Poet, Artist and Philosopher: Post No. 151: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 3

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Post No. 151: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 3

WARNING: THIS POST HAS CONTENT THAT MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!

THIS POST IS A CONTINUATION OF THE BLOG POST TITLED, "I AM NO LONGER BEING AN ACTIVIST IN THE SAME WAY THAT I WAS, PART 2" (WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS POST NO. 150). AND IT HAS ALL OF THE UPDATES WRITTEN FROM AUGUST 2023 TO OCTOBER 2023

I Am No Longer Being An Activist
In The Same Way That I Was, Part 3

Due to being stressed out—and until further notice—I am no longer being an 'Online Activist' in the same way that I was before, which includes no longer signing petitions from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations, as well as no longer making donations to political, social, environmental and charitable causes the same way that I was in the past. (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS.) And so, I am consciously choosing to not engage in any 'activism,' however, I am still planning to exercise my 'civic duty' by voting in upcoming elections.

Below, please find relevant quotes from a series of 'updates' that highlight the most important changes to my current activism, which are titled as follows:

▪ [A Quote From My] March 7th, 2017 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] November 5th, 2018 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] September 16th, 2021 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] November 10th, 2021 Update, Written On November 11th, 2021

▪ [A Quote From My] March 13th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] March 16th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] March 17th, 2022 Update, Which Also Discusses March 16th, 2022

▪ [A Quote From My] April 3rd, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] April 12th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued Further, Written On June 17th, 2022

▪ [A Quote From My] June 17th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022

▪ [A Quote From My] July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On July 27th, 2022)

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2023 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2023 Update—Continued

▪ [A Quote From My] November 6th, 2024 Update No. 1

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[A Quote From My] March 7th, 2017 Update: "This update is a follow-up to my 'November 2nd, 2016 Update,' where I explained, in part, that I am no longer being an 'Online Activist' in the same way that I was before, which includes no longer signing petitions from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations, as well as no longer making donations to political, social, environmental and charitable causes the same way that I was in the past. I wanted to clarify the fact that I do still donate to homeless folks where I live, as a way of giving 'alms to the poor.' And I also donate to charitable organizations that are fundraising through local stores at which I shop, as well as to charities that may be fundraising on the street. Besides that, I also sometimes donate to charities that send me 'free gifts enclosed' (such as calendars, greeting cards, key chains, etc.) when they are asking for a donation. Thus, I occasionally utilize one of those 'free gifts enclosed,' and so I send them a donation if I do!"

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[A Quote From My] November 5th, 2018 Update: "I wanted to explain to you the way that I have changed how I vote! And, in order to explain how I changed, please let me quote myself—specifically from my July 1st, 2012 post titled, 'For the Year 2012 — My Posting Sabbatical, Part 2,' which is published on my 'Small All White in the Forest' and 'Poet, Artist and Philosopher' blogs:

My Writing About How I Vote: When I vote, I typically consider the recommendations of various organizations, news publications, as well as election 'political mailers' and, then, I decide whose recommendations for, or against, each candidate or ballot measure make the most sense. Plus, I usually always vote for Democrats. And that's how democracy rolls in this house! –Paul Whiting (written October 28th, 2012 and revised November 8th, 2022)

Now, that quote still applies to how I vote; however, in 2018, I decided to not just read voter recommendations of 'various organizations, news publications, as well as election 'political mailers.'' Instead, I read news publications during the entire year. And, in that way, I can be a more informed voter, as well as a more informed citizen, throughout the year! And, thusly, when it comes to voting on Election Day, I have spent the entire year preparing to vote and have not been preparing only when it's time to vote. And, just to clarify, for some publications, I still only read their voter recommendation editions when I am preparing to vote."

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[A Quote From My] September 16th, 2021 Update: "I wanted to let you know that I have started subscribing to news organizations, which I can afford given my monthly spending budget (the reader should know that I am HIV-positive and that I have full-blown AIDS; plus, I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited), since I have a smart phone again, after years of only having a feature phone.

So, I subscribe to the news organizations whose news articles I read the most, based upon Google news searches that I do in order to keep up with the news! Thus, I scan the titles of the most popular articles and then I read the articles that I feel are the most relevant.

And I am reading news organizations' articles during the entire year, so that I can be a more informed voter, as well as a more informed citizen, which is how I am being an activist these days along with how I spend my money.

You see, I figured out that 'putting my money where my mouth is'—in terms of being a 'Conscious Consumer,' who is aware of how my spending habits affect the entire planet and all of its inhabitants—is the best way for me to be an activist, in addition to keeping up with the news and making sure that I vote!"

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[A Quote From My] November 10th, 2021 Update, Written On November 11th, 2021: "I signed up on Charity Navigator to make donations for holidays, special occasions, or current issues, to highly-rated charities..."

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[A Quote From My] March 13th, 2022 Update: "I have started donating to Democrats on a regular basis again, because I recently signed a petition regarding saving the United States Postal Service and then I made a political donation! And that's basically the first political petition that I have signed and/or political donation that I have made since around November of 2016.

You see, I am a 'Democratic Activist!' And I think that the Republicans know who I am—and they DO NOT like me—which is basically why I stopped signing political petitions and/or making political donations right before the November 2016 Election, when I created this 'I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was' post on my 'Poet, Artist and Philosopher' blog.

Thus, I was afraid that the Republicans might retaliate against me in some way, depending upon what type of activism I was engaged in, if they were in control of both Congress and the White House. And I also feared that once the Republicans won Congress and the White House that they would try to turn America into an oligarchy!

And, after the January 6th, 2021 Capitol Attack, my fears were confirmed. [Or, it was the January 6th, *1776* 'normal tourist group'; or, the insurrectionists that attacked the Capitol Complex—in order to stop the certification of Joe Biden's win—were really 'Antifa' protestors; or, they were Black Lives Matter protestors; or, they were paid actors and actresses; or, in all actuality, they were incited by ('Gasp!') the FBI. Regardless, however, it was clearly 'a false flag operation' designed to make President Donald J. Trump 'look bad'—like he needs any assistance doing that!]

Therefore, I am trying to stay informed about what is happening in politics again, especially due to the upcoming 2022 Midterm Elections. So, I am trying to help Democrats win, because I am greatly concerned about the Republicans retaking both the House and Senate of Congress, and eventually retaking the White House, since Republicans are acting like Radical Christian Terrorists!"

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[A Quote From My] March 16th, 2022 Update: "I made charitable donations today, March 16th, 2022, to multiple charitable organizations via Charity Navigator for the 'Crisis in Ukraine' after I watched three videos on YouTube titled, 'Zelenskyy: Peace Talks Between Ukraine And Russia 'Sound More Realistic'' and 'Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers virtual address to the U.S. Congress — 3/16/22,' in addition to 'Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Calls For Assistance In Virtual Address to Congress.' For, I am greatly concerned about this act of war against Ukraine!"

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[A Quote From My] March 17th, 2022 Update, Which Also Discusses March 16th, 2022: "I made a donation today, March 17th, 2022, as well as yesterday, March 16th, 2022, to the USO (United Service Organizations). You see, I received a text message yesterday, March 16th, 2022, from the USO, which stated the following:

USO: Sorry to interrupt, but as war unfolds in Ukraine, thousands of U.S. troops are deployed in Eastern Europe to support NATO allies.

We still need 76?2+ more Americans to sign our card by midnight to thank them for their sacrifices -- and your name is missing. Will you sign now?***

And so, I filled out that survey yesterday, March 16th, 2022, and then I made a one-time donation to the USO via Charity Navigator as part of the charitable donations that I made yesterday for the 'Crisis in Ukraine,' which I explained in my 'March 16th, 2022 Update.'

And then today, March 17th, 2022, I received an email from the USO with the subject line, 'TAKE THE QUIZ: How many military terms do you know?', which stated the following:

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR MILITARY LINGO?
TAKE THE QUIZ »***

Paul: From the National Guard to the Marines, each branch of our military uses different phrases to quickly pass important information to their fellow service members.

We know you're a dedicated patriot, so this quiz is perfect for you. Have some fun testing yourself on how well you understand the jargon our troops are using every day!

Take our 60-second quiz to test your knowledge of all kinds of military words and phrases.

TAKE THE QUIZ »***

Good luck!

The USO

'...This update is a follow-up to my 'March 17th, 2022 Update, Which Also Discusses March 16th, 2022,' where I explained, in part, that I made a donation on March 17th, 2022, to the USO (United Service Organizations) on the USO.org website. And with that one-time donation, I included a recurring monthly donation in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel. Thus, that recurring monthly donation started today, April 17th, 2022...'

Plus, this update is a follow-up to my 'July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022,' where I explained, in part, the following:

'...In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel:

01. USO: United Service Organizations recurring donation of $10.00 (which used to be $5.00 per month, but I increased it by an additional $5.00 per month; so starting on August 17th, 2022, the USO recurring donation is now $10.00 per month)...'

Therefore, today, April 17th, 2023, is the first full year that I have made a recurring monthly donation to the USO!

In addition to that, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message—in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

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[A Quote From My] April 17th, 2023 Update—Continued: "This update is a follow-up to my 'April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued,' where I explained, in part, the following:

'I have started making recurring monthly donations today, April 17th, 2022, to Democratic political organizations...

...And so, here are the Democratic political organizations to which I am making these recurring monthly donations via ActBlue.com** (although, I did not include a tip for ActBlue on these donations, which I usually do, due to the fact that the 'tip box' did not appear, because I made these donations through ActBlue Express):

01. DCCC: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

02. DGA: Democratic Governors Association

03. DNC: Democratic National Committee

04. DSCC: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

05. NCDM: National Conference of Democratic Mayors

06. DLCC: Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

07. DAGA: Democratic Attorneys General Association

08. DASS: Democratic Association of Secretaries of State

09. NDCO: National Democratic County Officials

10. DMO: Democratic Municipal Officials

11. NDRC: National Democratic Redistricting Committee

12. DPO: Democratic Party of Oregon...'

Plus, this update is a follow-up to my 'April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued Further, Written On June 17th, 2022,' where I explained, in part, the following:

'I explained on my 'April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued' that I started making recurring monthly donations on April 17th, 2022, to Democratic political organizations via ActBlue.com**; however, I deleted my ActBlue account on June 11th, 2022.

You see, I think that my ActBlue account was compromised because, on June 8th, 2022, I attempted to make a $1.15 donation to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), plus I included an $0.11 tip for ActBlue, but when the payment processed, it was for $1,000.11! And that is why I deleted my ActBlue account on June 11th, 2022. Please see my 'June 11th, 2022 Update' for a detailed explanation...'

Besides that, this update is a follow-up to my 'June 17th, 2022 Update,' where I explained, in part, the following:

'This update is a follow-up to my 'April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued Further, Written On June 17th, 2022,' where I explained that I deleted my ActBlue account on June 11th, 2022...

...So, I have restarted making recurring monthly donations today, June 17th, 2022, to Democratic political organizations...

...And so, here are the Democratic political organizations to which I am making recurring monthly donations via ActBlue.com** [although, because I no longer have an ActBlue account—since I deleted it, due to the fact that I think the account was compromised—I am still donating through the ActBlue website (they seem to be the main donation processing website for most Democratic political organizations and many progressive organizations), but I am donating for some of these recurring donations through other payment processors, such as Google Pay]:

01. DCCC: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
02. DGA: Democratic Governors Association
03. DNC: Democratic National Committee
04. DSCC: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
05. NCDM: National Conference of Democratic Mayors
06. DLCC: Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
07. DAGA: Democratic Attorneys General Association
08. DASS: Democratic Association of Secretaries of State
09. NDCO: National Democratic County Officials
10. DMO: Democratic Municipal Officials
11. NDRC: National Democratic Redistricting Committee
12. DPO: Democratic Party of Oregon...'

In addition to that, this update is a follow-up to my 'July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022,' where I explained, in part, the following:

'...I am also making recurring donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations of $3.00 on the 17th of each month: and my plan is to continue donating those recurring donations indefinitely, since that is all that I can really afford to donate given my monthly spending budget. (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And so, here are the Democratic political organizations to which I am making recurring monthly donations via ActBlue.com**...:

01. DCCC: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recurring donation of $3.00
02. DGA: Democratic Governors Association recurring donation of $3.00
03. DNC: Democratic National Committee recurring donation of $3.00
04. DSCC: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee recurring donation of $3.00
05. NCDM: National Conference of Democratic Mayors recurring donation of $3.00
06. DLCC: Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee recurring donation of $3.00
07. DAGA: Democratic Attorneys General Association recurring donation of $3.00
08. DASS: Democratic Association of Secretaries of State recurring donation of $3.00
09. NDCO: National Democratic County Officials recurring donation of $3.00
10. DMO: Democratic Municipal Officials recurring donation of $3.00
11. NDRC: National Democratic Redistricting Committee recurring donation of $3.00
12. DPO: Democratic Party of Oregon recurring donation of $3.00

Total Democratic Organizations Monthly Recurring Donations: $36.00...'

**[I deleted my ActBlue account! Although, I am still processing payments through the ActBlue website, since they seem to be the main donation processing website for most Democratic political organizations and many progressive organizations. Please see my 'June 11th, 2022 Update' on my blog post "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog, for a detailed explanation.]

Thus, April 17th, 2023 is the anniversary of the first year that I have made recurring monthly donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations! Plus, this past year is the first time that I have donated to Democratic political organizations when it isn't an election year; however, I decided to change the way that I am donating to Democrats, so that I am helping their fundraising and coordinating operations throughout the year and not just during election years.

And I have just gotta say how incredibly nice it is to be able to make recurring monthly donations to Democratic political organizations—because the payments process automatically each month—and I don't have to do one extra thing in order to help fund the operations of the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations throughout the year!"

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[A Quote From My] November 6th, 2024 Update No. 1 making donations to political, social, environmental and charitable causes. Full stop! I am also unsubscribing from any of the emails that I used to receive from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations. In fact, I am even cancelling all of my monthly political donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations, as well as to the USO (United Service Organizations), in addition to cancelling all of my monthly news organization subscriptions, or news organization donations, because I am absolutely terrified of this second Trump administration. And I fully expect that democracy in America as we know it will be over! So, I am choosing to not engage in any 'activism' whatsoever—plus, I am not even sure that I will be exercising my 'civic duty' by voting in any upcoming elections because, as a (formerly) donating and a (potentially former) voting Democrat, I totally fear the retribution of President Donald J. Trump. Full stop!"

P.S.: It's July 31st, 2025, and I feel like I need to provide an addendum (that is, "an item of additional material added at the end of a book or document, typically in order to correct, clarify, or supplement something") to this November 6th, 2024 'update!'

You see, a couple of days ago, on July 29th, 2025, I copied the text of this update to use as my reason for unsubscribing from a particular political email that I received that same day!

And so, I actually bothered to read this update—in order to verify that it made sense for me to use as a response to the request on this political email's unsubscribe page which stated, "Please tell us why you are leaving"—during which I realized there was a typo (that is, 'a typographical error') in the text of the update, as I have highlighted below, with the correction in brackets:

"And I fully expect that democracy in America as we know [it] will be over!"

Thus, I accidentally left out the word "it" in the sentence above. Hence, I corrected said typo on July 29th, the verification of which can be seen reflected in the addition of the date "revised July 29th, 2025" after my name.

However, as I got to thinking about the fact that I had originally said I may not be voting in any upcoming elections, I realized that, in fact, I did vote in Portland Oregon's Multnomah County Special District Election on May 20th, 2025, just like I usually do! [I always vote in every election (even 'special elections') and I always vote Democrat, which is why I was worried about voting in any upcoming elections given President Trump's clear disdain for Democrats.]

Therefore, I decided to write this "P.S." today, July 31st, as a way to clarify that I am still voting in elections (even 'special elections'), it's just that I am no longer engaging in any 'Online Activism,' during Trump's Presidency, as I explained in great detail above. (I hope that makes sense!)

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Above, please find relevant quotes from a series of 'updates' that highlight the most important changes to my current activism, which are titled as follows:

▪ [A Quote From My] March 7th, 2017 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] November 5th, 2018 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] September 16th, 2021 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] November 10th, 2021 Update, Written On November 11th, 2021

▪ [A Quote From My] March 13th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] March 16th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] March 17th, 2022 Update, Which Also Discusses March 16th, 2022

▪ [A Quote From My] April 3rd, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] April 12th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued Further, Written On June 17th, 2022

▪ [A Quote From My] June 17th, 2022 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022

▪ [A Quote From My] July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On July 27th, 2022)

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2023 Update

▪ [A Quote From My] April 17th, 2023 Update—Continued

▪ [A Quote From My] November 6th, 2024 Update No. 1

This prose (with some poetry) was only published on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog.

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., Poet, Artist and Philosopher)
"I am the poet who thinks that he knows it!"

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My Writing About No Longer Being An 'Online Activist' In The Same Way That I Was Before: Due to being stressed out—and until further notice—I am no longer being an 'Online Activist' in the same way that I was before, which includes no longer signing petitions from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations, as well as no longer making donations to political, social, environmental and charitable causes the same way that I was in the past. (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS.) And so, I am consciously choosing to not engage in any 'activism,' however, I am still planning to exercise my 'civic duty' by voting in upcoming elections. –Paul Whiting (written November 2nd, 2016, revised March 7th, 2017, revised September 28th, 2021, revised January 11th, 2022, revised January 17th, 2022, revised June 16th, 2022, revised November 15th, 2022 and revised April 17th, 2023)

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My Philosophical Notes:

The reason that I wrote this prose can be summed up with the following statement: "Due to being stressed out—and until further notice—I am no longer being an 'Online Activist' in the same way that I was before, which includes no longer signing petitions from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations, as well as no longer making donations to political, social, environmental and charitable causes the same way that I was in the past. (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS.) And so, I am consciously choosing to not engage in any 'activism,' however, I am still planning to exercise my 'civic duty' by voting in upcoming elections."

Now, to clarify something: I cannot edit my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog—for an unknown reason—as of May 11th, 2026. So, any editing that I have tried to do on this blog post, after May 11th, for some reason won't save...

…Although, on June 20th, 2026, I thought to relocate all of the 2026 updates from my original blog post, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," to my newer "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2." You see, I had created this 'Part 2' blog post as a backup post, because there was a period of time when the original blog post kept being unpublished by Blogger for being too 'spammy'—I am guessing because of all the hyperlinks that I was providing for news articles that I was referring to my readers!

Anyway, that relocation of the 2026 updates seemed to have worked in getting the original blog post to be "editable" again, at least temporarily...

...But, then, later on that same day, I tried to add some additional text to the post and it would not save again! However, at least this time, instead of just saying that the "Update failed," it specifically stated, "The body is too large." Thus, I am assuming the 'unknown reason' that I stopped being able to edit the original post on May 11th was because I had—apparently—reached some sort of blog post size threshold!

So now, I am thinking of editing out most of the news updates, which I wrote on that original post, because those updates weren't nearly as pertinent to my "Online Activism" as was responding to the text message, email, and regular mail communications that I was receiving from various political, progressive and charitable organizations.

This prose was only published on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog.

This prose was written in Portland, Oregon.

-Paulee

THIS POST IS A CONTINUATION OF THE BLOG POST TITLED, "I AM NO LONGER BEING AN ACTIVIST IN THE SAME WAY THAT I WAS, PART 2" (WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS POST NO. 150, WITH A HYPERLINK PROVIDED BELOW). AND IT HAS ALL OF THE UPDATES WRITTEN FROM AUGUST 2023 TO DECEMBER 2023:

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist-part-2.html

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YEAR 2023 UPDATES FOR AUGUST:

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August 1st, 2023 Update: I received an email from the Biden for President campaign today, August 1st, 2023, with the subject line, "Our records show you haven’t had a chance to join us as a Biden-Harris Founding Donor.", which stated the following:

Biden-Harris 2024

Our records show you haven’t had a chance to join us in this critical fight to deliver four more years for Democrats in the White House.

Your Biden-Harris Founding Donor Supporter Record

NAME: Paul
EMAIL: [redacted]
FOUNDING DONOR: No -- Not yet!

Can we count on you to make a $25 donation to the campaign to become a Biden-Harris Founding Donor today?

If you've saved payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:

[✓] $25 >>***
[  ] $50 >>
[  ] $100 >>
[  ] $250 >>
[  ] $500 >>
[  ] Other >>

We had a strong showing when we launched this campaign, but we can’t afford to lose an ounce of momentum: We need to be able to power this campaign for the long haul.

All eyes are on our campaign right now. Together -- and only together -- can we build the grassroots campaign it will take to finish the job.

That’s why we're asking you to become a Founding Donor to our campaign today. It'd make a big difference in what this team will be able to accomplish in the weeks and months to come -- and to say thank you, we’ll send you a special Biden-Harris Founding Donor membership card.

Rush a $25 donation to become a Biden-Harris Founding Donor today.

-- Team Biden-Harris

Every generation has a moment where they have had to stand up for democracy. To stand up for their fundamental freedoms. I believe this is ours. -- Joe Biden

Become a Biden-Harris Founding Donor and receive your own membership card:

It’s going to take this full team at Joe and Kamala’s backs to finish the job and deliver four more years for Democrats in the White House. Will you become a Founding Donor today? When you do, you'll receive your very own Biden-Harris Founding Donor membership card.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Joe Biden.

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[✓] Other amount: $25.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $2 tip?

[✓] $2

[  ] $3

[  ] Custom

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to Biden For President (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "become a Biden-Harris Founding Donor!" –Paul Whiting (written August 1st, 2023, revised August 18th, 2023 and revised January 7th, 2024)

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August 1st, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, August 1st, 2023, with the subject line, "Here they go again: Politicians are trying to shut down Planned Parenthood, block patient care, and steal your rights", which stated the following:

Paul, after Roe v. Wade was overturned, legislators across the country rushed to put abortion laws into place. Some states fought to permanently protect abortion access. Others stripped reproductive rights from millions of people.

But politicians who oppose reproductive freedom won't stop at state abortion bans and restrictions: They're also exploiting federal legislation to shut down Planned Parenthood and attack abortion access.

These politicians and their allies are trying everything to eliminate patients' access to care:

[✓] In Texas, a baseless lawsuit aims to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers, with meritless charges that seek damages of $1.8 billion — enough to force closure of health centers across Texas and end patient access to vital services, like birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and more.

[✓] The House of Representatives narrowly passed a national defense bill with extreme restrictions on access to abortion and gender-affirming care for service members and their families — undoing policies that help service members stationed in states hostile to reproductive health care.

[✓] The House majority is also sneaking their dangerous and unpopular agenda into annual funding bills, attempting to "defund" Planned Parenthood and end funding for Title X, the national program that helps millions of people afford basic reproductive health care every year.

It's going to take all of us to protect and expand access to abortion. Join the fight to stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care!

TAKE ACTION***

Bans have eliminated all or some abortion in 21 states, denying patients the right to make decisions about their own bodies. Abortion bans introduced in state legislatures across the country threaten to cut access even further.

Control of our bodies, our lives, and our futures is a fundamental right. We must come together to hold politicians accountable, make our voices heard, and defend access to sexual and reproductive health care — including abortion — so that everyone, everywhere has the care they want and need.

Make your voice heard today. Hold lawmakers accountable and be part of the fight to stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care.

TAKE ACTION***

— Planned Parenthood Action Fund

Tell Congress: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care

We need to hold anti-abortion rights lawmakers accountable. Fight to protect access to sexual & reproductive health care.

Politicians are now trying to shut down Planned Parenthood and attacking access to abortion and gender-affirming care. This is part of their agenda to ban abortion nationwide.

We need to hold these lawmakers accountable — they need to remember that the majority of Americans support legal abortion.

Tell Congress: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care!

Help fight back.

Prefix: Mr.
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Street Address: [redacted]
Postal Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone: [redacted]

Do you want to be an associate member of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund? Yes

Subject: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care

Dear Member of Congress,

I am counting on you to fight for patients’ access to care at Planned Parenthood health centers, and to oppose all attacks on access to sexual and reproductive health care — including abortion.

As your constituent, I urge you to oppose all attempts to sneak these unpopular and dangerous attacks into must-pass legislation. Over a year after the Supreme Court took away our right to abortion, we need our elected officials to protect everyone’s ability to control their own bodies, lives, and futures.

Sincerely,
[Your information here]

And, after I sent the letter above, I received a confirmation email today, August 1st, 2023, from Planned Parenthood Action Fund with the subject line, "Thank you for adding your voice.", which stated the following:

Paul,

Thank you for adding your voice and reminding lawmakers that the majority of Americans support abortion access — and that the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care must stop. We're glad to have you in the fight.

Ready to do more? Volunteer with us.

You can choose how you want to help, whenever you have time and there's no experience necessary. Become a volunteer with Planned Parenthood Action Fund today.

You can help make an even bigger difference by showing your support for Planned Parenthood Action Fund and asking your friends and family to join you.

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

You can also help defend access to health care and protect our reproductive rights by making a gift to Planned Parenthood Action Fund. We'll put your gift to work immediately mobilizing grassroots activists in key states, pressuring lawmakers, magnifying the voices of those most affected by attacks on our health and rights, and more.

I'm so glad to know that we can count on you to raise your voice when it counts — thanks again for speaking out.

— Planned Parenthood Action Fund

So, I selected the "Share on Twitter" option (by the way, I only have a Twitter account so I can read tweets which are included in some online articles that I read) in order for me to provide you, my readers, with the text and hyperlink below:

We need to hold lawmakers attacking our rights accountable — they need to remember that the majority of Americans support legal abortion.

https://weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/onlineactions/Ouu_KkV390iFwUqOFNDuPg2?snw=2&ref=8ecd9f15-6498-4888-a09f-589b7f99a876

Plus, after I submitted the letter above to my Member of Congress, via Planned Parenthood Action Fund website, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund, because "it's going to take all of us to protect and expand access to abortion," so that is why I chose to "join the fight to stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care!" –Paul Whiting (written August 1st, 2023 and revised September 30th, 2023)

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August 1st, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I watched a video on YouTube titled, "Cindy McCain: End of Ukraine grain deal 'hurting the most needy people in the world'" from the PBS NewsHour. Here is the description from that video (with a hyperlink to the video below):

Cindy McCain: End of Ukraine grain deal ‘hurting the most needy people in the world’

South Sudan may look very lush right now, but flooding there has disrupted life and caused hunger on an “enormous” scale, says Cindy McCain, executive director of the World Food Programme. McCain, on the ground in Juba, South Sudan, talks with Amna Nawaz about the need for greater food aid around the world, and how the end of the Ukraine grain deal is hurting those most in need.

https://youtu.be/k8twTBWt_NE

And, after I watched the video above, I searched on Google for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) website—a hyperlink to their main donation page can be found below:

https://donate.wfp.org/1243/donation/regular/?campaign=1517&_ga=2.243449413.1533365022.1690952407-1038734505.1690952407

And, because I was so inspired by the presentation made by Cindy McCain (who, if you don't know, is former Arizona Senator John McCain's widow) with regard to the reduction in donations to the United Nation's World Food Programme (WFP), I decided to make a one-time donation to the World Food Programme!

Now, when I went to the World Food Programme's donation page, a website popup stated, "It looks like you're in United States: Continue to the WFP United States," which I then clicked. And I was redirected to the United Nations World Food Program USA website—a hyperlink to their donation page can be found below:

https://secure.wfpusa.org/donate/wfporg-redirect?ms=2000_UNR_wfp_redirect_EX

Therefore, I filled out the donation webpage for a "One-time" donation to the United Nations World Food Program USA...

...However, after I was getting ready to make that donation, I decided to go back onto the United Nations World Food Programme website—and I ignored the above-mentioned website popup—and I filled out the donation webpage for a "GIVE ONCE" donation to the World Food Programme, as well...

...Thus, due to the fact that I was truly inspired by Cindy McCain's interview on the PBS NewsHour, I made a one-time donation to both the United Nations World Food Programme and the United Nations World Food Program USA in order to assist the WFP with helping all of the people in the world who are facing food shortages! –Paul Whiting (written August 1st, 2023, revised August 2nd, 2023, revised September 18th, 2023 and revised October 21st, 2023)

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August 3rd, 2023 Update: I received an email from Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America today, August 3rd, 2023, with the subject line, "We are #ElPasoStrong", which stated the following:

STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION
For Gun Sense In America

Paul–

August 3rd, 2019 without a doubt set a before and after for El Paso. A white supremacist armed with hate and a gun drove from Allen, TX to a Walmart in El Paso and shot and killed 23 people, all to target the Latinx community.

Four years later, we reflect on the strength of my community and its willingness to lift each other out of darkness. Read and share reflections from my community on how we've fought for change and continue to look out for each other in the wake of tragedy.

READ AND SHARE:

https://www.everytown.org/four-years-later-el-pasoans-share-love-for-their-city

I remember that day so clearly, I was at a town-hall with an elected official when they asked us to go home because there was an active shooter nearby. It was surprising and alarming but I think none of us imagined the magnitude and effect that this senseless attack would have.

Afterwards, our community was broken, wounded and angry. And we still are. But we are determined to continue fighting for our 23 Sun City angels whom we will never forget.

I became involved with Students Demand Action shortly after the shooting and it opened my eyes to the gun violence crisis not just in Texas but across the country. It's been a tremendous honor to fight alongside relentless advocates, mothers and student volunteers. The courage and dedication I see daily serves as a tremendous inspiration. In these four years, one thing is clear: We have no choice but to continue to demand action.

We will not let gun-lobby backed Republicans in Texas continue to promote the NRA's “guns everywhere” agenda and block the gun safety bills that would save lives. Read stories from members of our community who have not given up the fight and continue to demand action in El Paso.

Together, we'll show everyone what it means to be #ElPasoStrong.

Thank you for joining me in marking this heavy day, and for helping us build a safer future for everyone. Todos somos familia.

[Name redacted]
He/Him/El
Students Demand Action

P.S. Honor the victims and survivors of the mass shooting in El Paso with action: Send a message to your U.S. representative demanding they ban assault weapons and expand background checks now.***

Tell Your U.S. Representative: Ban Assault Weapons And Expand Background Checks

Enough is enough. Our lawmakers must pass common-sense gun policies that close loopholes in our background check system, ban assault weapons, and expand background checks to all gun sales. We cannot let extremists continue to block laws that stop the flood of illegal guns into our communities and gut the laws that keep us safe.

Tell your U.S. representative to take life-saving action that can help prevent tragic mass shootings and the 120 gun deaths that happen every single day. Send your message now.

Dear Representative,

I am writing to you as a constituent filled with grief, fear, and anger. I am fed up. As countless acts of preventable gun violence continue to threaten the safety of communities across the country day after day, I am urging you to oppose the extreme attacks on ATF that seek to undo the progress we've made so far, and to instead support action on gun safety. I ask you to support common-sense legislation that would expand background checks to all gun sales, close the Charleston Loophole, and reinstate the bipartisan ban on assault weapons. This common-sense legislation can help prevent tragic mass shootings, as well as the 120 gun deaths that happen every day.

Please, I'm urging you to prioritize public safety. Take action and save lives.

Complete the form to send your message now:

Prefix: Mr.
First name: Whiting
Last name: Paul
Email address: [redacted]
Street address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Mobile phone: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]

And, after I sent the letter above to my representative in Congress, via the Everytown for Gun Safety website, I made a one-time donation to Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (via the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund) in order to do my part to "honor the victims and survivors of the mass shooting in El Paso with action" by "send[ing] a message to [my] U.S. representative demanding they ban assault weapons and expand background checks now." –Paul Whiting (written August 3rd, 2023, revised September 7th, 2023 and revised October 26th, 2023)

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August 3rd, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Time Magazine today, August 3rd, 2023, with the subject line, "Our report on extreme heat's toll on American workers", which stated the following:

Inside TIME: TODAY'S LONG READ

Extreme Heat Is Endangering America's Workers—and Its Economy

By Aryn Baker
Senior International Climate and Environment Correspondent

One of the most inescapable signs of climate change is the spate of record-breaking heat waves that baked our planet this summer, drying out essential crops, contributing to forest fires, and overburdening emergency rooms with patient numbers not seen since the pandemic. Approximately 80% of humanity suffered through unusually hot temperatures this July, according to a draft report by climate advocacy group Climate Central.

Outdoor workers are bearing the brunt. On a planet 4.86°F warmer—our current end-of-century trajectory—33 times as many people in the world would be subjected to dangerous levels of extreme and humid heat, making the American South feel like the Persian Gulf countries of today. There, it’s already too hot to safely work outside during the day for much of the summer. But no matter how hot it gets, garbage still has to be collected, packages delivered, houses roofed, roads constructed, electricity grids expanded, and produce plucked for grocery store shelves.

For this story, which was supported by the Pulitzer Center, I—working in collaboration with local reporters from Georgia Public Radio—met with farmers, agricultural laborers, delivery drivers, construction workers, and garbage collectors over a few weeks of July (one of the hottest months in recorded history). We used sweat-sampling technology from Epicore Biosystems to monitor things like skin temperature and water loss, to understand how taxing physical labor in high-heat situations can be. We reported using text, data, video, photography, and audio on how they’re learning to beat the heat, and what kind of policies would help keep them safe and productive.

The solution is simple: easy access to water and enough breaks, taken in shady areas, to give workers an opportunity to cool down. Implementing a federal policy to guarantee those solutions is a lot more difficult. It shouldn’t be. If the moral argument for protecting workers isn’t enough, the economic one should suffice. Consumer rights advocacy group Public Citizen estimates that failing to protect workers from heat costs the American economy $100 billion a year in lost productivity, increased workers’ comp premiums, lawsuits and health care costs.

READ THE STORY »

https://time.com/6299091/extreme-heat-us-workers-economy

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 3rd, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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For my "August 4th, 2023 Update"—since this 'update' is a part of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs. An introduction to the 'update' can be found below:

August 4th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, August 4th, 2023, with the subject line, "[Say thank you] The U.S. Coast Guard rescues thousands of Americans each year … but they’ve long been underappreciated", which stated the following:

Paul, the U.S. Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus,” means “always ready,” and there’s no better way to describe our Coast Guard heroes, who conduct more than 22,000 search and rescue missions each year!

Our Coasties have already had a busy summer. Over the Fourth of July weekend alone, they rescued 21 people in 1 hour in Tampa Bay, Florida. During one stormy Sunday in Louisiana, they saved 11 boaters in Lake Pontchartrain. They even rescued an injured German Shepherd who had tumbled 300 feet down a cliff and landed on an inaccessible beach in Oregon’s Ecola State Park.

As our service members conduct dangerous rescue missions and make immense sacrifices day in and day out to keep us all safe, it’s our patriotic duty to make sure they — and all our heroes in uniform — know how much we appreciate their service.

So please, as we celebrate the Coast Guard’s 233rd birthday today, will you add your name to help us collect 23,300 signatures via email and SMS thanking our courageous troops?

★ ★ ★
Wishing the Coast Guard a happy 233rd birthday!
[add your name]

SIGN THE CARD TO
THANK OUR HEROES***

Our service members often feel forgotten and that their sacrifices aren’t understood. On this important day, we must show our deep gratitude and understanding of everything they do for us. Sign now to honor our Coast Guard troops and all the brave heroes who sacrifice so much to serve our great nation.

Thank you for honoring our heroes today and for all you do to support our military.

The USO

Plus, I received a text message today, August 4th, 2023, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:

Did you know the U.S. Coast Guard conducts more than 22,000 search and rescue missions each year? That's 61 rescues a day, Paul!

They've already conducted thousands of heroic missions this summer, and as they risk their lives to protect Americans day in and day out, it's our patriotic duty to make sure they know we appreciate their sacrifices.

That's why today, on the Coast Guard's 233rd birthday, we've set an important goal to reach 23,300 signatures on our official card, and we're counting on YOU to help us get there.

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲?***

Thank you,
The USO

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

So, I signed the card because "our U.S. Coast Guard heroes bravely patrol our nation’s waterways, protecting our coast and conducting tens of thousands of rescue missions each year," so "we owe them all our gratitude, especially today as we honor the Coast Guard’s 233rd anniversary." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our Coast Guard heroes, "Happy birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! We are so grateful for the service and sacrifice of our Coast Guard heroes — and all of America’s courageous troops."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation. ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "August 4th, 2023 Update":

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

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August 7th, 2023 Update, Which Also Discusses August 6th, 2023: Purple Heart Day is today, August 7th, 2023, since Purple Heart Day is yearly (annually) on August 7th.

And I received an email from National Today yesterday, August 6th, 2023, with the subject line, "Celebrating Cats, Spoiling Your Dogs, Left handers. The Week Ahead", which stated, in part, the following:

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY

... Monday 7 August

Purple Heart Day

We remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented and sacrificed for their country.

Read more:

https://nationaltoday.com/purple-heart-day

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

PURPLE HEART DAY – AUGUST 7, 2023
[Observed in the] U.S.

Purple Heart Day on August 7 is the kind of day created to give back. It’s a day for Americans to remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented their country and were wounded or killed whilst serving. These people are decorated with a Purple Heart in the name of the President, and this day is for remembering them and their sacrifice. Some states, counties, and cities pause in recognition, as do some sports and entertainment entities. Military and veteran organizations also hold meetings for remembrance. Join us as we honor those that have been given a Purple Heart.

---------------------------------------------

HISTORY OF PURPLE HEART DAY

The original Purple Heart, designated as a Badge of Merit, was awarded by George Washington in 1782. There was a lack of funds in the Continental Army at the time so the award was a way to honor enlisted and deserving people. The honor is presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” It was designed with a piece of silk bound through it with a thin edge of silver. Washington only gave out three of the badges himself, and instead authorized subordinates to issue the badges as they saw fit.

The Badge of Merit faded from use but was revived and relaunched in 1932, this time as the Purple Heart. As well as honoring those wounded in combat, this iteration of the Purple Heart recognized commendable action. It was in 1944 that the policy was tweaked slightly and the Purple Heart was given the purpose we know it for today, specifically to honor those who have been wounded or died.

The first service member to be given the modern Purple Heart was General Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II. In total there have been 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded over the years.

Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014 and has been observed every year since. It’s a chance to reflect on the bravery of those who have fought for the U.S. and to ensure that their courage is never forgotten.

---------------------------------------------

PURPLE HEART DAY TIMELINE

1782
Gifts from George:
George Washington creates the Purple Heart award to commend soldiers.

February 1932
Birthday Wish:
The award was forgotten about until now on George Washington’s 200th birthday.

1932
Military Merit:
This year, the Purple Heart Recipients are able to join the newly formed Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).

2014
Celebrating Service:
Purple Heart Day is first established.

---------------------------------------------

PURPLE HEART DAY FAQS

Is there a list of Purple Heart recipients?

There is no known list of names of all recipients in existence.

Why is the Purple Heart purple?

The color is meant to represent bravery. The Purple Heart is in fact the oldest military decoration still presented to service members. The award was always meant to be ‘‘a figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding.”

How much is a purple heart worth?

Purple Hearts sell for $30 at a military base. Really, they are meant for recipients simply looking for a replacement, but sellers do not often ask for proof of eligibility.

When was National Purple Heart Day first observed?

It was observed first in 2014.

What Purple Heart means?

A Purple Heart is a distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.

---------------------------------------------

HOW TO OBSERVE PURPLE HEART DAY

1. Donate to the MOPH

This is a great time to donate to the Military Order of the Purple Heart. You can pay your respects by aiding those who bore the burden of battle. You can also support wounded veterans by buying a purple heart.

[https://www.purpleheart.org/Donate]

2. Learn more about the military

Educate yourself on the military and what they do. Read the stories of people who have been in a battle to understand why the Purple Heart awards are so important.

3. Use #PurpleHeartDay online

If you have a family member or friend who served for the U.S. and has a Purple Heart share their story with #PurpleHeartDay on Twitter and Instagram.

---------------------------------------------

5 FACTS ABOUT PURPLE HEART DAY

1. Pawn-ple

An unknown soldier from Michigan who served in Afghanistan pawned his purple heart for cash.

[Blogger's Note: I feel like this fact seems disrespectful of those who received a Purple Heart: not because of the actions of the "unknown soldier from Michigan who served in Afghanistan," but because it was mentioned as an "fact" about Purple Heart Day, which is "a day for Americans to remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented their country and were wounded or killed whilst serving."]

2. A million hearts

1.8 Million Purple Hearts have been handed out [awarded] since 1932.

[Blogger's Note: I feel like this phraseology seems disrespectful of those who received a Purple Heart, since "the Purple Heart was given...specifically to honor those who have been wounded or died" and was not "handed out" like coupons at a grocery store sale.]

3. Join the club

In total there are 45,000 members of the MOPH today.

4. Whose in?

An accurate list of names who were awarded Purple Hearts no longer exists.

5. Ladies and Gentlemen…

A female lieutenant, Annie G.Fox received a Purple Heart during World War II for her work on Pearl Harbor.

---------------------------------------------

WHY PURPLE HEART DAY IS IMPORTANT

A. It recognizes sacrifice

The Purple Heart recognizes the sacrifice made by soldiers who were willing to put their lives on the line for their country. These brave soldiers deserve to be remembered throughout history.

B. The history

It is important to remember our history and how we ended up where we are today. Purple Heart Day affords us the opportunity for reflection on everything that has gone before us.

C. Nobody is forgotten

This day is for remembering everyone who was ever wounded or killed representing the U.S. It means nobody is forgotten and the memory lives on. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/purple-heart-day

Plus, I decided to do a search on Google for "Purple Heart Day USO" in order to find any articles that the USO (United Service Organizations) might have on their website.

Please see a brief introduction to the article below, which is dated August 4th, 2023, from the USO webpage titled, "9 Things You Need to Know About the Purple Heart Medal."

"9 Things You Need to Know About the Purple Heart Medal" from the USO

Friday, Aug 4, 2023

On August 7, Purple Heart Day, the nation pauses to acknowledge and remember the sacrifices made by the brave members of our military.

The Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military. A Purple Heart is a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.

According to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, more than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been presented to service members since the award was created in 1782.

In honor of Purple Heart Day, here are nine facts about the history of the Purple Heart Medal and its recipients: ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.uso.org/stories/2276-8-purple-heart-facts

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, as mentioned above in the National Today post under the subject of "HOW TO OBSERVE PURPLE HEART DAY." Plus, I made a one-time donation to the USO (United Service Organizations), because "for those Purple Heart Medal recipients who made the ultimate sacrifice, the USO is there for them and their families as well." –Paul Whiting (written August 7th, 2023, revised August 9th, 2023, revised August 21st, 2023, revised June 13th, 2024 and revised August 7th, 2024)

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August 8th, 2023 Update, Written On August 9th, 2023: I received an email from National Today yesterday, August 8th, 2023, with the subject line, "Stand up for one another on International Allyship Day", which stated the following:

Today we embrace the first official observation of International Allyship Day. This important addition to the calendar encourages us to stand up for one another, foster inclusivity, and build bridges of support and understanding to create positive social change.

Allyship is about advocating for the inclusion of those who are marginalized in all areas of society. This holiday offers an opportunity to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to devaluing behaviors, and create inclusive environments.

FIND OUT MORE:

https://nationaltoday.com/international-allyship-day

We can all be allies to others. We all have privilege over others, and as such, all have an opportunity to practice allyship. Why not have an honest conversation with a member of an underrepresented community and discuss their experiences and what can improve them?

Alternatively, you can do some research and share some resources with those in your social circles. Reach out to like minded people and discuss applying allyship to your community.

LEARN MORE:

https://nationaltoday.com/international-allyship-day

If you’re looking to observe International Allyship Day in your workplace, consider workshops or networking events, or perhaps community gatherings with engagement and connection at their heart.

For more information on International Allyship Day, including thought-provoking facts and a timeline capturing the recent history of diversity in the workplace, check out the holiday on our website.

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

INTERNATIONAL ALLYSHIP DAY – AUGUST 8, 2023
[Observed all over the] World

International Allyship Day is celebrated annually on August 8. This holiday dedicates the day to celebrating and promoting the power of allyship across the globe. On this unique day, we come together to recognize the importance of standing up for one another, fostering inclusivity, and building bridges of support and understanding.

Dictionary.com defines allyship as the status or role of a person who advocates and actively works for the inclusion of a marginalized or politicized group in all areas of society, not as a member of that group but in solidarity with its struggle and point of view and under its leadership: Genuine allyship does not come with special recognition — we do not get awards for confronting issues people have to live with every day.

---------------------------------------------

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL ALLYSHIP DAY

International Allyship Day is a holiday founded in 2023 to celebrate the incredible strength in unity. It is a day to embrace diversity, celebrate differences, and foster a sense of belonging for everyone!

This holiday encourages communities to show up authentically and work together to create positive social change. Networking, workshops, events, and community gatherings can achieve engagement, inspiration, and connection to advocate for others in the workplace and at home.

Multiple national studies indicate that four out of five US-based employees are familiar with or have participated in unconscious bias training. This training, while being extremely valuable, is only the beginning. International Allyship Day exists to enforce and encourage the practice of allyship. Awareness without action does not move the needle. Active and genuine allyship is about consistency and continuously taking action despite biases to treat all others equally and equitably.

This holiday highlights now as the time to tackle equity, as we can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to devaluing behaviors, and create inclusive environments.

---------------------------------------------

INTERNATIONAL ALLYSHIP DAY TIMELINE

1948
Diversity in the workplace:
President Truman signs Executive Order 9981 into effect to desegregate the armed services.

The 1960s
Non-discriminatory inclusion for all:
DE&I [Diversity, equity, and inclusion] takes root in Corporate America through the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.

The 1970s
Set the stage…:
Frameworks for workplace diversity, along with anti-discriminatory practices, come into play.

The 1970s and 1980s
Gender is the gateway:
Gender diversity education begins to emerge.

The 1990s
Minority expansion:
Education within the US expands to assist and focus on the inclusion of other underrepresented groups like disabled persons, communities of different ethnic groups, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The 2010s
Allyship in its infancy:
DE&I evolves into a new practice of allyship, turning unconscious bias and awareness into action.

2021
Word of the year:
Dictionary.com names allyship its [2021] "word of the year," the first time a new word receives the title.

---------------------------------------------

INTERNATIONAL ALLYSHIP DAY FAQS

What is the significance of August 8?

This holiday was set for August 8 as the number eight has associations with unity, harmony, and a feeling of connectedness.

What is allyship?

An ally is one who actively works for or with a marginalized group within society, despite not being a member but standing in solidarity with the struggles faced. These acts apply without the desire or expectation for rewards or special recognition.

What can I do to be an ally?

Allies leverage their privilege to support underrepresented individuals and communities through both reactive actions, like calling out devaluing behaviors and microaggressions (e.g., individuals being interrupted or spoken over, being asked to do the office work in meetings, having their judgment questions in their area of expertise, etc.) when witnessed, and proactive actions include actions which create equitable opportunities, such as ensuring diverse slates of candidates for positions, advocating for the promotion of underrepresented individuals, etc.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

1. Educate

On International Allyship Day, why not read up and share some resources with those in your social circles? You can plan an event to discuss allyship and how to apply it to your community. Or take an allyship assessment to see where you are on the allyship continuum and what you can do to be a better ally to others.

2. Activate

In celebration of this holiday, we recommend having an honest conversation with a member of an underrepresented community, discussing their experiences and what can improve them. You can even ask what you specifically can do to be a better ally for them.

3. Celebrate

Allyship is not a project with a start and finish. It’s a process, a journey. Consider the progress your organization has made and celebrate the practice of allyship and those individuals who “walk the talk” to make their work and home environments more equitable. Bring your teams together and commit to continuing the work.

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FIVE THOUGHT-PROVOKING FACTS ABOUT ALLYSHIP DAY

1. Diversity drives performance

78% of organizations prioritize diversity to improve workplace culture, while 62% aim to boost financial performance. Research from TeamStage: Women in the Workforce 2022 shows that even a 10% increase in gender-focused diversity can positively impact and increase total profits.

2. Allyship practice in the workplace is in its infancy

Despite 84% of employees reporting being part of unconscious bias training, the Integrating Women Leaders Foundation 2022 State of Allyship-in-Action Study illustrates only 47% included allyship training while only 34% included participatory communities.

3. The gender gap is prevalent…

The McKinsey/Lean In 2022 Women in the Workplace Report highlights heartbreaking truths. For every 100 men getting their first promotion, only 87 women receive a promotion. Similarly, these numbers are notably lower for women of color or members of similarly underrepresented communities.

4. …and gets worse at the top

The Harvard Business Review brought to the public’s attention that the CEOs of large companies are significantly more likely to be a man by the name of John or David than a woman.

5. Is progress progressing?

The World Economic Forum’s 16th Global Gender Gap Report illustrates the gender wage gap expects to close, but not for another 132 years at the current speed and rate of change.

---------------------------------------------

WHY INTERNATIONAL ALLYSHIP DAY IS IMPORTANT

A. We can all be allies to others

We all have privilege over others, and as such, all have an opportunity to practice allyship. Now is the time to capitalize on the growing momentum around concepts of allyship. And now is the time to tackle equity as we can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to devaluing behaviors, and create inclusive environments.

B. Collective activism in the form of allyship will drive change

Research indicates that those who participate in ongoing allyship practices (communities, not one-and-done training) bridge the “allyship gap” in thought and action.

C. Allyship continues even when the holiday is over

Allyship is more than a day of conversations at work. Allyship is a journey. Gather your teams together and continue this work.

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/international-allyship-day

–Paul Whiting (written August 9th, 2023 and revised October 11th, 2023)

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August 8th, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On August 9th, 2023: I received an email from Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America yesterday, August 8th, 2023, with the subject line, "How do you think young Americans feel about guns?", which stated the following:

STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION
For Gun Sense In America

Paul–

We teamed up with Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and American University's Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) to demystify youth attitudes on guns. This is a first-of-its-kind report, which provides an in-depth look at issues facing this generation and our country as a whole.

READ AND SHARE:

https://everytownsupportfund.org/report/youth-attitudes-on-guns

Gun violence continues to be a constant threat to young Americans.

More than 4,000 children and teens are shot and killed each year across the country, 15,000 are shot and wounded, and an estimated 3 million children are exposed to shootings every year. 2021 was the deadliest year of gun violence on record for young people in America, and there was a record amount of gunfire on school grounds across the country.

In our study, we heard from more than 4,000 young Americans between the ages of 14-30 and these were some of our findings:

[✓] The average young person in America knows at least one person who has been shot, wounded or killed.

[✓] 4 out of 5 young people believe gun violence is a problem in America.

[✓] 1 in 4 young Americans have experienced an active shooter drill with more than half fearing a shooting happening in their school.

[✓] About 40 percent of youth said they have at least "somewhat easy" access to a gun.

The reality is, younger generations are facing a more violent environment than previous ones. Read our report to better understand how this shift in young Americans could have lasting impacts if not addressed.

Thank you for being a part of this movement,

[Name redacted]
She/Her/Hers
[Title redacted]
Everytown for Gun Safety

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can be found below:

REPORT
Youth Attitudes on Guns

7.24.2023

Introduction

For years, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and American University’s Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) have worked in partnership with communities across the country to better understand issues of pressing importance to them — and to protect their rights and safety. Last year, we came together to study perhaps the greatest threat to this generation and our country as a whole — gun violence. Guns have been the leading cause of death for American children and teens since 2020, impacting the lives of young people at home, at school and in their communities. But to date, there has been very little research exploring how young people view guns and our country’s gun violence crisis. Given what we know about the nexus between gun violence and extremist ideologies — and the staggering increase in gun sales during the COVID-19 pandemic — we believe that understanding this generation’s attitudes about guns is vital to combating the rise of extremism, reducing gun violence, and protecting young people.

Executive Summary

Guns are the leading cause of death for children, teens and young adults in America, with more than 4,000 children and teens shot and killed each year, 15,000 shot and wounded and an estimated 3 million exposed to shootings. 2021 was the deadliest year of gun violence on record for young people in America, and there was a record amount of gunfire on school grounds. But while this urgent public health crisis is impacting American youth in so many ways, there has been a lack of research and insight into how young people think about guns and gun violence — and the roles they see firearms playing in their own lives as well as in our society.

To better understand youth attitudes about guns, Everytown for Gun Safety, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and the Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) teamed up to study youth attitudes toward guns in an ambitious, innovative, and comprehensive program of research. Through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and data analysis methodologies, we learned from more than 4,100 young Americans between the ages of 14 and 30 about their access to guns, how safe they feel, their experiences with gun violence, their political views, the media they consume, and how they think about concepts like male supremacy, racial resentment and the Second Amendment, among others. The result is the following report, which provides a first-of-its-kind look at issues of pressing importance to this generation and our country as a whole.

OUR KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:

— Four out of five young people believe that the level of gun violence our country is experiencing is a problem, and there is also broad agreement that stricter gun laws could help reduce gun violence. Forty-seven percent of young people surveyed believe restricting gun ownership will lead to fewer mass shootings, for example, and nearly 60 percent believe gun laws should be stricter than they are today.

— Young people have felt the impact of this crisis firsthand: the average young person in the United States knows at least one person who has been injured or killed by a gun. This has a direct effect on their mental health: the more people that youth know who were injured or killed by gun violence, the worse they reported their anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms to be.

— There has been an increasing amount of gunfire on school grounds, and gun violence and the threat of gun violence at school looms large in the minds of young people. One in four youth said they have experienced an active shooter lockdown somewhere, and youth who ruminate about school shootings tend to have more post-traumatic stress and report consuming greater average daily hours of gun-related media.

— Young people report having easy access to guns. About 40 percent of youth said they have at least “somewhat easy” access to a gun, with 21 percent reporting “very easy” access to a gun. In addition, nearly 17 percent of youth report that they plan to have access to a firearm in the future.

— The percentage of youth who agreed with the sentiment that guns protect minorities was highest among white respondents (35.8%), followed by Hispanic respondents (34.1%), and was lower for Black respondents (30.8% ) and Asian American and Pacific Islander respondents (19.4%).

While attitudes about guns, gun ownership and personal safety varied widely among respondents, we found that young people with easier access to guns tended to hold stronger beliefs that they are safer with guns than without guns and that gun culture is a part of their identity — who they are as a person. A young person’s access to guns, identification with gun culture, and exposure to media relating to guns also correlated with concerning beliefs like support for male supremacy, higher levels of racial resentment, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, youth with easier access to guns also tended to hold stronger beliefs that the government is restricting our freedoms, and 22 percent of those surveyed said they believe the Second Amendment gives individuals the right to overthrow the government — a myth that has been at the forefront of extreme gun lobby rhetoric for years.

The findings of this report have important implications for young people and the individuals and institutions who work with and support them. Understanding how young people view, access and use guns can help educators, policymakers, public health officials, and young people better tailor interventions, messages and campaigns aimed at reducing gun deaths and injuries. And providing a clearer picture of how young people’s attitudes and ideas about guns form as they grow can also help identify opportunities to bust myths and fight back against harmful misinformation. While we have endeavored to explore this topic as fully as possible within the scope of this project, this report is just a first step — we need more research about youth attitudes toward guns to help us effectively provide young Americans with a path toward a future free of gun violence.

READ THE REPORT:

https://www.splcenter.org/peril-youth-attitudes-guns-report

And so, after I read the overview above of the "Youth Attitudes on Guns" report, I made a one-time donation to Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (via the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund), as well as a one-time donation to Southern Poverty Law Center, in order to show my support for the "Youth Attitudes on Guns" report. –Paul Whiting (written August 9th, 2023 and revised October 26th, 2023)

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August 10th, 2023 Update: I made a donation today, August 10th, 2023, in order to help the victims of the Maui, Hawaii wildfires! And I made this donation to the American Red Cross.

You see, I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, August 10th, 2023, when I noticed an article on USAToday.com titled, "Maui wildfires leave wake of devastation in Hawaii. How you can donate or volunteer." (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Maui wildfires leave wake of devastation in Hawaii. How you can donate or volunteer." from USA Today

Kayla Jimenez USA TODAY | Published August 9, 2023

Thousands of residents on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii were forced to abandon their homes, pets and belongings Tuesday evening amid the blight of wildfires ravaging towns on the island, including the historic town of Lahaina.

The natural disaster has left at least 36 people dead, several others injured and hundreds of families displaced. Several roads on the islands are closed, communication pathways are affected and airports are packed.

Several shelters are open to assist those on the islands and several local organizations are collecting donations. USA TODAY compiled resources for Americans from near and afar to help the people and animals in Hawaii.

American Red Cross: "Providing shelter and comfort to those affected by the massive fires'

The American Red Cross is assisting residents and tourists in Hawaii with "shelter and comfort to those affected by the massive fires."

"Red Cross disaster workers responded immediately, opening shelters on both islands where several hundred people sought refuge from the fires Tuesday night," the organization's website said. "The Red Cross is working with local, state and federal officials and more help is on the way." ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/08/09/maui-hawaii-wildfires-help-donate/70561982007

And I decided to highlight this article from USA Today for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Then, after I read the article above, I decided to do a search on Google for "American Red Cross Maui Wildfires" and I found an American Red Cross article titled, "Hawaii Wildfires ─ Red Cross Helping as Fires Force Thousands to Evacuate." An introduction to the article can be found below—that includes information from the webpage regarding donations to "support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross":

"Hawaii Wildfires ─ Red Cross Helping as Fires Force Thousands to Evacuate" from The American National Red Cross

August 09, 2023

Dangerous wildfires are burning on the Big Island and Maui in Hawaii, forcing thousands of people to evacuate, some even jumping into the ocean to escape the smoke and flames. The American Red Cross of Hawaii is there, providing shelter and comfort to those affected by the massive fires.

The fires are being fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora which is still hundreds of miles away. Buildings have been damaged, roads closed, thousands are without power, and phone and cell service are down, making communications extremely difficult. Much of the historic town of Lahaina is destroyed. Conditions are hampering some evacuations and hospitals are treating burn and smoke inhalation patients.

Red Cross disaster workers responded immediately, opening shelters on both islands where several hundred people sought refuge from the fires Tuesday night. The Red Cross is working with local, state and federal officials and more help is on the way. ...

... Donate Now

Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.

[  ] $75
[  ] $125
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[  ] $1000
[✓] $10.00

$10 is the minimum online donation.

DONATE NOW

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2023/red-cross-helps-as-wildfires-burn.html

Therefore, after I read the article above, I made a one-time donation to the American Red Cross in order to help those affected by the Hawaiian wildfires. –Paul Whiting (written August 10th, 2023, revised August 12th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)
---------------------------------------------
August 10th, 2023 Update (Follow-Up, Written On August 12th, 2023): I made an additional donation today, August 12th, 2023, in order to help the victims of the Maui, Hawaii wildfires! And I also made this donation to the American Red Cross.

You see, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, August 12th, 2023, when I noticed a Time.com article titled, "How to Help Those Affected by the Maui Wildfires." (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"How to Help Those Affected by the Maui Wildfires" from Time Magazine

By Olivia B. Waxman | August 11, 2023

At least 55 people have died as wildfires ravaged Maui over the last few days in one of the deadliest natural disasters in Hawaii's history. The state's Governor Josh Green said that more than a thousand buildings are believed to have been destroyed. About 15,000 tourists have evacuated. Hundreds of families have been displaced, and they face power outages and water shortages.

For people off-island looking to help, there are several ways to donate to local community organizations that are helping survivors cope. Below are some examples.

Red Cross

The organization has set up emergency shelters for Hawaiians who need a hot meal or a place to charge their phones. Red Cross workers will use financial donations to help people replace lost prescription medications or reading glasses, for example. Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. More information here. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6304099/maui-hawaii-wildfires-how-to-help

And, after I read the article above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding the "Red Cross...more information here," which can be found below—that includes information from the webpage regarding donations to "support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross":

"Hawaii Wildfires ─ Red Cross Working 24/7 to Support Those Impacted by Deadly Fires" from The American National Red Cross

August 11, 2023

Our thoughts are with everyone in Hawaii affected by what are some of the deadliest U.S. wildfires in recent history.

Conditions on Maui are improving as firefighters gain control of the fires. However, there are still dangerous areas and it is critical that people avoid these hot spots and evacuate immediately if asked to do so. Don’t return home until it is safe. We encourage safety and being out of harm’s way above all.

Flames have destroyed the historic town of Lahaina. First responders are still conducting search and rescue efforts, and officials report communities will not reopen until these efforts are completed. Hundreds of homes and businesses are destroyed, thousands have no power, and all internet, phone and cell services are down, making communications extremely difficult.

RED CROSS RESPONSE The American Red Cross is on the ground in Hawaii, working around the clock to help those affected by this climate-driven disaster.

In partnership with county government, trained Red Cross disaster workers have shelters open on Maui and Oahu. Since the fires began, the Red Cross and partners have provided more than 2,100 overnight shelter stays. The shelter in Oahu was opened to assist displaced Maui residents and the thousands of tourists evacuated from Maui.

In addition to providing evacuees with a safe place to stay, the Red Cross and partners are providing food to eat and emotional support during this challenging time and preparing to expand relief efforts if needed. When it is safe to do so, Red Cross teams will help with damage assessment and begin distributing relief supplies.

More help is on the way as disaster teams deploy from the other Hawaiian Islands and across the country. ...

... Donate Now

Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.

[  ] $75
[  ] $125
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[  ] $1000
[✓] $10.00

$10 is the minimum online donation.

DONATE NOW

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2023/red-cross-helps-as-wildfires-burn.html

Therefore, after I read the article above, I made another one-time donation to the American Red Cross in order to help those affected by the Hawaiian wildfires. –Paul Whiting (August 12th, 2023)
---------------------------------------------
August 10th, 2023 Update (Follow-Up, Written On August 16th, 2023): I made another donation today, August 16th, 2023, in order to help the victims of the Maui, Hawaii wildfires! And I made this donation to the USO.

You see, I received a text message today, August 16th, 2023, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:

Hawaii Wildfire Alert: Troops responding to this emergency need YOUR support. Rush a gift to stand with them now:***

-USO

Hi Paul Whiting,

It’s [name redacted] from USA for UNFPA here. You may have heard that Rep. [name redacted] recently introduced the Support UNFPA Funding Act to Congress – and we’re hoping to get 5,000 total signatures in support of the bill. You can add your name here:***

The US president can roll back UNFPA funding for women and girls at any time. The Support UNFPA Funding Act protects funding for UNFPA's lifesaving work from being cancelled for five years.

There are real consequences when funding for essential care is cut:

🚨 Pregnant women and new moms are more likely to die from entirely pregnancy and childbirth complications
🚨 Girls are more vulnerable to becoming child brides, young mothers, and victims of abuse
🚨 Survivors of violence everywhere lose access to the care they need to rebuild their lives and leave their abusers

The US has historically been one of the largest funders of UNFPA’s lifesaving work, but this lifeline for women and girls has never been guaranteed – until maybe now.

We are so close to reaching 5000 signatures in support of Rep. Houlahan’s Support UNFPA Funding Act. Will you add your name and get us one step closer today?***

If you’ve already signed on – thank you. We are so appreciative of your support.

- [Name redacted]

[Title redacted] @ USA for UNFPA (the United Nations reproductive health agency)

USA for UNFPA

ADD YOUR NAME TO SUPPORT FUNDING FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

The US president can roll back UNFPA funding for women and girls at any time. Will you add your name in favor of the Support UNFPA Funding Act, which will protect lifesaving support for women and girls?

FIRST NAME: Paul
LAST NAME: Whiting
POSTAL CODE: [redacted]
EMAIL: [redacted]
MOBILE PHONE (Optional): [redacted]

And, after I signed the petition above, on August 11th, 2023, in favor of the Support UNFPA Funding Act, via the USA for UNFPA Every Action website, I made a one-time donation to USA for UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) in order to show that I am "in favor of the Support UNFPA Funding Act, which will protect lifesaving support for women and girls." –Paul Whiting (written August 12th, 2023, revised August 13th, 2023 and revised June 13th, 2024)

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August 12th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, August 12th, 2023, with the subject line, "Victory in Ohio!", which stated the following:

Planned Parenthood Action Fund Update

Action Fund Update is the monthly newsletter for members of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. As an associate member of the Action Fund, you'll receive timely, insider information on our legislative, advocacy, and electoral work.

Member News

Paul,

On Tuesday night, Ohio voters sent a powerful message to politicians seeking to silence their voices.

With a staggering 3+ million votes cast, Ohioans turned out in droves to reject politicians’ attempt to undermine democracy and restrict reproductive freedom.

Tuesday’s special election was set by lawmakers who wanted to raise the ballot initiative threshold to 60% and create additional barriers to winning constitutional amendments. This was a blatant attempt to undermine efforts to win November’s vote on a reproductive freedom amendment.

We’re pausing to celebrate this victory for democracy in Ohio — and then tightening our laces for the work to come. Now, abortion rights advocates in Ohio are moving full steam ahead to pass the reproductive freedom amendment this November, which would permanently protect the fundamental right of reproductive health care for generations to come. It will be hard-fought — and reproductive freedom hangs in the balance.

In Ohio and across the country, Planned Parenthood Action Fund will fight in the months and years ahead to expand and safeguard abortion access and fight for our sexual and reproductive rights.

Thank you for joining us — we need you now more than ever.

Let’s get to work.

[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Action Fund

P.S. Based on our records, it looks like your Associate Membership is going to expire soon. Don't miss out on timely, insider information on Planned Parenthood Action Fund's advocacy, legislative work, and electoral endorsements, as well as volunteer opportunities in your area. Click here to renew your membership.*

Take Action: Tell Congress to stop the attacks on patients and health care.

1 in 3. That’s how many women of reproductive age — plus more trans and nonbinary people — are now denied the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies.

More than 370 bills restricting abortion have been introduced across 47 states this year alone, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The politicians behind these bills are doing everything they can to attack sexual and reproductive health care and rights — including trying to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers.

But we will not be ignored or silenced. We will not let these politicians and their allies take away our fundamental rights. They need to hear from you: It’s time for politicians to stop the attacks on sexual and reproductive health care.

Take action now >>

[By the way, I already took this action to "Tell Congress: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care" on August 1st, 2023 (please see my 'August 1st, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above).]

State Spotlight

In May, Idaho passed the first law in the U.S. making it illegal for an adult to help a minor get an abortion across state lines.

Now, abortion advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit in federal court suing the state of Idaho for this restrictive and dangerous law.

Read more >>

https://apnews.com/article/idaho-abortion-lawsuit-travel-interstate-918bbc40befe2ea67f93e8490455cbbc

Around the Web

Teen Vogue: Miss Texas is Fighting for Abortion Rights and Inclusive Education

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/averie-bishop-miss-texas-education-beauty-pageants

[New York Magazine's] The Cut: Nearly 10,000 Extra Births Followed Texas Abortion Ban

https://www.thecut.com/article/texas-abortion-ban-extra-births.html

The New York Times: Wisconsin Judge Allows Challenge to Abortion Law to Proceed

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/07/us/wisconsin-abortion-lawsuit.html

Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org

*And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding renewing my Associate Membership for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund...which I didn't realize that I had already done on July 13th, 2023 (please see my 'July 8th, 2023 Update, Written On July 13th, 2023,' which can be found above) until after I renewed my Associate Membership for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund again today, August 12th, 2023!

Plus, after I renewed my Associate Membership for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund again, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund to show my support for the Action Fund Update monthly newsletter. –Paul Whiting (written August 12th, 2023 and revised June 13th, 2024)

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August 13th, 2023 Update: I pressed the Weather.com "Excessive Heat Warning" on my smartphone today, August 13th, 2023, and I was directed to a Google search page that had an advertisement at the top of the page, which stated the following:

Ad · https://www.plantbasedtreaty.org

Excessive Heat Warning Petition - Please Sign Urgent Petition

Take action today to protect animals, people and the planet. Sign the Plant Based Treaty.*

So, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can be found below:

Plant Based Treaty

We invite you to sign the Plant Based Treaty*

And get a FREE Vegan Starter Kit

There is a climate emergency and you can help by signing the Plant Based Treaty*

The IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] issued a "final warning" in March 2022. We are heading towards 1.5C [1.5 degrees celsius, which is 34.7 degrees fahrenheit] warming by 2030 unless we change our reliance on fossil fuels and animal agriculture. You can help by signing the Plant Based Treaty* which has the goal of switching the planet to a plant-based food system and encouraging diet change, not climate change.

Join over 37,000 others and sign the Treaty today:

Name First: Paul
Name Last: Whiting
City: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]

How would you describe your current diet?

[✓] Vegan / Plant-based
[  ] Vegetarian
[  ] Pescatarian
[  ] Reducing
[  ] Omnivore

Please tick if any of these categories apply to you (optional):

[  ] Elected Representative / Politician
[  ] Scientist
[  ] UN Ambassador
[  ] Doctor / Medical Ambassador
[  ] Athlete
[✓] Celebrity / Influencer
[  ] Other

[By the way, I would have chosen "Other" as a category, since I am a blogger, but I only got access to the option "If you would like to provide a quote in support of Plant Based Treaty..." when I selected "Celebrity / Influencer." So, that is why I selected that particular category, due to the fact that I am "Blogger / Influencer," so to speak.]

Additional information e.g. social media handle, website, credentials (optional):

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-perfect-reason-for-being-vegan.html

If you would like to provide a quote in support of Plant Based Treaty, for use on social media and press releases, please write it below:

"The Perfect Reasons To Go Vegan" from my 'Paul Whiting: Poet, Artist and Philosopher' blog...

The Perfect Reason To Go Vegan No. 1:

Why give food that you can eat to animals and then eat animal meat, or other animal products?

In other words, "Cut out the middle man."

The Perfect Reason To Go Vegan No. 2:

Besides that, why contribute to the impact of eating animal meat, or other animal products, which accounts for a really large percentage of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions?

In other words, "Cut out the global warming."

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., Poet, Artist and Philosopher)
"I am the poet who thinks that he knows it!"

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-perfect-reason-for-being-vegan.html

Plant Based Treaty News
[✓] Subscribe me to your email list for all latest news, campaign updates and action alerts from across the globe

You may unsubscribe at any time.

Sign the Plant Based Treaty*

Sign the Treaty today and get your FREE Vegan Starter Kit – it’s a free, quick and easy way to take a stand against the climate crisis.

🌱 Download our free Vegan Starter Kit:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/sign-vegan

Donate**

---------------------------------------------

*Plant Based Treaty

Join over 110,000 others and SIGN THE PLANT BASED TREATY

ENDORSE AS AN INDIVIDUAL:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/individual-endorse

ENDORSE AS AN ORGANIZATION:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/organization-endorse

ENDORSE AS A BUSINESS:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/business-endorse

ENDORSE AS A CITY:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/city-endorse

---------------------------------------------

What is the Plant Based Treaty?

The adoption of a Plant Based Treaty as a companion to the UNFCCC [United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] / Paris Agreement will put food systems at the heart of combating the climate crisis. The Treaty aims to halt the widespread degradation of critical ecosystems caused by animal agriculture, to promote a shift to more healthy, sustainable plant-based diets and to actively reverse damage done to planetary functions, ecosystem services and biodiversity.

The Plant Based Treaty has three core principles:

[1.] Relinquish

No land use change, ecosystem degradation or deforestation for animal agriculture

LEARN MORE:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/the-pbt/#relinquish

[2.] Redirect

An active transition away from animal-based food systems to plant-based systems

LEARN MORE:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/the-pbt/#redirect

[3.] Restore

Actively restoring key ecosystems, particularly restoring forests and rewilding landscapes

LEARN MORE:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/the-pbt/#restore

---------------------------------------------

109,284 INDIVIDUAL ENDORSERS

1,224 ORGANIZATION ENDORSERS

1,441 BUSINESS ENDORSERS

21 CITY ENDORSERS

---------------------------------------------

Why do we need a Plant Based Treaty?

Fossil fuels and animal agriculture are the driving force behind runaway global warming as well as extensive biodiversity loss, large-scale deforestation, species extinction, water depletion, soil degradation and ocean dead zones. Addressing fossil fuels alone isn’t enough – we need action on food systems too; that’s where the Plant Based Treaty comes in. The three main greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are at devastatingly high levels and rapidly accelerating.

Animal agriculture is driving Indigenous land theft in the Amazon; subjecting racially and ethnically marginalized communities to disproportionate amounts of toxic waste from factory farms and slaughterhouses as well as exposing workers to toxic chemicals, hazardous working conditions and severe trauma.

LEARN MORE:

https://youtu.be/3S7NRxZdd84

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Meet Our Endorsers:

[✓] Party for the Animals
[✓] Vegan Conservatives
[✓] Veganuary
[✓] UK Health Alliance on Climate Change
[✓] PCRM
[✓] Oceanic Preservation Society
[✓] REV Institute
[✓] Diet Change Not Climate Change
[✓] ProVeg International
[✓] Youth Climate Save
[✓] Ecotricity
[✓] Climate Save Movement
[✓] Million Dollar Vegan
[✓] DiEM25
[✓] Europa Verde
[✓] PETA
[✓] Jane Unchained News Network
[✓] IDA
[✓] Meat Free Mondays
[✓] Linda McCartney’s
See more:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/who-has-endorsed

We can create a better world. Let’s grow.

SIGN THE PLANT BASED TREATY:

https://plantbasedtreaty.org/endorse

And, after I signed the Plant Based Treaty, I received a confirmation email today, August 13th, 2023, from PlantBasedTreaty.org with the subject line, "Plant Based Treaty Next Steps", which stated the following:

Thank you for endorsing the Plant Based Treaty

The Paris Agreement is silent on animal agriculture. Even if we ended the use of fossil fuels today, we wouldn’t be able to stop the climate catastrophe without shifting to a plant-based food system.

Can you help promote the Plant Based Treaty?

Here are your next steps:

1. Join our Slack channel to connect with other endorsers and build the movement calling for a Plant Based Treaty

2. Download your social media pack[1] and endorse badges which can be used on your website, printed materials and newsletters

3. Start a Plant Based Treaty Team by downloading our organizers guide, completing our registration form and joining one of our weekly Friday introductory calls on zoom. English-speaking calls are every 10am and 2pm EST and Spanish-speaking calls are at 3pm EST. You can join with this link.

4. Set your own treaty goals (https://plantbasedtreaty.org/campaign-hub) and help encourage others to endorse the Plant Based Treaty...

...Eat plants, plant trees https://www.plantbasedtreaty.org

---------------------------------------------

1. READ ME

Dear endorser,

Thank you for supporting the Plant Based Treaty!

Within this folder you will find graphics you can use to spread the message about the Plant Based Treaty and announce your endorsement. We’d love it if you could tag us in your posts so we can connect with endorsers across the globe.

If you need help with suggested captions for your announcements, we’ve put together a few ideas that you can use for inspiration.

1. We are proud endorsers of the Plant Based Treaty. There is a code red climate emergency and we must take immediate action to avert catastrophe.

2. We have endorsed the Plant Based Treaty. Ending fossil fuels alone will not avoid climate breakdown, we must do both and we must do it now.

3. Please join us in endorsing the Plant Based Treaty. Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss, and the expansion must be stopped. Eat plants, plant trees and endorse the Plant Based Treaty.

4. There is a climate, ocean, biodiversity and animal crisis, but the solutions are right before our eyes. We need to phase out fossil fuels and transition to a plant-based diet. Action is required at all levels, from individuals, to business to government.

Let’s do it together and make an impact.

Team Plant Based Treaty

https://www.plantbasedtreaty.org

**So, after I signed the treaty above, I made a one-time donation to PlantBasedTreaty.org in order to show my support for the Plant Based Treaty! –Paul Whiting (written August 13th, 2023, revised August 14th, 2023 and revised August 22nd, 2023)

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August 13th, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On August 14th, 2023 [My Writing About Donating Monthly For My Use Of Wikipedia]: I made a monthly recurring donation to Wikipedia yesterday, August 13th, 2023, since I went onto their website and they were requesting donations. You see, as a blogger and frequent reader of Wikipedia, I try donate to them whenever they request a donation!

Now, I usually give a one-time donation whenever they request a donation on their website; however, after I entered the amount that I was planning to donate, there was a prompt for making a monthly recurring donation! So, I decided to donate monthly—rather than simply donating once—for the first time in all of the years that I have been donating to Wikipedia. You see, I read Wikipedia ALL THE TIME, so that is why I have always endeavored to donate to them whenever they have requested a donation.

And, after I made the recurring monthly donation, I received an email from Wikimedia Foundation* yesterday, August 13th, 2023, with the subject line, "Paul - Thank you for your gift", which stated, in part, the following:

Dear Paul,

Thank you for committing to give USD $[redacted] to support Wikipedia every month - that is real dedication and I am endlessly grateful. You make a world where knowledge is free for everyone possible. ...

... Recurring donors like you are the engine behind our people-powered movement. You help us plan ahead, set bigger goals and broaden our horizons, because we know we have a foundation of support to count on.

Every single donation helps us to improve people’s access to accurate and reliable information, especially in a rapidly changing world. We are determined to extend this access as far as possible to make sure that no matter where you are born or where you live, the ability to access free knowledge is always within your reach. I hope you will continue to support us in building a future where Wikipedia exists everywhere, with people across the world contributing to the sum of all knowledge.

Thank you again for supporting this remarkable mission; it is a privilege for me to be part of the largest collaborative project in human history. Wikipedia will always belong to you.

With gratitude,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Wikimedia Foundation

*From www.wikimedia.org:

Wikimedia is a global movement whose mission is to bring free educational content to the world.

Through various projects, chapters, and the support structure of the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, Wikimedia strives to bring about a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge.

Welcome to Wikimedia.

Wikipedia
Wiktionary
Wikiquote
Wikibooks
Wikisource
Wikinews
Wikiversity
Wikispecies
MediaWiki
Wikidata
Wikimedia Commons
Wikivoyage
Meta-Wiki
Wikimedia Incubator
Wikimedia Cloud Services
Wikitech
Wikimedia Foundation

https://www.wikimedia.org

–Paul Whiting (August 14th, 2023)

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For my "August 14th, 2023 Update"—since this 'update' is a part of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs. An introduction to the 'update' can be found below:

August 14th, 2023 Update: I received a text message today, August 14th, 2023, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:

USO SUMMER ALERT: Will you please rush a $30 gift to help send essential kits to our troops as they brave the heat?***

-USO

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "This summer has seen record-breaking temperatures and extreme heat waves across the globe. For troops who wear up to 70 pounds of gear each day, these conditions aren’t just uncomfortable, they’re dangerous. As they endure so much to serve our country, we need your support to help provide resources, including 5,000 kits filled with essentials like water, sunscreen, snacks and sunglasses."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation. ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "August 14th, 2023 Update":

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

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August 14th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received a mailer from The Salvation Army Portland Metro today, August 14th, 2023, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "We've Hit A Dry Spell...", which stated the following:

[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]

PLEASE HELP END OUR DONATION DROUGHT!

We need your help.

After Christmas, donations always take a nosedive. It's something we even plan for. And each year, we stretch our budget as far as we can. But we need your support.

You see, even though donations fall, people still need help. And The Salvation Army — trusted, experienced, and exceptionally good stewards of your gifts — is your most powerful way to deliver that help when needed most in the Portland Metro area.

Remember, The Salvation Army isn't just a Christmas charity. We offer vital year-round help in your community, to your neighbors who are struggling. That includes the many hardworking families who continue to suffer the impacts of these unusual times.

So please, send a generous gift to help end our donation drought, and assist your many neighbors in the Portland Metro area who need help now.

Thank you.

[Name redacted], [Title redacted]

↑ Need is rising... ...donations are falling. ↓

And so, I made a one-time donation to The Salvation Army Cascade Division in order to show my support for helping The Salvation Army end their donation drought, because "Need is rising...[and]...donations are falling."

Plus, here is the message that I wrote to The Salvation Army Cascade Division in the "Leave a comment" section on their donation page:

Dearest Salvation Army,

This donation is for the mailer "We've Hit A Dry Spell...Please Help End Our Donation Drought!

Very truly yours,

-Paul Whiting
Poet, Artist and Philosopher
Portland, Oregon

Thus, this donation is part of my effort to help The Salvation Army throughout the year, since "The Salvation Army isn't just a Christmas charity," because "[they] offer vital year-round help in your community, to your neighbors who are struggling." –Paul Whiting (written August 14th, 2023, revised August 19th, 2023, revised August 27th, 2023, revised September 21st, 2023 and revised November 12th, 2023)

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August 14th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received a mailer from Native American Rights Fund (NARF) today, August 14th, 2023, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "IMPORTANT MAIL", which stated the following:

[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]

NATIVE AMERICAN RIGHTS FUND
[Address redacted] [City, State and ZIP Code redacted] [Phone number redacted] www.narf.org

Dear Paul,

Can you imagine what your life would be like without clean water? Or no water at all during times of the year?

You turn the faucet at the kitchen sink and nothing comes out. You cannot take a shower. You cannot even flush your toilet. Or if water comes out, it is not really recognizable as water.

This is life for suffering people in third-world countries like Haiti and the Sudan...

And it's what's faced by some Native Americans across this country.

Yes, the fight for water takes place right now and right here in the United States, where clean, abundant running water is available to virtually every single person.

How can this be? How can Tribes and Indian people be denied water? And how can you help right this awful wrong?

You can use the pen enclosed and sign the petitions I've sent that ask President Biden, your two Senators and Secretary of the Interior Debra Haaland to do what is legally required to preserve water rights for Native American tribes, and to fully fund Indian water settlements which are the moral and legal obligation of the United States.

From Oregon to California to Kansas and across the Midwestern United States, many of our native brothers and sisters have been fighting for more than 30 years to secure the water that belongs to them. The United States Supreme Court in 1908 said that Indian tribes are entitled to sufficient water to make their reservations livable homelands.

But in state after state, non-Indian groups developed along most (if not all) of the water and left the tribes literally high and dry. And for decades the federal government did nothing to protect the tribal interests. In fact, the government provided huge subsidies to develop along the water for use by others, to the exclusion of the tribes. That sadly continues to this day in too many places.

That's why NARF [Native American Rights Fund] must fight to protect the rights of tribes and their people! Every day our staff devotes all their efforts to defend and promote the legal rights of Native Americans on issues essential to their tribal sovereignty, their natural resources and their human rights. As the oldest and largest nonprofit National Indian Rights organization in the country, NARF stands firm to end the suffering for all those who are unable to fight alone.

And we rely on the financial support of compassionate and concerned people like you to help us win the battles for justice and equality.

I'm asking you to help us gain water access with a $15, $20, $25, $50, $75 or even $100 contribution.

Cases take years to resolve. Laws take decades to enact. And implementation and enforcement of court decrees and laws is a lifelong effort. It's an expensive proposition, as you can imagine.

But when something as basic to human life, something as sacred to our Tribes as water is under threat, then we are called to do all we can- no matter the cost.

Think about this:

Countless tribes face an array of health and developmental risks as a result of environmental problems including surface and groundwater contamination, illegal dumping, hazardous waste disposal, air pollution, mining wastes and habitat destruction.

Over the past quarter century, the United States government has spent billions of dollars on programs and institutions to protect human health and the natural environment.

Yet, tribes have been systematically denied the resources to develop even the most fundamental environmental policies and programs for the protection of their air, water, lands and their people.

Protecting and preserving the natural resources and lands, and the inherent rights of tribal peoples to access and use them, is one of the top priorities for NARF today.

Your support is absolutely essential to gain victory!

Native Americans have waited and waited for the government to act as it should. But that hasn't happened. And the people are suffering because of it.

With your generous help NARF can continue to fight for countless tribes across the country who rely on us to advocate for water rights on their behalf.

We will not stop until justice is done and the people of these reservations have the water that is rightfully, legally, and morally theirs.

With Sincere Gratitude,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]

P.S. Please use the pen I've enclosed for you to sign your petitions today. Then return them to me so I can deliver them to President Biden, your two Senators and the Secretary of the Interior Debra Haaland with our plea that they do what is legally required to preserve water rights for Native American tribes.

P.P.S. The gifts enclosed are yours to keep. Your most generous donation of $15, $20, $25, $50, $75, $100 or more will be used to help end the suffering of Native Americans. Thank you so much for standing with us.

And so, I made a one-time donation to Native American Rights Fund in order to help them "to defend and promote the legal rights of Native Americans on issues essential to their tribal sovereignty, their natural resources and their human rights."

Plus, here is the message that I wrote to the Native American Rights Fund in the "tell us why you made your gift to Native American Rights Fund" webpage, which appeared after the donation "Thank you!" page:

Thanks again for your generous donation!

Please take a moment to tell us why you made your gift to Native American Rights Fund.

Email Address: [redacted]

Tell us why you donated:

Dear Native American Rights Fund,

This donation is for the mailer regarding petitions to President Joseph Biden, Senator [name redacted], Senator [name redacted] and Interior Secretary Debra Haaland to "ensure, protect, and preserve water rights for Native American Tribes."

Very truly yours,

Paul Whiting
Poet, Artist and Philosopher
Portland, Oregon

P.S., I didn't realize this extra page would come up after I donated! So, I actually dedicated this donation to "Water rights petitions" and then I instructed you to mail a notification to your address at:

Native American Rights Fund
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Then, after I made the above-mentioned donation, I signed the petitions to President Joseph Biden, Senator [name redacted], Senator [name redacted] and Interior Secretary Debra Haaland, mentioned in the letter above, which stated the following:

Dear [Title and Name],

WHEREAS, in 1908 the United States Supreme Court declared that Indian tribes are entitled to sufficient water to make their reservations livable homelands; and, WHEREAS, for decades the federal government has denied Native Americans access to the water on their lands; I respectfully call upon you to ensure, protect, and preserve water rights for Native American Tribes, and to fully fund Indian water settlements which are the moral and legal obligation of the United States.

Respectfully yours,

Paul Whiting

Signed on 08/14/2023

[Address, City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

And now it's time for some legal clarification:

The letter requested that I "please use the pen [NARF] enclosed for [me] to sign [the above-mentioned] petitions today"; however, I always use uni-ball Vision Elite™ Rollerball pens whenever I do any important writing, because these uni-ball pens feature "uni Super Ink™ that helps prevent against check and document fraud." That is why I always use—and always trust—my important documents to uni-ball pens with uni Super Ink™!

Also, I am planning to mail these petitions in the next few days, as soon as I get a chance to drop off the return envelope to my local post office.

–Paul Whiting (written August 14th, 2023, revised August 15th, 2023, revised August 19th, 2023, revised August 27th, 2023, revised September 21st, 2023, revised October 21st, 2023, revised November 2nd, 2023 and revised November 12th, 2023)

[I feel like I need to clarify why there are so many 'revised dates' on this 'update,' just like there are often times so many 'revised dates' on other 'updates' similar to this one! You see, I really try to keep my writing consistent as possible across all of my blogs. Therefore, as I am writing, I try to use the same phraseology wherever possible with regard to similar types of my writing so that, when I am editing my writing, I can change all of the similar writing at the same time and in the same way! Thus, a lot of the revisions indicated above, after my name (–Paul Whiting), and shown right after the original 'written date,' are often times due to these aforementioned consistent-writing revisions.]

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August 15th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, August 15th, 2023, with the subject line, "This ban goes after trans youth and physicians. We're in court fighting back.", which stated the following:

Paul –

This morning, we're in state court in Texas challenging an unconstitutional health care ban targeting transgender youth, called S.B. 14.

For the last 18 months, thousands of families across Texas have been threatened by Governor Greg Abbott with the removal of their transgender children from their custody. Under the threat of S.B. 14, these same families have been forced to move out of state – one of our clients even separated her family to move her trans teen out of state and retain access to their health care.

If the court doesn't intervene, the ban will take effect on September 1. That's why we'll be arguing in court for the next two days on behalf of hundreds of families and health professionals impacted by S.B. 14.

This challenge was filed by the ACLU, alongside the ACLU of Texas, Lambda Legal, Transgender Law Center, and the law firms [name redacted] and [name redacted].

We'll keep you as updated as possible on these critical hearings as they unfold – and know we are so grateful to have you with us in the fight for trans justice in Texas and across the country.

Thank you,

The ACLU Team

If you’d like to immediately support the essential work we are doing for trans people’s rights and all civil liberties, please know any donation amount you can give will go a long way.

DONATE NOW

So, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU in order to "immediately support the essential work [that the ACLU is] doing for trans people’s rights and all civil liberties." –Paul Whiting (August 15th, 2023)

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August 15th, 2023 Update—Continued: I pressed the Weather.com "Excessive Heat Warning" on my smartphone today, August 15th, 2023, and I was directed to a Google search page that had an advertisement at the top of the page, which stated, in part, the following:

Ad · https://www.greenpeace.org/engage/us/heat-wave***

Current heat wave in US...

...The Reality Of These Heat Waves: What We Are Seeing Right Now Is Climate Breakdown.

[✓] Tell Biden To Act Now

Ways to Give

Donate Now

So, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding "Tell Biden To Act Now," which can be found below:

President Biden must declare a Climate Emergency!

The climate crisis is already changing life as we know it. Devastating climate impacts are displacing millions of people each year. Meanwhile, the fossil fuel industry continues to extract from public lands and exploit communities of color for profit.

Declaring a Climate Emergency would be the beginning of the end to the era of fossil fuels and climate destruction. By using his executive powers, President Biden can repair the harm caused by environmental racism and deliver good-paying union jobs, justice, and clean energy for all.

Families from Washington state to Florida are already starting to feel the severity of the climate crisis. In the United States and around the world, Black, Brown, Indigenous, and poor people are the first to feel the impacts of fossil fuel extraction and predatory exploitation. By declaring a Climate Emergency, President Biden can begin to utilize the “whole-of-government approach” to begin solving the biggest existential threat that we have ever faced.

Add your name to tell President Biden to declare a national Climate Emergency.

Contact Information

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Street Address (Optional): [redacted]
Postal Code: [redacted]
City (Optional): [redacted]
State/Province (Optional): [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Home Phone (Optional): [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]

Subject: President Biden, please declare a climate emergency.

President Biden,

The climate crisis is out of control and you can do more to address it. At risk are millions of lives and a stable society in which we can all thrive. If we continue down the fossil-fueled path we are currently on, it will spell disaster for both people and the planet.

I am imploring you to use your executive powers to declare a climate emergency. By declaring a national climate emergency, you can actualize the “whole-of-government approach” you promised on the campaign trail to address the biggest existential crisis we’ve ever faced. This administration must address the climate emergency and protect communities in the Gulf threatened by the buildout of new export terminals by using the authority granted by Congress to reinstate the ban on crude oil exports. Declaring a national climate emergency will allow you to kick start a managed phase-out of fossil fuels and a transition to renewable energy, and to launch a jobs stimulus package that secures good-paying union jobs for workers in these communities.

Sincerely,
[Your information here]

***[I was going to include the address for this advertisement's Greenpeace donation page; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned address without also including my personal information. Thus, the hyperlink at the top of the ad is the original address, but it simply takes you to the main Greenpeace website, rather than the donation page for the above-mentioned ad.]

Then, after I sent the message above, I made a one-time donation to Greenpeace in order to show my support for President Biden declaring a Climate Emergency! –Paul Whiting (August 15th, 2023)

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August 15th, 2023 Update—Continued Further, Written On August 16th, 2023: I received an email from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum yesterday, August 15th, 2023, with the subject line, "Witness the TRUTH.", which stated the following:

Holocaust denial and antisemitic conspiracy theories find fertile ground on social media. To counter this hatred, the Museum launched a new series called Undeniable Truth across multiple social media platforms. In it, Holocaust survivors showcase personal items that stand as evidence of the Nazi persecution they experienced. These short, meaningful videos have been viewed more than 15 million times.
‌
Truth is a Doll
Watch video >>

https://youtube.com/shorts/yBVqy1VDSb4?feature=share

Truth is a Letter
Watch video >>

https://youtube.com/shorts/G50nYifgDh4?feature=share
‌
‌Truth is a diary
Watch video >>

https://youtube.com/shorts/qbUtT70-QKk?feature=share

Truth is a child's boots
Watch video >>

https://youtube.com/shorts/tVlsJm4c5rw?feature=share
‌
Truth is a crayon case
Watch video >>

https://youtube.com/shorts/di6OVRHOMco?feature=share

Truth is an ID card
Watch video >>

https://youtube.com/shorts/DggywYh50EM?feature=share
‌
Watch full series

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWQC3P4psZP74ssRMpWEJPjPoXhBy3Ofz

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
‌
Donate to Keep Holocaust Memory Alive

DONATE

Keep Holocaust memory alive to inspire citizens and leaders to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity in a constantly changing world. Visit ushmm.org/campaign to learn more.

And, on August 16th, 2023, the day after I read the email above, I watched all of the Undeniable Truth videos in which "survivors showcase personal items that stand as evidence of the Nazi persecution they experienced." Plus, the day after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in order to help "keep Holocaust memory alive to inspire citizens and leaders to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity in a constantly changing world." –Paul Whiting (written August 16th, 2023, revised August 30th, 2023 and revised October 7th, 2023)

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August 15th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More, Written On August 16th, 2023: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google yesterday, August 15th, 2023, when I noticed an article on NYTimes.com titled, "The Limit Does Not Exist for Republicans." (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"The Limit Does Not Exist for Republicans" from The New York Times

By Jamelle Bouie | Aug. 15, 2023

There is no way to regulate and control pregnancy without regulating and controlling people. States that have enacted abortion bans in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling last year in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization have also considered the establishment of regimes for the surveillance and criminalization of anyone who dares to circumvent the state’s dictates for the acceptable use of one’s body.

This is why the war on abortion rights is properly seen as a war on bodily autonomy and why the attacks on reproductive freedom have moved hand in hand with renewed attacks on the gay, queer and transgender community. It’s all part of the same tapestry of reaction. And this reactionary impulse extends to the means of the anti-abortion political project as well as its ends.

The same lawmakers who want to rob their constituents of the right to bodily autonomy have also begun to treat democracy as an obstacle to avoid, not a process to respect. If the people stand in the way of ending abortion, then it’s the people who have to go.

We just witnessed, in fact, an attempt by anti-abortion lawmakers to do exactly that — to try to remove the public from the equation. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/15/opinion/abortion-republicans-ohio-idaho.html

And I decided to highlight this article from The New York Times for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 16th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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August 16th, 2023 Update: I received a text message today, August 16th, 2023, from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (Jane Fonda Climate Political Action Committee), which stated the following:

Hi, it’s Jane Fonda with an important message from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC team. I started the Jane Fonda Climate PAC to help elect climate champions who are committed to combating the climate crisis and taking on the fossil fuel industry.

And as we gear up to support more climate champions in 2023 and beyond, we need your support even if it's just $5.

$5 may not seem like a lot of money compared to the millions spent by the fossil fuel industry every year, but when we combine our grassroots strength to power the climate movement, your $5 investment makes a big difference.

Will you contribute $5 today to show your support for the Jane Fonda Climate PAC and join our movement as we fight for our planet? You can use this secure link:***

Hey there! It's Jane Fonda.

Thank you for reaching out and welcome to the Jane Fonda Climate PAC team. We have less than 8 years to phase out fossil fuels before the worst effects of the climate crisis become irreversible - that's why I'm acting now.

My team and I support climate champions nationwide so we can elect candidates who will lead us toward a greener future free from deadly fossil fuel pollution.

And we need your support to continue our work. Will you make a $5 contribution today? You can use this secure link:

janepac.com/givenow

Therefore, I decided to share this follow-up text message with you, my readers, for you to consider donating too, if you are interested in contributing to the Jane Fonda Climate PAC like I did!

And if you are interested in learning more about the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, here is a description from their "About" webpage, along with a hyperlink:

Jane Fonda
Climate PAC

ABOUT

"I’ve spent my life fighting for what I believe in. When I was 32, President Nixon had me arrested. 50 years later I was arrested five times for protesting the government’s inaction on climate change. It’s no secret that I have a history of ruffling feathers in Washington.

Today, support for climate action is unprecedented. The public is voting with the climate in mind, but the people we elect are not. This has led me to reflect on what we need to do to secure meaningful action on climate. Our planet is on fire and our leaders are failing us, so if we can’t change the minds of the people in power, we need to change the people in power.

It is for that reason that I started Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which is laser-focused on one goal: Do what it takes to defeat fossil fuel supporters and elect climate champions at all levels of government.

I believe this is the most important thing I will do in my lifetime." —Jane Fonda

https://janepac.com

By the way, I added the quotation marks to Ms. Fonda's statement above, as well as her name at the end of the statement, because I thought it would make more sense, since this Jane Fonda Climate PAC "About Page" opening statement is clearly written from her perspective. –Paul Whiting (written August 16th, 2023, revised August 17th, 2023, revised October 27th, 2023 and revised October 29th, 2023)

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August 18th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, August 18th, 2023, with the subject line, "Breaking: Federal appeals court rules on medication abortion.", which stated the following:

Paul –

Yesterday, the Fifth Circuit issued a decision threatening medication abortion access that lacks any basis in law or science. The ruling would drastically impede access to mifepristone – a medication used in the majority of abortions in the US. And, while the court did not withdraw approval entirely, if allowed to take effect, this decision would wreak havoc on access to abortion and will undermine drug development and innovation processes for other essential medications.

At a time when access to abortion has already been devastated by the overturning of Roe, this decision has the full potential to further decimate people's ability to get an abortion in every state in the country.

To be clear: This outrageous decision does not change the availability of mifepristone right now – and the decision remains on hold while the case works its way to the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, however, this case will be before the same justices who overturned Roe v. Wade last year. This is just the next step in abortion opponents' plan to try to ban abortion nationwide.

That fact alone means we must be louder than ever about this, Paul. This case puts medication abortion – currently used in over half of U.S. abortions – at risk nationwide. We can and must continue to let all courts know that this is unacceptable: Add your name to our petition today.

SUPPORT MEDICATION ABORTION***

Paul, we'll keep saying this as many times as it takes: Mifepristone is safe, effective, and has been used by more than five million people in the United States since its FDA approval more than two decades ago.

This case has been roundly criticized by legal and medical experts, because it utterly lacks merit. It is cruel, baseless, and will directly put people's lives at risk. If we allow judges to interfere with legitimate and well-supported FDA actions like this, it could have serious implications far beyond mifepristone – threatening to derail the development and approval of lifesaving medicines and beyond.

We at the ACLU have been fighting for abortion access since before Roe v. Wade was decided, and we've been fighting for all people's most fundamental freedoms for even longer. So, understand we are not allowing this decision to stop our fight for one second.

If you're with us, then add your name to our petition today and let the courts know we, the people, are watching.

Keep up the fight,

The ACLU Team

P.S. Our work to protect medication abortion access and all our civil liberties is dependent on the generous contributions of supporters like you. Make a gift today to make sure we have the necessary resources to keep our teams of lawyers, organizers, and volunteers on the ground nationwide.

TELL THE COURTS: PROTECT MEDICATION ABORTION NOW

In the case Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, an extremist judge blocked FDA approval of mifepristone – which is used in more than half of abortions nationwide.

For 23 years, mifepristone has offered an exceedingly safe and effective, FDA-approved means of ending a pregnancy – with study after study confirming its critical role in abortion and miscarriage care.

The unprecedented ruling has the potential to strain clinics and providers across the nation who are already grappling with the effects of Roe v. Wade being overturned and abortion banned in more than a dozen states. The impact will be felt disproportionately by people who already face severe health disparities and barriers to accessing health care – including people of color, people struggling to make ends meet, young people, and people living in rural areas.

If anti-abortion extremists think they can steamroll medical ethics and jeopardize patients' health and safety with ideological extremism like this – they should think again. We at the ACLU are using every tool at our disposal right now to ensure everyone can access the safe and essential reproductive health care they need. That includes our immediate calls to appeals courts to reverse this ruling and uphold the law: Please join us in this fight by adding your name to our petition now.

SUPPORT THIS PETITION

101,013 Signed 125,000 Needed

The ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA blocking FDA approval of mifepristone is unconscionable. Mifepristone – approved 23 years ago and used effectively by millions of people for medication abortion – is perfectly safe. Anti-abortion extremists are attempting to use the courts to ban abortion nationwide, even in states that have legal protections for abortion access. This is why I'm joining the ACLU and people across the country in urging the courts to reverse this harmful decision and uphold the law.

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
E-mail address: [redacted]
Zip: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]

And, after I signed the petition above, I received a confirmation email today, August 18th, 2023, from the ACLU with the subject line, "One more thing - can you spread the word?", which stated the following:

Hi Paul,

Thank you for taking action to protect medication abortion access for all.

Help us build our power: Share the action by forwarding the email below to your friends, or by sharing this link: aclu.org/protectmife

Thank you,

The ACLU Team

----

Hi friend,

In the case Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, an extremist judge blocked FDA approval of mifepristone – which is used in more than half of abortions nationwide. This is part of a larger campaign to ban abortion entirely nationwide.

But we will not allow anti-abortion activists to threaten our ability to control our own bodies, lives, and futures.

That's why I just signed the ACLU's petition, calling on the appeals courts to immediately reverse this ruling and uphold the law: Please join my by adding your name to our petition now.

https://action.aclu.org/petition/tell-courts-protect-medication-abortion-now

Thanks.

Then, after I signed the petition above to the courts, via the ACLU website, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU, because "anti-abortion extremists are attempting to use the courts to ban abortion nationwide, even in states that have legal protections for abortion access," and so "this is why [I joined] the ACLU and people across the country in urging the courts to reverse this harmful decision [in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA] and uphold the law." –Paul Whiting (August 18th, 2023)

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August 18th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from the John Burrows for Congress campaign yesterday, August 17th, 2023, with the subject line, "I’m running to UNSEAT Kevin McCarthy", which stated the following:

John Burrows

I announced my race to defeat Kevin McCarthy and kick him out of office. I KNOW we can get this done, but I need a huge surge of support to show the world that Kevin McCarthy’s days in power are numbered. Will you chip in $15 to become one of my Founding Donors? >>

I’m a lifelong Californian, not a career politician.

I was born and raised in Fresno, and my family has been in the Central Valley for over four generations.

I was raised by a single mother who taught me to work hard, be true to my beliefs, and do right by others.

I’ve carried those lessons with me my entire life, as a community organizer, public servant, and an entrepreneur.

Now, I’m running for Congress to make a difference for the folks who need it most.

For far too long, I’ve watched Kevin McCarthy pander to far-right interests instead of working to fix the real issues facing Californians. We need a voice in Congress who will lower costs for families, build a thriving economy that works for everyone, and address our district’s highest-in-the-nation homicide rate. So I’m asking: Can I count on you to become a Founding Donor of my campaign and help me UNSEAT Kevin McCarthy? >>

Founding Donor

FOR: [Email redacted]
Suggested Support $15 >>

I firmly believe we are strongest when we work together to get things done.

But I became so frustrated watching Kevin McCarthy use his position to benefit himself, instead of families in our district, that I knew I had to step in.

– I watched vulnerable seniors forced to choose between paying for medications or keeping the lights on.

– I watched hardworking parents who struggled to put food on the table or send their kids to college.

– I watched caring families torn apart as their loved ones battled addiction.

So I decided to run for office to fight for the people who’ve been left behind.

I’ve spent my career advocating for the families who’ve been overlooked by Kevin McCarthy.

Now, I’m ready to replace him in Congress and show him how it’s done.

I know we can win this race, but I’m up against an unlimited amount of special-interest money, and I’m going to need a historic surge of grassroots support to compete. I’m humbly asking 315 supporters to become Founding Donors before midnight to prove we have what it takes to fully fund our campaign and give our vision for the Central Valley the chance it deserves to succeed. Can I count on your $15 before midnight to achieve this victory together? >>

[  ] DONATE NOW: $15

[  ] DONATE NOW: $25

[  ] DONATE NOW: $50

[  ] DONATE NOW: $100

[  ] DONATE NOW: $250

[✓] OTHER AMOUNT

Let’s win this,
John

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

RUSH A GIFT TO FLIP THIS SEAT FOR DEMOCRATS!

This is our once-in-a-lifetime chance to DEFEAT Kevin McCarthy – one of the most powerful and dangerous Republicans in the entire country – and kick him out of office. But ONLY if we can help Democrat John Burrows compete with radical Republicans’ massive piles of cash.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight to OUST Kevin McCarthy?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit John Burrows.

[  ] DONATE $6 →

[  ] DONATE $16 →

[  ] DONATE $27 →

[  ] DONATE $39 →

[  ] DONATE $50 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $250 →

[✓] OTHER AMOUNT $5.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] Custom $0.21

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the John Burrows for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to become a Founding Donor of John Burrows for Congress! –Paul Whiting (August 18th, 2023)

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August 18th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, August 18th, 2023, when I noticed a Time.com article titled, "The U.S. Is Beefing Up Alliances Across Asia—But Don’t Expect an ‘Asian NATO’ Anytime Soon." (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"The U.S. Is Beefing Up Alliances Across Asia—But Don’t Expect an ‘Asian NATO’ Anytime Soon" from Time Magazine

By Chad De Guzman | August 18, 2023

U.S. President Joe Biden will meet at Camp David in Maryland on Friday with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts for a first-of-its-kind trilateral summit aimed at bolstering security partnerships amid increasing tensions in the Asia-Pacific.

The White House said in July that, aside from addressing the “continued threat” of North Korea’s nuclearization, the leaders will use the meeting to focus on how they can fortify relationships with Southeast Asian and Pacific nations to counter China’s increasing exertion and expansion of its influence in the region. The summit is also expected to touch on maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. Two senior Biden officials told Reuters earlier this week that the trilateral alliance will launch “joint initiatives on technology and defense,” and a three-way crisis hotline during the meeting.

The summit is a monumental coming-together for two parties, Japan and South Korea, whose historically strained relationship has been on the mend only in recent months. Some observers have claimed the three-way partnership represents a sort of “mini-NATO,” while others have suggested it could pave the way for a “de facto Asian NATO”—referencing the mutual defense pact formed in 1949 between the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and several European states (since expanding to include almost all of Europe) in response to the security threat posed by the former Soviet Union.

Today, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is most known for its Article 5, which defines an armed attack on any member state as an attack on the entire coalition—and requires a collective response. It’s an appealing concept for some worried about military aggression from Beijing and Pyongyang. But experts tell TIME that a multilateral, U.S.-led Asian defense alliance like NATO “is not feasible,” nor necessary.

The Asia-Pacific is “too diverse politically and economically” to host the formation of a NATO-like construct, Nicholas Szechenyi, deputy director for Asia at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, tells TIME. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6306156/us-japan-south-korea-summit-asian-nato

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 18th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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August 18th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, August 18th, 2023, when I noticed three different articles on various news websites, including APNews.com, CNN.com and Reuters.com!

No. 1: The AP (Associated Press) News article that I read today is titled, "At Camp David, Biden aims to nudge Japan and South Korea toward greater unity in complicated Pacific." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"At Camp David, Biden aims to nudge Japan and South Korea toward greater unity in complicated Pacific" from AP News

By Aamer Madhani | August 17, 2023

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden aims to further tighten security and economic ties between Japan and South Korea, two nations that have struggled to stay on speaking terms, as he welcomes their leaders to the rustic Camp David presidential retreat Friday.

Historically frosty relations between South Korea and Japan have rapidly thawed over the last year as they share concerns about China’s assertiveness in the Pacific and North Korea’s persistent nuclear threats. Biden is now looking to use the summit in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains to urge South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to turn the page on their countries’ difficult shared history.

The Japan-South Korea relationship is a delicate one because of differing views of World War II history and Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula. Past efforts to tighten security cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo have progressed with fits and starts.

But the White House hopes the current rapprochement offers an opportunity for a historic shift in the relationship.

“What we have seen over the course of last couple of months is a breathtaking kind of diplomacy that has been led by courageous leaders in both Japan and South Korea,” Kurt Campbell, Biden’s top Indo-Pacific adviser, said at an event at the Brookings Institution in Washington on Wednesday. “They have sometimes, against the advice of their own counselors and staff, taken steps that elevate the Japan- South Korean relationship into a new plane.”

Biden administration officials say the leaders will announce in their summit communique a series of joint efforts that aim to institutionalize cooperation among the three countries as they face an increasingly complicated Pacific.

The expected major announcements include plans to expand military cooperation on ballistic defenses and make the summit an annual event. The leaders are also expected to detail in the communique plans to invest in technology for a three-way crisis hotline and offer an update on the progress the countries have made in sharing early-warning data on missile launches.

In picking Camp David, where presidents over 80 years have hosted historic peace summits and intimate leader-to-leader talks, Biden is looking to demonstrate the importance of relations with South Korea and Japan. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://apnews.com/article/biden-japan-south-korea-camp-david-summit-2421359ebcd5973b6252fa284cfb25ff

No. 2: The CNN article that I read today is titled, "Biden looks to ‘next era of cooperation’ following trilateral Camp David summit with Japan and South Korea." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Biden looks to ‘next era of cooperation’ following trilateral Camp David summit with Japan and South Korea" from CNN

By Arlette Saenz, Kayla Tausche and Donald Judd, CNN | Fri August 18, 2023

(CNN) — The leaders of the United States, South Korea and Japan on Friday announced new commitments that they believe herald a new era of cooperation, putting aside a fraught history as three of the most powerful democracies in the Pacific come closer together in the face of an ascendant China.

President Joe Biden’s summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at Camp David was meant to serve as a show of force as the countries grapple with persistent provocative behavior from North Korea. It also comes as the president has sought to deepen ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific amid concerns about Beijing.

Biden thanked his counterparts for their participation, offering effusive praise for the “political courage” on display.

“Your leadership, with the full support of the United States, has brought us here, because each of you understands that our world stands at an inflection point – a point where we’re called to lead in new ways, to work together, to stand together – and today, I’m proud to say our nations are answering that call,” Biden said.

In a statement released after the summit’s conclusion, the three leaders announced a new “commitment to consult,” a three-way hotline, a commitment to conduct annual military exercises and share intelligence and a new annual trilateral summit.

The summit will fall short of a producing a three-way collective defense agreement but will underscore “that a challenge to any one of the countries is a challenge to all of them,” a senior administration official said. The new “commitment to consult” doesn’t supersede either of the mutual defense treaties the US has signed with both nations.

The gathering marks the first time Biden is hosting foreign leaders at the Camp David retreat, a site of historic diplomatic negotiations for past presidents.

The prospect of trilateral progress between the countries was not always a given. The relationship between Seoul and Tokyo is trailed by decades of tension and mistrust, including a dispute between the two countries over forced labor by Japan during its occupation of Korea.

But in the face of persistent missile threats from North Korea and China’s military maneuvering in the region, Kishida and Yoon have gone to great lengths to put aside those differences, including hosting a fence-mending summit in March, the first of its kind in 12 years. US officials have credited that work as a key step in cementing the trilateral partnership once thought unimaginable.

“China’s entire strategy is based on the premise that America’s number one and number two ally in the region can’t get together and get on the same page,” Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, said at the Brookings Institution on Wednesday. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/17/politics/joe-biden-camp-david-japan-south-korea/index.html

No. 3: The Reuters article that I read today is titled, "Biden, Kishida, Yoon at historic Camp David summit." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Biden, Kishida, Yoon at historic Camp David summit" from Reuters

By Reuters | August 18, 2023

Aug 18 (Reuters) - After meeting at Camp David on Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol spoke to reporters from all three countries for about an hour, delivering prepared remarks and answering questions.

The following are some highlights: ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-kishida-yoon-historic-camp-david-summit-2023-08-18

And I decided to highlight these articles from AP News, CNN and Reuters for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 18th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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August 18th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More, Written On August 19th, 2023: I received a mailer from Planned Parenthood Federal PAC (Planned Parenthood Federal Political Action Committee) yesterday, August 18th, 2023, which stated the following:

[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]

Planned Parenthood®
Act. No matter what.
Planned Parenthood Federal PAC

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Action Fund

Dear Mr. Whiting.

When the Supreme Court took away our constitutional right to abortion last summer, their decision spurred a new wave of abortion bans and restrictions.

But what the politicians pushing those bans did not anticipate was that abortion and reproductive freedom would galvanize people to vote like never before in 2022.

In the six states that put abortion initiatives directly on the ballot just months after Roe v. Wade was overturned, voters overwhelmingly voted to protect access, even in conservative states such as Kentucky and Montana.

These results backed up what we've been saying all along — that anti-abortion groups and politicians are out of step with the American public, and that voters see these bans for what they are: an attempt to control our bodies and personal medical decisions.

Despite the resounding response from the public, anti-abortion lawmakers have not let up in their efforts. They're continuing to press for bans, many without exceptions. Just this year alone, they've introduced more than 360 bills across 47 states that seek to restrict abortion in some way.

They do not care that their actions have created a nationwide public health crisis harming millions of women, transgender, and nonbinary people. For many of these politicians, the cruelty is the point.

Often, the same politicians are pushing legislation promoting book bans, blocking gender-affirming care, and impeding people's right to vote.

None of this is an accident. It's all part of a decades-long concerted attack on our rights, particularly the right to make our own choices about our bodies.

The long-term solution to the abortion access crisis is a government that truly works for and by the people. We can only achieve that through political change.

That's why, with the 2024 election season ramping up, I'm urging dedicated supporters like you to make a contribution of $20, $35, or $50 to the Planned Parenthood Federal PAC today.

Giving to the Planned Parenthood Federal PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Fund's nonpartisan political action committee, is one of the most important steps you can take right now in the fight for reproductive freedom.

The PAC allows us to support candidates for federal office who will boldly defend abortion and reproductive rights without compromise, and build the political power needed to ensure that the anti-abortion vision does not become the next generation's reality.

With your support, the PAC will have the resources to:

[✓] fight aggressively to re-elect reproductive health and rights champions;

[✓] target key House races, strategically focusing on the 28 districts most ready to be flipped for reproductive freedom; and

[✓] protect the 29 House districts with vulnerable champions to ensure we keep our allies who are willing to stand up for reproductive health and rights.

The PAC team knows what and who it takes to win. In 2022, 82% of PAC-endorsed candidates won their races.

These victories made a difference.

Because of our efforts, 65 million people across the country now live in states that have governors who support reproductive freedom. In many state legislatures across the country, reproductive freedom champions are making progress to expand abortion rights. And millions of people live in states where abortion rights are protected, thanks to abortion-related ballot measures.

However, there is still so much work to do. Nineteen states have abortion bans on the books. As you read this, one in three women — plus more transgender and nonbinary people — have lost access to abortion in their home states.

The fight is not over, and we cannot rest until all people can get the care they need, when they need it, where they live.

The Planned Parenthood Federal PAC will be leading the charge to make that happen, investing in bold strategies that will not only help elect the right candidates in 2024 but also grow the movement that we'll need to protect abortion rights for years to come.

But our success depends on supporters like you having the PAC's back and ensuring that our teams have the resources to move critical strategies forward in the crucial election season ahead.

So please, make as generous a gift as you can to the Planned Parenthood Federal PAC today. Let reproductive health and rights champions know that you stand with them — and send the message to out-of-touch politicians that their days in power are numbered.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Action Fund

P.S. The 2024 elections will be crucial for advancing abortion access and health equity, and the Planned Parenthood Federal PAC will play a unique role on the path to victory. Please support our work and be in the fight for 2024 with a gift today!

And so, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Federal PAC today, August 19th, 2023, in order to show my support for Planned Parenthood Federal PAC, because "we cannot rest until all people can get the care they need, when they need it, where they live," since "Planned Parenthood Federal PAC will be leading the charge to make that happen, investing in bold strategies that will not only help elect the right candidates in 2024 but also grow the movement that we'll need to protect abortion rights for years to come." –Paul Whiting (written August 19th, 2023, revised September 21st, 2023, revised October 29th, 2023 and revised November 12th, 2023)

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August 19th, 2023 Update: This 'update' is special, since I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month!

