by G. Gallacher | news
In a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on gun violence, Republican Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana faced tough questions about his home state’s high firearms death rate. Here’s the full story.
Gun Violence Debate
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With over 39,000 firearm-related deaths in the United States so far in 2023, the issue of gun violence has gained heightened attention, sparking debates about the need for stronger national gun laws.
No Clear Answer
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Proponents of gun control advocate for limitations on certain weapons, like assault rifles, to curb shootings.
Conversely, some argue that stricter gun laws would infringe upon the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The tension around this topic remains a significant challenge in American politics.
High Crime Chicago
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During a Senate Judiciary hearing on gun violence, Senator Kennedy questioned Dr. Megan Ranney, dean of the Yale School of Public Health, about gun violence in Chicago, often portrayed by conservatives as a city with high crime rates due to progressive prosecutorial policies.
America’s Largest Shooting Range
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Kennedy asked Dr Ranney “Why do you think that Chicago has become America’s largest outdoor shooting range? Do you think it’s because of Chicago citizens who have no criminal record but who have a gun in their home for protection or perhaps for hunting? Or do you think it’s because of a finite group of criminals who have rap sheets as long as King Kong’s arm?”
Whoops!
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Dr. Ranney pointed out that Louisiana, Senator Kennedy’s home state, actually has a higher firearms death rate than Chicago.
Republican Controlled State
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Louisiana, led by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards, has Republican control of both legislative chambers.
Inequality to Blame
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Experts attribute higher gun violence rates in conservative areas to factors such as inequality and easy access to firearms.
Lack of Education
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Responding to Kennedy’s question, Dr. Ranney explained, “I think there’s easy access to firearms combined with environmental conditions, lack of great education.”
Addressing Environmental Factors
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She highlighted studies demonstrating that addressing environmental factors, like repairing abandoned buildings and greening vacant lots in urban neighborhoods, can reduce gun violence, stress, and depression.
“Word Salad”
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Senator Kennedy dismissed her response as a “word salad.”
Going Viral
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A video of the exchange then went viral online, attracting attention and sparking conversations about gun violence and its underlying causes.
Louisiana Leads
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According to a study by the Violence Policy Center, Louisiana had a gun death rate of 28.42 in 2022, while Chicago’s rate was approximately 25.82 for the same year.
Regional Disparities
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The exchange between Senator Kennedy and Dr. Ranney brought attention to the disparities in gun violence rates between different regions.
Lack of Effective Solutions
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The video exchange further underscores the ongoing challenge of finding effective solutions to address gun violence.
As the nation grapples with the complex dynamics of gun control, the conversation remains a critical aspect of shaping future policies.
Gaslighting
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Online the viral exchange met with mixed reactions.
One person commented, “Kennedy’s excuse for being obtuse is word salad. If you don’t like what the person says you tell them they’re stupid? He just got spanked about his incorrect numbers and his answer is to gaslight!”
Banning Cars
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Others online took a different view, with one commenting “I still have not seen a gun get up and shoot someone of its own accord. Bad drivers kill more people than guns per year. So, let’s just ban cars.”
People With Guns Kill People
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Clearly not satisfied with that answer, another user jokingly posted “Well, the right is always saying it’s not the guns but the people. Maybe they ought to look into that a little more.”
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by G. Gallacher | news
The Governor of Illinois has spoken candidly about what he sees the danger Trump represents to American democracy. Here’s the whole story.
Nazi Rhetoric
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, of Jewish descent, voiced deep concerns over former President Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric, drawing parallels between his language and the rise of the Nazis in 1930s Germany.
Sounding the Alarm
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Pritzker, who played a role in the construction of the state’s Holocaust Museum, highlighted the alarming nature of Trump’s comments on immigration, potential reelection, and the characterization of political opponents.
Reminiscent of 1930’s Germany
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Pritzker expressed his worries about the direction of the country if policies advocated by Trump were to come to light. He emphasized the historical context, stating, “The rhetoric that’s being used by Trump, by some of the Maga (Make America Great Again) extremists, is rhetoric that was used in the 1930s in Germany.”
