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xtruss · 9 months

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Behind Maui Wildfires: US is Never a Positive Agent in Climate Change Fight

— Anthony Moretti | August 16, 2023

Illustration: Xia Qing/Global Times

Maui, one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth, has been devastated. Horrible fires - exacerbated by increasing temperatures and drought associated with climate change - have turned this paradise into something resembling a war zone. The pictures do not lie.

Fair or not, because climate change showed up in such a brutal way on Maui, a place the rich (and perhaps not so rich) consider one of their playgrounds, the challenge to re-create paradise will be carefully watched. Much like the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, damaged by fire more than four years ago, it has to be repaired perfectly - because global audiences are demanding it - Maui will have to be made perfect, or as close to it, because global eyes are watching.

This is the short-term problem: Make Maui great again. And compared to the long-term problem, it will be the easier one to handle. The more vexing, time-consuming and difficult challenge is combating climate change, and there is legitimate worry across the globe that the US is not committed to addressing it.

Unfortunately, President Joe Biden and his administration are not doing enough to be a force for good as burning wildfires and intense heat continue to define the summer of 2023. Yes, his administration has committed $370 billion to clean energy and other climate-supporting projects, which have also spurred job growth. On top of that, one of the more symbolic, but important, steps the White House recently took was sending climate envoy John Kerry to China. There, he examined with Chinese officials a variety of ways the two countries can ensure a safer climate for decades to come.

Yet, Biden has not used his so-called Bully Pulpit, the power that comes with being president and therefore framing the narrative on specific issues, to spur oil companies to do the right thing. A recent New York Times editorial called out big oil for "prioritizing dividends, share buybacks and continued fossil fuel production over increasing their clean energy investments" as this fact "suggests they are unable or unwilling to power the transition forward." Audiences must ask if those words "unable or unwilling" also apply to the president: Why is he not saying forcefully and often that oil companies must champion newer and cleaner energies? If he will not demand more, then who will? And if he will not do it now, then what will the ramifications be in the years to come?

And remember that there are darker clouds on the horizon. On the one hand, results from a recent Pew Research Center poll indicate Americans are aware of the problems associated with climate change and the opportunities the US could take to address it. However, almost one-in-three respondents still wanted the US to continue investing in what can be described in 20th century energy sources such as oil and coal.

Let's take these somewhat sanitary data and summarize them this way: Should Republicans are given the majority in the House of Representatives and Senate in 2024, the US will not be at the epicenter in the fight for a healthier, greener and sustainable planet.

With Republicans running Washington, the aforementioned climate envoy John Kerry will be sent into retirement. The global community, including organizations such as the United Nations, will be laughed at when it calls on the US to engage in meaningful conversations about the climate.

Not possible? It is definitely possible. Forget for a moment whether Donald Trump is the Republican presidential nominee in 2024. Keep in mind that he maintains a vise-like hold on the party; even if someone else is chosen to challenge President Biden in the general election, no Republican who hopes to maintain his or her political power can stray from Trump's beliefs. And one of those beliefs is that climate change is nonsense.

Despite the overwhelming evidence that climate change is real and is causing havoc across the globe and despite America clinging to an outdated idea that it is a place of "exceptionalism," there is no promise that political elites will lead on the issue. Closely related to this, there is no certainty that the public will rally to the cause. If the world's current No.1 economy draws a conclusion that it can remain in that spot by ignoring climate change, then the world can forget about the US being a positive agent in the fight against climate change.

— The author is an Associate Professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University.

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dontmean2bepoliticalbut · 2 years

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intersectionalpraxis · 2 months

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charlesoberonn · 6 months

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So just today there were two different physical altercations in the US congress (both by Republicans because of course)

You doing okay, America? (rhetorical)

#politics #us politics #american congress #congress #house of representatives #kevin mccarthy #us senate

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vaguelyaperson · 5 months

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Bruh why does it feel like I'm the only one pointing out that primary elections are a thing?

