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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 4" (WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS POST NO. 152). AND IT HAS ALL OF THE UPDATES WRITTEN FROM JANUARY 2024 TO APRIL 2024
I Am No Longer Being An Activist
In The Same Way That I Was, Part 5
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this 'Part 2' blog post as a backup post, because there was a period of time when the original blog post kept being unpublished by Blogger for being too 'spammy'—I am guessing because of all the hyperlinks that I was providing for news articles that I was referring to my readers!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.
And, 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
▪ [A Series of Excerpts From My] April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 and
April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On April 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026], as well as
April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 2, Written On April 19th, 2026), in addition to
April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 3, Written On May 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026, Part 2], and finally,
April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 4, Written On June 15th, 2026, Which Also Discusses June 14th, 2026)
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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
***[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, after I took the quiz, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website. Plus, I also included a monthly donation in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel..."
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[A Quote From My] April 3rd, 2022 Update: "I keep changing the way that I donate to Democratic political organizations based upon three basic factors: Factor Number One, I am trying to stay within some kind of 'monthly donating budget' of how much I can give within each month (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); Factor Number Two, I am trying to donate as often as I can manage for each Democratic organization from which I am receiving emails and/or text messages (since I decided to start getting emails and/or text messages from the Democrats in order to keep up with all of the updates for the 2022 Midterm Elections); and Factor Number Three, I am donating on a monthly basis to the USO (United Service Organizations), which starts this month, April 2022, and so I am also including those donations in my 'monthly donating budget.' Therefore, I am hopefully helping the Democrats to win this November in order to prevent Republicans from controlling both Congress and the White House, because I fear that the Republicans will try to turn America into an oligarchy!"
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[A Quote From My] April 12th, 2022 Update: "I am donating to Democratic political organizations—while still trying to stay within a 'monthly donating budget'—so I am basically making one donation per organization per day from which I am receiving emails and/or text messages each day..."
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[A Quote From My] April 17th, 2022 Update: "...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..."
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[A Quote From My] April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued: "I have started making recurring monthly donations today, April 17th, 2022, to Democratic political organizations. And my plan is to let these recurring donations on the 17th of each month be the donations that I make for that day of each month, since I am making one donation per Democratic political organization per day from which I am receiving emails and/or text messages each day—while I am still trying to stay within a 'monthly donating budget'—which is all that I can afford given my monthly spending budget..."
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[A Quote From My] April 17th, 2022 Update—Continued Further, Written On June 17th, 2022: "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,' which can be found below for a detailed explanation.
**[I deleted my ActBlue account! Although, I am still processing payments through the ActBlue website (they seem to be the main donation processing website for most Democratic political organizations and many progressive organizations); however, since I deleted my ActBlue account I have noticed that there are more options for making contributions via ActBlue, but by utilizing different payment processors, such as Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo. Please see my 'June 11th, 2022 Update' for a detailed explanation.]..."
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[A Quote From My] June 17th, 2022 Update: "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. Therefore, my plan is to make regular donations to the various Democratic political organizations from which I am receiving emails and/or text messages each day—while I am still trying to stay within a 'monthly donating budget'—which is all that I can afford given my monthly spending budget..."
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[A Quote From My] July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022: "I have made approximately $[redacted] in total donations to Democratic political organizations and to various Democratic political campaigns from about March 2nd, 2022 through about July 5th, 2022.
And, as of July 7th, 2022, the total amount that I owe on my credit card is $[redacted], which is going to take me at least one year and eight months to pay off!
Plus, 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...
...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...
...Thus, the total for the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations recurring donations, and for the USO recurring donation, is $46.00 per month (which used to be $41.00 per month, but I increased my monthly USO donation from $5.00 to $10.00 per month, so starting on August 17th, 2022 the total monthly donations are now $46.00 per month).
Therefore, I am continuing to make recurring monthly donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations...and to the USO; however, that is all I can afford to donate for the foreseeable future (with the exception of occasional one-time donations to the USO, plus various progressive organizations), given how much I went over my spending budget on political donations...
...And, as I mentioned above, the total amount that I owe on my credit card, as of July 7th, 2022, is $[redacted], which is going to take me at least one year and eight months to pay off as I have calculated, which I have estimated without any interest being calculated, and without any additional future charges, besides the above-mentioned monthly recurring donations.
So, this political donation information is why I wanted to update you with regard to my most recent donations to Democratic political organizations—as well as to Democratic political campaigns—and my planned recurring monthly donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations recurring donations, as well as to the USO.
And I am still making one-time donations to the USO—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation. Plus, I am also still making one-time donations to various progressive organizations."
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[A Quote From My] July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On July 27th, 2022): "This update is a follow-up to my 'July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022' and it is kind of complicated!
You see, my monthly donations of $3.00 each to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations processed on July 17th, 2022...
...And then, today July 27th, 2022, I also made one-time donations to Democratic political campaigns of $3.00 each for the most competitive races (of which I am aware) regarding Democratic House of Representatives and Senate seats. In addition to that, I made one-time donations of $3.00 each to the most competitive races (of which I am aware) regarding Democratic gubernatorial—or governor's—seats. Plus, I made an additional one-time donation to my local Democratic Party of Oregon.
Now, here is where my 'July 7th, 2022 Update, Written On July 11th, 2022 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On July 27th, 2022)' gets complicated: Earlier, I said that I was going to only 'make recurring monthly donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations...and to the USO...with the exception of occasional one-time donations to the USO, plus various progressive organizations,' which is what I have done, so far!
However, I decided that I needed to 'up my game' and to continue making donations to individual Democratic political campaigns, but I am planning to only donate to them once per month, on the 27th of each month, until election day. Thus, I am donating each month—and I am donating $3.00 per campaign, just like I am donating to each of the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations—and that way I am donating to help Democrats win in November, in a way that is affordable to me, for the 2022 Midterm Elections."
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[A Quote From My] April 17th, 2023 Update: "This update is a follow-up to my 'April 17th, 2022 Update,' where I explained, in part, the following:
'...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 [My Writing About No Longer Being An 'Online Activist' In Any Way, Shape Or Form]: "Due to Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election—and until further notice—I am no longer being an 'Online Activist' in any way, shape or form, which includes no longer signing petitions from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations, and no longer sending letters to my Representative and Senators in Congress, as well as no longer 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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[A Series of Excerpts From My] April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1: I received a text message today, April 16th, 2026, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:
[Image of the 2026 USO T-shirt design.]
USO T-shirt alert: Paul, we're so excited to share that the exclusive 2026 USO T-shirts are here! As a thank you for being a top supporter, we're giving you early access before the T-shirts are available to the general public. So please, get yours now before they're gone! 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 $𝟮𝟵 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧-𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁 — 𝗼𝗿 $𝟱𝟮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗧-𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘀?***
As the official uniform of military supporters, this exclusive USO T-shirt is one of the best ways to show your pride and support our nation's service members. Please, don't miss your chance to be among the first to get yours.
𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗨𝗦𝗢 𝗧-𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁:***
—The USO
And, after I read the text message above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage ...
... And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "Wear your support for our troops — support they can see. Every donation helps support critical programs for our brave soldiers that keep them connected to home as they serve worldwide. This year's T-shirt also celebrates America's 250th birthday, so supplies won't last long!" ...
... In addition to that, I used to make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel. Besides that, I also formerly made one-time donations to the USO as often as I could manage whenever they requested a donation via email or text message. However, I am currently on an "Activist Sabbatical" due to Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election. ...
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[A Series of Excerpts From My] April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On April 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026]: Yesterday, April 16th, 2026, I wrote about receiving a text message from the USO (United Service Organizations) regarding the 2026 USO T-shirt design! And I explained that I made a one-time donation for said T-shirt, but I also clarified that I am not currently donating to the USO on a recurring monthly basis, like I used to do, due to Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election.
Now, today, I realized that I shouldn't really be withholding monthly donations just because Donald Trump is President, since the USO is providing really important support to Our Troops, who are putting themselves in harm's way in order to Protect Our Country and Defend Democracy!
So, what got me to thinking about restarting my recurring monthly donations to the USO is the fact that I received an email from the USO yesterday, after I opened the donation webpage from their original text message referenced in my 'April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1,' which can be found above, to get the correct phrasing from that donation webpage in order to represent said page as accurately as possible for the description that I provided in my 'April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1.' And, in doing so, I entered the information in each box, just like I was planning to make a donation! However, I was simply capturing the formatting of the USO's donation webpage text, so that I could replicate it.
Then—lo and behold—yesterday, April 16th, 2026, I received an email from the USO, with the subject line, "You are so close to providing help & support," which stated the following:
[Picture of "a soldier sitting against a fence, looking pensive while holding a small object in his hands. The background features trees and grass, indicating a calm outdoor setting."]
Don’t leave your impact unfinished
You can make a powerful impact for service members and their families.
By making a donation today
• You give our heroes a lifeline: The USO is the only nonprofit dedicated to keeping service members connected to loved ones and the comforts of home — from free Wi-Fi calls to connections home and holiday meals that remind them their sacrifice is valued.
• You make sure no one serves alone: No matter how far, remote or dangerous the deployment, the USO shows up — just like our service members show up for us. But 6 in 10 service members don’t even know the full range of programs available. Your support ensures they can find and use the help they deserve.
• You help power $230,000 of care every single day: It takes $230,000 a day to provide these life-changing programs. Your generosity makes it possible for every hero to feel the comfort of home no matter where duty takes them.
Every day the USO is on the frontlines with our service members. We couldn't do this critical work without generous friends like you.
For the People Who Serve,
– [Names redacted], USO
Complete your donation***
The USO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and acknowledges that no goods or services were provided to you in return for your contribution. Donations to USO are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. ...
... And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, however—in order for me to clarify something—this is where I usually say in these kinds of updates, "the relevant text of which can be found below," but when I opened that page, I realized that I would simply be making another donation for the 2026 USO T-shirt!
Therefore, I decided to refer to my own previous blog post updates where I extol the virtues of making recurring monthly donations as part of the USO Home Team, the text of which can be found below:
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!
And, after I read my own blog post update text, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage ...
... And to clarify another thing: I decided to increase what I donate to the USO on a monthly recurring basis to $20.00, since I used to donate $10.00 per month—which was increased from $5.00 per month—as explained below, from my 'April 17th, 2023 Update,' …
"...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)..."
Then, after I made said donation, I received an email from the USO today, April 17th, 2026, with the subject line, "Welcome to the USO Home Team, Paul" ...
... Thus, I made a recurring 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 heroes are counting on you to be a part of this important work for our country." ...
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[A Series of Excerpts From My] April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 2, Written On April 19th, 2026): Three days ago, on April 16th, 2026, I wrote about receiving a text message from the USO (United Service Organizations) regarding the 2026 USO T-shirt! And I explained that I made a one-time donation for said T-shirt, but I also clarified that I am not currently donating to the USO on a recurring monthly basis, like I used to do, due to Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election.
Then, on April 17th, 2026, I wrote about restarting my recurring monthly donations to the USO due to the fact that I received an email from the USO two days ago, on April 17th, 2026, because I realized that I shouldn't really be withholding monthly donations just because Donald Trump is President, since the USO is providing really important support to Our Troops, who are putting themselves in harm's way in order to Protect Our Country and Defend Democracy!
Then today, April 19th, 2026, I received an email from the USO, with the subject line, "Will your employer match your donation?", which stated the following:
[Graphic image showing a USO logo, then a "+" (plus sign), followed by a gift box emoji with the word "You" written under it, then another "+" (plus sign), followed by another gift box emoji with the words "Company Match" written under it, then the "=" (equals sign), followed by a much larger gift box emoji with the words "Double the impact" written under it.]
Hi Paul,
We’re so thankful for your recent donation!
Did you know that thousands of companies match donations made by their employees to organizations like the USO? 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***
We want to know when you’ve submitted your matching gift request! Once you’ve submitted, 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.***
For the People Who Serve,
[Name redacted], [name redacted] and [name redacted]
USO Matching Gift Team
Sent on behalf of United Service Organizations., Inc. ...
... 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:
Let us know why your gift is 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 retired.
[✓] I am self-employed, a government employee, or not currently working.
[ ] I'm self-employed.
[✓] I'm not currently working.
[Blogger's Note: The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so that is why I indicated that "I'm not currently working."]
[ ] I'm a stay-at-home parent.
[ ] I'm in the public sector.
[ ] I work for a nonprofit.
[ ] I work part-time.
[ ] My company doesn't offer a matching program.
[ ] I don't work for the company you sent info for.
[ ] My donation doesn't meet my company's matching gift program requirements.
[ ] I don't want to submit a match request for this gift.
[ ] I prefer not to say.
Submit
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Thank you for your response. We have updated our records.
Thus, I responded to the USO's request to see if my donation could be matched, by indicating that "I'm not currently working." ...
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[A Series of Excerpts From My] April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 3, Written On May 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026, Part 2]: This update is a follow-up to my 'April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On April 17th, 2026)', wherein I explained, in part, that I made a donation on April 16th, 2026, to the USO (United Service Organizations) on the USO.org website regarding the 2026 USO T-shirt design!
Plus, I clarified that—even though I made a one-time donation for said T-shirt—I am not currently donating to the USO on a recurring monthly basis, like I used to do, due to Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election.
And I go on to explain that I shouldn't really be withholding monthly donations just because Donald Trump is President, since the USO is providing really important support to Our Troops, who are putting themselves in harm's way in order to Protect Our Country and Defend Democracy!
Therefore, I explained that I decided to restart my recurring monthly donations, as part of the USO Home Team, on April 17th, 2026!
And I also clarified that I decided to increase what I donate to the USO on a monthly recurring basis to $20.00, since I used to donate $10.00 per month, which was increased from $5.00 per month.
Thus, that first recurring monthly donation started today, May 17th, 2026! ...
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[A Series of Excerpts From My] April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 4, Written On June 15th, 2026, Which Also Discusses June 14th, 2026): This update is a follow-up to my 'April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1', wherein I wrote about receiving a text message on April 16th, 2026 from the USO (United Service Organizations) regarding the 2026 USO T-shirt design! And I explained that I made a one-time donation for said T-shirt on the USO.org website!
Well, just before midnight on June 14th, 2026, after checking my regular mail, I received the T-shirt—which I must say looks even better than the promotional image! And contained within the packaging for the T-shirt, there was an enclosed letter from the USO, dated May 30th, 2026, which stated the following:
★★★ USO ★★★
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE.™
USO ★ [Street Address and Suite No. redacted] ★ [City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
May 30, 2026
Dear Paul Whiting:
Thank you again for your support of the USO. Enclosed is your 16th Anniversary USO T-shirt, a special collector's edition honoring America's 250th birthday. We hope that each time you wear it, you will be reminded of the brave service members you help support and the sacrifices they make to serve our country.
Thanks to you, and other caring Americans, the USO is able to reach our men and women in uniform wherever they are stationed. You also help the wounded heroes traveling the difficult road from the battlefield to recovery.
Simply put, your gifts help our service members by:
• Paying for Wi-Fi, email access and phone calls home that allow them to stay in touch with their families and loved ones from anywhere in the world — for free.
• Delivering care packages filled with snacks, games and personal hygiene items that our military service members on patrol in remote locations simply wouldn't have otherwise.
• Opening new USO locations across the world and maintaining operations around the clock to give our brave service members serving the comfort of home.
You help the USO make life better for our Armed Forces and their families. However, as the USO faces the daunting task of making life better for all these troops, we need to ask if you can do even more. And if you can find it in your heart to send an additional donation today, you will send a message of hope and gratitude to all those we serve. Thank you again for your support of the USO and the U.S. military.
With heartfelt thanks and best wishes,
Your USO Team
P.S. In the event you are able to make an additional gift now on behalf of our American heroes, please use the attached donation form which has been personalized with your name, address and USO donor number. You may also visit uso.org/usosupporter.
https://give.uso.org/page/2604_tshirt_2a
P.P.S If you requested more than one T-shirt, your items may arrive in separate packages. Be sure to keep an eye out for additional shipments. If you do not receive all items within 6-8 weeks after your donation was made, please reach out to us at [email redacted] so we can assist you.
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★★★ USO ★★★
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE.™
USO DONATION FORM
(Please detach and return this form with your tax-deductible contribution in the envelope provided.)
The people of our U.S. military, and their families, need to know that America still stands behind them. Please accept this additional contribution on their behalf:
[ ] $35
[ ] $50
[ ] $100
[✓] Other $7.00
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Make check payable to The USO. To donate using your credit card or to make your donation monthly, please use the other side of this form. Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law. Thank you for your generosity.
And, after I read the letter above, I entered the hyperlink to the referenced webpage ...
... And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "Thanks to you, and other caring Americans, the USO is able to reach our men and women in uniform wherever they are stationed. You also help the wounded heroes traveling the difficult road from the battlefield to recovery. ... You help the USO make life better for our Armed Forces and their families. However, as the USO faces the daunting task of making life better for all these troops, we need to ask if you can do even more. And if you can find it in your heart to send an additional donation today, you will send a message of hope and gratitude to all those we serve."
Then, after I made said donation, I received an email from the USO today, June 15th, 2026, with the subject line, "Thank You for Your Donation to the USO" …
… 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—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via regular mail, email or text message. (I also donate for specific situations, such as receiving a USO T-shirt!) Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation. ...
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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
▪ [A Series of Excerpts From My] April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 and
April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On April 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026], as well as
April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 2, Written On April 19th, 2026), in addition to
April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 3, Written On May 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026, Part 2], and finally,
April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 4, Written On June 15th, 2026, Which Also Discusses June 14th, 2026)
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!"
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 4" (WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS POST NO. 152, WITH A HYPERLINK PROVIDED BELOW). AND IT HAS ALL OF THE UPDATES WRITTEN FROM JANUARY 2024 TO APRIL 2024:
https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist-part-4.html
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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 4" (WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS POST NO. 152, WITH A HYPERLINK PROVIDED BELOW). AND IT HAS ALL OF THE UPDATES WRITTEN FROM JANUARY 2024 TO APRIL 2024:
https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist-part-4.html
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YEAR 2024 UPDATES FOR JANUARY:
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January 1st, 2024 Update No. 1 [My Writing About My New Year's Resolution For 2024]: Happy New Year, everyone! My New Year's Resolution for 2024 is to change the way that I am making donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations in order to still donate to them on a consistent basis, but in a way that is affordable for me!
Please let me explain: I used to make one-time donations to the organizations which are the subject of the blog post 'updates' that I write on some of my blogs each time that I took an action as requested by those organizations; 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 really 'tightening my belt,' so to speak, with regard to all of the donations that I am making on my credit card each month! So, 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." [Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023' (that also appears as 'November 30th, 2023 Update No. 2, Written On December 1st, 2023' on some of my blogs), which can be found above.]
Now, that also means if I do donate to any particular organization, in any given month, I am striving to donate to that organization only once per month. 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.)
–Paul Whiting (written January 1st, 2024 and revised January 9th, 2024)
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January 3rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses December 27th, 2023 Through January 2nd, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 3rd, 2024, is only from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received via email for the time period of December 27th, 2023 through January 2nd, 2024.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which used to start with me reading Time Magazine articles that I selected from one (or more) of their emails that I received each day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of the Time articles that I receive from their daily emails—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the titles of the Time articles that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. Thus, I already receive these types of emails from Time Magazine—as mentioned above—but I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to Time Magazine. Therefore, if I highlight any of those articles, as well, I will let you know through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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 for the time period of December 27th, 2023 through January 2nd, 2024, 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 seven days ago, December 27th, 2023:
The first Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Setting New Year’s Intentions in Middle Age":
https://time.com/6548881/new-years-intentions-middle-age-essay
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The second Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "9 Mental-Health Resolutions for 2024, According to Therapists":
https://time.com/6371479/mental-health-resolutions-2024
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The following are the articles which I received six days ago, December 28th, 2023:
The third Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "Understanding Pregnancy Loss Was Supposed to Improve Health Outcomes—Not Lead to Punishment": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT PREGNANCY LOSS WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/6548700/pregnancy-loss-punishment
---------------------------------------------
The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "TIME’s Top 10 Photos of 2023": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SOME PHOTOGRAPHS THAT ARE VERY GRAPHIC IN NATURE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/6550740/time-top-10-photos-2023
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received five days ago, December 29th, 2023:
The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "The Ultimate Election Year: All the Elections Around the World in 2024":
https://time.com/6550920/world-elections-2024
---------------------------------------------
The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "The Endangered Species Act Has Been a Success for 50 Years. Its Work Is Just Beginning":
https://time.com/6549548/endangered-species-act-50-years
---------------------------------------------
The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "10 New Year’s Traditions From Across the Globe":
https://time.com/6550868/new-years-traditions-around-the-world
---------------------------------------------
The eighth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Who Decided January 1st Is the New Year?":
https://time.com/6550127/new-year-celebration-january-calendar-date-history
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received four days ago, December 30th, 2023:
The ninth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Ohio Governor Vetoes Bill Banning Gender-Affirming Care for Young People":
https://time.com/6551149/ohio-governor-gender-affirming-care
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received three days ago, December 31st, 2023:
The tenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "10 Surprising Facts About the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop":
https://time.com/6551253/new-years-eve-times-square-ball-drop-facts
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received two days ago, January 1st, 2024:
The eleventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Israel Says It’s Pulling Thousands of Troops From Gaza": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/6551345/israel-pulls-troops-from-gaza
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received yesterday, January 2nd, 2024:
The twelfth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Teachers Wrestle With How to Discuss January 6 With Students":
https://time.com/6548722/teachers-january-6-insurrection-students
By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled, "Trump Should Be Prosecuted, Jan. 6 Committee Declares in Historic Criminal Referral."
---------------------------------------------
The thirteenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "‘The Donald Trump Revenge Show’: House GOP Moves Toward Impeaching Biden":
https://time.com/6550679/biden-impeachment-trump-revenge-show
And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 3rd, 2024, revised January 5th, 2024, revised January 10th, 2024, revised January 13th, 2024, revised January 20th, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 5th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 5th, 2024, from the Harry Dunn for Congress campaign, which stated the following:
Paul, my name is Harry Dunn. 3 years ago as a Capitol Police officer, I defended the U.S. Capitol from insurrectionists. Today, I'm proud to announce my campaign for Congress.
On January 6th, I fought on the frontlines to stop Donald Trump and his MAGA mob from overturning a free and fair election. I witnessed my fellow officers be beaten bloody and attacked by people with hate in their heart.
I defended members of Congress who invited the violence into the Capitol.
I returned to work, despite the trauma, and watched horrified as those same members refused to take action or even denounce the violence.
That day showed me just how fragile and precious our democracy is. We need fighters in Congress who are willing to show up to hold far-right extremists accountable.
I'm running because I'm passionate about this and I'm not going to sit back and wait for someone else to do it. But Trump and his rabid supporters will stop at NOTHING to stop me from winning this open seat.
I'd be honored to have you as a Day One Founder of my Democratic campaign. It is critical we raise $100,000 first 24 hours to prove we have the momentum to win. Can you chip in even just $1 and join me in this fight?***
With Love
Harry
***[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, 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:
[Image of Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn next to the following quote:] "I'm ready to keep defending democracy and our Democratic priorities, but this time, as a Congressman." RUSH $10 NOW >>
Be a Day One Donor!
I saw the carnage and violence of January 6 with my own eyes. So trust me when I say, we are dangerously close to something like the January 6 Insurrection happening again.
I worked in the Capitol as Officer Dunn - now I'm running to serve as Congressman Dunn.
Can I count on you to chip in and make history for Democrats and Maryland's 3rd Congressional District?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Harry Dunn.
[ ] Donate $1 →
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $3,300 →
[✓] Other amount: $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Harry Dunn for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to be "a Day One Founder of [Harry Dunn's] Democratic campaign [for Congress]."
Thus, this one campaign—Harry Dunn for Congress—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 5th, 2024, revised January 22nd, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 5th, 2024 Update No. 2: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 5th, 2024, is only from my usual reading of The New York Times articles that I received via email today.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of The New York Times articles that I receive from their daily emails, as well as just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to The New York Times—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
Thus, I have been keeping up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe—including The New York Times—in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the article titles from the news organizations to which I subscribe that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. And so, I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to The New York Times. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times 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 the titles to The New York Times articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received today, January 5th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to The New York Times through a 'Basic Access - Monthly' Digital Subscription via Google Play.)
The first New York Times article that I read today is titled, "Trump Received Millions From Foreign Governments as President, Report Finds":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/04/us/politics/trump-hotels-foreign-business-report.html
---------------------------------------------
The second New York Times article that I read today is titled, "Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Deadly Bombings in Iran": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT A BOMBING ATTACK WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/04/world/middleeast/us-isis-iran-general-suleimani.html
---------------------------------------------
The third New York Times article that I read today is titled, "U.S. Added 216,000 Jobs in December, Outpacing Forecasts":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/business/economy/jobs-report-december-2023.html
---------------------------------------------
The fourth New York Times article that I read today is titled, "A Factory in Maine Proves ‘Made in America’ Is Still Possible":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/opinion/american-manufacturing-apparel-clothing.html
---------------------------------------------
The fifth New York Times article that I read today is titled, "F.D.A. Issues First Approval for Mass Drug Imports to States From Canada":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/health/drug-imports-canada-florida.html
---------------------------------------------
The sixth New York Times article that I read today is titled, "Wayne LaPierre Resigns From N.R.A. With Trial Set to Open":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/nyregion/wayne-lapierre-resigns-nra.html
---------------------------------------------
The seventh New York Times article that I read today is titled, "Biden Condemns Trump as Dire Threat to Democracy in a Blistering Speech":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/us/politics/biden-speech-trump-jan-6.html
And I decided to highlight these articles from The New York Times for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 5th, 2024, revised January 10th, 2024, revised January 13th, 2024 and revised January 20th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 5th, 2024 Update No. 3: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 5th, 2024, is only from my usual reading of USA Today articles that I received via email today.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of the USA Today articles that I receive from their daily emails, as well as just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to USA Today—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
Thus, I have been keeping up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe—including USA Today—in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the article titles from the news organizations to which I subscribe that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. And so, I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to USA Today. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these USA Today articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the USA Today 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 the titles to USA Today articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received today, January 5th, 2024, when I noticed the following USAToday.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
The first USA Today article that I read today is titled, "Biden will mark Jan. 6 anniversary with speech warning Trump is a threat to democracy.":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/03/biden-democracy-campaign-jan-6-valley-forge/72090274007
---------------------------------------------
The second USA Today article that I read today is titled, "Ahead of Jan. 6, poll flashes warning signs about 2024 election aftermath":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/04/jan-6-trump-voters-believe-fraud-2024/72072407007
---------------------------------------------
The third USA Today article that I read today is titled, "Trump received millions of dollars from foreign governments while president, House Democrats allege":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/04/trump-foreign-governments-house-democrats/72097540007
---------------------------------------------
The fourth USA Today article that I read today is titled, "Islamic State said it carried out Iran suicide bombings that killed dozens: War updates": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT A BOMBING ATTACK AND WAR UPDATES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/israel-hamas/2024/01/04/israel-hamas-war-gaza-lebanon-live-updates/72104796007
And I decided to highlight these articles from USA Today for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 5th, 2024, revised January 10th, 2024, revised January 13th, 2024 and revised January 20th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 6th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On January 7th, 2024: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) three days ago on January 4th, 2024, with the subject line, "The reason why so many Trump-enablers have run for state office...", which stated the following:
ELECT STATE DEMS
A project of the DLCC
Paul – did you know that 15 state legislators who attended the January 6th insurrection are currently serving in statehouses across the country? And since January 6th, 2021, at least 59 Republicans who were in Washington, DC, that day have either ended up in state legislative office or ran for one?
We believe the reason why so many insurrectionists and election deniers have run in state legislative races is because they're betting that nobody pays attention to local races – making it that much easier to win, gain power, and oversee the future of our elections.
But they’re wrong, Paul. We’re paying attention – we know that you are too – and we’re not going to make this easy for them.
But, Paul, here's the hard truth: Increased awareness and attention is not enough – we need financial investment to organize for state Democrats and defeat these insurrectionists and their enablers. So will you please chip in $50 or anything you can to protect our democracy at the state level?
If you've stored your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will process immediately.
Chip in $50 now »
Chip in $100 now »
Chip in $250 now »
Chip in $1000 now »
[✓] Chip in another amount »***
The DLCC supports countless Democrats who run in incredibly close races against extremist Republicans threatening to restrict abortion access and gut voting rights.
The good news is that more and more people are realizing the importance of these state legislative races heading into 2024’s elections – and we’re so excited to be growing this team.
But at the end of the day, winning is going to come down to who can earn the most votes – not who has the most attention. And our voter outreach and organizing work is powered by the contributions we receive from emails like this one.
Competing against the GOP requires a ton of resources – and that’s why we need your support: Please pitch in $50 or anything you can right now to keep Trump’s insurrectionists and their enablers out of power.
Thank you,
Team DLCC
[✓] DONATE »***
[ ] MAKE IT MONTHLY »
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DLCC
DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Join the fight to defeat GOP insurrectionists!
State Democrats across the country urgently need your help to defeat Trump's allies. Your grassroots donation to the Stop the Insurrectionists Fund will help take on GOP insurrectionists and their enablers in the fight for our democracy.
Can you chip in $7 today?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.
[ ] Donate $7 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $5.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
ActBlue Technical Services is a nonprofit that builds the 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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DLCC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, January 6th, 2024, in order to "join the fight to defeat GOP insurrectionists," because "[the DLCC needs] financial investment to organize for state Democrats and defeat these [Trump] insurrectionists and their enablers."
---------------------------------------------
The second political communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) two days ago on January 5th, 2024, with the subject line, "Under NO circumstances, Paul.", which stated the following:
Paul, let us explain why your Democratic Membership is so critical right now.
FIRST: MAGA Republicans unleashed $250,000 on ads to prop up 17 vulnerable Republicans and misrepresent the facts.
THEN: Polls show that the battle for control of the House will come down to a photo finish -- Democrats are ahead by less than one point.
NOW: Stunning reports reveal that MAGA Mike Johnson raised $5.4 MILLION in ONE WEEK!!
Paul, under NO circumstances can we let MAGA Republicans buy their way into another vile term in power. That’s why support from our Democratic Members is so absolutely critical to competing with their mega-donors. We’re calling for 22,310 Democratic Members to step up and help ensure we have the resources to STOP House Republicans from building an UNBEATABLE war chest and pulling off a total takeover. We cannot afford to let Republicans get a head start. Can you rush $60 to help reclaim the House for Democrats? >>***
2024 DEMOCRATIC MEMBER
2024 DEMOCRATIC MEMBERSHIP STATUS: CONFIRMED
ACTIVIST: PAUL WHITING
SUGGESTED SUPPORT: $60
Paul, every time we’ve asked you for help, you’ve stepped up.
You helped us kick one of our country’s WORST Presidents OUT of power.
You helped stop the "red wave" from materializing.
You helped House Democrats and President Biden secure LONG overdue progress on critical issues.
Now, we need your help once again. Will you rush $60 to help take back the House? We’re calling for just 22,310 more grassroots Democrats to step up and help outraise House Republicans to crush their hopes of a full takeover. >>
If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[ ] Chip in $60 immediately >>
[ ] Chip in $80 immediately >>
[ ] Chip in $120 immediately >>
[ ] Chip in $200 immediately >>
[ ] Chip in $480 immediately >>
[✓] Or chip in another amount >>***
Thank you,
DCCC
***[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, after I read the email 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 $15 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $5.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, January 6th, 2024, because "under NO circumstances can we let MAGA Republicans buy their way into another vile term in power." That is why I contributed "a donation to elect a WAVE of Democrats and FLIP the House!"
---------------------------------------------
The third political communication to which I responded was a text message two days ago on January 5th, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS), which stated the following:
BREAKING: U.S. Supreme Court announces it will decide if Donald Trump can be kept off 2024 presidential ballots.
Agree or disagree: “Donald Trump should be disqualified from being on the 2024 ballot”
[✓] Yes, I agree:***
[ ] No, I do not agree:
-Team DASS
***[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, 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:
Democratic Association of Secretaries of State
PLEASE CONFIRM BELOW
Email: [redacted]
Agree or disagree: "Colorado and Maine made the right decision to disqualify Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot"
[✓] Yes, I agree!
[ ] No, I do not agree!
[ ] Unsure
[FOLLOW UP] If the 2024 election were held tomorrow, who would you vote for?
[✓] Joe Biden
[ ] Donald Trump
[ ] Unsure
Do you plan to vote [this] year?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Unsure
[ ] Prefer not to say
How concerned are you that MAGA Republicans running for Secretary of State have pledged to END Vote-by-Mail?
[✓] Very concerned
[ ] Somewhat concerned
[ ] Not concerned
Did you know that Secretaries of State are responsible for upholding election laws, overseeing elections, and counting ballots?
[✓] Yes, I knew that!
No, but I do now!
The Democratic Association of Secretaries of State is the largest and most powerful organization leading the movement to stop election-denying extremists at the ballot box. Will you join our grassroots operation?
[✓] YES!
Can we please count on you to chip in to elect Democrats who will fight for our democracy?
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $3 >>
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $15 >>
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $35 >>
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $50 >>
[✓] Yes, I'll chip in a custom amount >>
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DASS (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, January 6th, 2024, in order to confirm that "Yes, I agree ... Donald Trump should be disqualified from being on the 2024 ballot."
---------------------------------------------
The fourth political communication to which I responded was a text message two days ago on January 5th, 2024, from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), which stated the following:
Paul: As of 3:40 P.M., you still haven't answered our critical poll to confirm you DON'T approve of Donald Trump!
Trump is mounting a 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 comeback bid, and with polls neck-and-neck, we need grassroots Democrats like you to confirm you WON'T support Trump in 2024!
The future of our democracy is on the line, but we still need 113 more responses from your area before MIDNIGHT -- so please tell us now:
Do you approve of Donald Trump?
[ ] YES:
[✓] NO:***
- DSCC
***[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, 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:
DSCC
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Democratic Poll
Please confirm your response and answer a few additional questions for our Democratic Strategy Team.
Please confirm: Do you approve of Donald Trump?
[ ] Yes.
[✓] No!
Now that Donald Trump is running for president AGAIN, what do you consider to be the most dangerous parts of his time in office? (Select all that apply.)
[✓] Lying about election fraud and inciting an insurrection at the Capitol
[✓] Putting three ultra-conservative justices onto the Supreme Court
[✓] Supporting cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
[✓] Attempting to eliminate the Affordable Care Act
[✓] Slashing taxes for billionaires and giant corporations
[✓] Undermining the U.S. Postal Service
[✓] Coddling dictators and undermining America's allies abroad
[✓] Ignoring critical issues like climate change and gun violence
[ ] Other:
Now that Trump is leading the polls for the Republican nomination, how concerned are you that he and his Senate allies could return to power?
[✓] Extremely concerned
[ ] Somewhat concerned
[ ] Not at all concerned
If Democrats lose just two Senate seats, we'll lose our majority to Mitch McConnell and far-right MAGA Republicans. How committed are you to stopping the GOP from retaking Senate control?
[✓] Extremely committed -- I am in the fight to defend and expand the Democratic majority.
[ ] Somewhat committed.
[ ] Not at all committed -- I don't care if Mitch McConnell retakes Senate control.
To stop MAGA Republicans, we need to hit every deadline. But our finance team says we're short of today's $25,000 fundraising goal, and we only have until midnight to catch up!
Will you chip in $30 or more to help reach this goal and fight for President Biden's razor-thin Democratic Senate majority?
Please use the links below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $30.
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $60.
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $90.
[✓] Yes, but I'll chip in another amount.*
*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I made a one-time donation, rather than a monthly donation—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]
---------------------------------------------
DSCC
Donate now to SUPERCHARGE our Senate majority!
CNN says multiple GOP seats could flip blue this year -- but with Mitch McConnell's megadonors already playing offense, it's going to take all hands on deck to win!
Please, will you chip in now to protect our historic progress by supercharging our Democratic majority?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DSCC.
[ ] $120 →
[ ] $60 →
[ ] $300 →
[ ] $600 →
[ ] $1,200 →
[ ] $2,400 →
[✓] Other $5.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DSCC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, January 6th, 2024, in order to answer the question "Do you approve of Donald Trump?" That is why I responded with a resounding "No!"
---------------------------------------------
The fifth political communication to which I responded was an email from the Biden for President campaign yesterday, January 6th, 2024, with the subject line, "January 6, 2021", which stated the following:
Biden-Harris 2024
Paul, certain dates echo throughout history. They remind all who have lived through them where they were and what they were doing when our democracy came under assault.
Today, I am reflecting on where I was on this day in 2021, as I am sure you are too.
I was not only Vice President-elect, I was also a United States senator. I was at the Capitol that morning. Hours later, the gates of the Capitol were breached.
I immediately thought about not only my colleagues, but also my staff, who had been forced to seek refuge in our office, converting filing cabinets into barricades. The heroic law enforcement officers who answered the call that day and the American public watching on television from all corners of the nation.
On January 6, we all saw what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful. The lawlessness, the violence, the chaos.
What was at stake then, and now, is the right to have our future decided the way the Constitution prescribes it: by we, the people -- all the people.
The stakes of this election are high. The results could determine the survival of our very democracy. So, I have to ask: Will you make an investment today in this campaign so we can continue strengthening our democracy and protecting our personal freedoms for years to come?
[✓] YES***
The extremists who roamed the halls of the Capitol were not only targeting the lives of elected leaders. They were assaulting the institutions, values, and ideals that generations of Americans have fought for. That we cannot forget, Paul.
We cannot let our future be decided by those bent on silencing our voices, overturning our votes, and peddling lies and misinformation. This threat comes from a radical faction that may be newly resurgent but whose roots run old and deep.
The work ahead will not be easy. But we cannot sit on the sidelines. We must unite in defense of our democracy.
If you’re ready to make a difference, please consider clicking here and making a donation of any amount today to help Joe and me win another four years in the White House.
Thank you for rising to this moment,
Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States
"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
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Donate to reelect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris!
It's going to take this full team to deliver four more years for Democrats in the White House to finish the job. Will you pitch in today?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Joe Biden.
[ ] $25 →
[ ] $10 →
[ ] $46 →
[ ] $100 →
[ ] $250 →
[ ] $1,000 →
[ ] $2,000 →
[✓] Other $5.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden for President campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, January 6th, 2024, because "the stakes of this election are high," since "the results could determine the survival of our very democracy." That is why answered with a resounding 'Yes' to the question from Vice President Kamala Harris: "Will you make an investment today in this campaign so we can continue strengthening our democracy and protecting our personal freedoms for years to come?"
---------------------------------------------
The sixth political communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) yesterday, January 6th, 2024, with the subject line, "January 6th", which stated the following:
Three years ago today, we witnessed a horrific attack on our democracy. The will of the people went under assault, and our Constitution faced the gravest of threats.
But we the people endured. Our democracy prevailed.
That’s why I have hope, Paul -- because the people of this nation standing on the right side of history didn’t allow this threat to crumble the values and progress we built together.
But it is also our job to make sure we’re not short-sighted. That we remember the insurrection of January 6 and the lies that fueled it. Because if we are not vigilant in defending our democracy, it might not stand next time.
Democracy is on the ballot again this year. And, we must do everything in our power to make sure MAGA Republicans do not come close to threatening our progress and undermining the values our country was founded on again. The DNC has made historic investments in educating, mobilizing, and protecting voters nationwide -- and I'm counting on this team to join me in continuing to bolster those efforts in this critical election year.
If you’re able, please make a $35 donation to the DNC today to help defend our democracy and elect Democrats who are ready to do the same.
Today and every day, thanks for being on our team.
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Democratic National Committee
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DEMOCRATS
Donate to the DNC and help elect Democrats nationwide!
The Democratic Party is counting on your support to hold the GOP accountable and elect more Democrats up and down the ballot.
Donate to the DNC and invest in the resources our candidates rely on to compete and win year after year.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC).
[ ] $20 →
[ ] $10 →
[ ] $50 →
[ ] $100 →
[ ] $250 →
[ ] $1,000 →
[ ] $2,000 →
[✓] Other $5.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DNC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, January 6th, 2024, because "democracy is on the ballot again this year," so "we must do everything in our power to make sure MAGA Republicans do not come close to threatening our progress and undermining the values our country was founded on again," since "we remember the insurrection of January 6 and the lies that fueled it."
Thus, these five organizations—the DLCC, the DCCC, the DASS, the DSCC and the DNC—as well as this one campaign—Biden for President—are the political organizations and the political campaign that I donated to yesterday! –Paul Whiting (written January 7th, 2024, revised January 22nd, 2024, revised February 1st, 2024, revised February 21st, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
P.S.: I truly do believe that Republicans are acting like "Radical Christian Terrorists," hence, the January 6th, 2021 Capitol Attack.
(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!)
And, speaking of the January 6th, 2021 Capitol Attack, here are some poems that I originally wrote on May 28th, 2021, June 2nd, 2021, and June 4th, 2021, respectively, regarding the 'True Patriot' event of 'legitimate political discourse,' as well as regarding the 'lack of integrity' in the 2020 Presidential Election:
"January 6th, 2021"
(A 'Not-So-Infamous' Poem)
January 6th, 2021:
A date which will
*never live in infamy.*
–Paul Whiting (written May 28th, 2021, revised June 11th, 2022 and revised June 12th, 2022)
---------------------------------------------
Republicans and 'Election Integrity'
(A Haiku Poem)
The Republican
Election Integrity:
"Them 'darkies' can't vote!"
–Paul Whiting (written June 2nd, 2021 and revised September 7th, 2022)
---------------------------------------------
January 6, 1776?
(A Questioning Poem)
Why, on January 6th, 2021,
were rioters, who attacked
the Capitol Complex, and who
threatened members of Congress
and Vice President Pence, told that...
..."Today is 1776"?
–Paul Whiting (written June 4th, 2021, revised June 11th, 2022, revised September 7th, 2022, revised November 27th, 2022 and revised March 10th, 2024)
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January 10th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 10th, 2024, from the Cheyenne Hunt for Congress (Cheyenne for Congress) campaign, which stated the following:
Hi, I'm Cheyenne Hunt, the only Gen Z woman running for Congress in 2024. I'm running because we're in the fight of our lifetime to take back our democracy from unaccountable corporate politicians. We need leaders born into this crisis who understand what's at stake right now.
Raised by two generations of single mothers, I overcame generational obstacles to be the first in my family to graduate college. As an attorney, I protected domestic violence survivors and worked in the Senate Judiciary Committee drafting progressive legislation.
Now, I'm facing a MAGA extremist who seeks to criminalize abortion and attack our basic civil liberties. Together, we can build back the rights we have lost and protect those who will inherit the world we create. Will you become a Founding Donor of our campaign by chipping in $20 today?***
Thanks,
Cheyenne
***[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, 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:
CHEYENNE FOR CONGRESS
DONATE TO CHEYENNE HUNT FOR CONGRESS
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Cheyenne Hunt.
[ ] Donate $5 →
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Cheyenne Hunt for Congress (Cheyenne for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to become a "Founding Donor of [Cheyenne Hunt's] campaign [for Congress] by chipping in [$3] today."
Thus, this one campaign—Cheyenne Hunt for Congress (Cheyenne for Congress)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 10th, 2024, revised January 22nd, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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January 10th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses January 3rd, 2024 Through January 9th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 10th, 2024, is only from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received via email for the time period of January 3rd, 2024 through January 9th, 2024.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which used to start with me reading Time Magazine articles that I selected from one (or more) of their emails that I received each day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of the Time articles that I receive from their daily emails—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the article titles from the news organizations to which I subscribe that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. Thus, I already receive these types of emails from Time Magazine—as mentioned above—but I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to Time Magazine. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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 for the time period of January 3rd, 2024 through January 9th, 2024, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)
The following are the articles which I received seven days ago, January 3rd, 2024:
The first Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism":
https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay
---------------------------------------------
The second Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "How to Reduce Food Waste and Save Money":
https://time.com/6344758/how-to-reduce-food-waste-budget
---------------------------------------------
The third Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Your New Year’s Resolution to Carry a Water Bottle Has a History":
https://time.com/6548310/new-years-water-bottles
---------------------------------------------
The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Failure Is a Privilege":
https://time.com/6549815/failure-privilege-essay
---------------------------------------------
The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Work Is the New Doctor’s Office":
https://time.com/6548866/how-work-affects-your-health
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received six days ago, January 4th, 2024:
The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "How Food Can Improve Your Mood, According to Nutritional Psychiatrists":
https://time.com/6344753/food-improve-mood-nutritional-psychiatrists
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received five days ago, January 5th, 2024:
The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "A Make-or-Break Year for Democracy Worldwide":
https://time.com/6551743/2024-elections-democracy-trump-putin
---------------------------------------------
The eighth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Climate Gets Its Day in Court":
https://time.com/6552129/juliana-vs-us-climate-case
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received four days ago, January 6th, 2024:
The ninth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Why a New Stanley Cup Is Causing a Frenzy at Target":
https://time.com/6552422/stanley-cup-craze-target
---------------------------------------------
The tenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "What Generative AI Reveals About the Human Mind":
https://time.com/6552233/generative-ai-reveals-human-mind
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received three days ago, January 7th, 2024:
The eleventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "How Experts Believe Starvation Is Being Utilized in Gaza": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/6552740/gaza-israel-starvation-hunger
---------------------------------------------
The twelfth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "How We Can Confront the Myths of January 6 and Intensifying Christian Nationalism":
https://time.com/6552370/january-6-myths-christian-nationalism
---------------------------------------------
The thirteenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "What To Pay Attention to If You Want to Understand Climate and Business In 2024":
https://time.com/6552403/business-and-climate-change-2024
---------------------------------------------
The fourteenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "How ‘Urgent Optimism’ Can Save the World":
https://time.com/6552329/urgent-optimism-climate-action-essay
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received two days ago, January 8th, 2024:
The fifteenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Congressional Leaders Reach Deal on 2024 Spending to Avoid Government Shutdown":
https://time.com/6552891/congress-johnson-democrats-agreement-spending-government-shutdown
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received yesterday, January 9th, 2024:
The sixteenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "How Attacks in the Red Sea Could Increase Costs of Items from Clothing to Coffee":
https://time.com/6553141/red-sea-houthi-attacks-consumer-prices-cost
And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 10th, 2024, revised January 13th, 2024, revised January 20th, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
P.S.: By the way, I just before I started to read the Time Magazine article above titled, "Your New Year’s Resolution to Carry a Water Bottle Has a History," I was curious about this shopping trend that I have read about lately regarding "The Stanley™ Cup" craze!
So, I did a Google search for "water bottle craze" and I found an article on the Vox website titled, "The Stanley water bottle craze, explained," regarding people waiting in long lines at stores in order to buy the coveted Stanley™ brand water bottles! (Please see the hyperlink below for the article.)
"The Stanley water bottle craze, explained" from Vox Media:
https://www.vox.com/culture/24031385/stanley-craze-tumbler-best-water-bottle
And after I read the article above, I made a one-time donation to Vox Media in order to show my support for Vox's Journalism, as described in the following statement, which appeared at the end of the above-mentioned article:
Will you help keep Vox free for all?
At Vox, we believe that clarity is power, and that power shouldn’t only be available to those who can afford to pay. That’s why we keep our work free. Millions rely on Vox’s clear, high-quality journalism to understand the forces shaping today’s world. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today.
Thus, I made this one-time donation to Vox in order to show "my total consumer satisfaction" with their article that "really quenched my thirst," so to speak, for knowing all about this shopping trend that I've been hearing about lately regarding "the Stanley™ Cup" craze!
P.P.S.: And to clarify one more thing: The Vox article above that is titled, "The Stanley water bottle craze, explained" was read by me long before the Time Magazine article above that is titled, "Why a New Stanley Cup Is Causing a Frenzy at Target" which I read quite a bit later in my reading today of Time Magazine articles.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 11th, 2024 Update No. 1: In observance of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which is yearly (annually) on January 11th in America, I donated today, January 11th, 2024, to organizations that are working toward ending modern slavery, or human trafficking as it is formally called. And I donated to both national and international anti-human trafficking organizations to symbolically recognize modern slavery, or human trafficking, as being an extremely serious issue in America, as well as worldwide. –Paul Whiting (January 11th, 2024)
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January 13th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, January 13th, 2024, with the subject line, "'Patients and doctors should be making these decisions.'", 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
A lot happened in 2023, Paul.
Some of it was bad.
In 2023, over 380 anti-abortion bills were introduced across 47 states. And in 21 states, all or some abortions are now banned. Wyoming became the first state to enact an explicit medication abortion ban (currently not in effect, pending a court challenge), and North Dakota enacted a total abortion ban. Indiana’s total ban, which passed during a 2022 special session, went into effect. Across the country, more than 1 in 3 women of reproductive age, plus more trans and non-binary people, currently live in a state where they cannot access abortion.
But we had some major wins, too.
Ohio voters enshrined the right to an abortion in their constitution. Abortion care services in Wisconsin resumed when a state court ruled that the state's pre-Roe statute from 1849 was not an abortion ban. Advocates worked hard to protect reproductive rights, introducing over 410 proactive abortion access bills across 49 states.
And in 2024, our movement is working towards more major wins: Advocates are trying to put abortion rights on the ballot in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Nevada, and other states.
Across the country, in every state, Planned Parenthood Action Fund and our allies will fight to secure the fundamental right to an abortion. Thank you for a transformative 2023. Here's to what we will accomplish together in 2024.
Sincerely,
[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
Hold Congress Accountable: Stop Attacks on Reproductive Care
Well, here we are again — members in the majority of the U.S. House of Representatives are continuing their attacks on abortion, gender-affirming care, sex education, birth control, and more. They don't care about patients. They don't care about essential health care. They only care about their personal agenda.
We need to hold them accountable. Tell Congress: stop the attacks on sexual and reproductive health care!
Take Action >>***
[By the way, I took this action last year (2023) 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); however, I decided to send this message again because that was over three months ago!**]
State Spotlight
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Idaho to enforce its total abortion ban — even when it conflicts with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law that requires hospitals to provide all patients who seek care at a hospital emergency room with stabilizing treatment, including life-saving abortions. And, in an extraordinary move, the Supreme Court also agreed to hear oral arguments in the case this April, before a lower federal court of appeals decided the case.
"The fact of the matter is that either lawmakers are unaware of the impact the abortion ban in Idaho is having or they are willfully ignoring it – neither of those options are acceptable. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Idahoans deserve better care than this. For the health and livelihood of our patients, we will not sit and watch while people are continually put in grave danger during their pregnancy." — [Name redacted], Planned Parenthood Great Northwest Hawai’i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky [Title redacted]
The Supreme Court's move came the same week that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided with the state of Texas, which sued the Biden administration over their guidance on EMTALA that clarified that abortion can be stabilizing treatment for patients in some cases and must be provided regardless of state law.
Now, emergency rooms in Texas and Idaho are not required under federal law to perform emergency abortions, even if a patient's life or health is in immediate danger. In addition, ER doctors across the country who are part of an anti-abortion organization participating in the Texas case can also deny abortions when needed, regardless of where they practice.
Doctors and abortion providers already struggle to navigate extreme abortion bans and these actions by the courts only further endanger patients and prevent life-saving care.
Read More >>
https://amp.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article283895183.html
Around the Web
CBS: Maryland expands gender-affirming care covered by Medicaid
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-expands-gender-affirming-care-covered-by-medicaid
The Tennessean: Why more women are joining a lawsuit challenging Tennessee's abortion ban
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/08/tennessee-abortion-ban-more-women-are-joining-a-lawsuit-against-the-law-medical-exceptions/71962621007
The Guardian: Florida abortion rights amendment proposal looks likely to appear on ballot
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/05/florida-proposal-abortion-rights-constitution-ballot
Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org
***[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.]
By the way, I read all of the articles referenced in the email above including the article referenced about how 'the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Idaho to enforce its total abortion ban — even when it conflicts with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA),' which is titled, "U.S. Supreme Court lets Idaho’s ER abortion ban stand for now. Here’s what comes next." 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 the newsletter, if I haven't already taken that same requested action (or, those same requested actions), as noted from previous 'updates.'
*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 can be found below:
Become a Planned Parenthood Action Fund Associate Member.
By submitting this form, I affirm that I want to become an associate member of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]
SUBMIT
And, after submitting the form above, I received a confirmation email today, January 13th, 2024, from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund with the subject line, "Thank you for your Associate Membership!", which stated the following:
Dear Paul,
Thank you for standing with us as an Associate Member of Planned Parenthood Action Fund!
Membership is free and allows you full access to timely Action Fund updates, including information about our grassroots organizing, legislative and regulatory advocacy, electoral endorsements, and volunteer opportunities in your area — and gives you an opportunity to vote for a member of the Action Fund Board of Directors.
You can also follow Planned Parenthood Action Fund on Facebook and Twitter.
We are so glad to have you with us!
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Plus, after I renewed my Associate Membership for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund to show my support for the Action Fund Update monthly newsletter, as well as for my "Associate Membership of Planned Parenthood Action Fund."
**In addition to that, I took the action to "Tell Congress: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care" by clicking the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, which can be found below:
Tell Congress: Stop the attacks on Planned Parenthood patients and sexual & reproductive health care
We need to hold anti-abortion lawmakers accountable. Fight to protect access to sexual & reproductive health care.
Anti-abortion politicians in Congress are packing must-pass government funding bills with measures that attack Planned Parenthood and deny access to abortion and gender-affirming care at home and around the world.
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 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 unpopular and harmful attacks on access to sexual and reproductive health care — including abortion — in any government funding agreement.
As your constituent, I ask you to oppose all attempts to cut funding for or restrict access to sexual and reproductive health care in the U.S. and around the world 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 — not take our rights away.
Sincerely,
[Your information here]
And, after sending the letter above, I received a confirmation email today, January 13th, 2024, from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund with the subject line, "Thank you for adding your voice.", which stated the following:
PLANNED PARENTHOOD ACTION FUND
Paul,
Thank you for adding your voice and reminding federal 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 the federal 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=1f943a3e-c080-4eec-b05e-035f5fb1dc20
–Paul Whiting (written January 13th, 2024, revised February 17th, 2024 and revised March 16th, 2024)
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January 13th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses January 6th, 2024 Through January 12th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 13th, 2024, is only from my usual reading of The New York Times articles that I received via email for the time period of January 6th, 2024 through January 12th, 2024.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of The New York Times articles that I receive from their daily emails, as well as just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to The New York Times—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
Thus, I have been keeping up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe—including The New York Times—in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the article titles from the news organizations to which I subscribe that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. And so, I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to The New York Times. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times 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 the titles to The New York Times articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of January 6th, 2024 through January 12th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to The New York Times through a 'Basic Access - Monthly' Digital Subscription via Google Play.)
The following are the articles which I received seven days ago, January 6th, 2024:
The first New York Times article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Broken Promises: If you’ve already broken your New Year’s resolution, don’t despair. You don’t need a holiday to change your life.":
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/07/briefing/new-years-resolutions.html
---------------------------------------------
The second New York Times article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "The Nicest New Year’s Resolution I Ever Made":
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/22/opinion/letters-new-year-resolution.html
[Blogger's Note: The article above is from November 22nd, 2021.]
---------------------------------------------
The third New York Times article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "As Pressure Mounts, Israeli Minister Proposes Plan for Postwar Gaza": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/world/middleeast/israel-plan-gaza.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received six days ago, January 7th, 2024:
The fourth New York Times article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "In Frothy Awards Season, What Role Will Israel-Hamas War Play?":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/06/business/media/hollywood-awards-israel-gaza-speeches.html
---------------------------------------------
The fifth New York Times article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "American Unions Long Backed Israel. Now, Some Are Protesting It.":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/business/american-unions-long-backed-israel-now-some-are-protesting-it.html
---------------------------------------------
The sixth New York Times article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "Is Trump Hell?":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/06/opinion/trump-biden-election.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received five days ago, January 8th, 2024:
The seventh New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "The Misguided War on the SAT":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/briefing/the-misguided-war-on-the-sat.html
---------------------------------------------
The eighth New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "With Shutdown Looming, House and Senate Leaders Agree on Spending Levels":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/us/congress-spending-deal-shutdown.html
---------------------------------------------
The ninth New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Trump Is Connecting With a Different Type of Evangelical Voter":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/us/politics/donald-trump-evangelicals-iowa.html
---------------------------------------------
The tenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "‘Two Men Down’: For Ukrainian Medics, It Was Time to Move": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/world/europe/ukraine-medics-war-russia.html
---------------------------------------------
The eleventh New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Israel Says Its Military Is Starting to Shift to a More Targeted Gaza Campaign": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/us/politics/israel-military-gaza.html
---------------------------------------------
The twelfth New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Many Have Preached Politics From This Pulpit, but Biden Is the First President":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/us/politics/biden-emanuel-ame-church.html
---------------------------------------------
The thirteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Biden Tries to Rally Disaffected Black Voters in Fiery Condemnation of Trump":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/us/politics/biden-campaign-south-carolina.html
---------------------------------------------
The fourteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "The State of Play in Iowa: What to Know About the G.O.P. Presidential Caucuses":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/us/politics/iowa-gop-presidential-caucuses.html
---------------------------------------------
The fifteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Far Right Balks as Congress Begins Push to Enact Spending Deal":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/us/politics/congress-spending-deal.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received four days ago, January 9th, 2024:
The sixteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Blinken Says Saudi Arabia Remains Interested in Diplomatic Ties With Israel":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/world/middleeast/blinken-middle-east-visit-israel-gaza.html
---------------------------------------------
The seventeenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Looking Ahead to 5 Things That Will Shape the 2024 Election":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/01/upshot/2024-election-trump-biden.html
[Blogger's Note: The article above is part of The Tilt newsletter, which is subscriber only!]
---------------------------------------------
The eighteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "What Will Happen to Gaza’s People?": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/opinion/israel-gaza-war.html
---------------------------------------------
The nineteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Exhausted, on the Defensive and at ‘Hell’s Gate’ in Ukraine":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/world/europe/ukraine-troops-exhausted-defensive.html
---------------------------------------------
The twentieth New York Times article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Elections and Disinformation Are Colliding Like Never Before in 2024":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/09/business/media/election-disinformation-2024.html
---------------------------------------------
The twenty first New York Times article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "January’s Secret: It’s the Best Month":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/09/style/januarys-secret-its-the-best-month.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received three days ago, January 10th, 2024:
The twenty second New York Times article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "U.S. Carbon Emissions Fell in 2023 as Coal Use Tumbled to New Lows":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/climate/us-carbon-emissions-2023-climate.html
---------------------------------------------
The twenty third New York Times article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "Appeals Court Seems Skeptical of Trump’s Immunity Claim":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/09/us/politics/trump-immunity-hearing.html
---------------------------------------------
The twenty fourth New York Times article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "How to Fix America’s Immigration Crisis":
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/01/09/opinion/immigration-in-one-chart.html
---------------------------------------------
The twenty fifth New York Times article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "More Than 20 Million People Have Signed Up for Obamacare Plans, Blowing by Record":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/us/politics/obamacare-affordable-care-act-signups-record.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received two days ago, January 11th, 2024:
The twenty sixth New York Times article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Crime on the Decline":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/briefing/us-crime-rate.html
---------------------------------------------
The twenty seventh New York Times article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Conservatives Revolt Anew Over Johnson Deal to Avert Shutdown":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/us/politics/house-republicans-johnson-deal-shutdown.html
---------------------------------------------
The twenty eighth New York Times article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "U.N.’s Top Court Hears Genocide Case Against Israel":
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/11/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news/the-uns-top-court-begins-hearings-in-a-genocide-case-against-israel?smid=url-share
---------------------------------------------
The twenty ninth New York Times article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Fresh Inflation Data Shows Intact, but Bumpy, Cool-Down":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/business/inflation-cpi-report.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received yesterday, January 12th, 2024:
The thirtieth New York Times article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Accused of Genocide, Israelis See Reversal of Reality. Palestinians See Justice.":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/12/world/middleeast/israel-palestinians-icj-genocide.html
---------------------------------------------
The thirty first New York Times article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Johnson Says He’ll Stand by Deal to Avert Shutdown, Spurning Hard-Right Demands":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/12/us/politics/spending-deal-johnson-shutdown.html
And I decided to highlight these articles from The New York Times for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 13th, 2024, revised January 20th, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
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January 14th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 14th, 2024, from the Melissa Vine for Congress (Melissa for Iowa) campaign, which stated the following:
Hi, I'm Melissa Vine, the Democrat running to replace Zach Nunn in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District! I'm a single mother of four boys, businesswoman, and nonprofit director. I wanted to share our campaign launch video with you and let you know that this campaign is about abortion access, creating an income that works for all, and reducing polarization in our national politics.
Will you chip in $10 to help us flip Congress and this district from red to blue?***
[Blogger's Note: The text message above mentions this campaign's launch video! Now, most of the other Democratic political campaigns for which I write these 'updates' don't necessarily have launch videos included in their introductory campaign text messages. Therefore, even though I watched this campaign's launch video, I am trying not to appear to promote this Democratic candidate's campaign, which has a launch video as part of the introductory text message, more so than any of the other Democratic candidates' campaigns for which I write these 'updates.' (I hope that makes sense!)]
***[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, 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:
MELISSA VINE FOR CONGRESS
Donate to Melissa Vine
Melissa Vine is a single mother of four boys, a businesswoman, and current Director of a non-profit where she advocates for women coming out of trauma.
Empathy. Responsibility. Determination. That's how Melissa shows up at home, at work, and now, as a candidate for Congress.
Chip in now to make sure Melissa has the resources she needs to win this seat and enable Democrats to take back the House.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Melissa Vine.
[ ] DONATE $25→
[ ] DONATE $50 →
[ ] DONATE $100 →
[ ] DONATE $250 →
[ ] DONATE $500 →
[ ] DONATE $1,000 →
[ ] DONATE $3,300 →
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Melissa Vine for Congress (Melissa for Iowa) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to show my support for "Melissa Vine, the Democrat running to replace Zach Nunn in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District!"
Thus, this one campaign—Melissa Vine for Congress (Melissa for Iowa)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 14th, 2024, revised January 22nd, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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January 14th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses January 6th, 2024 Through January 13th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 14th, 2024, is only from my usual reading of USA Today articles that I received via email for the time period of January 6th, 2024 through January 13th, 2024.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of the USA Today articles that I receive from their daily emails, as well as just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to USA Today—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
Thus, I have been keeping up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe—including USA Today—in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the article titles from the news organizations to which I subscribe that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. And so, I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to USA Today. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these USA Today articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the USA Today 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 the titles to USA Today articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of January 6th, 2024 through January 13th, 2024, when I noticed the following USAToday.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
The following are the articles which I received eight days ago, January 6th, 2024:
The first USA Today article that I read today (which I received eight days ago) is titled, "What's real and not three years after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot | Fact check roundup":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2024/01/06/debunking-false-claims-about-the-jan-6-capitol-riot-three-years-later/72100035007
---------------------------------------------
The second USA Today article that I read today (which I received eight days ago) is titled, "Donald Trump and Republicans want to downplay Jan. 6. It's going to be a big issue anyway.":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/06/trump-republicans-avoid-jan-6/72118929007
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received seven days ago, January 7th, 2024:
The third USA Today article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Biden and Trump marked two starkly different versions of Jan. 6. Voters are divided too":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/07/trump-biden-jan-6-anniversary-2024/72100123007
---------------------------------------------
The fourth USA Today article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Can Congress overturn presidential election results? Here are changes since Jan. 6, 2021":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/06/can-congress-overturn-election-results-jan-6/71824789007
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received six days ago, January 8th, 2024:
The fifth USA Today article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "NRA Executive Wayne LaPierre survived years of criticism. Now he's stepping down.":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/05/wayne-lapierre-resigns-nra/72122461007
---------------------------------------------
The sixth USA Today article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "Biden will visit Charleston church rocked by shooting, setting the stage for emotional appeal to Black voters":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/07/joe-biden-charleston-church-shooting-black-voters/72142147007
---------------------------------------------
The seventh USA Today article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "Government shutdown, border, foreign aid: What to watch from Congress as it returns from recess":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/08/congress-back-shutdown-border-ukraine-aid-israel/72098378007
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received five days ago, January 9th, 2024:
The eighth USA Today article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Blinken: Mideast nations have 'real' interest in working with Israel postwar":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/israel-hamas/2024/01/08/israel-hamas-war-gaza-live-updates/72147224007
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received four days ago, January 10th, 2024:
The ninth USA Today article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Mitch McConnell, Senate Republicans want another extension to dodge a government shutdown. Here's why.":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/09/government-shutdown-mitch-mcconnell-senate-gop-extension/72164931007
---------------------------------------------
The tenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Congress is trying to dodge a government shutdown. They have to clear 3 hurdles first.":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/10/government-shutdown-2024-congress-republicans/72167652007
---------------------------------------------
The eleventh USA Today article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Blinken dangles 'transformative' change in Israel's Mideast relations: Updates":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/israel-hamas/2024/01/09/israel-hamas-war-gaza-live-updates/72159042007
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received three days ago, January 11th, 2024:
The twelfth USA Today article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "'Lying,' 'mealy-mouthed': 5 takeaways from a heated Iowa debate between DeSantis and Haley":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2024/01/10/iowa-debate-cnn-ron-desantis-nikki-haley-takeaways-caucus/72155870007
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received two days ago, January 12th, 2024:
The thirteenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "'Upside-down world': Israel outraged at genocide accusation in UN court. Live updates":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/israel-hamas/2024/01/11/israel-hamas-war-gaza-live-updates/72186654007
---------------------------------------------
The fourteenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Crypto's Nazi problem: With few rules to stop them, white supremacists fundraise for hate":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/01/12/nazis-white-supremacists-cryptocurrency-fundraising/72166804007
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received yesterday, January 13th, 2024:
The fifteenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Thousands at Saturday protest in Washington DC call for Israel-Hamas cease-fire":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/01/13/march-on-washington-for-gaza-saturday/72192571007
And I decided to highlight these articles from USA Today for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 14th, 2024, revised January 20th, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
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January 15th, 2024 Update No. 1: In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, which is yearly (annually) on the third Monday in January, I donated today, January 15th, 2024, to organizations that "defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States." You see, I prefer to 'volunteer financially' for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in order honor Dr. King's legacy of civic engagement. –Paul Whiting (January 15th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 16th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 16th, 2024, from the John Padora for Congress (Padora for Congress) campaign, which stated the following:
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Lauren Boebert just jumped into my race.
