The Federation of Italian-American Societies of WNY in a proactive measure announces the removal of the Christopher Columbus monument from Columbus Park. This was done at the behest of the Federation and the Federation only. The
Italian Federation would like to recognize and thank Mayor Byron Brown for his
dedicated efforts and steadfast support for our Federation and the Italian-American
Community of WNY. Mayor Brown’s leadership was critical to the Federation’s
successful efforts on this issue to provide a positive example of peaceful change in
our community.
While the Columbus monument was erected by the Federation to recognize and
honor the early struggles faced by Italian immigrants in the United States, it is the
desire of the current Federation to dedicate a new monument that reflects the
positive history of the Italian immigrant experience.
Our WNY community is comprised of a wonderfully interwoven mosaic of rich and
varied cultures and traditions. Our decision to remove the monument is in keeping
with our community’s tradition of cultural unity through diversity. In that vein, the
Federation has made the following requests which have been accepted by Mayor
Brown: 1) The City will restore ownership of the Columbus statue to the Federation
(who originally paid for and erected the statue in the 1930’s), 2) The Columbus
statue will be stored at a location as selected by the Federation and the City of
Buffalo, until future display at location determined by the Federation. 3) The
Columbus statue is to be replaced at the current park location with a monument to
be commissioned by the Federation with City approval, honoring our Italian
immigrants, 4) The park will be renamed in dedication to Italian-American Heritage,
as the West Side for one hundred years had been the “Historic Little Italy of
Buffalo”. The name will be chosen by the Federation in consultation with the city to
ensure a park that is welcoming to members of all cultures of WNY, and 5) the City
of Buffalo will annually recognize the second Monday of October (October 12 th this
year) as Italian Heritage Day and the month of October as Italian Heritage Month as
is currently recognized throughout the State of New York.
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‘Haven’t seen it’: Mike Johnson roasted for playing dumb on whatever reporters ask
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) doesn't appear to know, and he likely hasn't seen whatever video, speech, or statement reporters want to ask him about.
For the past several weeks, as reporters peppered Johnson with questions about President Donald Trump's cognitive decline, violence at the hands of ICE and other federal agents, and even things said by members of his own caucus. He answered simply that he doesn't know and hasn't seen it, heard it or examined it.
A Religious News Service reporter caught Johnson in a fib, while others couldn't help but notice that Johnson doesn't seem to know anything about anything.
Asked about a pastor being shot in the face by a pepper round by federal agents, Johnson responded, “I can't comment on any of those instances. I haven't seen or heard any of those videos…Religious freedom does not extend and give you the right to get in the face of an ICE officer and assault them.”
"Note: I asked this question, and you’ll hear me say 'yes you have' here — because Johnson was already *directly asked* about one of these instances in one of earlier shutdown press conferences," said Jack Jenkins, national reporter for Religion News Service.
It comes after Johnson was leveled by Jon Stewart on "The Daily Show" on Monday. He showed a clip of Johnson being asked about Trump's demand for $230 million from the DOJ for himself. Johnson said he hadn't spoken to Trump and didn't know any specifics.
"Uhhhh, I'm just f---ed up," Stewart said, mocking Johnson.
The day after the DOJ question, another reporter followed up, asking Johnson's opinion on it. The Speaker swore he wasn't trying to dodge the question: "I haven't had time to dig into the details."
Stewart mocked Johnson for claiming he had a lot to do, alleging it was only to cover up the investigation files surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. Republican members are out of Washington for another week, and Johnson is refusing to negotiate on the budget or healthcare. So, many people have questions about what exactly Johnson knows.
"Mike has never seen or heard of anything happening," posted CJ Fogler.
"When not appearing at a podium, does Mike Johnson go to his office, stand facing a corner and stick his fingers in his ears? The man never seems to have heard or seen anything ever," Broadway lawyer Michael Salerno questioned.
"More s--- Mike Johnson doesn’t know," said Mueller, She Wrote's Allison Gill on Bluesky.
"Can a reporter grow a pair and just say what we all are thinking already?" asked national security lawyer Bradley P. Moss. "He is deliberately refusing to look at information so he can remain ignorant. Pure and simple."
Even "Mother Jones" commented, "Mike Johnson, the perpetually unaware, strikes again."
"Has Mike Johnson ever considered holding his daily presser an hour later to give him time to read a paper?" influencer Schooley asked.
