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Vehicles assaults on protests are rising. A Tennessee bill helped fan the flames, researcher says, as trio of Memphis cases hit court. Memphis Commercial Appeal

G.A. Hardaway is no stranger to being delayed by a crowd.

The Democratic representative from Memphis said that in 2017, when he and other Tennessee lawmakers were meeting on the issue of removing Confederate statues from Memphis parks, Neo-Confederates blocked his way as he was trying to getto another meeting.

They were 30, 40, 50 deep, and they came out to confront me, Hardaway recalled. One got in my face and told me that I should be grateful, because if it wasnt for slavery, Id be back in Africa on the jungle trail

I couldnt do anything but stare him down.

Hardaway could have done something, though.

He could have risked injuring that racist by punching him or shoving him out of his way, and then try to cobble together a bill that would absolve him or anyone else of incurring penalties if they hurt an objector who blocked their path.

But he didnt.

Thats because Hardaway understands that in America, people are entitled to express themselves even though sometimes, they can offend or inconvenience others.

But in the age of Trump, it seems that idea has been forgotten if they ever understood it at all by people who believe they have the right to injure or even kill people who get in their way.

Tonyaa's latest: Want to honor John Lewis, young people? Believe in your power like he did in his | Weathersbee

Demonstrators block a truck that allegedly hit a member of their group when the driver refused to stop as on Young near Cooper on June 5, 2020.(Photo: John Beifuss/The Commercial Appeal)

According to a recent investigation by The CA, Republican lawmakers have been laying the groundwork for years to absolve people who drive into protesters of any real accountability.

In Tennessee, a few months before 32-year-old Heather Heyer was killed when James Alex Fields Jr. rammed his car into her and other protesters in Charlottesville in 2017, Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, co-sponsored a bill that would grant civil immunity to drivers who unintentionally run into protesters.

The bill died in subcommittee, but the atmosphere it and similar legislation around the nation stirred up Hardaway read responses during hearings on the 2017 bill from people who thought it would allow them to legally run into protesters remains.

Shiloh Barnat Goodman got caught in the winds of that atmospherein June,when 18-year-old Anthony Marcuzzo injured her, her16-year-old daughter and two college students when he drove his SUV into a Black Lives Matter protest in Memphis, according to a police detective's review of surveillance video.

Another driver, 26-year-old Beau Albauer, also allegedly drove his car toward protesters that day but didnt hit anyone.

Marcuzzo has been charged with misdemeanor offenses, while Albauerwas charged with a felony.Their social media activity indicate that they bore some animus toward the protesters.

Yet Republican lawmakers who have energized an atmosphere in which some drivers believe inconvenience is a reason to injure protesters had no problems with protesters disrupting Affordable Care Act town hall meetings back in 2009.

They also had no problems with Neo-Confederates inconveniencing people like Hardaway to express their objections sometimes threateningly over the removal of Confederate monuments.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen remembers dealing withTea Party protesters at his ACA meetings.

While those protesterswerent holding up traffic to make their point, they did hold their fellow citizens hostage from asking legitimate questions about the proposed law by jeering them down, and by employing other tactics to disrupt and threaten, he said.

They were obstreperous, and disruptive, and accusatory and pugnacious, Cohen said. "They came for the purpose of being disruptive, and it was like that all over the country. It drowned out the opportunity for a lot of people to talk.

While Cohen and other congressmen had to be wary of Tea Party protesters whose actions might point to them being a possible security threat, what they didnt do was focus on passing laws that would let people get away with hurtingthose protesters.

They still had the right to speak those kinds of laws were never considered, Cohen said.

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So, what does this current situation reveal?

It reveals that for some, protest is only legitimate if the protest is about protecting the status quo; the status quo being Confederate monuments and abusive police not having to face consequences for killing unarmed Black people.

It reveals how somein power are so invested in that status quo, and so threatened by change, that they will legitimize those who would resort to injuring or killing people who dare to challenge that status quo.

And its awful that instead of proposing legislation to deal with the crisis that has brought protesters into the streets Black people who die at the hands of police are more than twice the rate of white people some Republican lawmakers and law enforcement officials would rather gin up or abet an atmosphere that puts more people at risk for dying after being hit by drivers who believe that peoples right to free expression should take a back seat to them being inconvenienced.

People are late to work, or late to appointments, because of an accident, or because there's work being done on the street, all the time, said Hardaway, who said the Tennessee Legislative Black Caucus plans to research a domestic terrorism bill to bolster investigations on the intent of drivers who plow into protesters.

The reason such inconvenience is being viewed as justifying assault is simple, Cohen said.

This is happening because of Trump, he said. Hes encouraging it. Its very disturbing and its very un-American.

You can reachTonyaa Weathersbee at 901-568-3281, tonyaa.weathersbee@commercialappeal.com or follow her on Twitter: @tonyaajw.