Paul, it's Democrat John Padora running in CO-4. Lauren Boebert just announced she's jumping into this district (where she doesn't even live) in a desperate attempt to avoid accountability and stay in Congress.
We need a massive response to show Boebert we're not backing down and we're ready to beat her no matter where she tries to run - because her extremist beliefs don't belong in Congress.
Can you rush $25 or anything you can afford ASAP to help reach our $20,000 rapid response goal? Let's do this!!***
***[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, 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:
PADORA
—FOR CONGRESS—
Colorado CD-4
RED ALERT: Lauren Boebert jumped into John's district.
Boebert announced she's running in John's district. This is NOT a drill.
John's campaign is powered by grassroots donations - Rush in anything you can ASAP to give him the resources he needs to keep Boebert OUT of this seat.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit John Padora.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $6,600 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the John Padora for Congress (Padora for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "Lauren Boebert jumped into John's district" and I contributed to "give [John Padora] the resources he needs to keep Boebert OUT of this seat."
Thus, this one campaign—John Padora for Congress (Padora for Congress)—is the political campaign (political organization) that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 16th, 2024, revised January 22nd, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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January 17th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses January 10th, 2024 Through January 16th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 17th, 2024, is only from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received via email for the time period of January 10th, 2024 through January 16th, 2024.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which used to start with me reading Time Magazine articles that I selected from one (or more) of their emails that I received each day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of the Time articles that I receive from their daily emails—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the article titles from the news organizations to which I subscribe that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. Thus, I already receive these types of emails from Time Magazine—as mentioned above—but I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to Time Magazine. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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 for the time period of January 10th, 2024 through January 16th, 2024, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)
The following are the articles which I received seven days ago, January 10th, 2024:
The first Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "The Current Migrant Crisis Is a Collective Trauma":
https://time.com/6553088/venezuelan-migrant-crisis-collective-trauma-essay
---------------------------------------------
The second Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Democrats Launch $35 Million Push to Court Black, Latino, and Asian Voters in Battleground States":
https://time.com/6553444/us-democrats-minority-outreach
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received six days ago, January 11th, 2024:
The third Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "Gaza and the End of Western Fantasy": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/6553708/gaza-end-of-western-hypocrisy-essay
---------------------------------------------
The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "What to Know About South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/6553912/israel-south-africa-icj-genocide
---------------------------------------------
The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "For Antony Blinken, the War in Gaza Is a Test of U.S. Power": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/collection/davos-2024-ideas-of-the-year/6551990/antony-blinken-israel-gaza-us-power
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received five days ago, January 12th, 2024:
The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "How Poetry Became a Tool of Resistance for Palestinians": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/6554381/poet-palestine-gaza-war
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received four days ago, January 13th, 2024:
The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "The Resurgence of Global Anti-Americanism":
https://time.com/6553202/resurgence-global-anti-americanism-essay
---------------------------------------------
The eighth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Israel’s Bitter Lessons From the Hamas War, Three Months In": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/6554003/israel-hamas-war-lessons
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received three days ago, January 14th, 2024:
The ninth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "2023 Was the Hottest Year Ever and 2024 May Be Even Worse":
https://time.com/6554830/2023-hottest-year-ever
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received two days ago, January 15th, 2024:
The tenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "10 Surprising Facts About Martin Luther King Jr.":
https://time.com/6555360/martin-luther-king-jr-surprising-facts
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received yesterday, January 16th, 2024:
The eleventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "How Trump Took Control of the GOP Primary":
https://time.com/6555904/donald-trump-gop-primary-2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 17th, 2024, revised January 18th, 2024, revised January 20th, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 20th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses January 13th, 2024 Through January 19th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 20th, 2024, is only from my usual reading of The New York Times articles that I received via email for the time period of January 13th, 2024 through January 19th, 2024.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of The New York Times articles that I receive from their daily emails, as well as just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to The New York Times—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
Thus, I have been keeping up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe—including The New York Times—in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the article titles from the news organizations to which I subscribe that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. And so, I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to The New York Times. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times 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 the titles to The New York Times articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of January 13th, 2024 through January 19th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to The New York Times through a 'Basic Access - Monthly' Digital Subscription via Google Play.)
The following is the article which I received seven days ago, January 13th, 2024:
The first New York Times article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Field Museum Covers Some Native Displays as New Rules Take Effect":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/arts/design/field-museum-nagpra.html
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received six days ago, January 14th, 2024:
The second New York Times article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "On the Ballot in Iowa: Fear. Anxiety. Hopelessness.":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/13/us/politics/iowa-caucuses-anxiety-fear.html
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received five days ago, January 15th, 2024:
The third New York Times article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "As War Enters 100th Day, Netanyahu Vows to Keep Fighting in Gaza": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/14/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-war-gaza.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received four days ago, January 16th, 2024:
The fourth New York Times article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Israel and Hamas Reach Deal to Supply Medicine to Hostages in Gaza": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.websitename.here
---------------------------------------------
The fifth New York Times article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "A Potentially Huge Supreme Court Case Has a Hidden Conservative Backer":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/16/climate/koch-chevron-deference-supreme-court.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received three days ago, January 17th, 2024:
The sixth New York Times article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "For Biden, Another Trump Nomination Presents Opportunity, and Great Risk":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/16/us/politics/biden-trump-opponent.html
---------------------------------------------
The seventh New York Times article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "Do Political Ads Even Matter Anymore?":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/17/us/politics/political-ads.html?smid=url-share
---------------------------------------------
The eighth New York Times article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "Six Reasons Drug Prices Are So High in the U.S.":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/17/health/us-drug-prices.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received two days ago, January 18th, 2024:
The ninth New York Times article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "How a Fishery Case Fits Into a Long-Game Effort to Sap Regulation of Business":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/17/us/politics/supreme-court-chevron-federal-agencies.html
---------------------------------------------
The tenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Netanyahu Rebuffs U.S. Calls to Start Working Toward Palestinian Statehood":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/18/world/middleeast/netanyahu-palestinian-state-israel-gaza-war.html
---------------------------------------------
The eleventh New York Times article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Congress Clears Stopgap Spending Bill for Biden, Moving to Avert Shutdown":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/18/us/politics/senate-spending-bill.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received yesterday, January 19th, 2024:
The twelfth New York Times article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Johnson’s Big Problem: House Republicans Lack a Governing Majority":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/us/politics/mike-johnson-republican-majority.html
---------------------------------------------
The thirteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Fighting Eases in Northern Gaza, Giving Residents Some Relief": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/18/world/israel-hamas-news?smid=url-share
---------------------------------------------
The fourteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Political Divisions Over Conduct of War Roil Israel": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/19/world/israel-hamas-news?smid=url-share
---------------------------------------------
The fifteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Biden Signs Stopgap Spending Bill, Averting Partial Shutdown":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/us/politics/biden-spending-bill.html
And I decided to highlight these articles from The New York Times for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 20th, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses January 14th, 2024 Through January 20th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 21st, 2024, is only from my usual reading of USA Today articles that I received via email for the time period of January 14th, 2024 through January 20th, 2024.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of the USA Today articles that I receive from their daily emails, as well as just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to USA Today—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
Thus, I have been keeping up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe—including USA Today—in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the article titles from the news organizations to which I subscribe that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. And so, I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to USA Today. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these USA Today articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the USA Today 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 the titles to USA Today articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of January 14th, 2024 through January 20th, 2024, when I noticed the following USAToday.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
The following are the articles which I received seven days ago, January 14th, 2024:
The first USA Today article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "A war with no walls: Inside the devastating impact of Israel-Hamas war around the globe": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/01/14/israel-hamas-war-devastating-divisive-impact-across-globe/72146835007
---------------------------------------------
The second USA Today article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "A group of herring fishermen may put a hook in the Biden administration's power":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/14/supreme-court-chevron-loper-bright-fishermen/70862143007
---------------------------------------------
The third USA Today article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Tide is turning for Biden on one of voters' biggest issues for 2024 election":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2024/01/11/inflation-gdp-jobs-biden-economy-voters/72096762007
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received six days ago, January 15th, 2024:
The fourth USA Today article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "MLK’s ‘I have a dream’ speech looms large 60 years later":
https://www.websitename.here
[Blogger's Note: The article above is from August 23rd, 2023.]
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received five days ago, January 16th, 2024:
The fifth USA Today article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Goodbye, Iowa. Hello, New Hampshire. Trump scores huge comeback but it's not over yet.":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/16/iowa-caucus-trump-win-republicans/72166285007
---------------------------------------------
The sixth USA Today article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "Joe Biden's reelection campaign raises $97 million in 4th quarter, giving him a record war chest":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/15/joe-biden-raises-97-million-fourth-quarter/72226821007
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received four days ago, January 17th, 2024:
The seventh USA Today article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Nikki Haley holds first N.H. campaign rally amid whiteout snow conditions":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/16/whiteout-snow-conditions-didnt-stop-these-new-hampshire-voters-from-seeing-nikki-haley/72237274007
---------------------------------------------
The eighth USA Today article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "After Iowa Caucuses, how will Biden deal with Trump's appeal to independents and moderates?":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/17/trump-centrist-appeal-iowa-caucus/72240694007
---------------------------------------------
The ninth USA Today article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "Overdraft fees charged by banks would drop to as low as $3 under new Biden proposal":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/17/biden-rule-would-cut-bank-overdraft-fees-by-more-than-half/72249035007
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received three days ago, January 18th, 2024:
The tenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "These Republicans want to punish conservative rebels as tensions erupt in the House":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/17/house-gop-conservative-max-miller-bob-good-freedom-caucus/72261822007
---------------------------------------------
The eleventh USA Today article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "Joe Biden invites congressional leaders to the White House to discuss foreign aid and border bill":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/16/joe-biden-congressional-leaders-white-house-foreign-aid-border/72244676007
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received two days ago, January 19th, 2024:
The twelfth USA Today article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Congress approves funding extension, avoiding shutdown for the third time":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/18/senate-budget-house-gop-avoid-shutdown/72267695007
---------------------------------------------
The thirteenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Netanyahu rejects US 'attempt to impose' its plan, revealing rift: Updates":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/israel-hamas/2024/01/18/live-war-updates-israel-hamas/72266097007
---------------------------------------------
The fourteenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "A warning from Trump to the Supreme Court if he's not on Colorado ballot: 'chaos, bedlam'":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/19/trump-supreme-court-filing-colorado-ballot/72279892007
---------------------------------------------
The fifteenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Prosecutions of threats hit a record high in 2023, researchers confirm":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2024/01/19/record-prosecutions-in-threat-cases/72276051007
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received yesterday, January 20th, 2024:
The sixteenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Nikki Haley says America was never racist. Her memoir tells a trickier story":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/20/nikki-haley-never-racist-book/72280548007
---------------------------------------------
The seventeenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Is the southern border secure? 'No, it's not,' President Biden says":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/19/president-biden-says-the-southern-border-is-not-secure/72288828007
---------------------------------------------
The eighteenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "After Trump appears to confuse her with Nancy Pelosi, Nikki Haley asks: is the former president ok?":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/20/trump-mixes-up-nancy-pelosi-and-nikki-haley-at-a-new-hampshire-rally/72294944007
---------------------------------------------
The nineteenth USA Today article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "As folks freeze to death in the Midwest, an Ohio pastor is charged for offering shelter":
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/01/20/freeze-winter-storm-midwest-cold-deaths-homeless/72269446007
And I decided to highlight these articles from USA Today for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 21st, 2024, revised January 22nd, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
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January 22nd, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 22nd, 2024, from the Mikie Sherrill for Congress campaign, which stated the following:
Hi team, it's Rep. Mikie Sherrill with some breaking news: a MAGA extremist just entered the race to flip NJ-11 red. Just take a look at how much he loves Donald Trump☝️
[Blogger's Note: That last sentence "Just take a look at how much he loves Donald Trump" references an image—which was included at the top of the text message—of the "MAGA extremist [who] just entered the race to flip NJ-11 red."]
Ever since we flipped NJ-11 blue for the first time in more than three decades, extremist Republicans have been eyeing this district.
Trump has already pledged to bring his campaign to New Jersey, and if he could create his dream candidate for NJ-11, this would be him. And with the House GOP's majority at a razor's edge, I'm likely on their target list once again.
We need to raise as much as we can in the next 48 hours to show Republicans that if they want to challenge our district, they'll need to go through this team first.
Please, rush an emergency donation ASAP to help us fight back.***
Thank you. Our team will be in touch soon with more updates.
- Mikie Sherrill
***[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, 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:
MIKIE SHERRILL
U.S. CONGRESS
Support Mikie Sherrill!
Our fundamental rights and our democracy are facing unprecedented attacks, and the stakes for 2024 could not be higher. We must support leaders like Mikie who are determined to fight back.
Will you chip in a donation today to support Mikie and her campaign today?
DONATE IMMEDIATELY:
Your contribution will benefit Mikie Sherrill.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $3,300 →
[ ] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Mikie Sherrill for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "rush an emergency donation ASAP to help [Mikie Sherrill] fight back" against the "MAGA extremist [who] just entered the race to flip NJ-11 red."
---------------------------------------------
The second political communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 22nd, 2024, from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), which stated the following:
A new poll has Pres. Biden LEADING over Trump among reliable voters in seven key swing states!! But we need to confirm this data for ourselves ahead of this consequential election.
Tell us: Do you plan to vote for Biden in 2024?
[✓] Yes***
[ ] No
-DGA
***[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, 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:
2024 BIDEN APPROVAL RECORD | IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUESTED
Thank you for taking our survey.
Do you have a moment to answer a few questions to help shape our priorities as we work to elect Democrats and stop Republicans in 2024 and beyond? >>>
Poll Deadline: 11:59 P.M. on January 22
Do you approve of President Biden's vision for America?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Unsure
President Biden is running for reelection and we need to know where top Democrats stand on his time in office.
How would you rate President Biden's job performance?
[ ] Bad
[ ] Okay
[ ] Good
[✓] Great
Which of President Biden's achievements has been most important to you? (Please select your top three.)
[ ] Fostering a 50-year-low unemployment rate and creating 14 million new jobs
[✓] Signing executive orders that seek to protect access to reproductive health care, maintain patient privacy and sensitive health information, and defend access to contraception
[ ] Cutting the deficit by more than $1.7 trillion
[✓] Signing more than 250 bills into law, including the most significant gun violence reduction measure in 30 years
[ ] Capping insulin prices at $35 for seniors and millions more Americans with diabetes
[✓] Passing the most significant climate legislation ever
[ ] Nominating and having successfully confirmed by the Senate more than 120 judges, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson!
[ ] Other:
[Blogger's Note: I could have easily selected "all of the above," but I chose 'Signing executive orders that seek to protect access to reproductive health care, maintain patient privacy and sensitive health information, and defend access to contraception,' 'Signing more than 250 bills into law, including the most significant gun violence reduction measure in 30 years' and 'Passing the most significant climate legislation ever,' because I feel these are the most important of President Biden's achievements from the list provided above.]
Do you plan to vote in the 2024 election?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Unsure
If the 2024 election were held today, who would you vote for?
[✓] Joe Biden
[ ] Donald Trump
[ ] Ron DeSantis
[ ] Other:
The road ahead isn't easy: With Republicans in control of the House and Democrats holding a razor-thin majority in the Senate, Washington remains in a tight gridlock. That's why Democratic governors across the nation are the Biden-Harris campaign's most powerful allies as they begin their 2024 reelection efforts to defend progress and move our country forward.
How important is it to you to defend our blue firewall of Democratic governors so they can continue to work with President Biden and Vice President Harris to protect our democracy?
[✓] Extremely important
[ ] Very important
[ ] Somewhat important
[ ] Not at all important
Democrats defeated far-right extremists in 2022 and 2023. But we're counting on strong support from loyal Democrats like you in the months ahead to lay the groundwork to defend our blue firewall in 2024! Will you invest $100 to help us elect Democratic governors across the country, support the Biden-Harris ticket, and defeat the GOP's radical right-wing agenda once and for all?
[ ] Yes, I will give $100!
[✓] No, I can't give that much.
We understand that giving at that level right now might be tough. But the DGA is working tirelessly to elect Democrats across the country and beat back GOP extremism in every state. With Republicans aggressively attacking our progress and our democratic institutions, we can't afford to miss any fundraising goals.
We flipped critical states from red to blue because loyal Democrats like you were FIRED UP to elect Democratic governors and defend fellow Americans from the GOP's nightmare policies in every corner of our country. But we just pulled your supporter record, and here's what we found:
Given to DGA today? Pending
Suggested donation: $30.17
Electing Democrats in every state is the most critical thing we can do to stop the far right and heal the divisions in our country. But right now, we're short of what we need to raise before our next big deadline. Please, before midnight tonight: Will you give $30.17 or whatever you can?
[✓] Yes, I'll give $1.*
[ ] Yes, I'll give $30.17! (This is what most Democrats are giving.)
[ ] Yes, and I'll give more!
*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I donated more than $1, and less than $30.17—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]
DONATE NOW
DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT
If we want to stop the Republicans' dangerous agenda, we have to keep pace with the GOP's millions in fundraising - but right now, not enough Democrats are donating, and we're falling way short of our goal.
Closing this gap is so important that a group of donors is DOUBLING every gift up to our goal, so please don't wait: Rush your gift and get every dollar matched to elect Democratic governors!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Action [the DGA].
[ ] Donate $1 →
[ ] Donate $5 →
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[✓] Other amount $5.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DGA (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to confirm "Yes" that I do "plan to vote for Biden in 2024."
Thus, this one campaign—Mikie Sherrill for Congress—as well as this one organization—the DGA—are the political campaign and the political organization that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 22nd, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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January 23rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses January 19th, 2024: I received a text message four days ago on January 19th, 2024, from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) [by the way, "Médecins Sans Frontières" is French for "Doctors Without Borders"], which stated the following:
Doctors Without Borders provides psychological first aid to people experiencing trauma in the aftermath of a crisis. Watch how we're supporting earthquake survivors in Syria:***
***[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, 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 (which includes the relevant text from the Doctors Without Borders donation webpage):
Supporting earthquake survivors in Syria
On February 6 [2023], massive earthquakes struck Syria and Türkiye, destroying hundreds of thousands of homes and killing more than 55,000 people. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams in northwestern Syria began treating patients within the first hours after the earthquakes struck.
MSF has also been providing psychological first aid to survivors, treating their psychological wounds alongside their physical wounds. Watch this video to see how MSF is caring for people processing trauma in the aftermath of the earthquakes in Syria.
---------------------------------------------
Help save lives. Donate now.
Thank you for supporting our lifesaving work.
Your support plays a powerful role in our lifesaving work. We are grateful for the compassion you demonstrate through your loyal commitment to our patients around the world.
For Doctors Without Borders, the ability to respond quickly to medical humanitarian emergencies is crucial to saving more lives. Unrestricted funds allow us to allocate our resources most efficiently and where the needs are greatest.
So, I made a one-time donation to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) because, "for Doctors Without Borders, the ability to respond quickly to medical humanitarian emergencies is crucial to saving more lives." –Paul Whiting (January 23rd, 2024)
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January 23rd, 2024 Update No. 2: I received a text message today, January 23rd, 2024, 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:
🚨🚨 The entire population of Gaza is at risk of famine. A shocking 90% of the population regularly goes without any food for an entire day.
RUSH EMERGENCY SUPPORT:***
Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly are among those most vulnerable to hunger and starvation. Malnutrition is especially dangerous for pregnant women and newborns as it increases the risk of complications – a deadly reality in the face of medical shortages and understaffed and damaged hospitals.
Your past contribution delivered critical supplies to women and girls in Gaza and surviving humanitarian crises around the world. Now, after more than 100 days of war in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, a food shortage is taking the region to the brink of famine. But today, you can help.
Will you deliver lifesaving care to those who need it most by making an emergency gift?
DONATE NOW:***
UNFPA deeply regrets the end of the humanitarian pause in Gaza. We condemn the violence in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, including all sexual violence against women, and echo the UN Secretary-General’s call for a sustained humanitarian ceasefire and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages by Hamas.
Thank you for being there.
USA FOR UNFPA
And so, I made a one-time donation to USA for UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), in order to "deliver lifesaving care to those who need it most by making an emergency gift," because "after more than 100 days of war in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, a food shortage is taking the region to the brink of famine." –Paul Whiting (January 23rd, 2024)
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January 23rd, 2024 Update No. 3: I received an email from USA for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) today, January 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "Facing the winter in Ukraine…without a roof", which stated the following:
USA for UNHCR
[Image of (names redacted) standing next to one another in front of their destroyed home]
☑ Yes, I will support refugee families this year!
2024 Membership Status:
PENDING
Paul,
"The sight was shocking, we couldn't really understand what had happened." — [Name redacted], displaced in Ukraine, describing a missile attack
Nearly two years ago, [name redacted's] life was shattered by the sound of an enormous explosion and a flash of bright light. The window blinds and glass came crashing in on top of him.
It was the middle of an icy, cold winter, and [name redacted] and his mother, [name redacted], were no longer safe in their lifelong home. Like so many families in Ukraine, their home was a casualty of violence, and they were forced to flee.
But because of this generous community, [name redacted's] family was not alone. With the help of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the family home was repaired and made safe and warm ahead of another harsh Ukrainian winter.
Forcibly displaced families like [name redacted's] face treacherous weather and need our support to rebuild their lives safely. So today, I'm asking you to deepen your commitment to help in 2024.
Please, make a generous monthly donation today to provide vulnerable families around the world with the food and critical aid they need to survive. Your monthly gift will go so far — beyond sending food, medicine, protection and lifesaving supplies to refugees and displaced families around the world, you can help them rebuild and create a better tomorrow.
GIVE MONTHLY NOW →
I am continually amazed by the resiliency of displaced people like [name redacted] and the compassion of people like you. In times of hardship and fear, you show up.
In 2024, I ask you to show up for families amid prolonged conflicts like those in Ukraine, Yemen and Syria. Your kind monthly support provides reliable aid all year long, providing long-term stability for displaced families and enabling UNHCR to act quickly in crises the moment they occur. Please, give today.
We are all neighbors in this global community, and I know displaced families can count on your compassion and support.
With gratitude,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
USA for UNHCR
[Blogger's Note: Although the email above requested a monthly donation to USA for UNHCR, I selected a one-time donation because that's 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, I made a one-time donation to USA for UNHCR in order to "provide vulnerable families around the world with the food and critical aid they need to survive." –Paul Whiting (January 23rd, 2024)
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January 23rd, 2024 Update No. 4: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon (PPAO) today, January 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "Announcing the Equal Rights for All campaign", which stated the following:
Paul,
Fifty-one years ago, history was made as the US Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling legalized abortion throughout the country. This was a milestone in the movement for medical privacy and bodily autonomy, and a catalyst for wide-reaching progress for gender equality and LGBTQ2SIA+ rights.
But you know what happened to Roe: In 2022, SCOTUS overturned it. The Dobbs ruling made it crystal clear we can’t count on the federal government’s protections for reproductive freedom, transgender rights, marriage equality or any other rights our communities hold dear.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon is proud to announce that along with our key partners ACLU of Oregon and Basic Rights Oregon, we are launching a campaign to cement these rights at the state level. We’re planning a ballot measure for 2026 that will enshrine abortion rights, trans anti-discrimination rights, and marriage equality in the Oregon State Constitution, and we’re going to need your help.
SUPPORT THIS WORK NOW***
Abortion rights & trans rights have always been two sides of the same coin. When our Equal Rights for All measure passes, we won’t have to worry that the whims of electoral politics will threaten abortion or gender-affirming care. Trans Oregonians can be confident they have legal protections against discrimination in the workplace, at school and at their doctor’s offices—and those protections can’t be easily repealed. And even if the ultra-conservative Supreme Court succeeds in overturning marriage equality, queer couples in Oregon will retain our rights.
LEARN MORE***
We’re going to need the support of everyone in our communities to pull off this win. Former [title and name redacted], a champion for reproductive freedom and LGBTQ2SIA+ rights, is already on-board! [Title and name redacted] is supporting the launch of our campaign with a $20,000 matching donation. Can you join her today by donating to help us raise our first $40,000?
We know this campaign is going to be a lot of work, even with the support of every pro-abortion, pro-LGBTQ2SIA+ Oregonian. But our movements have never been afraid of hard work, because we know we have justice, truth and love on our side. We’re doing this for our friend whose abortion was life-changing; for our trans neighbor who deserves to live with safety and dignity; for ourselves and our own futures.
PPAO is proud to fight alongside you for these Oregon values. Welcome to the Equal Rights for All Campaign.
Sincerely,
Team PPAO [Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon]
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Donate to Equal Rights For All
Help us stop politicians from holding our bodies, lives, and futures hostage.
Oregon’s Republican senators walked off the job for almost six weeks to obstruct progress on things we all deeply care about: protecting abortion access, transgender health care, and same-gender marriage equality. In the process, they also spent weeks preventing our state’s leaders from passing policies to help fix the housing and homelessness crisis, access to mental health care, emergency drought assistance, wildfire preparation and other critical needs.
This walkout killed SJR 33. This bill would have sent a measure to the 2024 general election ballot asking voters to create constitutional protections for abortion, birth control, marriage equality and gender affirming care. This episode has proved that right-wing politicians will stop at nothing to roll back abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights. We need to protect our fundamental rights and freedoms from the relentless attacks of the ultra-conservative politicians who are tyrannizing everyday people in states like Texas, Florida, Idaho, and have their eyes set on Oregon. That’s why our communities will be back, stronger than ever, to ensure that all Oregonians can make our own decisions about health care, bodily autonomy, and who we marry.
It’s time to mobilize for the next fight. We need your help. Will you join us by making a donation today?
And so, I made a one-time donation to Equal Rights for All, via the ActBlue website, in order to show my support for the Equal Rights for All campaign! –Paul Whiting (January 23rd, 2024)
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January 23rd, 2024 Update No. 5: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 23rd, 2024, from the Jasmine Crockett for US Congress (Jasmine for US) campaign, which stated the following:
Hi, it’s Jasmine Crockett, the representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District.
Recently, I appeared on MSNBC to discuss the revelations that Trump received MILLIONS of dollars from foreign governments while president -- a FLAGRANT violation of the law and our constitution.
Trump thinks he can do literally whatever he wants but only gets away with it because GOP sycophants in Congress bend the knee and acquiesce to his corruption.
That’s why I went on MSNBC -- to call them out.
I’m running for re-election because we need a Congress that holds Trump accountable for his crimes. So today, I’m asking you to support my campaign by pitching in $10 or more.***
Thank you!
[Blogger's Note: By the way, I watched the above-mentioned video on YouTube that is titled, "Jasmine Crockett calls out Trump's corruption on MSNBC."
https://youtu.be/O1BJkQAYVQE?si=zLzH1rDZMzkf3N1u]
***[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, 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:
JASMINE CROCKETT
DEMOCRAT FOR US CONGRESS
Support Jasmine before the deadline!
Will you contribute now so Jasmine can defend her seat and keep holding the GOP [to account]?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Jasmine Crockett.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $3,300 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Jasmine Crockett for US Congress (Jasmine for US) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Jasmine Crockett is] running for re-election because we need a Congress that holds Trump accountable for his crimes," since "Trump thinks he can do literally whatever he wants but only gets away with it because GOP sycophants in Congress bend the knee and acquiesce to his corruption."
Thus, this one campaign—Jasmine Crockett for US Congress (Jasmine for US)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 23rd, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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January 23rd, 2024 Update No. 6: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) today, January 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "Take Action: Toxic pesticide is again a threat", which stated the following:
United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW
Take Action: Toxic pesticide is again a threat
We're sharing shocking news that we need you to take immediate action on. In November, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals listened to a chemical company and several agribusiness groups and overturned EPA's national ban on chlorpyrifos [pronounced: klor · peer · uh · faas] -- a neurotoxic pesticide which can cause permanent harm to childrens' brains. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced before the holidays they won't challenge the ruling.
This means that unless the food is grown in a state where chlorpyrifos is banned, chlorpyrifos will be back in our fields and on our food as soon as the 2024 growing season.
Frustratingly, we must fight this decades-long battle again with the ban overturned and sent back to EPA for a do-over. Let's start 2024 fighting back to protect farm workers and children. The EPA must act on the science and ban chlorpyrifos.
Our children are too precious to allow them to be exposed to a dangerous toxin that could subject them to learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and more. The science is clear: there is no safe use of chlorpyrifos in food production. Join the campaign and send your email today to EPA [title and name redacted] and demand that chlorpyrifos be kept out of food production.
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:
Take Action: Toxic pesticide is again a threat
We're sharing shocking news that we need you to take immediate action on. In November, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals listened to a chemical company and several agribusiness groups and overturned EPA's national ban on chlorpyrifos -- a neurotoxic pesticide which can cause permanent harm to childrens' brains. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced before the holidays they won't challenge the ruling. This means that unless the food is grown in a state where chlorpyrifos is banned, chlorpyrifos will be back in our fields and on our food as soon as the 2024 growing season.
Frustratingly, we must fight this decades-long battle again with the ban overturned and sent back to EPA for a do-over. Let's start 2024 fighting back to protect farm workers and children. The EPA must act on the science and ban chlorpyrifos.
Our children are too precious to allow them to be exposed to a dangerous toxin that could subject them to learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and more.
The science is clear: there is no safe use of chlorpyrifos in food production. Join the campaign and send your email today to EPA [title and name redacted] and demand that chlorpyrifos be kept out of food production.
Contact Information
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Subject: Reinstate the Chlorpyrifos Ban
Dear [Title and Name redacted],
I’m writing today to encourage you to act quickly to reinstate the 2021 ban on chlorpyrifos for use on food and feed crops. The science on this chemical is clear; we know that no safe use of chlorpyrifos in food production exists. With the 8th Circuit’s ruling vacating the 2021 ban, people will again be at risk of being harmed by this dangerous pesticide. Children and farmworkers deserve better.
Chlorpyrifos has been prohibited for indoor home use since 2001 because of the drastic and immediate health problems this organophosphate can cause. It causes headaches, agitation, weakness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and blurred vision. High doses can cause respiratory paralysis and death, and pregnant women may be more sensitive to chlorpyrifos toxicity. Also, chlorpyrifos drifts from its target easily, exposing people who may be some distance from the fields where it is applied.
EPA and its Scientific Advisory Panels have repeatedly found that even low levels of chlorpyrifos exposure are linked to learning disabilities in children. That’s why EPA must ban chlorpyrifos from food. I urge you to reinstate the chlorpyrifos ban and put health and safety first.
Our children are too precious to allow them to be exposed to a dangerous toxin that could subject them to learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and more.
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:
Children & farmworker communities will yet again be in harm’s way. Chlorpyrifos, a dangerous pesticide, is allowed to return to the market as a result of an industry lawsuit.
@EPA needs to follow the science and reinstate the chlorpyrifos ban. Act now https://act.seiu.org/a/chlorpyrifos2024?ms=tellafriend_tw&ceid=442257&snw=2&ref=c78fda20-2c3c-40db-8569-dc2d25c6c753#!
And, after I sent the email above to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), via the SEIU.org (Service Employees International Union) website, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers because "our children are too precious to allow them to be exposed to a dangerous toxin that could subject them to learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and more," since "the science is clear: there is no safe use of chlorpyrifos in food production." –Paul Whiting (January 23rd, 2024)
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January 24th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 24th, 2024, from the Sarah Klee Hood for Congress (Sarah Klee Hood for NY) campaign, which stated the following:
Paul, I'm Sarah Klee Hood. I'm a working mom, Air Force veteran, and community leader running for Congress in NY-22, one of the most competitive toss-up districts at stake. I'm about to ask you for $2, but first, I'll lay out the facts:
-Daily Kos reported my GOP opponent Rep. Brandon Williams one of the most VULNERABLE members of Congress.
-Williams narrowly won our district by less than TWO points in 2022, and Biden won it by SEVEN points in 2020, making this one of the most FLIPPABLE seats in the country.
-BUT: While we're solely grassroots-powered by everyday people like you, Williams is funded by corporate PACs and Texas Big Oil Billionaires like Harlan Crow.
So today, I'm asking you for $2. Yup, that's it. Just $2 to flip NY-22 blue - because if enough of us come together, that's all it will take.
I hate asking for money, but it's the only way I can compete against Williams' mega-donors. It's how we flip this seat blue. It's how we flip the House blue. So please, can you join my campaign today by chipping in just $2 so I can flip battleground NY-22 blue? >>***
***[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, 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:
SARAH KLEE HOOD
Donate to Sarah Klee Hood!
$15,624.01 Raised →→→ GOAL $16,000
Chip in to fuel our grassroots movement! >>
Sarah Klee Hood is a mother, veteran, and local elected official running for Congress in one of the districts most likely to flip from red to blue in the entire country!
Her opponent is an anti-choice MAGA Republican, funded by billionaires like Harlan Crow and special interests.
Sarah comes from a working class family, and doesn't have generational wealth or political connections. So if we want to flip this seat, it's going to take a wave of grassroots support. Can you chip in to help elect Sarah and flip NY-22 blue? >>
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Sarah Klee Hood.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $27 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Sarah Klee Hood for Congress (Sarah Klee Hood for NY) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Sarah's] a working mom, Air Force veteran, and community leader running for Congress in NY-22, one of the most competitive toss-up districts at stake."
Thus, this one campaign—Sarah Klee Hood for Congress (Sarah Klee Hood for NY)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 24th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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January 24th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) today, January 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "The problems with going back to the war on drugs", which stated the following:
SOLUTIONS
FOR SAFE AND JUST
COMMUNITIES
TAKE ACTION NOW:
https://action.aclu.org/send-message/or-real-solutions-not-false-promises
Paul –
As lawmakers prepare to convene at the Capitol in February and March for the legislative session, lawmakers are drafting legislation to criminalize addiction, homelessness, and poverty – even though health care workers, researchers, and experts from Oregon and across the country, and data from 50+ years tell us this will very likely repeat the exorbitantly expensive failures and government violence of the war on drugs.
Yesterday, lawmakers held a hearing without public testimony and input. We need you to message your lawmakers now before it's too late.
Why are lawmakers playing politics with people's lives and pushing forward with false stunts and fake promises, not real solutions? It appears they're bowing down to pressure from a billionaire-funded corporate interest group led by the former head of the Oregon prisons.
Funnily, this interest group doesn't mention that their former prison chief failed to create lasting, real solutions to drug addiction in Oregon's prisons. A couple of months ago, the Oregonian reported that drug use is soaring among incarcerated people in Oregon's prisons and officials are struggling to stop smuggling and offer treatment. Nor do they mention recent OHSU research that opioid overdose risk is 10 times greater for those recently released from prison, and almost half of people in rural areas who used drugs were in prison or jail in the last six months.
What should lawmakers be doing instead? If they actually cared about all Oregonians – not just those who have the deep pockets and connections to directly pressure them – lawmakers would focus on creating REAL SOLUTIONS, NOT FALSE PROMISES.
We all know the real solutions Oregon desperately needs. Rapidly expanding affordable housing and treatment. Creating work programs for trash clean-up and neighborhood revitalization. Expanding programs that send crisis counselors, instead of police, to respond to 911 calls about people having mental health or addiction crises.
Troublingly, lawmakers don't want feedback from everyday Oregonians. They held a last-minute, until recently, secret hearing this Tuesday, with little to no opportunity for the public to participate.
WE NEED YOU to tell lawmakers to work on REAL SOLUTIONS, NOT FALSE PROMISES. Tell them to focus on housing and drug treatment instead of jail time so people can get the help they need.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
https://action.aclu.org/send-message/or-real-solutions-not-false-promises
[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
[Title redacted], ACLU of Oregon
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:
ACLU of Oregon
TELL LAWMAKERS — WE URGENTLY NEED REAL SOLUTIONS, NOT FALSE PROMISES!
Act Now
ACLU OF OREGON CALL TO ACTION: Tell your legislators that we need real solutions, not false promises! More treatment beds, not more jail beds!
As state lawmakers prepare to convene at the Capitol in February and March, lawmakers are drafting legislation to criminalize addiction, homelessness, and poverty — even though health care workers and data from 50+ years tell us this will likely repeat the harmful and exorbitantly expensive failures of the war on drugs.
Why are lawmakers playing politics with people's lives and pushing forward with false stunts and fake promises, not real solutions? It appears they're bowing down to pressure from a billionaire-funded corporate interest group led by the former head of the Oregon prisons.
Funnily, this interest group doesn't mention that their former prison chief failed to create lasting real solutions to drug addiction in Oregon's prisons. A couple months ago, the Oregonian reported that drug use is soaring among incarcerated people in Oregon's prisons and officials are struggling to stop smuggling and offer treatment. Nor do they mention recent OHSU research that opioid overdose risk is 10 times greater for those recently released from prison, and almost half of people in rural areas who used drugs were in prison or jail in the last six months.
What should lawmakers be doing instead? If they actually cared about all Oregonians — not just those who have the deep pockets and connections to directly pressure them — lawmakers would focus on creating REAL SOLUTIONS, NOT FALSE PROMISES.
We all know the real solutions Oregon desperately needs. Rapidly expanding affordable housing and treatment. Creating work programs for trash clean-up and neighborhood revitalization. Expanding programs that send crisis counselors, instead of police, to respond to 911 calls about people having mental health or addiction crises.
Troublingly, lawmakers don't want feedback from everyday Oregonians. They are holding a last-minute, until recently secret hearing this Tuesday, with no opportunity for the public to participate.
WE NEED YOU to tell lawmakers to work on REAL SOLUTIONS, NOT FALSE PROMISES. Tell them to focus on housing and drug treatment instead of jail time so people can get the help they need.
YOUR MESSAGE
Use the form to send a message to your lawmakers.
Subject: We urgently need real solutions, not false promises!
I support REAL SOLUTIONS, NOT FALSE PROMISES. I oppose criminalizing drug addiction and poverty.
Oregonians are lining up for detox and treatment services and pleading not to be released back to the streets without adequate housing. We need more treatment beds, not jail beds.
Instead of sending police and using jails to target people with drug addictions or living in poverty, lawmakers need to focus on the real solutions that Oregon communities desperately need:
— Urgently expanding the full spectrum of addiction care and affordable housing, including rapidly expanding spaces in detox centers, treatment beds, and temporary housing.
— Investing in and quickly rolling out drug prevention education for youth and adults.
— Expanding programs that send crisis counselors, instead of police, to respond to 911 calls about people having mental health or addiction crises.
— Creating work programs for trash clean-up and neighborhood revitalization.
It is mind boggling to me that state lawmakers are planning to return to failed and very expensive war on drugs tactics that will inflict deep harm on Black, brown, low-income, rural and LGBTQ+ people and very likely make addiction and homelessness worse.
Not only are these tactics ineffective and inhumane, the criminal system is very expensive for the state and local governments — costing many billions of tax dollars every year. If lawmakers fund more police and jails to address drug addiction, where will you find the tax dollars to adequately fund the real solutions we desperately need, i.e., more housing and treatment?
Even with the billions of tax dollars that go to them every year, Oregon's jails and prisons are struggling to provide treatment to incarcerated people with addictions. A couple months ago, the Oregonian reported that drug use is soaring among incarcerated people in Oregon's prisons and officials are struggling to stop smuggling and offer treatment.
After people get out of jails and prisons, there are many more struggles for people with addictions or in poverty. For example, OHSU researchers reported last year that opioid overdose risk is 10 times greater for those recently released from prison, and almost half of people in rural areas who used drugs were in prison or jail in the last six months. Formerly incarcerated people also struggle because criminal records create barriers to employment, housing, public assistance, education, family reunification, building good credit, and more.
Drug addiction is a health condition, not a crime. The criminal system is not set up to help people, especially people experiencing health difficulties or poverty.
Criminalization policies are ineffective, exorbitantly expensive, inhumane, and cruel. Oregons deserve REAL SOLUTIONS, NOT FAKE PROMISES. All Oregonians deserve better than police, jails, and prisons.
I urge you to reject legislation that criminalizes drug addition, use, or possession. STOP playing with people’s lives and Oregon’s future. Support REAL SOLUTIONS including more housing, treatment, and non-police mobile crisis counselors.
Sincerely,
[First Name] [Last Name]
YOUR INFORMATION
Salutation (required by some officials): Mr.
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
E-mail address: [redacted]
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip Code: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]
And so, I sent the letter above to Oregon Lawmakers, via the ACLU of Oregon's website, in order to state that "I oppose criminalizing drug addiction and poverty" because, "instead of sending police and using jails to target people with drug addictions or living in poverty, lawmakers need to focus on the real solutions that Oregon communities desperately need," including the following: [1] Urgently expanding the full spectrum of addiction care and affordable housing, including rapidly expanding spaces in detox centers, treatment beds, and temporary housing; [2] Investing in and quickly rolling out drug prevention education for youth and adults; [3] Expanding programs that send crisis counselors, instead of police, to respond to 911 calls about people having mental health or addiction crises; and [4] Creating work programs for trash clean-up and neighborhood revitalization. –Paul Whiting (written January 24th, 2024 and revised February 21st, 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 the ACLU of Oregon on January 15th, 2024 (please see my 'January 15th, 2024 Update No. 1,' regarding the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to the ACLU of Oregon for January 2024.
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January 24th, 2024 Update No. 3: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Federation of America today, January 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "They were never going to stop at overturning Roe", which stated the following:
Paul,
By now, you've seen the devastating harm caused by state abortion bans — people forced to give birth or flee their home states for health care, doctors forbidden from providing the medical care their patients need. The cruelty and injustice of these bans is shameful beyond words.
Soon, the Supreme Court could make things much, much worse.
Activists and lawmakers opposed to abortion are trying to use the courts to turn back the clock on the FDA's decision to lift unnecessary restrictions on mifepristone, one of two medicines commonly used across the U.S. for medication abortion. If they get their way, access to this safe, effective medication approved by the FDA more than 20 years ago could be further restricted and impossible for many to access nationwide.
It won't matter what state you live in. The Supreme Court could make abortion harder to get across the country — including in states like California, Illinois, and New York, where abortion access is protected.
We need you on our side as we fight to protect abortion access in the face of these growing threats. Will you chip in today?***
The toughest challenge to protecting and expanding abortion access is that we always have to work toward two goals simultaneously:
1. Do everything we can to make sure anyone who needs an abortion today can get one — no matter what.
2. Do everything we can to stop the next attack on our rights, and the next one, and the next one.
We can't ignore the ongoing emergency that is affecting so many people's lives. And we can't let lawmakers and courts keep eroding our rights and cutting even more people off from care.
Paul, I'll be blunt: the only way Planned Parenthood is able to keep up is with strong support from people like you. As we mark what should have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, this work has never been more important.
Make a gift right now to renew your commitment to making sure everyone has access to abortion and other reproductive health care.
Thanks for sticking with us.
Sincerely,
[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
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, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, because "the only way Planned Parenthood is able to keep up [with the ongoing emergency that is affecting so many people's lives] is with strong support from people like [me]." That is why I made "a gift right now to renew [my] commitment to making sure everyone has access to abortion and other reproductive health care," since "[activists and lawmakers opposed to abortion] were never going to stop at overturning Roe" and "[Planned Parenthood Federation of America needs me] on [their] side as [they] fight to protect abortion access in the face of these growing threats." –Paul Whiting (January 24th, 2024)
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January 24th, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses January 17th, 2024 Through January 23rd, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, January 24th, 2024, is only from my usual reading of Time Magazine articles that I received via email for the time period of January 17th, 2024 through January 23rd, 2024.
To begin with, I have NOT checked the news through Google searches for quite a long time because of how much blogging I have been doing lately. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day, which used to start with me reading Time Magazine articles that I selected from one (or more) of their emails that I received each day. However, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have only been keeping up with the news just by reading the titles of the Time articles that I receive from their daily emails—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I have decided to simply go with this trend of just reading the article titles from the news organizations to which I subscribe that I receive from their daily emails until I have the time to check the news via Google searches, like used to do!
Although, given the volume of news lately, I may decide to keep up with the news through email notifications only. To that end, I have recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. Thus, I already receive these types of emails from Time Magazine—as mentioned above—but I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to Time Magazine. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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 for the time period of January 17th, 2024 through January 23rd, 2024, when I noticed the following Time.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)
The following are the articles which I received seven days ago, January 17th, 2024:
The first Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "Designers Are Accusing Temu of Selling Copies of Their Work":
https://time.com/6342387/temu-copy-work
---------------------------------------------
The second Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received seven days ago) is titled, "What Congress’ New Child Tax Credit Deal Could Mean for You":
https://time.com/6556152/congress-expanded-child-tax-credit-deal-money
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received six days ago, January 18th, 2024:
The third Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "How MAGA Hijacked the Conservative Movement":
https://time.com/6563669/tina-nguyen-maga-diaries-interview
---------------------------------------------
The fourth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "New Polling Shows How Much Global Support Israel Has Lost":
https://time.com/6559293/morning-consult-israel-global-opinion
---------------------------------------------
The fifth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received six days ago) is titled, "The SEC Is at the Mercy of the Courts at a Perilous Moment":
https://time.com/6556215/sec-courts-chevron
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received five days ago, January 19th, 2024:
The sixth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received five days ago) is titled, "History Tells Us How the Israel-Hamas War Will End": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://time.com/6549715/history-israel-hamas-war-end
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received four days ago, January 20th, 2024:
The seventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received four days ago) is titled, "To Stop AI Killing Us All, First Regulate Deepfakes, Says Researcher Connor Leahy":
https://time.com/6564434/connor-leahy-ai-risk-deepfakes
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received three days ago, January 21st, 2024:
The eighth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "Ava DuVernay on the Urgency and Artistry of Historical Drama Origin":
https://time.com/6564660/ava-duvernay-origin-caste-interview
---------------------------------------------
The ninth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "Delivery Firm’s AI Chatbot Goes Rogue, Curses at Customer and Criticizes Company":
https://time.com/6564726/ai-chatbot-dpd-curses-criticizes-company
---------------------------------------------
The tenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "The Way We Assess What Kids Are Learning Is Starting to Change":
https://time.com/6563787/american-students-skills-assessments-education
---------------------------------------------
The eleventh Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received three days ago) is titled, "Accusing Advocates of Profiting From Racial Conflict Is Nothing New—And It’s Always Been Problematic":
https://time.com/6452895/history-race-hustler
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received two days ago, January 22nd, 2024:
The twelfth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received two days ago) is titled, "Saudi Arabia Won’t Normalize Relations With Israel Without Path to Palestinian State, Foreign Minister Says":
https://time.com/6564983/saudi-arabia-israel-palestinian-state
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received yesterday, January 23rd, 2024:
The thirteenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "A Record Number of Office Buildings Will Be Converted Into Apartments in 2024":
https://time.com/6565216/offices-apartments-conversion-2024-remote-hybrid-work
---------------------------------------------
The fourteenth Time Magazine article that I read today (which I received yesterday) is titled, "Indonesia to Argue That Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territory Violates International Law":
https://time.com/6565323/israel-palestine-occupation-case-international-court-justice-advisory-opinion-indonesia
And I decided to highlight these articles from Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written January 24th, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
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January 25th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 25th, 2024, from the Mac Deford for Congress (Deford for Congress) campaign, which stated the following:
Greetings Paul! I'm Democratic candidate Mac Deford, and I'm running to unseat Nancy Mace in U.S. Congress. As a husband, veteran, former law enforcement officer, and lawyer with business and public service experience, I'm stepping up to represent our diverse communities in Washington.
I believe in uniting our district beyond party lines, whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or Independent. But to do that, I need your help to defeat Nancy Mace. To learn more about me, please watch our campaign video and donate today to restore competent leadership for the Lowcountry. Thank you!***
[Blogger's Note: The text message above mentions this campaign's launch video! Now, most of the other Democratic political campaigns for which I write these 'updates' don't necessarily have launch videos included in their introductory campaign text messages. Therefore, even though I watched this campaign's launch video, I am trying not to appear to promote this Democratic candidate's campaign, which has a launch video as part of the introductory text message, more so than any of the other Democratic candidates' campaigns for which I write these 'updates.' (I hope that makes sense!)]
***[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, 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:
Donate to Mac Deford for Congress (SC-01)
Your support is significant, and Mac is thrilled to have you onboard as we work together to create a brighter future for our community and nation. By contributing to Mac's campaign, you are making a powerful statement that you believe in electing leaders who prioritize the public interest above all else.
Every dollar counts, and no contribution is too small. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our fellow citizens and shape the future of our great nation.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Mac Deford.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $3,300 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Mac Deford for Congress (Deford for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Mac Deford believes] in uniting [South Carolina's 1st congressional district (SC-01)] beyond party lines, whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or Independent. But to do that, [he needs my] help to defeat Nancy Mace."
Thus, this one campaign—Mac Deford for Congress (Deford for Congress)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 25th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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For my "January 26th, 2024 Update No. 1"—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:
January 26th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received a text message today, January 26th, 2024, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:
TROOP SUPPORT ALERT: Were falling short of our goal to collect 50K names on our card for troops! Sign now >>***
- 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, 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: ...
Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "January 26th, 2024 Update No. 1":
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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January 26th, 2024 Update No. 2: This 'update' that I am writing today, January 26th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today, January 26th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
1. Newsweek
Donald Trump Gets Bad News About America's Spending
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-bad-news-america-spending-1863961
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
2. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
The Looming Biden-Trump Rematch Is About Two Visions of America (The Looming Contest Between Two Presidents and Two Americas)
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/politics/biden-trump-presidential-election.html
3. CNN
UAW endorses Biden as he prepares to fight Trump for union workers
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/24/politics/biden-uaw-endorsement/index.html
4. ABC News
United Auto Workers endorse Biden; union president calls Trump a 'scab'
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-notches-key-2024-endorsement-united-auto-workers/story?id=106642558
5. AP News
'Honored to have your back, and you have mine': Biden endorsed by United Auto Workers in election
https://apnews.com/article/biden-auto-workers-endorsement-trump-election-ef4b26cd00fc67c4915f22e54b885866
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
6. Politico
Biden says he'll shut down the border if deal gives him authority
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/26/biden-urges-bipartisan-border-deal-00138206
7. Reuters
Biden backs Senate border deal, vows to 'shut down the border' when overwhelmed
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-backs-senate-border-deal-vows-shut-down-border-when-overwhelmed-2024-01-27
8. NBC News
Biden promises to 'shut down' the border if given the authority in a bipartisan bill
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/biden-promises-shut-border-authority-bipartisan-bill-rcna135980
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
9. POLITICO
The nation's cartoonists on the week in politics
https://www.politico.com/gallery/2024/01/26/the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics-00137981?slide=16
[Blogger's Note: By the way, I selected the political cartoon "2024 Election: 'Americans are sleepwalking into' Autocracy (Dictatorship)" out of the cartoon carousel. Plus, 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!]
10. USNews.com
Mental Acuity Questions Catch Up With Trump | Politics | U.S. News
https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2024-01-26/mental-acuity-questions-catch-up-with-trump
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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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 January 26th, 2024, revised January 28th, 2024, revised February 2nd, 2024 and revised February 5th, 2024)
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January 27th, 2024 Update No. 1: International Holocaust Remembrance Day is yearly (annually) on January 27th. Therefore, I donated today, January 27th, 2024, to an organization that is helping all of us to remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.
And I was inspired to make this donation by the following sources:
Source No. 1: I received an email from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) five days ago on January 22nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Antisemitism shaped my life", which stated the following:
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
My life, for as long as I remember, has been shaped by antisemitism. It’s the reason why my parents left their native Hungary and Austria—I was born in Trieste, Italy. After antisemitic legislation excluded us from normal life in Italy, my family immigrated to New Zealand when I was just one year old.
Many members of my extended family were killed during the Holocaust.
I eventually settled in the United States, my sister in Israel. As people who spent our childhoods unmoored, the Jewish state represents a safe haven in a world riven by antisemitism and hate.
That is why I can’t get over my feeling of horror about what happened in Israel on October 7, when Jewish people were once again targeted and killed just because they were Jews. It reminded me that antisemitism, which made the Holocaust possible, continues to threaten us today. And while I am still reeling, and innocent Israelis are still held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, it feels like the world has moved on and Jews stand alone and fearful once again.
This year, more than ever, we must commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27.
https://www.ushmm.org/information/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/special-focus/international-holocaust-remembrance-day
We can’t change what has happened, but we can work toward a better future. That is why I volunteer at the Museum sharing my story with visitors. Educating about the Holocaust, and the antisemitism that made it possible, gives me hope.
Thank you,
[Name redacted]
Holocaust Survivor and Museum Volunteer
P.S. Visit the Museum’s website (https://www.ushmm.org/information/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/special-focus/international-holocaust-remembrance-day) to learn more about commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On Friday, January 26, at 1 p.m. ET watch a special episode of our award-winning Stay Connected Live series featuring Tova Friedman, who survived Auschwitz as a child. Click here for a reminder to watch live. The recording will be available on the Museum’s YouTube page.
And so, I donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in honor of—and remembrance for—the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.
Source No. 2: I received an email from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) yesterday, January 26th, 2024, with the subject line, "Watch Program Now | Surviving Auschwitz: A Child Emerges from the Holocaust", which stated the following:
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Live Digital Program Starts Soon
Surviving Auschwitz: A Child Emerges from the Holocaust
We hope you can join us for our live event at 1 p.m. ET.
WATCH NOW:
https://www.youtube.com/live/WlPnoLDRxVc?si=0aSMlFNCC_fGLOiX
We hope you can join us for our live event
About This Program
It’s some of the most indelible Holocaust imagery: a group of children wearing striped uniforms pulling back their sleeves to reveal tattoos. Their young faces, surrounded by the barbed wire of Auschwitz shortly after their liberation, laid bare the evils of the Holocaust. [Name redacted] was one of these innocents—a young girl targeted by the Germans solely because she was Jewish. As we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, [name redacted] will talk about how she is dedicating the last chapter of her life to fighting antisemitism and ensuring the victims of the Holocaust are not forgotten.
Watch this special program.
https://www.youtube.com/live/WlPnoLDRxVc?si=0aSMlFNCC_fGLOiX
After the live broadcast, the recording will be available to watch on demand on the Museum’s YouTube (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWQC3P4psZP6Mh45xyYa2QepIMgkKD4BA&si=YRPp3BirLxm9y4MS) and Facebook https://m.facebook.com/watch/34362997676/2572591559664662/ pages.
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.
[Blogger's Note: I watched the USHMM YouTube video titled, "Surviving Auschwitz: A Child Emerges from the Holocaust," which is slightly over thirty five minutes, just to let you know.]
By the way, the "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" is not to be confused with "Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah)," which corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar.
"Yom HaShoah" 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):
"Yom HaZikaron laShoah ve-laG'vurah (Hebrew: יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה, lit. 'Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day'), known colloquially in Israel and abroad as Yom HaShoah (יום השואה) and in English as Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Holocaust Day, is observed as Israel's day of commemoration for the approximately six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and for the Jewish resistance in that period. In Israel, it is a national memorial day. The first official commemorations took place in 1951, and the observance of the day was anchored in a law passed by the Knesset in 1959. It is held on the 27th of Nisan (which falls in April or May), unless the 27th would be adjacent to the Jewish Sabbath, in which case the date is shifted by a day."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_HaShoah
"International Holocaust Remembrance Day" 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):
"International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, is an international memorial day on 27 January that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which resulted in the murder of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities between 1933 and 1945 by Nazi Germany, an attempt to implement their 'final solution' to the Jewish question."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Holocaust_Remembrance_Day
Thus, I made the above-mentioned donation to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in order to show my support for International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024. And this donation is also how I show my respect for honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.
–Paul Whiting (written January 27th, 2024, revised January 28th, 2024 and revised August 31st, 2025)
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For my "January 29th, 2024 Update No. 1"—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:
January 29th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, January 29th, 2024, with the subject line, "USO Military News: January 2024", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 119 / January 2024, which stated, in part, the following:
YOUR USO AT WORK
Issue 119 / January 2024
DONATE NOW »
https://secure.uso.org
Paul,
From ongoing attacks in the Middle East to unbearable winter conditions at home and abroad, the start of the new year has been especially difficult for our active-duty troops. That’s why we’re so grateful to you for being on our Home Team and helping us do everything we possibly can to support our brave heroes who are already sacrificing so much to protect us and our nation in 2024. ...
And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "USO Reading Program Connects Heroes to Home During the Holidays" and "Support Team USO at the Boston Marathon," as well as "Lowe's Partners With the USO for 'Be the Change' Campaign":
GET INSPIRED
USO Reading Program Connects Heroes to Home During the Holidays
Even when service members are deployed, many of them still get to enjoy spending time reading to their children thanks to the USO Reading Program. This incredible program helps children connect with parents on active duty through books about their favorite characters and superheroes — before the true heroes in uniform can come home.
Discover the latest magical moments made possible for military families thanks to the USO Reading Program.
https://emea.uso.org/stories/132
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EVENTS
Support Team USO at the Boston Marathon
A group of runners will represent the USO at this year's Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, including active-duty service members, veterans, military spouses and more! By representing the USO, they raise funds on behalf of the organization to assist in the USO's mission of keeping service members connected to family, home and country.
Learn more about Team USO and how you can support them at the Boston Marathon.
https://newengland.uso.org/stories/129
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CORPORATE PARTNERS
Lowe's Partners With the USO for "Be the Change" Campaign
Did you know that when you visit your local Lowe's and pay with cash, your extra change can now help support the USO? Thanks to the "Be the Change" program that runs through Feb. 4, you can put your change from shopping at Lowe's toward a good cause by helping support our service members and their families.
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...From all of us at the USO, thank you for being a patriotic supporter of our nation's service members!
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. So please, donate now." 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.
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, "January 29th, 2024 Update No. 1":
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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January 29th, 2024 Update No. 2: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 29th, 2024, from the Anthony Daniels for Congress (Anthony Daniels for Alabama) campaign, which stated the following:
Paul, my name is Anthony Daniels and I’m running for Alabama’s newly drawn Second Congressional District.
I’m proud to have fought tirelessly to ensure good-paying jobs and opportunities for our communities. When I became the youngest House Minority Leader in state history and the first Black man to hold the position, I knew I had a big task ahead of me. As Alabama House Minority Leader, my focus has never wavered from ensuring that working families can have a high quality of life.
Now – I’m ready to go to Washington and keep delivering results for the people of Alabama. But we can’t deliver unless we FLIP the House, and the path to taking back the majority runs straight through this newly drawn district. That’s why today I’m reaching out, because I can’t win without your help.
Paul, I’m asking you today if you can pitch in $25, or whatever you can, to stand alongside me in the fight. Together, we can keep making progress for Alabama.***
Thank you,
Anthony Daniels
***[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, 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:
ANTHONY DANIELS
FOR CONGRESS | ALABAMA 02
Donate to Anthony Daniels for Congress
As a teacher, business leader, and public servant, Anthony Daniels has spent his career working to do what is right for the people of Alabama.
And he's ready to build on that experience delivering for Alabamians to represent Alabama's newly-redrawn second district in Congress.
Please chip in whatever you can spare to help Anthony continue to work for every Alabamian!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Anthony Daniels.
[ ] Donate $5 →
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Anthony Daniels for Congress (Anthony Daniels for Alabama) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because, "as Alabama House Minority Leader, [Anthony Daniels'] focus has never wavered from ensuring that working families can have a high quality of life" and now "[he's] ready to go to Washington and keep delivering results for the people of Alabama."
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The second political communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 29th, 2024, from the Reverend Curtis Green for Congress (Curtis A. Green for Congress) campaign, which stated the following:
Paul - Rev. Curtis Green here - proud Democrat running to win a crucial swing seat here in New Jersey.
I'm a veteran, minister, and teacher who has spent my life fighting for the forgotten.
We need more compassionate voices in public office who focus on what unites us, not what divides us.
That's why I'm running for Congress to write New Jersey's next chapter, where no family is unheard, unseen, or unloved.
But my major end of month deadline is in just 2 days and right now, I'm not on pace to hit my critical goal. With the House majority on the line, goals like these can make the difference between winning and losing.
So I'm humbly asking: Can you chip in $25 before midnight to fuel my campaign?***
Thank you. I can't do this without you.
-Rev. Green
***[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, 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:
CURTIS GREEN FOR CONGRESS
Donate to Rev. Curtis Green for Congress
A minister, a teacher, and a veteran, Rev. Curtis Green has spent his entire life standing up to the bullies, fighting for the forgotten, and creating new and better ways forward for the people of New Jersey.
Now, Rev. Green wants to take that fight to the United States Congress.
The people of New Jersey's third congressional district have a clear choice in 2024 - yesterday or tomorrow.
On behalf of every New Jerseyan yearning for character, competence, and conscience in Washington, we say yes to tomorrow.
Rev. Green needs your help. But more importantly, New Jersey needs your help.
Chip in today to help us make this blessed place something all the more blessed still.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Curtis Green.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $3,300 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Reverend Curtis Green for Congress (Curtis A. Green for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Reverend Green is] a veteran, minister, and teacher who has spent [his] life fighting for the forgotten" and so "that's why [he's] running for Congress to write New Jersey's next chapter, where no family is unheard, unseen, or unloved."
Thus, these two campaigns—Anthony Daniels for Congress (Anthony Daniels for Alabama), as well as Reverend Curtis Green for Congress (Curtis A. Green for Congress)—are the political campaigns that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 29th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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January 31st, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication that I responded to today was an email that I forwarded today, January 31st, 2024, from my previous email account (that I no longer use, but I still frequently check) from the Elissa Slotkin for U.S. Senate (Elissa Slotkin for Michigan) campaign that I received today with the subject line, "Let me try to answer", which stated the following:
From: Elissa Slotkin [email redacted]
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 6:20 AM
To: [email redacted]
Subject: Let me try to answer
$3.
I get asked all the time will a $3 contribution actually make a difference in an election that is going to cost millions and millions of dollars.
It's a fair question. And since I am writing to ask you to contribute $3 to my campaign for Senate in Michigan, let me try to answer.
The short answer is yes. Absolutely.
The long answer is this: in and of itself, $3 isn't going to win the election. Of course not.
But by the time you get to this point in the email, a number of folks have already contributed in response to this message. Hundreds of people donated yesterday. Same the day before.
Now they're hoping you'll do the same. Because there is only one way we'll raise the kind of money we need to fight back against the DeVos money flooding into this race to beat us — and that is together.
So with our January fundraising drive coming close to a close, I am asking for your much-needed help today:
Can I count on you to contribute $3, or whatever you can afford today, to my campaign for United States Senate in Michigan? It will all add up fast when we're all chipping-in to win this race.
If you've stored your info with ActBlue, we'll process your contribution instantly:
[✓] DONATE $3***
[ ] DONATE $25
[ ] DONATE $50
[ ] DONATE $100
[ ] DONATE $250
[ ] OTHER AMOUNT
Thank you,
Elissa Slotkin
***[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, 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:
ELISSA SLOTKIN
U.S. SENATE
DONATE TODAY
Elissa Slotkin is rejecting corporate PAC money. That means this campaign is going to be fueled by lots of people giving small amounts of money. Because our government should work for you, not the wealthy and the well-connected.
