'The G-Man': Thank You, Maame Biney!

The first Black woman to make a U.S. Olympic speedskating team was eliminated in a 1,500-meter short-track heat.

By Ron Dicker

U.S. speedskater Maame Biney finished last in her 1,500-meter short-track heat on Saturday, ending her trailblazing run at the Winter Olympics.

The 18-year-old Biney is the first black woman on the U.S. Olympic short-track team ― and indeed the first black woman to make either Team USA Olympic speedskating squad. She qualified for the games before long-track racer Erin Jackson, who is also black.

“I am super honored to be able to be part of this, because I know that us African-American girls and women haven’t been able to be in this situation before,” Biney told HuffPost before the Pyeongchang Games. “I’m really honored to inspire other women, African-American or any other race, to get out there and do what you can and succeed.”

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Huffington Post 

From The G-Man applauds and congratulates Maame Biney for making Team USA. She may have fallen short in her quest for Olympic gold, but she is still a champion in many respects. Well done, Miss Biney. Well done. 

Source: Team USA

Winter Storm Warning Issued for Parts of NYC, Long Island, Northeastern New Jersey

A winter storm warning was issued for parts of New York City, where up to 7 inches of snow is expected by Sunday morning. 

The warning was issued for Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens from 5 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday.  The warning was also issued for southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey, Long Island and most of the lower Hudson Valley.

Storm Team 4 expects that mixing rain and initial melting will keep snow totals down to about 3 inches in the city. The National Weather Service warned that 4 to 7 inches were possible. 

Click here for the full article, which includes a video report. 

Source: NBC News 4 New York

Harlem Embraces the Spirit of Wakanda at 'Black Panther' Opening Night Showings

Click on the photo to increase its size.

By James Best

Black beauty queens and African kings came to slay at an event for the opening of Marvel's "Black Panther" at AMC Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem, on Friday night.

Tim Grey and his company Grey Enterprises LLC rented out one of the only minority-owned theaters in New York City to give members of the community a night to express themselves, with most of the attendees wearing African diaspora and cosplay attire.

All the screenings at the venue were showing "Black Panther," with hundreds of people gathered for the sold-out movie.

Click here for the full article.

Source: NBC News 4 New York

Before It Was A Movie, 'Black Panther' Was Already Breaking Racial Barriers

Marvel’s new “Black Panther” film features the comic book hero like we’ve never seen him before. Here’s a look back at the origins of the first black superhero in mainstream comics.

Click here for video. 

Source: The Huffington Post

Breaking News: Black Excellence is at an All-Time High

Source: BecauseofThemWeCan

'Flashback Friday': The Brilliance of Malcolm X

Source: 1slamic

Trailblazers in Black History: Lerone Bennett Jr.

 Former Ebony Editor, Author Dies at 89 

Lerone Bennett Jr., an African-American history author and former editor of Ebony magazine, has died at age 89.

A.A. Rayner and Sons Funeral Home in Chicago said Thursday that Bennett died Tuesday. Ebony magazine tells the Chicago Sun-Times that Bennett had vascular dementia.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson on Thursday called Bennett an "activist historian" and said "a global force for justice he was, a mighty pen he had."

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News 

From The G-Man salutes Mr. Bennett's legacy with the following video tribute. May he forever rest in peace. 
   

"Alabama" is a composition written by Coltrane that appears on his album "Live at Birdland" (1963). It was written in response to the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing on September 15, 1963, an attack by the Ku Klux Klan in Birmingham, Alabama that killed four African-American girls.

Sources: Roger B. and Wikipedia 

Russia Timeline: Key Players, Meetings and Investigation Details

By NBC News 

As special counsel Robert Mueller continues his inquiries into Russia collusion in the 2016 election, new information continues to be added to the timeline of facts.

NBC News has gathered information starting as early as 2004 to help make sense of the convoluted series of events around President Donald Trump and his inner circle. The timeline will be updated as new information develops.

Click here to sort by player or read the full timeline.

Dems to Trump: Still Think Russia Investigation is a ‘Hoax’?

Nancy Pelosi

by Jane C. Timm

Democrats lashed out Friday at President Donald Trump after the investigation he has called a "hoax" and a "witch hunt" resulted in the indictment of 13 Russian nationals on charges of interfering in the 2016 election.