You see, I spent A LOT last year because I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" So, I ended up with a rather considerable credit card balance...

...Now, this is my only credit card—that I got through my regular bank—which is also a new card for me, so I was enjoying an interest-free period on my charges up until this month!

Thus, my carefree days of not paying for any interest on my credit card balance are now officially over: and my minimum payment has basically tripled, starting next month, which is now going to be about 42% of the amount that I have set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment and my extra payment each month on my credit card.

So, in response to this change in my minimum payments, I am no longer donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations in the same way that I was due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations—as outlined below—starting with January of 2023.

January 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15%

February 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19%

March 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12%

April 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

May 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 21%

June 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

July 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

August 2023:
Month-to-date percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17% [through August 19th, 2023]

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through July 2023 (without including August, since this month is not over yet), it comes out to an average of 17% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

Therefore, I am no longer donating for every one of the email or text messages that I receive (to which I choose to respond), which are requesting me to take action that also come from the same organization, with the exception of the USO (United Service Organizations), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And I am reducing how much I donate for the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond) to take action.

I will still be responding to some of the email or text messages that I receive (to which I choose to respond), which are requesting me to take action, as well as to some of the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond), which are requesting me to take action, but I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis—in addition to reducing the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers.

So, I will only be donating once per month for each political, progressive or charitable organization, with the exception of the USO, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. (You see, I make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! Plus, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.)

And to clarify: I may eventually find out that making these reduced numbers of donations, and/or these reduced amounts for donations, still isn't enough to compensate for this considerable increase in my monthly minimum payments for my credit card, at which time I will reevaluate my financial situation and make adjustments to my political, progressive and charitable donations as needed. –Paul Whiting (written August 19th, 2023, revised August 23rd, 2023, revised August 25th, 2023, revised August 27th, 2023 and revised November 1st, 2023)
---------------------------------------------
August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 1, Written On August 31st, 2023: This update is a follow-up to the following:

▪ August 19th, 2023 Update

My 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above, is where I explain that I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

"...I am no longer donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations in the same way that I was due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations—as outlined below—starting with January of 2023.

January 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15%

February 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19%

March 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12%

April 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

May 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 21%

June 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

July 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

August 2023:
Month-to-date percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17% [through August 19th, 2023]

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through July 2023 (without including August, since this month is not over yet), it comes out to an average of 17% of my monthly income..."

And now that today is the last day of August 2023, I wanted to provide you with this month's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

August 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through August 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Joe Biden for President: 2%
[02] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[03] Non-Categorized Charity: 7%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 5%
[06] Red Cross (Maui Fires): 1%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Non-Categorized Political: 4%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent for August 2023: 23%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[09] Monthly Interest: 6%
[10] Credit Card Purchases: 23%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases for August 2023: 29%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for August 2023: 52%

Obviously, I need to greatly reduce the percentage of my monthly income that I am spending on political, progressive and charitable organizations, so that is why I decided to reduce "the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis," as well as to reduce "the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers."

Besides that, as far as reducing the amount of my monthly income that I spend on interest for my credit card, I made my extra credit card payment today and I put as much money as I could—that I had available in savings—toward reducing my balance!

You see, I track how much I save from discounts on purchases in my monthly budget, then I set aside that 'discount savings' for later use. That is why I was able to make a really big extra credit card payment today—and I reduced my credit card balance by 53% this month!

Please see "My Writing About Tracking My 'Discount Savings' In My Monthly Budget" below, which explains how I set aside my 'discount savings' and why I started doing this in the first place:

My Writing About Tracking My "Discount Savings" In My Monthly Budget: I track how much I save from discounts on purchases in my monthly budget! You see, beginning in the year 2016, I started to set aside my 'discount savings' in my monthly budget from coupons, discounts from stores, and discounts from other businesses, etc. Then, I saved those 'discount savings' for later use. And the reason that I decided to start doing this is because I couldn't figure why I did not have any money left over at the end of each month, even though I was always really careful about purchasing whatever I needed to buy when it was on sale—as much as possible. Then, I realized that I wasn't keeping track of how much I was saving when I bought items on sale in order to save money! Therefore, that is why I decided to start setting aside what I saved from any discounts on purchases in my monthly budget. As an example, if I buy an item on sale for $20.00, that was regularly $25.00, I set aside the $5.00 that I saved, in my monthly budget, as if I spent that money because—if I hadn't received a discount—I would have spent that money anyway! Thus, I do this on purchases that are discounted, by setting aside the money that I would have spent, as if I had spent that money. And the first full year that I set aside my 'discount savings' in my monthly budget, which was 2017, I saved over $900.00! Also, to clarify, I only track what I have saved on discounted purchases that I made with my debit card, in order to set aside those funds in my monthly budget, and not with discounted purchases that I made with cash or credit. Otherwise, I feel that it would be too difficult to set aside funds on purchases that were discounted for which I paid in cash or credit. And, to clarify even further, I only track what I have saved at a store if that store lists the amount that I have saved on the receipt. Otherwise, I feel that it would be too difficult to track discounts on purchases where the store does not list discounts on the receipt. (I actually used to go back through a store and write down on my receipt how much I saved on each item if the store didn't list the savings on my receipt, but it was kind of a hassle to do so. That's why I only track what I save at a store if they list my savings on the receipt.) And, as I mentioned above, I also track other discounts from businesses that I set aside in my monthly budget, such as discounts on my subscriptions to news organizations, or discounts on my monthly cell phone service! –Paul Whiting (written originally sometime after 2017, then turned into a quote on July 11th, 2022, revised July 13th, 2022, revised August 31st, 2023 and revised June 26th, 2024)

Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because I spent A LOT last year, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" So, I ended up with a rather considerable credit card balance...

...And I am still paying off how much I spent in 2022 on the Midterm Elections while, at the same time, I am trying to be an "Online Activist" and to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism. That is why I blog about which political, progressive and charitable organizations I am supporting with regard to the causes that are the most important to me! –Paul Whiting (written August 31st, 2023, revised October 1st, 2023, revised November 1st, 2023, revised December 2nd, 2023 and revised June 26th, 2024)
---------------------------------------------
August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 2, Written On October 1st, 2023 About September 2023: This update is a follow-up to the following:

▪ August 19th, 2023 Update
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 1, Written On August 31st, 2023

My 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above, is where I explain that I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

"...I am no longer donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations in the same way that I was due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations—as outlined below—starting with January of 2023.

January 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15%

February 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19%

March 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12%

April 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

May 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 21%

June 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

July 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

August 2023:
Month-to-date percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17% [through August 19th, 2023]

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through July 2023 (without including August, since this month is not over yet), it comes out to an average of 17% of my monthly income..."

And my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 1, Written On August 31st, 2023,' which can be found above, is where I continued to explain what the total percentage of my monthly income is that I spent for the month of August 2023 on donations, as well as monthly interest and credit card purchases! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

"...Now that today is the last day of August 2023, I wanted to provide you with this month's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

August 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through August 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Joe Biden for President: 2%
[02] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[03] Non-Categorized Charity: 7%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 5%
[06] Red Cross (Maui Fires): 1%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Non-Categorized Political: 4%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent for August 2023: 23%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[09] Monthly Interest: 6%
[10] Credit Card Purchases: 23%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases for August 2023: 29%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for August 2023: 52%"

And now that yesterday, September 30th, 2023, was the last day of September 2023, I wanted to provide you with September's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

September 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through September 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
-------Please see [02] below-------
[03] Disaster Relief: 6%
[04] Non-Categorized Charity: 3%
[05] Non-Categorized Political: 5%
[06] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 3%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Planned Parenthood: 1%
-------Please see [09] below-------
[10] News Organizations: 0.33311125916%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 20%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[02] Credit Card Purchases: 17%
[09] Monthly Interest: 5%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 22%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for September 2023: 42%

Obviously, I need to greatly reduce the percentage of my monthly income that I am spending on political, progressive and charitable organizations, so that is why I decided to reduce "the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis," as well as to reduce "the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers."

Now, I am doing a little bit better than I did last month, where my total percentage from donations spent for August 2023 was 23%, and my total percentage from interest and purchases for August 2023 was 29%, for a grand total percentage of monthly income for August 2023 of 52%!

Thus, I spend 3% less on donations for September 2023—even though I spent more of a percentage on disaster relief this month. And I spent 1% less on monthly interest this month, because last month I did the following:

"Besides that, as far as reducing the amount of my monthly income that I spend on interest for my credit card, I made my extra credit card payment today and I put as much money as I could—that I had available in savings—toward reducing my balance!"

"...I am no longer donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations in the same way that I was due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations—as outlined below—starting with January of 2023.

January 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15%

February 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19%

March 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12%

April 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

May 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 21%

June 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

July 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

August 2023:
Month-to-date percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17% [through August 19th, 2023]

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through July 2023 (without including August, since this month is not over yet), it comes out to an average of 17% of my monthly income..."

"...Now that today is the last day of August 2023, I wanted to provide you with this month's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

August 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through August 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Joe Biden for President: 2%
[02] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[03] Non-Categorized Charity: 7%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 5%
[06] Red Cross (Maui Fires): 1%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Non-Categorized Political: 4%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent for August 2023: 23%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[09] Monthly Interest: 6%
[10] Credit Card Purchases: 23%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases for August 2023: 29%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for August 2023: 52%"

And my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 2, Written On October 1st, 2023 About September 2023,' which can be found above, is where I continued to explain what the total percentage of my monthly income is that I spent for the month of September 2023 on donations, as well as monthly interest and credit card purchases! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

"...And now that yesterday, September 30th, 2023, was the last day of September 2023, I wanted to provide you with September's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

September 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through September 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
-------Please see [02] below-------
[03] Disaster Relief: 6%
[04] Non-Categorized Charity: 3%
[05] Non-Categorized Political: 5%
[06] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 3%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Planned Parenthood: 1%
-------Please see [09] below-------
[10] News Organizations: 0.33311125916%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 20%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[02] Credit Card Purchases: 17%
[09] Monthly Interest: 5%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 22%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for September 2023: 42%"

And now that yesterday, October 31st, 2023, was the last day of October 2023, I wanted to provide you with October's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

October 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through October 2023, it comes out to an average of 20% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 2%
[02] Non-Categorized Political: 7%
[03] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] Non-Categorized Charity: 4%
[06] World Jewish Congress: 1%
-------Please see [07] below-------
[08] Disaster Relief: 2%
[09] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 10%
-------Please see [10] below-------
[11] Brady PAC: 2%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 31%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[07] Credit Card Purchases: 74%
[10] Monthly Interest: 3%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 77%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for October 2023: 108%

Obviously, I continue needing to greatly reduce the percentage of my monthly income that I am spending on political, progressive and charitable organizations, so that is why I decided to reduce "the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis," as well as to reduce "the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers."

Now, I am doing way worse than I did last month, where my total percentage from donations spent for September 2023 was 20%, and my total percentage from interest and purchases for September 2023 was 22%, for a grand total percentage of monthly income for September 2023 of 42%!

Thus, I spend 11% more on donations for October 2023—even though I spent less of a percentage on disaster relief this month. And I spent 2% less on monthly interest this month, because the interest rate on my credit card went down, since it is a variable rate that adjusts with the prime rate.

And that reduction in interest rate took my monthly minimum credit card payment from "33% of the amount that I have set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment and my extra payment each month on my credit card," down to 28% of the amount that I have set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment and my extra payment each month!

Plus, I also spent 57% more on credit card purchases for October 2023 than I did last month, as well as 66% more compared to last month on the grand total percentage of my monthly income for September 2023 at 42%. (About 37% of that increase in credit card purchases had to do with me paying for my very first prescription eye glasses; but, the remaining 36% was due to the fact that I made regular purchases on my credit card over the allotted "Budgeted Expenses" amount in my monthly budget; although, I was buying some items that were on sale!)

However, I still really need to continue "tightening my belt," so to speak, with regard to all of the money that I am spending on my credit card each month, so that I can (eventually) get it paid off!

Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because I spent A LOT last year, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" So, I ended up with a rather considerable credit card balance...

...And I am still paying off how much I spent in 2022 on the Midterm Elections while, at the same time, I am trying to be an "Online Activist" and to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism. That is why I blog about which political, progressive and charitable organizations I am supporting with regard to the causes that are the most important to me! –Paul Whiting (written November 1st, 2023, revised December 1st, 2023, revised December 2nd, 2023 and revised January 9th, 2024)
---------------------------------------------
August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023: This update is a follow-up to the following:

▪ August 19th, 2023 Update
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 1, Written On August 31st, 2023
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 2, Written On October 1st, 2023 About September 2023
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 3, Written On November 1st, 2023 About October 2023

My 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above, is where I explain that I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

"...I am no longer donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations in the same way that I was due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations—as outlined below—starting with January of 2023.

January 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15%

February 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19%

March 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12%

April 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

May 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 21%

June 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

July 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

August 2023:
Month-to-date percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17% [through August 19th, 2023]

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through July 2023 (without including August, since this month is not over yet), it comes out to an average of 17% of my monthly income..."

"...Now that today is the last day of August 2023, I wanted to provide you with this month's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

August 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through August 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Joe Biden for President: 2%
[02] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[03] Non-Categorized Charity: 7%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 5%
[06] Red Cross (Maui Fires): 1%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Non-Categorized Political: 4%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent for August 2023: 23%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[09] Monthly Interest: 6%
[10] Credit Card Purchases: 23%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases for August 2023: 29%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for August 2023: 52%"

"...And now that yesterday, September 30th, 2023, was the last day of September 2023, I wanted to provide you with September's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

September 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through September 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
-------Please see [02] below-------
[03] Disaster Relief: 6%
[04] Non-Categorized Charity: 3%
[05] Non-Categorized Political: 5%
[06] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 3%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Planned Parenthood: 1%
-------Please see [09] below-------
[10] News Organizations: 0.33311125916%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 20%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[02] Credit Card Purchases: 17%
[09] Monthly Interest: 5%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 22%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for September 2023: 42%"

And my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 3, Written On November 1st, 2023 About October 2023,' which can be found above, is where I continued to explain what the total percentage of my monthly income is that I spent for the month of October 2023 on donations, as well as monthly interest and credit card purchases! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

"...And now that yesterday, October 31st, 2023, was the last day of October 2023, I wanted to provide you with October's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

October 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through October 2023, it comes out to an average of 0.20% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 2%
[02] Non-Categorized Political: 7%
[03] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] Non-Categorized Charity: 4%
[06] World Jewish Congress: 1%
-------Please see [07] below-------
[08] Disaster Relief: 2%
[09] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 10%
-------Please see [10] below-------
[11] Brady PAC: 2%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 31%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[07] Credit Card Purchases: 74%
[10] Monthly Interest: 3%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 77%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for October 2023: 108%"

And now that yesterday, November 30th, 2023, was the last day of November 2023, I wanted to provide you with November's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

November 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 71%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through November 2023, it comes out to an average of 24% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Non-Categorized Political: 16%
[02] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 17%
[03] USHMM (U.S. Holocaust Memor. Mus.): 7%
[04] PPAF (Plan. Parent. Act. Fund): 2%
[05] PPFA (Plan. Parent. Feder. of Amer.): 2%
[06] News Organizations: 0.33311125916%
[07] Brady PAC: 0.46635576282%
[08] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.33311125916%
[09] Non-Categorized Charity: 0.33311125916%
[10] Everytown for Gun Safety: 0.33311125916%
[11] World Jewish Congress: 0.33311125916%
-------Please see [12] below-------
[13] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 3%
[14] Veterans Day: 2%
[15] NARF (Nativ. Amer. Rights Fund): 0.46635576282%
[16] Thanksgiving: 3%
-------Purchase refund [17]-------
[18] UFW (Unite. Farm Work.): 2%
[19] Plant Based Treaty: 0.33977348434%
[20] Giving Tuesday: 39%
[21] Plan. Parent. PAC of Ore.: 0.33311125916%
-------Please see [22] below-------
[23] Native American Heritage Day: 2%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 71%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[12] Credit Card Purchases: 53%
[22] Monthly Interest: 5%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 58%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for November 2023: 129%

Now, this is where I usually say something like the following on these donation 'updates' that I write each month:

Obviously, I continue needing to greatly reduce the percentage of my monthly income that I am spending on political, progressive and charitable organizations, so that is why I decided to reduce "the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis," as well as to reduce "the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers."

However, I am going to follow my own words of advice from my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' wherein I stated the following:

I may eventually find out that making these reduced numbers of donations, and/or these reduced amounts for donations, still isn't enough to compensate for this considerable increase in my monthly minimum payments for my credit card, at which time I will reevaluate my financial situation and make adjustments to my political, progressive and charitable donations as needed.

Because, as you can see, I am doing way, way worse than I did last month, where my total percentage from donations spent for October 2023 was 31%, and my total percentage from interest and purchases for October 2023 was 77%, for a grand total percentage of monthly income for October 2023 of 108%!

Thus, I spend 40% more on donations for November 2023, but most of that had to do with Giving Tuesday! And I spent about 5% on disaster relief this month, which you cannot see as its own category, because I included the "disaster relief" donations that I made with my series of Giving Tuesday donations. And I spent 2% more on monthly interest this month, because I increased my credit card balance by a considerable amount!

However, I did spend 21% less on credit card purchases for November 2023 than I did last month; but, at the same time, I spent 21% more compared to last month on the grand total percentage of my monthly income for October 2023 at 108%. (I made regular purchases on my credit card over the allotted "Budgeted Expenses" amount in my monthly budget; although, I was buying some items that were on sale!)

So, now, I am really "tightening my belt," so to speak, with regard to all of the donations that I am making on my credit card each month!

My plan is to only donate to political, progressive and charitable organizations if they specifically ask for donations—and not just for the sake of donating to them at least once per month, or even when I have been taking some sort of action, such as signing a petition, or sending a letter, etc. Thus, I am trying to greatly reduce the number of donations that I make to simply once in a while, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis!

You see, there are a lot of organizations that I literally donate to only once per year—such as for Giving Tuesday—which is all that I ever donate to them. And that is basically what I am striving for, so that I am still donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations, but the bare minimum that I can donate, since that's all I can really afford.

Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because I spent A LOT last year, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" So, I ended up with a rather considerable credit card balance...

...And I am still paying off how much I spent in 2022 on the Midterm Elections while, at the same time, I am trying to be an "Online Activist" and to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism. That is why I blog about which political, progressive and charitable organizations I am supporting with regard to the causes that are the most important to me! –Paul Whiting (written December 1st, 2023, revised December 2nd, 2023, revised December 4th, 2023, revised December 19th, 2023 and revised January 1st, 2024)
---------------------------------------------
August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 5, Written On January 1st, 2024 About December 2023: This update is a follow-up to the following:

▪ August 19th, 2023 Update
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 1, Written On August 31st, 2023
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 2, Written On October 1st, 2023 About September 2023
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 3, Written On November 1st, 2023 About October 2023
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023

My 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above, is where I explain that I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

"...I am no longer donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations in the same way that I was due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations—as outlined below—starting with January of 2023.

January 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15%

February 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19%

March 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12%

April 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

May 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 21%

June 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

July 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

August 2023:
Month-to-date percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17% [through August 19th, 2023]

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through July 2023 (without including August, since this month is not over yet), it comes out to an average of 17% of my monthly income..."

"...Now that today is the last day of August 2023, I wanted to provide you with this month's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

August 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through August 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Joe Biden for President: 2%
[02] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[03] Non-Categorized Charity: 7%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 5%
[06] Red Cross (Maui Fires): 1%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Non-Categorized Political: 4%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent for August 2023: 23%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[09] Monthly Interest: 6%
[10] Credit Card Purchases: 23%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases for August 2023: 29%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for August 2023: 52%"

"...And now that yesterday, September 30th, 2023, was the last day of September 2023, I wanted to provide you with September's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

September 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through September 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
-------Please see [02] below-------
[03] Disaster Relief: 6%
[04] Non-Categorized Charity: 3%
[05] Non-Categorized Political: 5%
[06] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 3%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Planned Parenthood: 1%
-------Please see [09] below-------
[10] News Organizations: 0.33311125916%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 20%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[02] Credit Card Purchases: 17%
[09] Monthly Interest: 5%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 22%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for September 2023: 42%"

"...And now that yesterday, October 31st, 2023, was the last day of October 2023, I wanted to provide you with October's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

October 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through October 2023, it comes out to an average of 0.20% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 2%
[02] Non-Categorized Political: 7%
[03] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] Non-Categorized Charity: 4%
[06] World Jewish Congress: 1%
-------Please see [07] below-------
[08] Disaster Relief: 2%
[09] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 10%
-------Please see [10] below-------
[11] Brady PAC: 2%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 31%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[07] Credit Card Purchases: 74%
[10] Monthly Interest: 3%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 77%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for October 2023: 108%"

And my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023,' which can be found above, is where I continued to explain what the total percentage of my monthly income is that I spent for the month of November 2023 on donations, as well as monthly interest and credit card purchases! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

And now that yesterday, November 30th, 2023, was the last day of November 2023, I wanted to provide you with November's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

November 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 71%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through November 2023, it comes out to an average of 24% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Non-Categorized Political: 16%
[02] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 17%
[03] USHMM (U.S. Holocaust Memor. Mus.): 7%
[04] PPAF (Plan. Parent. Act. Fund): 2%
[05] PPFA (Plan. Parent. Feder. of Amer.): 2%
[06] News Organizations: 0.33311125916%
[07] Brady PAC: 0.46635576282%
[08] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.33311125916%
[09] Non-Categorized Charity: 0.33311125916%
[10] Everytown for Gun Safety: 0.33311125916%
[11] World Jewish Congress: 0.33311125916%
-------Please see [12] below-------
[13] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 3%
[14] Veterans Day: 2%
[15] NARF (Nativ. Amer. Rights Fund): 0.46635576282%
[16] Thanksgiving: 3%
-------Purchase refund [17]-------
[18] UFW (Unite. Farm Work.): 2%
[19] Plant Based Treaty: 0.33977348434%
[20] Giving Tuesday: 39%
[21] Plan. Parent. PAC of Ore.: 0.33311125916%
-------Please see [22] below-------
[23] Native American Heritage Day: 2%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 71%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[12] Credit Card Purchases: 53%
[22] Monthly Interest: 5%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 58%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for November 2023: 129%

And now that yesterday, December 31st, 2023, was the last day of December 2023, I wanted to provide you with December's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

December 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through December 2023, it comes out to an average of 25% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

-------Please see [01] below-------
[02] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 6%
[03] PPAF (Plan. Parent. Act. Fund): 1%
[04] DSCC (Dem. Senate. Cam. Comm.): 1%
[05] DCCC (Dem. Congress. Cam. Comm.): 1%
[06] DNC (Dem. Nation. Cam. Comm.): 1%
[07] USA for UNFPA: 0.33311125916%
[08] USA for UNHCR: 0.33311125916%
[09] Non-Categorized Political: 6%
[10] World Jewish Congress: 0.33311125916%
[11] UFW (Unite. Farm Work.): 1%
[12] Brady United: 0.33311125916%
[13] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[14] Mother Jones: 1%
[15] DASS (Dem. Assoc. Secr. of State): 0.35642904730%
[16] Christmas Giving: 6%
[17] Joe Biden for President: 1%
[18] Plan. Parent. PAC of Ore.: 0.33311125916%
[19] Doctors w/o Borders: 0.33311125916%
[20] Everytown for Gun Safety: 0.33311125916%
[21] Reveal Podcast: 0.33311125916%
-------Please see [22] below-------
[23] DLCC (Dem. Legis. Cam. Comm.): 1%
[24] Friends of Willamette Week: 1%
[25] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.33311125916%
[26] WWP (Wounded Warrior Project): 1%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Credit Card Purchases: 19%
[22] Monthly Interest: 8%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 27%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for December 2023: 58%

Now, this is where I usually say something like the following on these donation 'updates' that I write each month:

Obviously, I continue needing to greatly reduce the percentage of my monthly income that I am spending on political, progressive and charitable organizations, so that is why I decided to reduce "the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis," as well as to reduce "the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers."

However, I am going to follow my own words of advice from my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' wherein I stated the following:

I may eventually find out that making these reduced numbers of donations, and/or these reduced amounts for donations, still isn't enough to compensate for this considerable increase in my monthly minimum payments for my credit card, at which time I will reevaluate my financial situation and make adjustments to my political, progressive and charitable donations as needed.

Although, as you can see, I am doing way, way better than I did last month, where my total percentage from donations spent for November 2023 was 71%, and my total percentage from interest and purchases for November 2023 was 58%, for a grand total percentage of monthly income for November 2023 of 129%!

Thus, I spend 40% less on donations for December 2023, but most of that had to do with me making a limited number of contributions for my Christmas donations! Plus, I spent less than 1% (0.33311125916%) on disaster relief this month, since I only donated to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. And I spent 3% more on monthly interest this month, because I increased my credit card balance by a considerable amount!

However, I did spend 34% less on credit card purchases for December 2023 than I did last month; and, at the same time, I spent 71% less compared to last month on the grand total percentage of my monthly income for November 2023 at 129%. (I made regular purchases on my credit card over the allotted "Budgeted Expenses" amount in my monthly budget; although, I was buying some items that were on sale!)

So, now, I am continuing to really "tightening my belt," so to speak, with regard to all of the donations that I am making on my credit card each month!

My plan is to only donate to political, progressive and charitable organizations if they specifically ask for donations—and not just for the sake of donating to them at least once per month, or even when I have been taking some sort of action, such as signing a petition, or sending a letter, etc. Thus, I am trying to greatly reduce the number of donations that I make to simply once in a while, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis!

You see, there are a lot of organizations that I literally donate to only once per year—such as for Giving Tuesday—which is all that I ever donate to them. And that is basically what I am striving for, so that I am still donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations, but the bare minimum that I can donate, since that's all I can really afford.

Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because I spent A LOT last year (in 2022), since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" So, I ended up with a rather considerable credit card balance...

...And I am still paying off how much I spent in 2022 on the Midterm Elections while, at the same time, I am trying to be an "Online Activist" and to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism. That is why I blog about which political, progressive and charitable organizations I am supporting with regard to the causes that are the most important to me!

By the way, this is the final follow-up that I am writing for my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' because it's a new year as of today, January 1st, 2024, which is when I wrote this 'update.' And I am still planning to provide a similar outline for my January 2024 'update'—which I will probably write on February 1st, 2024—wherein I hope to report how gosh darn frugal I was with regard to political, progressive and charitable organizations I am supporting while I am on a really tight budget... –Paul Whiting (written January 1st, 2024, revised January 2nd, 2024, revised January 9th, 2024 and revised February 1st, 2024)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

August 21st, 2023 Update: National Senior Citizens Day is today, August 21st, 2023, since National Senior Citizens Day is yearly (annually) on August 21st.

And I received an email from National Today yesterday, August 20th, 2023, with the subject line, "Appreciating Senior Citizens, Cuban Sandwiches, Dogs. The Week Ahead", which stated, in part, the following:

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY

We honor the senior citizens in our lives... Not only does National Senior Citizens Day invite us to say thank you to and appreciate the elderly folks we know and love, but it also raises awareness about the issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life. ...

... Monday 21 August

National Senior Citizens Day

For all they have achieved for the good of their communities, senior citizens deserve our thanks!

Read more:

https://nationaltoday.com/national-senior-citizens-day

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY – AUGUST 21, 2023
[Observed in the] U.S.

Do you have an elderly person in your life that you love and appreciate? National Senior Citizens Day, August 21, is the day to let them know how much you care and it’s an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life.

Today, seniors are still active in their communities as well as continuing to have a strong presence in the workforce. For all they do and have achieved for the good of their communities, senior citizens deserve our thanks!

---------------------------------------------

WHEN IS NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY 2023?

Respect and cherish senior citizens on National Senior Citizens Day on August 21.

---------------------------------------------

HISTORY OF NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY

National Senior Citizens Day recognizes seniors who have spent their lives contributing to society and have impacted everyone’s lives for the better. Improved healthcare has changed demographics and increased productivity of older citizens, allowing them to be more active than ever before. With more opportunities available as well, many senior citizens now begin second careers and are an example for younger generations. The country’s foundation and stable sectors are the result of the hard work of our senior citizens and they deserve all our gratitude.

President Ronald Reagan took the initiative to honor seniors in 1988 when he signed Proclamation 5847 and marked August 21 as the day seniors will be celebrated. “Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today, and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land,” Reagan proclaimed. “For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older — places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”

His words have withstood the test of time and are now, over 30 years later, more important than ever as older people are leading more productive lives. Reagan himself set an example for everyone — he was 69 years old when one of the world’s most powerful titles of president of the U.S. was given to him on January 20, 1981. Reagan lived till the ripe old age of 93, and not only was he the oldest person to be elected president, he was also the oldest when his term ended at 77 years and 349 days.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 78 million people aged 65 and older will reside in America by 2035. This figure will surpass the number of the population under the age of 18 for the first time in the nation’s history.

---------------------------------------------

NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY TIMELINE

January 20, 1981
40th President:
Ronald Reagan is sworn in as the President of The United States of America at the age of 69.

1985
Age is Just a Number:
“The Golden Girls” premieres on television, following the adventures of four senior ladies who live together.

August 21, 1988
Proclamation 5847:
National Senior Citizens Day is declared by President Ronald Reagan.

May 31, 2015
A Formidable Force:
92-year-old Harriette Thompson finishes the Suja Rock ’n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, and becomes the oldest woman ever to complete a 26-mile race.

---------------------------------------------

TRADITIONS

There are many traditions when it comes to senior citizens, especially since many of our traditions growing up were set by them. Take the time to recreate your family’s traditions today, and be sure to include your grandparents and other elderly people in your family.

---------------------------------------------

BY THE NUMBERS

22% — the percentage increase in the population of 60+-year-olds by the year 2050.

2020 — the year when the number of people aged 60 and above outnumbered children younger than five years.

80% — the percentage of elderly people who will be from low and middle income countries by 2050.

60 — the age after which a person is considered to be a senior citizen. [I'm almost there, since I am 56!]

3.6% — the percentage of people over 65 years old who are in nursing homes.

4 in 5 — the number of older adults who will battle at least one chronic illness.

50% — the percentage of elderly people who battle at least two chronic diseases.

75 — the age at which one in three elderly people don’t get any physical activity.

99% — the percentage of people aged 65 and above who have health insurance.

⅓ — the portion of the total subsidized housing occupied by the elderly.

20 to 22 % — the percentage of the population over 65 years of age in the three oldest states in the United States.

---------------------------------------------

NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY FAQS

What is National Senior Citizen Day?

The achievements and contributions of the mature people of our country are recognized on National Senior Citizens Day.

What is the age of senior citizens?

An individual resident is considered a senior citizen if he/she is between the ages of 60 to 80 years.

What are the advantages of turning 60?

There are perks to turning 60. Many benefits are applicable only to senior citizens. Extra coverage is granted to senior citizens for healthcare expenses.

When should I start saving for retirement?

Every individual's circumstances are different, but the general advice is that you should start saving early and to save as often as you can.

---------------------------------------------

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY

1. Donate to a nursing/retirement home

One of the kindest and most rewarding things one can do is to donate essential goods or gifts to a nursing/retirement home. Give your nearest facility a call and ask them whether they have a shortage of anything. Or simply drop off some chocolates, juice boxes, or any other treats. You can really make a difference in someone’s life.

[Blogger's Note: I tried to find a way to donate to local nursing/retirement homes in Portland, Oregon, but I was unable to do so.]

2. Reach out to a senior family member

Do you have a senior family member? Perhaps it’s a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle. Visit them and spend some time together. If you can’t see them in person, don't text — call! Let them hear the warmth in your voice when you tell them how much you appreciate them.

3. Have fun!

Are you a senior citizen yourself? Well, today is all about you! Live it up and treat yourself. Spend time with your favorite people, go shopping — do whatever you like. This could be the day you finally try that one thing you never have time for or perhaps it's a perfect day to chill at home. You’ve earned this time, so enjoy it!

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5 FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY

1. Get with the times

Today, only 3.6% of people over the age of 65 live in nursing homes — older women are likely to live alone, while older men prefer living with a spouse.

2. Senior citizens battle serious illnesses

Four in five seniors will battle at least one medical condition or illness like arthritis or a heart disorder.

3. “Get off my property!”

Over ⅓ of federally subsidized housing is occupied by elderly people.

[Blogger's Note: I feel like this fact seems disrespectful of those elderly people who live in federally subsidized housing!

First of all, the quote “Get off my property!” seems to be saying that elderly people are obligatorily yelling at those on their property, as explained from a Wikipedia entry titled, "You kids get off my lawn!"

"You kids get off my lawn!" from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia—which is funded primarily through donations from millions of individuals around the world, including this blogger (I make a totally affordable one-time donation if they are requesting donations when I am on their website):

"You kids get off my lawn!" is an American expression of the late 20th century and early 21st century. ... This phrase presents the supposed reaction of a stereotypical elderly homeowner confronting boisterous children entering or crossing their property. Today, the phrase has been expanded to mock any sort of complaint, particularly those of older people regarding the young. ...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_kids_get_off_my_lawn!

Second of all, I feel like this fact also seems disrespectful of elderly people who live in federally subsidized housing, as if that subsidized housing was not, in fact, paid for by the middle class elderly citizens who are living in said housing—but was actually paid for by the wealthy, powerful and well-connected whose taxes are not actually paid at the same rate as the middle class! For, "We, The People" know that the middle class pays a higher tax rate than the billionaire class, which is explained from an Oxfam article titled, "Do the rich pay their fair share?":

"Do the rich pay their fair share?" from Oxfam America

By Oxfam | November 15, 2022

What billionaires and giant corporations pay in taxes—and what that means for the rest of us. ...

... Do billionaires pay their fair share?

Billionaires in the US pay a smaller tax rate than most teachers and retail workers. Thanks to a tax code that favors income from wealth over income from work—and a slew of tax-avoidance strategies—the richest among us end up paying a smaller percentage of their income to the federal government than most working families.

Here’s what we know:

Since 2020, the richest 1 percent have captured almost two-thirds of all new wealth.

According to a 2021 White House study, the wealthiest 400 billionaire families in the US paid an average federal individual tax rate of just 8.2 percent. For comparison, the average American taxpayer in the same year paid 13 percent.

According to leaked tax returns highlighted in a ProPublica investigation, the 25 richest Americans paid $13.6 billion in taxes from 2014-2018—a “true” tax rate of just 3.4 percent on $401 billion of income.

That’s not paying your fair share. Instead of our tax system rewarding wealth over work, it should ensure that billionaires play by the same set of rules as the rest of us. It’s good for the planet, and it’s essential to the preservation of our democracy. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/stories/do-the-rich-pay-their-fair-share

Thus, it's as if we are being told by the wealthy, powerful and well-connected that elderly folks—who live in federally subsidized housing—should just “Get off [their] property,” since it's the wealthy who have paid for that subsidized housing and not the middle class! And the middle class not only pay a higher percentage of their income on taxes, the middle class tax payers don't cheat on their taxes like the wealthy are known to cheat on their taxes!

And the proof that I offer for the statement above, regarding the wealthy cheating on their taxes, is the recent roll back of funding to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) by the Republicans to the tune of $21 billion dollars as part of the debt ceiling bill in June 2023, which is explained in articles from Forbes Magazine and the Brookings Institution, respectively, both of which are from January 2023:

"Rolling Back IRS Funds Would Make It Harder To File Tax Returns And Easier To Cheat" from Forbes Media

By Howard Gleckman Senior Contributor | Jan 4, 2023

Once they finally pick a Speaker, the very first bill House Republicans will adopt likely would make it harder for the IRS to help taxpayers file their returns and easier for tax dodgers to cheat. It doesn’t seem like very smart branding, but what do I know?

Of course, that’s not how the House GOP is framing its coming vote to reverse nearly all of the 2021 Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) $80 billion increase in the IRS budget over the next decade. The House GOP says it is trying to prevent 87,000 armed IRS agents from harassing innocent taxpayers. While this oft-repeated claim resonates among some on the political right, it has little connection to reality. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/howardgleckman/2023/01/04/why-would-politicians-make-it-harder-to-file-tax-returns-and-easier-to-cheat/amp/

"Cutting IRS funding is a gift to America’s wealthiest tax evaders" from the Brookings Institution

By Vanessa Williamson | January 26, 2023

In their first act of legislative business, the new House Republican majority voted to cut funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The vote was a symbolic effort to repeal the $80 billion increase in funding the revenue agency received last year as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Cutting IRS funding is a terrible idea. A well-funded IRS can distribute emergency aid quickly, serve taxpayers efficiently, and help ensure that millionaires have to follow the tax laws just like everyone else. It’s an essential investment in good government. ...

... The IRS has been persistently underfunded for decades, but the years since 2010 have been particularly tough. Tax law expert Chye-Ching Huang notes that the enforcement budget of the IRS dropped by nearly a quarter in less than ten years. ...

... But the budgetary toll of persistent underfunding is unmistakable. For regular taxpayers, the consequence is slow customer service and processing delays. Some politicians have irresponsibly suggested that every new IRS employee will be a gun-toting enforcement agent. Actually, the IRS desperately needs employees to process refunds and answer tax filers’ phone calls. Out of the 282 million phone calls the IRS received in 2021, only 11% or 32 million were actually answered. Nearly half the new IRS money is going to taxpayer services and modernization, which will make the agency more responsive and efficient for taxpayers.

About $45 billion of the $80 billion in new funding is going to enforcement, and that is great news. For the wealthiest and most sophisticated tax filers, a cash-strapped IRS has meant a tax evasion free-for-all. Currently, the tax gap, which is the amount in taxes that are owed but not paid, comes to nearly $7 trillion over a decade. Three fifths of the tax gap is due to underreporting of income by the top 10% of taxpayers, and more than a quarter comes from the top 1%. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/cutting-irs-funding-is-a-gift-to-americas-wealthiest-tax-evaders/

By the way, please accept my sincerest apology for this particularly long-winded 'Blogger's Note,' however—as a self-designated 'Poet, Artist and Philosopher'—I feel that it is my solemn duty to call out discrimination whenever I see it!]

4. They are technologically advancing

Senior citizens are the fastest-growing demographic on the social platform Facebook.

5. Young at heart

15 million senior citizens volunteer in some manner.

---------------------------------------------

WHY NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY IS IMPORTANT

A. Seniors give wise and useful advice

Our elderly family and friends have a lifetime's worth of precious experiences (and stories) to share. For centuries, cultures across the world have looked to the seniors in their communities for wisdom and knowledge. In times of trouble or when we simply don't know what to do, seniors are often the first people we turn to for a different or even, unusual perspective. If we listen, we can learn so much from them.

B. Seniors give generously

It's widely known that seniors make more charitable donations than any other age group. They have more time to devote to others and volunteer. We appreciate how much they look out for their loved ones and it’s a quality we love in our seniors.

C. Seniors give us goodies!

Perhaps this stems from their generous and charitable nature, but seniors are very good at making us feel special. Grandparents dote on us when we need it, and sometimes when we don't. To every grandparent or elderly loved one that has given us a treat or made sure we ate well or spoiled us in some other way, we salute and appreciate you!

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/national-senior-citizens-day

–Paul Whiting (written August 21st, 2023, revised September 4th, 2023, revised November 26th, 2023, revised December 6th, 2023, revised December 7th, 2023 and revised August 31st, 2025)

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August 22nd, 2023 Update: I received a text message today, August 22nd, 2023, from the Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for Florida campaign, which stated the following:

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell here. I just launched my campaign to defeat Sen. Rick Scott and flip Florida blue – but I’m not here to ask for money!

Instead, I’m counting on 25,000 grassroots supporters like you to personally endorse my campaign before midnight tonight.

Having a strong showing of support on day one of this campaign is critical if we’re going to defeat Rick Scott, so I’m counting on you to add your name now:***

Thank you!

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
U.S. Senate

Personal Invitation: Add your name to endorse our campaign!

Contact Information

First Name (Optional): Paul
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]

SUBMIT

Paid for by Debbie for Florida

---------------------------------------------

Blue Florida 2024 Strategy Survey | Midnight Deadline

Thank you for adding your name to endorse Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for Senate! Will you answer a few questions about this must-win race to help shape Debbie’s grassroots strategy? Your responses are incredibly important to our campaign.

Which issues should Debbie focus on most in her messaging to voters? (Select up to three.)

[  ] Protecting access to affordable health care

[  ] Defending Social Security and Medicare

[✓] Stopping GOP attacks on reproductive rights

[✓] Strengthening our democracy

[✓] Fighting against Rick Scott’s dangerous agenda

[  ] Defending our democracy and voting rights

[  ] Ending gun violence

[  ] Other:

[Blogger's Note: I could have easily selected "all of the above," but, I chose the center three messages since I felt those were the "issues [that] Debbie [should] focus on most in her messaging to voters" when I filled out the survey! By the way, I feel "Strengthening our democracy" includes "Defending our democracy and voting rights," which is why I selected that particular message.]

What grade would you give Rick Scott’s leadership in the Senate?

[✓] F – Terrible

[  ] D – Bad

[  ] C – Poor

[  ] B – Good

[  ] A – Excellent

Rick Scott wrote the GOP’s plan to end Social Security and Medicare. He tried to raise taxes on working families, which would have pushed millions of Americans into poverty. And he’s even pushed for a nationwide abortion ban.

Now experts say he’s one of the most vulnerable senators up for reelection. How much should Democrats prioritize defeating him in 2024?

[  ] 1 - Lowest Priority
[  ] 2
[  ] 3
[  ] 4
[✓] 5 - Highest Priority

Rick Scott only won this seat by 0.12% – just 10,033 votes! Now, election analysts at CNN, RollCall, and FiveThirtyEight are all saying that Florida is one of our best chances to pick up a seat in 2024.

Are you personally committed to helping flip Florida blue, expanding our Senate majority, and electing Debbie to the Senate?

[✓] Yes, absolutely!

[  ] No, I don’t care if Republicans win.

Experts are clear: If Debbie wins in Florida, Democrats will be all but guaranteed to defend our Senate majority next year. And Rick Scott is ranked as one of the most vulnerable senators in the entire country.

Debbie is already polling one point ahead in the latest data. But this race is going to be one of the most expensive elections in the entire country. Last time around, Rick Scott spent a massive $64 MILLION of his own money to buy this seat.

We can’t let Debbie be outspent in such a critical election. That’s why she’s set a massive $500,000 campaign launch goal to hit the ground running. She’s counting on you to have her back. So please, will you make a donation before midnight tonight to flip Florida blue and defend our Senate majority?

[✓] Yes, I can give $5 to flip Florida blue.

[  ] Yes, I can give $25 to flip Florida blue.

[  ] Yes, I can give $50 to flip Florida blue.

[  ] Yes, and I can give more to flip Florida blue.

---------------------------------------------

DONATE NOW TO DEFEAT RICK SCOTT IN FLORIDA

Rick Scott has spent his time in Washington trying to destroy Social Security and Medicare, ban abortions nationwide, and increase taxes on working families.

Now, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is running to defeat him. Election analysts are saying this is one of Democrats’ TOP pickup opportunities in the Senate – and early polling has Debbie one point ahead.

But Scott is a multi-millionaire who can spend huge sums of his own money to defeat Debbie, so Debbie is counting on strong grassroots support from Democrats all across the country. Please, will you chip in now to flip Florida blue before our midnight deadline?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $10 →

[✓] Donate $5 →

[  ] Other amount

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] Custom $0.21

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Debbie for Florida [Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for Florida] campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "personally endorse [Debbie Mucarsel-Powell's] campaign!" –Paul Whiting (written August 22nd, 2023 and revised November 8th, 2023)

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August 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Song for Charlie today, August 22nd, 2023, with the subject line, "Song for Charlie: August Newsletter", which stated the following:

Song for Charlie Monthly Newsletter
August 2023

The New Drug Talk

Song for Charlie is pleased to announce the launch of our new resource portal, The New Drug Talk: Connect to Protect (https://songforcharlie.org/the-new-drug-talk). Developed in partnership with the California Department of Healthcare Services, the website is designed to equip parents and caregivers with the tools they need to talk to their kids about the new chemical drug landscape. We are grateful to DHCS and our corporate and nonprofit partners for funding and promoting this important project. We invite you to visit the site and share it with your friends and family.

Documentary Film

SFC has just released a 30-minute documentary-style film that anchors The New Drug Talk project. A cast of experts and impacted families provide background, context and actionable information families can use to keep their loved ones safe. Watch the 1-minute trailer (https://youtu.be/0SLuQnDp8tg?si=So8ACtjsWukt5BbS) and download the full video HERE (https://songforcharlie.org/the-new-drug-talk-film).

Legislation for Education

Oregon recently passed a law requiring all middle- and high schools to implement fentanyl education in the classroom, citing the Fake & Fatal Campaign (https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/communications-community-involvement/fake-and-fatal) developed by the Beaverton School District (with an assist from SFC) as the model. We are encouraged to see other States following suit. Just this month, US Representative [name redacted] announced plans to introduce Federal legislation to facilitate school-based fentanyl education nationwide. In recognition of their advocacy on the issue, [names redacted] were invited to the announcement along with US HHS Secretary [name redacted], Senator [name redacted] and other dignitaries.

Seattle Golf Tourney [Tournament]

Our work continues thanks to inspiring champions like [name redacted] and [name redacted] who recently hosted the third annual “What a Day” memorial golf tournament in Seattle in memory of Riley Frazier and others lost to fentanyl poisonings. Friends, local businesses, and community members came out to play golf and raise awareness and funds to help Song for Charlie fulfill our mission. “We’re tired of our friends dying. It was a great opportunity to spread fentanyl awareness to a strong community of friends and family. We hope opportunities like this will help people find healthier alternatives than illegal drugs because unfortunately at the end of the day life is fragile” shared [name redacted]. “I’m happy to support our fellow bereaved families and charity recipient Song for Charlie in their critical efforts to inform our youth about this deadly fentanyl crisis,” said [name redacted]. The event raised nearly $10k and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Multiplier Effect

SFC [Song for Charlie] is 100% donor funded. That means our mission is only possible because of generous individuals, corporations and foundations fueling our work through their donations. Every dollar raised helps us empower families. Together we are multiplying our impact to save lives.

Join us by hosting your own fundraiser, sharing our information on social media and activating your workplace. Let us know about an event you are planning or reach out to learn more: [email redacted]

Gratefully,

[Names redacted]

And, after I read the email above, I watched the 1-minute "The New Drug Talk Trailer - English," then I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding downloading the full video, which can be found below:

THE NEW
DRUG TALK
FILM

Welcome to the official access page for the full version of The New Drug Talk film.

Gain access to the complete film by filling out the form. Upon submission, you will receive an email containing a secure link to download and watch the full version of The New Drug Talk: Connect to Protect.

First Name: Paul

Last Name: Whiting

Email Address: [redacted]

State: [redacted]

Postal: [redacted]

Which best describes you?
Select...
[  ] Parent
[  ] Grandparent
[  ] Caregiver
[  ] Educator
[  ] Counselor
[  ] Non Profit

[Blogger's Note: I didn't fit any of those descriptions, so I didn't select one.]

What is your age? 56

SUBMIT BUTTON

DONATE NOW

Plus, after I received "an email containing a secure link to download and watch the full version of The New Drug Talk: Connect to Protect," I made a one-time donation to Song for Charlie in order to support their "national family-run, nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about 'fentapills' — fake pills made of fentanyl."

Then, later on, I watched the video "The New Drug Talk - FULL" on YouTube, which I found to be really informative and thought-provoking. And the video provided a lot of truly educational information about the lethal dangers of fentanyl in about thirty minutes.

By the way, I normally provide a hyperlink to videos like this one, so that you, my readers, can simply click on the link and watch; however, this video is "unlisted," so I am encouraging you, my readers, to fill out the form on "the official access page for the full version of The New Drug Talk film," just like I did:

https://songforcharlie.org/the-new-drug-talk-film

–Paul Whiting (written August 22nd, 2023 and revised August 23rd, 2023)

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August 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received a text message today, August 22nd, 2023, from the Roland Gutierrez for Texas campaign, which stated the following:

Hi Paul, I'm Roland Gutierrez, the Democrat running against Ted Cruz in Texas.

I proudly represent Uvalde in the Texas State Senate and when horrifying violence struck my community, I worked with families to demand real action.

Ted Cruz just offered thoughts and prayers. Enough is enough.

That's why I'm running for Senate so we can have leadership that is willing to take on tough fights and stand up for what matters.

Texas is the best chance Democrats have to FLIP a Senate seat in 2024, but Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump will do everything to keep Texas RED. I know we can win this race, that will only happen if we get critical early investments now.

So I'm asking you today, can you chip in $25 and become a Founding Donor to our campaign to DEFEAT Ted Cruz?***

Thank you,
Roland Gutierrez

Roland Gutierrez
For U.S. Senate

Donate to Roland For Texas!

Roland Gutierrez is running for the United States Senate, because Ted Cruz is all about taking care of rich people while working Texans get left behind.

After the Uvalde school shooting, Roland and the Uvalde families teamed up to demand change but saw firsthand that our system is entirely broken. What happened in Uvalde was about the neglect of the systems that are supposed to keep us all safe and help us get ahead.

Hardworking Texans are getting the short end of the stick, working full-time but still struggling to pay the rent. That isn’t right. Meanwhile, Republicans like Ted Cruz run away when things get tough. He’s just looking out for the rich and powerful, while the rest of us get scraps.

Roland is running to fix things and build a Texas where we all thrive. Texas is the best Senate flip opportunity for Democrats, but we are going to need you on our team to do it!

Make a contribution today to join #TeamGutierrez as a Founding Donor! →

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Roland Gutierrez.

[✓] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Other amount

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] Custom $0.21

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Roland Gutierrez for Texas campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to become a Founding Donor of Roland Gutierrez for Texas! –Paul Whiting (August 22nd, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

August 23rd, 2023 Update: I received an email from PlantBasedTreaty.org today, August 23rd, 2023, with the subject line, "Make climate conferences vegan", which stated the following:

Make climate conferences vegan!

Help our petition grow

Image: June 2023 - Plant Based Treaty gave Bonn Climate Conference delegates free vegan hotdogs to show that a transition to a plant-based food system is essential to addressing rising food-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Sign the petition:

https://www.drove.com/campaign/6479e2413aa1f55325db3378?mc_cid=8baed318d4&mc_eid=ff4e808a09

We have asked the United Nations (UN) to show climate action leadership by encouraging climate conferences to provide 100% plant-based catering.

We’ve requested a meeting with COP28 [28th Conference of the Parties ("COP") to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change] (the upcoming climate talks in Dubai, this December) to discuss switching to 100% plant-based catering because we believe every climate conference should showcase the very best practices in climate-friendly diets.

We are appealing for help in signing and sharing our petition with your network. We’d really appreciate your help.

3 ways you can support

---------------------------------------------

1. Share our petition across your social media accounts. Check out our social media kit for graphics and captions. Feel free to add your logo to the graphics if you are part of a community group or have your own business.

Social media kit:

https://thesavemovement.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd7453b43196acfe20da5384a&id=a8668aeb8c&e=ff4e808a09

---------------------------------------------

2. If you or someone you know has a newsletter or blog, could it be used to promote our petition? We have made a simple template that you can use or adapt!

View template:

https://thesavemovement.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd7453b43196acfe20da5384a&id=46f990d9af&e=ff4e808a09

Newsletter Template (feel free to use, adapt or create your own)

Subject: Take Action: Ask climate conferences to go vegan!

Dearest Blog Readers,

Please join us in supporting the Plant Based Treaty campaign calling on UN climate conferences to shift to 100% plant-based catering.

[Sign the petition]

I’m sure you agree that climate conferences should be a platform to showcase the very best practices in climate-friendly diets, and it is hard to believe that conferences serve planet-harming foods that are escalating the climate emergency, deforestation, species extinction and many of Earth’s critical life support systems.

Help ensure climate conferences set a good example by introducing 100% plant-based menus.

[Sign the petition]

Thank you!

-Paul Whiting
Poet, Artist and Philosopher
Portland, Oregon

---------------------------------------------

3. Please use our pre-prepared Tweets to promote our petition. Check out our document for automatic tweets and copy and paste tweets for Mastodon users.

Tweet petition:

https://thesavemovement.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd7453b43196acfe20da5384a&id=76cb992c81&e=ff4e808a09

Pre-prepared Tweets

TWEET 1:

📢 Please sign and RT this petition from @Plant_Treaty to demand climate conferences switch to 100% plant-based catering. https://www.drove.com/campaign/6479e2413aa1f55325db3378
#vegan #ClimateCrisis #PlantBasedTreaty #COP28

TWEET 2:

Please sign ✍️ and RT this petition from @Plant_Treaty.

How can there be global talks to address climate change while putting meat and dairy on the plates of the delegates?

https://www.drove.com/campaign/6479e2413aa1f55325db3378
#vegan #ClimateCrisis #PlantBasedTreaty #COP28

---------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2023 Plant Based Treaty, All rights reserved.

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can be found below:

"Take Climate Action: Make COP28 Vegan!" from YouTube:

https://youtu.be/SIwEIJ4JHGM?si=B8omco4_wm3Q-l8m

Make COP28 Vegan

10,179 People signed
102% of 10,000 Goal

Sign Now:

https://www.drove.com/campaign/6479e2413aa1f55325db3378/perform

We are asking the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to show climate action leadership by encouraging the hosts of COP28 to provide 100% plant-based catering and creating a policy for future climate conferences to offer 100% plant-based catering, ideally showcasing locally sourced vegan organic (veganic) and agroecological produce.

In addition, we ask the UN to ensure their own summits, along with their cafeteria in New York City provide 100% plant-based catering, following the example set under Mayor Eric Adam's initiatives to make New York City a plant-based city.

Between 30 November and 12 December 2023, the United Nations will hold its 28th annual climate change conference in Dubai. It marks a key milestone when the world will take stock of its progress on the Paris Agreement. Over 70,000 participants are expected to attend COP28, including heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, academics, and representatives from civil society organizations.

The current global food system with expanding meat, dairy, and egg consumption is alarmingly transgressing planetary boundaries, risking food security, and harming human health and animal wellbeing. Even if fossil fuel emissions were halted today, emissions from the food system alone could increase global temperatures by more than 1.5C. (Clark et al., 2020)

A plant-based diet is the most climate-friendly diet and has been repeatedly endorsed by the IPCC. During COP27, food systems were included for the first time in the UN climate conference program, yet delegates were struggling to access climate-friendly meals. YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of UNFCCC, has already sent a joint letter request for sustainable plant-rich catering at COP28 attracting signatures from over 150+ organizations.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, President-Designate for COP28 UAE, has described this year’s conference as a “prime opportunity to rethink, reboot, and refocus the climate agenda,” and we, therefore, ask him to match those words with meaningful action, starting with a tangible commitment to providing 100% plant-based catering at COP28.

Impact

70,000 participants eating two vegan meals daily at COP28 would equate to 1.8 million climate-friendly plant-based meals. For example, if beef was swapped to plant-based protein and all dairy and cheese to plant-based alternatives, this would spare almost 40,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2e), 64 square kilometres of land, and 728 million litres of water. That’s equivalent to sparing the emissions from driving over 154 million miles (taking 8,600 cars off the road for a year), more than the land area of Manhattan, and the water use of 291 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

We call for:

1. 100% plant-based catering during COP28 and all UN climate conferences and offices, showcasing locally sourced veganic produce where possible.

2. Use the Food and Water Systems Day at COP28 on December 5, 2023 to focus on plant-based solutions following calls from twenty-one cities, including the Scottish Capital Edinburgh and Los Angeles for world leaders to negotiate a Plant Based Treaty as a companion to the Paris Agreement. A focus on the multitude of benefits and opportunities of a transition towards a plant-based food system to address the triple threat of the climate crisis, food insecurity and the cost of living crisis.

3. COP28 to take a zero-tolerance approach to greenwashing by the animal agriculture lobby by ensuring industry representatives are not platformed for the purposes of promoting unproven measures that are at odds with the latest IPCC science.

It is imperative for climate conferences to provide climate-friendly catering. So please help nourish the planet and nourish ourselves by supporting plant-based catering at COP28!

Take Action

Help the petition reach its goal:

1. Share this petition with your friends, family and coworkers
2. Post about this petition on your social media accounts, online forums and groups
3. Ask your partners and community groups to sign and share the petition
4. Include a link to our petition on your website, blogs, newsletters and social media bios
5. Write to your elected officials and ask them to sign and share the petition
6. Tweet the UNFCC and COP28 and ask them to make climate conferences vegan. ...

... Background

What is the Plant Based Treaty?

A global Plant Based Treaty presents 3Rs [Relinquish, Redirect, Restore] and 39 detailed proposals to shift the world towards a plant-based food system in order to halt the widespread degradation of Earth's support systems caused by animal agriculture.

Goals:

1. A global Plant Based Treaty as a companion to the Paris Agreement

2. Local implementation of best practices from around the world. New York City is exemplary in its schools, with two plant-powered days per week and plant-based meals by default in hospitals (60% take up); Edinburgh also is showing bold political leadership endorsing the treaty and taking positive steps to implement proposals that fall within its jurisdiction

To learn more and sign the Plant Based Treaty as an individual, group, business or city please visit www.plantbasedtreaty.org

And so, signed the petition above (I was petition signer number 10181!) in order to do my part to ask "the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to show climate action leadership by encouraging the hosts of COP28 to provide 100% plant-based catering and creating a policy for future climate conferences to offer 100% plant-based catering." –Paul Whiting (written August 23rd, 2023, revised August 24th, 2023, revised August 25th, 2023 and revised January 1st, 2024)

P.S.: Just so you know, I used to make one-time donations to the organization that is the subject of these 'updates' each time that I took an action as requested by that organization; however, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis." (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.) Thus, because I have already donated to PlantBasedTreaty.org on August 13th, 2023 (please see my 'August 13th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to Plant Based Treaty for August 2023.

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August 24th, 2023 Update: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, August 24th, 2023, when I noticed two Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "A Trump-Less Debate, and a Vision of a Trump-Free GOP." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"A Trump-Less Debate, and a Vision of a Trump-Free GOP" from Time Magazine

By Molly Ball | August 24, 2023

It’s difficult to dominate a man who isn’t there, and the eight Republican candidates onstage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night didn’t really try. Not until an hour into the first debate of the 2024 primary season did the moderators force the issue of “the elephant not in the room”—former President Trump, the absent frontrunner—to what seemed to be the candidates’ and audience’s collective chagrin.

They pleaded to change the subject: “I've answered this before," complained Florida Gov. Ron Desantis. They made nonsensical segues: “China loves it when we talk about the past,” argued North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. They tried to pivot: “The first thing I’ll do as President is fire Merrick Garland,” vowed Sen. Tim Scott. Even former Vice President Mike Pence, who at one point stirringly defended his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, insisted the election was “not about looking back at January 2021.”

To their credit, when pressed, the candidates largely agreed that Pence had done the right thing on Jan. 6. But they, and much of the audience, seemed to want to talk about anything else. “Let’s just get through this section!” pleaded moderator Brett Baier. (For Trump's part, as the debate was beginning, the ousted former Fox host Tucker Carlson posted online an interview with the former President that he’d taken time out of his busy schedule meeting with autocrats to pretape last week.)

That’s not to say that they all agreed on the subject: Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy thrust his hand in the air like an eager student when the candidates were asked if they’d support another Trump nomination even if he's convicted of a crime, while former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, waggling a finger, argued the party needed to move on and “dispense with the person who said we have to suspend the Constitution.” But the segment, the liveliest of the night, was telling of how the other candidates viewed the frontrunner’s looming specter: as an unpleasant obligation to be reluctantly endured.

The debate marked the unofficial kickoff of a campaign season that has been defined by the other candidates’ collective inability to discredit Trump in the eyes of GOP voters, who largely view the quadruply indicted former President as an unjustly victimized quasi-incumbent. It featured plenty of discussion on topics from abortion to China, crime to Ukraine, and allowed the non-Trump candidates ample opportunity to introduce themselves to voters who may have been paying scant attention to this point. Without Trump there to suck the oxygen out of the room, the other candidates could present themselves as qualified, serious and credible, perhaps persuading voters there is life for the party after Trump. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6307908/republican-debate-trump-analysis-winners

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Biggest Moments From the First Republican Debate." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"The Biggest Moments From the First Republican Debate" from Time Magazine

By Mini Racker and Nik Popli | (Originally Published) August 23, 2023

Nine months after former President Donald Trump threw his hat in the ring for the 2024 presidential nomination, his rivals finally had the opportunity to appear together for the first Republican debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

With Trump shunning the debate stage, the candidates who did attend traded some of their strongest blows yet in the race and clarified their positions on abortion, Trump’s legal woes, Ukraine, and other key issues.

These were some of the highlights of the first Republican presidential debate in the 2024 campaign. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6307866/first-republican-debate-biggest-moments

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 24th, 2023, revised August 26th, 2023, revised September 23rd, 2023 and revised March 26th, 2024)

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August 24th, 2023 Update—Continued: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, August 24th, 2023, when I noticed eleven different articles on various news websites, including Reuters.com, NBCNews.com, USAToday.com, NewRepublic.com, CNN.com, Politico.com, DemocracyDocket.com, ABCNews.com and NYTimes.com!

Now, I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication.

However, due to the number of articles for which I had an introduction to write, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for this particular current news 'update' and simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name—along with a simplified introduction from each article—in addition to a hyperlink for each article.

Plus, I am placing these articles in the order in which I read them, but also grouped by news organization for articles that are from the same publication; however, with very few exceptions, virtually all of these articles had something to do with the first Republican presidential debate, which was held yesterday, August 23rd, 2023.

No. 1: The Reuters article that I read today is titled, "First Republican presidential debate highlights: Four takeaways." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"First Republican presidential debate highlights: Four takeaways" from Reuters

WASHINGTON, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Eight contenders for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination jockeyed for voters’ attention on Wednesday at the party’s first debate, while the front-runner Donald Trump, the former president, bypassed the event.

Here are four takeaways from the debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/takeaways-first-2024-republican-presidential-debate-2023-08-24

No. 2: The NBC News article that I read today is titled, "Republicans jockey for second place in the first primary debate." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Republicans jockey for second place in the first primary debate" from NBC News

Trump skipped the debate, having instead recorded an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

MILWAUKEE — The elephant wasn't in the room.

But former President Donald Trump was still top of mind as Republican hopefuls took the stage here Wednesday night for the first presidential primary debate of the 2024 election.

Seven of the eight candidates raised their hands when asked if they would support him should he be convicted of a crime and still win the GOP nomination.

While they all skirmished to be seen as the first challenger to the former president, Trump — who skipped the debate — tried to pivot to the general election by bashing President Joe Biden in an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"I think he's worse mentally than he is physically," Trump said when asked whether Biden, who faces little primary challenge, would be on the ballot next November. "And physically, he's not a triathlete or any kind of athlete."

At the same time, the candidates in the debate hall alternated between ripping Biden — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis did that repeatedly — and savaging each other. They fought over personal traits and substance, from levels of experience, to abortion and American aid to Ukraine.

For them, the debate was a chance to bare their claws in the battle for second place in pre-primary polling. For Trump, it was yet another self-made opportunity to upend the Republican Party and the political world, this time on the eve of his surrender to Georgia authorities.

"We always knew Trump would be the focus of this debate, whether he showed up or not," said Elijah Haahr, a Republican former Missouri House speaker and the host of a Missouri radio program.

But that didn't mean the contestants wanted to talk about him early or often. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna100551

No. 3: One of the USA Today articles that I read today is titled, "They're off! The GOP debate launched the campaign. What's next? An arrest, for starters." (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.) A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"They're off! The GOP debate launched the campaign. What's next? An arrest, for starters" from USA Today

Now that the first GOP presidential debate is over, the five-month sprint to the Iowa caucuses and early primaries is just beginning.

So what's next?

For starters, there will be a big moment for a candidate who wasn't among the eight on stage in Milwaukee − Donald Trump − as he gets set for a command appearance at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta. The coming weeks will bring a winnowing of the large field and a guessing game about whether anyone new will enter the field.

The upcoming milestones will determine which contenders survive into next year; who (if anyone) gets traction to challenge Trump, the current frontrunner; whether the nomination will take months to sort out or will be effectively settled almost as soon as it begins; and where Republicans will stand on issues for the general election, such as abortion, Ukraine and the economy.

Here's what to watch for. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2023/08/24/gop-debate-whats-next-trump-desantis/70641301007

No. 4: Another one of the USA Today articles that I read today is titled, "'Get real Jack': Biden ad appears on Fox News site during debate, seeks pro-choice support." (As I mentioned above, I am a subscriber to USA Today.) A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"'Get real Jack': Biden ad appears on Fox News site during debate, seeks pro-choice support" from USA Today

A Joe Biden re-election advertisement, which displayed on Fox News' website during the Republican presidential primary debate Wednesday night, is seeking donations to support pro-choice policy.

"Get real, Jack. I’m bringing Roe [v. Wade] back," the advertisement reads. "But only if you’re with us."

The website said all donations will go toward the president's campaign in an effort to restore Roe v. Wade., the U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision overturned in 2022 that once protected the right to have an abortion.

"You don’t have to agree with everything the President says to know that we need to restore the fundamental rights given to women by Roe v Wade, and to oppose the MAGA extremism of some of today’s Republicans," the donation page reads.

Biden has previously expressed disappointment and concern over the Supreme Court's decision last year, saying it endangered the health and life of American women. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/08/24/biden-campaign-ad-shows-on-fox-news-site-seeks-pro-choice-support/70663314007

No. 5: The New Republic Magazine article that I read today is titled, "We Fact-Checked Republicans’ “Biden Corruption” Timeline. And It’s Bad." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"We Fact-Checked Republicans’ “Biden Corruption” Timeline. And It’s Bad." from The New Republic

The timeline is the entire basis of Republicans’ claims against Joe Biden. But a closer look reveals it’s riddled with errors.

Republicans are moving to impeach Joe Biden, after months of accusing the president and his son Hunter Biden of corruption. But they have yet to produce any actual evidence of their claims, and the latest attempt to make their case is no better. Instead, it simply shows their desperation to discredit the president.

The House Oversight Committee has spearheaded the probe into the Bidens. Last month, the committee published a timeline going back as far as 2013 that supposedly shows the extent of the Bidens’ influence peddling overseas. But if you look closely, the timeline is riddled with errors. An analysis by The New Republic found at least 19 mistakes or misleading details—from mixed-up dates to messages and meetings that never happened. And nowhere does the timeline show actual wrongdoing by the president. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://newrepublic.com/article/175141/fact-check-republicans-biden-corruption-timeline-errors

No. 6: One of the CNN articles that I read today is titled, "Is America’s economy really as bad as Republican presidential candidates say it is?" Unlike the other articles in this 'update,' an extended simplified summary of the article can be found below:

"Is America’s economy really as bad as Republican presidential candidates say it is?" from CNN

New York (CNN) — To hear Republican presidential candidates describe the US economy, you’d think it was in a deep recession, with growth and productivity choked off by President Joe Biden’s policies.

The reality is decidedly less bleak — and far more nuanced.

In fact, the US economy is growing — fast.

For most workers, the past two years have been especially favorable, with roughly two positions available for every job seeker. Inflation, while still painfully high, is cooling. Real wages, adjusted for inflation, are finally on the rise.

As much as Biden can’t claim credit for all that good economic news, Republicans can’t, in good faith, blame Biden for all of the bad news, either.

GOP candidates who slammed Biden’s economic agenda in Wednesday’s primary debate are seizing on a real issue of voter frustration, but that reality is based more on vibes than facts.

The economy is strong, but most Americans say they don’t feel good about it, according to polls. A CNN poll published earlier this month showed a majority of Americans feel the economy is getting worse.

And a key gauge of consumer sentiment showed that optimism fell earlier this month after being on an upswing throughout the summer.

That disconnect is largely because of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s campaign to fight it — a one-two punch that has made everything from groceries to housing less affordable.

Here’s what’s really going on.

Inflation

Fox News opened the GOP debate Wednesday night with a video of Wisconsin voters describing their frustrations over high prices — by far the biggest economic pain point for the Biden administration.

Even though inflation has come down significantly, from 9.1% last summer to 3.2% now, prices overall are about 18% higher today than they were in late 2019, just before the pandemic, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There’s no denying those price increases have hurt real people. Gas prices, which are notoriously volatile and impossible for any president to control, have been climbing higher in recent weeks, adding to the financial sting for drivers.

But it’s important to note the complex global forces — it’s hardly just an American problem — that drove inflation higher in the first place.

In short:

• The pandemic scrambled global supply chains and drastically altered consumer behavior, leaving the world with too much demand and too little supply.

• The Federal Reserve, led by Trump appointee Jerome Powell, essentially turned on a money spigot to keep financial markets from collapsing in the early days of the pandemic, then kept the spigot on (arguably for too long, though that debate is one for economic historians).

• Stimulus payments passed by both the Trump and Biden administrations fed demand for goods, though they also kept millions of Americans from going hungry and fueled a powerful economic rebound.

• Corporations kept prices inflated even after supply chains began to unwind from the pandemic-induced kinks.

• Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 created new shocks to global supply chains, driving prices for energy and food higher.

Bottom line: Neither Biden nor Trump had any control over the catastrophic impact of the pandemic. And the legislation behind “Bidenomics” didn’t pass the Senate until late 2021, long after inflationary forces had taken root, and well before any federal spending could have any real impact on the economy.

It’s also worth noting that as painful as inflation feels in America, other parts of the world have it worse. British inflation remains at 6.8%, Germany’s is 6.2% and Egypt’s is north of 36%. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/24/business/gop-debate-economy-biden/index.html

No. 7: Another one of the CNN articles that I read today is titled, "Takeaways from the first Republican presidential primary debate." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Takeaways from the first Republican presidential primary debate" from CNN

(CNN) — With Donald Trump skipping the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate, eight of his primary rivals – most of them men wearing ties similar to the bright red one regularly worn by the former president – brawled for second-place status Wednesday night.

Vivek Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old entrepreneur and first-time candidate, was alongside Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the center of the stage – and he was the central figure for much of the night. Ramaswamy clashed with former Vice President Mike Pence over his experience, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley over foreign policy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over Trump, and more.

And because he has positioned himself as a defender of Trump, Ramaswamy was, at times, a stand-in for the former president, who momentarily ceded the stage Wednesday night but will take it back Thursday when he turns himself in at the Fulton County jail in Georgia as he faces election subversion charges. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/23/politics/takeaways-republican-debate/index.html

No. 8: The Politico article that I read today is titled, "Who won, who lost and who fizzled in the first Republican debate." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Who won, who lost and who fizzled in the first Republican debate" from Politico

Ron DeSantis was a non-factor as Republicans piled on Vivek Ramaswamy, instead.

Ron DeSantis expected to take the brunt of his opponents’ fire.

Instead, he faded into the crowd.

Largely ignored for two hours by his lower-polling rivals on Wednesday, the Florida governor watched as the first debate of the GOP primary turned into a pile on Vivek Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur rising in polls.

Mike Pence tangled with Ramaswamy. So did Nikki Haley and Chris Christie. DeSantis, still polling second to former President Donald Trump — but with his campaign floundering — was all but reduced to an afterthought, while Pence, Haley and Christie dominated the stage.

The debate may have reset the race a bit, but only for candidates not named Trump. Who came out the best? Who had a bad night? And did we even learn anything new?

We asked five POLITICO campaign reporters for their takeaways from the first Republican primary debate of 2024. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/24/republican-debate-who-won-takeaways-00112691

No. 9: The Democracy Docket articles that I read today is titled, "A Stain Not Easily Removed." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"A Stain Not Easily Removed" from Democracy Docket

Republican lawyers are back in the news and are bringing disgrace to the party and profession. Even before the indictments in Georgia, it had been widely reported that at least five, and perhaps all six, of former President Donald Trump’s co-conspirators were Republican lawyers. Now in Georgia, we add several lawyers, some familiar and some new, to the list of Trump’s co-defendants.

The one common theme in each of Trump’s indictments is the central role that lawyers play in facilitating, excusing or covering up his malfeasance. They are his enablers, co-conspirators and now co-defendants.

Something has gone tragically wrong in the GOP and in the legal profession. At this pace, CPAC will need to hold its next convention in a prison yard. The Federalist Society may soon have to create a category of membership for the disbarred and criminally convicted.

You might think that the Republican establishment would recoil from these disgraced lawyers, but you would be wrong. As the Washington Post recently reported, “After trying to use the Justice Department to delegitimize the 2020 vote,” one of the co-conspirators in the federal case and co-defendant in Georgia, Jeffrey Clark, “has become a rising legal star for Republicans.”

Worse still, the Colorado Republican Party recently hired another indicted co-conspirator, John Eastman — whose California State Bar profile has since been updated with a warning that he’s been charged with a felony — to represent them in a lawsuit aimed at allowing the party to conduct closed primary elections. In the past, the GOP had retained several national law firms to represent it in campaign finance and redistricting litigation. For this case, they decided on a disgraced lawyer who is not only indicted, but in the middle of being disbarred.

History is replete with examples of corrupt politicians and there have always been unscrupulous lawyers. However, until recently, it was unimaginable that a political party would not only defend multiple criminal conspiracies, but also embrace the lawyers at their center. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.democracydocket.com/opinion/a-stain-not-easily-removed

No. 10: The ABC News article that I read today is titled, "Republican debate highlights and analysis: Fiery faceoff on Trump, Ukraine and more." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Republican debate highlights and analysis: Fiery faceoff on Trump, Ukraine and more" from ABC News

The 2024 hopefuls took the stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night, without Trump.

The first Republican debate of the 2024 presidential primary was held in Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

Eight candidates qualified for a spot on the stage: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

Missing from the event was the primary's early front-runner: former President Donald Trump, who declined to participate and instead released a pre-recorded interview with Tucker Carlson.

ABC News and FiveThirtyEight live-blogged every major moment and highlight from the debate, aired on Fox News, with FiveThirtyEight providing analysis and a closer look at the polling and data behind the politicians. PolitiFact made real-time fact checks of key statements. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/live-updates/republican-debate-primary/?id=102507215

No. 11: The New York Times article that I read today is titled, "Who Won the Debate? Political Observers Weigh In." (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.) A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Who Won the Debate? Political Observers Weigh In." from The New York Times

Commentators largely agreed that little seemed to alter the state of a race in which Donald J. Trump appears the runaway favorite.

The first Republican debate on Wednesday night offered political pundits a bit of a thought experiment: If the clear front-runner doesn’t take part, can the debate have a clear winner?

Even as commentators spent the debate and its aftermath arguing over which of the eight underdogs on the debate stage performed best, they largely agreed that little seemed to alter the state of a race in which Donald J. Trump appears the runaway favorite.

Still, some pundits said that Mr. Trump’s absence did offer candidates the chance to differentiate themselves, an opportunity they may not have had if he had participated. And the battle to become Mr. Trump’s top challenger, some said, is more hazy. Here is a sampling of commentary on how the candidates fared. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/24/us/politics/who-won-debate-republican.html

And I decided to highlight these articles from Reuters, NBC News, USA Today, The New Republic Magazine, CNN, Politico, Democracy Docket, ABC News and The New York Times for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 24th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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August 24th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) today, August 24th, 2023, with the subject line, "With your help NY [New York] farm workers can win their UFW contracts", which stated the following:

United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW

With your help NY farm workers can win their UFW contracts

We recently won five union elections in New York state, representing 500 new workers on four apple orchards and a major vegetable producer in upstate NY. Now we're fighting back against grower intimidation to get the workers the union they voted for.

We are also organizing at many other locations as workers want contracts and the protections that come with them. The need is strong. Workers are tired of being abused and taken advantage of. Here are their stories:

[Name redacted] is a cabbage worker in Albion NY. He shares an illegal practice where he works: "I have to purchase my own equipment needed to work such as boots, coats, hats and gloves and spend approximately $200 for this equipment. This is money that my family needs and I know it's not right … I am hoping the union can change this practice. I know that if we're united we can win."

A 23-year resident of New York, [name redacted] also wants the protection of a union at her apple packing house. She shares her story about what sounds like regular exposure to carbon monoxide. "Sometimes, in the mornings when the machinery comes in to move the product, the gasses from this equipment make me dizzy, give me a headache, and once made me sleepy: it is a kind of gas that a truck emits. We have to go outside to refresh ourselves from the fumes."

[Name redacted] has been picking and thinning apples in Albion NY for 8 years under the H-2A program. He shares how the farm supervisor tells long standing workers that he wants to get rid of them and replace them with his family members. "When he checks the apples we pick, he deliberately bruises the ones that we pick; but with his family members, he gives their apples only one glance and doesn't even check the quality...I want the UFW to protect me so I can continue doing my job."

This new organizing drive was made possible by a recent New York law – the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act – which protects farm workers' rights to unionize and prohibits grower retaliation against those organizing. Workers want to take advantage of the new law that has opened doors for them to speak up and organize. A campaign of this sort is expensive and so are our legal fees. Please donate to help NY workers get the rights and union protections they deserve.

DONATE***

PS: After you take action you can also share this campaign on Facebook & Twitter.*

NY farm workers seeking UFW contracts are fighting back against grower intimidation. A recent NY law protects their right to unionize and prohibits grower retaliation.

Campaigns like this are expensive. Your donation can help the workers win!

http://ufw.org/nyorganizing

And so, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers in order to "help [New York] workers get the rights and union protections they deserve," because "workers want contracts and the protections that come with them," due to the fact that "this new organizing drive was made possible by a recent New York law – the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act – which protects farm workers' rights to unionize and prohibits grower retaliation against those organizing," since "the new law...has opened doors for them to speak up and organize." –Paul Whiting (written August 24th, 2023, revised October 27th, 2023 and revised November 17th, 2023)

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August 25th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) today, August 25th, 2023, with the subject line, "An update about the ongoing public defense crisis in Oregon", which stated the following:

Rights Unrealized public defense in Oregon.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/cases/state-oregon-v-izzy-guajardo-mcclinton

Paul –

I am writing to share an update on the ACLU of Oregon's advocacy and legal work to relieve and address the public defense crisis in Oregon.

During the state legislative session, my colleagues on the policy team advocated in support of public defense system reforms. Both SB 337 and HB 2467 were passed, which will infuse the system with significant funding to address some of the systemic public defense issues. As we celebrate these long-term reforms that are needed and welcomed, the people most impacted by this crisis need more immediate relief, which the recently-passed legislation does not provide.

Most recently, we filed an amicus brief in partnership with National ACLU, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and the Lewis & Clark Law School Criminal Justice Reform Clinic, urging the Oregon Supreme Court to direct lower level courts to dismiss criminal cases when public defense attorneys are not available, and to allow public defense attorneys to withdraw from cases if they are too overloaded to provide adequate representation for their client.

This amicus brief is in support of the Public Defenders of Marion County, who asked the Oregon Supreme Court to stop Marion County judges from forcing their attorneys to represent new clients because they were already over capacity with their existing caseload, and therefore, couldn't ethically take more cases without jeopardizing their existing clients' rights. The brief also highlights the disproportionate impacts that this crisis is having on Black, Indigenous, and Latino people. People with these identities are criminalized at higher rates than white people, and have fewer financial resources.

The case demonstrates the severity and human impacts of Oregon's ongoing public defense crisis, and presents an opportunity for the Court to provide immediate relief to defendants in limbo.

Every Oregonian accused of a crime has a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney who has the skills and capacity to zealously represent them in their case. This ensures the process is fair and the results of the process can be trusted. For those who can't afford one, the state is responsible for providing a public defense attorney. However, high caseloads combined with a shortage of public defense attorneys is creating a constitutional crisis. Thousands are caught in legal jeopardy – some stuck in jail – because they aren't able to afford an attorney and the state cannot provide one.

Thank you for your ongoing interest in our work. You can read more about the amicus brief and public defense system in Oregon on our website (https://www.aclu-or.org/en/cases/state-oregon-v-izzy-guajardo-mcclinton). Please keep an eye on our website for the latest updates and opportunities to engage.

In partnership,

[Name redacted] [Title redacted], ACLU of Oregon

DONATE NOW

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can be found below:

STATE OF OREGON V. IZZY GUAJARDO-MCCLINTON

The ACLU of Oregon joined ACLU National, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Lewis & Clark Law School Criminal Justice Reform Clinic in filing an amicus brief urging the Oregon Supreme Court to direct lower level courts to dismiss criminal cases for which public defense attorneys are not available and to allow public defense attorneys to withdraw from cases if they are too overloaded to provide adequate representation for their client.

In May 2023, Public Defenders of Marion County (PDMC) Executive Director, Shannon Wilson, asked the Oregon Supreme Court to stop Marion County judges from forcing their attorneys to take on new cases over their objections. Attorneys for PDMC objected to taking new clients because they were already over capacity with their existing caseload and therefore couldn’t ethically take more cases without jeopardizing their existing clients’ rights. The case demonstrates the severity and the human impacts of Oregon’s ongoing public defense crisis, and presents an opportunity for the Oregon Supreme Court to offer more immediate relief to defendants in limbo.

Every Oregonian accused of a crime has a Constitutional right to be represented by an attorney who has the skills and capacity to zealously represent them in their case. For those who can’t afford one, the state is responsible for providing a public defense attorney. However, high caseloads combined with a shortage of public defense attorneys is creating a Constitutional crisis. Thousands are caught in legal jeopardy — some stuck in jail — because they aren’t able to afford an attorney and the state cannot provide one.

While the impact of the public defense crisis is wide reaching, it disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous, and Latino Oregonians. Black, Indigenous, and Latino people are arrested and incarcerated at much higher rates than white people. Nationwide, Black people are 4.7 times more likely than white people to have a public defender and Latino people are 2.1 times more likely to have a public defender than white people. Because of the higher rates of engagement with both the criminal legal system as a whole and public defenders in particular, this crisis inevitably creates disparate impacts for Black, Indigenous and Latino people.

The 2023 Oregon Legislature passed reforms and infused the system with significant funding to address some of the systemic public defense issues. However, the people most impacted by this crisis need more immediate relief, which the recently-passed legislation does not provide.

Oral arguments, where the Oregon Supreme Court will hear from attorneys representing Wilson and the State, are scheduled for September 19, 2023.

READ OUR AUGUST 21 PRESS RELEASE:

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/press-releases/aclu-or-files-amicus-brief-support-public-defenders-marion-county

And, after I read about the amicus brief above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding the August 21 Press Release, which can be found below:

ACLU-OR FILES AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC DEFENDERS OF MARION COUNTY

AUGUST 21, 2023

Case before Oregon Supreme Court is an opportunity to relieve collapsing public defense system

SALEM, Ore. — Last week the ACLU of Oregon (ACLU-OR) joined National ACLU, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Lewis & Clark Law School Criminal Justice Reform Clinic in filing an amicus brief urging the Oregon Supreme Court to direct lower level courts to dismiss criminal cases when public defense attorneys are not available and to allow public defense attorneys to withdraw from cases (or object to new ones) if they are too overloaded to provide adequate representation for their client.

“No Oregonian should have to face criminal charges without the help of a lawyer who can be fully attentive to their case,” said Kelly Simon, legal director at ACLU-OR. “The criminal legal system cannot produce just outcomes when public defense attorneys don’t have the time to communicate with their clients, independently investigate their cases or interview witnesses and experts. Judges must exercise their authority to avoid appointing overburdened attorneys, permit attorneys to withdraw when carrying excessive caseloads, and dismiss cases when an attorney with capacity and competency cannot be found in a reasonable time period."

This May, Public Defenders of Marion County asked the Oregon Supreme Court to stop Marion County judges from forcing their attorneys to represent new clients because they were already over capacity with their existing caseload and therefore couldn’t ethically take more cases without jeopardizing their existing clients’ rights. The case demonstrates the severity and human impacts of Oregon’s ongoing public defense crisis.

Every Oregonian accused of a crime has a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney. For those who can’t afford one, the state is responsible for providing a public defense attorney. However, high caseloads combined with a shortage of public defense attorneys is creating a constitutional crisis. Thousands are caught in legal jeopardy — some in custody — because they aren’t able to afford an attorney and the state cannot fulfill its duty to provide an effective one.

While the impact of the public defense crisis is wide reaching, it disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous, and Latino Oregonians. Black, Indigenous, and Latino people are arrested and incarcerated at much higher rates than white people. Nationwide, Black people are 4.7 times more likely than white people to have a public defender and Latino people are 2.1 times more likely to have a public defender than white people. Because of the higher rates of engagement with both the criminal legal system as a whole and public defenders in particular, this crisis inevitably creates disparate impacts for Black, Indigenous and Latino people.

The crisis has only worsened over the last year. As of July 18, there are currently 2,358 pretrial unrepresented individuals in the state, 133 of whom are in custody, according to the State’s data. One year ago, there were 700 pretrial, unrepresented individuals in the state, of whom 56 were in custody.

“In order to help our clients navigate the system with dignity and humanity, our attorneys need to be able to spend a reasonable amount of time on each case,” PDMC Executive Director, Shannon Wilson, wrote in their declaration to the court.

“For meaningful legal representation they need to be able to develop relationships of trust with each client. They need to have time to fully address the legal issues while thinking of the human component that each client represents — the impact of events on themselves, their families, and their jobs. Unfortunately, none of this is possible under present workloads. Without the ability to humanely do this job, our attorneys are just part of the pipeline of sending people to prison,” said Wilson.

The 2023 Oregon Legislature passed reforms and infused the system with significant funding to address some of the systemic public defense issues. However, ACLU-OR’s Simon said that while these long-term reforms are needed and welcomed, the people most impacted by this crisis need more immediate relief, which the recently-passed legislation does not provide.

Kara Davis, Gilliam County’s prosecutor, and Matt Ellis, Wasco County’s prosecutor are the only two elected prosecutors in Oregon who were formerly public defense attorneys. Both expressed support for the Court ordering broad and immediate relief that would require all stakeholders, including prosecutors, to limit the demand being placed on the finite resources of the criminal legal system. “I personally believe that it is critical for district attorneys, defense attorneys and judges to work collaboratively to determine a process to manage the total caseload in the criminal legal system,” Davis stated. “Courts can serve as an important facilitator and arbiter of cases that should be prioritized and cases that can be moved through and/or out of the system so that it remains sustainable for everyone. Dismissal without prejudice when there is simply no attorney available who can ethically take on another case is one way the Court can balance the constitutional rights of defendants and public safety interests of communities.”

Oral arguments, where the Oregon Supreme Court will hear from attorneys representing Wilson and the State, are scheduled for September 19, 2023.

Then, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU Foundation of Oregon, in order to show my support for the "update on the ACLU of Oregon's advocacy and legal work to relieve and address the public defense crisis in Oregon," because "in order to help [Public Defenders of Marion County] clients navigate the system with dignity and humanity, [PDMC] attorneys need to be able to spend a reasonable amount of time on each case," since "without the ability to humanely do this job, [PDMC] attorneys are just part of the pipeline of sending people to prison." –Paul Whiting (August 25th, 2023)

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August 25th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received a text message today, August 25th, 2023, from USA for UNFPA (formerly known as the 'United Nations Fund for Population Activities' that is now called the 'United Nations Population Fund'), which stated the following:

Hi Paul Whiting — imagine everything Najwa has gone through:

⚠️ Her husband of 20 years abandons her and their family after years of abuse
⚠️ War breaks out in Syria, leading to destruction and scarcity
⚠️ Then, right as she starts to rebuild her life, the massive earthquakes hit Syria and Türkiye

With a destroyed home and shattered spirit, Najwa went from one crowded shelter to the next, unsure of how she would pick up the pieces of her life this time.

That’s when supporters like you came in. Your support gave Najwa access to shelter, mental health services, and economic training sessions. Today, she is rebuilding her life and plans to open her own business to finance repairs to her home.

But here’s the sad truth: It’s now been six months since the earthquakes devastated Syria and Türkiye. The media cameras have long since gone home and funds for our lifesaving work are running short. We only have 40% of what we need to provide lifesaving care through the end of the year.

That’s why, now that it has been six months since the devastating earthquakes, we are asking again...

Please don’t let our funding run dry for women and girls like Najwa. Will you rush a donation of $50, $75, or more to deliver lifesaving care in Türkiye, Syria, and wherever it is needed most?***

Thank you so much for being there, Paul Whiting.

- USA for UNFPA

"Biden campaign targets answers at Republican abortion debate in new ad" from NBC News

The video is part of a $25 million advertising push, this time targeting women in battleground states.

By Megan Lebowitz | Aug. 25, 2023

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden's re-election campaign is launching a new ad targeting Republicans on abortion after Wednesday night's debate — an issue Democrats think will work to their advantage in next year's election.

The new advertisement, shared first with NBC News and aired on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," features a series of Republicans discussing the end of Roe v. Wade and calling for national limits on abortion.

The advertisement is part of a $25 million push by Biden's campaign, this time targeting women in battleground states. It will run online and in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

"On Wednesday, MAGA Republicans came to the debate stage and boasted about their support to strip women of the right to make their own health care decisions,” campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodriguez said in a statement.

She said the advertisement is "the first of many" to highlight what the campaign calls Republicans' "extreme, losing positions."

"I'm the one that got rid of Roe v. Wade," former President Donald Trump says in the advertisement before it cuts to a headline reading, "DeSantis signs Florida GOP's 6-week abortion ban into law."

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., says in the advertisement, "I would literally sign the most the most conservative pro-life legislation that they can get through Congress."

The reversal of Roe v. Wade remains deeply unpopular with voters, 61% of whom disapprove of the Supreme Court's overturning the landmark decision, according to a June NBC News poll. Voters also said abortion access was too difficult — by more than a 2-to-1 ratio compared to voters who said it was too easy. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/biden-campaign-targets-answers-republican-abortion-debate-new-ad-rcna101715

By the way, be sure to watch the video at the top of the article that is titled, "Biden campaign out with new ad on abortion rights," because it shows the ad! Please see the hyperlink below for the video, which includes a description of the video:

'These Guys': Biden campaign out with new ad on abortion rights

WATCH: In response to Wednesday's first Republican primary debate the Biden Harris 2024 reelection campaign is out this morning with a new ad titled "These Guys," highlighting the topic of abortion.

Aug. 25, 2023

https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/-these-guys-biden-campaign-out-with-new-ad-on-abortion-rights-191572037704

And I decided to highlight this NBC News article (and video) for you, my readers, to consider reading (and watching) too! –Paul Whiting (August 25th, 2023)

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August 26th, 2023 Update: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, August 26th, 2023, when I noticed two Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "60 Years After March on Washington, America’s Progress Hinges on Liberating Black Women." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"60 Years After March on Washington, America’s Progress Hinges on Liberating Black Women" from Time Magazine

By Arndrea Waters King and Jennifer Jones Austin | August 24, 2023

In her 1892 masterpiece, A Voice from the South: By a Black Woman of the South, scholar Anna Julia Cooper wrote, “Only the Black woman can say when and where I enter, in the quiet, undisputed dignity of my womanhood, without violence and without suing or special patronage, then and there the whole Negro race enters with me.”

Just a generation removed from slavery, Cooper—who is often called “the Mother of Black Feminism”—understood that the progress of African Americans, and of American civilization, is impossible without Black women. Only when Black women are no longer denigrated and diminished, but rather are truly elevated by all in society to their rightful status of equal dignity and divinity—and lives freely and fully as all men and women—can the Black race (and all human race) flourish to its fullest potential. For as long as Black women are devalued and delegitimized, so too will humanity.

Cooper’s words still ring true today. 131 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln promised all Black Americans the right to live peacefully and be justly paid for their labor. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other civil rights leaders marched hundreds of thousands of Americans to the nation’s Capitol, demanding America make good on that promise. Yet 60 years later, Black women remain disproportionately undervalued and mistreated by persisting racism and sexism—their families bearing the heaviest burdens.

In the 1960s, the historic practice of discounting women’s contributions to the workplace was perpetuated by a predominantly male labor force that especially undercounted work performed by non-white women. Work opportunities for women of color were scarce. The only jobs available to them were domestic labor-related, the lowest paid occupation type in 1963.

Today, while no longer restricted solely to domestic labor, Black and Brown women remain significantly segregated in the labor force: severely underrepresented in professions that typically pay more and overly represented in occupations with lower average salaries. The latter of these jobs—roles such as childcare workers, social workers, and substance abuse counselors—are critical to a healthy and functioning society, yet their wages don’t even begin to cover basic living expenses. According to the July 2023 Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA) report, Black women’s work garners an average wage of just $30,789; for Latinas, a measly $23,196. In New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the world, over 44,000 women of color are contracted full-time human services workers. Roughly two-thirds of these workers earned below the city’s near-poverty threshold in 2019 and made 20-35% less in median annual wages and benefits than workers in comparable positions in the public and private sector. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6307505/march-on-washington-black-women-essay

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "One Man's Quest to Heal the Oceans—And Maybe Save the World." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"One Man's Quest to Heal the Oceans—And Maybe Save the World" from Time Magazine

By Aryn Baker | August 24, 2023

Enric Sala—marine ecologist, conservationist, and ocean advocate—is standing under a life-size replica of a Northern Atlantic Right Whale at the natural history museum in Washington, D.C., and the air outside is smudged with wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada. It’s not surprising that Sala wants to talk about the smoke, or about whales. Their poop, however, is an unexpected twist. According to Sala, whale excrement, or, more precisely, the lack of it, has a role to play in the choking miasma that has forced my interview with one of the world’s foremost ocean explorers indoors instead of out on a boat.

It may seem like a stretch, the kind that relegates environmentalists deep into woo-woo territory, but as our conversation unfolds, it starts making sense. Whale poop fertilizes ocean plankton. The plankton reproduces rapidly, absorbing carbon dioxide as it photosynthesizes sunlight. Eventually it sinks to the seafloor, trapping the planet-warming gas in layers of sediment. Fewer whales means less plankton sequestering CO, leaving more in the atmosphere. That means more of the heat driving the wildfires that have smoked out much of North America.

“Suddenly, we’re seeing that the impacts of climate change are not something that is going to be suffered by somebody else,” says Sala. “It’s here.” And so it is, in the wildfires, heat waves, and floods that have made the weather of summer 2023 some of the most extreme on record. Greater bio diversity, whether it is found in the ocean’s whale populations or the old-growth forests that also store carbon, can help mitigate the effect of burning fossil fuels much more cheaply than any new technology, he says. “The more nature we have, the more nature will be able to absorb our impacts.”

Sala’s links between healthy ocean ecosystems and human benefits like carbon sequestration are backed up by science that he has either committed to memory or conducted himself. But it’s the ability to break scientific complexity into simple concepts that even landlubbers can comprehend that makes him so effective as an ocean advocate, helping rally global governments to commit to protecting 30% of their coastlines and ocean territories by 2030. His Pristine Seas project, sponsored by the National Geographic Society, has identified dozens of the ocean’s most biodiverse hot spots in an effort to call for their protection. Already he has managed to get 2.5 million sq. mi. (6.5 million sq km) of coastline and ocean set aside in 26 marine protected areas (MPAs)—an expanse twice the size of India—where fishing, dumping, mining, and other destructive industries are prohibited. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6307205/enric-sala-ocean-conservation

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 26th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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August 26th, 2023 Update—Continued: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, August 26th, 2023, when I noticed three different articles on various news websites, including CBSNews.com, USAToday.com and OPB.org!

No. 1: The CBS News article that I read today is titled, "On the March on Washington's 60th anniversary, watch how CBS News covered the Civil Rights protest in 1963." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"On the March on Washington's 60th anniversary, watch how CBS News covered the Civil Rights protest in 1963" from CBS News

By Kerry Breen | Updated On: August 26, 2023

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, CBS News presents a special, season finale of BET's "America In Black" series with a look at the women behind the march in 1963, the volunteer worker who owns the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, an interview with Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson and more. Stream it on the free CBS News app starting at 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

On Aug. 28, 1963, Walter Cronkite began his evening news broadcast with a vivid description of the March on Washington. The day would come to be a watershed moment in the equal rights movement for Black Americans.

"They called it the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom," said Cronkite. "They came from all over America. Negroes and Whites, housewives and Hollywood stars, senators and a few beatniks, clergymen and probably a few Communists. More than 200,000 of them came to Washington this morning in a kind of climax to a historic spring and summer in the struggle for equal rights."

One of those clergymen was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who made his famed "I Have A Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the afternoon of Aug. 28. He spoke for 16 minutes in a rallying cry for all to have equal rights.

What was the March on Washington?

The March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs was meant to support the Civil Rights Act, which President John F. Kennedy was attempting to pass through Congress. The act called for an expanded Civil Rights Commission, the desegregation of public schools and other locations and voting rights protections for Black Americans.

On the day of the march, more than 250,000 people walked from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. Cronkite remarked that the march sometimes looked "more like a parade of signs than of people," as marchers carried signs calling for equality and the end of police brutality.

Along the parade route was CBS News correspondent Dave Dugan. He called the enthusiasm of the march "contagious," with older attendees "taking it rather relaxed and calmly" and younger marchers singing freedom songs like "We Shall Overcome," bubbling with energy and "exuberance."

The Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, after Kennedy's assassination in Dallas in November of 1963. It outlawed discrimination based on race, sex and other protected classes, prohibited discrimination against voters of color and racial segregation in schools. It would be one of the most important legislative bills passed in American history. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/march-on-washington-60th-anniversary-2023-civil-rights-movement-1963

No. 2: The USA Today article that I read today is titled, "Black history is under attack across US from AP African American Studies to ‘Ruby Bridges’." (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Black history is under attack across US from AP African American Studies to ‘Ruby Bridges’" from USA Today

By Alia Wong | Published August 23, 2023

It wasn’t until his senior year of high school that Dylan Holley began to learn about all the facets of Black history. Not just snippets focusing on pain and suffering and victimization but full stories also featuring the contributions, triumphs and joys of, as he put it, “people who look like me.”

“In U.S. history (class), we’re taught to view ourselves a certain way,” said Holley, 17, a recent graduate of Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School in Atlanta.

Last fall, then a rising senior, Holley signed up to take the Advanced Placement African American Studies course, which was being tested out at Maynard Jackson High as part of a national pilot.

“I learned a different narrative when it comes to the history of my people,” he said. This narrative highlighted the African kingdoms that thrived before slavery and colonization, for example, as well as the activists who’ve challenged systemic racism through the modern Black Lives Matter movement. It highlighted the nuances of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech – and the stubborn persistence of the racism that speech 60 years ago described.

Opportunities such as these to learn a more inclusive version of the country’s history are, after decades of advocacy and activism, becoming more common in the nation’s public schools. And already, they’re being stamped out.

Republican political leaders in all but a few states (44 total) have since 2021 proposed legislation or policies restricting lessons about race and racism in the United States – what many inaccurately decry as a graduate-level framework called “critical race theory.” As of June, 18 states had such laws on the books, according to an Education Week analysis.

The classroom effects have been immediate. Civil rights activists both dead and alive have had their stories erased from social studies classes in the name of protecting children’s innocence and comfort. Books by Black – and especially LGBTQ Black – authors have been pulled off classroom and library shelves on the grounds that their perspectives are, to borrow a word found in many of the laws, “divisive.”

Florida called for a ban on the Advanced Placement African American course Holley, a young Black man and soon-to-be freshman at Georgia Institute of Technology, said taught him what his “ancestors were capable of and convinced me that I am capable of great things as well.” The move was followed by resistance to the course in other Republican-led states.

Here are a few moments from the past year that show how education has changed in the anti-CRT era – whether by sanitizing the uncomfortable truths or by fighting for those truths to come out. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/08/23/black-history-censorship-getting-worse/70348173007

No. 3: The OPB [Oregon Public Broadcasting] article that I read today is titled, "Republican senators sue Oregon secretary of state, saying walkout doesn’t block them from seeking reelection." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Republican senators sue Oregon secretary of state, saying walkout doesn’t block them from seeking reelection" from Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)

By Dirk VanderHart (OPB) | Aug. 25, 2023

The senators say Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade cannot bar them from seeking another term because of a constitutional loophole

Republican state senators who walked away from this year’s Oregon legislative session to block votes on abortion rights and gun safety say they should be allowed to run for reelection next year, regardless of a voter-approved law aimed at ending their legislative careers.

Now they’re suing for that right.

In a case with weighty implications for the legislative process in Salem, five Republican senators filed suit Friday against Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade. They are Sens. Tim Knopp, Daniel Bonham, Suzanne Weber, Lynn Findley and Dennis Linthicum.

The Republican lawmakers are hoping to convince the Oregon Court of Appeals that voters were misled last November when they passed Measure 113, a law designed to end walkouts that Republicans have used repeatedly in recent years to halt business at the Capitol.

Under Measure 113, any lawmaker who accrues 10 or more unexcused absences during a legislative session is blocked from seeking reelection. The question posed by the lawsuit is when.

In explanatory statements, news stories and other documents, the intent of Measure 113 was clear: Lawmakers would be barred immediately from running again.

But the five senators say the actual verbiage inserted into the state Constitution didn’t accomplish that aim. That language says a lawmaker who runs afoul of Measure 113 cannot hold office “for the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed.”

Since elections in Oregon are held before a lawmakers term is completed — elections occur in November, whereas legislative terms don’t end until the following January — Republicans say the constitution allows them to serve another term before penalties take effect.

“Petitioners believe that the plain text of the Constitutional Amendment, and only interpretation consistent therewith, is that any disqualification must apply to the ‘term following the election after the member’s current term is complete,’” the filing says. That would mean that Knopp, Findley and Linthicum, whose terms expire next year, would be able to file for reelection this year. Bonham and Weber’s terms don’t end until 2026.

Griffin-Valade feels differently. On advice from the Oregon Department of Justice, she issued an administrative rule earlier this month that blocks lawmakers who walked out from running again. In doing so, the secretary aligned with many Democrats’ view of the matter: that voters’ intention in passing Measure 113 takes precedence over the ambiguous wording. “My decision honors the voters’ intent by enforcing the measure the way it was commonly understood when Oregonians added it to our state constitution,” Griffin-Valade said when announcing the rule. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/08/25/oregon-walkout-measure-113-politics-knopp-weber-findley-linthicum-republican-lawsuit

And I decided to highlight these articles from CBS News, USA Today and Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 26th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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August 27th, 2023 Update: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, August 27th, 2023, when I noticed an article on USAToday.com titled, "Massive emergency alert test will sound alarms on US cellphones, TVs and radios in October." (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Massive emergency alert test will sound alarms on US cellphones, TVs and radios in October" from USA Today

Elizabeth Weise USA TODAY | Published August 26, 2023

This is a test. This is only a test. But it's going to be one very big test.

On Wednesday, October 4 at 2:20 p.m. ET, every TV, radio and cellphone in the United States should blare out the distinctive, jarring electronic warning tone of an emergency alert, accompanied by a notice along these lines:

“This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public."

Here's what to know:

What's going to happen?

On Wednesday, October 4, a test is planned of the entire nation’s Emergency Alert system, a tryout to ensure everything is working correctly in the event of a big, national disaster or attack.

In the wake of the horrific fires on the island of Maui on August 8, when warning sirens that might have alerted people to the danger weren’t deployed, it’s a reminder of what systems are in place should they be needed.

Why is a national test necessary?

Federal emergency management coordinators need to make sure the national alert system is still an effective way to warn Americans about emergencies, natural catastrophes, attacks and accidents at the national level. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/08/26/huge-us-fema-cell-phone-tv-alert-test-scheduled-for-october/70658918007

And so, I decided to highlight this article from USA Today for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 27th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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August 27th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received a mailer from Shriners Hospitals for Children today, August 27th, 2023, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "The favor of a reply is requested.", which stated the following:

[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]

Shriners Hospitals for Children
Love to the rescue®

Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Dear Paul,

They come to us from around the world.

And we accept them with open arms. Children with complex orthopedic conditions...serious burns, cleft lip and palate...and severe spinal cord injuries.

Healing takes a lot of work. But most of all, it takes a lot of love.

Thanks to the support of caring people like you, love comes to the rescue every day for children and families who turn to us as their last hope when other hospitals have said, "There's nothing we can do."

At Shriners Hospitals for Children®, we are honored to be able to help children heal and live fulfilling lives. With your much-needed support, we can continue this important mission. Please help us provide exceptional pediatric specialty care to children who need us.

Will you help us with your gift today, Paul?

A contribution of $15, $25 or even as much as $50 will help these incredible children overcome some pretty tough odds. They're ready to get back to doing all the things kids love to do. They can do it with your help!

We welcome every child who turns to us, regardless of the families' ability to pay. We are able to accomplish this goal because of the support we receive from individuals like you.

For more than 100 years, we have been caring for children and their families...helping them rebuild their lives. We not only treat their medical issues but also continue to provide care for many years to come because there are no "quick fixes" for the types of spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, burns and orthopedic conditions the children who come to Shriners Hospitals for Children experience.

Your love has come to the rescue to help over 1.5 million children and their families cope with some of the worst problems imaginable.

You can help continue our life-changing work with your generous gift today.

Every child who is able to run with their friends again...every child who finishes school and enters college...every child who walks out our doors and goes on to begin careers and families of their own...

They all have one thing in common. You.

Because you care enough to send your Love to the rescues, they will receive a second chance when others thought all hope was lost.

Your contribution will help us serve the children and families who turn to us — well over 140,000 each year. With your support we are helping more kids in more places using telehealth technology. This gives kids around the world access to life-changing care right where they are.

Your gift also helps fund groundbreaking research focused on finding better treatments that Shriners Hospitals for Children shares with other hospitals and medical facilities so as many children as possible can benefit.

Now you are probably wondering how we manage to fund these life-changing programs, clinics and hospitals.

That is the wonderful part. We do it with the help of kindhearted people like you.

Just like the children who come to us, our friends come from every walk of life and every corner of the globe. They give a little of their hard-earned money to make life better for our kids.

Paul, I am hoping you will become one of our new friends by sending a gift a token of love that will come to the rescue for families and children with nowhere left to turn.

The enclosed holiday cards are yours to keep and enjoy. They are our gift to you.

Your support today will help us continue to provide The Most Amazing Care Anywhere [italization mine] for children in need.

They are relying on us — we are relying on you.

Any support you can give today will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Shriners Hospitals for Children

P.S. Please send your gift today. Love comes to the rescue every day at Shriners Hospitals for Children, thanks to people like you.

If you know a child Shriners Children's" may be able to help, have their parent or guardian: Call 800-237-5055 or visit shrinerschildrens.org/request-an-appointment

To make a donation online, visit
lovetotherescue.org/holiday
Thank you!

And so, I made a one-time donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children in order to show my support for Shriners Hospitals, because "love comes to the rescue every day for children and families who turn to [Shriners Hospitals for Children] as their last hope when other hospitals have said, 'There's nothing we can do.'" –Paul Whiting (written August 27th, 2023, revised September 21st, 2023 and revised November 12th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am reducing how much I donate for the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond) to take action." Thus, I will still be responding to some of the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond), which are requesting me to take action, but I am reducing the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers. (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.)

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August 27th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received a mailer from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today, August 27th, 2023, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Take Action AGAINST VIOLENCE FUELED BY HATE in Our Communities", which stated the following:

[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]

ADL. FIGHTING HATE FOR GOOD
[Name redacted] [Title redacted]

Renew Your Annual Support Today

Dear Paul,

I hope you know how deeply your support is valued. Because you care, you're making the world a safer place for everyone — even during these difficult days.

Times of fear and tremendous anxiety have always opened the doors to antisemitism and hate. More and more white supremacist extremists and other bigots are acting out aggressively and violently. Your continued support is critical to stopping them.

This past year, antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high of 3,697 — a shocking average of 10 per day, including assaults, harassment and vandalism. That's a 36 percent increase from the previous year as found in our 2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents.

The ADL Center on Extremism works to ensure that an extremist's hate does not become actions against others. Our staff identifies extremist threats and works with law enforcement partners to thwart potential violence.

Unfortunately, antisemitism is not the only form of hate seen every day. There are also attacks against Black, Asian, Muslim, Latin American and LGBTQ+ communities. Lives are at risk. But you can help.

In today's increasingly dangerous world, having a formidable ally in your corner is your best defense- and no other organization has the power and impact of ADL. That's because of you.

There's still time to make your Annual Supporter contribution. Your gift is more important than ever as hate crimes climb to staggering levels. Please take action against hate by showing your commitment with a donation of $25, $50, $75, $100 or your best gift.

We're thankful we can depend on you as a source of strength. You are the force behind our work to fight hate for good.

Paul, all our efforts are for you and your loved ones. We are here for you.

Together, let's continue to make the world a better place for everyone-and work toward a future of lasting security for generations to come. Thank you for speaking out with us in the coming months.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]

P.S. Your generosity is critical to winning the fight against hate as we face escalating danger in our communities. Please renew your support by sending an Annual Supporter contribution today.

Make an immediate impact by giving online at adl.org/AnnualSupporter

Antisemitic Incidents Rise to Highest Recorded Level

Since 1979, the ADL Center on Extremism has tracked incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism and assault in the United States annually. In 2022, ADL tabulated 3,697 antisemitic incidents throughout the United States. This is a 36% increase compared to 2021 and the highest number on record since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents.

Of the antisemitic incidents recorded in all 50 states and the District of Columbia:

▪ 111 were antisemitic assaults, a 26% increase involving 139 victims and resulting in one death.

▪ 2,298 were cases of harassment, a 29% increase.

▪ 1,288 were antisemitic vandalism, a 51% increase.

▪ White supremacist groups were responsible for 852 antisemitic propaganda distributions, a 102% increase.

[START OF GRAPH]

Antisemitic Incidents | U.S.
Ten-Year Review | 2013-2022

2013: 751

2014: 912

2015: 942

2016: 1,267

2017: 1,986

2018: 1,879

2019: 2,107

2020: 2,026

2021: 2,717

2022: 3,697

[END OF GRAPH]

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in order to help make "the world a safer place for everyone," because "antisemitism is not the only form of hate seen every day," since "there are also attacks against Black, Asian, Muslim, Latin American and LGBTQ+ communities." –Paul Whiting (written August 27th, 2023, revised September 21st, 2023 and revised November 12th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am reducing how much I donate for the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond) to take action." Thus, I will still be responding to some of the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond), which are requesting me to take action, but I am reducing the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers. (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.)

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August 28th, 2023 Update [My Writing About The 60th Anniversary Of The "March On Washington For Jobs And Freedom"]: On this 60th Anniversary of the "March on Washington," let us remember the words of the greatest civil rights leader of all time, Jesus The Christ, who said: "Do unto others as you would have done unto you."* –Paul Whiting (written August 28th, 2023, revised October 7th, 2023, revised December 6th, 2023 and revised August 12th, 2025)

*"Matthew 7:12" from Wikipedia, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia—which is funded primarily through donations from millions of individuals around the world, including this blogger (I make a totally affordable one-time donation if they are requesting donations when I am on their website):

Matthew 7:12 is the twelfth verse of the seventh chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament and is part of the Sermon on the Mount. This well known verse presents what has become known as the Golden Rule.

In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads:

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you: do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets

The World English Bible translates the passage as:

Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. ...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_7:12#:~:text=Therefore%20all%20things%20whatsoever%20ye,the%20law%20and%20the%20prophets

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August 28th, 2023 Update—Continued (Revised On August 29th, 2023): I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, August 28th, 2023, when I noticed three different articles on various news websites, including WahingtonPost.com, NBCNews.com and USAToday.com!

No. 1: The Washington Post article that I read today is titled, "Opinion | Joe Biden: We must keep marching toward Dr. King’s dream." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Opinion | Joe Biden: We must keep marching toward Dr. King’s dream" from The Washington Post

By Joe Biden | August 27, 2023

Joe Biden is president of the United States.

Sixty years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and hundreds of thousands of fellow Americans marched on Washington for jobs and freedom. In describing his dream for us all, Dr. King spoke of redeeming the “promissory note to which every American was to fall heir” derived from the very idea of America — we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. While we’ve never fully lived up to that promise as a nation, we have never fully walked away from it, either. Each day of the Biden-Harris administration, we continue the march forward.

That includes a fundamental break with trickle-down economics that promised prosperity but failed America, especially Black Americans, over the past several decades. Trickle-down economics holds that taxes should be cut for the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations, that public investments in priorities such as education, infrastructure and health care should be shrunk, and good jobs shipped overseas. It has exacerbated inequality and systemic barriers that make it harder for Black Americans to start a business, own a home, send their children to school and retire with dignity.

Vice President Harris and I came into office determined to change the economic direction of the country and grow the economy from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down. Our plan — Bidenomics — is working. Because of the major laws and executive orders I’ve signed — from the American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Chips and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, my executive orders on racial equity and more — we’re advancing equity in everything we do making unprecedented investments in all of America, including for Black Americans. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/27/joe-biden-king-march-on-washington-jobs-freedom

No. 2: The NBC News article that I read today is titled, "Democrats renew push for voter protections on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Democrats renew push for voter protections on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington" from NBC News

A group of Democrats has announced a package of bills to "boost free and fair access to the ballot." But the partisan effort is unlikely to pass in the divided Congress.

By Julie Tsirkin | Aug. 28, 2023

WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats hope to revive a legislative effort to pass voter protections into law Monday, the 60th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington.

After several failed attempts to bolster voting rights on the federal level in a divided Congress, Democratic Rep. Nikema Williams, who was elected to the late civil rights leader John Lewis’ congressional seat in Georgia, has touted the latest push as “one of the most comprehensive voting rights legislative packages in congressional history,” according to a statement first shared with NBC News.

Williams, who co-chairs the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, has partnered with other Democrats in the House, as well as prominent Senate Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, to announce a package of eight bills — which includes new legislation to provide voter protections and accessibility for unhoused people, among other bills that have been previously introduced.

She said in the statement that the “legislative package takes a major step to ensuring everyone has free and fair access to the ballot,” adding that as “Jim Crow 2.0 continues to rise across the country, we urgently need comprehensive national standards to protect voting rights for everyone — no matter your ZIP Code, no matter your bank account.” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna101805

No. 3: The USA Today article that I read today is titled, "'The rule of law still matters': Republican group knocks Donald Trump after his Georgia indictment." (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"'The rule of law still matters': Republican group knocks Donald Trump after his Georgia indictment" from USA Today

Ken Tran USA TODAY | Published August 28, 2023

WASHINGTON – The Republican Accountability Project, an anti-Trump Republican group, is capitalizing on former President Donald Trump’s latest criminal indictment in Georgia over his attempts to overturn his 2020 loss in the Peach State.

The group announced Sunday it is launching a six-figure ad campaign, running 60-second ads on Fox News in three swing states that will be crucial in the 2024 presidential election: Phoenix, Arizona; Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Atlanta, Georgia.

The campaign, which the group calls the “Trump Rap Sheet,” also includes a billboard ad in Times Square, displaying Trump’s booking photo next to a scrolling list of Trump’s 91 felony charges across his four indictments.

The ad, titled “The rule of law matters,” plays footage of Trump’s time in office, his court appearances and the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/08/28/republican-accountability-project-donald-trump-georgia-indictment/70700695007

Now, just to clarify: I didn't originally include the USA Today article above in this 'update' that I wrote; however, after I read the article yesterday, I looked for the YouTube video titled, "The rule of law matters" by The Republican Accountability Project. And I kept the YouTube page open, but I didn't get a chance to watch the video yesterday, August 28th, 2023, when I first wrote this 'update'...

