By Jose Medina
PHILADELPHIA – As the 2020 elections being just a few days away, the U.S. has made little to no strides to answer the calls for deep systemic justice – an example are anti-racist movement protestors mobilizing this week in Philadelphia after Walter Wallace Jr., a Black man, was fatally shot by police.
The Trump Administration has been politicizing this mobilization as a last ditch effort to sway public opinion against his Democratic opponents.
But Wednesday, District Attorney Larry Krasner responded to the Trump Administration’s condescending remarks towards Philadelphia by denouncing the administration’s provocations.
In a statement to preserve Philadelphians’ rights to vote, District Attorney Krasner stated that “The Trump Administration’s efforts to suppress votes amid a global pandemic fueled by their disregard for human life will not be tolerated in the birthplace of American democracy.”
Making a connection between the US’s historical founding and the Trump’s administration’s erratic behavior, Krasner insists “we will not be cowed or ruled by a lawless, power-hungry despot. Some folks learned that the hard way in the 1700s.”
He adds that “Donald Trump claims to be a ‘law and order’ president, but his administration has posed the greatest danger to public health and safety in modern history. More than 227,000 Americans 
have died from COVID-19, and we are again seeing infections spike across the country.”
Making a point to emphasize the Trump administration’s failure in handling the pandemic to delegitimize the administration’s proclaimed support for law enforcement, DA Krasner states that “more than 100 police officers have died from COVID-19 this year than died from all other causes – including in the line of duty – combined.”
District Attorney Krasner added, “Philadelphians are grieving the fatal shooting by police of a Black man who appeared to be in mental health crisis.”
He said, instead of working with cities and states to improve accountability and efficacy in policing, instead of supporting and strengthening Black communities, the Trump Administration seeks to throw gasoline on a long-burning fire in order to provoke further unrest and violence ahead of an election he is terrified to lose.
District Attorney Krasner refuted the Trump Administration’s claims that Democratic led governments encouraging violence against police: “My office is working, as it always does, to hold accountable all those who cause harm, irrespective of status or position. Today, we filed a dozen serious charges against an individual responsible for seriously injuring a Philadelphia Police sergeant by hitting her with a vehicle during the unrest this week.”
Krasner made it clear that he is diligently working on bringing justice for victims of police brutality by saying, “My office is also investigating the police shooting death of Walter Wallace, Jr., because justice demands accountability for every death at the hands of government actors – whether on the streets or in prisons or in the ICE facilities where Donald Trump is caging children.”
As the 2020 elections nears, US voters are becoming increasingly concerned with issues of voter intimidation that are being instigated by the Trump administration’s supporters.
District Attorney Krasner assures voters that “the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office continues to work with our partners in law enforcement and government to ensure every voter gets to vote and that every vote is counted.
He warned the Trump administration to not interfere with Philadelphia’s elections Nov. 3 by saying “keep your Proud Boys, goon squads, and uncertified ‘poll watchers’ out of our city, Mr. President. Break the law here, and I’ve got something for you.”
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office will have an Election Task Force active on Nov. 3 to preserve every citizen’s right to vote in Philadelphia, Krasner added.
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Talk about deflection, Krasner should be more worried about all the rioters looting and shooting in Philadelphia.
https://news.yahoo.com/hundreds-looters-ransack-philadelphia-businesses-121318654.html
“stand back and stand by” – right Keith?
I guess you’ve turned a blind eye to all the rioting. looting and destruction now occurring in Philadelphia just like Krasner has? Sure, deflect to the Proud Boys and goon squads when you don’t want the nation to see the true violence and looting taking place in Philadelphia by left wing protesters and looters.
Right David?
MLK: “A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard. It is the desperate, suicidal cry of one who is so fed up with the powerlessness of his cave existence that he asserts that he would rather be dead than ignored.”
To finish my thought, the two are related (voter protection and riot control) and in fact the solution to the problem of the riot is to make sure that the voices of the people are heard through their vote.
The looters in Philadelphia used the police shooting as an opportunistic chance to go looting and stealing. But you go ahead and keep making excuses for them and divert the blame to other groups when they have nothing to do with what’s actually now occurring.
If your argument is that the looters are being opportunistic (which is the point I have made that the people looting and stealing are not related to the protesters), then you are negating the idea that they are politically motivated. You can’t have it both ways here.
And what happens if they don’t get their way, more rioting, more looting?
Other than you, who says it can’t be “both”?
You actually had a commenter on here who claimed that looting is a form of protest.
“You actually had a commenter on here who claimed that looting is a form of protest.”
I would not rule out that possibility – look at the MLK quote. My problem is that we are not dealing with data here. That’s why we presented some data from the AP study last week looking at who the known protesters were.
