Friday, May 29, 2020

A Hard Question for Donald J. Trump. Answer It, Damn It!


In 2017, Trump visited Long Island, New York, and addressed members of law enforcement. During his speech, he told police officers the following regarding the handling of alleged perpetrators once taken into custody: "Please don't be too nice!" His comments were met with laughter and applause. Police officials from across the country criticized Trump's comment. When reporters posed questions about the comment to Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who was serving as the White House press secretary, she said she believed Trump "was making a joke."  

In the wake of George Floyd's killing, From The G-Man has a question for Trump, and the independent news and information site hopes he has the "testicular fortitude" to provide an answer. When you watched the video of what former Minneapolis police office Derek Chauvin did to George Floyd, was that rough enough for you?

10 Weeks Into New York Area’s Lockdown, Who Is Still Getting Sick?


The New York Times: Nearly 50,000 people in the region have tested positive for the coronavirus in the last two weeks.

Click here for the report. 

New York State Legislature Bans Water Shut-Offs During COVID-19

 
Albany – A bill (S.8113-A/A.10521) that prohibits service shut-offs by utilities during the COVID-19 state of emergency, including water service shut-offs, has passed both houses of the NYS Legislature. For New Yorkers who suffer financial harm due to the COVID-19 crisis, the bill, sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley, also bans shut-offs for 180 days after the end of the state of emergency, prohibits late fees and penalties, and guarantees access to extended or deferred repayment plans.

Water shut-offs are a practice that many utilities employ when households are unable to afford their water bills. For example, from 2015 through March 2019, the City of Buffalo terminated water in over 17,000 instances. In 2016, Suffolk County Water Authority disconnected water service for one percent of its customers, affecting 9,553 people.

Not included in the bill is a restoration of water service for customers whose water was shut off prior to the COVID-19 crisis and are still without service. Advocates in Buffalo estimate that hundreds of occupied homes in the city may be without running water since before the crisis, putting them at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.

Maureen Cunningham, senior director for clean water at Environmental Advocates of New York said, “Clean water is the first line of defense for all New Yorkers against the spread of COVID-19. We are grateful to the NYS Legislature for recognizing this important connection, by banning water service shut-offs during the crisis and providing residents who are financially strapped with relief from further penalties. We urge Governor Cuomo to act quickly by signing this essential legislation into law. While this is an important first step, New Yorkers whose water was cut off before the crisis still need this basic service restored. State leaders should continue to work on making water accessible and affordable for all New Yorkers.”

Eric Weltman, a Brooklyn-based organizer with Food & Water Action said, “Water is a public health necessity during this crisis. Handwashing is key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Keeping the taps flowing in our homes is fundamental to protecting our health and safety. We applaud the Legislature for ensuring that New Yorkers have access to water in their homes.”

Source: Environmental Advocates of New York

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Heartbroken Family Takes Legal Action in Loved One’s Coronavirus Death at Nursing Home

 
NBC News: A man died at a facility in Hollywood and the family is taking the matter to court. 

Click here for the report. 

House Speaker Weekly Briefing

 
C-SPAN: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) criticizes President Trump, saying he needs to present a strategy for testing and tracing to combat the spread of the coronavirus. She also criticizes his comments about mail-in voting, saying it’s a public health issue. 

Click here for video.

House Minority Leader Weekly Briefing


C-SPAN: House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) holds his weekly news conference to discuss the coronavirus response & the party’s legislative agenda.

Click here for video. 

Remembering Author and AIDS Activist Larry Kramer, Dead At 84


This report was published on YouTube on May 27.

Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo 

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Larry Kramer, a great New Yorker who helped galvanize the nation's response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

At a time when the federal government sat paralyzed in denial of a disease that was ravaging an entire generation of LGBTQ people, Larry Kramer was fearless, uncompromising, relentless and loud -- characteristics that ruffled feathers but that forced a response to a public health crisis.

He was "one of the men who fought the war" - the epitome, in the midst of a different plague, of New York Tough. He demanded action, and countless people are alive today because of his work, and the work of so many others who refused to accept indifference.

On behalf of the family of New York, my thoughts are with Larry's loved ones today, especially his husband David. We will miss him, and we will remember him.  

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Leaders of Tomorrow: Shea'la Liverman


The mainstream media has a long and unfortunate history of showcasing young people of color in a very negative light. News directors, producers and managing editors -- in broadcast and print news -- have forsaken the powerful human interest stories within Black and Latino communities for various reasons and continue to do so.

