Monday, May 07, 2018
There is a reason why this image is not cemented in every American woman's mind.
I hope Attorney General Sessions brings a humanitarian to the meeting as well. He should see both sides of the issue, not just one.
I think border security is important, but, it needs to be tempered with an understanding that our neighbors are welcome when there is a need. Taking an example from Europe to understand whom exactly is coming across the border is important, but, paranoia should not rule policy.
Attorney General Sessions needs to be mindful of the needs in Southern California of the shortage of agricultural workers. He needs to solve problems, not simply judge how to close the borders of the USA, which President Trump stated could be a directive with the arrival of a caravan of individuals from Mexico, Central and South America to our southern border.
May 6, 2018
By Chris Jennewein
Attorney General Jeff Sessions (click here) will visit the San Diego border for a press conference on Monday, Justice Department officials said Sunday.
Attorney General Sessions needs to be mindful of the needs in Southern California of the shortage of agricultural workers. He needs to solve problems, not simply judge how to close the borders of the USA, which President Trump stated could be a directive with the arrival of a caravan of individuals from Mexico, Central and South America to our southern border.
May 6, 2018
By Chris Jennewein
Attorney General Jeff Sessions (click here) will visit the San Diego border for a press conference on Monday, Justice Department officials said Sunday.
Sessions will hold the conference at 1 p.m. with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan. The location was not announced.
Justice Department officials said the two will discuss “immigration enforcement actions of the Trump Administration.”
The conference comes a week after a caravan of a few hundred migrants from Central America arrived at the U.S. border in Tijuana, and it’s likely to be a topic of discussion.
Sessions’ visit marks the third high-profile Trump administration visit to the border region in the last two months....
No one is trying to torpedo Gina Hasper from leading the CIA. Honestly, most of America is pleased there is someone with decades of experience coming to lead the agency.
Which brings me to another point, do you know parliamentary governments can instill a "caretaker government" when there is a vote of no confidence? It's true.
But, as to Ms. Haspel, she will pass in nomination. The purpose of anyone speaking about the tapes is to be sure, especially with Trump in the White House, the policy of burning interrogation tapes is not policy so much as folly.
It will never be the same in US intelligence since Pompeo. I hope Europe has solidly held records going forward.
I see it differently than most. I think Pompeo went into the CIA, not to lead but to set up the Secretary of State for war, primarily in the Middle East. It seems all too strange that a caretaker White House existed long enough for the second act to begin. I don't trust people that are extreme and focused on power rather than governance. I think there needs to be extreme caution in the international community when approaching any escalation of violence in the Middle East. Hasn't there been enough already?
C-Span: Airing LIVE Wednesday, May 09 9:30am EDT on C-SPAN3 (click here)
May 6, 2018
Democrats’ obsession (click here) with opposing President Trump on all fronts, no matter the merits, opens a new phase this week as CIA Director-designate Gina Haspel goes before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
That there’s any opposition at all to this supremely qualified candidate only underscores just how petty and partisan the Democrats have become.
Haspel would be not only the first woman to head the CIA, but also the first career officer in 52 years to rise through the ranks directly to the director’s chair.
Little wonder that she’s won the enthusiastic support of past CIA directors from both parties, including several of Trump’s fiercest critics....
But, as to Ms. Haspel, she will pass in nomination. The purpose of anyone speaking about the tapes is to be sure, especially with Trump in the White House, the policy of burning interrogation tapes is not policy so much as folly.
It will never be the same in US intelligence since Pompeo. I hope Europe has solidly held records going forward.
I see it differently than most. I think Pompeo went into the CIA, not to lead but to set up the Secretary of State for war, primarily in the Middle East. It seems all too strange that a caretaker White House existed long enough for the second act to begin. I don't trust people that are extreme and focused on power rather than governance. I think there needs to be extreme caution in the international community when approaching any escalation of violence in the Middle East. Hasn't there been enough already?
C-Span: Airing LIVE Wednesday, May 09 9:30am EDT on C-SPAN3 (click here)
May 6, 2018
Democrats’ obsession (click here) with opposing President Trump on all fronts, no matter the merits, opens a new phase this week as CIA Director-designate Gina Haspel goes before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
That there’s any opposition at all to this supremely qualified candidate only underscores just how petty and partisan the Democrats have become.
Haspel would be not only the first woman to head the CIA, but also the first career officer in 52 years to rise through the ranks directly to the director’s chair.
Little wonder that she’s won the enthusiastic support of past CIA directors from both parties, including several of Trump’s fiercest critics....
Sunday, May 06, 2018
This isn't about exploitation of the female body. It is about adult porn as product.
Before I get started with the climate, I want to tell a story about adult porn. No it is not about me. I only wish for a body that some of these women have.
But, as to adult porn in my life.
I had a very dear friend by the name of Kathy. She and I worked together. This is going to sound hokey, but, for the most part when porn is done well with some sort of storyline it is hokey.
I was married at the time and Kathy's husband was in the US Navy. She lived alone raising their two children. She loved her husband. This is not about what sailors do on ships at sea and I don't care to know. This is about Kathy. This is a true story.
Kathy came into work one day stating her husband Bruce was home. He arrived home yesterday evening and was well. He would be home for at least nine months. So, I asked if she and Bruce would like to go out to dinner and a movie. She smiled widely and stated she would call Bruce, but, she knew he would say yes. I then called my husband and let him know the plans and he was looking forward to it.
