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Clarence Thomas accused of burying another scandal as Justice and other conservatives claimed his lawyer was framed for racist text messages

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8 months ago

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Full Accounting of Clarence Thomas

According to The New Yorker, a law clerk recently hired by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas amid bigotry allegations has improved her public image by reshaping the narrative surrounding a 2015 incident during which she was accused of sending a racist text message to former colleague.

Crystal Clanton, a 2022 graduate of George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School in Virginia, was hired by Justice Thomas in late February after a meteoric rise to a highly coveted position on the nation’s highest court as a brand new theory paints her as a victim of a vengeful associate.

The racial controversy erupted in 2015 when Clanton served as national field director of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA, a GOP supporter group with close ties to former President Donald Trump and also known for its divisive rhetoric.

A full accounting of Clarence Thomas' gifts from billionaire friends
Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas speaks on the Heritage Foundation on October 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. Clarence Thomas has served on the Supreme Court for 30 years. He was nominated by former President George H. W. Bush in 1991 and is the second African American to serve on the Supreme Court, after Justice Thurgood Marshall. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Two years later, an investigative report by The New Yorker revealed a text message from Clanton during which she wrote to a co-worker: “I HATE BLACK PEOPLE…Like hell – all of them…I hate black people. End of story.”

Screenshots of a string of messages tagged with Clanton’s phone number were shared with the magazine in 2017, and multiple employees on the time confirmed that Clanton was the sender.

When asked in regards to the messages, Clanton explained that she didn’t remember writing them and asserted that the comments “do not reflect what I believe or who I am,” she told the news outlet on the time.

Clanton resigned in disgrace over the incident, but never apologized to the Black community for the hurtful comments that led to her removal as second-in-command of the conservative group in 2017.

Nearly a decade after the alleged text messages, Clanton has managed to place the episode behind her, benefiting from powerful connections inside and outside the Republican legal community, including Thomas’s wife, Ginni, who hired Clanton in 2017 to help her working as a citizen conservative activist.

As part of the agreement, Judge Thomas allowed Clanton to live of their Virginia home for almost a 12 months because Ginni Thomas and Clanton knew each other from Turning Point USA.

During this time, the Thomases encouraged Clanton to pursue a legal profession, and Judge Thomas even really useful that she be admitted to Antonin Scalia Law School despite her questionable background.

After graduating from law school, Clanton was immediately hired as a law clerk for two Republican-appointed federal judges, including U.S. District Judge Corey Maze in Birmingham, Alabama, and later Chief Judge William H. Pryor, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, known for his conservative rulings and the admission of latest law clerks to Judge Thomas.

The Thomases’ support and Clanton’s subsequent promotion brought into the highlight her past controversies that otherwise may need faded into oblivion.

In 2021, reports of racism allegations against Clanton resurfaced as she lined up for clerkships with Maze and Pryor.

At that point, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee learned of the racist incident and filed an ethics criticism against Maze and Pryor out of concern that Clanton’s hiring would undermine confidence within the federal court system.

The criticism was ultimately dismissed by the 2nd U.S. Judicial Circuit in New York after Judge Thomas defended Clanton in a letter to Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston, claiming that his wife “informed me of the terrible way in which” Clanton “was treated at Turning Point.”

Judge Pryor also wrote a letter to Livingston revealing that he and Thomas had met privately and discussed the case involving Clanton, resulting in a brand new theory in regards to the incident that Clanton was the actual victim.

However, the immediate query arose as to why Clanton never mentioned it through the firestorm.

Pryor said Clanton had not previously denied the allegations in regards to the racist text because she was allegedly sure by a non-disclosure agreement, which she didn’t mention to reporters or her lawyer on the time. Clanton’s lawyer said he never prepared an NDA for her.

In his appeal to the judge, Pryor said Judge Thomas assured him that Clanton “was the victim of a pernicious attempt to portray her as a racist,” while maintaining that the previous worker, who was not named, “created fake text messages” that were intended to other employees for misconduct.

Livingston’s ruling concluded that the unique press reports about Clanton were false and that Clanton all the time treated everyone with “kindness, respect and honesty,” while noting the facts presented by Judge Pryor, who maintained that the racist lyrics were fabricated, praising Clanton as a highly qualified.

The judge found that Pryor and Maze performed all needed due diligence, which allowed Clanton to emerge calmly from the crisis, which led to Thomas hiring her to work in his chambers on the very best court within the land.

In recent weeks, Clanton’s story has turn out to be a rallying cry for conservatives who see her as a victim of false accusations and apparent cancel culture, suggesting that racist lyrics were fabricated to tarnish her fame.