...Then, today, August 29th, 2023, I finally got a chance to watch it—and "WOW" what a video! Here is a hyperlink to the video:

"The rule of law matters"

The Republican Accountability Project

https://youtu.be/yJfGEIUSwz4?si=0kA-FD5LoNNuMZEA

And I decided to highlight these articles from Washington Post, NBC News and USA Today for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 28th, 2023, revised August 29th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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For my "August 28th, 2023 Update—Continued Further"—since this 'update' is a part of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs. An introduction to the 'update' can be found below:

August 28th, 2023 Update—Continued Further (Numbering Sequence Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog): I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, August 28th, 2023, with the subject line, "Military Supporters Update: August 2023", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 115 / August 2023, which stated, in part, the following:

With Labor Day weekend coming up and back-to-school season in full swing, it’s more important than ever to appreciate and remember our troops who are sacrificing these moments in the name of duty and the protection of our nation.

Thank you for always having their backs, especially during times like these. Keep reading to learn about all the work your support has helped make possible in the past few weeks. ...

And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "Hawaii Updates From USO Responds," and "Air Force Veteran Hits the Road To Deliver USO Support," plus "August 7 was Purple Heart Day, a day to pause, acknowledge and remember the sacrifices made by the brave members of our military":

Hawaii Updates From USO Responds

The devastating wildfires in Hawaii earlier this month have caused immense distress and turmoil. The Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and the Army were on-site in Maui, providing support for search and rescue and debris containment. USO Responds provided meals to the service members on 24-hour shifts who are working hard to support the community. USO Responds is a program that supports the National Guard and other military as they respond to national disasters.

Click here to help provide essential supplies needed for our troops in the wake of this disaster.*

*Your contribution will be joined with the contributions of others, and used where it is needed most to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country.

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Air Force Veteran Hits the Road To Deliver USO Support

For Air Force veteran and USO team member Rita Conley, serving warmth, joy and USO hospitality in the great yet isolating outdoors of Alaska is second nature. Read about her exceptional dedication to creating human connection and community support with and for our troops stationed in Alaska. »

https://www.uso.org/stories/3590-air-force-veteran-hits-the-road-to-deliver-uso-support-to-service-members-throughout-alaska

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BY THE NUMBERS

"NINE"

August 7 was Purple Heart Day, a day to pause, acknowledge and remember the sacrifices made by the brave members of our military.

Here are nine things you need to know about the Purple Heart medal. »

https://www.uso.org/stories/2276-8-purple-heart-facts

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...From all of us at the USO, thank you for being a dedicated and proud military supporter!

And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "Our service members keep our nation safe. And we work hard to keep them connected to home — but we can’t do that without support from military supporters like you. Our troops are counting on you to be a part of this important work for our country." And I also donated to show my support for the USO's newsletter, as well as to show my support for the USO in supporting our men and women in uniform, as described in the highlight "VOICE OF THE USO," from the aforementioned newsletter:

VOICE OF THE USO

"Dogs bring happiness, they bring joy, and they connect you to things you love. People are going to have that connection when they come into the USO, being able to pet the dogs will provide that time away from the stressors. Allowing them to recharge, reconnect and regroup!"

— [Name redacted], USO [title redacted] of Italy and Spain, on the new USO Canine Program at USO Sigonella

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation. ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "August 28th, 2023 Update—Continued Further":

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

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August 29th, 2023 Update, Which Also Discusses August 12th, 2023 Through August 20th, 2023, As Well As August 28th, 2023: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from several of their daily emails that I received for the time period of August 12th, 2023 through August 29th, 2023, when I noticed nine Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

Now, I usually read these articles—which I receive from Time Magazine via their daily emails—the day that I receive them, or the next day. However, I was trying to save usage on my cellular data plan, through my mobile phone company, for the time period of August 12th, 2023 through August 20th, 2023. You see, I was throttling my data usage for that period in order to save data until the billing cycle ended on August 21st, 2023, at which time the new billing cycle started the next day.

Thus, for the period of August 12th, 2023 through August 20th, 2023, when I noticed particular articles that I was interested in reading, but that I didn't read at that time, I simply opened the webpage on Time.com to each article that I was planning to read in the future. And I kept those articles, on my smartphone's Google Chrome browser, in the order in which I opened them.

Plus, I have also been keeping up with as many current Time articles as I could manage to read both before, and after, the new billing cycle began as seen in the following updates, which can be found above:

August 10th, 2023 Update (Follow-Up, Written On August 12th, 2023);
August 18th, 2023 Update—Continued Further;
August 24th, 2023 Update;
August 26th, 2023 Update

Therefore, the articles in this 'update' are the ones that I didn't get a chance to read—or that I didn't get a chance to write an update about, if I could read them at the time that I received them—for the above-mentioned time period of August 12th, 2023 through August 20th, 2023. And these articles also include one from yesterday, August 28th, 2023, as well as one from today, August 29th, 2023.

So without further ado, the first Time Magazine article that I received (and I also read) on August 12th, 2023—and that I read (again) today—is titled, "The Case Against AI Everything, Everywhere, All at Once." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"The Case Against AI Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" from Time Magazine

By Judy Estrin | August 11, 2023

I cringe at being called “Mother of the Cloud," but having been part of the development and implementation of the internet and networking industry—as an entrepreneur, CTO of Cisco, and on the boards of Disney and FedEx—I am fortunate to have had a 360-degree view of the technologies that are at the foundation of our modern world.

I have never had such mixed feelings about technological innovation. In stark contrast to the early days of internet development, when many stakeholders had a say, discussions about AI and our future are being shaped by leaders who seem to be striving for absolute ideological power. The result is “Authoritarian Intelligence.” The hubris and determination of tech leaders to control society is threatening our individual, societal, and business autonomy.

What is happening is not just a battle for market control. A small number of tech titans are busy designing our collective future, presenting their societal vision, and specific beliefs about our humanity, as theonly* possible path. Hiding behind an illusion of natural market forces, they are harnessing their wealth and influence to shape not just productization and implementation of AI technology, but also the research.

Artificial Intelligence is not just chat bots, but a broad field of study. One implementation capturing today’s attention, machine learning, has expanded beyond predicting our behavior to generating content—called Generative AI. The awe of machines wielding the power of language is seductive, but Performative AI might be a more appropriate name, as it leans toward production and mimicry—and sometimes fakery—over deep creativity, accuracy, or empathy.

The very fact that the evolution of technology feels so inevitable is evidence of an act of manipulation, an authoritarian use of narrative brilliantly described by historian Timothy Snyder. He calls out the politics of inevitability “...a sense that the future is just more of the present, ... that there are no alternatives, and therefore nothing really to be done.” There is no discussion of underlying values. Facts that don’t fit the narrative are disregarded.

Here in Silicon Valley, this top-down authoritarian technique is amplified by a bottom-up culture of inevitability. An orchestrated frenzy begins when the next big thing to fuel the Valley’s economic and innovation ecosystem is heralded by companies, investors, media, and influencers.

They surround us with language coopted from common values—democratization, creativity, open, safe. In behavioral psych classes, product designers are taught to eliminate friction—removing any resistance to us to acting on impulse.

The promise of short-term efficiency, convenience, and productivity lures us. Any semblance of pushback is decried as ignorance, or a threat to global competition. No one wants to be called a Luddite. Tech leaders, seeking to look concerned about the public interest, call for limited, friendly regulation, and the process moves forward until the tech is fully enmeshed in our society.

We bought into this narrative before, when social media, smartphones and cloud computing came on the scene. We didn’t question whether the only way to build community, find like-minded people, or be heard, was through one enormous “town square,” rife with behavioral manipulation, pernicious algorithmic feeds, amplification of pre-existing bias, and the pursuit of likes and follows.

It’s now obvious that it was a path towards polarization, toxicity of conversation, and societal disruption. Big Tech was the main beneficiary as industries and institutions jumped on board, accelerating their own disruption, and civic leaders were focused on how to use these new tools to grow their brands and not on helping us understand the risks.

We are at the same juncture now with AI. Once again, a handful of competitive but ideologically aligned leaders are telling us that large-scale, general-purpose AI implementations are the only way forward. In doing so, they disregard the dangerous level of complexity and the undue level of control and financial return to be granted to them. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6302761/ai-risks-autonomy

*[Blogger's Note: When I first read it, I thought that the word "theonly" was a typo (that is, a typographical error); however, I looked it up online and found out that it is actually a word:

“theonly” from Merriam-Webster

The following 4 entries include the term theonly.

one of the only (idiom)
: one of very few : one in a small class or category

the only game in town (noun phrase)
: the only available, desirable, or valuable thing

the only (person or thing) for (idiom)
—used to emphasize that a particular person or thing should be the one chosen

the only thing (noun) : the one problem

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theonly#:~:text=%3A%20one%20of%20very%20few%20%3A%20one%20in%20a%20small%20class%20or%20category]

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The second Time Magazine article that I received (but did not read) on August 12th, 2023—and that I read (for the first time) today—is titled, "How Extreme Weather Is Affecting Small Farmers Across the U.S." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"How Extreme Weather Is Affecting Small Farmers Across the U.S." from Time Magazine

EXTREME WEATHER PATTERNS ARE POSING DIFFICULTIES ACROSS THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY, BUT ESPECIALLY AMONG SMALL FARMERS, WHO HAVE LIMITED FUNDS TO DEAL WITH INCONSISTENT WEATHER THAT IS AFFECTING THEIR CATTLE OR CROPS.

By Time Magazine | August 11, 2023

Every morning at 5 a.m., Jason Schmidt, owner of Grazing Plains Farm LLC., a small dairy farm based in Whitewater, Kans. [Kansas], starts his first milking of the day. The 42-year-old fifth generation farmer has been tending to his 70 cows on a daily basis for the past 12 years, but has become increasingly worried about the future of his farm.

His fears of financial stability related to his job are due to extreme weather conditions over the past year that affect his cows’ health and milk production. In the last two weeks alone, heat waves in Kansas brought temperatures in the high 90s and 100s, adding onto the difficulties many Kansas farmers have been facing due to a long lasting drought. The problem extends beyond the U.S., though; this July marked the earth’s hottest month on record.

Extreme weather patterns are posing difficulties across the agricultural community, but especially among small farmers, who have limited funds to deal with inconsistent weather that is affecting their cattle or crops.

Tom Giessel, a 70-year-old farmer who cropshares his land in Larned, Kans., notes that extreme heat and lack of precipitation poses a problem for dryland farmers that depend on rainfall instead of irrigation to tend their land. “When you're solely depending upon what comes from the sky and you get these streaks of five or six months with very little rain, it has a greater impact,” says Geissel.

Farmers, who need to be able to predict and have knowledge about the weather, are now being put in an especially precarious financial position.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people that are on the land and farming are doing their best to stay alive,” says Giessel. “A lot of them don't think too much further than how to get to the next day, and that's a very dangerous place to be in any aspect of our society, in any aspect of any business.” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6303858/extreme-weather-farmers-effects

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The third Time Magazine article that I received (and I also read) on August 12th, 2023—and that I read (again) today—is titled, "The Pro-Choice Senate Candidate Whose Company Donates to Anti-Abortion Republicans." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"The Pro-Choice Senate Candidate Whose Company Donates to Anti-Abortion Republicans" from Time Magazine

By Eric Cortellessa | August 10, 2023

Five years ago, Democrat David Trone appeared to have put his days as a GOP donor behind him. The liquor store tycoon had just won a U.S. House seat representing Maryland’s 6th District, despite some critics questioning his progressive bona fides. Over the previous two decades, Trone had contributed more than $150,000 to Republicans nationwide. It was the cost of doing business, he said. Since then, his personal donations have been almost exclusively to Democrats and left-leaning advocacy groups.

Now, Trone is running for a rare open Senate seat in Maryland, one of America’s most liberal states. He’s campaigning as a progressive who will work to safeguard abortion access. “Abortion rights are under attack in many states across our nation,” he recently tweeted, referring to the more than 20 that have enacted bans or restrictions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. “We need federal protections. As Senator, I'll fight to do just that.”

But in the years since Trone joined Congress, his company has sent tens of thousands of dollars to anti-abortion Republicans across the country.

In the last two election cycles, Trone’s firm, Retail Services and Systems, donated to GOP officeholders who moved to criminalize abortion in states where access to the procedure was at risk, according to a TIME review of campaign finance records. That includes at least $80,200 the corporation contributed to a dozen Republicans in Georgia who passed a 2019 trigger bill that banned abortions after six weeks, as well as Gov. Brian Kemp, who signed it into law. The measure went into effect shortly after the 2022 Dobbs ruling that ended a constitutional right to abortion.

Retail Services and Systems, the parent company that owns Total Wine & More, also donated a total of $12,000 in October and November 2022 to two groups working to elect Republicans to the Wisconsin state legislature, where GOP lawmakers were blocking efforts to repeal an 1849 law that barred virtually all abortions.

Those outlays are indicative of Trone’s and his company’s history of making campaign contributions to candidates throughout the nation, Republican and Democratic alike, to advance legislation or regulatory changes favorable to Total Wine, the nation’s largest privately owned retailer of beer, wine, and liquor, with 254 stores in 28 states.

The previously unreported donations stand to galvanize abortion rights champions in Maryland and beyond. “To me, the test of being a Democrat worthy of support is not what somebody says in a carefully-crafted statement, or how they vote, but it's what they do with their money and their time,” Stephanie Schmid, an abortion rights advocate, tells TIME. “I think that these donations clearly evidence a willingness to sacrifice women and families and parents in Maryland and across this country for his bottom line.”

Trone’s campaign says those contributions came from his business, not Trone himself.

“David Trone stepped down as CEO of Total Wine in 2015 and was not involved with these contributions,” Jared DeWese, a campaign spokesperson, tells TIME. Moreover, he adds, those expenditures pale in comparison to what Trone personally donated to Democrats during that same timeframe. “David’s record of supporting Democrats and the abortion rights movement is unimpeachable. David has donated $8.5 million to the Democratic Party and pro-choice Democratic candidates, and he has been a staunch advocate to protect the fundamental right to have an abortion.” Trone, for instance, has a 100% pro-choice voting record in Congress, according to both Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America, and has bankrolled an abortion clinic in rural Maryland.

But the revelations could complicate Trone’s quest to win Maryland’s Democratic nominating contest, according to John Willis, a University of Baltimore politics professor and former Maryland Secretary of State. “Those kinds of things make you question whether you trust this guy,” he says. “Does he let his business interests outweigh his professed political values?” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6303732/senate-race-maryland-david-trone-abortion

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The fourth Time Magazine article that I received (but did not read) on August 13th, 2023—and that I read (for the first time) today—is titled, "How the Inflation Reduction Act Has Reshaped the U.S.—and The World." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"How the Inflation Reduction Act Has Reshaped the U.S.—and The World" from Time Magazine

By Justin Worland | August 11, 2023

In late July, I visited a steel mill in Gallatin, Ky., operated by the company Nucor. During my visit, I watched as the facility churned out massive rolls of low-carbon steel destined for use in renewable infrastructure. Nucor’s stock price has increased nearly five-fold in the last three years, and the day before I visited the company had announced blockbuster profits citing, in large part, all the demand created by businesses racing to take advantage of money flowing from federal spending programs, including and especially the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Kentucky is far from alone. Across the country, the IRA has spurred hundreds of billions of dollars in investment in clean technology. Lithium-ion battery makers are opening factories near auto industry hubs to serve the growing electric vehicle market. Solar manufacturers are setting up shop in red states like Georgia. And old-school oil companies are investing in hydrogen. “It's a transformation of the economy,” says John Podesta, President Joe Biden’s senior advisor charged with implementing the IRA.

The IRA, which will mark one year since its signing on Aug. 16, is a classic piece of D.C. lawmaking. It came about in a windy legislative process that began with a big campaign promise from Biden and ended with backroom deal-making on Capitol Hill. And it has an odd, misleading name with a funny acronym, to boot.

But while the law was born in D.C., to understand its impact you need to look outside the capital as it reshapes industry across the country and the world. From Miami to Mumbai, Boise to Brussels, wherever I’ve traveled in the last year, the IRA has been top of mind for policymakers, business leaders, and civil society. It will not only determine whether the U.S. meets its emissions reduction goals, but also shape the global economy for decades to come.

“I want to make it clear: the Inflation Reduction Act is the single most important climate action since the Paris Agreement in 2015,” Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency, told me in May. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6304143/inflation-reduction-act-us-global-impact

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The fifth Time Magazine article that I received (but did not read) on August 14th, 2023—and that I read (for the first time) today—is titled, "Israel's Existential Crisis." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Israel's Existential Crisis" from Time Magazine

By Etgar Keret | August 14, 2023

In June, Israel’s Minister of Public Diplomacy shared with her Twitter followers a moving encounter from her recent visit to New York: “I walked out of the hotel and stood there drinking coffee while I waited for my car. The hotel doorman stood next to me and we had a chat. He knew I was an Israeli minister. And he said something very nice to me. He said, ‘You know what? You guys don’t need us anymore—we need you.’ When a New York hotel doorman tells me, ‘We need Israel for so many things—technology, intelligence, cyber, innovation’—if we’ve reached the point where a hotel doorman sees things that way, well, that means Israel is positioned in the American mindset as a mini-superpower.”

Personally, I’m pretty suspicious of geopolitical analyses offered by tip-hungry hotel doormen. I’d rather hear the opinions of presidents and vice presidents, even if they’re not such a great boost for my country. But that’s just me. The current messianic Israeli government, led by settlers and the ultra-Orthodox, has a different view of reality. The way they see it, Israel is not just a tiny state enjoying its brilliant branding as “the only democracy in the Middle East,” but “a light unto the nations.” And the inhabitants of Israel are not merely another nation—they are the chosen people, whom God loves more than anyone. More than even America and Donald Trump. That’s why at pro-government rallies in Israel you’ll find signs proclaiming “Fuck America!’ and “Fuck Biden!” and hear the Israeli Foreign Minister condescending to Kamala Harris as he explains that the Vice President of the United States doesn’t really understand the Israeli government’s anti-democratic judicial reform. Generally speaking, Israel’s peculiar government, with its through-the-looking-glass view of the world, sees the Biden Administration as little more than a hotel doorman whose job is to serve the chosen people while they wait for their ride to the Third Temple. After all, when the Messiah eventually does arrive, it’ll be the Israeli salvation government sitting beside him.

Nine months ago, on election night, Israelis were granted yet another right-wing government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu. Most of them believed it would be much like his previous ones, but they woke up the next morning to a barely coherent reality.

As Minister of National Security, which includes oversight of the police, Netanyahu appointed Itamar Ben-Gvir, a man with eight criminal convictions, including inciting racism and supporting a terrorist organization, and on whose wall hung a picture of the mass-murderer Baruch Goldstein, who carried out one of the most horrific hate crime in Israeli history. Ben-Gvir is now calling for more violent means to quell the anti-government protests, and yet he seems happy to defend the Jewish settlers who carried out a pogrom in a Palestinian village, where they burned houses and cars, insisting that “most of them are sweet children.” When the government minister in charge of the police guarantees his support, it’s no wonder that illegal settlement outposts and hate crimes against Palestinians are spreading like wildfire.

Netanyahu chose a familiar face for the position of Minister of Interior: Aryeh Deri, a veteran ultra-Orthodox politician who was convicted of bribery, fraud and breach of trust and sentenced to a three-year prison term. Last year he was handed down another conviction, this time for tax crimes. His ministerial appointment was ultimately revoked by the Supreme Court.

As soon as it was formed, the belligerent government’s members each set about promoting their respective outrageous agendas, few of which would stand up to the Declaration of Independence (the closest thing Israel has to a constitution) or the Supreme Court rulings. But never worry: the government has a handy solution for that impediment, too.

The coup being advanced by the government as a “reform” would establish a castrated judiciary in which judges are appointed solely by the sitting government. Absent a constitution, which is unlikely to suddenly appear, this would not be a genuine democracy, and would be powerless to hold back the messianic rightwing parties’ attempt to legislate a series of racist, homophobic, corrupt laws and to dominate the majority. Here is a partial list of laws that have been proposed: business owners who do not wish to serve LGBTQI+ or Arab customers because it goes against their faith will be allowed to refuse service. A woman who walks near the Western Wall wearing short sleeves will be subject to six months in prison. A person who tries to persuade a Jew to convert to a different religion will similarly be subject to a prison sentence. Bottom line: The foundations of the Third Temple* and a Jewish theocracy are being laid by this government. The building of this temple will most likely be accompanied by a civil war and an exile of sorts. Judging by the first two temples, that's the default.

This government—Netanyahu’s sixth since he first took office in 1996—is a completely different creature than his previous ones. Currently standing trial for three separate cases of bribery and breach of trust, Netanyahu limped into this term in a vulnerable state, and no one is more shrewd than the settlers and the ultra-Orthodox when it comes to exploiting a weak spot. And so, instead of establishing policies and leading the way, Netanyahu is now more of a slippery salesman, struggling in vain to shed a sane light on the deranged decisions of his government. He gives interview after interview to media around the world, confidently proclaiming what the free world wants to hear—all of which is essentially the opposite of the current Israeli condition. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6304322/israel-judicial-reforms-existential-crisis

*[Blogger's Note: "The 'Third Temple' refers to a hypothetical rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. It would succeed Solomon's Temple and the Second Temple, the former having been destroyed during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in c. 587 BCE and the latter having been destroyed during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE."

"Third Temple" from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia—which is funded primarily through donations from millions of individuals around the world, including this blogger (I make a totally affordable one-time donation if they are requesting donations when I am on their website):

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Temple]

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The sixth Time Magazine article that I received (but did not read) on August 14th, 2023—and that I read (for the first time) today—is titled, "She Wasn't Able to Get an Abortion. Now She's a Mom. Soon She'll Start 7th Grade." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"She Wasn't Able to Get an Abortion. Now She's a Mom. Soon She'll Start 7th Grade." from Time Magazine

By Charlotte Alter / Clarksdale, Miss. [Mississippi] | August 14, 2023

Ashley just had a baby. She’s sitting on the couch in a relative’s apartment in Clarksdale, Miss., wearing camo-print leggings and fiddling with the plastic hospital bracelets still on her wrists. It’s August and pushing 90 degrees, which means the brown patterned curtains are drawn, the air conditioner is on high, and the room feels like a hiding place. Peanut, the baby boy she delivered two days earlier, is asleep in a car seat at her feet, dressed in a little blue outfit. Ashley is surrounded by family, but nobody is smiling. One relative silently eats lunch in the kitchen, her two siblings stare glumly at their phones, and her mother, Regina, watches from across the room. Ashley was discharged from the hospital only hours ago, but there are no baby presents or toys in the room, no visible diapers or ointments or bottles. Almost nobody knows that Peanut exists, because almost nobody knew that Ashley was pregnant. She is 13 years old. Soon she’ll start seventh grade.

In the fall of 2022, Ashley was raped by a stranger in the yard outside her home, her mother says. For weeks, she didn’t tell anybody what happened, not even her mom. But Regina knew something was wrong. Ashley used to love going outside to make dances for her TikTok, but suddenly she refused to leave her bedroom. When she turned 13 that November, she wasn't in the mood to celebrate. “She just said, ‘It hurts,’” Regina remembers. “She was crying in her room. I asked her what was wrong, and she said she didn’t want to tell me.” (To protect the privacy of a juvenile rape survivor, TIME is using pseudonyms to refer to Ashley and Regina; Peanut is the baby’s nickname.)

The signs were obvious only in retrospect. Ashley started feeling sick to her stomach; Regina thought it was related to her diet. At one point, Regina even asked Ashley if she was pregnant, and Ashley said nothing. Regina hadn’t yet explained to her daughter how a baby is made, because she didn’t think Ashley was old enough to understand. “They need to be kids,” Regina says. She doesn’t think Ashley even realized that what happened to her could lead to a pregnancy.

On Jan. 11, Ashley began throwing up so much that Regina took her to the emergency room at Northwest Regional Medical Center in Clarksdale. When her bloodwork came back, the hospital called the police. One nurse came in and asked Ashley, “What have you been doing?” Regina recalls. That’s when they found out Ashley was pregnant. “I broke down,” Regina says.

Dr. Erica Balthrop was the ob-gyn on call that day. Balthrop is an assured, muscular woman with close-cropped cornrows and a tattoo of a feather running down her arm. She ordered an ultrasound, and determined Ashley was 10 or 11 weeks along. “It was surreal for her,” Balthrop recalls. "She just had no clue.” The doctor could not get Ashley to answer any questions, or to speak at all. “She would not open her mouth.” (Balthrop spoke about her patient's medical history with Regina's permission.)

At their second visit, about a week later, Regina tentatively asked Balthrop if there was any way to terminate Ashley’s pregnancy. Seven months earlier, Balthrop could have directed Ashley to abortion clinics in Memphis, 90 minutes north, or in Jackson, Miss., two and a half hours south. But today, Ashley lives in the heart of abortion-ban America. In 2018, Republican lawmakers in Mississippi enacted a ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The law was blocked by a federal judge, who ruled that it violated the abortion protections guaranteed by Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court felt differently. In their June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion that had existed for nearly half a century. Within weeks, Mississippi and every state that borders it banned abortion in almost all circumstances. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6303701/a-rape-in-mississippi

[Blogger's Note: I feel that the attacks on reproductive health care, including abortion care, by extremist conservatives shallowly professing to extol "family values" are just plain wrong.

And, speaking of "family values," is the denial of abortion care for those who are force impregnated through rape, or incest, considered "family values" by these extremist conservatives?

It makes you wonder if the real reason that extremist conservatives are beating the proverbial "abortion is murder" drum so loudly is because they support forced impregnation as the only way that is feasible for them to procreate, since they are too dysfunctional to have consensual adult relationships—and that is why they are enthusiastic proponents of forced impregnation through rape and/or incest!]

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The seventh Time Magazine article that I received (but did not read) on August 20th, 2023—and that I read (for the first time) today—is titled, "Fear of Land Speculation on Maui Evokes a Bitter History of Exploitation." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Fear of Land Speculation on Maui Evokes a Bitter History of Exploitation" from Time Magazine

By Susanna Moore | August 17, 2023

In the aftermath of the fires on Maui and the loss of the town of Lahaina, an intense fear and resentment on the part of the people of Lahaina has been directed at speculators who would buy the land left desolate in the conflagration to build homes and hotels and commercial buildings.

Josh Green, the governor of Hawai’i, is exploring “options to do a moratorium on sales of properties that have been damaged or destroyed.” This in answer to persistent, if not angry questioning, as to the possibility that the people of Lahaina might never be able to return to their town.

Anger and despair are emotions familiar to those residents with a sense of Hawaiian history. It explains the appearance of signs reading “No Tourists” and the admonition that people refuse to speak to developers or real estate agents. When Oprah Winfrey arrived at a refugee shelter near Lahaina with a camera crew, the people inside initially barred her and didn’t allow the crew to film.

The fear of exploitation is deeply held, and a result of more than 200 years of historical trauma.

The early history of the Islands may be seen as a story of arrivals—from the first hardy seeds and insects that found their way to the islands on the husks of coconuts, and the confused birds blown from their customary migratory routes, to the early Polynesian adventurers who sailed across the Pacific in double canoes, and the Spanish galleons en route to the Philippines, and the navigators in search of a Northwest Passage, soon followed by pious missionaries, whalers from Nantucket, shipwrecked sailors, and rowdy Irish poachers escaped from Botany Bay — all wanderers washed ashore, sometimes by chance. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6306090/lahaina-wildfires-history-exploitation

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The eighth Time Magazine article that I received (but did not read) yesterday August 28th, 2023—and that I read (for the first time) today—is titled, "What to Know About Drug Price Negotiations That Could Save U.S. Taxpayers Billions." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"What to Know About Drug Price Negotiations That Could Save U.S. Taxpayers Billions" from Time Magazine

By John Tozzi And Nacha Cattan / Bloomberg | August 28, 2023

Some of the most widely used drugs in the U.S. may be heading for lower prices under Medicare, a move that could save taxpayers billions of dollars and squeeze profits for big pharmaceutical companies.

The U.S. government is preparing to release a list this week of 10 drugs that the health program for the elderly will be able to negotiate prices for — one of the key elements of President Joe Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act. Analysts expect Johnson & Johnson’s Xarelto blood thinner and Eli Lilly & Co.’s Jardiance for diabetes to be among the medications chosen.

The ability for the government to haggle over prices is a marked change for pharma companies that have long been able to charge whatever they think a medication is worth, even as most other industrialized companies bargain hard. With the IRA now enabling Medicare to come to the table over products that have long been on the market, drugmakers are girding for the prospect of lower revenue from some of their biggest sellers.

For taxpayers, the savings could be significant: Negotiations could save the U.S. $36.5 billion from 2026 to 2028, according to Wells Fargo Securities. Drugmakers are suing the government to stop the squeeze.

“They’re going to earn less money,” said Spencer Perlman, an analyst with policy research firm Veda Partners. “That’s just a fact.”

Medicare spends more than $200 billion on outpatient prescription drugs annually. Eliquis, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. blood thinner used to prevent heart attacks and strokes, cost the program more than $12 billion in 2021 alone.

Under the IRA, the price ceiling for a selected drug will be set somewhere between 75% and 40% of its average price, with steeper discounts for drugs that have been on the market longer. Medicare will halve its costs for the chosen drugs on average, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates. That will lower the health program’s spending total by almost $100 billion through 2031, when annual savings will approach $25 billion. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6308892/drug-price-negotiations

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Finally, the ninth Time Magazine article that I read today, August 29th, 2023 is titled, "There's More Than Meets the Eye to Ramaswamy's Climate Comment." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"There's More Than Meets the Eye to Ramaswamy's Climate Comment" from Time Magazine

By Justin Worland | August 28, 2023

Vivek Ramaswamy, the entrepreneur turned politician, constructed his climate comment at last week’s Republican debate very precisely. “The climate agenda is a hoax,” he said to the raucous audience. For years, many Republicans, most notably Donald Trump, have claimed that climate change is a hoax. Inserting the word “agenda” into the once-common GOP refrain, may seem minor, but it represents a significant evolution.

The signals of climate change have become increasingly present—think of the record-setting extreme heat and near-constant flooding—and leading Republicans can no longer feasibly deny that climate change is happening. Indeed, it’s happening in the backyards of Republican and Democratic voters alike.

Instead, the GOP has begun to accept that it is happening while rejecting solutions aimed at slowing it down. During the debate, Ramaswamy suggested that costs of addressing climate change were greater than the effects of climate change itself. In a CNN interview afterward, he said, we should just focus on technological fixes to acclimate instead of paying to address any root causes of climate change. “We should focus on adaptation,” he said. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6309085/6309085

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written August 29th, 2023, revised August 30th, 2023, revised September 23rd, 2023, revised December 6th, 2023, revised April 6th, 2024 and revised August 31st, 2025)

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August 30th, 2023 Update: I received a text message today, August 30th, 2023, from the Tim Kaine for Virginia campaign, which stated the following:

Urgent Update 🚨

South Carolina’s Supreme Court just upheld a law banning abortion, cementing Virginia’s status as the only state in the South without an abortion ban.

There’s no other way to put this: We must codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into law at the federal level. And to do that, we need to retain and expand Democratic control of the Senate by re-electing Tim Kaine as Virginia’s U.S. Senator.

Will you support Tim’s re-election by pitching in $5, $10, or whatever you can afford before our end-of-month fundraising deadline? Every penny goes a long way toward reaching our goal and building a campaign with the strength to win in 2024.***

Tim Kaine

Donate to support Tim Kaine's campaign for re-election to the U.S. Senate

It's official: Tim Kaine is running for re-election to continue delivering for ALL Virginians.

Please become a Founding Donor to Tim's campaign and help us build on all we've accomplished. Thanks for your support.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Tim Kaine.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $3,300 →

[  ] Donate $6,600 →

[✓] Other amount 5.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

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[✓] Custom $0.21

Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Tim Kaine for Virginia campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to help "to retain and expand Democratic control of the Senate by re-electing Tim Kaine as Virginia’s U.S. Senator!" –Paul Whiting (August 30th, 2023)

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YEAR 2023 UPDATES FOR SEPTEMBER:

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September 1st, 2023 Update: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. And I received an email from Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America today, September 1st, 2023, with the subject line, "Remembering my brother this Suicide Prevention Awareness Month", which stated the following:

STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION
For Gun Sense In America

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a counselor from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress anywhere in the U.S.

Paul–

My sweet, sensitive, fun, beloved brother [name redacted] died by gun suicide in 1992. It's taken me a long time to be able to say that freely. But sharing [name redacted's] story has given me my voice back, knowing his death has meaning, a greater purpose.

[Name redacted] valued our family and brought us together. I was the youngest and he loved to smother me with torturous cheek-pinching and called me his Piscean twin. [Name redacted] was also a romantic. In college, he fell in love with a girl, but it ended in heartbreak. He fell into depression which ultimately provoked the onset of schizophrenia. [Name redacted] battled this misunderstood mental illness for five heartbreaking years. When he couldn't bear the pain anymore, he ended his life due to easy access to a gun.

Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. The latest research shows that the U.S. has one death by suicide about every 11 minutes. It's why the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a gamechanger.

You can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org if you or someone you're worried about is having thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance abuse crisis, or emotional distress. 988 offers free 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help. And don't wait until you're on the brink of a struggle—you can call whenever you need support.

Talking openly about suicide and sharing resources is essential to ending the crisis. Share our social media posts about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You could help save someone's life (https://www.instagram.com/p/CwpwwDRsYMk/?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg%3D%3D).

SHARE ON INSTAGRAM

SHARE ON TWITTER

For many communities, including many Catholic and Asian families like mine, there is a shame associated with suicide. We lived by the rule "What happens in the family, stays in the family." We told people [name redacted] "was shot," not that he shot and killed himself.

I literally and figuratively lost my voice after my brother died. For over 25 years, I lived with survivors' guilt, trying to bury my pain. It was only when I found my voice as a survivor that I started to truly heal. That's why I am so grateful to share [name redacted's] story. It's an honor for me to keep his memory going, knowing that his story may help save one life or inspire someone to take action.

Suicide is a preventable crisis. There is hope. In addition to mental health support, removing access to a gun in a moment of crisis may be the difference between life and death. There are laws we can pass to keep people in distress away from guns: secure gun storage laws, extreme risk laws, and waiting periods to purchase a gun.

Right now, we can help make sure everyone knows they have free access to a crisis counselor if they need support—whether it's yourself, a loved one, or someone who learns about 988 through you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwpwwDRsYMk/?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg%3D%3D

Thank you for reading my story and honoring [name redacted's] life by taking action,

[Name redacted]
She/Her/Hers
[Title redacted]

Students Demand Action is a grassroots volunteer network of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. As a movement of Americans fighting for common-sense gun policies, we depend on contributions from supporters like you to fund important work to reduce gun violence.

Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e).

DONATE

Our generation has the fastest-growing rate of gun suicide in the country. It’s heartbreaking to lose so many of our classmates and friends at such a young age because it doesn’t have to be this way.

[START OF FIRST IMAGE IN ENGLISH]

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 connection to free, confidential support anywhere in the US.

Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org

[END OF FIRST IMAGE IN ENGLISH]

[START OF SECOND IMAGE IN SPANISH]

Si usted o alguien que conoce está en crisis, la línea de vida 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline brinda conexión las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana para obtener asistencia gratuita y confidencial en cualquier lugar de los EE. UU.

Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 988 o chatee en 988lifeline.org

[END OF SECOND IMAGE IN SPANISH]

Plus, I made a one-time donation to Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (via the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund) in order to help [name redacted] honor the life of her "sweet, sensitive, fun, beloved brother," as well as by taking action to share Students Demand Action's "social media posts about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline." –Paul Whiting (written September 1st, 2023, revised October 26th, 2023 and revised November 8th, 2023)

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September 1st, 2023 Update—Continued: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 1st, 2023, when I noticed five different articles on various news websites, including ABCNews.com, CNN.com, APNews.com, USAToday.com and PBS.org/NewsHour!

No. 1: The ABC News article that I read today is titled, "US employers added a solid 187,000 jobs in August in sign of a still-resilient labor market." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"US employers added a solid 187,000 jobs in August in sign of a still-resilient labor market" from ABC News

American employers added 187,000 jobs in August, evidence of a slowing but still-resilient labor market despite the high interest rates the Federal Reserve has imposed

By Paul Wiseman and Anne D'Innocenzio AP Business Writer | August 31, 2023

WASHINGTON -- America's employers added 187,000 jobs in August, evidence of a slowing but still-resilient labor market despite the high interest rates the Federal Reserve has imposed.

Last month's job growth marked an increase from July's revised gain of 157,000 but still pointed to a moderating pace of hiring compared with the sizzling gains of last year and earlier this year. From June through August, the economy added 449,000 jobs, the lowest three-month total in three years. In addition, the government revised down the gains for June and July by a combined 110,000.

Friday's report from the Labor Department also showed that the unemployment rate rose from 3.5% to 3.8%, the highest level since February 2022 though still low by historical standards. But the rate rose for an encouraging reason: A sizable number of people — 736,000 — began looking for work last month, the most since January, and not all of them found jobs right away. Only people who are actively looking for a job are counted as unemployed.

Indeed, the proportion of Americans who either have a job or are looking for one rose in August to 62.8%, the highest level since February 2020, before COVID-19 slammed into the U.S. economy.

The Fed’s streak of 11 interest rate hikes has helped slow inflation from a peak of 9.1% last year to 3.2% now. A decelerating job market could help shift the economy into a slower gear and reassure the Fed that inflation will continue to ease. For that reason, many economists think the central bank may decide that no further rate hikes are necessary.

Friday’s jobs report also showed that wage gains are easing, a trend that may help provide reassurance that inflation pressures are cooling: Average hourly pay rose 0.2% from July to August, the smallest such gain in a year and a half. Measured year over year, wages last month were up 4.3% from August 2022, slightly below the 4.4% increase in both July and June. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/us-jobs-report-august-point-moderating-pace-hiring-102852733

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No. 2: The CNN Business article that I read today is titled, "The US economy continued to add jobs at a robust pace last month." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"The US economy continued to add jobs at a robust pace last month" from CNN Business

By Alicia Wallace, CNN | Updated Fri September 1, 2023

Minneapolis (CNN) — The US labor market continues to live its Goldilocks story with healthy job growth but at a far cooler pace than the blockbuster job gains of the past two and a half years.

On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the US economy added 187,000 jobs in August, a total that’s roughly in line with the monthly average seen from 2010-2019 and a figure that’s considerably below the white-hot job gains that marked the pandemic recovery.

The monthly job total came in similar to last month’s job gains; however, the July total was revised down by 30,000 jobs to 157,000. June was revised down significantly as well, from 185,000 to 105,000. The downward revisions brought the three-month average to 150,000 jobs.

Economists were expecting total job gains of 170,000 for August, according to Refinitiv. The unemployment rate unexpectedly jumped to 3.8% from 3.5%. It’s calmly drifted between 3.4% and 3.7% since March 2022, and economists had projected it would hold steady at 3.5%. The labor force participation rate rose to 62.8%, the highest it’s been since the onset of the pandemic, and average hourly earnings grew at a slower monthly pace, ticking up 0.2%, showing annual growth of 4.3%. In July, wages grew 0.4% and 4.4%, respectively.

The Federal Reserve, which is in the throes of a historic inflation-busting campaign, has been wanting to see more slack in the labor market, believing the imbalance between worker supply and demand could cause wages to rise and push inflation higher.

“If you’re [Fed Chair] Jerome Powell or another member [of the Fed’s policy committee], this is music to your ears,” Jay Bryson, chief economist with Wells Fargo, told CNN in an interview. “It’s showing that labor demand and labor supply are coming more into balance.”

He added: “It’s a good report right before Labor Day.”

August’s total marks the 32nd consecutive month of job growth. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/01/economy/jobs-report-august-final/index.html

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No. 3: The AP (Associated Press) News article that I read today is titled, "US applications for jobless claims inch back down as companies hold on to their employees." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"US applications for jobless claims inch back down as companies hold on to their employees" from AP News

By Matt Ott | Updated August 31, 2023

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week as companies held on to employees in an economy that has largely withstood rapidly rising interest rates, intended to cool hiring and spending, for more than a year.

The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits last fell week by 4,000, to 228,000 the week ending August 26, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

The four-week moving average of claims, which evens out some of the weekly volatility, rose by 250 to 237,500.

Jobless claim applications are seen as representative of the number of layoffs in a given week.

The Federal Reserve, in its now year-and-a-half battle against inflation, has raised interest rates 11 times to 5.4%, the highest level in 22 years.

Part of the Fed’s intent was to cool the job market and bring down wages, which many economists believe suppresses price growth. Though some measures of inflation have come down significantly — from as much as 9% down closer to 3% — since the Fed starting raising interest rates, the job market has held up better than many anticipated. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-jobs-labor-economy-layoffs-f69a8feeff8611766588eef2d51f29bb

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No. 4: The USA Today article that I read today is titled, "Jobs report: 187,000 jobs added in August as unemployment rises to 3.8%." (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Jobs report: 187,000 jobs added in August as unemployment rises to 3.8%" from USA Today

Paul Davidson USA TODAY | Sept. 1, 2023

Hiring unexpectedly picked up in August as employers added 187,000 jobs despite high interest rates and inflation but payroll gains over the summer were revised down sharply.

The unemployment rate, which is calculated from a separate survey of households, rose from 3.5% to 3.8%, highest since February 2022, the Labor Department said Friday. That's because of a surge of Americans into the labor force, which includes people working and looking for jobs.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had estimated that 168,000 jobs were added.

Yet payroll growth for June and July was revised down by a whopping 110,000, portraying a much weaker picture of employment growth over the summer than previously thought. And job gains in August were expected to be affected by several unusual crosscurrents, making it tough to discern if the latest numbers reflect overall hiring trends or one-offs.

"The U.S. labor market continues to come back to earth," says Nick Bunker, head of economic research for the Indeed Hiring Lab. The nation added an outsize 400,000 jobs a month last year as it recouped the 22 million jobs lost in the pandemic. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/09/01/jobs-report-august/70733227007

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No. 5: The PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) NewsHour article that I read today is titled, "WATCH LIVE: Biden gives remarks after economy adds 187,000 jobs in slowing but steady growth." (By the way, this PBS NewsHour article features a YouTube video, that I watched first.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"WATCH LIVE: Biden gives remarks after economy adds 187,000 jobs in slowing but steady growth" from PBS NewsHour

By — Associated Press | Sep 1, 2023

President Joe Biden will deliver remarks after the August jobs report shows economy added 187,000 positions, evidence of a slowing but still-resilient labor market despite the high interest rates the Federal Reserve has imposed.

The event is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. ET. Watch in the player above. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/politics/watch-live-biden-gives-remarks-after-economy-adds-187000-jobs-in-slowing-but-steady-growth

And I decided to highlight these articles from ABC News, CNN Business, AP News, USA Today and PBS NewsHour for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 1st, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 2nd, 2023 Update: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, September 2nd, 2023, when I noticed three Time.com articles! Plus, I noticed a fourth article that was recommended as an article to "Read Next" at the bottom of the third article that I read today. (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Roots of Christian Nationalism Go Back Further Than You Think." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"The Roots of Christian Nationalism Go Back Further Than You Think" from Time Magazine

By Robert P. Jones | August 31, 2023

Across the last few decades in the U.S., we have experienced widespread debates and even violent conflicts over American history. Battles like these typically erupt during times of social change, when cultural convulsions shake the foundations of old ways of knowing and living. Identity, rather than policy, drives divisions. History becomes the new front line in the culture wars, as claims about who we are as a nation inevitably turn on competing narratives about when and how we arrived at this place.

The term “white Christian nationalism” has recently emerged in the social sciences and the media as a way of describing the worldview that has burst onto the public stage with Trumpism and the “Make America Great Again” movement. The toxic blend of ethno-religious identity politics was reflected in the prayers and religious symbols participants carried at the U.S. Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021, and it has become central to the trajectory of the contemporary Republican Party, two thirds of whom identify as white and Christian.

But if we see these recent trends against the long backdrop of western history, we can see that the phenomenon this term describes has far deeper roots than the post-Obama MAGA backlash. Our two political parties are increasingly animated by two starkly conflicting moral visions that have struggled for ascendancy since the first Europeans landed on these shores five centuries ago. Is America a divinely ordained promised land for European Christians, or is America a pluralistic democracy where all stand on equal footing as citizens? Most Americans embrace the latter vision. But a desperate, defensive, mostly white Christian minority continue to cling to the former.

To fully understand the deep roots of today’s white Christian nationalism, we need to go back at least to 1493—not the year Christopher Columbus “sailed the ocean blue,” but the year in which he returned to a hero’s welcome in Spain, bringing with him gold, brightly colored parrots, and nearly a dozen captive Indigenous people. It was also the year he was commissioned to return to the Americas with a much larger fleet of 17 ships, nearly 1,500 men, and more than a dozen priests to speed the conversion of Indigenous people who inhabited what he, along with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, still believed were Asian shores.

The return of Columbus in 1493 also precipitated one of the most fateful but unacknowledged theological developments in the history of the western Christian Church: the creation of what has come to be known as the Doctrine of Discovery. Established in a series of 15th-century papal bulls (official edicts that carry the full weight of church and papal authority), the Doctrine claims that European civilization and western Christianity are superior to all other cultures, races, and religions. From this premise, it follows that domination and colonial conquest were merely the means of improving, if not the temporal, then the eternal lot of Indigenous peoples. So conceived, no earthly atrocities could possibly tilt the scales of justice against these immeasurable goods. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6309657/us-christian-nationalism-columbus-essay

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The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "America Has Reached Peak Therapy. Why Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse?" An introduction to the article can be found below:

"America Has Reached Peak Therapy. Why Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse?" from Time Magazine

By Jamie Ducharme | August 28, 2023

The U.S. has reached peak therapy. Counseling has become fodder for hit books, podcasts, and movies. Professional athletes, celebrities, and politicians routinely go public with their mental health struggles. And everyone is talking—correctly or not—in the language of therapy, peppering conversations with references to gaslighting, toxic people, and boundaries.

All this mainstream awareness is reflected in the data too: by the latest federal estimates, about one in eight U.S. adults now takes an antidepressant and one in five has recently received some kind of mental-health care, an increase of almost 15 million people in treatment since 2002. Even in the recent past—from 2019 to 2022—use of mental-health services jumped by almost 40% among millions of U.S. adults with commercial insurance, according to a recent study in JAMA Health Forum.

But something isn’t adding up. Even as more people flock to therapy, U.S. mental health is getting worse by multiple metrics. Suicide rates have risen by about 30% since 2000. Almost a third of U.S. adults now report symptoms of either depression or anxiety, roughly three times as many as in 2019, and about one in 25 adults has a serious mental illness like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. As of late 2022, just 31% of U.S. adults considered their mental health “excellent,” down from 43% two decades earlier.

Trends are going in the wrong direction, even as more people seek care. “That’s not true for cancer [survival], it’s not true for heart disease [survival], it’s not true for diabetes [diagnosis], or almost any other area of medicine,” says Dr. Thomas Insel, the psychiatrist who ran the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) from 2002 to 2015 and author of Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health. “How do you explain that disconnect?” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6308096/therapy-mental-health-worse-us

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The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Hawaii Investigates Unsolicited Land Offers After Wildfires." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Hawaii Investigates Unsolicited Land Offers After Wildfires" from Time Magazine

By Audrey Mcavoy And Jennifer Sinco Kelleher / AP | SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

(HONOLULU) — Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Thursday his administration has opened several investigations into people who have allegedly made unsolicited offers for property in the fire-stricken Maui town of Lahaina in violation of a new emergency order.

Green prohibited such offers by signing an emergency proclamation on Aug. 19 aimed at preventing land in the historic coastal community from flowing into the hands of outside buyers. The order aims to give residents some “breathing room” as they decide what to do next, Green said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Even before the Aug. 8 fire, Lahaina was a rapidly gentrifying town and there’s been widespread concern since that Native Hawaiians and local-born residents who have owned properties in their families for generations might feel pressured to sell.

The fear is they would leave Lahaina, or Maui or the state, take their culture and traditions with them and contribute to the ongoing exodus of Hawaii’s people to less expensive places to live.

“We’ve seen that in a lot of different places in our country and in our world where people have lost everything but their land and someone swoops in and buys properties for pennies on the dollar,” Green said. “We want to keep this land in the hands of local people, and we want to give them at least a chance to decide whether they’d like to build back.”

Authorities say 115 people died in the fire, which tore through Lahaina in a matter of hours. About 1,800 to 1,900 homes were destroyed. The town of 12,000 people was home to many who worked in hotels and restaurants in nearby Kaanapali and Lahaina itself.

About 6,000 people are staying in hotels and vacation rentals while waiting for the toxic waste left by the fire to be cleaned up and rebuilding to begin.

Earlier this month Green, a Democrat, said he wanted to impose a moratorium on land sales in Lahaina to prevent people from being displaced. But the governor said a blanket ban “may not be doable” and he didn’t want to prevent people who are considering property sales from initiating those conversations.

The prohibition on unsolicited offers for property was a “de facto” moratorium, he said.

Green said people have reported unwanted offers to his attorney general, although he did not reveal how many investigations have been opened. Those found guilty of a violation may be imprisoned for up to one year and fined up to $5,000.

Lahaina resident Melody Lukela-Singh said she was disappointed the governor didn't impose an outright ban as he initially said.

“Outsiders should not have the opportunity to grab land or properties. Because emotions are running high, so everyone is vulnerable,” Lukela-Singh said.

She spoke near her temporary lodgings a few miles from the site of her Front Street home, which burned in the fire. Lukela-Singh said she would not sell her land if any offers were made.

“You know, it’s the only thing that we have left,” said Lukela-Singh, who is Native Hawaiian. She knows of three families, all Filipino, who are selling their homes and want to move away because they can't handle the stress of seeing Lahaina burned to the ground.

State Rep. Troy Hashimoto, a Democrat who chairs the House housing committee and represents the central Maui community of Wailuku, said the prohibition on unsolicited offers was a “nuanced” approach.

“You don’t really want to be bothering a lot of landowners, especially when they’re not in that frame of mind or ready to discuss it,” Hashimoto said. “But I wouldn’t want to stop a landowner if they are proactively wanting to make a move, right?"

The situation presents two competing interests, said Robert Thomas, the director of property rights litigation at California-based Pacific Legal Foundation. One is the U.S. Supreme Court has found people have a right to decide what to do with their property. The other is the government has an interest in making sure people aren't preyed upon. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6310371/hawaii-land-offers-lahaina

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The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson Launch Fund with $10 Million for Displaced Maui Residents," which was which was recommended as an article to "Read Next" at the bottom of the article "Hawaii Investigates Unsolicited Land Offers After Wildfires." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson Launch Fund with $10 Million for Displaced Maui Residents" from Time Magazine

By Thalia Beaty / AP | August 31, 2023

Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have committed $10 million to make direct payments to people on Maui who are unable to return to their homes because of the wildfires, through a new fund they announced Thursday.

The People's Fund of Maui will give $1,200 a month to adults who are not able to return to their primary residences because of the recent wildfires, including people who owned and rented their homes, according to the fund's website. The fund will also seek donations to extend the length of time it can provide the support.

“How do we help?" the “Young Rock” star said he and Winfrey asked each other during the wildfires, saying in a video released along with the announcement that they grappled with how to best direct their efforts. “You want to take care of the greatest need of the people, and that's giving them money."*

They are looking forward to the help of “every person who called me and said, ‘What can I do?’” Winfrey said in the video. “This is what you can do.” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6310146/oprah-winfrey-dwayne-johnson-maui-residents

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

*Plus, I made a one-time donation to People's Fund of Maui, which is "providing direct financial assistance to Maui community members experiencing devastating losses from the fires in Lahaina and Kula," as explained from their donation page:

Directly support the Maui community.

People’s Fund of Maui is providing direct financial assistance to Maui community members experiencing devastating losses from the fires in Lahaina and Kula.

Join us in getting relief to survivors so they can determine what recovery looks like for themselves and their loved ones.

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.eifoundation.org/peoples-fund-of-maui

–Paul Whiting (written September 2nd, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 2nd, 2023 Update—Continued Written On September 3rd, 2023: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google yesterday, September 2nd, 2023, when I noticed three different articles (one of which is actually a video with a description) on various news websites, including Politico.com, NYTimes.com, and CNN.com!

Now, I usually read these articles the day that I notice them—and that's also when I usually write the corresponding 'update.' However, I was trying to save usage on my cellular data plan by waiting to read these articles when I knew that I was going to have access to WiFi the following day, which is today, September 3rd, 2023. You see, I was planning to go shopping today, so I waited to have access to WiFi—at the natural foods store where I just shopped—at which I am also writing this 'update.'

No. 1: The Politico article that I read today is titled, "America’s Surprising Partisan Divide on Life Expectancy." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"America’s Surprising Partisan Divide on Life Expectancy" from Politico

Centuries-old settlement patterns — and the attitudes they spawned about government — are to blame for differences in longevity between red southern states and bluer parts of the country.

By Colin Woodard | 09/01/2023

Where you live in America can have a major effect on how young you die.

On paper, Lexington County, S.C., and Placer County, Calif., have a lot in common. They’re both big, wealthy, suburban counties with white supermajorities that border on their respective state’s capital cities. They both were at the vanguard of their states’ 20th century Republican advances — Lexington in the 1960s when it pivoted from the racist Dixiecrats; Placer with the Reagan Revolution in 1980 — and twice voted for Donald Trump by wide margins. But when it comes to how long their residents can count on living, the parallels fall apart. Placer has a Scandinavia-like life expectancy of 82.3 years. In Lexington, the figure is 77.7, a little worse than China’s.

Or take Maine’s far-flung Washington County, the poorest in New England where the per capita income is $27,437. The county is a hardscrabble swath of blueberry fields, forestland and fishing ports that was ravaged by the opioid epidemic and is almost completely white. It has one of the worst life expectancies in the entire Northeast: 75.5 years. But that’s more than six years better than the equally remote, forested, impoverished, white and drug-battered Perry County of eastern Kentucky.

The truth of life expectancy in America is that places with comparable profiles — similar advantages and similar problems — have widely different average life outcomes depending on what part of the country they belong to. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/09/01/america-life-expectancy-regions-00113369

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No. 2: The New York Times article that I read today is titled, "American Power Just Took a Big Hit." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"American Power Just Took a Big Hit" from The New York Times

By Sarang Shidore | Sept. 1, 2023

For more than a decade, the United States mostly ignored BRICS. The grouping, formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, rarely registered on Washington’s radar. When it did, the impulse — as shown by Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, recently stressing that the coalition is not “some kind of geopolitical rival” — was to downplay the group’s significance. Western commentators, for their part, largely painted BRICS as either a sign of Chinese attempts to dominate the global south or little more than a talking shop. Some even called for its dissolution.

Such complacency looks less tenable now. At a summit in Johannesburg last week, the group invited six global south states — Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — to join its ranks. In the aftermath of the announcement, indifference gave way to surprise, even anxiety. Yet there’s no need for alarm. BRICS will never run the world or replace the U.S.-led international system.

It would be a mistake, though, to dismiss its importance. After all, any club with such a long waiting list — in this case, nearly 20 nations — is probably doing something right. BRICS’s expansion is an unmistakable marker of many countries’ dissatisfaction with the global order and of their ambition to improve their place within it. For America, whose grip on global dominance is weakening, it amounts to a subtly significant challenge — and an opportunity.

The critics have a point: BRICS remains a work in progress. Its two major initiatives — the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement — are quite small when compared with the scale of global development lending and finance. Other initiatives such as cooperation on health research and space exploration are in their embryonic stages. Expansion could make institution-building harder, with more players in the mix. There are, for example, some differences between the way China and Russia and the global south states view the grouping.

America’s global dominance, to be sure, is underwritten by vast military spending, a network of alliances and hundreds of far-flung military bases. But even if an expanded BRICS only muddles along in terms of material success — and there’s a good chance it will do better than that — it will challenge Washington in three key areas: global norms, geopolitical rivalries and cross-regional collaboration. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/opinion/brics-expansion-america.html

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No. 3: The CNN video (with a description) that I watched today is titled, "Biden and Trump are virtually tied in polls. Political analyst has a theory why." A description of the video can be found below:

"Biden and Trump are virtually tied in polls. Political analyst has a theory why" from CNN

[By] Smerconish | [Not dated]

CNN senior political analyst Ronald Brownstein breaks down why recent polling has put Trump and Biden neck and neck ahead of the 2024 presidential election. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the video:

https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2023/09/02/ronald-brownstein-trump-biden-polling-2024-sot-intv-smerconish-vpx.cnn

And I decided to highlight these articles from Politico and The New York Times for you, my readers, to consider reading too, as well as this CNN video for you, my readers, to consider watching also! –Paul Whiting (written September 3rd, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 3rd, 2023 Update: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, September 3rd, 2023, when I noticed a Time.com article titled, "All the Ways We Deny Antisemitism." (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"All the Ways We Deny Antisemitism" from Time Magazine

By Diana Fersko | August 30, 2023

I’ve served as a congregational rabbi for a decade or so. My leadership has coincided with an ominous rise in antisemitic incidents from vile online threats to the killing of 11 Jews at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018. During that time, I've listened to hundreds of conversations detailing real life encounters of antisemitism. I’ve heard diverse opinions and a wide range of experiences about its nature in the present day—from a swastika drawn in the bathroom of a school to microaggressions in the workplace and everything in between. But nearly every conversation I hear about antisemitism has one, surprising thing in common: in every instance where an antisemitic act has been committed, our culture—and conversations surrounding these hateful acts—tend to diminish or even deny antisemitism.

Think about the national conversation around antisemitism. When Kanye West went on his repugnant rant against Jews in October 2022, one of the internet’s first reactions was that he was not antisemitic, he was mentally ill. But both can be true. Or think about social media where anti-Jewish rhetoric has spiked, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Yet some continue to insist it's not antisemitism, it's free speech. Or when, during a concert in Berlin in May 2023, Roger Waters, the outspoken critic of Israel and former frontman of Pink Floyd, donned a full length black coat with a red arm band and invoked the name of the murdered Jewish teenager Anne Frank, he explained that his actions were not antisemitic, they were “a statement in opposition to injustice.” The Berlin police opened an investigation into Waters for suspicion of incitement.

This tendency to diminish or even deny antisemitism in public discourse has damaging implications for everyday life. It can make people—both Jewish and not—feel hesitant to call out antisemitism when we see it.

I’ve heard this tendency to diminish antisemitism in my own life many times. We tell ourselves that today’s antisemitism is nowhere near as bad as the violence our grandparents and great grandparents encountered. So is it really worth mentioning? Or we tell ourselves that other forms of repugnant hatred—racism, misogyny, homophobia—are exponentially worse problems than antisemitism, so maybe we shouldn’t even raise antisemitism as a concern at all. We tell ourselves that antisemitism is not so bad (or not as bad as), and so we say nothing, or we doubt ourselves. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6309354/calling-out-antisemitism-essay

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 3rd, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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For my "September 4th, 2023 Update, Written On August 30th, 2023"—since this 'update' is a part of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs. An introduction to the 'update' can be found below:

September 4th, 2023 Update, Written On August 30th, 2023: Happy Labor Day, everyone!

In celebration of Labor Day, I made a one-time donation to the USO (United Service Organizations), because "America’s brave service members ... sacrifice so much for us, it’s our patriotic duty to do everything we can for them."

And I made this donation for Labor Day in response to a text message that I received today, August 30th, 2023, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:

𝐔𝐒𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓: Before you enjoy your long weekend, keep our troops in mind as they sacrifice so much for us.

Paul, thousands of service members are currently deployed around the world, missing celebrations, first days of school and so much more - all to keep us safe and free.

The USO is there to support them through thick and thin, but we can't do it without patriotic Americans like you. So we've set an end-of-month goal to deliver support to deployed troops, and a generous group of USO supporters is MATCHING all gifts up to $25,000 for a limited time only, so please: Rush a donation now before this opportunity expires to have it doubled to support our troops around the world >>***

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

And I made this one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's statement regarding this limited match opportunity:

"Incredible news: Until midnight on Aug. 31, [2023] all gifts up to $25,000 will be MATCHED to reach our end-of-month goal for America’s brave service members. As they sacrifice so much for us, it’s our patriotic duty to do everything we can for them, so please don’t waste this rare opportunity. Give now to DOUBLE the value of your gift for our troops!"

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation. ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "September 4th, 2023 Update, Written On August 30th, 2023":

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

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September 4th, 2023 Update—Continued: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, September 4th, 2023, when I noticed a Time.com article titled, "Want to Honor Labor Day? Check Your Paystub." (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Want to Honor Labor Day? Check Your Paystub" from Time Magazine

By Elizabeth Tandy Shermer | September 2, 2023

There’s a better way to honor Labor Day this year than shopping, hitting the beach, or BBQing. Take a few minutes to look at your paystub.

Most Americans don’t anymore. Paystubs or payslips used to come with the physical checks that Americans would get every two weeks or once a month. Now, a lot of Americans get their pay directly deposited into their bank accounts. They have to go looking for information on how much they earned and what was deducted for taxes, 401(k) contributions, and other employee benefits.

There are a lot of good reasons to check your paystub. First and foremost, there’s a problem with a wage theft in this country. Americans also need to make sure that they are getting the employee benefits (like health insurance) that they signed up for. Equally important, however, is that the many deductions on a paystub are a powerful reminder of how hard and long Americans have fought for shorter hours, livable wages, and better working conditions, all of which made life on and off the job a whole lot better.

The Federal Income Contributions Act (FICA) deduction, for instance, captures the meaning of Labor Day better than any picnic. When Americans get their first paychecks, many probably asked, like Rachel Green on Friends, “What’s FICA? Why’s he getting all my money?”

Congress passed FICA in 1935 so that employees and employers could pay for the much more well-known 1935 Social Security Act. This landmark legislation included a lot more than federal pensions, or what most Americans mean now when they say the words “Social Security.” Labor Secretary Frances Perkins addressed Americans on Feb. 25, 1935 over the radio to explain that the most important part of the bill before Congress was insurance against unemployment. She called it “the greatest of all hazards.” At the time, unemployment was 20%. More than 10 million Americans could “plunge into destitution and dependency” while they searched for a job.

There would also be money for “old-age security” in President Franklin Delano Roosevelt Administration’s broad plan for economic security (which also included support for the blind, child welfare, and public health). But Roosevelt did not take credit for that legislation. Three years after passage, when that law had already helped millions, Roosevelt attributed its success to the American labor movement. “The underlying desire for personal and family security was nothing new,” he insisted in a radio address on August 15, 1938. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6309751/labor-day-paystub-essay

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 4th, 2023, revised September 23rd, 2023 and revised May 29th, 2024)

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September 4th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: Labor Day is today, September 4th, 2023, since Labor Day is yearly (annually) on the first Monday in September.

And I received an email from National Today yesterday, September 3rd, 2023, with the subject line, "Cheese Pizza, Beer, and Plenty of Books. This Week on National Today", which stated, in part, the following:

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY

We honor American workers’ contributions to our country... While we enjoy picnics and parades, let’s remember to honor the unwavering commitment of the workforce that propels the economy forward on Labor Day. ...

... Monday 4 September

Labor Day

Summer's final fling has arrived in the form of Labor Day.

Read more:

https://nationaltoday.com/labor-day

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can, in part, be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

LABOR DAY – SEPTEMBER 4, 2023
[Observed in the] U.S.

Summer’s final fling has arrived in the form of Labor Day. Yes, most of us get the day off, but this holiday triggers mixed emotions. While summer still has 21 calendar days left, it’s time to get serious. School’s starting and there’s a sense that summer vacation is over. So what’s behind Labor Day — and how did it earn a place as a federal holiday?

Let’s take a look.

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WHEN IS LABOR DAY 2023?

Labor Day always falls on the first Monday in September, which means anywhere from September 1 through September 7. This year it's September 4 in the U.S. and Canada. However, this is not the case for most countries — the majority of which celebrate on May 1.

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HISTORY OF LABOR DAY

Do you get weekends off work? Lunch breaks? Paid vacation? An eight-hour workday? Social security? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, you can thank labor unions and the U.S. labor movement for it. Years of hard-fought battles (and the ensuing legislation they inspired) resulted in many of the most basic benefits we enjoy at our jobs today. On the first Monday in September, we take the day off to celebrate Labor Day and reflect on the American worker’s contributions to our country.

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LABOR DAY HISTORY

There’s disagreement over how the holiday began. One version is set in September 1882 with the Knights of Labor, the largest and one of the most important American labor organizations at the time. The Knights in New York City held a public parade featuring various labor organizations on September 5 — with the aid of the fledgling Central Labor Union (CLU) of New York. Subsequently, CLU Secretary Matthew Maguire proposed that a national Labor Day holiday be held on the first Monday of each September to mark this successful public demonstration.

In another version, Labor Day in September was proposed by Peter J. McGuire, a vice president of the American Federation of Labor. In spring 1882, McGuire reportedly proposed a “general holiday for the laboring classes” to the CLU, which would begin with a street parade of organized labor solidarity and end with a picnic fundraiser for local unions. McGuire suggested the first Monday in September as an ideal date for Labor Day because the weather is great at that time of year, and it falls between July 4th and Thanksgiving. Oregon became the first U.S. state to make it an official public holiday. 29 other states had joined by the time the federal government declared it a federal holiday in 1894.

Maguire or McGuire? Read more on this unusual coincidence in our FAQs below.

What is the Haymarket affair?

On May 4, 1886 — at a time when most American laborers worked 18 or even 20 hours a day — tens of thousands of workers protested in cities all across the U.S. to demand an eight-hour workday. Police in Chicago attacked both those peaceful protests and a workers planning meeting two days later, randomly beating and shooting at the planning group and killing six. When outraged Chicagoans attended an initially peaceful protest the next evening in Haymarket Square, police advanced on the crowd again. Someone who was never identified detonated a bomb that killed a police officer, leading cops to open fire on protesters and provoke violence that led to the deaths of about a dozen workers and police.

The Pullman strike

Ironically, Chicago was also the setting for the bloody Pullman strike of 1894, which catalyzed the establishment of an official Labor Day holiday in the U.S. on the first Monday of September.

The strike happened in May in the company town of Pullman, Chicago, a factory location established by luxury railroad car manufacturer the Pullman Company. The inequality of the town was more than apparent. Company owner George Pullman lived in a mansion while most laborers stayed in barracks-style dormitories. When a nationwide depression struck in 1893, Pullman decided to cut costs the way a lot of executives at the time did — by lowering wages by almost 30% while he kept the rent on the dormitories he leased to his workers at pre-depression levels.

Railroad boycott

These conditions ultimately led workers to strike on May 11, 1894. The walkout gained the support of the nationwide American Railroad Union (ARU), which declared that ARU members would no longer work on trains that included Pullman cars. That national boycott would end up bringing the railroads west of Chicago to a standstill and led to 125,000 workers across 29 railroad companies quitting their jobs rather than breaking the boycott.

When the Chicago railroad companies hired strikebreakers as replacements, strikers also took various actions to stop the trains. The General Managers Association, which represented local railroad companies, countered by inducing U.S. Attorney General Richard Olney, a former railroad attorney, to intervene. Indianapolis federal courts granted Olney an injunction against the strike, a move that allowed President Grover Cleveland to send in federal troops to break it up.

A few days later, Cleveland realized that he had to act quickly to appease the country’s increasingly agitated labor movement. But he didn’t want to commemorate the Haymarket incident with a May holiday that would invoke radical worker sentiment. So Cleveland harkened back to the first established September 1882 holiday and signed into law that Labor Day in the U.S. would be celebrated on the first Monday in September.

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LABOR DAY VS. MAY DAY

Communist and socialist factions worldwide eventually chose May 1 as the date to mark the Haymarket affair. A 1904 conference issued a plea that trade unions stage rallies on the first day of May — demanding to make the eight-hour workday standard. They organized the action in the name of “universal peace.” The 1st of May is a national, public holiday in many countries across the world, generally known as “Labour Day,” “International Workers’ Day,” or a similar name – although some countries celebrate a Labor Day on other dates significant to them, such as Canada, which celebrates Labor Day, like the U.S., on the first Monday of September.

Here’s the U.S. Department of Labor’s official tribute to U.S. workers on Labor Day:

“The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known, and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.” ...

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... LABOR DAY TIMELINE

1882
It’s Unofficial:
10,000 labor workers march through Union Square in New York to protest poor working conditions and low wages.

1884
A Date is Set:
The first Monday of September officially becomes Labor Day, with the Central Labor Union pushing other organizations to follow suit and celebrate.

1894
Congress Approves:
Labor Day is approved as a national holiday by Congress, and President Grover Cleveland signs it into law.

2009
Let’s Not Forget Women in Labor:
President Obama restores the rights of women to sue over pay discrimination with the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. ...

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... LABOR DAY BY THE NUMBERS

162 million – the number of Americans (over 16) in the labor force.

40% – the percentage of U.S. workers who belonged to labor unions in the 1950s (that dropped to 11% by 2018).

1894 – the year Congress officially made Labor Day a federal holiday.

86% – the percentage of Americans planning Labor Day weekend travel who will do so by car.

41% – the percentage of Americans who plan to barbecue over Labor Day Weekend.

818 – the number of U.S. hot dogs eaten every second from Memorial Day to Labor Day. [I'm vegan, so the hot dogs that I eat over the summer are Plant-Based!]

$685 – the average kid’s back-to-school expenses.

$55,000 – the median U.S. household income.

705 million – the total number of U.S. unused vacation days (2017).

80% – the percentage of Americans who would take time off if their boss were more supportive. ...

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... LABOR DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Read up on the history of Labor Day

Labor Day has a rich history that directly impacts the working conditions we experience today. So in between rounds of BBQ at your Labor Day celebration, take the time to discuss the U.S. labor movement and its contribution to our country's current work culture.

2. Buy an American-made product

When you're doing your Labor Day shopping, take the time to read the labels. Consider buying products that say "Made in the USA" to show your support for American workers.

3. Watch a movie about labor unions

Many of us get Labor Day off. What better way to relax than to stretch out on the couch and watch a movie about the American labor movement? There are tons of union-themed movies to choose from. "Norma Rae" ring a bell? Side note: Unions play a major role in the entertainment industry.

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5 LABOR DAY FACTS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW!

1. It’s on May 1 in other countries

Most countries around the world celebrate Labor Day on May 1, and it is called International Workers’ Day.

2. Stores remain open

While most schools and offices are closed on Labor Day, retail workers and shopkeepers don’t get the same break, as the holiday is huge for sales and shopping.

3. Third most popular holiday for outdoor cookouts

Labor Day is right behind the Fourth of July and Memorial Day in being the most popular holiday for barbecues and cookouts.

4. Labor Day marks the unofficial NFL kickoff

99.4% of the time, the NFL’s first official game of the season is on the Thursday following Labor Day.

5. Union members today

In 2017, there were 14.8 million union members, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while in 1983, there were 17.7 million.

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WHY WE LOVE LABOR DAY

A. We're hard workers — we deserve the day off

Statistics show that Americans work longer hours than citizens of most other countries — 137 more hours per year than Japan, 260 more per year than the U.K., and 499 more than France. And our productivity is high — 400% higher than it was in 1950, to be exact. So we totally deserve that day off.

B. It's one last chance to grill

Labor Day is widely considered to be the unofficial last day of summer. Before the air turns cold and the leaves start to fall, it's our last chance to grill some steaks and wear shorts.

C. It's the reason we can say TGIF

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the benefits we enjoy at our jobs — including weekends off. The concept of American workers taking days off dates back to 1791, when a group of carpenters in Philadelphia went on strike to demand a shorter workweek (10-hour days, to be exact). It wasn't until 1836 that workers started demanding eight-hour workdays. So nine to five doesn't sound so bad after all.

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/labor-day

–Paul Whiting (written September 4th, 2023, revised September 11th, 2023 and revised May 29th, 2024)

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September 4th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 4th, 2023, when I noticed three different articles on various news websites, including USNews.com, NPR.org, and APNews.com!

No. 1: The U.S. News & World Report article that I read today is titled, "Have We Forgotten the True Meaning of Labor Day?" An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Have We Forgotten the True Meaning of Labor Day?" from U.S. News & World Report

The first Labor Day was hardly a national holiday. Workers had to strike to celebrate it.

By The Conversation | Sept. 1, 2023

The Conversation is a nonprofit news organization bringing knowledge from academia to the wider public. Articles are written by scholars who are experts on issues of public interest, assisted by editors who help unlock the knowledge. The Conversation was founded in 2011 and has newsrooms in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and France.

By Jay L. Zagorsky

Labor Day is a U.S. national holiday held the first Monday every September. Unlike most U.S. holidays, it is a strange celebration without rituals, except for shopping and barbecuing. For most people it simply marks the last weekend of summer and the start of the school year.

The holiday’s founders in the late 1800s envisioned something very different from what the day has become. The founders were looking for two things: a means of unifying union workers and a reduction in work time.

History of Labor Day

The first Labor Day occurred in 1882 in New York City under the direction of that city’s Central Labor Union.

In the 1800s, unions covered only a small fraction of workers and were balkanized and relatively weak. The goal of organizations like the Central Labor Union and more modern-day counterparts like the AFL-CIO was to bring many small unions together to achieve a critical mass and power. The organizers of the first Labor Day were interested in creating an event that brought different types of workers together to meet each other and recognize their common interests.

However, the organizers had a large problem: No government or company recognized the first Monday in September as a day off work. The issue was solved temporarily by declaring a one-day strike in the city. All striking workers were expected to march in a parade and then eat and drink at a giant picnic afterwards.

The New York Tribune’s reporter covering the event felt the entire day was like one long political barbecue, with “rather dull speeches.”

Why was Labor Day invented?

Labor Day came about because workers felt they were spending too many hours and days on the job.

In the 1830s, manufacturing workers were putting in 70-hour weeks on average. Sixty years later, in 1890, hours of work had dropped, although the average manufacturing worker still toiled in a factory 60 hours a week.

These long working hours caused many union organizers to focus on winning a shorter eight-hour work day. They also focused on getting workers more days off, such as the Labor Day holiday, and reducing the workweek to just six days.

These early organizers clearly won since the most recent data show that the average person working in manufacturing is employed for a bit over 40 hours a week and most people work only five days a week.

Surprisingly, many politicians and business owners were actually in favor of giving workers more time off. That’s because workers who had no free time were not able to spend their wages on traveling, entertainment or dining out.

As the U.S. economy expanded beyond farming and basic manufacturing in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it became important for businesses to find consumers interested in buying the products and services being produced in ever greater amounts. Shortening the work week was one way of turning the working class into the consuming class. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2023-09-01/have-we-forgotten-the-true-meaning-of-labor-day

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No. 2: The NPR (National Public Radio) article that I read today is titled, "Labor Day is now a key to Election Day for Democrats and Republicans alike." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Labor Day is now a key to Election Day for Democrats and Republicans alike" from NPR

Ron Elving | September 2, 2023

"Labor Day" is one of those holiday names we repeat so often we stop thinking about what the words originally meant. Some people set aside time to remember the human price of war on Memorial Day. Most of us give some kind of thanks on Thanksgiving. But the only ritual for Labor Day is taking the day off, and many see it only as the three-day weekend that marks the end of summer.

Yet Labor Day is as political in its history as the Fourth of July or the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. The first Labor Day celebration on the first Monday of September was in New York City in 1882, an era when labor activism was often illegal and always dangerous. Workers and police alike were killed when a labor protest near near Chicago's Haymarket Square turned violet in 1886, and federal troops fired on strikers in that city's Pullman Strike of 1894. Later that year, in a bid to calm a rising storm, Congress made Labor Day a legal holiday, and President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.

Over time, Labor Day became the American version of May Day or International Labor Day, an occasion to celebrate working people and their causes, often associated with the political left. For the major U.S. political parties, it also became the unofficial starting gate for fall election campaigns of the old-fashioned kind – largely done outdoors in person with no screens of any kind.

For generations, Labor Day activities organized by unions were seen primarily as Democratic affairs. Working-class voters were the heart of the coalition Franklin Roosevelt rode to four presidential victories (1932-1944). FDR rewarded them with the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, enshrining in law the right to collective bargaining and giving labor unions a new level of recognition and clout.

But many of FDR voters or their descendants began drifting away from the Democrats in the economic expansion and relative affluence of the postwar era. The trend strengthened in the late 1960s as many grew disillusioned with the promises of President Lyndon Johnson's Vietnam War and his "Great Society" programs.

Many working-class voters turned to Richard Nixon, who built his "Silent Majority" around them in 1968 and 1972. Even more joined the ranks of "Reagan Democrats" carrying Ronald Reagan to a pair of landslide wins in the 1980s. And the demographic category provided the surprising surge that elected Donald Trump in 2016 (and came close to doing it again in 2020).

Abandonment or "walking forthrightly"?

This is all part of the long postwar pattern by which the Democratic Party has departed from its traditional geographic and demographic bases. It is no longer surprising that elements of the Republican Party have eagerly embraced voters in those bases who felt the Democrats had simply abandoned them. Reagan was perhaps the most famous former Democrat who made a habit of saying: "I did not leave my party, my party left me."

The most obvious driver of this was the Democrats' move away from their historic roots as a Southern, rural party committed to states' rights. After a century of struggle among its factions, Democrats gradually followed the direction of a young speaker at the 1948 Democratic Convention. That was when Hubert Humphrey, later to be a senator and vice president and presidential nominee, called on the party to "get out of the shadow of states' and to walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights." ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/02/1197271638/labor-day-2023-elections

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No. 3: The AP (Associated Press) News article that I read today is titled, "From strikes to new union contracts, Labor Day’s organizing roots are especially strong this year." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"From strikes to new union contracts, Labor Day’s organizing roots are especially strong this year" from AP News

By Wyatte Grantham-Philips | Updated September 1, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — Labor Day is right around the corner, along with the big sales and barbecues that come with it. But the activist roots of the holiday are especially visible this year as unions challenge how workers are treated — from Hollywood to the auto production lines of Detroit.

The early-September tribute to workers has been an official holiday for almost 130 years — but an emboldened labor movement has created an environment closer to the era from which Labor Day was born. Like the late 1800s, workers are facing rapid economic transformation — and a growing gap in pay between themselves and new billionaire leaders of industry, mirroring the stark inequalities seen more than a century ago.

“There’s a lot of historical rhyming between the period of the origins of Labor Day and today,” Todd Vachon, an assistant professor in the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, told The Associated Press. “Then, they had the Carnegies and the Rockefellers. Today, we have the Musks and the Bezoses. ... It’s a similar period of transition and change and also of resistance — of working people wanting to have some kind of dignity.”

Between writers and actors on strike, contentious contract negotiations that led up to a new labor deal for 340,000 unionized UPS workers and active picket lines across multiple industries, the labor in Labor Day is again at the forefront of the holiday arguably more than it has been in recent memory.

Here are some things to know about Labor Day this year. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the video:

https://apnews.com/article/labor-day-history-unions-organized-cb4ef1bb135e6deebb29fb87a13b8824

And I decided to highlight these articles from U.S. News & World Report, NPR and AP News for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 4th, 2023, revised September 23rd, 2023 and revised May 29th, 2024)

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September 5th, 2023 Update: I received a text message today, September 5th, 2023, from the Gloria Johnson for U.S. Senate campaign, which stated the following:

Hey — this is Gloria Johnson.

I’m a teacher, a state legislator, and a proud member of the Tennessee Three. Today, I’m announcing my campaign for U.S. Senate against Marsha Blackburn, & I need you with me in the fight.

I have more to say, but if you’re already on board, you can go ahead & contribute any amount to become a Day One Donor!***

𝗜’𝗺 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙.

That was very clear earlier this year, in the wake of the horrific Nashville school shooting.

Thousands of Tennesseans descended on the state Capitol to demand action on gun violence prevention, but the GOP majority refused to hear them.

So two of my colleagues and I stood up to join their historic protest. We couldn’t let the Covenant families, young people, & parents from across the state stand alone.

The GOP majority took quick action, but not to prevent gun violence. Both my colleagues, Justin J. Pearson & Justin Jones, were expelled. I was spared. Then the GOP majority passed a new law to increase access to guns.

MAGA Republicans in Nashville & DC don’t give a damn about everyday Tennesseans.

My opponent, Marsha Blackburn, would rather take a million bucks from the gun lobby than stand up to them when it matters most.

𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨.

Listen, there’s a movement afoot. And together, we’ll see it through.

Please, join me with a donation — big or small. I couldn’t do this without you.

Gloria Johnson

Gloria Johnson

BECOME AN OFFICIAL FOUNDING DONOR TO GLORIA’S CAMPAIGN FOR THE U.S. SENATE! There’s a movement afoot in Tennessee — because our communities know it’s time for change.

We deserve leaders who’ll deliver for us and set aside politics to get the hard work done. We deserve leaders who give a damn.

That’s Gloria.

Donate now to send her to the U.S. Senate to deliver for Tennessee!

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Gloria Johnson.

[✓] DONATE $5 →

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And so, I made a one-time donation to the Gloria Johnson for U.S. Senate campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "become an official Founding Donor to Gloria’s campaign for the U.S. Senate!" –Paul Whiting (September 5th, 2023)

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September 5th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received a text message today, September 5th, 2023, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:

I can’t overstate the urgency of this situation.

Marjorie Taylor Greene launched attack ads against me as the Democratic Leader.

And now, a GOP dark money group spent $2 million on ads attacking 14 House Democrats[.]

I’m not easily provoked -- 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗜’𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱.

Paul, attack ads are only going to keep coming at us -- and Democrats must be prepared to respond quickly. So I’m asking for your help before midnight to take back the House and defeat Republicans. Can I count on you? >>***

I’ll never back down from extreme MAGA Republicans -- especially not one who has promoted violence and armed insurrection.

This is just one of many reasons why Democrats must take back the House. 𝙄𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮.

But Paul, we can’t flip the House if dangerous ads like this one dominate the airwaves -- so I can’t overstate the urgency of the next 72 hours.

I’m personally asking 332 supporters to help me stand up to Republicans. Will you rush in $15 to the DCCC before midnight to help me defend House Democrats?

Keep the faith,
Hakeem

Chip in now to FLIP the House and DEFEND President Biden’s legacy!

Republicans are blocking President Biden’s agenda at every turn -- and he’s counting on this grassroots team to STOP them.

SO QUICKLY: Will you rush in a donation to elect a WAVE of Democrats and FLIP the House?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit DCCC.

[✓] Donate $5 →

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[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Other amount

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] Custom $0.21

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue), because "Marjorie Taylor Greene launched attack ads against [Hakeem Jeffries] as the Democratic Leader" and "a GOP dark money group spent $2 million on ads attacking 14 House Democrats," so that's why I "rush[ed] in [$5] to the DCCC before midnight to help [House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries] defend House Democrats! –Paul Whiting (September 5th, 2023)

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September 6th, 2023 Update: I received a mailer from Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) today, September 6th, 2023, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "⋆ Connect ⋆ Serve ⋆ Empower ⋆", which stated the following:

[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]

Dear Mr. Whiting,

When [name redacted] looks back on his service to our nation, he remembers the powerful bond that formed with his fellow U.S. Marines.

"The best part was the camaraderie and the love we had for each other."

I know how [name redacted] feels. I served this nation for three decades, and I felt a bond with the men and women I commanded — and served beside. We were connected by blood, sweat, and service.

In fact, one of my great honors was presenting medals and other commendations to them for service above and beyond the call of duty. It was always a moment of pride!

Today, I hope YOU will take great pride in receiving this exclusive 20 Year Supporter Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) lapel pin. For two decades now, you have shared a bond with our nation's wounded warriors, and I want you to have this lapel pin in recognition of your exceptional commitment.

Please wear it on Veterans Day and other patriotic holidays. When people ask you about it, tell them you got it for helping severely injured veterans transform their lives over the last 20 years!

Paul, we had your 20 Year Supporter lapel pin minted for our most loyal, long-term donors like you. Naturally, I want to make sure your pin has reached you safely ...

That's why I'm asking you to return your Delivery Confirmation Form to me so I'll know your new pin has arrived at your Portland address.

When you reply, please also send your Veterans Day gift of $15, $18, $21, or more to help another warrior like [name redacted] heal and find hope again.

You see, while [name redacted] looks back on his service with pride, he also remembers the devastating pain and loss he experienced.

In 2006, he lost two of his fellow Marines and an interpreter to a roadside bomb. The loss weighed on him. As their platoon sergeant, he felt guilty, sad, and angry.

His survivor's guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) led [name redacted] on a downward spiral. For more than a decade, he abused drugs and alcohol to try to case his pain. He even considered suicide.

Thank goodness you were there for [name redacted] when he needed help. By supporting WWP, you helped ensure that our crucial support was there for him when he needed it most.

You helped him find community. You helped him secure the benefits he'd earned. You supported him through his recovery, and helped him find a sense of purpose again — helping other wounded warriors get the help they need. "I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing." he says with certainty. He adds:

"I know without a doubt I would not be here today if it were not for WWP."

Those are powerful words. To me, they speak to Philip's strength — and also to your impact.

You see, you helped make his story possible. And I'm so very grateful for your continued commitment.

Veterans Day is almost here. I'm asking for your strongest possible financial support now so we can respond to the urgent needs so many heroes are facing — as they cope with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), PTSD, and other severe wounds of war.

Please send a Veterans Day gift today. But don't stop there! Please also show a veteran you care by signing the enclosed Veterans Day card.

Include it along with your Delivery Confirmation Form, and your donation, to let me know your lapel pin has reached you. Thank you for your generous support and enduring partnership. Don't forget to wear your WWP lapel pin proudly as a symbol of your commitment and impact!

With gratitude,

[Name redacted]
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Retired
[Title redacted], Wounded Warrior Project

P.S. Veterans Day is coming soon. The time is now to honor heroes like [name redacted] and support other wounded warriors who urgently need your help. Please send your most generous gift today!

P.P.S. I want you to note one detail about [name redacted's] story. Eleven years went by between the roadside bomb that killed his buddies and the day he got help from WWP. Veterans, even those whose service ended years ago, are still coming forward for help, and we must be there for them. That's why your enduring partnership means so much. Our critical mission began 20 years ago, and because we are still needed it continues today thanks to partners like you. Thank you!

And so, I made a one-time donation to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) in order to "send [my] Veterans Day gift of [$7] ... to help another warrior like [name redacted] heal and find hope again." Plus, I also "show[ed] a veteran [I] care by signing the enclosed Veterans Day card," which I plan to mail back to WWP when I "return [my] Delivery Confirmation Form" within the next few days. –Paul Whiting (written September 6th, 2023, revised September 21st, 2023 and revised November 12th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am reducing how much I donate for the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond) to take action." Thus, I will still be responding to some of the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond), which are requesting me to take action, but I am reducing the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers. (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.)

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September 7th, 2023 Update: I received an email from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America today, September 7th, 2023, with the subject line, "Our lawmakers must disarm violent extremists. Add your name: This crisis is about so much more than the tragedy in Jacksonville", which stated the following:

Paul—

Zora Neale Hurston, who was raised in Florida and set many of her greatest works there, once said that "If you are silent about your pain, they'll kill you and say you enjoyed it." So while I'm still struggling to process what happened in Jacksonville, I refuse to keep that struggle to myself.

Since I sent you my initial thoughts on the murder of three Black people in a racist shooting in Jacksonville on Saturday, August 26, my resolve has only increased. That tragedy was utterly devastating—but it was not surprising.

We live in a country where it's all too easy for a white supremacist to obtain an AR-style weapon and then use it to inflict carnage upon the people he hates. The firearms industry has created a dystopian, "guns everywhere" culture. It has been assisted by so-called leaders in elected office who love to speak in hushed tones about America's glorious history and values, but then do everything they can to restrict Black Americans' access to the ballot box and force schools to teach children that Black people BENEFITED from slavery.

These words and actions have consequences—and we must hold the politicians who traffic in them accountable for the death and destruction that gun violence is wreaking on the Black community, especially on Black kids.

We must disarm hate. Add your name to our petition: Our lawmakers must keep assault weapons out of the hands of violent extremists.

ADD MY NAME***

We're in this fight to honor every person impacted by this crisis. People like Angela. And AJ. And Jerrald.

Thank you for being in this fight with me.

[Name redacted]
She/Her/Hers
[Title redacted]
Moms Demand Action

---------- Forwarded Message ----------
From: Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Moms Demand Action
Date: Monday, August 28, 2023
Subject: Add Your Name: We must keep guns out of the hands of violent extremists

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Paul, my heart is broken. This Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida, three Black people were shot and killed in a hate-fueled act of gun violence.

I grieve for everyone who was killed, for their families, for the Jacksonville community, and for all Black people across this country who are feeling this pain in their soul.

The details of the shooting paint a grim picture—and white supremacy is at the center of it. The shooter, clad in tactical gear, initially entered the nearby Edward Waters University (EWU), a historically Black university, but was turned away by campus security. Then, armed with a Glock handgun and a Palmetto State Armory AR-15 rifle with swastikas on it, he traveled a few blocks over to a nearby Dollar General store. He opened fire both outside and inside the store, fatally shooting the three victims before killing himself.

This crisis is not inevitable. We must disarm hate to prevent tragedies like the shooting in Jacksonville.

Add your name to our petition: Our lawmakers must keep assault weapons out of the hands of violent extremists.

ADD MY NAME***

To make matters worse, some lawmakers have exacerbated both anti-Black racism and gun violence. In their states and communities, they've restricted or outright banned the teaching of Black history in schools, sometimes replacing it with outright lies about the "benefits" of slavery. And at the same time, they've rejected gun safety legislation, instead choosing to pass laws that flood our communities with guns and make it easier for extremists to get their hands on a firearm. In this tragedy, like in many others, the shooter was able to quickly and legally purchase an assault weapon.

These policies only add fuel to the fire of white supremacy and hate-motivated gun violence. In an average year, over 25,000 hate crimes in the United States involve a firearm—more than 69 each day. And nearly half of race-based hate crimes target Black people.

We deserve better than to live in a country where hateful extremists are given easy access to deadly weapons and people are forced to live in fear of being shot and killed for who they are.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the work that is needed to make America safer. Even though every western democracy has extremists, only in America do extremists have far too easy access to far too deadly weapons. Racism, white supremacy, and gun violence target Black people across this country in a deadly combination.

In honor of the victims, the survivors, and everyone impacted by this tragedy and tragedies like this one, we must take action. Add your name to demand our lawmakers disarm hate.

Thank you for being a part of this movement. Together, we'll make our communities safer for everyone.

[Name redacted]
She/Her/Hers
[Title redacted]
Moms Demand Action

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots volunteer network of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. As a movement of Americans fighting for common-sense gun policies, we depend on contributions from supporters like you to fund important work to reduce gun violence.

Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e).

DONATE

Everytown for Gun Safety

Add Your Name: Our Lawmakers Must Keep Assault Weapons Out Of The Hands Of Violent Extremists

Our country is facing a crisis of hate-fueled gun violence. In an average year, over 25,000 hate crimes in the United States involve a firearm—more than 69 each day.

And in many cases, guns are the weapon of choice for white supremacists and other violent extremists.

We shouldn't have to live in a country where we are forced to live in fear of being shot and killed for who we are.

We need our lawmakers to act.

Add your name to demand our lawmakers pass laws that disarm hate and keep assault weapons out of the hands of violent extremists.

Complete the form to sign the petition now:

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Mobile phone: [redacted]

And, after I signed the petition above, via the Everytown for Gun Safety website, I made a one-time donation to Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (via the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund) in order to do my part to "add [my] name to demand our lawmakers pass laws that disarm hate and keep assault weapons out of the hands of violent extremists." –Paul Whiting (written September 7th, 2023 and revised November 8th, 2023)

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September 7th, 2023 Update—Continued: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, September 7th, 2023, when I noticed three Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "What Does the ‘Global South’ Actually Mean?" An introduction to the article can be found below:

"What Does the ‘Global South’ Actually Mean?" from Time Magazine

By David Rising / AP | September 7, 2023

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his country is “becoming the voice of the Global South,” and that at the upcoming Group of 20 meetings being held in New Delhi, that voice will be heard.

At the August summit of the BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — current chair South Africa declared its goal was to "advance the agenda of the Global South.” And ahead of this May's summit of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies in Hiroshima, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressed that the guest nations he had invited reflected the importance of the Global South.

The United Nations, the World Bank, U.S. President Joe Biden — everyone seems to be talking about the Global South these days. But what, exactly, is it?

What constitutes the Global South?

Despite how it sounds, it's not really a geographical term. Many countries included in the Global South are in the northern hemisphere, such as India, China and all of those in the northern half of Africa. Australia and New Zealand, both in the southern hemisphere, are not in the Global South.

Most cite the so-called Brandt Line as the border; a squiggle across the globe running from the north of Mexico, across the top of Africa and the Middle East, looping around India and China before dropping down to encompass most of East Asia while avoiding Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The line was proposed by former German Chancellor Willy Brandt in the 1980s as a visual depiction of the north-south divide based upon per-capita GDP.

“The Global South is a geographical, geopolitical, historical and developmental concept, all at the same time — with exceptions,” says Happymon Jacob, founder of the New Delhi-based Council for Strategic and Defense Research. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6311526/global-south-what-is-it

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The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "America Should Harvest a Trillion Gallons of Rainwater." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"America Should Harvest a Trillion Gallons of Rainwater" from Time Magazine

By Justin Talbot Zorn and Israel Mirsky| September 6, 2023

Over the weekend, Burning Man attendees were forced to shelter in place when the usually-parched Black Rock Desert got roughly 3 months’ worth of rain in 24 hours. In August, Tropical Storm Hilary dropped as much rain on some inland areas of Southern California in a single day as they would typically receive in an entire year. In an age of Western megadroughts and dangerous decimation of groundwater throughout the country, recent storms underscore the importance of investing in the capacity to manage, collect, and store water.

Yet much of the national conversation about drought mitigation is going in a different direction. Arizona’s legislature recently called on Congress to explore pumping billions of gallons of water from the Mississippi River to the Colorado. Governments are contemplating major desalination plants. Both approaches are enormously expensive and involve massive logistical, political, and ecological pitfalls.

In the U.S., there’s strikingly little mainstream discussion of scaling what’s arguably the simplest, cheapest and most sustainable solution for harvesting water: catching it from the sky. The time is ripe for a national policy agenda to dramatically scale up rainwater harvesting.

Around the world, humans have been systematically gathering rainwater since ancient times. The technologies are simple: Collect rainwater from rooftops—on homes, warehouses, factories—and send it down gutters into tanks, where it can be filtered and used for domestic purposes, landscaping, or industrial processes. For farms, harvesting rainwater typically means configuring land with slopes and basins that maximize natural irrigation.

Recent studies demonstrate that harvesting even a small fraction of a percentage of rainwater that falls in a given area can eliminate water shortages for domestic uses while also recharging groundwater. Even when collected rainwater can’t be put to use for drinking or landscaping, it still helps mitigate flood risk from storms. And because there’s no utility needed to transport and sell water that’s collected from a roof, rainwater systems can be less costly than traditional utility equivalents—and avoid the carbon emission associated with pumping between locations.

For decades, many states and municipalities banned forms of rainwater harvesting for concerns about quality or worries about harvesters taking water from downstream users. But, in recent years, state after state has legalized the practice—owing to a growing recognition that collected water can be safely used with filtration and that it contributes substantially to conservation. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6311363/harvest-trillion-gallons-of-rainwater

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The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Pence Challenges GOP to Ditch Trump's Populism for Reagan-Era Conservatism." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Pence Challenges GOP to Ditch Trump's Populism for Reagan-Era Conservatism" from Time Magazine

By Philip Elliott | September 6, 2023

There’s a dividing line in the Republican Party, and you can find it right around 1975. That’s the year when a former Governor of California decided to challenge a sitting President of his own party and remake the entire GOP.

Welcome to Ronald Reagan’s reboot. While most of the Republican field will be sure to invoke the Gipper in a few weeks when they travel to his resting place in Simi Valley, Calif., for their second debate, one of the contenders got something of a headstart on Wednesday, using a speech in New Hampshire to renew rivalries born out of Cold War necessity.

Speaking at Saint Anselm College on the outskirts of Manchester, former Vice President Mike Pence rang the gong of old-school conservatism like only a former radio host could, channeling Ol’ Ronnie just enough. And it signaled, in an ever-so-nuanced way, that the fight in 2024 had plenty of echoes to 1976’s race: a powerful de facto incumbent was not inevitable, the party favorite may still prevail but deserves a challenge, and a reboot of the party is at foot even if its footing is unsteady at the moment.

“Should the new populism of the right seize and guide our party, the Republican Party as we have long known it will cease to exist,” Pence said on campus, doing his best Thatcherite channeling. “And the fate of American freedom would be in doubt.”

As much as Democrats want 2024 to be a fight over the fate of a post-Roe world and a microchip economy and a skid into life-after-Putin or -Xi, it may well be the contest that is dictated by the confines of era when David Bowie topped the charts. The ghosts of the post-Watergate era haunt the current Republican Party, and there’s no reason to think anything loyalists can expunge those spirits. The fondue is hot, the leggings are tight, and the rhetoric is hotter—even if the colors from those original VHS cassettes were fading.

Everything old is new again, and everything new is too newfangled. Which is perfect proving ground for Pence, whose posture on Wednesday was one he had been inching toward for over a year.

With an ex-President trying to mount a comeback far more audacious than anything Dick Nixon imagined with his David Frost interviews, the Republican Party is being forced to face a gut check of its own making. Sure, Trump is a fundraising behemoth, but he’s also a pugilistic bully. For every comma he adds to the red-hatted ledger, he adds a scarlet demerit for decency. No one really knows what cardinal ordinance this march is heading toward.

And this is where Pence matters. For all of his self-righteous bluster and his indulgent image of himself as a guardian of the high ground, Pence remains an unimpeachable (and unimpeached) weathervane of the conservative movement. During his first tour of Washington as a member of Congress, Pence was the baseline for conservative orthodoxy. In Leadership, he was House Republicans’ gut check on whether a notion was sufficiently fair game. Never one to scream, his side eye could scuttle any idea well before it made its way to the clerks, the bean counters, or pollsters. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6311494/mike-pence-populism-donald-trump-gop-future

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 7th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 8th, 2023 Update: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, September 8th, 2023, when I noticed a Time.com article titled, "A Year After Queen Elizabeth's Death, Britain Is a Different Place." (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"A Year After Queen Elizabeth's Death, Britain Is a Different Place" from Time Magazine

By Armani Syed | September 7, 2023

Between the reshuffling of royal titles, two globally broadcast events, and a few public embarrassments, Britain’s monarchy has had an eventful year since the death of Queen Elizabeth II last Sept. 8.

When the head of state died at the age of 96, bringing her 70-year reign to close, it triggered a number of changes—both large and small—in the royal family and in the nation. Not least, King Charles automatically ascended the throne after more than seven decades of waiting.

In the weeks that followed, the British public paid their respects in masses, queuing for as long as 24 hours to attend the Queen’s lying-in-state in Westminster Hall. World leaders and global royals flew to London to stand alongside British politicians at the monarch’s funeral viewed by more than 29 million viewers in the U.K. and estimated billions more across the globe.

In May, Charles was crowned in a widely televised coronation ceremony branded as inclusive and pared back. But in the midst of a cost of living crisis in the U.K., Charles' big day came with a hefty price tag of between £50 million-£100 million ($63-$125 million), particularly compared to his mother’s coronation in 1953, which cost the present-day equivalent of £20.5 million. With the transfer of power, U.K. institutions underwent a rebrand, swapping in Charles’ face and title across its institutions, products, and currency (which will be in circulation next year). The Queen’s death also renewed discussions about the future of the monarchy at home and in the Commonwealth nations.

Ahead of Friday, Charles paid tribute to his late mother with a statement issued via Buckingham Palace. “In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us,” the statement read. “I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”

The 74-year-old King will spend the day reflecting in private at the Balmoral Estate in Scotland, where his mother died. The Prince and Princess of Wales, Kate and William, are set to lead their own tributes during a small service in Wales.

As the royal family observes the one-year anniversary of the Queen’s death, here’s everything that has changed for them since. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6311897/queens-death-anniversary

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 8th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 8th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Native American Rights Fund (NARF) today, September 8th, 2023, with the subject line, "Paul, right now you can double your impact", which stated the following:

Dear Paul,

The rights and sovereignty of America’s First Peoples are under constant threat. Thankfully, dedicated people like you are determined to fight back.

Right now, the [name redacted] will match every donation made to the Native American Rights Fund—up to $50,000—to double the impact of your contribution. Any donation you make before November 3rd will be doubled through the [name redacted's] match, allowing the fight for the rights of this country’s First Peoples to continue.

GIVE TODAY***

Working together, we can ensure that centuries-old promises guaranteeing sovereignty and justice for Native American people are upheld. Stand against injustices that threaten this country’s First Peoples; make a donation today.

With gratitude,

[Name redacted]
[Tribe redacted]
[Title redacted]
Native American Rights Fund

Paul –

It is egregious that, in a democracy like the United States, books are still being banned. But efforts to rewrite history and censor the right to free speech in school goes far deeper than limiting what people are allowed to read.

Across the country, lawmakers are attempting to censor school lessons about race, racism, sexuality, and gender in schools. This is part of a blatant attempt to halt any progress toward racial justice and prevent students from learning about marginalized communities.

As a former high school history teacher, I can't imagine not adequately covering important aspects of American history, like the civil rights movement or slavery. Imagine being a student who can't even mention LGBTQ identities in class or talk about racial violence today.

During the several years that the legal team and I have been fighting against these ever-increasingly devious and dangerous classroom censorship laws, we have learned that demanding that all students receive a fair and inclusive education is the only way to ensure our history is not entirely erased and the next generation is not denied their right to learn.

So how do we accomplish this? How can we win this fight for everyone's right to learn freely, fairly, and without censorship? Please read my latest piece and get up-to-speed on exactly how we can show up together in this work.

HOW TO STOP CLASSROOM CENSORSHIP:

https://www.aclu.org/news/free-speech/what-the-fight-against-classroom-censorship-is-really-about

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Attorney fighting for racial justice and free speech

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can be found below:

What the Fight Against Classroom Censorship is Really About

The ACLU is leading the fight to end classroom censorship and protect our right to learn. We filed the first case in the country to challenge a law that censored instruction about systemic sexism and racism in Oklahoma, survived a motion to dismiss in New Hampshire, and obtained an injunction to block the State of Florida from enforcing the higher education provisions of the Stop W.O.K.E. Act.

As a former high school history teacher and a lawyer on the ACLU team litigating these challenges, the threat these laws pose to society is truly terrifying. Conservative politicians pushing these bills are advocating for nothing less than a re-whitewashing of history. If these revisionist efforts are successful, the next generation will be compelled to believe a version of history manufactured to fit the so-called patriotic views of a vocal, discriminatory minority. Students will not be taught, and may never learn, to trace the deliberate impact of historic oppression on institutions today. This will reinforce the salience of racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia as unavoidable, and prevent the next generation from achieving justice.

Efforts to silence discussions about race also invalidate the lived experiences of BIPOC students. Instruction about racism and sexism belongs in schools because it equips students to process the world around them and to live in a multicultural society.

Two years into this fight, a few lessons stand out:

1. The Classroom Censorship Movement is Growing.

The push for classroom censorship ignited as backlash to progress towards racial justice following the unprecedented protests in 2020 sparked by the murder of George Floyd. To curtail efforts to expand instruction and materials about racial justice and our discriminatory history, 45 states introduced bills to limit instruction about racism and sexism. These bills, essentially education gag orders, passed in 17 states. By January 2022, 35 percent of all primary and secondary (K-12) students, or 17.7 million students, attended school in districts that experienced some form of a local campaign to end “critical race theory” in classrooms. To date, almost 700 efforts to exclude “critical race theory” have been identified at the local, state, and federal levels. Last year, nearly 40 percent of classroom censorship bills targeted higher education.

2. The Classroom Censorship Campaign is Driven by a Vocal Minority.

Parents overwhelmingly agree that “lessons about the history of racism prepare children to build a better future for everyone” and that students should “learn about the ongoing effects of slavery and racism as part of their education.” In a 2022 study, 87 percent of parents agreed that “lessons about the history of racism prepare children to build a better future for everyone as opposed to feeling that lessons about racism are harmful to children.” Another study from 2021 found that more than 70 percent of Americans agreed that high schools should teach the impacts of slavery (78 percent) and racism (73 percent).

3. Critical Race Theory is Not All That’s Under Attack.

Initially, conservatives called for the exclusion of “critical race theory,” but actually excluded so much more. All forms of race-conscious instruction have been erased from classrooms, despite their documented benefits for students. This includes instruction about racism and discrimination (distinct from critical race theory) and culturally-relevant teaching techniques designed to build upon students’ lived experiences. Additionally, conservatives banned books — like “All Boys Aren’t Blue” and “And Tango Makes Three” — and classroom instruction that highlight the experiences of LGBTQ+ people or the impact of sexism.

Educators report that they have restricted classroom discussions, curriculum, or content as a result of the laws, despite a desire from students to learn about censored topics. They described a culture of fear and intimidation in schools, marked by constant surveillance, scrutiny and second-guessing.

4. Unprecedented Efforts to Control and Ultimately Rewrite History are Underway.

In accordance with Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act, which prohibits instruction on systemic racism and sexism, the Florida State Board of Education introduced outrageous African-American history standards that rewrite and whitewash history. These standards require teachers to instruct students that enslaved people developed skills that could be used for their personal benefit, blame enslaved people for violence during massacres, and misrepresent the role of the Founding Fathers in perpetuating slavery.

Judge Mark Walker, who heard the case in the Northern District of Florida, accurately described the Stop W.O.K.E. Act as “positively dystopian” because it limits instruction to the viewpoints approved by the State, regardless of truth.

5. We Must Continue to Fight.

The conservative activist Christopher Rufo manufactured the frenzy around critical race theory in the government and schools. He reportedly described the fight against critical theory as “the most successful counterattack against B[lack] L[ives] M[atter] as a political movement.’” It was never driven by concerns about the best interests of students.

The fight to regain or protect the status quo has obscured meaningful discussions about what was missing from education all along: the narratives and experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people and women.

Over the past two years, I’ve watched attacks on education morph from demands to exclude critical race theory from classrooms to even more dangerous demands to erase entire concepts from American history. Book bans, so-called transparency laws designed to intimidate educators into compliance and attacks on individual expression have left our education system at the mercy of a hostile and discriminatory minority. Students can’t learn in that type of environment.

Our future depends on educational institutions that value instruction about systemic racism and sexism. We need to expand culturally relevant instruction and increase funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools, not attack it for its role in uplifting the systematically oppressed. We can’t afford to lose our education system as we know it. We must fight back.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Take the Pledge: Defend Every Student’s Right to Learn:

https://action.aclu.org/petition/defend-every-students-right-learn

DEFEND EVERY STUDENT'S RIGHT TO LEARN

In classrooms and educational spaces across our country, a coordinated attack on our students’ right to learn is underway. Join our pledge now and we'll send you our Right to Learn toolkit to take action and fight back against censorship in your schools and communities.

Since last year, 10 states have passed classroom censorship bills that restrict discussions about race, gender, and sexual orientation in schools. In 2022 so far, state legislatures have introduced 71 new bills across 22 states, many of which explicitly target K-12 schools.

If schools are found in violation of classroom censorship bills or restrictions, many may risk losing funding. In some cases, teachers could face formal admonishment or lose teaching licenses if they don’t comply with curriculum restrictions.

At the same time, politicians and school boards are making moves to ban books from public schools and libraries. As a result, schools can't make certain books – predominantly those by Black and LGBTQ authors discussing issues of race, gender, and sexual orientation – available to students to learn from and explore, even voluntarily and on their own time.

All of it leads to a chilling effect on academic freedom in our country.

We’ll be clear: Every young person has a First Amendment right to read and learn about the history and viewpoints of all communities – including their own identity – in and outside of the classroom. This wave of censorship legislation is attempting to erase the legacy of discrimination and lived experiences of Black and Brown people, women and girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals. And it’s refusing to let students think for themselves.

That’s why the ACLU is already hard at work to fight back against these damaging censorship bills and book bans through lawsuits and fierce advocacy. But while our teams push exhaustively in the courts and the statehouses – public support is also going to make a huge difference in the fight.

That’s why we’re asking you to join our pledge today. By adding your name, you are telling lawmakers nationwide that you oppose any efforts that would criminalize or censor books and education about race, gender, or sexual orientation – and that you support students, educators, and everyone's fundamental right to learn.

Join us in this critical fight for free speech and equitable education. Take our pledge today and when you do, we'll send you our Right to Learn toolkit directly to your inbox.

TAKE THE PLEDGE

In the face of continued and coordinated attempts to ban books and censor education on race and gender in our public classrooms – I support our students, our educators, and everyone’s First Amendment right to learn.

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
E-mail address: [redacted]
Zip: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]

And, after I took the pledge above, I received a confirmation email today, September 8th, 2023, from the ACLU with the subject line, "Thanks for taking the pledge! Here's your Right to Learn toolkit.", which stated the following:

Hi Paul,

Thank you for taking action to defend students' right to learn.

Here is your Right to Learn toolkit to help you fight against censorship in your local schools and communities:

aclu.org/right-to-learn-kit

Whether you're a student or just someone who cares about the freedoms of our educational spaces, this toolkit has all you need to take action in your immediate region – from how school governance rules work to tactics for organizing in your community. Dive into this comprehensive resource today and be sure to share along to your friends and family to help build our power, too.

Thank you,

The ACLU Team

Then, after I took the pledge above for everyone’s First Amendment right to learn, via the ACLU website, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU, because "in the face of continued and coordinated attempts to ban books and censor education on race and gender in our public classrooms – I support our students, our educators, and everyone’s First Amendment right to learn." –Paul Whiting (September 8th, 2023)

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September 9th, 2023 Update: I received an email from USA for UNFPA (formerly known as the 'United Nations Fund for Population Activities' that is now called the 'United Nations Population Fund') today, September 9th, 2023, with the subject line, "URGENT: 6.8 magnitude earthquake rocks Morocco", which stated the following:

ALERT: 6.8 magnitude earthquake kills 1,000+ in Morocco

Make an emergency gift to deliver lifesaving care and humanitarian aid to women, girls, and newborns left especially at risk by unexpected disasters.

MAKE AN EMERGENCY GIFT***

Dear Paul, the headlines are heartbreaking:

Last night, the massive earthquake that rocked Morocco killed more than 1,000 people — with the death toll rising as recovery efforts continue.

We know how paralyzing a tragedy of this size can feel. But today, we have the opportunity to turn that shock, fear, and despair into action. Please rush a humanitarian donation today.

As UNFPA assesses needs on the ground, we know two things already:

1. The needs of women and girls are too often overlooked in disasters like these;

2. Newborns and pregnant women will be especially vulnerable in the aftermath of the earthquake

We are so deeply appreciative of your past and ongoing support. But this is a critical emergency where there is no end to the need and every second counts. An emergency gift of $35 or more will ensure that pregnant women, newborns, and all other survivors are not forgotten in this crisis or others around the world.

MAKE AN EMERGENCY GIFT***

We will share more information as we learn more, update you on our efforts, and let you know how you can help. Our deepest sympathies are with the people of Morocco, and with your generous support we stand ready to help.

— USA for UNFPA

USA for UNFPA

Last night's 6.8 magnitude earthquake has killed over 1,000 and it's officially a RED ALERT.

EMERGENCY GIFTS NEEDED

As the situation unfolds in Morocco after the 6.8-magnitude earthquake, our teams on the ground are assessing the needs. But we know this disaster will amplify the need for women and girls — with pregnant women and newborns the most at risk.

Help provide urgent basic help now.

[✓] Give once

[  ] Monthly

[  ] $40

[  ] $65

[  ] $120

[  ] $450

[  ] $500

[  ] $900

[✓] Donation amount USD [U.S. Dollars] $5.00

Donate

And so, I made a one-time donation to USA for UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) in order to help with recovery efforts in Morocco by providing an "emergency gift of [$5, which] will ensure that pregnant women, newborns, and all other survivors are not forgotten in this crisis or others around the world."

Plus, I searched on the websites of UN (United Nations) organizations that I usually donate to throughout the year—in response to donation requests via text messages and emails, or via YouTube video advertisements—and I looked to see if any of these UN websites were requesting donations for the Morocco earthquake. Thus, I found a donation request regarding the Morocco earthquake on the UNICEF USA (formerly known as the 'United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund' that is now called the 'United Nations Children's Fund') website, the relevant text of which can be found below:

EARTHQUAKE

UNICEF is on the ground in Morocco assessing needs while helping children around the world.

You Can Make a Difference Right Now

UNICEF responds to over 300 emergencies every year, many ongoing. Your gift enables UNICEF to stay ever-ready to help the most vulnerable children whenever and wherever they’re in crisis.

Please make your 100% tax-deductible donation to UNICEF USA now!

[✓] Give once

[  ] Monthly

[  ] $500

[  ] $350

[  ] $250

[  ] $170

[  ] $100

[  ] $75

The minimum donation amount is $6

[✓] Donation amount USD [U.S. Dollars] $6.00

Donate

And so, I also made a one-time donation to UNICEF USA in order to "help the most vulnerable children whenever and wherever they’re in crisis," because "UNICEF is on the ground in Morocco assessing needs while helping children around the world."

–Paul Whiting (written September 9th, 2023, revised September 11th, 2023 and revised October 12th, 2023)
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September 9th, 2023 Update (Follow-Up, Written On September 11th, 2023): I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, September 11th, 2023, when I noticed a Time.com article titled, "How to Help Earthquake Victims in Morocco." (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.) A summarization of the article—relevant to the donations that I made—can be found below:

"How to Help Earthquake Victims in Morocco" from Time Magazine

By Solcyre Burga | September 10, 2023

More than 2,000 people have died after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook Morocco on Friday night, making it the biggest quake to impact the country in 120 years.

Some 380,000 people live within 50 km (or about 31 miles) of the earthquake’s epicenter in the High Atlas mountains, which is less than 50 miles southwest of the highly-populated city of Marrakech. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing throughout the country, and Interior Ministry officials said the death toll is expected to rise.

At least two aftershocks exacerbated the disaster, with the latest being a 3.9 aftershock on Sunday.

Some residents are still awaiting help, partly because roads have been blocked from reaching more remote areas of the country due to debris. Spain and Israel have sent forward international aid, but additional help from countries like France and Tunisia is stalled because the Moroccan government has not yet requested it, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Sunday.

President Joe Biden said that the United States is ready to provide help to Morocco when necessary, and is working with officials to ensure American citizens in the country are safe. “I want to express my sadness by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco,” Biden said on Sunday during a news conference in Vietnam. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Morocco.”

Here’s some organizations that are helping Morocco:

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The IFRC sent staff on the ground shortly after the earthquake to help provide first aid, assist with search and rescue, and help local authorities assess the need for aid. They are supporting the Moroccan Red Crescent and are ready to deploy emergency response teams if necessary.

“We are mobilizing now to support the Moroccan Red Crescent,” said Dr. Hossam Elsharkawi, Regional Director of Middle East and North Africa for the IFRC. “This will not be a week or two of response as our region has seen with the big Türkiye and Syrian earthquake earlier this year. Again we are looking at many months if not years of response.” ...