We met at a very nice restaurant called, "The Golden Goose." The food was it's usual great and the drinks enhanced the dinner and company, the wine could not be better and the company with the foursome was full of laughter, news and stories both domestic and at sea.
We finished dinner and went to the parking lot. My then husband asked Kathy what movie she wanted to see. Well, Bruce piped in and asked if he knew of any porn flicks in the area. Quite to my surprise, my husband stated, "Sure, there is a theater featuring a couple of flicks at the end of Main Street." I must have looked completely surprised and we got in the car to go to the theater. I asked him how he knew so handily where the porn flicks were and he said, "I had a feeling it might come up."
The movie we finally decided on was called, "The Family Jewels." It was campy and featured all sorts of food products like whipped cream with appropriate positions, but, it was about a couple and not a group. Halfway through the film, between the jokes and laughter, I realized Bruce was the most brilliant man I knew.
See, he had been away for well over six months. He needed his wife to laugh and relax. Months and months of loneliness take on many forms of coping and while children keep life busy, it still requires putting some feelings of loving at a distance. When the movie concluded, we said our good nights and Kathy and Bruce went home with her feeling light-hearted and in the company of a good friend and her husband relaxed and happy,
Now, everyone can find their own corner to take about porn and there are plenty of issues surrounding the business, but, when it comes right down to it, the makers of these films know they serve a purpose in the American landscape and it is a wholesome purpose on many occasions.
I like Ms. Clifford for all the right reasons. Not some feminist issue, but, because she is engaged in a business that has a bad reputation when in many aspects it should simply be wholesome adult entertainment. I like her too, for all the previous stated reasons. I think she is a nice person and special in many ways.
But, as to adult porn in my life.
I had a very dear friend by the name of Kathy. She and I worked together. This is going to sound hokey, but, for the most part when porn is done well with some sort of storyline it is hokey.
I was married at the time and Kathy's husband was in the US Navy. She lived alone raising their two children. She loved her husband. This is not about what sailors do on ships at sea and I don't care to know. This is about Kathy. This is a true story.
Kathy came into work one day stating her husband Bruce was home. He arrived home yesterday evening and was well. He would be home for at least nine months. So, I asked if she and Bruce would like to go out to dinner and a movie. She smiled widely and stated she would call Bruce, but, she knew he would say yes. I then called my husband and let him know the plans and he was looking forward to it.
We met at a very nice restaurant called, "The Golden Goose." The food was it's usual great and the drinks enhanced the dinner and company, the wine could not be better and the company with the foursome was full of laughter, news and stories both domestic and at sea.
We finished dinner and went to the parking lot. My then husband asked Kathy what movie she wanted to see. Well, Bruce piped in and asked if he knew of any porn flicks in the area. Quite to my surprise, my husband stated, "Sure, there is a theater featuring a couple of flicks at the end of Main Street." I must have looked completely surprised and we got in the car to go to the theater. I asked him how he knew so handily where the porn flicks were and he said, "I had a feeling it might come up."
The movie we finally decided on was called, "The Family Jewels." It was campy and featured all sorts of food products like whipped cream with appropriate positions, but, it was about a couple and not a group. Halfway through the film, between the jokes and laughter, I realized Bruce was the most brilliant man I knew.
See, he had been away for well over six months. He needed his wife to laugh and relax. Months and months of loneliness take on many forms of coping and while children keep life busy, it still requires putting some feelings of loving at a distance. When the movie concluded, we said our good nights and Kathy and Bruce went home with her feeling light-hearted and in the company of a good friend and her husband relaxed and happy,
Now, everyone can find their own corner to take about porn and there are plenty of issues surrounding the business, but, when it comes right down to it, the makers of these films know they serve a purpose in the American landscape and it is a wholesome purpose on many occasions.
I like Ms. Clifford for all the right reasons. Not some feminist issue, but, because she is engaged in a business that has a bad reputation when in many aspects it should simply be wholesome adult entertainment. I like her too, for all the previous stated reasons. I think she is a nice person and special in many ways.
I think she did a great job. It was very good of her to appear on SNL.
SNL did a great job with all of it. Unfortunately, it is based in reality. I do not appreciate words like, "Trolling" to describe Ms. Clifford and her status in relation to the issues at hand with Mr. Trump's bad choices and poor judgment. She is a brave person and willing to talk to the country about her experience. Her hopes for her relationship with Mr. Trump was realistic. She never asked for any of this.
This story about the elections in Azerbaijan somewhat bothered me. I was glad the Australian MP went as an observer and I am glad the election PROCESS went well, but, the choice of candidates did not result in an election that makes sense.
The democracy in Azerbaijan is more or less a ruling party. The way candidates become known is to sometimes be a running mate and elected as Vice President. The other way other candidates from the people get to be known is with a free press and a literate population. The free press can hold debates where all the candidates get to air their understanding of issues, views and potential solutions.
I think the people of Azerbaijan need to work on their choice of candidates.
17 April 2018
By Michael Kozoil
The President of Azerbaijan (click here) took over from his father in 2003. His wife is the Vice-President. And last week he was re-elected with 86 per cent of the vote after a boycott by opposition parties.
Liberal MP Craig Kelly says Australia needs to learn from the country's electoral system.
