Latest news with #Lie
Miami Herald
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
There's one simple reason wannabe dictators attack education
Creating a dictatorship can be a messy endeavor: Wrongful imprisonments, torture, extrajudicial executions and a corrupt cabal of sycophants feigning to act under the guise of law, while in actuality subserviently showing fealty to their master, can reflect poorly on wannabe dictators seeking to conceal their true intentions. Thus, one of the first targets of these wannabe dictators is education. Denying honest and quality education to their intended subjects can often build the same social control mechanisms all dictatorships thrive upon, but with fewer overt injustices and less bloodshed. An excellent example of both the power of the lack of an education, and the power of achieving one, can be found in the book 'The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.' In it, Douglass discusses how education initially became his greatest curse, but eventually became his greatest blessing. As any American historian will tell you, it was unlawful to teach a slave how to read. As Douglass explained, keeping him ignorant of his status kept him accepting of it — but after secretly learning to read, he became aware of the reality of his situation, which led him to become one of America's most famous abolitionists. Douglass' journey from illiteracy to education is why propagating ignorance is one of the most powerful weapons would-be dictators can wield. Ignorance is where people have the capacity to learn but fail to do so. Sometimes this is self-inflicted, based upon the myth that 'ignorance is bliss.' But oftentimes, it is intentionally created by those in power withholding crucial information and resources, to keep people unaware that they are living in a burgeoning dictatorship until it is too late for them to do anything about it. Despite all the pretensions about making America great again, the real reason behind government officials' current attacks on American education is simple: Ignorance is frequently synonymous with obsequious acceptance, while education gives one the knowledge — and thus the capacity, to question, to investigate and to challenge what one is told. It is also logical that weakening the ability to obtain an honest and quality education negatively impacts the nation through brain drain that can deleteriously affect technological, medical and scientific advancements by creating a milieu where misinformation and gullibility replace creative and critical thinking skills, imagination and a knowledge of history essential to recognizing when dangerous societal trends start repeating. For example, the Achilles heel of the Big Lie — a tactic historically employed by both the extreme left and the extreme right — is the ability of educated people to recognize such lies and denounce them. Since many wannabe dictators want to minimize much of the ugliness often required to achieve their goals, they are not going to openly state that their lust for absolute power is the true incentive behind their quest to destroy education. Instead, they invent villains — like critical race theory or diversity, equity and inclusion. They arbitrarily withhold funding from educational institutions that do not do their bidding. And they destroy agencies that support honest and quality education. Perhaps the truth about the real motivation behind the denial of honest and quality education can be discerned in the words of another man who, like Douglass, became aware, through education, of his status in the nation he lived in, and ultimately lost his life fighting to change it. These are the words of the martyred anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko, who was killed in police custody in South Africa in 1977: 'The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.' David R. Hoffman is a retired civil rights and constitutional law attorney. He lives in South Bend, Indiana.