As the warmth of the debacle subsided, Clanton began claiming that she had resigned from Turning Point USA, however the nonprofit’s CEO, Charlie Kirk, who was Clanton’s boss when she sent the racist text message, had previously suggested that Clanton had been fired from because of the incident.

“Turning Point assessed the situation and took decisive action within 72 hours,” he told The New Yorker in an email. Four years later, the nonprofit officially confirmed that Clanton “was fired from Turning Point after the discovery of problematic lyrics.”

However, when contacted by Judge Pryor, Kirk modified his story, saying: “The media is alleging that Crystal has said and done things that are simply untrue.”

The United States Judicial Conference’s Committee on Judicial Conduct and Disability attempted to further investigate the allegations against Clanton. They asked the select committee to find out whether Clanton made racist statements and what she said to Pryor and Maze. The special committee suggested hearing Clanton and the witnesses mentioned within the media reports, but this has not happened up to now.

Judge Pryor and Judge Maze invoked a legal doctrine that prevented the Judicial Conference from reviewing Livingston’s ruling dismissing the Clanton ethics criticism.

Supporters of Justice Thomas called it inside his discretion, citing the close relationship between judges and officials. But critics see it as another example of Judge Thomas ignoring ethical principles.

According to The New Yorker, Judge Thomas, Ginni Thomas and Judge Maze declined to comment, while Judge Pryor didn’t respond.

Despite skepticism in regards to the sanitized version of events, Clanton continues to receive significant support from Judge Thomas, several federal judges and distinguished Republican political groups.

There is way to achieve from a position as a Supreme Court justice, which generally lasts one 12 months and is incredibly rewarding each professionally and financially.

Former officials often receive significant bonuses that may exceed half one million dollars after they take their first real job after their internship. Additionally, having a Supreme Court position in your resume opens the door to prestigious academic and political positions and increases the likelihood of a future appointment to the federal bench.

Typically, only elite law students with excellent résumés have a shot at becoming a Supreme Court clerk, while behavioral aspects, such as being fired for alleged racist remarks, can often disqualify a candidate.

However, Clanton managed to avoid these concerns when Ginni Thomas began fighting for her latest paralegal, as shown in a leaked video from a 2019 National Policy Council meeting. In the video, Thomas introduced Clanton as her special conservative guest and described her as “the wind in my sails”.

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Politics and Current

Donald Trump’s support among black voters is falling significantly

Published

4 hours ago

on

November 5, 2024

By

Trump, Federal Judge, hacked

The final NBC News poll shows a major drop in support for Donald Trump among black voters.

Questionnaire released Sunday revealed an especially tight 2024 presidential campaign race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate former President Donald Trump, with each tied at 49%. However, there are significant differences in support across different voter demographics.

The poll shows Harris has the most important lead over Trump among Black voters (87%-9%), young voters under 30 (57%-41%), and college-educated white voters (55%-43%). Trump’s 9% approval rating among black voters is down from the 12% he received within the 2020 election against Joe Biden.

Other key splits show Harris leading among women by 16 points (57%-41%) and Trump leading among men by 18 points (58%-40%). Harris also has a major 20-point lead over Trump relating to which candidate is seen as higher at handling the abortion issue, and has a bonus relating to which candidate is higher at caring for the center class.

Overall, the poll shows a disagreement between Harris and Trump, with each receiving 49% support from registered voters in a head-to-head matchup, while only 2% of voters remain undecided. Trump holds a slight lead over Harris among white voters and people and not using a college degree, leading by 2 points at 50-48%.

The popularity of Harris and Trump is almost equal: 43% of voters have a positive opinion of Harris and 50% have a negative opinion. For comparison, Trump has 42% positive rankings and 51% negative rankings. When it comes to manage of Congress, 47% of voters prefer Democrats to steer Congress, while 46% favor Republican control.

Because of the nationwide Electoral College system, the end result of the presidential election will ultimately rely on the ends in key battleground states akin to Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Like the ultimate NBC poll, the newest polls from swing states show tight races and uncertainty.

Regardless of the end result of the presidential election, 60% of registered voters consider the United States will remain divided, while only 28% consider it’s going to grow to be more united after the 2024 election.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Politics and Current

How Black Women Can Prioritize Wellness This Election Season – Essence

Published

7 hours ago

on

November 5, 2024

By

Sydney Shaffer/Getty Images

Election week finally arrived; a day that, not without reason, we greet with double optimism and fear. As we wait for the election results and subsequent reactions, it is vital to concentrate on the wellness and sweetness practices that keep us grounded.