The south-west Sydney MP travelled to the former Soviet nation for the second time last week as leader of a delegation to observe its presidential election. In comments that riled Armenians in Australia, Mr Kelly was quoted in Azerbaijan media saying he had witnessed a "coherent, democratic process" and "an election organisation that surpassed Australia's experience"....
The democracy in Azerbaijan is more or less a ruling party. The way candidates become known is to sometimes be a running mate and elected as Vice President. The other way other candidates from the people get to be known is with a free press and a literate population. The free press can hold debates where all the candidates get to air their understanding of issues, views and potential solutions.
I think the people of Azerbaijan need to work on their choice of candidates.
17 April 2018
By Michael Kozoil
The President of Azerbaijan (click here) took over from his father in 2003. His wife is the Vice-President. And last week he was re-elected with 86 per cent of the vote after a boycott by opposition parties.
Liberal MP Craig Kelly says Australia needs to learn from the country's electoral system.
The south-west Sydney MP travelled to the former Soviet nation for the second time last week as leader of a delegation to observe its presidential election. In comments that riled Armenians in Australia, Mr Kelly was quoted in Azerbaijan media saying he had witnessed a "coherent, democratic process" and "an election organisation that surpassed Australia's experience"....
I am deeply wounded. There is nothing like 3-D. That isn't it. This is not the answer to the Climate Crisis. Ending emissions of greenhouse gases, especially at this point methane, is the way to end the climate crisis. That doesn't mean CO2 is okay, it is not.
But, I was deeply wounded tonight. And the White Supremacists do not get to decide who lives and who dies, either. That is especially true with Syria and Iran as Prime Minister Netanyahu believes should be his right. Sorry, there is not going to be a war to end all wars in the Middle East to allow expansionist powers take over. There are many dead from the Syrian civil war (click here). Most estimates no matter where one looks, the death count is at least 500,000 and 340,000 civilians. That is not the same as those killed in the war against Daesh.
But, onto other issues.
This is an example of the bullying that takes place within Right Wing politics
It is noteworthy to realize this bullying by the NRA made it to the top of Twitter newsfeed (click here).
There is no room for both, only the NRA. “Come and take it.“ is the NRA's motto. It may not be it's official motto, but, those four words define their mission. In translation it means, protect the gun above all else. What the NRA did to "Ellen's" is ruthless and completely unnecessary. Americans are very worried about the future and what occurs with guns and American children. There is plenty of room to clearly define protections for American children.
Voyaging is welcome when it brings expertise to a rather odd finding.
Original Slate article on October 31, 2016 (click here)
May 5, 2018
By Jonathan O'Connell, David A Fahrenthold and Jack Gillum
In the nine years (click here) before he ran for president, Donald Trump's company spent more than $400 million in cash on new properties — including 14 transactions paid for in full, without borrowing from banks — during a buying binge that defied real estate industry practices and Trump's own history as the self-described "King of Debt."...
When taking on the biggest bully in the world, it gets dicey. Doesn't it? This is not circumstantial. Not at all.
So there it is. Whether one wants to realize the truth or not, it is right there in front of everyone. The only thing the Trump Organization can do is lie, manipulate the truth and obstruct the facts and they will do it to the nth degree.
Prostitutes had nothing to do with this. The issue with his Russian prostitute is a character issue. President Trump lied and he continues to lie. It seems no matter the woman Donald is shrouded in lies, except his wife, of course.
The Ultimate Deal: $100 million borrowed from Russian banks and complete forgiveness of the debt once President and sanctions are dissolved. Or at least that was the original plan.
November 2, 2016
By Franklin Foer
...The story (click here) required voyaging deep into the arcana of the internet. The key piece of evidence for the server’s strange behavior was a set of logs of Domain Name Server, or DNS, look-ups. These are the communications between servers that enable an email to reach its destination. The computer scientists had no actual examples of email exchanged between Trump and Alfa—only inferences about that prospect, based on their close reading of the logs. I spoke with many DNS experts. They found the evidence strongly suggestive of a relationship between the Trump Organization and the bank but not conclusive. It was a subject that I believed deserved public airing and further exploration.
Publication of my article was quickly followed by responses from the Trump campaign and Alfa Bank, both of which offered more detailed accounts of the server activity than they had provided when I’d asked them for comment. My piece also elicited a series of valuable objections and credible alternate theories from technology reporters and other computer scientists. I take these seriously and believe they also deserve public airing and exploration. Several of the critiques of the hypothesis offered by the experts in my piece offer simpler, more benign explanations for the server activity. I’ll describe them here....
It comes full circle. If James Comey was getting close to the truth, it was important to Trump to end the investigation. Then within hours, the Russians were in the Oval Office receiving classified material. For me, there really isn't anything else to know. Trump and his gang of renowns will wage war against the truth. The truth has to stand strong.
Why is this necessary? Why is it important the truth stand strong? Because of NATO and Ukraine to begin the list. If the USA turned to be Russia's ally what happens? The balance of power changes and say goodbye to democracy. People's lives would be in danger.
February 20, 2018
By Spencer S. Hsu and Roselind S. Helderman
...The Dutch son-in-law (click here) of one of Russia’s wealthiest men pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Washington to making false statements in special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Alex van der Zwaan was charged with lying to the FBI about his contacts with Rick Gates, who served as a top official on President Trump’s campaign and a longtime business partner of former campaign chairman Paul Manafort.
Based in London, van der Zwaan worked for the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, which worked with Manafort and Gates when they served as political consultants in Ukraine.