... Doctors Without Borders

In collaboration with local authorities, Doctors Without Borders is planning on sending emergency medical and humanitarian teams to Morocco to provide support, despite not having “an established presence” in the country. The organization says its priority will be providing supplies and helping restore health services. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6312509/morocco-earthquake-victims-how-to-help

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Plus, I made a one-time donation of $10.04 [which I actually donated as ₣8.93 (CHF) in Swiss Francs] to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), because "the Moroccan Red Crescent (MRCS) teams are on the ground, coordinating closely with the IFRC and local authorities to assess the situation and provide support."

Also, I made a one-time donation of $10.00 to Doctors Without Borders USA, because "Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sending teams to assess needs in this region."

–Paul Whiting (written September 11th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 9th, 2023 Update—Continued: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 9th, 2023, when I noticed seven different articles on various news websites, including CNN.com, ABCNews.com, NYTimes.com, LATimes.com and NBCNews.com!

No. 1: The CNN Business article that I read today is titled, "Why Biden’s strong economy feels so bad to most Americans." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Why Biden’s strong economy feels so bad to most Americans" from CNN Business

Analysis by Allison Morrow, CNN | Published September 7, 2023

New York (CNN) — What’s the biggest problem with the US economy right now? The vibes are off.

By almost any objective measure, Americans are doing much better economically than they were nearly three years ago, when President Joe Biden took office. Still, a majority — 58% — say Biden’s policies have made economic conditions worse, according to a new CNN Poll conducted by SSRS.

That’s up from 50% a year ago.

But the grim outlook is at odds with the hard data, which reveal an economy bursting with optimism.

“Has the economy improved under Joe Biden? There’s literally no question,” said Justin Wolfers, a professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan.

In January 2021, the start of Biden’s term, “everything sucked,” according to Wolfers. Unemployment was at 6.3% and the economy had yet to rebound from the shock of Covid-19. Wolfers described that time as “one of the worst economic moments of my life.”

Two and a half years later, the US economy is in a much healthier spot.

Unemployment has been hovering near its lowest level in a half-century — roughly 3.5% — for the past 18 months. August marked the 32nd consecutive month of job growth. Real wages (meaning adjusted for inflation) are rising. That’s helped everyone feel confident about continuing to spend money, which keeps the US economic engine humming.

Put another way: People are spending like they’re in a good mood, even if they say they’re not.

“There’s this disjunction between reality and perception that’s as large as I’ve ever seen in my career,” Wolfers told CNN. “If you’d fallen asleep in 2019 and woke up in 2023, you would discover pretty much the sort of economy you would have expected.”

So, why the sour mood?

In short: Inflation, housing and bitter national politics. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/07/business/us-economy-biden-approval/index.html

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No. 2: The ABC News article that I read today is titled, "5 things to watch as Biden travels to India for G20, Vietnam to announce partnership." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"5 things to watch as Biden travels to India for G20, Vietnam to announce partnership" from ABC News

Biden is "disappointed" Chinese President Xi Jinping isn't coming to G20.

By Ben Gittleson | September 7, 2023

NEW DELHI -- President Joe Biden departed for India and Vietnam Thursday on a trip that includes the Group of 20 summit and is designed to further cement U.S. influence in Asia and counter China's rise around the world.

The trip comes as Biden's reelection campaign ramps up and seeks to portray him as a strong leader on the world stage -- in contrast with his predecessor Donald Trump, the front-runner for the GOP nomination for president. On Thursday, Biden's campaign released an advertisement that highlighted his trip to visit to war-torn Ukraine earlier this year and his resolve to not "back down to a dictator," Russian President Vladimir Putin.

His wife, first lady Jill Biden, tested positive for the coronavirus Monday, and the president continues to test negative. He last tested negative for COVID-19 Thursday afternoon, greenlighting his overseas trip, according to the White House.

Here are five things to watch as Biden jets off to New Delhi, India, and Hanoi, Vietnam: ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/5-things-watch-biden-travels-india-g20-vietnam/story?id=102977070

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No. 3: One of The New York Times articles that I read today is titled, "Why Is Joe Biden So Unpopular?" An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Why Is Joe Biden So Unpopular?" from The New York Times

By Ross Douthat | Sept. 9, 2023

Joe Biden is an unpopular president, and without some recovery, he could easily lose to Donald Trump in 2024.

By itself, this is no great wonder: His two predecessors were also unpopular at this stage of their presidencies, also endangered in their re-election bids.

But with Trump and Barack Obama, there were reasonably simple explanations. For Obama, it was the unemployment rate, 9.1 percent in September 2011, and the bruising battles over Obamacare. For Trump, it was the fact that he had never been popular, making bad approval ratings his presidency’s natural default.

For Biden, though, there was a normal honeymoon, months of reasonably high approval ratings that ended only with the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. And since then, it’s been hard to distill a singular explanation for what’s kept his numbers lousy.

The economy is better than in Obama’s first term, inflation is ebbing, and the feared recession hasn’t materialized. The woke wars and Covid battles that disadvantaged Democrats are no longer central, and the post-Roe culture wars seem like friendlier terrain. Biden’s foreign policy team has defended Ukraine without (so far) a dangerous escalation with the Russians, and Biden has even delivered legislative bipartisanship, co-opting Trumpian promises about industrial policy along the way.

This has created mystification among Democratic partisans as to why all this isn’t enough to give the president a decent polling lead. I don’t share that mystification. But I do think there’s real uncertainty about which of the forces dragging on Biden’s approval ratings matter most.

Start with the theory that Biden’s troubles are mostly still about inflation — that people just hate rising prices and he isn’t credited with avoiding a recession because wage increases have been eaten up by inflation until recently.

If this is the master issue, then the White House doesn’t have many options beyond patience. The administration’s original inflationary sin, the overspending in the American Rescue Plan Act, isn’t going to be repeated, and apart from the possibility of an armistice in Ukraine relieving some pressure on gas prices, there aren’t a lot of policy levers to pull. The hope has to be that inflation continues to drift down, real wages rise consistently and in November 2024, Biden gets the economic credit he isn’t getting now. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/09/opinion/joe-biden-unpopular.html

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No. 4: Another one of The New York Times articles that I read today is titled, "G.O.P. Gets the Democratic Border Crisis It Wanted" An introduction to the article can be found below:

"G.O.P. Gets the Democratic Border Crisis It Wanted" from The New York Times

The strain of migrants in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and other cities has taxed resources, divided Democrats and put pressure on President Biden to act.

By Jonathan Weisman and Nicholas Fandos | Sept. 8, 2023

When Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas began sending migrants and asylum seekers from the southwestern frontier to New York, Washington and Chicago, he vowed to bring the border to the Democratic cities he said were naïvely dismissing its costs.

A year later, the migrant waves he helped set in motion have put northern “sanctuary” cities increasingly on edge, their budgets stretched, their communities strained. And a border crisis that has animated Republican politics for years is now dividing the Democratic Party. Humanitarian impulses are crashing into desperate resource constraints and once-loyal Democratic allies have reluctantly joined Republicans to train their fire on President Biden.

Eric Adams, the mayor of the nation’s largest city, declared this week that without a federal bailout and clampdown at the border, swelling migration “will destroy New York City.” The nation’s second-largest city, Los Angeles, has promised to sue Mr. Abbott. And the liberal mayor of the third-largest city, Chicago, began pleading last month for the White House to step in.

“Let me state this clearly: The city of Chicago cannot go on welcoming new arrivals safely and capably without significant support and immigration policy changes,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Gov. Maura Healey of Massachusetts, a liberal Democrat, has declared a state of emergency, activated the National Guard and started petitioning the White House for help.

The migrants on state-funded buses from Texas are a fraction of the total number arriving in northern cities. Texas brags that its “Operation Lone Star” has sent more than 13,100 migrants to New York City since August 2022, but the overall strain there stems from the total, more than 110,000. Some of those migrants have family in New York, while others are attracted to the city’s history of welcoming immigrants.

Still, the rising clamor is creating a rare convergence between the two parties, which for years have fought in seemingly parallel political universes. Democrats focused on issues like abortion, the preservation of democracy and expansion of health care, while Republicans warned of a migrant “invasion” and railed against “woke” liberal ideology, socialism and expanding L.G.B.T.Q. rights. Endless Republican news conferences at the border and threats to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, were dismissed as political bluster.

Now, suddenly, some Democrats are sounding remarkably like Republicans. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/08/us/politics/gop-migrants-blue-cities.html

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No. 5: The Los Angeles Times article that I read today is titled, "Newsletter: This is what’s more important than Joe Biden’s age." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Newsletter: This is what’s more important than Joe Biden’s age" from the Los Angeles Times

By Paul Thornton Letters Editor | Sept. 9, 2023

Good morning. I’m Paul Thornton, and it is Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Let’s look back at the week in Opinion.

In The Times’ opinion pages, the discussion about President Biden’s age has been respectful and, well, interesting. Jonah Goldberg warned Democrats about the political risk of renominating someone seen by voters as too old for the job. LZ Granderson took the opposite view, and our letter writers (many of them self-identified senior citizens) landed somewhere in between.

But the discussion of age and the rigors of the presidency has, for the most part, ignored or minimized the urgency of defeating the anti-democratic movement led by former President Trump. Biden may be in his ninth decade, but the president won’t fire 50,000 federal workers and replace them with political stooges. He won’t give Ukraine to Russia. He won’t usher in an era of American fascism. He won’t pardon insurrectionists or even himself. And if (God forbid) the president dies and Vice President Kamala Harris takes over, she won’t do any of these things either. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/newsletter/2023-09-09/opinion-newsletter-joe-bidens-age-opinion

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No. 6: One of the NBC News articles that I read today is titled, "Democrats say Republican effort to rebrand 'pro-life' won't persuade voters." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Democrats say Republican effort to rebrand 'pro-life' won't persuade voters" from NBC News

A group affiliated with Senate Republicans said this week that the term "pro-life" is no longer resonating with voters.

By Julie Tsirkin, Liz Brown-Kaiser, Kate Santaliz and Brennan Leach | Sep. 8, 2023

WASHINGTON — Democrats and aligned groups on Friday criticized a new shift from Republicans to move away from "pro-life" messaging on abortion to boost their electoral prospects after a series of election losses when reproductive rights were on the ballot.

“It’s not really the phrase that’s the issue here,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X in response to NBC News’ exclusive reporting detailing the GOP-led effort.

The head of a super PAC closely aligned with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell met with GOP senators behind closed doors this week and presented poll results from One Nation, a research group also aligned with the Kentucky Republican, that suggested voters are reacting differently to terms like “pro-life” and “pro-choice” in the wake of last year’s Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.

According to multiple senators who attended the meeting, the polling showed that “pro-life,” a term most commonly used by the anti-abortion movement over the last five decades, is no longer resonating with voters as dozens of GOP-led state legislatures enact restrictive bans on the procedure. Republicans briefed on the polling concluded they should be more specific when discussing abortion.

Democrats quickly piled onto the news, with members of Congress, pro-abortion organizations, and the Biden administration accusing GOP politicians of being hypocritical in their stance on abortion.

“If congressional Republicans are now interested in ‘pro baby policies,’ they should stop opposing @POTUS’s budget,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates posted to X, pointing to the president’s budget proposal to increase child care options.

“They are badly on the wrong side of the American public,” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said in an interview. “The only way for them to fix this political problem is for them to stop their efforts to ban abortion nationwide. … Their problem isn’t the terms or the words they use. The problem is that they are fundamentally trying to impact women’s rights and people are furious.”

Christina Reynolds, senior vice president of communications at Emily’s List, said voters know the track record of each party on abortion, no matter what terms are used.

“No matter how the Republicans try to say it, voters understand fundamentally who wants to take away their rights, who has worked for decades to do it, and who is continuing to try and take away their rights," she said. "And they understand who’s who’s trying to protect their rights, and they’re going to vote accordingly.”

Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, argued on social media that Republicans cannot identify as “‘pro baby’” while simultaneously opposing policies like the “expanded child tax credit, paid family leave, high quality childcare, and universal pre-K.” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna104132

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No. 7: Another one of the NBC News articles that I read today is titled, "Republicans are trying to find a new term for ‘pro-life’ to stave off more electoral losses." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Republicans are trying to find a new term for ‘pro-life’ to stave off more electoral losses" from NBC News

Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., summarized the closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill as being focused on “pro-baby policies.”

By Julie Tsirkin, Kate Santaliz, Brennan Leach and Liz Brown-Kaiser | Sep. 7, 2023

WASHINGTON — Republican strategists are exploring a shift away from “pro-life” messaging on abortion after consistent Election Day losses for the GOP when reproductive rights were on the ballot.

At a closed-door meeting of Senate Republicans this week, the head of a super PAC closely aligned with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., presented poll results that suggested voters are reacting differently to commonly used terms like “pro-life” and “pro-choice” in the wake of last year’s Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, said several senators who were in the room.

The polling, which NBC News has not independently reviewed, was made available to senators Wednesday by former McConnell aide Steven Law and showed that “pro-life” no longer resonated with voters.

“What intrigued me the most about the results was that ‘pro-choice’ and ‘pro-life’ means something different now, that people see being pro-life as being against all abortions ... at all levels,” Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said in an interview Thursday. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna103924

And I decided to highlight these articles from CNN Business, ABC News, New York Times, Los Angeles Times and NBC News for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 9th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 10th, 2023 Update: I received an email from Yad Vashem — The World Holocaust Remembrance Center today, September 10th, 2023, with the subject line, "Yad Vashem and You: [name redacted] and [name redacted]", which stated the following:

Jerusalem, September 10, 2023

Elul 24, 5783 [Jewish Calendar Date]

Dear Friends of Yad Vashem,

As the Jewish year 5783 approached its conclusion, Yad Vashem found itself in a situation we did not seek nor do we welcome: in the headlines regarding matters other than Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism. It may be a sign of the times in which we live, when political and other irrelevant concerns seek to prevail over the most noble values.

We are writing to assure you that such external attempts have not and will not divert our attention from our sacred mission, whose importance grows steadily as the generation of survivors increasingly passes the torch of Shoah remembrance and education to us.

We declare without reservation, that Yad Vashem remains completely committed - not only to our mission, but also to you, our supporters and donors, our true partners in our activities. By strengthening the direct contact between Yad Vashem and its donors, our goal is to increase donor involvement and impact.

We are very moved by the ongoing global wave of support and confidence, expressed during the recent challenging period. We were touched by the unconditional support of other major Shoah institutions, among them US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, USC Shoah Foundation, Fondation pour la Memoire de la Shoah and many others. Also, the Open Letter signed by more than 150 of the most prominent academic researchers of the Holocaust was reassuring and heartwarming. Of course, the forthright support we received from contemporary champions of the fight against antisemitism and for accurate Holocaust remembrance - such as [title and name redacted], [name redacted] and [name redacted] - has been a source of great encouragement.

As Yad Vashem faces distressing circumstances, we need your support more than ever. We call on you to join with the prestigious institutions, leaders, and researchers worldwide that stand unconditionally with Yad Vashem and our high moral mission, and to increase your support for our flagship center of Holocaust remembrance, documentation, research and education.

Please feel free to contact us for further clarification, emailing to [email redacted] or calling [phone number redacted].

Le’Shanah Tovah u’Metukah from Yerushalayim. [A Good and Sweet Year from Jerusalem.]

[Name redacted] [Title redacted]

[Name redacted] [Title redacted]

And so, I made a one-time donation to Yad Vashem — The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, which "is the ultimate source for Holocaust education, documentation and research," as described from their "About Yad Vashem" webpage:

About Yad Vashem

"Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, is the ultimate source for Holocaust education, documentation and research. From the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem's integrated approach incorporates meaningful educational initiatives, groundbreaking research and inspirational exhibits."

https://www.yadvashem.org/about.html

–Paul Whiting (September 10th, 2023)

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September 10th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Everytown for Gun Safety today, September 10th, 2023, with the subject line, "Send your message: Tell ATF to close these dangerous gun sale loopholes", which stated the following:

Paul, we have some urgent and exciting news: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is following through on President Biden's commitment to move us closer to background checks on all gun sales.

In a newly proposed regulation, ATF is setting a clear and common-sense standard for when gun sellers must become licensed dealers and run background checks. It's the next step in building on the life-saving Bipartisan Safer Communities Act we passed last summer.

For decades, gun sellers have exploited loopholes in federal law that let them sell guns online and at gun shows without conducting background checks. It's a recipe for disaster that worsens our country's gun violence crisis.

This proposed regulation goes directly to these loopholes we have been trying to close for years. It expands background checks to guns offered for sale online or at gun shows, keeps weapons out of the hands of dangerous people, and ultimately saves lives.

But for ATF to finish the job on this life-saving action, it needs to know the public supports closing these dangerous loopholes. We need to make our voices heard—and make sure the gun industry doesn't drown us out.

Submit your comment today: Tell ATF to close these dangerous loopholes. Gun sales online and at gun shows must have background checks!

Tell the ATF: Close the Online and Gun Show Loopholes.

SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT***

ATF's proposed regulation makes it clear: If you're offering guns for sale online or at a gun show, then you're presumed to be trying to make a profit. You need to get a license to do business and run background checks on your customers.

We need this kind of life-saving action to stop firearms from ending up in the hands of people who can't pass a background check.

And once again, we're seeing how the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is having a lasting impact. Because we got Congress to pass that historic gun safety law last year, the Biden-Harris Administration and ATF now have the tools to help close these deadly loopholes. Thanks to supporters like you, our movement has helped make this regulation a possibility.

We fought hard to set the stage for this kind of action—now, let's make sure it happens. Submit your comment today telling ATF that you support closing these online and gun show loopholes.

Thank you for being a part of this movement.

Everytown for Gun Safety

Tell ATF: Close the online and gun show loopholes!

For decades, people have exploited loopholes in federal law that let them sell guns online and at gun shows without conducting background checks. It's been a recipe for disaster that puts more guns in the hands of dangerous people and worsens our country's gun violence crisis.

Now, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking action: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has proposed a regulation to help close these loopholes—building on the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that Congress passed last summer.

The regulation goes directly to the loopholes we have been trying to close for years by expanding background checks to guns offered for sale online or at gun shows, keeping weapons out of the hands of dangerous people, and ultimately saving lives.

But for ATF to finish the job on this life-saving action, it needs to know that the public supports closing these dangerous loopholes. ATF needs to hear from us.

Submit your comment today: Tell ATF to close the online and gun show loopholes!

Contact Information

FIRST NAME: Paul
LAST NAME: Whiting
EMAIL: [redacted]
MOBILE PHONE: [redacted]

Join us!

ARE YOU A STUDENT?

[ ] Yes
[✓] No

DO YOU IDENTIFY AS A SURVIVOR OF GUN VIOLENCE?

[ ] Yes
[✓] No

By clicking the submit button, you are verifying that you are not making any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation regarding your identity, and you give to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund the authority to submit this comment and your complete first and last name for docket number ATF 2022R-17 to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, on your behalf, including but not limited to through the website www.regulations.gov. You agree to regulations.gov's terms of participation and privacy notice. You understand that your comment, including any personal information provided, will be publicly posted to the Federal eRulemaking portal, www.regulations.gov, and will be available for public viewing at ATF. It will also be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).

SUBJECT:

In regards to Docket# ATF 2022R-17

MESSAGE:

Dear Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms,

I am writing in support of the ATF's proposed rule (Docket No ATF 2022R-17), which would dramatically reduce the number of guns sold without a background check.

I am writing in support of this proposed rule and urge ATF to finalize it as soon as possible. Guns sold without background checks—both online and at gun shows—are a huge source for gun traffickers and people looking to avoid a check. These guns often end up trafficked across state lines, recovered at crime scenes in major cities, and used against police officers. This contributes to the gun violence epidemic plaguing our country. The long-standing lack of clarity around which sellers must become licensed and run background checks has made this problem all the worse.

I support the clear common-sense standard laid out in this rule: Anyone offering guns for sale online or at a gun show is presumed to be trying to make a profit and should therefore be licensed and run a background check on their customers. This rule will save lives and should be urgently finalized.

Sincerely,

[Your information here]

And, after I submitted the comment above to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), via the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund website, I made a one-time donation to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund in order to show my support for "submit[ting] [my] comment and [my] complete first and last name for docket number ATF 2022R-17 to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, on [my] behalf." –Paul Whiting (written September 10th, 2023, revised October 24th, 2023 and revised December 14th, 2023)

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For my "September 11th, 2023 Update, Written On September 8th, 2023 and September 10th, 2023"—since this 'update' is a part of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs. An introduction to the 'update' can be found below:

September 11th, 2023 Update, Written On September 8th, 2023 and September 10th, 2023: In remembrance of September 11th, 2001, I signed a card three times from the USO (United Service Organizations) in order to "take a few moments to remember the countless lives lost 𝐨𝐧 𝟗/𝟏𝟏, from innocent civilians to first responders and all those who've stepped up to serve and protect since," because "we owe them and those who continue to risk their lives to defend our country so much." ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "September 11th, 2023 Update, Written On September 8th, 2023 and September 10th, 2023":

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

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September 11th, 2023 Update—Continued: Patriot Day is today, September 11th, 2023, since Patriot Day is yearly (annually) on September 11th.

And I received an email from National Today yesterday, September 10th, 2023, with the subject line, "Video Games, Coloring, and Double Cheeseburgers. The Week Ahead", which stated, in part, the following:

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY

Join us as we reflect on the devastating 9/11 terror attacks... While we enjoy picnics and parades, let’s remember We will never forget the tragic events that transpired on September 11, and Patriot Day stands as a solemn reminder while honoring the brave first responders and paying tribute to those who lost their lives. ...

... Monday 11 September

Patriot Day

A time to reflect on the devastating 9/11 terror attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives.

Read more:

https://nationaltoday.com/patriot-day

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can, in part, be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

PATRIOT DAY – SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
[Observed in the] U.S.

On September 11, Patriot Day gives all of us time to reflect on the devastating terror attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives. We commemorate those who we lost and give thanks to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line. Take a moment today to consider what we stand for as a nation and how we can work together to make the world a better place for all.

---------------------------------------------

WHEN IS PATRIOT DAY 2023?

The bravery of American citizens and uniformed personnel in the face of one of the world’s most terrible terrorist attacks is remembered on Patriot Day on September 11.

---------------------------------------------

HISTORY OF PATRIOT DAY

It was a terrifying day when four planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001 (also known as nine-eleven). The hijackers flew three planes into iconic buildings: the Pentagon in Washington DC and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the plane passengers fought the hijackers. Nobody is certain where it was supposed to crash, but some people believe it was headed for the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, or one of several nuclear power plants along the eastern seaboard.

The impact of this attack was devastating. Around 3,000 lives were lost between plane passengers, those in the buildings that were struck, and front-line workers trying to save people. It was the biggest act of terrorism ever in the United States. Since then, airplane security has become stricter in many countries as they attempt to avoid a future terrorist attack like nine-eleven.

The majority of lives that [were lost] were people that worked in the Twin Towers, especially the floors above the collision point as people were trapped and stranded at the top of the burning skyscraper. 411 men and women working in emergency services lost their lives trying to fight fires and rescue people from the buildings. It was a heartbreaking attack, which is why Patriot Day was proclaimed by President George W. Bush and is recognized every year on September 11.

On Patriot Day, U.S. flags are lowered halfway, and there is a country-wide moment of silence at 8:46 am (Eastern Daylight Time), which is when the first plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers. Although the attacks were in the U.S., Patriot Day is recognized worldwide as the news devastated and impacted people all over.

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PATRIOT DAY TIMELINE

September 11, 2001
The Terrorists Attack:
The 9/11 terrorist attack sends shock waves through the world, with thousands dying, including many brave first responders who try to rescue people stranded in the Twin Towers.

December, 2001
Superhero Tribute to the Real Superheroes:
The now-iconic issue of Marvel’s “Amazing Spider-Man Vol.2 #36” pays tribute to the 9/11 attacks.

[https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Amazing_Spider-Man_Vol_2_36]

January 2002
President Bush Announces a New Doctrine:
The new doctrine basically says the U.S. will go to war to prevent any attack threatening the country.

[From the University of Virginia's Miller Center: "In his State of the Union speech in January 2002, President Bush called out an “Axis of Evil” consisting of North Korea, Iran, and Iraq, and he declared all a threat to American security."]

September 2002
A Day of Remembrance:
Exactly year after the attack, on September 11, President Bush announces the first Patriot Day.

2011
10 Years Later:
The TV documentary “9/11: 10 Years Later” airs.

[9/11: 10 Years Later: "This unprecedented and exclusive insider's account by filmmaker James Hanlon and Gedeon and Jules Naudet of the World TradeCenter attack, which contains the only known footage of the first plane striking the World Trade Center and the only footage from inside Ground Zero during the attacks, will also include footage from events marking the 10th anniversary, as well as new interviews with many of the firefighters who were featured in the original program."]

September 2016
President Obama Declares a New Day:
With Patriot Day, President Obama also announces September 11 as National Day of Service and Remembrance.

2017
Widening the Days of Observance:
President Donald Trump declares September 8–10 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance and proclaims September 11 as Patriot Day.

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TRADITIONS OF THE DAY

Every year since the tragic day of September 11, 2001, all American citizens come together to remember and honor the fallen. Fighting valiantly till the end, their lives and stories are forever memorialized and illuminate this dark day in history.

Moments of silences are observed several times during the day. The timings correspond with the terrorist attacks, with the first one starting at 8:46 A.M. EDT and the last one at 10:28 A.M EDT. Patriot Day is a difficult day for many, with some solace found in the memorial tributes to those who lost their lives, and through support groups dedicated to spreading kindness and comfort to families today. Memorial events and prayer vigils are participated in across the country.

Today, reflecting and remembering the events that took place in 2001 reminds people of the sensitivity of time and the importance of standing united as a nation.

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BY THE NUMBERS

2977 – the number of innocent lives lost on 9/11.

343 – the number of lives lost on 9/11 who were New York City firefighters.

23 – the number of lives lost on 9/11 who were NYPD officers.

37 – the number of lives lost on 9/11 who were police officers from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

19 – the number of terrorists who hijacked the planes on 9/11.

60% – the percentage of victims of the 9/11 attacks whose remains have been identified.

3:1 – the ratio of men to women who died.

184 – the number of people killed when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.

36,000 – the units of blood donated to the New York Blood Center on 9/11.

300 – the number of firefighters on leave for respiratory problems from 9/11 by January 2002.

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PATRIOT DAY FAQS

Is Patriot Day a national holiday?

Patriot Day is recognized worldwide, and many people participate in the moment of silence at 8:46 am Eastern Time, but it is not considered an official holiday in the U.S.

How many emergency workers were killed in nine-eleven?

There were 343 firefighters, 23 police officers, 37 Port Authority officers, 8 emergency medical techs and paramedics, and 1 patrolman that were killed during the attack.

How long did it take to clean up after 911?

There were 1.8 million tons of wreckage from the attack, which took a total of 9 months to clean up.

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HOW TO HONOR PATRIOT DAY

1. Attend a Patriot Day ceremony

If you live close enough to an area where you can attend a ceremony, it’s one of the best ways to honor those impacted. You’ll partake in a moment of silence with everyone else and hear stories about people who lost their lives, families, emergency workers, and more.

2. Visit a memorial

If a ceremony isn’t for you, there are also a ton of memorials where you can silently and independently walk through to honor in your own, private way. Many show the real stories and names of people who were killed in the incident.

3. Participate in a moment of silence

Although the most recognized moment of silence is when the first plane crashed into the first tower at 8:46 am Eastern Daylight Time, there are a few other times where people take a moment of silence, such as when the other planes crashed and when the first tower fell. These times are at 9:03 am, 9:37 am, 9:59 am, 10:03 am, and 10:28 am.

[Blogger's Note: I live in Portland, Oregon, so I don't know if there are any Patriot Day ceremonies near me. However, I do observe September 11th as a patriotic holiday by listening to albums on my streaming music service, which is YouTube Music.

For example: I listen to a 2001 album titled, "God Bless America," which is "For The Benefit Of The Twin Towers Fund."

Watch Album - God Bless America on YouTube Music:

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m6qQFaIBZ2_ga_3yq-sCNryCqzkcYr7qY&si=NzJdxrG5Yygt0S_w

Another example: I listen to a 2011 album titled, "God Bless America-Remembering 9/11," which is "A Patriotic Performance 'Recorded Live' At The Philadelphia Kimmel Center."

Watch Album - God Bless America-Remembering 9/11 on YouTube Music:

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kUXKRZrxIKVKsvOGyZpbNIVRWz0kZGCFM&si=ZSPI-WzxBoG-ZFY0

And the albums above are just some of the patriotic music that I listen to in order to commemorate September 11th, 2001.

Plus, I usually commemorate Patriot Day by donating to the USO (United Service Organizations), as explained below:

For my "September 11th, 2023 Update, Written On September 8th, 2023 and September 10th, 2023"—since this 'update' is a part of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs. An introduction to the 'update' can be found below:

September 11th, 2023 Update, Written On September 8th, 2023 and September 10th, 2023: In remembrance of September 11th, 2001, I signed a card three times from the USO (United Service Organizations) in order to "take a few moments to remember the countless lives lost 𝐨𝐧 𝟗/𝟏𝟏, from innocent civilians to first responders and all those who've stepped up to serve and protect since," because "we owe them and those who continue to risk their lives to defend our country so much." ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "September 11th, 2023 Update, Written On September 8th, 2023 and September 10th, 2023":

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

Obviously, I also blog about Patriot Day, which I am doing with this 'update,' as a way to commemorate September 11th, 2001.]

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5 FACTS ABOUT PATRIOT'S DAY

1. The attack was orchestrated by Osama bin Laden

There were a total of 19 men that hijacked the planes.

2. The majority of the victims were men

It was around 75%-85% of victims that were male.

3. The economy was severely impacted

There were about 123 billion dollars in economic loss during the first 2-4 weeks after the incident.

4. The clean up was costly

It cost about $750 million to clean up the debris.

5. Nine-eleven was the second attack on the World Trade Center

There was a bombing that killed 6 people in 1993.

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WHY PATRIOT DAY IS IMPORTANT

A. To recognize the lives lost

With nearly 3,000 lives lost during the attack, it’s important to take a moment and recognize those whose lives were cut short. Workers of all kinds were impacted, and so were their families. Honoring those who gave up their lives to save others and others who were impacted is important for families and friends.

B. To remember future safety for everyone

With an attack as deadly as nine-eleven, it’s important to remember how much security has advanced throughout the years. Remembering this attack will ensure people take necessary measures to keep people safe when traveling, going to work, or attending public events.

C. To listen and hear the stories of those impacted

As gruesome and upsetting as many of the stories around this event are, it’s important to give people who were impacted the chance to share their stories. By talking about personal events to other people, we can honor those involved and remind ourselves about the importance of safety.

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/patriot-day

–Paul Whiting (September 11th, 2023)

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September 11th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, September 11th, 2023, when I noticed a Time.com article titled, "The Legacy of the Post-9/11 Veterans." (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"The Legacy of the Post-9/11 Veterans" from Time Magazine

By Jacquelyn Schneider | September 11, 2023

On September 10th, 2001, I volunteered to serve in the Air Force. I was 18, a freshman college student in New York City. The next day the world changed.

I am a post 9/11 veteran, a member of a generation of veterans who joined or reenlisted in an all-volunteer military after America was attacked. We are a generation bookended by the fall of the towers on one hand and a retreat from Afghanistan on the other—a generation whose chapter in history came to a close with no closure; no homecoming parades, no celebrations, no protests—no grand reconciliation between a returning military and its civilian society. It was just over.

More than two decades after September 11th, the legacy of the post 9/11 veteran generation is unresolved. Unlike many other veterans generations, post 9/11 veterans do not share a single war, defined and united by a common experience. Instead, it is a generation in an identity crisis—an identity crisis which, if left unsettled, could threaten the professional all-volunteer military, lead to civil-military disorder, and even ignite domestic unrest. Already, dominant post 9/11 veteran archetypes—the vigilant hero, the violence-loving soldier, even the wounded warrior—create an image of the veteran as different, recognizably separate, uniformed even in their new civilian status—ultimately alienated from civilian society.

But the truth is that the post 9/11 veteran is not separate from society, nor are their differences so contradictory that their legacy is doomed. This is because at its core, the post 9/11 veteran shares something important. They are bound together by a willingness to serve and sacrifice, a calling that translates to a legacy of leadership in service in the civilian communities to which these veterans return.

This legacy comes from the decisions this generation made to willingly sacrifice as part of an all-volunteer force, knowing that their choice would likely send them to combat. We signed up to do this because we believed, as a part of an all-volunteer force in a nation whose homeland had been attacked, that our service mattered. It was something bigger than ourselves. It wasn’t just a calling to a profession of arms, it was a calling to a profession of arms to defend an ideal about democracy and America’s place as a champion of what could be good in the world.

Our generation’s “end” may have been an ignominious retreat from Afghanistan, but it doesn’t have to define the impact of the post 9/11 veteran generation’s service. And this is because our legacy is not solely what we did in the military, but instead how we let those experiences shape the society to which we return. We are drawn from our society and we return to it, believers in something bigger than ourselves, to make that society better because of—not despite of—our experience serving our country. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6312534/9-11-veterans-legacy

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 11th, 2023, revised September 23rd, 2023 and revised May 29th, 2024)

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September 11th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 11th, 2023, when I noticed four different articles on various news websites, including APNews.com, CNN.com and USNews.com!

No. 1: The AP (Associated Press) News article that I read today is titled, "Bells toll as the US marks 22 years since 9/11, from ground zero to Alaska." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Bells toll as the US marks 22 years since 9/11, from ground zero to Alaska" from AP News

By Jennifer Peltz And Karen Matthews | Updated September 11, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — With tolling bells, personal tributes and tears, Americans looked back Monday on 9/11 at anniversary observances that stretched from ground zero to small towns.

People gathered at memorials, firehouses, city halls, campuses and elsewhere to observe the 22nd anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.

“For those of us who lost people on that day, that day is still happening. Everybody else moves on. And you find a way to go forward, but that day is always happening for you,” Edward Edelman said as he arrived at ground zero to honor his slain brother-in-law, Daniel McGinley.

President Joe Biden was due at a ceremony on a military base in Anchorage, Alaska. His visit, en route to Washington from a trip to India and Vietnam, is a reminder that the impact of 9/11 was felt in every corner of the nation, however remote. Nearly 3,000 people were killed when hijacked planes crashed into New York’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field, in an attack that reshaped American foreign policy and domestic fears.

On that day, “we were one country, one nation, one people, just like it should be. That was the feeling — that everyone came together and did what we could, where we were at, to try to help,” said Eddie Ferguson, the fire-rescue chief in Virginia’s Goochland County. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://apnews.com/article/sept-11-terror-attack-anniversary-ceremonies-47488758b18fd78f541674041e36d263

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No. 2: One of the CNN Politics articles that I read today is titled, "5 takeaways from Joe Biden’s trip to the G20 and Vietnam." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"5 takeaways from Joe Biden’s trip to the G20 and Vietnam" from CNN Politics

By Kevin Liptak, CNN | Updated Mon September 11, 2023

New Delhi (CNN) — President Joe Biden is nearing the end of a whirlwind trip to India and Vietnam for a series of high-profile meetings aimed at countering China’s influence in the developing world.

At the G20 in New Delhi and again in Hanoi, Biden used his swing through Asia to make the case that the US is a more reliable and trustworthy partner than Beijing, though he emphasized that he did not want a new Cold War with the Chinese.

“I don’t want to contain China, I just want to make sure we have a relationship with China that is on the up-and-up squared away, and everyone knows what it’s all about,” Biden said. “We have an opportunity to strengthen alliances around the world to maintain stability. That’s what this trip is all about, having India cooperate much more with United States, be closer to the United States, Vietnam being closer with the United States. It’s not about containing China. It’s about having a stable base – a stable base in Indo-Pacific.”

In speaking to General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng of the Communist Party of Vietnam on Sunday, Biden underscored this point.

“I think we have an enormous opportunity,” he said, adding: “Vietnam and the United States are critical partners at what I would argue is a very critical time. I’m not saying that to be polite. I’m saying it because I mean it from the bottom of my heart.”

He referenced supply chains and climate change and hailed “aspirations for a future of greater peace, greater security and greater prosperity.”

“I’m convinced we can achieve it,” he said, adding: “This can be the beginning of even a greater era of cooperation.”

But despite Biden’s hopes, there were still signs of the fractures that are coursing through current geopolitics, both at the G20 summit and in Hanoi. Here are five takeaways from the president’s trip to New Delhi and Hanoi. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/10/politics/takeaways-joe-biden-g20-vietnam/index.html

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No. 3: Another one of the CNN Politics articles that I read today is titled, "Trump is explaining exactly how wild and extreme his second term would be." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Trump is explaining exactly how wild and extreme his second term would be" from CNN Politics

Analysis by Stephen Collinson, CNN | Updated Mon September 11, 2023

(CNN) — Donald Trump is conjuring his most foreboding vision yet of a possible second term, telling supporters in language resonant of the run-up to the January 6 mob attack on the US Capitol that they need to “fight like hell” or they will lose their country.

The rhetorical escalation from the four-times-indicted ex-president came at a rally in South Dakota on Friday night where he accused his possible 2024 opponent, President Joe Biden, of ordering his indictment on 91 charges across four criminal cases as a form of election interference.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a darkness around our nation like there is now,” Trump said, in a dystopian speech in which he accused Democrats of allowing an “invasion” of migrants over the southern border and of trying to restart Covid “hysteria.”

The Republican front-runner’s stark speech raised the prospect of a second presidency that would be even more extreme and challenging to the rule of law than his first. His view that the Oval Office confers unfettered powers suggests Trump would indulge in similar conduct as that for which he is awaiting trial, including intimidating local officials in an alleged bid to overturn his 2020 defeat.

Characteristically, Trump also turned criticism of his behavior against his political foes, implicitly arguing that the true peril for America’s political freedoms did not spring from his attempt to invalidate a free and fair election, but from efforts to make him face legal accountability for doing so. “It’s really a threat to democracy while they trample our rights and liberties every single day of the year,” he said.

“This is a big moment in our country because we’re either going to go one way or the other, and if we go the other, we’re not going to have a country left,” he told supporters in South Dakota. “We will fight together, we will win together and then we will seek justice together,” he added. This followed a March rally in which he billed his 2024 campaign and potential second term as a vessel of “retribution” for supporters who believe they’ve been wronged.

Trump is a highly skilled demagogue whose facility for injecting falsehoods and conspiracies into the country’s political bloodstream creates a swirl of chaos and acrimony in which he alone seems to prosper. And his words shape public opinion. In a recent CNN poll, for example, only 28% of Republicans thought Biden legitimately won sufficient votes to win the 2020 election. This comes after years of Trump incessantly denying he lost, and despite courts throwing out his multiple challenges to the result. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/politics/trump-wild-rhetoric-2024/index.html

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No. 4: The U.S. News & World Report article that I read today is titled, "Trump’s High Court Hail Mary." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Trump’s High Court Hail Mary" from U.S. News & World Report

Could a conservative Supreme Court majority promote a strict constructionist reading of the Constitution that declares the judiciary, in fact, has no authority over Trump’s actions as president?

By Lauren Camera Senior Writer | Sept. 8, 2023

Half a century ago, the Supreme Court ruled in the United States v. Nixon that executive privilege is not absolute.

Former President Richard Nixon had argued that he had authority to withhold sensitive information, such as the Watergate tapes, from other government branches in order to maintain confidential communications within the executive branch and to secure the national interest – setting up a fundamental question of which branch of government has power over the other. It was part of a far grander view of presidential power Nixon held that would ultimately be summed up for the benefit of history in a 1977 interview, in which Nixon said of an illegal act by the commander in chief that “when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal."

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court in 1974 rejected Nixon’s argument – a ruling that marked the end of his presidency. Arguably even more important, it also dismissed Nixon’s expansive view of executive power, finding no grounds for an “absolute, unqualified Presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process under all circumstances.” The decision set a precedent that among the branches of government, the judiciary has authority over a president and his actions.

But would the Supreme Court half a century later say the same?

Fast forward 50 years and former President Donald Trump finds himself in not an entirely dissimilar situation. Historians have long drawn parallels between Nixon and Trump – mostly on the impeachment front but more recently for their attempts to invoke what they perceived as a practically boundless executive immunity.

Could six conservative justices, three of whom were hand-picked by Trump himself, set aside the precedent established during the Nixon years and promote a strict constructionist reading of the Constitution that declares the judiciary, in fact, has no authority over Trump’s actions as president? ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2023-09-08/are-trump-and-his-conservative-supreme-court-on-a-collision-course

And I decided to highlight these articles from AP News, CNN Politics and U.S. News & World Report for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 11th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 12th, 2023 Update: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 12th, 2023, when I noticed twelve different articles on various news websites, including CNN.com, USAToday.com, ABCNews.com, NewRepublic.com, RollingStone.com, Politico.com and NYTimes.com!

Now, I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication.

However, due to the number of articles for which I had an introduction to write, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for this particular current news 'update' and simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name—along with a simplified introduction from each article—in addition to a hyperlink for each article.

Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I read them, but also by news organization, as well as by category for articles that may be related by topic.

No. 1: One of the CNN articles that I read today is titled, "Americans have never been wealthier." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Americans have never been wealthier" from CNN Business

New York (CNN) — Fueled by a resurgent stock market and rising home values, US household wealth hit a record $154.3 trillion during the second quarter of this year, according to federal data. Consumer wealth has now completely recovered from the recent inflation-driven drop in stock prices and real estate holdings.

Household and nonprofit net wealth increased by $5.5 trillion, or 4%, between the end of March and the end of June, Federal Reserve data released on Friday showed. This follows an increase of $3 trillion during the first three months of the year. The data is not adjusted for inflation.

This bump in wealth was driven mostly by a surge in the value of Americans’ stock market investments, which grew by $2.6 trillion during the quarter. Real estate holdings, including the value of homes, increased by $2.5 trillion.

Household wealth now stands about $2 trillion above the prior record of $152 trillion set in early 2022 — which should give consumers a cushion to weather future economic storms and a potential uptick in unemployment. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/economy/household-wealth-economy-stocks/index.html

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No. 2: Another one of the CNN articles that I read today is titled, "Why ‘Middle-class Joe’ Biden may need upscale voters more than ever in 2024." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Why ‘Middle-class Joe’ Biden may need upscale voters more than ever in 2024" from CNN Politics

(CNN) — Throughout his political career, President Joe Biden has unfailingly presented himself as a product – and champion – of the middle class.

As president, he has relentlessly touted his economic plan as a “blue-collar blueprint” to rebuild America and highlighted the number of new jobs tied to his signature policy initiatives that do not require a four-year college degree.

“When the last guy was here, he looked at the world from Park Avenue,” Biden told a union audience on Labor Day earlier this month in reference to his predecessor, former President Donald Trump. “Well, I look at it from Scranton, Pennsylvania. I look at it from Claymont, Delaware.”

But even as Biden stresses such arguments, a combination of opportunity and vulnerability may be pushing him in 2024 toward less reliance on blue-collar voters and greater dependence on better-educated and more affluent voters, particularly in a possible rematch with Trump.

Biden’s opportunities with upscale voters are widening because polls show that, compared to working-class voters, they are more likely to view Trump as a threat to American democracy, as well as more likely to support abortion rights. Simultaneously, Biden’s position with working-class voters is eroding largely because they are expressing the most frustration and strain over the economy and inflation. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/12/politics/joe-biden-coalition-upscale-voters-2024/index.html

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No. 3: The USA Today article that I read today is titled, "'Every American’s heart was wounded': How the scars of 9/11 are shaping Joe Biden's presidency." (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.) A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"'Every American’s heart was wounded': How the scars of 9/11 are shaping Joe Biden's presidency" from USA Today

WASHINGTON – In September 2021, Joe Biden became the first president in two decades to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks without U.S. troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, two wars started in the aftermath of that tragedy.

But in ways big and small, the scars from that day are shaping Biden’s presidency.

"On this day, every American’s heart was wounded,” Biden said at a ceremony in Alaska on Monday to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the attacks and remember those whose lives were lost.

Speaking to military members, first responders and their families at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Biden pointed to the sense of national unity that sprung forth in the days immediately after the attacks and said it’s more important than ever that Americans come together around the principle of democracy.

“Those terrorists could not touch what no force, no enemy, no day ever could – and that is the soul of America,” he said.

But the post-9/11 unity faded amid questions about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which dragged on for years. Today, Americans remain deeply distrustful of and dissatisfied with their government, a piece of the political landscape that gained traction in part because of the Iraq war and the false premises on which it was launched. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/11/sept-11-terrorist-attacks-joe-bidens-presidency/70821008007

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No. 4: The ABC News article that I read today is titled, "Biden criticized for marking 9/11 anniversary in Alaska." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Biden criticized for marking 9/11 anniversary in Alaska" from ABC News

Former VP Mike Pence said Biden should have been in New York or at the Pentagon.

President Joe Biden marked the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in Alaska on Monday afternoon.

"I join you on this solemn day to renew our sacred vow: never forget," Biden said as he spoke to service members, first responders and their families at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. "Each of those precious lives stolen too soon when evil attacked ground zero in New York."

Biden said the terrorist attacks, the deadliest ever carried out on U.S. soil, "tested our strength, our resolve and our courage."

"But we’ll never forget that when faced with evil and an enemy who sought to tear us apart, we endured," the president said. "We endured."

Biden had been overseas to attend the G20 summit in India and to visit Vietnam in an effort to further shore up U.S. relations with key partners in Asia amid China's rising influence.

He departed Vietnam early Monday morning for Anchorage. Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his condolences for the "tremendous losses incurred" during the Sept. 11 attacks, and Biden thanked him for expressing "sentiment and concern."

Biden has faced some criticism for not participating in traditional ceremonies at the White House, at the Pentagon or in New York, including former Vice President Mike Pence, speaking on the GOP candidate campaign trail in Iowa.

"I was very disappointed that President Joe Biden was not at ground zero or the Pentagon or in Shanksville. Look, I know it's been 22 years, but I think these are moments where the leader of this country has the ability to pay a debt of gratitude, to remember those that were lost the day, but also to remember the heroes that were forged that day, and everyday sense for the last 22 years," he said.

Biden addressed his visit abroad and stop in Alaska in his remarks, calling such trips "an essential part of how we’re going to ensure the United States is flanked by the broadest of allies and partners who will stand with us and assure our security, to build a world that is safer for all of our children."

"Today of all days, what I am reminded of is that it is not a given," he said.

Vice President Kamala Harris represented the administration at the commemoration ceremony at ground zero in lower Manhattan on Monday morning. She was surrounded by local leaders, including Democrats Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and others. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-mark-911-anniversary-alaska-harris-visits-ground/story?id=103088628

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No. 5: The New Republic Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Republicans Are Mad Biden Is Spending 9/11 in Alaska. Anyone Remember What Trump Did?" A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Republicans Are Mad Biden Is Spending 9/11 in Alaska. Anyone Remember What Trump Did?" from The New Republic

Note to Republicans: Joe Biden is not the first president to commemorate the 9/11 attacks outside of New York City.

President Joe Biden is marking the 9/11 anniversary in Alaska—and Republicans are fomenting an entire news cycle over it.

Biden, who is en route to Washington from his trip to India and Vietnam, will attend a ceremony on a military base in Anchorage, Alaska, on Monday, where he is expected to deliver remarks to more than 1,000 service members. Vice President Kamala Harris attended the commemoration ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Plaza in New York.

Right-wing media outlets have chosen to commemorate the worst terrorist attacks on American soil by inciting faux outrage over Biden’s absence from the ceremony in New York City. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://newrepublic.com/post/175494/republicans-fake-news-cycle-biden-911-alaska

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No. 6: The Rolling Stone Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Marjorie Taylor Greene Says States Should ‘Consider Seceding From the Union’." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Marjorie Taylor Greene Says States Should ‘Consider Seceding From the Union’" from Rolling Stone

The Georgia congresswoman once again called for the dissolution of the Union if Republicans don't get their way

In February, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called for a “national divorce” between red and blue states. Now, she’s taking her call for a schism even further by encouraging states to outright “consider seceding from the union.”

On Monday, Greene (R-Ga.) wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that “if the Biden admin refuses to stop the invasion of cartel led human and drug trafficking into our country, states should consider seceding from the union.”

“From Texas to New York City to every town in America, we are drowning from Biden’s traitorous America last border policies,” Greene added.

Months ago, Greene suggested that a “national divorce,” rather than, say, a democratic form of governance, was needed to remedy the disputes between Republican and Democratic states. “From the sick and disgusting woke culture issues shoved down our throats to the Democrat’s traitorous America Last policies, we are done,” Greene said at the time.

The most notable attempt at secession in U.S. history is, of course, that of the 11 southern Confederate states who split from the union in an attempt to stave the abolition of slavery in their territories. The Confederacy was handily defeated in the Civil War. Yet, some modern-day Republicans have begun to view secession as a favorable alternative to actually doing the job of representative governance. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/marjorie-taylor-greene-states-consider-seceding-from-the-union-1234822567/amp

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No. 7: One of the Politico articles that I read today is titled, "Dems inch toward House majority with recent court wins." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Dems inch toward House majority with recent court wins" from Politico

Court rulings on redistricting are raising Democratic hopes.

The fundamentals of the 2024 campaign are still taking shape, but one thing is already clear: A flurry of court actions might cost Republicans the House majority.

In the past nine days, state and federal judges threw out two congressional maps — and helped Democrats avoid a worst-case scenario in Ohio — kicking off an unusually busy redistricting calendar heading into the election year.

All told, a dozen or more seats across at least six states could be redrawn, increasing the likelihood Democrats could chip away the five-seat GOP House majority through redistricting alone.

Democrats could pick up an extra seat in each of a handful of states, including Florida, Alabama and Louisiana, and perhaps several more in New York. Republicans could still pick up as many as four seats in North Carolina, but the recent rulings put Democrats in a position to offset those losses — and then some.

Redistricting could not only give Democrats a slight edge in their bid to reclaim the majority they lost in 2022 but also increase the number of Black members in their conference. Prospective Democratic candidates in several key states are already eagerly eyeing a rare chance to run for a federal office, and the party is brimming with hope about growing its footprint in the South.

“It’s an incredible win,” Marina Jenkins, executive director of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, said of Alabama. “It’s an incredibly important moment.” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/11/redistricting-could-help-democrats-win-back-the-house-00114780

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No. 8: Another one of the Politico articles that I read today is titled, "McCarthy pressure hits a boiling point." A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"McCarthy pressure hits a boiling point" from Politico

House Republicans are barreling toward an existential clash over this month’s government funding talks.

Kevin McCarthy is facing the greatest peril to his speakership since he clawed his way into the job eight months ago, with multiple factions of his party feuding and a looming revolt ahead during the battle to fund the government.

Ultra-conservative members of the House GOP are talking in unsubtle terms about turning on McCarthy if he does not take a hard line in negotiations with the Senate and the Biden administration.

More centrist Republicans, too, are increasingly fed up with McCarthy’s efforts to placate the far right. They want him to stop giving ground to lawmakers they see as holding the party hostage to unrealistic demands.

McCarthy is a political survivor — even his critics cannot deny that his skilled nature as an accommodator, his persistence in winning over even his most dogged critics and his deep bench of allies have kept him alive in this highly fractured Republican Party.

But interviews with more than two dozen GOP members and aides reveal that it would take only a few rogue lawmakers hell-bent on his downfall to risk McCarthy’s fate in an entirely new way, sending their party spiraling into a new period of chaos. And even if those defectors fail to actually eject McCarthy, some of the speaker’s confidantes privately concede there may be no way to recover.

Those volatile, competing forces of McCarthy’s conference will collide this month, and could drive the nation to a government shutdown, while reshaping the Republican agenda for the rest of the Congress. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/11/kevin-mccarthy-government-shutdown-profile-00114028

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No. 9: The first New York Times article that I read today is titled, "As Democratic Jitters Grow, Biden Campaign Tries to Showcase His Vigor." (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.) A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"As Democratic Jitters Grow, Biden Campaign Tries to Showcase His Vigor" from The New York Times

With low approval ratings and shaky public performances, the president and his team are planning an ad blitz and trying to reassure voters about his age.

With stubbornly subterranean approval numbers, President Biden is taking early steps to shore up his re-election candidacy with a multipronged strategy that includes a costly advertising campaign and leveraging the powers of the bully pulpit.

During his recent trip to India and Vietnam, Mr. Biden’s aides aggressively pushed back on suggestions that he has lost a step, highlighting his busy schedule as a sign of his vigor. Back home, his campaign broadcast a television ad depicting a previous overseas trip — a secret journey to Ukraine in February that the White House has trumpeted as a triumph of daring and a foreign policy tour de force.

That ad comes three weeks into a $25 million battleground state campaign to promote Mr. Biden’s economic record to a public that remains skeptical of the so-called Bidenomics pitch he began making this summer.

Such an ad blitz is notably early for an incumbent, in the face of concerns that Mr. Biden is struggling to maintain support among young, Black and Latino voters — key parts of the coalition that lifted him to office in 2020. While Mr. Biden’s TV ads do not frontally address a central concern raised by Democratic voters — his age — they showcase his vitality and stamina.

The Ukraine ad features footage of Mr. Biden striding confidently alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky during a surprise visit to Kyiv to support the war effort. “In the middle of a war zone, Joe Biden showed the world what America is made of,” a narrator says. It ends bluntly, “Biden. President.”

Kevin Munoz, a Biden campaign spokesman, said in a statement: “As Republicans fight each other in their divisive primary, we are building a campaign that is working to break through in a fragmented media environment, and speaking to the general-election audience in the battleground states that will decide next year’s election.” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/11/us/politics/biden-campaign-age-approval.html

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No. 10: The second New York Times article that I read today is titled, "Is the Electoral College Becoming Fairer?" (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.) A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"Is the Electoral College Becoming Fairer?" from The New York Times

The Republican Party’s advantage is shrinking in the Electoral College.

The Electoral College has been very kind to Republicans in the 21st century. George W. Bush won the presidency in 2000 despite losing the popular vote, and Donald Trump did the same in 2016.

But over the past few years the Republican advantage in the Electoral College seems to have shrunk, as Nate Cohn, The Times’s chief political analyst, points out in his newsletter. Republicans are no longer faring significantly better in the states likely to decide the presidential election — like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — than they are nationwide. Instead, a 2024 race between Biden and Trump looks extremely close, with a tiny lead for Biden both nationally and in the swing states.

What’s going on here? Democrats have lost some ground in comfortably blue states like New York while gaining some in swing states like Pennsylvania. “At this point,” Nate writes, “another large Trump Electoral College advantage cannot be assumed.”

In today’s newsletter, we’ll examine the main reasons for the trends. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/12/briefing/electoral-college-gop-democrats.html

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No. 11: The third New York Times article that I read today is titled, "The Authors of ‘How Democracies Die’ Overestimated the Republicans." (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.) A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"The Authors of ‘How Democracies Die’ Overestimated the Republicans" from The New York Times

One of the most influential books of the Trump years was “How Democracies Die” by the Harvard government professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. Published in 2018, it served as a guide to our unfolding ordeal. “Over the past two years, we have watched politicians say and do things that are unprecedented in the United States — but that we recognize as having been the precursors of democratic crisis in other places,” they wrote.

Because that volume was prescient about how Donald Trump would try to rule, I was surprised to learn, in Levitsky and Ziblatt’s new book, “Tyranny of the Minority,” that they were shocked by Jan. 6. Though they’ve studied violent insurrections all over the world, they write in this new book, “we never imagined we’d see them here. Nor did we ever imagine that one of America’s two major parties would turn away from democracy in the 21st century.”

What astonished them the most, Levitsky told me in an interview last week, “was the speed and the degree to which the Republican Party Trumpized.” In “How Democracies Die,” he and Ziblatt had reproved Republicans for failing to stop Trump’s rise to power. But at the time, he said, “we didn’t consider or call the Republican Party an authoritarian party. We did not expect it to transform so quickly and so thoroughly.”

“Tyranny of the Minority” is their attempt to make sense of how American democracy eroded so fast. “Societal diversity, cultural backlash and extreme-right parties are ubiquitous across established Western democracies,” they write. But in recent years, only in America has a defeated leader attempted a coup. And only in America is the coup leader likely to once again be the nominee of a major party. “Why did America, alone among rich established democracies, come to the brink?” they ask.

A disturbing part of the answer, Levitsky and Ziblatt conclude, lies in our Constitution, the very document Americans rely on to defend us from autocracy. “Designed in a predemocratic era, the U.S. Constitution allows partisan minorities to routinely thwart majorities, and sometimes even govern them,” they write. The Constitution’s countermajoritarian provisions, combined with profound geographic polarization, have locked us into a crisis of minority rule. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/11/opinion/columnists/democracies-minority-rule.html

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No. 12: The fourth New York Times article that I read today is titled, "As Ukraine Aid Benefits Their Districts, Some House Republicans Oppose It." (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.) A simplified introduction to the article can be found below:

"As Ukraine Aid Benefits Their Districts, Some House Republicans Oppose It" from The New York Times

The American push to fund Kyiv’s war effort has created big economic opportunities for Mesquite, Texas, and other cities around the country. Some of their G.O.P. congressmen want to end it.

By early next year, this city best known for being the rodeo capital of Texas is on track to become a centerpiece of the American effort to increase artillery production vital to the war in Ukraine.

A hulking new plant going up next to a highway exchange not far from downtown Mesquite promises to nearly double current U.S. output, replenishing stockpiles and preparing more ammunition to beat back the Russian invasion.

For a city in the midst of engineering an economic renaissance, the General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems factory is a major boon. It is expected to employ a minimum of 125 people; bring business opportunities to local suppliers, retailers and restaurants; and, city officials hope, potentially help turn the area into an industrial hotbed of well-paying jobs.

None of that appears to have persuaded Representative Lance Gooden, the Republican whose district will house the new plant, to support continuing U.S. aid to Kyiv. Over the summer, he joined dozens of his G.O.P. House colleagues in calling for an end to American support for Ukraine’s fight, voting for measures to strip $300 million in security assistance for the war-torn country from next year’s defense budget and prohibit Congress from approving any more funds for the conflict.

His opposition and that of many others in his party has imperiled President Biden’s request for $24 billion in additional funding for the war, threatening to derail an emergency spending bill that lawmakers in both parties are working to push through Congress this month.

It reflects how the “America First” mentality popularized by former President Donald J. Trump has spread and intensified among Republicans, prompting increasing numbers of lawmakers — including some whose constituents benefit directly from continued American aid to Ukraine — to refuse to keep supporting it. And it is one major driver of the spending showdowns to come this fall as lawmakers toil to reach agreement on both the routine annual spending bills and an extra package of aid for crises at home and abroad.

Mr. Gooden’s office did not respond to repeated requests for comment. But opponents of the Ukrainian assistance programs have argued that the United States must disentangle itself from a faraway war and instead focus the government’s attention and money on problems closer to home.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who had said he backed continued funding for Ukraine, now appears to be bowing to the resistance on the right. He is considering dropping the aid for Kyiv and pushing through a $16 billion package of emergency disaster aid for states coupled with more money for border security.

The situation has dismayed some local business leaders in Mesquite, who — while taking pains not to criticize any politicians by name — say the opposition of some lawmakers to the funding measure is a slap in their constituents’ faces.

“I would love for them to talk about, ‘Hey, this will create manufacturing jobs in the U.S., this will create advanced manufacturing jobs in the U.S.,” Alexander Helgar, the president of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview in his office. Lawmakers who oppose continued aid to Kyiv are effectively “voting against your constituents, at that point,” he said. “You’re literally saying no to the people you’re representing.”

The rush to arm Ukraine, combined with Kyiv’s seemingly insatiable need for weapons and ammunition, has prompted a defense production bonanza in the United States, as officials have scrambled to replenish inventories and build reserves better equipped to sustain Ukraine and respond to similar conflicts in the future.

Since Russia’s invasion, Congress has approved approximately $43 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, alongside other investments in the defense industrial base. The funds have injected new life, in the form of government contracts, into factories across the country, including Abrams tank production lines in Lima, Ohio; Javelin missile factories in Ocala, Fla., and Troy, Ala.; and a plant that makes the propulsion motors for guided multiple-launch rockets in Rocket Center, W.Va.

But while lawmakers representing those facilities have welcomed the windfall, they have voted to curtail the funding that made it possible. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/11/us/politics/ukraine-aid-republicans.html

And I decided to highlight these articles from CNN, USA Today, ABC News, The New Republic Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, Politico, and The New York Times for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 12th, 2023, revised September 23rd, 2023 and revised September 28th, 2023)

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September 13th, 2023 Update: I received a text message today, September 13th, 2023, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:

We need you to understand what's happened, Paul:

-- 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗰𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 $𝟲𝟮.𝟱 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 after just six months to hold the House.

-- 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 $𝟰.𝟭𝟴 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 in 24 HOURS.

We have no choice but to take 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 to address this to ensure we're prepared to reclaim the House Majority.

So we're desperately calling for 5600 Democrats to update their 2023 Membership in the next 12 hours to help us pull off an UNPRECEDENTED fundraising haul of our own. Can we count on you to update your Membership with $25 to the DCCC? >>***

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗦: 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗗
𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: $25 >>***

We can either let Republicans use this new war chest to blanket the airwaves with their attacks...

...𝗢𝗥 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗡𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘.

So we'll be blunt: Unless we outraise House Republicans and close our fundraising gap, Democrats could LOSE any chance of winning back the House. We're calling for an IMMEDIATE response -- 5600 updated Democratic Memberships -- to pull this off. Can we count on you?

Thank you,
DCCC

And, after I read the text message above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

Chip in now to FLIP the House and DEFEND President Biden’s legacy!

Republicans are blocking President Biden’s agenda at every turn -- and he’s counting on this grassroots team to STOP them.

SO QUICKLY: Will you rush in a donation to elect a WAVE of Democrats and FLIP the House?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit DCCC.

[✓] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $150 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Other amount

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

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[✓] Add custom amount $0.21

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue), because "unless we outraise House Republicans and close our fundraising gap, Democrats could LOSE any chance of winning back the House." –Paul Whiting (written September 13th, 2023 and revised September 20th, 2023)

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September 13th, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On September 14th, 2023: I received an email from USA for UNFPA (formerly known as the 'United Nations Fund for Population Activities' that is now called the 'United Nations Population Fund') yesterday, September 13th, 2023, with the subject line, "delivering a lifeline to survivors in Libya", which stated the following:

Dear Paul,

Only a few days ago, we emailed you with news about the tragic earthquake in Morocco. It is with a very heavy heart that we message you again with an urgent humanitarian appeal regarding the devastating floods in Libya.

On Monday, Storm Daniel struck the coast of Libya causing widespread damage — including flash flooding that collapsed two dams. More than 5,000 people are confirmed dead and another 30,000 people displaced due to flooding.

Obstructed, destroyed, and flooded roads are severely undermining the ability to deliver humanitarian aid. There are also widespread power outages and disruption to communications.

We are so appreciative of your past support, and we know we emailed just a few days for a different emergency appeal. But with lives on the line in another disaster, we’re launching a flash appeal to support our on-the-ground efforts in Libya and deliver critical aid to survivors. Will you consider making an emergency gift of $35 or more now to help in Libya and humanitarian crises around the world?

MAKE AN EMERGENCY GIFT***

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, UNFPA has an ongoing presence on the ground in Libya — that means we’ve been able to mobilize rapidly. Prepositioned Dignity Kits and Mama Kits will be dispatched to survivors through local partners.

Mama Kits ensure that new mothers have everything they need for themselves and their newborns. They include: Clothing for the mother and her baby, diapers, baby blanket, baby soap, and more. Dignity Kits ensure that women and girls can maintain their personal healthcare needs after a crisis. They include: Menstrual pads, bath soap, multiple pairs of underwear, a flashlight, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and more.

These kits will be lifelines to 30,000+ displaced survivors of the devastating floods in Libya. We are already on the ground distributing the supplies we have, but the need is growing and every second counts in a crisis situation like this.

That is why we are urgently asking: Would you consider making an emergency gift today?

Our hearts are with those suffering in Libya, Morocco, and beyond. It is your past support that helps regularly deliver care to over 150 countries around the world and ensures that we are ready to move into action when disaster strikes.

We will keep you updated as this emergency develops. Thank you for being there for every woman and girl, always.

— USA for UNFPA

USA for UNFPA

URGENT: 5,000+ dead after devastating flooding in Libya. Please help the survivors now.

EMERGENCY GIFTS NEEDED

On Monday, Storm Daniel struck the coast of Libya causing widespread damage — including flash flooding that collapsed two dams. 5,000+ people are confirmed dead and another 30,000 people displaced due to flooding. Whole neighborhoods have been swept away.

Will you donate to deliver Dignity and Mama Kits that will serve as lifelines to the survivors of the disaster in Libya and wherever help is needed?

[✓] Give once

[  ] Monthly

[  ] $40

[  ] $65

[  ] $120

[  ] $450

[  ] $500

[  ] $900

[✓] Donation amount USD [U.S. Dollars] $5.00

Donate

And so, I made a one-time donation to USA for UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) in order to help with recovery efforts in Libyaby providing an "emergency gift of [$5 in order to] help in Libya and humanitarian crises around the world."

Plus, I searched on the websites of UN (United Nations) organizations that I usually donate to throughout the year—in response to donation requests via text messages and emails, or via YouTube video advertisements—and I looked to see if any of these UN websites were requesting donations for the Libya flooding. Thus, I found a donation request regarding the Libya flooding on the UNICEF USA (formerly known as the 'United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund' that is now called the 'United Nations Children's Fund') website, the relevant text of which can be found below:

Devastating flooding in Libya

Massive storm brings destruction, leaves families reeling

You Can Make a Difference Right Now

Emergency — Children Need Help Now

UNICEF is on the ground providing emergency relief for thousands of families and children impacted by the devastating flooding in Libya while helping the children most in need around the world.

With your support, we can reach even more children whenever and wherever they need help. Please make your 100% tax-deductible donation to UNICEF USA now!

[✓] Give once

[  ] Monthly

[  ] $500

[  ] $350

[  ] $250

[  ] $170

[  ] $100

[  ] $75

The minimum donation amount is $6

[✓] Donation amount USD [U.S. Dollars] $6.00

Donate

And so, I also made a one-time donation to UNICEF USA in order to "reach even more children whenever and wherever they need help," because "UNICEF is on the ground providing emergency relief for thousands of families and children impacted by the devastating flooding in Libya while helping the children most in need around the world."

–Paul Whiting (written September 14th, 2023, revised September 18th, 2023 and revised October 12th, 2023)

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September 13th, 2023 Update—Continued Further, Written On September 14th, 2023: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received yesterday, September 13th, 2023, when I noticed a Time.com article titled, "At Least 5,000 Dead in Libya Amid Flood Disaster. Here's How to Help." (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.) A summarization of the article—relevant to the donations that I made—can be found below:

"At Least 5,000 Dead in Libya Amid Flood Disaster. Here's How to Help" from Time Magazine

By Anna Gordon | (Originally Published) September 12, 2023

At least 5,300 people are thought dead and more than 10,000 believed missing after Tropical Storm Daniel broke through two dams that protected Libya’s eastern coastal city of Derna from flooding. Experts estimate that the floods unleashed approximately 30 million cubic meters of water onto the city—the hardest hit part of Libya—washing away entire neighborhoods. Other cities in the northeast of the country have also been affected.

“The death toll is huge,” Tamer Ramadan, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) delegation in Libya, said at a press conference in Geneva.

Derna is home to approximately 90,000 people and sits on the Mediterranean coast.

The natural disaster comes just days after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, another country in North Africa, killing at least 3,000 people and destroying entire villages.

But aid workers and Libya observers fear that political fractures in the country will hamper relief efforts. The epicenter of the flood disaster in Libya falls in areas under the control of commander Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army.

Libya was the site of protracted fighting and a six-year civil war from 2014 to 2020 and the country is split by rival administrations, with Haftar dominating the east, and the U.N.-backed Government of National Unity in Tripoli, led by Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, controlling the west.

Mary Fitzgerald, a Libya specialist at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., tells TIME that a key factor in the disaster appears to be "poor maintenance of the dams on the outskirts of Derna" that caused them to collapse amid heavy rainfall. "Libya's rival political factions have paid little attention to the country's deteriorating infrastructure despite many Libyans raising the alarm in recent years," she adds.

Haftar laid siege to Derna in 2017, capturing the city in 2019. “Derna is still devastated by the war, which destroyed many areas of the city,” Abdulkader Assad, a political editor at the Libya Observer, told the Times of London. “I am really concerned about aid getting through since nothing like this has happened before and the eastern government does not have the necessary relief teams. It will all depend on the international response.”

Despite these difficulties, humanitarian workers have pointed to ways to help victims of the flooding in Libya. Below, some of the charities working in Libya right now. ...

... The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The international Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies has been operating in Tripoli, Misrata, and Benghazi in the aftermath of the Libyan civil war, assisting with rehabilitation and economic support.

“#Libya is facing large-scale devastating disaster,efforts are huge but yet challenges and needs are way more beyond what current efforts can do. Support from all international actors to @LibyaRC and Libyan people is strongly needed now @ifrc stands ready to coordinate,” the IFRC’s Ramadan wrote in a post on X. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6313307/help-flood-victims-libya

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Plus, I made a one-time donation of $11.00 (which is their minimum donation) to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), because "support from all international actors to @LibyaRC and Libyan people is strongly needed now @ifrc stands ready to coordinate."

By the way, the website that the Time article donation hyperlink directed to was ICRC, rather than the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC); however, according to Wikipedia, "The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 191 National Societies."

–Paul Whiting (written September 14th, 2023, revised September 23rd, 2023 and revised March 26th, 2024)

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September 13th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More, Written On September 14th, 2023: I received an email from PlantBasedTreaty.org yesterday, September 14th, 2023, with the subject line, "❌ End planet-killing subsidies", which stated the following:

We need to end planet-killing subsidies and we can do it with a Plant Based Treaty

Dear Paul,

A new report has revealed up to a staggering $23 million per minute is spent on subsidies in the fossil fuel and animal agriculture industry, two of the main drivers of the climate crisis.

The World Bank report, Detox Development, says trillions of dollars per year of subsidies for fossil fuels, farming and fishing are causing “environmental havoc”, severely harming the planet and “driving the degradation of the world’s foundational natural assets – clean air, land, and oceans.”

According to the report, fishing subsidies of $118bn a year are a key factor in the exploitation of marine life, which has sent the oceans into “a collective state of crisis”. Additionally, farm subsidies were directly responsible for the destruction of 2.2 million hectares (5.4m acres) of forest a year.

Take action

Do you want your taxes to fund a climate catastrophe? Through Plant Based Treaty’s second demand R2: Redirect, we are calling for urgent subsidy reforms to protect our planet, including redirecting subsidies to climate solutions, including sustainable plant-based agroecological practices, supporting and retraining farmers, voluntary retirement schemes, and training new entrants.

Email your government and demand the redirection of subsidies for climate solutions through a Plant Based Treaty.

1. Use our sample letter to write to your government and demand an end to planet-killing subsidies.

Write to your government

2. If you’re on Instagram, please repost or share our carousel in your story. You can also download the graphics here.

Download graphics

Support Plant Based Treaty

Please stand with us. Help us send Plant Based Treaty campaigners to important United Nations climate conferences where we can lobby world leaders and policymakers for a Plant Based Treaty and food system transformation to address the climate, ocean and biodiversity crisis. Your gift will allow us to intervene when we see false solutions and help us put plant-based food solutions front and centre [center].

Give now

Kind regards,
[Name redacted]
Plant Based Treaty USA campaigner

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink in order to open the referenced document, regarding "our sample letter to write to your government," the relevant text of which can be found below:

End planet-killing subsidies

Below is a sample letter you can send your elected officials, such as Members of Parliament, Senators and Lawmakers. You can usually find their contact information by doing a quick Google search such as “Write to my MP”. If you have difficulty finding the information, drop an email to [email redacted], and we will help you.

If your elected official replies, please forward the email to [email redacted], and one of our team can follow up with them

___________________________________

Dear

I am writing to you about a new report from The World Bank which has revealed a staggering $23 million per minute is spent on subsidies in the fossil fuel and animal agriculture industry, two of the main drivers of the climate crisis.

The report, Detox Development, says trillions of dollars per year of subsidies for fossil fuels, farming and fishing are causing “environmental havoc”, severely harming the planet and “driving the degradation of the world’s foundational natural assets – clean air, land, and oceans”.

According to the report, fishing subsidies of $118 billion a year are a key factor in the exploitation of marine life, which has sent the oceans into “a collective state of crisis”. Additionally, farm subsidies were directly responsible for the destruction of 2.2m hectares (5.4m acres) of forest a year.

UN secretary general, António Guterres says the era of global warming has ended and the era of global boiling has arrived. Bold action is required immediately and I urge you to do everything within your power to ensure that subsidies are redirected to climate solutions, in line with the Plant Based Treaty. They recommend measures such as the redirection of harmful subsidies to sustainable plant-based agroecological practices, supporting and retraining farmers, voluntary retirement schemes, and training new entrants.

According to the 2021 UN Global Methane Assessment, methane, of which a third comes from animal agriculture, must be cut by 45% by 2030. Doing so will prevent a 0.3C temperature rise by 2045, buying us time for carbon dioxide, a longer-lived gas, to reduce.

The call for a global Plant Based Treaty as a companion to the Paris Agreement has been endorsed by more than 100,000 individuals including more than 750 politicians, 3000 NGOs and businesses and 21 cities. Please visit www.plantbasedtreaty.org to endorse this important initiative. If you are able to introduce a Bill, Resolution or Motion on subsidy reform, or help in any capacity, please email [redacted] to connect with the team.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Therefore, I took the sample letter above and customized it by adding the hyperlinks referenced in the letter in parentheses, as well as adding an introductory explanation for writing the letter, all of which can be seen below:

Dear [Senators/Representative]

My name is Paul Whiting and, as an individual citizen, I recently signed the Plant Based Treaty, which "as a companion to the UNFCCC Paris Agreement would put food systems at the forefront of combating the climate crisis."

You see, on August 13th, 2023, I pressed the Weather.com "Excessive Heat Warning" on my smartphone and I was directed to a Google search page that had an advertisement at the top of the page, which stated the following:

"Ad · https://www.plantbasedtreaty.org

Excessive Heat Warning Petition - Please Sign Urgent Petition

Take action today to protect animals, people and the planet. Sign the Plant Based Treaty."

So, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage and I signed the Plant Based Treaty as an individual on August 13th, 2023.

Then, I received an email from Plant Based Treaty yesterday, September 13th, 2023, with the subject line, "End planet-killing subsidies." And that email stated, in part, the following:

"Do you want your taxes to fund a climate catastrophe? Through Plant Based Treaty’s second demand R2: Redirect, we are calling for urgent subsidy reforms to protect our planet, including redirecting subsidies to climate solutions, including sustainable plant-based agroecological practices, supporting and retraining farmers, voluntary retirement schemes, and training new entrants.

Email your government and demand the redirection of subsidies for climate solutions through a Plant Based Treaty."

Thus, I am writing to you today, September 14th, 2023, about a new report from The World Bank which has revealed a staggering $23 million per minute is spent on subsidies in the fossil fuel and animal agriculture industry, two of the main drivers of the climate crisis.

The report, Detox Development (https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climatechange/publication/detox-development), says trillions of dollars per year of subsidies for fossil fuels, farming and fishing are causing “environmental havoc”, severely harming the planet and “driving the degradation of the world’s foundational natural assets – clean air, land, and oceans”.

According to the report, fishing subsidies of $118 billion a year are a key factor in the exploitation of marine life, which has sent the oceans into “a collective state of crisis”. Additionally, farm subsidies were directly responsible for the destruction of 2.2m hectares (5.4m acres) of forest a year.

UN secretary general, António Guterres says the era of global warming has ended and the era of global boiling has arrived. Bold action is required immediately and I urge you to do everything within your power to ensure that subsidies are redirected to climate solutions, in line with the Plant Based Treaty. They recommend measures (https://plantbasedtreaty.org/the-pbt/) such as the redirection of harmful subsidies to sustainable plant-based agroecological practices, supporting and retraining farmers, voluntary retirement schemes, and training new entrants.

According to the 2021 UN Global Methane Assessment (https://www.unep.org/resources/report/global-methane-assessment-benefits-and-costs-mitigating-methane-emissions), methane, of which a third comes from animal agriculture, must be cut by 45% by 2030. Doing so will prevent a 0.3C temperature rise by 2045, buying us time for carbon dioxide, a longer-lived gas, to reduce.

The call for a global Plant Based Treaty as a companion to the Paris Agreement has been endorsed by more than 100,000 individuals including more than 750 politicians, 3000 NGOs and businesses and 21 cities (https://plantbasedtreaty.org/cities/). Please visit www.plantbasedtreaty.org to endorse this important initiative. If you are able to introduce a Bill, Resolution or Motion on subsidy reform, or help in any capacity, please email [redacted] to connect with the team.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Yours very truly,

Paul Whiting
Poet, Artist and Philosopher
Portland, Oregon

And, after I sent the letter above to my Senators and Representative in the United States government, I made a one-time donation to Plant Based Treaty in order to show my support for this campaign to "email [my] government and demand the redirection of subsidies for climate solutions through a Plant Based Treaty." –Paul Whiting (September 14th, 2023)

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September 14th, 2023 Update: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, September 14th, 2023, when I noticed a Time.com article titled, "[Your Morning Podcast: Fran Drescher on Hollywood's Labor Moment] Fran Drescher on What the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strikes Mean for the Future of Labor." (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Fran Drescher on What the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strikes Mean for the Future of Labor" from Time Magazine

By Charlotte Alter | September 14, 2023

Fran Drescher—yes that Fran Drescher, the one from the ‘90s sitcom The Nanny—is now one of the most important labor leaders in America. After decades spent writing and starring in her own TV shows and advocating for healthcare reform through her organization Cancer Schmancer, Drescher is now putting her skills toward demanding a better contract for her fellow creators.

In July, the actors in SAG-AFTRA joined screenwriters in the Writers Guild in a strike against major Hollywood studios and streamers like Netflix and Amazon. And as President of SAG-AFTRA, she’s now at the helm of one of the most significant labor events in Hollywood history: a double-strike that has effectively shut down the entertainment industry as writers and actors demand a fair share of the enormous profits of their work. But the historic double-strike isn’t just about movies and television; it also has major implications beyond entertainment. SAG-AFTRA and WGA are also demanding stronger, industry-wide protections against studios using AI to replace writers and actors.

That means that SAG and the WGA are at the vanguard of a broader fight to protect human jobs from AI—not just for actors and writers, but for lawyers, doctors, journalists, and more. Which means that Drescher is leading a strike that may result in protections that could set a standard for all American workers.

Tune in every Thursday, and join us as we continue to explore the minds that shape our world. You can listen to the full episode in the player above...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6313681/fran-drescher-interview-person-of-the-week

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

By the way, thank you for taking the time to read this news 'update,' and for considering doing your part as audience members to support the creative work of directors, writers and actors, as well as other production workers, by enjoying motion pictures, television (TV), and radio productions on the silver screen, on your TV or through your streaming service, and over your radio, at the same time that you are standing in support of the striking SAG-AFTRA and WGA workers.

Finally, let me end this particular 'update' by saying the following:

I STAND WITH THE STRIKING WRITERS OF THE WGA (Writers Guild of America)!

I STAND WITH THE STRIKING ACTORS OF THE SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists)!

Solidarity forever!

–Paul Whiting (written September 14th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 15th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, September 15th, 2023, with the subject line, "We're fighting for the right to learn.", which stated the following:

We're Fighting for the Right To Learn!

"When you are surrounded by oppressive laws, that doesn't mean you just sit back and be oppressed. That means that you fight." – [Title and name redacted], speaking out against Florida's censorship law

WATCH THE VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/xxKnBOr4S8k?si=Da2oBT8TkJvB7vUt

Paul –

Class is back in full swing across the country – and so are the attacks on our right to learn. Teachers and students across the country continue to face efforts to censor discussions around race, gender, and history. But we're fighting back.

Over 158,400 supporters and counting, including you, signed a petition to stop censorship laws in schools – while our lawyers file lawsuit after lawsuit. And one major case where we're fighting – and winning – is against Florida's H.B. 7 law, also known as the "Stop W.O.K.E Act."

In fact, a judge already ruled in our favor this year to block the discriminatory law, which intentionally targets Black educators and students. Today, you can get a deeper, first-hand account of this ongoing fight in an interview with an educator and a student on the ground in Florida.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/xxKnBOr4S8k?si=Da2oBT8TkJvB7vUt

Thanks for helping us make this progress possible, Paul.

– The ACLU Team

P.S. If you would like to deepen your impact on the ACLU’s mission, please donate today to defend the right to learn and all of our rights.

*All links above will take you to a third-party website, YouTube.com.

DONATE NOW

And, after I watched the video above on YouTube, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU, because "class is back in full swing across the country – and so are the attacks on our right to learn," since "teachers and students across the country continue to face efforts to censor discussions around race, gender, and history ... but we're fighting back." –Paul Whiting (September 15th, 2023)

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September 15th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Federation of America today, September 15th, 2023, with the subject line, "A quick question for Paul", which stated the following:

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Supporters like you have told us that one of the biggest barriers to taking action to support reproductive health and rights is simply trying to keep up with all the threats.

It's understandable. This year alone, lawmakers have introduced more than 370 bills restricting abortion — plus attacks on gender-affirming care, sex education, birth control, and more. Staying up to date can be hard, but it's the first step to protecting our health and rights.

So we want to know:

Have you heard that Texas and an anonymous plaintiff are trying to use the courts to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers?

[✓] YES — TELL ME HOW I CAN HELP FIGHT BACK

[ ] NO — TELL ME MORE

Planned Parenthood health centers follow the law. This lawsuit is completely baseless and an attempt to shut down Planned Parenthood and take away access to affordable, high-quality health care — birth control, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, and check-ups — from people struggling to make ends meet. We're counting on you to stay informed and stay engaged.

DONATE NOW »

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

I'M FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD

High-quality, affordable health care for all: That’s what we believe in and it's why we fight for patients every day.

But right now, instead of helping people, politicians in Texas are playing with people's lives by litigating a case that falsely accuses Planned Parenthood of Medicaid fraud.

The goal of the case is to shut down Planned Parenthood in Texas and nationwide — all in pursuit of a cruel political agenda. Planned Parenthood did not commit fraud. Period.

We’ll never back down — are you with us?

TAKE ACTION

Tell Texas: Drop the lawsuit against Planned Parenthood

The state of Texas is suing the three Texas Planned Parenthood affiliates and Planned Parenthood Federation of America for nearly $1.8 billion.

Tell Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to drop this politically-motivated lawsuit and end these attacks on Planned Parenthood health centers and patients.

Send your message

First Name (Optional): Paul
Last Name (Optional): Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]

Subject: Stop targeting Planned Parenthood: Drop the lawsuit

To Gov. Abbott

Planned Parenthood health centers provide essential services to communities in Texas and across the country.

The meritless lawsuit accusing Texas Planned Parenthood affiliates of Medicaid fraud threatens the health of our communities. I urge you to drop this lawsuit and end the political attacks on Planned Parenthood.

This lawsuit is another transparent attempt on the part of Texas politicians to shut down health centers and block people from getting critical health care; it will not protect patient health or taxpayer dollars.

This politically-motivated lawsuit threatens access to care for patients nationwide. End the political attacks on health care providers. Stop harassing and targeting Planned Parenthood. Drop this dishonest and dangerous lawsuit.

Sincerely,
[Your information here]

And, after I sent the letter above, I received a confirmation email today, September 15th, 2023, from Planned Parenthood Federation of America with the subject line, "Thank you for speaking out about Texas", which stated the following:

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Once again, politicians hostile to reproductive health and rights are targeting Planned Parenthood health centers.

Once again, they are putting politics and ideology ahead of the health and needs of patients. Thank you for calling on Greg Abbott to drop this lawsuit and end these attacks on patients and providers.

You can help make an even bigger difference by showing your support for Planned Parenthood and asking your friends and family to join you.

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

You can also help out by making a tax-deductible gift to Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Your support will help us stand strong in the face of continued attacks on reproductive health and rights, and support Planned Parenthood health centers in providing vital care like birth control, cancer screenings, abortion services and more.

Together we can make a difference in protecting reproductive health and rights — thanks for taking action and pitching in when it counts.

— Planned Parenthood

First, it was abortion bans. Now Texas is trying to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers with a nearly $1.8 BILLION lawsuit — based on wildly false claims. Tell them to stop the attacks on patients and providers.

https://weareplannedparenthood.org/onlineactions/d4UUUUoKQUuKZrjxbrumjg2?snw=2&ref=c2c2408b-b3d7-4b1b-89be-47fc075ba887

Plus, after I sent the letter above to Governor Abbott, via the Planned Parenthood Federation of America website, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, because "the meritless lawsuit accusing Texas Planned Parenthood affiliates of Medicaid fraud threatens the health of our communities," so that is why "I urge[ed] [Governor Abbott] to drop this lawsuit and end the political attacks on Planned Parenthood." –Paul Whiting (September 15th, 2023)

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September 17th, 2023 Update: I received an email from USA for UNFPA (formerly known as the 'United Nations Fund for Population Activities' that is now called the 'United Nations Population Fund') today, September 17th, 2023, with the subject line, "Paul, sharing my reflections on this past week", which stated the following:

Dear Paul,

This has been an incredibly heartbreaking week.

Last weekend we woke up to the news about a disastrous 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Morocco. Nearly 3,000 are now confirmed dead, with thousands more who are missing or injured.

Then on Monday we heard about the tragic flooding in Libya because of Storm Daniel. Flash flooding caused two dams to burst, and waves of water inundated populated areas. Whole neighborhoods have reportedly been just washed away.

Approximately 884,000 people have been directly affected by the storm and flash floods. This includes nearly 230,000 women of reproductive age and nearly 25,000 pregnant women.

Thanks to your past support, Paul, we’ve been in Morocco for decades and are prepared to help — and we are on the ground in Libya working with partners to deliver Dignity Kits and Mama Kits to survivors.

Mama Kits ensure that new mothers have everything they need for themselves and their newborns. These kits include clothing for the mother and her baby, diapers, baby blanket, baby soap, and much more.

Dignity Kits ensure that women and girls can maintain their personal healthcare needs after a crisis. These kits include menstrual pads, bath soap, multiple pairs of underwear, a flashlight, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and more.

We are determined to provide care for every woman and girl, and are bolstered by your partnership and unwavering support, which allows us to mobilize quickly and deploy critically needed supplies in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, like an earthquake or flooding.

That’s why I am personally reaching out to ask you to make an emergency humanitarian gift in response to these crises — and all the others around the world — where women and girls are at risk of being overlooked in the disaster response. You can use my custom donation link below to make a special gift of $50 or whatever you can.***

We are so thankful of your past support, but UNFPA has just announced they need to raise an additional $6.9 million to respond to the crisis in Libya alone, and a special humanitarian gift would be truly appreciated.

We know how paralyzing a tragedy of this size can feel. But today, we have the opportunity to turn that shock, fear, and despair into action. Thank you so much for your partnership in these difficult times.

With appreciation,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], USA for UNFPA

September 18th, 2023 Update, Written On September 17th, 2023: I received a text message today, September 17th, 2023, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:

Paul, can you believe the U.S. Air Force turns 76 tomorrow? To honor our heroes on this important day, we're looking for 76K grateful Americans - including you - to join our celebration and make sure our service members know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐒𝐎'𝐬 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬?***

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

So, I signed the card because "the U.S. Air Force turns 76 tomorrow!" Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our Air Force heroes, "Happy 76th birthday to the U.S. Air Force! We are so grateful for all the service members who risk and sacrifice so much to keep us safe and free. Thank you for all that you do!"

And I made this one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "In honor of the 76th birthday of the U.S. Air Force, and of everything our brave heroes in uniform do to keep us safe and free, we need patriotic Americans to help us raise $76,000 toward vital resources and support. Every donation towards our goal will be doubled by the [name redacted] to help provide critical programs for service members and their families."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation. ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "September 18th, 2023 Update, Written On September 17th, 2023":

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

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September 18th, 2023 Update—Continued, Which Also Discusses September 14th, 2023: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google a few days ago on September 14th, 2023, as well as today, September 18th, 2023, when I noticed two different articles on various news websites, including APNews.com and ABCNews.com!

Now, I usually try to publish these news-related 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, starting on approximately September 14th, 2023 there suddenly was an enormous amount of news!

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day. So, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

Now, I originally found the first article mentioned below when I did my oftentimes daily Google news searches on September 14th, 2023, which is the day that there was suddenly a plethora of news stories! And I was trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of data usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't over that amount each month.

Therefore, on that first day of this sudden inundation of news, I simply opened the various news articles that I was planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

However, one of the articles I did manage to actually read on September 14th, 2023, because the topic of this particular article.

So without further ado, the AP (Associated Press) News article that I actually managed to read on September 14th, 2023, is titled, "More than 700 million people don’t know when — or if — they will eat again, UN food chief says." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"More than 700 million people don’t know when — or if — they will eat again, UN food chief says" from AP News

By Edith M. Lederer | Updated September 14, 2023

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A global hunger crisis has left more than 700 million people not knowing when or if they will eat again, and demand for food is rising relentlessly while humanitarian funding is drying up, the head of the United Nations food agency said Thursday.

World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain told the U.N. Security Council that because of the lack of funding, the agency has been forced to cut food rations for millions of people, and “more cuts are on the way.”

“We are now living with a series of concurrent and long-term crises that will continue to fuel global humanitarian needs,” she said. “This is the humanitarian community’s new reality — our new normal — and we will be dealing with the fallout for years to come.”

The WFP chief, the widow of the late U.S. senator John McCain, said the agency estimates that nearly 47 million people in over 50 countries are just one step from famine — and a staggering 45 million children under the age of five are now estimated to suffer from acute malnutrition.

According to WFP estimates from 79 countries where the Rome-based agency operates, up to 783 million people — one in 10 of the world’s population — still go to bed hungry every night. More than 345 million people are facing high levels of food insecurity this year, an increase of almost 200 million people from early 2021 before the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency said.

At the root of the soaring numbers, WFP said, is “a deadly combination of conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes and soaring fertilizer prices.”

The economic fallout from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine have pushed food prices out of the reach of millions of people across the world at the same time that high fertilizer prices have caused falling production of maize, rice, soybeans and wheat, the agency said.

“Our collective challenge is to ramp up the ambitious, multi-sectoral partnerships that will enable us to tackle hunger and poverty effectively, and reduce humanitarian needs over the long-term,” McCain urged business leaders at the council meeting focusing on humanitarian public-private partnerships. The aim is not just financing, but also finding innovative solutions to help the world’s neediest.

Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, told the council that “humanitarian relief has long been the domain of government” and development institutions, and the private sector was seen as a source of financial donations for supplies.

“Money is still important, but companies can offer so much more,” he said. “The private sector stands ready to tackle the challenges at hand in partnership with the public sector.” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://apnews.com/article/un-humanitarian-food-funding-business-96baadfb986f1286e7c6bbd8d95dfaca

And the ABC News article that I read today September 18th, 2023, is titled, "World's largest food program is in 'desperate situation' and running out of money as quickly as October." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"World's largest food program is in 'desperate situation' and running out of money as quickly as October" from ABC News

"There's a great malaise right now within countries about foreign aid."

By Ayesha Ali | September 17, 2023

The U.N. World Food Program (WFP), the largest anti-hunger initiative around the globe, is grappling with the worst funding shortage in its 60-year history and "we are in a desperate situation," Executive Director Cindy McCain said on Sunday.

"It's a combination of things -- it's COVID, it's climate change, it's conflict and also the cost of being able to do business," McCain told ABC "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl about the reasons behind the lack of money. "Those things combined and, of course, a world that has kind of grown tired of all this. There's a great malaise right now within countries about foreign aid and giving."

"The bottom line is those that are going to suffer [are] those who can't afford to," McCain said.

In September, the WFP said it "has been struggling to meet the global need for food assistance .... And for the first time ever, WFP has seen contributions decreasing while needs steadily increase." The organization has already had to make "significant cuts in hot spots such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Jordan, Palestine, South Sudan, Somalia, and Syria."

McCain warned on "This Week" that in Afghanistan, for example, the food program doesn't "have enough money to even get through October."

The WFP has been providing crucial services to the needy in the country, which was taken over in 2021 by the Taliban, who then imposed a wave of restrictions.

"Unless we can build up some funding for Afghanistan, we'll have to pull it completely out," McCain said.

Emphasizing the urgency, she said, "Right now, women can't work. They can't hold jobs of any kind. And in the case of WFP, we've been feeding women, feeding women and children. And if we have to pull out, starvation and famine is going to be the result of this."

Karl asked, "Who's not giving money that used to give money? What's happened?" ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/worlds-largest-food-program-desperate-situation-running-money/story?id=103253217

And I decided to highlight these articles from AP News and ABC News for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Plus, I made one-time donations to both the United Nations (UN) World Food Program USA and the United Nations World Food Programme! Please see the hyperlinks below for their donation webpages, which includes a relevant description from each donation page:

UN WFP: World Food Program USA

Save lives by giving food today: Donate now

You can make a lifesaving difference today. Donate to WFP to deliver lifesaving food to children and families most in need around the world. Make your 100% tax-deductible contribution now.

https://secure.wfpusa.org/donate/main-website?ms=Main_WEB_HEAD&_gl=1*nkybpi*_ga*NTU3NjE5MDkzLjE2OTA5NTI0NDg.*_ga_6WEE1DFW0V*MTY5NTA0MTc5Mi42LjEuMTY5NTA0MTc5Ni41Ni4wLjA.

UN WFP: World Food Programme

SAVING LIVES
CHANGING LIVES

DONATE NOW

Every donation provides nutritious food for hungry children and families.

https://donate.wfp.org/1244/donation/single?campaign=1517

By the way, if you are located in the United States of America, when you go onto to the World Food Programme's donation page, a website popup will state, "It looks like you're in United States: Continue to the WFP United States," which you can then close by pressing the "x" at the top right-hand corner of this popup in order to continue with your donation to the United Nations World Food Programme.

–Paul Whiting (written September 18th, 2023, revised September 23rd, 2023 and revised September 27th, 2023)

P.S.: Alright! I successfully made a donation to the United Nations World Food Program USA; but, when I tried to also donate to the United Nations World Food Programme, their donation webpage was having issues, so I was unable to donate to them.

So, I decided to write to them in order to let them know that I was unable to complete a one-time donation on their website.

Please see my email message to them below:

Message subject: I am unable to donate to the United Nations World Food Programme via your website https://donate.wfp.org/1244/donation/single?campaign=1517&_ga=2.153240632.1465855071.1695041996-1988978829.1694688632

From: Paul Whiting • [email redacted]
To: [email redacted]
Date: Sep 18, 2023 7:33 AM

Dear United Nations World Food Programme,

My name is Paul Whiting and I live in the United States of America. And I was attempting today, September 18th, 2023, to make a one-time donation to the United Nations World Food Programme on your website.

However, on the part of the webpage where it states, "Select your single payment method," there is no place to enter the payment method!

Now, I am on a smartphone, so I don't know if that has anything to do with the reason that the payment method area does not seem to work.

Thus, I am writing to you today to inform you of this issue!

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Yours very truly,

Paul Whiting
Poet, Artist and Philosopher
Portland, Oregon
United States of America

P.S.: Below, please find a pasted copy of your donation webpage, which shows what I am talking about:

---------------------------------------------

UN WFP
World Food Programme

SAVING LIVES
CHANGING LIVES

English

DONATE NOW
Every donation provides nutritious food for hungry children and families.

GIVE MONTHLY GIVE ONCE

Your single donation
You are about to give once.

Country: United States

Currency: $ - USD

Make a single donation of

$18.00

$38.00

$69.00

$ Other

Make a monthly donation instead ... Could provide vital emergency meals for 74 hungry people

Your contact details

Email address *
e.g. example@gmail.com

Yes, I am happy for WFP to use the personal information I share to send me communications about WFP programmes, services, and events by email

Phone number
+1▼ e.g. 5567788990

By providing your phone number you agree that WFP will use the personal information you share with us to send you information about our programmes, services and events by SMS, telephone (voice) and via messaging platforms i.e. WhatsApp.

Your single donation
Select your single payment method.

[THIS IS THE PART OF THE WEBPAGE WHERE THERE IS NO PLACE TO ENTER YOUR PAYMENT METHOD!]

When you donate to the World Food Programme, your generosity is immediately put to work helping build a world with zero hunger.

You can help save lives during emergencies or give children nutritious meals in school. We can’t do any of this without your support.

Please donate now.

About Us

Did you know there’s enough food in our world to feed everyone? Yet 828 million people go to bed hungry every night.

We believe no mother or father should struggle to feed their child.

Established in 1961, we are the world’s largest humanitarian organization – and it's generous people like you that help us save and change lives in over 120 countries around the world.

Now let's end hunger for good.

Experiencing difficulties?
We’re here to help:

[Email redacted]

Security & Privacy is important to us

Your details will be kept securely and will not be shared with any third parties.
View our Privacy Notice.

The UN World Food Programme is a 100% voluntarily funded organization. For every $1 you give, 64 cents goes directly to programmes supporting hungry people.

Right now, 2 cents is used to process your donation and 6 cents helps run WFP and our programmes. 28 cents goes towards raising the next $1 (which under our ten-year plan will fall – averaging out at 22 cents between 2020-2030).

Privacy Notice | Terms and Conditions | FAQ

Via [Address redacted]
[Postal Code, City and Country redacted]
Powered by goDonate

https://donate.wfp.org/1244/donation/single?campaign=1517&_ga=2.153240632.1465855071.1695041996-1988978829.1694688632

---------------------------------------------

By the way, I already donated to the United Nations World Food Program USA today, but I was still interested in donating to the United Nations World Food Programme, as well!

And I will provide you an update with their reply...

...I received a reply from the UN World Food Programme today, September 25th, 2023, which stated the following:

Hello Paul,

Thank you for reaching out to the UN World Food Programme.

I'm sorry to hear that you are having difficulty making a donation via our website. If you are based in the USA, there is a chance that your donation has routed to WFP USA which operates as a separate entity to focus on fundraising within North America only.

We kindly ask you to get in touch with the US branch of WFP directly, so that they can assist you with your request.

WFP USA: Email: [redacted] | General Inquiries: [phone number redacted] | Donor Inquiries: [phone number redacted]

Hope this information helps.

Kind regards,
Supporter Care Team

So, my interpretation of the reply above is that when I was on the United Nations World Food Programme's donation page and that website popup stated, "It looks like you're in United States: Continue to the WFP United States," I shouldn't have closed the popup by pressing the "x" at the top right-hand corner of the popup in order to continue with my donation to the United Nations World Food Programme!

Therefore, that is why the email above stated, "your donation has routed to WFP USA which operates as a separate entity to focus on fundraising within North America only." Thus, the WFP USA (United Nations World Food Program USA) website is where you are supposed to make donations from North America!

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September 19th, 2023 Update, Written On September 20th, 2023: I received a text message yesterday, September 19th, 2023, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:

I need you to know what's happening, Paul:

-- Extreme MAGA Republicans have raised nearly $52 MILLION to hold the House.

-- Republicans launched a blitz of misleading attack ads against 21 of our swing-seat Democrats.

I'm calling for 2500 Democrats to secure their 2023 Membership status in the next 12 hours to help us pull off an unprecedented fundraising haul of our own, OUTRAISE House Republicans and ruin their hopes of defending their House majority.

Can I count on you to secure your Membership status with $25 to the DCCC? >>***

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗦: PENDING
𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: $25 >>***

We can either let extreme MAGA Republicans use their new war chest to continue blanketing the airwaves with attacks against Democrats and threaten all of our progress...

…𝗢𝗿 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀.

We can't afford for anyone to sit on the sidelines while Republicans threaten our mission to put People Over Politics.

I'm calling for a rapid response -- 2500 new Democratic Memberships -- to pull this off. Can I count on you to step up with $25 to the DCCC? >>***

Thank you,

[Name redacted]

Chip in now to FLIP the House and DEFEND President Biden’s legacy!

Republicans are blocking President Biden’s agenda at every turn -- and he’s counting on this grassroots team to STOP them.

SO QUICKLY: Will you rush in a donation to elect a WAVE of Democrats and FLIP the House?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit DCCC.

[✓] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $150 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Other amount

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[  ] $3

[✓] Add custom amount $0.21

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, because "we can either let extreme MAGA Republicans use their new war chest to continue blanketing the airwaves with attacks against Democrats and threaten all of our progress...𝗢𝗿 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀." –Paul Whiting (September 20th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 19th, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On September 20th, 2023: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from two separate emails that I received yesterday, September 19th, 2023, when I noticed two Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read yesterday, September 19th, 2023, is titled, "GOP ‘Civil War’ Over Spending Bills Threatens to Shut Down the Government." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"GOP ‘Civil War’ Over Spending Bills Threatens to Shut Down the Government" from Time Magazine

By Nik Popli | September 18, 2023

Anew federal fiscal year is set to begin in less than two weeks—but Congress is yet to pass any of the dozen appropriations bills that need to be signed into law to keep the government running. Nor has Congress passed a stopgap spending law to buy lawmakers more time, raising the prospect of a politically treacherous government shutdown at the end of the month.

The stalemate has left leaders in Washington scrambling to come up with a plan to fund government programs and pay federal employees. Republican infighting over conservative culture war policies has left Congress embroiled in a bitter struggle over the annual spending bills, setting off alarms on Wall Street and putting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a precarious position as he tries to navigate his fractured conference.

Over the weekend, members from both sides of the House Republican Conference reached a tentative deal on a short-term spending plan that would pair a 31-day continuing resolution (CR) with a House GOP-passed border security package. But the agreement faced immediate backlash from GOP hardliners who said they wouldn’t vote for a CR unless it had more conservative policies attached, such as language to address "woke policies" and "weaponization of the DOJ." Other Republicans have said they won't support any continuing resolution.

By Monday afternoon, at least 10 Republican lawmakers had announced their opposition to the deal—spelling trouble for McCarthy, who can only afford to lose four Republican votes. “We’re going to bring new ideas up,” McCarthy told reporters, “and we’re going to work until we get this done.”

Congress has until September 30—the end of the fiscal year—to pass the 12 appropriations bills, or the government will shut down for the fourth time in the past decade.

There are several sticking points that are holding up negotiations. Members of the Freedom Caucus, a prominent rightwing faction, insisted on a tougher stance in spending negotiations with President Joe Biden and the Senate, rejecting the idea of a "clean" stopgap bill to keep the government open past September and calling for concessions on border security and reductions in social program funding.

Some House Republicans have also pushed to incorporate abortion policy into major government spending bills. This tactic, aimed at winning over conservative members, led to fierce opposition from moderate Republicans. The battle centered on a provision in the agriculture funding bill, which sought to ban mail delivery of abortion pills nationwide. As disagreements over spending levels and abortion provisions intensified, senior Republicans had to abandon their plans to pass the agriculture funding bill in August, leaving McCarthy with limited leverage as Congress approaches a potential shutdown—and with the issue still unresolved. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6315482/republicans-spending-bills-fight-government-shutdown

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today, September 20th, 2023, is titled, "How Russia Is Recruiting Cubans to Fight in Ukraine." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"How Russia Is Recruiting Cubans to Fight in Ukraine" from Time Magazine

By Vera Bergengruen | September 18, 2023

Alex Vegas Díaz was surprised to find himself sleeping next to Russian soldiers in a trench in Ukraine, more than 6,000 miles from home. In his telling, the skinny 19-year-old Cuban accepted an offer posted on WhatsApp to make good money doing “construction work” for the Russian military. Instead, he and a friend were taken to a base, outfitted with weapons, and sent against their will to the front lines of a war they never intended to join.

“What is happening in Ukraine is ugly—to see people with their heads open before you, to see how people are killed, feel the bombs falling next to you,” Vegas Díaz said in an Aug. 31 video, speaking from a Russian hospital, where he said he was recovering from an illness before being sent back to the front. “Please, please help get us out of here.”

The plea for help went viral. Similar stories began to surface, as Cubans posted online and called into talk shows to ask for information about family members who had also flown to Moscow to join the Russian military. The outcry eventually prompted the Cuban government to issue a striking allegation: a “human trafficking network” operating out of Russia was luring young Cubans to enlist to fight in Ukraine. On Sept. 8, Cuban officials said they had arrested 17 people in connection with the alleged trafficking scheme. They could face up to 30 years in prison for engaging in mercenary activity, which is against Cuban law.

But social-media posts, audio messages, and videos from recruits in Russia reviewed by TIME, along with interviews with family members and documents obtained by a Ukrainian hacker group that corroborate their identities, combine to tell a very different story. They indicate that Vegas Díaz became caught up in a large, organized operation that has openly recruited hundreds of Cuban volunteers to fight in Moscow’s increasingly depleted army since July. They also suggest that the trafficking allegations may be an attempt by the Cuban government, a longtime ally of Russia, to maintain its stated neutrality on the war in Ukraine, four Cuba experts and former U.S. officials tell TIME. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6314093/russia-recruiting-cubans-ukraine-war

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 20th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 20th, 2023 Update: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from one of their daily emails that I received today, September 20th, 2023, when I noticed two Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "These Are the Key GOP Players in the Government Shutdown Fight." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"These Are the Key GOP Players in the Government Shutdown Fight" from Time Magazine

By Nik Popli | September 19, 2023

As the government shutdown deadline approaches, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy finds himself once again navigating treacherous political waters within his own party.

Tensions within the House Republican conference have erupted into a public spectacle, as the party grapples with internal divisions over spending. McCarthy, a lead negotiator in the high-stakes drama, faces the daunting task of rallying his caucus while dealing with aggressive opposition from within.

Spending discussions continued on Tuesday after three members of the House Freedom Caucus and three members of the more moderate House Main Street Caucus brokered a GOP plan over the weekend to extend current funding through Oct. 31. In exchange for the 31-day extension, the deal would include border security measures sought by conservatives and 8.1% spending cuts from all nondefense accounts except for the Department of Veterans Affairs and disaster relief. Such a deal—known as a continuing resolution (CR)—would give lawmakers an extra month to try to complete fiscal 2024 appropriations, though the proposal faced immediate backlash from more than a dozen GOP hardliners who felt Republicans are still spending too much and wanted to see more conservative policies attached.

During a closed-door GOP conference on Tuesday morning, several conservative lawmakers expressed a desire to revise the CR spending levels to more closely mimic numbers outlined by House Republicans earlier this year during debt ceiling negotiations, a House GOP aide familiar with the discussions tells TIME. Facing pressure to revise the top-line spending levels, McCarthy on Tuesday afternoon pulled a procedural vote on the interim government funding bill as GOP lawmakers, including Oklahoma Republican Rep. Kevin Hern, huddled inside Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s office to discuss a plan to slash spending to $1.471 trillion.

Rep. Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, told reporters that “at least a dozen” holdouts were inside the meeting in the whip’s office after the procedural rules vote was pulled from the schedule. Freedom Caucus chair Scott Perry, a Florida Republican who helped craft the CR proposal, said he’s open to making changes to it. “If you don’t do something, you aren’t going to get anything,” he told reporters.

Should House Republicans adopt the more fiscally conservative spending plan, it would likely be dead-on-arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate, triggering a political clash with less than two weeks to go before the Sept. 30 deadline to avoid a shutdown.

House Republicans faced another setback Tuesday afternoon when five conservatives and all Democrats sank a procedural vote on a Pentagon funding bill. Those in opposition to the Pentagon appropriations bill—one of 12 that Congress has to pass—have demanded steeper spending cuts as part of the appropriations process.

Here is a look at the key negotiators in the spending fight that could lead to a government shutdown. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6315821/key-republicans-spending-fight-congress-shutdown

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Approval of Congress Hits Near-Record Low as Country Stumbles Toward Shutdown." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Approval of Congress Hits Near-Record Low as Country Stumbles Toward Shutdown" from Time Magazine

By Philip Elliott | September 19, 2023

Back in 2013, as congressional leaders and President Barack Obama searched for an end to a 16-day government shutdown, a survey by the Pew Research Center found 73% of Americans disapproved of Congress, a record high.

A decade later, Americans are no longer even bothering to wait for the shutdown most of Washington seems to assume is inevitable to register their disgust. Pew's latest polling, released on Tuesday, shows just 26% of Americans holding a favorable view of Congress and 72% with the inverse, within a rounding error of the record from 2013. To get to a similar number today, Congress didn’t have to let the lights go out; Americans sensed this set of lawmakers by and large seemed more interested in self-aggrandizement than governing.

And even as the public holds them in such little regard, it’s like lawmakers are collectively saying hold my beer to the country. Funding is about to dry up come Oct. 1, the 12 must-pass bills are nowhere near finished in a way that can pass both chambers, and a handful of unyielding ideologues stand in the way of anything even approaching civility. Even a stopgap is far from an easy lift, and the usual gimme’ on the defense package keeps getting tripped up.

For the folks who love this type of stunt, such dysfunctionality is evidence of the efficacy of disruption—and that translates to dollars for the next campaign and for allies who will owe them chits. For mainstream D.C. types, it’s a horrifying reminder of just how unprepared this GOP Leadership team in the House was when they came in, why it took 15 ballots to put them in place, and why they surrendered any sustainability just to get the job for a hot minute.

As Congress stumbles into the potential seventh government shutdown since 1990, it’s no wonder Americans have lost faith in the ability of the parties to self-correct, to self-regulate. And that’s as much of a problem for the party on deck as the one in the hot seat.

It’s not just a hunch, either. In new questions to the Pew battery, 97% of Americans say at least some politicians run for office to get famous and 99% say they do so to get rich. Meanwhile, a record share of Americans—22%!—now say they never trust the government to do what’s right. When Pew first asked that question back in October of 1997, only 2% agreed with that sentiment. The current numbers make clear that Americans view Washington as irresponsible, craven, and lacking almost any essence of credibility.

This isn’t an environment for success—for Freedom Caucus members, for Main Street Republicans, for New Deal Democrats, for progressives, or even the socialists. It sure as heck isn’t one for responsibility. No one wins when chaos is the order of the day. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6315711/federal-government-shutdown-congress-approval-poll

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 20th, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 20th, 2023 Update—Continued, Which Also Discusses September 14th, 2023 Through September 19th, 2023: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google starting a few days ago on September 14th, 2023, all the way up through today, September 20th, 2023, when I noticed 34 different articles on various news websites, including CNN.com, RollingStone.com, NBCNews.com, NYTimes.com, NPR.org, USAToday.com, Reuters.com, Axios.com, Politico.com, RollCall.com, APNews.com and ABC.com!

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, starting on approximately September 14th, 2023 there suddenly was an enormous amount of news!

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day. So, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

And I was trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of data usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't over that amount each month.

Therefore, on that first day of this sudden inundation of news, I simply opened a webpage for each of the various news articles that I was planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I had an introduction to write, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for this particular current news 'update' and simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink for each article.

Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this particular 'update' due to the number of articles.

No. 1: The first of many CNN articles that I read today is titled, "Trump shares post on Jewish New Year attacking American Jews who didn’t support him."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/18/politics/trump-american-jews-attack/index.html

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: The Rolling Stone Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Donald Trump Wishes ‘Liberal Jews’ a Happy New Year by Accusing Them of Destroying America."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/donald-trump-accuses-liberal-jews-of-destroying-america-israel-rosh-hashanah-1234826826/amp/

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: The first of many NBC News articles that I read today is titled, "Trump accuses 'liberal Jews' of voting to 'destroy America and Israel' in Rosh Hashanah message."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna105540

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: The second of many CNN articles that I read today is titled, "Strikes make a comeback in America."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/16/business/strike-uaw-writers-actors-america/index.html

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: The third of many CNN articles that I read today is titled, "September 15, 2023 United Auto Workers go on strike."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/business/live-news/strike-uaw-stellantis-ford-09-15-23/index.html

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: The second of many NBC News articles that I read today is titled, "Democrats head to the picket line as UAW strike gets underway."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/shows/meetthepress/blog/rcna105292

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: The first of two New York Times articles that I read today is titled, "The Autoworkers Go on Strike." (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/15/briefing/uaw-strike.html

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: The first of two NPR (National Public Radio) articles that I read today is titled, "Why the UAW is fighting so hard for these 4 key demands in the auto strike."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/20/1200357955/uaw-big-3-strike-auto-shawn-fain

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: The first of two USA Today articles that I read today is titled, "If the economic statistics are good, why do Americans feel so bad?" (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/15/americans-gloomy-about-economy/70833096007

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: The second of two USA Today articles that I read today is titled, "President Biden, trailing Trump on the economy, goes on offense. What he's saying." (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/14/joe-biden-speech-attacks-trump-maganomics/70854205007

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: The first of many Reuters articles that I read today is titled, "Biden attacks Republicans for 'MAGAnomics' as government shutdown looms. What he's saying."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-address-budget-cuts-government-shutdown-thursday-speech-2023-09-14

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: The second of many Reuters articles that I read today is titled, "House Republicans eye short-term spending deal as shutdown looms."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/top-us-house-democrat-sees-republican-civil-war-shutdown-looms-2023-09-17

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: The third of many Reuters articles that I read today is titled, "Republican infighting stalls spending bills in US House as shutdown looms."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-republicans-delay-initial-vote-short-term-funding-bill-2023-09-19

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: The first of two Axios articles that I read today is titled, "Dems urge McCarthy to face reality, work with them on spending bills."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.axios.com/2023/09/18/mccarthy-democrats-spending-bills-avert-shutdown

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: The first of many Politico articles that I read today is titled, "Why the White House is letting McCarthy flail."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/20/biden-white-house-mccarthy-shutdown-budget-00116965

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: The second of many Politico articles that I read today is titled, "Inside Dems’ shutdown strategy."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/20/democrats-government-shutdown-strategy-00116993

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: The third of many Politico articles that I read today is titled, "McCarthy warns House Republicans against spending stonewall."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/17/kevin-mccarthy-shutdown-republicans-00116417

---------------------------------------------

No. 18: The fourth of many Politico articles that I read today is titled, "Congress is in crisis. There’s no clear escape."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/15/government-shutdown-congress-gop-00116066

---------------------------------------------

No. 19: The fifth of many Politico articles that I read today is titled, "Conservative mutiny forces delay in House Pentagon spending bill."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/13/defense-bill-house-republicans-00115530

---------------------------------------------

No. 20: The third of many NBC News articles that I read today is titled, "House Republicans release short-term bill to avert government shutdown until Oct. 31."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna105521

---------------------------------------------

No. 21: The second of two NPR (National Public Radio) articles that I read today is titled, "As House Republicans bicker, the government shutdown threat grows."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/14/1199492126/house-republicans-speaker-mccarthy-spending-shutdown

---------------------------------------------

No. 22: The Roll Call article that I read today is titled, "Spending turmoil rocks House GOP with deadline weeks away."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://rollcall.com/2023/09/13/spending-turmoil-rocks-house-gop-with-deadline-weeks-away

---------------------------------------------

No. 23: The second of two Axios articles that I read today is titled, "House GOP discord kills key defense spending vote."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.axios.com/2023/09/13/house-gop-defense-spending-vote

---------------------------------------------

No. 24: The fourth of many NBC News articles that I read today is titled, "Far-right Republicans drafted a short-term funding bill with GOP centrists. It’s now at risk of collapse."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna105706

---------------------------------------------

No. 25: The fifth of many NBC News articles that I read today is titled, "McConnell warns that shutdowns have 'always been a loser for Republicans'."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna105885

---------------------------------------------

No. 26: The sixth of many NBC News articles that I read today is titled, "Republican infighting paralyzes the House as some call a shutdown inevitable."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna105882

---------------------------------------------

No. 27: The AP (Associated Press) News article that I read today is titled, "Speaker McCarthy is running out of options to stop a shutdown as conservatives balk at a new plan."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-funding-congress-mccarthy-gop-1c7af4f1febed6596604d8b23ec2a280

---------------------------------------------

No. 28: The fourth of many CNN articles that I read today is titled, "The Republican Party infighting is driving America toward a government shutdown."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/20/politics/government-shutdown-house-republicans/index.html

---------------------------------------------

No. 29: The fifth of many CNN articles that I read today is titled, "Tensions flare inside House GOP as moderates explore new plan to avoid shutdown."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/18/politics/house-republican-infighting-government-funding/index.html

---------------------------------------------

No. 30: The fourth of many Reuters articles that I read today is titled, "Angry McCarthy goads House Republicans in government shutdown fight."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republican-mccarthy-warns-nobody-wins-government-shutdown-2023-09-14

---------------------------------------------

No. 31: The seventh of many NBC News articles that I read today is titled, "McCarthy dares GOP detractors to 'file the f---ing motion' if they want to remove him."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna105069

---------------------------------------------

No. 32: The first of two ABC News articles that I read today is titled, "Visibly irritated McCarthy dares Republican hard-liners to try to oust him in closed-door meeting."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/mccarthy-dares-republicans-oust-closed-door-meeting/story?id=103185953

---------------------------------------------

No. 33: The second of two ABC News articles that I read today is titled, "Democrats have been winning big in special elections."

