US

Kanye West Long Shot For US Presidency

Published

3 years ago

July 16, 2020

Kanye West’s July 4th claim to run for president has caused an internet stir and left the punditocracy at odds, trying to determine the veracity and seriousness of the rapper’s intentions. Is Kanye West for real? Or is this merely a publicity stunt?… Or could it be, dare it to be said, a strategic move to split the vote?

Once buddies, united in the common goal “to make America great again,” Kanye West and Donald Trump are now purportedly adversaries in the race to the White House.

On America’s Independence day, the musician and entrepreneur dropped an ambiguous tweet that implied in no uncertain terms his intention to run in the 2020 US Elections.

“I am running for president of the United States“ said West in a bold tweet, which has received more than half a million retweets and comments and has been liked by 1.2 million people since July 4th, and that almost instantly received the backing of billionaire Elon Musk. The electric carmaker tweeted his response to West’s post immediately: “You have my full support!”

That this bombshell comes out of nowhere is an understatement. The understatement to end all understatements, leaving many scratching their heads. Why, only a few months ago, West was gushing over his chum, Trump, in an interview with GQ’s Will Wench. Even, implying his intention to vote for the “America first” president in November. “No, I’m definitely voting this time,” West said. “And we know who I’m voting on.”

The rapper – according to his own boasts over the years – never voted in his life. Voting for Trump therefore would have been a departure from practice. And yet: he’s taken it a step further now, putting himself in direct competition with the man he once fondly dubbed a father figure.

The timing of his announcement, more so than anything else – four months before the general election and, coincidentally, just in time for his album drop, no less – has prompted many to question his sincerity. Indeed, the experts don’t appear to be buying what he’s selling – at least, not yet.

It’s fair to say West’s supporters may well be chuffed about the idea of a West administration, but the wider public isn’t quite so. The opposite in fact as there’s a growing reductionist view, oscillating between suspicion and, in more extreme cases, outright derision. Then again, if the aim is publicity, then it’s a stroke of genius. After all, West is dominating the media narrative for nearly a fortnight. Success.

In an interview with Forbes reporter Randall Lane, who interviewed Kanye West right after the dramatic tweet that sent social media into a right tizzy, the mercurial California-based rapper made some rather outlandish and curious claims, not least in revealing the name of his party – the Birthday Party – and his idea to model his administration in the image of the fictional world depicted in the blockbuster movie, Black Panther.

So I spent four hours talking with @kanyewest yesterday, his first interview since his Fourth of July Tweet declaring he’s running for president in 2020. We covered a lot of ground….(1/x) https://t.co/ezzrl717lU

— Randall Lane (@RandallLane) July 8, 2020

West claimed that while “Trump is the closest president we’ve had in years to allowing God to still be part of the conversation,” his MAGA days were now over. That his support of Trump was all along merely an act of protest.

“One of the main reasons I wore the red hat as a protest to the segregation of votes in the Black community,” said West.

Although he then elaborated this reasoning further by suggesting that somehow interior design was at the root of the support as well, “other than the fact that I like Trump hotels and the saxophones in the lobby.”

Actress Debra Messing called West’s presidential bid a ploy to syphon votes away from Joe Biden, and consequently paving the way for a Trump victory. To this allegation of splitting the vote West said, “That is a form of racism and white supremacy and white control to say that all Black people need to be Democrat and to assume that me running is me splitting the vote.”

West went on to add that he felt threatened. “I was threatened as a celebrity into being in one party. I was threatened as a Black man into the Democratic party. And that’s what the Democrats are doing, emotionally, to my people. Threatening them to the point where this white man can tell a Black man if you don’t vote for me, you’re not Black.”

As filing deadlines in states such as Texas have already come and gone, and deadlines in key states such as Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania etc. are fast looming on the horizon (admittedly, West has less than 30 days to make his final decision, when the deadline for most states will have passed), the likelihood of West running for president looks slim. Nevertheless, he’s managed to seize a captive audience. To what end, only time will tell.

US

Car Accidents in Florida: Causes, Impacts, and Prevention

Published

4 days ago

March 16, 2023

Jimmy Lerner

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life, and Florida is no exception. With its thriving tourism industry, ever-growing population, volatile climate, and diverse wildlife, the Sunshine State sees its fair share of traffic accidents. The causes of these accidents are varied, but they often include factors such as human error, adverse weather conditions, and infrastructure issues. The impacts are significant, with many accidents resulting in fatalities or long-lasting injuries and consequences for those involved. However, there are various measures that can be taken to reduce the frequency and severity of car accidents in Florida.

Causes of Car Accidents in Florida

Human Error

The most common cause of car accidents in Florida is human error. This encompasses a range of behaviors, including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and distracted driving due to texting or using electronic devices. Additionally, aggressive driving and road rage contribute to many accidents, as they lead to poor, rushed decisions and often loss of control.

Adverse Weather

Florida’s climate is known to create hazardous driving conditions. Heavy rain, fog, and even hurricanes can reduce visibility and make roads slick, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Extreme heat can also cause tire blowouts, which can cause serious accidents.

Infrastructure Issues

As Florida continues to grow and develop, there is a strain on its infrastructure. Poorly designed or maintained roads, lack of proper signage, and insufficient traffic control measures contribute to the prevalence of car accidents in the state.

Impacts of Car Accidents in Florida

Fatalities

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 3,400 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the state in 2022. The loss of life is a devastating consequence of Florida’s car accidents, impacting families and communities with immeasurable effects.

Injuries

Car accidents resulted in almost 250,000 injuries in Florida in 2022, from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent disabilities. These injuries can have a lasting impact on the lives of the victims, their families, and their ability to work and live a normal life.

Economic Costs

The financial burden of car accidents in Florida is substantial. Costs include medical expenses, property damage, and lost productivity due to injuries or death…and total in the billions each year. Moreover, traffic congestion resulting from accidents leads to additional economic costs in terms of lost time and increased fuel consumption.

Emotional and Psychological Consequences

The aftermath of a car accident can be traumatic for those involved, leading to emotional and psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, among other mental health concerns.

Prevention of Car Accidents in Florida

Education and Awareness

Increasing public awareness about the dangers of risky driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence, can help reduce the number of accidents. Driver education programs and public safety campaigns play a vital role in promoting safe driving habits. For example, Florida launched a campaign in 2022 to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving.

Infrastructure Improvements

Investing in better road design, signage, and traffic control measures can help reduce the likelihood of accidents. This includes the development of pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, which can help alleviate congestion and promote alternative modes of transportation. Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, has recently announced a $7B infrastructure improvement plan for the state focused on relieving congestion in high-traffic areas.

Traffic Law Enforcement

Strict enforcement of traffic laws and regulations can deter dangerous driving behaviors. Increased police presence, coupled with the use of technologies such as speed cameras, can help reduce speeding and other reckless behaviors on Florida’s roads.

Technology

As technology continues to develop, advancements in vehicle safety features and collision avoidance systems can contribute to reducing car accidents, says Brian Esposito, a tampa car accident lawyer. Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and the adaptive cruise control can help drivers avoid potential accidents by detecting and responding to hazardous situations.

Legislation

Implementing or updating legislation that addresses the causes of car accidents, such as texting while driving and driving under the influence, could help deter these dangerous behaviors. Stricter penalties and fines for offenders, along with increased awareness campaigns, would likely lead to fewer car accidents in Florida.

Community Involvement

Encouraging community involvement in local road safety initiatives can lead to a better understanding of the specific issues facing individual communities. By collaborating with local government and law enforcement agencies, residents can work together to address the unique challenges of their area and develop targeted strategies to reduce car accidents.