Of revolutionary war clothing and how american tailors impacted the era. Then the origins of the american revolution. A number of historians offer their thoughts on how it arted. Watch American History tv, tonight and over the weekend on cspan3. And our next guest not only i wearing aty hat, he actually wes two hats in his role in life. Hes the mayor of union city, georgia, the democratic mayor t there, and also the second Vice President for the national ng. League of cities. Vince williams, thanks for being with us this morning. Thank you for having me this morning. Tell us, first of all, where union city, georgia, is. Of the and how big is it . Well, union city is approximately ten minutes south of the great city of atlanta. And we have a population of a little less than 25,000 great people. Ed and were about 19. 6 square jan miles. Werein nestled six to seven minutes away from hartsville Jackson International airport, n so we are greatly positioned in the metro area. You serve as one of the Vice President s for the national nizi league of cities. Whats that Organizations Mission . Well, certainly, the mission of the National League of cities is truly to be the arm for local leaders to be able to understand but also navigate through many of the issues that most of us dont get an education on, because you dont go to school n to beal an elected official, yo know. So, certainly, the help of the National League of cities and all of the great opportunities s that they have to share with thi many, many resources, to be able to navigate through many complex issues that drive but also can impact our cities from day to day. It gives you insight as to how to have conversations with youra federal ntleaders, your state leaders, but also, most t importantly, your constituents b as erwell. I so, certainly, i have been a benefactor of the National League of cities for a number oa years. First gottcity c elected in 200 City Council Member and became h the mayor in 2013. To and certainly, it has been a ecd phenomenal opportunity for me. Oe but also, i am blessed to certainly wear the second Vice President hat of the National League of cities. Ju t of greatst mayor williams on with us this morning to talk about the i issues facing cities there not just cities, the entire nation. The protests happening income y1 over the death of george floyd and the ongoing covid19 pandemic. We welcome your calls anddemocr comments at 2024788001 for republicans, democrats 2027488002 and for others. Mayor williams, youre south of mileslanta area, ten south of hartsfieldjackson airport, so you must get some of the spinoff of whats happening in atlanta. First onn the covid19 pandemic, give us a snapshot of what itsu like in your community. Well, in my community, as yu know, i am in a predominantly community of color, if you will. And certainly, as it relates tof covid19, i am what is considered a vulnerable i s have a vulnerable population. My city is made up a very larget population ofo th seniors who h retired to this area because of its proximity to atlanta, but also to the airport as well. With but much of the covid19, we was have been impacted, like many cities, with the closures of st nonessential businesses. Many have started, because georgia was one of the first fr states tost begin to open up. But i tell you, you know, certainly, i am one of the first to celebrate the reopening of generating economy, but i cant support it now because my area, my citizenry, and many of those that are around me, many of the other cities that are around me, and just like me, are not readya because our numbers are not scaling down at all. Our numbers are gradually rising each and every day,y, and primarily because there is moree testing being done. And were very thankful for that. To you know, however, when you start the testing, youre goingg to start getting positive becae numbers. So, thats a a goodwe hav thingg its also an alarming thing, te because we have a lot of people who are not adhering to the information from the cdc, and also our departments of health by utilizing those Public Safety adherences and protections, if you will. Int an so, it has really greatly impacted us from an economic standpoint, and were certainly seeing it from a health ge standpoint as orwell. Ge and afterpersonal the killin george floyd in minneapolis, tell us your personal reaction,l but also p how you reacted as mayor in terms of anticipating e potential protests, potential unrest there in union city. Thef well, ill tell you, im going to speak to the protest. Ve certainly, the First Amendment speaks to that, peaceable protest. And certainly, i am a supporter of that, have always been an advocate of that. Cert you know,ai i have a great pleasure, i was born and raised in the city of memphis and certainly recall a number of protests around the time dr. Martin luther king was drie certainly a extremely vocal and prominent as it relates to protests, but never did he drive a protest to rioting and looting, you know. Gats when you lose the message of what the issues are, you know. An sit and you know, hopefully, we can get to a place where we can siti down and have the real conversations, because certainly, there is a real conversation that needs to be had, you know, in this nation, you know. Ho ipe hope that our federal leaded areing paying attention, but a i hope our federal leaders are o extending a listening ear to be able to know and hear and understand the plight of people of color, especially nate amo africanamericans. And you know,w, there is and ha been a