Records Act – Unauthorized sharing of government communications
Insider Threat Program Violations – Breach of classified intelligence security measures
UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) Violations – If military personnel were involved in the leak

Congress Calls for Full Investigation

Bipartisan leaders in both the Senate and House are calling for an investigation into the war plans leak. Lawmakers are demanding:

Public hearings to address the security breach
Testimony from top Trump officials named in the leak
Legal consequences for those responsible

During the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) described the actions of the nation’s top intelligence officials as “sloppy, careless, incompetent behavior.”

“If this was the case of a military officer or an intelligence officer and they had this kind of behavior, they would be fired,” he said.