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/538/democrats-winning-big-special-elections/story?id=103315703

---------------------------------------------

No. 34: The second of two New York Times articles that I read today is titled, "The Republican Party Has Devolved Into a Racket." (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/18/opinion/politics/republican-party-trump-racket.html

And I decided to highlight these articles from CNN, Rolling Stone, NBC News, The New York Times, NPR, USA Today, Reuters, Axios, Politico, Roll Call, AP News and ABC News for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

By the way, this isn't all of the various news articles that I opened a webpage for—from the period of September 14th, 2023 through September 20th, 2023—which I was planning to read based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on. However, this is as many of the articles that I was able to read while I was my local library where I have access to WiFi! And I have been at the library for about seven hours today, so I am calling it a "current news 'update' day." Plus, I may do this again later for the remaining articles from the above-mentioned period, but I am not sure yet...

---------------------------------------------

...Okay, as of today, September 21st, 2023, I have decided to list those above-mentioned remaining 39 news articles (for a grand total of 73 articles!) that I was planning to read based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on, that are all from the period of September 14th, 2023 through September 20th, 2023, as mentioned above.

However, to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: you will notice that I continued the numbering system from above, but I greatly simplified how these remaining articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles above that I have already read. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this particular 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

For example, I already read the first one of these 'articles,' so to speak, which is titled, "The nation's cartoonists on the week in politics." Thus, you will note that I have indicated the date that I read the 'article' below the title and hyperlink to the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading each article, as can be seen below.

---------------------------------------------

No. 35: "The nation's cartoonists on the week in politics" from Politico (and, specifically, I have selected the political cartoon "Unfit for office!" out of the cartoon carousel):

https://www.politico.com/gallery/2023/09/15/the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics-00115991?slide=10

(By the way, I always try to take the time look at the advertisements in these "cartoon carousels" in order to appreciate the fact that I am able to read these political cartoons based upon their ads!)

[I read this 'article' on September 21st, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 36: "With Nothing on Joe Biden, Republicans Move Toward Impeaching Him Anyway" from Mother Jones Magazine:

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/09/with-nothing-on-joe-biden-republicans-move-toward-impeaching-him-anyway

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

By the way, when I started to read this article, I noticed a banner toward the top of Mother Jones Magazine's website, which stated the following:

Mother Jones Needs Your Help

Journalism is in trouble, and we need to be more upfront with you about how hard it is keeping Mother Jones afloat. We also need to raise $253,000 in online donations quickly, by October 7. This is a legitimately urgent moment, in a financially uncertain, high-stakes year. And we unpack it all as matter-of-factly as we can because readers told us to give it to you straight. We can't come up short again. Please help keep Mother Jones charging hard with a donation of any amount today.

DONATE:

https://secure.motherjones.com/flex/mj/key/7LIGHTA/src/7AHPR46%7cPAHPR46/

And so, I made a one-time donation to Mother Jones Magazine in order to "help keep Mother Jones charging hard with a donation of any amount today." -Paulee

---------------------------------------------

No. 37: "In the tale of 5 presidential impeachments, how will the latest one stack up?" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/18/1199613387/biden-impeachment-trump-clinton-nixon

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 38: "Republicans run a big risk with impeachment" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/16/1199818085/republicans-impeachment-polling-biden-mccarthy

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 39: "What to know about the House GOP's Biden impeachment inquiry" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/house-gops-impeachment-inquiry-biden/story?id=103130979

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 40: "The Republicans most at risk in next year’s election are falling in line behind impeachment inquiry" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/impeachment-inquiry-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-c38365ac6bbcdaca983995baded91121

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 41: "Biden has been preparing to fight an impeachment for almost a year. This is his strategy" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mcccarthy-hunter-biden-269f3791a2cf5535e860ac08ba5a5807

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 42: "Biden advisers plotted impeachment response plan ahead of McCarthy’s impeachment inquiry announcement" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/13/politics/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-response-strategy/index.html

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 43: "Biden impeachment saga creates a wild new political twist in an unprecedented election" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/14/politics/2024-election-biden-impeachment-saga/index.html

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 44: "Fact-checking McCarthy’s claims while launching Biden impeachment inquiry" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/13/politics/fact-check-mccarthy-biden-impeachment-claims/index.html

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 45: "Joe Biden Impeachment Claim Questioned" from Newsweek:

https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-impeachment-falls-apart-1828093?amp=1

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 46: "Republican Admits GOP Doesn't Have Evidence Joe Biden Was Bribed" from Newsweek:

https://www.newsweek.com/mccaul-admits-gop-has-no-evidence-1827663?amp=1

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 47: "Rep. Comer is the Biden impeachment inquiry's wild card" from Axios:

https://www.axios.com/2023/09/15/comer-biden-impeachment-inquiry-wild-card

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 48: "Biden addresses impeachment for the first time after Kevin McCarthy announces inquiry" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna104981

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 49: "Three reasons Biden’s problems appear to be overblown" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/17/politics/biden-problems-reelection-impeachment-economy/index.html

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 50: "Biden tells a Broadway theater packed for fundraiser that Trump is determined to destroy the nation" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/biden-broadway-fundraiser-new-york-fc92b7f04ad2ac20c119e60337da5cfb

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 51: "In New York, Biden says he is running for re-election because democracy is at stake" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/new-york-biden-says-he-is-running-re-election-because-democracy-is-stake-2023-09-19

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 52: "Jan. 6 defendants bring cases to Supreme Court. Here's what it could mean for Donald Trump" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/17/trump-capitol-attack-jan-6-supreme-court/70830675007

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 53: "Trump refuses to say in a TV interview how he watched the Jan. 6 attack unfold at the US Capitol" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-pardon-abortion-putin-59460113ce82ce6f6140d47856261a56

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 54: "Biden and Trump are both old. So why are voters keying in on only one of them?" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/biden-trump-old-voters-age-issue-rcna104316?ex=digest

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 55: "Cognitively impaired’? Trump’s confused attacks on Biden start to backfire" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/18/trump-biden-age-election-2024

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 56: "Biden tries to project his global leadership as challenges pile up at home" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/18/politics/joe-biden-unga-auto-strike/index.html

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 57: "Biden gives U.N. speech urging the 2023 General Assembly to 'preserve peace, prevent conflict'" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-united-nations-general-assembly-speech-watch-live-stream-today-2023-09-19

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 58: "U.N. General Assembly opens with world in crisis — but only 1 of the 5 key world powers attending" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/un-general-assembly-2023-ukraine-zelenskyy-biden-russia-china-absent

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 59: "Everything you need to know about this year’s meeting of leaders at the UN General Assembly" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/un-general-assembly-2023-what-to-know-9f3f99a3c99594a2a36d83e11e206975

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 60: "As the UN turns: Relationships to watch as world leaders gather" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/17/united-nations-biden-general-assembly-zelenskyy-00116365

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 61: "Zelenskyy warns Putin could cause World War III" from 60 Minutes:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/zelenskyy-putin-world-war-iii-ukraine-russia-60-minutes

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 62: "Global South leaders demand end of ‘plundering international order’" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/16/global-south-leaders-demand-end-of-plundering-international

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 63: "California sues oil giants alleging ‘climate risks deception’: Report" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/16/california-sues-oil-giants-alleging-climate-risks-deception-report

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 64: "California suit against Chevron, Exxon, Shell, others, alleges public deception on climate change" from CNBC:

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/09/18/california-sues-chevron-exxon-oil-giants-on-climate-change-deception.html

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 65: "California's lawsuit says oil giants downplayed climate change. Here's what to know" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/16/1199974919/california-oil-lawsuit-climate-change

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 66: "'Big Oil has been lying to us': California sues oil giants over climate change damages" from France 24:

https://amp.france24.com/en/americas/20230916-califonia-sues-oil-giants-over-damages-caused-by-climate-change

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 67: "Special UN summit, protests, week of talk turn up heat on fossil fuels and global warming" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-fossil-fuels-biden-protest-united-nations-a42d71553a452069ceb01944b7fd8744

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 68: "For Some Journalists, Climate Change Coverage Brings Harassment, Threats" from VOA (Voice of America) News:

https://www.voanews.com/a/press-freedom-climate-conspiracy-media-attacks/7273103.html

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 69: "Climate change: Thousands march in NYC ahead of UN summit" from DW (Deutsche Welle) News:

https://amp.dw.com/en/climate-change-thousands-march-in-nyc-ahead-of-un-summit/a-66839873

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 70: "Thousands march in New York to demand that Biden 'end fossil fuels'" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/17/1200027693/thousands-expected-to-march-in-new-york-to-demand-that-biden-end-fossil-fuels

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 71: "White House launches American Climate Corps" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/white-house-launches-american-climate-corps-rcna105931?ex=digest

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 72: "Biden to launch 'American Climate Corps' following calls from activists, Democratic lawmakers" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-launch-american-climate-corps/story?id=103333133

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 73: "Biden uses executive power to create a New Deal-style American Climate Corps" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/biden-climate-corps-conservation-green-new-deal-d1ea0e218c8754b90f8446ad57aed689

[I read this article on September 26th, 2023.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from Politico, Mother Jones Magazine, NPR, ABC News, AP News, CNN, Newsweek, Axios, NBC News, Reuters, USA Today, The Guardian News, CBS News, 60 Minutes, Al Jazeera News, CNBC, France 24, VOA News and DW News for you, my readers, to consider reading too! (Whew!)

–Paul Whiting (written September 20th, 2023, revised September 21st, 2023, revised September 22nd, 2023, revised September 23rd, 2023, revised September 25th, 2023, revised September 26th, 2023, revised September 28th, 2023 and revised October 5th, 2023)

P.S.: By the way, today, September 26th, 2023, I read the remaining news articles from September 14th, 2023 Through September 20th, 2023, which I have listed as No. 36 through No. 73.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 20th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) today, September 20th, 2023, with the subject line, "The cruelest part of these farm worker injuries?", which stated the following:

United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW

The cruelest part of these farm worker injuries? Indifference.

Farm work is a dangerous job. In fact, agricultural work is among the most dangerous professions. But workers without a union contract are often afraid to speak up about safety issues and then, when they are injured, do not receive proper treatment. This is on top of the abuse and exploitation they are often subjected to. That's why the UFW is fighting for safer, just and respectful conditions for farm workers. Will you help us?

[Name redacted] was climbing down a ladder with a bag full of NY [New York] apples he'd just picked, when he fell off and landed on his hand. He tried to keep working, but the pain kept getting worse. After taking time off to rest, he had to return to his job because "they had told me they weren't going to pay me a single hour if I didn't show up to work." Since it was too painful to use his injured hand, [name redacted] worked one-handed until he finally saw a doctor two weeks later.

Like [name redacted], [name redacted] was picking fruit — in his case, oranges — in Tulare County, CA [California] when he too fell off a ladder. When he rubbed his hand, it crunched because of the broken bones. He had to wait three months for the farm labor contractor to take him to the doctor who accepted the contractor's insurance. By then, the bones had re-set improperly. Even now, 13 years later, "My fingers are numb, I can't completely close my hand."

There are so many other ways farm workers can get injured on the job. [Name redacted], a widow with four children, packs apples in upstate New York. According to [name redacted], the company does not properly control "the chemicals they use to wash the apples and disinfect them or the chemicals they use to fumigate. A few years ago, there was a chemical spill inside the packing house, and we had to leave in an emergency. It affected our throats, we felt dizzy, and had headaches."

Each of these farm workers urgently need the protections and critical benefits that come with a union contract. They also need the UFW to advocate for them so employers take responsibility if an accident occurs. That means we must step up our organizing campaigns so farm workers can rely on the union to help them when they get injured. Your donation can help create better workplaces and lives for farm workers who need the UFW.

DONATE***

PS: After you take action you can also share this campaign on Facebook & Twitter.*

Farm work is among the most dangerous jobs. Without a union contract, workers can be afraid to speak up about safety and may not receive proper care if injured. Farm workers urgently need the protections of a union contract. Your gift can help. http://ufw.org/accidents2023

And so, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers because "farm workers urgently need the protections and critical benefits that come with a union contract." Plus, "they also need the UFW to advocate for them so employers take responsibility if an accident occurs." So "that means we must step up our organizing campaigns so farm workers can rely on the union to help them when they get injured." –Paul Whiting (written September 20th, 2023, revised October 27th, 2023 and revised November 17th, 2023)

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September 21st, 2023 Update, Which Also Discusses September 23rd, 2023: I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles from two separate emails that I received today, September 21st, 2023, when I noticed seven Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

Now, I usually read these articles the day that I notice them—and that's also when I usually write the corresponding 'update.' However, I received the first Time email at 5:43 AM and then I received the second Time email at 3:20 PM on September 21st, 2023. So, I had time to read the first four articles below on the day that I received them, but I didn't have time to read the last three articles until September 23rd, 2023!

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "We Must Win the Race to Net Zero." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"We Must Win the Race to Net Zero" from Time Magazine

By Catherine Mckenna | September 20, 2023

Canada’s summer of 2023 was not just hot; it was ablaze. Fires decimated an area the size of New York state. Tens of thousands of Canadians were forced from their homes. A territorial capital was evacuated. Heavy, acrid smoke sent air quality plummeting in both the U.S. and Europe. Our national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, aptly dubbed it “Canada’s summer of fire and smoke.”

Despite the fact that 90% of global GDP is covered by net zero targets, and there is real progress in scaling clean energy globally, the U.N.'s most recent progress assessment is unequivocal: The world is not on track. We need to phase out fossil fuels now and rapidly decarbonize all sectors of the economy or face catastrophic warming exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius. Make no mistake: in Canada and far too many other countries, this summer was only a taste of what will follow if we breach this limit.

This is why the can’t-do attitude of too many business leaders and politicians has to stop. In some circles, it’s become acceptable to give up on the 1.5°C target as too hard. This is pitiful—especially when we have the solutions. The world can’t afford more foot-dragging and excuses. Instead, we need to win the race to net zero and stop talking ourselves out of even stepping onto the track.

As a former competitive swimmer, I learned that the path to victory involves setting an ambitious goal, putting in the work every day, measuring progress, and always sprinting for the finish. Yes, we need a 2050 net zero goal. But like an athlete training for the Olympics a decade out, we also need the accountability that comes from near-term targets. For the world, this means peaking global emissions by 2025, and halving them by 2030.

Yet, just when we need them to be champions, too many business leaders and politicians sound like also-rans. Rather than act like winners, they act like losers in the most critical contest humanity has ever faced.

As the chair of the United Nations’ High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero, we have provided a clear path leaders need to follow.

Our report doesn’t mince words. Integrity matters. Companies, financial institutions, cities and regions must have ambitious, science-based transition plans that drive emissions down across their value chain. They must shift investments from fossil fuels to clean energy now. They can’t defer real emissions reductions by simply buying carbon credits. They must lobby for, not against, climate action. And they must report publicly and transparently on their progress.

As United Nations Secretary General António Guterres declared in advance of his Climate Ambition Summit on September 20th: “Surging temperatures demand a surge in action.” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6316133/net-zero-targets-solutions

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The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "How Mormonism Went Mainstream." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"How Mormonism Went Mainstream" from Time Magazine

By Benjamin E. Park | September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023 marks the 200th anniversary of the date that Joseph Smith claimed to have been visited by the Angel Moroni in Palmyra, New York. According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ canonical account, the 21-year-old Smith was in bed when the divine visitor appeared in his room. The prophet-to-be was then instructed to dig up a sacred record inscribed on ancient golden tablets that was located in a nearby hill.

The resulting text, the Book of Mormon, published in 1830, became a cornerstone for a new world religion. Today, the Latter-day Saint church claims over 17 million members across the globe. But while they have achieved a degree of cultural acceptance, especially among American Christians, there remains a suspicion—sometimes subtle, sometimes explicit—that Mormon beliefs are fundamentally irrational, if not heretical.

While there are plenty of doctrinal principles that have drawn scorn, like their since-rescinded belief in polygamy and an anti-Black racial restriction, the story of an ancient scripture record found on buried gold plates has long served as a lynchpin for external skepticism. How could otherwise rational people believe in what appears to be a fundamentally irrational myth? And does such a belief forfeit their place within mainstream culture?

Yet debates over the boundaries of religious respectability, and whether the Mormons could be accepted therein, reveal as much about America as it does about its most famous homegrown religion. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6315969/mormonism-history-america-essay

[Blogger's Note: I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("The Mormon Church"). And let me also explain that I am gay (although, I am technically bisexual, because I almost married my high school sweetheart), so that basically means that I am officially 'A Recovering Mormon.']

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The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "With a Prisoner Swap and $6 Billion, Iran's President Has Changed the Subject." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"With a Prisoner Swap and $6 Billion, Iran's President Has Changed the Subject" from Time Magazine

By Karl Vick | September 20, 2023

Without the diplomatic immunity conferred on visiting heads of state, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi might be in a real pickle. His resume is littered with corpses—thousands of men and women whose summary executions in 1988 constitute “grave war crimes,” according to the Swedish court that last year sentenced a former guard to life in prison for assisting in the deaths Raisi had, along with two other Iranian officials, ordered.

Instead, Tuesday found Raisi at the plenum of the U.N. General Assembly, claiming the moral high ground during what he would likely count as a successful visit to the Great Satan. By the time he left New York City, the news was no longer the one-year anniversary of the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, whose killing in September of 2022 ignited months of spontaneous protests across the Islamic Republic. The subject had changed to the release Monday of five U.S. citizens, in exchange for access to $6 billion, informal assurances on the status of Iran’s nuclear program, and the reciprocal release of five Iranians. The Council of Foreign Relations invited Raisi to a stop by, and he also passsed an hour with a group of U.S. journalists.

“There’s that theater. There was an opportunity to change the subject from talking about the anniversary of the protests," says Vali Nasr, a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies who advised the Obama Administration on Iran. "The American media would be focusing on this instead.”

The regime’s security forces needed four months to reclaim the streets from protesters, killing more than 500 and arresting tens of thousands in the process. For several weeks, the uprising, led by young women, was so widespread and intense that a prominent dissident said it might actually topple the theocracy that has ruled the nation of 88 million since 1979.

“I think this particular year, for Raisi, it’s very important to show that Iran is still standing after the protests last year, and that it’s not isolated,” says Nasr. “That’s an important message that they want to send to constituents at home, to the protesters, to the reporters, to Iranians abroad, and to other governments." ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6315728/iran-president-mahsa-amini-prisoner-swap

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The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "California Is the Latest State Where a School Board Is Requiring Staff to Potentially Out Trans Kids." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"California Is the Latest State Where a School Board Is Requiring Staff to Potentially Out Trans Kids" from Time Magazine

By Solcyre Burga | September 20, 2023

When Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke, the Director of Advocacy and Education at the LGBTQ Center of Orange County in California, arrived at her local school board meeting on Sept. 7, she was number 79 on the list of attendees.

Guests had been rolling in for the 7 p.m. event since noon that day to comment on a rule that would require school staff to inform parents if their child asked to be identified by a different name or pronouns. School district board members listened to parents and teachers, among others, testify for seven hours before deciding to pass the resolution, making Orange Unified School Board the sixth school board in California to pass a rule of this sort.

Such policies are becoming increasingly common across the country. At least five states—including Alabama, North Carolina, and Indiana— have a state law that forces the outing of trangender youth, according to independent, nonprofit think tank Movement Advancement Project. Another six states have laws that better protect parent’s access to all records of their child, including sessions with their counselor or psychologist, but do not explicitly require parental notification of a child’s transgender status.

And just thirty minutes away from Orange County, the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education is currently facing a temporary restraining order to stop the enforcement of their own gender identity disclosure policy, which requires staff to notify parents if their child asks to be identified or treated as a gender different than the one listed on their official records.

Many in favor of the policy are part of the parental rights movement, who argue that they should have full knowledge of their children’s behaviors and practices at school. But as debates over kid’s privacy and school curriculum emerge, LGBTQ+ advocates warn that the measure could be detrimental to transgender students.

“Parents of course understandably want to know what's going on with their child,” says Cameron Van Fossen, executive director of Gender Spectrum, an organization dedicated to the well-being of gender-expansive children. “But the most important point here is that school districts should be looking to adopt policies that prioritize the safety and well being of all students, including transgender students, while respecting their rights and autonomy.” ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6316006/school-boards-policies-outing-transgender-students

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The fifth Time Magazine article that I read on September 23rd, 2023 is titled, "What Happens When Tech Bros Run National Security." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"What Happens When Tech Bros Run National Security" from Time Magazine

By Henry Farrell And Abraham Newman | September 20, 2023

It's September 2023, and markets have become battlefields, as economics and geopolitics become ever more closely intertwined. Many think that we are returning to the Cold War, but we're not. Back then, the military had the materiel and commanded the view of war. Now, after thirty years of globalization, it's very often business that commands the resources, fundamentally changing the balance of power. Whether the U.S. fulfills its national security ambitions doesn’t just depend on its armed forces, but its relationship with firms. The recent revelation that Elon Musk used his control of the Starlink satellite system to unilaterally decide the limits on a Ukrainian offensive is just one example of how business can, quite literally, call the shots.

How did this happen? At the height of globalization, the U.S. government and its allies handed over control of key communications networks to business, never thinking that these networks would become crucial strategic assets in shooting wars. The Internet—which came into being as a side-product of Pentagon spending—was turned over to a non-profit corporation dominated by private interests. Allies’ national telecommunications champions were privatized and U.S. giants, like Lucent, sold to foreign firms for spare parts. The submarine fibre cables that tied the world together were mostly laid by consortiums of for-profit companies. As new communications technologies such as cloud computing emerged, they were dominated by a few firms like Amazon and Microsoft.

This all meant that innovation happened faster than would have been conceivable during the Cold War. Government fell far behind the leading edge of many key technologies, leaving critical communications infrastructures under the control of the private sector.

That didn’t present national security concerns so long as the world was at peace. But now that geopolitics is back, the U.S. government faces a basic dilemma. How does it ensure national security in a world where the private sector holds many of the levers of power? Of course, it can turn to business for support. And where it can demand that support, the U.S. can sometimes do far more than it ever could during the Cold War (using telecommunications companies’ international reach, for example, to help it surveil the world). But sometimes, business may prefer to stay politically neutral, prioritizing profits for its shareholders, or, even worse, cosy up to geopolitical adversaries such as China or Russia.

The U.S. government’s first instinct in recent decades has been to create public-private partnerships to expand its power—and some private sector actors have certainly been willing to cooperate. The Starlink story is not the only story about business in the Ukraine conflict. In our new book we explain how the U.S. and the Ukrainian government have benefited from Microsoft’s willingness to abdicate neutrality. After years of trying to build a "digital Switzerland," in which platform companies would be held inviolate from spying and conflict, Microsoft volunteered for the digital frontlines of the Ukraine war. From the beginning, it willingly surveilled the online battlefield, detecting and countering Russian cyber-weapons, and sharing key information with the U.S. and its European allies. It airlifted Ukrainian government ministries into the cloud, providing them with a degree of security that the government itself was incapable of doing.

It wasn’t only Microsoft that helped out. As a new report by Ulrike Franke and Jenny Söderström explains, Amazon has been ferrying Ukrainian data to safety using customized suitcase-sized “Snowball” systems, providing safe storage for critical state information. Google has proudly announced that it is fighting disinformation, and blocking Russian state-funded news channels.

But not all business gives this kind of unequivocal support. As we recently found out, while Microsoft was countering cyber-attacks, the Ukrainian army found itself increasingly dependent on the whims of Elon Musk. Ukrainian commanders rely on Musk’s Starlink satellites to communicate on the battlefield and to guide automated drones to their target. Musk partly owes his near monopoly of low orbit satellite communications to government inaction in the U.S. and elsewhere. The result is an unprecedented level of privatized geopolitical power, concentrated in the hands of a single, politically erratic tycoon with a reported penchant for ketamine. Ukrainian soldiers reportedly found themselves cut off and blind when they ventured into territory that Starlink had 'geofenced'. In another incident, Musk refused to provide access to Starlink when the Ukrainian military attempted a drone attack on Russia’s naval fleet, leaving the drones to wash up on shore, inoperable. The company had its own commercial worries. As Musk told his biographer, he did not build the system for war but so that “people can watch Netflix and chill.” Musk—who reportedly has had friendly conversations with Putin after the invasion—is at best a highly unreliable ally. But the U.S. has little option but to placate him and try to keep him onside, if Ukrainian commanders are to be able to talk to each other and their troops. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6315670/big-tech-national-security

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The sixth Time Magazine article that I read on September 23rd, 2023 is titled, "Biden to Boost Green Jobs with New Deal-Style American Climate Corps." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Biden to Boost Green Jobs with New Deal-Style American Climate Corps" from Time Magazine

By Matthew Daly / AP | September 20, 2023

(WASHINGTON) — After being thwarted by Congress, President Joe Biden will use his executive authority to create a New Deal-style American Climate Corps that will serve as a major green jobs training program.

In an announcement Wednesday, the White House said the program will employ more than 20,000 young adults who will build trails, plant trees, help install solar panels and do other work to boost conservation and help prevent catastrophic wildfires.

The climate corps had been proposed in early versions of the sweeping climate law approved last year but was jettisoned amid strong opposition from Republicans and concerns about cost.

Democrats and environmental advocacy groups never gave up on the plan and pushed Biden in recent weeks to issue an executive order authorizing what the White House now calls the American Climate Corps.

“After years of demonstrating and fighting for a Climate Corps, we turned a generational rallying cry into a real jobs program that will put a new generation to work stopping the climate crisis,'' said Varshini Prakash, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, an environmental group that has led the push for a climate corps.

With the new corps “and the historic climate investments won by our broader movement, the path towards a Green New Deal is beginning to become visible," Prakash said, referring to a comprehensive jobs-and-climate plan supported by many activists and some Democrats but ridiculed by Republicans as a socialist nightmare that would raise taxes and hamper the economy.

Prakash, a frequent Biden critic, participated in a White House call on Tuesday promoting the new job corps, which comes as Biden tries to strengthen his appeal to young voters in the 2024 presidential campaign. The Sunrise Movement and other climate activists, including many young adults, were outraged this spring after Biden approved the huge Willow oil-drilling project in Alaska. Opponents say the project and others approved by Biden put his climate legacy at risk and are a breach of his 2020 campaign promise to stop new oil drilling on federal lands.

Those concerns were put aside Wednesday as environmental activists hailed the new jobs program, which is modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps, created in the 1930s by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, as part of the New Deal.

“Young people nationwide are excited to see the launch of the American Climate Corps, a program which will put more than 20,000 young people on career pathways in the growing fields of clean energy, conservation and climate resilience,'' said Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, president of NextGen America, an organization that promotes education, registration and mobilization for voters age 18 to 35.

"Young people are fighting for climate justice every day in their community, and now they have even more opportunity to continue this fight in their careers,'' Ramirez said. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6315989/biden-american-climate-corps-green-jobs

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The seventh Time Magazine article that I read on September 23rd, 2023 is titled, "With Demand for Mental-Health Care Soaring on Campus, Faculty and Students Are Stepping Up to Help." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"With Demand for Mental-Health Care Soaring on Campus, Faculty and Students Are Stepping Up to Help" from Time Magazine

By Jamie Ducharme | September 21, 2023

After the pandemic shut down Duke University’s campus in 2020, public-policy professor Nick Carnes worried about how his students would fare both educationally and emotionally. Wanting to help in whatever way he could, he added a simple message to his email signature.

“A note to students,” he wrote. “Please let me or another Duke professor know if you're having any problems with your safety, well-being, or access to educational or other resources, or if you need to talk about anything right now, and/or if you know of another student who is having trouble. When in doubt, please reach out.”

Three years later, with campus back to pre-pandemic normal, Carnes hasn’t found a reason to delete the message. “A lot of students will probably roll their eyes,” he says. “But you want them to have so internalized your availability to help with a crisis that they find it sort of corny and laughable when you remind them of that.”

Not so long ago, it might not have been obvious that a public-policy professor would be willing to talk through his student’s stressors and struggles. But these days, with teenagers and young adults reporting mental-health issues in record numbers, Carnes is part of a growing trend.

Colleges have long offered on-campus health and counseling centers, but demand for mental-health support is surging such that many schools can’t meet it through traditional means. Rather than solely recruiting more therapists—a costly and difficult proposition, given that the U.S. behavioral-health field is short thousands of needed clinicians—colleges and universities across the U.S. are leaning on faculty, staff, and even students to help bridge the gap.

“The mental-health crisis is significantly increasing the demand for services and we have fewer people coming into the profession and a lot of people leaving the profession,” says Sarah Reives-Houston, who runs a behavioral-health program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Expanding the availability of community support is a faster and more feasible—not to mention more affordable—approach than training up a new generation of therapists, and one that could ultimately be more effective, Reives-Houston says, because it "broadens the net." ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6316217/college-mental-health-programs

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written September 21st, 2023 and revised September 23rd, 2023)

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September 21st, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On September 23rd, 2023: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google two days ago on September 21st, 2023, when I noticed 24 different articles on various news websites, including APNews.com, ABC.com, Politico.com, SCMP.com, NBCNews.com, Reuters.com, CNN.com, NYTimes.com, TheGuardian.com, TheConversation.com, Newsweek.com and USAToday.com!

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day. So, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for this current news 'update' and simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink for each article.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

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No. 1: "White House to announce first-ever federal office of gun violence prevention, AP sources say" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/biden-gun-violence-prevention-d5c710e2051b220457ce95ac1c8ac1fa

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 2: "Biden to announce White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-announce-white-house-office-gun-violence-prevention/story?id=103394253

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 3: "Biden taps Harris to lead new federal office of gun violence prevention" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/21/kamala-harris-lead-office-gun-violence-prevention-00117497

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 4: "Joe Biden sets up White House office on US gun violence prevention" from South China Morning Post:

https://amp.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3235392/joe-biden-sets-white-house-office-us-gun-violence-prevention

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 5: "White House to create first federal office dedicated to gun violence prevention" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna111494

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 6: "Biden warns Netanyahu about the health of Israel’s democracy and urges compromise on court overhaul" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-biden-white-house-united-nations-c6dab3cc0357f67b2054446f3c6cdc52

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 7: "Biden, Netanyahu pledge to work toward Israeli-Saudi normalization" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/biden-netanyahu-discuss-saudi-normalization-iran-2023-09-20/

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 8: "Two House Republicans say they might work with Democrats to fund government" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna111469

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 9: "Deflated House Republicans leave town with no solution for government shutdown" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna111338

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 10: "House Democrats weigh risky strategy: Whether to save McCarthy" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/09/20/politics/democrats-mccarthy-speaker-strategy/index.html

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 11: "Hard-right Republicans push closer to a disruptive federal shutdown" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-house-republicans-spending-cuts-deff84c0e2ff7d3bd076b8c38e14cca4

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 12: "Right-Wing Rebels Block Defense Bill Again, Rebuking McCarthy on Spending" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/us/politics/mccarthy-spending-house-republicans.html

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 13: "Garland Rebuffs Republicans’ Efforts to Reveal Details on Hunter Biden Inquiry" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/20/us/politics/garland-house-judiciary-committee-justice-dept.html

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 14: "Garland grilled by House Republicans on Hunter Biden, Trump investigations" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/ag-garland-expected-clash-house-republicans-claims-doj/story?id=103323906

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 15: "House Republicans clash with Attorney General Garland, accusing him of favoring Hunter Biden" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/garland-justice-department-house-republicans-oversight-hearing-df70e290360cde444032f1b75343d941

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 16: "Top IRS official latest witness to dispute allegations from whistleblower on Hunter Biden tax case" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/20/politics/irs-official-dispute-allegations-whistleblower-hunter-biden-tax-case/index.html

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 17: "How Lachlan Murdoch became the new head of Fox and News Corp" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/media/2023/sep/21/lachlan-murdoch-fox-news-politics

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 18: "Rupert Murdoch: His Fox News legacy is one of lies, with little accountability, and political power that rose from the belief in his power − 3 essential reads" from The Conversation:

https://theconversation.com/rupert-murdoch-his-fox-news-legacy-is-one-of-lies-with-little-accountability-and-political-power-that-rose-from-the-belief-in-his-power-3-essential-reads-214038

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 19: "Lachlan Murdoch's Political Views Could See Fox News Radically Change" from Newsweek:

https://www.newsweek.com/lachlan-murdoch-political-views-fox-news-coverage-1828853?amp=1

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 20: "Biden administration to offer temporary protection to nearly half-million Venezuelans" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/21/biden-administration-offers-temporary-protection-status-to-venezuelans/70918848007

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 21: "Taylor Swift told fans to register to vote -- then Vote.org got 35K new voter registrations" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/taylor-swift-told-fans-register-vote-vote-35k/story?id=103379385

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 22: "White House Directs Agencies to Account for Climate Change in Budgets" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/climate/biden-climate-change-economic-cost.html

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 23: "Homeowners face rising insurance rates as climate change makes wildfires, storms more common" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/homeowners-insurance-climate-change-wildfire-disasters-9c7129881f12ec478386e4b47c1acbbc

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

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No. 24: "Ravaged by floods and fires, Greece struggles on the front lines of our climate reality" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna107985

[I read this article on October 5th, 2023.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from AP News, ABC News, Politico, South China Morning Post, NBC News, Reuters, CNN, The New York Times, The Guardian News, The Conversation, Newsweek and USA Today for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written September 23rd, 2023, revised September 24th, 2023, revised September 26th, 2023, revised September 28th, 2023, revised October 5th, 2023 and revised October 16th, 2023)

P.S.: By the way, today, October 5th, 2023, I read the September 21st, 2023 news articles.

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September 21st, 2023 Update—Continued Further, Written On September 30th, 2023, Which Also Discusses September 17th, 2023: The International Day of Peace is on September 21st, 2023, since the International Day of Peace is yearly (annually) on September 21st.

And I received an email from National Today thirteen days ago on September 17th, 2023, with the subject line, "Cheeseburgers, Queso, and Meowing Like a Pirate. The Week Ahead", which stated, in part, the following:

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY...

... On International Day of Peace, people from around the world come together in a noble attempt to reduce violence and strengthen the ideals of peace. ...

... Thursday 21 September

International Day of Peace

Let there be peace by making the world a better and more sustainable place for all.

Read more:

https://nationaltoday.com/international-day-of-peace

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can, in part, be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE – SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
[Observed around the] World

The International Day of Peace (or World Peace Day) celebrated annually on September 21 is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. At a time when war and violence often monopolize our news cycles, the International Day of Peace is an inspiring reminder of what we can create together. Peace. Let’s give it a chance!

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HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly declared the third Tuesday of September as International Day of Peace. This day coincided with the opening day of the annual sessions of the General Assembly. The purpose of the day was and still remains, to strengthen the ideals of peace around the world.

Two decades after establishing this day of observance, in 2001, the assembly moved the date to be observed annually on September 21. So, beginning in 2002, September 21 marks not only a time to discuss how to promote and maintain peace among all peoples but also a 24-hour period of global ceasefire and non-violence for groups in active combat.

Peace is possible. Throughout history, most societies have lived in peace most of the time. Today, we are much less likely to die in war than our parents or grandparents. Since the establishment of the United Nations and the creation of the Charter of the United Nations, governments are obligated not to use force against others unless they are acting in self-defense or have been authorized by the UN Security Council to proceed.

Life is better in a world where peace exists and, today, we look to those who have been peacemakers and peacekeepers to learn what we can each do individually to make the world a more peaceful place.

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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE TIMELINE

989 & 1027 AD
First known Peace Movements:
President Wilson authorized mothers who had lost a child in the war to wear a traditional black mourning armband featuring a gold star.

1901
Nobel Peace Prize awarded:
The first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 1901 “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses".

1969
A Bed-In for Peace:
John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent 8 days in bed to promote world peace; the song Give Peace a Chance was recorded during this eight-day period.

2008
Peaceful Iceland:
Iceland was ranked the most peaceful country in the world in 2008, according to the Global Peace Index, and they hold that title still today.

---------------------------------------------

TRADITIONS OF THE DAY

The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly for strengthening the standards of peace. The day is devoted to observing 24 hours of cease-fire and non-violence.

It is more important than ever today to promote peace and open-mindedness for acceptance across gender, race, and territories. Individuals and organizations around the world participate in activities and host events centered on a set theme for the year. Activities vary from private events to public ceremonies, festivals, and concerts sending the message of peace to large audiences.

Educational institutes also take the lead, arranging art exhibitions and lessons for students to discuss how different cultures celebrate peace and to learn about conflict and wars in history so that mistakes are not repeated. On an individual level, people take part in activities like planting trees or setting caged animals free, as every little act helps in spreading the message of peace and love.

---------------------------------------------

BY THE NUMBERS

$13.6 trillion – the economic cost of violence in 2015.

9,800 – the number of terrorism websites containing violent material by September 2015.

13% – the percentage of women negotiators between 1992 and 2019.

6% – the percentage of women signatories in major peace processes worldwide between 1992 and 2019.

11% – the percentage of ceasefire agreements between 2015 and 2019, which included gender provisions.

15.9 million – the estimated number of people in Yemen’s population hit by the world’s worst food crisis.

135 million – the number of people in 2019 living with acute hunger.

60% – the percentage of people struck with acute hunger living in conflict countries.

88 – the number of countries that had national action plans on women, peace, and security by October 2020.

417 – the number of policy measures enacted by national governments in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

408 million – the estimated number of youth living in areas of armed conflict in 2016.

---------------------------------------------

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE FAQS

Why is International Day of Peace celebrated?

We celebrate to recognize the efforts of those who have and are continuing to work hard to end conflict and promote peace.

Who created the International Day of Peace?

The United Nations created the International Day of Peace to create awareness and promote the ideals of peace.

How do we celebrate Peace Day?

Celebrate however you see fit, so long as it is peaceful! There is a minute silence at midday which creates a “peace wave” across the planet, observing this is a good start.

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HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

1. Observe the global “Minute of Silence”

In 1984, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Pathways to Peace inaugurated the Minute of Silence. At noon in each time zone, this observance of silence creates a “Peace Wave” around the world. Individuals, organizations, communities, and nations are invited to participate in this shared and practical act of peace-building.

2. Host a global peace feast

Bring people together with a 'global' potluck, encouraging your friends and neighbors to share a unique dish from various countries or cultures. Breaking bread together is one of the oldest yet most effective ways to bring peace into your life. Interfaith and intercultural discussions can make the evening even richer.

3. Foster peace through education

Let peace begin at home with you and your family. Teach your children key concepts that promote peace such as conflict-resolution, peaceful dialogue, consensus-building, and the choice of non-violence.

---------------------------------------------

5 FACTORS THAT PROMOTE A CULTURE OF PEACE

1. Seek to understand

Around the world, we are more alike than different; seek common ground, understand and value the differences you find in the people you meet and cultures you experience different from your own.

2. Promote economic and social stability

Eliminating poverty, food insecurity, and social injustice leads to a stronger culture of peace because it removes common causes of unrest and violence.

3. Respect all human rights

At the core of peaceful relations is the belief that all humans are valuable - no one group being better than another; see how you can contribute to this understanding in your sphere of influence.

4. Advocate for equality

Support the advancement of women in society through political and economic initiatives; actively oppose violence against women and girls in your community and promote the elimination of discrimination in the workplace.

5. Choose democratic principles

Encourage the democratic participation of all peoples in your community so that every voice is heard in civic decision-making and corruption in political leadership and operations is eliminated.

---------------------------------------------

WHY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE IS IMPORTANT

A. It connects us to each other

Nations and communities around the world struggle with poverty and disease, education, and healthcare. The International Day of Peace reminds us that regardless of where we come from or what languages we speak, we are more alike than we are different.

B. It reminds us to believe in something bigger than ourselves

We can get caught up in the day-to-day of work and family. But sometimes, it's healthy to reflect on how communities and nations need to get outside our comfort zones. We can have peace when we make an effort to see someone else's perspective or, put another way, to "walk a mile in their shoes."

C. It demonstrates that small actions can make big impacts

We can all contribute to the worldwide culture of peace be that through prayer, advocacy, education, and respecting others. If each of us did one small thing to bring about peace, even each week, think of the global impact this would have!

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/international-day-of-peace

Now, I feel like I need to explain why I am writing this 'update' nine days later than the International Day of Peace actually occurs!

You see, I have been really busy lately with writing 'updates' about current news, which has taken up most of my time for blogging since about the middle of September. And so, I was not able to schedule time to write this 'update' until today, September 30th, 2023, which is nine days after September 21st, 2023, when the International Day of Peace is observed worldwide.

And I even received a "heads-up" about International Day of Peace on September 17th, 2023, from National Today via their email above; however, for some reason I didn't notice that part of the email, even though that same email contained information about the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day—which was held on September 24th, 2023—and I noticed that particular observance enough to write an 'update' for the corresponding day! (Please see my 'September 24th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above.)

Thus, continuing with this saga of the belated International Day of Peace 'update,' I was also reminded of the International Day of Peace from an article that I noticed on September 22nd, 2023, from the United Nations News titled, "World News in Brief: Peace day, high seas treaty, Palestinian displacement rises, polio in Ukraine." However, that was right around the time that I was really busy writing 'updates' about the enormous amount of current news that I noticed in my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, which started around the middle of September! (Please see my 'September 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before, Written On September 23rd, 2023,' which can be found above.)

Therefore, today, September 30th, 2023, is the first day that I have had an opportunity to write an 'update' about the International Day of Peace on September 21st, 2023!

And, speaking of the above-mentioned United Nations News article, I did manage to find the official United Nations webpage regarding the International Day of Peace 2023, which is titled, "International Day of Peace: 21 September." An introduction to the webpage can be found below:

International Day of Peace
21 September

2023 Theme
Actions for peace: Our ambition for the #GlobalGoals

Each year the International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Never has our world needed peace more.

This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals. It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. Fostering peace contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will create a culture of peace for all.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, "Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization." ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace

–Paul Whiting (written September 30th, 2023 and revised October 5th, 2023)

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September 22nd, 2023 Update: I received an email from Everytown for Gun Safety today, September 22nd, 2023, with the subject line, "Add Your Name: Thank President Biden and VP Harris for launching the new White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention", which stated the following:

Paul, the White House is the People's House.

So it's only fitting that the Biden-Harris Administration is launching a new office focused on one of the American people's top concerns: Keeping their families safe from gun violence.

I'm thrilled to share that the Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled the brand new Office of Gun Violence Prevention—and that one of our own will help lead this critical work.

As the [title redacted], I could not be more proud of and excited for this news. Join me today in extending our thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris for taking this huge step towards giving our gun violence crisis the attention it deserves. Add your name to our thank you card.

ADD YOUR NAME***

In just the last few years alone, we've seen a dramatic shift in the political calculus around gun safety. The Biden-Harris Administration's decision to create the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is further evidence that this issue will continue to drive our political discourse.

[Name redacted], Everytown’s [title redacted], will co-lead this brand new White House office dedicated to saving lives. As both an advocate and a survivor, he has led our federal work and played a key role in getting Congress to pass the first major gun safety bill in decades. And in his eight years with Everytown, he's become a nationally recognized expert on gun safety policy.

He will be joined by [name redacted], [title redacted] of the Community Justice Action Fund (CJAF), in co-leading the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. CJAF has been a strong partner in our work to end gun violence as a powerful voice for communities disproportionately impacted by this crisis, leading the charge on investments in community violence intervention strategies. We are thrilled to share in the excitement of this huge announcement with them.

Together, [name redacted] and [name redacted] are the perfect people to help lead this new office as deputy directors.

The Biden-Harris Administration continues to be the strongest gun safety administration in history. Will you join me in signing a thank you card to President Biden and Vice President Harris for taking this huge step towards ending gun violence in America? Add your name.

Thank you for being a part of this movement. Make no mistake: You helped make today possible.

Onward,

[Name redacted]
He/Him/His
[Title redacted]
Everytown for Gun Safety

Sign Our Thank You Card For President Biden And VP Harris!

The Biden-Harris Administration continues to be the strongest gun safety administration in history.

And now, President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken the next step by launching the brand new Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

This is huge for our movement and will help put our country closer than ever to ending this deadly crisis.

Sign our thank you card to President Biden and Vice President Harris for taking this huge step towards ending gun violence in America. Add your name >>

Complete the form to sign the card now:

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Mobile phone: [redacted]

And, after I signed the 'Thank You' card to President Biden and Vice President Harris, via the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund website, I made a one-time donation to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund to show my appreciation for being able to "sign [Everytown for Gun Safety's] thank you card to President Biden and Vice President Harris for taking this huge step towards ending gun violence in America [by launching the new White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention]." –Paul Whiting (September 22nd, 2023)

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September 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, September 22nd, 2023, with the subject line, "3 things about school censorship", which stated the following:

Paul, we've emailed you more than usual this week, but it's for three big reasons:

1. We know how much you care about protecting our civil liberties, and we're busy fighting the latest wave of school censorship sweeping the nation.

2. With time running out before our midnight deadline, we're still 239 donations away from our fundraising deadline.

3. Every dollar of this goal is critical to expanding our work to fight book bans and classroom censorship across the country this school year.

Right now, we're going to court to protect the right to learn in Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia, Florida, and more.

The ACLU is uniquely prepared to protect the right to learn, but we need to reach our fundraising goal before midnight tonight to keep up our work, and we're falling short right now. Please, rush your gift now to protect the freedom to learn in the classroom and defend the rights of all people nationwide.

Thank you for your support,

The ACLU Team

DONATE NOW***

DEMOCRATS

Dear Paul,

As MAGA Republicans are deliberately inciting fear and fanning the flames of culture wars, it can be harder than ever for voters to cut through the noise and see through GOP lies.

It's never been more critical for you, me, and the Democratic National Committee to reach voters with a clear message: Democrats are prioritizing unity and getting tangible things done for the American people, while MAGA Republicans would rather divide us.

We know that when we defeat Republicans, hold majorities, and set the agenda, we improve Americans' lives.

The Biden-Harris administration has passed more historic legislation in its first term than some administrations do in two: the American Rescue Plan; the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; the Inflation Reduction Act — which is the most significant action on climate change in our nation's history — and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. At the same time, more than 13 million jobs have been created since President Biden took office — including 800,000 manufacturing jobs — annual inflation is at its lowest level in over two years, and costs are being lowered for families.

I like to say, "The 'D' in Democrats stands for 'Deliver.'"

But to keep delivering on our agenda, Democrats need to win from the state House to the White House — this year, next year, and beyond. And that means the DNC must have the resources to implement the strategies we know will secure victories up and down the ballot.

With that in mind, I've asked [name redacted], our [title redacted], to outline the stakes in the 2023-2024 election cycle and what your contribution right now will do to help us win.

Paul, after you read this memo, I urge you to send a special one time contribution to the DNC. Everything is on the line. Your contribution of $20, $30, $40, or more will go to work immediately to beat back GOP attacks and help win critical races in just a few weeks, as well as those in 2024. Please stand with us again now as a leader in our movement.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]

P.S. While MAGA Republicans relentlessly try to take us backwards, divide us, and undermine our democracy, we must work every minute of every day to defeat them up and down the ballot. Hope is the superpower of the Democratic Party. And I have hope that you and your fellow Grassroots Partners will lead us to victory on Election Day with your action today. Please donate now using the envelope enclosed or visit www.democrats.org/Fall2023. Thank you for your partnership and support.

And, after I read the letter above, I read the referenced memo, which can be found below:

DEMOCRATS

To: Paul L. Whiting, Grassroots Partners Member, Democratic National Committee

From: [Name redacted], DNC [Title redacted]

Date: September 1, 2023

RE [Regarding]: 2023-2024 Elections: What We're Working On

We are almost one year out from early voting in the 2024 elections. The urgency to organize and empower volunteers, educate and mobilize voters, and secure digital and TV ad space to get our message out is increasing by the minute. Dangerous MAGA Republicans continue to vie for their party's nomination in the race for the White House.

The winner of the presidency next year will shape our nation's future — without question. And as we put our unwavering support behind President Biden and Vice President Harris, we need to put just as much effort and resources into electing down-ballot Democrats to help continue to enact their agenda. Not just in key 2024 races, but in 2023 elections that are approaching fast and furious.

We must continue to build our efforts to grow our Senate majority, take back the House, and elect Democrats in state legislatures right now to ensure victory this year and next.

Building Democratic Power in the States:

One of the most outrageous developments in recent years is GOP-controlled state legislatures pushing laws that silence our voices and deny freedom to millions of Americans — which is why some of the highest-stake elections in this cycle are in the states.

MAGA Republican state legislators are pushing laws to ban abortion almost entirely, demonize our teachers and tell them what they can and cannot say about American history, ban books from school libraries, make it increasingly difficult for communities of color to vote, and deny health care to transgender people.

In the months since the Trump-appointed justices on the U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, at least 24 states have already severely restricted abortion rights. And a number of states are enforcing laws that ban abortion almost entirely.

We all should be alarmed at these attacks that strike at the heart of what it means to be an American. The best way to stop the assault on the freedoms we hold most dear is by building Democratic power at the state level, in all 50 states and the territories.

The truth is that voters at the state level don't support the policies being pushed by the GOP. Voters want to invest in our teachers instead of silencing them. They want to uphold reproductive choice, not ban it. And they think voter suppression laws are un-American.

With strong Democratic candidates running in races across the country, this is our moment to beat back the GOP's extremist agenda and protect our democracy by winning state-level elections nationwide.

(over, please)

Page Two

By winning governorships and state-level seats, we can stop MAGA Republicans and bring progress to every state. We have the opportunity to hold and flip governorships in traditionally red states like Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It is critical that we allocate resources and provide support in states like these — because the outcome of these races will determine the course of millions of lives. And we must protect their future.

Historically, races in these states have seen an onslaught of well-funded Republican attacks on Democratic candidates — and the races nearly always go down to the wire, neck and neck to the finish. We'll need support to hold the line and secure Democratic gains.

All eyes are also on Virginia, where the future of reproductive rights is on the line. Currently, Democrats hold a slim majority in the state Senate. Republican victories here could spell the end of reproductive health care for millions of women. We can win, but we must pour everything we have into the race, just as we did when we helped secure a Democratic win for the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat earlier this year.

And when Democrats flip Republican-controlled legislatures in states across the nation, the American people are the true winners. In places like Michigan and Minnesota, where we won trifecta control of state government, Democrats are pushing progressive policies past the finish line, safeguarding the right to abortion, advancing gun safety laws, and protecting the LGBTQ+ community instead of endangering them. By winning governorships and state-level seats, we can stop Republicans from enacting dangerous new legislation, protect democracy and freedom, and bring progress to every state.

Defending and Growing Our Senate Majority:

In 2022, we held our Senate majority by a razor-thin margin, giving us power to keep the Biden-Harris agenda on track while serving as a defense against the GOP-controlled House.

It is absolutely essential that we hold — and grow — our majority in the Senate. But it's going to be a challenging state-by-state battle. We have to defend more seats than the GOP does in 2024, including in states Trump won in 2020 like Ohio, West Virginia, and Montana, and in razor-thin battleground states like Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

In a post-Roe landscape, with more Americans waking up to the increasing extremism of MAGA Republicans, the political headwinds are moving in our direction.

But we truly can't take anything for granted. That's why fundraising, technological infrastructure, and organizing power is so important for races across the country. Fighting for our shared democratic future means running to win in every state and every open seat.

Taking Back the House:

Republicans have a very narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. But Democrats have identified 61 seats that are in play next year. There are at-risk blue seats we must defend, seats currently held by some of the most extreme Republicans that we must flip from red to blue, as well as open seats we will have to fight for. The good news is that we need to net just five seats to take back the House next year.

Our ability to enact meaningful change for the American people means we must flip the Republican-controlled House, packed with extremists who are more concerned with political posturing and touting their far-right extremism than actually developing and advancing policies that benefit the American people. Their agenda exists only to deny Americans' rights and destroy democracy, while contributing nothing to move the nation forward. The fight for the House will be an uphill battle, as we counter attacks on multiple fronts in multiple districts. But this fight is winnable if we have the resources to organize and mobilize.

(next page, please)

Page Three

The Fight for Voting Rights:

On the heels of Trump's false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 elections, 19 states — mostly red states — passed 34 laws in 2021 to restrict voting rights. In contrast, 25 states, mostly controlled by Democrats, passed 62 laws to expand voting access.

This shows that when Democrats win majorities, they enact legislation that benefits the American people and safeguards our fundamental rights. It also shows we have our work cut out for us to ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot that counts this year and next.

Democrats can't win if voters are kept from registering to vote, kicked off the voter rolls, or face barriers when casting their ballots. That's why the DNC invested in a full-time, national English- and Spanish-language voter hotline to help Americans check their registration status and determine how, when, and where to vote. We know races up and down the ballot will be won or lost by razor-thin margins, so we have to be ready to defend every American's right to vote.

Our voter hotline is monitored by DNC employees who are ready to field questions pertaining to felon disenfranchisement, voter purging, poll worker misconduct, voter machines, accessibility, and more.

What's Next:

What Democrats do in Congress and beyond directly affects the American people, and it's the DNC's job to be a political megaphone and spread the message to every voter about how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in states are moving our nation forward.

There's a stark contrast between what the two parties want for our nation's future — it's up to us to make sure voters understand that. We need to be on the ground in communities across the country distilling policy success into accessible messaging that will show voters the very real choice between progress with Democrats or a Republican Party that's laser-focused on turning back the clock.

Your DNC support spreads the message to voters about what Democrats are doing to lift up Americans and communities nationwide. If we want to continue making historic progress while safeguarding our democracy, we need to reelect President Biden and Vice President Harris, grow our Senate majority, take back the House from MAGA Republicans, and strengthen our state parties to hold and flip state legislatures.

The election cycle is heating up for 2024, but we cannot forget the victories we must achieve in 2023 with high-stakes elections upon us in a matter of weeks. Your support now can pull our candidates over the finish line. With make-or-break races occurring across the country and at every level of government, the DNC must devote resources to candidates up and down the ballot and continue to invest in the state parties.

We are fiercely dedicated to protecting our democracy. We are working around the clock to educate voters and fight voter suppression. We are ensuring that all voters have equal access to the ballot box. We are exposing the Republicans' track record of deceit and their attacks on our rights and freedoms.

This work will be fundamental to the Democratic Party's success now, and in the weeks and months ahead. We hope you'll join us again in this fight for a better, fairer, and brighter future.

And, after I read the memo above, I competed the reply memorandum, the relevant text of which can be found below:

DEMOCRATS
REPLY MEMORANDUM

From:

Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

To:
Democratic National Committee
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Yes! I understand the stakes of this moment, and I am committed to holding and growing our Democratic majorities up and down the ballot, protecting voting rights, investing in state parties, and so much more. Enclosed is my special one-time contribution to defeat Republicans and defend our democracy. My gift to power this work is in the amount of:

[  ] $20

[  ] $30*

[  ] $40

[✓] Other $7.00

*A contribution of this amount would go even further to help elect Democrats!

Give your gift online at www.democrats.org/Fall2023

And, after I read the reply memorandum above, I entered the web address to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

Donate to help elect Democrats up and down the ticket nationwide!

Your gift today will help the DNC fight for the Biden-Harris agenda, hold the GOP accountable, and elect more Democrats nationwide.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC) - Direct Marketing.

[  ] Donate $35 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $200 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[✓] Other amount $7.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[  ] $3

[✓] Add custom amount $0.41

Leave no tip

So, I made a one-time donation to the DNC (with a tip to ActBlue) today September 22nd, 2023, in order to confirm the reply memorandum statement: "Yes! I understand the stakes of this moment, and I am committed to holding and growing our Democratic majorities up and down the ballot, protecting voting rights, investing in state parties, and so much more. Enclosed is my special one-time contribution to defeat Republicans and defend our democracy. My gift to power this work is in the amount of: [$7.00]." And I made this donation to the DNC because "hope is the superpower of the Democratic Party!" –Paul Whiting (written September 22nd, 2023 and revised November 12th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am reducing how much I donate for the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond) to take action." Thus, I will still be responding to some of the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond), which are requesting me to take action, but I am reducing the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers. (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.)

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September 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) today, September 22nd, 2023, with the subject line, "This has to end NOW. Tell NY DOL [New York State Department of Labor] to investigate Wafler Farms’ alleged wage theft and abuse.", which stated the following:

United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW

This has to end NOW. Tell NY DOL to investigate Wafler Farms’ alleged wage theft and abuse.

Wafler Farms’ apple workers need your help. This Wolcott, NY [New York] workforce of primarily H-2A temporary foreign workers voted to be represented by the UFW. But Wafler is refusing to recognize the workers’ choice. Some of the reasons the workers want a union include verbal abuse, respect on the job and most importantly, what workers say is wage theft. Tell the NY Department of Labor to immediately investigate the wage theft that workers are reporting.

Workers say they are tired of the many tasks they are forced to do every day without pay: travel between work locations, captive audience meetings, clean up. The list goes on.

One H-2A worker tells us "Every morning my co-workers and I are required to report to the office before 7 am. We are required to be there at least 7 minutes before 7 am. Once we arrive at the office, we are not allowed to clock in. In the office our boss, Paul Wafler, conducts a meeting. We can be waiting anytime between 15-30 minutes before we’re dismissed to go to our posts in the fields. Even once we’re dismissed from the office we are not able to clock in until we plug in the thumb drive on our individual machines."

Another H-2A worker adds, "The transport vans are often rushing to arrive to the fields. In 2021, there was an accident between one of the transport vans and a pickup truck transporting workers to the fields because the drivers were rushing to get in as quickly as possible. From the time we leave the office to reach the fields, depending on the fields it can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to arrive. Then once the van drops us off it can take another 5 to 10 minutes to walk to our machines. Then at the end of the day, we’re given tasks to carry the gasoline jugs or igloo water containers and we’re not paid for that time either. So this is about another 15 minutes we are unpaid."

And then there is the abuse and intimidation. A worker sent us a video of a 4 minute rant by owner Paul Wafler, which workers were forced to listen to without pay. Here is a bit of the transcript: "When you go to work, that's what your time is. When you start crying, did you feel like you were shorted for 15 minutes? It's because you decided to take a tap out before the time interval is over. That's tough s***t. That's on you guys. You don't get organized in the morning to get in the van and go. That's tough s***t. The job starts when we leave. Not because you're just standing in here. Let's get that real g** d*** clear. And if you want to leave the lights on the van and then delay everything to get going because you still don't know how to drive a van again, that's tough s*** too. If you have a problem with your pay, you let somebody know. That f***ing morning, not a week later in the paycheck."

Tell the NY Department of Labor they should immediately investigate. According to workers, all this unpaid time adds up. The workers deserve an immediate end to these reported practices and what they say are unpaid wages.

PS: After you take action you can also share this campaign on Facebook & Twitter.*

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below—and that text is mostly the same information which is contained in the email above, with additional information:

Tell NY DOL to investigate Wafler Farms’ alleged wage theft and abuse.

Wafler Farms' apple workers need your help. This Wolcott, NY workforce of primarily H-2A temporary foreign workers voted to be represented by the UFW. But Wafler is refusing to recognize the workers' choice. Some of the reasons the workers want a union include verbal abuse, respect on the job and most importantly, what workers say is wage theft. Tell the NY Department of Labor to immediately investigate the wage theft that workers are reporting.

Workers say they are tired of the many tasks they are forced to do every day without pay: travel between work locations, captive audience meetings, clean up. The list goes on.

One H-2A worker tells us "Every morning my co-workers and I are required to report to the office before 7 am. We are required to be there at least 7 minutes before 7 am. Once we arrive at the office, we are not allowed to clock in. In the office our boss, Paul Wafler, conducts a meeting. We can be waiting anytime between 15-30 minutes before we're dismissed to go to our posts in the fields. Even once we're dismissed from the office we are not able to clock in until we plug in the thumb drive on our individual machines."

Another H-2A worker, who is afraid to have his name mentioned, adds, "The transport vans are often rushing to arrive to the fields. In 2021, there was an accident between one of the transport vans and a pickup truck transporting workers to the fields because the drivers were rushing to get in as quickly as possible. From the time we leave the office to reach the fields, depending on the fields it can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to arrive. Then once the van drops us off it can take another 5 to 10 minutes to walk to our machines. Then at the end of the day, we're given tasks to carry the gasoline jugs or igloo water containers and we're not paid for that time either. So this is about another 15 minutes we are unpaid."

And then there is the abuse and intimidation. A worker sent us a video (https://twitter.com/UFWupdates/status/1705293672701624561) of a 4 minute rant by owner Paul Wafler, which workers were forced to listen to without pay. Here is a bit of the transcript: "When you go to work, that's what your time is. When you start crying, did you feel like you were shorted for 15 minutes? It's because you decided to take a tap out before the time interval is over. That's tough s***t. That's on you guys. You don't get organized in the morning to get in the van and go. That's tough s***t. The job starts when we leave. Not because you're just standing in here. Let's get that real g** d*** clear. And if you want to leave the lights on the van and then delay everything to get going because you still don't know how to drive a van again, that's tough s*** too. If you have a problem with your pay, you let somebody know. That f***ing morning, not a week later in the paycheck."

Tell the NY Department of Labor they should immediately investigate. According to workers, all this unpaid time adds up. The workers deserve an immediate end to these reported practices and what they say are unpaid wages.

Contact Information

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code (Optional): [redacted]
State/Province (Optional): [redacted]
Email: [redacted]

Subject: This has to end NOW. PLEASE Investigate Wafler Farms’ alleged wage theft and abuse.

NYS [New York State] Department of Labor Enforcement Division,

Wafler Farms’ apple workers need you to do your job by helping them to get paid for all of the work that they do at their jobs. Please immediately investigate the reported wage theft going on at Wafler. The workers are tired of the many tasks they say they are forced to do every day without pay: travel, meetings, clean up, etc. The UFW (United Farm Workers), the union certified to represent the workers at Wafler, has filed charges with you on September 19. The workers deserve an immediate end to these practices and what they say are their unpaid wages.

Sincerely, [Your information here]

*I selected the "Share on Twitter" option (by the way, I only have a Twitter account so I can read tweets which are included in some online articles that I read) in order for me to provide you, my readers, with the text and hyperlink below:

Tell NY DOL to investigate Wafler Farms’ alleged wage theft & abuse. Workers say they are tired of the many tasks they are forced to do every day without pay: travel between work locations, captive audience meetings, clean up. The list goes on. https://act.seiu.org/a/waflerdol?ms=tellfriend_t&ceid=442257&snw=2&ref=20186268-804f-4620-a98b-7c9e649380a0#!

And so, I sent the email above to the New York State Department of Labor Enforcement Division, via the SEIU.org (Service Employees International Union) website. Then, I watched the "video of a 4 minute rant by owner Paul Wafler," which was seriously disturbing! I almost stopped watching it since he was being so belligerent toward his workers. However, I watched it until the end just to hear everything that he said to them:

https://twitter.com/UFWupdates/status/1705293672701624561

–Paul Whiting (written September 22nd, 2023, revised October 27th, 2023 and revised November 17th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before, Written On September 23rd, 2023: I have decided to consolidate the two types of 'updates' that write regarding current news articles that I read on a regular basis—which is often daily, although not always—in order to save the number of individual 'updates' that I write about current news.

Please let me explain: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), if there are articles that I feel are important for me to read from those emails. Then, I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

And the 'update' I am writing today, September 23rd, 2023, is actually about the news from yesterday, September 22nd, 2023, from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!'

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for this Time Magazine articles 'update'—plus, all the future 'updates,' as well—and simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received yesterday, September 22nd, 2023, when I noticed three Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Why India's Women's Reservation Bill Is a Major Step Forward":

https://time.com/6316383/india-womens-reservation-bill

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Our Vocabulary Is Adapting to a Hotter Planet":

https://time.com/6315949/climate-change-vocabulary-adapting-to-a-hotter-planet

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Why We Can't Get Over the Roman Empire":

https://time.com/6316386/tom-holland-roman-empire-obsession-essay

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google yesterday, September 22nd, 2023, when I noticed 18 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for this current news 'update'—plus, all the future 'updates,' as well—and simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Biden administration to ban medical debt from Americans' credit scores" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-administration-to-ban-medical-debt-credit-scores

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Pentagon exempts Ukraine operations from potential government shutdown" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/21/pentagon-exempts-ukraine-operations-from-shutdown-00117482

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "Austin Assures Zelenskyy of American Support for Ukraine" from the U.S. Department of Defense:

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3534161/austin-assures-zelenskyy-of-american-support-for-ukraine

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Zelensky’s mixed reception in Washington may be a taste of political storm to come" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/21/politics/volodymyr-zelensky-washington-visit/index.html

[I watched this video on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "Book challenges reach historic highs, American Library Association reports" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna107972

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "Book bans continue to rise in US public schools, libraries: 'Attacks on our freedom'" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/09/21/public-school-library-book-bans/70924262007

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "A flamethrower and comments about book burning ignite a political firestorm in Missouri" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/flamethrower-missouri-governor-candidate-violent-6055f2c73bc10c8c58fae1d161c9c91e

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "VP Harris, a former prosecutor, will lead new White House office of gun violence prevention" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/biden-guns-mass-shootings-kamala-harris-e4ae51704d1e065fef0fb656043d6cf0

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "The Borking of Joe Biden" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/opinion/biden-republicans-impeachment.html

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "US government shutdown could slow House Republicans' Biden impeachment inquiry" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-govt-shutdown-could-slow-house-republicans-biden-impeachment-inquiry-2023-09-22

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Democrats want federal voting rights bill ahead of 2024 elections" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/09/20/voting-rights-for-all-democrats-push-for-federal-voting-protections/70911029007

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "House heads home for the week as government shutdown deadline looms" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/house-paralyzed-republicans-fail-defense-bill/story?id=103375903

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "The nation's cartoonists on the week in politics" from Politico (and, specifically, I have selected the political cartoon "DON'T WORRY—WE'LL JUST MAKE STUFF UP" out of the cartoon carousel):

https://www.politico.com/gallery/2023/09/22/the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics-00117479?slide=9

(By the way, I always try to take the time look at the advertisements in these "cartoon carousels" in order to appreciate the fact that I am able to read these political cartoons based upon their ads!)

[I read this 'article' on September 23rd, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "A Murdoch Succession" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/22/briefing/rupert-murdoch.html

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "Rupert Murdoch, a kingmaker in GOP politics, enriched himself as he poisoned America" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/22/media/rupert-murdoch-reliable-sources/index.html

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "World News in Brief: Peace day, high seas treaty, Palestinian displacement rises, polio in Ukraine" from UN (United Nations) News:

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/09/1141167

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: "Saudi crown prince unbothered by 'sportswashing' label: 'Call it whatever you want'" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna111418

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 18: "How Climate Week in New York Turned Into ‘Burning Man for Climate Geeks’" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/climate/climate-week-new-york.html

[I read this article on October 11th, 2023.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written September 23rd, 2023, revised September 24th, 2023, revised September 25th, 2023, revised September 26th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023, revised September 28th, 2023, revised October 8th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023, revised October 11th, 2023 and revised October 16th, 2023)

P.S.: By the way, today, October 11th, 2023, I read the September 22nd, 2023 news articles.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 23rd, 2023 Update, Written On September 24th, 2023: I have consolidated the two types of 'updates' that write regarding current news articles that I read on a regular basis—which is often daily, although not always—in order to save the number of individual 'updates' that I write about current news.

Please let me explain: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), if there are articles that I feel are important for me to read from those emails. Then, I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

And the 'update' I am writing today, September 24th, 2023, is actually about the news from yesterday, September 23rd, 2023, from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!'

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received yesterday, September 23rd, 2023, when I noticed two Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

One of the Time Magazine articles that I read today is titled, "Chef Daniel Humm Is Cooking for the 1% for a Reason: 'I Know That This Voice Does Affect Change:

https://time.com/6316059/its-hard-to-make-a-carrot-transcendent-chef-daniel-humm-on-plant-based-luxury

By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled, "Chef Daniel Humm on Plant-Based Luxury."

The other one of the Time Magazine articles that I read today is titled, "How Wastewater Testing Can Help Tackle America's Opioid Crisis":

https://time.com/6315775/wastewater-testing-opioids

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google yesterday, September 23rd, 2023, when I noticed 16 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "‘We are deeply concerned.’ Corporate America is bracing for a lengthy government shutdown" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/09/22/business/corporations-federal-government-shutdown/index.html

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "The chaos over an impending shutdown is so bad that some Republicans say they'll join forces with Democrats to keep the government open" from Insider (formerly 'Business Insider'):

https://www.businessinsider.com/federal-government-shutdown-2023-likelihood-republicans-want-no-shutdown-bipartisan-2023-9?amp

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "McCarthy stares into the shutdown abyss" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/23/mccarthy-stares-into-shutdown-abyss-00117658

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Speaker McCarthy is giving hard-right Republicans what they want. But it never seems to be enough." from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-mccarthy-gaetz-republicans-dd94770223f697c1c68229133f031df4

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "House Republicans as government shutdown nears: Nobody told us we'd have to govern" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2023/09/22/shutdown-looms-mccarthy-republicans-leave-washington/70922651007

[[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "Biden says he will join picket line as UAW strike expands" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Business/uaw-strike-negotiations-deadline-general-motors-ford-stellantis/story?id=103403691

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Biden Will Join Autoworkers on Picket Line in Michigan, a Historic Move" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/22/us/politics/uaw-biden-shawn-fain.html

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "Biden to join the picket line in UAW strike" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/22/biden-to-join-the-picket-line-in-uaw-strike-00117749

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "Joe Biden Is About to Go Where No President Has Gone Before" from Mother Jones Magazine:

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/09/joe-biden-is-about-to-go-where-no-president-has-gone-before

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "Joe Biden to join picket line with striking auto workers in Michigan" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/22/uaw-invites-joe-biden-to-join-striking-auto-on-the-picket-line/70930517007

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Joe Biden's Michigan visit bolsters auto workers' strike, preceding Trump's arrival by one day" from Mint ePaper:

https://www.livemint.com/news/world/joe-bidens-michigan-visit-bolsters-auto-workers-strike-preceding-trumps-arrival-by-one-day/amp-11695430263948.html

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "UAW strike latest: Biden to visit picket lines, the union's new strategy" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/23/1201360390/uaw-strike-latest-biden-to-visit-picket-lines-the-unions-new-strategy

[I listened to this podcast on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "Auto workers in Detroit share why they’re striking" from PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) NewsHour:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/nation/auto-workers-in-detroit-share-why-theyre-striking

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "How the Supreme Court could alter the way Americans interact on the internet" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/22/facebook-x-supreme-court-censorship-coercion-social-media/70796180007

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "Biden to deliver democracy speech and pay tribute to John McCain in Arizona next week" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-democracy-john-mccain-arizona-c83e5bf4d3612afb1234c0376970d511

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "Special election results offer Democrats encouraging news" from NBC News:

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/shows/maddow/blog/rcna111315

[I read this article on October 16th, 2023.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written September 24th, 2023, revised September 25th, 2023, revised September 26th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023, revised September 28th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023, revised October 16th, 2023 and revised November 6th, 2023)

P.S.: By the way, today, October 16th, 2023, I read the September 23rd, 2023 news articles.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 24th, 2023 Update: I have consolidated the two types of 'updates' that write regarding current news articles that I read on a regular basis—which is often daily, although not always—in order to save the number of individual 'updates' that I write about current news.

Please let me explain: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), if there are articles that I feel are important for me to read from those emails. Then, I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, September 24th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!'

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, September 24th, 2023, when I noticed three Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The One Thing New York Climate Week Made Clear":

https://time.com/6316883/new-york-climate-week-challenges

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The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "What Yom Kippur Can Teach Us About the Brutality of Ableism":

https://time.com/6316464/yom-kippur-ableism-essay

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The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "All Your Questions About the Strikes’ Impact on Fall TV, Answered":

https://time.com/6316559/fall-tv-strikes-impact

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 24th, 2023, when I noticed 21 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Pete Buttigieg defends Biden's approach to America's problems amid dismal new poll" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/pete-buttigieg-defends-bidens-approach-economy-amid-dismal/story?id=103438580

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Donald Trump's attacks on top military officer are 'outrageous,' Pete Buttigieg says" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/24/buttigieg-donald-trump-wounded-veteran/70953824007

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

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No. 3: "Pete Buttigieg: Biden is joining UAW picket line because he’s ‘deeply pro-worker’" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna117070

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

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No. 4: "Mexico makes agreement with US to deport migrants from its border cities as one mayor warns his city is at ‘a breaking point’" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/23/us/mexico-us-border-patrol-agreement-migration-surge/index.html

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

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No. 5: "US House panel approves four funding bills; government shutdown deadline approaches" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-panel-approves-four-funding-bills-govt-shutdown-deadline-approaches-2023-09-23

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

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No. 6: "Biden says Republicans should live up to budget deal" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-says-republicans-should-live-up-budget-deal-2023-09-24

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

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No. 7: "The U.S. federal government is headed into a shutdown. What does it mean, who’s hit and what’s next?" from CNBC:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/09/23/the-us-federal-government-is-headed-into-a-shutdown-what-does-it-mean-whos-hit-and-whats-next.html

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

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No. 8: "One week to go: Kevin McCarthy, Joe Biden brace for potential government shutdown" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/23/one-week-away-kevin-mccarthy-joe-biden-prep-for-government-shutdown/70945000007

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

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No. 9: "Is a government shutdown coming? Why Republican lawmakers are split on whether to brace for impact" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/24/government-shutdown-house-gop-lawmakers-split-on-inevitability/70954565007

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

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No. 10: "Schumer in talks with McConnell as shutdown fears grow: ‘We may now have to go first’" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/22/politics/chuck-schumer-senate-government-funding-tv/index.html

[I watched this video on October 20th, 2023.]

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No. 11: "The federal government is headed into a shutdown. What does it mean, who’s hit and what’s next?" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

By the way, when I read this article on October 20th, 2023, the article was updated on September 30, 2023, so the title changed to: "A government shutdown is averted for now with a temporary funding bill. What happens in a shutdown?"

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "Gun violence is the ultimate ‘superstorm,’ President Biden says as he announces new federal effort" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/biden-guns-gun-violence-mass-shootings-5a72e3730b6d24b2143f034a9ee6ed21

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "Biden's GOP debate strategy: Send Newsom" from Axios:

https://www.axios.com/2023/09/22/biden-deploys-newsom-gop-debate-president

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "Democrats are on a special election winning streak" from Axios:

https://www.axios.com/2023/09/21/democrats-special-elections-winning-streak

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "First Batch of Biden Emails Undercuts G.O.P. Claims" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/22/us/politics/biden-emails-alias.html

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "Menendez Indictment Appears to Undercut Claims of ‘Two-Tiered System’ of Justice" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/22/us/politics/menendez-indictment-republicans-garland-justice.html

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: "Move over Dark Brandon, this group wants to make Joe Cool a new meme" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/24/biden-progress-now-memes-00117768

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 18: "Keller @ Large: Is President Joe Biden's age a valid campaign issue or ageism?" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/boston/news/president-joe-biden-age-campain-jon-keller-steve-kerrigan-massachusetts

[I read this article on October 20th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 19: "On the picket lines, auto workers are willing to strike for as long as it takes" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/24/1201383666/on-the-picket-lines-auto-workers-are-willing-to-strike-for-as-long-as-it-takes

[I listened to this podcast on October 20th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 20: "United Auto Workers strike deepens amid layoffs" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp-video/mmvo193540677903

[I watched this video on September 24th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written September 24th, 2023, revised September 25th, 2023, revised September 26th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023, revised September 28th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023 and revised October 20th, 2023)

P.S.: By the way, today, October 20th, 2023, I read the September 24th, 2023 news articles.

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September 24th, 2023 Update—Continued, Which Also Discusses September 17th, 2023: Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day (a.k.a. National Gold Star Mother's Day) is today September 24th, 2023, since Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is the last Sunday in September.

And I received an email from National Today seven days ago on September 17th, 2023, with the subject line, "Cheeseburgers, Queso, and Meowing Like a Pirate. The Week Ahead", which stated, in part, the following:

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY...

... Sunday 24 September

Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day Honoring families of those who have received The Gold Star – the military award no one wants.

Read more:

https://nationaltoday.com/gold-star-mothers-and-family-day

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can, in part, be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY – SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
[Observed in the] U.S.

Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day falls on September 24 this year and is traditionally observed on the last Sunday in September. The day is for honoring families of those who have received The Gold Star – the military award no one wants. The award commemorates the tragic death of a military member who has perished while in the line of duty and hopes to provide a level of comfort to the parents and families that are left behind. Since World War 1, a “Gold Star Family” has signified a family that has lost one of its members in combat. The family can display a Gold Star Service Flag for any military family members who have died from any honorable cause – each gold star on the flag signifies a death. Though today only around 1% of the country is involved in military service, as compared to the 12% during other times of war, like World War 2, there are still a significant number of surviving Gold Star families – not to mention, a Gold Star lives on in a family’s legacy.

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HISTORY OF GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY

Though the exact roots of the tradition aren’t totally known, it was during World War 1 that the gold star came to symbolize that a family member had fallen in battle. Around that time, the term “Gold Star Family” came to mean that you were a surviving family of a person who died in service and families hung banners with a gold star outside their homes. The tradition has since been authorized and seeks to ease the grief of mothers and families while reminding that no one truly serves alone.

Gradually, there came to be many ways for grieving family members to honor their loved ones with symbols worn or places outside the home. In 1918, President Wilson allowed grieving military mothers to wear a traditional black armband featuring a gold star. Soon after, it was approved for families to cover the blue star on the service flag outside of their home with a gold one. As of 1947, Gold Star family members can also display the Gold Star Lapel.

The American Gold Star Mothers Inc. first got its start in 1917, when Grace Siebold’s son was killed during World War 1. Wanting to create a support system for grieving mothers in similar circumstances, Grace gathered what would become the American Gold Star Mothers to grieve together and tend to hospitalized veterans in local hospitals. The organization was formalized as a non-profit in 1928, with a mission of remembrance, education, and patriotism. Still today, they support Gold Star mothers in their grief, hold an annual conference, and organize events with supporting groups.

Though Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day isn’t observed as a National, federal holiday like Memorial Day, it was declared by Congress in 1936 to be the last Sunday in September – though, at the time, it was only known as “Gold Star Mother’s Day.” It was in 2011 that President Obama amended the declaration, declaring the day to include families as well as mothers. Today, the holiday includes any immediate family member and authorizes that person to display the Gold Star Service Flag.

Today, America is not embroiled in any kind of conflict like World War 1 or 2, and far fewer individuals consider Gold Star heroes and their families – oftentimes, people may think that they don’t know anyone in a Gold Star Family. However, there are many more Gold Star families from previous wars than you may think, and since over 1.3 million people are involved in the military today, it’s possible you know a family that still grieves a recent fallen soldier. Understanding the sacrifice and acknowledging the holiday are the best ways to support the families and honor the soldiers.

---------------------------------------------

GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY TIMELINE

1918
Armbands Authorized:
President Wilson authorized mothers who had lost a child in the war to wear a traditional black mourning armband featuring a gold star.

1929
American Gold Star Mothers:
Started in Washington, DC, The American Gold Star Mothers Inc. quickly spread across the country. In 1929, the organization obtained a federal charter to support mothers who were often separated from their ailing or dead children.

June 23, 1936
Gold Star Mother’s Day Recognized:
Since this date, Gold Star Mother’s Day has always fallen on the last Sunday of September.

1947
Gold Star Lapel:
The Gold Star Service Lapel, in addition to the Gold Star Service Flag, is authorized to be displayed by surviving family members.

September 23, 2011
Obama Proclamation:
President Obama amended “Gold Star Mother’s Day” to include families as “Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day” on September 23, 2011.

---------------------------------------------

GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY FAQS

Where is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day recognized?

The United States.

What are some organizations that support Gold Star families?

Obviously, a great choice is The American Gold Star Mothers! Other charitable organizations that support families of the fallen include Snowball Express, America’s Gold Star Families, and fallenpatriots.org.

When is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day?

Gold Star Mother’s and Family is observed on the last Sunday in September.

---------------------------------------------

HOW TO OBSERVE GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY

1. Read about the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice

Endless family testimonials, articles, and other media can be found to learn more about the lives of our brave servicemembers. This Gold Star Mothers and Family Day, learn more about their bravery and honor their memory.

2. Donate to an organization that supports Gold Star Mothers and Families

Many organizations are dedicated to supporting Gold Star Mothers and Families emotionally and with other benefits. Specifically for mothers, you can donate to the American Gold Star Mothers Inc. Other organizations to consider are Snowball Express and fallenpatriots.org, but do your own research and determine where your money is best donated.

[https://www.goldstarmoms.com]

[https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/snowball-express]

[https://americasgoldstarfamilies.org]

[https://www.fallenpatriots.org]

3. Visit a Gold Star soldier’s grave

Gold Star soldiers must not be forgotten, and a great way to remind ourselves of their sacrifice is to visit their grave. You might consider laying some flowers or a flag at their resting place.

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5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY

1. The American Gold Star Mothers are headquartered in California

Called “The Gold Star Manor,” a home on a 23-acre piece of land in Long Beach, CA serves as the headquarters for the American Gold Star Mothers.

2. There is a National Gold Star Families Registry

This program honors fallen soldiers by keeping a registry of their deaths, so as to properly recognize them publicly.

3. Gold Star Mothers raise money for Wreaths Across America

During the holidays, the American Gold Star Mothers partner with Wreaths Across America, helping them raise money to put wreaths on the graves of gold star soldiers.

4. There are over 470,000 Gold Star Families

While you may not think you know a Gold Star Family, with approximately 472,050 Gold Star Families reported by the National Gold Star Family Registry, you actually might.

5. There is a specific organization for Gold Star Wives

While wives are encompassed in the meaning of a Gold Star Family, the separate organization Gold Star Wives provides support and benefits to the wives and children of fallen soldiers.

---------------------------------------------

WHY GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY IS IMPORTANT

A. It emotionally supports the families left behind

One of the most important things to Gold Star Mothers and Families is ensuring their loved one is not forgotten. When we display our commitment to remembering their soldier, we can all help ease the burden of their grief.

B. It reminds us of our gratitude

We can often take the freedom we enjoy in the United States for granted but this holiday reminds us that freedom is not without a price; in this case, the ultimate price. We’re going to spend some time today appreciating the freedom we enjoy every day while being mindful of why we have it.

C. It raises awareness of the military

Though oftentimes the meaning of Memorial Day is overlooked, Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day reminds us all of the purpose of the holiday. It also raises awareness of the heroism that our military members display regularly.

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/gold-star-mothers-and-family-day

–Paul Whiting (written September 24th, 2023 and revised October 5th, 2023)

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September 25th, 2023 Update: "If You See Something, Say Something®" Awareness Day (a.k.a. #SeeSayDay) is today, September 25th, 2023, since "If You See Something, Say Something® #SeeSayDay" is yearly (annually) on September 25th, as explained below from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security "If you see something, say something" website:

"'If You See Something, Say Something®' is a national campaign that raises public awareness of the signs of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, and how to report suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement.

We all play a role in keeping our communities safe. It’s easy to be distracted during our daily routines such as going to work, school, or the grocery store, but as you’re going about your day, if you see something that doesn’t seem quite right, say something..."

https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something

September 25 is #SeeSayDay

We all have someone, or something, to protect. On #SeeSayDay, join us by taking a pledge to protect your community. Be the one that speaks up; your tip could help save a life.

Take the Pledge to Protect:

https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something/seesay-day

If You See Something, Say Something® #SeeSayDay

Year-round, the “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign works to empower and educate the public on the importance of recognizing the signs of terrorism-related suspicious activity and how to report it to law enforcement. However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated September 25 as “If You See Something, Say Something®” Awareness Day, also known as #SeeSayDay. On this day, DHS and its campaign partners across the country come together to remind the public to be aware of suspicious activity and how to report it to law enforcement.

How to Participate:

“If You See Something, Say Something®” is more than just a slogan; it is the mindset that we all play a role in the safety of our communities. For #SeeSayDay 2023, we encourage the public to make a "Pledge to Protect" communities by being ready to report suspicious activity to local authorities.

This #SeeSayDay, learn how to identify (https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something/recognize-the-signs) and report (https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something/how-to-report-suspicious-activity) terrorism-related suspicious activity to local authorities. Then on September 25, share your Pledge to Protect on your personal or organization's social media channels using #SeeSayDay social media graphics (https://www.dhs.gov/publication/seesay-day-socialmedia) and draft posts below. Use the hashtag #SeeSayDay to note your involvement!

And, after I read the website above, I selected the "Ready-to-Use Newsletter Blurb," as well as the "Ready-to-Use Social Media Posts," both of which can be found below:

Ready-to-Use Newsletter Blurb:

Take the Pledge to Protect This #SeeSayDay

We all have someone, or something, to protect, and we all play a role in keeping our communities safe. That is the message of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) "If You See Something, Say Something®" campaign (https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something/about-campaign), a national awareness campaign that encourages the public to recognize and report terrorism-related suspicious activity to local authorities. Remember, factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity are not suspicious.

September 25 marks “If You See Something, Say Something®” Awareness Day, also known as #SeeSayDay. On this day, DHS and its campaign partners come together to spread the word about suspicious activity reporting.

This #SeeSayDay, the campaign encourages you to make a pledge to protect your community. It starts with taking the following simple steps:

[✓] Learn and be aware of the warning signs of suspicious activity and threats.

https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something/recognize-the-signs

[✓] Immediately speak up to report suspicious activity to local authorities.

https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something/how-to-report-suspicious-activity

[✓] On September 25, 2023, use the campaign’s #SeeSayDay social media graphics on your social media accounts and “pledge to protect” your community. Use the hashtag #SeeSayDay in your posts.

(https://www.dhs.gov/publication/seesay-day-socialmedia)

Don’t be a bystander and ignore suspicious activity. Starting this #SeeSayDay, pledge to protect your community. For more information, visit DHS.gov/SeeSay.

https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something

---------------------------------------------

Ready-to-Use Social Media Posts:

This #SeeSayDay, I pledge to protect my community by reporting suspicious activity. Learn more about how you can make a difference ➡️

https://go.dhs.gov/opJ

We pledge to protect our [neighbors / community / organization / workplace / customers] by encouraging everyone to report suspicious activity to authorities. Visit the #SeeSayDay website to learn more ➡️

https://go.dhs.gov/opJ

Today is #SeeSayDay! Take a pledge to protect your community by learning the signs of suspicious activity and how to report it ➡️

https://go.dhs.gov/opJ

Therefore, "this #SeeSayDay, I pledge to protect my community by reporting suspicious activity," so please "learn more about how you can make a difference," because "today is #SeeSayDay!" Join me and "take a pledge to protect your community by learning the signs of suspicious activity and how to report it," since "we [can all] pledge to protect our family / friends / neighbors / communities / organizations / workplaces / businesses / customers by encouraging everyone to report suspicious activity to authorities."

Please "visit the #SeeSayDay website to learn more":

https://go.dhs.gov/opJ

–Paul Whiting (September 25th, 2023)

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September 25th, 2023 Update—Continued: I have consolidated the two types of 'updates' that write regarding current news articles that I read on a regular basis—which is often daily, although not always—in order to save the number of individual 'updates' that I write about current news.

Please let me explain: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), if there are articles that I feel are important for me to read from those emails. Then, I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, September 25th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!'

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, September 25th, 2023, when I noticed four Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "This Group Is Helping Find New Ways to Recycle Old Wind Turbine Blades":

https://time.com/6316828/recycling-old-wind-turbine-blades

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "What to Know About the Saltwater Threat to Louisiana’s Drinking Water Supply":

https://time.com/6317056/saltwater-threat-mississippi-river-drinking-water

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Hollywood Screenwriters Reach Tentative Deal to End Strike":

https://time.com/6317102/hollywood-writers-strike-deal

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The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Here's How a Government Shutdown Could Affect You":

https://time.com/6316879/how-government-shutdown-affects-americans

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 25th, 2023, when I noticed 14 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "What U.S taxpayers are getting for their money in Ukraine" from 60 Minutes:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/us-aid-ukraine-60-minutes-transcript

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "In Ukraine, U.S. tax dollars are funding more than just military aid" from 60 Minutes:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/following-american-money-in-ukraine-60-minutes

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "After summer’s extreme weather, more Americans see climate change as a culprit, AP-NORC poll shows" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-poll-opinions-attitudes-extreme-weather-993c392ee57d023ca55600431a39a4be

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "United States and China launch economic and financial working groups with aim of easing tensions" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/us-china-working-groups-yellen-tensions-c21a6d14467893123ef70eb8a0443366

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "President Biden allocates more funds for Maui, unaccounted-for list number drops" from KHON2 (Hawaii news, weather and sports):

https://www.khon2.com/local-news/president-biden-allocates-more-funds-for-maui-unaccounted-for-list-number-drops/amp

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "President Biden Applauds Tentative Writers Guild Deal" from The Hollywood Reporter:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/joe-biden-wga-amptp-deal-strike-1235598182/amp

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "DOJ says Hunter Biden prosecutor David Weiss can testify to House Judiciary Committee in 'near term'" from CNBC:

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/09/25/doj-hunter-biden-prosecutor-can-testify-to-house-gop-panel.html

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "Republicans appeal to far-right conservatives to avert US government shutdown" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republicans-appeal-far-right-conservatives-avert-us-government-shutdown-2023-09-24

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "With House Republicans in turmoil, colleagues implore GOP holdouts not to shut down government" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-mccarthy-congress-house-republicans-biden-249d83636e9d61cdd2aabdf34a129514

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "Trump breaks with McCarthy, pushing Republicans to shut down the government" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna117192

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Republicans' anti-Trump effort flounders as the former president cruises ahead" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna116977

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "Republicans confront new questions about whether they can govern" from MSNBC:

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/shows/maddow/blog/rcna116907

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "As Trump Prosecutions Move Forward, Threats and Concerns Increase" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/24/us/politics/trump-prosecutions-threats-violence.html

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "Republican vitriol against prosecutors may spur violence, ex-lawmakers warn" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/25/republican-verbal-attacks-violence-donald-trump-jim-jordan-fani-willis

[I read this article on November 4th, 2023.]

By the way, after I read the article on November 4th, 2023, I noticed The Guardian News donation request below, which stated the following:

A message from [name redacted], [title redacted] of the Guardian US [United States]:

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you move on, I was hoping you would consider taking the step of supporting the Guardian’s journalism.

From Elon Musk to the Murdochs, a small number of billionaire owners have a powerful hold on so much of the information that reaches the public about what’s happening in the world. The Guardian is different. We have no billionaire owner or shareholders to consider. Our journalism is produced to serve the public interest – not profit motives.

And we avoid the trap that befalls much US media – the tendency, born of a desire to please all sides, to engage in false equivalence in the name of neutrality. While fairness guides everything we do, we know there is a right and a wrong position in the fight against racism and for reproductive justice. When we report on issues like the climate crisis, we’re not afraid to name who is responsible. And as a global news organization, we’re able to provide a fresh, outsider perspective on US politics – one so often missing from the insular American media bubble.

Around the world, readers can access the Guardian’s paywall-free journalism because of our unique reader-supported model. That’s because of people like you. Our readers keep us independent, beholden to no outside influence and accessible to everyone – whether they can afford to pay for news, or not. If you can, please consider supporting us just once from $1, or better yet, support us every month with a little more. Thank you.

[✓] Single
[  ] Monthly
[  ] Annual

[  ] $75
[  ] $125
[✓] Other $5.00

https://support.theguardian.com/us/contribute

Thank you for supporting us today with $5 ❤️

Thank you for your contribution...

And so, I made a one-time donation to The Guardian News out of thankful consideration of the article that I just read by "taking the step of supporting the Guardian’s journalism."

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written September 25th, 2023, revised September 26th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023, revised September 28th, 2023 and revised October 9th, 2023)

P.S.: By the way, today, November 4th, 2023, I read the September 25th, 2023 news articles.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 26th, 2023 Update: I have consolidated the two types of 'updates' that write regarding current news articles that I read on a regular basis—which is often daily, although not always—in order to save the number of individual 'updates' that I write about current news.

Please let me explain: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), if there are articles that I feel are important for me to read from those emails. Then, I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, September 26th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!'

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, September 26th, 2023, when I noticed three Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "As Menendez Faces Calls to Resign, Some Notable Democrats Don’t Join In":

https://time.com/6317285/senator-menendez-new-jersey-resign-cory-booker

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Why Some Border Towns Are Worried About a Government Shutdown":

https://time.com/6317364/border-security-government-shutdown-migrants

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Screenwriters Have Reached a Tentative Deal to End the Strike. Here’s What Happens Next With the WGA and SAG":

https://time.com/6317199/wga-strike-tentative-agreement

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 26th, 2023, when I noticed 28 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Americans have poor math skills. It’s a threat to US standing in the global economy, employers say" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/math-scores-china-security-b60b740c480270d552d750c15ed287b6

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "How a government shutdown could impact Americans" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/24/politics/government-shutdown-impacts/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "Shutdown looms as US Senate, House take dueling tacks on funding" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/shutdown-showdown-us-congress-time-running-short-fund-government-2023-09-26

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Biden, US officials warn of hunger for millions in a government shutdown" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/government-shutdown-risks-food-benefits-7-million-biden-aide-warns-2023-09-25

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "McCarthy says a meeting with Biden on the shutdown and border would be 'important'" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/mccarthy-calls-government-shutdown-meeting-biden-important-rcna117420?ex=digest

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "McCarthy's dilemma: Save his speakership or keep the government open" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna117200

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "McCarthy says a government shutdown ‘would not be on’ House Republicans" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp-video/mmvo193826373858

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "Congress is moving into crisis mode as Senate unveils bipartisan bill to avoid a government shutdown" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-mccarthy-biden-trump-republicans-e4c37673b6507deaed2902f2166ef759

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "GOP shutdown politics rock Washington as Trump and Biden head for a swing-state showdown" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/25/politics/republicans-shutdown-trump-biden-2024/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "Donald Trump will be all across America this week, except on the debate stage" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/09/25/politics/donald-trump-south-carolina-skip-debate/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Fact check: Trump lies that Senate Democrats stole the 2020 election, baselessly accuses NBC’s owner of treason" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/25/politics/fact-check-trump-treason-nbc-senate-democrats/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "US government and 17 states sue Amazon in landmark monopoly case" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/26/tech/ftc-sues-amazon-antitrust-monopoly-case/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "Biden urges striking auto workers to ‘stick with it’ in picket line visit unparalleled in history" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-strike-united-auto-workers-8ecc84eeca15c99673f31bdac6921f7b

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "'Folks, stick with it.' Biden joins picket line with striking UAW workers in historic visit" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/26/biden-uaw-picket-line-michigan/70969139007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "Joe Biden Becomes First President to Join a Picket Line as He Supports Striking Autoworkers: ‘Stick with It’" from People Magazine:

https://people.com/joe-biden-historic-picket-line-speech-united-auto-workers-strike-7975071

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "President Biden joins United Auto Workers picket line in Michigan" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/business/live-news/michigan-picket-biden-uaw-strike-09-26-2023/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: "Biden says UAW should fight for 40% pay raise in Michigan strike visit" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-trump-woo-union-workers-michigan-auto-strikes-grow-2023-09-26

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 18: "Biden makes history by joining striking autoworkers on the picket line" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna117348

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 19: "Biden joins picket line with UAW workers in Michigan: 'Stick with it'" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-uaw-strike-michigan-picket-line

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 20: "'Let's keep going': Biden joins striking autoworkers on picket line" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-join-striking-auto-workers-picket-line-move/story?id=103470454

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 21: "Americans Are Down on Biden. Why Does His Party Keep Winning Elections?" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/26/us/politics/democrats-special-elections-biden.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 22: "Booker joins growing number of Senate Democrats calling for Menendez to resign amid federal indictment" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/26/politics/menendez-calls-for-resignation-democratic-party-senate/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 23: "Opinion: Democrats’ response to the Menendez indictment tells all you need to know about today’s GOP" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/24/opinions/bob-menendez-indictment-democratic-response-obeidallah/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 24: "Bob Menendez remains defiant amid bribery charges and calls to resign" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/25/politics/bob-menendez-defense-comments/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 25: "Groundswell of Democrats Builds Calling on Menendez to Resign" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/26/us/politics/democrats-menendez-senate.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 26: "Supreme Court denies Alabama's bid to use GOP-drawn congressional map in redistricting case" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/supreme-court-alabama-redistricting

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 27: "Supreme Court rejects Alabama GOP redistricting appeal, clearing way for Dem pickup" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/26/supreme-court-alabama-redistricting-00118122

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 28: "The Hollywood writers’ strike may finally be ending" from Vox Media:

https://www.vox.com/culture/2023/9/24/23888673/wga-strike-end-sag-aftra

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written September 26th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023, revised September 28th, 2023, revised October 5th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, September 26th, 2023, I read the remaining news articles from September 14th, 2023 Through September 20th, 2023, which I have listed as No. 36 through No. 73, from my ‘September 20th, 2023 Update—Continued, Which Also Discusses September 14th, 2023 Through September 19th, 2023’ that can be found above.

P.P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

For my "September 27th, 2023 Update"—since this 'update' is a part of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs. An introduction to the 'update' can be found below:

September 27th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, September 27th, 2023, with the subject line, "Paul's September updates from the USO", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 116 / September 2023, which stated, in part, the following:

With Labor Day weekend coming up and Our nation marked 22 years since the 9/11 attacks forever changed our country and our world. September 11 holds meaning for all Americans, but it’s particularly poignant for those in the U.S. military who risk their lives to defend our freedom. At moments like this, we are so grateful for your support. Keep reading to learn about the powerful troop support efforts your generosity has made possible this September. ...

And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "Celebrating Patriot Day Across the Globe" and "Celebrating 80,000 service members and military spouses served with personalized professional services support!":

USO FRONT LINES

Celebrating Patriot Day Across the Globe

On Patriot Day, the USO remembered those who have fallen and sacrificed for our country and honored those who continue to serve today. The Powidz military community observed Patriot Day by enjoying a special event organized with help from the USO. For service members stationed in Poland, who support our NATO allies as the war in Ukraine rages on, a reminder of home on this important day couldn't have been more welcome.

---------------------------------------------

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆USO⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆Celebrating 80,000⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
⋆⋆service members and military spouses⋆⋆
⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆served with personalized⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆professional services support!⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

BY THE NUMBERS

"80,000"

This month, the USO celebrates a tremendous milestone for the Transition Program: 80,000 service members and military spouses served! Since the program’s inception, our teams have supported them with personalized employment, education, financial wellness and professional development as they navigate the complexities of post-military life.

Know someone in need of this service? Simply direct them to uso.org/transition to get connected!

https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-transition-program

---------------------------------------------

...From all of us at the USO, thank you for being a dedicated and proud military supporter!

And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "For more than 80 years, the USO has stood by America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country. But we're not a government agency, and rely on individual supporters like you to fund the programs that make the biggest difference for our service members." And I also donated to show my support for the USO's newsletter, as well as to show my support for the USO in supporting our men and women in uniform, as described in the highlight "VOICE OF THE USO," from the aforementioned newsletter:

VOICE OF THE USO

"The USO Reading Program has really helped me stay connected with my family while overseas. Given their ages, now is a particularly important time for [my kids] with literacy. The USO Reading Program has helped me feel like I’m doing everything I can to help them out while I am deployed. I am very much looking forward to reading the books once I’m home — with any luck, I’ll be home in time for both of their birthdays."

— A lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve on how the USO keeps him close to family during deployment

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation. ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "September 27th, 2023 Update":

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 27th, 2023 Update—Continued: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, September 27th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, September 27th, 2023, when I noticed seven Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Most Famous Historian of Rome on Why Men Are Obsessed":

https://time.com/6317735/men-roman-empire-mary-beard-history

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Voters May Blame Republicans for a Shutdown—but Not Punish Them":

https://time.com/6317658/government-shutdown-gop-elections-virginia

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Screenwriters Accept Deal to Return to Work but Actors Remain on Strike":

https://time.com/6317833/writers-union-accept-deal-actors-strike

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Kevin McCarthy’s Shutdown Dilemma":

https://time.com/6317618/amazon-ftc-lawsuit-overcharging

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Kevin McCarthy's Shutdown Dilemma":

https://time.com/6317751/kevin-mccarthy-government-shutdown-politics-decision

---------------------------------------------

The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Screenwriters Reached a Deal to End the Strike. Here's What Happens Next":

https://time.com/6317199/wga-strike-tentative-agreement

---------------------------------------------

The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Conservatives Aren’t Just Boycotting Bud Light. They’re Trying to Build a Parallel Economy":

https://time.com/6317479/bud-light-boycott-maga-economy-donald-trump-jr

---------------------------------------------

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 27th, 2023, when I noticed 14 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Judge rules Donald Trump defrauded banks and insurers while building real estate empire" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-1569245a9284427117b8d3ba5da74249

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Everything you need to know ahead of a government shutdown" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna117203

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "US Senate announces stopgap measure to avert impending government shutdown" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/26/us-senate-announces-stopgap-measure-to-avert-impending-government-shutdown

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Biden says McCarthy faces choice between 'speakership and American interest' as shutdown nears" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/27/biden-mccarthy-faces-choice-of-speakership-and-american-interest/70986414007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "Government shutdown updates: Latest news on odds of a government shutdown. How it affects you" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/27/government-shutdown-2023-odds-probability-live-updates/70978602007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "Senate Republicans and Democrats near deal to help avoid govt shutdown - Bloomberg News" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/senate-republicans-democrats-near-deal-help-avoid-govt-shutdown-bloomberg-news-2023-09-26

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Senate Reaches Spending Deal to Head Off Government Shutdown" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/26/us/politics/senate-bill-government-shutdown.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "The Republicans Driving Congress Toward a Shutdown" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/27/us/politics/republicans-congress-shutdown.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "McCarthy revives immigration battles in bid to shift shutdown blame from GOP feuds" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/27/1202043498/government-shutdown-border-immigration

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "White House girds itself for a shutdown" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/09/26/politics/white-house-prepares-for-government-shutdown/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "White House issues much-anticipated rule to weed out high-debt, predatory colleges" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/09/27/biden-administration-issues-much-anticipated-rule-to-weed-out-high-debt-colleges/70959657007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "NBC Reporter Destroys GOP Lawmaker's 'Evidence' Against Joe Biden Without Trying" from HuffPost (formerly, The Huffington Post):

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jason-smith-nbc-reporter-joe-biden_n_6514b745e4b07c60b51575d7/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "Another witness disappoints the GOP as part of its anti-Biden crusade" from MSNBC:

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/another-witness-disappoints-gop-part-anti-biden-crusade-rcna117341

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "Former Speaker Paul Ryan says Republicans will lose if Donald Trump is nominee" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/paul-ryan-donald-trump-government-shutdown-43582873637a9a7c3942885e6e3a3c25

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written September 27th, 2023, revised September 28th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 28th, 2023 Update: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, September 28th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, September 28th, 2023, when I noticed two Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Weaponization of Biden’s Age":

https://time.com/6317560/ageism-biden-essay

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Biggest Moments From the Second Republican Debate":

https://time.com/6318154/second-republican-debate-biggest-moments

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 28th, 2023, when I noticed 17 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Top US general taking steps to protect family after Trump death comments" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/top-us-general-taking-steps-protect-family-after-trump-death-comments-2023-09-28

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Biden to warn 'MAGA movement,' Trump threaten US democracy in Arizona" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-warn-threat-democracy-trump-honor-mccain-2023-09-28

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "Biden to Create Library Honoring His Friend and Rival John McCain" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/28/us/politics/biden-mccain-library.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "President Joe Biden honors John McCain: President to announce library at ASU" from The Arizona Republic:

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2023/09/27/president-joe-biden-honors-john-mccain-live-coverage-in-arizona/70976190007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "Biden impeachment inquiry live updates: Legal experts testify evidence doesn't meet threshold" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/live-updates/biden-impeachment-inquiry-live-updates/?id=103530653

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "House GOP’s impeachment witnesses say there's no evidence yet Joe Biden committed a crime" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna117657

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Republicans hold first Biden impeachment hearing as gov’t shutdown looms" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/28/republicans-hold-first-biden-impeachment-hearing-as-govt-shutdown-looms

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "House Republicans take on Biden as government shutdown looms" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/09/28/politics/house-republicans-biden-impeachment-shutdown/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "Republicans pushing for government shutdown ‘stuck on stupid’, says party moderate" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/27/republicans-government-shutdown-lawler

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "McCarthy Rejects Senate Spending Bill While Scrambling for a House Plan That Averts a Shutdown" from U.S. News & World Report:

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-09-28/mccarthy-rejects-senate-spending-bill-while-scrambling-for-a-house-plan-that-averts-a-shutdown

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "House GOP leaders plan to scrap vote on agriculture spending bill" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/28/house-gop-leaders-scrap-vote-agriculture-bill-00118757

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "Republican voters still looking for a candidate see a debate stage full of vice presidents" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/28/republican-debate-voters-reaction-00118760

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "Comparing Biden and Trump’s Polar-Opposite Messages to Autoworkers" from Rolling Stone Magazine:

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/biden-trump-deliver-opposite-messages-striking-uaw-workers-1234833745/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "In Detroit suburbs, Trump criticizes Biden, Democrats, automakers over electric vehicles" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/trump-speaks-in-detroit-republicans-debate-california

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "The path to limiting global warming to 1.5 °C has narrowed, but clean energy growth is keeping it open" from the International Energy Agency (IEA):

https://www.iea.org/news/the-path-to-limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-c-has-narrowed-but-clean-energy-growth-is-keeping-it-open

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "Portland approves 5-year, $750 million climate action plan" from OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting):

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/09/27/portland-oregon-approves-5-year-climate-action-plan/?outputType=amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: "Google's 25th birthday: See special Google Doodle, plus other Easter eggs" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2023/09/27/google-doodle-birthday-surprise-translate/70960063007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written September 28th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 28th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Song for Charlie today, September 28th, 2023, with the subject line, "Song for Charlie: September Newsletter", which stated, in part, the following:

Song for Charlie Monthly Newsletter: September 2023

Recovery Month

September is Recovery Month, and the Song for Charlie Team spent the last few weeks traveling and connecting with partners and advocates across the country. We continue to learn and build relationships with people and organizations committed to reimagining the way we talk about drugs in America. Team Hope is growing!

Mobilize Recovery

We were honored to be invited to attend the Mobilize Recovery Conference in Washington DC. We made connections, attended seminars and met with Government officials to understand how communities are responding to the fentanyl crisis and how we can help. Our awareness and education programs are in high demand as part of the total solution.

NBC News Interview

NBC’s Kate Snow interviewed Laura Didier about The New Drug Talk: Connect to Protect, SFC’s new parent resource. SFC research shows that parents feel ill equipped to talk to their kids about drugs, just when the conversation is more important than ever. We designed The New Drug Talk to get the conversation going.

Watch Here:

https://songforcharlie.org/news/nbc-news-daily-the-new-drug-talk

[I watched the video above referenced under 'NBC News Interview,' which is titled, "NBC News Daily: The New Drug Talk."]

FACTS Act

[Names redacted] participated in a news conference to announce the introduction of the Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools (FACTS) Act. This bipartisan bill cosponsored by Representatives [name and affiliation redacted] and [name and affiliation redacted] is inspired by SFC’s work with the Beaverton School District in Oregon. Feel free to contact your congressional representative and express your support for this important legislation!

Multiplier Effect

SFC is 100% donor funded. That means our mission is only possible because of generous individuals, corporations and foundations fueling our work through their donations. Every dollar raised helps us empower families. Together we are multiplying our impact to save lives.

Join us by hosting your own fundraiser, sharing our information on social media and activating your workplace. Let us know about an event you are planning or reach out to learn more: [email redacted]

And, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to Song for Charlie in order to support their "national family-run, nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about 'fentapills' — fake pills made of fentanyl." –Paul Whiting (September 28th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 28th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, September 28th, 2023, with the subject line, "23 years ago today", which stated the following:

Paul –

On this day 23 years ago, we reached a milestone in the fight for reproductive freedom: Mifepristone, a safe and effective pill used in medication abortion, was officially approved by the FDA.

Today, anti-abortion extremists are trying to rip away access to mifepristone in their campaign to ultimately ban abortion in all 50 states. The ACLU is fighting back, and we're so grateful that advocates like you signed our important petition calling on the courts to protect this vital medication.

Every person has the right to make decisions about their own bodies and their own futures. The ACLU has been defending abortion rights since 1920, and we are uniquely positioned to leverage our national network of attorneys to continue the fight today.

We're going to court in Ohio, North Carolina, and Alabama this week to fight for access to abortion and maternal health care, and we're preparing for decisions from the Florida and Utah supreme courts on challenges to abortion bans.

But to continue our work in the courts, we need dedicated advocates like you to fuel our fight: So please, will you donate $35 now to defend access to abortion rights and the rest of our civil liberties?

DONATE

Thanks for your support,

The ACLU Team

So, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU because "every person has the right to make decisions about their own bodies and their own futures ... but to continue [the ACLU's] work in the courts, [they] need dedicated advocates like [me] to fuel [their] fight: So [I donated $5.00] to defend access to abortion rights and the rest of our civil liberties." –Paul Whiting (September 28th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 29th, 2023 Update: I received a text message today, September 29th, 2023, from the Andy Kim for New Jersey campaign, which stated the following:

Paul, it's Andy Kim, the Democrat running to defeat indicted Senator Bob Menendez.

We've just received INCREDIBLE news: a new poll just came out showing I can keep New Jersey BLUE and that indicted Senator Bob Menendez can't.

This poll proves what we know: New Jersey deserves better and is ready for change. If Bob Menendez is the Democratic nominee for Senate in New Jersey, we could lose this seat AND our Senate Majority.

We can't afford to let that happen.

But Menendez will have his multi-million dollar warchest at his disposal to try and hold on to power.

Menendez has said he won't resign. So we have to defeat him at the polls. We know we can, but he's counting on us to miss our critical goals.

In less than 24 hours, our fundraising numbers will be public and Menedez will be watching closely to assess the strength of our grassroots movement.

We can restore integrity to the Senate and faith in our democracy, but I need my grassroots team to step up today. Will you chip in $25 before our critical End-of-Quarter deadline? >>***

Andy Kim

Donate to Andy Kim for New Jersey

I grew up in New Jersey and am proud to raise my family here. I believe more than ever that New Jersey needs hard working, trustworthy leaders focused on the common good and injecting some integrity and civility back into our politics. We cannot jeopardize the Senate or compromise our integrity any longer.

Help me build a movement to restore faith in our democracy.

Can you chip in now to support Andy Kim?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Andy Kim.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $3,300 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[  ] $3

[✓] Add custom amount $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Andy Kim for New Jersey campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "if Bob Menendez is the Democratic nominee for Senate in New Jersey, we could lose this seat AND our Senate Majority." However, "we can restore integrity to the Senate and faith in our democracy, but [Andy Kim] need[s] [his] grassroots team to step up today." So, I did my part by chipping "in [$5] before [Andy Kim for New Jersey's] critical End-of-Quarter deadline!" –Paul Whiting (September 29th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 29th, 2023 Update—Continued: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, September 29th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, September 29th, 2023, when I noticed three Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Patrick Stewart: How Star Trek: Picard Was Really Supposed to End":

https://time.com/6318023/patrick-stewart-making-it-so-excerpt-picard

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Why Trump Is Talking About Electric Vehicles":

https://time.com/6318298/why-trump-talking-about-electric-vehicles

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "California Law Raises Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers to $20 Per Hour":

https://time.com/6318512/california-minimum-wage-fast-food-workers

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, September 29th, 2023, when I noticed 20 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Biden Identifies the Danger to Democracy – and it’s Donald Trump" from U.S. News & World Report:

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-09-28/biden-identifies-the-danger-to-democracy-and-its-donald-trump

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Biden previews 2024 message by warning that Trump’s movement is a threat to American democracy" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/28/politics/joe-biden-democracy-speech-arizona/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "In forceful condemnation of Trump, Biden warns that ‘MAGA’ backers pose grave threat to democracy" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna117796

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Biden offers dire warnings about Trump, accuses mainstream GOP of ‘deafening’ silence" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-donald-trump-democracy-arizona-788d5203b3ac970dbf6b71ca74d6b386

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "GOP congressman struggles to answer questions about Biden allegations" from MSNBC:

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp-video/mmvo193961029626

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "GOP congressman struggles to answer questions about Biden allegations" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp-video/mmvo193916485697

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "US braces for government shutdown as funding deadline looms" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/politics/live-news/government-shutdown-deadline-09-29-23/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "Republicans reject own funding bill, US government shutdown imminent" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/hardline-republican-holdouts-push-us-government-closer-shutdown-2023-09-29

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "Republican spending plan fails House vote, fueling federal government shutdown fears" from CNBC:

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/09/29/government-shutdown-fear-grows-as-mccarthy-lays-out-partisan-vote-plan.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "U.S. federal government shutdown appears likely as Republicans reject McCarthy's plan" from CBC News:

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6982892

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Conservative rebels tank McCarthy’s funding bill, raising odds of a shutdown" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna118078

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "Sen. Dianne Feinstein dies at 90" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/politics/live-news/senator-dianne-feinstein-death/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "What Dianne Feinstein’s death means for control of the Senate and the looming government shutdown" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/feinstein-death-vacant-seat-senate-shutdown-a00cbe7adbf3f80a5ce6aa621f2f3ac9

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "Analysis: Feinstein's death poses two big questions for US Senate Democrats" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/feinsteins-death-poses-two-big-questions-us-senate-democrats-2023-09-29

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "Donald Trump skipped the GOP debate again. This time, his rivals took him on directly" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/republican-second-presidential-debate-2024-46ce9209b5150d577d5ff361522f6bed

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "Viewership Fell Sharply for Second G.O.P. Debate" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/28/business/media/republican-debate-ratings.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: "Major GOP donors eye Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis as the top Trump alternatives" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna117786

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 18: "Biden honors outgoing Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna118045

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 19: "Gen. Milley says military doesn't answer to 'wannabe dictator' in apparent rebuke of Trump" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/29/mark-milley-trump-dictator/70964776007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 20: "The nation's cartoonists on the week in politics" from Politico (and, specifically, I have selected the political cartoon "RESIGN. [vs.] FOUR MORE YEARS!" out of the cartoon carousel):

https://www.politico.com/gallery/2023/09/29/the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics-00118756?slide=8

(By the way, I always try to take the time look at the advertisements in these "cartoon carousels" in order to appreciate the fact that I am able to read these political cartoons based upon their ads!)