Read or Share this story: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2020/07/26/why-do-lawmakers-differ-black-lives-matter-tea-party-protesters/5498139002/

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Why are those who cheered Tea Party protests fine with BLM protesters being run over? | Weathersbee - Commercial Appeal

Where are the NRA, the Tea Party and constitutional conservatives?

For 50 years the NRA warned Americans of federal troops marching in U.S. cities, arbitrarily seizing citizens.

Twelve years ago the Tea Party was formed, claiming they would defend Americans 10th Amendment (states rights) in response to the tyranny of federal government overreach. All argued the public needed Second Amendment remedies in case it was necessary to bring down an out-of-control federal government.

In response, terrified Americans bought millions of weapons and billions of rounds of ammunition.

Where are these patriots now with their pocket Constitutions?

Badge-less federal agents are violating First Amendment (freedom of speech) rights by assaulting peaceful protesters, gassing moms and assaulting veterans. Federal officers are violating Fourth Amendment (unreasonable search and seizure), randomly forcing demonstrators into unmarked vans without due process.

President Trump is now threatening more cities with his secret police not because of lawlessness, but because the cities are run by his political opponents.

Answer this: What if Barack Obama sent federal troops to Raleigh and Greensboro because we had a GOP governor and mayor?

Thats what I thought! It was never patriotism, just politics.

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NRA and Tea Party: Where are you now? - Greensboro News & Record

While fancy, formal afternoon tea parties frequently hosted throughout Europe and the United States arent too prevalent, teas are still a staple in some social circles and a fun happening that can double as a fundraiser in some not-for-profit communities.

1988: Tea for two-and more. Kelli Cooke, left, Miss New York State Petite for 1988, speaks with Mona Bottiglieri, membership chairman for the Business and Professional Women's Club of Staten Island, during the group's annual membership tea in LiGreci's Staaten, West Brighton. (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores)Staten Island Advance

Characterized by serving pieces of fine porcelain, bone china and sterling silver, tea tables are usually prettied up with lace napkins and coordinating cups and saucers and often accompanied by finger sandwiches and delicate sweet treats.

1974: Partaking of refreshments at a formal tea at the end of the tour, Mrs. Beame is served by Mrs. Burton H. Woodruff, president of the Staten Island Historical Society Auxiliary, seated, and Mrs. Joseph Von Bevern. Awaiting his turn is Francis C. Evans, president of the society.

To this day, tea parties are still hosted by little girls and their moms with guests often consisting of siblings, playmates, dolls and real and imaginary friends.

1967: At a Notre Dame College tea, seniors reminisce with Sister Rita Donahue, the college president and herself an alumnae. Left to right, Mary Lee, Student Association president; Sister Donahue; Barbara Bennett, senior class president, and Monica Gleason, Student Association vice president.Staten Island Advance

1937: Standing from left: Mrs. P.B. Blanchard, Mrs. Howard Flynn and seated, Mrs. Vincent K. Hull at the Mariners Family Asylum Tea Party. (Staten Island Advance)

So, while were still showcasing vintage events photos, on this last week in July we managed to find interesting, festive tea party photos to share.

1983 Academy Tea: Jill O'Donnell Tormey, left, and Priscilla Hiby, chairwoman, discuss antiques with Alfred and Edith Susskind, seated, during a tea party hosted by the Notre Dame Academy Alumnae Association in the school's hall.Staten Island Advance

In a 1965 photo at a tea of the former Huguenot Garden Club,Mrs. Paul (Greta) West, seated, hostess, pours tea for Mrs. Cornelius (Betty) A. P. Van Stolk, right, while Mrs. George (Carol) Jaeger stands by as co-hostess.Former Huguenot Garden club 1965

Have any vintage photos of family, friends or local events? If so, email them with proper identifications to benanti@siadvance.com

1944: The Real Estate Board (now SIBOR) annual dinner, April 15, 1944, Meurot Club, Staten Island. From left, Ray Hoffard, Herbert E. Bode, Russell Marston, Louis W. Kaufmann, Katherine McPherson, Russell V. Cruikshank, and Henry G. Waltemade. In 1936, Eleanor Roosevelt, accompanied by William T. Fetherston, the Democratic county chairman and a former judge, attended a tea sponsored by the Women's Division of the Democratic Organization of Richmond County. The Advance reported that 2,500 women attended the tea in the old Meurot Club, St. George. (Staten Island Advance)

1984: Who's next? Miss Staten Island, Great Kills resident Wendy Brown, middle row, is surrounded by contestants in this year's pageant, which will take place April 27. The young women were introduced during a social tea at the former Columbian Lyceum, West Brighton.Staten Island Advance

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Festive tea time Seen @ snaps vintage style, that is! - SILive.com

