JAX potential new host of 2020 GOP convention

[Steve]

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/20/florida-sheriff-gop-convention-security-373089

A salient quote from the article:

Williams, a Republican, wouldn't definitively say that there is no way the event could be held. But he said he had grave doubts about it, especially in an era of heightened protests concerning police use of force.

Williams said the event, scheduled for Aug. 24-27, was announced in June, giving his agency little time to plan and prepare. The Republican National Committee has not yet nailed down which convention events will be at which venues, making it more challenging. And a pledged $50 million grant has been paired back to $33 million and, Williams said, there are strings attached that make letting contracts too difficult.

Given Williams and Curry have been tied at the hip more than not, Williams must really be worried to say this to the national media.  If COVID scares many Republicans from coming, having inadequate security might scare of much of the rest.  .

My first reaction too.

But....I think it may also be Curry's "out". Now he can get to save face with both the locals ("See, we listened to our citizens.") and the national GOP ("I wanted to do it but got shot down by the elected sheriff.")

[jaxlongtimer]

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/20/florida-sheriff-gop-convention-security-373089

A salient quote from the article:

Williams, a Republican, wouldn't definitively say that there is no way the event could be held. But he said he had grave doubts about it, especially in an era of heightened protests concerning police use of force.

Williams said the event, scheduled for Aug. 24-27, was announced in June, giving his agency little time to plan and prepare. The Republican National Committee has not yet nailed down which convention events will be at which venues, making it more challenging. And a pledged $50 million grant has been paired back to $33 million and, Williams said, there are strings attached that make letting contracts too difficult.

Given Williams and Curry have been tied at the hip more than not, Williams must really be worried to say this to the national media.  If COVID scares many Republicans from coming, having inadequate security might scare off much of the rest.  .

My first reaction too.

But....I think it may also be Curry's "out". Now he can get to save face with both the locals ("See, we listened to our citizens.") and the national GOP ("I wanted to do it but got shot down by the elected sheriff.")

Yeah, Curry may have even had Brian Hughes and/or Tim Baker & Co. write William's script/press release.  But, after JEA, the Landing, COVID, fair weather flip flops on Confederate monuments and HRO, fake pension reform, bogus reformation of the Children's Commission, etc. I think (hope) the voting public is on to this manipulation and maybe it no longer flies.

[marcuscnelson]

If all else fails, they could always bring it to St. Johns County. I'm still dealing with people here who don't seem to believe masks work, and were celebrating Winn-Dixie not wanting to implement a mask requirement. That, plus no elected Democrats at all is probably a winning formula.

[BridgeTroll]

Winn Dixie will be requiring masks starting Monday

[BridgeTroll]

No worries. Trump will bring his Secret Police, and invite Very Fine Second Amendment people to come.

Just in case you have never heard of it...

https://www.secretservice.gov/

Actually, I was referring to the Homeland Security military forces that are detaining people in Portland, Oregon
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/20/portland-protests-federal-agents-unmarked-cars-and-walls-moms/5470780002/

Yeah... "peaceful protesters "... we can expect more of the same when the convention comes to town. I would expect the new courthouse, Federal courthouse, and City hall to be targets of vandalism and riots...

[Captain Zissou]

Yeah... "peaceful protesters "... we can expect more of the same when the convention comes to town. I would expect the new courthouse, Federal courthouse, and City hall to be targets of vandalism and riots...

There would have been many more targets of vandalism, but Curry had the foresight to bulldoze them before that could happen.  He's got a long term perspective.

[BridgeTroll]

Yeah... "peaceful protesters "... we can expect more of the same when the convention comes to town. I would expect the new courthouse, Federal courthouse, and City hall to be targets of vandalism and riots...

There would have been many more targets of vandalism, but Curry had the foresight to bulldoze them before that could happen.  He's got a long term perspective.

Thanks Z... I didn't want to rub it in...   

[MusicMan]

Maybe Kanye will bring the Birthday Party Convention to town!

[Steve]

I don't get how this hasn't been cancelled already. This is unreal - Sheriff Williams stated multiple times in person and in writing that everything else aside he's out of time. Curry stated yesterday that he's working to get the Sheriff everything he needs.