Av Westin, former executive producer for the "ABC Evening News", in addition to being former vice president and director of television documentaries and vice president for program development, summed it up best in his critically-acclaimed book Best Practices for Television Journalists. "It's safe to say that in almost all newsrooms, blatant bigotry and intolerance do not exist. What does exist, however, are preconceived notions about race and ethnicity that can shape story selection and content," said Westin. "The conventional wisdom among many assignment editors is that white viewers will tune out if Blacks or Latinos are featured in segments. That view can influence the choice of the person who will provide the 'expert' sound bite," noted Westin. There is no question that a lack of racial sensitivity affects news judgment. It is a problem that goes to the heart of fair and balanced presentation of the news on television," concluded the four-time Peabody Award recipient.

In effort to counter this alarming and disturbing trend, From The G-Man launched a feature segment called "Leaders of Tomorrow" back in 2011. While the feature showcases young people from across the country that are making a tremendous difference in their communities and abroad, emphasis is placed on those of color in order to combat the negative stereotypes presented in broadcast, print and social media. That said, here is the site's latest selection.

Ms. Shea’la Liverman

Shea'la Liverman recently graduated from Hunter College, earning a Bachelor's of Education and Bachelor of Arts.

She is the recipient of Hunter's "Excellence in Teaching" award and has won the John Gassner award in "Theatre Criticism". She also received an honorary invitation to join Phi Betta Kappa as a result of her academic achievements.

Additionally, she managed to achieve these milestones while working full-time as a TSA agent at LaGuardia Airport and as a teacher/counselor for families of Autistic children.

Liverman displays the graduation cap she designed.
(Click on the photo to increase its size.)

From The G-Man congratulates and salutes Ms. Liverman on her remarkable achievements and proudly recognizes her as one of America's.... leaders of tomorrow.

Editor's Note: If there's someone that you think From The G-Man should showcase in this series, and they're between the ages of 18 and 25, feel free to email the office at FromTheGMan@gmail.com.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

NYPD Veteran on George Floyd’s Death: ‘That Was Straight Up Murder!’


On March 26, From The G-Man received a call from a member of the NYPD, and he was beyond angry. The news site has spoken with the individual on two occasions and has seen evidence that confirms his employment with the department. "Did you see it?! Did you see that video?," he asked. When asked if he was referring to the video of the arrest and alleged killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, he stated the following: "Yeah!! That was straight up murder! I'm a police officer, and I'd be the first to tell any cop working for this department that man was murdered! I'm glad all of the officers involved were fired. They deserve to face criminal charges, too! Fuck'em! Medical incident, my ass! George Floyd didn't deserve that! No one does!"

The Huffington Post reported...."Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced their terminations during a news conference. He did not publicly identify the officers."

“It is the right decision for our city. We’ve stated our values and ultimately we need to live by them,” stated Mayor Jacob Frey.
 
During the conference, Chief Arradondo also indicated that he contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and asked that they look at the case.
 
The NYPD officer, who has served in the department for nearly three decades, went on to note that the tragedy in Minneapolis, which many in the country are comparing to the Eric Garner case, is a perfect illustration of why he repeatedly tells rookies and veterans not to remain silent if they see their partner or any cop commit an illegal or questionable act. "The actions of that officer cost him and three others their jobs, pensions and careers, and they might end up in prison when all is said and done. And for what?! Just to prove they're team players or true blue?! I'm not with that bullshit, and I don't want to be around any cop that is! I have too much time on this job to risk it! Those four cops were fuckin' stupid! Ask yourself, was having that officer's back and not intervening when that man was clearly in medical distress worth it?! Hell....no!"

While there are similarities between the Floyd and Garner cases, like the fact that both men can be heard in videos stating "I can't breathe" after being restrained by police, there are also major differences. The four Minneapolis police officers were terminated shortly after the video's release. Chief Arradondo took a proactive approach by promising transparency and immediately contacting the FBI. The agency has announced it will investigate the matter. These developments occurred within 24 hours. It took five years for the NYPD to terminate Officer Daniel Pantaleo for recklessness in the death of Eric Garner. Again, it took five years for the NYPD to terminate Officer Daniel Pantaleo. The Garner family, including the late Erica Garner, may she rest in peace, repeatedly demanded transparency from the NYPD. Their requests went unanswered. From The G-Man believes police departments across the country, especially the officers of the NYPD, would benefit by heeding the words of the NYPD veteran who contacted this office.....and following the example set by Chief Arradondo.

Andrew Cuomo Gave Immunity to Nursing Home Execs After Big Campaign Donations


Critics say data proves New York’s liability shield is linked to higher nursing home death rates during the pandemic. 

By David Sirota

As Governor Andrew Cuomo faced a spirited challenge in his bid to win New York’s 2018 Democratic primary, his political apparatus got a last-minute boost: a powerful healthcare industry group suddenly poured more than $1m into a Democratic committee backing his campaign.

Less than two years after that flood of cash from the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), Cuomo signed legislation last month quietly shielding hospital and nursing home executives from the threat of lawsuits stemming from the coronavirus outbreak. The provision, inserted into an annual budget bill by Cuomo’s aides, created one of the nation’s most explicit immunity protections for healthcare industry officials, according to legal experts.