disproportionate amount t of injustice, and we must address that. I think we may have lost your audio there for a moment, but well ask you this before we gef to calls here, mayor williams. What are you as the National League of cities, what is the g National League of cities on covid19 and the federal government response . What are you asking of the federal government and what have you in terms of the t legislative response, funding, s et , cetera . Aign. Right. Well, certainly, the National League of cities, we have what is called a campaign. So, that certainly is a simple approach called cities are ct essential, you know. Certainly, the federal cities government has come out with the c. A. R. E. S. Act, and certainly has started dispersing funding r to cities and states and even i. Counties, but if youre not a a, city that has a population of et 500,000 or more, youve got nothing, you know. Ava so, certainly, we have been out of the equation, and that lifeline still remains available unavailable to us. And it is unlikely to ever be hh available. So one of thel things that we are doing through nlc, we are pushingng that the federal government for the Coronavirus Relief fund for all se thi municipalities, to be able to address the issues that we are all impacted by, you know, because this is not just a 36 bigcity issue. This is an everycity issue. So, certainly, i applaud those 36 cities, because there are only 36 cities in this nation that meet that criteria. Not so that means the rest of the te United States apparently doesnt mean anything to our federalar leaders. And you know, i hate to say that, but thats what it appears to be, you know. Towns a so, certainly, we want to make sure that they get an understanding that their home h, towns and those people that they seek to support and reelect them, they have really given them a slap in the face that they dont matter. Gove and one quick question for you. To be clear, you talked about ve Governor Brian Kemp and the reopening in georgia. Rest of so, there in union city, you have chosen not to reopen on the scale that the rest of the statn is. Well, ill tell you, many of our businesses that were considered nonessential ive spoken to a number of my prepa business owners, and they have decided that they werent ready to open. They werent prepared, you know. Many of my businesses, which are Small Businesses, and certainly honorable men and women who worked and scraped to do all to they could to start their businesses, they dont have the Financial Support to be able tol take carel of some of the smals things, such as making sure they have all the Safety Measures in place, such as masks for customers and sanitizing station and Different Things like that,t but even making sure that the e employees that work for them, e thatsu theyre taken care of. So, certainly, when an event such as covid and you know, s this is something that is one of those 100year markers, you ount know. Certainly, with covid here, it is going toryry impact many cit Like Union City around this country, where many of our smalw businesses will not have the ete capacity, the financial capacity, to bounce back, you know. So, we have taken the approach e that if we can get the federal government to assist cities thag the 500,000 population marker, we can navigate through some of that funding to be able to assist some of our Small Businesses that need the assistance to be able to reopen but also to be able to get back on their feet. Well go to our callers now and start with peter in holy ca oak, massachusetts. Democrats line. Yone a caller hi. Hello. Thank you very much for having me and a at lin big thank you t everybody at cspan and a big thank you to everybody on the front lines and people who do the right thing in times of trial and difficulty. T, i t i just want to say that, i think we should recognize the thoughtfulness of a lot of americas mayors and governors. The 36. A know, i fear for people who have governors and mayors that arent more thoughtful, but i think we should look to that. But my main concern is that, in looking for that there may be a second wave, by whatever cause, whether people are out there because they want a haircut or w because theyree trying to sao lives. You know, we arethe lookingfe l potential second wave. Penal and im concerned that the federal government will penaliz. Americas governors and mayors and people in urban areas and poor areas, and all of us in gre general. And im worried that, theyll y take the stance, like with police, be aggressive first, dominate, have that kind of behavior with the citizenry. And i worry that the federal t government does that all the time to ourur mayors and governs who are trying do right by the people. Peter, thanks for the call. Vince williams. Thank you. Any thoughts on what our cea caller had to say . Well, you know, certainly, what the caller stated is true. You know, there are many leaders around this nation that are doing the right thing, you know. And certainly, we must at all times do our best and strive our hardest to do the right thing. , you know, the National League f cities, we are one of the organizations, if not the only organization, that has created an opportunity for local leaders to understand how to navigate through this issue of Racial Equity, but also leadership. So, through the real, and that is certainly something that many of us need to have a discussiont around, and that is understanding the race, the equity, and leadership that needs to be certainly supported in all communities. The real Program