We were all so gungho about primaries and nearly got Bernie to the general election, but then y'all seemed to abandon the concept when we got Joe instead. Don't you fuckin see??? Bernie's near victory in the primaries is WHY the Dems (under Biden) have been so progressive lately about student loans, unions, ect. It's because the Democrats are aware there's a large voting bloc that won't support them unless they have progressive policies.

Y'all can do that again in the 2024 primaries!!!

(I'm currently compiling a list) but there are a number of Democrat pro-Israel incumbent House and Senate reps up against better Democrat candidates in the 2024 spring primaries.

One example race is for California Senator; former House Rep Barbara Lee is running, and she has been among the few 18 House reps to cosponsor a bill for ceasefire. If you vote in the primaries, you could have 🍉 Barbara Lee as your Democrat Senator on the November ticket! 🍉

You can vote against the guys who let 10k+ people die without voting Republican or giving up your vote altogether.

Come the general election, we vote Democrat no matter what, because it is leagues better than the alternative.

But in the meantime: primaries, primaries, PRIMARIES

#us politics #us elections #2024 elections #2024 presidential election #us senate #us house of representatives #primary elections #🍉🍉🍉#ceasefire #free gaza #palestine #student loans #pro union #labor rights #starbucks boycott #eat the rich

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blackgirlsreverything · 1 year

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#speaker of the house #us congress #us govt #republicans #democrats #us senate #house of representatives

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justinspoliticalcorner · 4 days

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Jaclyn Lee, Libby Cathey, Isabella Murray, Mike Pappano, and Gina Sunseri at ABC News:

Three Republicans on Wednesday joined Democrats in the Arizona House to vote to repeal the state's controversial 1864 ban on nearly all abortions, which was revived by a court ruling earlier this month and which only includes exceptions to save the life of the pregnant woman.

The final vote was 32-28. "I've known for a while that the votes were there, it just takes a lot of fortitude, a lot of spine," Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, who sponsored the bill, told ABC News' Jaclyn Lee. Hamilton said she had several phone conversations with Republicans the night before the vote and while she would not divulge the details of those conversations, she said it made her cautiously optimistic. "The eyes of the world were watching Arizona, and that's not hyperbole, and so these are decisions that we need to make for people and if you were able to talk to folks in these districts, you would find that this is an issue where they are showing up and representing the people in their district, which is what they were elected to do," Hamilton said. The bill now heads to the state Senate where it could be taken up next week.

[...] The Senate on Wednesday separately conducted a second read of its own abortion ban repeal bill, without objection, setting up a parallel vote -- though that is likely moot now because the House bill has been approved. Two Republican senators have already said they will support the repeal effort, signaling the House bill should pass that chamber and then go to Gov. Katie Hobbs' desk to be signed into law. The repeal of the abortion ban would then take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, which must be before June 30.

[...] But leading conservatives like Trump, former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Senate candidate Kari Lake have touted their general support for abortion restrictions while saying they don't back the 1864 ban.

On Wednesday, the Arizona House of Representatives voted 32-28 to repeal the 1864 near-total abortion ban. 3 Republicans crossed over to vote to repeal, along with all Democrats.

Next stop: the State Senate and then Gov. Katie Hobbs (D)'s desk.

See Also:

The Guardian: Arizona house votes to repeal state’s near-total ban on abortion

#Arizona #Abortion Bans #Abortion #Anti Abortion Extremism #Arizona House of Representatives #Arizona State Senate #Katie Hobbs #Arizona HB2677

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eddo-tensei · 1 year

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STOP THE RESTRICT ACT/TIKTOK BAN BILL

I don't normally post about this stuff, but I feel like this needs to be said or else, everything we know could be utterly eradicated in the name of "security".

For anyone in the know, you're probably aware that the US Government had been trying to either restrict or even ban TikTok. Well, they've crafted a full bill for it and...well...it's even worse than anyone could imagine.