Unless Curry is hiding Doc Brown and a Delorean in the parking garage under City Hall I'm not sure Curry can honor that statement.

[Charles Hunter]

A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

[BridgeTroll]

A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Stormtroopers??  Triggered?  I see Homeland Security protecting federal properties from vandalism and burning... local seem incapable or unwilling to provide the security expected of them...

[itsfantastic1]

A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Stormtroopers??  Triggered?  I see Homeland Security protecting federal properties from vandalism and burning... local seem incapable or unwilling to provide the security expected of them...

I'm sure you'll be just as level headed about this amount of federal force if a Democrat uses it.

[BridgeTroll]

A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Stormtroopers??  Triggered?  I see Homeland Security protecting federal properties from vandalism and burning... local seem incapable or unwilling to provide the security expected of them...

I'm sure you'll be just as level headed about this amount of federal force if a Democrat uses it.

Hmmm.... you mean like Ruby Ridge or Waco?  I don't recall but were those people attacking and burning
Federal courthouses and facilities?  Then of course I support federal force... (non lethal of course...  )

[vicupstate]

^^
So if Federal forces with no id or badges arrest and detain 2nd Amendment protesters under a Biden Administration, we can count on you to say it's not a problem?

The First ever Secretary of DHS (appointed by Bush-43) :

Former Homeland Security secretary Tom Ridge "had sharp words for his former agency Tuesday, condemning the Trump administration's decision to send federal officers into the streets of Portland to quell protests, saying it was 'counterproductive,' and that it was not the agency's mission to act as domestic law enforcement," the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports.

Said Ridge: "The department was established to protect America from the ever-present threat of global terrorism. It was not established to be the president's personal militia."

He added: "Had I been governor, even now, I would welcome the opportunity to work with any federal agency to reduce crime or lawlessness in the cities. But I would tell you, it would be a cold day in hell before I would consent to an uninvited, unilateral intervention into one of my cities."

The Second DHS Secretary (also appointed by Bush-43): 

Former Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff told ABC News that President Trump has taken a "belligerent" tone toward state and local officials, while adding that protecting federal property is not "an unlimited license to roam around the streets."

Chertoff also spoke to Greg Sargent: "In my view, this is damaging to the department. It undermines the credibility of the department's principal mission."

He added: "While it's appropriate for DHS to protect federal property, that is not an excuse to range more widely in a city and to conduct police operations, particularly if local authorities have not requested federal assistance. That's our constitutional system.

[BridgeTroll]

^^
So if Federal forces with no id or badges arrest and detain 2nd Amendment protesters under a Biden Administration, we can count on you to say it's not a problem?

The First ever Secretary of DHS (appointed by Bush-43) :

Former Homeland Security secretary Tom Ridge "had sharp words for his former agency Tuesday, condemning the Trump administration's decision to send federal officers into the streets of Portland to quell protests, saying it was 'counterproductive,' and that it was not the agency's mission to act as domestic law enforcement," the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports.

Said Ridge: "The department was established to protect America from the ever-present threat of global terrorism. It was not established to be the president's personal militia."

He added: "Had I been governor, even now, I would welcome the opportunity to work with any federal agency to reduce crime or lawlessness in the cities. But I would tell you, it would be a cold day in hell before I would consent to an uninvited, unilateral intervention into one of my cities."

The Second DHS Secretary (also appointed by Bush-43): 

Former Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff told ABC News that President Trump has taken a "belligerent" tone toward state and local officials, while adding that protecting federal property is not "an unlimited license to roam around the streets."

Chertoff also spoke to Greg Sargent: "In my view, this is damaging to the department. It undermines the credibility of the department's principal mission."

He added: "While it's appropriate for DHS to protect federal property, that is not an excuse to range more widely in a city and to conduct police operations, particularly if local authorities have not requested federal assistance. That's our constitutional system.

Undercover operations are fairly routine  correct?  Sounds like at least 3 of you are Ok with vandalizing and burning federal properties. It is apparent that without a federal presence the rioters will force entry and destroy the facilities... In this and every country on earth this will get you arrested and tear gassed...