Buzz Feed
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
Ag Secretary Suggests Replacing Migrant Farm Workers With 'People On Medicaid'
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins doesn't seem worried that mass-deporting migrant farmworkers will disrupt the U.S. food supply. During a Tuesday press conference, Rollins insisted that 'there will be no amnesty' for agricultural workers who aren't authorized to be in the U.S. Instead, Rollins said, President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda will 'continue, but in a strategic way.' She then suggested a doozy of a plan to replace deported farmworkers: A combination of 'automation and 100% American participation,' which she said could be provided by what she called the '34 million people, able-bodied adults, on Medicaid.' Brooke Rollins on farm laborers: "There will be no amnesty. The mass deportations continue, but in a strategic way. And we move the workforce toward automation and 100% American participation, which with 34 million able-bodied on Medicaid we should be able to do fairly quickly." — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 8, 2025 @atrupar / Via HuffPost reached out to Rollins' office for clarity on her proposal. For one thing, the number of 'able-bodied adults' on Medicaid who are available for farm labor gets a lot smaller when you dive into the details (her 34 million figure appears to include parents and people who are already working elsewhere). Meanwhile, social media users were left wondering what it would look like to force millions of people on Medicaid to labor on American farms. "We can replace the brown people we're deporting with the elderly people we're kicking off Medicaid! I'm sure kicking folk off Medicaid and into farm work will go just swimmingly. — Dj Omega Mvp (@DjOmegaMVP) July 8, 2025 So are they going to bring chain gangs back to pick crops using Medicaid recipients instead of Prisoners? — Johan Nilson Nagel (@NagelNilson) July 8, 2025 Brooke Rollins claims that "34 million able-bodied Americans on Medicaid will be able to replace agricultural workers... 22 million people on Medicaid are 50 and over. We're gonna put Grandma to work picking fruit? Got it. — Janice Hough (@leftcoastbabe) July 8, 2025 BREAKING: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says that 'able bodied' Medicaid recipients will replace the farmworkers that Trump deports. These are not jobs that Americans want to do. This Administration does not understand the labor market. — Trump Lie Tracker (Commentary) (@MAGALieTracker) July 8, 2025 Somebody should have her explain how the hell someone that has been living on the little money they get from Medicaid and probably doesn't have a car is expected to get to a job Trump's agriculture head expects '34M able-bodied on Medicaid' to do farm work — DaveStirek (@57555ds) July 8, 2025
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wu-Tang Clan's hip-hop legacy gets unleashed during one last victory lap at Crypto.com Arena
When Wu-Tang Clan and Run the Jewels took over the Arena in downtown L.A. on Sunday night, it wasn't just a concert — it was a cultural earthquake. Crammed full of rap royalty, fans were packed together tighter than a '36' Chain" in a charged celebration of hip-hop's powerful lasting impact. The stop was part of the group's Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber farewell tour that began June 6 in Baltimore and concludes July 18 in Philadelphia, comprising 27 shows. The tour features Wu-Tang's surviving members — RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna — along with Ol' Dirty Bastard's son, Young Dirty Bastard, and DJ Mathematics. The night began with an fierce performance from Run the Jewels, who set the tone with their explosive energy and charisma. Killer Mike and El-P, self-described as the new PB&J, commanded the stage effortlessly as they tore through their set list, kicking off with "Legend Has It" and moving into iconic hits like "Gold," "Lie, Cheat, Steal," "Ooh La La" and "Close Your Eyes." The crowd was electric, rapping every word in unison while raising hand pistols and fists in solidarity. The duo's sharp-witted lyrics, relentless rhythm and uncontainable passion ensured that their performance would be etched in memory as one of the highlights of the evening. By 9 p.m., it was officially time for Wu-Tang Clan to 'Bring Da Ruckus,' and it did so with the fiery conviction of a team that defined an era in hip-hop. Arguably one of the most influential groups in music history, Wu delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and invigorating. Each member's unique style and lyrical prowess shone brightly as classics like "C.R.E.A.M.," "Protect Ya Neck," 'Method Man,' 'Can It Be All So Simple' and Triumph' reverberated through the arena, igniting waves of energy