Bill S. 686, otherwise known as the RESTRICT Act, essentially enables the government to look into anything that could access the internet and I do mean ANYTHING. Computers, phones, TVs, tablets, video game consoles, appliances, modems, even things like your Ring light.

More shockingly, it could also criminalize the use of VPNs and if you're caught doing that or breaking any part of the bill, you could have your property seized, be fined for $1M, and even face jail time for up to 20 YEARS. And this could be used for anything, not just TikTok. If the government sees it fit to block any foreign platform, they will not only make it happen, but they could punish anyone who dares to access these sites no matter the reason.

This bill has only just been introduced in the Senate, but there's no point in waiting. For anyone who needs to know what to do, it's a given that you should call up your senators and representatives. However, I feel like we need to take more urgent action. Currently, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee for Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Here's the list of all the committee members. Please call them or email them. For the sake of it, I'll give everyone a script of sorts to base your statements on.

"Hello [Name of Senator/Representative/Committee member you're calling here],

My name is [Your name]. I am a constituent of the US and I am calling to tell you that you need to oppose Bill S. 686 AKA the RESTRICT Act for it does not sufficiently address the problem it was written for, being the issues with TikTok, and is instead written in a way that could irreparably damage our right to privacy and freedom of expression online.

The government should not be given unfettered access to everyone's devices to ensure the ban of an app. There are other safer ways for Congress to address the privacy issues with TikTok and other apps like it that should be considered.

In any case, if you wish to keep my support for you as a politician, I implore you to reconsider the bill in its current form for it could violate not only my First Amendment rights, but also my Fourth Amendment rights. It is extremely unreasonable for the government to look through everyone's devices just to block an app and people should not be subjected to mass surveillance of this scale. I understand that you wish to keep your citizens safe, but please consider other options.

Do NOT support the RESTRICT Act. Please value the privacy and freedom of your citizens by voting NO on Bill S. 686."

#psa #united states #usa #us congress #tiktok #tiktok ban #privacy #internet safety #online safety #online privacy #us senate #us government #us govt #us house of representatives #restrict act

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congressarchives · 3 months

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Retiring Account

We are no longer actively updating this account. For updates from the Center for Legislative Archives, please visit https://www.archives.gov/legislative.

Follow other @USNatArchives social media accounts: https://www.archives.gov/social-media

#us national archives #history #us congress #us house of representatives #us senate #congress

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tomorrowusa · 23 days

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Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX-32) is the Democrat running against Sen. Ted "Cancún" Cruz for US Senate this year.

Rep. Allred visited The Daily Show to talk with Desi Lydic this week.

In addition to reminding viewers of what an embarrassment Cruz is, he talked about Texas Republicans' war against reproductive freedom.

It was mentioned in the conversation that Rep. Allred was the first House member ever to take paternity leave.

He also repeated his support for a two-state solution regarding Israel-Palestine. That position has now become standard among Democrats.

For anybody who would like to help Colin Allred defeat Ted Cruz...

Colin Allred for Senate

BONUS TRACK: Remember when Donald Trump was calling Allred's opponent "Lyin' Ted"? It's now ironic in this clip from 2016 that Trump was making fun of Cruz for waving a Bible around.

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#colin allred #tx-32 #us house of representatives #us senate election #texas #abortion #texas gop abortion restrictions #reproductive freedom #ted cruz #“cancún” cruz #election 2024 #lyin' ted #donald trump #vote blue no matter who #desi lydic #the daily show #Youtube

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dontmean2bepoliticalbut · 7 months

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#us politics #republicans #conservatives #twitter #tweet #x #2023 #steven rattner #jake sherman #rep. kevin McCarthy #government shutdown #us house of representatives #us senate #stopgap funding bill

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logophile-18 · 5 months

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If you live in the USA.

