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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Sen. Doug Jones On Voting Rights, Impeachment, and Iran

NNPA NEWSWIRE — In an interview that tackled several pressing topics, Jones said he “absolutely agreed” that voting rights are under attack all over the country. “Access to the ballot box is the key. It has got to be fairly easy to register to vote these days but getting to cast a vote is what’s getting harder and harder,” Jones stated. “And, that is because of purging voter rolls; because of closing polling places; and convenient polling places and moving them. Those are the kinds of things that are causing some real concerns, and access to the ballot box is causing concerns,” he stated.

Published

3 years ago

January 30, 2020

Stacy M. Brown

Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association meet for an Exclusive Fireside Chat on Black voter turnout, the Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, bipartisan politics, the Futures Act, environmental justice and the administration's current military actions.

This interview is the follow-up to the Exclusive Fireside Chat between Senator Jones and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President and CEO

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

President Donald Trump should seek Congressional approval before engaging U.S. military personnel into any conflicts with Iran, or any other nation, according to Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.).

Jones spent a great deal of time on Wednesday, January 8, speaking exclusively with the Black Press of America.

The outspoken senator, who stunned Republican Roy Moore in a 2017 special election because of a large African American voter turnout, conceded that the president should act without the consent of Congress only if it’s to defend the United States.

In an interview that tackled several pressing topics, Jones said he “absolutely agreed” that voting rights are under attack all over the country.

“Access to the ballot box is the key. It has got to be fairly easy to register to vote these days but getting to cast a vote is what’s getting harder and harder,” Jones stated.

“And, that is because of purging voter rolls; because of closing polling places; and convenient polling places and moving them. Those are the kinds of things that are causing some real concerns, and access to the ballot box is causing concerns,” he stated.

Further, Jones added that it’s “past the time” for the Senate to do something about voting rights.

“Unfortunately, I don’t see that on the horizon as long as the Senate is controlled the way it’s controlled now,” Jones stated.

The senator has pushed H.R. 1, legislation that addresses voter access, election integrity, and election security. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has refused to bring the bill up for consideration.

Jones, who penned the 2019 book, “Bending Toward Justice,” about the 1963 Alabama Church Bombing, has a long history of civil rights.

As a law student, he sat in on the 1977 trial of the first bomber prosecuted, Robert “Dynamite” Bob Chambliss.

“I think growing up in the South and coming of age in the 1960s and early 1970s, you just open your eyes to a lot of things,” Jones stated.

“And, that’s pretty much what happened to me. I started in my early years. I went to an integrated school system, which was the first in my city, and you know kids, kids adapted a lot better than our parents did,” he stated.

Jones continued:

“You tend to make sure that you get a sense that all people have the same rights. And, we’re all equal in God. And, you have to act that way and not just talk about it.”

It’s also why Jones has remained committed to assuring equal voting rights. He agreed that the 2020 election is crucial for America’s future and believes his party does have viable candidates.

“I think we’ve got to get candidates who are committed to their principles and committed to talking about issues that we have in common,” Jones stated. “I’m absolutely convinced across the South, and across the county, that we have so much more to come.”

Democrats cannot allow others to define them, Jones added.

“And, we stepped out, I think in 2017, to say, ‘we’re not going to let that happen here, or here is what I believe. Here are my principles. I’m going to listen, and I will be respectful. And, we’re going to see if we can find common ground,'” Jones stated.

“And, we were able to do that in 2017, and I think more candidates that do that, you’re going to establish a voice. Things will not change overnight,” he stated.

While Republicans have stood idle without challenging the president, Jones stated that Democrats hadn’t carried themselves much differently.

“I think there is,” Jones said, responding to whether Republicans have a fear of Trump.

“But, let me also add this: you rarely see Democrats standing up for the president when he does things the right way. And, I think we’ve got to get beyond that because, if we don’t work together, we’re never going to get anything done,” he stated.

Jones said bipartisanship is the way to go, and that’s evident by successful legislation passed across party lines to eliminate the widow’s tax for servicemen and women, and the Futures Act, which guaranteed funding for historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions.

“We’ve got to work together. I’d like to see more Republicans standing up and speaking out when the president does some things that clearly give Republicans, colleagues of mine, a lot of heartburn,” Jones stated.