"For all of those who have been asking 'where is the evidence of a crime?' — this is it. This is the criminal conspiracy," Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Committee of Oversight and Government Reform, said in a statement. "Today's indictments show precisely how the Russians worked to help the Trump campaign, in startling and extensive detail."

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., slammed Trump for sidestepping sanctions aimed at punishing Moscow for election meddling and said it is "imperative that the special counsel investigation be allowed to continue to follow the facts on the Trump-Russia scandal, unhindered by the White House or Republicans in Congress." 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News 

FBI: Protocols 'Not Followed' After We Received a Tip About Shooter in Jaunary

Rosenstein: Russians Paid Off, Recruited Americans

Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein gives details on the past activity of 13 Russian nationals who have been indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller for meddling in the 2016 US elections.

Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding the Russia Indictments

Earlier today, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein announced indictments against 13 Russian nationals and 3 Russian entities for meddling in the 2016 Presidential election, which began in 2014 before the President declared his candidacy. President Donald J. Trump has been fully briefed on this matter and is glad to see the Special Counsel’s investigation further indicates—that there was NO COLLUSION between the Trump campaign and Russia and that the outcome of the election was not changed or affected.

President Trump says, “it is more important than ever before to come together as Americans. We cannot allow those seeking to sow confusion, discord, and rancor to be successful. It’s time we stop the outlandish partisan attacks, wild and false allegations, and far-fetched theories, which only serve to further the agendas of bad actors, like Russia, and do nothing to protect the principles of our institutions. We must unite as Americans to protect the integrity of our democracy and our elections.”

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary

Trump Indicates He'll Meet with People Involved in School Shooting Response

Source: CBS News

Mitt Romney Announces He's Running for Senate in Utah

Source: CBS News

Global Concerns Over Russia's Influence in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Source: CBS News

A Controversial Chinese New Year

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Girls in Malawi Victims of 'Sexual Cleansing' Ritual

Source: FRANCE 24 English

US Special Forces 'Operating Illegally in Syria', Sergey Lavrov

Source: euronews.

New Dawn for South Africa?

Source: euronews.

Global Japan: A Japanese Lifeline to Haiti

Source: euronews.

Voice Recorder of Ill-Fated Russian Plane is Found

Source: euronews.

Governor Cuomo Discusses Copycat Threats in Upstate Schools

Earlier today, Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared on Spectrum Buffalo to discuss the threats. 

Source: NYGovCuomo

Two Bronx Brothers Arrested in Bomb-Making Scheme

 This report was published on February 15. 

By William K. Rashbaum and William Neuman

A former teacher at a charter high school and his twin brother were arrested on Thursday on federal bomb-making charges, stockpiling more than 32 pounds of ingredients for explosives in a closet in their apartment in the Bronx, law enforcement officials said. 

The teacher paid high school students $50 an hour to break apart fireworks to extract the explosive powder, authorities said. 

Investigators also found diary writings referring to an “Operation Flash” and a purple index card that read, “Under the full moon the small ones will know terror,” according to officials and a criminal complaint filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan. 

The teacher, Christian Toro, and his brother, Tyler Toro, both 27, appeared in federal court in Manhattan Thursday afternoon and were ordered held in custody. 

Law enforcement officials “likely saved many, many lives,” in making the arrests, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at an 8 p.m. news conference at Police Headquarters. Officials at the news conference, however, did not provide any details about a possible motive, a target or any plans to explode a device. Continue reading the main story 

Mr. de Blasio said that investigators believed that there were no other people involved, adding, “There is no additional, imminent threat directed at New York City at this time.”

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New York City Mayor's Office and the New York Times

I-Team: Major Spike in Illegal Drones Over New York, Pilot Recounts Close Encounters

By Chris Glorioso, Erica Jorgensen and Evan Stulberger

As drones fly off store shelves, commercial aircraft pilots are seeing more of them bobbing and weaving in the forbidden airspace over New York.

Pilots over New York City reported seeing 192 illegal drones in the first three quarters of last year. That’s a 68 percent increase over the same time period in 2016.

“I just don’t want to see the skies littered with drones,” said Anthony Ianni, a helicopter pilot who flies charter and sightseeing tours for Wings Air, a charter and sightseeing company out of White Plains. 

 

Click here for the full article.

Source: NBC News 4 New York

White Supremacists Claim Nikolas Cruz Trained With Them

Hate group says the accused Florida school shooter did paramilitary exercises and got a rifle from members. Ex-students say he wore a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat in school.