[I read this 'article' on September 29th, 2023.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written September 29th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

September 29th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Federation of America today, September 29th, 2023, with the subject line, "[Name redacted] from Florida and other important stories", which stated the following:

Paul,

At Planned Parenthood, our mission is simple, and our vision is clear: We're building a future where everyone, everywhere, has the information and care they need to make their own decisions about their own bodies.

This week, Planned Parenthood patient advocates took to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to show lawmakers exactly why health care matters.

Planned Parenthood patient advocates met with members of Congress to share their personal stories and educate lawmakers about the wide range of services provided at Planned Parenthood nonprofit affiliate health centers.

Here's what Planned Parenthood patient advocate [name redacted] from Florida had to say:

"I got my period at a young age and was diagnosed with PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome] years later, not only did I need birth control but I still needed counseling and advice for managing my PCOS. Planned Parenthood's plethora of resources have ignited my passions for sex education, reproductive health, and hearing the stories of folx who have [sought] help from Planned Parenthood, which led me to join the fight for reproductive rights and freedom today."

—[Name redacted], Florida

Without Planned Parenthood nonprofit affiliate health centers, people like [name redacted] might not get the care they need or deserve. [Name redacted's] diagnosis is just one example of the compassionate, high-quality health care Planned Parenthood health center providers and staff offer to millions of people across the country. This Lobby Day was crucial to ensuring that lawmakers hear the stories that happen every single day.

And, Paul, none of this would be possible without you. While some lawmakers have been working to take away care — even threatening to shut down the government to force their anti-abortion agenda into must-pass bills — supporters like you have come together to ensure that members of Congress are working hard to protect access to sexual and reproductive health care and protect Planned Parenthood services.

No matter the reason a patient goes to a Planned Parenthood health center, care and information are the cornerstones of Planned Parenthood's work. We'll continue to raise our voices and break down barriers to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Federation of America

DONATE NOW »***

P.S. Read more stories like [name redacted's] and share your own to motivate others, break stigma, and tell lawmakers your body is your own.

https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/rightfully-ours/for-planned-parenthood#stories

Planned Parenthood Action Fund Update

Action Fund Update is the monthly newsletter for members of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. As an associate member of the Action Fund, you'll receive timely, insider information on our legislative, advocacy, and electoral work.

Member News

Paul,

Time and time again, voters all over this country have shown that when abortion access is on the ballot, it wins.

Last summer, just six weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court took away our constitutional right to abortion, Kansas voters defeated a ballot measure that would have restricted abortion access. And it was just the start. Since then, voters have come together to reject anti-abortion measures in states like Kentucky and Montana, and voted to protect abortion in states like California and Vermont.

This November, Ohio voters will vote on a high-stakes ballot initiative that, if passed, would solidify the right to abortion within Ohio’s state constitution.

Voters know what you and I have known all along: Abortion is health care. And yet, lawmakers in dozens of states continue to ignore the overwhelming majority of Americans to push abortion bans and restrictions.

Yes, knowing how politicians are working to advance their anti-abortion agenda and attack our human right to health care makes this battle incredibly challenging. But it also gets me fired up to fight back even harder.

Health care is on the ballot in November. And voter suppression efforts are a political attempt to keep voters away from the voting booth — by eliminating voting sites, enacting voter ID laws, restricting mail-in ballot access, and more.

Learn about voter suppression and check your registration status >>>

https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/issues/voting-rights

Let’s keep that momentum going.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Action Fund

Take Action

Add Your Name: Tell Congress to stop the attacks on patients and health care

Right now, freedom is blocked for 1 in 3 women of reproductive age — plus more trans and nonbinary people — to make decisions about their own bodies. Since January, more than 370 bills that restrict abortion (and even more attacks on gender-affirming care, sex education, and birth control) have been introduced in state legislatures.

And in Congress, politicians are even willing to shut down the government to force their anti-abortion views down the throats of the American people and people around the world. They’ve packed must-pass government funding bills with measures that attack access to sexual and reproductive health care — including abortion and gender-affirming care — at home and abroad.

Health care is a right, not a privilege — lawmakers are playing politics with critical funding to push their dangerous agenda. And they must be held accountable. Add your name right now >>>***

Candidate Endorsement News

We're committed to supporting these champions of reproductive health. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse:

President Joe Biden

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been committed to fighting back against the onslaught of attacks against our reproductive freedom. And we need them to continue this critical work. There is so much at stake. If anti-abortion politicians gain control of the White House, they will exploit their power toward their ultimate goal: a national abortion ban.

Sherrod Brown (OH)

Sen. Sherrod Brown has spent his career fighting for Ohioans and the dignity of work — the idea that hard work should pay off for everyone, no matter who you are, where you live, or what kind of work you do. Throughout his career, he has been an outspoken advocate for affordable, reliable health care, including access to reproductive health care.

Tammy Baldwin (WI)

Sen. Tammy Baldwin made history in 2012 when she became the first openly LGBTQ+ senator in history and the first woman elected to the Senate from Wisconsin. Since taking office, Sen. Baldwin has been an unwavering champion for Wisconsinites.

State Spotlight: Michigan

Earlier this month, Michigan lawmakers introduced the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) to repeal harmful, medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion in the state. This comes after Michigan voters approved Proposal 3 in 2022, protecting reproductive freedom in the state constitution.

Passing the Reproductive Health Act in Michigan will:

[✓] Repeal laws that limit insurance coverage of abortion

[✓] Repeal laws that require a 24-hour delay before patients can access abortion care

[✓] Remove discriminatory barriers to fund abortion providers

[✓] Remove medically unnecessary TRAP (targeted regulation of abortion providers) laws designed to block care

[✓] Ensure that abortion is health care

As states across the country continue to criminalize abortion care, passing the Reproductive Health Act is a crucial step to provide health care not only to people in Michigan, but for other states where access is threatened.

Around the Web

CNN: Federal judge restores part of Georgia’s law that had banned gender-affirming care for trans youth

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/06/politics/gender-affirming-care-georgia-ban/index.html

[New York Magazine's] The Cut: A Tale of Two Abortion Clinics

https://www.thecut.com/2023/08/the-abortion-clinic-owner-starting-over-in-a-new-state.html

The New York Times: The Surprising Places Where Abortion Rights Are on the Ballot, and Winning

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/12/magazine/abortion-laws-states.html

Vox: The unconstitutional plan to stop women from traveling out of state for an abortion, explained

https://www.vox.com/23868962/texas-abortion-travel-ban-unconstitutional

Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org

Tell Congress: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care

We need to hold anti-abortion rights lawmakers accountable. Fight to protect access to sexual & reproductive health care.

Anti-abortion politicians are even willing to shut down the government in order to force their extreme, unpopular agenda down the throats of the American people — including their mission to control our bodies.

Tell Congress: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care!

Help fight back.

Prefix: Mr.
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Street Address: [redacted]
Postal Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone: [redacted]

Do you want to be an associate member of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund? Yes

Subject: Reject the extreme attacks on sexual & reproductive health care in any government funding agreement

Dear Member of Congress,

I am counting on you to fight for patients’ access to care at Planned Parenthood health centers, and to oppose all attacks on access to sexual and reproductive health care — including abortion — in any government funding agreement.

The House majority is willing to shut down the government if their extreme demands aren't met, including attacking abortion access and blocking patients from care at Planned Parenthood. As your constituent, I ask you to oppose all attempts to include these unpopular and dangerous attacks in must-pass legislation to keep the government running. Over a year after the Supreme Court took away our right to abortion, we need our elected officials to protect everyone’s ability to control their own bodies, lives, and futures.

Sincerely,
[Your information here]

And, after I signed the petition above, I received a confirmation email today, September 30th, 2023, from Planned Parenthood Action Fund with the subject line, "Thank you for adding your voice.", which stated the following:

Paul,

Thank you for adding your voice and reminding lawmakers that the majority of Americans support abortion access — and that the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care must stop. We're glad to have you in the fight.

Ready to do more? Volunteer with us.

You can choose how you want to help, whenever you have time and there's no experience necessary. Become a volunteer with Planned Parenthood Action Fund today.

You can help make an even bigger difference by showing your support for Planned Parenthood Action Fund and asking your friends and family to join you.

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

You can also help defend access to health care and protect our reproductive rights by making a gift to Planned Parenthood Action Fund. We'll put your gift to work immediately mobilizing grassroots activists in key states, pressuring lawmakers, magnifying the voices of those most affected by attacks on our health and rights, and more.

I'm so glad to know that we can count on you to raise your voice when it counts — thanks again for speaking out.

— Planned Parenthood Action Fund

We need to hold lawmakers attacking our rights accountable — they need to remember that the majority of Americans support legal abortion.

https://weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/onlineactions/Ouu_KkV390iFwUqOFNDuPg2?snw=2&ref=7789d2e9-50ac-45b2-a14d-7766260580c4

Plus, after I signed the petition above to Congress, via Planned Parenthood Action Fund website, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund, because "the House majority is willing to shut down the government if their extreme demands aren't met, including attacking abortion access and blocking patients from care at Planned Parenthood," so that is why "I ask[ed] [Congress] to oppose all attempts to include these unpopular and dangerous attacks in must-pass legislation to keep the government running." –Paul Whiting (September 30th, 2023)

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September 30th, 2023 Update—Continued Further, Written On October 1st, 2023 [August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 2, Written On October 1st, 2023 About September 2023]: This update is a follow-up to the following:

▪ August 19th, 2023 Update
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 1, Written On August 31st, 2023

My 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above, is where I explain that I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

"...I am no longer donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations in the same way that I was due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations—as outlined below—starting with January of 2023.

January 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15%

February 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19%

March 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12%

April 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

May 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 21%

June 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

July 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

August 2023:
Month-to-date percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17% [through August 19th, 2023]

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through July 2023 (without including August, since this month is not over yet), it comes out to an average of 17% of my monthly income..."

"...Now that today is the last day of August 2023, I wanted to provide you with this month's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

August 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through August 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Joe Biden for President: 2%
[02] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[03] Non-Categorized Charity: 7%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 5%
[06] Red Cross (Maui Fires): 1%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Non-Categorized Political: 4%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent for August 2023: 23%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[09] Monthly Interest: 6%
[10] Credit Card Purchases: 23%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases for August 2023: 29%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for August 2023: 52%"

"Besides that, as far as reducing the amount of my monthly income that I spend on interest for my credit card, I made my extra credit card payment today and I put as much money as I could—that I had available in savings—toward reducing my balance!"

And that really large credit card payment took my monthly minimum credit card payment from "42% of the amount that I have set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment and my extra payment each month on my credit card," down to 33% of the amount that I have set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment and my extra payment each month!

Plus, I also spent 6% less on credit card purchases for September 2023 than I did last month, as well as 10% less compared to last month on the grand total percentage of my monthly income for September 2023 at 42%.

However, I still need to continue "tightening my belt," so to speak, with regard to all of the money that I am spending on my credit card each month, so that I can (eventually) get it paid off!

Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because I spent A LOT last year, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" So, I ended up with a rather considerable credit card balance...

...And I am still paying off how much I spent in 2022 on the Midterm Elections while, at the same time, I am trying to be an "Online Activist" and to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism. That is why I blog about which political, progressive and charitable organizations I am supporting with regard to the causes that are the most important to me! –Paul Whiting (written October 1st, 2023, revised November 1st, 2023 and revised December 2nd, 2023)

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YEAR 2023 UPDATES FOR OCTOBER:

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October 1st, 2023 Update: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 1st, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 1st, 2023, when I noticed four Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Battle Against 'Wokeness' Is Extending to Defense Funding—But History Shows an Equitable Military Is More Effective":

https://time.com/6316183/woke-military-effectiveness

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "What Needs to Happen to Tackle Fashion's Climate Impact":

https://time.com/6318970/fashion-climate-impact-anxiety-essay

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Congress Dodges Government Shutdown With Last-Minute, Short-Term Deal":

https://time.com/6319136/government-shutdown-congress-spending-deal

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "‘There Is No Hope’: Death and Desperation Take Over the World’s Largest Refugee Camp":

https://time.com/6317254/kutupalong-bangladesh-rohingya-refugee-camp

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 1st, 2023, when I noticed 20 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "US averts government shutdown" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/politics/live-news/government-shutdown-deadline-09-30-23/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Highlights: Congress passes bill to keep the government open, averting a shutdown" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/live-blog/live-updates-government-shutdown-set-begin-midnight-rcna118172

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "US Congress passes stopgap measure to avert government shutdown" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/30/us-house-passes-stopgap-measure-to-avert-government-shutdown

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Congress averts government shutdown in stunning twist, passing deal with bipartisan support" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/30/congress-government-shutdown-kevin-mccarthy/71006831007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "Government Shutdown: Biden Signs Bill Keeping the Government Open Through Mid-November" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/09/30/us/government-shutdown-news

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "Biden says it’s ‘good news’ the shutdown was averted but blames House GOP for ‘manufactured crisis’" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-republican-government-shutdown-budget-db00d2e7953e7b22068800792e2d1aa3

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Biden says there’s ‘not much time’ to keep aid flowing to Ukraine and Congress must ‘stop the games’" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-budget-security-assistance-799067491a1bba9671b4dfdf491d0a8e

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "White House prepares to fight for Ukraine aid after shutdown averted" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/30/biden-administration-congress-government-shutdown-deal-ukraine-aid-00119296

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "Biden urges Republicans to keep their word on government funding and Ukraine aid" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/10/01/politics/joe-biden-shutdown-remarks/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "'Won't Walk Away': Biden Vows Ukraine Support, Urges Republicans To 'Stop The Games'" from NDTV (New Delhi Television) News:

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/will-not-walk-away-biden-vows-ukraine-support-urges-republicans-to-stop-the-games-4441337/amp/1

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Matt Gaetz announces plans to oust Kevin McCarthy from House speakership" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/01/kevin-mccarthy-motion-vacate-matt-gaetz/71001526007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "Gaetz Says He Will Move to Oust McCarthy for Working With Democrats" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/01/us/politics/mccarthy-speaker-gaetz.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "McCarthy worked with Democrats to pause the US shutdown. Now his job is at stake" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/01/kevin-mccarthy-us-government-shutdown-republican-speaker

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "US Political Infighting Intensifies, Even as Government Stays Open" from VOA (Voice of America) News:

https://www.voanews.com/amp/us-political-infighting-intensifies-even-as-government-stays-open-/7292318.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "President Biden issues a dire warning on how far-right rhetoric is threatening Democracy" from MSNBC:

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp-video/mmvo194151493974

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "Trump and ‘MAGA Republican extremists’ threaten US democracy, Biden says" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/28/trump-and-maga-republican-extremists-threaten-us-democracy-biden-says

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: "Here's why flags are flying at half-staff across the US" from NBC Chicago:

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/heres-why-flags-are-flying-at-half-staff-across-the-us/3239847

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 18: "GOP senators say they won't stop Democrats from replacing Feinstein on Judiciary Committee" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna118151

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 19: "Special Report-WhatsApp to War: How Cubans Were Recruited to Fight for Russia" from U.S. News & World Report:

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-09-30/special-report-whatsapp-to-war-how-cubans-were-recruited-to-fight-for-russia

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 20: "'X' Is Losing Its Daily Active Users, CEO Linda Yaccarino Confirms" from NDTV (New Delhi Television) News:

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/x-is-losing-its-daily-active-users-ceo-linda-yaccarino-confirms-4439531/amp/1

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 1st, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 2nd, 2023 Update: I received an email from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) today, October 2nd, 2023, with the subject line, "An update about the ongoing public defense crisis in Oregon", which stated the following:

Banned Books.
LEARN MORE

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/campaigns/banned-books

Paul –

As we celebrate Banned Books Week, Sunday, October 1 – 7, it's important for Oregonians to know that our state is not immune to censorship crusades. In fact, Oregon has seen record attempts to ban books this year. Politicians, local school boards, but also small groups and individuals, feel entitled to dictate what books, information, and ideas the rest of us have access to. This dangerous trend is particularly alarming as we're seeing efforts in the courts, and at all levels of government, to roll back protections for pregnant people, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities. Across the country, a record 2,572 book titles targeted for removal in libraries nationally are by, or about, LBGTQ+ and people of color.

This year, the ACLU of Oregon sent over 1,700 "I Read Banned Books" pins to local libraries and public schools across the state to make our celebration visible. In honor of Banned Books Week, I invite you to engage by visiting our website to learn more (https://www.aclu-or.org/en/campaigns/banned-books). Explore historical fights against book ban attempts, get inspired to start your own Banned Book Club, and read our executive director's reflections on the power of books and how censorship is deeply undemocratic and harmful.

Although these attempts to silence diverse perspectives are on the rise, the most effective way to protect our freedom and education is through collective action. Communities have the power to fight back and win – and the ACLU is here to help. Please stay tuned to hear more about our work in partnership with communities statewide.

In solidarity,

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
[Title redacted], ACLU of Oregon

DONATE NOW

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding an overview of banned books in Oregon. A brief introduction to the webpage can be found below:

BANNED BOOKS

There have been record attempts in Oregon to ban books this year. In fact, Oregon has seen record attempts to ban books this year. This dangerous trend is particularly alarming as fascists feel empowered to undermine our rights. Courts at all levels are making regressive decisions, rolling back protections for pregnant people, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. And it’s not just politicians who are leading this regressive effort but also small groups and individuals who feel entitled to dictate what books and information the rest of us have access to. This year a record 2,572 book titles targeted for removal in libraries nationally are by or about LBGTQ+ and people of color. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/campaigns/banned-books

Plus, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU of Oregon in order to show my appreciation for this very informative email regarding Banned Books Week 2023! –Paul Whiting (written October 2nd, 2023 and revised October 4th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 2nd, 2023 Update—Continued: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 2nd, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 2nd, 2023, when I noticed five Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "If Ted Kennedy Was the Lion of the Senate, Dianne Feinstein Was Its Lioness":

https://time.com/6319033/dianne-feinstein-legacy-supreme-court-guns

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Nobel Prize in Medicine Goes to Scientists Behind mRNA COVID Vaccines":

https://time.com/6319463/nobel-prize-medicine-covid-vaccines

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Gavin Newsom Names Democratic Strategist Laphonza Butler to Fill Feinstein’s Senate Seat":

https://time.com/6319426/newsom-names-laphonza-butler-feinstein-senate-california

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "‘Trump Is Lying to His Supporters About Gag Orders":

https://time.com/6319364/congress-government-shutdown-avoided-what-happens-next

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "‘Congress Avoided a Government Shutdown—What Happens Next?":

https://time.com/6318987/donald-trump-gag-order-free-speech-factcheck

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 2nd, 2023, when I noticed 10 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Robert Reich on GOP extremists holding America hostage" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/robert-reich-on-gop-extremists-holding-america-hostage

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "To Many Americans, Government Dysfunction Is the New Normal" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/01/us/politics/government-dysfunction-normal.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "My Fellow Republicans: It’s Time to Grow Up" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/02/opinion/kevin-mccarthy-house-republicans-shutdown.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Putin’s Next Target: U.S. Support for Ukraine, Officials Say" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/02/us/politics/putin-ukraine-spy-united-states.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "‘We can’t do it alone’: Ukrainians react to lack of additional funding in US spending bill" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/01/europe/ukraine-us-government-shutdown-aid-intl-hnk/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "Biden presses Republicans after spending bill drops Ukraine aid" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-suggests-democrats-have-new-deal-with-republicans-ukraine-aid-2023-10-01

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Gaetz threatens historic vote to try and remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy: What happens next" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/gaetz-threatens-historic-vote-remove-kevin-mccarthy/story?id=103642568

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "Republicans eye ‘reset’ after failed impeachment inquiry hearing" from MSNBC:

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/shows/maddow/blog/rcna118366

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "'The military has no role' in politics, says retiring chair of the Joint Chiefs" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/02/1202971562/mark-milley-donald-trump-military-army-constitution

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "GOP lawmakers in Oregon continue walkouts, despite Democrats's attempts to end them" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/01/1202884234/gop-lawmakers-in-oregon-continue-walkouts-despite-steps-taken-by-democrats-to-en

[I have NOT listened to this podcast yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 2nd, 2023, revised October 4th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023, revised April 26th, 2024 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 3rd, 2023 Update: I received an email from the Wesley Bell for Missouri campaign today, October 3rd, 2023, with the subject line, "Let me introduce myself: I’m Wesley Bell and I’m ready to fire Josh Hawley", which stated, in part, the following:

Hey Paul,

My name is Wesley Bell and I’m running for the U.S. Senate to defeat Josh Hawley. ...

[Blogger's Note: Here is where the email provides text and a hyperlink to this campaign's launch video! Now, the reason that I did not include the text and hyperlink for this campaign's launch video is because most of the other Democratic political campaigns for which I write these 'updates' don't necessarily have launch videos included in their introductory campaign emails. Therefore, the reason that I didn't include the text and hyperlink for this launch video—even though I watched this campaign's launch video—is so that I am not appearing to promote this Democratic candidate's campaign, which has a launch video as part of the introductory email, more so than any of the other Democratic candidates' campaigns for which I write these 'updates.' (I hope that makes sense!)]

... For me — this fight is personal. My dad spent 25 years as a police officer, and growing up, my family taught me I had a responsibility to make a difference when I could. In Ferguson, Missouri, that meant trying to help calm tensions between police and protesters.

I did what was natural to me: I worked to mediate between two sides who seemed at war with each other. At the time, I was a part-time judge and a professor, enforcing the law and teaching it. But Ferguson taught me I could be doing more — so I ran for Ferguson City Council and won.

Then, when I saw a lack of leadership in the St. Louis County prosecutor's office, I took on the Democratic political establishment. In 2018, we shocked the nation when I was elected the first African American top prosecutor in the largest prosecuting attorney’s office in Missouri. With your help and support, we defeated a seven-term incumbent while taking a tough stand against violent criminals, all while bringing power closer to our community.

Now, I'm seeing that same lack of leadership I saw in St. Louis County in Washington. Public service is in my DNA, and I'm ready to fix it. That's why I need you on board in our fight to defeat Josh Hawley in 2024: ...

[Blogger's Note: Here, again, is where the email provides text and a hyperlink to this campaign's launch video! Now, the reason that I did not include the text and hyperlink for this campaign's launch video is because most of the other Democratic political campaigns for which I write these 'updates' don't necessarily have launch videos included in their introductory campaign emails. Therefore, the reason that I didn't include the text and hyperlink for this launch video—even though I watched this campaign's launch video—is so that I am not appearing to promote this Democratic candidate's campaign, which has a launch video as part of the introductory email, more so than any of the other Democratic candidates' campaigns for which I write these 'updates.' (I hope that makes sense!)]

... Paul: Since Day One in office, Hawley's only been focused on himself.

We can do better.

I know we’re going to face many challenges on the road ahead. There will be a lot of doubters who won’t believe we can win. But here’s what I believe: We have more in common than politicians like Hawley say we do, and together, we can take our state back.

If you’re tired of politicians ignoring people like you, then this campaign is YOUR campaign. Let’s send Josh Hawley packing. Watch my announcement video, then add your name to say you’re with me to defeat Josh Hawley!

Together we'll make a difference,

Wesley

DONATE***

Become a founding donor of Wesley Bell’s U.S. Senate campaign!

Public service is in Wesley Bell’s DNA. As the first African American top prosecutor in the largest prosecuting attorney’s office in Missouri, he implemented common sense solutions to improve service and make law enforcement more effective, efficient, and accountable.

Now, Wesley is running to defeat Josh Hawley — a politician who's too focused on chasing the next soundbite to care about Missouri. If you’re tired of politicians like Hawley ignoring people like you, this campaign is your campaign.

Become a founding member of Wesley's Senate campaign today →

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Wesley Bell.

[  ] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[  ] $3

[✓] Add custom amount $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Wesley Bell for Missouri campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because, "since Day One in office, Hawley's only been focused on himself," so "we can do better." And "public service is in Wesley Bell’s DNA" because, "as the first African American top prosecutor in the largest prosecuting attorney’s office in Missouri, he implemented common sense solutions to improve service and make law enforcement more effective, efficient, and accountable." –Paul Whiting (October 3rd, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 3rd, 2023 Update—Continued: I received a text message today, October 3rd, 2023, from the Hakeem Jeffries for Congress campaign, which stated the following:

It’s Hakeem Jeffries. I’m about to ask you to become an official 2023 Democratic Member before midnight.

But first, please let me explain why donations from our members are so important.

This election is our historic opportunity for Democrats to take back the House.

But it’s going to take every single one of us chipping in to compete with the extreme MAGA Republicans attempting to buy this election.

𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭? 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝟓𝟎 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 >>***

Extreme MAGA Republicans are out of control.

They’ve raked in millions to unseat us for exposing their plans to impose a nationwide abortion ban and cut funding to Social Security and Medicare.

They’ve peddled dangerous conspiracy theories.

They’ve coddled serial fraudsters like Rudy Giuliani and George Santos.

Enough is enough.

I’m counting on 50 more supporters from your state to step up before midnight and become 2023 Democratic Members.

Can you rush in a donation so we can reclaim the House Majority and fight extremism every step of the way? >>***

Keep the faith, Hakeem

Hakeem Jeffries - For the People

RUSH IN A CONTRIBUTION!

Hakeem is working hard to stop extreme MAGA Republicans – and take back the House for Democrats.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight and help Hakeem flip the House blue?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Hakeem Jeffries.

[  ] Donate $6 →

[  ] Donate $16 →

[  ] Donate $27 →

[  ] Donate $39 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[  ] $3

[✓] Add custom amount $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Hakeem Jeffries for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because, "this election is our historic opportunity for Democrats to take back the House ... but it’s going to take every single one of us chipping in to compete with the extreme MAGA Republicans attempting to buy this election." And that's why I believe that 'Hakeem Jeffries [truly is] For The People,' since "[House Minority Leader Jeffries] is working hard to stop extreme MAGA Republicans – and take back the House for Democrats." –Paul Whiting (October 3rd, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 3rd, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, October 3rd, 2023, with the subject line, "Take 3 actions in 3 minutes", which stated the following:

Paul – We know you're busy trying to keep track of everything going on in the reproductive rights world. It's a lot, but that's what we're here for!

We're holding strong — loud and proud — in the battle against the political agenda to take away abortion and reproductive rights. And we're growing the network of supporters like you who are fighting for our rights nationwide.

ICYMI, here are three direct actions you can take to help right now:

1 PROTECT PATIENT ACCESS:

Politicians who oppose abortion are playing with patients' lives by trying to shut down Planned Parenthood and attack access to abortion and gender-affirming care. We need to hold anti-abortion rights lawmakers accountable. Tell Congress: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual and reproductive health care.

[By the way, I already took this action to "Tell Congress: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care" on September 30th, 2023 (please see my 'September 30th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above).]

2 STOP BASELESS ATTACKS:

We're also fighting a meritless lawsuit in Texas — the state is suing the three Texas Planned Parenthood nonprofit affiliates and Planned Parenthood Federation of America for nearly $1.8 billion based on false allegations. Tell Texas: Drop the politically motivated lawsuit and end these attacks on Planned Parenthood health centers and patients.

[By the way, I already took this action to "Tell Texas: Drop the lawsuit against Planned Parenthood" on September 15th, 2023 (please see my 'September 15th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above).]

3 HELP PROTECT WORKERS SEEKING ABORTION:

Have you heard of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act? The proposed rule ensures pregnancy‑related accommodations at work extend to abortion. No one should have to sacrifice their employment and financial security to access abortion — sign to show your support today.***

We won't back down against any attacks that get in the way of equal reproductive rights and access to care for all. We hope you'll be with us each step of the way.

Thank you for fighting alongside us,

— The Planned Parenthood Action Fund Team

Support the Regulations to Implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

This must be a huge victory for abortion rights — add your name!

We need to make sure the Biden administration knows that we support this law and that the proposed rule has our support. All comments need to be in by October 10th — submit yours today!

Please note that when we forward your comments to Regulations.gov, they become part of the public record and will be posted online by the federal agency once they have been reviewed. By submitting this form, you give Planned Parenthood organizations permission to share your note on social media or with media organizations, including your first name and state.

Add your comment

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]

Subject: I support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act & protections for ALL pregnant workers

Dear President Biden,

Thank you for protecting pregnant workers from discrimination regardless of how their pregnancy ends.

No employer should come between an individual and their access to health care.

I support the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and the right of all workers to maintain their employment and financial security while getting the reproductive health care and accommodations they need, regardless of how their pregnancy ends. Recognizing that workers need reasonable accommodations related to abortion care is a crucial step for advancing nondiscrimination protections for pregnant people in the workplace.

Sincerely,
[Your information here]

And, after I sent the letter above to President Biden, via the Planned Parenthood Federation of America website, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Federation of America,* because "I support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and protections for ALL pregnant workers," since "no employer should come between an individual and their access to health care." –Paul Whiting (October 3rd, 2023)

*P.S.: Even though the email which inspired this action actually came from Planned Parenthood Action Fund, I donated to Planned Parenthood Federation of America because their website contained the letter to President Biden regarding the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act; however, I just recently donated to Planned Parenthood Action Fund on September 30th, 2023 (please see my 'September 30th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above).

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October 3rd, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 3rd, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 3rd, 2023, when I noticed two Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Matt Gaetz Is What Happens When Politicians Value Attention Over Support":

https://time.com/6319898/matt-gaetz-kevin-mccarthy-speaker

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Model Kevin McCarthy Should Follow After the Shutdown Fight—but Probably Won’t":

https://time.com/6317089/kevin-mccarthy-shutdown-history

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 3rd, 2023, when I noticed 8 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Corporate America praises the ‘adults’ who averted a government shutdown" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/10/02/business/government-shutdown-business-economy/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Republican US Rep Matt Gaetz moves to oust McCarthy as speaker" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-speaker-mccarthy-braces-likely-new-republican-rebellion-2023-10-02

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "John Kelly confirms Trump privately disparaged U.S. service members and veterans" from NBC:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna118543

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Joe Biden's Approval Rating Turns Positive for First Time in Five Months" from Newsweek:

https://www.newsweek.com/joe-bidens-approval-rating-turns-positive-first-time-five-months-1831657?amp=1

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "Biden provides an era-defining interview to ProPublica" from MSNBC:

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/shows/reidout/blog/rcna118426

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "What was Elon Musk’s strategy for Twitter?" from NBC:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna118490

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Feds say Liberty University created 'fear of reprisal' for sexual violence survivors" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/10/03/liberty-university-education-department-investigation/70964425007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "Massive emergency alert test scheduled to hit your phone on Wednesday. Here's what to know." from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/01/emergency-alert-test-what-to-know/70981620007

[I read this article on October 3rd, 2023.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 3rd, 2023, revised October 4th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

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October 4th, 2023 Update [My Writing About The Way To "Be 'A Wise Old Owl' And Don't Be Afraid" By Always Planning Ahead And Following Through]: I truly think that the way to "Be 'A Wise Old Owl' And Don't Be Afraid" is by always planning ahead and following through! Because always planning ahead and following through—especially when it comes to important things like apartment inspections—is how you take the fear out of taking care of your life! For, at the age of 56 years old, I am no longer 'an early bird'; now, however, I am 'a wise old owl.' You see, I had an inspection for my Section 8 rental assistance today, October 4th, 2023! So, I started "Fall Cleaning" my studio apartment right after September 13th, 2023. That way, I had plenty of time to get all of the cleaning done before the inspection... And, thus, the theme of my October 4th, 2023 'update' is "Be 'A Wise Old Owl' And Don't Be Afraid" By Always Planning Ahead And Following Through! For, it's 'a wise old owl' who had all of the cleaning done in plenty of time for his apartment inspection! And it is also 'a wise old owl' who was able to get his apartment totally packed up in preparation for having flood damage repair completed over a five and a half month time period, starting February 3rd, 2023 and ending July 20th, 2023! (Please see my 'July 20th, 2023 Update, Written On July 21st, 2023,' which can be found above, that also appears as 'My Writing About Finally Being Back In My Studio Apartment After It Was Repaired For Flood Damage' on some of my blogs.) –Paul Whiting (written October 4th, 2023 and revised October 5th, 2023)

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October 4th, 2023 Update—Continued: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 4th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 4th, 2023, when I noticed six Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Why Trump's Attack on Liberal Jews Might Hurt Him":

https://time.com/6319419/trump-rosh-hashanah-message-history

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Global Internet Freedom Declines, Aided by AI":

https://time.com/6319723/global-internet-freedom-decline-2023

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Paramount Put Mean Girls on TikTok. Writers Are Worried":

https://time.com/6320222/mean-girls-tik-tok-movie

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Why House Democrats Refused to Save McCarthy":

https://time.com/6320202/house-democrats-refused-save-kevin-mccarthy

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "McCarthy Was Ousted as House Speaker. What Happens Next?":

https://time.com/6320258/mccarthy-ousted-speaker-what-happens-next

---------------------------------------------

The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Nobel Prize in Physics Goes to Scientists for Work on Electrons":

https://time.com/6319958/nobel-prize-physics-scientists-electrons-atoms

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 4th, 2023, when I noticed 10 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "McCarthy’s Extraordinary Downfall Reflects an Ungovernable G.O.P." from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/03/us/kevin-mccarthy-house-speaker.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Kevin McCarthy ousted as House Speaker in historic vote" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/mccarthy-says-he-thinks-he-will-survive-leadership-challenge-us-house-2023-10-03

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "McCarthy’s ouster could hurt the US economy" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/03/business/nightcap-mccarthy-downgrade/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Kevin McCarthy Ousted as House Speaker" from U.S. News & World Report:

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-10-03/kevin-mccarthy-ousted-as-house-speaker

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "'McCarthy will not run for speaker again after being removed" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/03/1203310040/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-news

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "House speaker vacancy live updates" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/live-updates/mccarthy-speaker-vote-live-updates/?id=103692404

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Impeachment inquiry unpopular, even if Americans question Biden’s actions" from PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) NewsHour:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/nation/impeachment-inquiry-unpopular-even-if-americans-question-bidens-actions

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "Thousands of US health care workers go on strike in multiple states over wages and staff shortages" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/kaiser-health-care-workers-strike-b8b40ce8c082c0b8c4f1c0fb7ec38741

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers walk off the job. It’s the largest health care worker strike in US history" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/04/business/thousands-of-kaiser-permanente-workers-go-on-strike/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "It's not all bad news: Wonderful and wild stories about tackling climate change" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/03/1202290614/good-news-climate-change-solutions

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 4th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

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October 4th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, October 4th, 2023, with the subject line, "40% increase in book bans", which stated the following:

Banned Books Week

"If you don't teach diversity and the truth as it was, we risk repeating the horrors of the past. Not only that, but we actively harm and further oppress the voices of the marginalized." – Dezz

It's Banned Books Week, Paul, and we're in the middle of a crisis: Book bans have increased 40% compared to last year.

LEARN MORE

https://www.aclu.org/news/free-speech/10-advocates-on-why-they-wont-stand-for-classroom-censorship

This school year, a long list of books have been pulled from library shelves across the country, including Toni Morrison's Beloved, Art Spiegelman's Maus, and Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. It's a direct attack on First Amendment rights.

The truth is, there's only one reason elected officials and school districts are banning books again: They want to prevent students from learning about racism, sexism, and history – but these conversations are essential to educating the next generation of our nation's leaders.

So the ACLU is working to defend First Amendment rights by challenging classroom censorship laws in Florida, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma. Students, their parents, and community members are joining the fight. Follow this link to learn more about why our supporters are defending the right to learn!

https://www.aclu.org/news/free-speech/10-advocates-on-why-they-wont-stand-for-classroom-censorship

Thanks for reading,

The ACLU Team

DONATE NOW

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding why the ACLU's supporters are defending the right to learn. A brief introduction to the webpage can be found below:

10 Advocates on Why They Won’t Stand for Classroom Censorship

Right now, educators across the country are welcoming a new class of learners. At the same time laws that censor teachers and stifle classroom conversations about race, gender, and sexuality are threatening our right to an inclusive education.

Under the guise of “transparency” and “parents’ rights,”’ state lawmakers have been pushing bills that regulate how educators address systemic racism, LGBTQ+ issues, and other so-called “divisive concepts.” The ability to discuss and debate ideas, even those that some may find uncomfortable, is a crucial part of our democracy and barring discussion of our history or lived experiences is anathema to free speech.

The ACLU has challenged classroom censorship laws in Florida, New Hampshire and Oklahoma to protect educators’ and students’ right to teach and learn. This back-to-school season, we stand with the teachers, students, parents, and school systems on the frontline of our fight against classroom censorship.

We asked our audience to share how diverse teaching has impacted their lives and why they, too, support access to an inclusive education system. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.aclu.org/news/free-speech/10-advocates-on-why-they-wont-stand-for-classroom-censorship

Plus, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU because "the truth is, there's only one reason elected officials and school districts are banning books again: They want to prevent students from learning about racism, sexism, and history – but these conversations are essential to educating the next generation of our nation's leaders." –Paul Whiting (October 4th, 2023)

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October 5th, 2023 Update, Which Also Discusses October 1st, 2023: World Teachers' Day is today, October 5th, 2023, since the World Teachers' Day is yearly (annually) on October 5th.

And I received an email from National Today four days ago on October 1st, 2023, with the subject line, "Celebrating Custodians, Tacos, Sending Money to Your Daughter. The Week Ahead", which stated, in part, the following:

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY...

... Thursday 5 October

World Teachers' Day

Matilda had Ms. Honey, Harry had Dumbledore, and Cady had Ms. Norbury!

Read more:

https://nationaltoday.com/world-teachers-day

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can, in part, be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY – OCTOBER 5, 2023
[Observed around the] World

Almost everybody has a favorite teacher, someone who went above and beyond to encourage you because they could see your potential. On October 5, take time to celebrate World Teachers’ Day — a global event launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994.

Just as Matilda had Ms. Honey, Harry had Dumbledore, and Cady had Ms. Norbury, maybe you’re a teacher working hard to help young people learn and grow. Considering that teachers mold future generations, taking one day every year to say “thank you” is the least we can do. No matter where you are in the world today, remember that teachers matter! Become [a] teacher yourself, [because] educators from around the world fund students to learn and become one of them. Find a scholarship that will fit your education needs on this World Teachers’ Day.

---------------------------------------------

WHEN IS WORLD TEACHERS' DAY 2023?

World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5. That has been the case since the first observation way back in 1994.

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HISTORY OF WORLD TEACHERS' DAY

This holiday marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. It sets standards regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers for their initial preparation, further education, recruitment, employment, and learning conditions.

UNESCO’s 2020 message: “With the theme: ‘Young Teachers: The Future of the Profession,’ we recognize the critical importance of reaffirming the value of the teaching mission. We call upon governments to make teaching a profession of first choice for young people. Above all, we celebrate the work of dedicated teachers around the world who continue to strive every day to ensure that ‘inclusive and equitable quality education’ and the promotion of ‘lifelong learning opportunities for all’ become a reality in every corner of the globe.”

The official event will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris [France] on October 7 [2020].

[Blogger's Note: here is the theme for World Teachers' Day 2023 from UNESCO:

World Teachers' Day 2023

In 2023, World Teachers' Day celebrations will focus on the theme "The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage". ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-teachers-day-2023-day-1]

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WORLD TEACHERS' DAY STATS

In India, the share of female teachers declines with the remoteness of schools, from 60% when the school is located at the local government seat to 30% when it is 30 km away.

More teachers are needed in displacement settings. If all refugees enrolled, Turkey would need 80,000 additional teachers, Germany would need 42,000 teachers and educators, and Uganda would need 7,000 additional primary teachers. Yet refugee teachers are often excluded from national training programs because of professional regulations on right to work.

Nearly 94% of teachers in pre-primary education [are female], but only about half of those in upper secondary education, are female.

The proportion of women among primary school teachers in low-income countries (41%) is half that in high-income countries (82%).

In low-income countries, only 23% of secondary school teachers are women.

At the tertiary [third in order] level, only 19% of teachers are women in low-income countries and about 46% or less in the other income groups.

(Courtesy UNESCO)

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WORLD TEACHERS' DAY FAQS

Who started Teachers’ Day?

It was UNESCO who first proclaimed October 5 to be World Teachers’ Day back in 1994.

Is Teacher Appreciation Day today?

National Teacher Day is observed on the first Tuesday of the first full week in May. World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5 every year.

[Blogger's Note: Please see my 'May 9th, 2023 Update, Which Also Discusses May 7th, 2023,' regarding National Teachers’ Day, which can be found above.]

How do you honor your teacher?

If you want to honor your teacher there are many ways to do this. We recommend finding a thoughtful way to say thank you for all they have done and they are sure to love it.

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HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD TEACHERS' DAY

1. Surprise your teacher with a gift

Kids can show their appreciation by giving their teacher a heartfelt “thank you” card, surprising them with homemade crafts or drawings, or by writing a poem of admiration.

2. Make teachers feel special

Parents love teachers, too! Show just how much on World Teachers' Day. Collaborate with your local PTA to set up a raffle with gift cards, coffee mugs and other prizes. Provide coffee and donuts or ask parents to set up a potluck breakfast for teachers before the school day begins.

3. Give teachers the royal treatment

Being a teacher can be stressful, exhausting and frustrating. On World Teachers' Day, school administrations should pamper their teachers. Having lunch catered or surprising teachers with a 10-minute massage are great ways to let teachers know that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. If October 5 falls on a weekend, celebrate on the Friday before or the Monday after.

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5 THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT TEACHERS

1. Confucius was the First Teacher

Historically, Confucius is considered to be the first private teacher in history.

2. Education for all

According to UNESCO, the world needs 69 million teachers in order to achieve the goal of providing universal primary and secondary education by 2030.

3. The number of African educators are dwindling on the continent

Sub-Saharan Africa is the area facing the greatest deficit of teachers.

4. Teaching standards are plummeting

According to UNESCO, less than 75% of teachers in one-third of the world’s countries only meet the minimum teacher training standards.

5. Learning proficiency is down

6 out of 10 children worldwide—a total of 617 million—do not meet the minimum requirements for competency in mathematics and reading.

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WHY WORLD TEACHERS' DAY IS IMPORTANT

A. It honors the teaching profession

Waking up at the crack of dawn, having the patience of a saint and being a positive influence is stressful work — let’s face it, Cady would still be a mean girl if it wasn’t for Ms. Norbury. On World Teachers' Day, gifts, praise and parties are great ways to show you care.

B. It highlights current Issues affecting teachers

Sure, having summers off is a highly-coveted perk, but there are still many complex issues affecting teachers within educational systems throughout the world. These include maintaining academic freedoms, creating autonomy for educational institutions and developing and maintaining professional teaching standards in higher education. Fortunately, World Teachers' Day enables discussion in faculty meetings, webinars, seminars and conferences.

C. It applauds progress but challenges stagnation

Although the educational system and the role teachers play in it have come a long way, there is still a long way to go. Because of this, the United Nations created the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal for Education. World Teachers' Day is an annual reminder of this goal and the need to do more to encourage teachers to remain in education.

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/world-teachers-day

–Paul Whiting (written October 5th, 2023 and revised October 9th, 2023)

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October 5th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Everytown for Gun Safety today, October 5th, 2023, with the subject line, "disrupting abusers' access to guns can save lives.", which stated the following:

Paul–

Domestic violence and gun violence are deeply interconnected, impacting millions of people and families, and research proves that guns are more likely to turn abuse fatal. We know that the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely the woman will be killed, and that guns further exacerbate the power and control dynamic used by abusers.

[START OF GRAPHIC]

Purple and gray graphic highlighting four key domestic violence statistics.

1) 46% In nearly half of mass shootings with four or more people killed, the perpetrator shot an intimate partner or family member.

2) Over 4.5 million women have reported being threatened with a gun by an intimate partner.

3) State laws that require or allow firearm prohibition for temporary domestic violence restraining orders are associated with a 16 percent reduction in firearm intimate partner homicides

4) State laws that prohibit firearm possession by those convicted of any violent misdemeanor were associated with a 21 percent reduction in firearm intimate partner homicide.

[END OF GRAPHIC]

But there are clear solutions: Federal and state policies can help disrupt abusers' access to guns and save lives.

While federal law prohibits domestic abusers from having guns, states can pass laws to require prohibited abusers to turn in their guns—ensuring they can't keep the firearms they already have at home and use them to do more harm.

16 states and D.C. require abusers under restraining orders and abusers convicted of domestic violence crimes to turn in their guns, but Oregon isn't one of them. Add your name to support this critical policy in your state—it could save lives.

ADD MY NAME***

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is about more than raising awareness of the risks of intimate partner violence and violence at home—it's our opportunity to take action to prevent it.

Thank you for being a part of this movement,

Everytown for Gun Safety

As a movement of Americans fighting for common-sense gun policies, we depend on contributions from supporters like you to fund important work to reduce gun violence.

Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e).

DONATE

Sign The Petition: Keep Guns Out Of Domestic Abusers' Hands!

Guns are more likely to turn abuse fatal.

We know that the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely the woman will be killed, and that guns further exacerbate the power and control dynamic used by abusers.

But there are clear solutions: While federal law prohibits domestic abusers from having guns, states can pass laws to require prohibited abusers to turn in their guns—ensuring they can't keep the firearms they already have at home and use them to do more harm.

Add your name to support strong firearm relinquishment laws for domestic abusers in your state >>

Complete the form to sign the petition now:

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted] ZIP Code: [redacted] Mobile phone:

ADD MY NAME

And, after I signed the petition above, via the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund website, I made a one-time donation to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund in order to show my support for "strong firearm relinquishment laws for domestic abusers in [the] state [of Oregon]." –Paul Whiting (written October 5th, 2023 and revised October 6th, 2023)

P.S.: Please see my 'October 6th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found below, that explains incorrect information which Everytown for Gun Safety referred to in the email above regarding Oregon NOT being one of the states "that require abusers under restraining orders and abusers convicted of domestic violence crimes to turn in their guns."

Here is the relevant quote from that 'update,' which was at the end of an email from Everytown for Gun Safety that I received on October 6th, 2023:

P.S. There was a small hiccup in our system yesterday, and we may have sent you incorrect information. 16 states and D.C. require abusers under restraining orders and abusers convicted of domestic violence crimes to turn in their guns, and Oregon is one of them. See where Oregon ranks with other common sense gun laws.

https://everytownresearch.org/rankings

And so, I wanted to provide you with this update to this 'update!'

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October 5th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 5th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 5th, 2023, when I noticed four Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Matt Gaetz Hasn’t Thought Any of This Through":

https://time.com/6320479/matt-gaetz-house-speaker-mccarthy

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "What's at Stake With the Kaiser Permanente Heath Care Strike":

https://time.com/6320607/kaiser-permanente-heath-care-strike-whats-at-stake

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "America’s Proclivity for Extremism Has Religious Roots":

https://time.com/6320023/america-divided-christian-nationalism-essay

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Amid House Chaos, Biden Faces Shrunken Legislative Agenda: Avoid Shutdowns, Fund Ukraine":

https://time.com/6320700/joe-biden-house-speaker-shutdowns-ukraine

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 5th, 2023, when I noticed 18 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Trump allegedly discussed US nuclear subs with foreign national after leaving White House: Sources" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/after-white-house-trump-allegedly-discussed-potentially-sensitive/story?id=103760456

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Trump revealed US nuclear submarine secrets to Australia businessman: Media" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/10/6/trump-revealed-us-nuclear-subs-secrets-to-australian-businessman-us-media

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "To the World, McCarthy’s Exit Is Just Another Example of U.S. Disarray" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/05/us/politics/speaker-mccarthy-biden-democracy.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "America’s Political Turmoil" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/05/briefing/republican-party-congress-mccarthy.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "Trump considers visiting Capitol as Jordan and Scalise plan next moves post-McCarthy ouster" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/live-blog/rcna118966

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "Trump endorses Jim Jordan to be House speaker" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-may-meet-with-house-republicans-leadership-race-us-media-2023-10-05

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan bid to fill top job in leaderless US House" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-adrift-republicans-fight-over-their-next-leader-2023-10-04

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "US updates: Jordan, Scalise run to succeed McCarthy as House speaker" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/liveblog/2023/10/4/us-politics-live-news-search-for-path-forward-after-mccarthy-ousted

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "‘Dysfunctional’: Speaker debacle plunges US politics into uncertainty" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/10/5/dysfunctional-speaker-debacle-plunges-us-politics-into-uncertainty

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "Biden calls on Congress to change 'poisonous atmosphere in Washington' following Kevin McCarthy's ouster" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-calls-congress-change-poisonous-atmosphere-washington-kevin/story?id=103729160

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Split screen helps Biden while doing Republicans no favors" from MSNBC:

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/shows/maddow/blog/rcna118990

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "Republicans Are So Mad They’re Airing All of Matt Gaetz’s Dirty Laundry" from The New Republic:

https://newrepublic.com/post/175996/republicans-gross-stories-matt-gaetz

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "Fate of House GOP leadership throws Congress into chaos" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/04/1203634898/fate-of-house-gop-leadership-throws-congress-into-chaos

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "Gen. Milley addresses President Biden's age" from 60 Minutes:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/president-biden-general-mark-milley-60-minutes

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "Ongoing planning underway for potential Biden and Xi meeting in San Francisco in November, sources say" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/05/politics/potential-biden-and-xi-meeting/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "Putin says Ukraine would last ‘a week’ if Western military support stops" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/10/6/putin-says-ukraine-would-last-a-week-if-western-military-support-stops

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: ""Hundreds Of Our Missiles...": Putin Warns Over Nuclear Threat To Russia" from NDTV (New Delhi Television) News:

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/russia-has-tested-next-generation-nuclear-weapon-says-vladimir-putin-4454722/amp/1

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 18: "Russia has tested a nuclear-powered missile and could revoke a global atomic test ban, Putin says" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-nuclear-test-missile-ukraine-war-2204f967c8739216ded2efc3f71a6e0f

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 5th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023, revised October 16th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, October 5th, 2023, I read the September 21st, 2023 news articles from my ‘September 21st, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On September 23rd, 2023,’ which can be found above.

P.P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 6th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, October 6th, 2023, with the subject line, "We investigated the shadowy world of school surveillance", which stated the following:

Paul –

It's Banned Books Week and the ACLU has been sounding the alarm bells about the escalating attacks on students' right to learn in classrooms.

But we want to make sure you're aware of another incredibly disturbing reality unfolding in schools – one George Orwell could write a book about (likely also to be banned).

And that is the shadowy world of digital surveillance in schools.

Our experts have been investigating the dangerous consequences of surveillance in schools for years and we've just released a damning report that we think everyone should have the facts on: Dive into our findings now.

READ SCHOOL SURVEILLANCE REPORT NOW:

https://www.aclu.org/report/digital-dystopia-the-danger-in-buying-what-the-edtech-surveillance-industry-is-selling

Paul, shady technology companies are preying on educators' fears to convince them their invasive surveillance products are capable of keeping our students safe. But that is simply untrue. Not only is there no proof their products work, but they actually increase discrimination, chill free speech, and erode trust between students and educators.

And that goes for other freedoms, too: Our polling found approximately 1 in 5 students are concerned that surveillance technology could be used to identify students seeking reproductive health care and gender-affirming care.

We are not powerless against those seeking to make their fortunes by selling abusive, ineffective surveillance technologies to our schools. Equip yourself with the tools to fight back today.

For our students,

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: he, him, his
[Title redacted], ACLU

DONATE NOW

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding "The Danger in Buying What the EdTech Surveillance Industry is Selling." A brief introduction to the webpage can be found below:

DIGITAL DYSTOPIA: THE DANGER IN BUYING WHAT THE EDTECH SURVEILLANCE INDUSTRY IS SELLING

Digital Dystopia: The Danger in Buying What the EdTech Surveillance Industry is Selling, an ACLU research report, examines the EdTech Surveillance (educational technologies used for surveillance) industry in U.S. K-12 schools. Using in-depth investigation into industry products, an incident audit, student focus groups, and national polling, this report scrutinizes industry claims, assesses the efficacy of the products, and explores the impacts EdTech Surveillance has on students and schools. The report concludes by offering concrete actions school districts, elected officials, and community members can take to ensure decisions about using surveillance products are consistent and well-informed. This includes model legislation and decision-making tools, which will often result in the rejection of student surveillance technologies. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.aclu.org/report/digital-dystopia-the-danger-in-buying-what-the-edtech-surveillance-industry-is-selling

Plus, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU, because "it's Banned Books Week and the ACLU has been sounding the alarm bells about the escalating attacks on students' right to learn in classrooms ... but [the ACLU] want[s] to make sure [we're] aware of another incredibly disturbing reality unfolding in schools ... and that is the shadowy world of digital surveillance in schools." –Paul Whiting (October 6th, 2023)

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October 6th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Everytown for Gun Safety today, October 6th, 2023, with the subject line, "EXPLORE: How the gun industry is profiting off of the gun violence crisis", which stated the following:

Paul–

While gun companies rake in billions each year profiting from the gun violence crisis, we're paying with our lives.

Specifically, Smith & Wesson's assault weapons have been used in multiple high-profile mass shootings, including Aurora, Parkland, San Bernardino, and Highland Park, all while profiting hundreds of millions of dollars. In fact, they made more than $800 million in revenue in 2022 alone.

Despite this, Smith & Wesson publicly admitted it does not track the crimes or deaths caused by its firearms. Instead, CEO Mark Smith claims politicians and the media are responsible for the surge in gun violence happening across the country.

Learn how gun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson have shirked responsibility for their role in the gun violence crisis for YEARS and profited from violence.

EXPLORE THE SMOKING GUN:

https://smokinggun.org

Gun manufacturers know that their killer business isn't welcome in states with strong gun safety laws. That's why this weekend Smith & Wesson is celebrating relocating its headquarters from Massachusetts to Tennessee, citing a Massachusetts bill that would have made it difficult to make and sell assault weapons.

But we're not going to let business continue as usual—not in Tennessee, not in Massachusetts, or anywhere else.

Find out more about the gun industry's role in our gun violence crisis and what we can do to hold bad actors like Smith & Wesson accountable on "The Smoking Gun."

Thanks for being in this fight,

Everytown for Gun Safety

P.S. There was a small hiccup in our system yesterday, and we may have sent you incorrect information. 16 states and D.C. require abusers under restraining orders and abusers convicted of domestic violence crimes to turn in their guns, and Oregon is one of them. See where Oregon ranks with other common sense gun laws.

https://everytownresearch.org/rankings

[Blogger's Note: Please see my 'October 5th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above, that explains the above-mentioned incorrect information to which Everytown for Gun Safety refers regarding Oregon being one of the states "that require abusers under restraining orders and abusers convicted of domestic violence crimes to turn in their guns."]

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund (the "Everytown Support Fund") is the education, research, and litigation arm of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with over eight million supporters. The Everytown Support Fund seeks to improve our understanding of the causes of gun violence and help to reduce it by conducting groundbreaking original research, developing evidence-based policies, communicating this knowledge to the American public, and advancing gun safety and gun violence prevention in communities and the courts. Learn more at www.everytownsupportfund.org. Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

DONATE

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding the gun industry's role in our gun violence crisis and what we can do to hold bad actors like Smith & Wesson accountable on "The Smoking Gun." An introduction to the webpage can be found below:

THE SMOKING GUN

EXPOSING THE GUN
INDUSTRY'S ROLE
IN GUN VIOLENCE TODAY

$557B

Gun violence costs Americans an estimated $557 billion every year.

$9B

The gun industry makes an estimated $9 billion in revenue annually. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://smokinggun.org

Plus, after I read the email above, I made two one-time donations to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund in order to show my support for "find[ing] out more about the gun industry's role in our gun violence crisis and what we can do to hold bad actors like Smith & Wesson accountable on 'The Smoking Gun.'"

And the reason that I made two one-time donations to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund is because the first donation I made didn't appear to process correctly on the ActBlue website—so I thought I had to redo the first donation—which is why I donated twice instead of once!

–Paul Whiting (October 6th, 2023)

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October 6th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 6th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 6th, 2023, when I noticed four Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "A 16-Year-Old Iranian Girl Is in a Coma, Putting the Spotlight Back on the Morality Police":

https://time.com/6320956/teen-girl-coma-armita-iran-morality-police

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Thousands of U.S. Workers Are on Strike. Here's a Rundown of Major Work Stoppages":

https://time.com/6320913/thousands-u-s-workers-strike

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Jailed Iranian Activist Narges Mohammadi Wins the Nobel Peace Prize. Here's What to Know":

https://time.com/6321287/narges-mohammadi-nobel-peace-prize

By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled the same as the article.

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Russia’s Latest Threat: New Nuclear Tests":

https://time.com/6320924/russia-putin-nuclear-test-threat

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 6th, 2023, when I noticed 16 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Jobs report shock: American economy added a stunning 336,000 jobs in September" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/business/live-news/markets-jobs-report-september/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Watch live: President Biden delivers remarks on the September jobs report" from CNBC:

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/06/watch-live-president-biden-delivers-remarks-on-the-september-jobs-report.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "Jobs report shows payrolls grew by 336K jobs in September while unemployment held at 3.8%" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/10/06/september-jobs-report-unemployment-update/71080367007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "President Biden blames the media for Americans' negative views of the economy" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/06/president-biden-blames-media-for-americans-concerns-about-the-economy/71086292007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "Why Biden claims he has no choice but to build more of Trump's border wall" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-claims-choice-build-trumps-border-wall/story?id=103757017

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "The Biden administration says it is using executive power to allow border wall construction in Texas" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/border-wall-biden-immigration-texas-rio-grande-147d7ab497e6991e9ea929242f21ceb2

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Border Wall Map Reveals What Joe Biden Is Building Compared to Trump" from Newsweek:

https://www.newsweek.com/border-wall-map-joe-biden-donald-trump-1832649?amp=1

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "The arrival of migrants in big cities is forcing Democrats to change their immigration politics" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/05/politics/biden-border-wall/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "Kevin McCarthy, the Speaker of the House and the stress of political uncertainty" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/10/05/speaker-of-the-house-congress-political-stress/71073530007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "Donald Trump to endorse Jim Jordan for House speaker" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/06/donald-trump-jim-jordan-house-speaker-troy-nehls/71079402007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Senators warn House Republicans that a more conservative speaker won't make their dreams come true" from NBC:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna118738

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "45 US House Republicans seek to prevent another speaker ouster" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/45-us-house-republicans-seek-prevent-another-speaker-ouster-2023-10-06

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "How Do Americans Feel About Politics? ‘Disgust Isn’t a Strong Enough Word’" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/06/us/kevin-mccarthy-congress-matt-gaetz-speaker-biden-trump-voters.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "‘What Is Broken in American Politics Is the Republican Party’" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/06/republican-leaders-mccarthy-expert-roundup-00120170

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "What's behind the national surge in book bans? A low-tech website tied to Moms for Liberty" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/10/05/website-driving-banned-books-surge-moms-for-liberty/70922213007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "Cartels use social media to recruit American teens for drug, human smuggling in Arizona: 'Uber for the cartels'" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/cartels-social-media-recruit-american-teens-drug-human-smuggling-arizona-cochise-county-uber

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 6th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023, revised November 6th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

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October 6th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More, Written On October 7th, 2023: I received an email from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum yesterday, October 6th, 2023, with the subject line, "Watch Program Now | Native American Soldiers: Warriors and Witnesses to the Holocaust", which stated the following:

Digital Program Now Available
Native American Soldiers: Warriors and Witnesses to the Holocaust

Thank you for your interest in today’s discussion. The recording is now available on demand, and we encourage you to share it with friends.

WATCH NOW:

https://m.facebook.com/watch/34362997676/2572591559664662/

Comanche code talker Charles Chibitty was one of many Native Americans who used their languages to communicate secret messages that stumped the Germans and helped the Allies win World War II. Lumbee tribal citizen Jesse Oxendine was part of the 82nd Airborne Division that encountered Nazi atrocities when they liberated the Wöbbelin concentration camp and forced local Germans to bury the dead and attend the victims’ funeral services.

Join us to commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day and learn about courageous Native Americans who confronted Holocaust atrocities while serving their country.

Watch this special program.

This virtual program and previous episodes are available on demand on the Museum’s Facebook (https://m.facebook.com/watch/34362997676/2572591559664662/) and YouTube pages (https://www.youtube.com/live/_dC56m7PtPM?si=fVOblw6yn8sdZvlC).

‌Donate to Keep Holocaust Memory Alive

DONATE

Keep Holocaust memory alive to inspire citizens and leaders to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity in a constantly changing world. Visit ushmm.org/campaign to learn more.

You see, I originally received an email on October 5th, 2023, from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum with the subject line, "Watch Live Program | Native American Soldiers: Warriors and Witnesses to the Holocaust", which stated, in part, the following:

Live Digital Program
Native American Soldiers: Warriors and Witnesses to the Holocaust

Friday, October 6
9:30 a.m. ET
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Facebook page

REMIND ME

Comanche code talker Charles Chibitty was one of many Native Americans who used their languages to communicate secret messages that stumped the Germans and helped the Allies win World War II. Lumbee tribal citizen Jesse Oxendine was part of the 82nd Airborne Division that encountered Nazi atrocities when they liberated the Wöbbelin concentration camp and forced local Germans to bury the dead and attend the victims’ funeral services.

Join us to commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day and learn about courageous Native Americans who confronted Holocaust atrocities while serving their country.

Request a reminder to join us for this program.

Guest
[Name redacted], [title redacted] of the exhibition and [title redacted] of the book Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Host
[Name redacted], [title redacted], United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Watch live at facebook.com/holocaustmuseum and join in the conversation.

You do not need a Facebook account to view our program. After the broadcast, the recording will be available to watch on demand on the Museum’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Now, to clarify, I decided to wait until after the event had livestreamed to watch it, since I only have a cellular data plan through my cell phone company (so, I don't have access to WiFi on my smartphone). Plus, this program started livestreaming at 6:30 AM PDT! Additionally, whenever I watch these livestreamed programs as a recording, I can go back to parts of the program that I wish to repeat in order to watch them over again.

Then, after I watched the video of the livestreamed event, I made a one-time donation to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, shortly before I finished watching the video, in order to show my support for the program "Native American Soldiers: Warriors and Witnesses to the Holocaust." –Paul Whiting (written October 7th, 2023 and revised January 27th, 2024)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 7th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the World Jewish Congress, American Section, today, October 7th, 2023, with the subject line, "War in Israel", which stated the following:

World Jewish Congress
American Section

We are breaking tradition and writing to you today on Shabbat*/Yom Tov** because of the extreme gravity of the unfolding situation in Israel.

We all woke up this morning to the terrible news of renewed rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, infiltrations of Hamas terrorists, and civilians and Israeli soldiers being taken hostage, mutilated, and paraded in Gaza streets. The reports and images we are seeing from Israel are truly horrific.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering loss in Israel at this time.

World Jewish Congress [title and name redacted] has issued the following statement:

"As [title redacted] of the World Jewish Congress, representing over one hundred Jewish communities globally, I vehemently denounce the heinous terrorist onslaught against the State of Israel.

“Now, more than ever, it is imperative for us to stand as one – unified and resolute – to bolster the success of the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and the State of Israel during this conflict unjustly thrust upon us on Simchat Torah.*** Let it be known, unequivocally, that the entire Jewish diaspora stands in unwavering support of Israel and its valiant security forces during these challenging times.

"In unity lies our indomitable strength.”

Support our work.

The World Jewish Congress, American Section, supports the vital work and projects of the World Jewish Congress. For more information on the World Jewish Congress, visit worldjewishcongress.org.

And so, I made a one-time donation to the World Jewish Congress, American Section, because "our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering loss in Israel at this time." –Paul Whiting (written October 7th, 2023, revised November 9th, 2023, revised December 6th, 2023 and revised August 31st, 2025)

*"Shabbat" from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia—which is funded primarily through donations from millions of individuals around the world, including this blogger (I make a totally affordable one-time donation if they are requesting donations when I am on their website):

Shabbat (UK: /ʃəˈbæt/, US: /ʃəˈbɑːt/, or /ʃəˈbʌt/; Hebrew: שַׁבָּת, romanized: Šabbāṯ, [ʃa'bat], lit. 'rest' or 'cessation') or the Sabbath (/ˈsæbəθ/), also called Shabbos (UK: /ˈʃæbəs/, US: /ˈʃɑːbəs/) by Ashkenazim, is Judaism's day of rest on the seventh day of the week—i.e., Saturday. On this day, religious Jews remember the biblical stories describing the creation of the heaven and earth in six days and the redemption from slavery and The Exodus from Egypt, and look forward to a future Messianic Age. Since the Jewish religious calendar counts days from sunset to sunset, Shabbat begins in the evening of what on the civil calendar is Friday.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabbat

**"Yom Tov Torah readings" from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia—which is funded primarily through donations from millions of individuals around the world, including this blogger (I make a totally affordable one-time donation if they are requesting donations when I am on their website):

On Yom Tov the Torah is read during Shacharit services.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Tov

***"Simchat Torah" from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia—which is funded primarily through donations from millions of individuals around the world, including this blogger (I make a totally affordable one-time donation if they are requesting donations when I am on their website):

Simchat Torah or Simhat Torah (שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה, lit., "Rejoicing with/of the Torah", Ashkenazi: Simchas Torah) is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. Simchat Torah is a component of the Biblical Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret ("Eighth Day of Assembly"), which follows immediately after the festival of Sukkot in the month of Tishrei (occurring in September or October on the Gregorian calendar).

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simchat_Torah
---------------------------------------------
October 7th, 2023 Update (Follow-Up, Written On October 10th, 2023): I received an email from the World Jewish Congress, American Section, today, October 10th, 2023, with the subject line, "WJC Stands With Israel", which stated the following:

World Jewish Congress
American Section

Dear Paul,

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones well during this unimaginable and incredibly painful time for the Jewish State and for the Jewish people worldwide. We write to you today to provide some context on the unfolding situation in Israel and to let you know how the World Jewish Congress is working to provide support for Israel and its people.

Background: In the early morning hours on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah,* a day that marks joy and celebration, Israel was invaded by land, sea, and air and brutally attacked by terrorists from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. This unprovoked, bloodthirsty assault against both Israeli civilians and military has resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities to date, thousands of critical injuries, and the abduction of dozens of innocent hostages into Gaza. No one was spared as women, children, the disabled, and the elderly were among those targeted for torture and cold-blooded murder. This massacre and act of unbridled barbarism was deliberately planned to occur during a sacred time, catching many Israelis either on their way to synagogue or at home with their families. The situation remains volatile, with Israel's northern and southern borders under threat.

Our United Stand: For Jews the world over, Israel is more than just our eternal homeland. It is the beating heart and soul of our people. Now, as at no other time in Jewish history, we unite to stand in unwavering support and solidarity with all our Israeli brothers and sisters, and in gratitude for the brave members of Israel's military forces who are on the front lines selflessly defending its borders and its people.

What WJC is Doing:

[✓] Engaging World Leaders: Utilizing WJC's extensive global diplomatic contacts, expertise, and experience, we are actively reaching out to a broad range of political and religious leaders, urging them to publicly and unequivocally condemn these horrific attacks and express support for a democratic Israel as it fights to protect and defend its citizens.

[✓] Briefing Calls and Fact Sheets: We are holding a series of briefing calls specifically for Jewish community leaders to provide accurate information and real-time updates from those on the ground in Israel and discuss ways that each community can help at the local, national, and international levels. Similarly, we are distributing continuously updated fact sheets that our communities can share with government officials, religious leaders, and the media.

[✓] Social Media (https://www.instagram.com/worldjewishcongress): To reach the widest global audience, WJC has created a range of content that offers historical context, factual information, and explains the true aims of Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups. Within the first 48 hours, our posts received millions of views.

[✓] Public Displays: Thanks to the efforts of WJC’s affiliated communities, landmark buildings around the world are showing their support by illuminating Israeli flags or blue and white colors on their exteriors. Among those that have already done so: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, El Salvador, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States.

[✓] NextGen and Elevate Programs (https://www.worldjewishcongress.org/en/next-gen/blogs): Our young leadership divisions are being equipped with the tools to help them raise awareness and rally support for Israel among their cohorts.

We are grateful to all those who are supporting our work to ensure we have the resources we need to pursue all our efforts on behalf of Israel in the days, weeks, and months ahead:

https://support.worldjewishcongress.org/page/57977/donate/1

Our unity and collective strength have never been more crucial. Please stand with us and share your love, prayers, and support for the people of Israel in any way you can during this devastating time.

Thank you. Let us ensure that our family in Israel knows they are not alone. We are with them, and together we will persevere.

Support our work.

https://support.worldjewishcongress.org/page/57977/donate/1

The World Jewish Congress, American Section, supports the vital work and projects of the World Jewish Congress. For more information on the World Jewish Congress, visit worldjewishcongress.org.

And so, I made a one-time donation to the World Jewish Congress, American Section, in order to "stand with [Jewish people worldwide] and share [my] love, prayers, and support for the people of Israel in any way [I] can during this devastating time." –Paul Whiting (written October 10th, 2023, revised November 9th, 2023, revised December 6th, 2023 and revised August 31st, 2025)

*"Simchat Torah" from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia—which is funded primarily through donations from millions of individuals around the world, including this blogger (I make a totally affordable one-time donation if they are requesting donations when I am on their website):

Simchat Torah or Simhat Torah (שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה‎, lit., "Rejoicing with/of the Torah", Ashkenazi: Simchas Torah) is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. Simchat Torah is a component of the Biblical Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret ("Eighth Day of Assembly"), which follows immediately after the festival of Sukkot in the month of Tishrei (occurring in September or October on the Gregorian calendar).

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simchat_Torah
---------------------------------------------
October 7th, 2023 Update (Follow-Up, Written On October 15th, 2023): I received an email from the World Jewish Congress, American Section, today, October 15th, 2023, with the subject line, "A simple step you could take to make your donation go further!", which stated the following:

World Jewish Congress
American Section

Matching Gifts

You + Company Match = Double the Impact!

Hi Paul,

Did you get a chance to review our previous email? According to our records your company may offer a matching gift program that can make your recent donation of $5 go even further in support of the vital global work of the World Jewish Congress.

Please visit our matching gift page to see if your company will match your gift and to access the forms, guidelines, and instructions that you need to complete your submission.

Step 1: See if I'm eligible!
Click here

Once you’ve submitted, please click the link below to let us know.

Step 2: I've submitted my matching gift request!
Click here

If your company doesn't offer a matching gift program or won't match your donation, click the link below to help us keep our records up to date.

I'm not eligible for a matching gift.***

Gratefully,

Matching Gift Team

Sent on behalf of World Jewish Congress American Section

World Jewish Congress
American Section

Not eligible for a matching gift?

Don't worry, you can still make a difference!

[REQUIRED] Step 1: Let us know why you're ineligible. Thank you for notifying us that your donation is not eligible to be matched by your company. To note this in our records, please select one of the reasons below. Your selection will not be saved until you click "Submit" below.

[  ] I'm self-employed
[✓] I'm not currently working
[  ] I'm retired
[  ] I'm a stay-at-home parent
[  ] I've hit my max matching funds for the year
[  ] My gift doesn’t meet the minimum donation amount or other eligibility requirements for my company’s program
[  ] I don't want to submit a match request for this gift
[  ] I don't work for the company you sent me info for
[  ] I work for a nonprofit
[  ] I work for a company that doesn't offer a matching gift program
[  ] This nonprofit doesn't meet my company's matching gift program eligibility requirements.
[  ] My company will only match donations made through a workplace giving portal or internal giving platform
[  ] I prefer not to say

Submit

Then, after I submitted my response that the reason "I'm not eligible for a matching gift" is due to the fact that "I'm not currently working," I made a one-time donation to the World Jewish Congress, American Section, in order to "help [World Jewish Congress, American Section] keep [their] records up to date." –Paul Whiting (October 15th, 2023)
---------------------------------------------
October 7th, 2023 Update (Follow-Up, Written On October 16th, 2023): I received an email from the World Jewish Congress, American Section, today, October 16th, 2023, with the subject line, "An Open Letter from WJC [title and name redacted]", which stated the following:

World Jewish Congress
American Section

World Jewish Congress [title and name redacted] took to the pages of The New York Times and The Washington Post yesterday, and, in two full-page advertisements, thanked President Biden and congressional leadership of both political parties for their support.

The Biden administration and Republican and Democratic leaders alike have stood strong in support of Israel and the Jewish people since Hamas terrorists launched waves of horrifying attacks into Israel, which resulted in the murder of over 1,400 Jews, including Americans, and hundreds more injured and kidnapped.

[Title and name redacted] expressed appreciation for the president’s strength and moral clarity in his speeches and activity, and he praised Congress for quickly mobilizing around Iron Dome funding and for issuing messages and acts of solidarity. He further noted that a sliver of political leaders have chosen to cast their lot with Israel’s attackers, but that Jews see them clearly for who they are.

In his open letter, [title and name redacted], a global statesman for the Jewish people, praised Israel’s emergency unity government, formed to bring the country together as it enters a long and uncertain period, and calls on Jews, and Americans more widely, to similarly cast aside personal and political differences at this time for the sake of the future of the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland.

Below is the full text of Amb. Lauder’s open letter:

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BIDEN AND MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS

As [title redacted] of the World Jewish Congress, and on behalf of millions of Jews across the United States and throughout the Diaspora, I want to thank you for your steadfast support in this moment of profound crisis for Israel. These traumatic events have shaken the Jewish world to its core. Each day brings new horrors, carried out by a terror organization bereft of humanity.

We are also grateful to every Republican and Democratic Member of Congress who stood up for Israel through Iron Dome funding support, and via acts of solidarity and resolve. This crisis has forced a clarification of where every leader stands. It is encouraging that the vast majority are squarely in support of the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland in its darkest hour in decades.

And, I say, those who have equivocated, stayed on the sidelines, or cast their lot with terrorists, we see you for who you are.

Mr. President, your moral clarity in the historic and defining speeches you delivered from the White House, and your decisiveness in mandating the United States stands not just with the State of Israel, but with the Jewish people, spoke to a depth of understanding few presidents have ever expressed. The world sees that unequivocal support for the security of Israelis and unambiguous condemnation of terrorism is not a political stance; it is a bedrock of U.S. global leadership. And, along with supportive Republicans and Democrats in Congress and in state capitals and major cities across America, this has ensured that our allies, especially in Europe, follow your lead.

Leaders in Israel have put their political and personal differences aside to form an emergency unity government. This is a significant step, the intent of which must be replicated here. Whether conservative or progressive, Orthodox or secular, it is imperative to shed those distinctions and stand together in unity. It is not lost in this moment that, to quote President Lincoln, a house divided cannot stand. We have not been in danger of such a fall in over eighty years.

We are comforted that, as Commander in Chief, you and leaders of every political persuasion have made a lasting commitment to the security and safety needs of Israel, whatever they may be, and for as long as it takes, as the Jewish state fights to protect itself at all costs.

Publication of this message was fully funded by [title and name redacted].

By the way, the "Open Letter To President Biden And Members Of The United States Congress" was NOT italicized in the original email above; however, to make it stand out from the rest of the email's text, I decided to place the open letter in all italics. –Paul Whiting (October 16th, 2023)

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October 7th, 2023 Update—Continued: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 7th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 7th, 2023, when I noticed three Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Fight Over AIDS-Relief Program PEPFAR Could Have Far-Reaching Consequences":

https://time.com/6320939/aids-relief-program-pepfar-fight-consequences

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "What an Owl Taught Me About Life":

https://time.com/6320590/owls-nature-carl-safina

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Read the Nobel Peace Laureate’s Gripping Account of the Fire in Her Prison":

https://time.com/6321404/nobel-laureate-narges-mohammadis-evin-prison

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 7th, 2023, when I noticed 3 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "How will America respond to the attack against Israel?" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/america-respond-attack-israel/story?id=103807416

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Biden: US stands with the state of Israel" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/10/07/biden-hamas-israel-attack-sot-nr-vpx.cnn

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "Why this Israel-Gaza conflict is so complicated for Biden" from CNN:

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/10/07/politics/joe-biden-israel-gaza/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 7th, 2023 and revised October 9th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 8th, 2023 Update: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 8th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 8th, 2023, when I noticed three Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Surprising Poverty Levels Across the U.S.":

https://time.com/6320076/american-poverty-levels-state-by-state

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Book Bans Aren’t the Only Threat to Literature in American Classrooms":

https://time.com/6321014/banned-books-literature

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Why Hamas Tried to Sabotage Arab-Israeli Peace Prospects With a Massive Unprovoked Attack":

https://time.com/6321671/why-hamas-sabotaged-peace-prospects-israel-attack

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 8th, 2023, when I noticed 16 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Statement from President Joe Biden Condemning Terrorist Attacks in Israel" from the U.S. Embassy in Isreal:

https://il.usembassy.gov/statement-from-president-joe-biden-condemning-terrorist-attacks-in-israel

[I read this statement on October 8th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Statement From Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on U.S. Force Posture Changes in the Middle East" from the U.S. Department of Defense:

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3551716/statement-from-secretary-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-us-force-posture-changes-in-the

[I read this statement on October 8th, 2023.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "U.S. sends aircraft carrier group to eastern Mediterranean in response to Hamas attack on Israel" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/hamas-attack-israel-secretary-austin-american-aircraft-carrier-group-eastern-mediterranean

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "U.S. leaders vow support for Israel after deadly Hamas attacks: 'There is never any justification for terrorism'" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/israel-attack-hamas-gaza-united-states-leaders-support

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "The US will send a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-american-carrier-strike-force-mediterranean-db05d535a9ebb931f684f758c9b6f628

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "Israeli and Palestinian supporters rally across U.S. as Israel declares war after Hamas attack" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-demonstrations-d5f00f49f9b967c3148a39c8b7ffec08

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "After Hamas Attack, U.S. to Send Weapons and Warships to Support Israel" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/08/us/politics/israel-aid-pentagon-us-hamas.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "Israeli and Palestinian supporters rally across US after Hamas attack: 'This is a moment to not be alone'" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/08/israel-palestine-supporters-rallies-hamas-attack-united-states/71112473007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "NYC pro-Palestine rally splits Democrats over Israel" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/08/nyc-palestine-rally-democrats-israel-00120533

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "Centrist GOP effort to reinstate McCarthy picks up steam after Israel attacks" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/07/some-republicans-making-bid-to-bring-back-mccarthy-to-move-on-aid-to-israel-00120501

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Attack on Israel underscores 'irresponsibility' of Republicans paralyzing House with speaker fight: Christie" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/attack-israel-underscores-irresponsibility-republicans-paralyzing-house-speaker/story?id=103809670

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "'Israel's 9/11': Political analysts react to deadly Hamas attack" from CNBC:

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/08/israels-9/11-political-analysts-react-to-deadly-hamas-attack.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "Analysis | Israel-Gaza War: A Catastrophic Failure That Will Send Political Shockwaves" from Haaretz ("News of the Land [of Israel]"):

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-08/ty-article/.premium/a-failure-of-all-systems-with-political-shock-waves-like-73/0000018b-0c06-dae3-a1cb-bd0f3be90000

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "By abducting over 100 people into Gaza, Hamas has put Netanyahu in a political bind" from The Times of Israel:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/by-abducting-over-100-people-into-gaza-hamas-has-put-netanyahu-in-a-political-bind/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "World reaction to surprise attack by Palestinian Hamas on Israel" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/10/7/we-are-at-war-reactions-to-palestinian-hamas-surprise-attack-in-israel

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 8th, 2023, revised October 9th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 9th, 2023 Update, Which Also Discusses October 8th, 2023: Indigenous Peoples' Day is today, October 9th, 2023, since Indigenous Peoples' Day is yearly (annually) on the second Monday of October.

And I received an email from National Today yesterday, October 8th, 2023, with the subject line, "Celebrating Indigenous Peoples, Hugging Drummers, No Bras. The Week Ahead", which stated, in part, the following:

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY

Let’s honor Native American culture... Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions of the Native American people and honors the wisdom and resilience of these beautiful communities.

Monday 9 October

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Native American people are honored and celebrated on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Read more:

https://nationaltoday.com/indigenous-peoples-day

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can, in part, be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY – OCTOBER 9, 2023

[Observed in the] U.S.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October, on October 9 this year, to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. The day is centered around reflecting on their tribal roots and the tragic stories that hurt but strengthened their communities.

---------------------------------------------

HISTORY OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY

The first seed of Indigenous Peoples’ Day was planted at a U.N. international conference on discrimination in 1977. The first state to recognize the day was South Dakota in 1989. Berkeley, California, and Santa Cruz followed suit.

Although the day was still considered Columbus Day up to 1937, many people began calling it Indigenous Peoples’ Day to celebrate the rich culture and the lives of the Native American people.

For the Native Americans, Columbus Day was always hurtful as it glorified the violent past constituting 500 years of colonial torture and oppression by European explorers like Columbus and those who settled in America. Indigenous Peoples’ Day draws attention to the pain, trauma, and broken promises that were erased by the celebration of Columbus Day. Before his arrival, the indigenous folk were successful self-sufficient communities that sustained life for thousands of years.

Year by year, the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day spreads to more and more states, towns, and cities across the United States of America.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People, not just in America, but around the world. Their way of life and culture carries wisdom and valuable insights into how we can live life more sustainably.

Today, 14 U.S. states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and not Columbus Day, as well as the District of Columbia. More than 130 cities including Arlington, Amherst, Cambridge, Brookline, Marblehead, Great Barrington, Northampton, Provincetown, Somerville, and Salem also celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Many organizations are seeking to address the lack of access indigenous people have to higher education and have created scholarships to help address this.

---------------------------------------------

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY TIMELINE

May 1763
Pontiac’s Rebellion:
A group of Native American tribes from Illinois, Great Lakes, and Ohio successfully persuade the British to change policies in favor of the Native Americans.

April 5, 1838
Trail of Tears:
The Cherokee tribe is ordered to leave their tribal lands by President Andrew Jackson, taking the path now called the Trail of Tears.

January 1, 1899
Ghost Dance:
Wovoka, a Native American, has a mystical experience and makes others join him in a ghost dance ritual for peace and prosperity.

June 2, 1924
Indian Citizenship Act:
Native Americans in the U.S. are granted U.S. citizenship.

---------------------------------------------

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY FAQS

When did Columbus Day become Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

In 1992, Columbus Day became Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a sign of protest against the massacres that the Native Americans suffered at the hands of the Europeans.

How does Indigenous Peoples’ Day help our community?

The day helps as a remedy for the harmful effects of racism in the U.S. and the inaccurate historical facts that have been spread to justify white supremacy and colonization.

Why shouldn't we celebrate Columbus Day?

Celebrating Columbus Day and Columbus himself goes against the very essence of indigenous nations as he was the man who began the genocide of the Native Americans.

---------------------------------------------

HOW TO CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY

1. Read indigenous literature

Some must-read books include “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolomé de las Casas, “1491: New Revelations Of The Americas Before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann, “An Indigenous People's History Of The United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, and “Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown.

2. Attend an event

Attend an event hosted by a group of Native Americans or a Native American organization. Learn more about how you can be of assistance with any issues that the group is facing.

3. Host a movie screening

Watch a movie with your friends and have a discussion afterward. There are a plethora of films to choose from like “Dances with Wolves” (1990), “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” (2015), “Gather” (2020), and “Indian Horse” (2017).

---------------------------------------------

5 FACTS ABOUT INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY

1. Female warriors

Native American women fought alongside men in battles, the most popular among them being the Buffalo Calf Road Woman of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.

2. Popcorn

The Indigenous Americans were the first to domesticate the strains of maize [corn] that produced popcorn thousands of years ago.

3. Maria Tallchief

The first Native American (and American) to dance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and with the Paris Opera Ballet was Maria Tallchief.

4. Hockey

The Native American tribes of Foxes, Saux, and Assiniboine played a game called shinny, which is where hockey came from.

5. The sequoia tree

The sequoia tree is named after the revered Cherokee leader Sequoyah, who created an alphabet for his people.

---------------------------------------------

WHY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY IS IMPORTANT

A. It celebrates the original inhabitants

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates the Native Americans, the original inhabitants of North America.

B. It recognizes the indigenous cultures

Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the beautiful indigenous traditions, cultures, and lives all around the world.

C. It stands in solidarity with the indigenous people

We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day. We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/indigenous-peoples-day

–Paul Whiting (written October 9th, 2023 and revised October 11th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 9th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from American Indian College Fund today, October 9th, 2023, with the subject line, "Check out our new PSA [Public Service Announcement]! 😎", which stated the following:

Today is a special day.
Thank you for being a friend and ally.

The first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day was in 2021. We can't tell you what it has meant for our students to finally be seen and recognized in this way.

Paul, you are an important part of helping millions of Indigenous people be seen and heard. When friends and allies like you add your voice to ours, you are amplifying the voices of millions of American Indians who for so long have had none.

The students you are supporting today will be the Indigenous leaders of tomorrow. Please take a moment to watch our new Public Service Announcement below and celebrate our shared vision of the future with us!

Check out our new Public Service Announcement video!

https://youtu.be/7GeHiJ4j_L8?si=ONyiSyUZwTqB-scI

I want to support another future leader!***

American Indian College Fund

United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW

NY growers still refusing to accept worker organizing law, file federal lawsuit

You won’t believe what farm workers are going through in NY. It took years of fighting to get a law that would allow workers – including H-2A workers – to organize for a union contract. Due to blatant racism, farm workers were purposefully excluded from the National Labor Relations Act almost a century ago, the law which gives most workers the right to join unions. Because of this exclusion, they need to fight for this right state by state. They’ve had this right in California for decades and won the right to join unions in New York in 2019.

Now because farm workers won UFW representation at five NY farms, growers have found a new way to try to delay. The New York State Vegetable Growers Association and five growers where workers chose the UFW just filed a federal lawsuit attempting to repeal the New York law. Not only are they trying to gut the act, but they asked for a temporary restraining order on using the act until the lawsuit is heard – which can take years – in order to delay negotiating the contracts for the elections that the workers already won. Most of the New York workers are immigrants from Mexico, Jamaica and other countries, making this attempt to shut down their rights especially ugly.

"It is disgraceful that the grower bosses want to return New York to the exclusionary racist past by asking a court to strip away farm workers’ hard won right to a union," said UFW [title and name redacted]. "This lawsuit by the New York Vegetable Growers Association and growers is the latest attempt by the grower bosses to overturn a law that requires them to treat their workers with respect and rights, something they have not been willing to do. Every billable hour the growers spend with their lawyers refusing to honor the certified union majority at their farms is an hour they should have spent at the bargaining table negotiating fair union contracts."

NY workers have been organizing with the UFW. Workers at six companies voted to be represented by the United Farm Workers. The PERB – NY’s state’s employee relations agency – granted UFW the right to represent the workers at five of the six farms and the sixth case is still being considered. The growers appealed individually to PERB [Public Employment Relations Board] who soundly rejected their arguments.

We believe this latest lawsuit is an attempt by New York growers to continue to attempt to treat their farms like plantations, and to deny these hard working men and women the ability to exercise the most basic rights afforded to other workers. The UFW will continue fighting for NY workers including those at A&J Kirby Farms, Porpiglia Farms, Cahoon Farms, Wafler Farms, and Lynn-Ette & Sons Inc., where we won elections. We look forward to holding these employers accountable under the law and negotiating fair contracts for these workers and the other workers where we’re organizing.

Paul Thank you for receiving our emails -- we appreciate everything you do!

Want to support our work? Start a monthly donation or chip in a one-time donation.***

United Farm Workers
Contribution Processed

Dear Paul,

Thank you for your generous contribution.

You can change or cancel your donation at any time by visiting our self service portal at [web address redacted]. You can also change your address or other information here [web address redacted].

The generosity of good supporters like yourself has allowed us to step up our efforts to empower the people who labor so hard to put food on our tables, including providing them legal support, passing legislation, and signing union contracts to protect them. Your help lets us improve working conditions in the fields of America and make a life-changing difference for so many.

On behalf of all farm workers and their families, and the UFW, please know we are very thankful to have you as our generous supporter.

Si Se Puede! [Yes, We Can!]

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
UFW [Title redacted]
http://www.ufw.org

Please print out this contribution confirmation page for your records.

Contribution Information:
Contribution Confirmation ID: [redacted]
Contribution Date: 10/09/2023 8:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Contribution Amount: $5.00

Contact Information:
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Account Type: [redacted]
Account Number Ending: [redacted]

Please take the next step and share on Facebook & Twitter.

NY farm workers seeking UFW contracts are fighting back against grower intimidation. A recent NY law protects their right to unionize and prohibits grower retaliation.

Campaigns like this are expensive. Your donation can help the workers win!

https://act.seiu.org/a/nyorganizing?am=25.00&ms=tellfriend_t&ceid=442257&snw=2&ref=a3fd4783-bc81-4c57-bee4-e7088c8d7fcf#!

By the way, the hyperlink above leads to a UFW donation webpage that is titled, "With your help NY farm workers can win their UFW contracts." Please see my 'August 24th, 2023 Update—Continued Further' for the full text of this donation webpage. –Paul Whiting (written October 9th, 2023, revised October 27th, 2023 and revised November 17th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 10th, 2023 Update: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 10th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 10th, 2023, when I noticed eight Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Israel's President: Our Darkest Hour Casts a Shadow on the Entire World":

https://time.com/6321967/israel-president-isaac-herzog-hamas-attack

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Workers at Mack Trucks Go on Strike, Joining Thousands of UAW Picketers":

https://time.com/6322030/mack-trucks-uaw-strike

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Five Lessons for the U.S. and the World From the Hamas Invasion of Israel":

https://time.com/6322097/lessons-from-hamas-invasion-israel

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Heavy Flooding in Myanmar Displaces More Than 14,000 People":

https://time.com/6322005/heavy-flooding-in-myanmar-displaces-more-than-14000-people

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "President Joe Biden Interviewed by Special Counsel in Classified Documents Investigation":

https://time.com/6322070/special-counsel-joe-biden-classified-documents

---------------------------------------------

The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Hollywood Writers Vote to Ratify Contract, Ending Strike":

https://time.com/6322143/wga-ratify-contract-amptp-end-strike

---------------------------------------------

The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Israel Pounds Downtown Gaza City, Threatening Punishing Retaliation for Weekend Attack":

https://time.com/6322127/israel-downtown-gaza-city-bombs

---------------------------------------------

The eighth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "‘We’re In a New World’: American Teenagers on Mental Health and How to Cope":

https://time.com/6320195/us-teen-mental-health-photos

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 10th, 2023, when I noticed 33 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "‘We’ve Been Shaken Out of This Fantasy’: How the Left Sees the War in Israel" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/09/israel-hamas-war-american-left-matt-duss-00120536

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Biden faces a host of crises and a stress test for his theory of the presidency" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/10/joe-biden-steady-leadership-00120660

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "Harvard students blaming Israel for Hamas attacks draws political backlash" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/09/harvard-students-israel-hamas-attacks-00120624

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "What is Hamas? What to know about the group that launched attacks on Israel" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/10/10/what-is-hamas-militant-group/71128206007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "US church groups, law enforcement officials in Israel struggle to stay safe and get home" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/10/americans-in-israel-traveling-groups/71127615007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "With Israel war 'not far from anyone,' how America is coming together to cope" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/10/israel-hamas-conflict-rallies-protests-united-states/71125567007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "'Always worried about our safety': Jews and Palestinians in US fearful after Hamas attack" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/09/war-in-israel-jews-palestinians-fear-safety-in-us/71117398007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "'This is terrorism': Biden confirms US hostages held; 14 Americans killed by Hamas" from USA Today (by the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today):

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/10/president-biden-to-give-remarks-on-hamas-attack-in-israel/71128883007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "Israel-Gaza live updates: Biden slams 'sheer evil' with hundreds 'slaughtered'" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/israel-gaza-hamas/?id=103804516

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "How Uncertainty in the U.S. Could Hold Up Aid to Israel" from U.S. News & World Report:

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-10-09/how-political-uncertainty-in-the-u-s-could-hold-up-aid-to-israel

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "U.S. to offer 'every kind of support' to Israel on hostages, Biden administration adviser says" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/israel-hamas-war-hostages-americans-biden-administration-adviser-jon-finer

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "Biden says 14 Americans killed by Hamas in Israel, U.S. citizens among hostages: 'Sheer evil'" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-remarks-hamas-attack-on-israel-2023-10-10

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "Watch live: President Biden addresses Israel-Hamas war as fighting continues" from CNBC:

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/10/-watch-live-president-biden-addresses-israel-hamas-war.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "Biden confirms US citizens are among Hamas’ hostages and says 14 Americans killed in attacks on Israel" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/10/politics/joe-biden-benjamin-netanyahu/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "How Republicans are trying to blame Biden for the attacks on Israel" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/09/politics/republicans-blame-biden-israel-what-matters/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "Israel’s war with Hamas will cause deep and wide political shockwaves" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/10/politics/political-shockwaves-israel-hamas-war/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: "Secretary of State Blinken to travel to Israel in display of US solidarity after Hamas attacks" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-war-ae0217d2317002ddca003017df85e04f

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 18: "Israel strikes and seals off Gaza after incursion by Hamas, which vows to execute hostages" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-airstrikes-hostages-4377e096f62bf535bebcdff38cf16049

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 19: "Biden: Hamas unleashed pure unadulterated evil, evoked memories of Jewish genocide" from The Times of Israel:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-october-10-2023/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 20: "Israel’s hostage rescue operation is unlike anything the ‘world has ever seen’" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp-video/mmvo194682437594

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 21: "House Republicans pour cold water on linking U.S. aid to Israel and Ukraine" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna119674

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 22: "House speaker race live updates: Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise to address House Republicans today" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/live-blog/rcna119454

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 23: "After one week without a House speaker, Republicans appear no closer to choosing a new leader" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-ousted-speaker-steve-scalise-jim-jordan-f4173df8025c692a9bc34eccd822de0c

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 24: "Two US House Republicans expected to make pitch for speaker's gavel" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-republicans-face-tangled-path-picking-new-speaker-2023-10-10

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 25: "1 chart to explain the current dysfunction in Congress" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/09/politics/congress-majorities-what-matters/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 26: "Scalise, a McCarthy Rival, Seeks to Unite Republicans in Taking His Place" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/us/politics/scalise-speaker-mccarthy-jordan.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 27: "Xi-Schumer Meeting Raises Hopes of Smoother U.S.-China Relations" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/world/asia/xi-schumer-meeting-china-us.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 28: "US Senate Leader Tells China’s Xi US Wants More Equitable Business Relations" from VOA (Voice of America) News:

https://www.voanews.com/amp/us-senate-leader-tells-china-s-xi-us-wants-more-equitable-business-relations/7304872.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 29: "US Senate Majority Leader Schumer meets Xi and welcomes stronger Chinese statement on Hamas attack" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/china-united-states-schumer-israel-hamas-ea14fb9f859a4dd33165c83deb9a0209

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 30: "Biden interviewed as part of the special counsel investigation into handling of classified documents" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-025f25d04a5c0e45d758fbaaa2f231b8

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 31: "Special Counsel Interviewed Biden About Classified Documents" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/us/special-counsel-biden-interview.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 32: "Cable's house of mirrors: Fox focuses on Hunter Biden, MSNBC on Trump" from Axios:

https://www.axios.com/2023/10/10/fox-hunter-biden-msnbc-trump-cable

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 33: "Dems ask Garland to probe purge from Virginia's voter rolls" from Axios:

https://www.axios.com/2023/10/10/dems-ask-garland-investigate-purge-virginia-voter-rolls

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 10th, 2023, revised October 12th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

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October 10th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum today, October 10th, 2023, with the subject line, "An important message from Museum leadership", which stated the following:

Dear Museum Friends,

At this moment of shock and sorrow, we at the Museum are grief-stricken by the horrific events in Israel. Who could have imagined that almost eight decades after the end of the Holocaust, we would again witness the brutal targeting of Jewish men, women, and children? The planned murder of so many innocents? The deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust? The taking of hostages, including a Holocaust survivor in a wheelchair?

As we expressed a few days ago (https://www.ushmm.org/information/press/press-releases/museum-statement-on-the-attack-on-israel),* our thoughts and prayers are with all Israelis—and with Holocaust survivors in Israel and the world over. The pain of this savage and murderous assault is especially traumatic for survivors, who felt a Jewish state might have saved them and their loved ones from the systematic assault of the Nazis and their collaborators. For survivors, survival meant rebuilding their lives in freedom and security in many countries, and building the State of Israel that would protect all Jews.

The Museum’s work of teaching the history and lessons of the Holocaust has become increasingly urgent in recent years with the rise of antisemitism and Holocaust denial. This outrageous attack by Hamas terrorists shows the danger of unchecked antisemitism and amplifies the urgency of that work.

We have been enhancing Holocaust education to include the vital role of longstanding antisemitism in making the Holocaust possible, and we have been taking Holocaust education to parts of the Middle East, and even to Iran, which shares culpability with Hamas for these crimes. This work is more important than ever. Holocaust education must be a lesson, a warning, and an inspiration to build a future of freedom and peace.

As we join the survivors—and all who care about the future of humanity—in mourning those who were brutally killed, we rededicate ourselves to taking our powerful message about the dangers of antisemitism and racism to audiences from all walks of life and all parts of the world. The survivors never gave up. They tirelessly devoted their lives to a better future. So shall we.

Thank you for your partnership,

[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
[Name redacted], [Title redacted]

Learn Why Israel Is Important to Survivors:**

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/postwar-refugee-crisis-and-the-establishment-of-the-state-of-israel

And, after I read the email above, I read the "Museum Statement on the Attack on Israel," as well as the "Holocaust Survivors and the Establishment of the State of Israel (MAY 14, 1948)" because, "as we join the survivors—and all who care about the future of humanity—in mourning those who were brutally killed, we rededicate ourselves to taking our powerful message about the dangers of antisemitism and racism to audiences from all walks of life and all parts of the world." –Paul Whiting (October 10th, 2023)

*"Museum Statement on the Attack on Israel" from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM):

Museum Statement on the Attack on Israel

OCTOBER 8, 2023

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is outraged by Hamas’s unconscionable attack on Israel, killing hundreds, and targeting Israeli citizens for kidnapping, including a Holocaust survivor, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Museum [title and name redacted] said, “These vile acts by this terrorist organization must be universally condemned and all hostages immediately released. Our prayers are with all Israelis, including the many Holocaust survivors who helped build the State of Israel, where they could finally live in the freedom and security they deserved after centuries of persecution, and ultimately genocide.”

A nonpartisan federal, educational institution, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, dedicated to ensuring the permanence of Holocaust memory, understanding, and relevance. Through the power of Holocaust history, the Museum challenges leaders and individuals worldwide to think critically about their role in society and to confront antisemitism and other forms of hate, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity.

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.ushmm.org/information/press/press-releases/museum-statement-on-the-attack-on-israel

**"Holocaust Survivors and the Establishment of the State of Israel (MAY 14, 1948)" from the USHMM Holocaust Encyclopedia (an introduction to the webpage can be found below):

Before the Holocaust, European Jews had endured many centuries of antisemitism. Governments and churches across Europe imposed waves of restrictions on Jews—where they could live, what jobs they could hold, barring them from owning land, even at times forcing them to wear distinctive markings to make them social pariahs.

This longstanding history of exclusion and persecution led many Jews to conclude that the only future for Jewish communal life was the creation of a homeland in the Land of Israel. In the late 19th century, a new Jewish political movement called Zionism was founded to advocate for this goal. The Zionist movement became increasingly popular in Europe after World War I as the rise of new anti-Jewish political movements and policies intensified persecution.

During the Holocaust, the Nazis and their allies and collaborators murdered six million Jewish men, women and children. They destroyed centuries of Jewish life in Europe and thousands of Jewish communities.

In the aftermath of this genocide, it became clear to many Holocaust survivors and other Jews that Jews needed their own country where they could live in safety and independence. Support for Zionism grew among Holocaust survivors, international leaders, and others. In May 1948, when the State of Israel was established, many Holocaust survivors welcomed the new state as a homeland where they would no longer be a vulnerable minority. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/postwar-refugee-crisis-and-the-establishment-of-the-state-of-israel

P.S.: Just so you know, I used to make one-time donations to the organization that is the subject of these 'updates' each time that I took an action as requested by that organization; however, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis." (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.) Thus, because I have already donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) on October 7th, 2023 (please see my 'October 6th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More, Written On October 7th, 2023,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to USHMM for October 2023.

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October 10th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America today, October 10th, 2023, with the subject line, "We demand the gun industry takes accountability for our lives", which stated the following:

STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION
For Gun Sense In America

Paul–

Over the weekend, I jumped at the chance to lead a group of student volunteers in Maryville, Tennessee to call out the largest gun manufacturer in the country, Smith & Wesson, during the opening of their new headquarters.

As a young person from Tennessee and as a student who has grown up with the paralyzing fear of gun violence, I am fed up with the gun industry operating their #KillerBusiness and profiting while we are paying with our lives. And I know I'm not alone.

Join me and demand action and accountability by adding your name to our petition telling Smith & Wesson to change its practices.

ADD MY NAME***

Guns are the number one killer of my generation. Not car accidents. Not illness. GUNS. I've watched as our country's gun violence crisis has raged on while the gun industry rakes in multi-billion dollar profits at the expense of our safety.

For over 100 years, Smith & Wesson was headquartered in Massachusetts, but they just moved to Tennessee—why?

Citing proposed legislation that could have banned Smith & Wesson from producing assault weapons, they put profits before people once again to keep making and selling assault weapons. So while their CEO and elected officials were cutting the ribbon to their new HQ, we sent them a message over their new offices to let them know they are not welcome in Tennessee.

Our message to Smith & Wesson and the gun industry is simple: My generation is breaking this cycle of gun violence they helped create.

We will no longer sit by while companies like Smith & Wesson continue with business as usual.

Add your name to join me in demanding accountability from Smith & Wesson.

It will take all of us to hold this #KillerBusiness accountable.

Thank you for taking action,

[Name redacted]
She/Her/Hers
[Affilation redacted]
Students Demand Action

Students Demand Action is a grassroots volunteer network of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. As a movement of Americans fighting for common-sense gun policies, we depend on contributions from supporters like you to fund important work to reduce gun violence.

Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e).

Add Your Name To Demand Smith & Wesson Improve Its Practices

Smith & Wesson, the largest gun manufacturer in the United States, is opening its new HQ in Tennessee this weekend. Why did the company move to Tennessee from Massachusetts? To safeguard its ability to make and sell assault weapons.

The company cited proposed legislation that could have banned it from producing assault weapons in announcing its decision to leave Massachusetts. The company's AR-15s are often the firearm of choice for mass shooters. Smith & Wesson ARs were used in Aurora, San Bernardino, Parkland, Poway, and Highland Park, just to name a few.

And despite being aware of the carnage the company's guns have caused, Smith & Wesson continues to market its AR-15s to minors and young people through advertisements and social media.

Earlier this fall, a group of socially responsible faith-based investors who own shares in Smith & Wesson asked the company through a shareholder proposal—for the 5th year in a row—to conduct a human rights impact assessment. This kind of assessment would look at the company's policies and practices to determine potential and actual human rights risks.

Guns are the number one killer of children, teens, and college-aged youth in America, and gun companies like Smith & Wesson must take responsibility for our safety and prevent more loss of innocent lives.

Add your name to demand Smith & Wesson conduct a thorough human rights impact assessment of its products and STOP marketing guns to kids and teens >>

Complete the form to sign the petition now:

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Mobile phone: [redacted]

ARE YOU A STUDENT? No

ADD MY NAME

And so, I signed the petition above, via the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund website, in order to do my part to "demand Smith & Wesson conduct a thorough human rights impact assessment of its products and STOP marketing guns to kids and teens." –Paul Whiting (written October 10th, 2023, revised October 26th, 2023, revised October 30th, 2023 and revised December 14th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, I used to make one-time donations to the organization that is the subject of these 'updates' each time that I took an action as requested by that organization; however, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis." (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.) Thus, because I have already donated to the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund on October 5th, 2023 (please see my 'October 5th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund* for October 2023.

*"Frequently Asked Questions" from the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund:

What is the difference between the Action Fund and the Support Fund?

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization, which focuses on awareness and educational work related to gun violence prevention. Donations to the Support Fund are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization, which focuses on advocacy and legislative work. Because Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund fights to end gun violence with every legal tool available—organizing around critical elections and key legislative battles in states across the country—donations are not tax-deductible.

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY ...

... Wednesday 11 October

National Coming Out Day

Homophobia thrives in silence, so today, many people who identify as LGBTQ+ “come out.”

Read more:

https://nationaltoday.com/national-coming-out-day

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can, in part, be found below:

NATIONAL TODAY

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY – OCTOBER 11, 2023
[Observed in the] U.S.

On this October 11, National Coming Out Day will continue to raise awareness for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and champion the idea that homophobia thrives in silence. On this day, many people who identify as LGBTQ+ will “come out” (a term stemming from the phrase “come out of the closet”) to friends or family about their sexuality, which is a very big moment! Beyond this, the history of the LGBTQ+ movement is a beacon of light — its champions are honored, and it underlines the personal being political. It’s also a chance to celebrate the liberation spirit — many do this by waving flags associated with LGBTQ+ groups or donning pins.

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WHEN IS NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY 2023?

National Coming Out Day is celebrated on October 11 each year. The first observation was in 1988 and by 1990 it was being celebrated in all 50 states.

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HISTORY OF NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

National Coming Out Day was inspired by a single march. 500,000 people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987, generating momentum to last for 4 months after the march had ended. During this period, over a hundred LGBTQ+ identifying individuals gathered outside Washington, DC, and decided on creating a national day to celebrate coming out – this began on the 1st anniversary of their historic march.

It was Rob Eichberg and Jean O’Leary who first proposed the idea of NCOD. Eichberg founded a person growth workshop, The Experience, and at the time, O’Leary was the head of National Gay Rights Advocates. Eichberg, who would later die in 1995 of complications from AIDS, had said the strongest tool in the human rights movement was to illustrate that most people already know and respect someone in the LGBTQ+ community, and NCOD helps these people come to light.

Over the last 15 years, the Human Rights Campaign has chosen a theme for every National Coming Out Day — 2014 and 2013 were both themed “Coming Out Still Matters,” and the earliest theme (1999) was “Come Out To Congress.” There have also been different spokespeople for each NCOD. Some notable names include “Frasier” actor Dan Butler and Candance Gingrich, half-sister of Newt Gingrich, in the 1990s.

NCOD gains popularity and participants every year. Since its inception, countless public figures and celebrities have openly identified themselves as LGBTQ+, and yearly share messages of support and hope for those still in the closet. Notable celebrities who tweeted in support of NCOD in 2019 include Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and actress and advocate Sara Ramirez. The event plans to continue its efforts to eradicate hate and homophobia with friends and family coming out to dispel stereotypes.

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NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY TIMELINE

1924
The First Documented Gay Rights Organization:
The Society for Human Rights was founded by Henry Gerber in Chicago.

June 28, 1969
Stonewall Riot:
The riot against police at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan triggered the beginning of the LGBTQ+ movement.

October 11, 1987
National March on Washington:
This impactful event is honored by National Coming Out Day being on the same day.

October 11, 2002
The Beat of Their Own Drum:
On National Coming Out Day in 2002, a benefit CD was released featuring donated songs by artists who were either in the LGBTQ+ community or were allies — it included Cyndi Lauper and Queen.

May 17, 2004
The First Same-Sex Marriage:
The first legal same sex marriage takes place in Massachusetts.

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NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY FAQS

Where else is National Coming Out Day celebrated?

National Coming Out Day is also recognized in Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK.

What are some LGBTQ+ organizations I can support?

Some of the most prominent LGBTQ+ supporting organizations include the Human Rights Campaign, The Trevor Project, The National Center for Transgender Equality, and the It Gets Better Project — as well as many more!

Where can resources for those considering coming out be found?

The Human Rights Campaign has created a comprehensive Resource Guide to Coming Out, which discusses how the conversation might go, how those involved might feel, and what benefits might be gained from coming out.

---------------------------------------------

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

1. Contribute to the Human Rights Campaign

This organization not only sponsors NCOD, but also dedicates itself to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality in many ways. It’s a worthy cause to support!

2. Support someone coming out

No way around it - coming out can be a difficult experience. Be an ally by accepting those that choose to share this part of their lives with you. If you yourself are on the fence about whether or not to share that important bit of your identity, consider taking advantage of the extra love today and make the leap, if the time is right for you.

3. Don a Pride symbol to raise awareness

The symbolic representations of the different groups encompassed in the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’ can be a very welcome sight to see for some who feel discriminated against or alone. Raise awareness of the movements by donning a pin or waving a flag, or post your support on a social media platform that you feel comfortable with!

---------------------------------------------

5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

1. National Coming Out Day includes more than gay or lesbian

LGBTQ+ has grown to encompass bisexual, transgender, and many more sexual identities - so more and more people are able to participate in NCOD!

2. It has grown in National support

On the first National Coming Out Day, only 18 states participated — this number skyrocketed with media attention and sent the event worldwide.

3. It used to be much more dangerous

In this decade and in Western culture, it is statistically less dangerous to come out as gay or lesbian - many who are part of the community instead celebrate their identity and wear pride-supporting accessories!

4. Knowledge drives out hate

One study shows that those who know a loved one is in the LGBTQ+ community are less likely to maintain oppressive and homophobic views.

5. It was once headquartered in West Hollywood

When NCOD first began, the headquarters of National Gay Rights Advocates was in West Hollywood, California, but has since moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

---------------------------------------------

WHY NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY IS IMPORTANT

A. It’s a celebration of diversity

When different people come together, we are all stronger. Hate and homophobia thrive in silence, according to the Human Rights Council, and this day serves to bring into light and accept the differences we have.

B. It shines a light on an important movement in history

A recent poll shows that 5% of Americans identify with the LGBTQ+ community - and that’s not even counting all the allies and supporters! The movements that stand behind NCOD is working to give all these people freedom, voice, and choice in how they live their lives.

C. It can be life-changing

The decision to live your life out of the closet — truly genuine, and not hiding any aspects of your identity — is a huge step for many people around the world. NCOD can represent this new beginning, and be one of the most important days in a person’s life.

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://nationaltoday.com/national-coming-out-day

–Paul Whiting (October 11th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 11th, 2023 Update—Continued: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 11th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 11th, 2023, when I noticed eight Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Which Israel Will Emerge After the Hamas Attack?":

https://time.com/6322046/israel-after-hamas-attack

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "How to Help Victims of the Israel-Gaza War":

https://time.com/6322238/how-to-help-israel-gaza-war-victims

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "House Republicans Show Where Israel Ranks (Right Behind Their Infighting)":

https://time.com/6322444/house-speaker-israel-war-aid

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "These Are the Candidates for House Speaker":

https://time.com/6322160/house-speaker-candidates-jordan-scalise

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "‘Hospital at Home’ Could Be the Future of Health Care. Not Everyone Thinks It’s a Good Idea":

https://time.com/6322233/hospital-at-home-movement

---------------------------------------------

The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "How to Help Afghanistan Earthquake Victims":

https://time.com/6322308/how-to-help-afghanistan-earthquake-victims

---------------------------------------------

The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Reeling From Hamas’ Attack, Israelis Around the World Try to Head Home to Join the Fight":

https://time.com/6322503/israel-diaspora-war-return-military

---------------------------------------------

The eighth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Biden Faces Hard Choices on American Hostages in Gaza":

https://time.com/6322472/hamas-american-hostages-gaza-rescue

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 11th, 2023, when I noticed 15 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Biden: ‘I Refuse to Be Silent’ on Hamas Attack" from U.S. News & World Report:

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-10-11/biden-u-s-working-to-bring-americans-home-after-hamas-attack

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Biden says Americans are being held hostage by Hamas" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna119636

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "Biden says US death toll rising in Israel, confirms Americans taken hostage" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-update-americans-hamas-attacks-israel-fate-us/story?id=103859524

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "Vulnerable Democrats call on Biden to freeze $6B in Iran funds" from Axios:

https://www.axios.com/2023/10/11/iran-billion-israel-hamas-biden-democrats

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "Centrist Senate Dems call for freezing $6 billion in Iran assets after Hamas attack in Israel" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2023/10/10/congress/iran-israel-hamas-assets-centrist-senate-democrats-00120825

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "The Senate is a problem in the Israel crisis. Democrats are fed up." from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/11/hamas-israel-nominees-military-ambassadors-00120871

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "Biden under pressure to refreeze $6bn in Iranian oil money after Hamas attack" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/11/biden-iranian-oil-money-hamas-israel

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "Republicans to introduce resolution to ‘rid the House of George Santos’" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/11/george-santos-republican-resolution-expel-house

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "Republican lawmakers to introduce resolution to expel Rep. George Santos from Congress" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna119917

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "New York’s freshman GOP House members seek to expel Santos ahead of 2024 battles" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/11/new-york-gop-house-members-expel-santos-00121025

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "US House in limbo as Republican Scalise appears short of votes for speaker" from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-republicans-seek-unite-around-new-speaker-2023-10-11

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "Republicans nominate Steve Scalise to be House speaker but struggle to unite quickly and elect him" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-ousted-speaker-jordan-scalise-b90b887d079a4b58e35da7b213916457

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "Republicans nominate Steve Scalise to replace McCarthy as House speaker" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/11/house-speaker-vote-republicans-scalise-jordan

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "Jim Jordan will vote for Steve Scalise to be House speaker, source says – as it happened" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2023/oct/11/house-speaker-vote-republicans-mccarthy-trump-biden-israel-us-politics-live

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "Rep. Steve Scalise wins the House GOP speaker nomination" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/11/1205172350/house-speaker-vote-news

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 11th, 2023, revised October 16th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, October 11th, 2023, I read the September 22nd, 2023 news articles from my ‘September 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before, Written On September 23rd, 2023,’ which can be found above.

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 12th, 2023 Update: Farmers Day is today, October 12th, 2023! So, I decided to write this 'update' in order to tell everyone in the United States of America that Farmers Day (which is also known as "National Farmers Day", or "National Farmer's Day", or "National Farmers' Day") is yearly (annually) on October 12th.

Thus, in celebration of all that farmers do for us, I created a playlist on YouTube Music last year (2022) in order to say "THANK YOU" to all of the farmers! (Please see my 'October 12th, 2022 Update,' which can be found above.)

"Farmers Day Celebration Music" by Various Artists (on YouTube):

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5ASnKWDRID0Nd7rbsz2aO5wvrIjKWj0F&si=T7pLDKiCmSJf0uEe

Here is the description from that playlist:

Did you know that "Farmers Day" is on October 12th each year? Well, I didn't know that either until the year 2022! So, I decided to tell everyone in the United States of America that Farmers Day (which is also known as "National Farmers Day", or "National Farmer's Day", or "National Farmers' Day") is yearly (annually) on October 12th. Thus, in celebration of all that farmers do for us, I created this playlist in order to say "THANK YOU" to all of the farmers!