Hi Ron, I remember that, you make a good point.
Welcome back!
Keith
I am guessing you either missed or chose to not see this part of Krasner’s statement:
“My office is working, as it always does, to hold accountable all those who cause harm, irrespective of status or position.”
Funny, but he only mentions Proud Boys and goon squads. I don’t see any mention of for instance, the Black Panthers who actually acted on voter suppression outside of a Philadelphia voting site or the rioters and looters now creating mayhem on the Philly streets.
Keith
So you are deliberately choosing to ignore the words “to hold accountable all those who cause harm” in favor of an arbitrary listing of bad players. Until this last post of yours, I really was not sure if it was deliberate or unintentional. Thanks for the clarification.
Was it intentional that Krasner didn’t mention the rioting and looting by certain groups and people CURRENTLY taking place in Philadelphia?
Actually it does seem like you are intentionally overlooking what he did say: “My office is working, as it always does, to hold accountable all those who cause harm, irrespective of status or position.” So he is avoiding singling out groups who are rioting and simply stating that he plans to hold them accountable regardless of status or position. Seems he has it covered and you are trying to divert the conversation again.
“And what happens if they don’t get their way, more rioting, more looting?”
And what happens if “their way” is only equal justice for all? Would you deny them that?
“And what happens if “their way” is only equal justice for all? Would you deny them that?”
Of course he would. That’s what he and Trump are all about. Justice serves none of their nefarious interests. Justice is what they fear most.
You are incorrect John…
As of last Monday night there will be at least 3 Justices ready, willing, and able to serve the right-wing ‘nefarious interests’ (all Trump appointees)… including, ensuring that no matter what the outcome of the vote, ‘the Donald’ will be re-inaugurated in January… much more subtle than a protest/demonstration… and much more effective…
BTW, Trump isn’t really right wing… he is ‘Donald-wing’, and is always ‘right’, in his world view…
Tia, David and I were talking about voting. So who for or what would be their vote be for the outcome you prescribe in order for the rioting and looting to stop?
“So who for or what would be their vote be for the outcome you prescribe in order for the rioting and looting to stop?”
I would invoke an Occam’s Razor approach. There was no rioting of this magnitude during the Obama administration. Trump has attempted to use scenes of vandalism, looting, and rioting as a prediction of what a Biden administration will look like. But the undeniable truth is these scenes are what has occurred, in reality, during Trump’s administration. A realistic perspective would suggest to me that the events occurring during the Trump administration are more likely to continue than they would under a Biden administration.
Trump received 8% of the black vote in 2016, a recent poll shows President Donald Trump’s approval among likely black voters jumped to 46 percent, according to Rasmussen Reports data.
There was plenty of rioting during the Obama years. Also Biden has said many racist things over his years in office, much more than anything Trump has ever stated.
Also according to the poll, 31% of likely black voters plan on voting for Trump.
A Schrodinger’s cat approach may be more appropriate.
Yes… commenters on here has said some blatantly wrong, ill-informed, and/or stupid things.
Point noted…
I would think that looters (in general) have some dissatisfaction with the “system”. And that some of them may also be classified as “protesters” – depending upon the definition of that.
The commenter we’re referring to put forth the most provocative (and rather interesting) comments I’ve seen on here.
Maybe that commenter isn’t the best reference point for this discussion.
Why, that doesn’t fit your narrative?
The commenter definitely doesn’t speak for me.
Good to see the Vanguard sticking with its focus on local politics.
Right now the Vanguard is essentially four publications and that was an everyday injustice article, not a Davis Vanguard article.
You might want to explain: “Right now the Vanguard is essentially four publications”.
I got the memo about the students – missed the other two
Sure.
(1) Davis Vanguard – covers mainly Davis and some regional stories/ issues
(2) Court Watch/ Everyday Injustice – covers courts and criminal justice reform
(3) CDCR/ COVID Project
(4) Davis Vanguard at UC Davis
So this was an Everyday Injustice story which has been covering national criminal justice issues including police shootings and protests.
Of those four publications, obviously I am largely the only staff on the Davis Vanguard, Michelle and Cres with help from me staff the Court Watch/ Everyday Injustice with the help of 50 or so interns, Aparna heads about 7 interns on the CDCR project and Julietta and Linh are co-editors heading up about 30 writers on the DVAUCD.
Thanks, that helps – I wasn’t quite clear on all that was happening.
I probably don’t need to tell you this – and you are probably working on it – but an overhaul of the site format would be really helpful in making the David Quadratic Vanguard more digestible, and make it easier for people to find what they are looking for. That is – if it’s done right. Maybe about time for some reader input?