Van der Zwaan is the son-in-law of German Khan, a billionaire and an owner of Alfa Group, Russia’s largest financial and industrial investment group....
President Donald Trump has enormous character issues and cannot be a strong president. Yes, cannot. He has too many conflicts in his life to protect the USA and all it encompasses.
May 5, 2018
By Jonathan O'Connell, David A Fahrenthold and Jack Gillum
In the nine years (click here) before he ran for president, Donald Trump's company spent more than $400 million in cash on new properties — including 14 transactions paid for in full, without borrowing from banks — during a buying binge that defied real estate industry practices and Trump's own history as the self-described "King of Debt."...
When taking on the biggest bully in the world, it gets dicey. Doesn't it? This is not circumstantial. Not at all.
So there it is. Whether one wants to realize the truth or not, it is right there in front of everyone. The only thing the Trump Organization can do is lie, manipulate the truth and obstruct the facts and they will do it to the nth degree.
Prostitutes had nothing to do with this. The issue with his Russian prostitute is a character issue. President Trump lied and he continues to lie. It seems no matter the woman Donald is shrouded in lies, except his wife, of course.
The Ultimate Deal: $100 million borrowed from Russian banks and complete forgiveness of the debt once President and sanctions are dissolved. Or at least that was the original plan.
November 2, 2016
By Franklin Foer
...The story (click here) required voyaging deep into the arcana of the internet. The key piece of evidence for the server’s strange behavior was a set of logs of Domain Name Server, or DNS, look-ups. These are the communications between servers that enable an email to reach its destination. The computer scientists had no actual examples of email exchanged between Trump and Alfa—only inferences about that prospect, based on their close reading of the logs. I spoke with many DNS experts. They found the evidence strongly suggestive of a relationship between the Trump Organization and the bank but not conclusive. It was a subject that I believed deserved public airing and further exploration.
Publication of my article was quickly followed by responses from the Trump campaign and Alfa Bank, both of which offered more detailed accounts of the server activity than they had provided when I’d asked them for comment. My piece also elicited a series of valuable objections and credible alternate theories from technology reporters and other computer scientists. I take these seriously and believe they also deserve public airing and exploration. Several of the critiques of the hypothesis offered by the experts in my piece offer simpler, more benign explanations for the server activity. I’ll describe them here....
It comes full circle. If James Comey was getting close to the truth, it was important to Trump to end the investigation. Then within hours, the Russians were in the Oval Office receiving classified material. For me, there really isn't anything else to know. Trump and his gang of renowns will wage war against the truth. The truth has to stand strong.
Why is this necessary? Why is it important the truth stand strong? Because of NATO and Ukraine to begin the list. If the USA turned to be Russia's ally what happens? The balance of power changes and say goodbye to democracy. People's lives would be in danger.
February 20, 2018
By Spencer S. Hsu and Roselind S. Helderman
...The Dutch son-in-law (click here) of one of Russia’s wealthiest men pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Washington to making false statements in special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Alex van der Zwaan was charged with lying to the FBI about his contacts with Rick Gates, who served as a top official on President Trump’s campaign and a longtime business partner of former campaign chairman Paul Manafort.
Based in London, van der Zwaan worked for the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, which worked with Manafort and Gates when they served as political consultants in Ukraine.
Van der Zwaan is the son-in-law of German Khan, a billionaire and an owner of Alfa Group, Russia’s largest financial and industrial investment group....
President Donald Trump has enormous character issues and cannot be a strong president. Yes, cannot. He has too many conflicts in his life to protect the USA and all it encompasses.
Saturday, May 05, 2018
Iowa's abortion law is unconstitutional. We have been here before.
A fetus at six weeks is not viable outside the uterus. The reason this law was passed is because it is a woman governor. She knows better. The idea a beating heart is the definition of citizenship is nonsense. A heart that stops beating can be restarted through Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Today there are red boxes containing defibrillators everywhere. Everyday people can assist in saving a life. The country is under the oppressive regime of the right wing Evangelicals that tolerate no other religion. They do not vote with their conscience as a member of a diverse democracy, they vote with their ideology.
We already know neonatal intensive care units cannot save the life of a six-week old fetus. I have been in NICU (Nick Yous). The life of a 22 week old is possible to extend to full term and then into babyhood. But, it is a struggle to carry a 20-week old that far. The face of a 20 week old has features, but, just bearly.
The political right wing wants to make a fertilized egg a citizen. It is not possible. It is impossible. The fertilized egg is not viable outside the uterus.
This Iowa law will endanger women. A woman does not pay such close attention to her menstrual cycle that they know if they are pregnant after 4 weeks has gone by. Early Pregnancy tests do not work for everyone. There are women, like myself, that urine pregnancy tests don't work. Only blood tests will reveal the pregnancy.
I can't believe after being on message boards and blogging for 18 years I still have to tell my story. This is the year of 2018, the 21st century, people are talking about space travel and the political right wing of the USA is still practicing ideology dating back SEVEN decades.
I was in the care of an OB/GYN (my doctor of at least five years and head of the department at the hospital) when I missed a cycle and a urine test proved negative. A month later I was already at least six weeks pregnant, but, the urine tests proved negative.