–Paul Whiting (written October 12th, 2023, revised October 12th, 2024 and revised October 13th, 2024)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 12th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received two text messages today, October 12th, 2023, from USA for UNFPA (formerly known as the 'United Nations Fund for Population Activities' that is now called the 'United Nations Population Fund').

The first text message that I received today from USA for UNFPA stated the following:

URGENT: Afghanistan hit by *multiple* 6.8 magnitude earthquakes this week.

Official reports say that over 2,000 people are dead, thousands are injured, and thousands more displaced.

Paul, As you can see in the photo above, entire villages have been leveled. Early reports also show that the majority of those who have died thus far are women and children. In one village, nearly every single woman and girl in the community of 2,500 died. The only survivors were men working outside the home.

UNFPA is on the ground now delivering lifesaving aid, including:

--> Deploying three mobile health teams to earthquake-affected areas;
--> Distributing over 160 dignity kits containing essential supplies to affected women and girls.
--> Sending additional medical personnel to the hospitals where the majority of victims are being treated.

But this is a crisis situation where every second counts and lives hang in the balance. We need to scale up our relief efforts, fast.

Please make an emergency gift of $75 or more today to deliver urgently needed humanitarian relief. We need to raise $15,000 by midnight tonight to help expedite emergency aid, but can't do it without your support:***

Thank you,

USA for UNFPA

The second text message that I received today from USA for UNFPA stated the following:

🚨 ALERT: Multiple 6.3-magnitude earthquakes have struck Afghanistan this week

Paul Whiting: As you can see in the picture above, whole villages have been completely leveled. Official reports say that over 2,000 people are dead, thousands are injured, and thousands more displaced.

Heartbreakingly, early reports also show that the majority of those who died so far are women and children. In fact, in one village of 2,500 people, nearly every woman and girl died. The only survivors were men working outside the home.

But thanks to your past support, we were immediately on the ground delivering lifesaving care to survivors, including UNFPA Dignity Kits, maternal health care, and violence protection services.

But the need is growing and this is a crisis situation where every single second counts.

We urgently need your support to expand our lifesaving care as more survivors are recovered and as communities already struggling under intense political turmoil and widespread hunger try to rebuild.

Your gift of $90 could provide 6 women with UNFPA Dignity Kits, which contain basic care items, like soap, underwear, a head covering, blankets, and menstrual pads.

Will you please rush an emergency gift today and deliver lifesaving care in Afghanistan and wherever relief is needed most? You can donate securely at the link below:***

Thank you, Paul Whiting. We deeply appreciate your support in this moment of incredible need.

USA FOR UNFPA

"How to Help Afghanistan Earthquake Victims" from Time Magazine

By Anna Gordon | October 10, 2023

At least 2,400 people were killed and 9,000 more were injured after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Western Afghanistan on Saturday. The quake hit Zindajan, a rural district some 40km (25 miles) from Herat city, where nearly 2,000 homes have been completely destroyed across 20 villages. Eight aftershocks also hit the country, severely impacting vulnerable communities with poorly constructed homes. Health care facilities are also overwhelmed and under equipped by the number of people needing treatment.

Since the Taliban’s takeover in summer 2021, many international aid organizations have greatly reduced their operations in the country, making the population even more vulnerable to natural disasters. Only a handful of countries have publicly offered support in the aftermath of the disaster, including China and Pakistan, because many countries refuse to deal directly with the Taliban.

“There’s not much disaster management capacity and what there is can’t cover people on the ground,” Salma Ben Aissa, the director for the International Rescue Committee’s Afghanistan mission, told the Associated Press over the weekend. “The numbers (of dead) are increasing hour by hour.”

In addition to aid being cut after the Taliban takeover, financial issues plaguing the World Food Program led the organization cutting food distributions for the country last month, and many international aid resources have been diverted to the recent escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Aid agencies like the International Rescue Committee have warned that if the Taliban lacks proper rescue equipment to deal with such a significant natural disaster, it could lead to more deaths.

Here are some ways you can help.

International Committee of the Red Cross

The International Committee of the Red Cross is providing health care, re-establishing health care infrastructure, and working on improving sanitation and energy supply together with the Afghan Red Crescent and other on the ground humanitarian partner organizations. To learn more, you can visit their website here.

UNICEF

UNICEF is the United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian relief to children around the globe. They are currently distributing emergency water and hygiene kits in the country to address the urgent needs of children impacted by the earthquake. To donate, you can click here. ...

... Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders is currently providing support at Herat regional hospital and manages the hospital’s pediatric section. They have also sent additional supplies to other parts of the country. To donate, click here. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://time.com/6322308/how-to-help-afghanistan-earthquake-victims

And I decided to highlight this Time Magazine article for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Plus, I made a one-time donation of $11.00 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), because "The ICRC is responding to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan by providing health care, supporting health care infrastructure, rehabilitation support, assisting people to establish livelihoods and incomes, helping families who have been separated reconnect, improving access to clean water, sanitation and energy, together with the Afghan Red Crescent, and other Movement partners."

Also, I made a one-time donation of $10.00 to UNICEF USA (formerly known as the 'United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund' that is now called the 'United Nations Children's Fund'), because "Afghanistan earthquake leaves children, families at risk: UNICEF [is] responding following powerful earthquake and aftershocks."

In addition to that, I made a one-time donation of $10.00 to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), because "MSF is responding to Herat earthquake: Hundreds of wounded people are being treated at the MSF-supported Herat Regional Hospital."

–Paul Whiting (October 12th, 2023)

P.S.: Please see my 'October 11th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above, where I also referenced this same article.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 12th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: I typically write one 'update' for the Time Magazine articles that I read from one of their daily emails that I receive each day (or, sometimes, I receive more than one daily email), then I also often write a separate 'update' from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, if there are news articles that I feel are important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news each and every day, which usually starts with me reading the above-mentioned Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics when I first get up in the morning, right after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, from those searches, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read!

So, this 'update' I am writing today, October 12th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 12th, 2023, when I noticed four Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Right-Wing Textbooks Shaping What Many Americans Know About History":

https://time.com/6316978/conservative-textbooks

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "She Sued Tennessee for Denying Her an Abortion. Now She’s Running for Office.":

https://time.com/6320148/allie-phillips-abortion-lawsuit-tennessee

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Israelis Dread This Nightmare Will Never End":

https://time.com/6322633/israelis-hamas-attack-nightmare-essay

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Biden and Congress Craft $2 Billion Aid Package as Israel Vows to ‘Crush’ Hamas":

https://time.com/6322820/israel-aid-biden-congress-hamas

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 12th, 2023, when I noticed 34 different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am grouping these articles generally in the order in which I am planning to read them, but also by category for articles that may be related by topic. And I usually group by news organization for articles that are from the same publication in these types of current news 'updates,' however, I could only do that occasionally for this 'update' due to the number of articles. Also, I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

No. 1: "Israel-Hamas war rages on; U.S. arranging flights to get Americans out of Israel" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/live-updates/israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 2: "Amid fury of Israel-Hamas war, U.S. plans Israel evacuation flights for Americans starting Friday" from CBS News:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/israel-hamas-war-us-evacuation-flights-americans

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 3: "US will offer charter flights to help Americans leave Israel starting Friday" from The Jerusalem Post:

https://m.jpost.com/israel-news/article-768040

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 4: "State Department announces plan to fly Americans out of Israel" from ABC News:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/state-department-announces-plan-fly-americans-israel/story?id=103934725

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 5: "US and Qatar reach ‘quiet understanding’ not to release $6 billion sent to Iran for now, Treasury official tells House Democrats" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/12/politics/us-qatar-iran-funds/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 6: "U.S. and Qatar Deny Iran Access to $6 Billion From Prisoner Deal" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/world/middleeast/us-qatar-iran-prisoner-deal.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 7: "US and Qatar agree to prevent disbursal of recently unfrozen Iranian funds as Israel-Hamas war rages" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-evacuation-f7c0e2f2a091b14a80b6cae078a90a81

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 8: "U.S. and Qatar agree not to release Iran's $6B" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120135

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 9: "US reportedly persuaded Qatar to halt $6bn to Iran in breach of deal" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/12/biden-administration-stops-oil-money-iran-palestine-israel-hamas-attack

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 10: "Biden steps up security for Jewish communities in the U.S. after the attack in Israel" from NPR (National Public Radio):

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/11/1205123459/biden-steps-up-security-for-jewish-communities-in-the-u-s-after-the-attack-in-is

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 11: "Israeli Billboards Thanking the U.S. Have a New Face on Them: Biden’s" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/us/politics/biden-israel-palestine-trump.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 12: "President Biden Remarks at Roundtable with Jewish Community Leaders" from C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network):

https://www.c-span.org/video/?531064-1/president-biden-remarks-roundtable-jewish-community-leaders

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 13: "‘A message’: Why has Biden dispatched a US strike group during Gaza war?" from Al Jazeera News:

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/10/12/a-message-why-is-biden-dispatching-a-us-strike-group-during-gaza-war

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 14: "U.S. Flowing Military Supplies to Israel, as Country Battles Hamas Terrorists" from the U.S. Department of Defense:

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3553040/us-flowing-military-supplies-to-israel-as-country-battles-hamas-terrorists

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 15: "Biden’s dilemma in Israel response: Outrage without escalation" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/12/politics/joe-biden-israel-dilemma/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 16: "'We're bracing ourselves': Inside the White House as it grapples with the attack on Israel" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120097

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 17: "For Democrats, Crisis in Israel Could Be a Unifying Force" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/us/politics/democrats-israel-hamas-war-palestine.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 18: "The generational rift that explains Democrats’ angst over Israel" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/12/democrats-generational-divide-remains-as-israel-battles-hamas-00121307

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 19: "Donald Trump attacks President Biden on foreign policy as Israel-Hamas war rages" from he Portland Press Harold [Portland, Maine]:

https://www.pressherald.com/2023/10/12/donald-trump-attacks-president-biden-on-foreign-policy-as-israel-hamas-war-rages

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 20: "Donald Trump attacks President Biden in WPB [West Palm Beach] on foreign policy as Israel-Hamas war rages" from WPEC CBS12 News [Florida]:

https://cbs12.com/amp/news/local/donald-trump-matt-gaetz-attacks-president-biden-in-west-palm-beach-palm-beach-county-convention-center-on-foreign-policy-as-israel-hamas-war-rages-october-11-2023

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 21: "[Illinois Gov. J.B.] Pritzker, as Biden campaign surrogate, slams Trump’s praise of Hezbollah" from the Chicago Sun Times:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2023/10/12/23914987/jb-pritzker-joe-biden-campaign-surrogate-donald-trump-hezbollah-praise

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 22: "Trump’s criticism of Israel’s Netanyahu draws strong condemnation from GOP rivals" from AP (Associated Press) News:

https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-benjamin-netanyahu-israel-hamas-republicans-63295565c0abe5b30da5898a6b8eb01a

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 23: "Republicans slam Trump’s comments on Netanyahu and Hezbollah" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/12/republicans-trump-netanyahu-hezbollah-israel-hamas-war-00121314

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 24: "DeSantis jab at Trump over Israel may be a hard sell to Florida Jewish Republicans" from Politico:

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/12/desantis-trump-israel-hamas-war-florida-00121363

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 25: "Wokeism and the American military" from Villages-News.com (Premium Newsletter The Villages, Florida):

https://www.villages-news.com/2023/10/12/wokeism-and-the-american-military

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 26: "Scalise lacks votes from hardline Republicans to become next House speaker – as it happened" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2023/oct/12/biden-israel-steve-scalise-republican-house-speaker-vote-politics-latest

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 27: "House speaker race highlights: Steve Scalise drops out and what happens next" from NBC News:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/live-blog/rcna119971

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 28: "Steve Scalise drops out of speaker’s race as House GOP faces leadership crisis" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/12/politics/steve-scalise-speaker-fight/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 29: "CNN Poll: Americans’ views of the Republican Party and its congressional leaders have worsened amid House leadership crisis" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/12/politics/cnn-poll-republican-leadership-congress/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 30: "Republican's claim about Jim Jordan stuns Jake Tapper" from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2023/10/11/mace-house-speaker-jordan-democrats-scalise-jake-tapper-lead-vpx.cnn

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 31: "‘The Jim Jordan from Ohio?’ CNN host incredulous as Nancy Mace claims Democrats trust hardliner" from The Guardian News:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/12/jim-jordan-ohio-cnn-nancy-mace-democrats-scalise-speaker

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 32: "With the World in Crisis, House Republicans Bicker Among Themselves" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/us/politics/house-republicans-bicker-world-crisis.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

No. 33: "Wisconsin Republicans Retreat From Threats to Impeach Liberal Justice" from The New York Times (by the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/us/politics/wisconsin-republicans-impeach-janet-protasiewicz.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (writtend October 12th, 2023 and revised May 21st, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, May 21st, 2024, I checked all of the hyperlinks to the articles above, where I have indicated that "I have NOT read this article yet" in order to make sure that they are accurate, because I am probably NEVER going to read the articles above, since they are 'Ancient History' as far as politics go! And I barely have the time to keep up with the current news that I am reading, as often as I can manage it. That is why I wanted to provide you with this update for this 'update.'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 13th, 2023 Update [My Writing About The Luckiness Of "Friday The 27th" As The Official Antidote To The Unluckiness Of "Friday The 13th"]:

Today is Friday, October 13th, 2023! And I have a fear of "Friday the 13th," but it's mostly due to my fear of everyone else's superstitious beliefs about "Friday the 13th," if they have those kinds of beliefs.

You see, I think that our superstitious secular beliefs, such as "Friday the 13th," are being created by our Christian religious beliefs, which are producing a society in which all of the males (and the females too) are Religious True Believing—conspiracy theory promoting—Superstitious Conservative Micromanagers!

For my theory regarding Religious True Believing Superstitious Conservative Micromanagers, please see my "May 13th, 2022 Update," which can be found above. A brief introduction to this 'update' can be found below:

May 13th, 2022 Update: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS THEMES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]

Today is Friday, May 13th, 2022! And I have a fear of "Friday the 13th," but mostly due to my fear of everyone else's superstitious beliefs about "Friday the 13th." You see, I think that our superstitious secular beliefs, such as "Friday the 13th," are being created by our Christian religious beliefs, which are producing a society in which all of the males (and the females too) are Religious True Believing, conspiracy theory promoting, Superstitious Conservative Micromanagers!

And this update is a continuation of my 'May 11th, 2022 Update—Continued' that I wrote on my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" that is on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog. And that update stated, in part, the following:

"Out of respect for May 11th, 2022, which is the day that no Republicans in the United States Senate voted, on May 11th, 2022, to pass the Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA), here is the '511' (so to speak), or 'the explanation' (so to speak), or my philosophy about why the Republicans all voted against the WHPA here in America, which I think relates to the way that politics, elections and laws specifically relating to the control of women are occurring with regard to Christian governments—not only here in America, but also in the rest of the Christian world."

Plus, the above-mentioned 'May 11th, 2022 Update—Continued' is also a continuation of my 'April 11th, 2022 Update' that I also wrote previously on my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" that is on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog. And that update stated, in part, the following:

"In honor of April 11th, 2022, here is the '411,' or 'the information,' or my philosophy about the upcoming 2022 Midterm Elections in America, which I think relates to the way that politics, elections and laws are occurring with regard to Christian governments—not only here in America, but also in the rest of the Christian world."

Here, then, is a brief summarization of the basic premises from the aforementioned 'April 11th, 2022 Update' and 'May 11th, 2022 Update—Continued' in the most succinct summarization possible, as told through various quotes from those previous updates, in the order in which I wrote the quotes: .... [Please see the 'May 13th, 2022 Update' above.]

So, speaking of "Friday the 13th," which is "considered an unlucky day in Western superstition,"* why isn't there a lucky superstitious belief around "Friday the 27th," which is the Friday two weeks after "Friday the 13th?"

Thus, if "Friday the 13th" is an unlucky day, then "Friday the 27th" should be considered a lucky day! There is even a number seven in that date, which—as everyone knows—is a lucky number.

Therefore, as a self-designated 'Poet, Artist and Philosopher,' I have now proclaimed "Friday the 27th" as the lucky antidote to the unluckiness of "Friday the 13th." So, let the good word of "Friday the 27th" go forth unto all people to give them a day—exactly two weeks after "Friday the 13th"—where there is only good luck coming their way!

–Paul Whiting (written October 13th, 2023, revised December 6th, 2023, revised September 14th, 2024, revised August 31st, 2025 and revised March 27th, 2026)

*"Friday the 13th" from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia—which is funded primarily through donations from millions of individuals around the world, including this blogger (I make a totally affordable one-time donation if they are requesting donations when I am on their website):

Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday, which happens at least once every year but can occur up to three times in the same year. For example, 2015 had a Friday the 13th in February, March, and November, which will happen again in 2026; 2017 through 2020 had two Friday the 13ths; 2016, 2021 and 2022 had just one Friday the 13th, as will 2025; 2023 and 2024 have two Friday the 13ths.

A month has a Friday the 13th only if it begins on a Sunday. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 13th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Everytown for Gun Safety today, October 13th, 2023, with the subject line, "This Latinx Heritage Month, help us build a future free from gun violence: Latinx children and teens are 3 times more likely to be killed by gun homicide than their white peers.", which stated the following:

Paul–

During Latinx Heritage Month, we reflect and celebrate the cultures, histories, and traditions that make up our Latinx communities—and the leaders who have been keeping us safe as we imagine a better world for future generations.

Because today, Latinx communities are disproportionately impacted by gun violence, gun homicide, gun suicide, police violence, and intimate partner violence.

And as the Latinx population in the U.S. continues to grow, we have a responsibility to support Latinx communities to lead in ending the gun violence crisis, and to uplift the work that makes our communities safer.

Which is why we continue to prioritize funding the community violence intervention organizations doing this critical work. Learn more about several Latinx-led organizations' specialized approaches to ending gun violence.

https://everytownsupportfund.org/meet-the-latinx-leaders-bringing-community-violence-intervention-programs-to-their-communities

Since 2019, the Everytown Community Safety Fund has granted over $10 million to 117 community-based violence intervention programs in 67 cities.

These community-based organizations use a localized approach to gun violence prevention, with community members identifying risk and reducing violence through evidence-based interventions.

Learn why we support [name redacted] with [organization redacted] in Central Florida and [name redacted] work with the [organization redacted] and find out how these local leaders are taking action to help our Latinx communities thrive.

https://everytownsupportfund.org/meet-the-latinx-leaders-bringing-community-violence-intervention-programs-to-their-communities

Empowering local leaders to develop their own playbook to end gun violence means they can take a specialized approach that fits into their community. Because every community deserves to thrive without fear.

Thank you for supporting our work to build a future free from gun violence,

[Name redacted]
He/Him/Él
[Title redacted]
Everytown for Gun Safety

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund (the "Everytown Support Fund") is the education, research, and litigation arm of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with over eight million supporters. The Everytown Support Fund seeks to improve our understanding of the causes of gun violence and help to reduce it by conducting groundbreaking original research, developing evidence-based policies, communicating this knowledge to the American public, and advancing gun safety and gun violence prevention in communities and the courts. Learn more at www.everytownsupportfund.org. Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding learning more about several Latinx-led organizations' specialized approaches to ending gun violence. An introduction to the webpage can be found below:

Meet the Latinx Leaders Bringing Community Violence Intervention Programs to Their Communities

Violence intervention programs provide community-informed, comprehensive support to people who are most vulnerable to gun violence and are shown to reduce gunshot woundings and deaths in the communities most impacted by gun violence. They apply a localized approach to gun violence prevention and deploy trusted and credible community members to identify those who are the most vulnerable and work to reduce violence through targeted interventions.

Since 2019, Everytown Community Safety Fund has granted over $10 million to 117 community-based violence intervention programs implementing evidence-based strategies in 67 cities. We’re excited to support the local, community-based violence intervention programs that have been proven to work. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://everytownsupportfund.org/meet-the-latinx-leaders-bringing-community-violence-intervention-programs-to-their-communities

–Paul Whiting (written October 13th, 2023 and revised October 30th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, I used to make one-time donations to the organization that is the subject of these 'updates' each time that I took an action as requested by that organization; however, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis." (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.) Thus, because I have already donated twice to the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund on October 6th, 2023 (please see my 'October 6th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above) those are the two, one-time donations which I made to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund* for October 2023.

*"Frequently Asked Questions" from the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund:

What is the difference between the Action Fund and the Support Fund?

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization, which focuses on awareness and educational work related to gun violence prevention. Donations to the Support Fund are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization, which focuses on advocacy and legislative work. Donations to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible.

Please see the hyperlink below for the FAQs:

https://everytownsupportfund.org/faq/#:~:text=Donations%20to%20the%20Support%20Fund,s%20are%20not%20tax%2Ddeductible.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 13th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, October 13th, 2023, with the subject line, "FW: A Message from the [title redacted]: Israel-Hamas war," which stated the following:

Paul, as one of our top supporters, I wanted you to see this message from our [title redacted], [name redacted].

In these trying times, as we witness the escalating Israel-Hamas war, it is more crucial than ever to stand behind our brave men and women in the United States military. The USO is working around the clock to ensure that our service members deployed to the Middle East region in response to this conflict and around the world have everything they need.

The USO will continue providing critical support to our service members and the families they leave behind, but we rely on the generosity of supporters like you to fund these efforts.

Please, Paul, will you rush a donation right now to help us support our brave military around the world during this crisis and into the future?

RUSH EMERGENCY SUPPORT NOW***

For the people who serve,
[Name redacted]
____________________________________________

From: [Name redacted]
Sent: Fr‌iday, Oct‌ober 13, 2‌023 6:‌08 AM
To: All WW Staff
Subject: A Message from the [title redacted]: Israel-Hamas war

Dear USO Family,

We find ourselves in a challenging and deeply concerning situation as the Israel-Hamas war continues to impact the lives of countless individuals in the region. Our primary focus is on helping U.S. service members and their families, who are deeply affected by conflicts and crises. While U.S. forces are not directly engaged in this war, they are in the region in support of our allies.

And the USO is right there with them — to support our service members who are away from home this holiday season while they attempt to deter a widening of the conflict and provide support to our allies. We will always be by their side.

Working around the clock, our incredible teams are making an impact by:

• Providing Wi-Fi and other communication resources to keep service members connected to family, home and country. This is particularly important for the thousands of troops in the Middle East who otherwise may have no access to cell phones or laptops.
• Distributing USO Care Packages, which come in two varieties: Hygiene Kits with essential toiletries and Snack Packs with food that will remind them of home. These packages ensure service members feel supported and valued by their country.
• Sending USO2GO and portable boxed programs to military units on the move. These packages include snacks, toiletries, games and sports equipment to keep troops entertained while giving them much-needed opportunities for relaxation.
• Providing hot meals and a sense of home to deployed service members.
• Providing military families on the home front with community-building activities, opportunities to communicate with deployed loved ones and other essential support.

I know that these are stressful times for many, especially those of you who may have family and friends in the affected region — and as always, we are here for you.

While we do not know what will happen next, I am confident that the USO will continue to support those serving our country and their families.

With deep gratitude,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
United Service Organizations, Inc.

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's statement regarding the Israel–Hamas war:

"Help the USO support U.S. service members around the world during the Israel–Hamas war and into the future.

The USO is supporting troops and their families around the world, including those who could be impacted by the conflict in the region. That includes providing Wi-Fi and communication resources, expanding meal programs, providing support items and more. At this critical moment, your support is more important than ever, so please: Donate now to support our troops around the world!"

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month! –Paul Whiting (written October 13th, 2023, revised October 22nd, 2023 and revised November 18th, 2023)

P.S.: For my complete charitable donation updates—that include some of my current "Online Activism," as well as most all of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs.

Please see the hyperlinks below for the posts:

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

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October 13th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 13th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "How Netanyahu Undermined Israel’s Security":

https://time.com/6322410/how-netanyahu-undermined-israel-security

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Steve Scalise Drops Out of House Speaker Race":

https://time.com/6323301/steve-scalise-ends-house-speaker-bid

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Kevin McCarthy Is Blaming Biden’s Climate Policy for the Attacks in Israel":

https://time.com/6322995/kevin-mccarthy-israel-attacks-biden-climate-policy

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "‘This Is Chaos’: Israel Orders ‘Impossible’ Gaza Evacuation as Hamas Tells People to Stay Put":

https://time.com/6323333/israel-evacuation-gaza

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 13th, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. NBC News · NBCNews.com
Blinken on Israel-Hamas war and getting Americans out

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp-video/mmvo195047493621

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

2. NPR
As Israel-Hamas war continues, Americans remain supportive of Israel in new poll (Americans strongly support Israel, but there are generational and racial divides)

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/13/1205627092/american-support-israel-biden-middle-east-hamas-poll

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

3. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Palestinian Americans, Dismayed by Violence, Say Historical Context Is Being Overlooked

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/us/palestinians-reaction-israel-hamas.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

4. CBS News
Biden to meet virtually with families of Americans missing after Hamas attack on Israel

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-families-of-american-hostages-hamas-israel

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

5. NBC News
U.S. officials privately warn Israel to show restraint in retaliating against Hamas

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/us-officials-privately-warn-israel-restraint-hamas-retaliation-biden-rcna120286

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

6. CNN
US intelligence warned of the potential for violence days before Hamas attack

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/13/politics/us-intelligence-warnings-potential-gaza-clash-days-before-attack/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

7. ABC News
Hamas 'Day of Rage' protests break out in Middle East and beyond

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/hamas-day-rage-protests-break-middle-east/story?id=103955873

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

8. Reuters
US House Republicans nominate Jim Jordan for speaker, testing hardline appeal

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republican-infighting-returns-us-house-speaker-race-square-one-2023-10-13

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

9. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Israel war news updates: Israel orders the evacuation of Gaza City (Israeli military calls for evacuation of all civilians in Gaza City ahead of feared ground offensive: Updates)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/10/12/israel-war-hamas-gaza-live-updates/71151815007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

10. USNews.com
America Stood United Behind Israel – Until it Became Just Another Source of Political Division (America’s Short-Lived Show of Unity)

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-10-13/america-stood-united-behind-israel-until-it-became-just-another-source-of-political-division

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

11. The Guardian
Major US cities step up security ahead of protests over Israel-Hamas conflict

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/13/police-security-protests-israel-hamas

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

CNN
12. UAW expands strike, hitting Ford’s largest factory

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/11/business/uaw-strike-kentucky-ford-truck-plant/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

13. AP News
Blinken and Austin bolster US support for Israel as potential ground offensive in Gaza looms

https://apnews.com/article/israel-us-hamas-austin-blinken-c4a39169dc5ee7256f20bc1534c4f0cb

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

14. Department of Defense
Austin: U.S. Commitment to Israel Is "Ironclad"

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3556700/austin-us-commitment-to-israel-is-ironclad

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

15. State Department
Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Norah O'Donnell of CBS Evening News

https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-with-norah-odonnell-of-cbs-evening-news-2

[I have NOT read this interview yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

16. Reuters
In Gaza crisis, Biden faces little pressure at home to rein in Israel - for now

https://www.reuters.com/world/gaza-crisis-biden-faces-little-pressure-rein-israel-now-2023-10-13

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

17. CNN
Biden announces regional hydrogen hubs in hopes of sparking a clean-energy revolution

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/13/politics/biden-hydrogen-hubs-climate/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

18. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Administration Awards $7 Billion for 7 Hydrogen Hubs Across the U.S.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/13/climate/hydrogen-hubs-biden-climate.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

19. CBS News · CBS Philadelphia
President Biden to promote creation of clean hydrogen hubs

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/video/president-biden-to-promote-creation-of-clean-hydrogen-hubs

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

20. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
'They're going through agony': President Biden speaks with families of Americans held hostage by Hamas

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/13/joe-biden-speaks-with-families-of-americans-held-hostage-by-hamas/71170643007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

21. PBS
WATCH LIVE: Biden touts economy and green energy in Philadelphia speech

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/politics/watch-live-biden-discusses-economy-unions-and-clean-energy-during-philadelphia-visit

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

22. AP News
Biden awards $7 billion for clean hydrogen hubs across the country to help replace fossil fuels

https://apnews.com/article/hydrogen-hubs-energy-biden-climate-pennsylvania-west-virginia-d609a455a6dd018fca5af785f245c6fd

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

23. The Times of Israel
Biden holds 90-minute meeting with families of 14 missing Americans

https://www.timesofisrael.com/biden-holds-90-minute-meeting-with-families-of-14-missing-americans/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

24. CNN
Biden speaks with families of Americans unaccounted for in Israel

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/13/politics/joe-biden-israel-gaza-hostages/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

25. PBS
Biden says addressing the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a priority

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/world/biden-says-addressing-the-growing-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza-is-a-priority

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

26. Roll Call
Will GOP conclude Joe Biden, proxy war president, needs a House partner?

https://rollcall.com/2023/10/13/will-gop-conclude-joe-biden-proxy-war-president-needs-a-house-partner

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

27. CBS News
As House goes into second weekend without new speaker, moderate House Democrats propose expanding temporary speaker's powers

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/expand-temporary-house-speaker-patrick-mchenry-power-proposed-by-moderate-democrats

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

28. NBC News
The left faces a reckoning as Israel divides Democrats

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120076

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

29. The Daily Beast
CNN Pundit Blames Democrats' 'Identity Politics' for GOP Speaker Chaos

https://www.thedailybeast.com/cnns-david-gregory-blames-democrats-identity-politics-for-gop-speaker-chaos

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

30. NBC News
House speaker live updates: Republicans nominate Jim Jordan in private vote

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/live-blog/rcna120243

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

31. Politico
Republicans ramp up search for an escape hatch from speaker chaos

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/13/stopgap-speaker-00121409

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

32. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Jim Jordan Nominated for House Speaker by Divided G.O.P.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/13/us/politics/house-speaker-jordan-scalise.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

33. CBS News
Jim Jordan wins House GOP's nomination for speaker, but deep divisions remain

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/house-speaker-republicans-steve-scalise-jim-jordan

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

34. POLITICO
The nation's cartoonists on the week in politics

https://www.politico.com/gallery/2023/10/13/the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics-00121219?slide=0

[I have NOT read this 'cartoon carousel' yet.]

35. CNN
Trump’s turn against Israel offers stark reminder of what his diplomacy looks like

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/13/politics/donald-trump-israel-netanyahu-diplomacy/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

36. USNews.com
Trump Says He Stands With Netanyahu After a Barrage of GOP Criticism for Saying He 'Let Us Down'

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-10-13/trump-says-he-stands-with-netanyahu-after-a-barrage-of-gop-criticism-for-saying-he-let-us-down

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

37. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Trump's Remarks on Hezbollah and Netanyahu Prompt Bipartisan Outcry

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/us/politics/trump-hezbollah-israel-palestine.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

38. State Department
Secretary Antony J. Blinken with David Muir of World News Tonight

https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-with-david-muir-of-world-news-tonight

[I have NOT read this interview yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

39. UPI (United Press International)
Global warming may put billions of people in areas intolerable for human life

https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2023/10/10/global-warming/9631696956843

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

40. International Energy Agency (IEA)
The path to limiting global warming to 1.5 °C has narrowed, but clean energy growth is keeping it open

https://www.iea.org/news/the-path-to-limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-c-has-narrowed-but-clean-energy-growth-is-keeping-it-open

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

41. E&E News by Politico
Quiz show: GOP deploys new climate messaging tactic

https://www.eenews.net/articles/quiz-show-gop-deploys-new-climate-messaging-tactic

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

42. NPR
UAW announces new approach in its historic strike against the Big Three automakers

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/13/1205698341/uaw-strike-big-3-ford-gm-stellantis-united-auto-workers-shawn-fain

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

43. NPR
Kaiser Permanente workers win big wage and staffing concessions after strike (After historic strike, Kaiser Permanente workers win 21% raise over 4 years)

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/10/13/1205788228/kaiser-permanente-strike-contract-deal-reached

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

44. Portland Mercury
Good Morning, News: PPS Teachers May Strike, Oregon Overcast for Annular Eclipse, and One Million People in Gaza Flee Anticipated Attack

https://www.portlandmercury.com/good-morning-news/2023/10/13/46772756/good-morning-news-pps-teachers-may-strike-oregon-overcast-for-annular-eclipse-and-one-million-people-in-gaza-flee-anticipated-attack

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 13th, 2023, revised October 14th, 2023, revised October 16th, 2023, revised January 28th, 2024 and revised April 26th, 2024)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 14th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) today, October 14th, 2023, with the subject line, "Hot off the Press: ACLU of Oregon Magazine", which stated the following:

ACLU Oregon Fall 2023 Magazine.
READ NOW

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/publications/aclu-oregon-magazine-2023

Paul –

I'm excited to share this year's ACLU of Oregon magazine with you. In this publication, your ACLU of Oregon team highlights some of our accomplishments and important areas of work from the past year.

*Spoiler Alert* In the magazine, I explore the question, "How should we approach the work of justice?"

We create an Oregon of greater justice, equity, and care by doing the "ACLU" – Act, Challenge, Love, and Unite – together. We do the "ACLU" by actively supporting the many organizations and people who are working on real solutions guided by respect and love for all our neighbors, including our most vulnerable. Examples of doing the "ACLU" are illustrated throughout the magazine, including a feature on Portland Street Response, which offers a powerful example of the impactful solutions that many Oregonians are creating for our communities.

I hope our annual magazine gives you knowledge, inspiration, and hope, and that it helps you feel more connected to justice work in Oregon.

For more updates about justice work across Oregon, please visit our website and social media accounts, where we will keep you informed about the important, hopeful, and inspiring solutions-oriented work being done across our state.

ACLU of Oregon community, thank you for continuing to open your hearts and engage in the hard and important work of justice with us. We could not do this work without you.

With gratitude,

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
[Title redacted], ACLU of Oregon

DONATE NOW

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding the ACLU of Oregon Magazine 2023. A brief introduction to the webpage can be found below:

ACLU OF OREGON MAGAZINE 2023

Your ACLU of Oregon team is proud and excited to share our 2023 Magazine with you. This publication is a bright and interactive reflection of our collective work over the previous year, and a hopeful glance at our movement forward in the ongoing journey of making Oregon a more just, equitable and caring state for ALL. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/publications/aclu-oregon-magazine-2023

Plus, after I read the email above, as well as after I read the ACLU of Oregon Fall 2023 Magazine, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU of Oregon in order to show my appreciation for the ACLU of Oregon Magazine 2023—and because "we create an Oregon of greater justice, equity, and care by doing the 'ACLU' – Act, Challenge, Love, and Unite – together." –Paul Whiting (October 14th, 2023)

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October 14th, 2023 Update—Continued: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 14th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "How Juul Hooked Kids and Ignited a Public Health Crisis":

https://time.com/5680988/juul-vaping-health-crisis

By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled, "The New American Addiction."

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Political Nepo Babies Root Back to America’s Founding":

https://time.com/6322748/presidency-family-business-essay

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Misinformation Is Warfare":

https://time.com/6323387/misinformation-israel-hamas-war-essay

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "How Israel-Hamas War Misinformation Is Spreading Online":

https://time.com/6323421/misinformation-about-the-israel-hamas-war-is-rife-on-social-media-especially-x

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 14th, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. AP News
US oil production hits all-time high, conflicting with efforts to cut heat-trapping pollution

https://apnews.com/article/oil-fossil-fuels-climate-change-biden-df27160fc81f28d21fbf1fc5575b77bc

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

2. CBS News
Biden says U.S. will do "everything in our power" to find Americans held hostage by Hamas

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-us-will-do-everything-in-our-power-to-find-american-hostages-hamas

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

3. NBC News
Trump falsely characterized Israel's role in his administration's hit on Iran's Soleimani, say former U.S. officials

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120368

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

4. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Israel-Hamas war news: Taps running dry in Gaza; Israeli raids look for hostages (Israel-Hamas war news: Israel warns of broad attack on Gaza City; taps running dry)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/10/14/israel-hamas-war-gaza-updates/71183927007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

5. Department of Defense
Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3553644/biden-administration-announces-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine

[I have NOT read this press release yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

6. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Opinion | President Biden Should Call for Israel to Exercise Restraint (Now Is the Moment for Biden’s Age to Be an Asset)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/13/opinion/biden-israel-gaza.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

7. HuffPost
Joe Biden Finally Acknowledges 'Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza' As Priority

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joe-biden-gaza-humanitarian-crisis_n_6529aba2e4b03ea0c0052102/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

8. Hindustan Times
‘Like hell on it’: Joe Biden on Americans held hostage by Hamas in Gaza

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/israel-palestine-hamas-war-joe-biden-american-hostages-101697245896831-amp.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

9. NBC News
Democrats refuse to help Republicans out of House speaker mess

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120242

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

10. Politico
Democratic Socialists of America facing an internal reckoning on Israel

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/11/dsa-rally-aoc-israel-00121060

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

11. MSNBC News
Why Republicans, even now, aren’t calling for Bob Menendez’s ouster

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/shows/maddow/blog/rcna120275

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

12. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OPINION: They can't run their caucus. How can Republicans run a country?

https://www.ajc.com/politics/opinion-if-they-cant-run-their-caucus-how-can-republicans-run-the-country/KKSHTVQ3GNGTNAIE5EDUTDYC3M

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

13. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Inside Trump's Backroom Effort to Lock Up the Nomination

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/14/us/politics/trump-delegate-strategy.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

14. CNN
House Republicans in disarray as Jim Jordan hunts for enough votes to be speaker

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/13/politics/house-republicans-speaker-fight/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

15. The Guardian
I was a political prisoner in Egypt. The Bob Menendez allegations are appalling

https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/14/i-was-a-political-prisoner-in-egypt-the-bob-menendez-allegations-are-appalling

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

16. Reuters
Israel and Hamas at war: Latest news

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-2023-10-13

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

17. [United Nations] Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
World News in Brief: Reducing disaster risk for persons with disabilities, Afghan quake latest, global aid funding off track

https://dppa.un.org/en/world-news-brief-reducing-disaster-risk-persons-with-disabilities-afghan-quake-latest-global-aid

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

18. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Opinion | I Study Climate Change. The Data Is Telling Us Something New.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/13/opinion/climate-change-excessive-heat-2023.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

19. World Health Organization (WHO)
Climate change

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

20. CNBC
What to make of the UAW's shifting strike tactics after the latest escalation

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/13/uaw-strikes-what-to-make-of-the-latest-escalation-at-ford.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 14th, 2023, revised October 16th, 2023, revised November 6th, 2023 and revised January 28th, 2024)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 15th, 2023 Update: I am officially taking the day off from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, along with the subsequent reading the news articles from those Google news searches.

You see, as of around 11:41 AM PDT today, October 15th, 2023, I am exactly "zeroed out" with regard to the amount of data that I have available within my plan for today's usage and the data that I have already used up through today.

Thus, I technically don't have any data available for today's usage, if I am going to stay within the data usage that I am allowed on average each day. And I calculate that average available daily usage by taking the total amount of data usage that my cell phone plan offers each month and I divide that amount by the number of days in each month, which gives me the average of available data usage for each day. And I have been running a deficit in my daily data usage so far this month virtually every day.

Now, yesterday, I went shopping at a local natural food store, and so I was able to write virtually my entire current news 'update' for yesterday at the store—that is, before my smartphone's battery got too low! Therefore, that is why I think I am still not in the negative on today's average available data usage: I am, in fact, at exactly zero available data for today.

So, upon checking the main Time Magazine email that I receive each day, I noticed that there weren't any articles that I felt were really important for me to read. (This was after I had already noticed that my daily average data usage available was at exactly zero.) And those two factors are why I decided to take the day off from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my reading of the news from those oftentimes daily news searches on Google that I typically do.

To clarify, though: As a precaution, I am still going to check today's news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

However, if there are articles that I feel are important for me to read from those searches on Google today, October 15th, 2023, I will simply open a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

Then, I will figure out how to include those articles (if there are any) in the 'update' that I am planning to write tomorrow when I am also planning to be a my local library...

...Okay, It's around 2:33 PM PDT on October 15th, 2023, and as I mentioned above, I am finally doing the searches on Google today of the various news articles that I am planning to read—where I will simply open a webpage for each article—because I am officially taking the day off from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my reading of the news articles from my oftentimes daily Google news searches...

...Alright, It's around 5:46 PM PDT on October 16th, 2023, and as I mentioned above, I am finally listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article yesterday, October 15th, 2023. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above...

...Well, so much for "officially taking the day off from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google, along with the subsequent reading the news articles from those Google news searches!"

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. CNN
CNN Poll: Americans are deeply sympathetic toward Israelis and see their military response to Hamas attacks as justified

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/15/politics/cnn-poll-israel-hamas-war-americans/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

2. AP News
The Israel-Hamas war has roiled US campuses. Students on each side say colleges aren't doing enough

https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

3. Ipsos [Institut Public de Sondage d'Opinion Secteur (translation: "Public Institute for Sector Opinion Polling")] News
Americans split on U.S. responsibility to ensure peace in the Middle East

https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/americans-split-us-responsibility-ensure-peace-middle-east

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

4. CNN
US sending second carrier strike group, fighter jets to region as Israel prepares to expand Gaza operations

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/14/middleeast/us-aircraft-carrier-eisenhower-israel-gaza-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

5. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
U.S. Is Expanding Military Presence Near Israel

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/15/us/politics/us-military-israel-gaza.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

6. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Biden's 2024 war chest more than double Trump's after $71 million haul (Biden raises $71 million in 3rd quarter, far outpacing Trump and the Republican field)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/15/biden-2024-fundraising-trump-campaign-third-quarter/71187532007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

7. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Republican Dan Crenshaw on GOP House speaker chaos: 'It's not good' (Congress has 'no positive messages' as Republicans struggle to elect new speaker, GOP lawmaker warns)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/15/dan-crenshaw-jim-jordan-house-speaker/71195187007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

8. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Cost of Medicare Part B premiums is going up: What you'll pay in 2024

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2023/10/13/2024-medicare-part-b-premiums-cost-goes-up/71169822007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

9. CNN
Biden eclipses Trump and GOP field with $71 million third quarter haul

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/15/politics/joe-biden-2024-reelection-fundraising/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

10. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Campaign Raises $71.3 Million in Third Quarter Alongside D.N.C. (Biden Campaign Raises $71.3 Million, Far Outpacing Trump and Republican Field)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/15/us/politics/biden-campaign-q3-fundraising.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

11. ABC News
Biden says he and Dems raised $71M, Trump leads GOP and more 3rd-quarter fundraising takeaways NEW1 hour ago

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-outraised-trump-quarter-fundraising-takeaways/story?id=103993484

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

12. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
In Conservative Media, Biden Is to Blame in the Hamas-Israel War

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/15/business/media/biden-israel-hamas-iran-6-billion.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

13. AP News
Biden and Democrats report raising $71 million-plus for his 2024 race from July through September

https://apnews.com/article/biden-democrats-election-2024-campaign-fundraising-trump-6d16c590a1f1fed055b6544e36c03b9a

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

14. AP News
In first call with Palestinian president Abbas, Biden discusses support for humanitarian aid to Gaza

https://apnews.com/article/israel-us-hamas-blinken-saudi-487f746b102a82f4c345a058584e2518

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

15. Politico
Biden speaks with Netanyahu, Abbas

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/14/biden-netanyahu-abbas-00121592

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

16. Hindustan Times
'Majority' of Palestinians had 'nothing to do' with Hamas attack: Joe Biden

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/israelhamas-war-majority-of-palestinians-had-nothing-to-do-with-hamas-attack-joe-biden-101697373624573-amp.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

17. Axios
Democrats warm to empowering interim speaker McHenry as GOP chaos persists

https://www.axios.com/2023/10/15/house-democrats-patrick-mchenry-gop-chaos

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

18. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Democrats say Jim Jordan speaker nomination moves far-right into power (Watch: House Dems say GOP 'choosing chaos' with Rep. Jim Jordan speaker nomination)

https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/politics/2023/10/14/democrats-say-jim-jordan-speaker-nomination-moves-far-right-into-power/71184016007

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

19. Politico
House Democratic leader Jeffries says 'informal' discussions underway on speakership mess

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/15/hakeem-jeffries-house-speaker-democrats-00121621

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

20. PBS
Jeffries: Moderate Republicans can join Dems to end deadlock (Jeffries encourages moderate Republicans to join Democrats and end House deadlock)

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/show/jeffries-encourages-moderate-republicans-to-join-democrats-and-end-house-deadlock

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

21. The Guardian
Hakeem Jeffries seeks bipartisan path in House to avoid ‘extremist’ power

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/15/house-minority-leader-hakeem-jeffries-house-speaker

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

22. ABC News
House Republicans will try, again, to elect a new speaker amid gridlock after McCarthy ouster

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/house-republicans-elect-new-speaker-amid-gridlock-after/story?id=103996746

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

23. CBS News
House Speaker vote expected to be held Tuesday

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-speaker-vote-jim-jordan-expected-10-17-2023

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

24. NBC News
Republicans splinter over Israel politics

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120330

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

25. NBC News · NBCNews.com
Full Jeffries: 'Handful' of House Republicans are undermining 'interests of American people'

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp-video/mmvo195515973651

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

26. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Known for His Pointed Questions, a 15-Year-Old Is Ejected From a G.O.P. Event

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/14/us/politics/quinn-mitchell-new-hampshire-desantis.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

27. NPR
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders's office is under fire for buying a $19000 lectern

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/14/1205951198/arkansas-gov-sarah-huckabee-sanderss-office-is-under-fire-for-buying-a-19-000-le

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

28. USNews.com
Netanyahu Partner Says Israel's Leaders Failed to Protect Citizens

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-10-15/netanyahu-partner-says-israels-leaders-failed-to-protect-citizens

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 15th, 2023, revised October 16th, 2023 and revised January 28th, 2024)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 16th, 2023 Update: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 16th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com article! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The only Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Biden Considers a Trip to Israel Amid Conflict":

https://time.com/6324177/joe-biden-israel-trip

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 16th, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. ABC News
US 'dedicated' to helping Americans leave Gaza through Egypt amid Israel-Hamas war: Sullivan

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/us-dedicated-helping-americans-leave-gaza-egypt-amid/story?id=103985588

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

2. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
U.S. and Israel Focus on Hezbollah's Next Move After Hamas Attack

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/16/us/politics/israel-hezbollah-us-gaza-hamas.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

3. CNBC
U.S. can 'certainly' afford military support to both Israel and Ukraine, Janet Yellen says

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/16/us-can-certainly-afford-military-support-to-both-israel-and-ukraine-janet-yellen-says.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

4. CBS News
"We couldn't get back": Americans arrive in U.S. from Israel after days of travel challenges

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/americans-arriving-us-israel-hamas-war-flight-cancellations-chicago-new-york-tampa

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

5. Al Jazeera
US lawmakers introduce resolution urging ‘immediate’ Gaza ceasefire

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/10/16/us-lawmakers-introduce-resolution-urging-immediate-gaza-ceasefire

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

6. Reuters
US offers legal status, benefits to migrant families separated under Trump

https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-offers-legal-status-migrant-families-separated-under-trump-bars-future-2023-10-16

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

7. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
President Biden to visit Israel following Oct. 7 attacks (President Joe Biden will travel to Israel on Wednesday amid war in the Middle East)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/16/president-biden-to-visit-israel-following-oct-7-attacks/71210601007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

8. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Trump policy separated migrant families. Now, they have deal with US.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/10/16/settlement-lawsuit-over-trump-era-zero-tolerance-family-separation/71189363007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

9. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Warns Israel Not to Occupy Gaza

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/15/us/politics/biden-israel-gaza.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

10. ABC News
President Biden to visit Israel on Wednesday: Sec. Blinken

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/president-biden-visit-israel-wednesday-sec-blinken/story?id=104027428

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

11. CNN
President Joe Biden will visit Israel in high-stakes trip

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/16/politics/joe-biden-israel-visit/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

12. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden, Trolling Trump, Joins Truth Social: 'Converts Welcome'

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/16/us/politics/biden-truth-social-trump.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

13. CBS News
President Biden condemns killing of 6-year-old Muslim boy as suspect faces federal hate crime investigation

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/wadea-alfayoume-hanaan-shahin-muslim-stabbed-chicago-joseph-czuba-hate-crime-investigation

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

14. NBC Chicago
President Joe Biden issues statement on Plainfield Township boy killed in anti-Muslim attack

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/president-joe-biden-issues-statement-on-plainfield-township-boy-killed-in-anti-muslim-attack/3251457/?amp=1

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

15. Politico
'Shocked and sickened': Biden condemns killing of 6-year-old Muslim boy

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/16/illinois-boy-killed-biden-00121695

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

16. NPR
Biden made promises to Israel and Ukraine. To keep his word, he needs Congress

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/16/1205886086/biden-israel-ukraine-funding-request-congress

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

17. South China Morning Post
Biden will visit Israel as concerns mount that war could spread

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3238168/joe-biden-will-visit-israel-amid-concern-war-hamas-could-expand

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

18. NBC News
Biden to travel to Israel on Wednesday amid war with Hamas

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120729

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

19. The Guardian
Biden campaign joins Trump’s Truth Social platform: ‘Converts welcome!’

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/16/biden-campaign-joins-truth-social-trump

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

20. AP News
Biden campaign launches account on Trump's Truth Social, saying 'converts welcome'

https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-biden-trump-social-media-f8b61b8d360318404be5905a0de6b5d2

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

21. CBS News
President Joe Biden: The 2023 60 Minutes interview transcript

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/president-joe-biden-2023-60-minutes-transcript/

[I have NOT read this transcript yet.]

22. Hindustan Times
Joe Biden, Jill ‘shocked and sickened’ over killing of Muslim boy in US

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/joe-biden-jill-shocked-and-sickened-over-killing-of-muslim-boy-in-us-101697425902191-amp.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

23. Newsweek
Joe Biden 'Sickened' by Palestinian Child Stabbed to Death in Illinois

https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-sickened-palestinian-child-stabbed-death-illinois-1834835

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

24. NBC News
Republican lawmaker says a deal with Democrats 'will have to be done' if GOP can't break speaker impasse

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120554

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

25. Newsweek
Marjorie Taylor Greene Says Jan. 6 Will Destroy Democrats 'In the End'

https://www.newsweek.com/marjorie-taylor-greene-jan6-destroy-democrats-1834921

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

26. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
A Shift in Gerrymandering

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/16/briefing/republicans-gerrymandering.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

27. CNN
Jordan wins over some GOP skeptics ahead of speaker vote

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/16/politics/house-speaker-fight-jim-jordan/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

28. CBS News
Jim Jordan still facing at least "10 to 20" holdouts as speaker vote looms, Republicans say

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/house-speaker-jim-jordan-10-20-holdouts

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

29. AP News
GOP's Jim Jordan is shoring up support and peeling off detractors ahead of a House speaker vote

https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-mccarthy-trump-0b92b9a88864dcbc9edcba94aede74f3

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

30. AP News
The war between Israel and Hamas is testing the Republican Party's isolationist shift

https://apnews.com/article/republicans-2024-israel-hamas-isolation-foreign-policy-f40ade9fe5494e5f835d43763366e70a

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

31. CNN
Trump ‘does not have the right to say and do exactly what he pleases,’ Judge Chutkan says, issuing gag order

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/16/politics/trump-gag-order-chutkan-hearing/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 16th, 2023, revised October 20th, 2023 and revised January 28th, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, October 16th, 2023, I read the September 23rd, 2023 news articles from my ‘September 23rd, 2023 Update, Written On September 24th, 2023,’ which can be found above.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 17th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, October 17th, 2023, with the subject line, "Paul, I need you in the fight for trans justice.", which stated the following:

Make a gift to help us defend LGBTQ rights

DONATE NOW***

Paul, I'm [name redacted]. An ACLU communications strategist focusing on transgender justice.

I'm reaching out because it's LGBTQ History Month, and politicians are still coming after the rights and safety of transgender people: States across the country have banned youth from accessing lifesaving medical care, playing sports with their friends, and using their names and pronouns in class. It's all part of a cruel movement to use trans people, especially kids, as a political punching bag.

The ACLU is working to protect the rights of transgender people – to defend our ability to make decisions about our own futures, express ourselves freely, and thrive. To continue our work, we need to hit our $100,000 goal before our deadline on October 20 at midnight.

Will you donate now to help the ACLU defend LGBTQ rights nationwide? The best way to commemorate LGBTQ History Month is by fighting for a better future for our community.

DONATE NOW***

While we've made excellent progress recently in the fight for LGBTQ rights, we've also got a long way to go. The ACLU is currently working to defend the rights of trans and gender-nonconforming people by:

[✓] Protecting gender-affirming care: After successfully blocking trans health care bans in Arkansas, Indiana, and Montana, the ACLU is working in many more states across the country to overturn similar bans

[✓] Defending the rights of trans youth in school: The ACLU has pending cases in three states that would overturn cruel sports bans that prevent kids from playing with their peers, and they just successfully blocked a ban in Idaho

[✓] Defending drag performance: Several months ago, the ACLU successfully got a court to overturn a city's drag ban in Utah, and the ACLU of Texas just successfully struck down a law that would have censored drag performances across the state. With new bans popping up every day, it's incredibly important that the ACLU remains fully funded and ready to fight back.

Please, if you're able to contribute, will you donate now to help the ACLU continue to fight for transgender justice?

With supporters like you by our side, I remain hopeful that the just world we all deserve is not only possible – it's well within our reach.

Thank you,

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
[Title redacted]
Women's Rights Project and LGBTQ & HIV Project, ACLU

Paul, it’s Tekesha Martinez. As much as I want to share who I am and why I’m running for Congress, I also need you to know how I got here.

I was brought up in foster care and raised in redlined neighborhoods. No one expected someone like me to run for Congress. I’m here against all odds.

By my mid-twenties, I had five children, multiple jobs, and nowhere to turn. Every system that was supposed to keep me safe failed me instead… but I refused to give up.

Paul, I was able to defy the odds: as a mother, a City Council member, a mayor, and now, as a candidate for Congress.

Now, I need you to help me defy the odds once again. I have a real path to victory, but I need grassroots support from donors like you, Paul, to win against the GOP’s dark money donors.

I need to raise another $5,000 today to be on track to reach my crucial October fundraising goal. Please, if you can, chip in $25 right now to support my campaign for MD-06 [Maryland's 6th Congressional District] >>

DONATE NOW***

Paul, it’s no coincidence that most politicians serving in Congress don’t understand the struggles of everyday folks like you and me.

I didn’t have the financial resources to attend college or the wealthy relatives to cut checks at a moment’s notice. I had to overcome institutional barriers to build a successful life for myself and my children.

So when I was deciding to run for Congress, I knew I wouldn’t have the same advantages that many other candidates have. But I have you – and if we’ve got each other, we’ve got this, too.

I know that together we can defy the odds one more time and secure this seat. But I need your help to be on track to hit my October goal so I can be one step closer to being the leader MD-06 deserves. Can you rush a donation right now to get me there? >>

DONATE $10
DONATE $25
DONATE $50
DONATE $100
DONATE $250
DONATE OTHER***

Thank you,

Tekesha

Tekesha Martinez for Congress

Rush your donation now!

Tekesha is a mother of five, grandmother of seven, and the first Black mayor of Hagerstown. She grew up in the Maryland foster care system, and then became a poet and professional community mediator.

Now, she is ready to keep MD-06 blue and fight for progressive change in Washington.

Tekesha is relying on grassroots donations from everyday people, not billionaires or special interests. If you’re ready to help her keep MD-06 blue and make history, pitch in now! >>

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And so, I made a one-time donation to the Tekesha Martinez for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue), because "Tekesha is a mother of five, grandmother of seven, and the first Black mayor of Hagerstown. She grew up in the Maryland foster care system, and then became a poet and professional community mediator. Now, she is ready to keep MD-06 blue and fight for progressive change in Washington." –Paul Whiting (October 17th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 17th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 17th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "How the Walt Disney Company Made It to 100":

https://time.com/6323556/disney-100-history

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "How Google’s Antitrust Trial Could Change Internet Search":

https://time.com/6324490/google-antitrust-trial

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Gaza on the Verge of Total Collapse as Humanitarian Aid Remains Unable to Get In":

https://time.com/6324539/israel-gaza-humanitarian-aid-egypt-border

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Jim Jordan Speaker Bid Too Close to Call Ahead of Fateful Tuesday Session":

https://time.com/6324525/speaker-jim-jordan-votes-holdouts

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "For Gazans, There Are No Safe Havens":

https://time.com/6324602/gazans-evacuation-israel-egypt

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 17th, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. NBC News
Suspect in Wadea Al-Fayoume death was obsessed with Israel-Hamas war, prosecutors say (Marlene Lenthang Suspect in death of 6-year-old Palestinian American boy was obsessed with Israel-Hamas war, prosecutors say)

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120589

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

2. AP News
Mourners in heavily Palestinian Chicago suburb remember Muslim boy killed as kind and energetic

https://apnews.com/article/illinois-israel-hamas-war-hate-crime-chicago-palestinian-9f30f422e47ed8ef36ea6a25a4052341

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

3. Al Jazeera
Americans want US to help get Gaza civilians out of harm’s way: Survey

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/10/16/americans-want-us-to-help-get-gaza-civilians-out-of-harms-way-survey

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

4. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Fearing Escalation, Biden Seeks to Deter Iran and Hezbollah

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/15/us/politics/us-israel.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

5. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
FBI: Number of murders and rapes dropped in 2022 4 hours ago (FBI: Murders and rapes dropped in 2022, most hate crimes were targeted to Blacks and Jews)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/17/fbi-murder-and-rape-crime-down-2022/71206966007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

6. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Israel Hamas war updates: Families of hostages are notified (Blinken says Arab leaders don't want spillover from Israel-Hamas war)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/10/15/israel-hamas-war-live-updates/71194572007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

7. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Opinion | Here’s How Joe Biden Can Win Again

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/17/opinion/biden-trump-age-reelect.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

8. Chicago Tribune
President Biden will travel to Israel Wednesday

https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-aud-nw-israel-palestinians-united-states-20231017-wjavf24e4fbsjcta5sc2a6e76y-story.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

9. The Guardian
Biden to visit Israel at ‘critical moment’ for the region, says Blinken

https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/17/joe-biden-israel-visit-talks-benjamin-netanyahu-meeting-tel-aviv

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

10. NBC News
Democrats craft strategy to make GOP pay if Jim Jordan is speaker

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120720

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

11. Roll Call
House GOP fundraising edge does not cover everyone

https://rollcall.com/2023/10/16/house-gop-fundraising-edge-does-not-cover-everyone

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS:

12. AP News
Republicans will try to elect Trump ally Rep. Jim Jordan as House speaker but GOP holdouts remain

https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-mccarthy-trump-f2b2bf9dc834742bde93d5fc918d9940

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

13. NBC News
House speaker vote live updates: Chamber to vote on Trump ally Jim Jordan for top spot

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/live-blog/rcna120620

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

14. NPR
What Biden and Republicans are saying about Israel

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/16/1206256448/what-biden-and-republicans-are-saying-about-israel

[I have NOT listened to this podcast yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

15. CNN
House Republicans are making a gamble with a possible Jim Jordan speakership

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/17/politics/house-republicans-speakership-gamble/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

16. Miami Herald
GOP donor known for racist tweet, American flag outfit dies in attempted murder-suicide

https://amp.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article280612254.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

17. Politico
'The Only Real Political Solution': Ehud Olmert on the 2-State Option and the War in Israel

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/16/ehud-olmert-q-a-00121787

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

18. AP News
How China's Belt and Road Initiative is changing after a decade of big projects and big debts

https://apnews.com/article/china-belt-road-initiative-a4b08290cf94e4f2dffe368a013c5129

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

19. Reuters
Listen now: A high stakes trip for Biden

https://www.reuters.com/podcasts/bidens-israel-trip-american-views-conflict-polands-tectonic-shift-2023-10-17

[I have NOT listened to this podcast yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

20. Axios
What September's sizzling temps say about climate change

https://www.axios.com/2023/10/16/global-warming-september-extreme-heat

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

21. ClickOnDetroit
UAW strike: Week 5 sees both friction and hopefulness, Big Three layoffs

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/10/16/uaw-strike-week-5-sees-both-friction-and-hopefulness-big-three-layoffs

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

22. The Detroit News
UAW strike day 30: On a windy, rainy picket line, Ford workers vow to persist

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2023/10/14/uaw-strike-day-30-on-a-wet-windy-picket-line-workers-vow-to-persist/71186082007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

23. KGW ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with NBC.")
Portland introduced to new generation of accessible MAX trains

https://www.kgw.com/amp/article/travel/tri-met-max-train-new-type-6-six-inclusive-portland/283-b1265d76-1c71-4e98-9159-ce2661cb896c

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

24. KATU ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with ABC.")
TriMet unveils 'Type 6' train to public during event at Southeast Park Avenue MAX Station

https://katu.com/amp/news/local/trimet-unveils-type-6-train-to-public-during-event-at-southeast-park-avenue-max-station-portland-oregon-multnomah-county

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 17th, 2023, revised October 19th, 2023, revised January 28th, 2024 and revised April 26th, 2024)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 17th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: I received an email from Everytown for Gun Safety today, October 17th, 2023, with the subject line, "'incessant scheming, plotting, and treachery!'", which stated the following:

Everytown for Gun Safety

[START OF ROTATING GIF]

Rotating GIF featuring opposition comments to the ATF's proposed rule.

Quotes read:

"This is tyranny! Absolute tyranny! [...] I fervently oppose the ATF's incessant scheming, plotting, and treachery! I stand in opposition to this proposed rule!";

“There is no reason, in good faith to support this level of tyranny. It is disgusting to see the level of infringement already existing to support their position of applying more tyranny.”;

“The ATF is overreaching. This is politically motivated by those seeking tyranny. We know what you are up to, you lie, you are traitors, and you do not do this for safety but for your own gain of power. The ATF needs to be reined in hard, and the Biden administration declared criminal, and exposed further as election stealers, and grifters.”

[END OF ROTATING GIF]

Paul–

Inaccurate, baseless, and unfounded comments like these are piling up against a newly proposed gun safety rule from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that would close dangerous loopholes in our background check system.

But this isn't tyranny, this is the ATF implementing a bipartisan law that's already on the books!

This rule is common sense and life-saving. These loopholes have allowed people to buy guns online and at gun shows without first passing a background check for decades. And you've already shown your support for this life-saving measure—now we need your help to spread the message.

Forward this email to three friends who support closing background check loopholes and ask them to submit their comments to ATF to stop the gun lobby from silencing our message.

https://secure.everyaction.com/w8uoozjzqEy5nhCc9OR1aA2

These loopholes enable people with felony convictions, domestic abuse restraining orders, and other people with prohibiting histories to buy guns from unlicensed gun sellers with no questions asked.

And even though there are tens of thousands of opposition comments, we don't have to let the gun lobby drown out our voices—which means we can't let the opposition gain traction.

Help spread the message by forwarding this email to three friends.

https://secure.everyaction.com/w8uoozjzqEy5nhCc9OR1aA2

Thank you for being a part of this movement,

Everytown for Gun Safety

Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e).

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, an introduction to which can be found below:

Tell ATF: Close the online and gun show loopholes!

For decades, people have exploited loopholes in federal law that let them sell guns online and at gun shows without conducting background checks. It's been a recipe for disaster that puts more guns in the hands of dangerous people and worsens our country's gun violence crisis.

Now, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking action: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has proposed a regulation to help close these loopholes—building on the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that Congress passed last summer.

The regulation goes directly to the loopholes we have been trying to close for years by expanding background checks to guns offered for sale online or at gun shows, keeping weapons out of the hands of dangerous people, and ultimately saving lives.

But for ATF to finish the job on this life-saving action, it needs to know that the public supports closing these dangerous loopholes. ATF needs to hear from us.

Submit your comment today: Tell ATF to close the online and gun show loopholes! ...

https://secure.everyaction.com/w8uoozjzqEy5nhCc9OR1aA2

By the way, I already sent this message to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), via the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund website on September 10th, 2023. (Please see my 'September 10th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above.) –Paul Whiting (written October 17th, 2023, revised October 18th, 2023, revised October 24th, 2023 and revised October 30th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, I used to make one-time donations to the organization that is the subject of these 'updates' each time that I took an action as requested by that organization; however, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis." (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.) Thus, because I have already donated to the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund on October 5th, 2023 (please see my 'October 5th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund* for October 2023.

*"Frequently Asked Questions" from the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund:

What is the difference between the Action Fund and the Support Fund?

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization, which focuses on awareness and educational work related to gun violence prevention. Donations to the Support Fund are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization, which focuses on advocacy and legislative work. Because Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund fights to end gun violence with every legal tool available—organizing around critical elections and key legislative battles in states across the country—donations are not tax-deductible.

From: Lynn Peterson <[email redacted]> Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:04 AM To: Paul Whiting <[email redacted]> Subject: Listening to. Learning from. Fighting for.

I've never been afraid to do things differently, Paul.

Early on, I knew I couldn't take the predictable path. Whether it was in high school, when I was expected to enroll in home economics classes and opted for technical courses instead, or when I landed my first job in transportation and repeatedly found myself as the only woman in a roomful of other engineers.

Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean it's the best way.

So, while I'm an engineer by trade, I never wanted to spend my day at a desk, designing bridges in a vacuum. Instead, I fought to work with the people who would actually use the bridge, scheduling town halls and making sure that any solutions I offered would make lives better. I've gotten to spend my time asking questions, like 'Where do we need to alleviate traffic?,' 'What gaps are in your TriMet route?,' 'How can we get you home or to the market or the park quickly and safely?,' and 'How can we make it accessible for everyone?'

When I served as State Transportation Secretary, I traveled to every corner of the state, reaching out to communities and becoming a trusted advocate for folks in underrepresented areas that had lost faith in our government. And when disaster struck and the I-5 bridge collapsed, my focus was on keeping people safe.

Working for and with our community is my greatest passion and my #1 priority.

Now as Metro president, you won't find me in my office waiting for community members to come to me — I meet people where they are. That means being in the community, whether it's standing in the rain with workers trying to resolve an infrastructure issue or chatting with folks at a community event.

I firmly believe that the best way to start solving any problem is by listening.

I know the hardworking people in the Fifth District need a leader that will take the time to actually listen to their concerns, not someone who just shows up for a photo op — because my own community is suffering. A leader whose only agenda is to improve the lives of Oregonians.

That's why I'm running for Congress.

I'm committed to listening to, learning from, and fighting for Oregonians in the Fifth District. I'm not here to climb the ranks or become a big name in DC. I'm here to serve Oregon, Paul.

My path has not been typical, but one thing that's been consistent throughout is that people are the center of everything I do. I hope you'll join me on this journey.

Lynn

Express Donate:

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Democrat for Congress

Flip the 5th and Elect Lynn Peterson for Congress We’re fighting for our working families, affordable housing, and the well-being of our rural communities.

Together we can win and send the MAGA Republicans packing.

Donate now and join the team >>>

Donate immediately:

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[✓] Leave no tip [I pressed this button by mistake!*]

And so, I made a one-time donation to the the Lynn Peterson for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue), because "that's why [Lynn Peterson is] running for Congress. [She's] committed to listening to, learning from, and fighting for Oregonians in the Fifth District." –Paul Whiting (written October 18th, 2023, revised October 19th, 2023, revised November 3rd, 2023 and revised January 7th, 2024)

*P.S.: I usually leave an $0.11 tip to ActBlue for my typical $3.00 donations to political campaigns; however, I accidentally pressed the "Leave no tip" button, rather than pressing the "Add custom amount" button—like I usually do—with this donation! So, in order to compensate for my mistake, I went to the ActBlue website and made a $1.00 contribution directly to ActBlue:

Contribute Now to Support ActBlue

ActBlue is a nonprofit organization that builds tools Democrats count on to run their own small-dollar fundraising programs. Small-dollar donors are giving in record numbers in 2020, and we’re only expecting things to get busier.

Will you chip in with a contribution to support our work? Your donation will go directly to ActBlue to help us support this nationwide grassroots movement. If you are looking to donate to a candidate or cause, please see our directory.

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-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 18th, 2023 Update—Continued: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, October 18th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Bottom Up Bidenomics":

https://time.com/6324411/bottom-up-bidenomics

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The House Goes Another Day Without a Speaker as Jim Jordan Hunts for Votes":

https://time.com/6325187/speaker-house-vote-jim-jordan-support

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Here’s How World Leaders Are Responding to the Hospital Blast in Gaza":

https://time.com/6325297/world-leader-responses-gaza-hospital-blast

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "A Photographer Captures Death, Destruction, and Grief in Gaza": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS IMAGES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]

https://time.com/6324754/gaza-photos-grief-death-destruction

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Families of Israelis Held Hostage by Hamas Speak Out": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS ACCOUNTS OF WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT HOSTAGES BEING TAKEN WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]

https://time.com/6324741/israel-hostages

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 18th, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. CBS News
Palestinian New Yorkers say they feel America has turned its back on them amid war in Israel: "There's only one issue here, which is equality"

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/newyork/news/palestinian-new-yorkers-war-in-israel

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

2. AP News
US vetoes UN resolution condemning all violence against civilians in Israel-Hamas war

https://apnews.com/article/un-security-council-resolution-gaza-hamas-1c23913f8552f5379b2c158a83493835

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

3. CNN
US vetoes Security Council call for 'humanitarian pause' in Israel-Hamas war

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/18/europe/us-veto-security-council-israel-gaza-war-intl/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

4. Reuters
US vetoes UN Security Council action on Israel, Gaza

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-vetoes-un-security-council-action-israel-gaza-2023-10-18

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

5. Department of Defense
DOD Remains Resolute in Support of Israel

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3558715/dod-remains-resolute-in-support-of-israel

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

6. UN [United Nations] News
Israel-Gaza crisis: US vetoes Security Council resolution

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142507

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

7. NBC News
Biden speech planned for 8 p.m. Thursday after visit to Israel amid Hamas conflict

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-speech-primetime-israel-hamas-war-gaza-crisis-rcna121127

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

8. AP News
Texas city settles lawsuit over police response to Trump supporters surrounding Biden bus in 2020

https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-biden-trump-political-intimidation-lawsuit-7a705ba3b8f9be2fe3c726c897a15fe5

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

9. PBS
Summit with Arab leaders in Jordan called off as President Biden heads to Israel

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/world/summit-with-arab-leaders-in-jordan-called-off-as-president-biden-heads-to-israel

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

10. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Opinion | What Joe Biden Did Right on Israel and Hamas (President Biden’s Finest Hour)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/17/opinion/biden-israel-leadership.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

11. The Jerusalem Post
Joe Biden cancels Jordan visit, Palestinian summit with Egypt canceled

https://m.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-768908

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

12. CNN
Hospital blast looms over Biden's complicated diplomatic mission to Israel

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/18/politics/joe-biden-israel-trip/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

13. NBC News
Biden's trip to Jordan is called off

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120938

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

14. Politico
Democrats crack open door to empowering McHenry to end speaker crisis

https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2023/10/18/congress/democrats-to-the-rescue-gop-house-speaker-00122195

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

15. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Walks a Tightrope on Israel-Gaza as Democratic Tensions Smolder

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/18/us/politics/biden-israel-gaza-war-democrats.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

16. Time (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)
Democrats Warm to Making Patrick McHenry Temporary Speaker (Why House Democrats May Back Patrick McHenry as a Temporary Speaker)

https://time.com/6325672/house-speaker-patrick-mchenry-jim-jordan

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

17. CNN
Jim Jordan loses second vote for House speaker amid steep GOP opposition

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/18/politics/jim-jordan-speaker-bid/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

18. NPR
House Republicans reject Rep. Jim Jordan for speaker of the House, again

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/18/1206757302/house-speaker-vote-news

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

19. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Republicans Fear Speaker Fight Could Cost Them House Majority

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/18/us/politics/republicans-speaker-jim-jordan-democrats-elections.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

20. The New Republic
Fox News Reporter Caught Cursing Out Republicans for Speaker Drama

https://newrepublic.com/post/176289/fox-news-kilmeade-cursing-republicans-speaker-vote

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

21. NBC News
Republicans want to ban Palestinian refugees from entering the U.S., but it's already very hard for them to get in

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/republicans-want-ban-palestinian-refugees-already-hard-get-in-us-rcna120892

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

22. The Guardian
Matt Gaetz sorry for email that blamed other Republicans amid speaker fight

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/18/matt-gaetz-apology-republican-email-speaker-house-jordan

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

23. Military Times
Republicans and Dems agree Afghanistan war wasn't worth it, poll shows

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/10/18/republicans-and-dems-agree-afghanistan-war-wasnt-worth-it-poll-shows

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

24. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Trump Lawyer Acknowledged Political Agenda in Election Suit, Emails Show

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/18/us/politics/kenneth-chesebro-trump-2020-election.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

25. CNN
Jim Jordan scrambles for votes after 20 GOP defections imperil his speaker bid

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/17/politics/jordan-speaker-vote-house-floor/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

26. The Guardian
Jim Jordan vows to press on for speaker’s chair despite second election loss - as it happened

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2023/oct/18/jim-jordan-house-speaker-vote-republican-leadership-latest-biden-democrats

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

27. ABC News
Jordan defiant after repeated GOP rejections in House speaker voting

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/jordan-defiant-after-repeated-gop-rejections-house-speaker/story?id=104123711

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

28. AP News
Lawyers, Trump and money: Ex-president spends millions in donor cash on attorneys as legal woes grow

https://apnews.com/article/trump-lawyers-millions-payments-2024-campaign-2e06de2a8a90b3752e7758dfea56a509

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

29. Politico
'So freaking boring': The 2024 election is sucking the life out of retail politics (‘There’s just no excitement’: Retail politics takes a nosedive in a Trump-dominated campaign)

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/17/retail-politics-2024-election-00121851

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 18th, 2023, revised October 19th, 2023, revised November 2nd, 2023 and revised January 28th, 2024)

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October 19th, 2023 Update: I received an email from the George Whitesides for Congress campaign today, October 19th, 2023, with the subject line, "I’m running for the most competitive GOP-held seat in the country", which stated the following:

Paul, let me introduce myself:

My name is George Whitesides. I served as the Chief of Staff of NASA under President Obama, co-founded a wildfire research organization, and a community leader here in CA-27 [California's 27th Congressional District], and with your help I’m going to win the most vulnerable GOP-held House seat in the country.

I’m going to explain why I know we can win this race. Republicans flipped this House seat from blue to red in 2020 by just 333 votes and with you by my side I know we’ll flip it – and the House – back to Democratic hands.

That’s why I’m asking if you’ll become a Founding Donor to my campaign to win California’s 27th Congressional District. We’re hoping to bring on 5,000 Founding Donors before midnight.

Donate***

The truth is, Republicans are really worried about this district. Here’s why:

1. President Joe Biden carried this district in 2020 – and not by a little – but by a wide margin. In fact, it’s one of the most Democratic House seats held by a Republican in the nation.

2. Republicans only won this seat by 333 votes (just 0.1% of the vote). And if they lose just five seats, we win a majority in the House and dethrone the chaotic GOP leadership and far-right extremists like Marjorie Taylor Greene.

3. Compare our records. My opponent used his position to try and overthrow the results of the 2020 election and championed abortion bans. While he seeks to divide us and pit each other against one another, I’ve spent my career bringing folks together, overseeing NASA where I was awarded the Distinguished Service medal, helping create 700+ jobs as a CEO, chairing our local Covid-19 Task Force, and co-founding a group to address wildfires in our community.

If elected I will defend reproductive rights, champion climate action, make our communities safer from gun violence, safeguard Social Security and Medicare, and defend our democracy. Together, I know we can win this race, retake the House, and take our country forward. Please chip in $3 or any amount now:

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:

[  ] $10
[  ] $35
[  ] $50
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[✓] Other***

Thank you,

George

George Whitesides for Congress

Donate to George Whitesides for Congress

Thank you so much for your support for George Whitesides for Congress.

George is running to represent CA-27, a district that stretches from Santa Clarita through the Antelope Valley. This district voted for President Biden by 12.4% in 2020 and is the 3rd highest Biden-supporting district held by a Republican.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit George Whitesides.

[✓] Donate $3 →

[  ] Donate $35 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Other amount

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the George Whitesides for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to become "a Founding Donor to [George Whitesides for Congress] campaign to win California’s 27th Congressional District." –Paul Whiting (written October 19th, 2023 and revised January 7th, 2024)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 19th, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Brady PAC (Brady Political Action Committee) today, October 19th, 2023, with the subject line, "[Live Speaker Poll - via Brady PAC] re: Liz Cheney", which stated the following:

More and more people are calling on Liz Cheney to return to Congress and become speaker of the House! Where do you stand?

Should Liz Cheney be speaker of the House?

[✓] YES

[  ] NO

[Email redacted]: You have been selected to participate in this live poll. Please respond immediately.

Friend, Jim Jordan is a total gun rights EXTREMIST. If he became speaker, he'd be a rubber stamp for the most dangerous policies of the gun lobby's agenda. We can't let him take power!

That's why a growing number of activists are calling on Liz Cheney to return to Congress and become speaker!

Liz Cheney has a strong record of standing up for American families. She fought back against Trump's election lies and proudly participated in the Jan. 6 committee.

After the horrific shooting at Uvalde, Cheney stood against the gun lobby and voted in favor of passing the most comprehensive gun safety reforms. And now, she's boldly calling for even more reforms to strengthen our gun safety laws and protect schoolchildren from gun violence.

But we need to know where you stand! Please, respond before midnight tonight to tell Congress if you want to see Liz Cheney to become speaker:

Should Liz Cheney be speaker of the House?

[✓] YES

[  ] NO

We can't wait any longer for action on gun safety. Brady PAC is fighting for lifesaving legislation like universal background checks and an assault weapons ban, but we need your support. Chip in now to help us end gun violence in America →

[✓] DONATE***

[  ] DONATE MONTHLY

BRADY PAC

Speaker of the House Survey [MIDNIGHT DEADLINE]

Email: [redacted]

Cell Phone: [redacted]

Please confirm your response: Should Liz Cheney be speaker of the House instead of Jim Jordan?

[✓] Yes

[  ] No

How much of a priority is it for Congress to elect a speaker who will fight for gun safety reforms?

[  ] 1- Lowest Priority

[  ] 2

[  ] 3

[✓] 4 [to] 5- Highest Priority

Last year, the gun safety majority in Congress passed a set of major reforms. But there is still so much work to do, including fully closing the boyfriend loophole. And now, the NRA is scheming to destroy the progress we’ve made by defeating gun safety leaders and bankrolling their extremist candidates.

How worried are you that gun safety leaders will be outspent in 2024 by the gun lobby and their dark-money donors?

[✓] Extremely worried

[  ] Very worried

[  ] Somewhat worried

[  ] Not at all worried

With the White House and Congress up for grabs in 2024, the NRA is working overtime to retake power in Washington. Brady PAC is dedicated to defeating their dark-money donors and electing gun safety leaders up and down the ballot.

With so many critical elections in 2024, how important is it for grassroots activists to invest in our fight against the NRA?

[✓] Extremely important

[  ] Very important

[  ] Somewhat important

[  ] Not at all important

[IMPORTANT QUESTION. DON’T SKIP!]

Thank you for taking our survey. We have one last question for you.

The NRA and their dark-money donors are gearing up for one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime. They’re going to be spending MILLIONS to retake power in Washington, undo all of the progress we’ve won and elect more bought-and-paid-for politicians who will push their anti-gun safety agenda.

But we’re preparing for this fight too. We’re working overtime to support President Biden’s reelection campaign, expand our gun violence prevention majorities in the House and Senate and build a team of gun safety leaders in all 50 states.

This is going to be a pivotal election year. We’re counting on strong grassroots support from passionate gun safety activists like you to compete with the gun lobby’s dark money. Will you rush a donation of $50 or more before midnight tonight to help us elect leaders who will keep our children and our communities safe?

[  ] Yes, I can chip in $50 to elect gun safety leaders.

[  ] Yes, I can chip in $30 to elect gun safety leaders.

[✓] Yes, and I can chip in MORE to elect gun safety leaders.*

*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I donated less than $50, or even less than $30—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]

And so, I made three one-time donations to Brady PAC (the sister organization of which is Brady: United Against Gun Violence) because "Brady PAC is fighting for lifesaving legislation like universal background checks and an assault weapons ban."

And the reason that I made three one-time donations to Brady PAC (the first two donations were $5.00 each and the last donation was $1.00) is because the first donation I made was prior to me taking the above-mentioned survey—since, at first, I wasn't sure about taking the survey; however, I still wanted to support Brady PAC! Then, I actually decided to participate in the survey, which is why I made the second $5.00 donation after I completed the survey. Finally, I was deciding whether, or not, to explain that I did not include a tip to ActBlue for this donation—like I usually do for political campaigns—because Brady PAC is a Political Action Committee, rather than a political campaign! So, I was checking to see if the phraseology for ActBlue's "Please leave us a tip" portion of the Brady PAC donation webpage was exactly the same as it is for all of the other ActBlue donation webpages. You see, I was planning to explain that I did not include a tip for ActBlue this time—since a PAC is not a political campaign—by including the "Please leave us a tip" portion of the donation page showing the "Leave no tip" part checked off, which is why I made the last donation of $1.00! –Paul Whiting (written October 19th, 2023, revised October 23rd, 2023, revised October 26th, 2023, revised October 29th, 2023 and revised November 7th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 19th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) today, October 19th, 2023, with the subject line, "URGENT: Your comments are needed to support critical new federal DOL [Department of Labor] H-2A regulations", which stated the following:

United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW

URGENT: Your comments are needed to support critical new federal DOL H-2A regulations

ACT NOW***

In September, the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed new regulations for the H-2A guest worker program that would reduce abuse, exploitation and trafficking of farm workers. Transparency and accountability in the H-2A program will in turn improve the wages and working conditions of US workers.

The 327 pages of complex regulations by the Biden administration would improve the lives of the hard working men and women who harvest our food and reflect the recommendations that the farm worker movement have been making for years.

The public comment period will be open until November 14th. Please help us do all we can to make sure these changed regulations go into effect by sending your email to make sure the final regulations are as strong as possible and improve workers' conditions, wages and ability to organize.

The proposed DOL regulations would improve conditions for H-2A farm workers by:

[✓] Strengthening workers' right to advocate, form a union, and have key services in employer-provided housing

[✓] Protecting workers from unjust firing, retaliation, and other violations by employers

[✓] Prohibiting employers from confiscating travel documents to prevent human trafficking

[✓] Targeting unlawful fees, fraud, and other abuse in the recruitment and hiring of workers.

These changes are urgently needed. Just last year, a federal investigation uncovered how H-2A employers ran a human trafficking ring, described by prosecutors as "modern day slavery" in Florida, Texas, and Georgia. In Utah, the former President of the Utah Farm Bureau is now subject to a human trafficking investigation after physically assaulting H-2A workers on his farm. Wage theft, abuse and exploitation are commonplace in the H-2A program and displace US workers while employers profit.

This can't keep happening. The current system is broken and oversight is urgently needed the regulations must be changed. Click here to send us your comments so we can submit them en masse and save you the difficulty of navigating through the government website.

PLEASE NOTE: The more personalized your comments are will increase the impact to the Department of Labor.

ACT NOW***

PS: After you take action you can also share this campaign on Facebook & Twitter.*

Your comments are needed to support critical new DOL H-2A regulations

In September, the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed new regulations for the H-2A guest worker program that would reduce abuse, exploitation and trafficking of farm workers. Transparency and accountability in the H-2A program will in turn improve the wages and working conditions of US workers. The 327 pages of complex regulations by the Biden administration would improve the lives of the hard working men and women who harvest our food and reflect the recommendations that the farm worker movement have been making for years.

The public comment period will be open until November 14th. Please help us do all we can to make sure these changed regulations go into effect by sending your email to make sure the final regulations are as strong as possible and improve workers' conditions, wages, and ability to organize.

The proposed DOL regulations would improve conditions for H-2A farm workers by:

[✓] Strengthening workers' right to advocate, form a union, and have key services in employer-provided housing

[✓] Protecting workers from unjust firing, retaliation, and other violations by employers

[✓] Prohibiting employers from confiscating travel documents to prevent human trafficking

[✓] Targeting unlawful fees, fraud, and other abuse in the recruitment and hiring of workers.

These changes are urgently needed. Just last year, a federal investigation uncovered how H-2A employers ran a human trafficking ring, described by prosecutors as "modern day slavery" in Florida, Texas, and Georgia. In Utah, the former President of the Utah Farm Bureau is now subject to a human trafficking investigation after physically assaulting H-2A workers on his farm. Wage theft, abuse and exploitation are commonplace in the H-2A program and displace US workers while employers profit.

This can't keep happening. The current system is broken and oversight is urgently needed the regulations must be changed. Click here to send us your comments so we can submit them en masse and save you the difficulty of navigating through the government website.

PLEASE NOTE: The more personalized your comments are will increase the impact to the Department of Labor.

Contact Information: The reason we are asking for your address is that the federal form asks for them and we want to be able to make sure we can upload your comments.

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Street Address (Optional): [redacted]
Postal Code (Optional): [redacted]
City (Optional): [redacted]
State/Province (Optional): [redacted]
Email: [redacted]

Add your public comment:

Please edit the draft below. Remember personal messages make a huge difference.

Personalize your message

I am writing this comment in support of our nation’s farm workers, whose hard work makes it possible for us to have food on our table every day. The proposed regulatory changes to the H-2A agricultural guestworker program would reduce abuse, exploitation and trafficking of farm workers. Improving the H-2A program will in turn improve the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over half of farm workers are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The proposed changes would positively impact many of these farm workers and begin to address many of the systemic, abusive issues in the H–2A program.

The proposed DOL regulations would improve conditions for H-2A farm workers by:

✓ Strengthening workers' right to advocate, form a union, and have key services in employer-provided housing
✓ Protecting workers from unjust firing, retaliation, and other violations by employers
✓ Prohibiting employers from confiscating travel documents to prevent human trafficking
✓ Targeting unlawful fees, fraud, and other abuse in the recruitment and hiring of workers.

I urge you to move forward in finalizing the proposed rules, in its strongest form, so that we have more accountability, transparency and oversight in the H-2A program, our workforce and the U.S.

Sincerely,
[Your information here]

URGENT: Your comments are needed to support critical new @USDOL H-2A regulations that would reduce abuse, exploitation and trafficking of farm workers. Comment NOW at https://act.seiu.org/a/dolh2aregs2023

And so, I sent the comments above to the Department of Labor (DOL), via the SEIU.org (Service Employees International Union) website. Then, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers in order to "support [the] critical new federal DOL H-2A regulations," because the "327 pages of complex regulations by the Biden administration would improve the lives of the hard working men and women who harvest our food and reflect the recommendations that the farm worker movement have been making for years." –Paul Whiting (written October 19th, 2023 and revised November 17th, 2023)

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October 19th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 19th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Jim Jordan’s Dilemma Is What Happens When Bullying Backfires":

https://time.com/6325727/jim-jordan-loses-speaker-vote-bully

By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled, "Jordan Backs Temporary House Speaker Plan, But Plans to Keep in the Running."

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Starbucks, Workers United Union Sue Each Other Over Pro-Palestinian Social Media Post":

https://time.com/6325738/starbucks-union-defamation-israel-hamas

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Israel-Hamas War Is Leading to an Uptick in Hate Crimes":

https://time.com/6324995/muslim-jewish-hate-crimes-israel-hamas-war

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 19th, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden's Moment: A President Convinced of America's Role in the World

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/us/politics/biden-israel-ukraine.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

2. NBC News
Takeaways from Biden’s speech for American support of Israel and Ukraine (Biden urges aid for Israel and Ukraine and calls on Israel 'not to be blinded by rage')

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna121152

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

3. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
State Department calls for Americans overseas to exercise caution

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2023/10/19/worldwide-travel-advisory-state-department/71241396007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

4. CNN
State Department advises all Americans overseas 'to exercise increased caution' in worldwide alert

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/politics/state-department-worldwide-alert/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

5. AP News
US Navy warship shoots down three missiles fired from Yemen (US military shoots down missiles and drones as it faces growing threats in volatile Middle East)

https://www.websitename.here

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

6. PBS
WATCH: Pentagon holds news briefing after U.S. warship intercepts missiles in Red Sea

https://www.websitename.here

[I have NOT watched this video, or read this article yet.]

7. Al Jazeera
Frustration, concern rise in Arab American communities amid Gaza war

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/10/19/frustration-concern-rise-in-arab-american-communities-amid-gaza-war

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

8. The Jerusalem Post
Three out of four Americans support Israel in war against Hamas - poll

https://m.jpost.com/israel-news/article-769288

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

9. CNN
First on CNN: US Navy warship near Yemen intercepts multiple missiles, US officials say

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/politics/us-navy-intercept-missiles-yemen/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

10. ABC News
US Navy destroyer in Red Sea shoots down cruise missiles potentially headed toward Israel: Pentagon

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/security-incident-involving-us-navy-destroyer-red-sea/story?id=104147141

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

11. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
U.S. Shoots Down Several Missiles and Drones Launched From Yemen

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/us/politics/us-missiles-yemen.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

12. Reuters
Republican Jim Jordan keeps up floundering fight to be US House Speaker

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fractured-us-house-republicans-try-again-elect-leader-2023-10-19

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

13. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Gaza hospital death toll 'staggering' but much lower than Hamas claim, US says: Updates (Historic Orthodox church in Gaza City bombed; Gaza hospital death toll much lower than Hamas claim, US says: Updates)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/10/19/israel-war-hamas-gaza-live-updates/71237079007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

14. NBC News Israel-Hamas war live updates: Biden addresses the nation on Israel; U.N. calls for cease-fire to open Rafah crossing to get aid into Gaza

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/live-blog/rcna121166

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

15. NBC News
U.S. Navy warship shoots down three missiles heading 'potentially towards Israel,' Pentagon says

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna121277

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

16. Department of Defense
U.S., U.K. Defense Leaders Consult on Israel, Ukraine, AUKUS and More

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3561305/us-uk-defense-leaders-consult-on-israel-ukraine-aukus-and-more

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

17. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
In Oval Office address, Biden makes the case for more aid to Israel, Ukraine

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/10/19/biden-congress-funding-israel-ukraine-border-security/71240318007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

18. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Palestinians in US say assaults against community, allies on the rise (Battle against hate: Violence, bigotry toward Palestinian Americans spiking across US)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/19/palestinians-us-assaults-rise-war/71211197007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

19. NPR
Biden appeals for more funding for Ukraine and Israel in rare Oval Office address

Biden appeals for more funding for Ukraine and Israel in rare Oval Office address

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

CNN
20. Biden makes the case for wartime aid to Israel and Ukraine in primetime address

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/politics/biden-oval-office-speech-israel-ukraine/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

21. AP News
Biden declares Israel and Ukraine support is vital for US security, will ask Congress for billions

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-ukraine-war-49354728b347178a4bf7508a0dc8f1d2

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

22. ABC News
Biden, in rare Oval Office speech, says US 'holds the world together' amid wars in Israel and Ukraine

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-make-prime-time-case-us-assistance-israel/story?id=104146070

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

23. People
Joe Biden Delivers Primetime Address on Israel and Ukraine to Earn Support for War Aid

https://people.com/joe-biden-delivers-primetime-address-israel-ukraine-earn-support-war-aid-8364149

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

24. CNN
The number one takeaway from Biden's address

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/20/politics/takeaway-biden-address-israel-ukraine-aid/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

25. Newsweek
Joe Biden Campaign Already Has More Followers Than Trump's on Truth Social

https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-campaign-already-more-followers-trumps-truth-social-1836022

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

26. Reuters
Biden vows aid for Gaza, Israel as protests rock Middle East

https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-heads-middle-east-inflamed-by-gaza-hospital-blast-2023-10-18

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

27. CNN
Video: SE Cupp: Should Dems step in to save the House?

https://www.cnn.com/videos/opinions/2023/10/19/se-cupp-unfiltered-house-speaker-chaos-vpx.cnn

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

28. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Democrats denounce Gov. Greg Abbott's razor wire along New Mexico-Texas border: 'Stunt' that will result in damage

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/19/texas-new-mexico-concertina-wire-border-greg-abbott/71246586007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

29. AP News
Rep. Jim Jordan will try again for House gavel, but Republicans won't back the hardline Trump ally

https://apnews.com/article/speaker-jordan-republican-mchenry-2e32f930b4fb83a4fcae2171c9e1c055

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

30. MSNBC News · MSNBC.com
Gaetz says Republicans won't advance plan to empower interim speaker McHenry

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp-video/mmvo195991109643

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

31. Politico
Why the GOP Can't Unite

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/18/gop-party-house-speaker-00122371

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

32. USNews.com
Republicans Are Facing Death Threats as the Election for Speaker Gets Mired in Personal Feuds

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-10-20/republicans-are-facing-death-threats-as-the-election-for-speaker-gets-mired-in-personal-feuds

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

33. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Jordan Pushes for 3rd House Speaker Vote, Backing Off Plan to Endorse McHenry

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/us/politics/house-speaker-jim-jordan.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

34. Inside Climate News
Corn Harvests in the Yukon? Study Finds That Climate Change Will Boost Likelihood That Wilderness Gives Way to Agriculture

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/19102023/climate-change-wilderness-agriculture

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

35. Phys.org
Opinion: Climate change isn't just about emissions. We're ignoring a huge part of the fight

https://phys.org/news/2023-10-opinion-climate-isnt-emissions-huge.amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

36. Yale Climate Connections
New report has terrific news for the climate » Yale Climate Connections

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/10/new-report-has-terrific-news-for-the-climate

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

37. KOIN 6 ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with CBS.")
Portland apparel brand moves flagship store, recommits to downtown core

https://www.koin.com/local/portland-apparel-brand-moves-flagship-store-recommits-to-downtown-core/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 19th, 2023, revised November 6th, 2023 and revised January 28th, 2024)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 20th, 2023 Update: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, October 20th, 2023, with the subject line, "We're so close to our 100,000 signature goal, Paul!", which stated the following:

Paul: Thank you for signing the petition and speaking out against Texas's baseless lawsuit against Planned Parenthood.

[Blogger's Note: Please see my 'September 15th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above, for the petition.]

Because of you, we're close to reaching our goal of 100,000 signatures. Will you forward this email to the people you know who support reproductive health care?

Thanks for sticking with us.

— Planned Parenthood Action Fund

PLANNED PARENTHOOD ACTION FUND

Paul, the state of Texas and an anonymous plaintiff are trying to use the courts to shut down Planned Parenthood with a baseless $1.8 BILLION lawsuit. We've set a goal of 100,000 signatures on our petition telling Texas to drop the lawsuit — and we're so close. Add your name now to tell Texas to drop the lawsuit.

https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/dA4KZcRuy0G9s-1gertZkw2?ms=4NALzzzzzz1N1V&sourceid=1015076

Let's be real. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott knows this lawsuit is built on lies. He knows that Planned Parenthood nonprofit health centers provide high-quality care to tens of thousands of Texans each year, and many of the patients who rely on Planned Parenthood have nowhere else to go. He knows that if his lawsuit succeeds, it will do nothing but harm patients and providers.

He knows all that — he just doesn't care. Like so many other politicians, Gov. Abbott is perfectly happy to exploit our courts to advance his unpopular agenda. More than that, he's betting that nobody will call him out on it.

He's wrong. We need your help to shine a spotlight on Greg Abbott, and this dishonest case he's pushing, by collecting as many signatures as possible telling him to drop his lawsuit before the petition is hand-delivered.

Tell Texas: Drop the baseless lawsuit against Planned Parenthood.

Help us reach our goal of 100,000 petition signatures.

ADD YOUR NAME

https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/dA4KZcRuy0G9s-1gertZkw2?ms=4NALzzzzzz1N1V&sourceid=1015076

Attacks on our health and rights will continue as long as politicians like Greg Abbott believe they can get away with them. We need to get louder, get fiercer, and stay united to oppose this abuse of power.

Thanks for adding your name.

— Planned Parenthood Action Fund

DONATE NOW »

Plus, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund, since "the state of Texas and an anonymous plaintiff are trying to use the courts to shut down Planned Parenthood with a baseless $1.8 BILLION lawsuit," so "[Planned Parenthood Action Fund has] set a goal of 100,000 signatures on [their] petition telling Texas to drop the lawsuit." Therefore, I am doing my part as a blogger in order to help Planned Parenthood Action Fund collect "as many signatures as possible telling [Texas Gov. Greg Abbott] to drop his lawsuit before the petition is hand-delivered."

Thank you for adding your name!

–Paul Whiting (October 20th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 20th, 2023 Update—Continued: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 20th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com article! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The only Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Matthew Desmond on How Poverty Affects Everybody":

https://time.com/6325727/jim-jordan-loses-speaker-vote-bully

By the way, I also listened to the podcast accompanying the article above, which is titled "Matthew Desmond • Solving America's Poverty Puzzle."

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 20th, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. NBC News
Israel-Hamas war live updates: 2 American hostages released by Hamas; Gaza weathers another night of heavy bombing

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/live-blog/rcna121348

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

2. The Guardian
Israel-Hamas war live: Israeli army demands evacuation of Gaza hospital; Hamas says it released two American hostages

https://amp.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/oct/20/israel-hamas-war-live-joe-biden-address-the-nation-gaza-ground-offensive-invasion-border-troops

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

3. USNews.com
America's Debt Crisis Burns While Congress Fiddles | The Report | U.S. News

https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2023-10-20/americas-debt-crisis-burns-while-congress-fiddles

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

4. NBC News
2 Americans held by Hamas have been released

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna121446

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

5. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
On Israel, Progressive Jews Feel Abandoned by Their Left-Wing Allies

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/20/us/politics/progressive-jews-united-states.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

6. Reuters
Republicans drop Jim Jordan's US House speaker bid after third failed vote

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/jim-jordan-make-third-try-top-job-paralyzed-us-house-2023-10-20/

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

7. Department of Defense
DOD Responds to Attacks, Continues Efforts to Deter Spread of Israel-Hamas War

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3563298/dod-responds-to-attacks-continues-efforts-to-deter-spread-of-israel-hamas-war/

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

8. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
House speaker live: Republicans drop Jim Jordan as nominee, other candidates step forward

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/20/house-speaker-vote-news-updates-jim-jordan/71233801007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

9. The New York Times
Full Transcript: Biden's Speech on Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine Wars

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/us/politics/transcript-biden-speech-israel-ukraine.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

10. Reuters
Fact Check: Video of Joe Biden calling for a military draft was created with AI

https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/video-joe-biden-calling-military-draft-was-created-with-ai-2023-10-19

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

11. Newsweek
Fox News Is Praising Joe Biden

https://www.newsweek.com/brit-hume-joe-biden-speech-fox-news-1836335

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

12. CBS News
If GOP won't unite, Rep. Mike Turner says a deal "will have to be done" with Democrats for new speaker

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/mike-turner-republican-house-speaker-race-face-the-nation-2023-10-15

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

13. Newsweek
Marjorie Taylor Greene Slams Fellow Republicans Throwing Away Majority

https://www.newsweek.com/marjorie-taylor-greene-slams-fellow-republicans-throwing-away-majority-1836358

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

14. Politico
The Strange Return of George W. Bush

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/20/george-w-bush-hamas-analysis-00122516

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

15. Hindustan Times
Trump fined $5,000 after post maligning court staffer found on campaign website

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/judge-fines-donald-trump-5-000-after-post-maligning-court-staffer-is-found-on-campaign-website-101697830410041-amp.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

16. KGW ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with NBC.")
'We're saying this must stop': Portlanders call on state leaders to sign Ceasefire Now Resolution for Israel-Hamas war
PORTLAND, Oregon — Hundreds of people chanted outside government offices in North Portland Thursday afternoon calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.

https://www.kgw.com/amp/article/news/nation-world/israel-hamas-conflict/portland-rally-israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-oregon-leaders/283-223483aa-85e3-4ef8-ac91-ea965223c499

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

17. KOIN 6 ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with CBS.")
Hundreds rally at PSU in support of Palestinians, call for end to violence

https://www.koin.com/news/portland/hundreds-rally-at-psu-in-support-of-palestinians-call-for-end-to-violence/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

18. Oregon Live ("OregonLive.com is a website covering local news in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The website serves as the online home of The Oregonian.")
Religious leaders urge caution as tensions in Israel, Gaza bubble over into Portland

https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2023/10/religious-leaders-urge-caution-as-tensions-in-israel-palestine-bubble-over-into-portland.html?outputType=amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

I did not select any articles from this category.

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 20th, 2023 and revised January 28th, 2024)

P.S.: By the way, today, October 20th, 2023, I read the September 24th, 2023 news articles from my ‘September 24th, 2023 Update,’ which can be found above.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 20th, 2023 Update—Continued Further: As I start writing this 'update,' it is right around 10:45 PM on October 20th, 2023 and I have just returned from 'A Marvelous Adventure In The Wonderful World Of Oz' via the "American Experience" on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service)...

...You see, it was a very busy day for me today, because I walked about 2.6 miles (as the Google Maps fly) to the very ordinary—and yet most extraordinary—land of the optical shop where the magic and mystery of my new prescription eyeglasses was waiting to be discovered by me!

Thus, "I can see clearly now...the double vision is gone! I can see all obstacles in my way!"

Then, after some additional adventures to a local drug store in order to buy the wonderous magic of Dawn Original Dishwashing Liquid in order to safely clean my new prescription eyeglasses (as recommended by the good and kind folks at the optical shop), I ventured further to find a way to carry my new prescription eyeglasses wherever I go because I now have three—yes, count them, three—pairs of eyeglasses: one pair of progressive transition lenses, one pair of reading glasses, and one pair of computer glasses!

And upon my return from that seemingly plain, but Superman- and Superwoman-like power of the optical shop—and after buying a hip pack (or, 'fanny pack,' as they used to be called)—I was thinking about maybe catching up on some reading of current news articles (of which I have a mere 514 left to read from the time period of September 25th, 2023 up through today, October 20th, 2023) with the extra cellular data that I have available before my cell phone billing cycle ends tomorrow; however, I was tired from having walked a total of about 4.9 miles today (according to Google Maps), which is how I transport myself, and how I exercise, so I decided to utilize that extra data in my cell phone plan to watch some of the videos that I have saved on my YouTube 'Watch Later' Playlist!

Therefore, I selected the PBS 'American Experience' video production of "American Oz," which runs about one hour and fifty three minutes, just to let you know! Here is the description from that video (with a hyperlink to the video below):

American Oz (full documentary) | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS

Explore the life and times of author L. Frank Baum, the creator of one of the most beloved, enduring and classic American narratives. By 1900, when The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published, Baum was 44 years old and had spent much of his life in restless pursuit of success. With mixed results he dove into a string of jobs — chicken breeder, actor, marketer of petroleum products, shopkeeper, newspaperman and traveling salesman — Baum continued to reinvent himself, reflecting a uniquely American brand of confidence, imagination and innovation. During his travels to the Great Plains and on to Chicago during the American frontier’s final days, he witnessed a nation coming to terms with the economic uncertainty of the Gilded Age. But he never lost his childlike sense of wonder and eventually crafted his observations into a magical tale of survival, adventure and self-discovery, reinterpreted through the generations in films, books and musicals.

https://youtu.be/_AHByKu-y34?si=SMS4R6sfdvYCsTET

And may I just say about this video, "Wow, what an 'American Experience' on PBS!"

So, now that I am finishing up writing this 'update,' it is just about 11:56 PM—and I am going to bed...

...I bid a very goodnight to 'The Wonderful World Of Oz' and I bid a goodnight to all of you!

–Paul Whiting (written October 20th, 2023 and revised October 21st, 2023)

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October 20th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More, Written On October 21st, 2023: I received a mailer from Native American Rights Fund (NARF) yesterday, October 20th, 2023, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "IMPORTANT MAIL."

Now, like I usually do with these types of mailers, I was planning to scan and copy the letter using Google Lens, then edit the copy of said letter to include all of the bolding and underscoring where applicable; however, this letter is identical to a letter that I received from Native American Rights Fund on August 14th, 2023 (please see my 'August 14th, 2023 Update—Continued Further,' which can be found above), so I decided to simply let you know that I have taken the same action regarding this letter as I did the letter from my 'August 14th, 2023 Update—Continued Further.'

And so, I made a one-time donation to Native American Rights Fund today, October 21st, 2023, in order to help them "to defend and promote the legal rights of Native Americans on issues essential to their tribal sovereignty, their natural resources and their human rights."

Plus, here is the message that I wrote to the Native American Rights Fund in the "tell us why you made your gift to Native American Rights Fund" webpage, which appeared after the donation "Thank you!" page:

Thanks again for your generous donation!

Please take a moment to tell us why you made your gift to Native American Rights Fund.

Email Address: [redacted]

Tell us why you donated:

Dear Native American Rights Fund,

This donation is for the mailer regarding petitions to President Joseph Biden, Senator [name redacted], Senator [name redacted] and Interior Secretary Debra Haaland to "ensure, protect, and preserve water rights for Native American Tribes."

Very truly yours,

Paul Whiting
Poet, Artist and Philosopher
Portland, Oregon

P.S.: I already sent these same petitions to you sometime shortly after August 14th, 2023, however I am signing them again, as requested by you, and will mail the petitions to you sometime after today, October 21st, 2023.

Then, after I made the above-mentioned donation, I signed the petitions to President Joseph Biden, Senator [name redacted], Senator [name redacted] and Interior Secretary Debra Haaland (as mentioned in the same letter from my 'August 14th, 2023 Update—Continued Further'), which stated the following:

Dear [Title and Name],

WHEREAS, in 1908 the United States Supreme Court declared that Indian tribes are entitled to sufficient water to make their reservations livable homelands; and, WHEREAS, for decades the federal government has denied Native Americans access to the water on their lands; I respectfully call upon you to ensure, protect, and preserve water rights for Native American Tribes, and to fully fund Indian water settlements which are the moral and legal obligation of the United States.

Respectfully yours,

Paul Whiting

Signed on 10/21/2023

[Address, City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

And now it's time for some legal clarification:

Just like the same letter from my 'August 14th, 2023 Update—Continued Further,' this letter requested that I "please use the pen [Native American Rights Fund] enclosed for [me] to sign [the above-mentioned] petitions today"; however, I always use uni-ball Vision Elite™ Rollerball pens whenever I do any important writing, because these uni-ball pens feature "uni Super Ink™ that helps prevent against check and document fraud." That is why I always use—and always trust—my important documents to uni-ball pens with uni Super Ink™!

And to clarify some more, the above-mentioned pen that was inscribed with 'Native American Rights Fund' came attached to a card with a free gift attached, which stated below the gift: "This keychain is our gift to you. Thank you for standing firm for justice." In addition to that, the card also stated below the pen, "Use this pen to mark the checkbox of your donation amount on the reply form and help protect and preserve Native American Rights across the United States."

Therefore, even though I signed the above-mentioned petitions with a uni-ball Vision Elite™ Rollerball pen, like I usually do, I used the Native American Rights Fund pen to indicate amount that I donated to them, which was $7.00!*

Also, I am planning to mail these petitions in the next few days, as soon as I get a chance to drop off the return envelope to my local post office. –Paul Whiting (written October 21st, 2023 and revised November 2nd, 2023)

*P.S.: Just so you know, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am reducing how much I donate for the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond) to take action." Thus, I will still be responding to some of the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond), which are requesting me to take action, but I am reducing the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers. (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.)

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October 21st, 2023 Update: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, October 21st, 2023, with the subject line, "INSIDE: Upcoming abortion fights, Ohio’s abortion vote, and more", which stated the following:

Planned Parenthood Action Fund Update

Action Fund Update is the monthly newsletter for members of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. As an associate member of the Action Fund, you'll receive timely, insider information on our legislative, advocacy, and electoral work.

Member News

Paul,

Six in a row.

Last year, six states voted on abortion ballot initiatives. And every single time, voters chose to protect abortion rights.

As we look ahead to 2024, there will be big fights on the ballot. Organizers in Florida are on track to gather more than enough signatures to get a measure protecting the right to abortion in the state constitution on the ballot. Similar efforts are also underway in Arizona and Nevada, as advocates in more and more states take action to expand and protect access to abortion.

Paul, people want the right to control their own bodies. And we won't stop until everyone has that right.

Let’s keep the momentum going.

[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Action Fund

Take Action

Tell Texas: Drop the baseless $1.8 billion lawsuit against Planned Parenthood

Instead of prioritizing the health of Texans, the state's political leaders are trying to take away patient care with false accusations of Medicaid fraud against Texas Planned Parenthood nonprofit affiliates and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

This is part of a longtime strategy to try to shut down Planned Parenthood and take away affordable, high-quality sexual and reproductive health care. We cannot let this happen.

Tell Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to end these attacks on Planned Parenthood health centers and patients >>>

[By the way, I already took this action to "Tell Texas: Drop the lawsuit against Planned Parenthood" on September 15th, 2023 (please see my 'September 15th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above).]

State Spotlight: Ohio

Early voting has already started in Ohio on Issue 1, a ballot initiative that could enshrine abortion protections into the state constitution.

Ohio has this year's only state ballot initiative on abortion. If Ohioans choose to protect abortion, it would become the seventh consecutive state since the Dobbs decision to vote in favor of abortion rights.

Learn more (https://19thnews.org/2023/10/ohio-issue-1-what-to-know-abortion-amendment-november) about Issue 1, then reach out to your friends and family in Ohio to make sure they have a plan to vote YES on Issue 1 by November 7.

Candidate Endorsement News

Given how important Ohio will be in the fight for reproductive rights this year and beyond, please read more about two of Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s endorsed candidates in Ohio.

Emilia Sykes (OH-13)

Rep. Emilia Sykes has devoted her career to being a champion for Ohio families. As a state representative, former state House minority leader, and now a Congresswoman, she has always fought to protect and expand reproductive rights, including abortion access. She is a powerful advocate for Ohioans and will keep fighting every day to protect abortion rights.

Greg Landsman (OH-01)

Rep. Greg Landsman has consistently fought to better the lives of Ohioans, as an education advocate, city councilman, and congressman. He flipped this seat from a former anti-abortion incumbent who had held the seat for nearly thirty years. In his short time in Congress, he has proven himself to be a leader and champion for affordable housing, small business, and accessible health care, including sexual and reproductive health care.

Around the Web

Reuters: Idaho abortion ban again partly halted amid appeal

https://www.reuters.com/legal/idaho-abortion-ban-again-partly-halted-amid-appeal-2023-10-10

NPR: Billboards supporting women seeking abortions are popping up along I-55 heading north

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/11/1202456541/billboards-supporting-women-seeking-abortions-are-popping-up-along-i-55-heading

AP News: Planned Parenthood resumes offering abortions in Wisconsin after more than a year

https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-abortion-resume-planned-parenthood-bd3db37582c732910798a5898060d511

Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org

By the way, I read all of the articles referenced in the email above including the article referenced to 'learn more about Issue 1,' which is titled, "The 19th Explains: What to know about Ohio Issue 1." I also read all of the articles listed under the 'State Spotlight' and the 'Around the Web' sections above, which is what I always do when I receive these monthly newsletters from Planned Parenthood Action Fund—in addition to taking any requested action from said newsletters, if I haven't already taken that same requested action (or, those same requested actions), as noted from previous 'updates.' –Paul Whiting (written October 21st, 2023, revised February 17th, 2024 and revised March 16th, 2024)

P.S.: Just so you know, I used to make one-time donations to the organization that is the subject of these 'updates' each time that I took an action as requested by that organization; however, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis." (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.) Thus, because I have already donated to Planned Parenthood Action Fund on October 20th, 2023 (please see my 'October 20th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to Planned Parenthood Action Fund for October 2023.

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October 21st, 2023 Update—Continued: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 21st, 2023, is only from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com article! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The only Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Martin Scorsese Still Has Stories to Tell":

https://time.com/collection/time100-leadership-series/6311403/martin-scorsese-killers-of-the-flower-moon-interview

By the way, I also watched to the video accompanying the article above, which is titled "TIME100 Leadership Series | Martin Scorsese."

And I decided to highlight this article from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (October 21st, 2023)

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October 22nd, 2023 Update: I received an email from the Bob Casey for Senate campaign today, October 22nd, 2023, with the subject line, "Pennsylvania is my home", which stated the following:

Bob Casey for Senate

I'm a lifelong Pennsylvanian.

From growing up in Scranton, to coaching eighth-grade basketball in Philadelphia, to my wife, Terese, and I raising our four daughters in the same town where I grew up — Pennsylvania is my home.

That's why I'm a tireless advocate for Pennsylvania's hardworking families in the U.S. Senate. Because I know how hard Pennsylvanians work to provide for their kids, save for their families' futures, and give back to their communities. They deserve a Senator who works just as hard to represent their voices in Washington.

But here's the reality: national Republicans are coming for this seat in hopes of regaining Senate control. These are the same folks who want to make cuts to Social Security, which nearly 3 million Pennsylvanians rely on to get by.

The people of our state can't afford a Republican Senate majority.

I'm running for re-election to keep fighting for Pennsylvania families in the U.S. Senate, but I won't be able to win without your support. Will you donate any amount now to help defend this seat?

Donate Now ››***

I'm no stranger to a hard fight, and I'm grateful for your support as we build this campaign.

With gratitude,

Bob Casey

Bob Casey for Senate

I'm running for re-election.

Pennsylvania is poised to be one of the most competitive elections in the country, so your support will make a huge impact on the start of our race.

If you’re with me, will you chip in to support our campaign today?

DONATE IMMEDIATELY:

Your contribution will benefit Bob Casey.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $150 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Bob Casey for Senate campaign (with a tip to ActBlue), because "[Bob Casey is] running for re-election to keep fighting for Pennsylvania families in the U.S. Senate," since Pennsylvanians "deserve a Senator who works just as hard [as they do] to represent their voices in Washington." –Paul Whiting (October 22nd, 2023)

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For my "October 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued"—since this 'update' is a part of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs. An introduction to the 'update' can be found below:

October 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, October 22nd, 2023, with the subject line, "Far from home: providing comfort to military moms," which stated the following:

Paul,

Motherhood comes with its share of challenges — and when you add serving in the military to the mix, it becomes even more demanding. But being a military mom, deployed far from home and in the midst of the action, it is even more difficult.

This is particularly evident at Camp Casey in South Korea, one of the most isolated and remote locations where U.S. troops are stationed. The camp is just 13 miles from the Korean Demilitarized Zone, the heavily guarded strip of land that divides North and South Korea, and our troops’ presence is critical to establishing security and balance in this volatile region.

This can be incredibly stressful for service members, especially when separated from their loved ones back home. In fact, according to the Blue Star Families’ 2023 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, 45% of active-duty family respondents cited the “amount of time away from family as a result of military service” as a top concern. That’s why the USO works so hard to provide service members at Camp Casey and worldwide with resources, support and connections to home.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I have two sons … back in the States. When I deployed away from my family … I didn’t have internet … in my barracks … The staff and volunteers [at the USO] were extremely kind when I visited the center. I was finally able to talk to my children by using their free Wi-Fi, and I enjoyed … having snacks in their lounge. It made me [feel] at home!”

—U.S. ARMY SPECIALIST AND MILITARY MOM

At Camp Casey and hundreds of other locations across the globe, the USO strives to ensure that military moms and all our service members feel seen and appreciated every day. We thank you for supporting this crucial mission.

The USO

The USO works to keep America’s military heroes connected to family, home and country as they make immense sacrifices to protect our nation. But as a nonprofit organization, our work is only possible because of the generous support of patriotic Americans like you. Will you make a gift of $103 or more today so the USO can continue supporting troops around the world as they risk their lives to keep us safe?