Talk is not how it’s done… it’s about DOING!
Personally, and as support to voters, by working the polls… Tia has shared she has done that… at least once, perhaps more…
Elections ia ‘hurting’ this year… many veteran poll workers were originally ‘passed over’, due to age… that was corrected… poll workers tend to be older/retired… groups that also self-selected to not step forward this fall, due to Covid concerns…
Talking talk is one thing… walking walk is quite another…
I’ll be spending 9-8 the next 3 days, 6-10 Tuesday, supporting voters @ a VAC… as I approached elections, as a volunteer, not sure if I’ll be paid… if not, just doing what’s needed… if paid, 100% will go to charity… voting is serious to me…
I am NPP… I care not how the voters I serve, vote… I care that they vote… or ‘shut the f up’…
Please vote… if you are using VBM, please drop off your ballot off at a drop-box (official one, not the Republican pseudo ones), or @ a VAC… locations are on your County voting guide… at this point, DO NOT TRUST USPS to get your ballot to Yolo County Elections on Election Day, or before… several reasons why, but the Supremes have indicated (definitely in WI) that ballots received for counting, despite postmark, after Nov 3, may be considered invalid, and not counted…
Have no idea if Keith O or David have or will serve as poll-workers… but Tia says she has, and I thank her for her service.
Bill
I think there are three areas of importance with regard to voting.
1. Talking about it. Voting is seen through many prisms. Some people do not believe an individual vote counts. I have always seen it as an essential activity in a democratic society and as such I feel talking about it, its significance in our history, and its importance to our future is a vital activity.
2. Teaching and encouraging. I took my own kids to the polls with me until they were too old to care about just observing any more. A number of times I have been engaged in voter registration which I see as in part a teaching opportunity. Many of you may have seen me manning booths at Farmer’s Market for candidates and issues I care about.
3. Doing. I have voted at every election since I became eligible. I was a poll worker during the last election, and have found a way to volunteer safely this time by manning an outdoor ballot drive through on November 3rd.
Maybe we could all take a chill pill and laugh at ourselves for a moment with the below clip from Saturday Night Live last week:
Trump Addicts of America – SNL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bII8AH5t6zI&feature=emb_logo
Maybe on November 5th we can take a chill pill.
Are you willing to accept the election no matter the outcome?
No
Then it would be hypocritical of you to condemn others for not doing so, right?
Your question was poorly worded and left open the possibility of all sorts of outcomes that were fraudulent.
Besides, it misses an essential point – what does it mean for a citizen to accept an outcome? I’m not going to lead an armed insurrection and probably not going to participate in one. The question framed at Trump was very different and concerned whether he would use extra-legal means to remain in office.
My question was very simple and direct, you either will accept the outcome or you won’t.
But you wrote in a recent article:
To use an extreme example, what if it comes down to a close vote in a single state and there were armed militia people preventing voters from voting? Why would I “accept” (still undefined) that outcome?
The second part of your comment fails to distinguish private citizen from president – a point I addressed in the second paragraph of my response to you.
Alan
You already made me laugh at myself once at Pancakes & Politics. I think that is the end of my introspective laughter until the results of the election are known.
Note to readers: I don’t think they took a chill pill and laughed at themselves. [see DG/KO conversation, above]
Keith
“My question was very simple and direct, you either will accept the outcome or you won’t.”
You and I often see the world very differently. To me, your question was anything but simple & direct. There are many gradations of acceptance as David implied in his response. For example, I do not see the results of either the SC selection of President Bush or the 2016 contest, in which I believe Trump cheated, as legitimate outcomes. However, in each case, I was resigned as I saw no peaceful path forward to changing the outcome, and as a pacifist, I was bound to “stand down”. But in neither case did I accept the outcome. Not one time have I ever referred to the current occupant of the WH as the President, nor will I ever. I have protested many, many times in the streets, in the parks, and at the capital, but always peacefully, not ever engaging in lawbreaking as you would like to pretend all protesters do.
So not everything has a black or white response nor clear yes or no answer.
But regardless, he is. “Legitimately”, as far as I can tell. I recall a greater controversy regarding the Bush/Gore outcome, regarding legitimacy.
And, we still have the same electoral college, despite the popular vote in those two outcomes (so far, in recent history).
More than often.
How did Trump cheat?
There you go again. I’ve never said all protesters are lawbreakers. Quit attributing things to me that I’ve never said or wrote. YOU DON’T LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE DO THAT TO YOU SO DON’T DO IT TO OTHERS.
You are nibbling the edges of her comment while avoiding the broader issue that both she and I have raised which is twofold: (1) that there is considerable nuance in your broad question and (2) you never defined what acceptance means for a private citizen.