Segregation and Dehumanization
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Pritzker raised concerns about the potential consequences of such rhetoric, drawing a connection to the segregation and dehumanization that occurred in Germany during that era. He specifically pointed out the danger of labeling certain groups as immigrants, leading to their separation and eventual mistreatment.
“Deeply Concerned”
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“I’m deeply concerned about his predilection for revenge and what that will mean for groups of people that didn’t support him in the 2024 election if he gets elected,” Pritzker stated, expressing unease about Trump’s potential return to power.
Calling Out Trump
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The governor echoed sentiments shared by President Joe Biden, who previously likened Trump’s language to the period when Nazi Germany orchestrated the Holocaust. Pritzker stressed the importance of calling out Trump’s rhetoric, emphasizing its danger to democracy and specific minority groups in the United States.
Historical Parallels
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The White House has also joined in highlighting Trump’s extreme language, with spokesperson Andrew Bates drawing parallels to dictators like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini.
Fascist Talking Points
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Bates pointed out the troubling use of terms like “vermin” to describe those exercising their right to criticize the government, emphasizing the unrecognizable nature of such language to the founders.
“Dangerous for Our Democracy”
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Pritzker continued to emphasize the dangers posed by Trump’s rhetoric, describing him as “dangerous for our democracy” and expressing concern about the rise of hate, particularly on college campuses.
Peaceful Expression of Dissent
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He stressed the need for those with a platform to speak out against such language. He called for a peaceful expression of dissent without escalation into violence.
Polling Concerns
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Addressing concerns about recent polls placing Trump ahead of Biden in key swing states, Pritzker urged people to focus on evaluating the philosophies and agendas of the two figures.
Rejecting Authoritarianism
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He suggested that a crystallization of voters’ views would occur closer to the elections, emphasizing the importance of putting aside Donald Trump’s authoritarianism.
Trump in Texas
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Meanwhile, Trump, who was in Texas promoting hard-line immigration policies, remains a prominent figure in American politics, drawing both support and criticism for his stance on various issues.
Use Your Voice
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Online, the news was met with a mix of support and derision. One commenter posted, “We need more people speaking out like this!”
More of the Same
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However, others took a different view, with one such comment reading, “Yes we know. ‘Orange man bad’. We’ve all heard this before.”
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by G. Gallacher | news
In an unprecedented blend of progressive rhetoric and confrontational tactics, the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) has sparked controversy with its unconventional strategies. Here’s the whole story.
Unusual Activism
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This summer, the cityscape of Washington, D.C., witnessed an unusual form of anti-abortion activism as the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) employed unconventional strategies, including graffiti and live-streamed protests.
Confrontational Movement
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Operating primarily in the nation’s capital, PAAU has become part of an increasingly confrontational anti-abortion movement, raising eyebrows with its combination of progressive language and graphic rhetoric.
“Be Gay: Ban Abortion”
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In a departure from traditional anti-abortion advocacy, PAAU members utilized graffiti to spread their message, with messages like “Be Gay: Ban Abortion” and “Abortion Is Murder” appearing on sidewalks, bridge overpasses, and near metro stations.
Uncomfortable Feelings
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This approach, intended to make people “uncomfortable,” reflects the group’s commitment to a smashmouth style, leading to convictions for trespassing and obstructing abortion clinics.
Live Streaming
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Live-streamed protests have become a prominent feature of PAAU’s activism, drawing attention and scrutiny, especially in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision impacting the constitutional right to abortion.
Protecting Abortion Access
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The Department of Justice has utilized the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to address allegations of obstructive protests, ranging from pellet gun shootings to gate-locking incidents.
“Culture Jamming”
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Terrisa Bukovinac, the founder of PAAU, emphasizes the group’s use of graffiti as “culture jamming,” celebrating the act of decorating public spaces.