By Samantha Allen, Taylor Lorenz and Kelly Weill 
 
PARKLAND, Florida—Nikolas Cruz, the man accused of killing 17 people in a Florida high school, was a member of a “white separatist paramilitary proto-fascist organization,” the group told The Daily Beast.

Cruz, 19, is accused of opening fire inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Prior to the shooting, he trained with the Republic of Florida, the group’s captain Jordan Jereb said (as first reported by the Anti-Defamation League). The RoF seeks to create a “white ethnostate” in Florida, according to its website, a view that Cruz supposedly shared.

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said Thursday evening that the claim is “not confirmed at this time” but “we are looking into that.” After previous mass shootings, the alt-right has spread disinformation online about alleged perpetrators.

“I’ve been in the same room as the guy but I don’t know the guy,” Jereb said. “I don’t know precisely what he believes. I know he knew full well he was joining a white separatist paramilitary proto-facist organization. I know he knew that much.”

Last year, an alleged school shooter in New Mexico also expressed alt-right ideology online, as The Daily Beast previously reported.

Cruz “seemed like just a normal, disenfranchised, young white man,” Jereb said.

Click here for the full article.

Source: The Daily Beast

White House Condemns Russia for 'NotPetya' Cyber-Attack

Statement from the White House Press Secretary 

In June 2017, the Russian military launched the most destructive and costly cyber-attack in history.

The attack, dubbed “NotPetya,” quickly spread worldwide, causing billions of dollars in damage across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It was part of the Kremlin’s ongoing effort to destabilize Ukraine and demonstrates ever more clearly Russia’s involvement in the ongoing conflict. This was also a reckless and indiscriminate cyber-attack that will be met with international consequences.

Source: The White House 

Editor's Note: On July 21 of 2017, The G-Man Interviews met with Aleks Mehrle, President and Co-founder of Ukrainian Global Trade and Investor, Inc. (“UGTI”), a company that aims to become a transparent, efficient and powerful driver of sustainable economic growth and development in Ukraine. 

During his appearance on the show, Mehrle discussed the “NotPetya,” cyber-attack in great detail and was one of the first high-profile figures to publicly state Russia was responsible for the attack. 

 

Mehrle is a licensed attorney and experienced business development professional, working with banks and international financing organizations to secure project-related financing. His primary responsibilities for UGTI include securing the participation and coordinating collaboration with leading US partners across a variety of sectors, including education, energy, finance and innovation. With this experience, he has developed strong relationships and partnerships with companies making an impact in energy security and cybersecurity.

UCCA Calls for Volunteers to Teach English in Ukraine

New York, NY - In an effort to help make a difference in the life of Ukrainian Children, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, the largest grassroots representation of Americans of Ukrainian descent, is supporting GoGlobal’s initiative to promote foreign languages in Ukraine, in particular the English language.

While in Kyiv recently, UCCA’s President, Andriy Futey held a lengthy meeting with GoGlobal’s Director, Ksana Nechyporenko, to discuss their organization’s program.  GoGlobal is the largest volunteer organization currently operating in Ukraine, whose mission is to foster foreign language learning, establish a culture of volunteerism and to promote Ukraine throughout the world.  GoGlobal conducts two programs in Ukraine – GoCamp, which is a summer language camp with foreign volunteers held in schools throughout Ukraine, as well as GoCampAfterschool program that is an extra curriculum program conducted in various schools for students to learn foreign languages throughout the year.  These programs are developed to help the new generations of Ukrainians to integrate into the global community by establishing a dialogue that fosters intercultural dialogue and public diplomacy.

As a result of their discussion and in an effort to help make a difference in the life of Ukrainian Children, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America has committed to support GoGlobal’s initiative to promote foreign languages, in particular English.  UCCA is urging members of our community to volunteer and become English Language teachers this summer in Ukraine.  GoGlobal’s goal in 2018 is to host 85,000 children at their language camps, including over 300 children from the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts; engage 850 schools to participate in their program; secure 850 volunteers to teacher in their program; and, hold their program in 450 cities and villages throughout all 24 regions/oblasts of Ukraine.

For more information about the project, please contact the UCCA National Office at (212) 228-6840.