I don’t think that Keith was “nibbling around the edges” regarding the challenge to the attributed statement “all protesters are lawbreakers”.
As a side note, what does “non-acceptance” mean to you (from your personal/individual perspective)? And, what difference would it actually make?
Yes because that was not her major point. That was an aside and he focused on the asides, not the core issues.
If Trump is declared the clear victor with more electoral votes. David, will you accept the outcome?
I’m not saying like the outcome, but accept the outcome.
We all know you won’t like it if Trump were to win.
How is this: I will not employ or support extralegal means to challenge an electoral outcome.
David: You (and everyone else on this blog) ain’t gonna do squat.
California isn’t even contested.
Still waiting for Tia to tell us all how Trump cheated.
I hope it’s not the old tired proven lie of Russian collusion.
O.J. wasn’t convicted either. Doesn’t make the charge a lie. Trump obstructed a thorough investigation of Russian collusion.
Trump also cheated by violating campaign finance laws by paying off women with whom he had affairs to suppress bad publicity on the eve of the election.
I find the word “collusion” to be irrelevant. I do believe he had help from outside the country. I cannot prove it, but it remains my belief. And in the interest of speaking clearly, like some of you believe only men do, I frankly do not care what anyone else thinks on this issue.
“However, in each case, I was resigned as I saw no peaceful path forward to changing the outcome, and as a pacifist, I was bound to “stand down”.”
Honest question; How long are you willing for your neighbors and children to be subjugated by this phony overlord while you stand down? Passive resistance has a very slow effect. I’m 68 y.o. and not patient with tyrants nor traitors.
John
I definitely understand your question. The answer is, I don’t know. I also am 68 and have been peacefully protesting since Vietnam. I have protested a wide variety of foreign military interventions and border policies. I have protested for women’s rights, minority rights, and immigrant rights. I have attended rallies for stricter gun control, equal rights under the law, and for a change in the way community safety is approached including a different role for armed police.
I share your belief that Trump is tyrannical and a traitor to the country and yet, I cannot ask others to do what I would not do myself…act with his lack of humanity.
Tia… I respect your views, but for me:
There is a difference for me, in being a ‘pacifist’ or a doormat, or standing by as a passive witness to myself, family member, stranger, being injured or brutalized… think Mama Bear, with much adrenaline…
“Bullies” thrive on ‘pacifists’… they cower then confronted with the threat of superior force, even if the threat is a bluff… three times (that I can think of) where I was smaller/less formidable than a bully… all three times I won, and the bully ended up apologizing… in shame… only once was I arguably ‘violent’… much bigger bully trying to chase me, about to catch me, about to beat the crap out of me, so I dropped down, stuck my leg out and tripped him… leading him to run face-long into a big rosebush… he was humiliated by bystanders… we actually became good friends, as he realized I was smarter than him. So guess I’m not a true ‘pacifist’… but I am no doormat, either…
I find an even stronger call to take action when it is someone other than myself who is “in danger”… with the non-pacifist goal of either fully bluffing them, or physically taking them on…
I admire true pacifists… to a point… but, it is written, “thus far, but no further”…
Then perhaps you should stand back and stand by.
And more importantly – what difference does it make? 😉
Hell, many people still haven’t accepted the “last” outcome – as Tia noted.
I asked the question initially – what difference does it make if I accept the outcome? There is difference between me and Trump in this regard (as others).
You’re right – there is a vast difference in power.
There is a difference in that Trump has the potential compacity to use military machinery to block a transfer of power.
I believe he has other options that he would likely pursue (which aren’t available to you or me), via the court system (as already alluded to).
Truth be told though – I think he’ll ultimately just leave (if he loses). He would lose the support of Republicans, at some point. As Nixon did.
Just putting a face on why that question arose with respect to Trump and why it makes far less sense to ask a private citizen.
Well, there are people who might express their dissatisfaction via protests (similar to what we’ve seen lately).
I think that’s more likely to occur (on a large scale) if Biden loses.
But ultimately, it still won’t make any difference regarding the outcome.
I think there is a fairly high degree of likelihood that if Biden loses, the situation devolves quickly particularly if anything nefarious is even hinted at. But we’ll see.
Like his lord and master, Keith can’t give a straight answer because he knows that the truth sinks his ship. Trump has based his whole life, not just the presidency, on fraud, racism and chicanery. In a more patriotic time the entire congress including members of his own now disgraced party would have taken him out and horse-whipped him. Ah for the good old days.
I bet if it was the New Black Panther Party the right wing would be singing a different tune like they did in 2008 in Philly.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-black-panther-party_n_2082423