Your contribution today will help us deliver results and sustain strong, principled leadership for Michigan. Contribute today.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Elissa Slotkin.
[ ] DONATE $10 →
[ ] DONATE $35 →
[ ] DONATE $100 →
[ ] DONATE $250 →
[ ] DONATE $500 →
[ ] DONATE $1,000 →
[ ] DONATE $3,300 →
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Elissa Slotkin for U.S. Senate (Elissa Slotkin for Michigan) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "contribute $3 ... to [Elissa Slotkin's] campaign for United States Senate in Michigan," since "Elissa Slotkin is rejecting corporate PAC money," which "means [her] campaign is going to be fueled by lots of people giving small amounts of money."
---------------------------------------------
The second political communication to which I responded was a text message today, January 31st, 2024, from the Dan Goldman for Congress (Dan Goldman for New York) campaign, which stated the following:
Hey there, it's Dan Goldman. New York Republican and House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik recently referred to the Jan 6 convicted insurrectionists as "hostages" as she continues to defend the rioters who attacked the Capitol to subvert our democracy.
Enough is enough. Elise Stefanik must be held accountable for providing aid and comfort to convicted criminals.
That's why I introduced a resolution to censure Congresswoman Stefanik. Not surprisingly, she immediately spewed lies, personally attacking me.
I won't back down, but it's your support that helps me continue fighting back. So I'm asking, will you rush $25 or whatever you can spare to support my efforts holding MAGA Republicans like Elise Stefanik accountable?
Here's an ActBlue link:***
***[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, 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:
Donate to Dan Goldman for NY
Dan Goldman is fighting to protect our democracy and defend our fundamental rights at a moment when there have never been greater threats to both.
We need leaders to stand up and fight back. Dan Goldman has been in the trenches fighting for our democracy. Join Dan Goldman in the fight by making a donation today.
DONATE IMMEDIATELY:
Your contribution will benefit Dan Goldman.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,500 →
[ ] Donate $3,300 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Dan Goldman for Congress (Dan Goldman for New York) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "support [Dan Goldman's] efforts holding MAGA Republicans like Elise Stefanik accountable," because "Dan Goldman is fighting to protect our democracy and defend our fundamental rights at a moment when there have never been greater threats to both."
---------------------------------------------
The third organization to which I donated today was the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) based upon a popup that appeared on the DemsAG website, which stated the following:
OUR DEMOCRACY CAN'T WAIT.
Help support our initiatives to elect more Democratic AGs.
DONATE NOW
And, after I read the popup above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSOCIATION
DONATE TO DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSOCIATION (DAGA)
Democratic AGs are protecting our democracy and fighting for working families in nearly every corner of the country.
But they need our support. Chip in today and help fund this work!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA).
[ ] DONATE $25 →
[ ] DONATE $100 →
[ ] DONATE $250 →
[ ] DONATE $1,000 →
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT $5.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made this one-time donation to the DAGA in order to complete my series of donations for the month of January to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the DCCC), the Senate (the DSCC) and the President of the United States (the DNC), as well as the state races for the Governors (the DGA), the Secretaries of State (the DASS), the Attorneys General (the DAGA) and the State Legislatures (the DLCC), during this first month of the 2024 Presidential Election.
That is why I am trying to contribute, during each month of 2024, as much as I am able to donate to Democratic political organizations—as well as to Democratic political campaigns—while I am still trying to stay within a 'monthly donating budget,' since that's all I can really afford!
Therefore, this donation to the DAGA completes the full series of one-time donations that I have made during the month of January 2024 to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations, as noted above, which are listed below in alphabetical order by their initials:
01. DAGA: Democratic Attorneys General Association
02. DASS: Democratic Association of Secretaries of State*
03. DCCC: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee*
04. DGA: Democratic Governors Association**
05. DLCC: Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee*
06. DNC: Democratic National Committee*
07. DSCC: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee*
*Please see my 'January 6th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On January 7th, 2024,' which can be found above.
**Please see my 'January 22nd, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above.
Thus, these two campaigns—Elissa Slotkin for U.S. Senate (Elissa Slotkin for Michigan), as well as Dan Goldman for Congress (Dan Goldman for New York)—in addition to this one organization—the DAGA—are the political campaigns, and the political organization, that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written January 31st, 2024, revised March 10th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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January 31st, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses January 27th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, January 31st, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today, January 31st, 2024, as well as four days ago on January 27th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
January 27th, 2024 search:
01. CNN
Why the US economy is doing so much better than the rest of the world
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/26/economy/us-gdp-other-countries/index.html
January 27th, 2024 search:
02. CBS News
Record number of Americans are homeless amid nationwide surge in rent, report finds
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/rent-homelessness-harvard-report-center-for-housing-studies
January 31st, 2024 search:
03. Time
(By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)
How Guns Brought America the Tyranny Its Founders Feared
https://time.com/6590490/guns-america-tyranny-essay
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
January 27th, 2024 search:
04. ABC News
Judge 'shocked' by efforts to 'rewrite history' of Jan. 6 attack, those who label perpetrators 'hostages'
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/judge-shocked-efforts-rewrite-history-jan-6-attack/story?id=106705677
January 27th, 2024 search:
05. CNN
There’s a lot of good news for Americans in the latest inflation report
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/26/economy/pce-inflation-consumer-spending-december/index.html
January 31st, 2024 search:
06. AP News
Secret history: Even before the revolution, America was a nation of conspiracy theorists
https://apnews.com/article/conspiracy-theory-trump-illuminati-qanon-jan-6-7c1cb3e60748343ad561413534b339a7
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
January 31st, 2024 search:
07. Newsweek
Joe Biden Gets Boost from Fed Rate Decision
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-boost-fed-rate-decision-1865828
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
January 31st, 2024 search:
08. MSNBC News
See MAGA Republicans exposed for touting Biden bills they opposed: Melber report
https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp-video/mmvo203251269857
By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled the same as the article.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
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 January 31st, 2024, revised February 1st, 2024, revised February 2nd, 2024 and revised February 5th, 2024)
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January 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On February 1st, 2024 About January 2024: This 'update' is special, since I am continuing to change the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And because I first changed the way that I make donations starting in August 2023, this update is also technically 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
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 5, Written On January 1st, 2024 About December 2023
Please let me explain: I spent A LOT the year before last (2022) because I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" And I also spent QUITE A BIT last year (2023) because I was trying to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism throughout the year. And 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—and I was enjoying an interest-free period on my charges up until August 2023! Thus, my carefree days of not paying for any interest on my credit card balance were officially over last year. And my minimum payments were going to be a rather large percentage of the amount that I had set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment, as well as my extra payment, on my credit card each month.
So, in response to this change in my minimum payments, I changed the way that I donated to political, progressive and charitable organizations, starting in 2023, due to the fact that I was spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations in 2023—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:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%
September 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%
October 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%
November 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 71%
December 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%
Thus, if I average out the total percentage in 2023 that I 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.)
That is the reason I started really "tightening my belt," so to speak, with regard to all of the donations that I am making on my credit card each month! So, 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, 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.
That is why 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; however, when I do donate, I am 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.
Thus, when I do donate, 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 now that yesterday, January 31st, 2024, was the last day of January 2024, I wanted to provide you with January's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:
January 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 13.42% {13.41962556488%}
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: 2.50% {2.48676565526%}
[02] DLCC (Dem. Legis. Cam. Comm.): 0.34% {0.34538411878%}
[03] DCCC (Dem. Congress. Cam. Comm.): 0.34% {0.34538411878%}
[04] DASS (Dem. Assoc. Secr. of State): 0.34% {0.34538411878%}
[05] DSCC (Dem. Senate. Cam. Comm.): 0.34% {0.34538411878%}
[06] Joe Biden for President: 0.34% {0.34538411878%}
[07] DNC (Dem. Nation. Cam. Comm.): 0.34% {0.34538411878%}
-------Please see [08] below-------
[09] News Organizations: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[10] Nat'l Human Trafficking Awareness Day: 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[11] PPAF (Plan. Parent. Act. Fund): 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[12] Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[13] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 1.30% {1.29115558424%}
[14] Monthly Political: 2.32% {2.32408005164%}
-------Please see [15] below-------
[16] DGA (Dem. Govern. Assoc.): 0.34% {0.34538411878%}
[17] Doctors w/o Borders: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[18] USA for UNFPA: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[19] USA for UNHCR: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[20] Oregon Equal Rights for All campaign: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[21] UFW (Unite. Farm Work.): 0.36% {0.35829567462%}
[22] PPFA (Plan. Parent. Feder. of Amer.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[23] International Holocaust Remembrance Day: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[24] DAGA (Dem. Attorneys. Gen. Assoc.): 0.34% {0.34538411878%}
Monthly Income Total Percentage Calculation:
2.50%
+ 2.76% {8 x 0.34% approximately}
+ 2.24% {7 x 0.32%}
+ 1.94% {3 x 0.65% approximately}
+ 1.30%
+ 2.32%
+ 0.36%
= 13.42%
Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:
[08] Credit Card Purchases: 2.48% {2.4835377663%}
[15] Monthly Interest: 7.57% {7.57069076823%}
Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 10.05%
Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for January 2024: 23.47% {23.47385409941%}
And starting in 2024, I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
For example, I made one set of donations for the month of January 2024 (on January 6th) to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this first month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.
That is why I am trying to contribute, during each month of 2024, as much as I am able to donate to Democratic political organizations—as well as to Democratic political campaigns—while I am still trying to stay within a 'monthly donating budget,' since that's all I can really afford! Now, that means I can only donate ONCE for the entire month to each of the above-mentioned seven organizations (and one campaign!) in order to stay within my 'monthly donating budget.' Period. And that is how I am planning to budget for my credit card charges in order to see if it is "feasible for the foreseeable future" (say that three times fast!), or if I need to adjust this new credit card budget even more.
Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because 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 February 1st, 2024, revised February 2nd, 2024, revised March 1st, 2024, revised March 10th, 2024, revised April 1st, 2024, revised April 2nd, 2024, revised September 4th, 2024 and revised September 5th, 2024)
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YEAR 2024 UPDATES FOR FEBRUARY:
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February 1st, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 1st, 2024, from the Andrea Salinas for Congress (Andrea Salinas for Oregon) campaign, which stated the following:
Paul, my name is Andrea Salinas and I proudly serve Oregon’s 6th Congressional District – a pure swing district – in Congress. I wanted to reach out, personally, with a major update on the state of our race.
My extreme, anti-choice, out-of-touch, former 2022 opponent just launched his rematch campaign against me.
Paul, my MAGA opponent wouldn’t just fail to stand up for our rights in Congress. He’d be part of the chaos caucus trying to take them away.
The stakes are too high to risk opening the door for hateful, dangerous GOP extremism here in Oregon.
So now more than ever, I need a surge of grassroots support to ensure I have the necessary resources to win. Please, for the sake of our community, can I count on you?***
***[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, 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:
Andrea Salinas for Congress
Chip in to Andrea's re-election campaign!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Andrea Salinas.
[ ] Donate $6 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Andrea Salinas for Congress (Andrea Salinas for Oregon) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to answer the question from Representative Andrea Salinas: "...for the sake of our community, can I count on you?" And that is why I contributed to "Andrea's re-election campaign!"
Thus, this one campaign—Andrea Salinas for Congress (Andrea Salinas for Oregon)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 1st, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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February 2nd, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Federation of America today, February 2nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Support these amazing Black-led organizations", which stated the following:
Paul —
I want to talk to you about Black history — not just the past, but the present as well.
In significant ways, Black leaders and communities are driving change in this country. I want to talk about the power we have, and the power we are building, to shape our own future. I want to make it plain: Black history is happening now. Reproductive justice leaders continue to make deep and lasting moves in families and communities across the country — mobilizing women, trans, and nonbinary people to fight for the freedom we all deserve.
This Black History Month, Planned Parenthood is proud to highlight the work of Black-led organizations that are doing transformative work in communities across the country. Will you make a gift now to support Black-led organizations working for reproductive justice, racial justice, and liberation?
Donate now and your gift will be shared between these incredible organizations:
[✓] The Afiya Center
[✓] Black Feminist Future
[✓] Black Women for Wellness
[✓] New Voices for Reproductive Justice
[✓] SisterLove
Every day, these partner organizations are expanding access to essential health services for Black families and building a safer, healthier, more equitable future for all.
Celebrate Black history — and help build a better future for Black communities — by making a gift today.
Thank you for your continued support of Planned Parenthood and our partners in this movement.
In solidarity,
[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
***[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 one-time donations to The Afiya Center, Black Feminist Future, Black Women for Wellness, New Voices for Reproductive Justice and SisterLove, on Plan Parenthood's donation portal via ActBlue.com, because "this Black History Month, Planned Parenthood is proud to highlight the work of Black-led organizations that are doing transformative work in communities across the country."
–Paul Whiting (February 2nd, 2024)
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February 2nd, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses February 1st, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 2nd, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 2nd, 2024, as well as yesterday, February 1st, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
February 2nd, 2024 search:
01. CNN.com
Another shockingly good jobs report shows America's economy is booming
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/business/live-news/jobs-report-january-02-02-24/index.html
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
February 1st, 2024 search:
02. The Guardian
State department identifies Israeli citizens targeted by US sanctions as Netanyahu rejects them as ‘unnecessary’ – live
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/feb/01/us-congress-child-tax-credit-biden-trump-us-politics-live
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
February 2nd, 2024 search:
03. U.S. Department of Defense (.gov)
U.S. Can Respond Decisively to Cyber Threat Posed by China
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3663799/us-can-respond-decisively-to-cyber-threat-posed-by-china
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
February 1st, 2024 search:
04. Politico
Gender gap expands between Biden and Trump, new poll shows
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/31/gender-poll-2024-biden-trump-00138882
February 1st, 2024 search:
05. Politico
Biden expected to issue executive order targeting Israeli settlers in West Bank
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/01/biden-executive-order-israel-palestine-00139023
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
February 2nd, 2024 search:
06. Newsweek
Former Trump Advisor Praises Joe Biden's Economy: 'I Was Wrong'
https://www.newsweek.com/former-trump-advisor-praises-joe-biden-economy-i-was-wrong-1866232
February 2nd, 2024 search:
07. CNN.com
Biden basks in the glow of UAW endorsement as he battles Trump for union worker votes
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/01/politics/joe-biden-uaw-michigan/index.html
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
February 2nd, 2024 search:
08. NPR (National Public Radio)
A woman was arrested after she miscarried. Now, Democrats tell Biden: do more.
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/02/1228463764/congressional-democrats-tell-biden-to-do-more-on-abortion-after-ohio-womans-arre
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 1st, 2024 search:
09. NBC News
Oregon high court says GOP lawmakers who staged walkout can’t run for re-election
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna136811
February 1st, 2024 search:
10. KGW ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with NBC.")
Oregon Supreme Court upholds Measure 113, disqualifies Republicans senators who walked out last year
https://www.kgw.com/amp/article/news/politics/elections/oregon-supreme-court-upholds-measure-113-disqualifies-republicans-senators/283-4e52616d-e8aa-4dc5-bf5c-56ca8f773c0b
February 2nd, 2024 search:
11. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Most Republican Senators Barred From Re-election in Oregon After Walkouts
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/us/oregon-legislators-walkout-supreme-court.html
February 2nd, 2024 search:
12. AP News
Oregon high court says 10 GOP state senators who staged long walkout can't run for reelection
https://apnews.com/article/oregon-republican-walkout-reelection-f1d270db9e9a72935c13b973d79a4bb7
February 2nd, 2024 search:
13. Slate
Oregon Republicans bet it all on a constitutional loophole. They lost big-time.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/02/oregon-republicans-banned-ballot-trump.html
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
February 2nd, 2024 search:
14. Politico
The nation's cartoonists on the week in politics
https://www.politico.com/gallery/2024/02/02/the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics-00139175?slide=17
[Blogger's Note: By the way, I selected the political cartoon "...It's a cult" out of the cartoon carousel. Plus, 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!]
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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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 February 2nd, 2024 and revised February 5th, 2024)
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For my "February 4th, 2024 Update No. 1"—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. A brief overview of the 'update' can be found below:
February 4th, 2024 Update No. 1: Did you know that February 4th is the USO's birthday?
Neither did I! That is, until I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) last year on February 23rd, 2023, with the subject line, "The USO’s birthday, the Super Bowl, visits from WWE superstars and more!"
And I wrote an 'update' labeled, 'February 23rd, 2023 Update' regarding that email from the USO, a copy of which can be found below from 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. Plus, this copy of the aforementioned 'update' is also from my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity" that is on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs (which is where most of my USO donations 'updates' are located):
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February 23rd, 2023 Update: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, February 23rd, 2023, with the subject line, "The USO’s birthday, the Super Bowl, visits from WWE superstars and more!", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 111 / February 2023, which stated, in part, the following:
YOUR USO AT WORK
Issue 111 / February 2023
DONATE NOW »
https://secure.uso.org
The year is now in full swing, Paul, and so is our work to support our service members and their families in the months ahead.
We have lots of news, stories and events to share with you, so we hope you'll keep reading for the latest updates. As always, thank you for all you do to be a force behind our forces...
And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "The USO celebrates its 82nd birthday" in addition to "In honor of Black History Month, here are seven moments of bravery in African American military history": ...
---------------------------------------------
... Thus, I decided to write this 'update' as a way to highlight that February 4th is the USO's birthday!
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."
Plus, the amount that I donated today, February 4th, 2024, was $1.00 for every year of the USO's 83rd birthday!
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, "February 4th, 2024 Update No. 1":
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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February 4th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses February 3rd, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 4th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 4th, 2024, as well as yesterday, February 3rd, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
February 3rd, 2024 search:
01. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Americans think democracy is in peril in the 2024 election
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/538/americans-democracy-peril-2024-election/story?id=106803471
February 3rd, 2024 search:
02. Newsweek
America Is Hiring, and That's Great News for Joe Biden
https://www.newsweek.com/america-hiring-thats-great-news-joe-biden-1866469
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
February 4th, 2024 search:
03. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Joe Biden Wins South Carolina Democratic Primary With Over 95 Percent of Votes
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/03/us/politics/biden-win-south-carolina-primary.html
February 4th, 2024 search:
04. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
3 takeaways from President Biden's blowout win in the South Carolina Democratic Primary
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/02/03/joe-biden-win-south-carolina-primary-2024-takeaways/72466877007
February 4th, 2024 search:
05. Politico
Biden gets the South Carolina victory he wanted
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/03/biden-wins-south-carolina-primary-00139479
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
February 3rd, 2024 search:
06. Politico
30 Things Joe Biden Did as President You Might Have Missed
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/02/02/joe-biden-30-policy-things-you-might-have-missed-00139046
[Blogger's Note: The article above is rather a long read, but it is well worth the time that it takes to read it!]
February 3rd, 2024 search:
07. New Republic
Republicans Have Nothing to Impeach Joe Biden On. And They Finally Know It.
https://newrepublic.com/post/178720/house-republicans-give-up-biden-impeachment
February 3rd, 2024 search:
08. Business Insider
GOP lawmaker says Republicans 'don't have the votes' to impeach Biden
https://www.businessinsider.com/gop-lawmaker-concedes-house-republicans-dont-have-votes-impeach-biden-2024-2?amp
[Blogger's Note: After I read the article above, I noticed that Business Insider, which is "a New York City-based multinational financial and business news website founded in 2007," had returned to its original name of "Business Insider" after having changed its name a while ago to simply "Insider."
So, I did a Google search for "didn't Business Insider change its name to Insider?" and found the following excerpt from an article titled, "LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: We're Business Insider!":
"Insider is changing its name to Business Insider. You'll notice I didn't say we're changing our name 'back' to Business Insider. That's because although we have had this name before, this move is not about going back. It's about a new beginning for this company." Nov 14, 2023
Therefore, I read the above-mentioned article because I have read a considerable number of Business Insiders' articles and found them to be very informative and trustworthy!
That is why, when they changed their name to just "Insider," I thought, "Eh, that doesn't say what your publication is a 'insider of' anymore..."
And so, that is why I was so very grateful to see that they are "Business Insider" again because, as they stated so eloquently in the article above:
"In a world where trust in the media is at an all-time low, Business Insider is one of the few publications trusted across party lines. ...
... At Business Insider, we're dedicated to providing you with journalism that isn't just informative but transformative. ...
... Here at Business Insider, we can't wait to share with you more stories that challenge, inspire, and drive progress — stories that resonate with your ambition and zest for life."
Thus, if you are interested in reading the full article titled, "LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: We're Business Insider!"—like I did—here is the hyperlink:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessinsider.com/letter-from-business-insider-editor-nicholas-carlson-on-name-change-2023-11%3famp]
February 3rd, 2024 search:
09. CNN.com
House GOP skeptical Biden inquiry leads to impeachment as election draws near
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/02/politics/house-impeachment-biden-republicans/index.html
February 4th, 2024 search:
10. CNBC
Biden nets landslide victory in South Carolina Democratic Primary, winning 96% of votes
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/03/south-carolina-democratic-primary-too-early-to-call-nbc-news-projects.html
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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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 February 4th, 2024 and revised February 5th, 2024)
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February 6th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received a text message today, February 6th, 2024, from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) [by the way, "Médecins Sans Frontières" is French for "Doctors Without Borders"], which stated the following:
Doctors Without Borders: One year since devastating earthquakes struck Syria and Türkiye, and we’re continuing to provide aid. Your recurring donation can help us save lives in Syria and beyond:***
***[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, 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 (which includes the relevant text from the Doctors Without Borders donation webpage):
Help save lives. Donate now.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is on the ground in over 70 countries—providing urgently needed humanitarian aid in moments of crisis and conflict. Make a gift today to help us continue providing medical aid where it is needed most.
Your 100 percent tax-deductible gift helps MSF respond quickly to emergencies in places like Ukraine, Haiti, Yemen, and beyond.
For MSF, the ability to respond quickly to medical humanitarian emergencies is crucial to saving more lives. Unrestricted funds allow us to allocate our resources most efficiently and where the needs are greatest.
So, I made a one-time donation to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) because "Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is on the ground in over 70 countries—providing urgently needed humanitarian aid in moments of crisis and conflict." –Paul Whiting (February 6th, 2024)
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February 6th, 2024 Update No. 2: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS THEMES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] I received a text message today, February 6th, 2024, 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:
[CONTENT WARNING: THIS TEXT MESSAGE CONTAINS A DESCRIPTION OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
“I lost my baby in front of my eyes,” Safia told us. She’s from a remote region of Yemen where 4 out of 5 women have been subjected to a deadly practice: female genital mutilation (FGM).
Today is the International Day to End FGM – an extreme act of violence and violation of bodily autonomy where a girl’s external genitalia are cut. The practice can result in chronic infections, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even death.
After her daughter was born, Safia’s mother-in-law insisted that FGM would allow the baby to lead a moral life.
“She took my three-day-old baby to her arms and carried out the procedure. It was the most unbearable sight, watching my baby being cut with a sharp blade,” Safia shared.
The baby girl screamed in pain and bled profusely. Tragically, she did not survive.
“Her death not only killed my joy of being a mother, but killed me a thousand times over. I blamed myself for not doing anything to save my daughter and began to question why she was killed in this brutal way for being a girl,” she said.
Every year, 4 million girls are subjected to the horrors of FGM, but your support can prevent Safia’s tragic story from occurring again. Though your partnership we can reach families with information on the harms of FGM and encourage communities to abandon the practice – the most effective way to ensure this generation of FGM survivors is the last. Will make a gift today and help end FGM for good?
DONATE NOW:***
Thank you for being there,
USA FOR UNFPA
***[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, 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:
END FGM FOR GOOD
Together, we can keep girls safe from harm by empowering families and communities to end female genital mutilation – for good.
Make a gift today to help end this brutal practice and provide lifesaving sexual and reproductive health care around the world >>>
And so, I made a one-time donation to USA for UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) because "together, we can keep girls safe from harm by empowering families and communities to end female genital mutilation – for good." –Paul Whiting (February 6th, 2024)
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February 6th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses February 5th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 6th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 6th, 2024, as well as yesterday, February 5th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
February 5th, 2024 search:
01. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Renewable energy: Why US counties often ban solar, wind power plants
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2024/02/04/us-counties-ban-renewable-energy-plants/71841063007
February 6th, 2024 search:
02. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Opinion | The G.O.P. Bumper Sticker: Trump First. Putin Second. America Third.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/06/opinion/immigration-senate-house.html
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
February 5th, 2024 search:
03. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Here's What's in the Senate's $118 Billion Ukraine and Border Deal
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/05/us/politics/senate-border-ukraine-deal.html
February 5th, 2024 search:
04. Reuters
US Senate unveils $118 billion bill on border security, aid for Ukraine, Israel
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senate-unveils-118-billion-bipartisan-bill-tighten-border-security-aid-2024-02-04
February 5th, 2024 search:
05. The Guardian
Secretive US rightwing group Alec designs law to give big business ‘complete immunity for bad acts’
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/05/public-nuisance-laws-business-opioids
By the way, after I read this article on February 5th, 2024, 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
[ ] $250
[✓] 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."
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
February 5th, 2024 search:
06. AP News
Biden warns of a 'nightmare' future for the country if Trump should win again, and lists reasons why
https://apnews.com/article/biden-nevada-primary-trump-2024-presidential-election-a7900c2fdb926e50c8bea31b4dadd210
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 5th, 2024 search:
07. AP News
House Republicans announce bill that provides more military aid to Israel but leaves out Ukraine
https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-military-aid-israel-ukraine-8b97e6e7df99e7ca4174cfbc560cfe42
February 5th, 2024 search:
08. Axios
House GOP plans new Israel package in blow to Senate talks
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/03/house-republicans-israel-aid-mike-johnson-senate
February 6th, 2024 search:
09. NBC News
Senate Republicans threaten to block border security bill they negotiated
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna137389
February 6th, 2024 search:
10. AP News
Senate Republicans resist advancing border policy bill following criticism (Senate Republicans resist advancing on the border policy bill, leaving aid for Ukraine in doubt)
https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-a39e188fa2c6a563203d2c69eaabdc6d
February 6th, 2024 search:
11. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
On the Border, Republicans Set a Trap, Then Fell Into It
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/06/us/politics/border-republicans-ukraine-bill.html
February 6th, 2024 search:
12. MSNBC News
Indicted Trump has Republicans openly plotting election theft: See Jan 6 ally confronted on TV
https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp-video/mmvo203662405780
By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled the same as the article.
February 6th, 2024 search:
13. Rolling Stone
Republicans Are Planning to Totally Privatize Medicare — And Fast
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-republicans-privatize-medicare-1234960808/amp
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
February 5th, 2024 search:
14. AP News
Claims that Jan. 6 rioters are 'political prisoners' endure. Judges want to set the record straight
https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-rioters-defiant-judges-trump-4c42aabc97c5aa7ffa25430d7f3be3f2
February 5th, 2024 search:
15. CNN.com
Key highlights of the Senate’s proposed border deal package
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/04/politics/senate-border-bill-takeaways/index.html
February 5th, 2024 search:
16. CNN.com
Israeli soldiers struggle to square political views with the realities of war [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/04/middleeast/israeli-soldiers-political-war/index.html
17. Reuters
Israeli hostage families gain clout as political landscape shifts [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-hostage-families-gain-clout-political-landscape-shifts-2024-02-05
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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 (February 6th, 2024)
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February 7th, 2024 Update No. 1: In order to show my support for "National Gun Violence Survivors Week," which is yearly (annually) from February 1st through 7th, I made donations today, February 7th, 2024, to organizations that are working to end gun violence in America, including Ban Assault Weapons NOW (which is also known as 'BAWN'), Giffords PAC (which was formerly known as 'Americans for Responsible Solutions'), Brady Campaign (which is also known as 'Brady: United Against Gun Violence' and which was formerly known as the 'National Council to Control Handguns,' 'Handgun Control, Inc.' and the 'Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,' respectively), as well as March For Our Lives. –Paul Whiting (February 7th, 2024)
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February 7th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from USA for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) today, February 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "An inside look at our emergency response for refugees", which stated the following:
USA for UNHCR
Disasters know no boundaries, Paul. When war breaks out or natural disaster strikes, life can change in a matter of minutes — shattering families and communities and driving millions of people to flee.
During these crises, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is ready to respond to the needs of forcibly displaced people around the world — and that's thanks to generous people like you. In 2023, 43 emergency declarations were issued in 29 countries — the highest number in decades. In response to this unprecedented need, UNHCR served 16.7 million displaced people around the world.
In a crisis, every minute counts. We count on our community of supporters to be able to respond immediately and provide aid to the people who need it most. Within the first 72 hours of an emergency, UNHCR can mobilize supplies for 1 million people and deploy expert staff to protect them. And we couldn't do it without this community's generosity.
Take a look inside our emergency preparedness efforts and see how you help UNHCR to be among the first to respond.
HOW UNHCR HELPS →
https://www.unrefugees.org/news/how-does-unhcr-respond-to-humanitarian-emergencies
As emergencies like war, extreme weather and other natural disasters worsen and become more frequent, it's more important than ever that teams on the ground are prepared to respond quickly and effectively. In the aftermath of an emergency, UNHCR stays and delivers lifesaving aid so that those affected can recover and rebuild their lives.
We never know when and where the next crisis will strike — that's why it's so important to be prepared right now to be able to respond immediately when families are suffering and facing uncertainty.
Please take a moment to discover how this compassionate community makes this critical work possible.
In partnership,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
USA for UNHCR
P.S. As we work around the clock to keep up with the increasing needs of people living through humanitarian emergencies, we need the strength of this kind global community to keep providing a consistent lifeline when disaster strikes. Help us meet this moment — and every moment after — with the urgency it deserves by giving a special gift today.
https://give.unrefugees.org/180117core_mainpg_d_3000
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:
USA for UNHCR
The Un Refugee Agency
How does UNHCR respond to humanitarian emergencies?
JANUARY 24, 2024
When a humanitarian emergency strikes, people are often forced to flee their homes and leave everything behind to make the dangerous journey to safety. During an emergency response, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency prioritizes saving lives and minimizing serious harm by meeting the most urgent humanitarian needs.
UNHCR provides emergency protection and assistance to keep people safe, including shelter, access to clean water, food, medical care and help to reunite families. Within the first 72 hours of an emergency, UNHCR can mobilize supplies for 1 million people and deploy expert staff to protect them.
How does UNHCR define an emergency?
UNHCR's definition of an "emergency" is composed of two criteria. Firstly, there is a humanitarian crisis or disaster which either threatens to cause new forced displacement, loss of life or other serious harm, or which significantly affects the rights or well-being of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), stateless persons, returnees and other persons of concern, unless immediate action is taken.
Secondly, for an "emergency" to be declared, the humanitarian crisis must demand exceptional measures because current government and UNHCR capacities are inadequate for a predictable and effective response. The declaration of an emergency level is based on a country operation's analysis of the situation, as well as its existing preparedness and response capacity.
UNHCR may declare one of three emergency levels, based on the severity of the humanitarian crisis and the level of response required.
[✓] A Level 1 emergency is declared when a country operation must enhance preparedness and/or commence an initial response, while the current capacity of the country operation is insufficient.
[✓] A Level 2 emergency is declared in a rapidly evolving humanitarian situation when a country operation faces significant gaps in resources, staffing and expertise and additional support and resources from the regional bureau are vital for the operation to respond.
[✓] A Level 3 emergency signifies an exceptionally serious situation in which the scale, pace, complexity and consequences of the crisis significantly exceed the existing response capacities of the country operation and regional bureau. This is the highest emergency level and activates a “whole-of-UNHCR” global response, in coordination with other UN agencies and partners.
What assistance does UNHCR provide to people in emergencies?
By September 2023, 114 million people globally were forcibly displaced from their homes. UNHCR assists millions of people in emergency situations every year, including 16.7 million people who received emergency supplies in 2023. UNHCR continually analyzes the risk of emergencies globally so that teams are prepared to respond quickly and effectively. When an emergency breaks:
[✓] UNHCR delivers lifesaving relief items and other critical goods from its global stockpiles, ready in warehouses in strategic locations around the world.
[✓] UNHCR deploys emergency response experts who are trained in crisis management and specialize in key areas like legal protection, cash assistance, shelter and tackling sexual exploitation.
[✓] UNHCR transfers funds from emergency reserves directly to local UNHCR teams on the ground to set up shelters, buy food and register people who need help.
The most immediate need in a displacement crisis is often safe, suitable shelter. UNHCR delivers lifesaving tents, plastic sheeting and bedding so people exhausted from a long and often dangerous journey can sleep indoors, where they feel safer and are protected from harsh weather.
Furthermore, UNHCR helps find safe places for refugees to settle, and when there is no alternative, it will set up and help manage refugee camps in coordination with local governments.
How does UNHCR help to ensure that refugees reach safety during an emergency?
People forced to flee must not be expelled or returned to situations where their lives and freedom are at risk. Ensuring refugees can reach safety and are not pushed back across a border is central to UNHCR’s work.
When people are fleeing across a border, roving teams are out in vehicles in all kinds of terrain, sometimes 24 hours a day, to help ensure refugees can reach safety. UNHCR monitors whether governments and armed groups are preventing refugees from entering a safe area, and when necessary, advocates with authorities and alerts the media. UNHCR teams also try to ensure that people crossing a border have a realistic chance of having their refugee status recognized.
Staff on the ground register and document displaced people and identify the most vulnerable among them, such as older people, children traveling alone or pregnant women, to ensure they receive any specialized care they need.
How does UNHCR coordinate assistance during emergencies?
In an emergency, every second counts, so coordination is key to saving lives. With a presence in more than 130 countries, UNHCR works to bring everyone together to ensure the best possible response to those who have been displaced, including governments, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local organizations. Working together ensures not only that immediate lifesaving aid is delivered but also protection, trauma counseling and health support needs are met.
When emergencies force people to flee across borders, UNHCR leads the overall refugee emergency response across all sectors and coordinates with partners and authorities. When people are displaced within their own country, UNHCR and other humanitarian partners activate the cluster approach, under which different organizations lead the coordination in specific areas of response, based on their expertise.
How did UNHCR respond to emergencies in 2023?
In 2023, UNHCR issued 43 emergency declarations in 29 countries – the highest number in decades – and deployed 339 emergency staff. From its seven global stockpiles, UNHCR delivered emergency supplies worth $53.5 million including 7.4 million relief items to serve up to 16.7 million people around the world.
Throughout the year, UNHCR responded to multiple crises globally, aiding millions affected by earthquakes in Syria, Türkiye and Afghanistan; a new conflict in Sudan and flare-ups of old conflicts in Karabakh and Somalia; a deteriorating crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, unprecedented mixed movements of refugees and migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean, and floods in Libya and the Horn of Africa.
Help us stay ready
UNHCR did not have the level of funding it needed in 2023 to provide enough support to 114 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Keeping supplies stocked, staff trained and funds available are central to UNHCR’s ability to save lives. Donate now.
https://give.unrefugees.org
And so, I made a one-time donation to USA for UNHCR because, "as [UNHCR works] around the clock to keep up with the increasing needs of people living through humanitarian emergencies, [they] need the strength of this kind global community to keep providing a consistent lifeline when disaster strikes." That is why I contributed to "help [UNHCR] meet this moment — and every moment after — with the urgency it deserves by giving a special gift today." –Paul Whiting (February 7th, 2024)
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February 7th, 2024 Update No. 3: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 7th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 7th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
01. NBC News
Chuck Todd: Congress is passing the FUBAR test with flying colors
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna137617
02. CNN.com
Senior Biden officials set to meet with Arab American, Muslim community in Michigan
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/07/politics/biden-team-arab-american-muslim-michigan-meeting/index.html
03. NBC News
White House officials to visit Michigan to meet with Muslim and Arab American community leaders
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna137702
04. U.S. News & World Report
Biden Is Sending Aides to Michigan to See Arab American and Muslim Leaders Over the Israel-Hamas War
https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2024-02-07/biden-is-sending-aides-to-michigan-to-see-arab-american-and-muslim-leaders-over-the-israel-hamas-war
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
05. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Senate Republicans kill bipartisan border, Ukraine, Israel deal (Senate kills sweeping border, foreign aid deal – even as lawmakers eye Israel, Ukraine funding)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/02/07/senate-gop-border-security-trump-biden-ukraine/72509936007
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
06. CNN.com
'Show some spine': Biden calls out Trump and GOP on border bill
https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2024/02/06/joe-biden-donald-trump-border-bill-cnc-vpx.cnn
By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled the same as the article.
07. NBC News
Biden advisers ready to go on offense in the immigration fight after the bipartisan border bill's demise
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna137679
08. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Trump's Border Intervention Gives Biden a Chance to Shift From Defense to Offense
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/07/us/politics/trump-border-biden.html
09. NBC News
Biden wins Nevada Democratic primary, NBC News projects (Facing little opposition, Joe Biden easily wins Nevada Democratic primary)
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna120367
10. CNN.com
Nikki Haley will lose Nevada GOP primary to ‘none of these candidates’ as Biden notches Democratic win
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/06/politics/nevada-primaries-biden-trump-haley/index.html
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
11. Newsweek
Joe Biden Wins Nevada Democratic Primary, Nikki Haley Loses GOP Race
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-wins-nevada-democratic-primary-1867524
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
12. Al Jazeera
Embattled immigration deal shows rightward lurch for Biden and Democrats
https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2024/2/7/embattled-immigration-deal-shows-rightward-lurch-for-biden-and-democrats
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
13. CNN.com
Republicans in Congress face internal backlash over dueling floor disasters
https://www.websitename.here
14. Politico
Ukraine aid in danger as Republicans struggle to chart course
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/07/ukraine-aid-danger-republicans-struggle-00140283
15. CBS News
Why Nevada's holding a GOP caucus and primary for 2024
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/nevadas-2024-primaries-republicans-democrats
16. Rolling Stone
Republicans Declare in Resolution That Trump Isn’t an Insurrectionist … Because They Say So
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/republicans-file-resolution-claiming-trump-insurrectionist-1234962557/amp
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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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 (February 7th, 2024)
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February 8th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 8th, 2024, from the Ty Pinkins for U.S. Senate (Ty for Mississippi) campaign, which stated the following:
If you don’t know me, my name is Ty Pinkins. I am a Bronze Star Veteran, an attorney, and a community organizer. I’m also the only Democrat running to represent our great state of Mississippi in the U.S. Senate.
Growing up in the Delta, I knew that I wanted to be of service to my community. The first opportunity I saw was enlisting in the U.S. Army. I served 21 years on active duty, including three combat tours. After coming home, I knew that I needed to continue my service here in the Magnolia State.
Many of our friends and our neighbors are staring down poverty, underfunded schools, lack of quality healthcare, and high unemployment. So I founded a nonprofit called The Pyramid Project where we work to serve and inspire youth from low-income communities, provide career and academic-related resources, and the opportunity to work with mentors.
I’ve been an advocate for improving our elections by helping to establish organizations supporting women seeking elected office, helping draw fair voting districts to make our democracy fair for all of us, and expanding voting rights to make it easier to access the ballot. As I work alongside other Mississippians, I’m always asking myself “What more can I do for others?”
Now, I’m continuing my service to Mississippi by running for the U.S. Senate.
So – will you work with me? Join us in making a better Mississippi by supporting our campaign with $25, $50, or whatever you can give today:***
I’m truly grateful for your support!
– Ty
***[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, 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:
TY PINKINS
— ★★★ for U.S. SENATE —
YOU TALK. I LISTEN. WE DO!
Donate now to turn Mississippi blue and expand our Senate majority!
I am not a career politician. I am the son of a tractor driver, a 21-year veteran of the United States Army, a lawyer, and a proud son of Mississippi who's committed his life to public service.
I am ready to listen to everyday Mississippians and take their voice to Washington to focus on issues from protecting voting rights to working to restore reproductive freedom. But I can't do it alone. I need your support to turn Mississippi blue and to increase our Senate majority.
Donate now to become part of our people- powered campaign!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Ty Pinkins.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Ty Pinkins for U.S. Senate (Ty for Mississippi) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Ty Pinkins is] a Bronze Star Veteran, an attorney, and a community organizer. [He's] also the only Democrat running to represent [the] great state of Mississippi in the U.S. Senate."
Thus, this one campaign—Ty Pinkins for U.S. Senate (Ty for Mississippi)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 8th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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February 9th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was an email from both the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Tom Suozzi for Congress (Suozzi for Congress) campaign today, February 9th, 2024, with the subject line, "The nation is watching NY-03", which stated, in part, the following:
Hi Paul, it’s Tom Suozzi. The DNC asked me to reach out with an important message. I’m writing to ask for your support so we can win the NY-03 special election in just a few days.
I really need everyone reading this to chip in $10 right away. Let me explain why.
With less than a week left until this critical special election, polling is in the margin of error and Republicans and their far-right outside groups have spent nearly $5 million against me in this race. Early voting is already under way and we’re running out of time to make our final push to voters.
Paul, we can’t afford to fall short here. The whole nation will be watching NY-03. Climate change, immigration reform, gun safety, reproductive rights -- all of it and more is at stake on February 13. As the nation looks to Long Island to see which way we will go, we’ve got to make it clear -- we need a government that can solve our problems and get things done!
So Paul, I’m humbly asking -- with so much on the line and the whole nation watching, will you rush a split donation between my campaign and the DNC right away to help me win this special election and elect Democrats around the country?
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will be split evenly between Tom Suozzi's campaign and the DNC.
[ ] EXPRESS DONATE: $35
[ ] EXPRESS DONATE: $70
[ ] EXPRESS DONATE: $175
[ ] EXPRESS DONATE: $350
[✓] Donate another amount***
Thank you so much for your support. It means the world.
Best,
Tom Suozzi
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DNC CONGRESSIONAL SPLIT SERIES
Split a donation between Tom Suozzi's campaign and the DNC:
The Democratic Party is counting on your support to elect Democrats nationwide.
Split a donation between Tom Suozzi's campaign and the DNC to invest in the future of this country and the success of Democrats running up and down the ballot.
Split your donation:
Total contribution $4.00
Customize amounts
Tom Suozzi (NY-03) $3.00
Democratic National Committee (DNC) $1.00
Donate $4
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.28 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to to the DNC and to the Tom Suozzi for Congress (Suozzi for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to split "a donation between Tom Suozzi's campaign and the DNC to invest in the future of this country and the success of Democrats running up and down the ballot."
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DNC is because I am planning to donate $7.00 (with a $0.51 tip to ActBlue) on February 14th, 2024—as part of my Valentine's Day donations—and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to this split donation request, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
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The second political communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 9th, 2024, from the Dan Osborn for U.S. Senate (Osborn: Independent for U.S. Senate) campaign, which stated the following:
Hello, we're texting to ask for $1 to help Dan Osborn defeat Republican Senator Deb Fischer in Nebraska.
No, that's not a typo. Our next fundraising deadline is just days away, and we're still short of our $15,000 goal and what we need to win flip this seat.
We know $1 might not seem like a lot -- and it's not. But combined with thousands of other grassroots donors chipping in, your $1 has enormous impact.
$1 lets us fill up the tank as Dan travels the state, meeting & introducing himself to voters.
$1 lets us invest early in the staff it takes to build a winning campaign.
$1 lets us counter the Super PAC lies.
And $1 lets us keep the lead in this critical Senate race -- the latest poll shows Dan Osborn LEADING Republican Deb Fischer by 2 points!
If everyone who gets this text chips in just $1, we will hit our fundraising goal and defeat Republican Senator Deb Fischer this November. But Dan is counting on your support now if he's going to win and flip this seat:
Please, will you chip in $1 right now to Dan Osborn's campaign -- more if you can afford to! -- to help him defeat Republican Senator Deb Fischer and flip this seat?***
Dan isn't taking money from corporate PACs. Instead, he's funding his campaign entirely with support from people like you. So no amount you can afford to give today is too small.
When Dan wins and becomes the critical 51st vote in the Senate, it will be because grassroots donors like you gave what you could now.
Thank you for your support,
Team Osborn
***[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, 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:
OSBORN
FOR SENATE
Give now to help Dan Osborn defeat Republican Senator Deb Fischer and win this seat!
Amount
[ ] $5
[ ] $10
[ ] $25
[ ] $35
[ ] $50
[ ] $100
[ ] $250
[ ] $1,000
[✓] $3.00
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Dan Osborn for U.S. Senate (Osborn: Independent for U.S. Senate) campaign (this donation was made through FastAction, which does not offer a tip box) because "Dan isn't taking money from corporate PACs. Instead, he's funding his campaign entirely with support from people like you."
[Blogger's Note: Just so you know, it didn't realize that Dan Osborn is actually running as an "Independent for U.S. Senate" until after I made the donation above! So, I just wanted to clarify that is why I donated to his campaign because I just assumed that he was a Democrat...even though he wasn't fundraising through ActBlue, which should have been my first clue. (Although, some Democratic campaigns and Democratic organizations do their fundraising through FastAction!) However, I didn't see the "Osborn: Independent for U.S. Senate" part of his campaign until after I went onto his campaign website in order to verify the full name of his campaign—like I usually do with every political campaign—in order to make sure that I have the campaign's name correct for these 'updates' that I write. (I hope that makes sense!)]
Thus, this one organization—the DNC—in addition to these two campaigns—Tom Suozzi for Congress (Suozzi for Congress), as well as Dan Osborn for Senate (Osborn: Independent for U.S. Senate)—are the political organization, and the political campaigns, that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 9th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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February 10th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 8th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 10th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 10th, 2024, as well as two days ago on February 8th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
February 8th, 2024 search:
01. NBC News
Key Biden aides meet with Arab American and Muslim leaders in Michigan
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp-video/mmvo203905605985
February 8th, 2024 search:
02. AP News
Biden aides meet in Michigan with Arab American and Muslim leaders, aiming to mend political ties
https://apnews.com/article/biden-gaza-protest-hamas-michigan-election-5bf3f88529d625a129e786bab29c4fde
February 8th, 2024 search:
03. HuffPost
Biden: Trump Is An ‘Existential Threat’ To America
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/biden-trump-existential-threat-to-america_n_65c44f4be4b0fb721d5fa05f/amp
By the way, after I read this article on February 8th, 2024, I noticed the HuffPost donation request below, which stated the following:
Support HuffPost
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
---------------------------------------------
Support Our Journalism
Everyone needs high-quality journalism, not just those who can afford expensive subscriptions. Please contribute what you can so we can continue investing in impactful journalism for all. Contributors get an exclusive monthly newsletter highlighting our best work.
[✓] ONCE
[ ] MONTHLY
[ ] ANNUALLY
[✓] $5
[ ] $10
[ ] $15
[ ] OTHER
https://www.huffpost.com/membership
Thank You For Your Support Paul!
And so, I made a one-time donation to HuffPost out of thankful consideration of the article that I just read by supporting HuffPost in order to "help keep [their] stories free for all."
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
February 8th, 2024 search:
04. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
The United States Has Been a Bulwark for Ukraine. What Happens if Support Collapses?
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/07/us/politics/united-states-support-ukraine.html
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
February 8th, 2024 search:
05. The New Republic
Just Say It, Democrats: Biden Has Been a Great President
https://newrepublic.com/article/178435/biden-great-president-say-it-democrats
February 8th, 2024 search:
06. CBS News
President Biden to deliver State of the Union address on March 7
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-2024-state-of-the-union-address-march-7
February 10th, 2024 search:
07. Politico
Opinion | The Republican Fantasy that Democrats Will Replace Joe Biden
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/02/09/republicans-joe-biden-nominee-swap-00140209
February 10th, 2024 search:
08. Time Magazine
(By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)
Why Biden's Age Has Become a Bigger Deal Than Trump's
https://time.com/6693305/biden-age-memory-trump-campaign
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
February 8th, 2024 search:
09. NBC News
The Biden administration is considering executive action to deter illegal migration at the southern border
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna137804
February 10th, 2024 search:
10. Newsweek
Sean Hannity's On-Air Gaffes Resurface After Joe Biden Attack
https://www.newsweek.com/sean-hannity-air-gaffes-resurface-joe-biden-attack-1868762
11. NBC News
As Biden’s memory issues draw attention, neurologists weigh in
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna138135
February 10th, 2024 search:
12. AP News
Verbal gaffe or sign of trouble? Mixing up names like Biden and Trump have done is pretty common
https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-age-concerns-analysis-verbal-gaffes-66c361880c9365b4d75ee82a8acced1b
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 8th, 2024 search:
13. Business Insider
Congressional Republicans are imploding - here's why
https://www.businessinsider.com/mike-johnson-mitch-mcconnell-gop-chaos-congress-trump-2024-2?amp
February 8th, 2024 search:
14. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Ukraine and Israel Aid Bill Inches Ahead as Divided G.O.P. Demands Changes
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/08/us/politics/ukraine-israel-aid-bill-senate.html
February 8th, 2024 search:
15. Vanity Fair
Joe Biden Is Planning a Border Crackdown With or Without Republicans: Report
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/joe-biden-planning-border-crackdown-with-or-without-republicans
February 10th, 2024 search:
16. MSNBC News
Rep. Garcia: Republicans are turning their backs on democracy
https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp-video/mmvo203982405689
By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled the same as the article.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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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 (February 10th, 2024)
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February 11th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 1st, 2024: I received a mailer from The Salvation Army Portland Metro ten days ago on February 1st, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "LOCAL CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP...", 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.]
The Salvation Army
[Street Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
$10 RUSHES RELIEF TO A FAMILY IN CRISIS IN THE PORTLAND METRO AREA!
YOUR GIFT
HELPS PROVIDE:
✓ NUTRITIOUS FOOD
✓ EMERGENCY SHELTER
✓ RENT & UTILITY ASSISTANCE
✓ SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Dear Mr. Whiting,
I'm writing you today with one simple question:
Could you spare just $10 to provide relief to a family in crisis, right here in the Portland Metro area?
Paul, I ask because local families are hurting. The high costs of food, housing, and other essentials are overwhelming families. They're working hard — but it's become harder to afford the basics. For many families, just one unexpected medical or repair bill can push them over the edge. That's why so many are now turning to us, desperate for help.
Many of these families have never needed help before. Or could have imagined ever needing it.
These are families like [name redacted's]. When her husband's business went under, their family faced a crisis. [Name redacted] was especially concerned for their three little girls.
"We worried about not having enough food," she recalls. "And sometimes about not having a place to live."
✴ But you can help a family like Anabel's. And you can do it for as little as $10.
Your gift of just $10 sets in motion life-changing help. You'll bring neighbors in the Portland Metro area urgently needed relief, with food, assistance with rent or utilities, clothing ... whatever it takes to keep a roof over their heads and get them back on their feet.
On top of that, you'll offer the emotional support and encouragement that uplifts people during tough times. That's especially important for the children, who suffer the most when a family is in crisis.
For [name redacted], friends like you did a world of good:
"Thankfully, we were able to get food and other help. They also gave us encouragement, and they never made us feel bad for asking for help. I was so grateful."
You can do so much for families like [name redacted's] when you choose The Salvation Army as your way to help. Efficient, effective, and with expertise gained over generations of serving families in need, your gift makes a powerful, immediate impact here for someone in the Portland Metro area.
So I hope you will consider the question I asked at the start of my letter ... and answer it with a heartfelt YES! Please make your gift today. Remember, your $10 will rush relief to a family in crisis. And if you can find it in your heart to make an even more generous gift, you'll help even more families who are really struggling right now.
Thank you for caring about your neighbors, especially the children. And may God bless you for your generosity.
Gratefully,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
P.S. Your gift of just $10 rushes relief to a local family overwhelmed by the cost of living and other impacts. That's all it takes to begin providing real help to a family in crisis. Your support will be a special blessing for the children, who suffer the most when families are struggling. And if you're able to make a larger gift, you'll help even more families! So please make your gift now.
Thank you so much!
GIVE ONLINE! IT'S SECURE AND EASY. GO TO: SalArmy-Cascade.org
[Blogger's Note: For The Salvation Army USA website, at which there's a local donation page for you to make a donation to The Salvation Army in your area, please visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn where you will see the "Donate Local" button at the top right-hand corner of their website! And thank you for considering making a donation to The Salvation Army, because "local children need your help..."]
---------------------------------------------
The Salvation Army
DOING THE MOST GOOD
JUST $10 CAN HELP A FAMILY TODAY!
YES! I want to rash relief to families in crisis in the Portland Metro area. Here's my gift of: $7.00
Please make you check payable to The Salvation Army.
Your gift will be used locally.
From: Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
To: The Salvation Army
Portland Metro Donation Processing Center
[Street Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
And so, I made a one-time donation to The Salvation Army Cascade Division today, February 11th, 2024, in order to support The Salvation Army's "$10 RUSHES RELIEF TO A FAMILY IN CRISIS IN THE PORTLAND METRO AREA" campaign, because "JUST [$7.00] CAN HELP A FAMILY TODAY!" –Paul Whiting (February 11th, 2024)
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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February 11th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received a mailer from Blanchet House & Farm (pronounced Blan-shāy) today, February 11th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the newsletter that read, "A Meal. A Home. A Future.", which stated, in part, 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.]
Blanchet House & Farm
BLANCHET HOUSE NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2024
FARM NEWS
Surprise Return to Farm
In a poignant turn of events, [name redacted], who once found refuge at Blanchet Farm to overcome addiction, is now among the crew building the farm's new dormitory. Employed with [business name redacted], [name redacted] is leading a skilled crew installing custom metalwork. His appearance was a pleasant surprise to Blanchet Farm [title and name redacted].
"It was so cool to spot [name redacted] up here working on the building. He's a real success story!" says [name redacted], who spent time with [name redacted] 12 years ago as residents at the farm, trying to gain sobriety in its recovery program.
While [name redacted's] involvement with the new dormitory may not be a headline-grabbing story, his quiet contribution to the project resonates with staff and others working to rebuild their lives from addiction.
"Returning to the farm as a worker on the dormitory project is surreal," says [name redacted]. "It feels like a full-circle moment, and I'm grateful for the chance to give back in this way. As a husband and father, being part of this project is not just a job, it's a way to provide for my family and show them the positive changes I've made.
The new dormitory is a critical initiative by Blanchet House to assist more men struggling with addiction in rebuilding their lives. With a total cost of $9 million, the farm is actively seeking to raise more than $2 million to complete construction, ensuring that more individuals can find support in their journey toward recovery.
[Name redacted's] job and sobriety exemplify the mission of the farm and the need for the construction of a bigger dormitory. His triumph over adversity inspires others to stay the course despite the challenges to recovery.
"I see the potential in this new place and it's going to be so much better," [name redacted] said about the new facility. "I'm excited that more people are going to be there."
Every contribution to the new dormitory at the farm is part of a larger pursuit of healing and hope.
We need your support to complete construction this year. If you can help, please call us at [phone number redacted] to make a donation or visit our website at BlanchetHouse.org.
Food Fairies Deliver Dinner
While the farm's kitchen is under construction we asked people to sign up for a meal train to help the guys out. It's been going great!
[Name redacted] was the first to deliver a hearty dinner to the residents. Farm [title and name redacted], is so grateful for the support that he crafted a fine wood board for one donor. We'll pick a winner from all of the meal train sign-ups.
You can volunteer to deliver an entree by signing up on our website at [web address redacted].
IN THE CAFE
We Won't Give Up
A few days before Christmas we received a phone call from a man named [redacted].
"God put it in my heart to call you today," he said. "I want to let you know that there are real success stories. I was one of the people you see standing in line at Blanchet House. I was nasty, violent, dirty, and unstable. No one wanted me around. There were a lot of us out there on the streets that were no better than a bug but you still fed us. We were in despair. I now have 12 years away from meth. I'd like to donate but it could only be $10 or $20 because I'm on a fixed income."
Thank you, [name redacted], and thank you to our supporters for not giving up on people.
SUCCESS STORY
Congratulations, [Name redacted]!
[Name redacted] received the best Christmas gift—keys to his own apartment! It's hard to believe that only a year or so ago, he was homeless due to addiction and struggling to survive on the streets right outside Blanchet House. Now he's thriving after staying with us in the residential program surrounded by sober peers and a stable environment.
[Name redacted] is employed helping others and he's already making such a positive difference in the world. We're so proud of you, [name redacted]. We'll miss your humor and smile around the House.
Please help us give someone else a safe place to stay by donating to our residential program using the envelope included. We're helping to end homelessness one person at a time with your support.
Stuck on the Street
We've been trying for at least a year to help an older woman, L.B., with schizophrenia get into a permanent care facility. But, the system is set up to keep her homeless unless she can advocate for herself. The irony is that she cannot consent to care because of her mental illness. She is fearful of service providers, but feels safe on the sidewalk in front of Blanchet House.
Like L.B., there are many people experiencing homelessness with cognitive and mental challenges. They have exhausted their family's abilities to help. They need professional, 24-hour-a-day care with medication monitoring.
We recently heard from [name redacted], whose son was a long-time cafe guest. She wrote, "Thank you for feeding my son during the years he was missing. I finally found him and he's now medicated for his schizophrenia and clean! ITS A MIRACLE!!!!!! Thank you I would not have him back if he had starved out there!"
Your support makes our life-saving services possible. When people thank us, they are really thanking you.
EVERYDAY HERO
Heroes Among Us
Shoutout to [name redacted] who volunteered to cook breakfast during a week of terrible ice storms in Portland. [Name redacted] and other residents stepped up to keep the cafe going when icy roads kept most staff home. And so many volunteers braved the slick streets to ensure people could get food and warm clothing at Blanchet House.
Despite a week of weather challenges, we served a total of 6,329 meals. That's a bittersweet accomplishment as you surely understand because every plate served represents someone without access to hot meals.
It's so important that our cafe remains open during the worst weather when it's often the only refuge for people experiencing homelessness. The temperatures were so low that a meal guest died from suspected hypothermia in a tent. Her friend came to tell us because he didn't know where else to go to share his tears and heartbreak. He knew that the staff and residents at Blanchet House would care.
Staying in our residential program downtown and helping with meal services gives residents purpose. It's a special community and we're so thankful for them and our volunteers, Together they brought so much relief.
CLOTHING CLOSET
Clothes Needed
We recently gave out 172 coats and sweatshirts in one hour during lunch. On cold and wet days, the line for clothes is longer than the line for food. It's hard to keep up with the need for large sizes.
Often the only items left are small women's sizes. Yes, we serve many women but they also select men's items because they are good for layering. ... If you can donate large coats or sweatshirts we will give them out ASAP as the need is high. Many people are asking for dry socks, too.
Please drop off Mon-Sat, 8-10:30 am. or 1:30-4 p.m. at [address redacted]. You can also shop our Amazon wish list which you can find on our website or by Googling "Blanchet House Amazon wish list." Thank you so much.
Another Day Out in the Cold
We're seeing an influx of people seeking us out for a simple warm meal and dry clothing. It's become all to common for there to still be a line around the building halfway through the meal hour for entry to the cafe. This means fewer chances for second helpings because seating is limited.
Also, people don't want to leave the cafe after they finish their plate. And can you blame them? It's so cold and wet out. Many have nowhere to go.
Often people show up to our cafe so hungry while experiencing a mental health episode or suffering from addiction. It's a miserable state of being that only compassion can fix. Every day we offer food, clothes, referrals to shelter, and a safe place to stay while you take the steps needed to heal. Your support makes our services possible. Please help us keep going strong in 2024 with a donation today. Every dollar helps. Thank you.
And so, I made two one-time donations: one donation to the capital campaign for Blanchet Farm in order to offer my "support to complete construction this year," as well as a second donation to Blanchet House of Hospitality in order to "help [them] keep going strong in 2024." –Paul Whiting (written February 11th, 2024 and revised August 11th, 2024)
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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February 12th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 12th, 2024, from the Ike McCorkle for Congress (McCorkle for Colorado) campaign, which stated the following:
Hi Paul, this is Ike McCorkle, the Democrat running to kick MAGA extremist Lauren Boebert out of Congress.
Boebert switched districts because she was guaranteed defeat in CO-3 after squeaking out a win two years ago. She thinks running for re-election in our district is a smart move. I’m going to prove her wrong.
I’m not afraid of a fight – especially when my opponent is someone as immoral and dangerous as Lauren Boebert.
The GOP fundraising machine is already spending millions to help Boebert, so we need to TRIPLE our efforts to guarantee we have the resources to send her packing.
Will you join me in this fight to save CO-4 with a donation of $24 or any amount to give Boebert the BOOT?***
Semper fi ("always faithful," the motto of the US Marine Corps),
Ike McCorkle
***[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, 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:
IKE for U.S. CONGRESS
HELP IKE FIGHT
Help Ike fight for CO-4 and defeat Lauren Boebert
Ike McCorkle is the Purple Heart recipient, Marine Force Recon veteran, and Democrat running for Congress in Colorado's 4th Congressional District.
Lauren Boebert switched districts because she was just about guaranteed defeat in CO-3.
Unfortunately, she is well-funded and remains a real threat to our democracy.
We can flip this seat and rid Colorado of national disgrace Lauren Boebert, but I need ongoing support from grassroots donors like you to do it! Please consider making a recurring donation today.
Semper fi,
Ike
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Isaac McCorkle.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $3,300 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Ike McCorkle for Congress (McCorkle for Colorado) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Ike's] not afraid of a fight – especially when [his] opponent is someone as immoral and dangerous as Lauren Boebert." That is why I contributed to his campaign, since "Ike McCorkle is the Purple Heart recipient, Marine Force Recon veteran, and Democrat running for Congress in Colorado's 4th Congressional District."
Thus, this one campaign—Ike McCorkle for Congress (McCorkle for Colorado)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 12th, 2024) and revised April 17th, 2024
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February 12th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) today, February 12th, 2024, with the subject line, "Urgent - Tell lawmakers to support student access to read and learn, free from discriminatory censorship!", which stated the following:
ACLU OF OREGON CALL TO ACTION: Protect Oregon students from hateful, discriminatory book bans and censorship — TELL YOUR [OREGON] LEGISLATORS TO VOTE YES FOR SB 1583
TAKE ACTION NOW:
https://action.aclu.org/send-message/protect-our-students-from-discriminatory-censorship
Paul –
I am asking for your urgent support of Senate Bill (SB) 1583 – a commonsense, values-based bill to curb discriminatory book bans and censorship in Oregon's public schools.
A fringe group with an extremist agenda has riled up their base, and they've already submitted written testimony opposing SB 1583.
We need you to take action today.
Alarmingly, a vocal but small number of people with extreme views are pushing for book bans in Oregon and across the country. The vast majority of material that is challenged features people of color or women as authors or characters, information about racism and slavery, LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, and sex-related education.
Most Oregonians and parents trust librarians and teachers to provide age-appropriate materials in libraries and classrooms.
We know that our democracy and youth benefit greatly from having access to the histories, viewpoints, and ideas of diverse people and communities. We also know that it is welcoming and affirming – even life-saving – for young people to see their identities and lived experiences reflected in books and other learning materials.
Here's how you can take action and support SB 1583:
1. Fill out this form to send a message to your lawmakers and submit written testimony. It only takes a few minutes! Or, you can submit your written testimony to the legislature directly. The deadline for submitting written testimony is Thursday, February 15, 3 p.m.
2. Sign up to provide verbal testimony in-person in Salem or virtually on Tuesday, February 13, 3 p.m.
Please make sure to fight back for our democracy and youth by submitting testimony supporting SB 1583 – tell the legislature that Oregon stands against discriminatory book bans and censorship.
Thank you for taking action with us to create a more just, equitable, and caring Oregon.
[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
[Title redacted], ACLU of Oregon
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:
ACLU of Oregon
STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO READ AND LEARN FREE FROM DISCRIMINATORY CENSORSHIP
Act Now
ACLU OF OREGON CALL TO ACTION: Protect Oregon students from hateful, discriminatory book bans and censorship — TELL YOUR [OREGON] LEGISLATORS TO VOTE YES FOR SB 1583
URGENT: A fringe group using extreme, hateful, and ugly rhetoric has riled up their base, and they’re already opposing Senate Bill 1583. We need you to take action today and express your support for SB 1583!
SB 1583 is a commonsense, values-based bill that will protect students in our state from discriminatory book bans and censorship in our public schools. This bill prohibits discriminatory censorship based on race, national origin, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, military status, or marital or family status.
Alarmingly, fringe groups with extreme, hateful views are pushing for book bans in Oregon and across the country. The vast majority of material targeted features people of color and women authors and characters, information about racism and slavery, LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, and sex-related education.
