In the aftermath of last weekend’s tragedy in Charlottesville in which 3 people lost their lives and 19 more were injured, more far right rallies are scheduled for this weekend in 9 cities across the country. Prominently among these will take place in Boston where many of the expected speakers were also in attendance in Charlottesville. On Monday, Boston mayor Marty Walsh spoke in a joint press conference with Governor Charlie Baker denouncing the far right message and discouraging them marching in Boston. Other rallies are scheduled to be held in Mountain View, Calif.; New York; D.C.; Boston, Austin; Atlanta; Los Angeles; Pittsburgh and Seattle. Another rally is planned for August 26 on federal land near San Francisco. Mayor Ed Lee has denounced the rally stating that any message of hate will not be welcome. Counter protests are being planned in response to these rallies featuring Black Lives Matter and other activist groups. There have been several responses to the events of last weekend, among these was a march Monday in Minneapolis by anti-racist and anti-fascist groups to honor Heather Heyer, who was murdered in Charlottesville by a white supremacist who drove a car through a crowd of counter protesters.
With the expected arrival of a million people coming to Oregon this month to view the total eclipse on the 21st officials are warning of the high risk of wildfires. Oregon is at the height of the fire season at this time and crews have already been battling wildfires thru out the state. A burn ban is in effect in Benton County, no recreational fires or camp fires will be allowed. And the Benton County sheriff’s office will be patrolling forested areas to ensure campers adhere to this ban. The Corvallis fire department is also expected to be on high alert for the event. The Forest Service is expected to have six engines on hand as well as a helicopter on standby at the Corvallis airport. Forest Service staff will also be stationed at various points around the state to direst people and answer questions.
The Kurdish people have long been seeking independence for themselves. They are currently one of the most populous ethnicities represented in the Middle East; yet they are still vying for permanency of their nation state. And now the Iraqi Kurds want a referendum. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson requested that the Kurdistan Regional Government delay a vote in September, because US Officials feel it would detract from, quote, “More urgent priorities” in the region, such as ISIS. US Officials are also worried that a move towards Kurdish independence could renew conflict in countries where Kurdistan currently resides. But now the Iraqi Kurds have decided to proceed forward with the referendum anyways. Given that over 98% of the Kurdish population already voted for independence in 2005, one could assume that this vote would have similar results. But much assumptions could also be made as to why the Kurdish people are ignoring US Officials’ request for the delay.
- KBOO