Confrontational Approach
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Despite the progressive verbiage of PAAU, aligning with values such as equality and LGBTQ+ rights, its confrontational approach finds an unlikely fit within conservative circles.
Conservative Associations
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Bukovinac’s association with the Leadership Institute, a conservative training group, and attendance at a Heritage Foundation gala raise questions about the group’s ideological positioning.
Digital Activism
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PAAU’s digital activism extends to live-streamed protests that feature combative counter-protesters, often making misleading claims rejected by medical experts.
Doxxing Risk
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Livestreams present a potential risk of doxxing, where personal information is made public without consent, adding a layer of aggression to the group’s tactics.
Graphic Rhetoric
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Despite the progressive language on its website, PAAU has faced criticism from within the anti-abortion movement for its graphic rhetoric.
Balancing Act
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The group’s attempt to present a multicultural and progressive image during protests reflects a careful balancing act to appeal to both the left and right.
Legal Challenges
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However, PAAU’s strategies have faced legal challenges, with some members, including Lauren Handy, the director of activism, being convicted under the FACE Act for blockading an abortion clinic.
Repeal of the Law
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As PAAU and its allies navigate legal challenges, including appeals against convictions, their broader goal is clear – the potential repeal of the FACE Act.
“#RepealFACE”
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With congressional allies supporting their cause, PAAU has rebranded a social media account with the hashtag “#RepealFACE,” signaling a concerted effort to challenge the legislation that regulates their distinctive style of activism.
“Ultra Conservative”
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The news led to an immediate outcry online, with many questioning if it’s possible to be both progressive and anti-abortion, with one person commenting, “Being anti-abortion is anything but progressive. As a matter of fact, being anti-abortion is ultraconservative.”
“Mind Your Own Business”
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Another posted, “Don’t like abortion? Don’t get one. The right for a woman to control her own body is hers alone, not yours. Quit worrying about what other people are doing and mind your own business.”
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by G. Gallacher | news
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, has released tens of thousands of hours of previously unseen footage from the insurrection on January 6. Here’s the whole story.
Promises Kept
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In a shocking development, House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced the public release of 44,000 hours of footage from the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Johnson aims to fulfill a promise made to far-right Republicans, including Matt Gaetz and Donald Trump.
Reject the Evidence of Your Eyes and Ears
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“This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials,” stated Johnson.
90 Hours of Footage
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The first installment of approximately 90 hours will be available on a public committee website, with the remaining footage expected to be released over the next several months. A public viewing room will also be established in the Capitol for those interested.
Limited Audience
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Previously, the GOP-led House Administration Committee allowed access to the footage by appointment only for media, criminal defendants, and a limited audience.
Failed Insurrection
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The videos capture the intensity of the events as President Donald Trump’s supporters breached the Capitol, engaging in violent confrontations with police officers.
With Friends Like These
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By expanding access to the general public, Johnson is honoring a commitment made to conservative party members, including Representative Matt Gaetz, who played a role in removing the former speaker, Kevin McCarthy.
From the Horse’s Mouth
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Both Gaetz and Trump applauded Johnson’s decision. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump commended the speaker “for having the courage and fortitude” to release the footage.
Thrown Under the Bus
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However, this move raises concerns as it grants unprecedented access to sensitive January 6 security footage. Critics warn that this could potentially jeopardize the safety of Capitol staff and members of Congress if the footage falls into the wrong hands.
Retaliatory Attacks
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Johnson mentioned that the committee is taking measures to blur faces in the footage to address these concerns, preventing individuals from being targeted for retaliation.
Footage Withheld
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Approximately 5% of the footage will not be publicly released due to concerns about sensitive security information related to the Capitol’s architecture. While images and videos from the Capitol attack have circulated widely, officials had previously withheld much of the surveillance footage.
Ministry of Truth
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The decision to release the footage follows earlier controversy when former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy granted exclusive access to footage to Fox News host Tucker Carlson, drawing criticism for its potential security implications.