Source: Ukrainian Congress Committee of America

Health Department to Study Impact of NYCHA Lead Paint Failures on Tenants

By Greg B. Smith 

The state health department will open an investigation into what impact NYCHA’s lead paint failures have had on public housing tenants in southern Queens.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced the inquiry during a budget hearing Monday in Albany.

State Sen. James Sanders (D-Jamaica) mentioned problems with lead paint, as well as mold and heating outages, in NYCHA developments in his district, which includes South Jamaica, Ozone Park and parts of Far Rockaway.

“I'm very concerned about what's going on,” Sanders said. “What can you do about this problem that's in NYCHA? We need to have some type of resolution to this problem of mold, lead and heating problems.”

Click here for the full article.

Statement from Alphonso David, Counsel to Governor Andrew Cuomo

"I am in receipt of a letter from Councilman Robert Cornegy dated February 14, 2018, and available here. I am also aware of the public statements of Councilman Cornegy and his colleagues this morning.

"We agree with Councilman Cornegy's assertion that the situation at the New York City Public Housing Authority is intolerable. Public Housing residents pursuant to federal and state law, deserve decent, safe, and habitable housing. The danger posed by lead paint combined with possible mold and heating issues is a threat to public health and an insult to the residents of public housing. The State stands ready to help in any way possible and has provided more than $300 million dollars in financial assistance to NYCHA. This level of support from the State is unprecedented and historic. There are over 150 Public Housing Authorities in the State, and NYCHA is the only one to get significant State financial aid. However, we also agree with the Councilman that the problem is not merely funding, but even more so the management's ability to actually perform the necessary repairs. As we understand, NYCHA's current timeline to actually implement repairs it is approximately three years. Given the urgency of this matter, that is three years too long.

"The State Department of Health has agreed to a request by Senator James Sanders to inspect the housing authority in his district but we agree with the Councilman that the problem is system-wide. The question we pose to the Councilman Cornegy and City Council is how can the State best help to address the issue. This State does have the power to declare an emergency. A Declaration of Emergency can take various forms from expediting contracting mechanisms to intervening with actual task completion. That is the discussion we must now have.

"There are also a number of outstanding New York City related issues that must be addressed and resolved and have been included in the State budget due April 1. We had a productive meeting with the City Councilmembers last week and will be meeting, at their convenience, next week, to further the NYCHA discussion and the other relevant issues. We thank Councilman Cornegy, Speaker Johnson and their colleagues for their diligence and stand ready to be of assistance. 

Sources: The New York Daily News  and the Press Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

House Intel Committee Considering Contempt Proceedings Against Steve Bannon

Click here for video. 

Source: C-SPAN

Representatives Pelosi and Thompson Call for Action on Gun Violence

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) speak about the Florida high school shooting, in which 17 people died, and the actions Congress can take to address gun violence, including expanded background checks.

Saving Our Youth: Gang Prevention Summit Brings Together Salinas Valley Students

This video was published on YouTube on January 27, 2018. 

Source: KSBW Action News 8

Trailblazers in Black History: Lloyd Augustus Hall

Source: kirkwms

Number of Reported Flu Cases Rises Across New York State

Governor Andrew Cuomo today called for continued vigilance to prevent the spread of influenza and again urged all New Yorkers to get vaccinated against this potentially deadly disease. Last week, 16,804 laboratory confirmed influenza cases were reported to the New York State Department of Health, again the highest weekly number since reporting began in 2004. The number of weekly hospitalizations decreased for the first time since influenza was declared prevalent in December, with 2,409 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza.

"As the number of flu cases continues to rise, I urge all New Yorkers to take every action to protect themselves and their loved ones from this epidemic," Governor Cuomo said. "We are doing everything we can to ensure the availability and affordability of the flu vaccine, and I encourage everyone to stay vigilant and get vaccinated."

Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo announced a 30-day budget amendment to increase convenience and vaccine accessibility by amending state education law allowing pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18, thereby codifying Executive Order 176. As a result, this legislation will encourage pharmacies to enroll in the New York State Vaccines for Children Program, which provides vaccines to children and individuals regardless of their ability to pay. The Governor also called on individual physicians to enroll in the Vaccines for Children program, if not already enrolled.

Last week, Governor Cuomo directed the New York State Department of Health to authorize enhanced reimbursement for counties statewide to help fund expanded efforts to promote and increase access to flu vaccines statewide. This action builds on New York State's ongoing efforts to combat the flu epidemic.