North Carolina - Alma Adams, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nydia Velazquez, Valerie Foushee

New York - Jamaal Bowman

Missouri - Cori Bush, Emanuel Cleaver

Indiana- André Carson

Texas - Greg Casar, Joaquin Castro, Veronica Escobar, Al Green, Lloyd Doggett

Florida - Maxwell Alejandro Frost

Illinois - Jesús "Chuy" Garcia, Johnathon Jackson, Delia Ramirez, Jan Schakowsky, Lauren Underwood, Sen. Richard Dubin

Washington - Pramila Jayapal

California - Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters, Mark DeSaulnier, John Garamendi, Robert Garcia, Sara Jacobs, Jared Huffman, Judy Chu, Ro Khanna, Tony Cárdenas

Pennsylvania - Summer Lee, Mary Gay Scanlan

Minnesota - Ilhan Omar, Betty McCollum, Dean Phillips

Massachusetts - Ayanna Pressley, James McGovern, Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Michigan - Rashida Tlaib, Debbie Dingell, Daniel Kildee

New Jersey - Bonnie Watson Coleman, Donald Payne Jr.

Wisconsin - Mark Pocan

Maryland - Kewisi Fume, Jamie Raskin

Virginia - Donald Beyer, Jennifer Weston

Arizona- Raul Grijalva

Georgia- Henry "Hank" Johnson, Nike Williams, Sanford Bishop Jr.

Vermont - Becca Balint, Sen. Peter Welch

New Mexico - Gabe Vasquez

Louisiana - Troy Carter

Mississippi - Bennie Thompson

Alabama - Terri Sewell

Colorado - Diana DeGette

Oregon - Sen. Jeffery Merkley

This is a list of all the senators and represenatives (61 as of December 7th) that have voted against Biden's campaign of giving the Israeli people more weapons to fight innocent Palestinians.

A big old thank you for these sensible people, doing what they can. A ceasefire is the bare minimum.

#house of representatives #senate #free gaza #free palestine #save palestine #palestine

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tortoisewithoutashell · 5 months

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I urge you to apply pressure on our government. Please download the 5 calls app! They connect you your representatives. If you’re not sure what to say, don’t worry, they give you a script that you can follow! Call everyday! If they don’t pick up leave a voicemail! We need an immediate ceasefire!!

#free palestine #palestine #free gaza #from the river to the sea palestine will be free #israel #gaza #gaza strip #justice for palestine #freedom for palestine #is not real #congress #house of representatives #Senators #ceasefire now #ceasefire

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solacedeer · 2 months

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Can we talk about how sad it is that we’re sharing Call Scripts on how to Talk to our representatives?? Like this country is a joke, Its not enough to say “As your constituent I do not agree with this Bill being passed,” and its tallied down. We have to convince them that their Political Opponents will be using the bill against them in order for them to care

#america #usa #usa news #us politics #senate #house of representatives #vent #kosa bill #stop kosa #Kosa

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justinspoliticalcorner · 8 days

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Maya Yang at The Guardian:

The House of Representatives voted 360 to 58 on the updated divest-or-ban bill that could lead to the first time ever that the US government has passed a law to shut down an entire social media platform.

The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week and Joe Biden has said he will sign the legislation.

“This bill protects Americans and especially America’s children from the malign influence of Chinese propaganda on the app TikTok. This app is a spy balloon in Americans’ phones,” said Texas Republican representative Michael McCaul, author of the bill, Bloomberg reports. The updated TikTok bill comes as part of House Republican speaker Mike Johnson’s foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The passage of the updated version of the bill came after Maria Cantwell, the Senate commerce committee chair, urged the House in March to revise the bill’s details, which now extends TikTok’s parent company ByteDance’s divestment period from six months to a year. In a statement released on Tuesday, Cantwell said: “As I’ve said, extending the divestment period is necessary to ensure there is enough time for a new buyer to get a deal done. I support this updated legislation.” Critics of the popular social media app argue that ByteDance, which is based in China, could collect user data and censor content that is critical of the Chinese government. In March, Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, warned in a House intelligence committee hearing that China could use TikTok to influence the US’s 2024 presidential elections.

