Rose: COVID “positive” news
Monday marked the lowest single day of COVID-positive cases since mid-October. The state positivity rate continued to decline, as well. And, Kentucky’s child care workers were bumped up into the 1B group of vaccine priority, joining teachers and other school workers. (Not sure what took so long there, but it’s never too late to hear good news.)
Rose: New Generation of Leaders
Louisville Metro Council unanimously passed an ordinance that will require racial equity goals be included in every department budget. Each of the city’s 26 departments (starting July 1) will be required to provide an equity vision statement, with goals, key performance indicators and timelines. The ordinance specifically points to a history of systemic racism leading to disparities in “homeownership, job opportunities, quality education, and health care, and are still evident today in our affordable housing challenges, income disparities, distressing educational differences, and health outcomes.” The ordinance was apparently spearheaded by first-term Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3), who said, “I was heads down and really working to make sure this was implemented. This wasn’t about celebrity, per se, or taking credit. I wanted something I could give my city,” the Courier Journal reported.
Absurd: McConnell’s Last Will and Testament
State Republican lawmakers haven’t found the time to give Gov. Beshear’s COVID-relief bill a committee hearing, or do anything to help Kentuckians survive the global health pandemic. But, apparently they have time to change the way U.S. Senate vacancies are filled. Senate President Robert Stivers proposed a bill (SB 228) that would require the governor to choose his appointment from a list of three, which will be provided by the executive committee of the departing senator’s party — ensuring the same party maintains control of the seat. McConnell, who was just reelected to his seventh 6-year term, apparently supports the proposal. It’s absurd that McConnell, Stivers or anyone else would decide now’s the best time to propose this change. It’s also absurd, however, to think we’re fortunate enough that Mitch is planning an early exit. He’s been planning his succession for a long time (eh-hem, Dan Cameron…), and it’s better to let someone know where you left your final will and testament, just in case.
Absurd Thorn: McConnell Can’t Get “Anything” Right
McConnell voted not to convict former-President Trump for inciting an insurrection of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Oh, but he believes Trump is guilty: “There’s no question — none — that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day,” McConnell said in a Senate speech after acquitting Trump. However, impeaching a former officeholder is unconstitutional according to Mitch. “We have no power to convict and disqualify a former officeholder who is now a private citizen,” he said. In addition to being factually wrong, Mitch is confusing the Senate with another branch of government. The Supreme Court determines constitutionality… Mitch only determines what’s politically advantageous, remember? Yet, there is hope. McConnell said Trump “is still liable for everything he did while he was in office. He didn’t get away with anything yet.” But Trump did in fact get away something: Thanks to the Republican “Leader,” Trump was acquitted of any political consequences. I guess we’ll see in the coming months if that amounts to “anything.”