Most Oregonians and parents trust librarians and teachers to provide age-appropriate materials in libraries and classrooms. We know that our democracy and youth benefit greatly from having access to the histories, viewpoints, and ideas of the diverse people and communities in our country. We also know that it is welcoming and affirming – even life saving – for young people to see their identities and lived experiences reflected in books and other learning materials.
Please make sure to fight back for our democracy, for youth, and against hate by submitting testimony supporting SB 1583 — tell the legislature that Oregon stands against discriminatory book bans and censorship.
By filling out the form below, you can submit your own remarks and they will be messaged to your lawmakers. This also serves as consent to upload our prepared message as public testimony to the committee record on your behalf. When filling out your contact information, please know that your first and last name, and city will be made public, but the remainder of your contact information will not.
Thank you for your support!
YOUR MESSAGE
Use the form to send a message to your lawmakers.
Subject: YES on SB 1583!
Dear Oregon Lawmakers,
I am submitting written testimony to support SB 1583 and share why we must protect students' rights to read, learn, and share ideas – free from discriminatory censorship.
Our schools are the most welcoming and effective when students see their identities and experiences reflected in their schools, books, and learning materials, and when students have access to the histories and stories of all the diverse people and communities that make up our country and world.
Unfortunately, in Oregon and across the country, a vocal but small number of people with fringe views have amounted record numbers of book challenges in the last few years. A Washington Post analysis determined that 60% of all book challenges across the U.S. in the 2021-2022 school year were initiated by the same 11 people. (link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/09/28/virginia-frequent-school-book-challenger-spotsylvania)
[Blogger's Note: I read the article above from the Washington Post that is titled, "She challenges one school book a week. She says she’ll never stop."]
Usually, the books challenged are authored by women, LGBTQ+ people and people of color, and feature race or racism, LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, and sex-related education.
The vast majority of Oregonians and people across the country, however, do not support book bans and censorship:
— Most parents and voters hold librarians in high regard, have confidence in their local libraries’ decisions about the books made available, and agree that community libraries do a good job of offering books that represent a variety of viewpoints.
— The majority of public school parents also agree that various types of books should be available in school libraries on an age-appropriate basis — including content about slavery and racism, books for young adults that portray police violence against Black people, and both fiction and non-fiction books about lesbian, gay and transgender individuals.
Book bans and censorship have incredibly harmful impacts on people who teach our youth; authors whose works are targeted; families who want their children in diverse, supportive schools; students who deserve a full and rich education; and all of us.
Indeed, this is an important First Amendment and democracy issue. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." According to the high court, freedom of speech includes not just the right to speak but also the right to learn.
In summary, censorship is anti-democratic and it leans towards facism. In our democracy, students and young people have a right to access representative, engaging and diverse stories featuring a variety of authors, viewpoints and experiences — even if a vocal minority with fringe views doesn’t like it.
I urge you to support our democracy, our youth, and our state’s future by voting YES on SB 1583. All of Oregon’s children deserve to feel safe, welcomed and represented in their schools. SB 1538 is Oregon’s chance to curb oppressive, anti-democratic, and discriminatory acts of censorship and book bans in our public schools.
Sincerely,
[First Name] [Last Name]
YOUR INFORMATION
Salutation (required by some officials): Mr.
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
E-mail address: [redacted]
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip Code: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]
And so, I sent the letter above to Oregon Lawmakers, via the ACLU of Oregon's website, in order to submit "written testimony to support SB 1583," because "our schools are the most welcoming and effective when students see their identities and experiences reflected in their schools, books, and learning materials, and when students have access to the histories and stories of all the diverse people and communities that make up our country and world." –Paul Whiting (written February 12th, 2024 and revised February 21st, 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 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." [Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023' (that also appears as 'November 30th, 2023 Update No. 2, Written On December 1st, 2023' on some of my blogs), which can be found above.]
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February 12th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses February 11th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 12th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 12th, 2024, as well as yesterday, February 11th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
February 11th, 2024 search:
01. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Favoring Foes Over Friends, Trump Threatens to Upend International Order
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/11/us/politics/trump-nato.html
February 12th, 2024 search:
02. NPR (National Public Radio)
Violent crime is dropping fast in the U.S. — even if Americans don't believe it
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1229891045/police-crime-baltimore-san-francisco-minneapolis-murder-statistics
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
February 11th, 2024 search:
03. NBC News
Trump says he'd let Russia attack NATO countries that don't pay enough (Trump says he’d let Russia do ‘whatever the hell they want’ to NATO countries that don’t pay enough)
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna138256
February 12th, 2024 search:
04. CNN
Joint Chiefs chairman says ‘US credibility is at stake’ when asked about Trump’s NATO comments
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/12/politics/cq-brown-nato-trump/index.html
February 12th, 2024 search:
05. CNBC
Trump’s NATO comments stir up a political storm as Russia keeps quiet
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/02/12/russia-keeps-quiet-as-trumps-nato-comments-stir-up-a-political-storm.html
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
February 11th, 2024 search:
06. NBC News
Trump says he'd let Russia attack NATO countries that don't pay enough (Trump says he’d let Russia do ‘whatever the hell they want’ to NATO countries that don’t pay enough)
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna138256
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
February 11th, 2024 search:
07. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Special Counsel Robert Hur Biden report crossed line, prosecutors say (Did special counsel cross the line in bashing Biden's memory? Even some Republicans think so)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/02/10/biden-special-counsel-report-crossed-line/72539550007
February 12th, 2024 search:
08. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Trump Steps Up, Helping Biden Just When the President Needs Him
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/12/us/politics/trump-nato-biden-age.html
February 12th, 2024 search:
09. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Special Counsel Report 'Went Off the Rails,' Biden's Lawyer Says
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/11/us/politics/biden-hur-special-counsel-age.html
10. AP News
Biden's legal team went to Justice Dept. over what they viewed as unnecessary digs at his memory
https://apnews.com/article/biden-memory-classified-documents-election-9a519ea3f9ec514187d10e758c6535ac
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
February 12th, 2024 search:
11. HuffPost
'Nothing Has Changed': Another Witness Tells GOP She Saw No Corruption By Joe Biden
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/karen-tramontano-deposition-impeachment-inquiry-biden_n_65ca7209e4b0fb721d6230e4/amp
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
February 12th, 2024 search:
12. The Guardian
‘Two men three years apart’: Democrats highlight Trump’s mental lapses after Biden report
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/09/trump-memory-age-analysis-biden
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 11th, 2024 search:
13. Politico
'Enough to make Reagan ill': Trump's NATO remarks under fire
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/11/trump-nato-remarks-democrats-putin-00140848
February 11th, 2024 search:
14. CNN
McCarthy foes face blowback as primary threats grow and GOP donors shut their wallets
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/11/politics/kevin-mccarthy-foes-blowback/index.html
February 12th, 2024 search:
15. NPR (National Public Radio)
Cleanup on aisle Trump for Republicans after NATO comments (Republicans play cleanup on aisle Trump after former president's NATO comments)
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1230950457/trump-nato-haley-south-carolina-primary-rubio-gop-lawmakers
February 12th, 2024 search:
16. The Guardian
Republicans say Trump call for Russia to attack Nato allies was just fine, actually
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/12/trump-nato-russia-comments-republicans
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
February 12th, 2024 search:
17. The Guardian
Jill Biden in disbelief special counsel used son’s death to ‘score political points’
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/11/jill-biden-special-counsel-report
February 12th, 2024 search:
18. CNN
Biden campaign channels Jill Biden’s frustration over special counsel report
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/02/12/politics/biden-campaign-channels-jill-bidens-frustration-over-special-counsel-report/index.html
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
February 11th, 2024 search:
19. Hindustan Times
Allies fear US is becoming less reliable with concern over possible Trump return
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/allies-fear-the-us-is-becoming-less-reliable-with-growing-concern-over-a-possible-trump-return-101707681271610-amp.html
February 11th, 2024 search:
20. The Financial Express
European officials criticize Trump’s NATO comments
https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/european-officials-criticize-trumps-nato-comments/3390866/lite
---------------------------------------------
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 (February 12th, 2024)
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February 13th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received a text message today, February 13th, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence, which stated the following:
Paul, tomorrow will mark 6 years since my daughter, [name redacted], was killed by a gunman armed with an assault weapon at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
It will never be easy to live in a world without [name redacted] in it. But, after my daughter was killed, I made a promise to myself: No matter how hard it gets, I will never, ever, stop fighting for a country where no child is shot in the halls of their school.
Brady is leading that movement in Congress, in the courts, and in communities — and they're counting on activists like you to join them. So please, in honor of 6 years since the Parkland shooting, will you raise your voice for change?
SHOULD CONGRESS BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS?
[✓] 🟠 YES:***
[ ] ⚪️NO:
We're counting on 6,000 responses before midnight tomorrow, so please respond now.
- [Name redacted]
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:
BRADY UNITED AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
Stop School Shootings Survey [MIDNIGHT DEADLINE]
Thanks for responding to our live poll. Your input is incredibly valuable to us. As an active member of our community, could you spare just 90 seconds to share your thoughts on critical gun safety reforms?
How much should Congress prioritize passing an assault weapons ban in 2024?
[ ] 1- Lowest priority
[ ] 2
[ ] 3
[ ] 4
[✓] 5- Highest priority
In addition to banning assault weapons, which of the following proposed reforms do you support? (Select as many as you'd like.)
[✓] Taking action against ghost guns
[✓] Creating universal background checks
[✓] Raising the minimum purchase age Banning high-capacity magazines
[✓] Investing in funding to research the gun violence epidemic
[✓] Closing loopholes in extreme risk laws
[ ] Other:
After the tragedy in Uvalde, Congress passed the most significant gun safety legislation in decades. But with Republicans now in control of the House, the NRA will have more leverage to obstruct life-saving legislation.
How important is it to you that we take action to defeat the NRA and save lives from gun violence?
[✓] Extremely important
[ ] Very important
[ ] Somewhat important
[ ] Not at all important
Brady is a grassroots organization dedicated to preventing gun violence and saving lives with common-sense bipartisan gun safety legislation - and our work has never been more important. Our teams are working directly with the Biden-Harris administration to take action on common-sense gun safety measures that will save lives.
In observance of the Parkland massacre, we set a goal to raise $25,000 to honor the victims by fighting to ban assault weapons - but we're still falling short with just hours left until our midnight deadline.
Will you rush $5 to help Brady prevent gun violence and save lives?
[✓] Yes, I can give $5!
[ ] Yes, I can give $36 (this is the average online Brady donation).
[ ] Yes, and I can give monthly!
Amount
[ ] $10
[ ] $25
[ ] $50
[ ] $100
[ ] $250
[ ] $500
[✓] $5
And so, I made a one-time donation to Brady: United Against Gun Violence because, "in honor of 6 years since the Parkland shooting, [I will] raise [my] voice for change" and answer the question "SHOULD CONGRESS BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS?" with a resounding 'Yes!' –Paul Whiting (February 13th, 2024)
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February 14th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses January 14th, 2024: "Happy Valentine's Day," everyone!
And "Happy Galentine's Day"—as well as "Happy Palentine's Day"—which are both celebrated on February 13th!
Plus, "Happy Singles Awareness Day"—or "Happy Singles Appreciation Day"—which are both celebrated on February 15th!
[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 14th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of February to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this second month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.]
I received a mailer from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) thirty one days ago on January 14th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "YOUR 2024 MEMBER CARD: 2024 Renewal Notice Enclosed", 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.]
HAKEEM JEFFRIES
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER
Dear Friend,
House Democrats will continue to fight hard to make life better for everyday Americans. The do-nothing Republican Congress continues to stonewall our progress.
Extreme MAGA Republicans have proven to be incapable of governing, leaving middle-class families behind and threatening our national security. Rather than seek commonsense solutions, House Republicans are at the mercy of election deniers like Jim Jordan, conspiracy theorists like Marjorie Taylor Greene and serial liars like George Santos.
The American public wants responsible leaders focused on governing, growing our economy and strengthening our national security. Instead, House Republicans are sowing chaos and grinding our government to a standstill. House Democrats, on the other hand, are unified and prepared to continue delivering results.
Look no further than our accomplishments during the 117th Congress. We passed historic laws that are making life better for everyday Americans. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers the costs of prescription drugs and caps the cost of insulin to $35 per month. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act fixes our crumbling roads and bridges and is creating tens of thousands of jobs in the process. For the first time in 30 years, we passed gun violence prevention, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, working to get weapons of war off the streets and make our communities safer.
With everything on the line, we urgently need you to stand with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) to help us take back the House and continue our work For The People.
The DCCC is the campaign arm of House Democrats. It is the only political committee in the country whose principal mission is to support Democratic House candidates every step of the way so we can get things done.
We need your support during this pivotal moment in history.
That's why I'm sending your 2024 DCCC Member Card. I hope you'll carry it with pride and I hope you'll support the DCCC today with a generous contribution if you can.
I'm pleased to tell you that if you respond by February 15th, your contribution to the DCCC will be matched $3-to-$1 up to $250,000. Your contribution will go four times as far toward reclaiming our Democratic House Majority.
Your tripled support is absolutely essential. We only need five seats to flip the House blue. However, we face financial obstacles. The House Republican Super PAC is raising large amounts of money from a handful of right-wing billionaires. They raked in $88.5 million during the last election cycle from just eight ultra-wealthy families. By contrast, the DCCC counts on grassroots gifts from good Democrats like you.
In other words, we cannot end the chaos without your support.
We have many paths to take back the majority. First, we must support our 29 Frontline Members in true swing districts facing the toughest races of their careers. House Democrats stand ready to defend our formidable incumbents and retake the majority to get the government back to work for the American people.
Second, the path to the majority runs through the 18 Republican-held districts that President Biden won in 2020. We need an all-out effort to put Democrats back in these seats. Thanks to your past support, we are holding these so-called moderates accountable for voting with extreme MAGA Republicans every step of the way.
A third path goes through another 15 Districts in Play that we believe are ripe for Democratic wins, putting us on the offensive in 33 total districts.
By accepting your 2024 DCCC Member Card and showing your support, you will maximize our opportunities at every point along all of these paths to victory. You'll help us:
➤ Recruit dynamic and qualified Democratic candidates.
➤ Deploy grassroots organizers in critical swing districts.
➤ Launch ads to hold Republicans accountable for their extremism.
➤ Turn out and register Democratic voters in unprecedented numbers.
➤ And so much more!
We're going to make sure every voter knows Team Extreme's dangerous agenda chapter and verse. Now it's time for every committed DCCC member to step forward.
Please carry your 2024 DCCC Member Card as a proud symbol of your dedication to protecting our democracy and restoring a Democratic House Majority that fights For The People. With less than a year until Election Day, I hope we can continue to count on you.
Keep the faith,
Hakeem Jeffries
House Democratic Leader
P.S. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. Voters face a choice between a unified party committed to democracy and freedom that delivers for everyday Americans and a chaotic party that only knows how to tear things down and undermine our progress. Our success depends on supporters like you. I hope you'll carry your 2024 DCCC Member Card with pride and take advantage of our $3-to-$1 match up to $250,000 before February 15th. Thank you for your continued support.
---------------------------------------------
2024 DCCC MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
$3-TO-$1 MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2024
[Start of Member Card]
TAKE BACK THE HOUSE
DCCC MEMBER
2024
Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Member number redacted]
[End of Member Card]
To put your gift to work immediately, go to www.dccc.org/house2024 or call our contribution hotline at [phone number redacted].
Dear Leader Jeffries,
2024 is the year we boot extreme MAGA Republicans OUT and take back the Majority For The People. That's why, with 2024 here and less than one year to go, I am rushing my gift to the DCCC to be matched $3-to-$1 up to $250,000 for:
[ ] $80 = $320
[ ] $120 = $480
[ ] $160 = $640
[✓] Other $7.00
Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
To put your gift to work immediately, go to www.dccc.org/house2024 or call our contribution hotline at [phone number redacted].
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to show appreciation for my "2024 DCCC Member Card as a proud symbol of [my] dedication to protecting our democracy and restoring a Democratic House Majority that fights For The People." –Paul Whiting (written February 14th, 2024, revised February 15th, 2024, revised March 9th, 2024 and revised March 10th, 2024)
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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February 14th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses January 14th, 2024: "Happy Valentine's Day," everyone!
And "Happy Galentine's Day"—as well as "Happy Palentine's Day"—which are both celebrated on February 13th!
Plus, "Happy Singles Awareness Day"—or "Happy Singles Appreciation Day"—which are both celebrated on February 15th!
[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 14th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of February to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this second month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.]
I received a mailer from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) thirty one days ago on January 14th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "YOUR 2024 DLCC MEMBERSHIP CARD ENCLOSED", 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.]
DLCC
Dear DLCC Member,
Democracy, reproductive rights, academic freedom, gun safety, and much more are all on the ballot in 2024. And they'll be decided most directly in the November 5th elections for 85 state legislative chambers in 44 states.
It's MAGA-run state legislatures that are trying to cement unbreakable minority rule through voter suppression, gerrymandering, and actually overturning the will of the people when they don't like the result.
It's MAGA-run state legislatures who are denying women the right to bodily autonomy and to decide whether, when, and how to raise a family.
It's MAGA-run state legislatures that are denying educators the right to teach their students to the best of their abilities by allowing book bans and enacting "don't say gay" laws.
It's MAGA-run state legislatures who are allowing anyone and everyone to carry AR-15 military-style assault weapons used to slaughter dozens of people in mass shootings.
By contrast, Democratic-run state legislatures are protecting voting rights, strengthening our democratic institutions, upholding reproductive and academic freedoms, and saving lives through sensible gun reforms.
So, when I say that everything is on the line in the 2024 state legislative elections, I am not exaggerating.
That's why I'm urging you to renew your support for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) for 2024 with a generous contribution so we can flip state legislatures from red to blue and protect our rights, freedoms, and democracy from attack.
Plus, until January 31st, a generous group of donors is matching every gift $3-to-$1, up to $64,000—giving your support four times the impact!
I'm enclosing a special 2024 DLCC membership card as a token of our appreciation. I hope you'll carry it proudly as a sign of your dedication to saving our democracy and our freedom.
Your tripled gift will enable us to build on the momentum we established in 2023 when the DLCC's grassroots-focused strategy fueled record turnout and unprecedented victories. Over the course of the year, we won 31 special elections, and overperformed in many of those races. Notably, we won 5 Pennsylvania House special elections—including 3 races where our majority was on the line!
And then we topped off the year by holding the Virginia Senate and flipping the Virginia House blue! In Pennsylvania, Democrats won a seat on the Supreme Court, in New Jersey, we defended our Democratic majorities, and in Ohio, voters approved a proposed amendment to their state constitution that will guarantee a constitutional right to abortion, reinforcing what we already know: Protecting fundamental freedoms is a winning issue.
And Democrats won special elections in Kentucky, Maine, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and a crucial special election in New Hampshire that narrows the already razor-thin margin in the state House to put Democrats just one seat short of a tie.
After the 2022 elections, we flipped four key state legislative chambers from red to blue, and in 2023 we had success flipping the Virginia House and keeping the Senate in Democratic hands. In 2024, the DLCC is targeting 15 state legislative chambers in 9 states, all of which could make a profound difference in the lives of the people who live there—and to the state of American democracy moving forward.
In all the key districts in states like these, the DLCC needs boots on the ground to educate new voters, persuade swing voters, and turn out our base voters in unprecedented numbers. Your tripled contribution is critical to making that happen.
It's all the more important because Republicans are spending record sums of money on state legislative races in the hope of creating permanent control through gerrymandering and enacting their extreme anti-freedom, anti-democracy agenda. The DLCC needs more funding than ever before to counter their lies.
That's why I cannot overstate how urgent it is that you rush your renewal contribution to the DLCC—especially right now, with a group of generous donors matching gifts totaling up to $64,000 $3-to-$1 until January 31st.
Please help us seize the day, build on our momentum, expand Democratic control of state legislatures, and protect our democracy from Republican attempts to destroy it.
Sincerely,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
P.S. Please accept this DLCC membership card and carry it proudly as evidence that you stand for true American values. You made our victories in 2022 and 2023 possible, and I hope we can count on you as we fight to keep winning in what may well be the most consequential state legislative elections of our lifetime this November.
---------------------------------------------
2024 DLCC MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Start of Member Card]
DLCC
DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
2024 MEMBERSHIP
Paul Whiting
[Member number redacted]
[End of Member Card]
Dear [Name redacted],
With democracy, reproductive freedom, gun safety, and everything else on the line this year, I proudly accept my 2024 DLCC Membership Card and am renewing my DLCC membership with a contribution of:
[ ] $1,000 = $4,000
[ ] $2,500 = $10,000
[ ] $5,000 = $20,000
[✓] Other $7.51
You can also contribute online by going to: DLCC.ORG/2024RENEWAL
[Blogger's Note: I feel like I need to clarify why I donated $7.51 to the DLCC—for their mailer to which I responded on Valentine's Day—when I donated $7.00 to both the DCCC (please see my 'February 14th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses January 14th, 2024' that can be found above) and the DNC (please see my 'February 14th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses January 21st, 2024' that can be found below) for their mailers! You see, the DLCC donation was made through FastAction, which does not offer a tip box. And I budgeted for these three mailer donations (the DCCC, the DLCC and the DNC) at $7.00 per donation, which is how much I usually donate to political, progressive and charitable organizations for donation solicitations that I receive through the regular mail. Plus, I try to tip ActBlue—the main Democratic payment portal—at approximately 7% of my donation, which is about $0.51 for $7.00. Thus, since I could not tip through the FastAction payment portal, I donated $7.51 for the DLCC donation. (I hope that makes sense!)]
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DLCC (this donation was made through FastAction, which does not offer a tip box) to appreciatively "accept this DLCC membership card and carry it proudly as evidence that [I] stand for true American values." That is why I contributed in order to "help [the DLCC] seize the day, build on our momentum, expand Democratic control of state legislatures, and protect our democracy from Republican attempts to destroy it." –Paul Whiting (written February 14th, 2024, revised February 15th, 2024, revised March 7th, 2024, revised March 9th, 2024, revised March 10th, 2024 and revised June 16th, 2024)
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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February 14th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses January 21st, 2024: "Happy Valentine's Day," everyone!
And "Happy Galentine's Day"—as well as "Happy Palentine's Day"—which are both celebrated on February 13th!
Plus, "Happy Singles Awareness Day"—or "Happy Singles Appreciation Day"—which are both celebrated on February 15th!
[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 14th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of February to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this second month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.]
I received a mailer from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) twenty four days ago on January 21st, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "2024 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NOTICE", 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.]
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Dear Mr. Whiting,
I'm not done doing my part to move our nation forward, and I know you're not either.
That's why you're receiving this letter first.
Since joining the Democratic National Committee in 2003, you've shown time and time again that you will continue fighting for what's right. You understand how important it is to elect Democrats up and down the ticket — whether it's keeping me and Kamala in the White House or electing local leaders who will empower the Democratic agenda.
Our rights, our institutions, and our democracy will be on the ballot in November. By stepping up today, you have the power to shift the tides of history toward progress.
Mr. Whiting, our records show that you last supported the DNC with a gift of $7. Renew your DNC membership for 2024 by rushing back $20, $30, or $40 today, and your support will go right to work electing Democrats in 2024!
Let me tell you: I've got no better partner in this work than the DNC. They've got the vision, the strategy, and the team to lead Democrats to victory in every state and territory. And it's your support that paves the way to that victory.
In anticipation of your renewed annual membership for 2024 and your commitment to supporting the work we have yet to achieve, I've enclosed your Official 2024 DNC Member Card. I hope that you will carry it with pride.
And don't let anyone tell you otherwise: We achieved unprecedented progress with your support — from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Inflation Reduction Act's largest climate investment in American history — all while building an economy that works for everyone.
Our work is just getting started. By keeping the White House, growing our Senate majority, and taking back the House, we can — and will — do so much more for the hardworking people and families of this great nation.
We can protect women's reproductive health care access, safeguard voting rights, make progress to guarantee workers a living wage, tackle climate change, and do what it takes to pass on a better America to our children and grandchildren.
I want you to know this from the bottom of my heart: All we want to do is heal this nation and make it stronger.
You led the way to victory in 2020. Your renewed support will make that possible in 2024.
I have made the defense, the protection, and the preservation of American democracy the central cause of my presidency. But the extremist MAGA movement does not share the basic beliefs of our democracy. We can't allow their dangerous plans to prevail.
Just take a moment to consider this: Extreme MAGA Republicans want to slash Social Security and Medicare, eliminate women's freedom to control their own bodies, pass laws endangering LGBTQ+ youth and their families, ban books from school libraries, and roll back our progress on everything from climate action to voting rights.
I don't want to see that happen, because I know what it will mean for so many hardworking American families who simply want freedom and opportunity. And I think you feel the same.
You know as well as I do that the best parts of the American story are when we expand rights, not when we take them away. And I can promise you that the DNC is fighting nonstop to make the next chapter one we're proud of, but they need you by their side like never before.
Democracy is in our hands — yours, mine, and the entire Democratic Party's. Renew your DNC membership by rushing back a grassroots gift today, and you'll help elect the kind of leaders that our nation urgently needs.
I've long said that it's never been a good bet to bet against America. And it's not a good bet today.
We're still a country that believes in honesty and decency and integrity. We're still a country that believes in hard work and giving everyone a fair shot — because we believe that every one of us is created equal. We're still the beacon of the free world.
In small towns, rural America, suburbs, and big cities all across the country — everyday, ordinary people continue to do the most extraordinary things. I see it every day.
America's best days are still ahead of us. I believe it. And your renewed support for the DNC will help make those days happen. I've never been more optimistic about America's future.
We are the United States of America. There is nothing — nothing — beyond our capacity if we work together.
Thank you,
Joe Biden
President Joe Biden
P.S. The 2024 elections will shape our nation for years to come, and we must elect Democrats at every level so that we can deliver the best possible future for America. Do your part and rush back a grassroots gift to renew your DNC membership and lead the fight. Thank you!
---------------------------------------------
RENEW YOUR COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRATS TODAY!
[Start of Member Card]
OFFICIAL 2024 DNC MEMBER
Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
MEMBER ID# [redacted]
MEMBER SINCE 2003
[End of Member Card]
YES, President Biden! I want to reelect you, Vice President Harris, and Democrats up and down the ballot so we can continue delivering progress to every American. I'm proud to renew my DNC membership today with a contribution of:
[ ] $20
[ ] $30*
[ ] $40
[✓] Other $7.00
*Please consider a gift of at least this much!
Text "DEMOCRAT" to 43367 to let President Biden know your renewal donation is on the way.
Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
To put your 2024 renewal contribution to work immediately, please call [phone number redacted] or visit www.democrats.org/Renew2024
DNC MEMBER DEMOCRACY SURVEY
Please rank the following Democratic policy priorities for President Biden in order of importance. (1 = most important)
3. Confronting the climate crisis and building a clean energy future
5. Creating safer communities and advancing equity and opportunity
4. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour
6. Lowering costs for American families
2. Ending our gun violence epidemic
7. Making child care and college more affordable
1. Protecting a woman's right to make her own health care decisions
9. Expanding access to high-quality, affordable health care
8. Protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare
Please rank the following DNC 2024 priorities in order of Importance. (1 = most important)
2. Registering new and young voters
3. Building up our technology and data infrastructure
1. Protecting and expanding voting rights
5. Supporting Democratic state parties
4. Holding our Senate majority and taking back the House
6. Expanding messaging about President Biden and Democrats' legislative accomplishments
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DNC (with a tip to ActBlue) because "Democracy is in our hands — [mine], [President Biden's], and the entire Democratic Party's." That is why I renewed "[my] DNC membership by rushing back a grassroots gift today, [so that I'll] help elect the kind of leaders that our nation urgently needs." –Paul Whiting (written February 14th, 2024, revised February 15th, 2024, revised March 7th, 2024, revised March 9th, 2024 and revised March 10th, 2024)
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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February 14th, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses February 2nd, 2024, February 4th, 2024, February 12th, 2024, as well as February 13th, 2024: "Happy Valentine's Day," everyone!
And "Happy Galentine's Day"—as well as "Happy Palentine's Day"—which are both celebrated on February 13th!
Plus, "Happy Singles Awareness Day"—or "Happy Singles Appreciation Day"—which are both celebrated on February 15th!
[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 14th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of February to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this second month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.]
I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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. [For my regular mail Valentine's Day political donations, please see my 'February 14th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses January 14th, 2024,' as well as my 'February 14th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses January 14th, 2024,' in addition to my 'February 14th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses January 21st, 2024' that can be found above.]
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message that I received twelve days ago on February 2nd, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secrets of State (DASS), which stated the following:
The Arizona Republican Party is COMPLETELY unhinged, Paul…
With just months to go until the general election, AZ Republicans just introduced a bill that would let legislators OVERRULE voters in presidential elections.
Republicans are trying to do now what they couldn’t in 2020: ignore the will of the voters, and overturn election results they don’t like.
Paul, if this law had existed in 2020, extreme MAGA Republicans could have thrown out President Biden’s win – and picked electors for Donald Trump instead.
The GOP will scream “VOTER FRAUD” one second but then commit fraud themselves by trying to overturn free and fair elections.
This isn’t your grandfather’s Republican Party. It’s an un-American and un-Democratic circus.
My friends at the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State are monitoring these threats and are gearing up for the long fight ahead, but they need the support from grassroots Democrats like you.
That’s why I’m asking you to make a $4.44 donation to the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State so they can elect democracy defenders across the nation.***
[Name redacted]
Arizona [Title redacted]
***[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, 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:
Democratic Association of Secretaries of State
When federal action stalls, state laws decide the future of our republic. We can't let those laws fall into the hands of partisan, conspiracy-loving GOP legislatures.
Our Democratic Secretaries protect our elections — even when Congress is deadlocked. They're the last line of defense for your rights, and they need your help this year more than ever. Rush a donation now and defend our Secretaries of State!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DASS PAC.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $35 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[✓] Other amount $5.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DASS (with a tip to ActBlue) because "the GOP will scream “VOTER FRAUD” one second but then commit fraud themselves by trying to overturn free and fair elections." That is why Secretaries of State are "the last line of defense for your rights, and they need [my] help this year more than ever."
---------------------------------------------
The second political communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) that I received ten days ago on February 4th, 2024, with the subject line, "The 2024 election will have major implications", which stated the following:
Paul,
[Name redacted] here — DAGA’s [title redacted]. I am thrilled to welcome you to our team as we ramp up for Election Day this year and must-holds in 2024. I check in with our supporters to dive into the specifics of our strategic planning behind Dem AG races because it is essential that our grassroots supporters like you know why these races matter and how we plan to WIN.
This year, we’re going to need all the grassroots support we can get from supporters like you, Paul.
I’ll always tell it to you straight: Donald Trump and the GOP are going to be pumping the 2024 electoral space with election fraud myths and more attacks on our freedoms, so it's never been more important that we elect Democrats to AG seats. We need to give it all we’ve got.
Can you chip in today so we can elect Dem AGs who will fight back against GOP extremism? We know we can win these tough races — but we need your help, Paul.
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[ ] CHIP IN $5 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $10 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $25 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $50 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $100 NOW
[✓] CHIP IN ANOTHER AMOUNT
Thanks,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Democratic Attorneys General Association
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSOCIATION
PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS
From abortion access to voting rights, Dem AGs are on the front lines, defending our democracy and protecting our communities.
Make a donation to DAGA to elect more Dem AGs in 2023, 2024, and beyond - starting right here and now.
DONATE IMMEDIATELY:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) РАС.
[ ] DONATE $5 →
[ ] DONATE $10 →
[ ] DONATE $25 →
[ ] DONATE $50 →
[ ] DONATE $100 →
[ ] DONATE $250 →
[ ] DONATE $500 →
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT $5.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DAGA (with a tip to ActBlue) because "Donald Trump and the GOP are going to be pumping the 2024 electoral space with election fraud myths and more attacks on our freedoms, so it's never been more important that we elect Democrats to AG seats."
---------------------------------------------
The third political communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) that I received two days ago on February 12th, 2024, with the subject line, "Updated records request for [email redacted]", which stated the following:
INPUT NEEDED: Paul Whiting PLEASE RESPOND
Paul: As we get this election year started, your official DGA Record requires your attention.
SUPPORTER ID: [redacted]
TOP GRASSROOTS SUPPORTER: CONFIRMED
Feb. 2024 Biden Endorsement Status: MISSING
Our strategy at the DGA is only successful when it is informed by on-the-ground, real-time input from folks like you. Tens of thousands of our most reliable supporters have endorsed the president – showcasing MASSIVE momentum in support of a second term.
We are updating our records, and we’re requesting your official endorsement of President Biden. Without this critical data, we don’t know where we stand and right now, we can’t afford to slow down.
Please, tell us:
Will you endorse President Biden for a second term?
[✓] YES, I WILL***
[ ] NO, I WILL NOT
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Democratic Governors Association
PRESIDENT BIDEN APPROVAL POLL | IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUESTED
Thank you for taking action!
Will you take another moment to answer a few additional questions about Democratic priorities? Your responses will help guide Democratic strategy as we head into a tough election cycle.
[Email redacted]
[Phone number redacted]
Please confirm: Do you endorse President Biden?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
President Biden is running for reelection. Which of his achievements has been most important to you? (Please select your top two.)
[✓] Fostering a 50-year-low unemployment rate and creating 14+ million new jobs
[ ] Signing executive orders that seek to protect access to reproductive health care, maintain patient privacy and sensitive health information, and defend access to contraception
[ ] Cutting the deficit by more than $1.7 trillion
[✓] Signing more than 250 bills into law, including the most significant gun violence reduction measure in 30 years
[ ] Capping insulin prices at $35 for seniors and millions more Americans with diabetes
[ ] Nominating and having successfully confirmed by the Senate more than 120 judges, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson!
Despite resoundingly losing the 2020 election, being indicted four times, and currently facing multiple legal battles, polls still show Donald Trump ahead in the GOP primary field.
If the 2024 election were held today, who would you vote for?
[✓] Joe Biden
[ ] Donald Trump
[ ] Other
How important is it to you for Democrats to stand strong against Trumpism in every state?
[✓] Extremely important
[ ] Very important
[ ] Somewhat important
[ ] Not at all important
To continue the progress Democrats have made under the Biden-Harris administration, we must defend our blue firewall in the states. Major Democratic gains in the past few election cycles were only possible because of early investments in Democratic candidates and campaigns. Such investments provided the ability to lay the foundation for victory and flip key battleground states.
Is it important to you for Democrats to get the resources they need to stop Republicans and win up and down the ballot?
[✓] YES
[ ] NO
Democrats defeated far-right extremists in 2022 and 2023 because of strong grassroots coalitions built by supporters like you. That's why we're counting on your continued support in the months ahead to lay the groundwork to defend our blue firewall and fight back against GOP attacks! Will you invest $100 to help Democratic governors protect Americans in every state from the GOP's radical right-wing agenda?
Please use the options below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I will give $100!
[✓] No, I can't give that much.
We understand that giving at that level might be tough right now. But the DGA is working tirelessly to elect Democrats across the country and defend our democracy. And during this critical turning point for our country, we can't afford to miss any fundraising goals.
Major victories in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 were made possible by committed Democrats like you who were FIRED UP to elect Democrats and defeat Trump and his extremist allies across the country, but we just pulled your supporter record, and here's what we found:
Email: [redacted]
Given to DGA today? Pending
Suggested donation: $44
Electing Democrats across the country is so critical that a group of generous donors is DOUBLING every gift up to $30,000 until 11:59 p.m. tonight. Will you give $44, or whatever you can, right now?
Please use the options below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I'll give $22.
[ ] Yes, I'll give $44! (suggested donation)
[✓] Yes, and I'll give more!
*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I made a one-time donation, rather than a monthly donation—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]
---------------------------------------------
DONATE NOW DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT
If we want to stop the Republicans' dangerous agenda, we have to keep pace with the GOP's millions in fundraising - but right now, not enough Democrats are donating, and we're falling short ahead of our midnight deadline.
Luckily, a group of generous donors is matching all gifts up to our goal! Please don't wait: rush your gift to elect Democratic governors!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Action.
[ ] Donate $44 →
[ ] Donate $88 →
[ ] Donate $220 →
[ ] Donate $440 →
[ ] Donate $880 →
[ ] Donate $1,760 →
[✓] Other amount $5.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DGA (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to answer the question "Will you endorse President Biden for a second term?" with a resounding 'Yes!'
---------------------------------------------
The fourth political communication to which I responded was an email from the Biden for President campaign yesterday, February 13th, 2024, with the subject line, "$44.47", which stated the following:
Biden-Harris 2024
Paul --
$44.47. That’s the average donation that grassroots supporters like you have given to support President Biden and Vice President Harris’s 2024 reelection campaign.
But what’s even more important than the dollar amount is the number of donations that we receive. In 2020, our campaign was powered by millions of folks chipping in $5, $25, or $44.47 at a time. This campaign will be no different.
While we’ve seen some incredible momentum since our campaign launched, our work is not done yet. We’re counting on every single dollar to keep building on the campaign’s success and win this race come November.
So, Paul, will you chip in $44.47 today? We’ll put your contribution to work right away to fight back against the GOP’s millions of dollars and power our campaign to victory.
[ ] DONATE $44.47
[✓] DONATE OTHER***
We’re grateful to have you on our team,
Biden-Harris 2024
P.S. Even if you can't pitch in $44.47 right now, any amount makes a difference and helps strengthen the Biden-Harris reelection campaign. If you can, chip in today.
"My dad used to have an expression -- 'It's the lucky person who gets up in the morning, puts both feet on the floor, knows what they are about to do, and thinks it still matters.' Your support matters. Your donation matters." -- Joe Biden
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Help us raise $200,000 in the next 48 hours to reelect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris!
We just set a BIG goal to raise $200k in the next 48 hours. It's going to take this full team at Joe and Kamala's backs to deliver four more years for Democrats in the White House to finish the job. Will you pitch in today?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Joe Biden.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $46 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,000 →
[✓] Other amount 5.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden for President campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to answer the question "Paul, will you chip in $44.47 today?" That is why I contributed what I could afford for this month, which is $5.00!
---------------------------------------------
The fifth political communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) today, February 14th, 2024, with the subject line, "Confirm you WILL vote for President Biden...", which stated the following:
Will you vote for President Biden?
Tell us before midnight: Will you DEFINITELY vote for President Biden?
[✓] YES***
[ ] NO
Paul -- Ever since President Biden announced his re-election campaign, Democrats have been rallying behind him!
It’s crucial you lock in your support today, Paul: Democratic enthusiasm now is a KEY driver of future voter turnout patterns.
That’s why we need to know if YOU plan to support President Biden in this year’s election -- but our poll is only open for a few more hours, and we don’t have your response on file:
Supporter: Paul Whiting
Response: Missing!
Deadline: 11:59 P.M.
Will you DEFINITELY vote for President Biden?
[✓] YES
[ ] NO
Thank you,
Team DSCC
* If you've recently responded or done so with a different email address, thank you! Online records may not be up to date, but don't worry -- your responses have been recorded.
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DSCC
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Democratic Survey
Thank you! Please answer these follow-up questions to finalize your response.
First, please confirm: Will you vote for President Biden?
[✓] Yes, definitely!
[ ] No.
Since taking office, President Biden has delivered huge wins for the American people!
Which of these actions taken by President Biden do you support? (Select all that apply.)
[✓] Nominating and confirming Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
[✓] Creating more than 14 MILLION good-paying jobs.
[✓] Signing the most significant gun safety reforms in nearly 30 years.
[✓] Combating inflation to lower everyday costs for ALL Americans.
[✓] Capping life-saving insulin at $35/month for millions of Americans.
[✓] Investing trillions of dollars into American infrastructure, manufacturing, and fighting climate change.
[ ] Other
The presidency isn't all that's on the ballot this year. Control of the Senate is also on the line, and eight of the ten most vulnerable seats are Republican takeover targets!
How committed are you to helping Democrats defend our Senate majority, keeping McConnell and Senate Republicans out of power?
[✓] Extremely committed!
[ ] Somewhat committed.
[ ] Not at all committed.
To defend the incredible progress we've made under the Biden-Harris administration, we must defend our Democratic majority in the Senate. But with just 1 day to go until our mid-month fundraising deadline, we're not on track to hit our $125,000 goal!
Please, our country's future is at stake. Will you rush $55 or more right now to ensure Democrats maintain our Senate majority?
Please use the links below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I'll give $55.
[ ] Yes, I'll give $110.
[ ] Yes, I'll give $220.
[✓] Yes, but I'll choose a different amount.
*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I made a one-time donation, rather than a monthly donation—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]
---------------------------------------------
DSCC
Donate now to SUPERCHARGE our Senate majority!
CNN says multiple GOP seats could flip blue this year -- but with Mitch McConnell's megadonors already playing offense, it's going to take all hands on deck to win!
Please, will you chip in now to protect our historic progress by supercharging our Democratic majority?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DSCC.
[ ] Donate $110 →
[ ] Donate $220 →
[ ] Donate $550 →
[ ] Donate $1,100 →
[ ] Donate $2,200 →
[ ] Donate $2,700 →
[✓] Other amount $5.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 $0.35 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DSCC (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to answer the question "Will you DEFINITELY vote for President Biden?" with a resounding 'Yes!'
Thus, these four organizations—the DASS, the DAGA, the DGA, as well as the DSCC—in addition to this one campaign—Biden for President—are the political organizations, and the political campaign, that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 14th, 2024, revised February 15th, 2024, revised February 19th, 2024, revised March 9th, 2024, revised March 10th, 2024, revised April 17th, 2024 and revised June 28th, 2024)
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February 14th, 2024 Update No. 5, Which Also Discusses February 13th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 14th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 14th, 2024, as well as yesterday, February 13th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
February 13th, 2024 search:
01. NBC News
Biden calls Trump's NATO remarks 'un-American'
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna138670
February 13th, 2024 search:
02. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Biden blasts Trump for his 'shocking' and 'un-American' NATO comments
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/biden-blasts-trump-shocking-american-nato-comments/story?id=107197137
February 13th, 2024 search:
03. AP News
How Trump's latest NATO remarks distorts how the alliance works
https://apnews.com/article/nato-trump-delinquent-defense-allies-c1f7de696ff6ca06e4088f49b93122e1
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
February 13th, 2024 search:
04. NBC News
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash drivers in the U.S. to strike on Valentine’s Day for fair pay
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna138450
February 13th, 2024 search:
05. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
An Outburst by Trump on NATO May Push Europe to Go It Alone
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/11/world/europe/trump-nato-analysis.html
February 14th, 2024 search:
06. The Guardian
‘It has really gotten out of hand’: wage theft rampant in US construction
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/14/construction-worker-unions-wage-theft
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
February 13th, 2024 search:
07. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Biden condemns Trump's NATO threat as 'un-American signal' to world
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/02/13/biden-condemns-trumps-nato-threat-as-un-american-signal-to-world/72586203007
February 14th, 2024 search:
08. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
6 years after Parkland shooting, school librarian works hard to make her space the safest
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2024/02/13/parkland-school-shooting-anniversary-librarian/72325068007
February 14th, 2024 search:
09. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Trump NRA speech shows his cowardice on gun violence, school shootings
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/02/13/trump-nra-profit-fear-america-divided-gun-control/72572012007
February 14th, 2024 search:
10. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Valentine's Day, winter weather, Trump, Mayorkas, Biden, NATO, Israel, Russia, Parkland, Beyoncé: Daily Briefing
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2024/02/14/mayorkas-nato-biden-trump-weather-snow-taylor-swift/72594278007
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
February 13th, 2024 search:
11. Los Angeles Times
Why replacing Biden with Newsom or some 'mythical perfect Democrat' is unlikely
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-02-13/biden-newsom-replace-democrat-2024-election
February 13th, 2024 search:
12. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Forgetting dates doesn't mean President Biden's decision-making or cognitive fitness is failing: Doctors
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Health/forgetting-dates-doesnt-president-bidens-decision-making-cognitive/story?id=107162147
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
February 13th, 2024 search:
13. NBC News
Democrat Tom Suozzi wins N.Y. special election to replace George Santos
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna138548
February 13th, 2024 search:
14. The Guardian
New York special election: Tom Suozzi wins seat vacated by George Santos in boost for Biden
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/14/tom-suozzi-wins-new-york-election-george-santos
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 13th, 2024 search:
15. AP News
Trump's pick to lead the RNC is facing skepticism from some Republicans
https://apnews.com/article/republican-national-committee-whatley-trump-mcdaniel-b0c1714ac648bfa91b6ee72a30278266
February 13th, 2024 search:
16. Politico
Trump loved RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel — until he didn't
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/13/trump-ronna-mcdaniel-rnc-00141209
February 13th, 2024 search:
17. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Trump allies back his NATO comments, but some Republicans say they were a 'mistake'
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/trump-allies-back-nato-comments-republicans-mistake/story?id=107169679
February 14th, 2024 search:
18. The Guardian
Republicans’ topsy-turvy take on aid for Ukraine reveals party in thrall to Trump
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/13/republicans-ukraine-aid-analysis-trump
February 14th, 2024 search:
19. AP News
GOP Speaker Johnson says House won't be 'rushed' to approve aid for Ukraine as $95B package stalls
https://www.websitename.here
February 14th, 2024 search:
20. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Opinion | With the Ukraine Aid Vote, the Republicans Are Isolationist Again
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/13/opinion/gop-senate-ukraine-aid.html
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
February 13th, 2024 search:
21. Hindustan Times
Biden condemns 'dangerous' Trump NATO remarks, calls for Ukraine funding
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/biden-condemns-dangerous-trump-nato-remarks-calls-for-ukraine-funding-101707857596517.html
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
February 13th, 2024 search:
22. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Why Uber, Lyft drivers are striking at 10 US airports on Valentine's Day
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/02/13/uber-lyft-drivers-valentines-day-strike/72589902007
February 13th, 2024 search:
23. CNN
Uber, Lyft and Deliveroo workers in US and UK plan Valentine’s Day strike
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/13/business/uber-lyft-deliveroo-valentines-strike/index.html
---------------------------------------------
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 (February 14th, 2024)
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February 16th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 15th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 16th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 16th, 2024, as well as yesterday, February 15th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
February 16th, 2024 search:
01. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Trump's NATO Threat Reflects a Wider Shift on America's Place in the World
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/15/us/politics/trump-nato-threat.html
February 16th, 2024 search:
02. NPR (National Public Radio)
The Romance Between The American Right, Russia And Putin : Consider This from NPR
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/15/1198910412/the-romance-between-the-american-right-russia-and-putin
By the way, I also listened to the podcast accompanying the article above that is titled the same as the article.
February 16th, 2024 search:
03. HHS.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
New HHS Study Finds Nearly $124 Billion Positive Fiscal Impact of Refugees and Asylees ["a person who is seeking or has been granted political asylum"] on the American Economy ...
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/02/15/new-hhs-study-finds-nearly-124-billion-positive-fiscal-impact-refugees-and-asylees-on-american-economy-15-year-period.html
February 16th, 2024 search:
04. U.S. News & World Report
Despite the Evidence, Nearly 15% of Americans Deny Climate Change
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-02-16/despite-the-evidence-nearly-15-of-americans-deny-climate-change
February 16th, 2024 search:
05. Pew Research Center
8 facts about Black Americans and the news
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/02/13/8-facts-about-black-americans-and-the-news
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
February 15th, 2024 search:
06. AP News
Palestinians living in US will be shielded from deportation, the White House says
https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-deportation-protection-biden-israel-hamas-cf45e53ee0959cf115b59bf7baa39db8
February 15th, 2024 search:
07. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Shields Palestinians in the U.S. From Deportation
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/14/us/politics/biden-palestinians-deportation.html
February 15th, 2024 search:
08. CBS News
Biden protects Palestinian immigrants in the U.S. from deportation, citing Israel-Hamas war
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-protects-palestinian-immigrants-in-u-s-from-deportation-israel-hamas-war
February 16th, 2024 search:
09. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Red state economies are surging under Biden. Here's why.
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Business/red-state-economies-surging-biden/story?id=107222293
February 16th, 2024 search:
10. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
'Don't Say Gay' just the beginning. More states banning sex, LGBTQ ed
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/02/16/states-banning-lgbtq-sex-ed/72595403007
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
February 16th, 2024 search:
11. AP News
Recession has struck some of the world's top economies. The US keeps defying expectations
https://apnews.com/article/recession-japan-united-kingdom-economy-consumer-spending-31e145cfe5168e10eaecb0614fcc8458
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
February 15th, 2024 search:
12. CNN
Top Democrat raises questions over key witness in the GOP impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/12/politics/jamie-raskin-letter-comer-witness/index.html
February 15th, 2024 search:
13. Newsweek
Texas Judge Hands Joe Biden Big Win - Medicare
https://www.newsweek.com/texas-judge-hands-joe-biden-big-win-pharmaceutical-medicare-1869360
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
February 15th, 2024 search:
14. AP News
Democrats embrace tougher border enforcement, seeing Trump's demolition of deal as a 'gift'
https://apnews.com/article/democrats-border-security-congress-trump-57f62a34ce9c4c08d6e00795fcb24764
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 15th, 2024 search:
15. Politico
Republicans admit it. Kevin McCarthy has never looked so good.
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/14/johnson-faces-waves-of-buyers-remorse-00141407
February 15th, 2024 search:
16. Politico
Senior Republicans fear Trump will tap the RNC to cover legal bills again
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/14/trump-rnc-legal-bills-00141540
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
February 16th, 2024 search:
17. Politico
The nation's cartoonists on the week in politics
https://www.politico.com/gallery/2024/02/16/the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics-00141798?slide=6
[Blogger's Note: By the way, I selected the political cartoon "FRIENDS OF PUTIN" out of the cartoon carousel. Plus, 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!]
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
February 15th, 2024 search:
18. Times of India
Israel complains after Vatican denounces 'carnage' and disproportionate response in Gaza
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/bangkok-says-work-from-home-as-pollution-blankets-city/amp_articleshow/107722155.cms
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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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 (February 16th, 2024)
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February 17th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 16th, 2024: I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) yesterday, February 16th, 2024, with the subject line "Add your name to restore GI Bill benefits for Black veterans", which stated the following:
Paul,
When the GI Bill was originally signed into law in 1944, it promised prosperity to our 16 million WWII veterans for years to come – yet, Black veterans didn’t benefit. There were massive gaps in wealth, education, and civil rights between white and Black veterans, making it difficult for Black veterans to pursue higher education, apply for unemployment insurance, or purchase their first homes.
The good news is, there’s a bill in Congress that seeks to rectify these injustices. The GI Bill Restoration Act would help repair the economic harm experienced by Black World War II veterans and their families who were denied full access to GI Bill benefits.
This is where you come in: As leading voices in the fight to protect post-9/11 GI bill benefits, IAVA members have an opportunity to speak up for WWII veterans as well.
Will you sign our petition today to call on Congress to pass the GI Bill Restoration Act?
Your advocacy can help affected veterans and their families access the VA home loan guarantee, receive educational benefits, and even create a study to fix inequities in how benefits are given to minority veterans.
This Black History Month – and every month – we’re fighting to correct historic injustices like these and we won’t rest until we secure benefits like those that all our WWII veterans earned. Add your name to our petition now >>>***
Thank you,
Team IAVA
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
RESTORE GI BILL BENEFITS FOR BLACK VETERANS
Who You're Contacting:
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Phone number redacted]
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Phone number redacted]
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Phone number redacted]
What You're Saying
Subject: Please pass the GI Bill Restoration Act
[Decision Maker]:
When the GI Bill was originally signed into law in 1944, it promised prosperity to our 16 million WWII veterans for years to come – yet, Black veterans didn’t benefit. There were massive gaps in wealth, education, and civil rights between white and Black veterans, making it difficult for Black veterans to pursue higher education, apply for unemployment insurance, or purchase their first homes.
The GI Bill Restoration Act would help repair the economic harm experienced by Black World War II veterans and their families who were denied full access to GI Bill benefits. Passing it can help affected veterans and their families access the VA home loan guarantee, receive educational benefits, and even create a study to fix inequities in how benefits are given to minority veterans.
We’re fighting to correct historic injustices like these and we won’t rest until we secure benefits like those that all our WWII veterans earned.
Please pass the GI Bill Restoration Act!
[Your name]
[Your email address]
Contact Information
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email: [redacted]
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
SUBMIT
And, after I sent the letter above to my Senators and Representative in Congress, via the IAVA website, 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 February 17th, 2024, revised April 10th, 2024 and revised August 25th, 2024)
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February 17th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, February 17th, 2024, with the subject line, "INSIDE: A 'landmark victory for reproductive freedom.'", 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
I can't believe how far lawmakers will go to push anti-abortion policies just to deny our basic human rights, Paul.
Even in states that already have abortions bans, some lawmakers are pushing even more restrictions on abortion. For example: in Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, bans and restrictions are still being introduced despite existing total abortion bans.
I don't need to tell you that this is completely absurd. And I definitely don't need to tell you that once again, politicians who want to ban abortion are showing their hand. They're not concerned about the health of their constituents; they're concerned about power and control over our bodies and our lives.
But we haven't stopped fighting back. By the second month of 2024, over 265 bills to protect and expand access to abortion have been filed across 35 states — with additional bills introduced to protect access to birth control, maternal health, and transgender health care.
We're doing a lot — and so are you. Thank you for fighting with us and taking action.
In solidarity,
[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.*
Candidate Endorsement News
We're committed to supporting these champions of reproductive health. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse:
Sarah McBride (DE)
When Sarah McBride was elected to the state Senate in Delaware in 2020, she made history as the first openly transgender state senator in U.S. history. Sarah led the successful effort to pass landmark non-discrimination protections in the state, served as a national spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, and, as a state senator, passed legislation expanding access to health care. If elected, McBride will become the first openly transgender person to serve in Congress.
Michelle Vallejo (TX)
Michelle Vallejo is a businesswoman and community leader running to represent Texas’s 15th Congressional District and fight for working class South Texans. In Congress, she will work tirelessly for reproductive freedom. Vallejo is running in a rematch against anti-choice politician Rep. Monica De La Cruz. Texas’s 15th Congressional District will be a critical seat to flip in order to reclaim a pro-sexual and reproductive rights majority in the House.
Take Action
Tell the Senate to Swiftly Confirm Nicole Berner
In November, Nicole Berner was nominated by President Biden to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. She is an outstanding lawyer who has dedicated her career to protecting civil and human rights — including reproductive, LGBTQ+, and workers’ rights (and she’s a former lawyer for Planned Parenthood!). If confirmed, she would be the first out lesbian to sit on this court.
In an election year with so many threats to our reproductive rights, we need the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Nicole Berner. It only takes 30 seconds to leave a voicemail!
Take action >>***
[Blogger's Note: I was seriously thinking about taking this action by writing to my Senators (asking them to confirm Nicole Berner to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit), since I prefer to communicate in writing with my representatives in government—that way, I have a written record of what I communicated. However, I usually only communicate with my representatives in Congress when I am asking them to either vote "Yes," or "No" on specific legislation. Thus—to the best of my knowledge—I have never written to them asking to confirm a particular judge. That is why I opted to not take this specific action.]
State Spotlight: Pennsylvania
Finally, some good news: Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruled last month that a lower court must hear an Equal Protection challenge of an old state law that limits Medicaid coverage of abortion. This is a major win for abortion access, and attorneys for the state’s abortion providers — including Pennsylvania’s three Planned Parenthood affiliates — are preparing for next steps to eliminate the coverage ban for good.
Here’s what this means — and what’s next:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/pennsylvania-supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-states-abortion-providers-in-critical-abortion-rights-case
Around the Web
The Guardian: Republicans are redefining the word ‘equal’ in an Iowa anti-trans bill
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/08/iowa-anti-trans-bill-649
CBS News: Abortion care access in Maryland supported by $15.6M in investments
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/abortion-care-access-in-maryland-supported-by-15-6m-in-investments
AP News: Near-total abortion ban rejected by Virginia House panel
https://apnews.com/article/virginia-house-defeats-abortion-ban-1cb48b54f2906fdc8136342dd9406a8b
Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org
***[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.]
By the way, I read all of the articles referenced in the email above including the article referenced about how 'Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruled last month that a lower court must hear an Equal Protection challenge of an old state law that limits Medicaid coverage of abortion,' which is titled, "Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules in Favor of State’s Abortion Providers in Critical Abortion Rights Case." 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 the newsletter, if I haven't already taken that same requested action (or, those same requested actions), as noted from previous 'updates.'
*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 can be found below:
Become a Planned Parenthood Action Fund Associate Member.
By submitting this form, I affirm that I want to become an associate member of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]
SUBMIT
And, after submitting the form above, I received a confirmation email today, February 17th, 2024, from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund with the subject line, "Thank you for your Associate Membership!", which stated the following:
Dear Paul,
Thank you for standing with us as an Associate Member of Planned Parenthood Action Fund!
Membership is free and allows you full access to timely Action Fund updates, including information about our grassroots organizing, legislative and regulatory advocacy, electoral endorsements, and volunteer opportunities in your area — and gives you an opportunity to vote for a member of the Action Fund Board of Directors.
You can also follow Planned Parenthood Action Fund on Facebook and Twitter.
We are so glad to have you with us!
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
And to clarify: I usually make a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund after I renew my Associate Membership for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, however I renewed my Associate Membership last month on January 13th, 2024 (please see my 'January 13th, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) and I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund then "in order to show my support for the Action Fund Update monthly newsletter, as well as for my 'Associate Membership of Planned Parenthood Action Fund'"; thus, I opted to renew my Associate Membership without donating this month.**
–Paul Whiting (written 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 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." [Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023' (that also appears as 'November 30th, 2023 Update No. 2, Written On December 1st, 2023' on some of my blogs), which can be found above.]
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February 19th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 19th, 2024, from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), which stated the following:
Hi Paul, it's [name redacted] from the DGA. It's Presidents Day, so we're surprising our two FAVORITE Presidents with a special card! 🤫🎉
Will you show Joe Biden and Barack Obama how much they mean to you by signing their card? You can even write them a message!***
***[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, 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:
DGA
SIGN THE CARD TO WISH PRESIDENT BIDEN AND PRESIDENT OBAMA HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY!
We're launching this card to show President Biden and President Obama how thankful we are for their leadership and wish them a Happy Presidents Day!
Now we need 10,000 top Democrats to fill up their card - add your name before midnight to wish them well. You can even leave them a personal note with your signature!
Email: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Add a message for Joe and Barack:
"Happy Presidents' Day," Joe and Barack!
---------------------------------------------
DGA
Democratic Governors Association
Democratic Presidential Focus Group | Immediate Response Requested
Thank you for responding. Will you please take a moment to complete this brief survey? Your feedback is essential in helping us develop a winning strategy for success this November and beyond.
Deadline: 11:59 P.M. on February 19th
Who is your favorite Democratic President?
[ ] Joe Biden
[ ] Barack Obama
[ ] Bill Clinton
[ ] Jimmy Carter
[✓] Other: All of the above!
How would you grade Pres. Biden's job performance?
[✓] A
[ ] B
[ ] C
[ ] D
[ ] F
Recent polls show President Biden neck-and-neck with Donald Trump in a series of hypothetical matchups. With the 2024 campaign well underway, we need to hear from top Democrats immediately.
If the 2024 election were held today, would you vote for Joe Biden?
[✓] Yes, I would!
[ ] No, I wouldn't.
[ ] Unsure
Donald Trump knows he needs allies in the states, so he continues to back MAGA candidates across the country. How concerned are you about the possibility of more Trump Republicans winning in 2024?
[✓] Extremely concerned
[ ] Very concerned
[ ] Somewhat concerned
[ ] Not at all concerned
GOP governors have pushed countless pieces of dangerous radical legislation. Of those listed below, which is the most concerning to you and your family?
[ ] Near-total abortion bans and restrictions on reproductive health care
[ ] Dangerous efforts to undermine the right to vote
[ ] Cruel legislation attacking and further marginalizing LGBTQ+ communities
[ ] Draconian laws that ban or severely limit discussion of important topics on our country's history in classrooms
[ ] More "criminal carry" laws, removing permit requirements for concealed carry weapons and making our communities less safe
[ ] Economic policies that only benefit those at the top
[✓] Other: All of the above!
If Democrats are going to protect the presidency and win in November we'll need to ensure President Biden and Vice President Harris have the partners they need in the states.
But we can't help Democratic governors without your support. Will you invest $100 to help us elect Democratic governors and defeat the GOP's radical right-wing agenda once and for all?
[ ] Yes, I will give $100!
[✓] No, I can't give that much.
We understand that giving at that level might be tough right now. But the DGA is working tirelessly to elect Democrats across the country and defend our democracy. And during this critical turning point for our country, we can't afford to miss any fundraising goals.
Major victories in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 were made possible by good Democrats like you who were FIRED UP to elect Democrats and defeat Donald Trump and his extremist allies across the country - but we just pulled your supporter record, and here's what we found:
Given to DGA today? Not Yet
Suggested donation: $30.17
Electing Democrats across the country is so critical that a group of generous donors is DOUBLING every gift up to our $25,000 goal. Will you give $30.17, or whatever you can, right now?
[✓] Yes, I'll give $3.*
[ ] Yes, I'll give $30.17! (This is what most Democrats are giving.)
[ ] Yes, and I'll give more!
*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I donated less than $3—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]
DONATE NOW DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT
If we want to stop the Republicans' dangerous agenda, we have to keep pace with the GOP's millions in fundraising - but right now, not enough Democrats are donating, and we're falling way short of our goal.
Closing this gap is so important that a group of donors is DOUBLING every gift up to our goal, so please don't wait: Rush your gift and get every dollar matched to elect Democratic governors!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Action.
[ ] Donate $1 →
[ ] Donate $5 →
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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
[✓] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DGA (without a tip to ActBlue) in order to "show Joe Biden and Barack Obama how much they mean to [me] by signing their card!"
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DGA is because I simply wanted to "SIGN THE CARD TO WISH PRESIDENT BIDEN AND PRESIDENT OBAMA HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY," so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
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The second political communication to which I responded was an email from the Biden for President campaign (Biden Victory Fund) today, February 19th, 2024, with the subject line, "Do you want to meet me, Barack, and Bill?", which stated the following:
Biden-Harris 2024
Paul,
We recently launched a contest to give donors like you a chance to spend an evening with President Obama, President Clinton, and me.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet not one, not two, but THREE presidents! (And my campaign will cover the costs of your flight and hotel.)
If that’s all you need to hear, use this link to be automatically entered for a chance to meet me, Barack, and Bill:***
People ask me all the time if these messages asking for $25 really matter in a presidential election that will cost so much money to win.
Yes. They do.
Grassroots donors like you who give to these messages are the backbone of my campaign. So when you see our ads on TV and our numbers rising in the polls, your support is a big reason for that success.
Today your donation also gets you and a guest a chance to meet and take a photo with three presidents.
Don’t wait, Paul: Pitch in $25 or any amount that is meaningful to you for a chance to meet us! I speak for the other presidents when I say we are excited to meet you.
If you've saved payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[ ] $25 >>
[ ] $50 >>
[ ] $75 >>
[ ] $100 >>
[ ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***
Hope to see you soon!
Joe
Joe Biden
President of the United States
"My dad used to have an expression -- 'It's the lucky person who gets up in the morning, puts both feet on the floor, knows what they are about to do, and thinks it still matters.' Your support matters. Your donation matters." -- Joe Biden
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Want to spend "An Evening with the Presidents"? Donate today!
By donating, you and a guest could win:
🇺🇸 An evening with President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama, and President Bill Clinton!
📸 A photo with the Presidents
✈️ Free flights and hotel stay for the event
Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Donate now for your chance to win and support Democrats nationwide.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Biden Victory Fund.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $46 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,000 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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
[✓] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden Victory Fund (the Biden for President campaign) (without a tip to ActBlue) in order to enter for a chance to win "this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to spend "an evening with President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama, and President Bill Clinton!"
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Biden for President campaign (Biden Victory Fund) is because I simply wanted to enter to win "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet not one, not two, but THREE presidents," so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
P.P.S.: This 'February 19th, 2024 Update No. 1' incorrectly had the reason for donating for this second political communication to which I responded as:
"And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden Victory Fund (the Biden for President campaign) (without a tip to ActBlue) in order to/ because "reason for donating."
You see, I create a lot of templates for my writing on my blogs in order to keep the writing on my blogs consistent. Thus, the "reason for donating" portion of the template on my 'updates' for political donations starts out looking like this:
And so, I made a one-time donation to the [campaign/organization name] (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to/ because "reason for donating."