The Department of Health's website links to each local health department providing the public a one-stop-shop approach to individual counties' expanded efforts. Additionally, the HealthMap Vaccine Finder also identifies locations where vaccines can be found at other locations in New York State at http://www.vaccinefinder.org/.

According to a report issued today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is estimating 36 percent vaccine effectiveness against all strains of influenza this flu season. The report also shows that the flu vaccine is 59 percent effective among children aged 6 months to 8 years of age, the population targeted by Governor Cuomo's recent actions to expand vaccine access and availability. According to the CDC, vaccination should continue throughout flu season, as long as influenza viruses are circulating. Flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent illness and influenza complications, including those that can lead to hospitalization. Even when flu vaccine does not prevent illness, it still lessens the severity and shortens the duration of the flu.

Click here for the full announcement. 

Note: If not posted on the site, log on later for additional information.

Source: Press Office Governor Andrew Cuomo

Kept Out: Banks Across U.S. Caught Systematically Rejecting People of Color for Home Loans

Source: Democracy Now!

14 New Flu Deaths in Connecticut in a Week

Fourteen more flu-related deaths have been reported in Connecticut since last week, bringing the total number of lives lost to flu in the state this season to 77 as of Feb. 10, the state Department of Heath said Thursday.

The number surpasses the total number of deaths from the 2016-17 flu season (65), up from just 37 in the 2015-16 season, which was the lowest number of flu deaths recorded in a season over the last six, officials said. 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News 4 New York

Puerto Rico Suspends $133 Million Contract Awarded to Firm of Trump’s Failed FEMA Nominee

 

by Suzy Khimm

WASHINGTON — Puerto Rico has suspended a $133 million contract for hurricane relief given to the firm of President Donald Trump’s former pick for a top FEMA position after an independent review board determined it was improperly awarded.

A review board overseeing the U.S. territory's housing contracts said Tuesday that the winning firm, Adjusters International, should have been disqualified for failing to comply with the requirements for the FEMA-funded contract overseeing repairs for up to 75,000 homes damaged by Hurricane Maria.

Daniel Craig, Adjusters' senior vice president, helped his firm with its bid for the contract, which was awarded by Puerto Rico's housing department in December. In September, Craig withdrew his nomination to become second-in-command at FEMA after NBC News reported he had been under federal investigation for ethics issues involving lucrative FEMA contracts awarded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. 

Click here for the full article.

Source: NBC News 

List of US Politicians Who Receive Millions from the National Rifle Association

By Zoe Drewett

A number of US politicians have taken to Twitter to express their heartbreak and shock at the news of the Florida high school massacre.

But many of them – including US President Donald Trump – have come under fire for sending thoughts and prayers to the 17 victims who were killed, the dozens others injured in the shooting and their heartbroken families, while receiving millions of dollars in donations from the National Rifle Association.

Many Americans feel lessons on gun control will yet again go unlearned and that nothing will be done despite the Valentine’s Day killing becoming the 18th school shooting in the US in 2018 alone.

During his campaign to become President in 2016, Trump benefited from $21 million in NRA donations backing his candidacy.

A reported $9.6 million went towards pro-Trump adverts and promotional material and another $12 million went on adverts attacking Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Other sources put that figure even higher, closer to $30 million.

In return, Trump has spoken at several NRA events and pledged his loyalty to the group.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: METRO

President Trump Addresses Nation After Florida School Shooting

Jeff Sessions on School Shootings: 'We've Got to Confront the Problem'

Source: CBS News

Paul Ryan Says There Are 'Laws on the Books' to Help Prevent Gun Violence

Source: CBS News

Save The Children Report: More Than 350 Million Children Living in Conflict Areas

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Germans Call for Release of Deniz Yücel, the Journalist Detained in Turkey During PM Visit

Source: FRANCE 24 English

South Africa: President-Elect Cyril Ramaphosa Speaks in Parliament

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Former AG Alberto Gonzales: Russian Interference in US Elections is 'a Serious Threat to Our Democracy'

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Zimbabwe: Opposition Leader and Mugabe Rival Morgan Tsvangirai Dies of Cancer at 65

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Governor Cuomo on Florida Shooting: 'When is Enough Enough?'

The following statement was issued today by Governor Andrew Cuomo. 

"Once again, this nation sheds its tears for young lives cut short by senseless gun violence. But tears are not enough. The horrific school shooting in Florida is the deadliest since Sandy Hook, and it serves as yet another painful and infuriating reminder of the inaction in Washington.

