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Stand back and stand by. Democracy is on fire.

If Democratic politicians, anti-Trumpers and progressive activists have been sounding the alarm for years, the threat is now imminent, the danger close: American democracy faces its gravest constitutional challenge since the Civil War.

President Donald J. Trump has trounced so many democratic traditions, flouted so many of its customs and thwarted so many constitutional imperatives that the civic fabric is now torn to shreds, perhaps irreparably so. He wholly owns the Republican Party, whose pols have become nothing more than a cynical claque, reflexively bowing before the emperor, defending his deranged excesses. His attorney general, William Barr, serves as the presidents consigliere recasting the Department of Justice, designed to ensure full equality under the law to all Americans, as the enforcement arm for Trumps corrupt schemes and petty reprisals.

Now the president is loudly and repeatedly suggesting that he may not adhere to a bedrock principle of this republic, a founding pillar of Western democracy: the peaceful transfer of power in the event of his electoral loss. While his rival, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, insists that Trump would not dare defy that principle, I am less sure. He has defied every other without consequence. Why would he suddenly respect the U.S. Constitution in November?

Days after the disgraceful shout-fest that billed itself as a debate, Trump has still not had the decency to clearly and firmly rebuke violent white supremacist groups, including the Proud Boys. Instead of condemning them, he issued what many white domestic terrorists heard as a clarion call, a command: Stand back and stand by.

According to several published reports, white supremacist groups celebrated Trumps command online; the Proud Boys, whom the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated a hate group, immediately incorporated the presidents call to "stand by" into their logo. And what is the moment for which they should be ready?

The president has spent months trying to undermine the integrity of elections, insisting that mail-in ballots result in overwhelming fraud and threatening to send "sheriffs" to monitor polling places. But he hadnt made those outlandish claims in as significant a forum as a presidential debate until last Tuesday.

Moderator Chris Wallace asked the president whether he would urge his supporters to avoid "civil unrest" while waiting for the election to be independently certified. Instead, Trump said, "Im urging supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully. If its a fair election, I am 100% on board. But if I see tens of thousands of ballots being manipulated, I cant go along with that."

In other words, he will go along with the expressed intent of the electorate only if he is the presumed winner. If Biden wins ... stand by.

In an alarming article in The Atlantic, writer Mike Giglio revealed the existence of several nationalist militias ready to take up arms if things dont go their way. Their concerns are eerily similar to the plans that Trump claims the "radical left" and its Antifa allies will inflict on the country if Biden is elected: confiscation of firearms, anti-Americanism in public schools, a Green New Deal that will destroy single-family housing. Giglios report reinforced testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray, who testified last month that "racially motivated violent extremism" has made up the majority of domestic terrorist threats.

While militias are gathering their AK-47s and bandoliers, other Trumpists are gathering their cellphone cameras to barge into election offices and polling stations to intimidate voters, as the president commanded. In mid-September, Trump supporters disrupted early voting at a polling station in Virginia, waving flags, blocking easy access and yelling, "Four more years!" Some voters and county election staffers reported that they were intimidated by the crowd.

Trumpists wave American flags, denounce those who take a knee during the playing of the national anthem and bray loudly about patriotism. But they dont respect the nations values. Neither does the president. So stand back and stand by. They want to burn our democracy down if they dont get their way.

Continue reading here:
Stand by to protect democracy - Times Union

Democracy is the freedom of choice. It is the freedom of change, and a key to be utilized to mold a brighter future. I see our democracy our ability to hold an opinion, popular or not. It is the skin that protects our vocal cords, and the microphone that keeps our voices from being drowned out. It secures our vote and allows us to use that vote to speak out against injustice. The most important part of our democracy is the respect it secures for our human rights, but in the end it is an opportunity, and that opportunity can be ignored. If we do not take the initiative to nurture and cultivate our democracy it will grow weak. Even a tool as powerful as democracy is worthless when left unused.