And I didn't notice this error until today, March 18th, 2024! So, that is why I corrected the "reason for donating" on this 'update' to: "...in order to enter for a chance to win 'this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' to spend 'an evening with President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama, and President Bill Clinton!'", which is how it was supposed to be! This blogger regrets the error.
Thus, this one organization—the DGA—as well as this one campaign—Biden for President (Biden Victory Fund)—are the political organization, and the political campaign, that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 19th, 2024, revised March 18th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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February 19th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 17th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 19th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 19th, 2024, as well as yesterday, February 17th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
February 19th, 2024 search:
01. NBC News
Neo-Nazis march in Nashville, leave after being challenged
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna139415
February 19th, 2024 search:
02. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Travel to US becoming less popular as fears mount over gun violence
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2024/02/18/travel-to-us-down-gun-violence-fears/72608745007
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
February 17th, 2024 search:
03. NPR (National Public Radio)
Biden visits East Palestine a year after a train derailment changed the Ohio town
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/16/1232172327/biden-goes-to-east-palestine
February 17th, 2024 search:
04. CBS News
Biden vows to continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for derailment in East Palestine, Ohio
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-east-palestine-visit
February 19th, 2024 search:
05. NPR (National Public Radio)
In historians' Presidents Day survey, Biden vs. Trump is not a close call
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/19/1232447088/historians-presidents-survey-trump-last-biden-14th
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
February 19th, 2024 search:
06. AP News
Biden's rightward shift on immigration angers advocates. But it's resonating with many Democrats
https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-trump-election-3e27793981ecda46d1b87d996f04dce0
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 17th, 2024 search:
07. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Trump Fully Devours the Republican Establishment
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/us/politics/trump-republican-party-establishment.html
February 17th, 2024 search:
08. Newsweek
Fox News Blasts Republicans for Killing 'Strongest' Border Bill
https://www.newsweek.com/border-security-bill-ukraine-aid-fox-newsx-1870189
February 19th, 2024 search:
09. CNN
High-profile Republicans head for the exits amid House GOP dysfunction
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/19/politics/republicans-retiring-house/index.html
February 19th, 2024 search:
10. AP News
The Republican Party is seeing a growing acceptance of Russian expansionism in the age of Donald Trump (Stalled US aid for Ukraine underscores GOP’s shift away from confronting Russia)
https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-republicans-ukraine-europe-trump-fbe56b789e7c37313ec158a00a571be4
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
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 (February 19th, 2024)
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February 20th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On February 21st, 2024: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message yesterday, February 20th, 2024, from the Rob Lubin for Congress campaign, which stated the following:
Hey! It's Rob Lubin. I'm a lifelong New Yorker, small business owner, and a son of an immigrant - and I'm running for Congress as the only Democrat to flip one of the most winnable districts.
There are lots of campaign texts going around, but give me just a few seconds to tell you why I think making a donation today is the best investment you can make this cycle.
Winning this district will all but guarantee Democrats will take back the House in 2024. NY-02 is a huge pickup opportunity for Democrats, and if we win here, we win everywhere - and we can win.
My campaign is up for the challenge. We're making the right investments and we have boots on the ground talking to every single voter in Long Island - but we need help to do so.
That's where you come in. Will you chip in $5 or any other amount to flip a winnable seat for Dems today?***
I'm so grateful to have your support!
- Rob
***[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, 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:
SEND ROB TO WASHINGTON!
Can you give $5, $10, or even $25 to support my campaign to turn Long Island blue?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Rob Lubin.
[ ] DONATE $5 →
[ ] DONATE $10 →
[ ] DONATE $25 →
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT $3.00
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Rob Lubin for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, February 20th, 2024, in order to "to support [Mr. Lubin's] campaign to turn Long Island blue," because "NY-02 is a huge pickup opportunity for Democrats, and if we win here, we win everywhere."
Thus, this one campaign—Rob Lubin for Congress—is the political campaign that I donated to yesterday! –Paul Whiting (written February 21st, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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February 20th, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On February 21st, 2024: I received an email from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) yesterday, February 20th, 2024, with the subject line, "Oregonians deserve better than House Bill 4002!", which stated the following:
ACLU OF OREGON CALL TO ACTION: We cannot repeat the massively expensive failures and government violence of the war on drugs. OREGON NEEDS TREATMENT, NOT JAIL. NO ON HB 4002 and HB 4036.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
https://action.aclu.org/send-message/no-on-hb-4002-and-4036
Paul –
For many months now, the ACLU of Oregon community has repeatedly asked state lawmakers for real solutions, to drug addiction and homelessness instead of the false promises of criminalization and jails.
Lawmakers are hearing us! Because we've been speaking up, lawmakers have not yet moved forward with harmful bills – including HB 4002 and HB 4036 – that would criminalize people experiencing drug addiction and poverty.
TAKE ACTION
https://action.aclu.org/send-message/no-on-hb-4002-and-4036
We need everyone to continue contacting lawmakers. Our voices are needed to counteract the multiple special interest groups who are pressuring our lawmakers to pass bad, harmful criminalization policies:
[✓] One of the interest groups (https://www.aclu-or.org/en/campaigns/solutions-safe-and-just-communities)* is funded by billionaires and led by the former chief of the Oregon prisons.
[✓] Another is a dark money group (https://www.aclu-or.org/en/campaigns/solutions-safe-and-just-communities)* founded by a national Republican political operative and oil industry lobbyists; they're pushing for HB 4036, an extreme Republican-sponsored bill that would jail people with addictions for 364 days, assess them a $6,250 fine, or both.
*[Blogger's Note: I read the ACLU of Oregon's webpage titled, "SOLUTIONS FOR SAFE AND JUST COMMUNITIES," which is referenced in the hyperlink above, including all of the articles referenced in the webpage.]
By completing this action alert, you also have the opportunity to amplify serious concerns that the [title redacted] of the Oregon Supreme Court expressed about HB 4002.
Let's continue asking our lawmakers to support proven and real solutions including more treatment, housing, prevention education, and non-police mobile crisis response teams.
Thank you for continuing to take action with us to create an Oregon of thriving communities, not more jails and prisons.
[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
[Title redacted], ACLU of Oregon
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:
ACLU of Oregon
NO ON HB 4002 AND 4036. WE NEED MORE TREATMENT, NOT JAIL.
Act Now
ACLU OF OREGON CALL TO ACTION: We cannot repeat the massively expensive failures and government violence of the war on drugs. Oregon needs treatment, not jail. No on HB 4002 and 4036!
For many months now, the ACLU of Oregon community has repeatedly asked state lawmakers for real solutions to drug addiction and homelessness, instead of the false promises of criminalization and jails. We’ve asked for proven solutions including more treatment, housing, prevention education, and non-police mobile crisis response teams.
Lawmakers are hearing us! Because we’ve been speaking up, lawmakers have not yet moved forward with harmful bills — including HB 4002 and HB 4036 — that would criminalize people experiencing drug addiction and poverty.
We need everyone to continue contacting lawmakers. Our voices are needed to counteract the multiple special interest groups who are pressuring our lawmakers to pass these bad, harmful policies.
[✓] One of the interest groups is funded by billionaires and led by the former chief of the Oregon prisons.
[✓] Another is a dark money group founded by a national Republican political operative and oil industry lobbyists; they’re pushing for HB 4036, the extreme Republican-sponsored bill that would jail people with addictions for 364 days, assess them a $6,250 fine, or both.
We also need everyone to help amplify serious concerns shared by the [title redacted] of the Oregon Supreme Court about HB 4002, including that:
[✓] Oregon courts do not have the systems or staffing to implement this criminalization bill.
[✓] The current lack of public defense attorneys will result in these cases being dismissed, before the court can legally require people to go to treatment.
[✓] Courts anticipate a high failure rate with people who are required to get treatment in lieu of jail, creating a cycle of people in and out of jail for not appearing for court dates — which will strain the court’s limited staff time and resources even more.
[✓] Currently, very few programs to divert people away from jail exist, and lawmakers have not provided a timeline for creating these programs.
[✓] Access to treatment and criminal charges will be done in an unfair, inconsistent way across Oregon.
Please complete this action alert today and tell our lawmakers: No to HB 4002 and HB 4036. We need proven and real solutions — more treatment, housing, prevention education, and non-police mobile crisis response units — NOT more jails and prisons.
YOUR MESSAGE
Subject: NO TO HB 4002 AND HB 4036. OREGON NEEDS HEALING TREATMENT, NOT JAIL.
Dear Oregon Lawmakers,
I strongly oppose HB 4002 and HB 4036.
Oregon needs real solutions to drug addiction and homelessness instead of the false promises of criminalization and jails. We need proven solutions including more treatment, housing, prevention education, non-police mobile crisis response teams, and community revitalization programs.
I’ve learned that multiple special interest groups — including one led by the former chief of the Oregon prisons and a dark money group founded by a national Republican political operative and oil industry lobbyists — are pressuring state lawmakers to criminalize people experiencing drug addiction and poverty. Please resist pressure from these groups to pass bad public policy that will harm Oregonians.
Even the [title redacted] of the Oregon Supreme Court has expressed concerns about HB 4002, including that:
— Oregon courts do not have the systems or staffing to implement this criminalization bill.
— The current lack of public defense attorneys will result in these cases being dismissed, before the court can legally require people to go to treatment.
— Courts anticipate a high failure rate with people who are required to get treatment in lieu of jail, creating a cycle of people in and out of jail for not appearing for court dates – which will strain the court’s limited staff time and resources even more.
— Currently, very few programs to divert people away from jail exist, and lawmakers have not provided a timeline for creating these programs.
— Access to treatment and criminal charges will be done in an unfair, inconsistent way across Oregon.
HB 4036 is even more extreme. Currently, there are too many Oregonians experiencing addiction and poverty whose private suffering is in public view because they are unhoused. How is jail for 364 days and a fine of $6,250 going to help people living on our streets successfully finish treatment or secure housing? It will not. Instead, it will make it even more difficult for people to access treatment, housing, jobs, and a stable future.
I adamantly oppose any and all actions by lawmakers to arrest, jail and fine Oregonians experiencing drug addiction. Criminalization and fines are not real solutions to drug addiction or homelessness. Proven solutions are more treatment, housing, prevention education, non-police mobile crisis teams, and community revitalization programs.
I urge you to vote NO on HB 4002 and HB 4036.
Sincerely,
[First Name] [Last Name]
YOUR INFORMATION
Salutation (required by some officials): Mr.
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
E-mail address: [redacted]
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip Code: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]
And so, I sent the letter above to Oregon Lawmakers, via the ACLU of Oregon's website yesterday, February 20th, 2024, in order to urge Oregon Lawmakers to "vote NO on HB 4002 and HB 4036," because "Oregon needs real solutions to drug addiction and homelessness instead of the false promises of criminalization and jails," since "we need proven solutions including more treatment, housing, prevention education, non-police mobile crisis response teams, and community revitalization programs." –Paul Whiting (February 21st, 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 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." [Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023' (that also appears as 'November 30th, 2023 Update No. 2, Written On December 1st, 2023' on some of my blogs), which can be found above.]
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February 22nd, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was an email from the Mondaire Jones for Congress (Mondaire for Congress) campaign today, February 22nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Subject line", which stated the following:
Hi Paul,
When I launched my first campaign in 2019, I knew it was going to be a long shot. I was up against better known and better-funded opponents.
Growing up poor, Black, and gay, I never saw anyone like me running for office, let alone the U.S. House of Representatives. In fact, someone like me had never been elected to Congress—whether from the Hudson Valley or anywhere in America.
But I decided to run anyway—to be a voice for working families like my own. And with the help of our grassroots, people-powered movement, we shocked Washington’s political establishment and won.
I was proud to be part of the most productive Congress in modern history—rescuing the American economy during COVID, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors like my grandma, negotiating passage of the infrastructure law, creating millions of jobs, defending our democracy, and fighting for the freedom to have an abortion.
But despite this and the other progress we made, New York redistricting and political machinations pushed me out of Congress.
For the past few months, I have watched with the rest of America as the extreme MAGA Republican majority has passed policies that hurt everyday people. And they have rallied behind a twice-impeached, serially indicted criminal defendant, Donald Trump, who threatens to further undermine our democracy.
Right now, Mike Lawler represents my district after winning by only 1,820 votes. A career political operative, Lawler will say anything you want to hear, but do whatever Kevin McCarthy and the extreme MAGA Republicans tell him to do. He’s slick like the Big Oil industry he used to lobby for. And he must be defeated in order for Democrats to retake the House.
That’s why I'm not done fighting. I'm getting back in the ring.
[Screenshot of Mondaire Jones launch video with Mondaire speaking at podium and headline of Axios article that says "Most Active First-term Member of Congress."]
We've got a chance to send Lawler packing. In 2020, President Joe Biden won this House district by 10 points. If we don’t flip NY-17, Democrats are simply not taking back the House this November. Will you make a donation today to make sure I have the resources to get my campaign across the finish line?
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[ ] $5 →
[ ] $10 →
[ ] $25 →
[ ] $50 →
[ ] $100 →
[✓] Other →***
Paul, I didn’t have it easy growing up. But it was the lessons I learned from my family and Hudson Valley neighbors that got me here today.
My grandfather was a janitor, and my grandmother cleaned homes. Mom struggled with mental illness, and we often relied on government assistance to put food on the table. But thanks to the support and encouragement I received from my family and the Rockland community, I went from East Ramapo public schools to Harvard Law and the halls of Congress.
As a key player in the most productive Congress in history, the policies we enacted were personal to me. But there’s more work to do for the American people, including:
[✓] Lowering the cost of prescription drugs for everyone, even those not on Medicare
[✓] Codifying Roe v. Wade into law and protecting the freedom to have an abortion
[✓] Banning assault weapons and enacting universal background checks to keep our communities safe
[✓] Defending our democracy from the Republican assault on voting and fair elections
[✓] Protecting Social Security and Medicare from Republican cuts
Our country is at a crossroads, and I refuse to sit on the sidelines.
We still need leaders in Congress for whom policy is personal—leaders committed to creating real opportunity for all.
This race isn’t about me; it’s about the people of the Hudson Valley. With your support, we’re going to flip this district and take back the House majority—are you ready? Watch my launch video, then support our movement by making a donation of $5 or more today >>>***
Let's do this,
Mondaire
Mondaire Jones is running for Congress to finish the work he started last term. He’s ready to fight to lower costs for residents of the Hudson Valley, defend our democracy, raise wages, and protect reproductive rights for all. And he’s doing it without a penny from corporate PACs. Donate today to build our grassroots movement and send Mondaire Jones back to Congress and back to work.
[✓] DONATE***
[ ] DONATE MONTHLY
[Blogger's Note: The email above mentions this campaign's launch video! Now, most of the other Democratic political campaigns for which I write these 'updates' don't necessarily have launch videos included in their introductory campaign email messages. Therefore, even though I watched this campaign's launch video, I am trying not to appear 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!)]
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
MONDAIRE
NY-17 DEMOCRAT FOR CONGRESS
Donate to send Mondaire Jones back to Congress!
["This is personal - Mondaire Jones" YouTube video.]
Mondaire Jones is running for Congress to fight for the hard-working people of NY-17.
But taking on Mike Lawler and Kevin McCarthy's Republican machine won't be easy or cheap.
Watch his launch video, then show Mondaire you're with him by chipping in $5 or more today >>>
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Mondaire Jones.
[ ] Donate $5 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $3,300 →
[ ] Donate $6,600 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Please leave us a tip
Leave a tip for ActBlue
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 (7%)
[ ] Leave no tip
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Mondaire Jones for Congress (Mondaire for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "send Mondaire Jones back to Congress," since "Mondaire Jones is running for Congress to finish the work he started last term." That is why "he’s ready to fight to lower costs for residents of the Hudson Valley, defend our democracy, raise wages, and protect reproductive rights for all."
Thus, this one campaign—Mondaire Jones for Congress (Mondaire for Congress)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 22nd, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
February 22nd, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses February 21st, 2024, As Well As February 20th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 22nd, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches. Plus, I am currently writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 22nd, 2024, yesterday, February 21st, 2024, as well as two days ago, February 20th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
February 21st, 2024 search:
01. CBS News
How judges in D.C. federal court are increasingly pushing back against Jan. 6 conspiracy theories
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/january-6-federal-judges-conspiracy-theories
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
February 20th, 2024 search:
02. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Biden campaign posts $42 million fundraising haul in January
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/02/20/biden-campaign-posts-42-million-fundraising-haul-in-january/72665797007
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
February 20th, 2024 search:
03. Newsweek
Major Texas Newspaper Endorses Joe Biden - Houston
https://www.newsweek.com/houston-chronicle-endorse-biden-texas-trump-maga-1871423
February 20th, 2024 search:
04. NBC News
Biden campaign and allied Democratic groups raised $42 million in January
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna139496
February 20th, 2024 search:
05. Politico
Biden campaign touts $42M raised in January
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/20/biden-campaign-fundraising-00142130
February 20th, 2024 search:
06. HuffPost
Biden Campaign Raises $42 Million In January
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/biden-campaign-raises-42-million-in-january_n_65d416f5e4b0f7fbe7b3c522/amp
February 20th, 2024 search:
07. CNN
Biden draws in $42 million in January amid a fresh round of Democratic handwringing
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/20/politics/joe-biden-fundraising-january/index.html
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
February 22nd, 2024 search:
08. Rolling Stone
Trump’s Abortion-Plan Leak Inflamed His Campaign and Energized Democrats
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-abortion-plan-leak-inflamed-campaign-1234973014/amp
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 22nd, 2024 search:
09. Politico
Mike Johnson invoked God in a GOP presentation on keeping the majority. It didn't land well.
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/02/21/congress/johnsons-sermon-to-gop-retreagt-00142436
February 22nd, 2024 search:
10. HuffPost
Senate Republicans Have Rich People Problems
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/senate-republicans-rich-people-problems_n_65d56109e4b007e3eb73813d/amp
February 22nd, 2024 search:
11. Axios
House Republicans privately expect government shutdown
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/21/republicans-government-shutdown-mike-johnson
February 22nd, 2024 search:
12. NBC News
Republican dysfunction drives a wave of House retirements
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna139642
February 22nd, 2024 search:
13. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Calls Republicans in Congress 'Worse' Than Strom Thurmond
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/us/politics/biden-strom-thurmond-republicans.html
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
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 (February 22nd, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses January 20th, 2024 Through January 31st, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, February 23rd, 2024, is only from my usual reading of The New York Times articles that I received via email for the time period of January 20th, 2024 through January 31st, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
Thus, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times articles that I receive from their daily emails, as well as just reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to The New York Times—until I can actually get around to reading the articles from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe—including The New York Times—in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And so, I am also checking the news just by reading the article titles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe in addition to The New York Times. Therefore, highlighted articles from the other news organizations to which I subscribe are provided through 'updates' such as this one.
Plus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And highlighted articles from those Google news searches are provided through their own 'updates.'
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times 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 the titles to The New York Times articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of January 20th, 2024 through January 31st, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com articles! (As mentioned above, I am a subscriber to The New York Times through a 'Basic Access - Monthly' Digital Subscription via Google Play.)
The following is the article which I received thirty four days ago, January 20th, 2024:
The first New York Times article that I read today (which I received thirty four days ago) is titled, "Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Map That Empowers More Black Voters":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/us/politics/louisiana-voting-map.html
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received thirty three days ago, January 21st, 2024:
The second New York Times article that I read today (which I received thirty three days ago) is titled, "I’ve Told My Last Trump Joke":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/20/opinion/donald-trump-joke-danger.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received thirty two days ago, January 22nd, 2024:
The third New York Times article that I read today (which I received thirty two days ago) is titled, "Here Is One Way to Steal the Presidential Election":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/opinion/election-president-steal-democracy.html
---------------------------------------------
The fourth New York Times article that I read today (which I received thirty two days ago) is titled, "Americans Feel Better About the Economy. Will That Help Biden?":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/business/economy/economic-confidence-biden.html
---------------------------------------------
The fifth New York Times article that I read today (which I received thirty two days ago) is titled, "Biden and Harris Target Abortion Laws, and Trump, on Roe’s 51st Anniversary":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/us/politics/harris-reproductive-rights-tour.html
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received thirty one days ago, January 23rd, 2024:
The sixth New York Times article that I read today (which I received thirty one days ago) is titled, "Supreme Court Backs Biden in Dispute With Texas Over Border Barrier":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/us/politics/supreme-court-texas-border-barbed-wire.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received thirty days ago, January 24th, 2024:
The seventh New York Times article that I read today (which I received thirty days ago) is titled, "Tracker Biden Receives Endorsement from United Automobile Workers Union":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/24/us/politics/biden-uaw-union-speech-endorsement.html
---------------------------------------------
The eighth New York Times article that I read today (which I received thirty days ago) is titled, "New Hampshire and Iowa Reveal Broader Weaknesses for Trump":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/24/us/politics/trump-independent-voters.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received twenty nine days ago, January 25th, 2024:
The ninth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty nine days ago) is titled, "How Trump Plans to Wield Power in 2025: What We Know":
https://www.nytimes.com/article/trump-2025-second-term.html
---------------------------------------------
The tenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty nine days ago) is titled, "Donald Trump’s 2024 Campaign, in His Own Menacing Words":
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/05/us/politics/trump-2024-president-campaign.html
---------------------------------------------
The eleventh New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty nine days ago) is titled, "The Looming Contest Between Two Presidents and Two Americas":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/politics/biden-trump-presidential-election.html
---------------------------------------------
The twelfth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty nine days ago) is titled, "The Sleepy Copyright Office in the Middle of a High-Stakes Clash Over A.I.":
https://www.websitename.here
---------------------------------------------
The thirteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty nine days ago) is titled, "U.S. Economy Grew at 3.3% Rate in Latest Quarter":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/business/economy/economy-q4-gdp.html
---------------------------------------------
The fourteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty nine days ago) is titled, "Yellen, Criticizing Trump, Says Biden’s Economy Has Delivered Gains":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/politics/yellen-criticizing-trump-says-bidens-economy-has-delivered-gains.html
---------------------------------------------
The fifteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty nine days ago) is titled, "We Asked A.I. to Create the Joker. It Generated a Copyrighted Image.":
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/01/25/business/ai-image-generators-openai-microsoft-midjourney-copyright.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received twenty eight days ago, January 26th, 2024:
The sixteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty eight days ago) is titled, "Trump Strengthens Grip on Capitol Hill as He Presses Toward Nomination":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/politics/trump-congress-immigration-ukraine.html
---------------------------------------------
The seventeenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty eight days ago) is titled, "McConnell Casts Doubt on Border Deal, Saying Trump Opposition May Sink It":
https://www.websitename.here
---------------------------------------------
The eighteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty eight days ago) is titled, "Republican-Appointed Judge Denounces Republican Distortions of Jan. 6":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/republican-judge-royce-lamberth-jan-6.html
---------------------------------------------
The nineteenth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty eight days ago) is titled, "A Key Inflation Measure Cooled in December":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/26/business/federal-reserve-inflation.html
---------------------------------------------
The twentieth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty eight days ago) is titled, "Economists Predicted a Recession. So Far They’ve Been Wrong.":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/26/business/economy/economy-recession-soft-landing.html
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received twenty seven days ago, January 27th, 2024:
The twenty first New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty seven days ago) is titled, "Elon Musk Is Spreading Election Misinformation, but X’s Fact Checkers Are Long Gone":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/politics/elon-musk-election-misinformation-x-twitter.html
---------------------------------------------
The following is the article which I received twenty six days ago, January 28th, 2024:
The twenty second New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty six days ago) is titled, "Since Ohio Train Derailment, Accidents Have Gone Up, Not Down":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/28/business/ohio-train-derailment-safety-east-palestine.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received twenty five days ago, January 29th, 2024:
The twenty third New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty five days ago) is titled, "Democrats Say Biden Hasn’t ‘Made the Case’ on Climate Despite Achievements":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/27/climate/biden-climate-campaign.html
---------------------------------------------
The twenty fourth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty five days ago) is titled, "Biden Ad Shows Woman Forced to Leave Texas to End Dangerous Pregnancy":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/21/us/politics/biden-abortion-ad.html
By the way, I also watched the video included in the article above that is titled, "Forced | Biden-Harris 2024."
---------------------------------------------
The twenty fifth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty five days ago) is titled, "Democrats Seize on Texas Case in Push for Abortion Rights":
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/us/politics/abortion-texas-elections.html
[Blogger's Note: The article above is from December 13th, 2023.]
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received twenty four days ago, January 30th, 2024:
The twenty sixth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty four days ago) is titled, "MAGA Is Based on Fear, Not Grounded in Reality":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/opinion/trump-maga-fear.html
---------------------------------------------
The twenty seventh New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty four days ago) is titled, "If It Walks Like an Insurrection and Talks Like an Insurrection":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/opinion/trump-insurrection-supreme-court.html
---------------------------------------------
The following are the articles which I received twenty three days ago, January 31st, 2024:
The twenty eighth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty three days ago) is titled, "Meta Rejected Efforts to Improve Children’s Safety, Documents Show":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/technology/meta-childrens-safety-documents.html
---------------------------------------------
The twenty ninth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty three days ago) is titled, "ARTICLE TITLE": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES GENERATED BY A.I. WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/us/politics/ai-child-sex-abuse.html
---------------------------------------------
The thirtieth New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty three days ago) is titled, "‘Your Product Is Killing People’: Tech Leaders Denounced Over Child Safety": [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ONLINE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/technology/senate-child-safety-social-media.html
---------------------------------------------
The thirty first New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty three days ago) is titled, "Bipartisan Bill Aims to Protect Children Online":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/technology/congress-social-media-safety.html
---------------------------------------------
The thirty second New York Times article that I read today (which I received twenty three days ago) is titled, "House Passes Bipartisan Tax Bill, but Election-Year Politics Complicate Its Path":
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/us/politics/congress-tax-bill.html
And I decided to highlight these articles from The New York Times for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written February 23rd, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 23rd, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 24th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 24th, 2024, as well as yesterday, February 23rd, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago 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.
Plus, I am listing these articles by the initial Google search category under which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
February 24th, 2024 search:
01. NBC News
Alabama justice who ruled embryos are people says American law should be rooted in the Bible
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna139969
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
February 24th, 2024 search:
02. CNN
February 23, 2024 - Russia-Ukraine news [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-02-23-24/index.html
By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled, "See impact of two years of war on Ukraine."
In addition to reading all of the updates from the article above, I also read a CNN article titled, "Here's how to help Ukraine as the second anniversary of Russia's invasion nears."
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/22/us/how-to-help-civilians-in-ukraine-after-two-years-of-war/index.html
Plus, I also donated to "Help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine" through the webpage CNN IMPACT YOUR WORLD, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
CNN IMPACT YOUR WORLD
Donate via Pledge to: "Split among multiple nonprofits"
[ ] $10
[ ] $25
[✓] $50
[ ] $100
[ ] $250
[ ] Other
[✓] One-time
[ ] Monthly
Please leave us a tip
Pledge is paying the card processing fees! Please leave a tip, so we can continue to pay the fees and continuously enhance our services!
10% ($5.00 tip)
Donate ($55.00 total)
---------------------------------------------
Thank You For Your Donation!
Generous gifts like yours make the world a better place.
Share with your community.
[ ] Facebook: I didn't select this option.
[✓] Twitter:
Help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/22/us/how-to-help-civilians-in-ukraine-after-two-years-of-war/index.html via @pledgetodogood
[ ] LinkedIn: I didn't select this option.
[ ] WhatsApp: I didn't select this option.
[ ] Reddit: I didn't select this option.
[✓] Email:
Subject: Help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
Hi,
I hope you will consider supporting this fundraiser: Help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/22/us/how-to-help-civilians-in-ukraine-after-two-years-of-war/index.html
It’s for a good cause!
[ ] SMS: I didn't select this option.
[✓] Copy the following text to share on additional platforms.
To donate, text UKRAINIAN to 707070 or visit https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/22/us/how-to-help-civilians-in-ukraine-after-two-years-of-war/index.html
Please see the hyperlink below for the CNN IMPACT YOUR WORLD donation webpage:
https://www.pledge.to/help-humanitarian-efforts-in-ukraine
February 24th, 2024 search:
03. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
US imposes 'crushing' sanctions on Russia 2 years after Ukraine invasion
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/us-impose-500-sanctions-russia-parties/story?id=107464889
February 24th, 2024 search:
04. NBC News
Biden announces more than 500 sanctions on Russia after Navalny's death
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna140158
February 24th, 2024 search:
05. Reuters
Republicans, Trump try to contain backlash from Alabama fertility ruling
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republicans-trump-try-contain-backlash-alabama-fertility-ruling-2024-02-23
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
February 24th, 2024 search:
06. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Donald Trump, under fire over abortion, calls on Alabama to reverse course and protect IVF
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/02/23/donald-trump-alabama-ivf-embryos/72703105007
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
February 23rd, 2024 search:
07. CBS News
Biden weighs invoking executive authority to stage border crackdown ahead of 2024 election
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/biden-weighs-invoking-executive-authority-stage-border-crackdown-212f
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
February 23rd, 2024 search:
08. Newsweek
Joe Biden Admits Republicans Were Right on the Border
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-republicans-border-fight-1872524
February 23rd, 2024 search:
09. CNN
Biden considering new executive action to restrict asylum at the border, sources say
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/21/politics/biden-considering-executive-action-to-close-southern-border-sources-say/index.html
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 23rd, 2024 search:
10. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Lara Trump: Republicans are willing to pay Donald Trump's legal bills
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/02/22/lara-trump-republicans-are-willing-to-pay-donald-trumps-legal-bills/72696084007
February 23rd, 2024 search:
11. AP News
Lara Trump says she thinks GOP voters would like to see RNC pay Donald Trump’s legal fees
https://apnews.com/article/lara-trump-rnc-donald-trump-9c25a74e096439cd7b0ac37c96530675
February 23rd, 2024 search:
12. CBS News
Trump hopes to reshape RNC into "seamless operation" with leadership changes
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/trump-reshape-rnc-leadership-changes
February 23rd, 2024 search:
13. Time Magazine
(By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)
How Putin Co-Opted the Republican Party
https://time.com/6757904/trump-russia-republican-party
February 23rd, 2024 search:
14. Forbes
Republicans Condemn Biden’s Proposed Border Restrictions—After Advocating Similar Policies Previously
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2024/02/22/republicans-condemn-bidens-proposed-border-restrictions-after-advocating-similar-policies-previously/amp
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
February 24th, 2024 search:
15. CNN
Republicans struggle to respond to Alabama embryo ruling
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/23/politics/republicans-alabama-embryo-ruling/index.html
February 24th, 2024 search:
16. Axios
Trump's GOP shows how its extremism could make it vulnerable in election
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/trump-gop-extreme-maga-ivf-cpac-putin
February 24th, 2024 search:
17. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Some Republicans are voicing doubt over Alabama IVF ruling. Democrats see an opportunity
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/republicans-voicing-doubt-alabama-ivf-ruling-democrats-opportunity-107465367
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
February 24th, 2024 search:
18. NBC News
Alabama's IVF ruling puts Republicans in a political bind
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna140070
February 24th, 2024 search:
19. NBC News
Calls to 'fight' and echoes of Jan. 6 embraced by CPAC attendees
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna140225
February 24th, 2024 search:
20. NBC News
Jan. 6 rioter who assaulted police calls for 'accountability' for 2020 election lies
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna134609
---------------------------------------------
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 February 24th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
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February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 26th, 2024, is regarding my "Post No. 149: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" being unpublished by Blogger yesterday, February 25th, 2024, on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog. A copy of the notification email can be found below:
Subject: Your post titled "Post No. 149: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" has been unpublished
From: Blogger [email redacted]
To: [email redacted]
Date: Feb 25, 2024, 2:32 AM
Hello,
As you may know, our Community Guidelines [web address redacted] describe the boundaries for what we allow-- and don't allow-- on Blogger. Your post titled "Post No. 149: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" was flagged to us for review. We have determined that it violates our guidelines and have unpublished the URL http://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist.html, making it unavailable to blog readers.
Why was your blog post unpublished?
Your content has violated our Spam policy. Please visit our Community Guidelines page linked in this email to learn more.
If you are interested in republishing the post, please update the content to adhere to Blogger's Community Guidelines. Once the content is updated, you may republish it at [web address redacted]. This will trigger a review of the post. You may have the option to pursue your claims in court. If you have legal questions or wish to examine legal options that may be available to you, you may want to consult with your own legal counsel.
For more information, please review the following resources:
Terms of Service: [web address redacted]
Blogger Community Guidelines: [web address redacted]
Sincerely,
The Blogger Team
Now, this is by no means the first time that I have had this particular blog post unpublished by Blogger! And, the very first time that this happened, which was on April 19th, 2023, I thought that it was because of my blog post 'update' labeled, "April 18th, 2023 Update," the topic of which was Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) 2023.
Therefore, at that time, I just assumed that the post was unpublished due to the fact that I was using text from several websites [the organizations of which I donated to for Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) 2023] to which I referred in the blog post 'update' without permission from those websites. So, I kept the basic description of the reason that I had donated to those organizations for Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) 2023, but I removed the text, which was describing those organizations, that I had originally quoted from their websites.
Then, lo and behold, the above-mentioned blog post was republished a few hours later, after I requested a 'Review!' However, I was just guessing that the reason this particular blog post was unpublished was due to the fact that I had quoted text from the above-mentioned organizations to which I donated, since the email notification—which was identical to the email above—simply stated "Your content has violated our Spam policy." And that very first email (just like all of the other emails that followed it) didn't clarify why "[my] content [had] violated [Blogger's] Spam policy," nor, specifically, did it clarify what content was in violation!
In fact, I was so worried (panicked, really!) about the above-mentioned 'quoted text' being the actual reason my blog post was unpublished that I removed all of the 'quoted text' from every one of my 'updates' in that "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post on that same day, including all of the quotes from 'Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia' that I had referenced in my 'updates!'
Later on, though, as I noticed more, and more, instances of my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post being unpublished due to it 'violating Blogger's Spam policy,' I concluded it was, in fact, all of the web addresses that I included in the 'updates,' since I assume that Blogger tries to avoid blogs that reference a lot websites outside of Blogger, because (I assume) those referenced website are considered "Spam."
There again, though, I am only guessing!
Plus, in subsequent times that I have received these emails notifications about the above-mentioned blog post being unpublished, I have simply requested a "Review" of the blog post and—without actually changing any of the post's content—the post was republished, usually a few hours after requesting the 'Review.'
So, just like usual, I requested a 'Review' of this blog post yesterday, February 25th, 2024, at around 7:00 A.M. (PST), here in Portland, Oregon, once I noticed the email quoted above. And, as I am writing this 'update,' after 5:00 A.M. (PST), it has almost been twelve hours since I requested said 'Review' and my blog post has not been republished!
Therefore, I am thinking about editing the many 'updates' that I write regarding current news articles that I am currently reading to only include the titled of each article, the author(s) and the publishing date—without actually providing a hyperlink to each article—just in case it is all of those web addresses from these news articles that are causing this blog post to keep getting unpublished.
Although, I am just guessing!
To clarify one thing, though: doing this much editing on all of the current news 'updates' that I have written on my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post is going to take a lot of time to complete.
And, even then, that may not "do the trick," so to speak, with regard to getting this particular blog post republished; I can only do the editing and then request that the post be reviewed again (if it hasn't already been republished by then); otherwise, I may have to edit out all of the 'updates' that I write regarding current news articles that I am reading, if those 'updates' are, in fact, what's causing the 'Spam' violation.
Although, again, I am simply guessing...
–Paul Whiting (written February 26th, 2024, revised February 27th, 2024 and revised October 6th, 2024)
P.S.: Hallelujah! My blog post "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" has been reinstated as of today, February 27th, 2024, at around 3:00 AM (PST) here in Portland, Oregon. A copy of the notification email can be found below:
Subject: Your post titled "Post No. 149: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" has been reinstated
From: Blogger [email redacted]
To: [redacted]
Date Feb 27, 2024, 3:07 AM
Hello,
We have re-evaluated the post titled "Post No. 149: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" against Community Guidelines [web address redacted]. Upon review, the post has been reinstated. You may access the post at http://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist.html.
Sincerely,
The Blogger Team
Anyway, I am not sure what "did the trick," so to speak, for finally getting my blog post reinstated, as I have outlined below:
1. I don't know if it was reinstated because I wrote about the fact that it had been unpublished in this blog post 'update,' which I subsequently published on the duplicate post that I have as a backup to my "Post No. 149: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," since 'Post No. 149' gets unpublished by Blogger a lot! And that backup blog post can be found immediately after 'Post No. 149,' the title of which is "Post No. 150: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2 (THIS IS A DUPLICATE POST)";
2. I don't know if it was reinstated because I wrote about the fact that I am no longer including hyperlinks from the articles that I am reading in the current news 'updates' that I write;
3. I don't know if it was reinstated because "The Blogger Team" had the time to read my blog at around 3:00 AM (PST) today, February 27th, 2024—since they originally unpublished the post at around 2:30 AM (PST) two days ago on February 25th, 2024—and maybe "the wee, small hours of the morning" is when the 'The Blogger Team' does most of the evaluating for posts that have been flagged due to violations of their Community Guidelines and/or the reevaluating for posts that have been requested to be reviewed by Blogger; or,
4. I don't know if it was reinstated because of some other totally unrelated factor (or, factors) since that original 'unpublished notification' email on February 25th from Blogger didn't clarify why "[my] content [had] violated [Blogger's] Spam policy," nor, specifically, did it clarify what content was in violation! Plus, this 'reinstated notification' today February 27th from Blogger didn't clarify why the post had been reinstated... (And that is exactly like all of the other notification emails that I have ever received from Blogger regarding the unpublishing, or the reinstating, of blog posts.)
However, I do know that this is the longest period of time that my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post has been unpublished by Blogger at just over 48 hours [from February 25th, 2024 at 2:32 A.M. (PST) to February 27th, 2024 at 3:07 A.M. (PST)], since the previous longest period of time was (as I recall) about 11 hours.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, February 26th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 26th, 2024, as well as yesterday, February 25th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2024 search:
01. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
At CPAC, Trump Invokes Clashing Visions of America's Future
He used his speech to focus on a general-election contest between him and President Biden, not once mentioning his main Republican rival, Nikki Haley.
By Jonathan Swan and Michael C. Bender | Feb. 24, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2024 search:
02. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Donald Trump wants to escalate a US trade war. Did it work the first time?
Trump has proposed tariffs that could reshape the economy, experts say.
By Max Zahn | February 25, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2024 search:
03. NBC News
Not since the 1930s has isolationist sentiment gained such prominence in the U.S. (If Trump wins, will the U.S. become isolationist?)
Trump and his Republican allies are fueling a new isolationist strain in American politics that could radically alter America’s approach to the world — with unpredictable consequences.
By Dan De Luce | Feb. 25, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2024 search:
04. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
How initial US support for aiding Ukraine has come to a standstill 2 years later
Vladimir Putin sees the fatigue and feels emboldened, one expert told ABC News.
By Alexandra Hutzler | February 24, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2024 search:
05. The Guardian
‘We’re going to lose our grasp on democracy’: divided GOP voters weigh in on US aid to Ukraine
Funding to the country for its fight against Russia has split Republicans as Trump and Haley take different stances
By Joan E Greve | 24 Feb 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2024 search:
06. NBC News
Biden, Trump to hold competing trips to the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday
Biden, who last visited the southern border in January 2023, has been heavily criticized by Trump and Republicans for his handling of migrants crossing into the U.S.
By Rebecca Shabad, Kelly O'Donnell, Garrett Haake, Monica Alba, Olympia Sonnier and Carol E. Lee | Feb. 26, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2024 search:
07. NBC News
Lindsey Graham gets booed during Trump South Carolina victory remarks
During former President Trump's victory speech, he introduced Lindsey Graham and the crowd could be heard booing the South Carolina senator. Graham goes on to say that Trump is the "most qualified man to be President of the United States."
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2024 search:
08. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Trump disparages 'Black president' Obama, says voters want 'white guy'
By David Jackson | Feb. 24, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2024 search:
09. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Donald Trump's takeover of the Republican Party: Ronna McDaniel resigns as party chair
By David Jackson | Published Feb. 26, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2024 search:
10. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
As Trump warns that 'we're living in hell right now,' Biden team responds: 'Weird ramblings'
The former president's CPAC speech veered wildly in tone and topic.
By Kelsey Walsh, Isabella Murray and Hannah Demissie | February 24, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2024 search:
11. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Will Make Rare Visit to Southern Border on Same Day as Trump
The president, trying to go on the offensive over immigration, is planning to travel to Texas on Thursday, when Donald J. Trump is also set to visit a border city.
By Jonathan Swan, Maggie Haberman and Zolan Kanno-Youngs | Feb. 26, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2024 search:
12. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Biden and Trump both heading to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas on Thursday, according to AP sources
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will make dueling trips to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas on Thursday following the failed border deal that was opposed by the Republican front-runner
By Seung Min Kim, Colleen Long, Zeke Miller and Jill Colvin Associated Press | February 26, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2024 search:
13. NBC News
Democrats warn of a potential government shutdown as Biden calls a meeting with lawmakers
Part of the government is set to shut down at 12:01 a.m. Saturday unless Congress acts. The rest would shut down March 8.
By Scott Wong and Frank Thorp V | Feb. 26, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2024 search:
14. AP News
An RNC member is trying to stop the party from paying Donald Trump’s legal bills
By Michelle L. Price | Updated 12:59 PM PST, February 24, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2024 search:
15. CNN
RNC circulates resolutions that would slow Trump takeover of party and committee
By Kristen Holmes and Daniel Strauss | Updated 5:37 PM EST, Sat February 24, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2024 search:
16. MSNBC News
Lara Trump stands to inherit a fundraising mess of Trump's making
Trump is now primed to position his daughter-in-law to use RNC funds to pay his legal fees.
By Molly Jong-Fast | Feb. 25, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
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 February 26th, 2024, revised March 3rd, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
For my "February 26th, 2024 Update No. 3"—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:
February 26th, 2024 Update No. 3 ('Update' 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, February 26th, 2024, with the subject line, "Paul’s Military Supporter Update for February", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 120 / February 2024, which stated, in part, the following:
YOUR USO AT WORK
Issue 120 / February 2024
DONATE NOW »
https://secure.uso.org
Paul,
As we celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the USO's founding and commemorate Black History Month this February, we're working hard to do all we can to support our brave heroes who are making unimaginable sacrifices to protect our country and our freedoms right now.
We recently opened three new USO Centers at Fort Moore, Neil Ash Airport and Holloman Air Force Base to provide more places for service members and their families to call their own.
We hope you enjoy reading about all the other ways we're supporting our troops this month. ...
And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "USO Celebrates Its 83rd Birthday" and "USO and NFL Team Up To Support Service Members and Families Ahead of Super Bowl," as well as "USO and Kroger Celebrate New USO Mobile in California":
USO FRONT LINES
USO Celebrates Its 83rd Birthday
This month marked 83 years since the USO's founding. This is an opportunity to celebrate not just our legacy but our commitment to the well-being of those who sacrifice so much for our nation. By supporting the USO, everyone can make a positive impact in the lives of our service members and their families, no matter where the mission takes them.
If you didn’t get a chance, sign our USO birthday card now to show your commitment to supporting the people who serve. »
https://action.uso.org/2402_BDAY
---------------------------------------------
EVENTS
USO and NFL Team Up To Support Service Members and Families Ahead of Super Bowl
For more than 55 years, the USO and the NFL have worked together to honor, empower and connect the military community through a shared love of football. Earlier this month, NFL fans helped the USO prepare 10,000 USO Care Packages to be delivered to service members worldwide. And on Super Bowl Sunday, the USO hosted viewing parties all over the world so that service members could share in the excitement of the big game together.
Check out these nine facts about USO’s partnership with the NFL. »
https://www.uso.org/stories/3692-9-facts-you-might-not-know-about-the-uso-and-the-nfl
---------------------------------------------
CORPORATE PARTNERS
USO and Kroger Celebrate New USO Mobile in California
Last month, we celebrated the unveiling of the USO’s 3rd Kroger Mobile that will serve as the West Coast Mobile Canteen. The event kicked off with ribbon cutting and care package events at Kroger Headquarters in Compton and continued with a “Stuff the Truck” event to support the military families at Twentynine Palms & Fort Irwin. Thank you to Kroger and the Kroger family of stores for being USO’s largest cumulative donor, raising over $41 million since 2010!
Learn more about Kroger's support for USO Mobile. »
https://mobile.uso.org/kroger-truck
---------------------------------------------
...From all of us at the USO, thank you for being a patriotic supporter of our nation's service members!
And so, after I read the email above, I signed the USO birthday card because, "for 83 years, the USO has been by our troops’ sides from the moment they enlist to the moment they make their way back home." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our service members, "Today and everyday, we honor and appreciate everything you do to protect the country and freedom we cherish. We promise to always have your backs no matter what!"
[Blogger's Note: I already donated to the USO for their 83rd birthday on February 4th, 2024 (please see my 'February 4th, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above); however, I hadn't signed this year's birthday card at that time, so that is why I donated again!]
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, "February 26th, 2024 Update No. 3":
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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February 26th, 2024 Update No. 4: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, February 26th, 2024, with the subject line, "Protecting Black history on campuses", which stated the following:
Paul, attacks on racial equity are getting worse.
Attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are the new frontier in the fight to erase marginalized communities. The so-called "war on woke" has escalated to targeting free speech on campuses, banning books by Black authors, restricting education on the racism our country was rooted in and which continues today, and even overturning affirmative action policies in a major Supreme Court case last year.
Now, they've taken aim at DEI programs – efforts designed to repair decades of discriminatory policies that have excluded BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented communities.
During Black History Month this year, we sat down with experts to talk about how these attacks on DEI programs are linked to the fight to end classroom censorship – and what we can do to fight back.
LISTEN NOW:
https://www.aclu.org/podcast/how-to-dismantle-the-anti-dei-machine
Black History Month is a time to recognize the significant achievements and culture of Black Americans – while acknowledging the history of discrimination and abuse that this country has subjected Black Americans to.
Paul, DEI programs are an essential part of achieving racial equity – equity which requires understanding and dismantling the structures maintaining white supremacy, ending censorship of Black history, and creating resources for underrepresented communities within higher education.
Tune into our podcast episode to learn how we can dismantle the anti-DEI machine.
And thank you for joining us in fighting to end censorship of Black voices and Black history this month – and every day of the year.
Onward,
The ACLU Team
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:
ACLU
AT LIBERTY PODCAST
How to Dismantle the Anti-DEI Machine
February 8, 2024
Free speech on campus, book bans, education gag orders, the overturn of affirmative action, the resignation of former Harvard president Claudine Gay. All of these issues center on one hot-button topic: DEI.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a staple in national vocabulary after the so-called “racial reckoning” of 2020 brought demands for racial justice to the top of institutional priorities. From schools to Fortune 500 companies to the film industry, DEI efforts had a steady surge…until they didn’t.
The burgeoning anti-DEI movement, also coined the “war on woke,” has gone from a once-fringe conservative crusade to a political machine. Already this year, about three dozen bills restricting DEI efforts, like critical race theory, have been proposed in states across the country, with more likely to emerge. Need we again mention the overturn of affirmative action? But how did we go from a public seemingly-committed to DEI to one that denounces it in the span of just a few years?
Joining us to help answer this question are Alvin B. Tillery, professor of political science at Northwestern University and director of the university’s Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy, and Leah Watson, senior staff attorney with the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program. Together, we’ll trace the rise of the anti-DEI machine and its political ramifications for the year to come.
[Blogger's Note: I listened to the ACLU's At Liberty Podcast titled, "How to Dismantle the Anti-DEI Machine."]
Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:
https://www.aclu.org/podcast/how-to-dismantle-the-anti-dei-machine
So, I wanted to share this email from the ACLU in order to show my support for the At Liberty Podcast "How to Dismantle the Anti-DEI Machine." –Paul Whiting (February 26th, 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 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." [Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023' (that also appears as 'November 30th, 2023 Update No. 2, Written On December 1st, 2023' on some of my blogs), which can be found above.]
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February 26th, 2024 Update No. 5: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 26th, 2024, from the Ro Khanna for Congress (Ro for Congress) campaign, which stated the following:
I really need you to read this text.
(But if you're short on time, please kick in $15 to replace the abysmal Republican House before you log off:***)
I don't need to tell you that Congress is broken. Republicans have done a great job of that.
So instead, I'll tell you my plan to fix it:
✅ Ban *all* PAC and lobbyist money from Congress
✅ Ban Congress members from trading stocks
✅ Enact term limits for Congress members and SCOTUS Justices
✅ Ban Congress members from ever becoming lobbyists
Hear me when I say this: so long as Republicans are in control, my ambitious plan to hold members of Congress accountable is [unattainable].
So today, I'm calling on my grassroots supporters to replace the catastrophic Republican Congress with progressive Democrats who will actually do their jobs.
I need 50 gifts before midnight to stay on track. Can I count on your $15? >>***
Thanks,
Ro Khanna
***[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, 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 in a contribution!
Ro is working hard in Congress to give every American the opportunity to succeed. But the Republican House Majority is blocking his efforts at every turn.
Will you rush in a gift before midnight to help Ro flip the House blue and continue his fight for working families? >>
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Ro Khanna.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Ro Khanna for Congress (Ro for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Ro Khanna is] calling on [his] grassroots supporters to replace the catastrophic Republican Congress with progressive Democrats who will actually do their jobs."
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The second political communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 26th, 2024, from the Susie Lee for Congress campaign, which stated the following:
Hey there!
My name is Susie Lee. I'm a mom, Democrat, and Congresswoman representing Nevada's 3rd district.
NV-03 is one of the most competitive districts in the country, and was the 2nd most targeted House race by Republicans in 2022.
I won by less than 4%, and I've already been named a frontline candidate for 2024 by the DCCC.
Republicans know that if they flip my seat red, Democrats have no chance at taking back the House. That's why GOP leadership has already been attacking me.
But I won't be intimidated. In the past four years, I've worked to protect abortion access, voting rights, our democracy, and so much more.
I'll continue to deliver results for my constituents, but I can't do it alone. Our End-of-Month deadline is right around the corner and I need your help. Can I count on your grassroots support today to help us reach our fundraising goal?
Your support means 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, 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:
Help Susie Keep Nevada Blue >>
Congresswoman Susie Lee is a proven champion for Nevada's working families. That's why national Republicans are obsessed with defeating her.
They'll do anything they can to silence Susie and expand their right-wing House majority.
Only a dedicated grassroots coalition can help us keep this critical battleground district blue.
Please, will you rush $25 to support Susie Lee today?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Susie Lee.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Susie Lee for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Susie Lee is] a mom, Democrat, and Congresswoman representing Nevada's 3rd district," who "is a proven champion for Nevada's working families," and so "that's why national Republicans are obsessed with defeating her."
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The third political communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 26th, 2024, from the Chuck Hubbard for Congress campaign, which stated the following:
Hey Paul, Chuck Hubbard, proud Democrat running to flip NC-05.
My opponent, Virginia Foxx, is one of the most dangerous Republicans you may not have heard of.
- She's an ultra-conservative Trump loyalist
- She wrote and passed a bill attacking Transgender students
- She's trying to repeal President Biden's reforms to protect workers
I was a journalist right here in Western North Carolina for 40 years. I've covered Virginia Foxx for a good chunk of that time and I've never once seen her put people before her own ambition.
Paul, that's why I decided to run for office. I couldn't sit back and watch any longer as Virginia Foxx put what's best for Donald Trump over what's best for North Carolina.
I've seen firsthand that this district is ready for change. But I'll be honest: this isn't going to be easy.
Foxx is stockpiling millions from GOP megadonors to attack me. If we're going to stand a chance of winning, then I need grassroots supporters like you to help me fight back.
So if you're able, can you chip in $25 or anything you can to help me beat Virginia Foxx and flip this district blue?***
Thank you,
Chuck
***[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, 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:
CHUCK HUBBARD FOR CONGRESS
Donate to Chuck Hubbard for Congress
Chuck Hubbard is our Democratic candidate running against Virginia Foxx in NC's 5th Congressional District!
As a former journalist and Wilkes County native with deep roots in NC, Chuck knows what it's going to take to flip this district and deliver for working families.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Chuck Hubbard.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Chuck Hubbard for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[he is a] proud Democrat running to flip NC-05" since, "as a former journalist and Wilkes County native with deep roots in NC, Chuck knows what it's going to take to flip this district and deliver for working families."
Thus, these three campaigns—Ro Khanna for Congress (Ro for Congress), as well as Susie Lee for Congress, in addition to Chuck Hubbard for Congress—are the political campaigns that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 26th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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February 27th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 26th, 2024: I received a mailer from Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) yesterday, February 26th, 2024, 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.]
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT ★ 20 YEARS
Thank you for giving again today — because America's wounded warriors need you!
Dear Caring Friend,
It will happen about 50 times today. And it will happen about 50 more times tomorrow.
Severely injured veterans and their family members will contact us here at Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) — desperate for help.
Some veterans will have recently returned from the battlefield. Others will be coming to us after years of pain, darkness, and uncertainty.
I know. I'm a U.S. Navy veteran, and it took me more than five years to finally come forward and get the help I needed.
During that time, I self-medicated with alcohol and drug use ... and even tried to take my own life.
I honestly don't know what might have happened if I hadn't found WWP. Thank goodness I did. You were there for me. And now, another hero needs your help!
Your annual support can change lives and even save lives. Please stand by America's heroes for another year of caring and support!
Renew your annual commitment today to help more American heroes heal in mind, body, and soul.
I nearly lost my life fighting for the country I love. In Iraq, my whole battalion was getting blasted left and right.
I survived the attacks, but the shock waves from multiple explosions left me with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires me to wear dark glasses every time I go outside.
I also live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And trust me, that's the worst injury of all.
I'd rather have a TBI than post-traumatic stress. But the reality is, I have both.
My journey of healing began when I first connected to WWP. You helped me get involved in sports like running and cycling to build my strength and confidence again, and you helped me connect with a community of my fellow veterans.
Most of all, you helped me find my new purpose — helping other wounded veterans, including by serving as a Peer Support Group leader for WWP.
I'm able to reach out to people and make a difference in their lives ... I can pinpoint every single warrior I've encountered who is now blessed and has a better life because of Wounded Warrior Project.
That's the impact of your annual support for WWP. With your help, WWP is proving that veterans with physical, emotional, and psychological wounds of war can succeed again — as parents, students, employees, and valuable members of our communities.
We're doing it for heroes who have severe burns, missing limbs, and other war wounds you can see ... and we're doing it for heroes whose wounds are invisible, but who need our help just as urgently.
America is blessed with amazing men and women who risk their lives every day to keep us strong and free. We can never forget what our heroes have done for us — not in 2024, not ever.
Thank you for being there for me. And thank you in advance for renewing your annual commitment so WWP can be there for the next warrior who needs our help!
With gratitude,
[Name redacted]
Proud Wounded Warrior
P.S. Along with your set of labels, which I'm sending to thank you for your renewed annual support, I'm also enclosing a thank-you card that I hope you'll sign and return to let another wounded warrior know you honor and appreciate his or her service. Be there for them, like you were for me. When you send it back, please also include your most generous 2024 renewal gift to help more veterans heal, thrive, and succeed again.
---------------------------------------------
★ MY SPECIAL GIFT TO HELP AMERICA'S WOUNDED WARRIORS ★
Thank you for my personalized address labels and for letting me know how I'm helping wounded warriors succeed again. To help more heroes battle back from injuries, I'm enclosing my gift of:
[ ] $15
[ ] $18
[ ] $21
[ ] $24
[✓] My best gift of $7.21
To donate online, go to supportwwp.org/wwp
Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Donor Care Center
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Every gift makes an impact!
Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law.
And so, I made a one-time donation to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) today, February 27th, 2024, in order to renew my annual commitment through MY SPECIAL GIFT TO HELP AMERICA'S WOUNDED WARRIORS! Plus, I signed the enclosed "thank-you card...to let another wounded warrior know [I] honor and appreciate his or her service." And I am planning to mail the thank-you card as soon as I get a chance to drop off the return envelope at my local post office. –Paul Whiting (written February 27th, 2024 and revised September 22nd, 2024)
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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February 27th, 2024 Update No. 2: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 27th, 2024, from the Katrina Christiansen for Senate (Katrina for U.S. Senate) campaign, which stated the following:
It's Katrina Christiansen.
I'm running to defeat extreme Republican Senator Kevin Cramer and kick him out of office.
I need a huge surge of support in my early days – 500 gifts before midnight – to show the world that we have what it takes to flip this Senate seat blue.
I'm humbly asking: Will you chip in $15 to become one of my first Founding Donors? >>***
I’m not a career politician – not even close.
I grew up in a small rural town where my family relied on government assistance to get by.
I know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet.
That’s why I became so fed up watching politicians – like Republican Senator Kevin Cramer – stuff their pockets with special interest cash and ignore the needs of everyday Americans. I just knew that 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 solving problems – and now, I’m ready to replace Cramer in the U.S. Senate and show him how it’s done.
But I’m up against an unlimited amount of special interest money and I need a historic surge of support to compete.
Can I count on your $15 before midnight to pull off a record-breaking fundraising day? >>***
– Katrina
***[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, 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:
Rush in a contribution!
Katrina Christiansen is running for U.S. Senate to fight for hardworking North Dakotans struggling to make ends meet.
But Katrina doesn't take a dime of Corporate PAC money, so she is relying on everyday folks like you to compete with Republicans' special interest cash.
Will you rush a gift before midnight to help fuel Katrina's grassroots campaign? Any amount you can give makes a world of difference. >>
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Katrina Christiansen.
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Katrina Christiansen for Senate (Katrina for U.S. Senate) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "become one of [Katrina Christiansen's] first Founding Donors [for her Senate campaign]."
Thus, this one campaign—Katrina Christiansen for Senate (Katrina for U.S. Senate)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 27th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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February 28th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was an email from the Samantha Meadows for Congress (Sammi Meadows for Congress) campaign today, February 28th, 2024, with the subject line, "Can we afford ANOTHER Jim Jordan from Ohio?!", which stated the following:
SAMANTHA MEADOWS
Democratic Nominee Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District
URGENT: GOP AGGRESSIVELY COURTING OH2 DEMOCRATS TO FLIP REPUBLICAN IN MARCH PRIMARY
Samantha Meadows is the only Democratic candidate remaining in OH2. She is fighting the good fight and causing “good trouble” in the district. Her former opponent is a registered Republican who was running in the Democratic primary, which is legal in Ohio. She vehemently challenged his false claims to be a “lifelong Democrat.” After Samantha received the Ohio Democratic Party’s endorsement, his team harassed and intimidated her daughter, showing up at her residence.
When his dirty tricks didn’t work, he dropped out and endorsed a Republican candidate. Together, they have a massive campaign underway to convince Democratic voters to pull a Republican ballot in the March primary. They are selling the candidate as a “sane anti-Trump Republican.” But make no mistake, he is a pro-life Republican who will fall in line with his party.
Samantha is the only candidate standing in the way of a total MAGA takeover of OH2. She is a true rural Southern Ohioan who speaks directly to the people, building relationships within this most geographically gerrymandered district in Ohio. She is covering 8,000 sq miles, nearly 20% of the state, spreading our Democratic values with disenfranchised voters. She is fighting on the frontline for American democracy.
Samantha’s campaign benefits Senator Sherrod Brown and President Biden, as she reaches into the most rural regions of the district. Her work is meaningful and effective, as we are growing leaps and bounds! But we need your active support in this fight for democracy.
Will you help by chipping in $20.00 today? Help us send a message that Democrats will stand strong TOGETHER!
DONATE NOW***
Thank you!
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
SAMANTHA MEADOWS FOR CONGRESS OH2
It is time to get Congress back on the path of legislating for the people. We are exhausted with the theatrics, hate, & vitriol that has consumed politics. I will work to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream & retire with dignity.
Let's work together to create a movement of change!
I am asking for your small donation. It will immediately go to work for YOU!
The sure way to lose a battle is not to fight it. Will you fight to gain this seat in Congress?
Please share with 10 friends & family members. $5.00 recurring donations will move us towards a goal of $50,000 by March 1st.
I am ready to be your voice in Washington DC!
Samantha
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Samantha Meadows.
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Samantha Meadows for Congress (Sammi Meadows for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "Samantha is the only candidate standing in the way of a total MAGA takeover of OH2" and "[she] will work to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream & retire with dignity."
---------------------------------------------
The second political communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 28th, 2024, from the Jennifer Boysko for Congress campaign, which stated the following:
Hi there, it's Jennifer Boysko. I'm thrilled to share that the Paid Family Medical Leave bill that I've been working on since 2019 has finally passed the Virginia House and Senate. I'll never stop fighting for our families, which is why I'm running to represent my community in Congress. I'm up against an end of month fundraising deadline and I need to bring in another $22,000 before tomorrow at midnight. Can you chip in any amount to help us close the gap?***
***[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, 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:
Help Jennifer win!
Every day, we watch as extreme House Republicans push for dangerous and divisive policies that put women and familles at risk. I've spent my life, from the PTSA to local government to Richmond, bringing people together and solving problems for families.
Now, I'm running for Congress because the solutions to problems so many families face can't wait.
In Washington, I'll continue the legacy of Congresswoman Wexton by working every day to build a better future for our kids and make life better for Virginia's working families. This grassroots campaign to fight for what's right starts right here, right now.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Jennifer Boysko.
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Jennifer Boysko for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Jennifer will] never stop fighting for [Virginia] families, which is why [she's] running to represent [her] community in Congress," since "[she has] spent [her] life, from the [Parent Teacher Student Association] to local government to Richmond, bringing people together and solving problems for families."
---------------------------------------------
The third political communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 28th, 2024, from the Lisa Blunt Rochester for Senate campaign, which stated the following:
Hey, it's Cory Booker. This Black History Month, it's crucial that we elect strong Black leaders like my friend, Lisa Blunt Rochester.
It matters that we elect a proven fighter like Lisa to the Senate. It matters that we protect our Senate Majority. And I'll say it until I'm blue in the face: it matters that we have representation in Congress. 👏🏾
Every American ought to see themselves in the people who represent them - and I know that Lisa would be a role model for little Black girls across the country.
Will you chip in any amount to support Lisa Blunt Rochester in her race for Senate?***
***[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, 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:
Lisa Blunt Rochester
Democrat for U.S. Senate
We need to elect more Black Women to the Senate.
Donate to Make History >>
I'm personally asking: Will you chip in to help me make history?
I'm running to become the first woman and person of color to represent Delaware in the Senate. But right now, experts are saying this is Democrats' toughest Senate map in decades.
I'm also facing a fundraising disadvantage — so l can't win this race and become the fourth Black woman to serve in the Senate without your help. Can I count on you to chip in $25?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Lisa Blunt Rochester.
[ ] Donate $5 →
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip [I pressed this button by mistake!*]
[ ] Add custom amount
*I usually leave a $0.21 (7%) 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.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit ActBlue.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Lisa Blunt Rochester for Senate campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "it matters that we elect a proven fighter like Lisa to the Senate," since "[she's] running to become the first woman and person of color to represent Delaware in the Senate."
Thus, these three campaigns—Samantha Meadows for Congress (Sammi Meadows for Congress), as well as Jennifer Boysko for Congress, in addition to Lisa Blunt Rochester for Senate—are the political campaigns that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 28th, 2024, revised April 17th, 2024 and revised August 27th, 2024)
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February 29th, 2024 Update No. 1: Happy Leap Year, everyone!
I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, February 29th, 2024, from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (Jane Fonda Climate Political Action Committee), which stated the following:
Hi Paul,
As we close February, I want to take a moment to celebrate our wins and set the stage for what's next:
🌍 We proudly announced our first endorsements of 2024, a group of remarkable climate champions. These candidates are at the forefront of our mission to dismantle the fossil fuel industry's stronghold on our political system.
✊ Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, one of our endorsed champions, is fighting to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable through a landmark lawsuit, proving our endorsees make a true difference when in office!
🗳️ But our work is not over yet. In fact, it's just the beginning, with important primary elections happening in just a matter of days!
To continue our momentum, we need to hit our end-of-month fundraising goal by tonight. It's a big ask, but the urgency of our planet's health & the fight against the fossil fuel lobby cannot wait.
Can you chip in any amount before midnight?***
- Jane
***[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, 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:
Jane Fonda
CLIMATE PAC
Contribute to the Jane Fonda Climate PAC!
The Jane Fonda Climate PAC is driven by one mission: Do whatever it takes to defeat the political allies of the fossil fuel industry and save our planet.