Provides training and resources to ity le prepare city leaders to apply Racial Equity lends to policies, to certainly drive initiatives programs, and even your budgetsr you know,s to city leaders mustp up to take the lead with their Police Departments and Community Members to address racial of the inequities in their respective cities and towns, you know. Citih so, certainly, that is one of thee positives that the Nationa League of cities has been doing for many, many years. Were about to approach our 100th year in the next couple oe years. But the race, equity and Leadership Department has many,b many helpful resources that are available not only to members, but also to Community Leaders as well. Lets hear from cindy in er o hendersonville, north carolina. Good morning. Od caller good morning. I am concerned about the protest. I protested in 68 against vietnam war. S with i was with a black man, and i as white. And we got discriminated against in the black community for beint together. Is about theoncernt to protest, which i believe in protests. Its our right to protest. But what effect is this going to have with covid . You shut down all the cities hut because of the covid, and everybody was quarantined or ar they were shute down, all of t businesses. And now all the protesters are y out there. E. Most of them are wearing masks, but theyre singing and shouting like i did in 68. And their masks are off and theyre spitting on people by accident. I mean, theyre notng doing it purpose. But how is this going to affect our covid if we have a second wave . Im also in a very small city, and my Small Business did get assistance. We are under 55,000. Money so, maybe its the way that yourere addressing the governmt to try to get the money. I dont know. But my Small Business got moneyf and we are in a very small town. But my most concern is about a second wave of the covid. Okay, cindy. Mayor williams. Yes. It rel and certainly, cindy makes a lot of great comments, you know. But certainly, what i have to say first, as it relates to she receiving support from the unfot federal government. And i applaud that and im glad you did get it. Tionatel you know, unfortunately, when t disproportionately, a lot of Small Business owners are not as astute when it comes to putting togetherer the necessary rtainl information on applications and forms, and then many of them just dont qualify, you know. So, certainly, we have to look at that. You know, just because you donf qualify doesnt mean o that you business shouldnt still be supported. So weve got to look at and g were looking at a number of oua businesses who have had that challenge by reaching out to ths Small Business administration, g but also not even receiving the ppp that the businesses have. Now, i have some businesses thae have been able to navigateceiv through that, but i have a number, a larger proportion that have not received anything. You know, and certainly, to eace cindys comment about the protests. Im not concerned about the protesters, as long as it is a peaceable protest. What im concerned about are those that are inserting themselves into a protest where they are really not there for the protest. Theyre there to wait for nightfall to attack, loot, and pillage, and those are the people and those are the of pr individuals im concerned aboutt the protesters, there are a number of protesters around thig country that are doing it the right way. M you know, at this juncture where we are right now, im looking at many, many sites around this country where the police are being purposely targeted, you know. So, those are things we must atl address, you know. Es and city leaders have a greater capacity to create real, tangible changes in policing, v. Youu know, and certainly creatig policy than federal governments will ever have. So we have to make sure that wet are stepping in and we are partt of the solution, you know. Because certainly, we do not want to wait for tragedy to occur in our city to address these pressing issues. Th and on your comment about looting, its a frontpage story in the wall street journal. Ill and Small Businesses looting lif deals a second blow. Small businesses, especially in minority neighborhoods, were already reeling from shutdowns because of covid19. Mayor williams, let me ask you. A a comment from one of our viewers on twitter says this. Being a black mayor of a blacks community in georgiaup is the trifecta of being in the wrong place at the wrongngit htime. Racism and White Supremacy co surround you andun governments neglect and oppress you. U are its been like that since this country atbegan. Do you, vince williams, feel like youre at the wrong place at the wrong time . I do not, you know. Igate i do not. I feel like im at the right place at the right time, you know, because i have been able to navigate through this relationship aspect as it relates to working with our leaders, you know, from a latioh county, a state, and even federal level. L. You know, i have a great working relationship with our governor. And certainly, hes been extremely supportive of what we do here in union city, but what we do in the state, you know. He and i dont agree on all policy, but certainly, thats ae life. You know, we have dis to find a balance, but certainly, i dont have a problem with disagreeingt you know. My f its how we disagree. But certainly, ive had a great working relationship with all of my federal delegates, and it has been a promising opportunity for my city and cities around me, you know. Ts so, certainly you know, one of the things