Regardless of the election result, emotions shall be high and will spark social unrest, which could cause significant concern for marginalized groups. As evidenced by past elections and the January 6 revolt, American society often finds itself in a polarized and reactive state. The potential consequence of a Black woman’s election to the presidency raises hope in lots of and outrage in others, prompting some populations to concentrate on caring for themselves and their communities during this time.

Wellness and sweetness routines often go hand in hand and will be effective regulating practices to appease nerves. The ritualistic nature of makeup or skincare routines, mindfulness meditations, and prioritizing nutrition and rest are all ways to nourish yourself during difficult times. The immediate aftermath of results, whether higher or worse, is more likely to trigger emotionally charged experiences.

She tapped ESSENCE Dr. Robin OnwongPh.D., a provisionally licensed psychologist, to grasp how these decisions may impact Black women and what we are able to do to develop healthy habits.

First, it explains the function of the stress hormone, cortisol, and its context. “When cortisol levels are high for an prolonged time period (e.g., from the beginning of voter registration to Election Day to the inauguration), stress begins to build up and creates allostatic load. In other words, it weakens our immune system and increases the chance of mental health problems, heart problems, fatigue, lack of attention, poor nutrition, etc.

“Overall,” she continues, “most black women in the states were already experiencing high allostatic load, and the election season only deepened the collective sense of heaviness.”

“My encouragement, from both a human and clinical standpoint, is to manage the stress before and after the election whenever possible, focus on the fundamentals and stay on top of the controllables. This looks like building on well-being practices that focus on our basic human needs.”

Dr. Onwong’s list of straightforward areas we are able to start relieving stress include: eating nutritious meals and staying adequately hydrated, getting enough quality rest, and exercising. Additionally, she notes that other vital practices include breath work “which draws you into the present moment,” gratitude exercises, clearing your physical space, and being “a more gracious steward of your time on social media.”

It also points to the effectiveness of community, which may give some people a way of hope and security. In addition to home wellness methods, there are numerous shared spaces where you may seek emotional refuge. Below you can see resources so you may safely connect with others and never feel the necessity to face this stressful day alone.

Sister Song’s Election Party

Sister Song is a reproductive justice collective led by women of color based in Atlanta, Georgia. On November 5, they’re organizing a private “election party” with themes of sharing space, healing, creating artistic endeavors and being in community.

Therapy for black girls on election day. Room for self-care

Therapy for black girls is a web based platform and resource base specializing in the mental health of Black women and girls. On November 5, they’re organizing a virtual Self-care room on election day featuring guided yoga, meditation, journaling sessions and open check-ins. You can find tickets and event information HERE.

Hello Healing Circles

Onwong’s doctor shares: “Association of Black Psychologists offers on November 4, 5, and 6, 2024. These are virtual, protected community spaces for people of African descent that draw on culturally rooted healing strategies to deal with Black trauma/stress and social violence. These are non-clinical (non-therapeutic), culturally supportive and affirming spaces intended to advertise well-being and overall social-emotional adjustment. To express interest, please send an email.

BEAM Holiday break on election day

BEAM, also generally known as the Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective, is a platform dedicated to Black healing. Together with indicated resources to deal with election unrest, they’re organizing three meetings virtual “pause” sessions. throughout election day to have the chance to “pause, take a breath and sort out the situation together.”

Black women’s sisterhood with plans

Black Women’s Agenda is an area dedicated to the well-being of Black women. They offer weekly sisterhood circles emphasizing political education, wellness, and collective care. The next virtual circle will happen on Thursday, November 7.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Politics and Current

Donald Trump fights during a rally in Georgia while Herschel Walker is called a “real idiot” for telling attendees to vote for the wrong person

Published

13 hours ago

on

November 4, 2024

By

Trump Herschel Walker Georgia rally disaster

Former President Donald Trump delivered a blistering campaign speech in Georgia on Sunday that was supposed to be his final address to undecided voters in the state, but as a substitute became one in all his most rambling tirades since becoming the GOP nominee, prompting a wave of ridicule on social media.

During a speech in Macon, some in the audience appeared to fall asleep as Trump talked about brutal deaths at the hands of immigrants and vented his frustration over what he called 800,000 falsified “cob” reports when he meant “jobs,” while his voice often stuttered with a monotonous tone that failed to excite the crowd.

