The Mark Riley Show - 06.24.15

Lead Story (Charleston Roundup)

Calls to drop Confederate flag spread nationwide. This is nothing more than a safe, easy way to say you’re not racist while not doing anything about racism. Would anybody, Wal-Mart, South Carolina, Mississippi, NASCAR, anybody have even talked about that flag is nine people hadn’t died?

Here’s what the designer of two Confederate flags used during the Civil War had to say about their meaning:

As a people we are fighting maintain the Heaven-ordained supremacy of the white man over the inferior or colored race; a white flag would thus be emblematical of our cause.

William Thompson

Lest we not be clear about what Thompson meant…. 

As a national emblem, it is significant of our higher cause, the cause of a superior race, and a higher civilization contending against ignorance, infidelity, and barbarism. Another merit in the new flag is, that it bears no resemblance to the now infamous banner of the Yankee vandals.

Yet Thompson’s design isn’t the one we see today. That one was designed by William Porcher Miles, and never represented the Confederate States of America. It was in fact the battle flag of the Army of Virginia under General Robert E. Lee.

Federal hate crime charges likely in South Carolina church shootings. Nice to see the feds are paying attention, and that there’s a desire to call this what it was. More on South Carolina at The End.

Senate vote gives Obama victory on Pacific trade bill. Many folks knew this was coming. If this thing passes, America will come to deeply regret it, and it will be a permanent stain on this president’s legacy.

Tentative deal in Albany would extend rent laws; key issues are unresolved. Plain and simple: Not a great deal. Raising the ceiling on vacancy decontrol by a measly $200 bucks is nothing. Tenants have been sold out!

Freddie Gray’s death was a homicide, autopsy says. This is going to make it that much more difficult to spin this is a way favorable to the cops who stand charged with his death.

New York City settles wrongful conviction casein Brooklyn for $6.25 million.

What, again? How are so many wrongful convictions coming out of one place?

Neighborhood policing to expand across New York, Bratton says. Is this anything like community policing? Where have I heard that before?

Newly minted MBAs are earning more than ever, and working less. Ah, a life of leisure! While working people bust it harder and harder, potential business bloodsuckers are learning their trade early.

Whole Foods chain faces city probe after investigators found worst case of overcharges. You mean Whole Paycheck isn’t good enough. And their corporate ass covering doesn’t even sound credible. Can someone spell Fairway?

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is running for president. Take a number, my man, there are a lot of people ahead of you. I say the more, the merrier! Remember, Christie hasn’t announced yet.

The End

South Carolina pol says Charleston victims waited their turn to be shot. This is the most incredible instance of blame the victim I’ve ever seen or heard!