Critics say Cuomo removed a key deterrent against nursing home and hospital corporations cutting corners in ways that jeopardize lives. As those critics now try to repeal the provision during this final week of Albany’s legislative session, they assert that data prove such immunity is correlating to higher nursing home death rates during the pandemic – both in New York and in other states enacting similar immunity policies.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Guardian

Hong Kong Unrest: At Least 240 Protesters Arrested


FRANCE 24 English: Unrest has returned in recent days in Hong Kong after Beijing announced plans last week to impose a sweeping national security law in response to the protests. FRANCE 24's Oliver Farry tells us more.

Eric Garner's Mom Calls for Criminal Charges in George Floyd Case



Rev. Al Sharpton, Gwen Carr Speak with the Family of George Floyd

New York, NY  - A private conversation took place this morning between Rev. Al Sharpton, Gwen Carr and the family of George Floyd. The call was initiated by the family's attorney, Benjamin Crump, to pledge support during this very difficult time. The Floyd family asked for Rev. Al Sharpton and Gwen Carr to speak at their son’s funeral in the days to come. 
 
“As the world learns about the untimely death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, the National Action Network (NAN) will offer its unequivocal support to George’s family and Attorney Ben Crump,” said Reverend Al Sharpton. “This morning, Eric Garner’s mother Gwen Carr and I had a phone call with the family of George Floyd to express our solidarity and resources until justice is served. Our community is devastated as the criminal behavior by officers in the Minneapolis Police Department was captured in a video for the world to see. How these officers handled themselves is beyond comprehension and undeniably shows why they should be arrested and charged.” 
 
“I feel the pain and hurt from George’s family and my whole heart goes out to them,” said Gwen Carr, who lost her son, Eric Garner, in 2014. “As I was talking to them, I relived what happened to Eric and tears overwhelmed me. I will work with NAN and Rev. Sharpton and supporters of George Floyd as we fight for accountability and justice.”

Source: Amaris Cockfield

The Black American Amputation Epidemic


Black Patients Were Losing Limbs At Triple the Rate of Others.

A ProPublica Special Report

  By Lizzie Presser

It was a Friday evening
in the hospital after a particularly grueling week when Dr. Foluso Fakorede, the only cardiologist in Bolivar County, Mississippi, walked into Room 336. Henry Dotstry lay on a cot, his gray curls puffed on a pillow. Fakorede smelled the circumstances — a rancid whiff, like dead mice. He asked a nurse to undress the wound on Dotstry’s left foot, then slipped on nitrile gloves to examine the damage. Dotstry’s calf had swelled to nearly the size of his thigh. The tops of his toes were dark; his sole was yellow, oozing. Fakorede’s gut clenched. Fuck, he thought. It’s rotten.

Fakorede, who’d been asked to consult on the case, peeled off his gloves and read over Dotstry’s chart: He was 67, never smoked. His ultrasound results showed that the circulation in his legs was poor. Uncontrolled diabetes, it seemed, had constricted the blood flow to his foot, and without it, the infection would not heal. A surgeon had typed up his recommendation. It began: “Mr. Dotstry has limited options.”

Fakorede scanned the room. He has quick, piercing eyes, a shaved head and, at 38, the frame of an amateur bodybuilder. Dotstry was still. His mouth arched downward, and faint eyebrows sat high above his lids, giving him a look of disbelief. Next to his cot stood a flesh-colored prosthetic, balancing in a black sneaker.

Click here for the full article. 

The International Malcolm X


During the last year of his life, Malcolm X spent five months in Africa and the Middle East, and almost another month in Europe. In Africa, he built powerful relationships with anti-colonial resistance leaders and the presidents of new nations emerging from colonialism. In the Middle East, presidents and kings recognized Malcolm as the emerging leader of Islam in the United States, and gave him lavish support. In Europe, Malcolm X built relationships with the younger generations of African, Asian, and Middle Eastern leaders who were preparing for their future leadership roles through their studies at Oxford and other elite universities.

The story of the international Malcolm X culminates with Malcolm’s activities abroad during the last year of his life, and explores why Malcolm thought these travels were necessary for the Black liberation struggle in the United States.  However, the roots of Malcolm’s internationalism began before his birth: the roots lie in his mother’s heritage, with the political organization his parents dedicated their lives to, and with the values and visions Malcolm’s parents raised their children with.
 
Marcus Garvey and the United Negro Improvement Association  

Malcolm’s mother, Louise Langdon, was a light skinned Afro-Caribbean woman from the small island of Grenada. At the age of seventeen she moved to Montreal, Canada, during World War I. Montreal was a day’s drive from Harlem, New York, where tens of thousands of other Afro-Caribbeans migrated at this time. In Harlem, they contributed to the formation of a politically radical community that soon became known as the Black capital of the United States.

