Candidate Trump made divisive statements, encouraged violence at his campaign rallies, shared space with racists, and rode their fear and anger all the way to the White House. Ergo, who is surprised that his entrance to the Oval Office did not serve as some sort of metamorphosis? That he continues to defend and celebrate white nationalists? Who expected a Commander-In-Chief who would all of a sudden support equality and immediately and miraculously achieve the dignity required to occupy the office? Candidate Trump had senators, members of Congress, mayors, and others who supported his candidacy, defended his words, and even echoed them. Ergo, who is surprised at the silence of those who have been silent and/or complicit for years on the heels of his press conference yesterday? The sub-human racists who marched in Charlottesville have since returned to homes, children, and spouses. They have returned to offices where they work among us and impact the lives of people of color. And, today, they have breathed a sigh of relief after the President of the United States stood before the world yesterday to let them know he has their back. Standing next to him while he made these remarks? Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao. Who showed up at the WH today still working for this president? The same people who rolled with him on the campaign trail. Some are people of color. Some are not. But they are unified in their complicity for a man who continues to defend, elevate, and celebrate white supremacists. Never forget. Here’s what we have today:
- Mourners will gather in Charlottesville, VA today to honor 32-year-old Heather Heyer who was killed when a car rammed into a crowd of people protesting a white nationalist rally that descended into violence last weekend. Attendees were asked to wear purple, Heyer's favorite color, in her memory. As of this morning, the president has yet to call her family.
- Trump can be beaten. Earlier this week, he lost a six-year legal battle to trumpet player Tom Scharfeld. While seemingly small in the face of everything going on around us, it shows that the perseverance of the little guy, fighting for what’s right, pays off in the end.
- Luther Stranger comes in second in Alabama’s Senate primary even after Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) both campaigned for him.
- Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) leads Dem resolution for Trump to fireBannon, Gorka, and Miller.
- Quad-Caucus also demands the immediate removal of Bannon, Gorka, andMiller.
- April Ryan on the Trump attack ad.
- Obama is the most liked!
- Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) leads Foreign Affairs Committee letter questioning Trump on Diplomatic Security nominee.
- Congressman Rubén Gallego (D-AZ) says admin lacks coherent North Korea strategy.
- Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL) and Ben Jealous arrested during DACA rally.
- 125+ mayors and county officials call on Trump to protect DACA.
- NAHJ to honor Jim Acosta.
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation to honor Gael García Bernal.
- Will Lionel Richie boycott Kennedy Center Honors because of 45?
- Intel’s diversity report is out.
- Rev. Al Sharpton says bias, hate, and racism are now mainstream in America.
- Civil rights violation lawsuit filed against Sheriff David Clarke.
- Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) calls for the removal of all Confederate monuments in the U.S. Capitol and Mississippi.
- Puerto Rico continues statehood push by swearing in a delegation to Congress.
- Texas redistricting map found to discriminate against Latinos.
- Are you following @YesYoureRacist on Twitter? They’re asking for help identifying “Nazis marching in Charlottesville.” Read the story in blogs.