Forget What You Saw
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This release is part of a broader Republican effort to reshape the narrative around the deadly insurrection following the House January 6 committee’s findings.
“Multi-Part Conspiracy”
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Despite this attempt to reclassify the events of that day, the committee concluded that Trump engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 election and recommended federal prosecutors investigate him on four charges, including aiding an insurrection.
Attack on Democracy
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In August, Trump was indicted on four felony counts related to his role in the attack, accused of assaulting the “bedrock function” of democracy.
Changing the Narrative
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Online, the news led to an immediate backlash from many commenters, with one typical post reading, “The Republicans goal here is to flood the market with the thousands of hours of video of people literally standing around doing nothing. They will show those clips over and over again in an effort to say that it was peaceful. They’re hoping that people will ignore or forget the violent parts.”
Gaslighting the Nation
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Another was more succinct in their criticism. Their post stated simply, “They’re still trying to gaslight us about what we all watched on live TV.”
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by G. Gallacher | news
The Republican-controlled Texas Board of Education recently caused outrage by deciding not to include several climate textbooks in the state’s science curriculum. Here’s the whole story.
Banning Books
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The Republican-dominated education board in Texas voted against including seven out of 12 climate textbooks for eighth-graders in the state science curriculum.
Notable publishers like Savvas Learning Company, McGraw Hill, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Accelerate Learning, and Summit K-12 had their textbooks approved.
Terrifying Truths
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“The selection of certain images can make things appear worse than they are, and I believe there was bias,” said Aaron Kinsey, a Republican board member.
Oil and Gas Never Hurt Anyone
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The rejected textbooks faced criticism for presenting climate-crisis policy solutions and for being perceived as too pessimistic about the fossil fuel industry – a major player in Texas.
Texas leads the nation in producing crude oil and natural gas, and conservative board members raised concerns about the portrayal of the oil and gas sector.
Photo Propaganda
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“You want to see children smiling in oil fields?” asked Aicha Davis, a Democratic board member.
Saving the Planet’s Too Radical
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While Texas school districts are not mandated to use board-approved textbooks, the decision holds sway, impacting the educational materials available to students.
Some influential figures, including Texas railroad commissioner Wayne Christian, expressed concerns about potential textbooks promoting what he termed a “radical environmentalist agenda.”
Evolving Truth
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The board’s decision also questioned the inclusion of lessons on evolution, a scientific theory supported by the entire scientific community but rejected by certain fundamentalist religious groups.
Standing Firm
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Despite pleas from the National Science Teaching Association not to let objections affect the adoption of new textbooks, the board stood firm in its decision.
“Personal and Ideological Beliefs”
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“Members of the board are clearly motivated to take some of these textbooks off the approved list because of their personal and ideological beliefs regarding evolution and climate change,” stated Glenn Branch, the Deputy Director of the National Center on Science Education.
Extreme Weather Events
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Texas, experiencing some of the most severe impacts of the climate crisis, has seen extreme weather events in recent years.
The state faced record-breaking temperatures in the summer of 2023 following a winter storm in 2021 that left millions without power.
Climate Killer
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Additionally, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 brought devastating consequences to Houston, resulting in over 100 deaths in Texas.
Burning Up
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“The summer of 2023 was the second hottest on record, after 2011,” stated John Nielsen-Gammon, a Texas State Climatologist.
Leading From the Rear
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Despite these challenges, Texas ranks 41st out of 50 states in the US for education.
Evolving Ignorance
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The decision not to adopt specific climate textbooks led to an immediate outcry online, with many internet users furious that science was being rejected to protect commercial interests and religious ideology.
One commented, “A good translation of that headline would be: Republican-controlled school board votes to enthrone ignorance.”
“Less Books To Burn”
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Another joked about the recent spate of Republicans banning books that do not agree with their climate denialism, or that seemed to “promote” LGBTQ+ lifestyles, stating, “The Republicans are being proactive. There will be less books to burn this way.”
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