Please invest in our work today! We rely on grassroots support to elect climate champions who will take a stand against the fossil fuel industry and work to reverse the harm they're inflicting on our planet.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Jane Fonda Climate PAC.
[✓] Donate $5 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $5,000 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (4%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (with a tip to ActBlue) because "the Jane Fonda Climate PAC is driven by one mission: Do whatever it takes to defeat the political allies of the fossil fuel industry and save our planet." That is why I contributed in order to help the Jane Fonda Climate PAC "hit [their] end-of-month fundraising goal by tonight."
Thus, this one organization—the Jane Fonda Climate PAC—is the political organization that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written February 29th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
February 29th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses February 28th, 2024, As Well As February 27th, 2024: Happy Leap Year, everyone!
This 'update' that I am writing today, February 29th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today February 29th, 2024, yesterday, February 28th, 2024, as well as two days ago, February 27th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 28th, 2024 search:
01. AP News
Biden issues executive order to better shield Americans' sensitive data from foreign foes
By Will Weissert and Barbara Ortutay | Updated 2:57 AM PST, February 28, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 29th, 2024 search:
02. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Trump says his trade war triggered job gains. Here's why that didn't happen.
Trump has vowed to escalate tariffs in a possible second term.
By Max Zahn | February 28, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 29th, 2024 search:
03. The Guardian
Biden and Trump head to US-Mexico border with immigration a top election issue – live
Joe Biden has promised a humane approach to migration at the border but struggled to deal with a surge in crossings; Donald Trump, however, has long promised to implement draconian policies
By Chris Stein | 29 Feb 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 29th, 2024 search:
04. NBC News
Trump and Biden collide in split-screen trips to the border with immigration in the spotlight
Trump has tried to paint the flow of migrants into the country as a failure of Biden-era policies.
By Gabe Gutierrez | Feb. 29, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 29th, 2024 search:
05. The Guardian
Trump gave top US firms staggering tax cuts, with some paying $0 or less – report
Among lowest taxpayers were companies whose CEOs have become high-profile advocates for corporate social responsibility.
By Adam Lowenstein | 29 Feb 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 27th, 2024 search:
06. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Michigan primary updates: Donald Trump wins against Nikki Haley, Joe Biden notches victory (Michigan primary replay: Donald Trump defeats Nikki Haley, Joe Biden notches victory)
By Marina Pitofsky, Karissa Waddick, David Jackson, Margie Cullen and Rachel Barber | Updated 10:55 p.m. ET Feb. 27, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 27th, 2024 search:
07. AP News
Election 2024: Michigan Primary results Joe Biden and Donald Trump win Michigan presidential primaries (Trump and Biden won Michigan. But ‘uncommitted’ votes demanded attention)
By Seung Min Kim and Corey Williams | Updated 7:42 PM PST, February 27, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 29th, 2024 search:
08. NPR
Biden and Trump face off on the border in Texas today (Biden and Trump are both at the border today, staking out ground on a key 2024 issue)
By Franco Ordoñez | Updated February 29, 2024 10:45 AM ET
---------------------------------------------
February 29th, 2024 search:
09. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
The Politics Behind Trump and Biden's Dueling Border Stops
In separate events along the border in Texas on Thursday, President Biden and Donald Trump will present contrasting goals, and clashing messages.
By Shane Goldmacher | Feb. 29, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 29th, 2024 search:
10. CNN
Biden’s doctor says there are no new concerns with the president’s health and he remains fit to serve
By Betsy Klein, Arlette Saenz, Nikki Carvajal, Michael Williams and Samantha Waldenberg | Updated 6:17 PM EST, Wed February 28, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 27th, 2024 search:
11. NBC News
Biden wins the Michigan Democratic primary amid Israel-Hamas war pushback, NBC News projects (Biden wins the Michigan Democratic presidential primary)
NBC News projects that Biden has won Michigan, where some activists had pressed voters to vote "uncommitted" because of his stance toward the war in Gaza.
By Peter Nicholas | Feb. 27, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 27th, 2024 search:
12. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Michigan Primary Live Updates: Biden Confronts Protest Votes as He and Trump Win Easily
President Biden faced his most significant challenge in Michigan from those opposed to his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Republican infighting in the state did not involve Donald J. Trump, who coasted to victory.
By Nicholas Nehamas and Reid J. Epstein | Updated Feb. 27, 2024, 11:53 p.m. ET
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
February 28th, 2024 search:
13. Newsweek
Fox News Links Joe Biden's Ice Cream Habit to Alzheimer's
By Khaleda Rahman | Feb 28, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 28th, 2024 search:
14. CNBC
Biden to issue executive order aimed at protecting Americans’ sensitive data from China, other 'hostile countries'
By Jonathan Vanian | Feb 28 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 28th, 2024 search:
15. The Daily Beast
Donald Trump, Jr. is Triggered by Biden Having a Sex Life
By Michael Ian Black | Feb. 28, 2024
---------------------------------------------
February 28th, 2024 search:
16. CNN
A new Biden is on display in public
By Zachary B. Wolf | February 27, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
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 February 29th, 2024, revised March 3rd, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
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February 29th, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On March 1st, 2024 About February 2024: Happy Leap Year, everyone!
This 'update' is special, since I am continuing to change the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And because I first changed the way that I make donations starting in August 2023, this update is also technically 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
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 5, Written On January 1st, 2024 About December 2023
Besides that, because this is the year 2024—where I am continuing to change the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations that I started changing in 2023—this update is also a follow-up to the following:
▪ January 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On February 1st, 2024 About January 2024
Please let me explain: I spent A LOT the year before last (2022) because I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" And I also spent QUITE A BIT last year (2023) because I was trying to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism throughout the year. And 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—and I was enjoying an interest-free period on my charges up until August 2023! Thus, my carefree days of not paying for any interest on my credit card balance were officially over last year. And my minimum payments were going to be a rather large percentage of the amount that I had set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment, as well as my extra payment, on my credit card each month.
So, in response to this change in my minimum payments, I changed the way that I donated to political, progressive and charitable organizations, starting in 2023, due to the fact that I was spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations in 2023—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:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%
September 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%
October 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%
November 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 71%
December 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%
And so, if I average out the total percentage in 2023 that I spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through December 2023, it comes out to be 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.)
That is the reason I started really "tightening my belt," so to speak, with regard to all of the donations that I am making on my credit card each month! So, 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, 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.
That is why 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; however, when I do donate, I am 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.
Thus, when I do donate, 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 now that yesterday, February 29th, 2024, was the last day of February 2024, I wanted to provide you with February's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:
February 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 24.29% {24.29244673983%}
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: 3.28% {3.27501613944%}
[02] Planned Parenthood's "Support Black-Led Organizations": 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[03] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 6.33% {6.32666236281%}
[04] News Organizations: 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[05] Doctors w/o Borders: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[06] USA for UNFPA: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[07] National Gun Violence Survivors Week: 1.29% {1.29115558424%}
[08] USA for UNHCR: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[09] DNC (Dem. Nation. Cam. Comm.): 0.55% {0.55390574564%}
[10] The Salvation Army: 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[11] Blanchet Farm: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[12] Blanchet House: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[13] Brady United: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[14] DCCC (Dem. Congress. Cam. Comm.): 0.49% {0.48482892188%}
[15] DLCC (Dem. Legis. Cam. Comm.): 0.49% {0.48482892188%}
[16] DASS (Dem. Assoc. Secr. of State): 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[17] DAGA (Dem. Attorneys. Gen. Assoc.): 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[18] DGA (Dem. Govern. Assoc.): 0.41% {0.40994189799%}
[19] Joe Biden for President: 0.41% {0.40994189799%}
[20] DSCC (Dem. Senate. Cam. Comm.): 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[21] Monthly Political: 2.32% {2.32408005164%}
[22] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
-------Please see [23] below-------
[24] CNN Impact Your World's "Help Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine": 3.55% {3.55067785668%}
[25] WWP (Wounded Warrior Project): 0.47% {0.46546158812%}
Monthly Income Total Percentage Calculation:
3.28%
+ 2.58% {8 x 0.32% approximately}
+ 6.33%
+ 0.65%
+ 1.29%
+ 0.55%
+ 0.45%
+ 0.97% {2 x 0.49% approximately}
+ 1.04% {3 x 0.35% approximately}
+ 0.81% {2 x 0.41% approximately}
+ 2.32%
+ 3.55%
+ 0.47%
= 24.29%
Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:
[23] Monthly Interest: 8.27% {8.26597805035%}
Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 8.27%
Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for February 2024: 32.56%
And starting in 2024, I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
For example, I made one set of donations for the month of February 2024 (on February 14th) to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this second month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.
That is why I am trying to contribute, during each month of 2024, as much as I am able to donate to Democratic political organizations—as well as to Democratic political campaigns—while I am still trying to stay within a 'monthly donating budget,' since that's all I can really afford! Now, that means I can only donate ONCE for the entire month to each of the above-mentioned seven organizations (and one campaign!) in order to stay within my 'monthly donating budget.' Period. And that is how I am planning to budget for my credit card charges in order to see if it is "feasible for the foreseeable future" (say that three times fast!), or if I need to adjust this new credit card budget even more.
Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because 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 March 1st, 2024, revised March 9th, 2024, revised March 10th, 2024, revised April 1st, 2024, revised April 2nd, 2024 and revised September 4th, 2024)
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YEAR 2024 UPDATES FOR MARCH:
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March 1st, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 29th, 2024: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication that I responded to today was an email that I forwarded today, March 1st, 2024, from my previous email account (that I no longer use, but I still frequently check) from the Dr. Brian Williams for Congress campaign that I received yesterday, February 29th, 2024, with the subject line, "Let me introduce myself. I’m Dr. Brian Williams, and I’m running to keep TX-32 blue", which stated the following:
From: Brian Williams [email redacted]
Sent: Thursday, February 29, 2024 11:32 AM
To: [email redacted]
Subject: Let me introduce myself. I’m Dr. Brian Williams, and I’m running to keep TX-32 blue
Paul,
My name is Dr. Brian Williams. I’m an Air Force Veteran, trauma surgeon, gun safety advocate, and candidate for Congress in Texas’ 32nd District.
Dallas is my home. Working in the city’s operating rooms, I have gained a first-hand understanding of the needs of our district.
I have witnessed the reality of what inaccessible healthcare means for too many of my patients. I’ve spent decades caring for a constant stream of sick, injured, and dying people in my trauma center, and it made me realize that I needed to go beyond merely treating patients in the trauma bay – I needed to address the root causes of the problem itself.
When I was a boy, I watched my father put on his Air Force uniform every day. His example led me to my own military service, and as a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, I learned the full meaning of service before self. After completing my surgical residency at Harvard Brigham and Women’s Hospital, I chose to work at safety-net hospitals so I could care for the people who are often overlooked or underserved by our healthcare system.
My trauma center was a direct reflection of the decisions of lawmakers. I grieved for gun violence victims alongside their families; every single one of them failed by our lawmakers who were unwilling to prioritize gun safety. I cared for sick patients unable to afford the basic preventative care that could have kept them out of my operating room. And I’ve cared for women with obstetric emergencies in a state where their reproductive freedoms are under attack.
I’ve seen the issues our country is facing through my patients’ eyes, and I’m ready to be a voice for them as the first trauma surgeon to ever serve in Congress. Together, I know we can make history, change policy, and save lives.
Are you ready to join the team? Add your name to become a member of this grassroots campaign.
Thank you for your support,
Dr. Brian Williams
[✓] DONATE***
[ ] DONATE WEEKLY
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DR. BRIAN WILLIAMS DEMOCRAT FOR CONGRESS
Dr. Brian Williams is running for Congress in Texas 32nd District.
His experience on the frontlines as a trauma surgeon, Air Force Veteran, and gun safety advocate is needed in Congress, not only for this district but for the entire nation. His perspective is a vital voice that's been missing in Washington and one that can help lead to real change on gun violence, healthcare, and so much more.
Are you ready to join the team? Add your name today to join us and receive updates about our campaign.
FIRST NAME: Paul
LAST NAME: Whiting
POSTAL CODE: [redacted]
EMAIL: [redacted]
JOIN TEAM WILLIAMS
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Support Dr. Brian Williams' Campaign for TX-32:
Dr. Brian Williams is an Air Force Veteran and trauma surgeon prepared to bring his years of leadership experience to Congress and fix our broken systems to create life-saving change.
Support Dr. Williams' campaign for Texas' 32nd Congressional District by making a contribution today:
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Dr. Brian Williams.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Dr. Brian Williams for Congress (with a tip to ActBlue) because "Dr. Brian Williams [is] an Air Force Veteran, trauma surgeon, gun safety advocate, and candidate for Congress in Texas’ 32nd District," who is "prepared to bring his years of leadership experience to Congress and fix our broken systems to create life-saving change."
Thus, this one campaign—Dr. Brian Williams for Congress—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 1st, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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March 2nd, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, March 2nd, 2024, from the Trisha Calvarese for Congress (Trisha 4 Colorado) campaign, which stated the following:
URGENT: Speaker Mike Johnson just endorsed Lauren Boebert.
I'm Trisha Calvarese, I'm the Democrat running to defeat Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 4th Congressional District. In 2022, Boebert won by only 546 votes -- so we know she's vulnerable.
Let's be clear: Boebert has abandoned her constituents, failed to do her job, but defended MAGA extremists every step of the way.
She's got Trump, a network of dark money donors, and now MAGA Mike Johnson on her side. Help me stop her momentum by rushing a contribution before midnight:
DONATE >>***
Thanks for anything you can do!
-Trisha
***[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, 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:
The Hometown Candidate to Beat Boebert
I'm Trisha Calvarese, Colorado native. I attended Johns Hopkins on an academic scholarship and was Sen. Bernie Sander's very first press intern at the same time I was a Fellow at the Women's Campaign Forum.
I was most recently Speechwriting Director at the AFL-CIO and a second-generation member of the Federal Civil Service at the U.S. National Science Foundation. I was working in Washington at the intersections of worker rights, energy tech, and well-paid job creation.
But I got a phone call that changed everything. My mom, who had been talking care of my dad, had terminal cancer.
My union's support allowed me to return to my hometown, Highlands Ranch, Colorado. I provided end-of-life care for both of my parents through home hospice. This labor of love enabled my parents to pass in the comfort of home, days apart.
Then Rep. Lauren Boebert decided to abandon her district to run in mine.
I grew up here, attended public schools here. And now I'm running for working families and to beat Boebert here. Your early support is critical. Thank you!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Trisha Calvarese.
[ ] Donate $4 →
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $200 →
[✓] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Trisha Calvarese for Congress (Trisha 4 Colorado) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "Trisha Calvarese [is the] the Democrat running to defeat Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 4th Congressional District," since "[she] grew up [in Highlands Ranch, Colorado], attended public schools [there] and now [she's] running for working families and to beat Boebert here."
Thus, this one campaign—Trisha Calvarese for Congress (Trisha 4 Colorado)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 2nd, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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March 3rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 2nd, 2024, As Well As March 1st, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 1st, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 3rd, 2024, yesterday March 2nd, 2024, as well as two days ago March 1st, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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March 2nd, 2024 search:
01. NBC News
Trump's claims of a migrant crime wave are not supported by national data
An NBC News review of available 2024 crime data shows overall crime levels dropping in cities that have received the most migrants.
By Olympia Sonnier and Garrett Haake | Feb. 29, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 2nd, 2024 search:
02. PBS NewsHour
President Biden signs short-term spending bill to avoid partial government shutdown
By — Associated Press | Mar 1, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 3rd, 2024 search:
03. New York Post
Donald Trump again conflates Biden and Obama, claims he mixes Haley and Pelosi up on purpose
By Ryan King | March 3, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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March 3rd, 2024 search:
04. CNN
Biden delivers message directly to Trump about the border. Hear what he said
During a speech in Texas, President Joe Biden urged Donald Trump to join him in passing a border security bill after a federal judge ordered the state government to suspend enforcement of a controversial immigration law.
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 1st, 2024 search:
05. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)
Republicans Who Like Putin
The Putin-friendly faction of the party is ascendant, while some of his biggest critics are retiring.
By David Leonhardt and Ian Prasad Philbrick | March 1, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 3rd, 2024 search:
06. NBC News
Conservatives bash 'uniparty' Republicans in push to dissuade bipartisanship
The MAGA wing of the party is using the term to disparage fellow Republicans who work with Democrats to pass bills that fall short of conservative preferences.
By Sahil Kapur and Allan Smith | March 3, 2024
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March 1st, 2024 search:
07. NBC News
Republican senator blocks bill to protect IVF
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., blocked the bill brought by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who used IVF to have her daughters.
By Amanda Terkel and Brennan Leach | Feb. 29, 2024
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March 1st, 2024 search:
08. The Guardian
Alabama IVF ruling leaves Republicans stuck between their base and the broader public
Amid a lack of popular support for fetal ‘personhood’, GOP seeks to support IVF without drawing attention to its record of undermining it
By Jessica Glenza | Wed 28 Feb 2024
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March 1st, 2024 search:
09. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Senate Republican Blocks Bill to Protect I.V.F. Treatment
Republicans, many of whom have said they support access to the treatment, have argued that it should be left to states to ensure its legality after an Alabama court ruled that frozen embryos were children.
By Kayla Guo | Feb. 28, 2024
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March 1st, 2024 search:
10. MSNBC News
The House Republicans’ margin of error just became even smaller
House Republicans leaders have spent recent months struggling mightily to complete basic tasks. Their legislative arithmetic just got worse.
By Steve Benen | Feb. 29, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 1st, 2024 search:
11. CNN
SE Cupp: The issue that will continue to haunt Republicans
In this week's episode of "Unfiltered," SE Cupp looks at how the recent Alabama Supreme Court decision on embryos is out of step with public opinion and argues, "Overturning Roe, and all of the fallout that came from it, will continue to haunt Republicans, and at the worst possible time -- in an election year. But don't tell them -- they seem determined to become utterly irrelevant."
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
March 2nd, 2024 search:
12. Rolling Stone
Florida Republicans Keep Trying to Argue That Slavery Wasn’t So Bad
Florida state Rep. Alex Andrade said during the discussion of an anti-CRT bill that some slaves were paid
By Jeremy Childs | March 1, 2024
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March 2nd, 2024 search:
13. Texas Public Radio | TPR
Once Republican — or still trying — some conservative Texans look for an extreme-free zone
By Caroline Love | March 1, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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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.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 3rd, 2024 search:
14. 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.")
Portland’s Saturday Market celebrates 50th year
By Austin De Dios | Mar. 02, 2024
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And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written March 3rd, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
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March 4th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was an email from the Nancy Goroff for Congress (Goroff for Congress) campaign today, March 4th, 2024, with the subject line, "Subject line", which stated the following:
Paul,
As a chemist, I believe in the power of science to improve people’s lives. I decided to run for Congress because I believe that good government has the same power to help our communities thrive, and right now, our community is struggling.
Long Island is my home. I raised my two children, both proud graduates of Ward Melville High School, right here in NY-01. I spent my career at Stony Brook University, the district’s largest employer, leading the chemistry department. For years, I’ve fought to protect children, supporting research on the effects of screens on kids and founding a nonprofit to improve local schools. Suffolk is where I built my life.
When I saw that right-wing extremists were running for school board and coming for our kids, I co-founded the Long Island Strong Schools Alliance. Through LISSA, I personally mentored and trained dozens of candidates for school board, and we successfully blocked many far-right radical candidates from winning those races.
I’m really proud of what we’ve done through LISSA, but at the national level, we are dealing with an increasingly extreme GOP. We must stop the Republican majority – and my opponent – from doing more damage to our democracy, which means we must flip the House this November.
NY-01 is one of 17 districts that voted for President Biden in 2020 that are currently represented by a Republican in Congress. Recently, my opponent, Nick LaLota, became the first of them to wholeheartedly endorse Donald Trump for President.
LaLota has supported legislation attacking reproductive freedom, promoted sham impeachment proceedings as a PR stunt, and voted for the most extreme right-wing Speaker the House has ever seen. He isn’t interested in finding solutions or working for Long Island families, only in raising money and garnering support from the likes of Donald Trump.
Long Island deserves a leader who will fight for reproductive freedom, protect our kids, get serious about addressing climate change, and build an economy that works for all. That’s what I will do when elected.
I would love for you to be a part of that journey with us. If you have any questions for me, you can reply directly to this email, and I’ll get back to you right away. You can also visit my website to learn more about my values and my plans to serve Long Island in Congress.
Tom Suozzi’s recent victory in NY-03 (right next door to us!) proves that the path for Democrats to win back the House majority runs through Long Island. I hope to earn your support as we work together to flip NY-01 next.
Warm regards,
Nancy Goroff
Democratic Candidate for NY-01
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
NANCY GOROFF FOR CONGRESS
Donate now to elect Nancy and flip NY-01!
Nancy Goroff is a Democrat, mother educator, and scientist running for Congress in one of the most at-risk GOP-held seats, according to AP News.
The House holds significant sway over the nationis budget and allocation of resources, but right now it's [totally dysfunctional]. We need a leader who will prontize innovation and collaboration as we take on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Rush a contribution to help Nancy flip NY-01 and take back the House in 2024.
Together, we will give people throughout Suffolk County a trusted leader and ally in Congress who belleves in working hard and using facts, science, and common sense — because in a rapidly evolving world, our leaders must embrace these principles.
Donate Immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Nancy Goroff.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $3,300 →
[ ] Donate $6,600→
[✓] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Nancy Goroff for Congress (Goroff for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "Long Island deserves a leader who will fight for reproductive freedom, protect our kids, get serious about addressing climate change, and build an economy that works for all," which is "what [Nancy Goroff] will do when elected." And that is why I made "a contribution to help Nancy flip NY-01 and take back the House in 2024."
Thus, this one campaign—Nancy Goroff for Congress (Goroff for Congress)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 4th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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March 4th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) today, March 4th, 2024, with the subject line, "Book bans and censorship have no place in Oregon schools!", which stated the following:
ACLU OF OREGON CALL TO ACTION: Book bans have NO place in Oregon schools — Tell the Oregon State House to move SB 1583A forward and get it passed before session ends in one week!
Paul –
Senate Bill 1583A – which prohibits discriminatory book bans and censorship in Oregon's public schools – was passed by the Oregon State Senate. Your action alerts and testimony helped get this done!
Now, the bill just needs to be passed by the House. But the House is dragging its feet in scheduling a work session, and there isn't much time – with only one week left of the legislative session.
Please take this quick action (it only takes a few minutes) now to tell legislators: Get SB 1583A a work session, send it to the House floor, and get it passed immediately!
TAKE ACTION:
https://action.aclu.org/send-message/schedule-hearing-sb-1583a
The House Committee on Rules is holding a public hearing TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 5, at 8 a.m. We need as many people as possible to sign up to give verbal testimony, either in Salem or virtually. Please make your voice heard and register here!
Moving SB 1583A forward this session is vital to protect Oregon public schools from discriminatory censorship:
[✓] All students deserve to see themselves represented in the books, materials, and classrooms they learn from, and to learn about diverse communities and people.
[✓] Book bans are tactics used by small groups of extremists to erase and silence the voices, lived experiences, and histories of our most marginalized communities.
Community, you have made it clear that you support the freedom to read and learn. Please take action today. Your participation is critical to making democracy work.
Thank you for engaging in democracy this legislative session. And as always, thank you for supporting reading, learning, and growth.
[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, ella
[Title redacted], ACLU of Oregon
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:
ACLU of Oregon
BOOK BANS HAVE NO PLACE IN OREGON SCHOOLS — TELL THE OREGON STATE HOUSE TO MOVE SB 1583A FORWARD AND GET IT PASSED BEFORE SESSION ENDS IN ONE WEEK!
Act Now
ACLU OF OREGON CALL TO ACTION: Book bans have no place in Oregon Schools. Tell the Oregon State House to move SB 1583A forward and get it passed before session ends in one week!
Senate Bill 1583A — which prohibits discriminatory book bans and censorship in Oregon’s public schools — was passed by the Oregon State Senate. Your action alerts and testimony helped get this done!
Now the bill just needs to be passed by the House. But the House is dragging their feet in scheduling a work session, and there isn’t much time — with only one week left of the legislative session.
We need everyone in our community to tell legislators: Get SB 1583A a work session, send it to the House floor, and get it passed immediately!
Moving SB 1583A forward this session is vital to protect Oregon public schools from discriminatory censorship:
[✓] All students deserve to see themselves represented in the books, materials, and classrooms they learn from and to learn about diverse communities and people.
[✓] Book bans are tactics used by small groups of extremists to erase and silence the voices, lived experiences, and histories of our most marginalized communities.
Community, you have made it clear that you support the freedom to read and learn. Please take action today. Your participation is critical to making democracy work.
Thank you for engaging in democracy this legislative session. And always, thank you for supporting reading, learning, and growth.
Tell [title and name redacted], [title and name redacted], and [title and name redacted]: book bans have no place in Oregon schools.
Subject: PLEASE SCHEDULE A WORK SESSION FOR SB 1583A!
Dear [title and name redacted], [title and name redacted], and [title and name redacted],
I strongly support Senate Bill 1583A — Freedom to Read, and I insist that you schedule a work session ASAP, get it to the floor and pass it. I want the bill adopted as law this session!
Book bans have been steadily increasing in our state for the past several years. In fact, in 2022, Oregon faced the most book and materials challenges in state history. Consistent with national trends, books that are challenged are nearly always written by or about women, people of color, and LGBTQ2SIA+ people.
We also know that students in Oregon are struggling. They are facing discrimination and intolerance based on their identities, not feeling welcomed or represented in their schools, and their lived experiences are being erased, attacked and deemed “inappropriate” by ignorant extremists who try to ban books.
We’ve even seen marginalized students, such as Nex Benedict, an Indigenous non-binary student in Oklahoma, lose their lives to hatred and intolerance. We can’t let this happen in Oregon’s public schools. Our schools should be inclusive, welcoming spaces for all students. (Link: https://www.hrc.org/news/honoring-nex-benedict-16-year-old-non-binary-high-school-student-who-tragically-died-after-school-beating)
[Blogger's Note: I read the article above from the Human Rights Campaign that is titled, "Honoring Nex Benedict, 16-Year-Old Non-Binary High School Student Who Tragically Died After School Beating."]
Unfortunately, Oregon is not immune to this intolerance.
The time to act is NOW — we must protect our young people, schools and educators from discriminatory book ban attempts and from attacks on our most marginalized communities.
With only about a week left of session, it is critical that a work session be scheduled as soon as possible, so that it can be moved forward, voted on and passed this session.
The longer we wait, the more likely the bill is to die, and book bans and challenges will continue to rise — burdening schools, libraries and educators with the labor of defending their book and materials selections, and further marginalizing our students of color and LGBTQ2SIA+ students.
The majority of Oregonians, voters, and parents oppose book bans and we expect lawmakers to protect our students from discriminatory book bans.
I urge you to schedule a work session as soon as possible, get it to the floor and pass SB 1583A. Support students’ freedom to read, learn, and share ideas!
Sincerely,
[First Name] [Last Name]
YOUR INFORMATION
Salutation (required by some officials): Mr.
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
E-mail address: [redacted]
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip Code: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]
And so, I sent the letter above to Oregon Lawmakers, via the ACLU of Oregon's website, in order to advocate for scheduling "SB 1583A [for] a work session, send[ing] it to the House floor, and get[ing] it passed immediately," because "all students deserve to see themselves represented in the books, materials, and classrooms they learn from, and to learn about diverse communities and people," since "book bans are tactics used by small groups of extremists to erase and silence the voices, lived experiences, and histories of our most marginalized communities." –Paul Whiting (March 4th, 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 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." [Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023' (that also appears as 'November 30th, 2023 Update No. 2, Written On December 1st, 2023' on some of my blogs), which can be found above.]
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March 6th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, March 6th, 2024, from the Tammy Murphy for Senate (Tammy Murphy for U.S. Senate) campaign, which stated the following:
Hi there, it's Tammy Murphy! I'm a mom of four, a leader on climate change and maternal health, as well as the First Lady of New Jersey. And now, I'm officially running for the U.S. Senate.
In our recent debate, my [Democratic] opponent Andy Kim surprised me by doubling down on his opposition to Medicare For All.
People are dying. People are losing their savings. People need help, and we can't stand on the sidelines hoping a better solution appears. Refusing to fight for universal access to health care is a complete moral failure. Health care is a right and not a privilege.
If you agree, please chip in to our campaign today. I won't stand by watching as the world gets worse for our families, and with your support, I'll fight for the big changes we need.
You can use this link to chip in:***
Thank you for stepping up.
- Tammy
***[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, 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:
TAMMY MURPHY
* FOR U.S. SENATE *
POWER TAMMY'S CAMPAIGN FOR NEW JERSEY
Tammy is a mom of four, a leader in the fight against climate change, an advocate for women's health, and the First Lady of New Jersey. Now, she's running against Bob Menendez to represent us in the Senate.
Please donate to fund Tammy's ads, outreach, and organizing in every town and community across New Jersey →
DONATE IMMEDIATELY:
Your contribution will benefit Tammy Murphy.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Tammy Murphy for Senate (Tammy Murphy for U.S. Senate) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Tammy is] a mom of four, a leader on climate change and maternal health, as well as the First Lady of New Jersey" and "now, she's running against Bob Menendez to represent [New Jersey] in the Senate."
Thus, this one campaign—Tammy Murphy for Senate (Tammy Murphy for U.S. Senate)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 6th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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March 6th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses March 5th, 2024, As Well As March 4th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 6th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 6th, 2024, yesterday, March 5th, 2024, as well as March 4th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 4th, 2024 search:
01. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Trump escalates his immigration rhetoric with baseless claim about Biden trying to overthrow the US
Former President Donald Trump has further escalated his immigration rhetoric, baselessly accusing President Joe Biden of waging a “conspiracy to overthrow the United States of America” at the border as he campaigned ahead of next week’s Super Tuesday [contests]...
By Bill Barrow and Jill Colvin Associated Press | March 2, 2024
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March 5th, 2024 search:
02. Time Magazine
(By the way, I am a subscriber to Time INSIDER Digital Magazine.)
Disinformation Is Tearing America Apart
By Barbara Mcquade | March 4, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 5th, 2024 search:
03. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Biden administration finalizes rule cutting credit card late fees
The move is expected to drop the typical credit card late fee to $8 from $32.
By Elizabeth Schulze and Justin Gomez | March 5, 2024
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March 6th, 2024 search:
04. The Guardian
Trump’s Super Tuesday victory speech: grim visions of an American apocalypse
Rather than bask in his Republican primary victories, the ex-president asserted that the state of the union is bleak
By David Smith | 6 Mar 2024
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March 6th, 2024 search:
05. CNN
Live updates: Biden and Trump dominate Super Tuesday as Haley exits race
By Aditi Sangal, Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury, Tori B. Powell, Elise Hammond, Kaanita Iyer, Isabelle D'Antonio and Shania Shelton | Updated 1:16 PM ET, Wed March 6, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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March 6th, 2024 search:
06. Al Jazeera
Trump’s Gaza comments highlight tough choice for peace-supporting US voters
Former president's rhetoric shows voters seeking to punish Biden for backing Israel face dilemma in upcoming election.
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | 6 Mar 2024
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March 6th, 2024 search:
07. CNN
Here's what unfolded as Fed Chair Powell testified on the state of the economy
By CNN's Bryan Mena, Nicole Goodkind, Elisabeth Buchwald and Alicia Wallace | Updated 1:15 PM ET, Wed March 6, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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March 4th, 2024 search:
08. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Allen Weisselberg, Donald Trump's former CFO, pleads guilty to perjury
The judge in Trump's civil fraud trial found Weisselberg 'intentionally evasive' in describing how the former president exaggerated property values to gain benefits such as lower interest rates.
By Bart Jansen | March 4, 2024
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March 5th, 2024 search:
09. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Did Facebook log you out? Site experienced outage on Super Tuesday (Was Facebook down on Super Tuesday? Users reported outages on primary election day)
By Jonathan Limehouse | March 5, 2024
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March 5th, 2024 search:
10. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Credit card late fees capped at $8 under Biden crackdown on 'junk fees'
By Joey Garrison | March 5, 2024
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March 4th, 2024 search:
11. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
President Biden predicts Trump won't concede in 2024 if he loses ('Losers are never graceful': Biden predicts Trump won't concede 2024 election)
By Joey Garrison | March 4, 2024
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March 4th, 2024 search:
12. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Supreme Court rules Donald Trump can stay on Colorado ballot ahead of Super Tuesday
The court's three liberal justices wrote a separate statement criticizing the majority for going further than they said was necessary.
By Maureen Groppe | March 4, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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March 4th, 2024 search:
13. The Guardian
Trump confuses Obama for Biden again at Virginia rally speech
Richmond crowd reportedly went silent as 77-year-old mixed up the president and ex-president for third time in past six months
By Nina Lakhani | 3 Mar 2024
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March 6th, 2024 search:
14. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Preps for the State of the Union Speech and Rowdy Republicans
The speech, which will be edited up until the president delivers it, will be watched by one of his biggest audiences before the November election.
By Katie Rogers | March 6, 2024
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March 6th, 2024 search:
15. AP News
Super Tuesday elections results: Biden, Trump closer to rematch (Biden and Trump dominate Super Tuesday races and move closer to a November rematch)
By Will Weissert, Bill Barrow and Chris Megerian | Updated 5:36 AM PST, March 6, 2024
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March 6th, 2024 search:
16. CNN
The general election is here and it’s Trump vs. Biden (America has never had a presumptive nominee like Donald Trump)
By Stephen Collinson | March 6, 2024
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March 6th, 2024 search:
17. CNBC
Trump, Biden dominate Super Tuesday contests, Haley to end presidential campaign
Super Tuesday 2024 saw Trump and Biden mop up delegates across the country. But each man faced an upset loss, Biden in American Samoa, and Trump in Vermont.
By Kevin Breuninger, Dan Mangan, Brian Schwartz, Rebecca Picciotto and Chelsey Cox | Updated Wed, Mar 6 2024 8:02 AM EST
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March 5th, 2024 search:
18. NBC News
Michelle Obama's office says the former first lady 'will not be running for president' in 2024
Democrats and Republicans have mused about a Michelle Obama candidacy, albeit for different reasons.
By Mike Memoli | March 5, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 5th, 2024 search:
19. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Why does Donald Trump keep calling President Biden 'Obama' on the campaign trail?
Rachel Looker | March 4, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 4th, 2024 search:
20. Financial Times
What voters think about Joe Biden and the age issue
How much will perceptions of the capacities of the elderly president and his not-much-younger rival influence the outcome of elections
By Patti Waldmeir | March 4, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 6th, 2024 search:
21. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Super Tuesday sets up a Biden vs. Trump rematch, and 4 more takeaways
While the two candidates won handily, they didn't get clean sweeps.
By Tal Axelrod | March 6, 2024
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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 March 6th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
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March 7th, 2024 Update No. 1: National Slam the Scam Day is today, March 7th, 2024, since National Slam the Scam Day is yearly (annually) on the Thursday of National Consumer Protection Week—yearly on the first full week of March—which is March 3rd through March 9th this year!
And I received an email from the Social Security Administration (SSA) seventeen days ago on February 19th, 2024, with the subject line, "Help us Slam the Scam," which stated the following:
Help Us Slam the Scam
National Slam the Scam Day
March 7, 2024
On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.
Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by:
[✓] Educating them about government imposter scams. Let them know they shouldn’t be embarrassed to report if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. It is important to report the scam as quickly as possible.
[✓] Sharing our Scam Alert (https://links.ssa.gov/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnNzYS5nb3YvZnJhdWQvYXNzZXRzL21hdGVyaWFscy9FTi0wNS0xMDU5Ny5wZGY_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW9pZy1zY2FtLTI0JnV0bV9jb250ZW50PXNjYW0tYWxlcnQtcGRmLWZlYjIwMjQmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMC45MDQ2OTc5MSJ9.LUOCbq5qE5erI8nkFHU6RE30PkPUdUHxOPK2XR1kRss/s/1832052792/br/237342018059-l) [PDF] fact sheet and helping educate others about how to protect themselves.
Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
Report a Scam:
https://secure.ssa.gov/ipff/home?utm_campaign=oig-scam-24&utm_content=report-a-scam-cta-feb2024&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information and follow SSA OIG on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest scam tactics. Repost #SlamtheScam information on social media to keep your friends and family safe.
And, after I read the email above on March 7th, 2024, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding "sharing [the Social Security Administration's] Scam Alert fact sheet," the relevant text of which can be found below:
SCAM ALERT
Watch out! Scammers target everyone.
Recognize scammers. They may:
[✓] PRETEND to be from an agency or organization you know.
[✓] Say there's a PROBLEM or promise a prize.
[✓] PRESSURE you to act immediately.
[✓] Tell you to PAY in a specific way.
Do not give scammers money or personal information — Ignore them!
How to avoid a scam:
[✓] Remain calm. Talk to someone you trust.
[✓] Hang up or ignore the message. DO NOT click on links or attachments.
[✓] Protect your money. Criminals will insist that you pay in a hard-to-trace manner, such as with a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or by mailing cash.
[✓] Protect your personal information. Be skeptical of a contact you didn't initiate.
[✓] Spread the word. Share your knowledge of Social Security-related scams. Post on social media using the hashtag #SlamtheScam to share your experience and warn others. Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information. Please also share with your friends and family.
And I also received a related email from Medicare.gov today, March 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "Medicare fraud: Shut it down," which stated the following:
3 tips to protect yourself from Medicare fraud. An important message from Medicare:
Paul,
Here are 3 tips to protect yourself from Medicare fraud and scams:
1. If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond. Don't give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
2. Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn't get or a product you didn't order, it may be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
3. Guard your Medicare card like it's a credit card.
Stop Medicare Fraud:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse
Visit Medicare.gov, the official source for Medicare information, to learn more about preventing Medicare fraud and medical identity theft.
Sincerely,
The Medicare Team
Thus, I wanted to share these emails from the Social Security Administration and Medicare.gov with you, my readers, so that you too can know the facts regarding Social Security-related scams, as well as Medicare fraud and scams, on this annual “Slam the Scam” Day! –Paul Whiting (March 7th, 2024)
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March 7th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses January 21st, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 7th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of March to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this third month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.]
I received a mailer from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) forty six days ago on January 21st, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "2024 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NOTICE," 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.]
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
GRASSROOTS PARTNERS
Dear Paul,
I'm not done doing my part to move our nation forward, and I know you're not either. As I've always been clear, democracy is not a partisan issue. It's an American issue.
I believe you see as clearly as I do just how much is at stake this year. The democracy we cherish so much is on the line. What you and I do right now will determine everything that follows.
You, me, and every American who is committed to preserving our democracy carries a special responsibility. That's why you're receiving this letter first.
As one of the Democratic National Committee's Grassroots Partners, you've shown time and time again that you will continue fighting for what's right. You understand how important it is to elect Democrats up and down the ticket — whether it's reelecting me and Kamala or fighting for local leaders who will empower the Democratic agenda.
Our rights, our institutions, and our democracy will be on the ballot in November. By stepping up today, you have the power to shift the tides of history toward progress.
Paul, I'm personally asking you to join the fight for our nation's future. Renew your DNC membership by rushing back a Grassroots Partners gift of $20, $30, or $40 today, and your support will go right to work electing Democrats in 2024!
Let me be clear: History is watching. The DNC has the vision, the strategy, and the team to lead Democrats to victory in every state and territory. And it's your renewed support that will pave our way to that victory.
In anticipation of your renewed annual membership for 2024 and your commitment to supporting the work we have yet to achieve, I've enclosed your Official 2024 DNC Member Card. I hope that you will carry it with pride.
We have achieved unprecedented progress with your support — from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Inflation Reduction Act's largest climate investment in American history — all while building an economy that works for everyone.
Our work is just getting started. By keeping the White House, growing our Senate majority, and taking back the House, we can — and will — do so much more for the hardworking people and families of this great nation.
We can protect women's reproductive health care access, safeguard voting rights, make progress to guarantee workers a living wage, tackle climate change, and do what it takes to pass on a better America to our children and grandchildren.
I want you to know this from the bottom of my heart: All we want to do is heal this nation and make it stronger — and I know that's what you want too.
Your renewed support will make that possible.
I have made the defense, the protection, and the preservation of American democracy the central cause of my presidency. But there is something dangerous happening in America. There is an extremist movement that does not share the basic beliefs of our democracy — the MAGA movement.
Just take a moment to consider this: Extreme MAGA Republicans want to slash Social Security and Medicare, eliminate women's freedom to control their own bodies, pass laws endangering LGBTQ+ youth and their families, ban books from school libraries, and roll back our progress on everything from climate action to voting rights.
I don't want to see that happen, because I know what it will mean for so many hardworking American families who simply want freedom and opportunity. And I think you feel the same.
You know as well as I do that the best parts of the American story are when we expand rights, not when we take them away. And I can promise you that the DNC is fighting nonstop to make sure the next chapter of our nation's history is one we're proud of, but they need you by their side like never before.
Democracy is in our hands — yours, mine, and the entire Democratic Party's. Renew your DNC membership by rushing back a grassroots gift today, and you'll help elect the kind of leaders that our nation urgently needs.
I've long said that it's never been a good bet to bet against America. And it's not a good bet today.
We're still a country that believes in honesty and decency and integrity. We're still a country that believes in hard work and giving everyone a fair shot — because we believe that every one of us is created equal. We're still the beacon of the free world.
In small towns, rural America, suburbs, and big cities all across the country — everyday, ordinary people continue to do the most extraordinary things. I see it every day.
America's best days are still ahead of us. I believe it. And your renewed support for the DNC will help make those days happen.
We are the United States of America. There is nothing — nothing — beyond our capacity if we work together.
Thank you,
President Joe Biden
P.S. The 2024 elections will shape our nation for years to come, and we must elect Democrats at every level so that we can deliver the best possible future for America. Do your part and rush back a grassroots gift to renew your DNC membership and lead the fight. Thank you!
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DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
GRASSROOTS PARTNERS
[Start of Member Card]
OFFICIAL 2024 GRASSROOTS PARTNER
Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
MEMBER ID# [redacted]
MEMBER SINCE 2022
[End of Member Card]
YES, President Biden! I want to reelect you, Vice President Harris, and Democrats up and down the ballot so we can continue delivering progress to every American. I'm proud to renew my DNC membership today with a contribution of:
[ ] $20
[ ] $30*
[ ] $40
[✓] Other $7.00
*Please consider a gift of at least this much!
Text "DEMOCRAT" to 43367 to let President Biden know your renewal donation is on the way.
Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
To put your 2024 renewal contribution to work immediately, please call [phone number redacted] or visit www.democrats.org/2024RenewGP
DNC MEMBER DEMOCRACY SURVEY
Please rank the following Democratic policy priorities for President Biden in order of importance. (1 = most important)
3. Confronting the climate crisis and building a clean energy future
5. Creating safer communities and advancing equity and opportunity
4. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour
6. Lowering costs for American families
2. Ending our gun violence epidemic
7. Making child care and college more affordable
1. Protecting a woman's right to make her own health care decisions
9. Expanding access to high-quality, affordable health care
8. Protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare
Please rank the following DNC 2024 priorities in order of Importance. (1 = most important)
2. Registering new and young voters
3. Building up our technology and data infrastructure
1. Protecting and expanding voting rights
5. Supporting Democratic state parties
4. Holding our Senate majority and taking back the House
6. Expanding messaging about President Biden and Democrats' legislative accomplishments
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:
Support the Democratic National Committee
"We are in a battle for the soul of our nation" -President Joe Biden
Joe Biden and Democrats nationwide are counting on you: Donate now!
President Biden is calling on all Americans — including you — to meet this moment and defend our democracy from MAGA Republican threats. The Democratic National Committee is making key investments to win races across the country, but we need your help in this fight.
Please, for our democracy and the soul of our nation, renew your support today to elect 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.51 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DNC (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[President Joe Biden is] personally asking [me] to join the fight for our nation's future." That is why I renewed "[my] DNC membership by rushing back a Grassroots Partners gift of [$7] today, [so that my] support will go right to work electing Democrats in 2024!" –Paul Whiting (written March 7th, 2024, revised March 9th, 2024 and revised March 10th, 2024)
P.S.: By the way, the letter above, as well as the DNC membership card above, are really quite similar to the DNC letter and membership card that I wrote about on February 14th, 2024 (please see my 'February 14th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses January 21st, 2024' that can be found above), since I mistakenly thought that the letter and membership card above were actually a duplicate of the one that I wrote about on February 14th! You see, I initially thought that these two letters, as well as these two membership cards, were identical. And I thought that the DNC had simply sent me two of the same "2024 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NOTICE" letters, where one of them had "Mr." in front of my first name and last name! So, that is why, at first, I didn't actually realize that one of the membership renewals was for the DNC in general (that I wrote about on February 14th, 2024) and that the other one was for the DNC Grassroots Partners, which is the membership renewal regarding my monthly donations of $3.00 to the DNC. Therefore, it wasn't until I actually took the time to read the letter above regarding my 2024 Grassroots Partner Member Card (a few days after I donated on February 14th) that I finally realized the "2024 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NOTICE" above was a totally separate notice! Thus, that is why I decided to donate for this 2024 Grassroots Partner Member Card today, as part of my set of donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations, as well as to Joe Biden's presidential campaign, for the month of March 2024, so that I am donating for the general DNC renewal and the Grassroots Partner renewal. (I hope that makes sense!)
P.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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March 7th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses March 1st, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 7th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of March to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this third month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.]
I received a mailer from the Biden Victory Fund six days ago on March 1st, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Paul, this moment could change everything. Are you with me?" 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.]
BIDEN VICTORY FUND
Dear Paul,
Here's the deal: The primaries are here. Super Tuesday is coming up fast. And MAGA extremists are closing in.
When these contests are over, Republican nominees will be declared for races up and down the ballot — including the Republican nominee for president.
Once they're done fighting with each other, the MAGA extremists will turn their full attention to taking down Democrats.
These extremists are coming for us. We have to be ready to get out ahead, to defend our democracy and American values, and make sure that truth and freedom prevail.
Paul, you are the backbone of this campaign, and we can only win if we have you in our corner right now, ready to fight with all you've got.
I hope you'll support this campaign again and the campaigns of Democrats across the country by sending a contribution of $25, $38, or $50 to the Biden Victory Fund today.
You've been a powerful part of our grassroots team, and we need you to hold the line. Folks like you are the reason we'll have the resources we need to build on the progress we've made and finish the job, if you stay in this fight.
The battle we're waging goes beyond the White House — it extends to the Senate, to the House, to every state and territory. It's not only about defeating extremists and their destructive vision for our country, but electing Democratic leaders nationwide who will protect our democracy and deliver the future Americans deserve.
Kamala and I, along with our Democratic allies, are delivering on our promises — lowering costs for families, protecting American lives from the devastating impacts of challenges like the climate crisis and the opioid epidemic, and ensuring America can compete to win in the global marketplace.
At the same time, more progress is needed to meet the needs of the American people, support our communities, and protect our nation and its interests. So we have to keep going.
Every contribution counts, and it's going to take our whole grassroots community pitching in to keep moving this country forward. When we win this race and elect Democratic leaders nationwide, we can advance priorities that improve the lives of hardworking people.
Paul, we've already made historic investments in tackling the climate crisis through the expansion of clean energy. Next, we can meet our commitment to helping communities facing flooding, extreme heat, catastrophic wildfires, drought, and other severe weather events.
We can ensure families have access to child care. The American Rescue Plan provided the largest one-time investment the country has ever made in child care. But the job's not done. Too many families are still struggling to find care. We need to reduce child care costs, recruit and retain child care staff, and help parents return to work or enter the workforce.
We'll advance racial equity and civil rights. The promise of our nation is that every American has an equal chance to get ahead, yet systemic racism and barriers to opportunity have denied this promise for so many.
We need to continue to take bold action to end disparities in access to health care, education, and fair housing so that everyone across America can fulfill their potential.
We brought together folks on both sides of the aisle to pass the first meaningful gun control legislation in decades. But recent mass shootings show we need to do more, and quickly, to keep kids, families, and communities safe.
But what we can accomplish for our country and its people depends on the choice you make now — to stand with our campaign and Democrats across the country or to let our progress disappear and, with it, our basic freedoms.
Now's the time to show our extreme MAGA opponents that this team has the momentum behind us and that we'll keep fighting for an America that represents all Americans. We look forward to receiving your urgent contribution right away so we can put your support to work faster to defeat MAGA extremists, defend our rights, protect our democracy, and ensure every American has a fair shot.
Thank you for being a part of this team and for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Joe Biden
President of the United States
P.S. Paul, MAGA extremists are hot on our heels as candidates come out of the primaries and turn their focus to the general elections. To win big on Election Day, we need to pull ahead today.
The threats to democracy are real. Defeating them is an uphill challenge. But I believe in the strength of our grassroots community, and I believe in you. Let's lock this in for our children, our families, our communities, and our future. Please return your contribution or give online at democrats.org/SupportFeb. Thank you for your support.
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BIDEN VICTORY FUND
DEFEAT EXTREMISTS, DEFEND OUR RIGHTS, PROTECT OUR DEMOCRACY!
Yes, Joe! I understand threats are growing as extreme MAGA candidates gain influence. You can count on me fighting in your corner to protect democracy, defeat extremists, and elect Democratic leaders who will deliver for the American people. My contribution to the Biden Victory Fund is enclosed:
[ ] $25
[ ] $38
[ ] $50
[✓] Other $7.00
You can also contribute online by visiting democrats.org/SupportFeb.
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
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 Marris 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.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000→
[ ] Donate $2,000→
[✓] Other $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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.51 (7%)
So, I made a one-time donation to the Biden Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to confirm the reply memorandum statement: "Yes, Joe! I understand threats are growing as extreme MAGA candidates gain influence. You can count on me fighting in your corner to protect democracy, defeat extremists, and elect Democratic leaders who will deliver for the American people." –Paul Whiting (written March 7th, 2024, revised March 9th, 2024 and revised March 10th, 2024)
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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March 7th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 9th, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 9th, 2024, is for donations that I made two days ago, March 7th, 2024, as part of my series of donations for the month of March to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this third month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.]
I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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. [For my regular mail March 7th, 2024 "State of the Union" political donations, please see my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses January 21st, 2024,' as well as my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses March 1st, 2024' that can be found above.]
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded two days ago on March 7th, 2024, was a text message that I received twenty two days ago on February 16th, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS), which stated the following:
One-click poll: Will you vote in the November General Election?
[✓] YES:***
[ ] NO:
-DASS
***[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, 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:
PLEASE CONFIRM BELOW
Email: [redacted]
Will you vote in the November General Election?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Unsure
[ ] Prefer not to say
If the 2024 election were held tomorrow, who would you vote for?
[✓] Joe Biden
[ ] Donald Trump
[ ] Unsure
How concerned are you that MAGA Republicans running for Secretary of State have pledged to END Vote-by-Mail?
[✓] Very concerned
[ ] Somewhat concerned
[ ] Not concerned
Did you know that Secretaries of State are responsible for upholding election laws, overseeing elections, and counting ballots?
[✓] Yes, I knew that!
[ ] No, but I do now!
The Democratic Association of Secretaries of State is the largest and most powerful organization leading the movement to stop election-denying extremists at the ballot box. Will you join our grassroots operation?
[✓] YES!
Can we please count on you to chip in to elect Democrats who will fight for our democracy?
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $3 >>
[ ] Yes, I'll chip In $15 >>
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $35 >>
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $50 >>
[✓] Yes, I'll chip in a custom amount >>
SUBMIT
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Democratic Association of Secretaries of State
When federal action stalls, state laws decide the future of our republic. We can't let those laws fall into the hands of partisan, conspiracy-loving GOP legislatures.
Our Democratic Secretaries protect our elections — even when Congress is deadlocked. They're the last line of defense for your rights, and they need your help this year more than ever. Rush a donation now and defend our Secretaries of State!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DASS PAC.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $35 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (4%*)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DASS (with a tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 in order to answer the question "Will you vote in the November General Election?" with a resounding 'Yes!'
*I usually leave an $0.35 (7%) tip to ActBlue for my typical $5.00 donations to political organizations; however, I accidentally enter $0.21, which is my usual tip for $3.00 donations to political campaigns!
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The second political communication to which I responded two days ago on March 7th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) that I received ten days ago on February 28th, 2024, with the subject line, "Can we give you three reasons?", which stated the following:
DEMOCRATIC
ATTORNEYS
GENERAL
ASSOCIATION
Supporter: [redacted]
2024 Membership Status: Activated — thank you!
Suggested Donation: $15
INCREASE YOUR SUPPORT
Paul, can we give you three reasons why you should chip in today?
1. We have ELEVEN attorney general races to compete in this year. From Pennsylvania to North Carolina, we’ll need ample resources to support Dem AGs and candidates around the country.
2. It has NEVER been more important to have Democratic AGs in office than right now. Republican state legislatures are going after reproductive freedom, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ equality more than ever before. Dem AGs are the last line of defense in protecting our rights from far-right attacks.
3. Attorneys General races are INCREDIBLY close, often won by the smallest of margins. $5 here or $10 there can genuinely make the difference between winning and losing these races.
That’s why we need your help now more than ever: Power DAGA’s critical work with a donation of any amount today:
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[✓] CHIP IN $5 NOW***
[ ] CHIP IN $10 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $25 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $50 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $100 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN ANOTHER AMOUNT
Thanks in advance for your support!
— Democratic AGs
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSOCIATION
PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS
From abortion access to voting rights, Dem AGs are on the front lines, defending our democracy and protecting our communities.
Make a donation to DAGA to elect more Dem AGs in 2024 and beyond starting right here and now.
DONATE IMMEDIATELY:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) PAC.
[✓] DONATE $5 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DAGA (with a tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024, because 1) the "[Democratic Attorneys General Association has] ELEVEN attorney general races to compete in this year," 2) "it has NEVER been more important to have Democratic AGs in office than right now" and 3) "Attorneys General races are INCREDIBLY close, often won by the smallest of margins."
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The third political communication to which I responded two days ago on March 7th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) that I received six days ago on March 3rd, 2024, with the subject line, "State Democrats invest ahead of upcoming races while Republicans attack reproductive freedoms … and everything else you need to know in the states.", which stated the following:
State Democrats invest ahead of upcoming races while Republicans attack reproductive freedoms …and everything else you need to know in the states.
A NEWSLETTER BY THE DLCC
1️. Tennessee: Republican lawmakers work to ban pride flags in classrooms
In Tennessee, the GOP’s anti-LGBTQ+ agenda served its newest blow with a bill that aims to ban pride flags in schools. If passed, this bill would be a step backward for inclusivity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community everywhere →
https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-pride-flag-classroom-ban-9ebd3a79776d5644081d5f17ab84be52#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20A%20bill%20that,as%20early%20as%20this%20week.
[Blogger's Note: I read the Associated Press article titled, "Pride flags would be largely banned in Tennessee classrooms in bill advanced by GOP lawmakers."]
2️. Oklahoma: New GOP-endorsed law would allow for a database of abortion recipients
In Oklahoma, Republicans are finding new ways to intimidate and punish people who receive abortions and attack reproductive health care. If passed, an extreme law would create a state database to identify those who obtain abortions, invading the privacy of those seeking reproductive care →
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/02/15/oklahoma-abortion-law-kevin-west-bill-creates-database-women/72613836007
[Blogger's Note: I read The Oklahoman article titled, "New Oklahoma bill could allow state to create database of women who had abortions."]
3️. Virginia: Democrats agree on a bill legalizing the marijuana market
In Virginia, the newly Democratic-controlled legislature agreed on a framework to legalize the marijuana market which is designed to give small businesses a chance to compete with large corporations. This marks one of the first waves of progressive action since the Democrats gained full legislative control last November →
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/02/28/virginia-marijuana-market-house-senate-bill
[Blogger's Note: I read the Washington Post article titled, "Virginia House, Senate agree on bill creating legal marijuana market."]
4️. Read: DLCC rushes resources to statehouses in first big investment of 2024
We just announced a series of investments into key battleground states as we prepare for hard fights in 2024 and beyond. These crucial funds will support staff hiring, digital infrastructure, field operations, and other key expenditures in our most competitive races. Click here to read more about our work and investments →
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/28/democrats-statehouse-races-campaign-spending
[Blogger's Note: I read The Guardian News article titled, "Democrats target statehouse races in first big campaign spend of 2024."]
🗳️ Special Elections: Over the next few months, Democrats are facing over a dozen special elections in key states like Alabama and Michigan, so we’re calling on grassroots Dems to help power our candidates to victory →***
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is working to rebuild the Democratic Party from the ground up by electing Democrats to state legislatures. Your grassroots donation will help provide state Democrats with the resources, staff, and technology to win elections — but it all depends on your support.
Join the fight! Chip in today:
DONATE***
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DLCC
DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Join the fight! Chip in today.
🗳️Elect state Dems in critical special elections
💰Fund our strategic investments in 2024, 2025, and beyond
❌Counter Republican extremism in the states
Can you chip in today?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DLCC PAC.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000→
[✓] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DLCC (with a tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 because "over the next few months, Democrats are facing over a dozen special elections in key states like Alabama and Michigan, so [the DLCC is] calling on grassroots Dems to help power our candidates to victory."
---------------------------------------------
The fourth political communication to which I responded two days ago on March 7th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) that I received on March 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "your tripled donation ->", which stated the following:
Triple-Impact Match!
These 8 Democrats need your help to win re-election!
Jon Tester, Montana
Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota
Sherrod Brown, Ohio
Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin
Jacky Rosen, Nevada
Mazie Hirono, Hawaii
Bob Casey, Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts
We must defend every seat to hold the Senate majority.
Donate any amount to triple your impact!
DONATE
(Before the match expires!)
If you've saved payment info with ActBlue Express, your donation will be processed immediately. The first $10,000 received from this email will be TRIPLED:
[ ] DONATE $55 (BECOMES $165)
[ ] DONATE $110 (BECOMES $330)
[ ] DONATE $220 (BECOMES $660)
[✓] RUSH ANOTHER AMOUNT***
The DSCC is the only committee solely dedicated to supporting Democrats in the U.S. Senate, and our work relies on grassroots supporters like you.
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DSCC
Match Activated! TRIPLE your impact to help SUPERCHARGE our Senate majority!
CNN says multiple GOP seats could flip blue this year — but with Mitch McConnell's megadonors already playing offense, it's going to take all hands on deck to win!
Please, will you chip in now to protect our historic progress by supercharging our Democratic majority? The first $10,000 received before tonight's fundraising deadline will be TRIPLED!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DSCC.
[ ] Donate $55 →
[ ] Donate $110 →
[ ] Donate $220 →
[ ] Donate $550 →
[✓] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DSCC (with a tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 in order to "donate [$5.00] to triple [my] impact, because "8 Democrats need [my] help to win re-election," since "we must defend every seat to hold the Senate majority."
---------------------------------------------
The fifth political communication to which I responded two days ago on March 7th, 2024, was a text message that I received on March 7th, 2024, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:
300% MATCH UNLOCKED: Before President Biden's State of the Union address tonight, all-star Democrats are 300% MATCHING the next 500 gifts to the DCCC. Rush in a 300%-MATCHED $15 gift NOW to reclaim our House Majority and make President Biden proud before his big speech:***
***[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, 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:
DCCC DEMOCRATS 2024
Rush a donation right now to DEFEAT MAGA Extremism and RESTORE our House Majority!
Here's the situation: Democrats Need to flip just FOUR seats to take back the House Majonty and experts agree the race for House control is a COMIPLETE TOSS-UP!
But, Extreme MAGA Republicans and their deep-pocketed megadonors are preparing to spend MILLIONS to defeat our grassroots imovement.
Please, we're counting on you, rush a gift right now to help flip the House Blue and send Republicane defeat! >>
Donate immediately.
Your contribution will benefit DCCC.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 in order to "rush in a 300%-MATCHED [$5] gift NOW to reclaim our House Majority and make President Biden proud before his big [State of the Union] speech."
---------------------------------------------
The sixth political communication to which I responded two days ago on March 7th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) that I received on March 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "Need input from Paul to reach 100%", which stated the following:
INTERNAL REPORT
Paul, President Biden will begin his third State of the Union address – the last of his first term – in JUST 2 HOURS. And with the 2024 race and rematch between Trump and Biden officially underway, all eyes will be on Biden tonight!
Just look at our internal polling:
STATE OF THE UNION
DGA POLLING DATA
Watching tonight's SOTU: 92%
Refusing to watch: 3%
Haven't responded yet: 5%
It’s no wonder so many Democrats like you are tuning in tonight, Paul – 91% of respondents to our poll also answered that they approve of President Biden's agenda! But we still haven’t heard from you, Paul, and our goal is to reach 100% completion BEFORE President Biden begins at 9 p.m. Eastern Time in just 2 hours and 25 minutes!
Are you watching the State of the Union tonight?
[✓] Yes, I Am***
[ ] No, I refuse to watch
[ ] Maybe
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DGA
DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
PRE-STATE OF THE UNION SURVEY | IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUESTED
Thank you for participating in our State of the Union preview survey. Your input will also help inform our strategy to support President Biden and elect Democrats this November and beyond. >>>
Poll Deadline: 11:59 p.m.
Email: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]
Will you be watching Pres. Biden's final State of the Union address of his first term on March 7th?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Unsure
President Biden is set to outline his agenda for the nation during his State of the Union address. Which issues do you want him to speak about? (Select all that apply.)
[✓] Protecting Social Security and Medicare from Republican cuts
[✓] Safeguarding reproductive rights, including abortion, contraception, and IVF
[✓] Lowering prescription drug costs and making health care more affordable
[✓] Creating good-paying jobs, addressing economic inequality, and building an economy that works for everyone
[✓] Combating climate change and investing in green energy
[✓] Repairing our nation's infrastructure
[✓] Expanding voting rights and defending our democracy ahead of November's election
[✓] Continuing to forgive student loan debt for those most in need
[✓] Preventing gun violence
[ ] Other:
Do you approve of President Biden's vision for America?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Unsure
How would you rate President Joe Biden's job performance during his term so far?
★★★★★ ["Five out of five stars."]
What should be the top priorities for Democrats in 2024 and beyond? (Select all that apply.)
[✓] Protecting the ACA and expanding access to affordable health care
[✓] Protecting reproductive rights against attacks from Republicans and the courts
[✓] Expanding voting rights and fighting back against the Republican assault on our democracy
[✓] Passing gun violence prevention laws
[✓] Building a fair economy and creating good jobs
[✓] Reforming our immigration system
[✓] Taking action to address climate change
[✓] Improving our education system
[ ] Other:
We're depending on top Democrats like you to help us win in November and beyond. What's the top reason you vote for Democrats?
[ ] I can't depend on the conservative-majority on the Supreme Court to protect my rights.
[ ] Democratic governors are our last line of defense against GOP attacks on everything from voting rights to reproductive freedom.
[✓] I believe in President Biden's agenda & want to keep building America back better.
[ ] Because I'm worried that Republicans are doing everything they can to enable Donald Trump's comeback.
[ ] Other:
Donald Trump's campaign for president is already in full swing — and new polls have him neck-and-neck with President Biden.
How concerned are you about another Trump presidency?
[✓] Extremely concerned
[ ] Very concerned
[ ] Somewhat concerned
[ ] Not at all concerned
How important is it to you for Democrats to stand strong with President Biden and against Trumpism in every state?
[✓] Extremely important
[ ] Very important
[ ] Somewhat important
[ ] Not at all important
The road ahead isn't easy: With Republicans in control of the House and Democrats holding a razor-thin majority in the Senate, Washington remains in a tight gridlock. That's why Democratic governors across the nation are the Biden-Harris campaign's most powerful allies as they kick their 2024 reelection efforts into high gear to defend our progress and keep moving our country forward.
How important is it to you to defend our blue firewall of Democratic governors so they can continue to work with President Biden and Vice President Harris to protect our democracy?
[✓] Extremely important
[ ] Very important
[ ] Somewhat important
[ ] Not at all important
Democrats defeated far-right extremists in 2022 and 2023. But we're counting on strong support from loyal Democrats like you to run strong campaigns and defend our blue firewall in 2024! Will you invest $100 to help us elect Democratic governors across the country, support the Biden-Harris ticket, and defeat the GOP's radical right-wing agenda once and for all?
Please use the options below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[✓] No, I can't give that much.
[ ] Yes, I will give $100!
We understand that giving at that level right now might be tough. But the DGA is working tirelessly to elect Democrats across the country and beat back GOP extremism in every state. With Republicans aggressively attacking our progress and our democratic institutions, we can't afford to miss any fundraising goals.