I rolled over in bed one day and felt a lump in my lower abdomen and it was time for my menstrual cycle to begin. I was terrified because I thought I had a tumor. I made an emergency appointment with my doctor that day. He examined me and stated, "You're pregnant." I was already four months pregnant and not three months. I just wasn't paying attention as I was worry free all my life. Counting days on a calendar is something school girls do to be prepared even when attending school OR a mature, fully grown woman under the care of a doctor and trying to get pregnant.
The blood test came back positive and the urine test was still negative. Two weeks later I felt my first child move. So, don't tell me about pregnancy. The same thing happened with my second child, only this time the MD performed a blood test first instead.
This Iowa law is ideology and not sound science and is a test of the Governor's commitment to the ideology.
Up to 22 weeks, an abortion for a woman should be available without a doctor's note in the United States of America. After 22 weeks it is between the woman and her doctor when her life could be in the balance.
ABORTION IS ABOUT WOMEN, not the fetus.
May 4, 2018
By Brianne Plnnenstiel and William Petroski
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (click here) on Friday signed into law the most restrictive abortion ban in the nation, surrounded by toddler-toting supporters.
As Reynolds inked the bill, backers' cheers nearly drowned out the echoing chorus of “My body, my choice” shouted by protesters just outside the door.
“I believe that all innocent life is precious and sacred,” Reynolds said from her formal office before signing a bill that will outlaw nearly all abortions in the state. “And as governor, I have pledged to do everything in my power to protect it. And that’s what I’m doing today.”
Senate File 359 will take effect July 1, though Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa said they plan to quickly challenge the law.
Under the legislation, physicians will be barred from performing most abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. Experts said that heartbeat can be heard about six weeks into a pregnancy — often before a woman realizes she’s pregnant....
We already know neonatal intensive care units cannot save the life of a six-week old fetus. I have been in NICU (Nick Yous). The life of a 22 week old is possible to extend to full term and then into babyhood. But, it is a struggle to carry a 20-week old that far. The face of a 20 week old has features, but, just bearly.
The political right wing wants to make a fertilized egg a citizen. It is not possible. It is impossible. The fertilized egg is not viable outside the uterus.
This Iowa law will endanger women. A woman does not pay such close attention to her menstrual cycle that they know if they are pregnant after 4 weeks has gone by. Early Pregnancy tests do not work for everyone. There are women, like myself, that urine pregnancy tests don't work. Only blood tests will reveal the pregnancy.
I can't believe after being on message boards and blogging for 18 years I still have to tell my story. This is the year of 2018, the 21st century, people are talking about space travel and the political right wing of the USA is still practicing ideology dating back SEVEN decades.
I was in the care of an OB/GYN (my doctor of at least five years and head of the department at the hospital) when I missed a cycle and a urine test proved negative. A month later I was already at least six weeks pregnant, but, the urine tests proved negative.
I rolled over in bed one day and felt a lump in my lower abdomen and it was time for my menstrual cycle to begin. I was terrified because I thought I had a tumor. I made an emergency appointment with my doctor that day. He examined me and stated, "You're pregnant." I was already four months pregnant and not three months. I just wasn't paying attention as I was worry free all my life. Counting days on a calendar is something school girls do to be prepared even when attending school OR a mature, fully grown woman under the care of a doctor and trying to get pregnant.
The blood test came back positive and the urine test was still negative. Two weeks later I felt my first child move. So, don't tell me about pregnancy. The same thing happened with my second child, only this time the MD performed a blood test first instead.
This Iowa law is ideology and not sound science and is a test of the Governor's commitment to the ideology.
Up to 22 weeks, an abortion for a woman should be available without a doctor's note in the United States of America. After 22 weeks it is between the woman and her doctor when her life could be in the balance.
ABORTION IS ABOUT WOMEN, not the fetus.
May 4, 2018
By Brianne Plnnenstiel and William Petroski
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (click here) on Friday signed into law the most restrictive abortion ban in the nation, surrounded by toddler-toting supporters.
As Reynolds inked the bill, backers' cheers nearly drowned out the echoing chorus of “My body, my choice” shouted by protesters just outside the door.
“I believe that all innocent life is precious and sacred,” Reynolds said from her formal office before signing a bill that will outlaw nearly all abortions in the state. “And as governor, I have pledged to do everything in my power to protect it. And that’s what I’m doing today.”
Senate File 359 will take effect July 1, though Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa said they plan to quickly challenge the law.
Under the legislation, physicians will be barred from performing most abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. Experts said that heartbeat can be heard about six weeks into a pregnancy — often before a woman realizes she’s pregnant....
Friday, May 04, 2018
I think it is racism. There is no other explanation. They conduct themselves as Americans and children have been born here.
Also, 2,500 Nicaraguans were told to leave as of January 2019.
Honduran Americans are a group of people who may descend from Spanish, Honduran Native (including Mayan), Garifuna, African, Palestinian and Chinese people and are the eighth largest Hispanic group in the United States and the third largest Central American population, after Salvadorans and Guatemalans.
These people were peaceful people. They were more like refugees than immigrants. They should be allowed to stay. They did nothing wrong.
May 4, 2018
By Alan Gomez
The Trump administration (click here) on Friday ended a special immigration program for 57,000 Hondurans who have legally lived and worked in the U.S. for two decades, giving them 18 months to leave the country.
The announcement is the latest step by the administration to phase out Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which is granted to foreign nationals whose countries are decimated by hurricanes, earthquakes and civil wars.
