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Trump defends Charlottesville response, threatens shutdown for Mexico wall (Lead)
Washington, Aug 23 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has defended his white supremacist response to the Charlottesville violence — omitting that he blamed “many sides” for the clashes — and also threatened to shut down the government, if necessary, to built a wall along the Mexico border.
Trump, stung by days of criticism that he sowed racial division in the country after the Charlottesville violence, told supporters at a “Make America Great Again” rally in Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday that he strongly condemned “neo-Nazis, white supremacists and the KKK”, CNN reported.
Vice President Mike Pence and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson also attended the rally.
During the 80-minute speech, Trump also took aim at the media and blamed them for giving far right groups “a platform”. He said the media misrepresented what he insisted was his prompt, unequivocal condemnation of bigotry and hatred.
Trump held media responsible for deepening divisions in the country, the New York Times reported.
In retelling his remarks on the August 12 violence that left one woman dead, Trump omitted his reference to “many sides” in his first response to the clashes, and also his reference to “both sides” — both seen as equating neo-Nazis with counter-protesters.
“What happened in Charlottesville strikes at the core of America. And tonight, this entire arena stands united against the thugs who perpetrate hatred and violence,” Trump said.
“I hit ’em with neo-Nazi, I hit ’em with everything. KKK? We have KKK. I got ’em all,” Trump said sardonically of his rebuke to Charlottesville racists, after being faulted for failing to condemn those groups in his initial response on the day of the clashes.
Talking about the Mexico wall, the President threatened to shut down the federal government if his proposal to build the wall is not approved and funded by the lawmakers.
“Build that wall. Now the obstructionist Democrats would like us not to do it, but believe me if we have to close down our government, we’re building that wall,” Trump said.
He also predicted an end for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada following a round of renegotiations last week.
“(…) I must be honest (…) Personally, I don’t think we can make a deal because we have been so badly taken advantage of,” Trump said.
The President also hinted that he could pardon former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who became a national symbol of the crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Thousands from across Arizona flocked to Phoenix Convention Centre to protest the rally. Democrats including Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton lambasted Trump for even visiting the state. Police officers used tear gas to manage the protestors.
Anti-Trump protestors put up an inflatable Trump — in a white robe with a Nazi symbol — and a giant sign that read “white supremacy will not be pardoned”. Two people were arrested for aggravated assault and one person was arrested for criminal damage, reports said.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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