Afro-Caribbean men and women often experienced serious racism in the United States for the first time in their lives. Such treatment stunned and infuriated them. Many of the most militant Black voices from this period came from Afro-Caribbeans, most famously, from Marcus Garvey. Garvey preached that Black Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and other members of the African diaspora needed to stop thinking of themselves as a small minority surrounded by overpowering White forces. Instead, they needed to think of themselves as members of the massive African and African diasporic population, which, if united, could gain complete freedom from White domination. Because Asia also suffered from European colonialism, Garvey went even further, advocating a united Asia working alongside a united Africa in the global battle against White supremacy.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Cross Cultural Solidarity History Education Project

Girls for Gender Equity: New York City, The Fight Is Not Over!

 Click on the image to increase its size.


The following was submitted by Ashley C. Sawyer, Policy Director for Girls for Gender Equity

Dear Community,

Over the past few weeks, many of you have joined us to protect the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) from draconian budget cuts which threaten the safety net of millions of youth, especially youth of color in New York. Thank you for tweeting and joining us for virtual City Council hearings.

The fight is not over.

In the next few weeks, the elected officials that have been entrusted with protecting young people will be out of the public eye and behind closed doors to negotiate the final budget with the Mayor. Who they choose to protect with this budget is a matter of political will – so we have to apply pressure.

We have to make sure that they live up to the promises they made during those hearings. We need them to commit to fighting for a budget that increases funding for the DOE. We need funding to provide mental health and academic support to students as they continue to live through a global pandemic. We need funding that protects summer youth programming for summer 2020.

GGE budget analysis shows that the City could save $50,000,000 just by freezing hiring for New York City Police Department’s School Safety Division.  It is possible to meet our young people’s needs if there is a real commitment to cutting the NYPD budget. As our city works to rebuild, now is the time to seed a future that will center young people, invest in their well-being, and create lasting change.


Please email key City Council Members who will negotiate the city budget.

The US Ruling Class and Trump's Personality and Politics: A Fatal Attraction

 

"Ruling Class" is a term that over the centuries has had a variety of definitions. For this purpose, I shall use the following one:

"The elements of society that own and control the means of industrial and natural resources production; the financial system including the banks, the insurance companies, and the investment houses; the personal and freight transportation systems; and the media for both news and entertainment, print, motion picture/television, and electronic."

The primary, although not always the exclusive, objective of the owners of these various enterprises is the production of "profit." Profit is that excess of financial gain from the operation of their enterprise(s) over the costs in plant, materiel, and labor, of producing their product. Profit is used for two purposes: to enrich the enterprise's owners personally and to create more productive resources to make more profit. The system under which they operate is called "capitalism."

In any society, capitalist, socialist, or other (there are still monarchies), the ruling class controls the political system and the government it produces. A now obscure late 19th-early 20th century Russian political scientist named Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (better known by his nom-de-plume "Lenin") termed what we call government "the State." The term covers the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government, law enforcement, social and health services, transportation and communication, and so on and so forth.

Many economically advanced capitalist countries operate under a system usually called "constitutional democracy." About the function of this system under capitalism, in 1917 Ulyanov had this to say:

"To decide once every few years which member of the ruling class is to repress and crush the people through parliament this is the real essence of bourgeois parliamentarism, not only in parliamentary-constitutional monarchies, but also in the most democratic republics."

It still holds. 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: OpEdNews.com

Trudeau Responds to Military Report on Poor Conditions at Ontario Care Homes


Global News:
Military personnel sent to nursing homes in Ontario have observed shocking conditions, including “blatant disregard” for infection control measures, mistreatment of residents and a level of care described as “horrible,” according to documents obtained by Global News. 

Click here for additional information. 

Monday, May 25, 2020

Virtual Memorial Day Observances


PIX11 News: There are no Memorial Day parades or public tributes due to the COVID-19 crisis. Despite this, the American Legion will continue to honor the memory of the fallen this year through virtual tributes, memorials and speeches. National Commander of the American Legion Bill Oxford spoke to PIX11 Morning News about how the organization is honoring those who lost their lives serving the country.

Memorial Day Tribute 2020


Flourish Relaxing Music: On this Memorial Day, the nation will pause to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers. We remember the courage, honor and ultimate sacrifice given by all soldiers so we can be free.

Memorial Day 2020: The United States Air Force Band Plays Taps


TheUSAFBand: A long-held musical tradition at military funerals, the music of Taps originated from a Civil War bugle call entitled, “Extinguish Lights”. A plaintive call, the sounding of Taps signals the end of the fallen serviceman’s duty and is the final tribute from a grateful nation. 

Click here for additional information.