We flipped critical states from red to blue because loyal Democrats like you were FIRED UP to elect Democratic governors and defend fellow Americans from the GOP's nightmare policies in every corner of our country. But we just pulled your supporter record, and here's what we found:
Email: [redacted]
Given to DGA today? Pending
Suggested donation: $44
Electing Democrats in every state is the most critical thing we can do to stop the far right and heal the divisions in our country. But right now, we're short of what we need to raise before our next big deadline. Please, before midnight tonight: Will you give $44 or whatever you can?
Please use the options below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I'll give $22.
[ ] Yes, I can give $44! (suggested donation)
[✓] Yes, and I'll give more!*
*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I made a one-time donation, rather than a monthly donation—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]
---------------------------------------------
DONATE NOW DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT
If we want to stop the Republicans dangerous agenda, we have to keep pace with the GOP's millions in fundraising — but right now, not enough Democrats are donating, and we're falling short ahead of our midnight deadline.
Luckily, a group of generous donors is matching all gifts up to our goal! Please don't wait: rush your gift to elect Democratic governors!
Make It monthly!
Yes, count me in!
[✓] No, donate once
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Action.
[ ] Donate $44 →
[ ] Donate $88 →
[ ] Donate $220 →
[ ] Donate $440 →
[ ] Donate $880 →
[ ] Donate $1,760 →
[✓] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DGA (with a tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 in order to answer the question "Are you watching the State of the Union tonight?" with a resounding 'Yes, I Am!'
Thus, these six organizations—the DASS, the DAGA, the DLCC, the DSCC, the DCCC and the DGA—are the political organizations that I donated to on March 7th, 2024! –Paul Whiting (written March 9th, 2024, revised March 10th, 2024, revised March 23rd, 2024, revised March 29th, 2024, revised April 12th, 2024, revised April 17th, 2024, revised May 13th, 2024 and revised June 28th, 2024)
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March 8th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 7th, 2024: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) yesterday, March 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "Florida did what?!", which stated the following:
United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW
With states eliminating heat protections, national regulations are a must
Take Action!
https://act.seiu.org/a/nationalheatbill2024
You wouldn't believe what is happening in Florida. Their state Senate just passed a bill to remove local governments' authority to adopt heat standards, such as guaranteed shade and rest breaks, for workers. The bill awaits final approval in the Florida State House before heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis. If signed into law, it would take effect July 1. This is yet another example of why all farm workers and outdoor workers desperately need federal heat protections.
The frightening Florida bill bans local ordinances giving workers water and shade breaks. It bans required heat-exposure training programs, protections for employees who report heat exposure issues and record-keeping requirements. Texas also passed extreme legislation. The “Death Star Bill” limits local governments from establishing ordinances for mandatory water and shade breaks for outdoor workers.
Click here (https://act.seiu.org/a/nationalheatbill2024) to message your federal elected officials and tell them to support the crucial Ascunsion Valdivia Heat Stress Injury, Illness and Fatality Prevention Act, which was introduced by [name redacted] and [name redacted] in the House and by [name redacted] and [name redacted] in the Senate. The lifesaving legislation was named after a farm worker who was killed by heat illness.
Only a handful of states -- California, Oregon and Washington -- have policies on farm work in extreme heat. With climate change, outdoor workers are more and more in danger every year. Extreme temperatures could make thousands of workers seriously ill -- and even suffer heat stroke and die. Farm workers are as much as 35 times more likely to be killed by heat than any other civilian occupation.
With the way the government has shifted to the right, the need is more urgent than ever. The men, women and children working in our fields can't wait. Workers need enforceable heat standards to be put in place NOW -- before more people die. This would protect workers in every state- even Florida and Texas. Message your US Congressmembers today.
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:
With states eliminating heat protections, national regulations are a must
You wouldn't believe what is happening in Florida. Their state Senate just passed a bill to remove local governments' authority to adopt heat standards, such as guaranteed shade and rest breaks, for workers. The bill awaits final approval in the Florida State House before heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis. If signed into law, it would take effect July 1. This is yet another example of why all farm workers and outdoor workers desperately need federal heat protections. Act now.
The frightening Florida bill bans local ordinances giving workers water and shade breaks. It bans required heat-exposure training programs, protections for employees who report heat exposure issues and record-keeping requirements. Texas also passed extreme legislation. The “Death Star Bill” limits local governments from establishing ordinances for mandatory water and shade breaks for outdoor workers.
Click below to message your federal elected officials and tell them to support the crucial Ascunsion Valdivia Heat Stress Injury, Illness and Fatality Prevention Act, , which was introduced by [name redacted] and [name redacted] in the House and by [name redacted] and [name redacted] in the Senate. The lifesaving legislation was named after a farm worker who was killed by heat illness.
Only a handful of states -- California, Oregon and Washington -- have policies on farm work in extreme heat. With climate change, outdoor workers are more and more in danger every year. Extreme temperatures could make thousands of workers seriously ill -- and even suffer heat stroke and die. Farm workers are as much as 35 times more likely to be killed by heat than any other civilian occupation.
With the way the government has shifted to the right, the need is more urgent than ever. The men, women and children working in our fields can't wait. Workers need enforceable heat standards to be put in place NOW -- before more people die. This would protect workers in every state- even Florida and Texas. Message your US Congressmembers today.
Message Recipients
Send the following messages:
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Subject: Support the Ascunsion Valdivia Heat Stress Injury, Illness and Fatality Prevention Act
Dear [elected official],
Outdoor workers need federal heat protection. I ask you to support The Asunsion Valdivia Heat Stress Injury, Illness and Fatality Prevention Act that was introduced by [name redacted] and [name redacted].
With climate change, outdoor workers are more and more in danger every year. Only a handful of states -- California, Oregon and Washington -- have policies on farm work in extreme heat. Extreme temperatures could make thousands of workers seriously ill -- and even suffer heat stroke and die. Farm workers are as much as 35 times more likely to be killed by heat than any other civilian occupation. And now, some states are even forbidding local ordinances to protect outdoor workers.
Outdoor workers need more than OSHA’s “general duty” clauses. They need enforceable protections and penalties so dangerous incidents never happen. The men, women and children working in our fields can't wait. Workers need emergency heat standards to be put in place NOW -- before more people die.
With the way the government has shifted to the right, the need is more urgent than ever.
The Florida state Senate just passed a bill to remove local governments' authority to adopt heat standards, such as guaranteed shade and rest breaks, for workers. The bill awaits final approval in the Florida State House before heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis. If signed into law, it would take effect July 1, 2024. This is yet another example of why all farm workers and outdoor workers desperately need federal heat protections. The frightening Florida bill bans local ordinances giving workers water and shade breaks. It bans required heat-exposure training programs, protections for employees who report heat exposure issues and record-keeping requirements.
Texas also passed extreme legislation. The “Death Star Bill” limits local governments from establishing ordinances for mandatory water and shade breaks for outdoor workers.
And this lifesaving legislation was named after a farm worker who was killed by heat illness. So, please support the crucial Asunsion Valdivia Heat Stress Injury, Illness and Fatality Prevention Act.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Mr. Paul Whiting
[Address, City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Email redacted]
*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:
With states like Florida and Texas eliminating local heat protections, national regulations are needed to save lives.
https://act.seiu.org/a/nationalheatbill2024?ms=tellafriend_tw&snw=2&ref=fbe1b245-331d-4633-b2b1-14637a5f6b85
And, after I sent the email above to my federal elected officials, via the SEIU.org (Service Employees International Union) website, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers today, March 8th, 2024, in order to show my support for "the Asunsion Valdivia Heat Stress Injury, Illness and Fatality Prevention Act." –Paul Whiting (March 8th, 2024)
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March 8th, 2024 Update No. 2: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, March 8th, 2024, from the Craig Herskowitz for Congress (Craig 4 Congress) campaign, which stated the following:
Hi Paul, it's Craig Herskowitz, Democratic candidate on Long Island. This is extremely urgent.
George Santos, who was expelled from Congress just 4 months ago and is facing federal charges for defrauding donors, just announced that he is running for Congress in NY-01.
Long Island Democrats are united! Please stand with us to help ensure this MAGA con artist does not return to power.
We need your help to flip Long Island Blue at every level. Can I count on you now to contribute $5 to our campaign?***
***[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, 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:
CRAIG HERSKOWITZ
FOR NEW YORK
Support Craig Herskowitz for NY SD-2*
Now more than ever, Long Islanders need effective leadership grounded in integrity and justice. With his experience, Craig would bring to Albany a deep understanding of the issues facing our community, a passion for making a difference, and an absolute commitment to serve his fellow Long Islanders.
Can we count on your support to help us win this November and flip SD-2 blue?
*[Blogger's Note: Although Craig Herskowitz's ActBlue donation webpage says he is running for NY SD-2 ("New York's 2nd State Senate district"), according to Ballotpedia, he is currently running as a Congressional candidate for U.S. House New York District 1, as described from their website: "Craig Herskowitz (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 1st Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on June 25, 2024."]
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Craig Herskowitz.
[ ] Donate $5 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Craig Herskowitz for Congress (Craig 4 Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to support "Craig Herskowitz, Democratic candidate on Long Island," since "George Santos, who was expelled from Congress just 4 months ago and is facing federal charges for defrauding donors, just announced that he is running for Congress in NY-01."
Thus, this one campaign—Herskowitz for Congress (Craig 4 Congress)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 8th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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March 8th, 2024 Update No. 3: In observance of International Women's Day, which is yearly (annually) on March 8th worldwide, I donated today, March 8th, 2024, to USA for UNFPA (formerly known as the 'United Nations Fund for Population Activities' that is now called the 'United Nations Population Fund') in order to help "create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every woman and girl can reach her fullest potential!" –Paul Whiting (March 8th, 2024)
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March 8th, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses March 7th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 8th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 8th, 2024, as well as yesterday, March 7th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 7th, 2024 search:
01. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
What another Trump presidency would mean for America's allies
European assurances that Donald Trump wouldn't pull the US out of NATO are 'the triumph of hope over experience," former national security advisor John Bolton warned
By Kim Hjelmgaard | March 6, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
02. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
'I believe in America': Fired-up Biden uses State of the Union to skewer GOP, his 'predecessor'
The president made the case for why he deserves a second term.
By Alexandra Hutzler, Tal Axelrod, Meredith Deliso and Leah Sarnoff | March 7, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
03. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Key proposals from President Biden's State of the Union address
The speech provided Biden one of his biggest audiences of the year.
By Riley Hoffman | March 8, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
04. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Spate of Mock News Sites With Russian Ties Pop Up in U.S.
The fake news organizations, experts say, represent a technological leap in the Kremlin’s efforts to spread false and misleading narratives.
By Steven Lee Myers | March 7, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 7th, 2024 search:
05. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Daylight saving time 2024: Time change details; when to 'spring ahead' (When is daylight saving time 2024? Millions have sunsets after 6 pm as time change approaches)
By Emily DeLetter | March 4, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
06. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Trump RNC 'purge' has some committee members nervous about party footing his legal bills
By Zac Anderson | March 7, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
07. CNN
Takeaways from Joe Biden’s State of the Union address
By Kevin Liptak | Updated 10:40 AM EST, Fri March 8, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
08. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
5 Takeaways From Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address
Verbal swings at Donald Trump, though not by name. A spirited back-and-forth with G.O.P. lawmakers. And a loud and feisty delivery.
By Michael D. Shear and Shane Goldmacher | March 7, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
09. CNN
See Biden’s response to Marjorie Taylor Greene interrupting speech
While President Biden addressed the GOP-led failure of an immigration bill touted by his administration, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) interrupted him requesting he speak directly about Laken Riley, the Augusta University nursing student killed on the University of Georgia campus by a man who is not a US citizen.
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
10. USA Today
Biden's reaction to MTG at the State of the Union goes viral
By Kinsey Crowley | March 8, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
11. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
In Two Speeches, Trump and Biden Offer Starkly Different Views of the Country
President Biden’s State of the Union address and former President Donald Trump’s victory speech on Super Tuesday conjured diametrically opposed visions of America’s past, present and future.
By Jonathan Weisman | March 8, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 7th, 2024 search:
12. NBC News
Why Biden is making ‘freedom’ a central campaign focus: From the Politics Desk
Plus, a preview of the president's State of the Union address.
By The Politics Desk | March 7, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
13. CNBC
Biden electrifies Democrats, spars with Republicans in fiery State of the Union address
By Christina Wilkie | Mar 7 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
14. The Guardian
Republicans baffled by Katie Britt’s State of the Union response: ‘One of our biggest disasters’
The 42-year-old Alabama senator is a rising Republican star but her kitchen table speech did not land well even in her own party
Martin Pengelly | 8 Mar 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
15. The Daily Beast
Official GOP Response to SOTU Has Republicans 'Losing It'
By Jake Lahut | Mar. 08, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
16. The New Republic
Republicans Torch Their Own “Creepy” State of the Union Response
Alabama Senator Katie Britt gave a truly bizarre SOTU rebuttal—and even other Republicans are baffled by it.
By Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling | March 8, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
17. The Guardian
RNC: Trump coup complete with loyalist as chair and daughter-in-law as co-chair
Michael Whatley of North Carolina has been voted the Republican National Committee chair, with Lara Trump as co-chair
By Associated Press | 8 Mar 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
18. CNN
Trump’s takeover of Republican National Committee is official as McDaniel steps down
By Alayna Treene, Daniel Strauss and Aaron Pellish | Updated 3:05 PM EST, Fri March 8, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2024 search:
19. MSNBC News
Yet another Republican senator says he won’t endorse Trump in 2024 There are now three sitting Republican U.S. senators — and counting — who are not publicly backing Donald Trump's 2024 candidacy
There are now three sitting Republican U.S. senators — and counting — who are not publicly backing Donald Trump's 2024 candidacy. The list might yet grow.
By Steve Benen | March 8, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
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 March 8th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 9th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 10th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 10th, 2024, as well as yesterday, March 9th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
01. NPR (National Public Radio)
Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born Americans, studies find
By Jasmine Garsd | March 8, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
02. CBS News
Senate passes first government funding package to avoid shutdown
By Caitlin Yilek | Updated on: March 9, 2024 / 1:26 PM EST
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
03. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Opinion | Why It's Hard to Explain Joe Biden's Unpopularity
Ross Douthat | March 9, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
04. Washington Post
Analysis | Katie Britt's false linkage of a sex-trafficking case to Joe Biden
By Glenn Kessler | March 9, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
05. MSNBC News
Exclusive interview with President Biden following State of the Union address
During an exclusive interview with Jonathan Capehart, President Biden discussed topics from his State of the Union address including a hot-mic moment with Secy. Blinken, calling a migrant "an illegal," and his optimism for a ceasefire in Gaza.
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
06. The Guardian
‘Young and handsome’: Biden kicks off $30m ad blitz with spot addressing age
Coinciding with multistate tour, 60-second ad shows president joking about age and stressing 'strongest economy in the world'
By Maya Yang | 9 Mar 2024
By the way, I also watched the YouTube video accompanying the article above that is titled, "For You | Biden-Harris 2024."
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
07. CNN
Republican strategist: Biden ‘was on his game’ during State of the Union speech
Republican strategist Sarah Longwell reacts to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address, saying Biden "nailed it," and explains the mistake some in the GOP made about the president.
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
08. Axios
"Smokin' Joe Biden" launches new ad campaign following State of the Union
By Mike Allen | March 9, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
09. CBS News
Biden's new ad takes on his age: "I'm not a young guy"
By Aaron Navarro | March 9, 2024
By the way, I already watched the YouTube video accompanying the article above that is titled, "For You | Biden-Harris 2024." (I actually watched the ad on YouTube when it appeared in a previously news article that I read above.)
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
10. Politico
'Look, I'm not a young guy': Biden campaign ad addresses age issue
The president leans into his age in a new campaign ad touting his presidential record.
By Olivia Alafriz | 03/09/2024
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
11. Vanity Fair
Joe Biden Rips Trump For Mar-a-Lago Meeting With Viktor Orban
“There’s nobody that’s better, smarter or a better leader than Viktor Orban. He’s fantastic,” Trump said Friday of the Hungarian PM.
By Jack McCordick | March 9, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
12. Politico
Katie Britt offers explanation for sex trafficking story … kind of
Former AP reporter Jonathan M. Katz first drew attention to the cloudy details of the story in a roughly seven-minute TikTok video.
By Kelly Garrity | 03/10/2024
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
13. The Daily Beast
Fox News Confronts Katie Britt on Falsely Connecting Biden to Sex-Trafficking Story
BY Corbin Bolies | Mar. 10, 2024
March 10th, 2024 search:
---------------------------------------------
14. NPR (National Public Radio)
Biden: Netanyahu 'hurting Israel' by not preventing more civilian deaths in Gaza
By the Associated Press | March 10, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
15. NBC News
Israel-Hamas war live updates: Netanyahu rejects Biden criticism that he’s ‘hurting Israel’ and says policies have support of most Israelis
In an exclusive interview with MSNBC, President Joe Biden discussed his frustrations with the Israeli prime minister, red lines in the war, and a cease-fire, saying Netanyahu “cannot have 30,000 more Palestinians dead.”
By NBC News | March 10, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
16. CNN
A forceful Biden hits the road as Republicans keep focus on his age and memory
By Zachary B. Wolf | Updated 1:07 PM EDT, Sun March 10, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
17. The Guardian
Biden says he regrets using term ‘illegal’ to describe Laken Riley murder suspect
Trump, meanwhile, blasted Biden's immigration policies and blamed president for Riley's death at dueling Georgia rally.
By Associated Press | 10 Mar 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
18. The Daily Beast
MTG Wants Points for 'Scaring' Joe Biden at SOTU
By Allison Quinn | Mar. 09, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
19. CNBC
Biden rebutter Sen. Britt blasted for recycling 20-year-old sex traffic story to attack border policy
By Rebecca Picciotto | MAR 9 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2024 search:
20. CNN
Anecdote from Sen. Katie Britt’s criticism of Biden’s border policies appears to be from before he was president
By Samantha Waldenberg | Updated Sat March 9, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 9th, 2024 search:
21. Business Standard
Continuing his embrace of autocrats, Trump to meet Hungary PM Viktor Orbn
Orbn is one of a small group of conservative populists who have publicly aligned themselves with US conservatives trying to oust Biden in November
By AP (Associated Press) | Last Updated : Mar 09 2024 | 6:59 AM IST (International Standard Time)
---------------------------------------------
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 March 10th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
March 11th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, March 11th, 2024, from the Voters of Tomorrow PAC, which stated the following:
Gen Z will BLOCK Trump from getting a second Trump term… IF you stand with us!
Paul, it’s Voters of Tomorrow PAC, the largest Gen Z-led organization working to turn out young voters in droves and defeat Donald Trump.
We have HUGE news…
🎊 Today, we’re officially endorsing President Joe Biden for reelection! 🎊
Our team of high school and college-aged volunteers are going to spend the next few months registering first time voters, then turning them out to defeat Trump and his MAGA allies this November!
But here’s a hard truth: MAGA Republicans and their shady billionaire donors are HELLBENT on suppressing Gen Z turnout. They know if we show up to vote, they will lose.
So Paul, will you give $1 (yep, just a buck!) to help us hire organizers on college campuses in swing states, reelect Joe Biden, and BLOCK Trump from a second term? Donate before midnight! >>***
***[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, 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:
Donate to Voters of Tomorrow PAC!
$36,917.05 Raised →→→→→ GOAL $50,000
MIDNIGHT DEADLINE! >> updated at 1:44 PM
Help us turn out Gen Z in DROVES and defeat MAGA Republicans!
With your contribution, Voters of Tomorrow PAC will be able to turn out Gen Z against Republicans all across the country.
Can you pitch in below to fund our efforts? >>
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Voters of Tomorrow PAC.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $27 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Voters of Tomorrow PAC (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Voters of Tomorrow PAC is] officially endorsing President Joe Biden for reelection!" That is why I contributed to "help [them] hire organizers on college campuses in swing states, reelect Joe Biden, and BLOCK Trump from a second term."
Thus, this one organization—Voters of Tomorrow PAC—is the political organization that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 11th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
March 11th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, March 11th, 2024, with the subject line "We asked, you answered", which stated the following:
Paul,
Every year at IAVA, we send out our comprehensive Membership Survey to find out what our generation of veterans wants to see from our elected leaders and for our nation.
Our research team dug into the data from this year’s survey and now, we want to share key findings with you:
[✓] 68% of IAVA veterans support the repeal or reform of the 2001 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force.
[✓] 71% support legalizing cannabis at the federal level to help our fellow veterans treat their wartime wounds.
[✓] 75% also support including women in the selective service.
Additionally, a shocking 74% of IAVA veterans told us that they were disappointed with the way that democracy was working in this country.
Our leadership in Washington needs to know that they’re not just failing America, but those of us who’ve put it all on the line for our country. They need to know that what we have here in America is as much a ‘veteran’s issue’ as any other. And, IAVA is standing ready to make sure that your voice and the voice of our generation of veterans is heard.
But to fuel this fight, we need your support. Your donation in addition to your input helps us ensure that the voice of the post-9/11 generation of veterans is heard far and wide. Can you chip in whatever you can to help us continue to do so today?
I can’t thank you enough for your input, and for considering supporting our work even more. We simply couldn’t be in the fight in Washington and beyond without you.
Onward!
[Name redacted]
Iraq War Veteran
[Title redacted], IAVA
P.S. Veterans have paid their dues so IAVA membership is always free. However, we rely on voluntary donations from supporters like you. If you can, please chip in to support IAVA's advocacy work.
DONATE***
***[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 to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) in order to show my support for our U.S. Veterans!
–Paul Whiting (March 11th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
March 12th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 11th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 12th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 12th, 2024, as well as yesterday, March 11th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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March 11th, 2024 search:
01. CNN
Sex trafficking victim says Sen. Katie Britt telling her story during SOTU rebuttal is ‘not fair’
By Rafael Romo and Melissa Alonso | Updated 2:17 PM EDT, Mon March 11, 2024
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March 11th, 2024 search:
02. NBC News
Sen. Katie Britt attempts to clean up her misleading State of the Union response
The Alabama senator responded to questions around a story she told about visiting the border and speaking to a victim of human trafficking.
By Alexandra Marquez | March 10, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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March 11th, 2024 search:
03. NBC News
Trump floats 'cutting' retirement spending, drawing quick pushback from Biden
The Republican nominee-in-waiting said that “there’s a lot you can do in terms of cutting” when pressed on CNBC about the solvency of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
By Sahil Kapur, Gabe Gutierrez and Jake Traylor | March 11, 2024
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March 12th, 2024 search:
04. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Trump's Biden Mockery Upsets People Who Stutter: 'We've Heard This Before'
The former president mimicked his rival while at a rally over the weekend. For those who stutter, his remark “hits that familiar humiliation feeling.”
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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March 12th, 2024 search:
05. AP News
Joe Biden clinches 2024 Democratic nomination
By Zeke Miller | Updated 4:42 PM PDT, March 12, 2024
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March 12th, 2024 search:
06. AP News
Transcript of Biden interview with Robert Hur reveals key details
BY CHRIS MEGERIAN | Updated 1:57 PM PDT, March 12, 2024
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March 12th, 2024 search:
07. CNBC
Voters blame businesses more than Biden for sticky inflation
By Rebecca Picciotto | MAR 12 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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March 12th, 2024 search:
08. Rolling Stone
Dems Kick Off High-Profile Hearing With Supercut of Trump's Mental Gaffes
By Nikki Mccann Ramirez | March 12, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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March 11th, 2024 search:
09. NBC News
House Republicans release report seeking to undermine Jan. 6 committee and star witness
The report takes aim at key Jan. 6 witness Cassidy Hutchinson, citing unnamed Trump White House staffers who didn't corroborate her testimony.
By Scott Wong and Kyle Stewart | March 11, 2024
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March 11th, 2024 search:
10. NBC News
Scarlett Johansson parodies Sen. Katie Britt’s GOP State of the Union response in ‘SNL’ cold open
The actor, playing Britt, poked fun at the rebuttal to Biden’s address, saying she’s auditioning for the part of “scary mom.”
By Mirna Alsharif | March 10, 2024
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March 12th, 2024 search:
11. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Republican Voters Against Trump Plans $50 Million Ad Campaign
The group, Republican Voters Against Trump, will run a series of homemade videos of Americans who voted for him in the past but say they can no longer do so in 2024.
By Reid J. Epstein | March 12, 2024
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March 12th, 2024 search:
12. MSNBC News
How Russia duped two Republicans with propaganda laundered through fake news sites
Rachel Maddow explains how Russia is using real-looking, fake news sites to introduce propaganda in American discourse by giving fake stories the appearance of legitimate sourcing, fooling some Republicans into resharing false information that they want to believe is true.
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 11th, 2024 search:
13. CNN
‘She’s trying to backtrack’: CNN analyst on Sen. Britt’s interview on Fox News
CNN's Jessica Dean and Princeton University professor Julian Zelizer break down Alabama Sen. Katie Britt's interview on Fox News following the Republican senator's backlash for her response to President Biden's State of the Union address.
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
March 11th, 2024 search:
14. CNN
Woman who appears to be at center of Katie Britt’s SOTU anecdote has message for the Alabama senator
Karla Jacinto, who appears to be at the center of Katie Britt's State of the Union anecdote about migrant sex trafficking during the GOP response to Biden's address speaks to CNN's Rafael Romo in an exclusive interview.
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
March 12th, 2024 search:
15. The Guardian
Robert Hur says he ‘did not exonerate’ Biden and refuses to rule out role in a Trump administration – as it happened
Special counsel says word 'exonerate' does not appear in report; also says he is not testifying about a future Trump role.
By Léonie Chao-Fong | 12 Mar 2024
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March 12th, 2024 search:
16. CNN
RNC lays off dozens of staffers days after Trump’s team takes over
By Daniel Strauss | Updated 9:48 PM EDT, Mon March 11, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 11th, 2024 search:
17. Channel 3000
Does Trump like authoritarians? | National and World News | channel3000.com
After Donald Trump's chummy meeting with strongman Viktor Orbán, does he like autocrats... envy them... or even plan to emulate them in a second term?
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
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 March 12th, 2024, revised March 13th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
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For my "March 13th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 5th, 2024"—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:
March 13th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 5th, 2024: K-9 Veterans Day is today, March 13th, 2024, since K-9 Veterans Day is yearly (annually) on March 13th.
And I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) eight days ago on March 5th, 2024, with the subject line, "MISSING YOUR NAME: Thank our K-9 teams now", which stated the following:
SIGN THE CARD
K-9 TEAMS THANK-YOU GOAL: 30,000 SIGNATURES
GOAL DEADLINE: MARCH 13
Sign the card to thank our K-9 teams
SIGN THE CARD***
Paul, March 13 is K-9 Veterans Day, which means it’s more important than ever to let our military working dog teams know how much we appreciate everything they do to protect us.
We need to fill this K-9 appreciation card with 30,000 signatures via email and text message to send the strongest possible message of gratitude and support to our military working dog teams — and we’re counting on dedicated military supporters like you to help us reach this goal: Please, will you sign the card now to thank our brave K-9 teams?
★ ★ ★
To all our K-9 teams,
Thank you for your brave service and sacrifice!
Sincerely,
[add your name]
SIGN NOW***
Our military dogs are courageous and loyal, serving alongside their handlers and other service members in some of the most dangerous places in the world. Like all our heroic troops, they deserve all the support and appreciation we can give them as they risk their lives to keep us safe and free.
So please, add your name right now to thank our brave military dog teams — and all our heroic troops — for everything they do to protect our country.
SIGN THE CARD***
Thank you so much for being a dedicated military supporter our K-9 teams can always count on.
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.]
And so, I signed the USO K-9 appreciation card today, March 13th, 2024, in order to support the USO's following statement: "Our heroic K-9 teams are putting their lives on the line alongside our troops in some of the world’s most dangerous places to keep us safe and free. We need to let them know we’ve got their backs." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our military dogs, their handlers and all American troops, "We are so grateful for your courageous service. Thank you for all you do to protect 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, "March 13th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 5th, 2024":
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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March 14th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) today, March 14th, 2024, with the subject line, "Sign the pledge to support NY [New York] farm worker organizing", which stated the following:
United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW
Sign the pledge to support NY farm worker organizing
Farm workers are excluded from most federal labor laws. In 2019, NY passed the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act which gives farm workers the right to unionize in NY state. Since then we've won union representation at five farms so far, with more pending.
Rather than recognize their workers' choice to unionize, the growers banded together to sue the state and stop the law. They targeted the fact that many workers who want to unionize are H-2A workers. They want to overturn the law and strip NY farmworkers of their rights.
On February 21, a US District Judge in New York lifted the bulk of a temporary stay that had put the workers' rights on hold. With the law now restored, we will be taking swift action on our pending cases.
We must also move quickly at the five farms whose workforces have chosen to join the UFW and get those contracts negotiated so workers can get the fair union contract they voted for. A difficulty is that many of the workers are H-2A workers who have been sent back to their native countries and we need to have them recalled. The grower stall tactic stopped negotiations where one of our first asks would be workers being recalled by seniority.
Our organizers have already resumed the work on the ground which will be harder than ever. The growers' frivolous lawsuit has already caused irreparable harm to farm workers across New York. We've lost time and momentum. Plus, it's going to take an incredible effort to protect against retaliation and fight the continued attempts at union busting we have seen so far.
Sign the pledge today to support these courageous workers who have risked their livelihoods to get the protection of a UFW contract.
PS: Spread the word by sharing 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:
Sign the pledge to support NY farm worker organizing
Farm workers are excluded from most federal labor laws. In 2019, NY passed the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act which gives farm workers the right to unionize in NY state. Since then we've won union representation at five farms so far, with more pending.
Rather than recognize their workers' choice to unionize, the growers banded together to sue the state and stop the law. They targeted the fact that many workers who want to unionize are H-2A workers. They want to overturn the law and strip NY farmworkers of their rights.
On February 21, a US District Judge in New York lifted the bulk of a temporary stay that had put the workers' rights on hold. With the law now restored, we will be taking swift action on our pending cases.
We must also move quickly at the five farms whose workforces have chosen to join the UFW and get those contracts negotiated so workers can get the fair union contract they voted for. A difficulty is that many of the workers are H-2A workers who have been sent back to their native countries and we need to have them recalled. The grower stall tactic stopped negotiations where one of our first asks would be workers being recalled by seniority.
Our organizers have already resumed the work on the ground which will be harder than ever. The growers' frivolous lawsuit has already caused irreparable harm to farm workers across New York. We've lost time and momentum. Plus, it's going to take an incredible effort to protect against retaliation and fight the continued attempts at union busting we have seen so far.
Sign the pledge today to support these courageous workers who have risked their livelihoods to get the protection of a UFW contract.
Contact Information
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional):
NY farmworker organizing pledge
I support NY farm workers and demand their employers stop legal delay tactics and negotiate with the workers' union, the UFW. A majority of workers at five companies have voted to be represented by the United Farm Workers and workers at two other companies have sought union representation. These employers must provide a workplace free from threats, harassment, and retaliation. I proudly pledge to stand with these New York farm workers in their struggle for union representation. Keep me in the loop and let me know how I can help.
*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:
Farm workers won! We're able to organize again in NY. A US District Judge in New York lifted the bulk of a temporary stay that had put the workers' rights on hold. Sign the pledge to support NY farm worker organizing.
https://act.seiu.org/a/nypledge?ms=email&ceid=442257#!
And so, I wanted to share this email from United Farm Workers in order to show my support for "the pledge to support NY [New York] farm worker organizing." –Paul Whiting (March 14th, 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 United Farm Workers (UFW) on March 8th, 2024 (please see my 'March 8th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 7th, 2024,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to UFW for March 2024.
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March 15th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 14th, 2024, As Well As March 13th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 15th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 15th, 2024, yesterday, March 14th, 2024, as well as two days ago, March 13th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 13th, 2024 search:
01. CNN
Top news outlets acknowledge Hur’s characterization of Biden’s mental state didn’t match reality
By Oliver Darcy | Updated 7:11 AM EDT, Wed March 13, 2024
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March 14th, 2024 search:
02. Al Jazeera
US Senate leader Chuck Schumer calls for new Israel elections amid Gaza war
Schumer called Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu one of several 'major obstacles' to peace in Gaza, in harshest criticism yet.
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | 14 Mar 2024
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March 13th, 2024 search:
03. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Marking The 4-Year Anniversary of the Covid Pandemic
Covid was declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020. Even as the threat of severe illness and death has faded, the pandemic’s effects linger.
By Julie Bosman | March 13, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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March 14th, 2024 search:
04. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Israel war live updates: Schumer: Israel should vote Netanyahu out
Israel should hold elections and oust Netanyahu, Schumer says in harsh speech: Live updates
---------------------------------------------
March 15th, 2024 search:
05. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Supreme Court defines when public officials may block critics on personal social media accounts
By Maureen Groppe | March 15, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 14th, 2024 search:
06. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Numbers in special counsel report refute Trump's claim that Biden had 'more documents'
Biden had 88 documents, while Trump had about 340 documents.
By Katherine Faulders, Alexander Mallin and Soo Rin Kim | March 12, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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March 13th, 2024 search:
07. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Hur report transcript: Truth about Biden's memory of Beau Biden death (What special counsel Robert Hur claimed about Beau Biden – and what transcript actually shows)
By Michael Collins | March 13, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 14th, 2024 search:
08. CNN
GOP nominee to run North Carolina public schools called for violence against Democrats, including executing Obama and Biden
By Andrew Kaczynski and Em Steck | March 14, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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March 14th, 2024 search:
09. Politico
‘License to kill’: Anti-abortion groups rage against the GOP
Some groups are running ads against longstanding GOP allies that use the same graphic imagery — blood, babies and scalpels — they have long deployed to oppose Democrats and the abortion-rights movement.
By Megan Messerly and Alice Miranda Ollstein | 03/12/2024
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March 14th, 2024 search:
10. NBC News
Republicans take aim at new move by judiciary to curb 'judge-shopping'
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell accused the judiciary of responding to complaints made by Democrats about the practice recently used by conservative groups and Republican attorneys general.
By Lawrence Hurley | March 14, 2024
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March 14th, 2024 search:
11. AP News
Republicans push back on new federal court policy aimed at 'judge shopping' in national cases
By Lindsay Whitehurst | Updated 3:24 PM PDT, March 14, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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March 13th, 2024 search:
12. The New Republic
How the Media Whitewashes the Trump-MAGA Threat—Revealed by an Insider
A newsroom veteran turned press critic explains how the conventions of political journalism sanitize the true nature of Donald Trump’s stated intent to destroy democracy.
The Daily Blast with Greg Sargent | March 12, 2024
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a podcast.
Plus, after I listened to this podcast on March 13th, 2024, I made a one-time donation to The New Republic out of gratitude for this very informative podcast!
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March 14th, 2024 search:
13. Planetizen | Urban Planning ("Planetizen is a fiercely independent platform that creates, curates, and amplifies stories and resources to inform planning and people passionate about planning.")
How Public Transit Became Political
A number of factors explain the partisan divide in support for transit.
By Diana Ionescu | March 14, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 14th, 2024 search:
14. KGW ("...a television station in Portland, Oregon, United States, affiliated with NBC.")
Survey: Downtown Portland businesses feel optimistic
By Andy Giegerich (Portland Business Journal) | March 14, 2024
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March 14th, 2024 search:
15. Central Oregon Daily ("Broadcasting & media production company")
Portland, Oregon's name was decided on a coin flip | Destination Oregon (The Ermatinger House -- and how a coin flip gave Portland its name)
By Dave Jones | Mar 14, 2024
By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is untitled.
---------------------------------------------
And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written March 15th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
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March 16th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, March 16th, 2024, with the subject line, "Tell SCOTUS to protect mifepristone access", 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,
You may be hearing a lot about “fetal personhood” laws, especially as they relate to Alabama’s recent ruling that stored embryos are children https://www.vox.com/policy/24090347/alabama-ivf-ruling-fetal-personhood-abortion-embryos.
But Alabama isn’t the only state where this is an issue. In fact, more than one-third of U.S. states have laws that give fetuses — and even embryos, in some cases — the same legal rights as a person. Opponents of reproductive freedom are using “personhood” not only to eliminate access to abortion and IVF. These “personhood” laws can, and have, opened the door to criminalizing pregnant people for deeply personal matters like miscarriages and stillbirths.
This is really scary, Paul. And we can’t let politicians and activists who want to ban abortion get away with interfering in treatments that help people create a family.
Thank you for being a part of this fight.
In solidarity,
[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.*
Month Endorsement News
We're committed to supporting these champions of reproductive health. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse:
Raquel Terán (AZ-03)
Raquel Terán has spent her career organizing in Arizona for higher wages for workers, affordable health care for families, and better schools for children. She previously served in the Arizona State Senate as Senate Minority Leader where she fought everyday to help give her community the tools they needed to get ahead. Before that, she served as chair of the Arizona Democratic Party. She also has worked with the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona as an advocate for reproductive health and rights, including on implementing Latinx outreach efforts in the state. Raquel would be the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress.
Emily Randall (WA-06)
Emily Randall has built a career helping expand access to affordable health care. In 2016 she went to work at Planned Parenthood Federation of America with a mission of helping people access health care, including abortion care. After that, she ran for elected office, organizing a grassroots campaign to successfully flip a Washington State Senate seat. She quickly rose to leadership in the State Senate and led passage of landmark legislation to help her community - from protecting abortion access, to expanding Medicaid, to improving apprenticeship programs for high school graduates. If elected, Emily would be the first LGBTQ Latina in Congress, and the first LGBTQ member from the state of Washington.
Take Action: Tell the U.S. Supreme Court: Protect access to mifepristone!
Later this month, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in the court case that threatens access to mifepristone, one of two medicines commonly used for medication abortion. We will say this until we are blue in the face: Mifepristone is safe and has been used for decades by millions of patients.
The politicians trying to ban abortion are hellbent on undercutting the FDA’s authority and forcing the trusted agency to reverse its decision to lift medically unnecessary restrictions on mifepristone.
This is just another in a long line of politically motivated attacks on reproductive rights. Everyone should have the freedom to make their own health care decisions. Tell the U.S. Supreme Court: Protect access to mifepristone!
Take action >>***
[Blogger's Note: I was seriously thinking about taking this action by adding my name to the People's Brief, which states the following:
The lower courts' rulings in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, which tried to roll back access nationwide to mifepristone, are unconscionable and inconsistent with the law. Now, the Supreme Court has the opportunity to reverse the extreme decisions of the lower courts and put an end to this baseless lawsuit.
Mifepristone — approved more than 20 years ago and used effectively by millions of people for medication abortion — is safe.
Anti-abortion extremists are attempting to weaponize the courts to ban abortion nationwide, even in states that have legal protections for abortion access.
This is why I'm joining Planned Parenthood Federation of America and people across the country in urging the Court to uphold the law and protect access to medication abortion.
However, I try not to tell the Supreme Court of the United States how to rule on a case that is being heard by them, because I am afraid that they may take offense since I am simply a private citizen and not a lawyer, or a judge. Thus—to the best of my knowledge—I have never actually signed a petition to the Supreme Court asking them to rule one way, or another, on any particular case. That is why I opted to not take this specific action.]
State Spotlight: Montana
In other, better news: A Montana judge declared that 3 of its laws restricting abortion were unconstitutional. These laws, passed in 2021, would have:
[✓] Banned abortion at 20 weeks
[✓] Barred doctors from prescribing medication abortions via telehealth
[✓] Required a 24-hour waiting period for medication abortions
[✓] And required doctors to offer an ultrasound with sound and images prior to an abortion
"As we celebrate today, we will continue to build on this win to fight for equitable abortion access in Montana and beyond," said [name redacted], [title redacted] of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Read more >>
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/29/1235084997/montana-judge-declares-3-laws-restricting-abortion-unconstitutional
Around the Web
BBC: France makes abortion a constitutional right
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68471568
NPR: How states giving rights to fetuses could set up a national case on abortion
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/05/1235970171/how-states-giving-rights-to-fetuses-could-set-up-a-national-case-on-abortion
AP News: Nebraska’s new law limiting abortion and trans healthcare is argued before the state Supreme Court
https://apnews.com/article/transgender-abortion-nebraska-supreme-court-579472ab7aeb14db59dd26880116f164
Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org
***[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.]
By the way, I read all of the articles referenced in the email above including the article regarding 'Alabama’s recent ruling that stored embryos are children,' which is titled, "Fetal personhood laws, explained." 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 the newsletter, if I haven't already taken that same requested action (or, those same requested actions), as noted from previous 'updates.'
*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 can be found below:
Become a Planned Parenthood Action Fund Associate Member.
By submitting this form, I affirm that I want to become an associate member of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]
SUBMIT
And, after submitting the form above, I received a confirmation email today, March 16th, 2024, from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund with the subject line, "Thank you for your Associate Membership!", which stated the following:
Dear Paul,
Thank you for standing with us as an Associate Member of Planned Parenthood Action Fund!
Membership is free and allows you full access to timely Action Fund updates, including information about our grassroots organizing, legislative and regulatory advocacy, electoral endorsements, and volunteer opportunities in your area — and gives you an opportunity to vote for a member of the Action Fund Board of Directors.
You can also follow Planned Parenthood Action Fund on Facebook and Twitter.
We are so glad to have you with us!
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
And to clarify: I usually make a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund after I renew my Associate Membership for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, however I renewed my Associate Membership two months ago on January 13th, 2024 (please see my 'January 13th, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) and I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund then "in order to show my support for the Action Fund Update monthly newsletter, as well as for my 'Associate Membership of Planned Parenthood Action Fund'"; thus, I opted to renew my Associate Membership without donating this month.**
–Paul Whiting (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 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." [Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 4, Written On December 1st, 2023 About November 2023' (that also appears as 'November 30th, 2023 Update No. 2, Written On December 1st, 2023' on some of my blogs), which can be found above.]
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March 17th, 2024 Update No. 1 [My Writing For St. Patrick's Day 2024]: Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!
By the way, the proper shortened name for St. Patrick's Day is "St. Paddy's Day," NOT "St. Patty's Day," as explained below from Merriam-Webster.com:
St. Patrick’s Day can be referred to in informal contexts as “St. Paddy’s Day.” Paddy is the shortened form of the original Irish spelling of Patrick, which is Pádraig, and for this reason is usually preferred over “St. Patty’s Day,” which could also be mistaken for the shortened form of the name Patricia.
And the following is 'My Writing' for St. Patrick's Day 2024 (or, "St. Paddy's Day," as noted above).
My Writing About 'A Bit Of Irish,' Version No. 1: There's a little bit of Irish in all of us! –Paul Whiting (written March 13th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
My Writing About 'A Bit Of Irish,' Version No. 2: There's a bit o' Irish in all of us! –Paul Whiting (written March 13th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
My Writing About Luck Not Being An Accident: Luck is no accident! For, luck is based upon hard work and honesty, assuming calculated risk, facing your fears, planning ahead and following through, making mistakes, then learning from those mistakes, and doing better in the future. Thus, the reason that you can be lucky in the future is because you were hard working and honest in the past! –Paul Whiting (written March 13th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
My Writing About Being Lucky In The Future: The reason that you can be lucky in the future is because you were hard working and honest in the past! –Paul Whiting (written March 13th, 2024 and revised March 17th, 2024)
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March 17th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses March 15th, 2024: Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!
By the way, the proper shortened name for St. Patrick's Day is "St. Paddy's Day," NOT "St. Patty's Day," as explained below from Merriam-Webster.com:
St. Patrick’s Day can be referred to in informal contexts as “St. Paddy’s Day.” Paddy is the shortened form of the original Irish spelling of Patrick, which is Pádraig, and for this reason is usually preferred over “St. Patty’s Day,” which could also be mistaken for the shortened form of the name Patricia.
I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, March 17th, 2024, with the subject line, "Reaching out to you personally with just hours to spare", which stated the following:
Paul,
The ACLU's mid-month fundraising deadline is at 11:59pm tonight, and we're falling drastically short of our goal. I'm reaching out to personally ask for your support.
Here's why I need you, and everybody reading this email, to make a donation and help us hit our goal:
The fight to restore, defend, and expand abortion care is at a crucial point. The U.S. Supreme Court will soon rule whether to let extreme restrictions on medication abortion go into effect nationwide. More and more attacks on reproductive freedom – from medication abortion all the way to IVF treatments – are being launched.
So we'll be clear:
[✓] It's the ACLU that is fighting to stop bans on abortion and other reproductive health care.
[✓] It's the ACLU that is fighting in the courts, at the ballot box, and in state legislatures to restore reproductive rights.
[✓] And – because the same extreme politicians coming after our power to control our own bodies, are also coming after so many other civil liberties as well – it's the ACLU that is fighting to expand access to the ballot box so every eligible voter can vote their values this November when it comes to protecting reproductive freedom and ALL our rights.
Paul, it's the ACLU who is fighting every step of the way for the civil liberties you care about. Period.
These fights are urgent, and they are necessary – now more than ever. That's why I'm calling on your support now:
Please, ahead of our midnight deadline, will you donate to help us hit our goal, protect reproductive freedom, and defend the rights of all people nationwide?
Thank you,
[Name redacted]
Pronouns: He, him, his
[Title redacted], ACLU
DONATE NOW***
In addition to the email above, I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) two days ago on March 15th, 2024, with the subject line, "Our civil liberties are on the line.", which stated the following:
48-HOUR ALERT:
Goal: $25,000
Deadline: March 17
Will you donate to help us keep up the fight for our civil liberties?
DONATE***
Paul, our mid-month fundraising deadline is Sunday, and if we can't close the fundraising gap for March, we may not be able to rise to meet all the challenges ahead.
And it's no secret how monumental those challenges are: From expanding voting access in a critical presidential election year to protecting abortion rights as more states pass extreme bans, it's going to take a massive amount of resources to keep up the fight for our freedoms.
That's why we set a goal to raise $25,000 before our mid-month deadline. We know it's ambitious, so we're counting on your help to reach it in time.
With so many challenges in the months ahead, the ACLU can only keep up our work if folks like you chip in. Will you rush a donation now to help us defend the rights of all people nationwide?
DONATE***
We've been leading every major fight for our civil liberties for more than 100 years and we need your help to keep up our work – just consider our to-do list in the coming months:
ACLU 2024 Agenda
[✓] Connect people facing criminal abortion charges with legal defense resources
[✓] Fight to protect medication abortion access and emergency abortion care at the Supreme Court
[✓] Confront unconstitutional anti-LGBTQ legislation in 40 states
[✓] Take state legislatures to court over racist voter suppression laws
Our nationwide network of attorneys, organizers, and staff is always ready to jump into action wherever our rights come under attack – but this critical work is fueled by supporters like you.
Paul, your immediate support is the only way we'll be able to keep fighting to protect the rights of abortion patients, voters, trans youth, and so many others. Can we count on you to rush a donation to help us reach our $25,000 goal and continue defending our civil liberties?
DONATE***
Together, we can build a more perfect union.
The ACLU Team
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 to the ACLU because "the ACLU's mid-month fundraising deadline is at 11:59pm tonight." That is why I contributed to help support the "ACLU 2024 Agenda" to 1) "Connect people facing criminal abortion charges with legal defense resources," 2) "Fight to protect medication abortion access and emergency abortion care at the Supreme Court," 3) "Confront unconstitutional anti-LGBTQ legislation in 40 states" and 4) "Take state legislatures to court over racist voter suppression laws." –Paul Whiting (written March 17th, 2024 and revised March 23rd, 2024)
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March 17th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses March 16th, 2024: Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!
By the way, the proper shortened name for St. Patrick's Day is "St. Paddy's Day," NOT "St. Patty's Day," as explained below from Merriam-Webster.com:
St. Patrick’s Day can be referred to in informal contexts as “St. Paddy’s Day.” Paddy is the shortened form of the original Irish spelling of Patrick, which is Pádraig, and for this reason is usually preferred over “St. Patty’s Day,” which could also be mistaken for the shortened form of the name Patricia.
This 'update' that I am writing today, March 17th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 17th, 2024, as well as yesterday, March 16th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
01. NBC
Trump says there will be a 'bloodbath' if he loses the election
Trump's comments came at a rally in Ohio in the context of auto manufacturing. The Biden campaign responded by criticizing the former president's "threats of political violence."
By Emma Barnett and Jillian Frankel | March 16, 2024
By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled, "Trump says there will be a ‘bloodbath’ if he isn’t reelected."
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
02. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
With green and glee, major US parades mark St. Patrick's Day — a little early
The United States' largest St. Patrick's Day parades are unfolding
By The Associated Press | March 15, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 16th, 2024 search:
03. The Guardian
Trump may not be in power, but his Ukraine rhetoric has spooked Europe
Republican presidential nominee can still undermine trust in US global leadership and is reminiscent of the GOP in the 1940s
By Robert Tait | 16 Mar 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
04. France 24
Trump warns US voters of a 'bloodbath' if he loses presidential election
Former US president Donald Trump warned of a "bloodbath for the country" if he is not elected in November.
By News Wires | 17/03/2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
05. Reuters
Trump predicts the end of U.S. democracy if he loses 2024 election
By Tim Reid | March 16, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
06. The Guardian
‘A campaign for vengeance’: critics warn of a radical second Trump term
After a chaotic first term, experienced advisers are ready to usher in a second presidency ‘driven by imaginary grievances’
By David Smith | 17 Mar 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
07. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
St. Patrick's Day 2024: Everything to know about the Irish holiday
By Kinsey Crowley, Marina Pitofsky and Erin Jensen | March 16, 2024
By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled, "Why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day."
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
08. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Donald Trump talks about 'bloodbath,' attacks immigrants as he rallies for Republican Senate pick in Ohio
Winner of Tuesday's primary will take on Sen. Sherrod Brown in a race that could determine which party controls the U.S. Senate
By Haley BeMiller | March 17, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
09. The Guardian
Trump predicts ‘bloodbath’ if he loses election and claims ‘Biden beat Obama’
Republican candidate insists at Ohio rally that Biden had beaten 'Barack Hussein Obama' in elections that never took place.
By Richard Luscombe | 17 Mar 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
10. Reuters
Biden campaign raises over $53 million in February fundraising
By Stephanie Kelly | March 17, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
11. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Campaign Raises $53 Million in February, Fueling Money Edge Over Trump
The president’s campaign and affiliated groups, including the D.N.C., hold a significant cash-on-hand advantage over Donald J. Trump and Republicans, as Mr. Trump continues to spend on legal bills.
By Nicholas Nehamas and Shane Goldmacher | March 17, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
12. Hindustan Times
‘I wish these were jokes’: Joe Biden mocks Trump's age, mental fitness at Washington press dinner
By Shweta Kukreti | Mar 17, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 16th, 2024 search:
13. The Independent
Trump says US will see 'bloodbath' if he's not re-elected: Live (Trump says US will see ‘bloodbath’ if he’s not re-elected and rages at teleprompter in wild Ohio rally)
Former President Donald Trump takes the stage at Ohio rally
By Oliver O'Connell | 16 March 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 16th, 2024 search:
14. Politico
Why the GOP Should Be Very Worried About Trump's RNC Purge
Installing loyalists for personal gain has proved ruinous in the past.
By William Hershey and John C. Green | 03/14/2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
15. NPR (National Public Radio)
How IVF is complicating Republicans' abortion messaging
By Lexie Schapitl | MARCH 16, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
16. NBC News
House Republicans say they support IVF but are divided over how to protect it
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said at the House GOP's annual retreat this week that his party strongly supports IVF but he doesn't believe Congress should legislate on it.
By Scott Wong and Rebecca Kaplan | March 14, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
17. The Guardian
Why the rift between anti-abortion activists and Republican lawmakers is growing
Alabama supreme court’s decision causing a temporary halt in IVF care shines spotlight on problem between two groups
By Ava Sasani | 17 Mar 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
18. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
How Trump Is Scrambling to Raise Cash
The former president is facing converging financial crunches as he and the Republican Party confront a shortfall against President Biden and the Democrats.
By Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman | March 16, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
19. Fox News
Biden campaign slams Trump over ‘political violence’ for warning of ‘bloodbath’ when discussing auto industry
Biden-Harris campaign accuses Trump of threatening political violence
By Greg Norman | March 17, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
20. NBC News
Judicial body says courts have discretion on new 'judge-shopping' policy after GOP backlash
The guidance follows Republican criticism of the judiciary's move to restrict an approach conservative lawyers have used to find a sympathetic jurists.
By Megan Lebowitz | March 15, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2024 search:
21. Hindustan Times
'Stop Now, Else...': Israeli Cities Erupt Against Netanyahu As Rafah Invasion Set To Begin | Watch
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
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 (March 17th, 2024)
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March 18th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 17th, 2024: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded today, March 18th, 2024, was an email from the Biden for President campaign that I received yesterday, March 17th, 2024, with the subject line, "You don’t want to miss this opportunity →", which stated the following:
Biden-Harris 2024
Paul, we'll cut to the chase:
There are just a few days left to enter our contest to meet President Biden, President Obama, and President Clinton.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we wanted to make sure you had a chance to enter before time runs out! All you have to do is donate today, and you and a friend could be headed on an all-expenses-paid trip (flight and hotel included!) to meet not one, not two, but THREE Presidents!
Quick, Paul: Donate $25 to our campaign today and you’ll be automatically put in the running to meet President Biden, President Obama, and President Clinton.
If you've saved payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[ ] $25 >>
[ ] $50 >>
[ ] $75 >>
[ ] $100 >>
[ ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***
As a committed monthly donor, we’d hate to see that you missed such an incredible opportunity.
Don’t pass up the chance to attend the event of a lifetime and meet Joe, Barack, and Bill. Chip in $25 today and you’ll be automatically entered to win.
ENTER TO WIN***
Good luck! We hope to see you there.
Thank you for all you do,
Biden 2024
"My dad used to have an expression -- 'It's the lucky person who gets up in the morning, puts both feet on the floor, knows what they are about to do, and thinks it still matters.' Your support matters. Your donation matters." -- Joe Biden
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Want to spend "An Evening with the Presidents"? Donate before Thursday's deadline!
By donating, you and a guest could win:
🇺🇸 An evening with President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama, and President Bill Clinton!
📸 A photo with the Presidents
✈️ Free flights and hotel stay for the event
Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Donate before Thursday's deadline for your chance to win and support Democrats nationwide.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Biden Victory Fund.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $46 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,000 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
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?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden Victory Fund (the Biden for President campaign) (without a tip to ActBlue) because "there are just a few days left to enter [the Biden Victory Fund's (the Biden for President campaign's)] contest to meet President Biden, President Obama, and President Clinton."
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Biden for President campaign (Biden Victory Fund) is because I simply wanted to enter to win "the chance to attend the event of a lifetime and meet Joe, Barack, and Bill," so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
Thus, this one campaign—Biden for President (Biden Victory Fund)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 18th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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March 19th, 2024 Update No. 1: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, March 19th, 2024, from the Katrina Shankland for Congress campaign, which stated the following:
Paul, it's Rep. Katrina Shankland with an important update: My opponent shouted at President Biden during the State of the Union. And this isn't the first time he's embarrassed our district on a national stage.
🗣️ Radical Derrick Van Orden harassed a teenaged librarian, aggressively screaming about the LGBTQ+ books on display during Pride Month.
🗣️ Radical Derrick was condemned by GOP leadership for yelling at Senate pages in the U.S. Capitol, and he interrupted important intelligence briefings with "offensive and inappropriate" behavior.
🗣️ Now, with millions watching, Radical Derrick Van Orden interrupted President Biden as he shared a positive, pro-democracy vision for our country.
Radical Derrick is extreme, erratic, and out of control. It's time we flipped this crucial seat in Wisconsin back to blue with a common-sense representative, and I'm the battle-tested candidate to do it. That’s why a dozen labor unions, Congressman Mark Pocan and Former Congressman Dave Obey have endorsed me, and when Republicans targeted my State Assembly seat, I beat them by double digits.
My End of Quarter Fundraising Deadline is right around the corner, and we need a large grassroots coalition to beat Derrick Van Orden in November. Can you please rush a $25 contribution today?***
***[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, 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:
KATRINA SHANKLAND FOR CONGRESS
Chip in to support Katrina Shankland in WI-03!
Katrina Shankland is running for Wisconsin's 3rd District to unseat extremist Derrick Van Orden.
She was born and raised in Central Wisconsin by two public school teachers, and throughout her 10-year career in the State Legislature, she's stood up for us. From strengthening water quality to fighting for workers rights to passing bills that help farmers and firefighters, she has the problem- solving and coalition-building skills to get things done.
Please join her pro-choice, pro-worker, pro-democracy campaign to flip this seat blue.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Katrina Shankland.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Katrina Shankland for Congress campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "Radical Derrick [Van Orden] is extreme, erratic, and out of control," so "it's time we flipped this crucial seat in Wisconsin back to blue with a common-sense representative, and [Katrina Shankland is] the battle-tested candidate to do it."
Thus, this one campaign—Katrina Shankland for Congress—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 19th, 2024 and revised April 17th, 2024)
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March 19th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) today, March 19th, 2024, with the subject line, "Next steps for NY [New York] organizing", which stated the following:
United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW
New York organizing back in action. Your donation can help!
Thanks to a judge's ruling, we're back to organizing in NY and need your support. Last October growers pulled a huge delay tactic and filed a federal lawsuit to block NY's farm worker organizing law. This move put all the farm workers' election victories on hold. Plus, it froze the enforcement mechanism of the farm worker law -- a move that left NY farm workers who've spoken out unprotected and victimized.
On February 21, the federal court judge dismissed almost all the frivolous and meritless claims the growers made to deny farm workers their right to join a union and lifted the temporary stay of the law. We have immediately resumed our work on the ground.
The growers’ frivolous lawsuit has already caused irreparable harm to farm workers across New York. We've lost time and momentum. It's going to take an incredible effort to protect against retaliation and fight attempts at union busting that the growers have engaged in so far. This will take major funds. In addition to the cost of organizing, there will be continued legal battles. The growers have made it clear they will continue to fight this law.
With the law now restored, we will be taking swift action on our pending cases. We must move quickly at the 5 farms whose workforces have chosen to join the UFW and get those contracts negotiated so workers can get the fair union contract they voted for.
One big challenge is that some are H-2A workers and have been sent back to their native countries. If it wasn’t for having to wait for the court decision, we would have been negotiating where one of our basic demands is workers being recalled according to seniority.
Under this new NY law, local and H-2A workers came together across borders and against the odds to build a multiracial farm worker union. Your donation can help make sure that farm workers in New York can get their hard-fought right to a union. We can’t let the growers with all their money and power try to stall them. Si Se Puede!
PS: Spread the word by sharing this campaign on Facebook & Twitter.*
***[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.]
*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:
Thanks to a judge's ruling, we're back to organizing in NY. It'll take incredible effort & funds to protect workers against retaliation & union busting. Your donation can help make sure that NY farmworkers get their hard-fought right to a union.
https://act.seiu.org/a/ny_organizing?am=25.00&ms=tellfriend_t&ceid=442257&snw=2&ref=91916a62-66f8-45e9-a54a-fac001f87e5e#!
And so, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers, because "on February 21, the federal court judge dismissed almost all the frivolous and meritless claims the growers made to deny farm workers their right to join a union and lifted the temporary stay of the law [or, the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act of 2019]." That is why "[my] donation can help make sure that farm workers in New York can get their hard-fought right to a union." –Paul Whiting (March 19th, 2024)
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March 19th, 2024 Update No. 3: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, March 19th, 2024, with the subject line, "tldr [too long; didn't read*]; People want health care", which stated the following:
Paul —
With reproductive rights on the ballot this year, we know there will be a lot of misinformation, misdirection, and outright lies about how Americans view abortion rights. So we want to be clear: There's no debate — Americans support sexual and reproductive health care.
Don't believe us? Here's what the numbers say:
Abortion access is super important to most Americans. In fact, 85% of Americans want abortion to be legal.
[START OF 1ST ROTATING GIF]
Rotating GIF featuring percentages of Americans supporting abortion access.
The percentages read:
85% of Americans want abortion to be legal.
64% of Americans oppose the 2022 Supreme Court decision to take away our federal constitutional right to abortion by overturning Roe v. Wade.
78% of Americans say the decision to have an abortion should be left to a woman and her doctor.
[END OF 1ST ROTATING GIF]
LEARN MORE:
https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/blog/what-people-really-think-about-sexual-reproductive-health
The vast majority of people want access to birth control.
[START OF 2ND ROTATING GIF]
Rotating GIF featuring percentages of Americans supporting access to birth control.
The percentages read:
89% of Americans support legal access to birth control pills.
71% of voters believe people should be able to get over-the-counter birth control pills.
91% of voters believe that if abortion is banned, birth control should be widely available.
[END OF 2ND ROTATING GIF]
LEARN MORE:
https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/blog/what-people-really-think-about-sexual-reproductive-health
Here's the bottom line: Pretty much everyone in the country wants sexual and reproductive health services to be easily accessible.
So why do out-of-touch politicians want to cut access and make it so difficult? They're out to control our decisions — and outright defy the American people, who overwhelmingly agree: You should be free to make your own decisions about your body and get the care you need.
But public support only matters if we mobilize people to speak up, take action, and vote. Help spread the word and share these stats with your network.
We're glad you're with us,
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
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:
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
What People Really Think About Sexual & Reproductive Health
Dec. 31, 2023
The TL;DR [too long; didn't read*]: People want health care
Sexual and reproductive health is super important to the vast majority of Americans — across the country people support more, not less, access to services.
Don’t believe me? Here’s what the polls say:
[✓] About 8 in 10 adults believe abortion is personal — a decision best made between a woman and her doctor.
[✓] 85% of Americans want abortion to be legal. Let me say that again: 85% of the people in this country believe abortion should be legal.
[✓] Today, 64% of U.S. adults say they oppose the 2022 Supreme Court decision to take away our federal constitutional right to abortion by overturning Roe v Wade.
The vast majority of people want access to birth control.
[✓] 89% of Americans support legal access to birth control pills.
[✓] 71% of voters believe people should be able to get over-the-counter birth control pills.
[✓] 91% of voters believe that if abortion is banned, birth control should be free and widely available.
Bottom line?
Mostly everyone in the country wants legal sexual and reproductive health services — and they want that care to be easy to get.
You might be wondering: Why do politicians across the country want to cut access and make this so hard? Simple. It’s because their goal is to control your body and your decisions — and punish people (mainly women — no surprise) for having sex.
They're out of touch with the American people, who agree: You should be making your own decisions about your body and you ought to have the freedom to get the care you need to do so. Period.
And so, I wanted to share this email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund in order to show my support for this "tldr*; People want health care" email message. –Paul Whiting (March 19th, 2024)
*P.S.: I actually had to look up what "tldr" (or, "TL;DR") means, which is an abbreviation for the phrase "too long; didn't read." (And—back in my day—this used to be referred to as, "the long and the short of it.") From Dictionary.com:
TL;DR
or TLDR, tl;dr, tldr
abbreviation
[Definition No.] 1. too long; didn't read:
a. (used, especially online, to introduce a summary of a lengthy text.)
b. (used as a comment, usually considered rude, on an online post, text message, etc., that is thought to be too lengthy.)
noun
[Definition No.] 2. a summary of a lengthy online post, text, article, etc. (often used attributively):
I'll do a longer writeup on this game in the thread, but the TL;DR is that it's exciting but pretty violent.
For people who don't have time for the whole thing, here is the tldr version.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/TLDR
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March 19th, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses March 18th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 19th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 19th, 2024, as well as yesterday, March 18th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 19th, 2024 search:
01. NBC News
The U.S. crime rate is still dropping, FBI data shows
Why does the public think it's going up? “There is definitely more disorder in cities than there was five years ago," said one expert. “People confuse disorder and crime."
By Ken Dilanian | March 19, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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March 18th, 2024 search:
02. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Supreme Court rejects appeal by former New Mexico county commissioner banned for Jan. 6 insurrection
The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by a former New Mexico county commissioner banished from public office for participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection
By Morgan Lee, Nicholas Riccardi and Mark Sherman | March 18, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 18th, 2024 search:
03. The Guardian
Putin bromance has US intelligence officials fearing second Trump term
Ex-president’s support for the Russian strongman has experts fretting over American interests and security sources overseas
Peter Stone | 18 Mar 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 18th, 2024 search:
04. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Trump has praised Hitler, Orbán and Kim Jong Un. We can't ignore it (Trump keeps praising dictators like Hitler and Kim Jong Un. Will Republicans ever care?)
Trump's affinity for autocrats makes it clear that he has his own ambitions for total control of the United States.
By Sara Pequeño | March 17, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 19th, 2024 search:
05. NBC News
Trump says Jews who vote for Democrats 'hate' Israel and 'their religion'
He made the comments in a lengthy interview with Sebastian Gorka, a conservative talk show host and former Trump aide.