11:00. NEARLY 200 PEOPLE CAME OUT TO SHOW SUPPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AS WARDING DOZENS OF CARS AND TRUCKS DECORATED WITH FLAGS DROVE IN A PARADE OF SUPPORT FOR POLICE ORGANIZERS WITH GREENVILLE TEA PARTY. TELL US THIS WAS NOT A POLITICAL EVENT JUST A WAY FOR NEIGHBORS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. SOUTH CAROLINA LAWMAKERS SPOKE AHEAD OF THIS PARADE. THE ORGANIZER SAYS THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS EVENT CAME FROM SEEING PROTESTS AND RIOTS AROUND THE COUNTRY. DO YOU WANT TO SAY TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF BLUE THAT WE SUPPORT YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. THANK YOU FOR DOING ALL THE HARD WORK THAT YOU DO YOUR UNDERAPPRECIATED AND UNDERPAID. ORGANIZERS SAY THEY RAISED $3,000 TODAY I

Calls to 'refund the police' in Drive to Defend the Blue event

SC lawmakers, hundreds gathered for event in Greenville

Updated: 7:00 PM EDT Aug 1, 2020

The Greenville Tea Party held an event Saturday morning aimed at supporting law enforcement. The Drive to Defend the Blue event drew hundreds to Greenville County Square and featured South Carolina state lawmakers. We have been defunding our police force a long time," Rep. Chris Wooten (R-Lexington County) said. "It's time to refund our police."Dozens of cars, many flying American flags with a blue stripe symbolizing support for police officers, drove out of County Square to make a loop downtown.Organizer Pressley Stutts, the chairman of the Greenville Tea Party, said the gathering was to show solidarity, thanks, love and support to law enforcement officers for diligently working to keep communities safe.The group said the event raised $3,000 for the Law Enforcement Foundation, whose mission, according to its website, is to advance and enhance the law enforcement profession in South Carolina. Stutts said the money would go to provide scholarships to children of law enforcement officers and support personnel.

The Greenville Tea Party held an event Saturday morning aimed at supporting law enforcement. The Drive to Defend the Blue event drew hundreds to Greenville County Square and featured South Carolina state lawmakers.

We have been defunding our police force a long time," Rep. Chris Wooten (R-Lexington County) said. "It's time to refund our police."

Dozens of cars, many flying American flags with a blue stripe symbolizing support for police officers, drove out of County Square to make a loop downtown.

Organizer Pressley Stutts, the chairman of the Greenville Tea Party, said the gathering was to show solidarity, thanks, love and support to law enforcement officers for diligently working to keep communities safe.

The group said the event raised $3,000 for the Law Enforcement Foundation, whose mission, according to its website, is to advance and enhance the law enforcement profession in South Carolina. Stutts said the money would go to provide scholarships to children of law enforcement officers and support personnel.

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Calls to 'refund the police' in Drive to Defend the Blue event - WYFF4 Greenville

Read: The Herman Cain meltdown

In 1982, nearing 40, he was a vice president at Pillsbury, but felt stuck. So he joined the management-training program at Burger King, a Pillsbury subsidiary, which began with a stint flipping patties (a marked contrast with President Donald Trump, who enjoys fast food but would never be caught dead producing it). That was a short-time gig; Cain shot up through the ranks at Burger King, and in 1986 was dispatched to lead Godfathers Pizza, a failing Omaha, Nebraskabased subsidiary of Pillsbury. When the turnaround was slower than than the parent company wanted, Cain cobbled together an ownership group to buy Godfathers.

Cain was an energetic leader, and not one who took himself too seriously. An indelible clip shows Cain, clad in a white choir robe and in fine singing fettle, belting a parody of John Lennons Imagine at an Omaha banquet: Imagine theres no pizza I couldnt if I tried. Cain also served on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and its Omaha branch, winning praise.

His politics emerged slowly. He became a Republican, he later said, after overhearing a Black man say, Black Republicans? Theres no such thing. Cain promptly registered with the GOP. The attraction was mutual. With his bootstrap backstory and his insistence on color blindness despite his own Black heritage (Its not about color, he said. Its going to be about the content of your ideas.), Cain appealed to a Republican Party focused on individualism and opposed to affirmative action and other race-based policies.

Cain won more conservative fans in 1994, when he tore into President Bill Clinton and his health-care proposal at a nationally televised town hall, saying hed have to lay off workers if it passed. The law sank; Cains political fortunes rose. In 1996, he left Godfathers to lead the National Restaurant Association, a powerful and traditionally conservative lobbying organization in Washington.

Throughout the 2000s, Cain dabbled in politics, both as an activist and sometimes candidate, but his break came with the Tea Party in the early years of Barack Obamas presidency. Racial resentment was at the center of much of the Tea Party movement, and Caina successful, wealthy conservative who was Black and rejected claims of racism from his compatriotsbecame both a popular leader and a useful fig leaf.

In 2011, Cain decided to run for president, fulfilling a dream hed floated as early as 1996. The Republican field was large and fractious, and although Mitt Romney was the early favorite, a series of alternative candidates rose in the polls: first Michele Bachmann, then Rick Perry; later came Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum. Squarely in the middle, Cain rose in the polls, cresting atop the race with more than a quarter of the vote in RealClearPolitics average, in November 2011.

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The Tragedy of Herman Cain - The Atlantic