Aldon Aquarian, Cass High School, GA

The biggest threat to democracy is not being open to listening and hearing out someone, regardless of whether you want to agree or disagree with them. I feel that the nuances of many issues are lost in this way, as people are too quick to judge those different from them. Having healthy and open discussions with each other is the key to keeping our democracy alive. Personally, I thoroughly enjoy having conversations with people whose ideologies and opinions greatly differ from mine as I gain perspective and understanding

Lucy Wu, Valley Stream North High School

A few years ago I became passionate about the Israel Palestine conflict. I wanted to do anything I could to help so I began the search for an activism group that was seeking to help those most hurt by the conflict, the Palestinian peoples. I found a group called Kids for Peace and the next thing I knew I was on a plane to Washington, DC. I had two weeks there where we would meet with professors, religious members, and people who came from both sides of the issue. They were all able to help us form our strategy to convince Senators why they should support our emergency relief bill for residents in the conflict area. We spent days in congress lobbying to dozens for Representatives and Senators trying to convince them to help those we thought needed it the most. A few months after the trip we heard the news that $50 million in aid had been approved. It was extremely rewarding for me to know that something that I took part in would go on to help so many people who didnt have a voice of their own.

Summit Sularz, Burlington, VT

Mr. Lewis echoes Martin Luther Kings sentiment about having a moral obligation to speak up and act when we see injustice. I agree with this idea, as tolerating injustice leads to a passive society that is willing to make minimal reforms to flaws in its political system. Many ordinary people have been speaking out against injustices. Currently, attention is being drawn to the racism in the United States justice system I participated in direct action against anti-black racism through protests, monetary contributions to organizations, and introspection into my own racial biases. However, becoming an anti-racist is a lifelong process, and I will have to continue to make efforts throughout my entire life.

Karina Johnston, Glenbard West HS

My generation has turned to their platforms to inform about topics including racial justice, climate change, COVID updates, economic issues, womens rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the Trump administration Although social media is a great informative tool, the real work the work of Dr. King and John Lewis and the strengthening of democracy takes place in ones house, community, school, place of worship, workplace, and, most importantly, at the polls and in the legislative process. For underage people, there are various ways to contribute: become a poll worker, help the campaigning process, advocate for policies in local government, engage in voter education, encourage older peers to vote, research candidates, volunteer to help register people to vote, etc. For those over 18, they can and should use their vote. This is how we rise to the challenges. This is how we strengthen our democracy.

Caitlin Baln, South Burlington, Vermont

I believe that my generation is doing its part to maintain democracy in the United States. Since the Black Lives Matter movement took off to the levels it did in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, people in my grade have been voicing their opinions on the things that need to be changed in our society on a daily basis. They have been using platforms like Instagram and Facebook to voice their opinions on the ongoing injustice in our country. Even though they still do not have the right to vote yet, they still have voiced their opinions through social media the exact thing that civil rights icon John Lewis called on our generation to do. Lewis said that he knew he wanted to fight for change from the young age of fifteen, which is about the age that people in Gen Z are right now. Democracy, by definition, is allowing the people to have a say in social issues, and people voicing their opinions on social issues is the perfect example of democracy, as the great leader John Lewis did before his recent death.

Sam Casas, Glenbard West HS, Glen Ellyn, IL

I believe that our generation has risen up to the challenges that Mr. Lewis described in his essay. Especially in the past few months, all around the country our generation has taken part in and organized protests against police brutality and the social injustices we see in our country today. Our generation is using social media, which the past generations did not have as much access too, to make sure that our voices are heard and accounted for. Senator Lewis was strongly against violence and I believe our generation is doing a good job of peacefully protesting for change. With the 2020 election approaching this November, our generation is pushing everyone who is eligible to vote to do so, doing their part to strengthen the democracy and let their voices be heard. Our generation still has a lot of work to be done: however, I believe Generation Z is on the right track.

Jack Hasselbach, Burlington, VT

Continued here:
What Students Are Saying About Democracy, Caring For Plants and Flights to Nowhere - The New York Times

Portland Thorns FC did not live up to their lofty standards in the NWSL Challenge Cup. Yes, they eliminated the North Carolina Courage in their first knockout game, but that was the only game they won. They only scored three goals in their six matches.

Fans were not impressed. The Thorns had the majority of the possession in almost all of their matches but struggled to create dangerous opportunities. Despite this, coach Mark Parsons was confident in his team and the improvements they were making. He emphasized the hard work that the team put in before the Challenge Cup and getting back to their identity.

Mark Parsons often uses the phrase Thorns soccer to describe how he wants his team to play, a term used to describe their brand of possession based soccer. Thorns soccer does not mean huge changes from game to game. They force the opposition to adapt to them.

It was evident that the Thorns were trying to implement this style of play throughout the tournament in Utah, but injuries, lack of preparation time in between matches and, potentially, a lack of complete understanding of the system was evident.

But something has clicked for the Thorns in the Fall Series. They are the only team to have won both of their first two matches and have scored seven goals. Now, both the Utah and OL Reign are in somewhat of a transition period and the Royals defending against the Thorns was questionable at best. But the Thorns are creating danger and finishing chances, which they did not do in the Challenge Cup.

When the Thorns took on OL Reign at Providence Park they also showed they could break down a team that was set up well defensively, another thing they struggled with in Utah.

In Utah these teams played to a 0-0 draw, but this would not be the case the second time around. OL Reign set up in a really solid defensive structure that shifted from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-1-3-2. Allie Long and Shirely Cruz were the two holding midfielders who looked to plug gaps and push the forward lines up to press the Thorns in their half.

The Thorns rolled out their usual 4-4-2 diamond with Angela Salem as the holding midfielder, Sinclair in the number 10 position just behind the forwards, Rocky Rodriguez as a central midfielder, and Lindsey Horan in a free midfield role. The Thorns midfield was extremely technical and good on the ball. They looked to create transition opportunities by eliminating the two initial lines of pressure led by Sofia Huerta, Bethany Balcer, Rosie White and Jasmyne Spencer.

The Thorns were able to do this with some success because their center backs Christen Westphal and Salem were comfortable and patient with possession. They didnt force passes into difficult areas. The Thorns moved the ball side to side and forced the Reign to adjust. The diamond midfield allowed a lot of movement from the creative midfielder, who popped up between the lines and off the back shoulder of defenders.

The interchangeability and movement allowed the Portland defenders to find the likes of Rodriguez, Horan, Megan Klingenberg or Christine Sinclair in space with only Long, Cruz and the back line in front of them. The Thorns were also able to create these opportunities when Rodriguez or Horan were pressed because they have the ability to spray a cross-field pass into the space vacated by those pressing.

OL Reign adjusted as the half wore on, but the Thorns looked the better team and seemed to have a much better understanding of each others movement than they did in Utah. They clearly had a better of idea how to impose themselves during the match. Overall, the Thorns looked more confident of themselves and of their teammates. This was best illustrated by Simone Charley.

In Utah, Charley made runs off the ball and tried to get behind defenders. Recently she has looked like one of the most confident players on the pitch. She has been receiving the ball, taking on defenders individually and creating her own danger.

Portland was playing high octane Thorns soccer, but was just lacking that finishing touch in the first half until a moment of brilliance on the left flank started the scoring. Then the flood gates opened.

In the 40th minute, Horan and Klingenberg combined for a quick one-two that sent Horan off and running into the oppositions box. Horan made for the end line before cutting the ball back to the on-rushing Sinclair, who made no mistake. This goal was the embodiment of Thorns soccer.

Sinclair was involved in the creation and finish of another goal just before the break. She fed the ball to Charley, who took her defender and was fouled in the box. Sinclair stepped up to the spot and the Thorns were up 2-0 in the blink of an eye.

The Thorns opened the second half smelling blood in the water. They added pressure as the match went on. Rodriguez got her first Thorns goal with a thunderous volley. Sinclair completed her third NWSL hat trick with a couple of immaculate touches that freed herself from defenders in the box.