"How many more children must die before this nation acts? How many more times must we grieve before politicians put the safety of their communities before the financial contributions of special interest groups?

"In the aftermath of Sandy Hook, New York did more than send our thoughts and prayers. We stepped up to pass the strongest gun safety legislation in the nation. The SAFE Act didn't affect sportsmen, hunters or legal gun owners—but it reduced the risk to our children, to our families and to our communities. It banned assault weapons like AR-15s and kept guns out of the hands of dangerously mentally ill people. It's far past time that the rest of the nation follows suit." 

UPDATE: 1:21 PM (EST) - Governor Cuomo has directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff today, February 15, until sunset on Monday, February 19, in conjunction with a federal proclamation, to honor the victims of the Florida school shooting.

Source: NYGovCuomo

NYPD Sergeant Found Not Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Deborah Danner

 

by Ashley Soley-Cerro and Associated Press

THE BRONX — A judge on Thursday found a sergeant not guilty in shooting death of Deborah Danner, a mentally ill woman in the Bronx.

Sgt. Hugh Barry was on trial for murder of Danner, 66, a paranoid schizophrenic woman who had been hospitalized at least 10 times.

The day Danner was killed, Oct. 18, 2016, the NYPD had been called about an “emotionally disturbed person” inside a seventh-floor apartment on Pugsley Avenue and encountered the woman holding scissors in a bedroom, police said at the time.\

Click here for the full article.

Source: PIX 11

Happening in Harlem: Street Corner Resources is Hiring!

Click on the flier and documents below to increase their size. 

 

 

  

Source: Street Corner Resources

Sheriff: At Least 17 Dead in Florida School Shooting

Source: CBS News

Tom Metzger on Donald Trump: His Racism is Very Different from Working-Class Racism

"The Godfather of White Nationalism" Discusses "The Surge", the Current Frontmen for the Movement and Infiltrating Police Departments

A From The G-Man Exclusive

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, "After David Duke, Tom Metzger is one of the most notorious living white supremacists in the United States. He is a former California grand dragon of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan who, in the mid-1980s, founded White Aryan Resistance (WAR), one of the leading racist groups of the period and the publisher of a gutturally racist tabloid.

"Metzger, one of the early pioneers of using cable television to promote his message, has long described himself as an anti-corporate leftist, despite his neo-Nazi views, and has worked to cultivate workers and labor unions. Since WAR was bankrupted by a 1990 Southern Poverty Law Center civil suit over the murder of a black graduate student, Metzger has served as a kind of ideologue and godfather figure for the racist skinhead scene."

In 2011, From The G-Man conducted its first interview with Metzger and discussed a range of issues. With white nationalist group membership and racial tension rapidly increasing throughout the United States and abroad, an invitation for a follow-up interview was extended in order to discuss the movement and the global coverage it continues to receive. The purpose of this interview is not to fan the flames of hatred, but to initiate a national dialogue on the future of race relations in America.

G-Man: Why have you remained under the radar in the wake of what I refer to as "The Surge", which is the unprecedented rise of white nationalist group membership in America?

Metzger: The situation reminds me of the chaos during the Wiemar Republic. The smart people dug in and waited. A lone wolf works alongside leaderless resistance.

G-Man: What do you think of David Duke, Matt Heimbach, Commander Jeff Schoep and Richard Spencer?

Metzger: I think almost nothing of them, at any time. They think they know the way, so let them try. The fact of the matter is they're just being used by the ruling class. All they have to do is look at history, but not many people learn from history.
 

G-Man: Whom do you think is most capable of leading the movement over the next 10-15 years and why?

Metzger: None of us! The true leader or leaders are not even on the horizon, as far as I'm concerned. What is going on now is just a Mickey Mouse operation. The current movement is eating its own, so why be impolite and interfere.

G-Man: Which would you cite as the major reason for the surge in white nationalist membership in America: a) the controversial comments and policies of former candidate and current President Donald Trump b) the fact that a Black man was President of the United States for two terms or c) an ever-present "white rage" that's been building, from one generation to the next, since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted?

Metzger: In my view, what's being expressed nowadays is not white rage. Both right and left are playing games. It's nothing more than shadowboxing. If you remember the Civil War, that was white rage. If you get a chance, watch the series, "Babylon/Berlin" on Netflix. We're not even close to that stage yet.

