There is an enormous differences of wealth and income distribution in the USA and it places out in Republican States.

November 3, 2017

K. Araujo

On Oct. 23, 12 Oakland County, Mich., (click here) communities spent roughly nine days without water after a major water main break. Almost 305,000 people were affected by the break.

Oakland County and the Great Lakes Water Authority worked nearly around the clock to ensure that the residents in those communities had safe, potable water. Water stations in various communities were set up. Businesses and residences alike were given access to the scarce commodity.

They even provided water to flush toilets. Let me repeat that: They were given water to flush their toilets. Of course, people had to bring their own containers, but at least people had access to clean, safe water for plumbing and drinking. All of these efforts are impressive, right? This is a fantastic example of how government officials should respond when a water crisis occurs.

It directly affected my mother, and as a native Detroiter and former resident of Oakland County, I should’ve been ecstatic to hear how well this situation was handled. So what’s the issue, you ask?

Residents in the Genesee County city of Flint, Mich., have been without potable, usable water since 2014. Government officials—locally and statewide—blatantly lied about the water supply being safe for human consumption. Fertilizers, pesticides, built-up bacteria and lead have contaminated the Flint River (the city’s primary source) for decades. Their half-assed attempt to “clean up the water” never ensured that the city’s folks would remain healthy.

It’s been three whole years, and citizens still can’t drink the water. Water stations were set up (some years later), and as of this past summer, many of the stations were closed following Flint’s lead levels being under the federal limit. Why is there such a disparity between Oakland County and Genesee County in their response to each crisis?

Race and class....

September 19, 2017

By Julia Mack

Flint has the nation's highest poverty rate (click here) among U.S. cities with at least 65,000 residents, according to 2016 data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Detroit was No. 4 on the list, after Bloomington, Ind., and Reading, Pa.

The Census released its estimate of 2016 poverty rates last week for 599 municipalities with a population of at least 65,000....

Oakland County, Michigan has the four highest income cities in the state:

1. West Bloomfield Township (Oakland County): $101,573 (click here)

Population: 65,210
Median household income: $101,573
Median family income: $117,616
Poverty rate: 7%
Poverty for children: 10%
% adults with bachelor's degree: 60%
% population non-Hispanic white: 75%

2. Troy (Oakland County): $95,975

Population: 83,392
Median household income: $95,975
Median family income: $116,513
Poverty rate: 4%
Poverty for children: 5%
% adults with bachelor's degree: 58%
% population non-Hispanic white: 78%

5. Rochester Hills (Oakland County): $81,195

Population: 72,263
Median household income: $81,195
Median family income: $100,647
Poverty rate: 6%
Poverty for children: 6%
% adults with bachelor's degree: 57%
% population non-Hispanic white: 69%

8. Farmington Hills (Oakland County): $71,100

Population: 80,817
Median household income: $71,100
Median family income: $101,525
Poverty rate: 9%
Poverty for children: 14%
% adults with bachelor's degree: 53%
% population non-Hispanic white: 66%

Poorest Cities in the USA. I might add all these cities have Republican Governors.

1. Flint, Michigan

2. Bloomington, Indiana

3. Reading, Pennsylvania

4. Detroit, Michigan

Flint households never receive an annual income higher than $36,689 according to the US Census.

          

Household Income and Average Income in Flint

Median Income Under 25	$16,102
Median Income 25-44	$27,941
Median Income 45-64	$36,689
Median Income Over 65	$35,376

Income distribution dictates whether families have resources to avoid water poisoning.

We already have witnessed in Puerto Rico the willingness of the impoverished and abandoned in accepting polluted and contaminated drinking water. The deeper the desperation felt by a person, the more likely self-preservation is abandoned.

October 30, 2017
By Ron Fonger

Flint, MI -- Seventy-one water systems in Michigan (click here) now have higher lead levels than the city of Flint, results of the most recent federally-required testing shows.

Water sampling in Flint from January through June showed the city's 90th percentile for lead was at 7 parts per billion, far better than the last six months of 2016, but still higher than 92.6 percent of the 1,333 water systems regulated by the state Department of Environmental Quality.