throughout the audience. The powerful bass lines and raw, unfiltered sound reminded everyone why Wu-Tang Clan remains one of the most significant outfits in hip-hop. Every hit Wu performed was like a time machine, taking the crowd on a ride through decades of influence, innovation and street-born poetry. The chamber members didn't just perform, they took victory laps in front of a crowd that knew every word. You could feel the respect and weight of history in every moment. Adding a poignant touch to the evening, YDB took the stage to honor his late father, Ol' Dirty Bastard, with renditions of his hits "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and "Got Your Money." The crowd rapped along passionately, creating a collective moment of tribute. The show also featured an unexpected twist, with multiple interludes promoting RZA's latest action thriller, "One Spoon of Chocolate," as well as the "Purple Tape Files" doc produced by him and Raekwon, blending entertainment with strategic promotion. Smart? Probably — even if it did seem oddly shoehorned in the middle of the show. Sunday at was much more than a gathering of two legendary crews sharing a stage. It was a historic celebration that lighted up Los Angeles with the full force of hip-hop excellence. From the thundering beats to the infectious energy of the crowd, every moment served as an in-your-face reminder that music shapes, inspires, and unites. And the performances? Those were a living testament to hip-hop's enduring role in culture, and the audience left buzzing with the echoes of greatness that had filled every corner of the arena — Wu-Tang forever. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Wu-Tang Clan's hip-hop legacy gets unleashed during one last victory lap at Crypto.com Arena
When Wu-Tang Clan and Run the Jewels took over the Arena in downtown L.A. on Sunday night, it wasn't just a concert — it was a cultural earthquake. Crammed full of rap royalty, fans were packed together tighter than a '36' Chain' in a charged celebration of hip-hop's powerful lasting impact. The stop was part of the group's Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber farewell tour that began June 6 in Baltimore and concludes July 18 in Philadelphia, comprising 27 shows. The tour features Wu-Tang's surviving members — RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna — along with Ol' Dirty Bastard's son, Young Dirty Bastard, and DJ Mathematics. The night began with an explosive performance from Run the Jewels, who set the tone with their explosive energy and charisma. Killer Mike and El-P, self-described as the new PB&J, commanded the stage effortlessly as they tore through their set list, kicking off with 'Legend Has It' and moving into iconic hits like 'Gold,' 'Lie, Cheat, Steal,' 'Ooh La La' and 'Close Your Eyes.' The crowd was electric, rapping every word in unison while raising hand pistols and fists in solidarity. The duo's sharp-witted lyrics, relentless rhythm and uncontainable passion ensured that their performance would be etched in memory as one of the highlights of the evening. By 9 p.m., it was officially time for Wu-Tang Clan to 'Bring Da Ruckus,' and it did so with the fiery conviction of a team that defined an era in hip-hop. Arguably one of the most influential groups in music history, Wu delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and invigorating. Each member's unique style and lyrical prowess shone brightly as classics like 'C.R.E.A.M.,' 'Protect Ya Neck,' 'Method Man,' 'Can It Be All So Simple' and Triumph' reverberated through the arena, igniting waves of energy throughout the audience. The powerful bass lines and raw, unfiltered sound reminded everyone why Wu-Tang Clan remains one of the most significant outfits in hip-hop. Every hit Wu performed was like a time machine, taking the crowd on a ride through decades of influence, innovation and street-born poetry. The chamber members didn't just perform, they took victory laps in front of a crowd that knew every word. You could feel the respect and weight of history in every moment. Adding a poignant touch to the evening, YDB took the stage to honor his late father, Ol' Dirty Bastard, with renditions of his hits 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya' and 'Got Your Money.' The crowd rapped along passionately, creating a collective moment of tribute. The show also featured an unexpected twist, with multiple interludes promoting RZA's latest action thriller, 'One Spoon of Chocolate,' as well as the 'Purple Tape Files' doc produced by him and Raekwon, blending entertainment with strategic promotion. Smart? Probably — even if it did seem oddly shoehorned in the middle of the show. Sunday at was much more than a gathering of two legendary crews sharing a stage. It was a historic celebration that lighted up Los Angeles with the full force of hip-hop excellence. From the thundering beats to the infectious energy of the crowd, every moment served as an in-your-face reminder that music shapes, inspires, and unites. And the performances? Those were a living testament to hip-hop's enduring role in culture, and the audience left buzzing with the echoes of greatness that had filled every corner of the arena — Wu-Tang forever.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Boston Blue: Everything We Know So Far About the Blue Bloods Offshoot
