Five Things to Know Today
— Publisher’s Note —
Good morning! Let’s see if this phrase means anything to you.
A tan suit.
Do you remember? About six years ago, President Obama wore a tan suit in a press conference. The suit set off a firestorm of discussion and controversy, with the right-wing media losing its mind that a president would wear a tan suit to a press conference. Some called it the greatest controversy of the Obama presidency.
Today, we have a president who commits outrages every day that damage our standing in the world, create chaos at home – and yes, that kill people. And yet, the Republicans and the right-wing media say nothing.
The latest, of course, is the revelation that Trump knew the coronavirus was deadly, and yet decided to downplay it. CNN calls it “dereliction of duty.” Others are less kind: the phrase “negligent homicide” is being used, and even “murder.”
Almost 200,000 Americans dead. Over 1,000 Kentuckians dead. Millions of Americans left with damage to their brains and bodies that may last the rest of their lives.
And yet, Mitch McConnell says and does nothing. Rand Paul says and does nothing. Our five Republican representatives say and do nothing.
We simply HAVE to vote Trump out of office in November. And if we can, and when we can, we have to vote out all the other Republicans who have cowered in their offices, too scared of a tweet to stand up for this nation and for their constituents.
Bruce Maples, publisher
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Today’s Five Things to Know
9/9 update – Kentucky’s official COVID-19 death count passes 1,000
Gov. Andy Beshear took the occasion of the state’s official count of COVID-19 deaths passing 1,000 to reflect on the importance of protecting those most vulnerable to the coronavirus and to remind Kentuckians that each of the dead was loved by their families and friends. (Forward Kentucky)
Related: Beshear announces wreath-laying ceremony, address to state
Governor Andy Beshear announced two events for Thursday, September 10, to be held in honor of and because of the 1,000 Kentucky deaths due to COVID-19. (Forward Kentucky)
Latest bombshell: Woodward book reveals Trump knew virus was deadly, decided to play it down anyway
In Bob Woodward’s latest book, Rage, he reports that President Trump told him the virus was dangerous, but he downplayed it in public. As noted in analysis in CNN:
The 190,000 American families who lost loved ones and could never say goodbye, the millions of unemployed, the business owners who went bust, a generation of kids who haven’t been in class for months and everyone else self-distanced from their regular lives now face the same question: How different would things have been had the President done his job properly? (CNN)
House Dems pre-file 15 bills benefiting workers
The KY House Democratic Caucus announced its members would be pre-filing 15 bills to strengthen workforce protections and rights. The announcement was made on Monday to coincide with Labor Day. (Forward Kentucky)
Cameron among Trump’s potential nominees for U.S. Supreme Court
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron is one of President Donald Trump’s 20 potential nominees to the United States Supreme Court, should he be re-elected in November. (Forward Kentucky)
KKK newspapers left on Louisville neighborhood’s doorsteps
Unsolicited copies of the Ku Klux Klan’s quarterly newspaper were left on doorsteps in Pleasure Ridge Park this week, a resident of the neighborhood said. Austin Beam, 24, said when he took out his trash Tuesday morning he found a copy of the KKK’s Crusader, the self-described “premier voice of the white resistance.”
Beam said Tuesday’s delivery was the first time he has received a copy of the newspaper, and he noticed it had been left on most of his neighbors’ doorsteps as well. (Courier-Journal)
This Friday on “The State of Kentucky”
State Rep. Charles Booker ran a strong campaign against Amy McGrath for the Democratic Senate nomination, and almost won, closing strong in the final weeks. Now that the campaign is over, what’s next for this rising star? We talk with Rep. Booker about the campaign, about “From the Hood to the Holler,” the organization he has formed, and if he’s going to run for office again. Join us Friday at noon on Facebook or YouTube to watch the live broadcast, or check out the recording later on our website.
Recent Content on Forward Kentucky
[new] indicates item not in a Forward Five before
[new] Amy McGrath on Wildcat Sports Talk show – When Wildcat Sports Talk did a special show on Black Lives Matter and race issues called “Conversation on Racial Inequality,” Senate candidate Amy McGrath was one of their guests. (Video)
[new] McGrath in Lexington – a photo gallery – Senate candidate Amy McGrath was in Lexington on Wednesday, September 9th, and Nick Lacy was there to capture some of the special moments. Enjoy! (Photo Gallery)
[new] Lawmakers discuss possibility of special session – General Assembly isn’t until January, but there is talk about a possible special session on several topics, including the second year of the biennial state budget and police reform. (News)
[new] 9/8 update — Positivity rate drops below 4% for first time in eight weeks – While announcing only one new death from COVID-19 on Tuesday and a positive test rate dipping below 4% for the first time since mid-July, Gov. Andy Beshear also urged caution. (News)
With millions facing serious hardship, McConnell plan doesn’t meet nation’s needs – Senator McConnell released a “skinny” relief package with no food or rental assistance, no state or local fiscal relief, and a short-term fix to jobless benefits. The latest data make clear a much stronger package is essential. (Policy Analysis)
Almost every county in KY lost more jobs than the national average – According to a jobs analysis from the Daily Yonder, almost every county in Kentucky is dealing with job loss that is higher than the national average for that type of county. (News)
McGrath releases rural policy plan during stop in eastern Kentucky – Senate candidate Amy McGrath rolled out her “Partnering with Rural Kentucky” legislative platform today in Martin County. (News)
I created my own enemies list – After I learned there was an “enemies list” circulating in our nation’s capitol, targeting speakers of truth and patriots demanding justice, I decided to create my own enemies list. (Commentary)
Maples Media LLC, 2108 Westridge Rd, Louisville KY 40242