that i try to do is build on relationships, because thats what its all about. As fwar as the statement in the tweet that, you know, we have racism abound, that is a true statement. Racism still lives and breathes, you know. But however, i cant let that stop me from being the leader that i know my god called me to be. So, certainly, i understand what that individual is speaking to, but certainly, i feel like i am in the right place at the right time for such a time as this. All right, heres ed calling us from bonita springs, florida. Welcome. Caller good morning. Thank you for taking my call. I dont think theres anybody that could watch the murder of mr. Floyd and not come away horrified and shocked that this kind of stuff could still happen in the United States of america. Do we have racism here . Yes, we do. Do we have a twotier Justice System . Yes, we do. And all we have to do is look at the case of the two bills. One bill was a black man and the other bill was a white man. Both of them were accused of sexually abusing women, but one bill cosby, he was charged and now hes sitting in jail because of what he did to women. But the other bill is now campaigning for his wife for president and hes living the high life. I think the hypocrisy of the Democratic Party is now coming home to roost. President obama and Vice President biden had eight years to deal with these issues and nothings been done. And i hope this time is a wakeup call to america that both parties are complicit in this nightmare and we need to get it straightened out once and for all. Thank you for taking my call. Okay. Mayor williams, any thoughts . Well, you know, certainly i respect the callers viewpoint, you know. But certainly, this has, whats going on right now has nothing for people to listen of the outcry of the individuals that have been disservice edisserved certainly been hurt for many, many years. I am not rallying for 40 acres and a mule. Not at all. This is about making sure that equity is in place for everyone to make sure that we all have a fair opportunity as it relates to business, but also as it relates to even housing, you know. Those are things that are still existing in this nation. And certainly, some of the conversations that we have with our federal leaders, you know, weve got to make sure that they understand and they take the blinders off to be able to start using their platform to be able to do what they say they were going to washington to do, and that is to help these communities to be able to stand up on their own, but to be able to be fruitful. And also make sure that the legacy that we leave is going to be one that we did leave this position or this nation better than we found it. We are doing a whole disservice to many of our communities. Former president obama yesterday had a virtual town hall and talked about reforms, in particular, Police Reforms happening at the local level. I wanted to play you some of his comments, mayor williams, and get your thoughts. Okay. Most of the reforms that are needed to prevent the type of violence and injustices that weve seen take place at the local level. Reform has to take place in more than 19,000 american municipalities, more than 18,000 local enforcement jurisdictions. And so, as activities and everyday citizens raise their voices, we need to be clear about where change is going to happen and how we can bring about that change. It is mayors and county executives that appoint most Police Chiefs and negotiate collective bargaining agreements with police unions. And that determines Police Practices in local communities. Its district attorneys and states attorneys that decide, typical typically, to charge those involved in police misconduct. And those are elected positions. And in some cases, theyre Police Community review boards who have a part to monitor police conduct. Those oftentimes may be elected as well. The bottom line is, ive been hearing a little bit of chatter in the internet about voting versus protest, politics and participation versus civil disobedience and direct action. This is not an either or. This is a both and, to bring about real change, we both have to highlight a problem and make people in power uncomfortable, but we also have to translate that into Practical Solutions and laws that can be implemented and we can monitor and make sure were following up on. And mayor vince williams, the former president clearly putting the ball in the lap of you and other mayors and local leaders across the country. Exactly. Exactly. And certainly, much of what ive heard over the past couple of days, but certainly from that town hall certainly resonates with me and my many, many colleagues as local leaders. Certainly, making sure that you have the right person in place, thats a task that a lot of individuals and thats why i say, being a part of the National League of cities and the different opportunities that they have to train, but also to help navigate through some of the process, even the hiring process, to make sure that youre getting the right people in place. Now, as it relates to your Police Chiefs, certainly, those are the ones that report to the mayors office, you know. But certainly, i am blessed to have a police chief that certainly understands this issue around Community Policing but also understands the community. You know, we get often there are many Police Chiefs and also Police Officers that are brought in that dont have the proper decorum or the proper respect of culture of where they are so certainly we have to make sure training and policy