“I don’t think Democrats should be afraid politically to simply say, ‘I agree with the president.’ It’s time to move forward. Let’s work together,” he stated.

With Trump’s impeachment trial looming over the Senate, Jones was asked if the president could receive a fair trial without witnesses.

“His definition of a fair trial maybe a little bit different than mine. He will have his counsel to cross-examine witnesses,” Jones stated. “The president complained about not being able to cross-examine the witnesses in the House. Well, if witnesses are called in the Senate, he would be able to cross-examine them. I think the American public deserves a fair trial. And by that, I mean, they deserve to have a complete picture with as much information as possible, and that includes people like John Bolton and Mick Mulvaney and others who have direct knowledge of these instances.”

“I don’t know what they would testify to, but I think we should hear from them. Let the House managers examine them and let the president’s lawyers examine them and let the chips fall,” Jones stated.

The confidence of Americans is vital for the impeachment process, and Jones is wary of a tainted trial.

“The last thing that we need is to have new evidence dribble out over the next year leading up to the election, whether it’s in a committee hearing, whether it’s leaks, or whether it’s in a book that somebody writes,” he stated.

“We need to have that information now so that we are all working off the same set of facts.”

Finally, Jones noted that the conflict with Iran is troublesome in that Trump hasn’t sought any guidance or feedback from lawmakers.

“Well, I don’t think the president is going to take any other military action unless it’s a purely defensive action. He needs to come to Congress pursuant to the War Powers Act,” Jones stated.

“I think there needs to be a review of authorization for the use of military force, and I think he needs to involve Congress a lot more. Look, [Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem] Soleimani was a bad guy, and the world is not going to miss him. He was a treacherous, ruthless human being. But, at the same time, the president and his administration should have consulted with the leaders of Congress in my opinion.”

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14th Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival with Franklin Curbelo

The 14th. Minnesota Cuban Film Festival is organized by the Minnesota Cuba Committee, with the collaboration of the MSP Film Society, and ICAIC (Cuban Film Institute)
The post 14th Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival with Franklin Curbelo first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

March 14, 2023

admin

Feb. 21, 2023 – Al McFarlane will sit with Franklin Curbelo, organizer of the 14th Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival. In this exciting interview, Franklin will discuss the festival’s commitment to bringing diverse films from Cuba and this year’s line-up.

The 14th. Minnesota Cuban Film Festival is organized by the Minnesota Cuba Committee, with the collaboration of the MSP Film Society, and ICAIC (Cuban Film Institute)

The Conversation With Al McFarlane (TCWAM), Weekdays at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST

We hope you will join us at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST as we continue our ongoing conversations about how we can all make a difference in our community.

SUBSCRIBE to TCWAM on Insight News YouTube channel: / @insightnewsmn #minneapolis #stpaul #blackculture #community #blackmusic #cuba #artfilm #TCWAM

Photo by: Juan Luis Ozaez

Photo by: CineDirektor FILMS

The post 14th Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival with Franklin Curbelo first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD In-depth walkaround and POV Test Drive. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a luxurious and powerful compact SUV that boasts several high-end features and technologies. Equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, 227 HP @ 310 lb-ft Torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the C-50 delivers a […]
The post 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

March 14, 2023

Oakland Post

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD In-depth walkaround and POV Test Drive.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a luxurious and powerful compact SUV that boasts several high-end features and technologies. Equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, 227 HP @ 310 lb-ft Torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the C-50 delivers a robust performance and is available with the Premium Plus package, which offers various advanced features. This review will delve into the details of the car’s features and overall performance.

The CX-50 comes in a beautiful Ingot Blue Metallic exterior color, which complements its elegant and sleek design. It features black 20-inch alloy wheels with P245/45 R20 all-season tires, which provide excellent grip and stability on the road. The rain-sensing windshield wipers and wiper de-icer are a thoughtful addition, making driving in inclement weather more manageable. Additionally, the auto power-folding side mirrors are convenient for parking in tight spaces.