G-Man: President Trump recently used a derogatory term to describe the African continent and Haiti, and he intimated the U.S. would be better off by welcoming people from countries like Norway, which is predominately white. You've made similar statements as a "proud white man" and founder of White Aryan Resistance. Given that you both share the same point of view, wouldn't many in this country and abroad be correct in stating President Donald Trump is a white nationalist or white nationalist sympathizer?

Metzger: Again, it's all part of the game. The rich will use whatever tactic they can dream up as a weapon for making money. Working-class racism is an honest racism: people struggling to hold on to their homes and livelihoods, their kids, their schools, ect. Honest racism should not be confused with the deeds or words of Donald Trump.

G-Man: The members of your movement, as well as yourself, believe that America will soon be engulfed in a "RaHoWa" or racial holy war. If that is the case, what do you believe will serve as the tipping point?

Metzger: It'll be the same things I've been talking about for years; an economic collapse, infrastructure deterioration and natural resource problems. It will be the end of the empire. With those things happening, the working-class will have nowhere to turn. In the end, they will go back to the basic rules of survival, tribalism and so on.

G-Man: You're a fierce proponent of the Second Amendment and gun rights. If you'd been approached to do so, would you have publicly denounced the killing of Philando Castile, a Black man that was shot and killed by a police officer after stating he was licensed to carry and attempted to present his ID? 

Metzger: I do not support any cop who uses his power to kill, regardless of color. You don't seem to recall that I refused to condemn the Rodney King riots. However, I did state that I would've preferred they burned down Beverly Hills and not white working-class neighborhoods. If they'd done as I suggested during their revolt against the system, I might have very well provided the gasoline. The police do not serve the working-class of any race. They only serve the elite.

G-Man: In 2016, From The G-Man contacted the Department of Justice, the National Fraternal Order of Police and New York City Police Department Commissioner James O'Neill for an in-depth  discussion about white supremacist infiltration of police departments across the country. Unfortunately, none of the aforementioned responded.

During  your 2013 appearance on The G-Man Interviews, you also stated, and I'm paraphrasing here, "The key to this movement's success is infiltration on every level and embracing a lone wolf mentality." That was a very bold statement. Hopefully, you'll be as bold when answering this final question. How certain are you that a significant number of police departments in America have been infiltrated by white supremacists? 

Metzger: Most right-wing people are not sharp enough for proper infiltration. Most have big mouths instead of undercover smarts. I'm only interested in deep cover. For example, someone that will never take a position that might make him appear racist. In fact, the best cover is to mimic the position of the other side. I have known very few right-wing people who could possibly carry this out.

For the record, I don't use the term white supremacist because most of the time the whites don't act like their supreme. Because of the way I operate, I have no way of knowing how many in law enforcement have taken my advice. That's all I'll say on the matter. To go beyond that would pose a serious threat to their livelihoods and maybe their lives. The Klan organizations showcase their members all the time, which has led to people getting fired and even worse. Check out my website for more information on my perspectives. I'm more "old left" than "new right". (Laughing) You may be surprised.

As Lawmakers Debate Future of DACA, What Will It Take for Democrats to Protect DREAMers?

Source: Democracy Now!

Two Reuters Journalists Face 14 Years in Burmese Prison After Exposing Massacre of Rohingya Muslims

Source: Democracy Now!

De Blasio, City Council Reach Deal To Replace Rikers Island With ‘Community-Based Facilities’

Statement from Alphonso David, Counsel to Governor Andrew Cuomo

"The crisis at Rikers Island Jail Complex is intolerable, and the City's administration and City Council should never have agreed to a 10-year plan. The Governor has repeatedly said 10 years is too long because 'justice delayed is justice denied.' And with thousands of people impacted and many lives at risk, the City must go back to the drawing board and develop the political will to treat this as a priority. Council Speaker Corey Johnson today suggested that the State provide design-build authority to accelerate construction. This is the first positive step to actually expediting resolution and the Governor will support it. However, no one believes 10 years is a good faith timeline. Building new jails is not that complicated if the City actually wanted to get it done. Obviously, comprehensive reform of the criminal justice system is critical, and the Governor has made it a priority every year and has accomplished much reform. But independent of the passage of additional criminal justice reforms, the issue before the City is a different one: it still needs to close Rikers and build new, acceptable facilities quickly."

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo