We are finishing another busy and controversial week. It seems that every week is full of surprises in U.S. politics. (And we shouldn’t be surprised!) But each week seems to have something new, different, and usually more controversial than the last. This week we’re finishing did NOT disappoint, that’s for certain.
From the military in the streets of America, demonstrations turned riots, presidential controversy, and even political disagreements: we had them all! Let’s look at what happened during the week that you missed and want to look back:
Bullet Points
- It’s an unfortunate travesty that happens to public health workers, but in the fight against COVID-19, it’s all too frequent. Public health workers that year-round work behind the scenes, out of the spotlight, and certainly in oblivion as it pertains to the media, are finding themselves targets of blame-placing of government second-level leaders who get caught in the blame-game regarding their normal operations. It’s sad, but it happens far too often: good, hard-working public servants being used as political pawns. For more details, click on this link:
- President Trump finds himself this month in the crosshairs of a former disgusted National Security Advisor. John Bolton’s new “tell-all” book is set to hit bookstores on June 23rd. A ravenous pack of Trump-haters are foaming in anticipation of what some “insiders” are saying is Bolton’s revealing facts about a President who is a micro-manager who refuses input from learned advisors like Bolton. John Bolton has been around the block in D.C. He’s one of those guys in government you either like or hate: there’s no in-between. It’s probably safe to say that the Boltons and the Trumps will NOT be trading Christmas cards this winter. For more details, click on this link:
- Cries for reparations for slavery injustices have been for decades discussed from time to time. It’s in the marketplace of ideas once again as racial tension because of very visible police violence has relit the fires of racism. An unlikely source has suggested that churches step up to the plate and pay actual reparations! Christianity Today — a storied Christian magazine — is making the case that Christians should stop just asking for forgiveness for slavery, but should actually pay for the sins of their fathers. For more details, click on this link:
- Uh-Oh! The “Cancel Culture” warriors are probably getting set to take on another group of people who have decided to determine and right some wrongs committed by whites against blacks. Some are taking to “black-face” in which they use black-face on HALF their faces to evidence their solidarity with Black Lives Matter. I don’t know of any response yet from the “Cancel Culture” folks, but in keeping with their actions we are witnessing in every quarter of American society, it’s probable there will be some nasty backlash. For more details, click on this link:
- A healthcare company headquartered in Texas finds itself in court defending its practices of marking-up medical bills exponentially, soaking insurance companies and patients for the stated purpose of protecting patients and doctors. TeamHealth is a medical staffing company that employs these doctors. TeamHealth actually bills for their emergency services. However, TeamHealth marks up the actual costs of the doctors and then forces insurance companies to pay the inflated prices. They have stated publicly they do so to protect the doctors which they employ. But documents show the doctors get very little of that money. For more details, click on this link:
- There’s more noise in the NFL about former San Francisco 49er QB Colin Kaepernick. Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll talked to reporters about his chance to sign Kaepernick in 2017. The Seahawks chose not to do so. Carroll says he, based on several phone calls, expects Kaepernick to get another shot. For more details, click on this link:
- Speaking of the NFL, we’re getting very close to the time when NFL players report to training camp. NFL football fans are holding their breaths, praying for a 2020 season to kick off this Fall. The League is making exhaustive preparations for teams to prepare to practice and play while keeping players, coaches, and fans safe from COVID-19 infections. Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh says rules for doing so in some cases are impossible. For more details, click on this link:
- Colleges and universities are facing some tough choices. They’re getting set for the Fall semester, but all are struggling with the “how-to’s” and “what-ifs” that go along with puzzling through the brand new challenges they have never faced: Should they do only online classes? How do they best protect professors, students, and others on their campuses? What about college football and basketball? There are numerous questions with scant time to get the right answers. With the temporary economic downturn and COVID-19, they are struggling to get comfort levels to open for students. For more details, click on this link:
- Most states in the U.S. have at least partially reopened to get those back to work who have been shut down due to COVID-19. With all of the uncertainty of how to proceed and fear of creating a second wave of infections, government officials and business owners are fearful of an even worse virus breakout. Meanwhile, overseas some countries are already seeing what some are saying is the “second wave” of Coronavirus. For more details, click on this link:
- Who is going to join Joe Biden as Vice President on the Democrat ticket in November? Biden has said he wants a female as Vice President. There are currently 12 who have been named as strong possibilities. Of late, California Senator Kamala Harris is who many think will get the nod. Who runs as Vice President has never been more important than in this election. Why? Biden, if he wins, will be the oldest to ever be sworn in as President. Americans already see some “slowing” of Mr. Biden. Remember: whoever serves as Vice President is only “one breath away from the Presidency.” For more details, click on this link:
