• Editor’s note: In addition to so much news yesterday, June 5th, the first two stories below remind me of the 1974 turning point in Richard Nixon’s Presidency when the nation began to see him as a threat to the Constitution of the United States.
• Trump’s approval rating continues to decline to where only his “base” are with him, yet that is slipping.
• With retired diplomats and generals raising concerns about Trump, are his days numbered?
• Like in 1974, is a major newspaper’s call for Trump’s resignation a signal of the beginning of the end?

+ Retired diplomats, generals slam Trump over using U.S. military to ‘intimidate’ protesters’ – “Misuse of the military for political purposes would weaken the fabric of our democracy,” they wrote in a statement posted on the JustSecurity website.

+ Portland [ME.] Press-Herald: To President Trump: You should resign now – and this during Trump’s visit to that state!

+ Zuckerberg says Facebook will revisit policies in wake of Trump backlash

+ D.C. Mayor Bowser has ‘Black Lives Matter’ painted on street leading to White House

“The act was intended to honor protesters who had peacefully assembled earlier this week.”

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser on Friday had “Black Lives Matter” painted on the street that leads to the White House where protesters have been demonstrating following George Floyd’s death in police custody.

“”There are people who are craving to be heard and to be seen, and to have their humanity recognized, and we had the opportunity to send that message loud and clear on a very important street in our city,’ Bowser said at a press conference. ‘And it is that message, and that message is to the American people, that Black Lives Matter black humanity matters, and we as a city raise that up as part of our values as a city.'”

“The mayor said that the people who painted it were from the D.C. Public Works Department.”

“President Donald Trump slammed Bowser Friday afternoon, tweeting, “The incompetent Mayor of Washington, D.C., @MayorBowser, who’s budget is totally out of control and is constantly coming back to us for ‘handouts’, is now fighting with the National Guard, who saved her from great embarrassment…over the last number of nights. If she doesn’t treat these men and women well, then we’ll bring in a different group of men and women!”

“Bowser tweeted later in the morning that that particular section of 16th Street has been renamed ‘Black Lives Matter Plaza.'” Read more

Beyoncé to give graduation speech alongside the Obamas on YouTube June 6

“Beyoncé has joined its “Dear Class of 2020″ event that will also feature the Obamas, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and many others.”

“YouTube announced [May 19] that Beyoncé will deliver an inspirational message to the 2020 class for its “Dear Class of 2020” event, which will take place June 6 at 3 p.m. EDT and will stream on YouTube.

“Beyoncé has been added to the list of guest speakers for YouTube’s virtual commencement ceremony that will also feature the Obamas.

YouTube announced Tuesday that Beyoncé will deliver an inspirational message to the 2020 class for its “Dear Class of 2020″ event, which will take place June 6 at 3 p.m. EDT and will stream on YouTube,” by the Associated Press. Read more

Obama: “Your lives matter.” Mattis: “He tries to divide us.”

‘Your lives matter’: Obama offers words of hope in contrast to Trump’s division – Former president’s optimistic remarks come as Trump threatens to crack down on George Floyd protests

‘He tries to divide us’: Former Defense Secretary Mattis compares Trump’s protest response to Nazi tactics – “Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people — does not even pretend to try,” Mattis wrote.

“I Cannot Remain Silent, Our fellow citizens are not the enemy, and must never become so,” by Mike Mullen Seventeenth chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Victoria M. Walker: With COVID, a wrecked economy and George Floyd, my focus is not on traveling right now – Editor’s note: a heartfelt story from a black female travel writer’s viewpoint.

‘You just don’t do that, Mr. President’: Televangelist Pat Robertson condemns Trump’s ‘law and order’ response to protests

Pentagon chief Esper reverses decision to send some troops home from D.C. amid protests – Esper’s 180-degree policy change came after he visited the White House on Wednesday.

Eugene Robinson: Police in this country no longer have our consent to kill African Americans unjustly and with impunity. Is that clear now?

Trump and allies try to rewrite history on handling of police brutality protests

Canada’s Justin Trudeau was asked about Trump’s protest response and his pause is already legendary

[Houston] Police chief to Trump: ‘If you don’t have something constructive to say, keep your mouth shut’

‘They’re Afraid’: GOP Ripped for Enabling Trump as McConnell Blocks Resolution Condemning Assault on Peaceful Protesters

Trump’s photo with his loyalists was a vulgar mess. And Ivanka brought a handbag.

‘Can’t breathe:’ Tacoma police restraint of Manuel Ellis caused his death, Pierce County Medical Examiner reports

Ella Jones Elected to Serve as Ferguson’s [Missouri] First Black Mayor

Washington Parks waive visitor passes during three free days in June

“Parks across Washington will be free and open to the public for three days in June, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced.

“Two of the free days are June 6 for National Trails Day and June 7 to celebrate the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Free Fishing Weekend, according to the news release. The other date is June 13 in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day.

“During these free days, visitors can use parks during day hours without buying a Discover Pass. Normally, the pass costs $10 for a one-day pass or $30 for a yearly pass. Passes will still be required on lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources,” by Mack Ervin III, The Olympian. Read more

“Fake news flyer targets Thurston County political organization”

• Editor’s note: On Monday, June 1st, I received the same flyer from a blog reader requesting verification. I contacted the Thurston County Democrats and received an immediate response from Chairman Victor Minjares, with the same information as below. Beware of the volume of FAKE NEWS circulating during this divisive era.

“A flyer posted on Social Media saying “Get Paid to be a Professional Anarchist,” which included contact information for the Thurston County Democrats, began circulating on Facebook and Twitter last week as protests in Minneapolis began to spread throughout the country.

“The flyer, which has not been seen in Olympia or elsewhere in Thurston County, promises to pay $200 to those who join, and features the Banksy artwork “Love is in the air,” along with several anarchist and Antifa symbols.

“Chairman of the Thurston County Democrats, Victor Minjares. took to Twitter to inform people of the post. “Over the last 24 hours, we were one of the victims of a nationwide ‘fake news’ trolling operation,” he wrote.

“While the email address on the flyer was fake, the phone number listed was the Thurston County Democrats’ real number. Over the last few days their phone was ‘swamped with calls from gullible conspiracy theorists, accusing us of being backed by George Soros [a billionaire political donor],’ Minjares wrote on Twitter,” by Leo Brine, The Olympian. Read more

• Editor’s note: The following are important stories as our country unites behind what is right, disrupted by a small group of anarchists, as leadership from The White House has further flaunted the Constitution:

Op-Ed: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge

Former Chairman of Joint Chiefs: ‘Our fellow citizens are not the enemy, and must never become so’ – Read the full text here

Ex-Defense official resigns from Defense Science Board, accuses Esper of violating his oath

What it took for Trump to cross the street – a MUST SEE (scroll down for all of the photos)

Activist Jane Elliott in 2016 is relevant today: Racism Destroyed in One Minute

Birmingham, Alabama Mayor Randall Woodfin discusses his order to remove a Confederate monument: “Revisionist History Should Be Corrected”

“Mourning and outrage” by Rep. Denny Heck (D-Olympia)

Trump just threatened to deploy the US military against Americans. Is he serious?

Past Presidents Faced Police Brutality and Protests. They Handled It Differently.

Intelligence experts say U.S. reminds them of a collapsing nation

Barr personally ordered removal of protesters near White House, leading to use of force against largely peaceful crowd

Defense Secretary Esper on Trump church photo-op: ‘I didn’t know where I was going’

False antifa rumors about a suburban invasion take over neighborhood social media apps

Perils for Pentagon as Trump threatens to militarize response to civil unrest

President Trump misses Pride Month for third time

Former President George W. Bush: ‘It is time for America to examine our tragic failures’

• The Shiplap Shop & Coffee House:

“NATIONAL DONUT DAY is this coming Friday, June 5th!

“We are now taking preorders for donuts by the baker’s dozen. The dozens will be sold in either a variety pack or all the same. Preorders must be in by noon on June 4th. It’s going to be a fun day and we look forward to seeing you! Call 360.200.0262 to place your order!” Read more

+ Inslee issues guidance for libraries, drive-in theaters in Phases 1 and 2

+ Inslee extends residential eviction moratorium through Aug. 1 with changes

+ Virus costs may linger for a decade

+ Your Vitamin D Level Must Reach 60ng/mL Before the Second Wave

+ Offices eyeing a return to suburbs

+ ‘Travel is safe’ but does that fly?

+ What It’s Like to Wear a Mask in the South

+ The US continues to battle COVID-19 as other countries return to normalcy. But why?

+ China delayed releasing coronavirus info, frustrating WHO

+ The Olympian Editorial Board: Thurston folks, let’s celebrate the hope in Phase 2, but move forward thoughtfully

40 Under 40 | 2020

About: “They come from across the South Sound: from Montesano to Orting, Olympia to Poulsbo. They were born from the early 1980s to the mid-to-late 1990s, and work everywhere from Aberdeen to Federal Way as bankers, builders, and lawyers. Most have at least one pet, and one used to clean parking lots at a strip mall in Steilacoom. Meet South Sound Business’ 40 Under 40 Class of 2020.“

Veteran outreach specialist, Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region

“Steve Lynch doesn’t believe in “days off.” He works tirelessly to identify and develop avenues to enrich the lives of others, especially the veteran community, of which he is proudly a part. He has made a name for himself as a burgeoning LinkedIn influencer, developing curriculum for transitioning military veterans seeking jobs. Even when he’s not “working,” he’s working. The Yelm resident constantly researches opportunities for learning and professional development. He’s even thinking about writing a book and starting a podcast to provide yet another platform through which he can reach veterans and military families,” by Zoe Branch, Carlisle Huntington, Joanna Kresge, Melissa McCarthy, and John Stearns.

Read more

Inslee statement on Trump’s threat to deploy military to put down protests

Gov. Jay Inslee responded to President’s Trump’s threat to deploy the military in response to protesters [last night]. 

“This president has repeatedly proven he is incapable of governing. He has shown nothing but false bravado throughout the chaos that has accompanied his time in office. His admiration of authoritarians around the world should not allow him to violate 200 years of American tradition of local law enforcement. We have activated the National Guard in our state and made them available to any community who requests it.

“Our country is defined by our collective character and democratic ideals, not by reactionary calls for division and not by threatening Americans with their own military.”