In the first six months of this year, 71 water systems had higher concentrations of lead than Flint. Just 24 systems had more lead than the city in the second half of 2016.

Only two private water systems in the state -- Island Lake Apartments in Livingston County and Knorrwood Knolls Subdivision in Oakland County -- had at least 10 percent of water samples from high-risk sites exceed 15 ppb in testing this year, the federal threshold for lead....

No alternative explanation.

...The gas being flared (click here) as a byproduct of a rush of oil drilling releases roughly six million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year, roughly equivalent to three medium-sized coal plants. Because of a lack of gas-gathering lines connecting oil wells to processing plants, nearly 30 percent of the gas flowing out of the wells has been burned as waste in recent months....

November 3, 2017
By Chris Mooney, Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis

The Trump administration (click here) released a dire scientific report Friday detailing the growing threats of climate change. The report stands in stark contrast to the administration’s efforts to downplay humans’ role in global warming, withdraw from an international climate accord and reverse Obama-era policies aimed at curbing America’s greenhouse-gas output.

The White House did not seek to prevent the release of the government’s National Climate Assessment, which is mandated by law, despite the fact that its findings sharply contradict the administration’s policies. The report affirms that climate change is driven almost entirely by human action, warns of potential sea level rise as high as 8 feet by the year 2100, and enumerates myriad climate-related damages across the United States that are already occurring due to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit of global warming since 1900.

“It is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century,” the document reports. “For the warming over the last century, there is no convincing alternative explanation supported by the extent of the observational evidence.”...

2015 was a catastrophic year for oil train explosions. (click here) Since, then the incidents have slowed. I can only believe the change in rail safety actually mattered.

May 1, 2015

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx (click here) today announced a final rule for the safe transportation of flammable liquids by rail. The final rule, developed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in coordination with Canada, focuses on safety improvements that are designed to prevent accidents, mitigate consequences in the event of an accident, and support emergency response.

The rule:

1. Unveils a new, enhanced tank car standard and an aggressive, risk-based retrofitting schedule for older tank cars carrying crude oil and ethanol;
2. Requires a new braking standard for certain trains that will offer a superior level of safety by potentially reducing the severity of an accident, and  the “pile-up effect”;
3. Designates new operational protocols for trains transporting large volumes of flammable liquids, such as routing requirements, speed restrictions, and information for local government agencies; and
4. Provides new sampling and testing requirements to improve classification of energy products placed into transport.

Canada’s Minister of Transport, Lisa Raitt, joined Secretary Foxx to announce Canada’s new tank car standards, which align with the U.S. standard....

Self-righteous, Rick Perry; he must be fundraising. He is also incorrect, fossil fuel lighting is not a positive force for change. Wind energy does not harm to Earth's troposphere and works even during the night.

When Keith Smith was 14 years old, (click here) he was abducted, beaten and raped by a stranger in the woods in his hometown. He reported the assault to the police, and the perpetrator was arrested. Keith testified in front of a grand jury and the perpetrator was indicted—but the the man responsible never stood trial. Before the trial date, the perpetrator was beaten to death by unknown assailants.

The experience haunted Keith, and he remained silent about the assault for the next 35 years. “I was afraid of what people would think. I was ashamed that a man sexually assaulted me…that I didn't fight hard enough.” Men and boys may experience the same effects of sexual assault as other survivors, and they can experience additional challenges due to social norms about masculinity....

"Men in My Town" (click here) is the book written by Keith Smith. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline - Free to Callers (click here)

The hotline is sponsored by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. 

Washington – September 12, 2017 – RAINN, (click here) the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, has developed an online tool to help colleges choose the right sexual assault prevention program for their campuses. The Prevention Navigator provides a forum for college administrators and students to anonymously identify and provide feedback about sexual assault prevention programs in which they have participated.

The Prevention Navigator is designed to to help colleges make a more informed choice when selecting the best sexual assault prevention program for their institution. It allows students and administrators to share their experiences and rate sexual assault prevention programs at their universities....

The Tillerson State Department is failing journalists abroad.

"Reporters Without Borders" (click here) is unable to carry out it's mission without a fully staffed US State Department.