is a big issue. Policy is an issue because many of our Police Departments have policies and procedures that many of our local leaders havent even reviewed, you know, so and mayor williams, how big is the force there in union city . Our police force is a little over 92 individuals. Ive got a couple more calls for you. We go to st. Louis to hear from cherri. Good morning. Caller good morning. My comment is, i lived through both the Michael Brown shooting and this other shooting. I think its sad. And i also am living through this covid thing, which is hard for people like me who are getting up in age to get in to see a doctor. And i think its sad, too. I just think its sad the way this world is going. I i feel sorry for whats happening, but i know theres nothing i can do. Doing but i just wish our mayors well, we have a mayor here, and shes doing the best she can. But i just think its sad that we just cant come together, cant meet somehow on Common Ground to even look at the issues that were facing. Vu mayor williams, how are in union city addressing protecting your vulnerable population, particularly the elderly there . As it relates to covid or as it relates to mo yes,bi yeah, yeah. Yeah, we are having testing mobile sites that are available, free of charge, as you know, toe not only just our senior population, but that is one of the greatest opportunities thato we have. But also to make sure that all y of our seniors, were checking on them daily, making sure they have food, they have water, but also making sure they have interaction with individuals, because we have a lot ofsure ses who live alone, so we want to make sure that they know were here for them. Even though my city buildings are not open to the public, you know, and, i am i we have a lot staggered staff that are in my u buildings. Im in the officece everywi dayu know, but i am here because i aw essential, if you will. At their so, certainly, we are certainlyt making sure that all of our seniors know that their ns government is here for them. Were partnering with a number of individuals and organizations, such as the Atlanta Braves has certainly stepped in, and we have anonymous benefactors who have supported making sure that our seniors are fed. And even our many, many young people who are out of school an. Have been out for a few weeks now. Well, send you back to work momentarily. One more call for you, though. N irene in columbus mississippi. S good morning. Caller good morning. Thank you for taking my call. You know, with this covid, wevr been under oh, im a registered democrat from birth,t i rythink, and im 83 years old. God bless you. Y an caller and i hate to see d what this country is coming to. I know that and i grew up in kentucky and then came to mississippi. And i wasnt taught the difference between people. And i do say that blacks, and ive seen it here in my own state, where a lot of times, blacks get more jail time than whites, and thats wrong. But we have a president that hae really has done a lot for this country. I dont like his comments. I dont like his tweets. Hes self hes got an ego bigger than i am. West but he has i think blacks have the lowest unemployment inf many, many years. Irene, im going to let you go there. Were running a little short on time. But some final comments from mayor vince williams. Hank well, certainly, again, bille thank you for having me. But i want this nation to know t that you have many, many local leaders around this nation thata are doing the right thing,ce tht want to make sure that their communities are safe, but also t that they do embrace the First Amendment of peaceable protest. So, certainly, you know, i meank my colleague in atlanta, mayor keisha lance bottoms, who has been doing a phenomenal job in atlanta. I have certainly tweeted and ol certainly had dialogue with heri shes doing great. But i would urge many of the leaders that are out there right now, get involved with your state leagues. Our georgia municipal excite association, which i am a membee of and am about to be installeda as its president in the next few weeks im excited about what we do, the collective work that we do in this state to serve 53i cities. But in my rolee with the Nationl League of cities, that is one that i am very honored to be serving in, when we are working on it. Every city and town and village in this country, because in the end, we will win. So, certainly, cities are essential, and i want people to understand, we are here to worko together. Thats the only way we will beeh able to win, and thats working together from the white house to your house. Thank you. Thank you, mayor vince williams, union city, georgia. And with the National League of cities. Appreciate you being on with us this morning. Thank you. The president s, from public affairs, available now in paperback and ebook. Presents biographies of every president , organized by their ranking by noted historians, from best to worst, and features perspectives into the lives of our nations chief executives and leadership styles. Visit our website, cspan. Org thepresident s, to learn more about each president and historian featured, and order your copy today, wherever books and ebooks are sold. On with us next is kevin rea baron. He is the executive editor of defense 1. On, great to have you with us this morning. Thank you. Here to talk tro aboutop not whats currently going on, the use of federal troops, but the istory of federal forces inhave quelling unrest across the United States. First off, your thoughts on what youve seen over the last few