What a disgrace: The US House passes 360-58 a bill to ban TikTok if there is no divesture within 9 months (extendable by the President to a year) from ByteDance. This bill likely will head to the Senate next and then President Biden's desk. #TikTokBan

#TikTok Ban #TikTok #US House of Representatives #118th Congress #US Senate #Joe Biden #Social Media #ByteDance

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dontmeantobepoliticalbut · 1 year

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Sen. Bernie Sanders said late Tuesday night that it was time to "put up or shut up" for any U.S. lawmaker who claims to fight for the working class as he and other progressives in Congress vowed to insert paid sick leave into a labor agreement between railway workers and the nation's rail companies.

With a vote in the U.S. House as early as Wednesday morning, Sanders was asked by MSNBC host Chris Hayes whether Congress has the authority to mandate that sick leave—the final key demand of railway workers unions who have battling the carriers for months—be added to the deal that congressional lawmakers have been asked by President Joe Biden to force through as a way to avert a strike by the workers that would have huge impacts on the national economy.

"Congress has the power to come up with an agreement in order to protect the economy," said Sanders. While he said that he doesn't know anybody who wants a strike—and acknowledged that such a work stoppage would hurt the broader economy—Sanders said the "bottom line" in this fight is quite clear.

"The bottom line," said Sanders, "is that the American people and workers throughout this country are profoundly disgusted by the kind of corporate greed that we are seeing. Everybody knows that billionaires are getting richer, working people are struggling, corporate profits are at an all-time high, and they're making goods unaffordable for ordinary Americans—that's the overall reality. And what you're seeing in the rail industry is that phenomenon in spades."

Citing statistics that show the major rail carriers have made an estimated $21 billion in profits over the last three quarters, another $25 billion in stock buybacks to enrich their wealthy investors, and multi-million dollar salaries to top executives, Sanders slammed the fact that the railway workers themselves "have zero—underline zero—guaranteed sick leave."

Watch the full interview:

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On Tuesday night, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) introduced an amendment in the House that would add seven paid sick days to the labor contract proposal that was negotiated with the assistance of the White House earlier this year, but subsequently rejected by a number of the railway unions for lack of sick leave. With the strike deadline looming, Biden on Monday angered many rank-and-file union members and outside progressives by asking Congress to force through the previous contract deal without pushing for the inclusion of sick leave.

While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday backed Biden's call to push through a vote on the contract "with no poison pills or changes to the negotiated terms," but in a Dear Colleague letter issued Tuesday evening she adjusted that course by indicating that two votes would be held, explaining to members:

• First, we will consider the strike-averting legislation to adopt the Tentative Agreement, as negotiated by the railroad companies and labor leaders.

• Next, we will have a separate, up-or-down vote to add seven days of paid sick leave for railroaders to the Tentative Agreement.

• Then, we will send this package to the Senate, which will then go directly to President Biden for signature.

With Sanders vowing to fight for the same kind of inclusion in the Senate, reporting from Capitol Hill indicated that there may be enough Republican support for adding the paid sick leave to bypass the 60-vote threshold and overcome a filibuster in the upper chamber.

Asked if he thought he could get the ten necessary votes from the GOP in the Senate, Sanders said, "Well, who knows?" as he mentioned that Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), the party caucus' whip, has indicated "significant" support for the amendment among Republicans.

"Look, you have a number of Republicans who claim—claim—to be supporters of the working class," he added. "Well, if you are a supporter of the working class how are you going to vote against the proposal which provides guaranteed paid sick leave to workers who have none right now? So I am cautiously optimistic that we can get this done."

Asked by Hayes if this represents a "put your money where your mouth is" moment for a Republican Party that has tried to claim the mantle of being the authentic blue-collar party, Sanders nodded in agreement.

"Put up or shut up," said Sanders. "If you can't vote for this, to give workers today—who really have hard jobs, dangerous jobs—if you can't give them paid sick leave, don't tell anybody that you stand with working families."

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