DONATE NOW***

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

And so, I made a one-time donation of $113.00 on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "Our service members keep our nation safe. And we work hard to keep them connected to home — but we can’t do that without support from military supporters like you. Our troops are counting on you to be a part of this important work for our country."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation. ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "October 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued":

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-point-of-view-on-charity.html

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-16-giving-to.html

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October 22nd, 2023 Update—Continued Further: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 22nd, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "After Hamas, Then What? Israel’s Undefined Endgame in Gaza":

https://time.com/6326777/after-hamas-then-what-israels-endgame-in-gaza

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Power of Osage Storytelling":

https://time.com/6325824/osage-stories-geoffrey-standing-bear-essay

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "How the Watermelon Became a Symbol of Palestinian Solidarity":

https://time.com/6326312/watermelon-palestinian-symbol-solidarity

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Don’t Fall For the Marketing. ‘Toddler Milk’ Is Not Good For Your Child":

https://time.com/6326341/pediatricians-toddler-milk-regulation

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Only Way to Fix Congress":

https://time.com/6326601/how-to-fix-congress

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 22nd, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. Politico
Biden has a new message about the war. There's an America First twist.

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/21/bidens-ukraine-aid-buy-american-00122823

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

2. CBS News · CBS News
Hundreds of Americans remain stranded in Gaza

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/hundreds-of-americans-remain-stranded-in-gaza

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

3. NBC News
‘Not safe anywhere now’: American Jews are flocking to gun training classes

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120602

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

4. AP News
Americans' faith in institutions has been sliding for years. The chaos in Congress isn't helping

https://apnews.com/article/congress-institutions-faith-trust-dysfunction-polls-e9fdce2be173b3f984d60a794d008969

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

5. ABC News
US moves carrier to Middle East following attacks on US forces

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/us-moves-carrier-middle-east-attacks-us-forces/story?id=104201064

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

6. CNN
After a robust third quarter, US economic growth will likely slow. That bodes well for rate cuts next year.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/22/economy/stocks-week-ahead-q3-gdp/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

7. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden and Aides Advise Israel to Avoid Widening War With Hezbollah Strike

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/20/us/politics/biden-israel-hezbollah-war.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

8. NBC News
The United States ranks 118th in the world for racial inclusion according to annual tally

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna121421

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

9. CBS News
GOP House panel raises questions about $200K check from James Biden to Joe Biden. Biden spokesman says there's "zero evidence of wrongdoing."

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/james-biden-bank-records-200000-loan-joe-biden-house-oversight-gop

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

10. AP News
Biden walks a tightrope with his support for Israel as his party's left urges restraint

https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-middle-east-criticism-ea5685fc1ed577d3bf1b5a3aa4acf0db

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

11. Newsweek
GOP Raising Alarm Over Joe Biden Getting $200K Loan Repayment Spurs Mockery

https://www.newsweek.com/comers-discovery-bidens-loan-repayment-spurs-mockery-1836706

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

12. The Times of Israel
Biden speaks with Netanyahu, says Israel to allow ‘continued flow’ of aid into Gaza

https://www.timesofisrael.com/biden-speaks-with-netanyahu-says-israel-to-allow-continued-flow-of-aid-into-gaza/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

13. The Guardian
Biden draws direct link between Putin and Hamas as he urges aid for Israel and Ukraine

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/20/joe-biden-tv-address-to-nation-oval-office-speech-vladimir-putin-hamas-aid-for-israel-ukraine

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

14. Vox
The US left struggles to respond to the Israel-Hamas war (What do leftist critics of Israel do now?)

https://www.vox.com/politics/23924254/israel-palestine-hamas-american-left-wing-democrats-progressive

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

15. CNN
Democratic divisions over Israel heat up over Gaza hospital blast controversy

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/20/politics/democrats-divisions-israel-gaza-hospital-tlaib/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

16. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Meet the Republicans Running for House Speaker

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/22/us/politics/republican-house-speaker-candidates.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

17. ABC News
Who are the 9 Republicans now trying to be House speaker, amid historic gridlock

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/9-republicans-now-house-speaker-amid-historic-gridlock/story?id=104209532

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

18. Politico
House Republicans push unity 'pledge' to guarantee a speaker

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/21/speakership-scramble-continues-with-new-crop-of-candidates-staking-their-claims-00122884

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

19. CNN
These are the House Republicans running for speaker

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/22/politics/house-republican-speaker-race-who-is-running/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

20. NBC News
These 9 candidates have joined the House speaker race after Jim Jordan dropped out

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna121607

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

21. Axios
The old GOP's last stand: the Senate

https://www.axios.com/2023/10/22/senate-republicans-establishment-maga

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

22. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Cut it out, Americans by 2-1 tell the House. Elect a speaker, already

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/22/americans-house-elect-speaker-poll/71270869007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

23. CNN
Liz Cheney ties House GOP chaos to Trump's behavior

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/22/politics/liz-cheney-cnntv/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

24. Al Jazeera
World leaders attend Cairo peace summit to ‘de-escalate’ Israel-Hamas war

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/10/21/world-leaders-attend-cairo-peace-summit-to-de-escalate-israel-hamas-war

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

25. KOIN 6 ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with CBS.")
MAX Red Line service returns with a new look

https://www.koin.com/news/portland/max-red-line-service-returns-with-a-new-look/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

26. KGW ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with NBC.")
Portland airport MAX service to return after 4-month closure

https://www.kgw.com/amp/article/money/business/portland-airport-max-train-reopens/283-85eac3b1-aa69-4ecb-b435-2ee20f32b78b

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

27. KATU ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with ABC.")
TriMet's Red Line reopens Sunday

https://katu.com/amp/news/local/trimets-red-line-reopens-sunday

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 22nd, 2023 and revised January 28th, 2024)

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October 23rd, 2023 Update, Which Also Discusses October 22nd, 2023: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS REFERENCES TO WORKPLACE VIOLENCE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]

First of all, let me preface this 'update' by saying that I AM NO LONGER UTILIZING "National Today" as the website that I reference with regard to holidays and special occasions! And I have unsubscribed from receiving National Today emails as of today, October 23rd, 2023.

That being said, I received an email from National Today yesterday, October 22nd, 2023, with the subject line, "Slap an Annoying Coworker, Black Cats, Chocolate. The Week Ahead", which stated, in part, the following:

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY

It’s an interesting week ahead as we encourage you to address your annoying coworker... National Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day is the perfect opportunity to, well, sock it to them.

... Monday 23 October

Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day

If someone at work is bugging you, don't be shy — take advantage.

Read more ...

... Want to change how you receive these emails? You can Unsubscribe at any time.

Therefore, I unsubscribed from National Today and when they asked for the reason I stated the following:

Unsubscribed

You have successfully unsubscribed from all messages from this sender.

Was this a mistake?

We’d love your feedback. What made you unsubscribe?

[  ] I am no longer interested in these messages
[  ] I have not opted in to receive these messages, they are spam
[  ] I received messages too frequently
[✓] Other (fill in a reason below)
"Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day."

Thus, I wanted to notify you, my readers, of this change in the information that I provide with regard to holidays and special occasions, because I do not think that promoting workplace violence is even slightly funny or appropriate in any way, shape or form!

And, if you read my blog 'updates' that reference National Today webpages with regard to some holidays and special occasions, you know that I have criticized National Today content when I felt it was necessary to call them out on being disrespectful toward certain types of individuals. (Please see my 'August 7th, 2023 Update' regarding Purple Heart Day, as well as my 'August 21st, 2023 Update' regarding National Senior Citizens Day, both of which are originally located on my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog.)

In addition to that, my suspicions about the malicious intentions of National Today were first raised when I noticed a "mistake" that they made on their email regarding "Epilepsy Awareness / Purple Day," which is observed yearly (annually) on March 26th.

In fact, I even sent them a comment on their website the day that I received their email, which was on March 19th, 2023. A copy of the comment can be found below, which I actually forwarded to myself from the original National Today email:

From: Paul Whiting [email redacted]
To: Paul Whiting [email redacted]
Date: Mar 19, 2023, 11:57 AM

[Subject:] Your email titled, "Down Syndrome Awareness, Celebrating Puppies, Cheesesteaks. The Week Ahead"

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Paul Whiting and I receive your "THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY" emails.

And today, March 19th, 2023, I received your email titled, "Down Syndrome Awareness, Celebrating Puppies, Cheesesteaks. The Week Ahead."

When I got to the bottom of the email, I noticed that your description for "Epilepsy Awareness / Purple Day" read as follows:

    Sunday 26 March

    Epilepsy Awareness / Purple Day

    Calling all gigglers, cacklers, chortlers, and belly laughers, this is the day you've been waiting for.

    Read more

Now, I realize that you probably aren't trying to make fun of those who have epilepsy, however saying that this is a day to be laughing seems really unprofessional.

By the way, I did a search for the day that has the above-mentioned description, and I found that it's actually for "National Let's Laugh Day," which is today, March 19th, 2023.

Thus, I thought that I should immediately alert you to this error, so that it can be corrected.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Yours very truly,

Paul Whiting
Poet, Artist and Philosopher
Portland, Oregon

Hide quoted text

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: National Today [email redacted]
Date: Sun, Mar 19, 2023, 8:32 AM
Subject: Down Syndrome Awareness, Celebrating Puppies, Cheesesteaks. The Week Ahead
To: [email redacted]

THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY

Join us as we raise public awareness about Down Syndrome, celebrate the unconditional love that puppies give us, and devour facts about an all-time classic sandwich. On World Down Syndrome Day, we come together to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and encourage advocacy in a bid to support the well-being of those living with the condition. National Puppy Day not only celebrates the four-legged furballs that bring so much joy to our lives but it aims to raise awareness about the atrocities of puppy mills, and we’re paying homage to the sandwich of all sandwiches on National Cheesesteak Day.

Monday 20 March

International Day of Happiness

If you’re happy and you know it, celebrate it on International Day of Happiness!

Read more

Tuesday 21 March

World Down Syndrome Day

Raise public awareness, promote inclusivity, and support the wellbeing of those living with Down Syndrome.

Read more

Wednesday 22 March

National Goof Off Day

Ferris Bueller liked to goof off so much he skipped an entire day of school.

Read more

Thursday 23 March

National Puppy Day

A paw-some day for all dog enthusiasts to celebrate unconditional love for man's best friend.

Read more

Friday 24 March

National Cheesesteak Day

Much like national liberty itself, the cheesesteak is elegant, necessary, pure, and was born in Philadelphia.

Read more

Saturday 25 March

International Waffle Day

Plug in your waffle maker and tuck into some mouth-watering treats.

Read more

Sunday 26 March

Epilepsy Awareness / Purple Day

Calling all gigglers, cacklers, chortlers, and belly laughers, this is the day you've been waiting for.

Read more ...[Bolding is mine.]

So, that quote mistake end quote should have been my first clue that National Today has a malicious intention for certain types of individuals whom they do not like—and that includes annoying coworkers who, apparently, deserve to be assaulted on "National Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day," which is yearly (annually) on October 23rd. And that is why I am officially declaring today, October 23rd, 2023, as "National Unsubscribe From THIS WEEK ON NATIONAL TODAY Day!" –Paul Whiting (October 23rd, 2023)

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October 23rd, 2023 Update—Continued: I received an email from Song for Charlie today, October 23rd, 2023, with the subject line, "Song for Charlie: October Newsletter", which stated the following:

Song for Charlie Monthly Newsletter: October 2023

Giving Season Starting Strong

We are still in October and already have supporters rallying around the Song for Charlie cause for the season of giving! Events like those featured here both raise awareness and help sustain the funding that fuels our work. They are great ways to energize local communities and young people directly impacted by the fentanyl crisis. We are inspired by our compassionate partners.

Corporate Citizens

We are grateful to [name redacted] (mom of Zachary) and [names redacted] for sharing Song for Charlie with their Microsoft peers during their employee giving campaign. [Name redacted] had this to say:

“After seeing the devastating impact that fentanyl laced pills can have on a family first-hand when we lost our 26-year-old nephew Zach, we knew we had to do all we could to help support education and awareness.  We discovered Song for Charlie and were incredibly impressed with the research and work that they were doing.  It was a natural fit to select Song for Charlie as a featured Non-Profit for the Microsoft Give Campaign. With this event we were both able to collect meaningful donations but more importantly spread awareness.”

Fraternity Brothers

Song for Charlie Champions [name redacted] and [name redacted], of [fraternity redacted] at the University of Washington, organized an online fundraising campaign in honor of [name redacted's] late childhood friend, Colin Walker. They got their entire fraternity involved, raising both awareness and funds from friends and family. [Name redacted] and his brothers at [fraternity redacted] at Santa Clara University rallied around the SFC cause too. Both organizations raised thousands to help us fulfill our mission!

Sam Chase Fund

[Names redacted] and the entire Chase family are having a real impact in honor of their late son and brother, Sam. Through the Sam Chase Fund, they make presentations to youth in Northern California and Southern Oregon and recently became a Gold Partner in SFC’s New Drug Talk resource portal for parents.

Promoting The New Drug Talk

Since the launch in August, we have been actively promoting our parent resource portal — The New Drug Talk — throughout California. Our social media campaign (thank you, Meta!) is reaching millions online and we are doing the groundwork at community events and presentations.

Join Us

SFC is 100% donor-funded. That means our mission is only possible because of generous individuals, corporations and foundations ensuring a sustainable pipeline funding our work through their donations.

Every dollar raised helps us reach, educate and empower millions of teens and families across the country. Together we are multiplying our impact to save lives.

Please consider hosting your own fundraiser, sharing our information on social media and activating your workplace. Let us know about an event you are planning or reach out to learn more: [email redacted]

SAVE THE DATE

November 28 is #GivingTuesday. This day of global generosity gives us the opportunity for our community to come together to create a huge impact for the families we serve. Don’t wait, make your gift today[.]

MAKE A GIFT:

https://arzdzlpu.donorsupport.co/page/GivingTuesday2023

Gratefully,
[Names redacted]

And, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to Song for Charlie in order to support their "national family-run, nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about 'fentapills' — fake pills made of fentanyl" and to make my November 28th, 2023 #GivingTuesday gift today. –Paul Whiting (October 23rd, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 23rd, 2023 Update—Continued Further: I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, October 23rd, 2023, with the subject line "Making sure veteran voices are heard in Washington", which stated, in part, the following:

Paul —

Since 2004, IAVA has led the charge fighting (and winning!) on behalf of post-9/11 veterans and their families.

Critical to our success has been our members who are willing to step up and join the fight when IAVA brings them from across the country to Washington to meet with policymakers face-to-face.

Our 2023 IAVA Leadership Fellows were in D.C. last week to meet with lawmakers and talk about our priorities. ...

... Our 2023 Leadership Fellows recently met with multiple U.S. Senators, Representatives, and their staffs to discuss the priorities IAVA members identified as the most important to them.

Our country is in a critical moment, and it’s more important than ever for our leaders to hear veterans’ voices in Washington and the national conversation.

We also can’t amplify the voices of post-9/11 veterans without your help. That’s why we are humbly asking:

Can you donate today to support IAVA’s work fighting on behalf of the post-9/11 generation of veterans? No donation is too small to make an impact.

DONATE TODAY:

https://donate.iava.org/give/504988/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=WEB_WEB_000000IAVAMenuDonateButton_WebsiteHeader_camp-Website

Thank you so much for helping to fuel our fight.

Onward!

Team IAVA

And, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) in order to show my support for our U.S. Veterans! –Paul Whiting (written October 23rd, 2023 and revised November 30th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 23rd, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More: I have decided to consolidate the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign donations that I make on a regular basis—which is usually several times per month—in order to save the number of 'updates' that I write about these campaign donations!

You see, I typically write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations that I make virtually every time that I make a campaign donation—within which I usually include the text from each political campaign's requesting email, or text message, along with some of each campaign's donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign (which is usually $3.00 per campaign), plus how much I tipped ActBlue (which is usually $0.11 per donation)—however, lately there has suddenly been quite a number of campaign donation requests!

Therefore, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for these type of political campaign donation 'updates'—plus, all the future 'updates,' as well—and combine every campaign donation request per day (via email and/or text message) into one 'update' for that day, so that I don't have to keep writing all of these individual 'updates' for campaign donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political contribution requests, which is why I don't include them with these email and/or text message requests.

And I mean no disrespect to the individual political campaigns—each of which used to receive their very own 'update' on my blog—however, the 2024 election cycle is really starting to gear up and I have made a (hopefully realistic) goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. Plus, I am only donating once per PAC (Political Action Committee) for the entire election cycle, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, because that is all that I can really afford for the 2024 Presidential Election. (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) I hope that makes sense!

So, without further ado...

The first political campaign communication that I responded to was an email from the Cory Booker for U.S. Senate campaign today, October 23rd, 2023, with the subject line, "3 reasons to chip in $3", which stated the following:

Paul —

Here are three reasons why your $3 contribution to support Cory’s campaign is so important today:

1. We just kicked off the final FEC fundraising quarter of the year. When we report our fundraising numbers from emails like this one on January 15, we’ll be in the heat of Election Year 2024.
2. Mitch McConnell needs to flip just two seats in the Senate to retake the majority if Democrats hold the White House — and that number shrinks to one if Republicans win.
3. Cory is counting on the support of this grassroots team to hit the campaign trail in battleground states across the country as soon as possible.

So what do you say, Paul? Will you chip in $3 or any amount to Cory’s campaign today?

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:

[✓] CHIP IN $3 NOW***
[  ] CHIP IN $10 NOW
[  ] CHIP IN $25 NOW
[  ] CHIP IN $50 NOW
[  ] CHIP IN $100 NOW
[  ] ANOTHER AMOUNT

— Booker HQ

Cory Booker for U.S. Senate

Make a donation

Protecting the Democratic Senate majority is essential to our progress. This movement to create a more just, loving nation is powered by grassroots supporters like you.

Chip in to Cory's people-powered campaign to defend our Senate majority today.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Cory Booker.

[✓] Donate $3 →

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Other amount

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Cory Booker for U.S. Senate campaign (with a tip to ActBlue), because "Cory is counting on the support of this grassroots team to hit the campaign trail in battleground states across the country as soon as possible," since "this movement to create a more just, loving nation is powered by grassroots supporters like [me]."

---------------------------------------------

The second political campaign communication that I responded to was a text message today, October 23rd, 2023, from the Colin Allred for Senate campaign, which stated the following:

Hi, it's Colin Allred, and I’m not here to ask for money.

Instead, I’m hoping you’ll take a moment to give me your personal endorsement in my Senate campaign against Ted Cruz.

Since we launched, we’ve already seen an incredible response – tens of thousands of people have already joined our team by donating or signing up. The momentum behind us is real – political experts at the Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Roll Call have all upgraded our chances of flipping this seat!

But we’ve got a long way to go, and I need you with me.

So please, will you add your name now to endorse my campaign for U.S. Senate in Texas against Ted Cruz?***

Thank you so much.
–Colin Allred

Will you personally endorse my campaign to defeat Ted Cruz?

I'm running to defeat Ted Cruz and expand our Democratic Senate majority! Texas is ready for change, and we deserve more than Cruz's failed leadership – but it's going to take a historic grassroots movement to defeat him, and I need you on my team to win. Add your name now to endorse my campaign!

Contact Information

First Name (Optional): Paul
Last Name (Optional): Whiting
Zip Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone: [redacted]

Endorse Colin Allred

Thanks so much for your endorsement. Will you take just a moment to share a few thoughts about your top priorities as we shape our campaign to defeat Ted Cruz? – Rep. Colin Allred

This survey expires after midnight, and late responses can’t be considered.

Which of the following would you like to see your leaders focus on in 2023? (Select all that apply.)

[✓] Expanding access to affordable health care
[✓] Stopping GOP-led voter suppression
[✓] Protecting reproductive freedoms
[✓] Making education more affordable
[✓] Creating jobs and improving the economy
[✓] Enacting commonsense gun safety reforms
[✓] Defending our democracy from GOP extremists
[✓] Addressing racial inequality
[✓] Protecting LGBTQ+ rights
[✓] Reducing the price of prescription medications
[✓] Tackling the climate crisis
[  ] Other:

After MAGA Republicans refused to accept the valid results of the 2020 elections, I worked with House Democrats to pass a bill that would revive and restore the Voting Rights Act. However, Ted Cruz led the charge to kill the bill in the Senate.

Do you approve of Ted Cruz’s actions?

[✓] No

[  ] Yes

I’m running for Senate to defeat Ted Cruz and make real progress for Texans and all Americans. And if we win here, Democrats are virtually guaranteed to defend our Senate majority. How important is it to you to protect the Senate?

[✓] Extremely important

[  ] Very important

[  ] Somewhat important

[  ] Not at all important

This race won’t be easy, but I know that Texans are ready for change, and we deserve so much better than Ted Cruz. Everything Ted Cruz does is for himself. When I’m in the Senate, everything I do will be to help people like you.

But I can’t get there alone. It’s going to take a historic outpouring of grassroots support to fight back against the $4.7 MILLION that Cruz has in the bank, and I’m counting on you to be on my team.

So please, if you're ready to kick Ted Cruz out of the Senate, can I count on you to chip in $5 right now? Every dollar helps in our fight to flip Texas blue and expand our Democratic Senate majority!

[  ] Yes, I can give $5 right now!

[  ] Yes, I can give $26 (what most supporters are giving)!

[✓] Yes, and I can give more!*

*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I donated less than $26, or even less than $5—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]

Colin Allred for Senate

Will you chip in to defeat Ted Cruz?

Democrat Colin Allred is running for U.S. Senate to defeat Ted Cruz and flip Texas BLUE!

This race isn't going to be easy. Colin needs a MASSIVE showing of grassroots support to power his campaign to victory.

Can you rush a donation to elect Colin Allred before his fundraising deadline? →

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Colin Allred.

[  ] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $20 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Colin Allred for Senate campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) since I gave Colin Allred "[my] endorsement in [his] Senate campaign against Ted Cruz."

Thus, these two campaigns—Cory Booker for U.S. Senate, as well as Colin Allred for Senate—are the political campaigns that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written October 23rd, 2023, revised October 24th, 2023, revised October 27th, 2023, revised October 30th, 2023, revised November 7th, 2023, revised November 14th, 2023 and revised January 7th, 2024)

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October 23rd, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before [My Writing About The Social And Economic Outcomes Of A Tyrannical Wealthy Ruling Class]:

You always know the dark clouds of a tyrannical wealthy ruling class have gathered because...when it "reigns," it "poors."

–Paul Whiting (written October 23rd, 2023, revised October 24th, 2023 and revised October 30th, 2023)

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October 24th, 2023 Update No. 1: I received an email from Everytown for Gun Safety today, October 24th, 2023, with the subject line, "A background check could have saved our daughter's life.", which stated the following:

Everytown for Gun Safety

Note: This email contains descriptions of gun violence.

Paul–

A background check could have saved our daughter's life.

On January 8, 2010, armed intruders burst into our daughter [name redacted's] home in Portland, Maine, shooting several times into her bedroom.

Her world—and ours—was turned upside down in an instant.

Darien endured great physical and emotional pain working to recover, spending three days in the ICU, 18 days in critical care, and she even had future surgeries scheduled. But tragically, on February 28, 2010, she died from complications of her gunshot wounds, and her life was cut short at age 25.

Darien's homicide has never been solved, in part due to dangerous loopholes in the current background check system that allow unlicensed sellers to sell guns online and at gun shows without running background checks.

But the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently proposed a measure that would help close these loopholes.

You already submitted your comment urging ATF to close these deadly gaps in our background check system. Now, help us prevent more senseless tragedies by forwarding this email to three friends who support background checks—and urge them to submit their comments to ATF today.

[Please see my 'September 10th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above regarding when I sent the above-mentioned message to "Tell ATF: Close the online and gun show loopholes!"]

The handgun used to shoot Darien was recovered a month later at the scene of another murder. And further investigation led law enforcement to a man who originally bought the gun at retail but sold it at a gun show soon after to someone he didn't know.

No background check, no records kept—because that's not required by law when unlicensed gun sellers are the ones selling guns.

Darien's death was preventable, and no one should have to endure the pain she did or the pain we now live with. This is why we honor her by advocating for better gun laws, like closing these dangerous loopholes. Share her story by forwarding this email to three friends, and urge them to support background checks by submitting a comment.

It's too late for us. We can't have Darien back, but it's not too late to prevent future tragedies.

Thank you for taking action,

[Names redacted]
Everytown Survivor Network

Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e).

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, an introduction to which can be found below:

Tell ATF: Close the online and gun show loopholes!

For decades, people have exploited loopholes in federal law that let them sell guns online and at gun shows without conducting background checks. It's been a recipe for disaster that puts more guns in the hands of dangerous people and worsens our country's gun violence crisis.

Now, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking action: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has proposed a regulation to help close these loopholes—building on the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that Congress passed last summer.

The regulation goes directly to the loopholes we have been trying to close for years by expanding background checks to guns offered for sale online or at gun shows, keeping weapons out of the hands of dangerous people, and ultimately saving lives.

But for ATF to finish the job on this life-saving action, it needs to know that the public supports closing these dangerous loopholes. ATF needs to hear from us.

Submit your comment today: Tell ATF to close the online and gun show loopholes! ...

https://secure.everyaction.com/w8uoozjzqEy5nhCc9OR1aA2

By the way, as noted above, I already sent this message to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), via the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund website on September 10th, 2023. (Please see my 'September 10th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above.) –Paul Whiting (written October 24th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023 and revised October 30th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, I used to make one-time donations to the organization that is the subject of these 'updates' each time that I took an action as requested by that organization; however, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis." (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.) Thus, because I have already donated to the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund on October 5th, 2023 (please see my 'October 5th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund* for October 2023.

*"Frequently Asked Questions" from the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund:

What is the difference between the Action Fund and the Support Fund?

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization, which focuses on awareness and educational work related to gun violence prevention. Donations to the Support Fund are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization, which focuses on advocacy and legislative work. Because Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund fights to end gun violence with every legal tool available—organizing around critical elections and key legislative battles in states across the country—donations are not tax-deductible.

What is the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act? Check out our Q&A to find out.

READ NOW:

https://www.aclu.org/news/voting-rights/why-access-to-voting-is-key-to-systemic-equality

ACLU

Paul –

Voting is a fundamental right that should never be infringed upon.

But elected officials are currently diluting the power of Black voters and other communities of color – leveraging laws and policies that directly violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In ACLU's latest piece on the subject, we break down these discriminatory practices and explain why access to voting is critical to the fight for systemic equality. And especially as we look to 2024, that is something we must all take action on swiftly and immediately. Read on to learn more.

https://www.aclu.org/news/voting-rights/why-access-to-voting-is-key-to-systemic-equality

For the people,

The ACLU Team

DONATE NOW

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding "Why Access to Voting is Key to Systemic Equality." A brief introduction to the webpage can be found below:

Why Access to Voting is Key to Systemic Equality

Voting is a fundamental civil right and it shouldn’t be infringed upon, no matter your race or zip code. Although the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racially discriminatory voting tactics and policies, including diluting the voting strength of racial minorities, Black people and communities of color in particular continue to face numerous obstacles to voting.

Let’s break down why equal access to voting is critical to the fight for systemic equality. ...

[Main content of the webpage is here.]

... The ACLU will continue to fight to ensure the right to vote is equally accessible to everyone. But we can’t do it without you — become a Democracy Defender* and join these fights with us.

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.aclu.org/news/voting-rights/why-access-to-voting-is-key-to-systemic-equality

Plus, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU, because "voting is a fundamental right that should never be infringed upon ... but elected officials are currently diluting the power of Black voters and other communities of color – leveraging laws and policies that directly violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965."

*In addition to that, I also became a Democracy Defender, as oulined below from ACLU People Power:

Defend Democracy with ACLU People Power!

JOIN THE TEAM

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Mobile phone: [redacted]

By completing this form, I am joining the ACLU’s People Power volunteer program and agreeing to receive emails, calls, or texts from the ACLU, its state affiliates, and their representatives about ways to take action and support the ACLU organizations.
SIGN UP

Our right to vote - and our democracy itself - are under attack. We must fight back.

The stakes have never been higher. Across the United States, we’re battling voter suppression tactics that target the most marginalized communities. From cutbacks to early voting and restrictions to vote by mail, to racial gerrymandering that deprives communities of color of their political power, these tactics rob millions of Americans of their voice. Further, we are seeing attacks on our democracy itself, including attempts to remove duly elected officials and overturn the will of the people.

We will continue to fight for our democracy and an end to racially discriminatory voting practices in courts, in the halls of Congress, and in communities. And we need you.

Join the ACLU’s Democracy Defenders Task Force to work alongside us in some of the biggest voting rights fights across the country. Plus, we will keep you in the loop as we fight for equal access to the ballot, preserve the integrity of our electoral process, and defend the very foundations of our democracy.

Sign up here and we’ll plug you into opportunities to push back against these attacks and to advocate for policies that expand access to the ballot to ensure every voice is heard. Together, we can foster an inclusive, equitable democracy that empowers all of us.

By signing up, you will be with us on the frontlines of this crucial fight, standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow Democracy Defenders across the nation. Together, we will protect and expand voting rights, inspire civic engagement, and strengthen our democratic processes.

Take action now and be a part of the movement to safeguard our democracy for generations to come.

ACLU People Power

Thank you!

SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS**

Thanks for joining us! Stay tuned for what’s next.

**So, I decided to provide you, my readers, with the text and hyperlink below:

Our right to vote - and our democracy itself - are under attack. We must fight back. The ACLU will continue to fight to ensure the right to vote is equally accessible to everyone. But we can’t do it without you — become a Democracy Defender and join these fights with us.

https://go.peoplepower.org/signup/democracy-defenders/

–Paul Whiting (written October 24th, 2023 and revised October 28th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 24th, 2023 Update No. 3: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Federation of America today, October 24th, 2023, with the subject line, "Emergency match: Give now", which stated the following:

BREAKING: PPFA and Planned Parenthood Texas affiliates to go to trial

All gifts matched to help fight back. Rush your gift now »

MATCH MY GIFT***

Dear Paul,

Texas federal judge [name redacted] has ordered a trial in a politically-motivated case against Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas. This lawsuit baselessly accuses health centers of fraud simply for providing care to patients who relied on Medicaid.

We will continue to fight against this baseless lawsuit. If you or someone you care about is a Planned Parenthood patient in Texas, please know we are doing everything we can to ensure health centers can continue to provide care for Texans who need it — no matter what.

But this fight is a serious strain on our resources at a time when reproductive health care is under attack nationwide. A generous donor has authorized a $100,000 matching gift to help meet this moment. Make your emergency gift right now and it will be doubled.

MATCH MY GIFT***

Let me be crystal clear: Planned Parenthood did not commit Medicaid fraud. As always, Planned Parenthood health centers followed the law and provided the high-quality care that patients deserve — everything from birth control to STI testing and treatment to cancer screenings.

These allegations are baseless, but that doesn't matter to the politicians and their allies who want to ban abortion nationwide and shut down every Planned Parenthood health center in the country. It doesn't matter to Governor Greg Abbott or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who are looking to score political points by attacking patients and providers.

Don't let these cynical and dishonest attacks harm patients in Texas. Make a gift right now and it will be matched dollar for dollar.

This is not the first time politicians and their allies have tried to use the courts to push their agenda and attack access to care. It's the same playbook they used to overturn Roe v. Wade and enforce abortion bans in Texas and other states.

While this lawsuit should have been dismissed, you can count on us to keep fighting to protect the health and rights of patients and defend Planned Parenthood doctors, nurses, and other staff who deliver essential care. Thank you for everything you do to protect reproductive rights and access to care.

MATCH MY GIFT***

Sincerely,

[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Federation of America

HUMANITARIAN ALERT 🚨 Trucks carrying UNFPA aid have crossed the border into Gaza for the first time since in the escalating crisis.

UNFPA deplores the loss of life in Israel and Palestine, but thanks to you, innocent women and girls are finally getting the care they need.

Already, your contribution has delivered:

✅ Direct aid to hundreds of women and girls in Gaza
✅ UNFPA Dignity Kits and clothing in Gaza and the West Bank
✅ Magnesium sulfate, a vital drug for treating preeclampsia in pregnant women, to hospitals and clinics in Gaza
✅ Counseling hotlines and referral networks are available to youth and survivors of violence

Now, more UNFPA aid has arrived on the limited number of trucks that have been allowed in Gaza.

"I couldn't help but think about how my baby was feeling with every explosion. But every kick was giving me hope and strength," one pregnant woman in Gaza shared.

And she’s far from the only one who is worried about her baby. An estimated 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza are currently caught up in the conflict. 160 women will give birth every day amid the chaos and fighting.

Paul Whiting, we are so appreciative of your past support, but with truck convoys now trickling into Gaza, we have to quickly scale up to our aid to deliver the care that innocent women and girls urgently need.

Will you rush a humanitarian gift today and ensure essential aid can reach Gaza, the West Bank, and wherever care is needed most?

You can securely donate here:***

Thank you for being there, Paul Whiting.

USA for UNFPA

ALERT: UNITED NATIONS AID TRUCKS FINALLY ENTER INTO GAZA

“Our hospital is currently operating beyond its capacity. Our medical teams are overwhelmed and have been working tirelessly around the clock. If we run out of [supplies], the hospital may be repurposed as a mass burial site.” [Italicizing mine.]

These are the words from a doctor at the largest medical facility in Gaza. But over the weekend, we received a glimmer of hope. Trucks carrying UN aid including food, water, and medical supplies entered the Gaza Strip for the first time since the escalating conflict began.

These supplies from UNFPA and other organizations will be the difference between life and death for so many people in Gaza – but it’s not nearly enough.

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza. Fuel, water, and electricity are running out, the health system is on the brink of collapse, and 160 women will give birth every day amid this chaos. But you can help, Paul.

Will you rush a donation to deliver care to women and girls in Gaza and other crisis-stricken regions? We are working to raise $6.9 million to support emergency reproductive health and violence response services to people in Gaza and the West Bank:***

Please, every second counts during an emergency.

— USA for UNFPA

It's Jon Tester. This is not the text I wanted to send today.

With just one day to go, we're still $50,000 behind our end-of-month fundraising goal. We have to turn this around. Fast.

The good news is a group of donors has agreed to match all donations. That means your gift will go twice as far. And in a race as close as ours, that could be make-or-break.

This needs to be our largest small-dollar fundraising day ever if we want to reach our goal in time.

Can you make a donation today and have it doubled? This opportunity won't come again.***

Jon Tester for U.S. Senate

Support Jon Tester’s reelection campaign!

Jon’s race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country, and could determine the Senate majority. Republicans are already targeting Montana, and we need to be ready to defend against incoming attacks.

Chip in any amount right now to keep Jon Tester fighting for us in the Senate.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Jon Tester.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $3,300 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Jon Tester for U.S. Senate campaign (with a tip to ActBlue), because "Jon’s race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country, and could determine the Senate majority," since "Republicans are already targeting Montana, and [Jon Tester for U.S. Senate needs] to be ready to defend against incoming attacks," but "the good news is a group of donors has agreed to match all donations. That means [my] gift will go twice as far."

Thus, this one campaign—Jon Tester for U.S. Senate—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written October 24th, 2023, revised October 27th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023, revised October 29th, 2023, revised October 30th, 2023 and revised November 14th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 24th, 2023 Update No. 6—Which Also Discusses October 23rd, 2023: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 24th, 2023, is only from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 24th, 2023, as well as that I received yesterday, October 23rd, 2023, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The following are the articles which I received yesterday, October 23rd, 2023:

The first Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "How Gray Areas in Work Culture Drives Racial Inequality":

https://time.com/6325005/work-culture-racial-inequality-essay

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "How Killers of the Flower Moon Captures the True Story of the Osage Murders" (Warning: This post contains spoilers for Killers of the Flower Moon):

https://time.com/6325586/killers-of-the-flower-moon-true-story

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Where to Seek Help if the Israel-Hamas War Is Impacting Your Mental Health":

https://time.com/6327064/israel-hamas-war-mental-health-services

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "How Giant Corporations Can Still Get Out of Paying Taxes":

https://time.com/6326583/tax-shelters-multinational-corporations

---------------------------------------------

The following are the articles which I received today, October 24th, 2023:

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "The History Behind the Right’s Effort to Take Over American Universities":

https://time.com/6319108/conservative-universities

---------------------------------------------

The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "China Says Israel Has Right to Self-Defense While Reiterating Call for Deescalation":

https://time.com/6327836/china-israel-hamas-war-palestine-sympathy

---------------------------------------------

The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "What It’s Like to Be an Israeli Peace Activist During the Israel-Hamas War":

https://time.com/6327279/israel-peace-movement-hamas-gaza

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 24th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023 and revised November 26th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 24th, 2023 Update No. 7: [My Writing About How I Have Changed The Way That I Label My Blog Posts 'Updates' For Any Additional 'Updates' That I Write, After The First 'Update,' By Using A Simple Numbering System, Which Starts With The First 'Update']

I have changed the way I label the blog post 'updates' that I write because I oftentimes write more than one 'update' per day!

And in the past, I have labeled the second, third, fourth and fifth 'update' with the following extensions—on the days that I write more than 'update'—to differentiate any additional 'updates' from the first one, as follows:

[1st] Month Day, Year Update
[2nd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued
[3rd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further
[4th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More
[5th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before

However today, October 24th, 2023, I actually had more than five 'updates' to write, so I decided to change how I differentiate any additional 'updates,' from the first 'update,' by using a simple numbering system, which actually starts with the first 'update' that I write, as follows:

Month Day, Year Update No. 1
Month Day, Year Update No. 2
Month Day, Year Update No. 3
Month Day, Year Update No. 4
Month Day, Year Update No. 5
Month Day, Year Update No. 6
Month Day, Year Update No. 7

Therefore, that is why this 'update' is the seventh one for today! –Paul Whiting (written October 24th, 2023 and revised October 28th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 25th, 2023 Update No. 1: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 25th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "What Aid Groups Say Gaza Needs":

https://time.com/6328025/gaza-humanitarian-aid-efforts

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Physicians Are Dramatically Underdiagnosing Early Cognitive Decline, a Precursor to Alzheimer’s":

https://time.com/6328148/mci-cognitive-decline-under-diagnosed

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "What Celebrities Said About the SAG-AFTRA Strike at the TIME100 NEXT Gala 2023":

https://time.com/collection/time100-next-gala-2023/6325445/sag-aftra-strike-time100-next-gala-2023

By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled, "TIME100 Next 2023 Red Carpet: Bella Ramsey and Maya Hawke on SAG Strike."

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Tom Emmer Withdraws From House Speaker Race Hours After Securing Nomination":

https://time.com/6328101/tom-emmer-house-speaker-nominee

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "‘Compassion and Humanity Is the Only Way.’ An Israeli Mother on Losing Her Son in the Oct. 7 Attacks":

https://time.com/6327936/israel-mother-son-death-hamas-war

---------------------------------------------

The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Gaza Healthcare System Is Reportedly on the Brink of Collapse":

https://time.com/6328038/gaza-healthcare-system-collapse-fuel-hospital

---------------------------------------------

The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "As War Rages in Gaza, Violence Surges in the West Bank":

https://time.com/6327959/israel-west-bank-violence-grows

---------------------------------------------

The eighth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Mike Johnson Elected As House Speaker After Weeks of Turmoil":

https://time.com/6328412/mike-johnson-speaker-republicans-experience

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 25th, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. CNBC
How the long-awaited recession became a 'richsession' for America's wealthy

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/25/recession-vs-richsession-why-americas-rich-face-economic-headwinds.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

2. U.S. Economic Development Administration
Biden-Harris Administration Designates 31 Tech Hubs Across America

https://www.eda.gov/news/press-release/2023/10/23/biden-harris-administration-designates-31-tech-hubs-across-america

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

3. NBC News
Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson elected House speaker: Highlights

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/live-blog/rcna122020

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

4. CNN
Jews, Palestinians and Muslims in the US say they’re experiencing growing fear about rising bigotry and hatred

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/10/25/us/israel-hamas-war-hate-crimes-us/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

5. Reuters
Pro-Israel resolution is new US House leader's first act

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pro-israel-resolution-is-first-act-new-us-house-leader-2023-10-25

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

6. The Guardian
Mike Johnson becomes fourth Republican to be nominated for US House speaker this month

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/25/mike-johnson-nominated-us-house-speaker-louisiana

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

7. USNews.com
Blinken Appeals to U.N. Security Council: Help Us Deter Iran

https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2023-10-24/blinken-appeals-to-u-n-security-council-help-us-deter-iran

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

8. VOA (Voice of America) News
Xi: China Willing to Cooperate With US, Manage Differences

https://www.voanews.com/amp/xi-china-willing-to-cooperate-with-us-manage-differences/7325670.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

9. Reuters
Biden stresses path toward peace in Israel-Gaza crisis

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-australia-discuss-china-pacific-security-white-house-visit-2023-10-25

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

10. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Reaffirms Support for Israel but Calls for Protection of Civilians

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/us/politics/biden-albanese-australia-israel.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

11. AP News
Biden condemns retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank

https://apnews.com/article/biden-west-bank-settlers-israel-hamas-war-0a2f38878720c962a20d9286315cde94

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

12. CNN
Hear what Biden said when asked if he's worried new House speaker would overturn 2024 election

https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2023/10/25/president-biden-presser-gop-house-speaker-mike-johnson-vpx.cnn

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

13. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Biden weighs in on Mike Johnson, new Speaker of the House elected after weeks of chaos

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/25/biden-on-new-house-speaker-mike-johnson/71318383007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

14. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Photo of Biden lounging on beach was taken months ago, not during Israel war | Fact check

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2023/10/25/photo-of-jill-and-joe-biden-on-delaware-beach-from-august-fact-check/71314923007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

15. The Guardian
Biden says West Bank settlers ‘pouring gasoline on fire’ as Israel prepares for Gaza ground invasion

https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/26/joe-biden-west-bank-settlers-israel-prepares-gaza-ground-invasion

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

16. The Times of Israel
Biden: There’s no going back to pre-war status quo, there must be vision of 2 states

https://www.timesofisrael.com/biden-theres-no-going-back-to-pre-war-status-quo-there-must-be-vision-of-2-states/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

17. Reuters
Exclusive: Biden set to speak with China's top diplomat Wang Yi on Friday, sources say

https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-set-speak-with-chinas-top-diplomat-wang-yi-friday-sources-say-2023-10-26

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

18. NBC News
Biden avoids taking up the mantle of a wartime president

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna121638

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

19. AP News
Biden calls Australia 'an anchor to peace and prosperity' during state visit from Albanese

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-australia-albanese-state-visit-b8b86f334f8107b2eb04ed96ddb9128b

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

20. Axios
House Democrats are wary of a Mike Johnson speakership

https://www.axios.com/2023/10/25/mike-johnson-house-speaker-democrats-jim-jordan

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

21. Politico
Senate panel approves Monica Bertagnolli to lead NIH over Bernie Sanders’ objections

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/25/bernie-sanders-drug-price-nih-nominee-00123446

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

22. Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)
GOP senators’ challenge to walkout penalties lands before Oregon Supreme Court

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/10/24/gop-senators-walkout-penalties-measure-113-oregon-supreme-court/?outputType=amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

23. Politico
Republicans Are Tearing Themselves to Pieces. Elise Stefanik Isn't Joining Them.

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/25/elise-stefanik-speaker-cheney-gop-00123402

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

24. NBC News
5 things to know on Mike Johnson, the new speaker of the House (Who is Mike Johnson? Five things to know about the new Republican House speaker)

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna122114

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

25. USNews.com
New US House Speaker Tried to Help Overturn the 2020 Election, Raising Concerns About the Next One

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-10-26/new-us-house-speaker-tried-to-help-overturn-the-2020-election-raising-concerns-about-the-next-one

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

26. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
How the Israel-Hamas War Imperils Action Against Global Warming

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/23/climate/gaza-war-climate-change.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

27. E&E News by Politico
Mike Johnson, a climate science skeptic, is speaker nominee

https://www.eenews.net/articles/mike-johnson-a-climate-science-skeptic-is-speaker-nominee

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

28. KOIN 6 ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with CBS.")
VIDEO: Take a sneak peak of the Ritz-Carlton, Portland’s first 5-star luxury hotel

https://www.koin.com/news/portland/video-take-a-sneak-peak-of-the-ritz-carlton-portlands-first-5-star-luxury-hotel/amp

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

29. Willamette Week [WW] ("WW" is a local news publication here in Portland, Oregon—and I am a monthly contributor to the Willamette Week.)
The Proudest Boy in Portland

https://www.wweek.com/news/2023/10/25/the-proudest-boy-in-portland

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 25th, 2023, revised October 26th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023, revised November 6th, 2023, revised January 28th, 2024 and revised February 2nd, 2024)

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October 26th, 2023 Update No. 1: I received an email from the Assault Rifle Ban Accountability Project, which is a Project of Brady PAC (Brady Political Action Committee) today, October 26th, 2023, with the subject line, "Add your name to ban assault weapons →", which stated the following:

    ASSAULT RIFLE BAN
—Accountability Project—
   A Project of Brady PAC

Paul, last night, a gunman armed with an assault weapon killed at least 18 people and injured dozens of others in Lewiston, Maine.

Today, the nation is grieving alongside the Lewiston community. Once again, a place of community has been turned into a massacre site. Even as we hold Lewiston in our hearts today, we cannot turn away from the truth that becomes more apparent with every mass shooting: Our leaders in Washington – and the corrupt gun lobby who they're beholden to – are directly responsible for this tragedy.

Please, we cannot be silent in a moment like this: Will you add your name to our live petition to call on Congress to finally BAN assault weapons and end this horrific bloodshed?

SIGN ON: Ban Assault Weapons***

Every year, so many of our communities are devastated by mass shootings – again and again and again. An entire generation of children have grown up living in fear that their school, their grocery store, their place of worship, their home will be next.

The shooting in Maine is a horrific tragedy. But it is not an outlier. All of the worst mass killings have one thing in common: assault weapons.

And until leaders in Washington finally stand up to the gun lobby and ban assault weapons, it will only be a matter of time until the next mass shooting leaves another community torn apart by these weapons of war.

It's time to break this cycle and stop the violence. The majority of Americans believe that assault weapons have no place in bowling alleys, on our streets, in our communities or in the hands of civilians. If we raise our voices as one, we'll be an unstoppable force, capable of overcoming even the gun lobby's iron grip on Washington.

Today, we're asking 20,000 activists to take a stand with us: Please, add your name before 11:59 p.m. tonight to DEMAND that Washington finally listen to the American people and ban assault weapons. It is possible to end this violence and win a safer future – but we have to fight for it, Paul.

SIGN ON: Ban Assault Weapons***

Thank you for bravely raising your voice today. We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and together.

With gratitude,

Brady PAC

We can't wait any longer for action on gun safety. Brady PAC is fighting for lifesaving legislation like universal background checks and an assault weapons ban, but we need your support. Chip in now to help us end gun violence in America →

[✓] DONATE

[  ] DONATE MONTHLY

ASSAULT RIFLE BAN
—Accountability Project—
A Project of Brady PAC

SIGN ON NOW: Tell Congress to ban assault weapons

Email Address: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]

Add Your Name

A gunman has killed at least 18 people and injured dozens of others in Lewiston, Maine. Our leaders in Washington – and the corrupt gun lobby who they're beholden to – are directly responsible. It's time for them to take a stand and finally break this cycle of violence.

Today, we’re calling on Congress to finally listen to the American people and get these weapons of war off our streets.

We need 20,000 activists to add their names before midnight tonight to show a unified force. Please, will you add your name now to demand that Congress pass an assault weapons ban?

And, after I signed the petition above, via the Sign For Good website, I made a one-time donation to Brady PAC (the sister organization of which is Brady: United Against Gun Violence) in order to show my support for "calling on Congress to finally listen to the American people and get these weapons of war off our streets" by adding "[my] name now to demand that Congress pass an assault weapons ban." –Paul Whiting (written October 26th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023 and revised October 29th, 2023)

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October 26th, 2023 Update No. 2: I received an email from Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America today, October 26th, 2023, with the subject line, "Lewiston", which stated the following:

STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION
For Gun Sense In America

Paul–

Last night, at least 18 people were killed and 13 more wounded in my college town of Lewiston, Maine after a gunman armed with an AR-15 opened fire twice while people were bowling and enjoying a meal. Lewiston and our other nearby communities are still in lockdown as law enforcement searches for the suspect.

Now, when I think back on my most memorable moments at Bates College, it won't just be move-in day, the first day of class, or even my graduation—but also the day my community was terrorized by this nightmarish act of gun violence. Unfortunately, this has become all too common for my generation.

Like so many others, I spent last night locked in a backroom of my house with my roommates, listening to sirens and helicopters flying low overhead and obsessively checking the news for the latest updates.

Today, I'm feeling devastated and numb. Working in gun violence prevention, I hear about senseless tragedies every day, but for it to hit so close to home is horrifying. I'm overwhelmed with pain for my community and those whose loved ones were killed, wounded, or traumatized in this tragedy.

There's often a common thread in mass shootings, and the tragedy here in Lewiston is no different: The shooting turned as deadly as it did because of an assault weapon—a weapon invented for use on the battlefield, designed to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

Lewiston is a small town and a close-knit community. The trauma from last night's shooting will reverberate here for years to come. And we can ensure no other community has to experience this avoidable pain by responding with action.

The best way I know how to honor my community is by demanding meaningful legislative action on gun safety. Join me in telling your U.S. Representative and Senator[s] to save lives by supporting a federal assault weapons ban.***

Thank you for taking action,

[Name redacted]
She/Her/Hers
[Title redacted], Everytown for Gun Safety

Students Demand Action is a grassroots volunteer network of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. As a movement of Americans fighting for common-sense gun policies, we depend on contributions from supporters like you to fund important work to reduce gun violence.

Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e).

DONATE

Everytown for Gun Safety

Tell Congress: Reinstate The Assault Weapons Ban Now

This cycle of violence is heartbreaking. Every time our country begins to heal from one avoidable mass shooting, we're faced with another horrific act of gun violence.

While the details are still unfolding, at least 18 people have been killed and 13 more wounded after a gunman, armed with a weapon of war, opened fire twice in Lewiston, Maine, while people were bowling and enjoying a meal.

There's often a common thread in mass shootings, and the tragedy in Lewiston is no different: The shooting turned as deadly as it did because of an assault weapon—a weapon invented for use on the battlefield, designed to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

We shouldn't have to live like this—and we won't stand for inaction from our lawmakers any longer.

Send a message urging your U.S. Senators and Representative to reinstate the bipartisan Assault Weapons Ban now:

Dear Lawmaker,

I am writing to you as a constituent filled with grief, fear, and anger.

As we reel from the devastating mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, and the countless acts of daily preventable gun violence in communities across the country, I am urging you to take action to ban assault weapons.

There's often a common thread in mass shootings, and the tragedy in Lewiston is no different: This shooting turned as deadly as it did because of an assault weapon—a weapon invented for use on the battlefield, designed to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible. We must reinstate the bipartisan Assault Weapons Ban.

Researchers estimate that if the federal law prohibiting assault weapons and high-capacity magazines had been in effect from 2005 through 2019, it would have prevented 30 mass shootings that resulted in 1,478 people being shot and killed or wounded.

Please, I'm urging you to prioritize public safety. Take action and save lives by reinstating the bipartisan Assault Weapons Ban.

Complete the form to send your message now:

Prefix: Mr.
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
Street address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Mobile phone: [redacted]

SEND MY MESSAGE

And so, after I sent the letter above to my U.S. Senators and Representative, via the Everytown for Gun Safety website, I made a one-time donation to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund in order to do my part to "Tell Congress: Reinstate The Assault Weapons Ban Now." –Paul Whiting (written October 26th, 2023 and revised October 28th, 2023)

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October 26th, 2023 Update No. 3: I received an email from the World Jewish Congress, American Section, today, October 26th, 2023, with the subject line, "URGENT: Support Israel", which stated the following:

World Jewish Congress

Israel Needs Your Support
Donate Now

https://support.worldjewishcongress.org/page/57977/donate/1

Paul, the situation in Israel is fast-moving and extremely volatile. As the World Jewish Congress works to support our Israeli brothers and sisters and the Jewish people worldwide during this unimaginably painful and difficult time, we are providing a quick but important update to our supporters:

• Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, more than 1,400 innocent people have been killed in Israel — including babies, children, women, men, the elderly, Holocaust survivors, and the disabled. That number is still climbing as officials work to find and identify the victims.
• Thousands are critically injured.
• At least 200 people have been abducted and taken hostage in Gaza.
• Our eternal homeland is at war, and every day this violence continues, many, many more lives are at risk.

The World Jewish Congress stands in tireless solidarity with Israel and her people and will remain vigilant to respond quickly throughout this crisis. At the same time, we will continue to work to protect and defend all of our affiliated communities in more than 100 countries on six continents, regardless of their size, to root out hate and violence wherever they exist.

At this pivotal time in Jewish history, urgent support from our global community will make a vital difference. So please, Paul:

If you are able, please rush an emergency donation to the World Jewish Congress, American Section, to help ensure WJC has the resources we need in the days, weeks, and months ahead to pursue all of our efforts on behalf of Israel and Jewish people everywhere.

Support Our Work

https://support.worldjewishcongress.org/page/57977/donate/1

Thank you for standing in solidarity with the people of Israel. Together, we are strong and resilient. Together, we will persevere.

Am Yisrael Chai. [Israel Lives.]

World Jewish Congress

The World Jewish Congress, American Section, supports the vital work and projects of the World Jewish Congress. For more information on the World Jewish Congress, visit worldjewishcongress.org.

And so, I made a one-time donation to the World Jewish Congress, American Section, in order to "help ensure WJC has the resources [they] need in the days, weeks, and months ahead to pursue all of [their] efforts on behalf of Israel and Jewish people everywhere." –Paul Whiting (written October 26th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023 and revised November 9th, 2023)

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October 26th, 2023 Update No. 4: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 26th, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The first Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Stories We Tell About Guns Must Change":

https://time.com/6328465/stories-guns-violence-essay

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "‘Nothing Has Changed’: Families of Itaewon’s Crowd Crush Victims Aren’t Ready to Move On":

https://time.com/6328290/south-korea-itaewon-halloween-crowd-crush-anniversary

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Most Important Lesson America Taught Me After the Jan. 6 Attack":

https://time.com/6327956/lessons-after-jan-6-harry-dunn-essay

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "What to Know About the Attacks on U.S. Military Bases in the Middle East":

https://time.com/6328458/military-base-attacks-middle-east-israel-iran

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Mike Johnson Won the Worst Job In Washington: Speaker of a Broken House":

https://time.com/6328654/mike-johnson-speaker-broken-house

---------------------------------------------

The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "Israel Carries Out Hourslong Ground Raid Into Gaza":

https://time.com/6328720/israel-ground-raid-gaza

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The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today is titled, "The Harrowing Work Facing Gaza Doctors in Wartime":

https://time.com/6328314/gaza-doctors-hospital-electricity-fuel

---------------------------------------------

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 26th, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Biden warns Iran not to attack American troops as Israel-Hamas war continues

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/10/25/biden-warns-iran-not-to-get-involved-in-israel-hamas-war/71290182007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

2. ABC News
Blinken, Sullivan meet with China's top diplomat Wang Yi in Washington amid tensions

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/blinken-sullivan-meet-chinas-top-diplomat-wang-yi/story?id=104347466

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

3. CNN
The US economy grew at a blistering rate despite high interest rates

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/26/economy/us-economy-third-quarter-gdp/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

4. VOA (Voice of America) News
US Asks Gulf States to Help Shut Down Hamas Fundraising

https://www.voanews.com/amp/us-asks-gulf-states-to-help-shut-down-hamas-fundraising-/7326650.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

5. Department of Defense
U.S. Military Continues Focus on Supporting Israel, Ukraine

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3570670/us-military-continues-focus-on-supporting-israel-ukraine

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

6. VOA (Voice of America) News
US Economic Growth Accelerates in Third Quarter

https://www.voanews.com/amp/us-economic-growth-accelerates-in-third-quarter/7327949.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

7. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Pharmacy chains ignored pleas to fix broken system. Now it's in revolt (Prescription for disaster: America's broken pharmacy system in revolt over burnout and errors)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/10/26/pharmacy-chains-dangerous-conditions-medication-errors/71153960007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

8. USA Today (By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
President Biden and Speaker Johnson meet for first time. Can they do business together?

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/26/president-biden-meets-speaker-johnson-can-they-do-business-together/71333494007

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

9. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Keeps Australia's Dinner Low-Key at a Moment of Global Turmoil

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/us/politics/biden-state-dinner-australia.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

10. AP News
Biden meets with Mike Johnson to discuss aid for Israel, Ukraine (After Biden meet, new Speaker Mike Johnson says GOP won’t abandon Ukraine but will aid Israel first)

https://apnews.com/article/congress-speaker-johnson-republicans-trump-98143477c7cd0069d8d59e59594a277b

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

11. NBC News
What we know about Biden and Johnson's working relationship

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna122426

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

12. FactCheck.org
Cherry-Picking 'Influence' Payment from James to Joe Biden

https://www.factcheck.org/2023/10/cherry-picking-influence-payment-from-james-to-joe-biden

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

13. NDTV (New Delhi Television)
India-Middle East Economic Corridor Possible Reason For Hamas Attack: Biden

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/announcement-of-india-middle-east-corridor-possible-reason-for-hamas-attack-joe-biden-4515251/amp/1

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

14. The Times of Israel
Biden said to meet with Muslim American leaders amid fury over his response to Gaza war

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/biden-said-to-meet-with-muslim-american-leaders-amid-fury-over-his-response-to-gaza-war

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

15. The Guardian
Xi says China willing to cooperate with US as hopes rise for talks with Biden

https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/25/xi-says-china-is-willing-to-cooperate-with-us-ahead-of-potential-meeting-with-biden

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

16. NBC News
Jared Golden drops opposition to assault weapons ban after Lewiston shootings

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna122423

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

17. CBS News
Democratic Rep. Jared Golden reverses course, now in favor of assault weapons ban after Maine mass shootings

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/jared-golden-in-favor-of-assault-weapons-ban-maine-lewiston-mass-shootings

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

18. NBC News
Republicans float conspiracy theory that Biden won't be on the ballot

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna121467

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

19. NBC News
Virginia GOP mails voters explicit flyers about Democrat Susanna Gibson

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna121887

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

20. CNBC
Billionaire politicians have become 'shockingly common' around the world, new study finds

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/26/billionaire-politicians-shockingly-common-study.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

21. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
House Speaker Mike Johnson Doubts Climate Science

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/26/climate/mike-johnson-climate-policies.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

22. KGW ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with NBC.")
Mayor Wheeler announces location for the second of 6 planned mass homeless campsites in Portland

https://www.kgw.com/amp/article/news/local/homeless/portland-second-mass-sanctioned-homeless-camp-site-st-johns/283-7d0ce46c-3c4a-43f1-b7ea-9e98661a4511

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

23. KOIN 6 ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with CBS.")
Wheeler announces new shelter site in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood

https://www.koin.com/news/wheeler-announces-new-shelter-site-in-portlands-st-johns-neighborhood/amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

24. Oregon Live ("OregonLive.com is a website covering local news in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The website serves as the online home of The Oregonian.")
North Portland lot to be site of new mass shelter for RVs, campers

https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2023/10/north-portland-lot-to-be-site-of-new-mass-shelter-for-rvs-campers.html?outputType=amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 26th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023 and revised January 28th, 2024)

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October 27th, 2023 Update No. 1: I received an email from the Assault Rifle Ban Accountability Project, which is a Project of Brady PAC (Brady Political Action Committee) today, October 27th, 2023, with the subject line, "remembering the Tree of Life shooting", which stated the following:

ASSAULT RIFLE BAN
—Accountability Project—
A Project of Brady PAC

Paul, five years ago today, a gunman entered the Tree of Life Synagogue armed with an assault weapon. On a hate-fueled, antisemitic rampage, he killed 11 Jewish Americans and injured six others.

And as we remember the victims of this horrific shooting, we're also still mourning the tragedy in Lewiston, Maine, that happened mere days ago.

This is what the gun violence epidemic looks like, Paul. We barely have enough time to remember and mourn the victims of one shooting before marking the anniversary of another. Today, we're calling on Congress to finally end this violence – and we need you to join us.

Will you add your name to our Ban Assault Weapons Now Petition to join us? We're counting on 10,000 activists to sign on before midnight, so please act now.

SIGN ON NOW***

Our country has witnessed so many horrific mass shootings all too similar to the tragedies at the Tree of Life Synagogue and now Lewiston, Maine. There's the 2015 shooting at Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina, the 2016 massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the shooting this past year at a grocery store in Buffalo – the list of national tragedies goes on and on.

No mass shooting is the same. But all of the worst mass killings have one thing in common: assault weapons.

These are weapons of war designed to kill as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. That is their sole purpose. But politicians in Washington still feign shock and surprise when gunmen use these weapons exactly as intended. And they still refuse to pass the lifesaving reforms that would end this cycle of violence.

Here at Brady PAC, we're working every day to remove the gun lobby's pocket politicians and replace them with bold leaders who will fight for the reforms our communities deserve. But we need you to stand with us in this fight. Please, will you raise your voice for change by adding your name to our Ban Assault Weapons Now Petition before tonight's midnight deadline?

SIGN ON NOW***

Thank you,

Team Brady PAC

ASSAULT RIFLE BAN
—Accountability Project—
A Project of Brady PAC

SIGN ON NOW: Tell Congress to ban assault weapons

Email Address: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]

Add Your Name

It’s been five years since the Tree of Life shooting when a gunman killed 11 worshippers with an assault weapon in an antisemitic rampage. But Congress has still failed to take the bold action needed to end the gun violence epidemic.

Today, we’re calling on Congress to finally end this senseless violence and get these weapons of war off our streets.

We need 10,000 activists to add their names before midnight tonight to call on Congress to pass an assault weapons ban. Will you add your name?

And so, I signed the petition above, via the Sign For Good website, in order to show my support for "calling on Congress to finally end this senseless violence and get these weapons of war off our streets" by adding my name "to call on Congress to pass an assault weapons ban." –Paul Whiting (written October 27th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023, revised October 29th, 2023 and revised November 5th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, I used to make one-time donations to the organization that is the subject of these 'updates' each time that I took an action as requested by that organization; however, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis." (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.) Thus, because I have already donated to Assault Rifle Ban Accountability Project, which is a Project of Brady PAC, on October 26th, 2023 (please see my 'October 26th, 2023 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to Brady PAC's Assault Rifle Ban Accountability Project for October 2023.

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October 27th, 2023 Update No. 2: I received a text message today, October 27th, 2023, from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (Jane Fonda Climate Political Action Committee), which stated the following:

Are you there?

[Blogger's Note: The last donation that I made to the Jane Fonda Climate PAC was on August 16th, 2023 (please see my 'August 16th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above), but I have continued receiving their text messages without donating (until today), which is probably why I was asked at the first part of this text, "Are you there?"]

Hi, it's Jane Fonda. Our October fundraising deadline is just 4 days away, and we need your support to reach our $10,000 fundraising goal.

I know you receive a lot of texts from us, and our goal is not to scare you into giving us your hard-earned money but to inspire action through our program. Even $1 makes a huge impact as we fight to defeat the fossil fuel industry and undo its decades-long stranglehold on our political system.

Will you INVEST just $1 today to help us reach our must-hit $10,000 October fundraising goal? You can use this secure link:***

Jane Fonda
Climate PAC

ABOUT

"I’ve spent my life fighting for what I believe in. When I was 32, President Nixon had me arrested. 50 years later I was arrested five times for protesting the government’s inaction on climate change. It’s no secret that I have a history of ruffling feathers in Washington.

Today, support for climate action is unprecedented. The public is voting with the climate in mind, but the people we elect are not. This has led me to reflect on what we need to do to secure meaningful action on climate. Our planet is on fire and our leaders are failing us, so if we can’t change the minds of the people in power, we need to change the people in power.

It is for that reason that I started Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which is laser-focused on one goal: Do what it takes to defeat fossil fuel supporters and elect climate champions at all levels of government.

I believe this is the most important thing I will do in my lifetime." —Jane Fonda

https://janepac.com

By the way, I added the quotation marks to the statement above by Ms. Fonda, as well as her name at the end of the statement, since I thought it would make more sense, because the "About Page" opening statement is clearly written from her perspective. –Paul Whiting (written October 27th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023 and revised October 29th, 2023)

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October 27th, 2023 Update No. 3: I have decided to consolidate the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign donations that I make on a regular basis—which is usually several times per month—in order to save the number of 'updates' that I write about these campaign donations!

You see, I typically write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations that I make virtually every time that I make a campaign donation—within which I usually include the text from each political campaign's requesting email, or text message, along with some of each campaign's donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign (which is usually $3.00 per campaign), plus how much I tipped ActBlue (which is usually $0.11 per donation)—however, lately there has suddenly been quite a number of campaign donation requests!

Therefore, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for these type of political campaign donation 'updates' and combine every campaign donation request per day (via email and/or text message) into one 'update' for that day, so that I don't have to keep writing all of these individual 'updates' for campaign donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political contribution requests, which is why I don't include them with these email and/or text message requests.

And I mean no disrespect to the individual political campaigns—each of which used to receive their very own 'update' on my blog—however, the 2024 election cycle is really starting to gear up and I have made a (hopefully realistic) goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. Plus, I am only donating once per PAC (Political Action Committee) for the entire election cycle, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, because that is all that I can really afford for the 2024 Presidential Election. (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) I hope that makes sense!

So, without further ado...

The first political campaign communication that I responded to was an email from the Jeffrey A. Sites for Congress campaign today, October 27th, 2023, with the subject line, "Make no mistake", which stated the following:

Jeff Sites for Congress

Friend, Jim Jordan may have lost his bid for Speaker this week.

But make no mistake: He’s still one of the most powerful Republicans in Congress.

Donald Trump endorsed his extremist campaign to lead the House.

He’s a top investigator on President Biden’s sham impeachment inquiry.

He supported the insurrectionists’ efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

And he once led the Freedom Caucus — the group of far-right MAGA Republicans who threw the House into chaos just a few weeks ago.

So here’s the bottom line, friend: Even though Jim Jordan’s hopes of becoming Speaker are over, the fight to replace him in Congress has never been more important.

But if we want any hope of defeating Trump’s top ally in the House, we’ll need all hands on deck. That’s why I’m coming to you for help when it matters most: Will you rush in $5, $10, 0r $25 to help me flip Ohio’s 4th district blue and defeat Jim Jordan for good?

[  ] CHIP IN $25
[  ] CHIP IN $50
[  ] CHIP IN $100
[✓] CHIP IN OTHER***

Thanks for all you do,

Jeff Sites

[Blogger's Note: Here is where the email provides text and a hyperlink to this campaign's launch video! Now, the reason that I did not include the text and hyperlink for this campaign's launch video is because most of the other Democratic political campaigns for which I write these 'updates' don't necessarily have launch videos included in their introductory campaign emails. Therefore, the reason that I didn't include the text and hyperlink for this launch video—even though I watched this campaign's launch video—is so that I am not appearing to promote this Democratic candidate's campaign, which has a launch video as part of the introductory email, more so than any of the other Democratic candidates' campaigns for which I write these 'updates.' (I hope that makes sense!)]

Help me defeat Jim Jordan and flip this seat from red to blue

My name is Jeff Sites, and I'm running for Congress against Jim Jordan in Ohio's 4th district!

I’ve been laid off. I’ve been unable to find a job I could provide for my family with. I’ve been hurt and couldn’t afford to see a doctor, and skipped medication to make ends meet.

I understand hard times. Jim Jordan does not.

Jim Jordan has a radical record of attacking the middle class, leading attacks on Social Security and Medicare to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires. I will protect these crucial programs that ordinary Ohioans have paid into and rely on.

Jim Jordan is well funded by the far-right and we need all the help we can get throwing him out of office. I would greatly appreciate anything you could spare. I promise we will put your donations to good use.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Jeffrey Sites.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Jeffrey A. Sites for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to do my part to "help [Jeff Sites] flip Ohio’s 4th district blue and defeat Jim Jordan for good" because, "even though Jim Jordan’s hopes of becoming Speaker are over, the fight to replace him in Congress has never been more important."

---------------------------------------------

The second political campaign communication that I responded to was a text message today, October 27th, 2023, from the Gay Valimont For Congress campaign, which stated, in part, the following:

Hi! I'm Gay Valimont- the only democrat running against Matt Gaetz. I'm the former head of Moms Demand Action FL turned candidate. I'm running because Gaetz's MAGA theatrics serve no-one in our country. If you give as little as $5, it WILL make a difference towards our weekly goal. Can I count on you?***

Gay Valimont For U.S. Congress

Donate to Gay Valimont For Congress

Gay is a dedicated community member, mother, and advocate from Florida's 1st District. Having faced profound personal hardships, including the loss of her husband to ALS and her son to a brain tumor, Gay's resilience and commitment to service have shone brightly. She's running for Congress to bring compassion, integrity, and genuine representation to a district she deeply loves. Gay believes in a brighter future for Florida, grounded in community, care, and unity.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Gay Valimont.

[  ] Donate $24 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Gay Valimont For Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue), because "Gaetz's MAGA theatrics serve no-one in our country," so that is why "she's running for Congress to bring compassion, integrity, and genuine representation to a district she deeply loves. Gay believes in a brighter future for Florida, grounded in community, care, and unity."

Thus, these two campaigns—Jeffrey A. Sites for Congress, as well as Gay Valimont for Congress—are the political campaigns that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written October 27th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023, revised October 30th, 2023 and revised November 14th, 2023)

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October 27th, 2023 Update No. 4: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) today, October 27th, 2023, with the subject line, "It’s mind-boggling the abuses farm labor contractors get away with", which stated the following:

United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW

The abuses farm labor contractors get away with are mind-boggling

Roughly one out of three farm workers don't work directly for a farm. They're hired by a "labor contractor" that supplies the farm with workers. Unfortunately, those companies are often responsible for the worst abuses of workers. You wouldn't believe the conditions workers face.

[Name redacted] spends her day lugging a 16-foot ladder from tree to tree as she fills 80-pound bags of oranges. Her day is hard enough, but she doesn't even get basics like a clean bathroom. “Here with this farm labor contractor they don't clean the bathrooms. They are always very dirty. We can't even [stand to] enter the bathrooms because of how dirty they are.” [Name redacted] faces another indignity on payday. “I always have to look for the farm labor contractor so he can give me [my check], and I have to go all the way to his house, but I can't find him.”

And the intimidation is mind-boggling. [Name redacted] tells us he was working for a labor contractor in CA's [California's] strawberries when nearby rows were sprayed with toxic pesticides. Some workers began coughing and struggling to breathe. You would think the labor contractor would have immediately made sure these workers were checked out by a doctor. Under California labor laws, it is illegal to punish workers for complaining about unsafe work conditions...or to force them to sign and give up their rights. But that's exactly what they did. “They gave us some papers to sign [saying] that they had not sprayed...We did not ask anything for fear that they will lay us off or fire us.”

Things are different under a UFW contract. [Name redacted] has worked in agricultural fields for more than 25 years. She currently works under a union contract and enjoys its benefits. [Name redacted] shares, “It is definitely a huge difference to work under a union contract and to be represented by the UFW. We count on a process to resolve any issues that arise with the contractor. I have observed these differences and others from the other farm labor contractors that don't have any protections or benefits for the workers.”

Your donation can help hold labor contractors accountable and allow us to protect the men and women who harvest our food.

DONATE***

PS: After you take action you can also share this campaign on Facebook & Twitter.*

Roughly 1 in 3 farmworkers work for labor contractors - who are often responsible for the worst abuses. Sadly, some growers use labor contractors to avoid responsibility, letting them underpay, overwork and harass workers. Help change this. Donate @

https://act.seiu.org/a/laborcontractors?am=25.00&ms=tellfriend_t&ceid=442257&snw=2&ref=3ddbe06c-81f2-4800-9c4d-6957f4d433a0#!

And so, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers because "roughly 1 in 3 farmworkers work for labor contractors - who are often responsible for the worst abuses," since "some growers use labor contractors to avoid responsibility, letting them underpay, overwork and harass workers." However, "it is definitely a huge difference to work under a union contract and to be represented by the UFW." –Paul Whiting (written October 27th, 2023, revised October 28th, 2023 and revised November 17th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 28th, 2023 Update No. 1: I have decided to consolidate the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign donations that I make on a regular basis—which is usually several times per month—in order to save the number of 'updates' that I write about these campaign donations!

You see, I typically write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations that I make virtually every time that I make a campaign donation—within which I usually include the text from each political campaign's requesting email, or text message, along with some of each campaign's donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign (which is usually $3.00 per campaign), plus how much I tipped ActBlue (which is usually $0.11 per donation)—however, lately there has suddenly been quite a number of campaign donation requests!

Therefore, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for these type of political campaign donation 'updates' and combine every campaign donation request per day (via email and/or text message) into one 'update' for that day, so that I don't have to keep writing all of these individual 'updates' for campaign donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political contribution requests, which is why I don't include them with these email and/or text message requests.

And I mean no disrespect to the individual political campaigns—each of which used to receive their very own 'update' on my blog—however, the 2024 election cycle is really starting to gear up and I have made a (hopefully realistic) goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. Plus, I am only donating once per PAC (Political Action Committee) for the entire election cycle, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, because that is all that I can really afford for the 2024 Presidential Election. (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) I hope that makes sense!

So, without further ado...

The only political campaign communication that I responded to was a text message today, October 28th, 2023, from the Anna Kaplan for Congress campaign (Anna Kaplan for New York), which stated the following:

My name is Anna Kaplan, and I'm running to defeat George Santos.

I was born in Iran to a Jewish family. My family faced religious persecution, so at age 13, my parents put me on a plane, not knowing when - or if - they'd see me again. I landed in New York and found a place where women had real rights and could determine their futures.

I ran for New York State Senate and defeated a well-funded Republican to flip the chamber to give Democrats control for the first time in decades. I helped pass bills protecting women's rights and codifying Roe v. Wade into law.

George Santos was elected based on a web of lies and has been proven to be nothing but an embarrassment to our district, state, and country. He's claimed he was Jewish. He claimed his grandparents survived the Holocaust, and his mother survived the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City. We cannot allow George Santos to win again.

Now I'm running for Congress to provide real representation to the people of New York and stop George Santos' web of lies once and for all.

But I can only win with your support. So I'm asking today: Will you chip in $25 to my campaign to defeat George Santos?***

Let's win this thing.

- Anna Kaplan

Donate to Anna Kaplan for New York!

Anna is running to unseat George Santos and flip New York's 3rd District from red to blue, but she can't do it alone.

Help elect Anna to Congress by making a donation today!

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Anna Kaplan.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $3,300 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Anna Kaplan for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue), because "[she's] running for Congress to provide real representation to the people of New York and stop George Santos' web of lies once and for all."

Thus, this one campaign—Anna Kaplan for Congress—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written October 28th, 2023, revised October 29th, 2023, revised October 30th, 2023 and revised November 14th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 28th, 2023 Update No. 2—Which Also Discusses October 27th, 2023: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, October 28th, 2023, is only from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 28th, 2023, as well as that I received yesterday, October 27th, 2023, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The following are the articles which I received yesterday, October 27th, 2023:

The first Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Maine Is Missing Opportunities to Stop Gun Violence, Experts Say":

https://time.com/6328999/maine-gun-violence-lawss

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Biden Cast Doubt on Gaza’s Death Toll. Palestinian Officials Responded With 6,747 Names": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]

https://time.com/6328885/gaza-death-toll-explainer

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "The Horrors I Witnessed as an Israeli Medic on Oct. 7": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DESCRIPTIONS OF WAR VIOLENCE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]

https://time.com/6328616/israeli-medic-witness-oct-7

---------------------------------------------

The following are the articles which I received today, October 28th, 2023:

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "The Christian Nationalism of Speaker Mike Johnson":

https://time.com/6329207/speaker-mike-johnson-christian-nationalism

---------------------------------------------

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "As Biden Responds to Iran-Linked Attacks With Air Strikes, Fears of a Wider War Grow":

https://time.com/6329553/biden-iran-air-strikes-syria-war

---------------------------------------------

The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "Israel’s 4 Bad Options in Gaza":

https://time.com/6328823/israels-4-bad-options-gaza

And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 28th, 2023 and revised November 26th, 2023)

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October 29th, 2023 Update No. 1: I have decided to consolidate the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign donations that I make on a regular basis—which is usually several times per month—in order to save the number of 'updates' that I write about these campaign donations!

You see, I typically write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations that I make virtually every time that I make a campaign donation—within which I usually include the text from each political campaign's requesting email, or text message, along with some of each campaign's donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign (which is usually $3.00 per campaign), plus how much I tipped ActBlue (which is usually $0.11 per donation)—however, lately there has suddenly been quite a number of campaign donation requests!

Therefore, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for these type of political campaign donation 'updates' and combine every campaign donation request per day (via email and/or text message) into one 'update' for that day, so that I don't have to keep writing all of these individual 'updates' for campaign donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political contribution requests, which is why I don't include them with these email and/or text message requests.

And I mean no disrespect to the individual political campaigns—each of which used to receive their very own 'update' on my blog—however, the 2024 election cycle is really starting to gear up and I have made a (hopefully realistic) goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. Plus, I am only donating once per PAC (Political Action Committee) for the entire election cycle, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, because that is all that I can really afford for the 2024 Presidential Election. (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) I hope that makes sense!

So, without further ado...

The first political campaign communication that I responded to was an email from the Mazie Hirono for Senate (Mazie Hirono for Hawaii) campaign today, October 29th, 2023, with the subject line, "Welcome to the team, Paul!", which stated, in part, the following:

Mazie Hirono for Hawaii
U.S. Senate

I proudly represent the great state of Hawaii in the U.S. Senate and bring a strong, progressive voice to Washington. Now, I’m running for re-election to continue fighting for our working families, our planet, and our future.

Whether it’s codifying abortion rights, staving off the worst effects of climate change, or ending the entirely preventable gun violence epidemic that is now the leading cause of death for American children, I’m going to need a strong grassroots team with me every step of the way to win these critical fights.

If you’re committed to fighting alongside me, please add your name below:

I'M IN >>***

I first came to the U.S. from Japan when I was nearly 8 years old. My mother made the courageous decision to escape her abusive marriage and bring me and my brothers to the U.S. in hope of a better life.

When we arrived in Hawaii, I spoke no English and my mother worked low wage jobs with no job security or health benefits. We were living paycheck to paycheck.

My mother’s perseverance inspired me to fight for dignity and justice for all people. As a student at the University of Hawaii, I joined fellow student activists to protest the Vietnam War — and that experience showed me that to create real change, ordinary people must have a seat at the table.

That’s what led me to public service, and eventually to the U.S. Senate. I fight everyday for legislation that will lift children and families out of poverty, secure our free and fair elections, and defend reproductive rights — critical Democratic priorities that will deliver for the American people.

I’m not afraid to speak out against the GOP’s ruthless efforts to drag our country backward, as I fight for progressive change in the U.S. Senate so everyone has a fair shake – but I cannot do it alone.

We’re strengthening our grassroots team – and I need to know if you’re with us for the fight ahead. Add your name below to stand with our team so we can fight for lasting, progressive change:

I'M IN >>***

You’ll be hearing more from me soon!

Mahalo [Thank you],

Mazie

Mazie Hirono for Senate

ADD YOUR NAME

If you're committed to fighting alongside Mazie, add your name below:

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]

PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF MAZIE HIRONO

[ActBlue donation page text from the campaign website:]

Mazie Hirono for Hawaii
U.S. Senate

Stand with Mazie Hirono

We’ve protected our Democratic Senate majority, and now it's time to build on our progress and deliver for our families, our planet, and our future — but it’s critical that we have the resources to overcome GOP obstruction.

Add a contribution to support Mazie's grassroots campaign and help us defend our Democratic majority.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Mazie Hirono.

[  ] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Mazie Hirono for Senate campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "stand with [Mazie Hirono's] team so [they] can fight for lasting, progressive change" and that is why I made "a contribution to support Mazie's grassroots campaign and help [them to] defend our Democratic majority."

---------------------------------------------

The second political campaign communication that I received today was a text message today, October 29th, 2023, from the Tammy Baldwin for Senate campaign, which stated the following:

Hey, it's Senator Tammy Baldwin. Will you take a moment to picture this with me? It's Election Day 2024, and Republicans won back control of the Senate - by a single seat.

Mitch McConnell is reinstated as Senate Majority Leader. Democratic priorities like voting rights, abortion rights, and LGBTQ+ rights are being reversed - and the GOP is advancing their dangerous agenda.

Wouldn't you wish you had donated $25 when it mattered most?

Now, imagine the alternative:

Democrats have won the Senate race in Wisconsin and held onto our Senate majority. I get to keep fighting in the Senate by standing up for working families, defending health care and abortion rights, and working to protect marriage equality for all Americans.

That's a future we can have, but only with your support. The Senate majority could come down to one seat, and our race in Wisconsin is sure to be one of the closest in the nation. I can't do this without you, so I'm asking:

Will you chip in just $25 today to help us make Election Day 2024 a victory for Democrats?***

Thanks for standing with us.

- Tammy Baldwin

Tammy Baldwin for Senate

Donate now to reelect Tammy and keep Wisconsin blue.

Last year, Republicans poured more than $77 million into Wisconsin’s Senate race and won by one point. With Mitch McConnell and his allies prepared to spend whatever it takes to defeat Tammy in 2024, we need your help to fight back.

Donate today to Tammy's reelection campaign to help her win this toss up race and defend our Democratic Senate majority.

DONATE IMMEDIATELY:

Your contribution will benefit Tammy Baldwin.

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $15 →

[  ] Donate $10 →

[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Tammy Baldwin for Senate campaign (with a tip to ActBlue), because "the Senate majority could come down to one seat, and [Tammy Baldwin's] race in Wisconsin is sure to be one of the closest in the nation" and that is why I made a contribution to "Tammy's reelection campaign to help her win this toss up race and defend our Democratic Senate majority."

Thus, these two campaigns—Mazie Hirono for Senate, as well as Tammy Baldwin for Senate—are the political campaigns that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written October 29th, 2023, revised October 30th, 2023 and revised November 14th, 2023)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

October 29th, 2023 Update No. 2: I received an email from Brady PAC (Brady Political Action Committee) today, October 29th, 2023, with the subject line, "[Biden Alert (!!) - via Brady PAC] This is POWERFUL! (re: what Biden said)", which stated the following:

Paul, President Biden is absolutely right!

"We're going to ban assault weapons again, come hell or high water." – President Joe Biden

We need to BAN assault weapons nationwide – and he's the leader who can get it done.

President Biden has already won the most meaningful gun safety reform in decades. Now, he's leading the charge to EXPAND background checks and BAN assault weapons. He is absolutely relentless in his fight to make our communities safe.

And the gun lobby is TERRIFIED of him!

That's why the NRA and their dark money donors are preparing to spend MILLIONS to defeat President Biden and put a hard-line extremist like Donald Trump in the Oval Office!

With control of the White House on the line, we have to be ready to go toe to toe with the NRA. We've launched a HUGE Defend President Biden Fund goal to shore up our resources. But we're falling short ahead of our critical midnight deadline!

Please, will you rush a donation before midnight to help make up the $2,455 gap to our goal and ensure that we have the resources to take on the NRA and elect gun safety champions like President Biden?

If you've saved payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:

[✓] Donate $5***
[  ] Donate $25
[  ] Donate $50
[  ] Donate Another Amount

– Brady PAC

BIDEN VICTORY FUND

Dear Paul,

Every generation has a moment when they have had to stand up for democracy.

I believe this is ours.

That is why I am running for reelection as president of the United States. And if you believe, as I do, that nothing is beyond our reach when we stand together, please join me in this moment and support my campaign today.

When I ran in 2020, I said we were in a battle for the soul of America. We still are. The question before us now is whether we'll have more freedom or less in the years ahead. More rights or fewer. I know what I want the answer to be, and I think you do too. But this is not a time to be complacent.

All eyes are on us right now. Together — and only together — can we build the grassroots campaign it will take to finish the job.

Paul, I am personally asking: Will you contribute $15, $20, $50, or more to build the strongest possible early campaign so we can win in 2024 and elect Democrats up and down every ballot?

There's a choice ahead of us. Do we continue to build a future full of opportunities for you and families like yours? Or will we turn back the clock? Across the country, MAGA extremists are lining up to take us backward. They're trying to gut Social Security and Medicare. They're trying to raise prices on prescription drugs and repeal the cost-saving measures we've put in place for hardworking families, all while saying there's enough money to cut taxes for the rich.

They're telling women what health care choices they're allowed to make. They're telling you what books should be in your kids' schools. And if you don't like it, tough luck: They're going after your right to vote, too.

But I refuse to let that happen. And I'm ready to fight with everything I've got to protect our future. Especially after all we've already accomplished together.

Throughout my first term, we've worked tirelessly to protect our progress from the GOP's extremist agenda and move our country forward: More than 13 million jobs created. Lower prescription drug prices for seniors. Historic investments in our clean energy future. I'm so proud of what we have been able to accomplish in a few short years — and you should be, too, because you're a big part of this.

But there's still so much left to be done:

• We passed the first major federal legislation on gun violence in decades. But now we need to finish the job and ban assault weapons.

• We capped insulin costs at $35 a month for Medicare recipients. It's time to cap it for everyone.

• And we finally made the wealthiest corporations pay their fair share. But we need to do the same for billionaires.

I'm not a guy who sits back before the job is finished. And I'm not about to stop now not when our future and our freedoms are on the line. I can promise you that I will never stop fighting to keep our nation and our democracy strong for future generations.

Today, I'm asking you to join the fight by rushing your most generous contribution to support our campaign and Democrats nationwide because this is going to be an uphill battle every step of the way. But here's the honest truth: I'm more optimistic than I've ever been. And it's because I've seen what this team can do when it comes together.

The people who pitch in during the earliest days of this race mean so much to me.

You'll always be the founders of this campaign - the people who believed in Kamala's and my vision for America from the very start.

Thank you for standing with us. I can't wait to see you on the campaign trail.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden

P.S. There's a choice ahead of us: Do we continue to build a future full of opportunities for every American? Or will we turn back the clock on our progress? I am running for reelection to defend freedom, democracy, our fundamental rights, and equality. Please let me know you're with me by supporting my campaign and Democrats across the country today. To put your contribution to work even faster, please visit www.democrats.org/Sep-23. Thank you for standing with me.

And, after I read the letter above, I typed the web address to the referenced webpage in my browser, the relevant text of which can be found below:

Biden Victory Fund

Donate to reelect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are running for reelection.

It’s going to take this full team at Joe and Kamala’s backs to finish the job and deliver for Democrats, including four more years in the White House. Will you pitch in today to help Joe, Kamala, and Democrats nationwide?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Biden Victory Fund.

[  ] $50 →

[  ] $25 →

[  ] $100 →

[  ] $250 →

[  ] $1,000 →

[  ] $2,000 →

[✓] Other $7.00

Leave a tip for ActBlue

Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.

[✓] Add a tip $0.41

[  ] Leave no tip

So, I made a one-time donation to the Biden Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) today, October 30th, 2023, in order to confirm the reply memorandum statement: "Yes, Joe! I will join you in your campaign today. Enclosed is my urgent contribution to supercharge this campaign from the start, and defend our democracy and personal freedoms. Together we can — we must — finish the job for the American people."

And I also made this donation to the Biden Victory Fund because "every generation has a moment when they have had to stand up for democracy. I believe this is ours."

Now, I usually write these 'updates' for mailers on the day that I receive them; however, at first, I wasn't actually going to respond to this mailer because I was trying to hold back on the number of political donations that I have been making lately—even though I really wanted to proudly display the "Biden Victory Fund" promotional post card* (please see below) that came in this mailer with my other campaign promotional material for the 2024 Presidential Election! You see, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations."

Then, I received a text message from the Biden Victory Fund today, October 30th, 2023 (please see my 'October 30th, 2023 Update No. 2,' which can be found below) and since I have already gone way over my budget for political donations anyway, I thought "What the heck!" So, I decided to donate for this mailer that I received in the middle of the month—and now I can proudly display that "Biden Victory Fund" promotional post card* because I donated! –Paul Whiting (written October 30th, 2023, revised November 12th, 2023 and revised March 7th, 2024)

*FRONT OF THE CARD:

Biden Victory Fund

[Image of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris]

BACK OF THE CARD:

I'm so grateful you've stood alongside us to move this country forecard. Now it's time to finish the job — together. I look forward making for families like, to the yours progress we'll keep and mine. Thank you.

– Joe Biden

P.S.: Just so you know, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am reducing how much I donate for the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond) to take action." Thus, I will still be responding to some of the regular mail requests that I receive (to which I choose to respond), which are requesting me to take action, but I am reducing the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers. (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.)

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October 30th, 2023 Update No. 2: I have decided to consolidate the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign donations that I make on a regular basis—which is usually several times per month—in order to save the number of 'updates' that I write about these campaign donations!

You see, I typically write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations that I make virtually every time that I make a campaign donation—within which I usually include the text from each political campaign's requesting email, or text message, along with some of each campaign's donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign (which is usually $3.00 per campaign), plus how much I tipped ActBlue (which is usually $0.11 per donation)—however, lately there has suddenly been quite a number of campaign donation requests!

Therefore, I have decided to forego my usual writing format for these type of political campaign donation 'updates' and combine every campaign donation request per day (via email and/or text message) into one 'update' for that day, so that I don't have to keep writing all of these individual 'updates' for campaign donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political contribution requests, which is why I don't include them with these email and/or text message requests. (Please see my 'October 30th, 2023 Update No. 1—Which Also Discusses October 14th, 2023,' which can be found above.)

And I mean no disrespect to the individual political campaigns—each of which used to receive their very own 'update' on my blog—however, the 2024 election cycle is really starting to gear up and I have made a (hopefully realistic) goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. Plus, I am only donating once per PAC (Political Action Committee) for the entire election cycle, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, because that is all that I can really afford for the 2024 Presidential Election. (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) I hope that makes sense!

So, without further ado...

The only political campaign communication that I responded to was a text message today, October 30th, 2023, from the Biden Victory Fund, which stated the following:

It’s Joe Biden, Paul. I’m humbly asking you to pitch in any amount before our October deadline. Even just a few bucks adds up in a big way when everyone chips in, especially early on. We’re just over one year out from one of the biggest elections of our lives, and I can’t win this thing without you. Please donate here:***

Biden Victory Fund

Donate before our October deadline to elect Joe Biden and Democrats nationwide

Here's the truth: If we smash our October fundraising goal, we'll be taking a big step towards funding the investments we need to win in 2024. That's why we're asking you to please chip in before our big deadline.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Biden Victory Fund.

[  ] $46 →

[  ] $25 →

[  ] $100 →

[  ] $250 →

[  ] $1,000 →

[  ] $2,000 →

[✓] Other $3.00

Please leave us a tip

ActBlue is a nonprofit fundraising platform that thousands of Democrats and millions of grassroots donors are counting on to help them power change in their communities.

Will you chip in with a $1 tip?

[  ] $1

[  ] $2

[✓] CUSTOM $0.11

[  ] Leave no tip

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue), because "we’re just over one year out from one of the biggest elections of our lives" and "if [the Biden Victory Fund smashes their] October fundraising goal, [they'll] be taking a big step towards funding the investments [they] need to win in 2024."

Thus, this one campaign—the Biden Victory Fund—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written October 30th, 2023 and revised November 14th, 2023)

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October 30th, 2023 Update No. 3: I received an email from Everytown for Gun Safety today, October 30th, 2023, with the subject line, "October news", which stated the following:

Everytown for Gun Safety

Paul–

Once again, our country is reeling from another devastating mass shooting perpetuated using an assault style rifle, this time in Lewiston, Maine. So many of the deadliest shootings in our country's history painfully highlight what needs to be done to demand a future free from gun violence: We must ban assault weapons.

Weapons of war have NO business being on our streets and in our communities.

Take action now: Join the 20,000 supporters who have already messaged their U.S. Senator and Representative urging them to support a federal assault weapons ban.

https://act.everytown.org/sign/awb-2023

[By the way, I already took this action to "Tell Congress: Reinstate The Assault Weapons Ban Now" on October 26th, 2023 (please see my 'October 26th, 2023 Update No. 2,' which can be found above).]

Then, read about the rest of the work we're doing to end gun violence in communities across the country.

From the Field: Moms Demand Action

With less than two weeks to go until Election Day [2023], our volunteers are going all-out to elect gun sense champions. This year more than 150 (!) Moms Demand Action volunteers are running for office to make their communities stronger and safer.

These Demand A Seat (https://www.everytown.org/demand-a-seat) candidates join our growing vanguard of volunteers who have taken their advocacy to the next level by running for office—and we have a movement of grassroots leaders all over the country who are rolling up their sleeves to get them elected.

Whether there's an election in your community or not, volunteers are working on the ground across the country to pass gun safety legislation. Join them: Find an upcoming event near you.

https://momsdemandaction.org/events

From the Field: Students Demand Action

Smith & Wesson is one of the largest gun manufacturers in the country—its weapons have been used in high-profile mass shootings including Aurora, Parkland, San Bernardino, and Highland Park. But despite being aware of the carnage its guns have caused, Smith & Wesson continues to market its AR-15s to minors and young people.

Earlier this month, the company moved its headquarters from Massachusetts to Tennessee, citing a Massachusetts bill that would have made it difficult to make and sell assault weapons there. Students Demand Action welcomed the #KillerBusiness to Tennessee by canvassing Smith & Wesson's new neighborhood to educate neighbors about the company's dangerous actions.

Support this work by adding your name to the petition demanding Smith & Wesson change its practices.

https://act.everytown.org/sign/SDA_SW_GrandOpening

[By the way, I already took this action to "Add Your Name To Demand Smith & Wesson Improve Its Practices" on October 10th, 2023 (please see my 'October 10th, 2023 Update—Continued Further,' which can be found above).]

Courts & Litigation

After last year's horrific mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, Everytown Law partnered with two other law firms to represent ten families who lost loved ones or were injured themselves. And last month, in a victory for survivors, a federal court rejected Smith & Wesson's attempt to remove the lawsuits from state court to federal court.

Every legal victory we win sends a message to the gun industry: Your days of avoiding accountability are over—and we'll be seeing you in court for many years to come. Join our Courts Advocacy Team to stay updated on this case and other legal decisions that impact gun safety.*

https://act.everytown.org/sign/courts-advocacy-team

Everytown in the News

Next week, the Supreme Court will consider whether domestic abusers subject to restraining orders have the constitutional right to possess a gun in U.S. v. Rahimi. The Court's decision could have massive implications, not only for people experiencing domestic and intimate partner violence, but for so many others too.

"Many people equate mass shootings with random acts of violence, but our analysis shows that most mass shootings aren't at all random," said Everytown's senior director of research, Sarah Burd-Sharps. "Nearly half of mass shooters shoot a current or former intimate partner or family member as part of their rampage."

Read more in the Huffington Post: How The Supreme Court's Next Gun Ruling Could Impact Mass Shootings

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.huffpost.com/entry/supreme-court-mass-shootings_n_651f0812e4b091a3dc26a4a3/amp

Research Corner

Access to a gun triples the risk of death by suicide. ⁠In states with the strongest gun safety laws, gun suicide rates decreased over the past two decades, while states with the weakest laws saw a 39 percent increase. If all US states had experienced the same trend in their gun suicide rate from 1999 to 2022 as the eight states with the strongest gun safety laws, approximately 72,000 fewer people would have died by gun suicide.

Read more from our new analysis of state gun safety laws and gun suicide rates.

https://everytownresearch.org/two-decades-of-suicide-prevention-laws-lessons-from-national-leaders-in-gun-safety-policy

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 connection to free, confidential support anywhere in the US. Call or text 988.

Take Action

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) recently proposed a regulation to help close loopholes that allow unlicensed gun sellers to sell guns with no background checks—and we have a little over a month to make sure they know we support it.

Over 150,000 people have already submitted their comments in support of this critical regulation. Tell ATF you support closing these dangerous loopholes in our background check system.

https://secure.everyaction.com/w8uoozjzqEy5nhCc9OR1aA2

[By the way, I already took this action to "Tell ATF: Close the online and gun show loopholes" on September 10th, 2023 (please see my 'September 10th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above).]

Good News!

We're celebrating some huge legislative wins in states across the country:

[✓] New York will now allow reimbursement for community violence intervention programs, which ensure follow-up care and wrap around services for gun violence survivors. This law will open up a new and consistent funding stream for the programs that keep New Yorkers safe!
[✓] After tireless advocacy from volunteers, the Massachusetts House passed a comprehensive gun safety bill that would strengthen the state's assault weapons prohibition, keep firearms out of sensitive spaces, prohibit ghost guns, increase data collection on crime guns, and much more. It now heads to the Senate.
[✓] Last month in a historic legislative session, California lawmakers passed thirteen gun safety bills including legislation to promote responsible gun ownership and provide transformational funding for community violence intervention, school safety, and gun violence prevention programs.

None of this work would be possible without the millions of supporters that make up our movement.

Thank you for your support.

Everytown for Gun Safety

Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e).

*And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding joining Everytown for Gun Safety's Courts Advocacy Team, the relevant text of which can be found below:

Everytown for Gun Safety

Join The Everytown Courts Advocacy Team To Fight Back Against The Gun Lobby

Last year, the Supreme Court issued a dangerous and misguided ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which not only struck down a 100-year-old key aspect of New York's concealed carry law, but also changed the way that lower courts have to analyze Second Amendment claims—focusing on history from 150 years ago or more instead of on public safety.

This decision unleashed chaos and uncertainty in the courts and opened the door for extremist judges to issue dangerous decisions. It also gave gun extremists a clear call to action: Use the courts to advance their radical, "guns everywhere" agenda.

Sign your name to join our Courts Advocacy Team, where we'll keep you updated on decisions that impact gun safety laws. Together, we can defeat the gun lobby and keep our communities safe.

Complete the form to sign the petition now:

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Mobile phone: [redacted]

JOIN THE TEAM

And so, I joined Everytown for Gun Safety's Courts Advocacy Team! –Paul Whiting (October 30th, 2023)

P.S.: Just so you know, I used to make one-time donations to the organization that is the subject of these 'updates' each time that I took an action as requested by that organization; however, "I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ... due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations." (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.) Therefore, "I am greatly reducing the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis." (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above.) Thus, because I have already donated to the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund on October 5th, 2023 (please see my 'October 5th, 2023 Update—Continued,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund* for October 2023.

*"Frequently Asked Questions" from the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund:

What is the difference between the Action Fund and the Support Fund?

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization, which focuses on awareness and educational work related to gun violence prevention. Donations to the Support Fund are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization, which focuses on advocacy and legislative work. Because Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund fights to end gun violence with every legal tool available—organizing around critical elections and key legislative battles in states across the country—donations are not tax-deductible.

Please see the hyperlink below for the FAQs:

https://www.everytown.org/faq/#:~:text=Everytown%20for%20Gun%20Safety%20Support%20Fund%20is%20a%20501(c,the%20extent%20permitted%20by%20law.

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October 31st, 2023 Update No. 1—Which Also Discusses October 31st, 2022: Happy Halloween, everyone! Here is a poem I wrote for my new "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blog that is titled, "I Have Never Written A Halloween Poem," which was originally published on October 31st, 2022:

I Have Never Written
A Halloween Poem

I have never written
a Halloween poem,
"witch" is scary!

I came "ghost" to writing
a Halloween poem,
but I was too spooked
in order to write it!

So, I have been
hiding from writing
a Halloween poem
—up till now!

You see, until
recently, writing
a Halloween poem
was too "monstrous" of
a task for me to undertake!

Although, not writing
a Halloween poem
has been "haunting me"
for quite some time now!

However, I tried
to play it "ghoul" for a
while, until I finally got
around to writing
a Halloween poem!

But, that's just how it is
in this "neck of the woods,"
with regard to writing
a Halloween poem
—and that sucks!

Still, those are just some
of the "skeletons in my
closet" about writing
a Halloween poem!

I hope all of this talk
about me being way
too afraid to write
a Halloween poem
hasn't frightened
you too much!

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., A Creative Writer)
"I maybe say 'boo' much about how life really is!"

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/10/i-have-never-written-halloween-poem.html

Anyway, I hope this poem didn't scare the hell out of you! (Ha! What a frightfully funny joke...) –Paul Whiting (October 31st, 2023)

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October 31st, 2023 Update No. 2—Which Also Discusses October 30th, 2023: This 'update' that I am writing today, October 31st, 2023, is from both my usual reading of Time Magazine articles, as well as from my oftentimes daily news searches on Google.

You see, I try to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which usually starts with me reading Time Magazine articles that I select from one (or more) of their emails that I receive each day. Then, I usually check each day's news via a Google search under several news topics sometime after I check my email, as well as after I check my previous day's cellular data usage, which I track very carefully.

Thus, I usually check on what is happening in the news via various Google searches that I do on an oftentimes daily basis under the following topics:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
Democrats News
Republicans News
Political News
World News
Global Warming News
Workers On Strike News
Portland Oregon News

Then, I read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those Time Magazine emails and/or from those Google news searches.

Now, I usually try to publish these current news 'updates' on the day that I actually read the news articles referenced in the 'update'; however, lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news!

Not only that, I have been busy, as well, with a lot of "Online Activism" lately that takes an enormous amount of time and energy to write about, which consists of various topics that require their very own 'updates!' Besides that, I am often engaged in editing my five blogs—whenever I notice that any of my writing needs to be revised or corrected—which can take hours to complete depending upon how much editing I have to do!

Plus, I am trying to throttle my cellular data usage in order to stay below the amount of usage that my data plan offers each month, which I track very carefully, so that I don't go over that amount.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the Time Magazine articles 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with a hyperlink.

So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received today, October 31st, 2023, as well as that I received yesterday, October 30th, 2023, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)

The following are the articles which I received yesterday, October 30th, 2023:

The first Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "2023 Is One Big Costume Party":

https://time.com/6323750/taylor-swift-beyonce-barbie-fashion-concert-movie

---------------------------------------------

The second Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Israel’s Vow to ‘Eliminate Hamas’ Is Unrealistic. Here’s What Netanyahu Must Acknowledge":

https://time.com/6329637/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-strategy

---------------------------------------------

The third Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "The Hottest Costume This Halloween? The All-American Couple":

https://time.com/6328337/halloween-costume-barbie-ken-taylor-swift-travis-kelce

---------------------------------------------

The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "‘Nobody Believes in Our Victory Like I Do.’ Inside Volodymyr Zelensky’s Struggle to Keep Ukraine in the Fight":

https://time.com/6329188/ukraine-volodymyr-zelensky-interview

---------------------------------------------

The following are the articles which I received today, October 31st, 2023:

The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "Mike Johnson’s Election Marks the End of Reagan’s GOP":

https://time.com/6329868/mike-johnsons-election-end-of-reagans-gop

---------------------------------------------

The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "How the World Got Hooked on Sugar":

https://time.com/6329462/history-sugar

---------------------------------------------

The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "How to Cultivate Hope When You Don’t Have Any":

https://time.com/6327444/how-to-be-more-hopeful

---------------------------------------------

The eighth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received today) is titled, "What Russia Hopes to Gain From the Israel-Hamas Conflict":

https://time.com/6329850/hamas-gaza-russia-putin-israel

Continuing on—as I mentioned above—lately there has suddenly been an enormous amount of news. And I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, October 31st, 2023, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

Therefore, due to this sudden inundation of news, I am simply opening a webpage for each of the various news articles that I am planning to read, based upon the title of each news article and/or based upon the topic of each news article, in preparation for reading each article later on.

And I usually provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which usually includes the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article.

However, due to the number of articles for which I have an introduction to write lately, I have recently decided to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates' and I simply provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink.

And to clarify: I still have to read these articles! So, I have each article opened as a webpage on my smartphone's Google browser until such a time as I can get around to actually reading them, due to the number of them.

Another clarification: I greatly simplified how these articles are listed—that I still have yet to read—in order to set them apart from the articles in previous 'updates' where I have already read the articles. Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.] And I will indicate whether, or not, I have read each article below its title and hyperlink.

Thus, I will indicate the date that I read each article below the title and hyperlink to the article, after I read the article. Therefore, I plan to indicate when I complete reading the articles below, whenever I can actually get around to reading them—when I have access to WiFi, such as at my local library, or at a place of business where I have been shopping, or at a coffee shop, etc., in order to save usage on my cellular data plan through my mobile phone company, as noted above.

GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS

1. ABC News
China honors American veterans of World War II known as Flying Tigers in an effort to improve ties

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/china-fetes-american-veterans-world-war-ii-flying-104471787

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS

2. Department of Defense
DOD Continues Efforts to Support Israel, Limit Spread of War

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3573065/dod-continues-efforts-to-support-israel-limit-spread-of-war

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS

3. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
How Trump's Verbal Slips Could Weaken His Attacks on Biden's Age

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/30/us/politics/trump-biden-age.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

4. CNN
Fact check: Evidence supports Democrats’ case that Joe Biden made a personal loan to his brother

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/10/31/politics/fact-check-evidence-supports-democrats-case-that-joe-biden-made-a-personal-loan-to-his-brother/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

5. PBS
Biden and Jill Biden hand out books and candy while hosting thousands for rainy trick or treating

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/politics/biden-and-jill-biden-hand-out-books-and-candy-while-hosting-thousands-for-rainy-trick-or-treating

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS

6. CNBC
Biden issues U.S.' first AI executive order, requiring safety assessments, civil rights guidance, research on labor market impact

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/30/biden-unveils-us-governments-first-ever-ai-executive-order.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

7. MSNBC · MSNBC.com
Speaker Johnson uses Israel aid to pick fight with President Biden

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp-video/mmvo196759109621

[I have NOT watched this video yet.]

8. Politico
Biden will meet Xi Jinping in coming weeks, White House says

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/31/joe-biden-xi-jinping-san-francisco-00124571

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

9. The Guardian
Biden expected to meet with Xi Jinping next month for ‘constructive’ talks

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/31/biden-xi-jinping-meeting-us-china

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

10. AP News
Biden and Xi Jinping have agreed to meet, official tells AP (Agreement reached for Biden-Xi talks, but details still being worked out, official tells AP)

https://apnews.com/article/us-china-wangyi-biden-blinken-fbaef1a1afb599807a8fe47f3600a384

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS

11. Politico
Democrats launch write-in campaign for Biden in N.H. [New Hampshire]

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/30/biden-new-hampshire-democrats-write-in-campaign-00124217

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS

12. NPR
House GOP bill would give aid to Israel and cut IRS funding

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/31/1209670609/house-republicans-israel-funding-bill-irs

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

13. CNN
Pence joins Republicans eviscerated by contradicting Trump’s election lies

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/30/politics/republican-party-2020-election-denialism/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

14. Politico
McConnell goes all out as Ukraine fight fractures GOP

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/30/mcconnell-goes-all-out-as-ukraine-fight-fractures-gop-00123966

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS

15. ABC News
Historic hearings begin on whether 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump from running for president

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/historic-hearings-begin-14th-amendment-disqualifies-trump-running/story?id=104431706

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

16. Politico
The politics of Biden's vast new AI order

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/30/bidens-executive-order-artificial-intelligence-00124395

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

17. CNN
Trump, who once appeared to defend January 6 threats against Pence, calls on his former VP to endorse him

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/28/politics/trump-pence-endorsement-antisemitism-biden/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

18. Haaretz
The PA Needs a Political Horizon and Popular Support to Return a Future to Gaza - Israel News

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-31/ty-article/.premium/the-pa-needs-a-political-horizon-and-popular-support-to-return-a-future-to-gaza/0000018b-85bc-d805-a98f-b5fdb8c90000

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

19. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
For Israel's Netanyahu, War in Gaza and at Home

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/29/world/middleeast/netanyahu-israel-gaza-politics.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

20. CNN
Mike Johnson symbolizes a new turn for the religious right

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/31/politics/mike-johnson-donald-trump-religious-right/index.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

21. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Opinion | Speaker Mike Johnson and the Role of Religion in Politics

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/30/opinion/speaker-mike-johnson-religion-politics.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS

22. NBC News · NBCNews.com
Rise in hate around the world amid Israel-Hamas war

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp-video/mmvo196730949957

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS

23. Yale Daily News

‘Environmental Joy’ conference takes on climate change with a smile

https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/10/30/environmental-joy-conference-takes-on-climate-change-with-a-smile

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS

24. NBC News
Autoworkers strike is over as union and GM reach potential deal

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna122760

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

25. The New York Times (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
U.A.W. Strike Gains Could Reverberate Far Beyond Autos

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/31/business/economy/uaw-labor.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

26. Reuters
UAW reaches deal with GM, ending strike against Detroit automakers

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/gm-reaches-tentative-deal-with-uaw-source-says-2023-10-30

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

27. NPR (National Public Radio)
UAW reaches tentative deal with Chrysler parent Stellantis to end 6-week strike

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/28/1209142735/uaw-strike-deal-gm-stellantis-ford-shawn-fain

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

28. Axios
GM reaches tentative deal with auto workers, would end UAW strike

https://www.axios.com/2023/10/30/uaw-strike-united-auto-workers-update-deal

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

29. CNBC
GM reaches tentative deal with UAW, ending strikes at Detroit automakers after six weeks

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/30/gm-uaw-tentative-agreement-labor-strike.html

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

30. CBS News
UAW ends historic strike after reaching tentative deals with Big 3 automakers

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/uaw-strike-update-gm-tentative-agreement

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

---------------------------------------------

GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS

31. KATU ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with ABC.")
Ritz-Carlton hotel in downtown Portland to welcome guests starting Tuesday

https://katu.com/amp/news/local/ritz-carlton-hotel-in-downtown-portland-to-welcome-guests-starting-tuesday-downtown-portland

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

32. Oregon Live ("OregonLive.com is a website covering local news in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The website serves as the online home of The Oregonian.")
Take a first look inside Bellpine, The Ritz-Carlton’s sweeping new 20th-floor restaurant

https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2023/10/take-a-first-look-inside-bellpine-the-ritz-carltons-sweeping-new-20th-floor-restaurant.html?outputType=amp

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

33. KGW ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with NBC.")
Portland Ritz-Carlton prepares for Halloween debut

https://www.websitename.here

[I have NOT read this article yet.]

And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

–Paul Whiting (written October 31st, 2023, revised November 26th, 2023 and revised January 28th, 2024)

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October 31st, 2023 Update No. 3, Written On November 1st, 2023 [August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 3, Written On November 1st, 2023 About October 2023]: This update is a follow-up to the following:

▪ August 19th, 2023 Update
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 1, Written On August 31st, 2023
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 2, Written On October 1st, 2023 About September 2023

My 'August 19th, 2023 Update,' which can be found above, is where I explain that I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And in that 'update,' I explained, in part, the following:

"...I am no longer donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations in the same way that I was due to the fact that I have been spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations—as outlined below—starting with January of 2023.

January 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15%

February 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19%

March 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12%

April 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

May 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 21%

June 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

July 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17%

August 2023:
Month-to-date percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17% [through August 19th, 2023]

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through July 2023 (without including August, since this month is not over yet), it comes out to an average of 17% of my monthly income..."

"...Now that today is the last day of August 2023, I wanted to provide you with this month's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

August 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through August 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Joe Biden for President: 2%
[02] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[03] Non-Categorized Charity: 7%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 5%
[06] Red Cross (Maui Fires): 1%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Non-Categorized Political: 4%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent for August 2023: 23%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[09] Monthly Interest: 6%
[10] Credit Card Purchases: 23%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases for August 2023: 29%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for August 2023: 52%"

"...And now that yesterday, September 30th, 2023, was the last day of September 2023, I wanted to provide you with September's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

September 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through September 2023, it comes out to an average of 18% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
-------Please see [02] below-------
[03] Disaster Relief: 6%
[04] Non-Categorized Charity: 3%
[05] Non-Categorized Political: 5%
[06] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 3%
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1%
[08] Planned Parenthood: 1%
-------Please see [09] below-------
[10] News Organizations: 0.33311125916%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 20%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[02] Credit Card Purchases: 17%
[09] Monthly Interest: 5%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 22%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for September 2023: 42%"

And now that yesterday, October 31st, 2023, was the last day of October 2023, I wanted to provide you with October's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

October 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%

Then, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through October 2023, it comes out to an average of 20% of my monthly income! (The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so my income is quite limited.)

And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[01] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 2%
[02] Non-Categorized Political: 7%
[03] Planned Parenthood: 2%
[04] Everytown for Gun Safety: 1%
[05] Non-Categorized Charity: 4%
[06] World Jewish Congress: 1%
-------Please see [07] below-------
[08] Disaster Relief: 2%
[09] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 10%
-------Please see [10] below-------
[11] Brady PAC: 2%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Donations Spent: 31%

Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:

[07] Credit Card Purchases: 74%
[10] Monthly Interest: 3%

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 77%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for October 2023: 108%

Obviously, I continue needing to greatly reduce the percentage of my monthly income that I am spending on political, progressive and charitable organizations, so that is why I decided to reduce "the number of times that I donate for the same organization per month down to once—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis," as well as to reduce "the amount that I donate to organizations from which I receive mailers."

Now, I am doing way worse than I did last month, where my total percentage from donations spent for September 2023 was 20%, and my total percentage from interest and purchases for September 2023 was 22%, for a grand total percentage of monthly income for September 2023 of 42%!

Thus, I spend 11% more on donations for October 2023—even though I spent less of a percentage on disaster relief this month. And I spent 2% less on monthly interest this month, because the interest rate on my credit card went down, since it is a variable rate that adjusts with the prime rate.

And that reduction in interest rate took my monthly minimum credit card payment from "33% of the amount that I have set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment and my extra payment each month on my credit card," down to 28% of the amount that I have set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment and my extra payment each month!

Plus, I also spent 57% more on credit card purchases for October 2023 than I did last month, as well as 66% more compared to last month on the grand total percentage of my monthly income for September 2023 at 42%. (About 37% of that increase in credit card purchases had to do with me paying for my very first prescription eye glasses; but, the remaining 36% was due to the fact that I made regular purchases on my credit card over the allotted "Budgeted Expenses" amount in my monthly budget; although, I was buying some items that were on sale!)

However, I still really need to continue "tightening my belt," so to speak, with regard to all of the money that I am spending on my credit card each month, so that I can (eventually) get it paid off!

Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because I spent A LOT last year, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" So, I ended up with a rather considerable credit card balance...

...And I am still paying off how much I spent in 2022 on the Midterm Elections while, at the same time, I am trying to be an "Online Activist" and to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism. That is why I blog about which political, progressive and charitable organizations I am supporting with regard to the causes that are the most important to me! –Paul Whiting (written November 1st, 2023, revised December 1st, 2023, revised December 2nd, 2023 and revised January 9th, 2024)

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For my complete political, progressive and charitable donation updates—that include all of my current "Online Activism"—please see my original blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog.

Please see the hyperlink below for the post:

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist.html

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This "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Post No. 152 was edited on August 8th, 2026.

"Prose is using all of the words that are necessary in order to describe all that is necessary to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

"Poetry is using the fewest words possible in order to describe all that is possible to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

Poet, Artist and Philosopher

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Post No. 151: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 3

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