By cutting off TPS for Hondurans, the administration has now ended the program for 98% of the roughly 317,000 immigrants from six countries who had been legally residing in the U.S., some for nearly 30 years....
The USA has provided a total of $33 million to the White Helmets rescue operation in Syria.since 2013.
Tillerson left. Any lead up to war with Iran would require funding to stop. It could be a Russia thing, but, more than likely it is a Kushner, Pompeo and Bolton thing.
...The White Helmets (click here) were nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2016 for their work in Syria.
But the Syrian government and its allies have long vilified the group. The Russian government, in particular, has called the White Helmets "terrorists," and accused them of staging recent chemical attacks linked to the regime.
CNN's Hamdi Alkhshali and Elise Labott contributed reporting.
No one else is going to save the lives of Syrian children. These are three examples of their vital work and need for continued funding by the USA government. Their funding should not be interrupted.
May 3, 2018
By Kylie Atwood
Less than two months ago, (click here) the State Department hosted members of the White Helmets at Foggy Bottom. At the time, the humanitarian group was showered with praise for saving lives in Syria.
"Our meetings in March were very positive. There were even remarks from senior officials about long-term commitments even into 2020. There were no suggestions whatsoever about stopping support," Raed Saleh, the group's leader, told CBS News.
Now they are not getting any U.S funding as the State Department says the support is "under active review." The U.S had accounted for about a third of the group's overall funding.
"This is a very worrisome development," said an official from the White Helmets. "Ultimately, this will negatively impact the humanitarian workers ability to save lives."
The White Helmets, formally known as the Syrian Civil Defense, are a group of 3,000 volunteer rescuers that have saved thousands of lives since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. A makeshift 911, they have run into the collapsing buildings to pull children, men and women out of danger's way. They say they have saved more than 70,000 lives....
...The White Helmets (click here) were nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2016 for their work in Syria.
But the Syrian government and its allies have long vilified the group. The Russian government, in particular, has called the White Helmets "terrorists," and accused them of staging recent chemical attacks linked to the regime.
CNN's Hamdi Alkhshali and Elise Labott contributed reporting.
No one else is going to save the lives of Syrian children. These are three examples of their vital work and need for continued funding by the USA government. Their funding should not be interrupted.
By Kylie Atwood
Less than two months ago, (click here) the State Department hosted members of the White Helmets at Foggy Bottom. At the time, the humanitarian group was showered with praise for saving lives in Syria.
"Our meetings in March were very positive. There were even remarks from senior officials about long-term commitments even into 2020. There were no suggestions whatsoever about stopping support," Raed Saleh, the group's leader, told CBS News.
Now they are not getting any U.S funding as the State Department says the support is "under active review." The U.S had accounted for about a third of the group's overall funding.
"This is a very worrisome development," said an official from the White Helmets. "Ultimately, this will negatively impact the humanitarian workers ability to save lives."
The White Helmets, formally known as the Syrian Civil Defense, are a group of 3,000 volunteer rescuers that have saved thousands of lives since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. A makeshift 911, they have run into the collapsing buildings to pull children, men and women out of danger's way. They say they have saved more than 70,000 lives....
When does the malicious negligence of these people end?
May 4, 2018
Flint – Michigan environmental experts (click here) warned that Flint’s water system had “significant deficiencies” just weeks before Gov. Rick Snyder announced an end to bottled water service that was introduced to allay a lead-tainted water crisis.
A surface water treatment engineer detailed 10 unresolved issues in a March 21 letter to Flint Mayor Karen Weaver. The letter said that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has no confidence in Flint’s capacity to manage the system.
Snyder announced April 6 an end to free bottled water distribution, citing two years of testing showing Flint is below the federal action level for lead.
Flint is recovering from its lead-contaminated water crisis and producing “very high quality drinking water,” said Tiffany Brown, a spokeswoman for the state’s environmental department.
“The department’s concern is the ability of the city to maintain that,” Brown said. “The treatment plant is not adequately staffed and is being supplemented by a short-term contract.”...
To begin with everyone knows the pipes are not completely replaced in Flint and the replacement is ahead of schedule. The water, at the tap in many homes, is still contaminated. Now with these facts before Flint and the State of Michigan, Snyder has shifted the focus on local control.
Recently, the Flint Mayor and Counsel were given their power back. Now, about a week later, the State of Michigan is placing future health problems due to the same Snyder toxins on the local authorities.
This is racism.
We know that Snyder's emergency manager law caused the deaths, miscarriages and disabilities with lead contamination. The employees at all levels under him have been charged and face trial. We also know one man committed suicide when he was cited as a responsible party for the lead in the water. Add that to the other deaths caused by Snyder's lead tainted water.
Now, in a remarkable statement from the State of Michigan there is no concern for the "high quality water" of Flint, but, "...The letter says the state environmental department doesn't have confidence in Flint's capacity for managing the water system...."
That is racist. All of a sudden Mayor Weaver and the city council remain incompetent as they were stated to be that brought an emergency manager in the first place under different people in the local government.
To begin, the Flint administration was the one that discovered the problem and pushed to end the suffering of the people. Then realize, Flint has many impoverished residents which is why they became poisoned in the first place because the only water they can afford is the water coming from the tap.
The State of Michigan under the auspices of Governor Snyder has caused the problem in Flint and is continuing it. The future of the residents of Flint is AGAIN in danger and not because of incompetency of a Mayor and Council; but; because of a Governor that doesn't care about the people.