The match ended 4-1 and the Thorns looked impressive. The midfield of Salem, Rodriguez, Horan and Sinclair was firing on all cylinders, the left flank produced moments of pure brilliance and the substitutes looked hungry and dangerous as well. It looked like a completely different team than the one we saw in Utah. They are finally playing the possession-based attacking soccer that Parsons was working to establish throughout the Challenge Cup.

The performance was not perfect. Britt Eckerstrom was forced into some great saves and the Thorns defended very narrowly. A team with more clinical wide players may be able to better exploit this defensive structure. But the Thorns had control over the match and an urgency that we have not seen recently. When they were up 4-1 the team was still pushing for more. Horan was taking corners and free kicks quickly to catch the Reign out of position.

Overall, it was a dominant display of Thorns soccer, and as they train and play more and implement Morgan Weaver and Sophia Smith the team will become more and more dangerous. Parsons has made his preferred style of play very clear, and it looks as though the team has bought in and they have the personnel to make the Thorns one of the dominant forces in NWSL again.

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Portland Thorns - Stumptown Footy

Tottenham Hotspur take on Maccabi Haifa in the Europa League tonight as they look to progress through into the group stages of the competition.

The fixture comes just 48 hours after Spurs defeated Chelsea on penalties in the Carabao Cup, with both games taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Lilywhites have already progressed past Lokomotiv Plovdiv and Shkendija in the Europa League qualifiers this season, with just one knockout game left to go.

Jose Mourinho will be hoping to get a win at home this evening, before putting the congested opening three weeks of the season firmly behind him.

The Special One has played in the Europa League just twice in his managerial career, lifting the trophy on both occasions, something Spurs desperately need.

We caught up with Spurs legend, Pascal Chimbonda, to find out what he expects to see from the Europa League clash this evening in North London.

The Rules

The rules are simple We will be predicting Tottenham scores against Pascal for the entire 2020/21 season. Three points will be awarded for a perfect prediction, while a correct score will get one point.

The Predictions

Pascal 2-0 to Tottenham

Spurs Web 3-0 to Tottenham

The Table

Spurs Web 3 points after six games(three correct results, zero correct scores)

Pascal 2 points after six games (two correct results, zero correct scores)

See the rest here:
Opinion: Chimbonda vs Spurs Web score prediction series Maccabi Haifa in the EL - The Spurs Web

WASHINGTON Hillary Clinton said in a new interview that Joe Biden should not concede the 2020 presidential election under any circumstances," anticipating issues that could prolong knowing the final outcome.

Joe Biden should not concede under any circumstances, because I think this is going to drag out, and eventually I do believe he will win if we don't give an inch, and if we are as focused and relentless as the other side is, Clinton said in an interview with her former communications director Jennifer Palmieri for Showtime's The Circus, which released a clip Tuesday.

The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee predicted that among several scenarios, Republicans are going to try to mess up absentee balloting so that they could get a potentially narrow advantage in the Electoral College.

We've got to have a massive legal operation, I know the Biden campaign is working on that, she said. We have to have poll workers, and I urge people, who are able, to be a poll worker. We have to have our own teams of people to counter the force of intimidation that the Republicans and Trump are going to put outside polling places. This is a big organizational challenge, but at least we know more about what they're going to do.

Clinton said she thinks that the only way Trump could win re-election is by either suppressing or stopping voting, or outright intimidating people into feeling that they have to go with the strong guy to stand up against all these threats that Trump is going to gin up to scare people.

She also suggested that Biden should be more aggressive in his fight against Trump.

I loved hearing Joe Biden talking about bringing people together and leading us into the light, she said about the former vice presidents speech at the Democratic National Convention last week. But, you know, it's a battle and fear is really powerful.

Trump, for his part, has been saying for months that massive fraud will occur in the election because of widespread mail-in voting, which Democrats are pushing for to expand access to ballots during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of the second night of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, Trump tweeted, 80 Million Unsolicited Ballots are impossible for election centers to tabulate accurately. The Democrats know this better than anyone else. The fraud and abuse will be an embarrassment to our Country. Hopefully the Courts will stop this scam!

Rebecca Shabad is a congressional reporter for NBC News, based in Washington.

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Hillary Clinton says Biden should not concede the election ...