Unions are important to any Middle Class, but, the free practice of journalism is vital to human rights and democratic principles.

October 30, 2017
By Murat Yetkin

The Istanbul 27th Criminal Court (click here) is due to hold another hearing in the trial of four members of the center-left Cumhuriyet newspaper on Oct. 31.

On Oct. 30, 365 signatories - representing the 365 days since the Cumhuriyet arrests started - were publicized for the release of editor-in-chief Murat Sabuncu, prominent investigative reporter Ahmet Şık, Cumhuriyet Foundation head Akın Atalay, Emre İper and other journalists, writers and media employees currently in Turkish jails.

According to the Turkish Journalists’ Association (TGC), as of Oct. 24 - when journalist Murat Aksoy was released after spending more than a year in jail the number of imprisoned media workers under arrest in jail stood at 153.

The main accusation from the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office against Cumhuriyet is its report from January 2014, describing a gendarmerie operation near the border with Syria against Turkish National Intelligence Agency (MİT) trucks allegedly carrying military material to rebels in Syria. The story was actually a version of earlier reports that were later placed under legal restriction, but it did add new details....

Turkey is currently jailing 12 journalists.

October 30, 2017

More than 300 Turkish intellectuals, (click here) including academics, authors, journalists and doctors declared on Oct. 29 that they have signed a petition demanding the release of jailed daily Cumhuriyet journalists, who will appear before a judge for a fourth hearing on Oct. 31.

“The text presented as ‘an indictment’ is far from demonstrating concrete evidence and violates the principles of crime and punishment, as it undermines the concept of ‘legal security’ in the country,” the statement regarding the arrest of four daily Cumhuriyet journalists read, addressed by Istanbul Bar Association Chair Mehmet Durakoğlu.

“We demand the freedom and release of all journalists, including daily Cumhuriyet employees, who have been subjected to illegal prosecution processes on the basis of doing their jobs—which is journalism,” Durakoğlu said.

In a press conference in Istanbul, the intellectuals declared they stand together for the release of editor-in-chief Murat Sabuncu, reporter Ahmet Şık, Akın Atalay and Emre İper –who have been jailed for 365 days in the case.

The union includes famous names, such as singer Sezen Aksu, photographer Ara Güler and actress Müjde Ar, as well as renowned journalists, such as Fehim Taştekin, İsmail Saymaz and Nevşin Mengü....

26 April 2017

Press freedom (click here) has never been as threatened as it is now, in the "new post-truth era of fake news", strongmen and propaganda, Reporters Without Borders said.

Its annual World Press Freedom Index, published on Wednesday, warned of a "tipping point" for journalism.

"Attacks on the media have become commonplace and strongmen are on the rise. We have reached the age of post-truth, propaganda, and suppression of freedoms - especially in democracies," the report said.

"Media freedom has never been so threatened."...

November 2, 2017
By Shahira Amin

A campaign launched by the Egyptian government (click here) to promote the World Youth Forum scheduled for Nov. 4-10 at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh appears to have backfired after internet activists hijacked the conference hashtag #WeNeedToTalk to highlight human rights abuses in the country under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s regime.

The conference’s organizers had hoped the hashtag would encourage interaction among the participants ahead of the forum and promote Egypt as a safe tourist destination. Instead, the activists posted images of security forces assaulting and arresting youths at protest sites and shared portraits of jailed journalists, activists and others who have allegedly been tortured or forcibly disappeared.

“#WeNeedToTalk about forced disappearances,” Amr Bakly, the director of the Cairo Liberal Forum, an Egyptian nongovernmental organization working to spread liberal values and culture among Egyptian youths, posted on Twitter....

November 1, 2017

An opposition politician and critic (click here) of Cameroon president Paul Biya has been jailed by a military court in a trial human rights group, Amnesty international, described as “unfair and deeply flawed.”

Aboubakary Siddiki is to serve 25 years behind bars after the military court in Yaounde found him guilty of charges including hostility against the homeland, revolution and contempt of the President.

Siddiki who is president of ‘Mouvement patriotique du salut camerounais’ – the main opposition party in northern Cameroon was arrested in August 2014 along with one Abdoulaye Harrisou – a well known notary....