Now realize this:
May 4, 2018
By Ron Fonger
...Spending by the state (click here) to prosecute and defend current and former employees on matters related to water crisis cases has eclipsed $23 million with no billing slowdown on the horizon.
Records requested by MLive-The Flint Journal from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, state Department of Health and Human Services, Governor's Office and Attorney General's Office detail the spending, which has increased by more than $6 million since October and by $3 million just since the start of the year....
The State of Michigan has the money for lawyers and will continue to pay lawyers, but, it has no money for bottled water to the impoverished.
Flint – Michigan environmental experts (click here) warned that Flint’s water system had “significant deficiencies” just weeks before Gov. Rick Snyder announced an end to bottled water service that was introduced to allay a lead-tainted water crisis.
A surface water treatment engineer detailed 10 unresolved issues in a March 21 letter to Flint Mayor Karen Weaver. The letter said that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has no confidence in Flint’s capacity to manage the system.
Snyder announced April 6 an end to free bottled water distribution, citing two years of testing showing Flint is below the federal action level for lead.
Flint is recovering from its lead-contaminated water crisis and producing “very high quality drinking water,” said Tiffany Brown, a spokeswoman for the state’s environmental department.
“The department’s concern is the ability of the city to maintain that,” Brown said. “The treatment plant is not adequately staffed and is being supplemented by a short-term contract.”...
To begin with everyone knows the pipes are not completely replaced in Flint and the replacement is ahead of schedule. The water, at the tap in many homes, is still contaminated. Now with these facts before Flint and the State of Michigan, Snyder has shifted the focus on local control.
Recently, the Flint Mayor and Counsel were given their power back. Now, about a week later, the State of Michigan is placing future health problems due to the same Snyder toxins on the local authorities.
This is racism.
We know that Snyder's emergency manager law caused the deaths, miscarriages and disabilities with lead contamination. The employees at all levels under him have been charged and face trial. We also know one man committed suicide when he was cited as a responsible party for the lead in the water. Add that to the other deaths caused by Snyder's lead tainted water.
Now, in a remarkable statement from the State of Michigan there is no concern for the "high quality water" of Flint, but, "...The letter says the state environmental department doesn't have confidence in Flint's capacity for managing the water system...."
That is racist. All of a sudden Mayor Weaver and the city council remain incompetent as they were stated to be that brought an emergency manager in the first place under different people in the local government.
To begin, the Flint administration was the one that discovered the problem and pushed to end the suffering of the people. Then realize, Flint has many impoverished residents which is why they became poisoned in the first place because the only water they can afford is the water coming from the tap.
The State of Michigan under the auspices of Governor Snyder has caused the problem in Flint and is continuing it. The future of the residents of Flint is AGAIN in danger and not because of incompetency of a Mayor and Council; but; because of a Governor that doesn't care about the people.
Now realize this:
May 4, 2018
By Ron Fonger
...Spending by the state (click here) to prosecute and defend current and former employees on matters related to water crisis cases has eclipsed $23 million with no billing slowdown on the horizon.
Records requested by MLive-The Flint Journal from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, state Department of Health and Human Services, Governor's Office and Attorney General's Office detail the spending, which has increased by more than $6 million since October and by $3 million just since the start of the year....
The State of Michigan has the money for lawyers and will continue to pay lawyers, but, it has no money for bottled water to the impoverished.
The NRA has no respect for USA sanctions.
Besides any Russian sanctions, there is also the issue of the "Small Arms Treaty" of the United Nations.
May 4, 2018
Dallas – As President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence (click here) prepare to address the NRA convention today, ABC News reports that a Russia-linked ammunition company, TulAmmo USA (click here), is an expected exhibitor at this year’s NRA convention.
Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund has launched ads in Dallas calling for the NRA to come clean on Russian money and its ties to Russia as CNN reports the NRA is “setting aside years of documents related to its interactions with a Kremlin-linked banker” who is reportedly at the center of an FBI probe into “whether Russian money went to [the] NRA to help Trump” in 2016. The NRA has denied being contacted by the FBI about anything related to Russia.
Statement from Andrew Zucker, Federal Media Relations Director for "Everytown for Gun Safety."
“Talk about unbelievable. While the NRA dodges important questions about Russian money and its ties to Russia, we learn that the NRA is hosting a Russia-linked company with ties to Putin’s inner circle at this year’s NRA convention. Before the next shoe drops, the NRA should do itself a favor and come clean with the American people on all of its Russia ties.”...
May 4, 2018
Dallas – As President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence (click here) prepare to address the NRA convention today, ABC News reports that a Russia-linked ammunition company, TulAmmo USA (click here), is an expected exhibitor at this year’s NRA convention.
Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund has launched ads in Dallas calling for the NRA to come clean on Russian money and its ties to Russia as CNN reports the NRA is “setting aside years of documents related to its interactions with a Kremlin-linked banker” who is reportedly at the center of an FBI probe into “whether Russian money went to [the] NRA to help Trump” in 2016. The NRA has denied being contacted by the FBI about anything related to Russia.
Statement from Andrew Zucker, Federal Media Relations Director for "Everytown for Gun Safety."
“Talk about unbelievable. While the NRA dodges important questions about Russian money and its ties to Russia, we learn that the NRA is hosting a Russia-linked company with ties to Putin’s inner circle at this year’s NRA convention. Before the next shoe drops, the NRA should do itself a favor and come clean with the American people on all of its Russia ties.”...