At least one Reagan family member's story will continue to be told when Boston Blue debuts on CBS. Ordered to series on Feb. 18 — two months after Blue Bloods ended its well-watched, 14-season run — Boston Blue finds franchise vet Donnie Wahlberg reprising his role as veteran police detective Danny Reagan. This time, however, Danny will be policing the streets of Boston, alongside a new partner. More from TVLine S.W.A.T. Vet Jay Harrington Breaks Silence on EXILES Surprise: 'I Did Not Have Spinoff on My Bingo Card' (Exclusive) Casting News: Boston Blue Adds Maggie Lawson, Lincoln Lawyer Enlists Cobie Smulders and More Survivor Turns 25: Was Jonny Fairplay's Dead Grandma Lie the Series' Most Villainous Play Ever? Vote! Who is this new partner, when will Boston Blue air, and who else will be seen on the series? Here, as they say, is everything we know so far…. Technically, no. Boston Blue since Day 1 has been described as a 'universe expansion of the long-running top drama Blue Bloods,' in part because its premise was born of an entirely unrelated project. As Deadline reported, the only Donnie Wahlberg-led Blue Bloods offshoot that had been pitched (but got passed on) would have transplanted Danny Reagan to Texas. Boston Blue showrunners Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis, meanwhile, had independently developed a series that would follow a family of cops in Boston whose eldest daughter is partnered with a new transfer from LAPD. NYPD vet Danny is now that transfer. In Boston Blue, Donnie Wahlberg's Danny Reagan takes a position with the Boston PD. Once in Boston, he is paired with detective Lena Silvers, the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family. Thus far, Donnie Wahlberg is the only Blue Bloods vet confirmed to appear on the spinoff universe expansion — though there surely will be mentions of the Reagan fam and friends back in New York, if not some flesh-and-blood cameos… eventually. 'Danny's story will continue the Reagan family's. You can't have Danny without Reagans,' Wahlberg said at a May press event. 'No Blue Bloods fans will be disappointed,' Wahlberg avowed, reiterating: 'We are really working on this universe in a way that I think the Blue Bloods viewers are going to be very happy.' First and foremost, Sonequa Martin-Green (Star Trek: Discovery, The Walking Dead) will star alongside Donnie Wahlberg as Detective Lena Silver, the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family. Additionally, Ernie Hudson (NBC's Quantum Leap reboot) has been cast as Lena's grandfather, Reverend Peters, a renowned pastor of a historic Baptist church in Boston, while Psych vet Maggie Lawson will play Boston PD Superintendent Sarah Silver, Lena's 'strong-willed' and 'decisive' stepsister. At least two other series regulars have yet to be cast. Fact is, precious few scripted TV series have ever made camp in Boston, with Robert Urich's mid-1980s crime drama, Spenser: For Hire, being one of the exceptions. ABC' A Million Little Things (see photo above) was famously set in Boston (however devoid as it was of any accents) but filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia. Even Blue Bloods patriarch Tom Selleck's Massachusetts-based Jesse Stone TV movies were filmed in Nova Scotia. Boston Blue will film some exteriors in Boston, but production will be based out of Toronto, Ontario (that's in Canada). When CBS unveiled its fall schedule, there Boston Blue was, confirmed for a fall debut and calling Blue Bloods' old Fridays-at-10/9c time slot home. There, Boston Blue will lead out of Sheriff Country and that freshman spinoff's sire, Fire Country. CBS typically sets fall premieres dates by mid-July, and TVLine will of course keep you posted on when, exactly, Boston Blue will debut. Like its ancestor Blue Bloods, Boston Blue will air on CBS, Friday nights at 10/9c, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Paramount+. Want scoop on , or for any other TV show? Shoot an email to InsideLine@ and your question may be answered via Matt's Inside Line! Best of TVLine Young Sheldon Easter Eggs: Every Nod to The Big Bang Theory (and Every Future Reveal) Across 7 Seasons Weirdest TV Crossovers: Always Sunny Meets Abbott, Family Guy vs. Simpsons, Nine-Nine Recruits New Girl and More ER Turns 30: See the Original County General Crew, Then and Now