Where is the American Baptist Convention to hire lawyers and advocate for other pastors abroad?

October 3, 2017

Two assistant pastors arrested by the Burma (Myanmar) (click here) army last December were sentenced to prison on Friday (Oct. 27) on false charges of unlawful association, defaming the military and spying, sources said.

Pastor Dom Dawng Nawng Latt, 65, received a prison term of four years and three months, and fellow pastor La Jaw Gam Hseng, 35, received two years and three months, according to sources present in court in Lashio town, in Shan state.

The two ethnic Kachin pastors, members of the Kachin Baptist Convention, were charged under the Unlawful Association Act for alleged connections with an ethnic armed group, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), and allegedly spying for it. Nawng Latt was prosecuted under a defamation statute. They deny the charges, which colleagues say are baseless.

Nawn Latt received the additional two years under the defamation charge as the military accused him of criticizing the army while speaking to media.

Pastor Zau Ra, secretary of the Kachin Baptist Convention in Mong Maung town, Shan state, told Morning Star News the two pastors were likely arrested and charged for speaking to media and helping local journalists cover army attacks on a Catholic church building, schools and houses in Shan state in November 2016....

The Democratic leadership is important. They need to have a PAC as well as providing a fundraiser to the DNC.

They are standing up for Americans against big money that wants more money and power. The American people need to invest in the party that gives a damn.

DNC should be providing full disclosure of income and where the monies are being spent. Voters need confidence. My guess is the voter is going to first complain about salaries the party pays to their employees. The DNC has to compete for employees no different than any other major organization. Discuss the reality of the world today and allow suggestions to be real IF it solves problems.

The DNC also should tap retired members for assistance in fundraising. The voice of unions need to be loud and clear, the Middle Class needs them. Ask the unions to carry out fundraising. The unions donate but could run independent fundraisers. There is no alternative for the DNC, they have to include unions in their identity, the Middle Class dies without them. The Democrats were on the House and Senate floor during the Janis hearing. They should consider submitting "a-friend-of-the-court" document regarding Janis.

When the DNC begins to have full partnership with it's candidates the organization will finally take on the issues of the people. They hae to represent the people.

THE TRUMP TAX CUT, "IS REALLY ANTI-SENIORS!" That needs to be a motto for the DNC.

Therefore, what?

The DNC entered into a contract for money. Where was full disclosure? The problem isn't Clinton, the problem is the DNC never fully disclosed their finances with sources and what the contracts stated. I don't blame Clinton for exerting control, look what she had to work with.

November 2, 2017
By Donna Brazile

...So I followed the money. (click here) My predecessor, Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, had not been the most active chair in fundraising at a time when President Barack Obama’s neglect had left the party in significant debt. As Hillary’s campaign gained momentum, she resolved the party’s debt and put it on a starvation diet. It had become dependent on her campaign for survival, for which she expected to wield control of its operations....

What is Perez doing for fundraising? I think the DNC needs leadership that can find the funding it can count on. Every Democrat in the party currently in office should be investing in the organization's treasury. If every Democrat in office carried out a fundraiser the problem should be solved. The PACs did this to them. The individual took control of their own interests and funding.

Get for real. If a single source, ie: Hillary Clinton, bailed out the DNC while running for office, they have rights to ensure their money is spent responsibly. I think Clinton was generous to a fault. I really am tired of people dumping on a very qualified woman to be in government and dedicated to the USA.

I am tired of hearing this after the fact. Hillary was generous and the DNC never solved their problems. I am impressed she had the funds to invest in the DNC. She obviously didn't want the down-ballot to suffer because no one cared about them enough to carry out significant fundraising.

This isn't about Bernie, it is about the DNC and it's failure to sustain the treasury it needed. Did Bernie do a fundraiser for them? 

I am sorry Donna Brazile inherited a disaster, but, don't blame Hillary for it's bailout. Clinton has a thankless career. She really does. It is the DNC that is the issue and I suggest fundraising should be solicited from it's members. Soon. President Obama should be holding at least one fundraiser in an interest in the party.