It is all about profit.
If the Las Vegas killer had this insurance he could have free counsel. The idea behind this insurance is that a gun owner could shoot his gun without worrying about the law. The purpose of the insurance is corrupt and it is specifically designed to increase gun profits. "No Guilt Shooting."
So, let me get this right. An NRA member with a one year free membership for purchasing gun liability insurance; shoots someone. The person dies of the bullet wounds. The shooter states it is in self-defense and thought the person was aiming a gun when it was just a cell phone. Basically, oops. The NRA member could be charged with manslaughter since the two people didn't know each other and there is no apparent motive or quite possibly murder.
Enter the court is NRA membership liability insurance, believes the member and covers the bond and all legal fees up to date of release on bail. The NRA has just decided the member is above the law and wrongfully charged. Who decides whether the law applies, prosecutors or the NRA?
Let's just say, the Las Vegas shooter survived and his defense is mental health. He has been a lifelong member of the NRA and has NRA liability insurance. Are mental health issues covered and who decides whether the NRA member walks on bail, the judge whom usually puts it out of reach in a case of death of 58 people or the NRA that guarantees bail for any liability?
It is immoral to issue liability insurance that gives confidence of bail and/or representation and/or any other liability to the person or a family effected by THE gun. It completely lifts the responsibility of the gun owner to act responsibly with a gun. This is about as ludicrous as it gets. And, yes, the NRA will provide for legal representation in order to mitigate their losses.
May 3, 2018
By Andrew G. Simpson
A man (click here) lays on top of a woman as others flee the Route 91 Harvest country music festival grounds after a active shooter was reported the night of October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
So, let me get this right. An NRA member with a one year free membership for purchasing gun liability insurance; shoots someone. The person dies of the bullet wounds. The shooter states it is in self-defense and thought the person was aiming a gun when it was just a cell phone. Basically, oops. The NRA member could be charged with manslaughter since the two people didn't know each other and there is no apparent motive or quite possibly murder.
Enter the court is NRA membership liability insurance, believes the member and covers the bond and all legal fees up to date of release on bail. The NRA has just decided the member is above the law and wrongfully charged. Who decides whether the law applies, prosecutors or the NRA?
Let's just say, the Las Vegas shooter survived and his defense is mental health. He has been a lifelong member of the NRA and has NRA liability insurance. Are mental health issues covered and who decides whether the NRA member walks on bail, the judge whom usually puts it out of reach in a case of death of 58 people or the NRA that guarantees bail for any liability?
It is immoral to issue liability insurance that gives confidence of bail and/or representation and/or any other liability to the person or a family effected by THE gun. It completely lifts the responsibility of the gun owner to act responsibly with a gun. This is about as ludicrous as it gets. And, yes, the NRA will provide for legal representation in order to mitigate their losses.
By Andrew G. Simpson
A man (click here) lays on top of a woman as others flee the Route 91 Harvest country music festival grounds after a active shooter was reported the night of October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Police say at least 58 people were killed, plus the gunman, and nearly 500 hospitalized, making it the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
...The main NRA program of concern (click here) in New York, Carry Guard, is underwritten by Illinois Union Insurance Co., an excess and surplus lines carrier subsidiary of Chubb Ltd. Lockton administered it through its Lockton Affinity subsidiary, which is a licensed excess line broker in New York.
The program provides NRA members with personal liability insurance protection in the event they are charged with a crime after defending themselves with a firearm. The program also includes a safety training program. Those who purchase the program also receive a free one-year NRA membership. The insurance promises to mitigate the financial and legal consequences that might arise from armed encounters, even if the member did everything right.
Carry Guard came in for scrutiny following the mass shooting at Parkland high school in Florida on February 14. Gun safety advocates called for the NRA to stop offering the program and for Chubb and Lockton to withdraw from it. One gun control group has referred to the program as “murder insurance.”
New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) officials determined that some of the coverages themselves and limits are not permissible under the state’s law; that the NRA is not a licensed broker in the state yet Lockton paid the group royalties and profit-sharing; that the tying of the insurance to a free membership valued at more than $25 is illegal; and that Lockton Affinity neglected to obtain the necessary declinations from standard markets on policies placed in the excess and surplus lines market....
May 4, 1970, four unarmed American college students died while protesting the Vietnam War which moved into Cambodia.
Those 17 acres represent the location of the historic events of May 4, 1970, where protesting students, observers and soldiers gathered on that fateful day when the Ohio National Guard shot and killed four students and wounded nine others.
In 2010, the May 4 site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is comprised of 90,000 locations associated with events that contributed significantly to U.S. history. Then in 2016, Kent State’s May 4 site joined a much more select group as it was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Only 2,500 historic places share this national distinction; the May 4 site is one of 76 such locations in Ohio.
As part of the 48th annual May 4 Commemoration, Kent State will formally recognize and celebrate this National Historic Landmark designation during a special dedication ceremony at the Kent Student Center Kiva on Friday, May 4, at 3:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to register online.
Former Ohio Gov. Richard “Dick” Celeste will serve as keynote speaker at the event. Kent State President Beverly J. Warren; Lawrence Pollock, chair of the Kent State University Board of Trustees; and Todd Diacon, Kent State’s executive vice president and provost, will provide remarks at the ceremony.
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