Herschel Walker's Trump rally disaster in Georgia
Herschel Walker was ridiculed after footage of a Trump rally in Macon, Georgia, surfaced. (Source: Newsmax/Twitter screenshot)

“Dementia Don is going through some stuff,” one X user commentedwhich reflects a wave of criticism about Trump’s mental capability to lead the country.

At one point, Trump mentioned that if he became president again, he would love to put former comebacker Herschel Walker in charge of the nation’s missile defense, though Walker has no prior experience with military strategy or defense systems.

“We will build an all-USA-made anti-missile shield wrapped around our country to defend us and our country,” Trump announced to his cheering supporters. Trump then added, “We’re going to put Herschel Walker in charge of this little sucker” — which drew little applause.

When Walker took the stage, he did himself no favors to prove he was ready for the task, sounding nervous at times and having difficulty pronouncing Trump’s name appropriately.

“Let’s not let Donald Trump down, because he won’t let us down. Because when you see what they are doing to this country. You say it’s a damn shame. And it’s time to stop it. And it will end on Tuesday when we get to the polls and vote for my friend and your friend, Donald Trump Jr.!” Walker stated before realizing his mistake and starting to stutter to correct himself.

However, he repeatedly mispronounced Trump’s name. “Donald Trump, er, Jonald J. Trump!”

Social media has rightly mocked Walker for becoming a caricature or Uncle Tom-like figure in the Trump campaign, and his appearance has only reinforced doubts about his readiness to tackle a major role in the next Trump administration.

“I’m insulted by you. “Herschel Walker embodies every negative stereotype that black Americans have fought against for decades: violence, crime, intellectual inferiority and sexual promiscuity” – one person he wrote further X. “Republicans admit it’s just a symbol so they can claim they’re not racist.”

Other in addition, “Herschel Walker is as real an idiot as Republicans think Kamala is.”

A podcast video featuring Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean, who mocked Herschel Walker’s 2022 GOP Senate campaign, has resurfaced on social media platforms after he suggested creating a “department that may look into young men women social media” in response to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

“Herschel Walker played football when helmets were soft” – one in all the panelists he joked at the time, drawing raucous laughter from the studio audience.

Throughout the day at

“That guy in the gold hat looks like he’s fighting the urge to nod off,” Justin Baragona wrote on X, sharing three photos showing the man leaning back and sleepily observing Trump.

Other social media influencers looked for signs of boredom amongst the audience as Trump talked in circles.

“The young women behind Trump are struggling,” noted Aaron Rupar, an independent journalist who covers the Trump campaign from a liberal standpoint. He shared a video of a young woman stifling a yawn while one other woman sitting next to her appears engrossed in her phone.

Rupar noted that ladies seemed unfazed by Trump’s fear-mongering over acts of violence he attributed to immigrant gang members on Long Island, New York.

“Trump’s beautiful 16-year-olds cut with knives don’t seem like a big hit.” Rupper he wrote, while declaring Trump’s word salad, which included:Agriculture“for agriculture” and “flasks” regarding the jobs quote in which Trump tried to criticize the Biden administration for creating jobs but had difficulty making his views clear to supporters.

“The whistleblower posted information about 18 of the 800,000 cobs, and furthermore the whistleblower said you know it wasn’t 800,000 but 18,000, you add that up and then you add 100 and you think it’s 112,000 jobs,” Trump said.

“Just look at the crowd,” commented Fred Wellman, sharing a video showing a young woman waking up from a nap just as Trump made his gaffe.

In response to this error, a Michigan GOP Watch political pundit joked, “His brain is tapioca pudding.”

Rupar also identified that Trump began an anecdote about former first lady Michelle Obama but didn’t finish it.

“Trump starts with Michelle Obama but gets distracted and never finishes the thought,” Rupar wrote. “I have always treated his beautiful wife Michelle, I have always had great respect for her, but she has been hard on me lately…” Trump began. “What was that, Front Row Joes?” he asked before turning to the size of his crowd.

The speech reflected a pattern of Trump’s incoherence, characterised by a disturbing tendency to gibberish and contradict himself, which further fueled concerns about his understanding of key issues and the impact of his age as Trump turned 78 in June.

On Friday, in one other speech in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Trump told rallygoers that he had a “very fertile brain,” while defending himself against critics who proceed to accuse the former president of “cognitive impairment.”

“I have a very fertile, very fertile brain, but it’s a weave and we do it, that’s how you tell one story and discuss about 15 subplots, but you come to a final answer,” Trump said, according to Newsweek. “They said: he was wandering, I’m not wandering. I’m making a weave, do you already know what a weave is? It’s history.”


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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