The CX-50’s interior is equally impressive, with a Black interior color and Brown leather-trimmed seats. The 5-passenger seating is spacious, and the power driver’s seat with memory and power passenger seats offer ample adjustability for comfortable driving positions. The ventilated front seats are a welcome feature, especially in hotter climates. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a premium touch and feels good in the hands. The heated steering wheel is perfect for chilly weather, and the paddle shifters add to the car’s sporty feel. The Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and rear power liftgate are convenient features that make accessing the vehicle a breeze.

The CX-50 has several safety and security features, including 24-hour roadside assistance, 5-passenger 3-point safety belts, LATCH child safety seat anchors, and an anti-theft engine immobilizer. It also has a lane departure warning system, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The I-ACTIV all-wheel drive, hill launch assist, and MI-Drive – sport/off-road/towing make it an excellent option for various driving conditions. The CX-50 also boasts a 3500 lb towing capacity, which makes it ideal for those who need to haul extra gear.

The CX-50 comes equipped with several high-tech features, including a power panoramic moonroof, adaptive front lighting system, LED headlights with auto on/off, and roof rails. The 10.25″ color center display and active driving HeadUp display provide easy access to all necessary information. The dual-zone auto climate control ensures that everyone in the car stays comfortable, and the rearview camera makes parking a breeze. The car has an AM/FM/HD Radio® with four USB inputs, BOSE® 12-speakers audio system, and a SiriusXM® 3 mos. trial. The Mazda Connected Services, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay are convenient for connecting smartphones and accessing music and apps on the go.

The CX-50 has several pros, including multiple driving modes, off-road modes, and a comfortable interior. The car has quick off-the-line acceleration and handles well, making it a fun car to drive.

One downside to the CX-50 is that the ride quality is mediocre. It may not be the best option for those who prefer a very smooth ride.

The CX-50’s MSRP is $43,525, and the Turbo Premium Plus Package adds extra features, such as heated rear seats, 360-degree view monitor, traffic jam assist, front and rear parking sensors, rear smart brake support, blind spot prevention, Mazda Navigation System, wireless phone charger, traffic sign recognition, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a luxurious and powerful compact SUV with advanced features and technologies. The car’s impressive performance, various driving modes, and comfortable interior make it a joy to drive. Additionally, the car’s safety and security features, along with the advanced technology, make it a safe and convenient car to own. Overall, the Mazda CX-50 is a strong contender in the compact SUV market and is definitely worth considering for those who want a car that delivers both performance and luxury.

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Why Attend Chicago Auto Show or Show In Your Market – AutoNetwork Reports 394

Published

3 weeks ago

March 14, 2023

Oakland Post

Our Take on The Chicago Auto Show, Recalls, Autel Energy, CrossTrex, Volvo Subscription Service, Customer Loyalty Dwindling, and more – AutoNetwork Reports 394
Coffee and Cars – AutoNetwork Reports 394.
Get your coffee and join us for a new morning show. Warren was a great storyteller, friend, and all-around good guy in our industry and reviewed cars for The Washington Post newspaper.
Reviews of Cars Driven – AutoNetwork Reports 394
Car Reviews of what we are driving this week. We help you better understand and appreciate your dream car. Find out why we would buy the new car or not. Join our panel of influencers as we review new cars and discuss the latest auto news.

Car Reviews: Visit the website of the panelists for full reviews.
Greg – RAV4
Dawn – Outlander PHEV
Chris – Pathfinder
Teia – Jetta GLI
Dave – G90
Me – Niro SX Touring

Show Panelists:
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Valerie Menard – LatinoTrafficReports.com
Teia Collier – #DSMDrive
Dawn Gibson-Thigpen – @SassyAutoChick

The auto talk show, #AutoNetworkReports, is Live on YouTube weekly Wednesday from 10:00 am ET – 10:30 am ET. where auto influencers discuss the week’s latest automotive news. Go visit http://autonetwork.com for more shows.

Find out why they would buy the vehicle or not. Join our panel of auto journalists and influencers as we discuss this and simplify the latest auto industry news to help you appreciate the auto industry business.

When available we let you know of any vehicle recalls and how to resolve them. Some of the auto influencers have sold cars so we provide car buying and auto leasing tips to save you time and money on your next car purchase. AutoNetwork Reports simplify the latest auto industry news for you to help you appreciate the automotive industry.

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The post Why Attend Chicago Auto Show or Show In Your Market – AutoNetwork Reports 394 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.