By Megan Lebowitz | March 18, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 19th, 2024 search:
06. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Trump Says Jews Who Support Democrats 'Hate Israel' and 'Their Religion'
The comments, on a conservative radio program, echo an antisemitic trope and escalate claims he made as president that were widely criticized.
By Chris Cameron | March 18, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 19th, 2024 search:
07. CNN
Trump says any Jewish person who votes for Democrats ‘hates their religion’ and ‘everything about Israel’
By Kate Sullivan | Updated 8:05 AM EDT, Tue March 19, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 18th, 2024 search:
08. The Washington Post
Analysis | Republicans really want border reforms … until they hear Trump doesn't
By Philip Bump | March 15, 2024
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March 19th, 2024 search:
09. Ohio Capital Journal
Honorable Republicans who tell the truth about Trump have become an endangered species • Ohio Capital Journal
Out of 11 Republican candidates in Ohio’s 2nd U.S. House district primary, only Phil Heimlich has been willing to stand up for democracy
By Marilou Johanek | March 19, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 18th, 2024 search:
10. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Trump Defends His Warning of a 'Blood Bath for the Country'
He said he had been referring only to the auto industry.
By Maggie Astor | March 18, 2024
By the way, I also watched a video referenced in the article above on X (formerly Twitter) from @JoeBiden that is captioned "Donald Trump has shown us who he is, time and time again."
---------------------------------------------
March 18th, 2024 search:
11. CNN
Trump campaign defends his ‘bloodbath’ warning. Hear what political strategists think
The Trump campaign is saying that presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump was referring only to the US auto industry when he warned of a "bloodbath" if he wasn't elected. Republican strategist Alice Stewart and Democratic strategist Maria Cardona debate what he meant.
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date.
---------------------------------------------
March 19th, 2024 search:
12. Fox News
MSNBC, ABC, others vigorously defend Trump ‘bloodbath’ coverage: ‘We did not miss the full context’
MSNBC voices like Jen Psaki suggested the coverage was fair because Trump has often alluded to or embraced political violence
By Nikolas Lanum | March 19, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 19th, 2024 search:
13. AP News
UN weather agency issues 'red alert' on climate change after record heat, ice-melt increases in 2023
By Jamey Keaten and Seth Borenstein | Updated 3:11 PM PDT, March 19, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 19th, 2024 search:
14. Al Jazeera
UN weather agency issues ‘red alert’ on climate change after record heat
The World Meteorological Organization warns there is a ‘high probability’ that 2024 will be another record-hot year
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | 19 Mar 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 19th, 2024 search:
15. Voice of America
Expert Sounds 'Red Alert' About Climate Crisis, Calls it Humanity's 'Defining Challenge'
By Lisa Schlein | March 19, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
---------------------------------------------
March 18th, 2024 search:
16. 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.")
Photos: Portland St. Patrick’s Day Parade
By Sean Meagher | Mar. 17, 2024
---------------------------------------------
March 18th, 2024 search:
17. 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.")
He started Portland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 34 years ago. And he’s not even Irish
By Samantha Swindler | Mar. 07, 2024
[Blogger's Note: The article above titled, "He started Portland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 34 years ago...," was referenced in the previous article titled, "Photos: Portland St. Patrick’s Day Parade." And in order to read this 'subscriber only' article on OregonLive.com, I paid for a $1.00 'one-day pass' subscription on March 18th, 2024. So, I feel like it's "the Luck of the Irish," so to speak, that The Oregonian offered this kind of one-day subscription because, otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to enjoy this article! And, truth be told, I have thought to myself on more than one occasion, "I wish news organizations would offer a way to let you read an article on their website—for $1.00, or so—without having to pay for a full subscription, or even without having to pay for a trial subscription." (Clearly, I am paraphrasing what I thought.) Then, lo and behold, The Oregonian offered this $1.00 subscription 'day pass,' so that I could read this article about "Portland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade." And, even though I'm not Irish, I'm tellin' ya that it's "the Luck o' the Irish" at play... But then, as I posted on St. Patrick's Day on this blog, "there's a little bit of Irish in all of us!" (Please see my 'March 17th, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above.)]
---------------------------------------------
And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (March 19th, 2024)
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March 20th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, March 20th, 2024, with the subject line "A word for our nation’s leadership on the anniversary of the Iraq War", which stated the following:
Paul,
21 years ago, we went to war in Iraq.
I still remember writing my will at only 22 years old as my unit and I prepared to go over there. I definitely wasn’t the same after that sobering exercise, and especially not after returning from war.
War changes you. It changed some of my fellow veterans in really terrible ways – like my buddy who was repeatedly asked to deploy by our nation’s leaders and who now has to sleep in a separate bedroom from his wife because his night terrors are too much for her to handle.
I was also fortunate enough to have made it home from my two combat deployments to Iraq, but we all have buddies who weren't as lucky. When a fellow platoon leader lost his life making the very moves I would’ve made if I had been assigned the mission he got on that day, I made a promise to myself: That I would live worthy of his sacrifice.
And that’s exactly what IAVA is doing. We’re pushing our leadership to not just profess that they’ll do right by our veterans, our troops, and their families; to not just promise to help us achieve our legislative priorities; but to show us that they’re willing to put it all on the line for what we’re so lucky to have here in America, just like we did in Iraq and elsewhere post-9/11.
That’s what we need more than anything out of leadership right now in this most important year in our nation’s history.
Onward!
[Name redacted]
Iraq War Veteran
[Title redacted], IAVA
P.S. Veterans have paid their dues so IAVA membership is always free. However, we rely on voluntary donations from supporters like you. If you can, please chip in to support IAVA's ability to fight on behalf of the post-9/11 generation of veterans.
DONATE***
***[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 to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) in order to show my support for our U.S. Veterans!
–Paul Whiting (March 20th, 2024)
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For my "March 21st, 2024 Update No. 1"—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:
March 21st, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, March 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "EXCLUSIVE ACCESS EXPIRING", which stated the following:
VOTE NOW***
LAST CHANCE
[Images of two USO T-shirt designs.]
Vote for your favorite
USO T-shirt design now,
to be among the
first to get yours!
VOTE NOW***
DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT
The voting in our USO T-shirt Design Contest is closer than we could have ever expected, Paul. Any single vote right now could make a difference. Will you submit yours now?
VOTE NOW***
We thought we would already be able to announce the winning design for this year's USO T-shirt by now, Paul, but there have been so many last-minute votes coming in that there's no way for us to determine the winner yet.
Since you're one of the supporters we wanted to hear from, we encourage you to submit your final vote before the midnight deadline to make sure your opinion is counted. And when you do, you'll ensure you'll be among the first to hear which design won and get exclusive early access to your T-shirt before it's available to others.
So please, Paul, with the voting almost over — please confirm your preferred design now:
[Images of two USO T-shirt designs.]
VOTE NOW***
— 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.]
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:
VOTE NOW
We’re so grateful to have patriotic Americans like you by our side. Please select your favorite option below to help us decide the winning 2024 USO T-shirt design, and you will be among the first to know when it’s released!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Choose your favorite:
[✓] T-shirt Option 1
[ ] T-shirt Option 2
VOTE NOW
And so, I voted for "T-shirt Option 1" which has a full American Flag waving above the USO's logo with the phrase "FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE" underneath the logo and "EST. 1941" (or, 'Established 1941') below the above-mentioned phrase.
[And "T-shirt Option 2" has a circle around a small portion of the American Flag—that shows about 19 of the stars and about 11 of the red and white strips—which reads "FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE" at the top of the circle and "PROUDLY SUPPORTING SINCE 1941" at the bottom of the circle.]
Plus, 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 to keep them connected to home. But we can’t do that without support from military supporters like you. Every dollar you give supports our heroes and their families – so please, donate now."
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, "March 21st, 2024 Update No. 1":
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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March 21st, 2024 Update No. 2: I have consolidated the individual 'updates' that write regarding the political campaign, or political organization, 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 political donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual political campaign donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
Therefore, I have combined every campaign, or organization, 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 individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, donations! By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, 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.
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per campaign, or $5.00 per political organization, for the entire election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, 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 communication to which I responded was a text message today, March 21st, 2024, from the Lois Frankel for Congress (Frankel for Congress) campaign, which stated the following:
Paul, it's Congresswoman Lois Frankel, and when it comes to my self-funded opponent, we've seen signs he's too extreme for our community. Let's review:
❌He opposes protecting reproductive rights and wants the government to make private healthcare decisions for women and families.
❌He aligns himself with extreme Republicans who want to cut Medicare and Social Security
❌He rejects common-sense gun violence prevention measures to keep our students and communities safe.
Paul, I've been a proud voice against far-right extremism and a consistent advocate to protect reproductive rights and IVF [in vitro fertilization]. Now, this is shaping up to be one of our closest races in years in a MUST-WIN seat to take back the House—can you chip in $20.24 to become a Founding Donor today?
***[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, 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:
LOIS FRANKEL FOR CONGRESS
Contribute now:
Congresswoman Lois Frankel is running in a MUST- WIN seat for Democrats to take back the House against an anti-choice extremist. Donate today to support Lois' decades-long fight to protect reproductive freedom and support working families.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Lois Frankel.
[ ] Donate $5 →
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $20.24 →
[ ] Donate $35 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Lois Frankel for Congress (Frankel for Congress) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to contribute "[$3.00] to become a Founding Donor" of Congresswoman Lois Frankel's reelection campaign.
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The second political communication to which I responded was a text message today, March 21st, 2024, from the Jessica Swartz for Congress (Jessica for Michigan) campaign, which stated the following:
Hi – my name is Jessica Swartz. I’m a public interest attorney, Girl Scout troop leader, and pro-choice mom running for Congress in MI-04.
This is a swing district where we have a clear path to defeating an out-of-touch extremist Republican who supports anti-choice legislation so extreme it would outlaw IVF [in vitro fertilization] treatment.
My opponent also supported a national abortion ban that would overturn Michigan’s constitutional protections for our right to choice, and called criticisms of his radical positions "faux outrage."
His actions in Congress have been partisan and cruel – and I’m running to defeat him.
Will you work with me to flip this seat from red to blue and unseat an anti-choice incumbent by chipping in $4, $10, $25, or any other amount today?***
Thanks so much for your support!
– Jessica
***[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, 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:
JESSICA SWARTZ FOR CONGRESS
Contribute to Jessica Swartz
Support Jessica's campaign by making a contribution now >>
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Jessica Swartz.
[ ] DONATE $4 →
[ ] DONATE $10 →
[ ] DONATE $25 →
[ ] DONATE $50 →
[ ] DONATE $75 →
[ ] DONATE $125 →
[ ] 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 $2 tip?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Jessica Swartz for Congress (Jessica for Michigan) campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Jessica Swartz is] a public interest attorney, Girl Scout troop leader, and pro-choice mom running for Congress in MI-04" whose Republican opponent "supported a national abortion ban that would overturn Michigan’s constitutional protections for our right to choice" and "who supports anti-choice legislation so extreme it would outlaw IVF treatment."
Thus, these two campaigns—Lois Frankel for Congress (Frankel for Congress), as well as Jessica Swartz for Congress (Jessica for Michigan)—are the political campaigns that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 21st, 2024 and revised March 23rd, 2024)
P.S.: Alright, I have a big announcement to make: I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis!
And I have made this decision based upon how much these individual political campaign donations are costing in my 'monthly donating budget'—even though I am only donating $3.00 with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue—since I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month, starting in 2024! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
Therefore, at the start of 2024, I calculated that I could still make ONE $3.00 donation per political campaign for the entire election cycle. And that means after I have made that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I have only donated once per campaign, which is what I have been doing so far!
However, it's still more than I can afford given my 'monthly donating budget,' which is why I have decided to stop donating to individual political campaigns entirely—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And so, I will still be making some donations to individual political campaigns (such as to Joe Biden's campaign for President of the United States, or to local campaigns here in Oregon), but I am not donating like I have been up until this point—which has been virtually every time that I have received a political campaign donation request via email or text message—because I seriously cannot afford to donate that much for the rest of the 2024 Presidential Election cycle, as well as for the foreseeable future.
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March 21st, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses March 20th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 21st, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for the news articles that I read from the news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters. However, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' through Google searches, I figured out that I don't really have enough time available, nor enough cellular data available, to be able to continue writing those email newsletter 'updates.' Although, I do continue to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe and I read the titles of their articles to get an overview of what is happening in the world.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 21st, 2024, as well as yesterday, March 20th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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March 20th, 2024 search:
01. NBC News
Republican budget would raise the age of retirement for Social Security
A budget by the Republican Study Committee, a group of more than 170 GOP lawmakers, highlights how many in the party would seek to govern if Republicans win in November.
By Sahil Kapur | March 20, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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March 21st, 2024 search:
02. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to USA Today.)
Trump saluted the J6 Prison Choir. How he is trying to rewrite history of deadly Capitol riot
By Zac Anderson | March 20, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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March 21st, 2024 search:
03. AP News
Biden touts Arizona as America's 'future' as government invests $8.5 billion in chipmaker Intel
By Josh Boak and Seung Min Kim | Updated 6:14 PM PDT, March 20, 2024
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March 20th, 2024 search:
04. Politico
Biden expands his fundraising advantage over Trump
The president reported taking in $21 million in February.
By Elena Schneider, Jessica Piper and Zach Montellaro | 03/20/2024
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March 20th, 2024 search:
05. CNN
Biden and Obama look to capitalize on Trump’s latest threats to repeal Obamacare
By Arlette Saenz, Michael Williams and Tami Luhby | Updated 3:04 PM EDT, Wed March 20, 2024
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March 20th, 2024 search:
06. CNN
Trump raises over $20 million in February with nearly $42 million in cash on hand, far behind Biden and Democrats
By Kristen Holmes, Fredreka Schouten, Alayna Treene and Kate Sullivan | Updated 8:28 PM EDT, Wed March 20, 2024
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March 21st, 2024 search:
07. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Nearly half of Haley voters in Ohio say they'd back Biden: Exit polls
The extent of intraparty challenges may matter in November.
By Gary Langer, Christine Filer, and David Sichinava | March 19, 2024
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March 21st, 2024 search:
08. AP News
Trump's latest 2024 campaign fundraising report shows him lagging behind Biden in cash
By Michelle L. Price and Aaron Kessler | Updated 4:10 PM PDT, March 21, 2024
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March 21st, 2024 search:
09. CBS News
Trump's campaign, fundraising arms spent over $10 million on legal fees in 2024, as Biden spends on ads, new staff
By Jacob Rosen and Aaron Navarro | March 21, 2024
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March 21st, 2024 search:
10. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Election Updates: Trump's new fund-raising deal sends money to PAC paying his legal bills before the party.
By Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman | March 21, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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March 20th, 2024 search:
11. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
In Pennsylvania's Senate race, Casey puts 'greedflation' and corporations on the ballot
For Democrats trying to defend the White House and Senate majority, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is emerging as the tip of the spear in trying to reframe the election-year narrative around inflation
By Marc Levy Associated Press | March 21, 2024
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March 21st, 2024 search:
12. CBS News
Trump's comments on Jews who vote for Democrats draw outrage
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | Updated on: March 19, 2024
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March 21st, 2024 search:
13. Los Angeles Times
Border debate swaying Democrats, possibly control of Congress
By Andrea Castillo | March 21, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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March 20th, 2024 search:
14. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Trump keeps losing some Republican primary voters to Haley: Will it matter when he faces Biden?
"Oh, they'll vote for me again," he [Donald Trump] has boasted.
By Adam Carlson, Hannah Demissie and Libby Cathey | March 20, 2024
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March 21st, 2024 search:
15. AP News
Trump's invite to major donors prioritizes the committee paying his legal bills over the RNC
By Michelle L. Price | Updated 5:42 PM PDT, March 21, 2024
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March 21st, 2024 search:
16. Rolling Stone
House Republicans Endorse National Abortion Ban
After Trump said he could support a 15-week national abortion ban, a caucus that includes most House Republicans has endorsed the idea
By Andrew Perez | March 21, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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March 20th, 2024 search:
17. People's World ("People’s World is a voice for progressive change and ... it provides news and analysis of, by, and for the labor and democratic movements to our readers across the country and around the world.")
End the 24-hour workday: NYC home health workers begin hunger strike
By Jacob Buckner | March 20, 2024
By the way, after I read this article on March 20th, 2024, I noticed the People's World donation request below, which stated the following:
We hope you appreciated this article. At People’s World, we believe news and information should be free and accessible to all, but we need your help. Our journalism is free of corporate influence and paywalls because we are totally reader-supported. Only you, our readers and supporters, make this possible. If you enjoy reading People’s World and the stories we bring you, please support our work by donating or becoming a monthly sustainer today. Thank you!
People's World Fund Drive
When you donate to People’s World, you are making an investment in a better future.
When you donate to People’s World, YOU OWN IT!
Thank you.
Select an Amount
[✓] $5
[ ] $10
[ ] $20
[ ] $100
[ ] Other $0.00
Make this donation Onetime/Recurring:
[✓] Onetime
[ ] Recurring
https://peoplesworld.org/donate
Thank you!
Thank you for contributing to People’s World. Your donation is being processed. Soon, you will receive an email confirming it has been received.
And so, I made a one-time donation to People’s World out of a heartfelt compassion for the article that I just read, since "at People’s World, [they] believe news and information should be free and accessible to all." So, that is why "[People’s World] journalism is free of corporate influence and paywalls because [they] are totally reader-supported."
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March 21st, 2024 search:
18. New York Magazine
The Hunger Strike to End 24-Hour Shifts
By Sarah Jones | MAR. 21, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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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 (March 21st, 2024)
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March 22nd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 19th, 2024 Through March 21st, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 22nd, 2024, is from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email for the time period of March 19th, 2024 through March 22nd, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing separate news 'updates' from my news searches on Google, I also decided to restart writing these 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And highlighted articles from those Google news searches are provided through their own 'updates.'
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of March 19th, 2024 through March 22nd, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
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These are The New York Times articles which I received for the time period of March 19th, 2024 through March 22nd, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following are The New York Times articles that I read on March 19th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 19th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Trump accused American Jews who vote for Democrats of hating their religion and “everything about Israel.” ...
Trump Says Jews Who Support Democrats ‘Hate Israel’ and ‘Their Religion’
The comments, on a conservative radio program, echo an antisemitic trope and escalate claims he made as president that were widely criticized.
By Chris Cameron | March 18, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 19th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Russia uses fake journalists to tell elaborate fabrications online to try to discredit Volodymyr Zelensky and undercut aid to Ukraine. ...
From Russia, Elaborate Tales of Fake Journalists
As the Ukraine war grinds on, the Kremlin has created increasingly complex fabrications online to discredit Ukraine’s leader and undercut aid. Some have a Hollywood-style plot twist.
By Steven Lee Myers | March 18, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 19th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Wall Street is monetizing old hit songs. That gives the music industry less incentive to be creative...
Same Old Song: Private Equity Is Destroying Our Music Ecosystem
By Marc Hogan | March 18, 2024
The following is The New York Times article that I read on March 20th, 2024:
Outside Groups Pledge Over $1 Billion to Aid Biden’s Re-election Effort
The League of Conservation Voters, among the biggest spenders on progressive causes, said it would put $120 million behind President Biden and Democrats as his Republican rival faces cash woes.
By Reid J. Epstein | March 19, 2024
The following are The New York Times articles that I read yesterday, March 21st, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 21st, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Biden’s campaign had more than twice the amount of money the Trump campaign had at the end of last month. ...
Biden Widens His Financial Lead Over Trump
New federal filings on Wednesday showed the president’s campaign with a nearly $40 million advantage over the Trump campaign at the end of last month.
By Rebecca Davis O’Brien | March 20, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 21st, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
A White House plan to cut housing costs
A Biden administration report released today called for more aggressive federal action to drive down costs for home buyers and renters. The plan, which includes pressuring cities to relax zoning restrictions, takes aim at one of the biggest economic challenges facing President Biden as he runs for re-election.
Most of the White House’s recommendations involve using federal money to encourage local governments to allow more building — including of low-income housing and smaller starter homes. The policies are unlikely to become law anytime soon, but they may serve as a blueprint for Biden’s plans if he returns for a second term. ...
Biden Suggests a Bigger Federal Role to Reduce Housing Costs
A new report focuses on the prolonged struggle to build affordable housing across America and suggests federal incentives to help.
By Jim Tankersley and Conor Dougherty | March 21, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 21st, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Economy: Large grocers took advantage of supply chain disruptions to beat out smaller rivals and protect profits during the pandemic, the Federal Trade Commission said. ...
Large Grocers Took Advantage of Pandemic Supply Chain Disruptions, F.T.C. Finds
A report found that large firms pressured suppliers to favor them over competitors. It also concluded that some retailers “seem to have used rising costs as an opportunity to further hike prices.”
By Madeleine Ngo | March 21, 2024
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, March 22nd, 2024, from the 'On Politics' email of the same day:
Trump’s Deal With R.N.C. Prioritizes PAC Paying His Lawyers
A share of donations taken in by the Republican National Committee will go to the group footing his legal bills before any of the cash goes to the party itself.
By Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman | March 21, 2024
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The Very Rich G.O.P. Senate Candidates Bidding for Working-Class Votes
With Democrats at a fund-raising advantage, the G.O.P. has backed candidates who can self-fund. But their wealth is likely to factor in the fight for Senate control.
By Jonathan Weisman | March 21, 2024
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These are the USA Today articles which I received for the time period of March 19th, 2024 through March 21st, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following are the USA Today articles that I read on March 19th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 19th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Trump yet again made comments which Jewish leaders called antisemitic. ...
Groups, leaders call Donald Trump's comments about Jewish voters defamatory and antisemitic
By David Jackson and Marina Pitofsky | March 18, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 19th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
A different kind of March madness: ...Far-right conspiracy theories threw one voter integrity system into peril. ...
How far-right conspiracy theories threw this voter integrity system into peril
By Erin Mansfield | March 19, 2024
The following are the USA Today articles that I read on March 20th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 20th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will join the president to mobilize supporters around protecting the ACA. ...
Obama, Pelosi join Biden to mobilize voters ahead of Affordable Care Act anniversary
By Rachel Looker | March 20, 2024
The following are the USA Today articles that I read on March 20th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 20th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
United Steelworkers endorses Biden after he opposes company's sale
The $14.9 billion sale, which would end U.S. ownership of the nation's second largest steelmaker, is under review by CFIUS ...
Biden wins United Steelworkers union endorsement after opposing US Steel sale to Nippon
By Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy and Joey Garrison | March 20, 2024
The following is the USA Today article that I read yesterday, March 21st, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 21st, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
What does a $8.5 billion boost for semiconductor makers mean?
Intel Corp., already one of Arizona's largest employers, will receive up to $8.5 billion in federal grants as part of a preliminary agreement announced by President Joe Biden and Commerce Department officials during a visit to Arizona on Wednesday. The federal grant, along with Intel's own funding plans, would mark one of the largest-ever semiconductor manufacturing investments. According to the Biden administration, leading-edge chips are essential to advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, and the latest proposal would help to ensure that more of these semiconductors are developed and made in the U.S. while also creating well-paying jobs. ...
Biden to announce $8.5B for Intel semiconductor manufacturing. What that means for the US.
By Russ Wiles | March 20, 2024
The following is the USA Today article that I read today, March 22nd, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 22nd, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
TikTok ban prompts backlash from influencer giants
Influencers are speaking out over a proposed TikTok ban that could maim creators’ livelihoods and their ability to get out the vote come November. ...
They talked makeup and video games. But a proposed TikTok ban awoke influencer giants
By Rachel Barber and Melissa Cruz | March 22, 2024
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This is the Time Magazine article which I received on March 19th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read on March 19th, 2024:
Trump Says Jews Who Vote for Democrats ‘Hate Israel’ and Their Religion
By Jill Colvin / AP (Associated Press) | March 19, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written March 22nd, 2024, revised March 23rd, 2024, revised March 26th, 2024, revised March 30th, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
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March 23rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 13th, 2024, March 19th, 2024, As Well As March 22nd, 2024: I received a text message ten days ago March 13th, 2024, a text message four days ago on March 19th, 2024, a text message yesterday, March 22nd, 2024, as well as a text message today, March 23rd, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence.
The first text message that I received ten days ago on March 13, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence stated the following:
𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗶𝘀 #𝟭
👆The United States is the only country in the world where guns outnumber people
👆We're the only nation where a mass shooting has occurred every single year for the past 20 years
👆We have the highest child gun fatality rate among peer countries
Paul, it's time to make the safety of our citizens our priority – not our guns. 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲-𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆? >>***
The second text message that I received four days ago on March 19th, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence stated the following:
It only took 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 for New Zealand to ban assault weapons after a white supremacist killed 51 people with an assault rifle five years ago. And Paul, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣'𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚.
What would our country look like if our lawmakers took decisive action so swiftly following tragedy?
Instead, our country has witnessed 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 without any action against these deadly weapons of war. I know what it's like to wait for years for justice – it took years to find the man who killed my mother in our doorway – and I also know the importance of continuing to fight, even when it's hardest.
That's why I'm asking 500 gun violence prevention champions to speak up in fierce support of an assault weapons ban before 11:59 p.m. tonight, and your response is missing, Paul:
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆-𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀?
[✓] 🔴 𝗬𝗘𝗦 - ***
[ ] ⚪ NO - ***
–[Name redacted] @ Brady
The third text message that I received yesterday, March 22nd, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence stated the following:
Three years ago, Boulder, CO, and Atlanta, GA, ex- perienced back-to-back mass shootings. This week, we're asking 5,000 people to call for reform. But we're missing your response:
Should Congress Ban Assault Weapons?
[✓] YES:***
[ ] NO:
- Team Brady
The fourth text message that I received today, March 23rd, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence stated the following:
Sorry to text again, but we're missing your response: Should Congress Ban Assault Weapons?
[✓] Y [Yes]***
[ ] N [No]
-[Name redacted]
***[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, after I read the text messages above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
BRADY UNITED AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
SURVEY: Ban Assault Weapons Now [11:59 p.m. Deadline]
Thank you for taking action. Will you take just 60 seconds to answer a few questions that will help us shape our strategy to prevent gun violence and keep our communities safe? -Team Brady
Research shows that gun safety reforms like an Assault Weapons Ban make communities safer and lower gun violence. But the NRA and the gun lobby are doing everything they can to block this critical legislation.
Do you believe that the gun lobby has too much influence in Washington?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
Which of the following gun safety policies do you think Congress should prioritize in the current session? (Select as many as you'd like.)
[✓] Regulating ghost guns
[✓] Banning assault weapons
[✓] Expanding background checks
[✓] Raising the minimum purchase age
[✓] Banning high-capacity magazines
[ ] Other:
Last year, after the tragedy in Uvalde, Congress passed the most significant gun safety legislation in decades. But with Republicans now in control of the House, the NRA has been able to block any further life-saving legislation.
As we head into a critical election year, how worried are you that the gun lobby could gain even more power in Washington?
[✓] Extremely worried
[ ] Very worried
[ ] Somewhat worried
[ ] Not at all worried
At Brady, we're doing everything we can to prevent gun violence and win leaders who will fight for life-saving reforms. We know we can save lives and save families from the unending pain of loss by taking action, but we can't do it alone. Are you committed to helping prevent gun violence by joining us to demand change?
[✓] Yes, I'm all in — how can I help?
[ ] No — I'm not concerned about gun violence.
Brady is a grassroots organization dedicated to preventing gun violence and saving lives with common-sense bipartisan gun safety legislation — and our work has never been more important. Our teams are working directly with the Biden-Harris administration to take action on common-sense gun safety measures that will save lives.
We set a goal to raise $25,000 to honor shooting victims by fighting to ban assault weapons - but we're still falling short with just hours left until our midnight deadline.
Will you rush $5 to help Brady prevent gun violence and save lives?
[✓] Yes, I'll give $5!
[ ] Yes, I can give $36 (this is the average online Brady donation).
[ ] Yes, and I can give more!
And so, I made a one-time donation to Brady: United Against Gun Violence, because 1) "the United States is the only country in the world where guns outnumber people," 2) "we're the only nation where a mass shooting has occurred every single year for the past 20 years" and 3) "we have the highest child gun fatality rate among peer countries." That is why I answered the question "Should Congress Ban Assault Weapons?" with a resounding 'Yes!' –Paul Whiting (written March 23rd, 2024 and revised August 14th, 2024)
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March 23rd, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses March 22nd, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 23rd, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails. And highlighted articles from the above-mentioned news organizations that send me email newsletters are provided through their own 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google, I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.'
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 23rd, 2024, as well as yesterday, March 22nd, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
01. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
US stats show violent crime dramatically falling, so why is there a rising clash with perception?
"I don't believe the statistics," said [name redacted], a Trump supporter.
By Bill Hutchinson | March 22, 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
02. Al Jazeera
Biden signs $1.2 trillion funding package, averting US government shutdown
Senate passed the bill after hours of gridlock over funding for three-quarters of the government for the next six months.
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | 23 Mar 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
03. Voice of America
Biden Signs $1.2 Trillion Budget Measure
By Associated Press | Last updated on: March 23, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
04. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Trump is for sale. All it costs is $454 million for bond money (FOR SALE: Donald Trump, lightly used Republican presidential candidate. $454 million, firm.)
Seller is highly motivated and will include all of the candidate's family members, his impressive portfolio of 90+ criminal indictments and a $50 gift certificate for his Mar-a-Lago resort gift shop.
By Rex Huppke | March 22, 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
05. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Joe Biden, Obama and Pelosi warn against Trump's push to repeal Affordable Care Act
By Ken Tran | March 23, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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March 22nd, 2024 search:
06. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times.)
Biden Suggests a Bigger Federal Role to Reduce Housing Costs
A new report focuses on the prolonged struggle to build affordable housing across America and suggests federal incentives to help.
By Jim Tankersley and Conor Dougherty | March 21, 2024
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March 22nd, 2024 search:
07. CBS News
Democrats and President Biden voters report more happiness than GOP and Trump supporters, poll found
By John MacLauchlan | March 19, 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
08. Reuters
President Biden signs $1.2 trillion US spending bill
By Richard Cowan, David Morgan and Makini Brice | March 23, 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
09. Axios
President Biden signs government funding package to avoid government shutdown
By Stef W. Kight and Stephen Neukam | Updated March 23, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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March 22nd, 2024 search:
10. Newsweek
Joe Biden Leads Donald Trump in Eight Polls
By James Bickerton | Mar 22, 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
11. CNN
Biden signs government funding bill
By Clare Foran | Updated March 23, 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
12. CNBC
Biden signs $1.2 trillion spending package for government funding until October
By Rebecca Picciotto | MAR 23 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
13. The Independent
Biden signs $1.2 trillion spending package after Senate's 2am vote
President signs bill into law just hours after Congress passed legislation, averting partial shutdown
By Oliver O'Connell | 23 March 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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March 22nd, 2024 search:
14. CNBC
How Social Security benefits may change under Republican, Democrat proposals
By Lorie Konish | Mar 22 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
15. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Republicans Who Do Not Regularly Watch Fox Are Less Likely to Back Trump
Survey data shows more of them believe he acted criminally.
By Ruth Igielnik | March 23, 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
16. Reuters
Republicans have taken sharp populist turn in the Trump era: Reuters/Ipsos
By Jason Lange and James Oliphant | March 21, 2024
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
17. Fox News
Trump silent as Biden signs $1.2 trillion spending bill amid GOP infighting
Former President Trump had no comment on the $1.2 trillion spending package, the sort of bill he previously vowed he would 'never sign'
By Chris Pandolfo | March 23, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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March 22nd, 2024 search:
18. NBC News
Trump fundraising committee to use donations for legal bills
Donations to Trump 47 will first be disbursed to the Trump campaign. But once a donor hits the maximum campaign contribution limit, donations will flow to the Save America PAC.
By Vaughn Hillyard and Megan Lebowitz | March 21, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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March 23rd, 2024 search:
19. Hindustan Times
'Putin trying to blame Ukraine for Moscow attack': Zelensky
In a televised address earlier Saturday, President Putin said the four gunmen arrested for the deadly attack were “travelling towards Ukraine.”
By AFP News [Agence France-Presse News] | Mar 24, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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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 (March 23rd, 2024)
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For my "March 24th, 2024 Update No. 1"—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:
March 24th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, March 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "March Military Supporter Update", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 121 / March 2024, which stated, in part, the following:
YOUR USO AT WORK
Issue 121 / March 2024
DONATE NOW »
https://secure.uso.org
Paul,
This time of year, when many Americans are celebrating Easter and other Spring holidays, time spent with loved ones is so important. That's why it can also be one of the most difficult times of year to serve.
In the coming days and weeks, we hope you remember the brave heroes spending their holidays serving our country so that Americans of all faiths can celebrate our traditions safely at home.
Read on to learn about the ways USO Home Team members like you are helping us support troops missing time with their families to keep us safe. ...
And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "Two Years of Supporting Our Service Members Amid the War in Ukraine" and "Cesar Millan Announces the 2023 USO Canine Volunteer of the Year," as well as "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Team Up With USO in Korea" in addition to "Volunteering With the USO":
USO FRONT LINES
Two Years of Supporting Our Service Members Amid the War in Ukraine
Two years ago, Russia launched its brutal, large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Just days later, tens of thousands of American service members were given 24 hours to say goodbye to their loved ones before being deployed to Europe to support our allies. Thanks to supporters like you, we've been there for these troops every single day since. See what your support makes possible for our troops on difficult deployments in Europe.
https://www.uso.org/stories/3728-the-uso-s-eastern-europe-expansion-meeting-service-members-needs-amid-second-anniversary-of-war-in-ukraine
[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's article titled, "The USO's Eastern Europe Expansion: Meeting Service Members' Needs Amid Second Anniversary of War in Ukraine."]
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GET INSPIRED
Cesar Millan Announces the 2023 USO Canine Volunteer of the Year
Penny is the 2023 USO Canine Volunteer of the Year! A Labrador Retriever, Penny is a fixture at the USO Warrior Center in Landstuhl, Germany. She makes weekly visits to the hospital, bringing love to countless in-patient and out-patient service members. Congratulations to Penny!
Watch the exciting announcement.
https://www.uso.org/stories/3735-cesar-millan-announces-the-2023-uso-canine-volunteer-of-the-year
[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's article titled, "Cesar Millan Announces the 2023 USO Canine Volunteer of the Year." And I also watched the accompanying YouTube video, which is titled the same as the article.]
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GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Team Up With USO in Korea
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders joined forces with the USO last month to visit four military bases across South Korea. This was the 85th tour in which they've teamed up with the USO to bring smiles and joy to service members around the world since their first USO tour in 1979 — and it was their 39th trip to Korea.
Learn more about how USO Entertainment has been entertaining our service members stationed around the world for decades.
https://www.uso.org/entertainment
[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's webpage titled, "USO Entertains," which includes multiple articles.
And within one of those articles titled, "USO Camp Shows, D-Day and Entertaining Troops on the European Front Lines in WWII," one particular article that is referenced in the article above really caught my attention, which is titled, "Glenn Miller: Military's Music Man" that highlights the success, service—and disappearance—of Major Glenn Miller of the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra:
"On December 15, 1944, despite dicey weather, Miller—anxious to get to Paris and frustrated by delays—boarded a Norseman aircraft, bound for France.
The small plane disappeared over the English Channel on December 15. Officially, the wreckage was never recovered...
...At the request of his adopted daughter, Jonnie Miller, a headstone dedicated to Miller stands in Memorial Section H of Arlington National Cemetery. He is still officially listed as MIA."
https://www.uso.org/stories/1770-glenn-miller-military-s-music-man]
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WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Volunteering With the USO
There are countless ways volunteers support the USO, but they are all unified in their dedication to our service members and their families. Whether it’s helping at a special event, greeting and cheering at homecomings, working the front desk or providing a listening ear, our volunteers are the reason service members know they can count on the USO. Learn more. »
https://www.uso.org/take-action/volunteer
[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's webpage titled, "Volunteer." And at the bottom of the webpage above, there is a section titled, "TAKE ACTION," which states the following:
TAKE ACTION
The USO relies on your support to help service members and their families.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
https://www.uso.org/take-action/ways-to-support
And I wanted to highlight this particular webpage, as it provides multiple ways to "support our troops and military families through the USO."]
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...From all of us at the USO, thank you for being a patriotic supporter of our nation's service members!
And so, even before I read the email above—since I was already planning to donate—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. So please, donate now."
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, "March 24th, 2024 Update No. 1":
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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March 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 23rd, 2024 Through March 24th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, March 26th, 2024, is from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email for the time period of March 23rd, 2024 through March 26th, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing separate news 'updates' from my news searches on Google, I also decided to restart writing these 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe that send me email newsletters.
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And highlighted articles from those Google news searches are provided through their own 'updates.'
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of March 23rd, 2024 through March 26th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
---------------------------------------------
These are The New York Times articles which I received for the time period of March 24th, 2024 through March 26th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following is The New York Times article that I read today, March 26th, 2024, from an email that I received two days ago on March 24th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 24th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
TALK | FROM THE MAGAZINE
By David Marchese
I’ll be part of a new Q. and A. franchise, The Interview, that’s launching in late April. Before then I’m sharing some of my favorite past interviews. Here’s one with the late economist Herman Daly, who lamented our unending pursuit of economic growth. ...
This Pioneering Economist Says Our Obsession With Growth Must End
By David Marchese | (Originally Published) July 17, 2022
The following is The New York Times article that I read today, March 26th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT TERRORISM AND DISINFORMATION WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 26th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Russia: The country’s Federal Security Service said, without providing evidence, that the Moscow concert hall attack was “facilitated by Western special services.” ...
Rocked by Deadly Terror Attack, Kremlin Amps Up Disinformation Machine
Conceding that the Islamic State alone carried out the assault on a Moscow concert hall would mean admitting to a security failure, and risk diluting Vladimir Putin’s narrative war with the West.
By Neil MacFarquhar and Ivan Nechepurenko | March 26, 2024
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This is the USA Today article which I received for March 26th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following is the USA Today article that I read today, March 26th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 26th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel will no longer join NBC News as a contributor after network employees immediately raised concerns. ...
Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel will no longer join NBC after immediate backlash
By Marina Pitofsky and Gary Levin | March 26, 2024
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These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for the time period of March 23rd, 2024 through March 24th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read on March 23rd, 2024:
You Really Are Better Now Than You Were Four Years Ago
By Eric Klinenberg | March 22, 2024
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read on March 24th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS GENERAL REFERENCES TO WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
Thousands Attend Palm Sunday Celebrations in Jerusalem Against Backdrop of War
By Associated Press | March 24, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from The New York Times, USA Today articles and Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written March 26th, 2024 and revised April 6th, 2024)
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March 27th, 2024 Update No. 1: The fourth Wednesday in March every year is American Red Cross Giving Day, which is today March 27th, 2024:
"The tenth annual American Red Cross Giving Day is on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Giving Day takes place in March during Red Cross Month, when we recognize the people who make our mission possible — volunteers, blood donors, people trained in lifesaving skills and our supporters — who step up to aid others when #HelpCantWait."
And so, I donated to the American Red Cross on their website and I selected the "Double Your Impact Today" match offer where "The Malott Family Foundation is matching all gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $200,000!"
Also, I donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross on their website:
"The International Committee of the Red Cross - Humanitarian Help for People Affected by Armed Conflict. Since 1863, the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and promote understanding and respect for international humanitarian law."
Plus, I donated to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on their website:
"The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Our secretariat supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 191 countries, bringing together more than 16 million volunteers for the good of humanity."
Besides that, I donated to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society on their website:
"Ukrainian Red Cross Society is an all-Ukrainian humanitarian organization that helps Ukraine in providing humanitarian aid during armed conflicts and in peacetime."
In addition to that, I donated to The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS)
"The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is an officially recognized independent Palestinian National Society. It enjoys legal personality and is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Society, which operates in Palestine and the diaspora, is guided by the Geneva Conventions and the Movement’s Fundamental Principles, i.e. Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality."
Thus, these donations are how I supported the American Red Cross Giving Day—which I observed in a decisively international way—and also how I helped the People of Ukraine, as well as the People of Gaza! –Paul Whiting (March 27th, 2024)
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March 28th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 25th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 28th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, lately I am simply checking the news as often as I can manage. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails. And highlighted articles from the above-mentioned news organizations that send me email newsletters are provided through their own 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google, I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.'
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today March 28th, 2024, as well as three days ago, March 25th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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March 25th, 2024 search:
01. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
How a Pandemic Malaise Is Shaping American Politics
Four years later, the shadow of the pandemic continues to play a profound role in voters’ pessimism and distrust amid a presidential rematch.
By Lisa Lerer, Jennifer Medina and Reid J. Epstein | March 24, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
02. The New York Times
(By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Russia Amps Up Online Campaign Against Ukraine Before U.S. Elections
Moscow has found better ways to conceal influence operations that spread arguments for isolationism, officials and experts say.
By Julian E. Barnes and David E. Sanger | March 27, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
03. Washington Post
Israel raids Gaza hospitals, as poll shows Americans disapprove of Israeli war conduct (Most Americans oppose Israel’s war in Gaza, poll finds)
By Bryan Pietsch | March 27, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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March 25th, 2024 search:
04. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
UN Security Council adopts Gaza cease-fire resolution
The U.S. abstained from voting on the resolution.
By Bill Hutchinson | March 25, 2024
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March 25th, 2024 search:
05. Politico
US allows passage of UN resolution calling for cease-fire in Gaza, prompting retaliation from Israel
The U.S. abstention prompted the Israeli government to cancel a visit by Israeli officials to Washington this week
By Eric Bazail-Eimil and Mona Zhang | 03/25/2024
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March 25th, 2024 search:
06. NBC News
Israel-Hamas war live updates: Israel cancels high-level meeting in Washington after U.S. abstains on cease-fire resolution
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had threatened to pull the delegation if the U.S. didn't veto any Gaza cease-fire measure that wasn't tied to a hostage release.
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March 28th, 2024 search:
07. AP News
US changes how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity. It's the first revision in 27 years
By Mike Schneider | Updated 12:35 PM PDT, March 28, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
08. NBC News
State Department official resigns; most Americans oppose Israel’s Gaza war, new poll finds
A State Department official told NBC News she felt she had no choice but to quit over American support for Israel, while a new poll found that a majority in the U.S. now oppose its ally's actions in Gaza.
By Chantal Da Silva and Abigail Williams | March 28, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
09. Gallup ("Gallup, Inc. is an American multinational analytics and advisory company based in Washington, D.C.")
Majority in U.S. Now Disapprove of Israeli Action in Gaza
By Jeffrey M. Jones | March 27, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
10. U.S. News & World Report
Trump, Touting $60 Bibles, Has a Checkered History With the Good Book
The presidential candidate’s knowledge of Scripture may be in question, but his support among members of a key voting bloc who could pick up a copy appears to remain strong.
By Lauren Camera | March 27, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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March 25th, 2024 search:
11. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
UN Security Council Gaza cease-fire approved on resolution (US allows for Gaza cease-fire resolution to clear UN, escalating feud with Benjamin Netanyahu)
Joey Garrison and Francesca Chambers | March 25, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
12. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Donald Trump sells $60 bibles with country musician Lee Greenwood (Donald Trump is selling $60 Bibles as he seeks funds for campaign, legal bills)
By David Jackson | March 26, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
13. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Trump is selling Bibles. I hope he reads what it says about immigrants
God's welcome of foreigners has inspired our congregation in Indiana to welcome refugees and immigrants in our community.
Jeff Schultz | March 28, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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March 25th, 2024 search:
14. AP News
As Biden tours the country and visits swing states, Trump is fundraising and playing golf
By Jill Colvin and Zeke Miller | Updated 8:05 AM PDT, March 25, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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March 25th, 2024 search:
15. The Guardian
‘Quite the accomplishment’: Joe Biden pokes fun at Trump’s alleged golf wins
President responds to Republican rival’s bizarre Truth Social boast about winning trophies on his own golf course
Martin Pengelly | 25 Mar 2024
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March 25th, 2024 search:
16. Sky News
Joe Biden offers sarcastic response after Donald Trump boasts about trophy win at own golf club
Joe Biden took a tongue-in-cheek shot at his political opponent after he posted on his Truth Social media platform about his success at his own golf club's awards night.
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | 25 March 2024
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March 25th, 2024 search:
17. India Today
Joe Biden trolls Donald Trump for winning golf awards at own golf club
Joe Biden mocked his Republican rival Donald Trump who gloated about winning two golf trophies at his own gold club.
By Rishabh Sharma | Updated: Mar 25, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
18. Al Jazeera
Biden campaign touts record-setting fundraising haul for single event
The Radio City Music Hall event has raised $25m, underscoring deep-pocketed support for Biden despite lagging in polls.
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | 28 Mar 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
19. HuffPost
Joe Biden Is Holding The Most Lucrative Political Fundraiser In U.S. History
$25 million from one event? Thanks, Obama. (And Clinton.)
By Jennifer Bendery | Mar 28, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
20. MSNBC News
Trump is selling "God Bless USA" Bibles. Biden's faith is real.
When it comes to personal religious beliefs, there couldn’t be a starker contrast between the two men running for president this year.
By Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons | March 28, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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March 28th, 2024 search:
21. Newsweek
Republicans Have an Internal Polling Problem - Alabama
By James Bickerton | Mar 27, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
22. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Georgia GOP's Brian Pritchard illegally voted 9 times, judge says (Georgia Republican official and outspoken election denier caught voting illegally 9 times)
Pritchard was ineligible to vote due to past felony convictions, the judge found.
By Josh Meyer | March 28, 2024
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March 28th, 2024 search:
23. The Detroit News
GOP state lawmaker confuses NCAA teams for 'illegal invaders' in Detroit (GOP lawmaker slams 'illegal invaders' at Detroit airport. It was the Sweet 16 teams)
Beth LeBlanc | March 28, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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March 25th, 2024 search:
24. USA Today
(By the way, I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Driving an EV becomes a political choice as Biden, Trump views diverge (Biden lauds them. Trump wants to restrict them. How driving an electric car got political)
By Trevor Hughes | March 23, 2024
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March 25th, 2024 search:
25. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Trump's dark 'retribution' pledge at center of 2024 bid, but can he make it reality?
He recently said Liz Cheney and others "should go to jail."
By Alexandra Hutzler | March 23, 2024
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March 25th, 2024 search:
26. Politico
'The elephant in the room': NBC's McDaniel hiring sparks on-air criticism from one of its own
Chuck Todd, the former host of “Meet The Press,” launched an explosive attack on his own network during a live panel discussion.
By Kelly Garrity | 03/24/2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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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 (March 28th, 2024)
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March 29th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 17th, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 29th, 2024, is for donations that I made as a part of my series of very humble $1.00 donations for the 1st End of the Quarter 2024 FEC Deadline (which is all that I can afford given my 'monthly donating budget') to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), at the end of this first quarter of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.]
I have combined every political campaign, or political organization, donation request per day (made via email or text message) into one 'update' for each day that I donate, so that I don't have to keep writing individual 'updates' for political campaign donations, or political organization donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual campaign political donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
(By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political donation requests, which is why I don't include them with these email or text message requests.)
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $4.00 per political organization, for the rest of the election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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!
Besides that, as of March 21st, 2024, I am no longer donating to individual for the foreseeable future (with the exception of local campaigns here in Oregon), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis (please see my 'March 21st, 2024 Update No. 2,' which can be found above), as I have explained below:
...Alright, I have a big announcement to make: I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis!
And I have made this decision based upon how much these individual political campaign donations are costing in my 'monthly donating budget'—even though I am only donating $3.00 with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue—since I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month, starting in 2024! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
Therefore, at the start of 2024, I calculated that I could still make ONE $3.00 donation per political campaign for the entire election cycle. And that means after I have made that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I have only donated once per campaign, which is what I have been doing so far!
However, it's still more than I can afford given my 'monthly donating budget,' which is why I have decided to stop donating to individual political campaigns entirely—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And so, I will still be making some donations to individual political campaigns (such as to Joe Biden's campaign for President of the United States, or to local campaigns here in Oregon), but I am not donating like I have been up until this point—which has been virtually every time that I have received a political campaign donation request via email or text message—because I seriously cannot afford to donate that much for the rest of the 2024 Presidential Election cycle, as well as for the foreseeable future.
And to clarify one more thing: In the past, I used to only donate to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations—rather than to individual campaigns—since that's all I really could afford given my 'monthly spending budget,' because I am "low income." Plus, those Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations help all of the individual political campaigns with funding, which is why I used to only donate to those main organizations! And I only started donating to individual political campaigns in 2022, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" Therefore, this decision to stop donating to individual political campaigns (with the exception of presidential campaigns and local campaigns, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis) is really just going back to the way that I used to make political donations.
In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.'
Thus, as I partially explained above, for the rest of the 2024 election cycle—as well as for the foreseeable future—I have made a goal of donating $3.00 per local campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, and a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), as well as a goal of donating $5.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.35) for the entire election cycle!
To sum it up, then: I am essentially keeping the same total individual campaign donation amount of $3.21, but I am only donating to local campaigns here in Oregon, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for email and text message donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35); plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51).
So, without further ado...
The first political communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) today, March 29th, 2024, with the subject line, "I want to hear from you →", which stated, in part, the following:
(Image of a GIF, which states: "We have to keep the pressure on!" - [Name redacted])
Hi team, it’s [Name redacted], [Title redacted] at the DGA.
With our first end-of-quarter deadline of 2024 just a few days away, our team is hard at work refining our strategy for Q2 – and that strategy hinges on input from dedicated supporters like you. That’s why I wanted to personally invite you to be one of the first to complete our exclusive DGA Membership Survey. But your participation is about more than providing input, Paul: you can also become an official DGA Grassroots Consultant member after completing the survey.
BEGIN HERE***
Our members are crucial to electing Democratic governors and combatting far-right extremism across the country. They allow us to fund efforts like conducting messaging research and running key mobilization efforts to turn out voters – and their input informs our strategy every step of the way. Plus, in two of our biggest, most competitive races this year, North Carolina and New Hampshire, grassroots support is especially essential.
But Republicans are doing everything they can to destroy our Blue Firewall, so slowing down is not an option. The support and feedback we get early on from members will help us develop a winning strategy and play an essential role in electing Dem govs this November and beyond. So, I’m reaching out to you personally to take part in this new Membership Survey and become part of our new circle of members called DGA Grassroots Consultants – Democrats we rely on for real-time, on-the-ground feedback. I made this exclusive link for you to take the survey now:***
Paul, if you’re fired up and ready to join the fight for our democracy and fundamental freedoms, please complete our DGA Membership Survey before midnight tonight. If you donate after finishing the survey, you will become an official DGA Grassroots Consultant member – and you’ll even receive your own personalized DGA membership card!
Thank you so much for helping defend our Blue Firewall ...
[Name redacted]
DGA [Title redacted]
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
2024 DGA MEMBERSHIP SURVEY | YOUR INPUT REQUESTED
Thank you for taking action!
Do you have a moment to answer a few questions about your commitment to the DGA and help us build our strategy to elect Democratic governors across the country, stop Republican extremists, and support President Biden in November?
At the end of the survey, you'll have the opportunity to activate your DGA Grassroots Consultant Membership and receive a personalized membership card!
Email: [redacted]
Cell phone: [redacted]
Are you a Democrat?
[✓] Yes I'm a proud Democrat.
[ ] No I'm a Republican.
[ ] I'm an independent, but I vote for Democrats!
[ ] Other:
With control of the White House and 11 governors' races on the ballot this November — including in North Carolina where Attorney General Josh Stein faces far-right conspiracy theorist Mark Robinson — the stakes couldn't be higher.
Luckily, DGA members give us the support and resources we need to combat these attacks and elect Democratic governors who will champion fundamental freedoms.
How important do you think building this grassroots coalition of members will be this election year?
[✓] Extremely important
[ ] Very important
[ ] Somewhat important
[ ] Not at all important
What do you think our team should focus on most in the months before Election Day? (Select up to three.)
[ ] Creating a strong grassroots member base
[✓] Registering new voters
[✓] Getting out the vote in our communities
[✓] Running ads holding GOP extremists accountable
[ ] Running ads on our candidates' accomplishments and positive vision
[ ] Phonebanking voters
[ ] Knocking on doors in battleground states
[ ] Texting voters
[ ] Other:
Reproductive freedoms, the right to vote, and even our democracy itself are on the line this year. The DGA has beat extremists and canceled their destructive plans before, but we couldn't have done it without dedicated members of our community.
On a scale of 1 to 5, how committed are you to standing with the DGA as we work to defeat these extremists again this November?
(1: Not committed | 5: I'm extremely committed!)
[ ] 1
[ ] 2
[ ] 3
[ ] 4
[✓] 5
These critical elections are fast approaching and our gubernatorial candidates are counting on this team to have their backs. Will you invest $100 to become a DGA Grassroots Consultant Member and get first priority to provide your input and help us elect Democratic governors who will advance President Biden's agenda and block the GOP's radical right-wing legislation?
Please use the option below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I will give $100!
[✓] No, I can't give that much.
We understand that giving at that level might be tough. But the DGA is working tirelessly to elect Democrats across the country, and with Republicans pushing an extremist agenda in the courts, Congress, and states nationwide, we need to establish a strong base of grassroots DGA members.
We just pulled your supporter record, and here's what we found:
Email: [redacted]
Official DGA Member? Not Yet
Suggested donation: $44
Please, before midnight tonight: will you donate $44 or more to activate your 2024 Blue Firewall Membership? Your gift will be TRIPLED up to our match goal.
P.S. As a special gift when you become a DGA Grassroots Consultant Member and make your membership level gift, we'll mail you your very own personalized membership card!
Please use the options below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I'll give $44.
[ ] Yes, I'll give $100!
[✓] Yes, and i'll give more!*
*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I made a one-time donation, rather than a monthly donation—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]
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DONATE NOW DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT
Become a 2024 DGA Member
Please don't wait: donate $5 or more elect Democratic governors and activate your 2024 Blue Firewall Membership and your gift will be TRIPLED up to our end-of-quarter $150.000 goal!
P.S. As a special gift when you make a membership level gift, well mail you your very own personalized membership card.
Make It monthly!
[ ] Yes, count me in!
[✓] No, donate once
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Action.
[ ] Donate $22 →
[ ] Donate $44 →
[ ] Donate $88 →
[ ] Donate $220 →
[ ] Donate $440 →
[ ] Donate $880 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
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?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DGA (without a tip to ActBlue) in order to "be one of the first to complete our exclusive DGA Membership Survey."
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DGA is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 (please see my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 9th, 2024, Which Also Discusses February 16th, 2024, February 28th, 2024, As Well As March 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to this survey, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
---------------------------------------------
The second political communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) today, March 29th, 2024, with the subject line, "We still need 11 more donations from [ZIP Code redacted]", which stated the following:
DEMOCRATIC
ATTORNEYS
GENERAL
ASSOCIATION
Supporter: [redacted]
2024 Membership Status: Activated — thank you!
End-of-Quarter Deadline: March 31st
Suggested Donation: $15
INCREASE YOUR SUPPORT***
Paul, we’re asking you to chip in $1 (yes, four quarters!) to support our candidates running in close elections before Sunday’s end-of-quarter deadline.
$1 may not seem like it will make a difference, especially when we’re running against opponents who have the backing of powerful far-right forces with deep pockets — like [name redacted's] dark money network.
But the power of a grassroots team means that $1 from you plus a few bucks from [name redacted] in North Carolina and [name redacted] in Arizona adds up quickly. When this team comes together, we’re able to compete with the GOP megadonors and their dark money networks.
Fundraising deadlines are important not just because of the final amount we raise, but also the number of folks who chip in. We want to be able to show we have a strong network of support, and we do that by having folks from all over the country chip in.
We’re still counting on 11 more donors from [ZIP Code redacted] to chip in before Sunday’s deadline. Can you become one of them by pitching in $1 today:
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[✓] CHIP IN $1 NOW***
[ ] CHIP IN $10 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $25 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $50 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN $100 NOW
[ ] CHIP IN ANOTHER AMOUNT
Thanks in advance for your support,
Team DAGA
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSOCIATION
PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS
From abortion access to voting rights, Dem AGs are on the front lines, defending our democracy and protecting our communities.
Make a donation to DAGA to elect more Dem AGs in 2024 and beyond — starting right here and now.
DONATE IMMEDIATELY:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) PAC.
[ ] DONATE $5 →
[ ] DONATE $10 →
[ ] DONATE $25 →
[ ] DONATE $50 →
[ ] DONATE $100 →
[ ] DONATE $250 →
[ ] DONATE $500 →
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT $1.00
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?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DAGA (without a tip to ActBlue) in order to contribute for the "End-of-Quarter Deadline: March 31st."
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DAGA is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 (please see my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 9th, 2024, Which Also Discusses February 16th, 2024, February 28th, 2024, As Well As March 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to this email regarding the End-of-Quarter Deadline on March 31st, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
---------------------------------------------
The third political communication to which I responded was a text message today, March 29th, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS), which stated the following:
Hi there - this is [name redacted], the [title redacted] of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS).
Across the nation, our elections and those running them face unprecedented threats:
– DASS [title and name redacted] has seen a 600% INCREASE in serious threats.
– On Wednesday [March 27th, 2024], the Trump campaign threatened to deploy “soldiers” to intimidate voters at the polls.
– And right now, Trump's allies are working around the clock to appoint operatives in key roles for counting and certifying votes.
Democrats need to stay vigilant, which means putting our resources where they can have the biggest impact:
Can you send in a donation of $5, $35, or even $100, to defend our elections and stop Trump's allies from undermining our democracy?***
-[Name redacted]
***[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, 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:
Democratic Association of Secretaries of State
When federal action stalls, state laws decide the future of our republic. We can't let those laws fall into the hands of partisan, conspiracy-loving GOP legislatures.
Our Democratic Secretaries protect our elections — even when Congress is deadlocked. They're the last line of defense for your rights, and they need your help this year more than ever. Rush a donation now and defend our Secretaries of State!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DASS PAC.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $35 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
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?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DASS (without a tip to ActBlue) because "Democrats need to stay vigilant, which means putting our resources where they can have the biggest impact," since "across the nation, our elections and those running them face unprecedented threats."
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DASS is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 (please see my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 9th, 2024, Which Also Discusses February 16th, 2024, February 28th, 2024, As Well As March 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to this text message regarding our elections and those running them face unprecedented threats, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
---------------------------------------------
The fourth political communication to which I responded was an email from the Biden for President campaign today, March 29th, 2024, with the subject line, "We can’t go back, Paul", which stated the following:
Biden-Harris 2024
Paul --
As we approach the first FEC end-of-quarter fundraising deadline of the year, we want you to remember something. Really remember.
Remember how you felt the day Donald Trump was sworn into office. Remember listening to him speak of American carnage and being afraid of what was to come. And remember time and time again how those fears were realized over the next four years.
Now remember how you felt after Joe Biden was sworn in. Remember that relief you felt that we didn’t have to deal with Trump in office any longer, and the hope you felt that we could get America back on track.
We can’t go back.
We can’t go back to the way we all felt when Trump was elected.
Paul, it might be wild to think, but you have a central role in making sure we win. The work we need to do is only possible because of people like you making the decision that we can’t go back...we can only go forward.
Now, we don’t expect you to donate every day, but with President Biden facing millions in attack ads, he needs you to make today the day. So, please:
Millions of supporters from across the country have stepped up to support President Biden ahead of critical deadlines like this in the past, and he has told us how grateful he is for that.
With Sunday’s end-of-quarter deadline right around the corner, can he count on you to contribute $5, $10, or whatever you can afford today? Every donation helps make sure we reelect Joe and Kamala and keep Trump out of the White House.
If you've saved payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[ ] $25 >>
[ ] $50 >>
[ ] $75 >>
[ ] $100 >>
[ ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***
Thank you. You are securing the future of our country with your support. That’s the truth.
The Biden Campaign
"My dad used to have an expression -- 'It's the lucky person who gets up in the morning, puts both feet on the floor, knows what they are about to do, and thinks it still matters.' Your support matters. Your donation matters." -- Joe Biden
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Donate before our end-of-quarter deadline to reelect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris!
It's going to take this full team having Joe and Kamala's backs to deliver four more years for Democrats in the White House to finish the job. Will you pitch in before the quarter ends?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Joe Biden.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $46 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,000 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
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?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue) in order to answer the question "With Sunday’s end-of-quarter deadline right around the corner, can he count on you to contribute $5, $10, or whatever you can afford today?" with a resounding 'Yes!'
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Biden for President campaign is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) to the Biden Victory Fund on March 7th, 2024 (please see my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses March 1st, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month for Joe Biden's campaign; however, I did want to respond to this email regarding the first FEC end-of-quarter fundraising deadline of the year, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
---------------------------------------------
The fifth political communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) today, March 29th, 2024, with the subject line, "Time’s running out: Support our mission before the quarter ends", which stated the following:
Democrats
The bottom line is:
The end of March is only two days away.
We urgently need the help of this grassroots team -- including 630 supporters from Portland -- to help us reach our end-of-quarter fundraising goal.
Can you be one of 630 Portland Democrats we need to pitch in today, Paul? Click here to pitch in:
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately.
[ ] EXPRESS DONATE: $35
[ ] EXPRESS DONATE: $70
[ ] EXPRESS DONATE: $122
[ ] EXPRESS DONATE: $175
[ ] EXPRESS DONATE: $350
[✓] Donate another amount***
With gratitude,
The Democrats
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DEMOCRATS
Donate to the DNC ahead of our end-of-quarter deadline and help elect Democrats nationwide!
The Democratic Party is counting on your support to hold the GOP accountable and elect more Democrats up and down the ballot.
Before our first end-of-quarter fundraising deadline of this pivotal election year, pitch in to the DNC and invest in the resources our candidates rely on to compete and win year after year.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC).
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $20 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,000 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
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?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DNC (without a tip to ActBlue) because "the end of March is only two days away" and the DNC "urgently need[s] the help of this grassroots team ... to help [them] reach [their] end-of-quarter fundraising goal."
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DNC is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 (please see my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses January 21st, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to this email regarding this end-of-quarter fundraising goal, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
---------------------------------------------
The sixth political communication to which I responded was an email from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) today, March 29th, 2024, with the subject line, "re: CNN's prediction", which stated the following:
Breaking via CNN!
"November could decide Senate control for years."
Jacky Rosen, Nevada
Jon Tester, Montana
Sherrod Brown, Ohio
Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin
Bob Casey, Pennsylvania
DONATE NOW***
We must fight for every seat to defend our majority!
"If you have money to donate, now is the time." - The Rachel Maddow Show
Donate now to triple your impact!
DONATE NOW***
(We need every Democrat in the fight!)
If you've saved payment info with ActBlue Express, your donation will be processed immediately. The first $10,000 received from this email will be TRIPLED:
DONATE $55 (BECOMES $165) DONATE $110 (BECOMES $330) DONATE $220 (BECOMES $660) [✓] RUSH ANOTHER AMOUNT***
The DSCC is the only committee solely dedicated to supporting Democrats in the U.S. Senate, and our work relies on grassroots supporters like you.
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DSCC
Match Activated! TRIPLE your impact to help SUPERCHARGE our Senate majority!
CNN says multiple GOP seats could flip blue this year-but with Mitch McConnell's megadonors already playing offense, it's going to take all hands on deck to win!
Please, will you chip in now to protect our historic progress by supercharging our Democratic majority? The first $10,000 received before the end-of-quarter deadline will be TRIPLED!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DSCC.
[ ] Donate $55 →
[ ] Donate $110 →
[ ] Donate $220 →
[ ] Donate $550 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
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?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DSCC (without a tip to ActBlue) because "November could decide Senate control for years," so "we must fight for every seat to defend our majority!" That is why I contributed since "the first $10,000 received before the end-of-quarter deadline will be TRIPLED!"
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DSCC is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 (please see my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 9th, 2024, Which Also Discusses February 16th, 2024, February 28th, 2024, As Well As March 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to this email regarding the end-of-quarter deadline, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
---------------------------------------------
The seventh political communication to which I responded was a text message today, March 29th, 2024, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:
There are 20 seats that House Democrats can win if we put in the work to defeat extreme MAGA Republicans right now.
Unfortunately, MAGA Republicans have amassed a $45 MILLION war chest to stop us.
We have two choices:
1 – We can either sit on the sidelines and let MAGA Republicans try to buy this election…
2 – Or we can continue building a powerhouse Democratic operation, flip key battleground seats and ensure Democrats have the resources we need to retake the majority. >>***
Let me be clear:
– These 20 districts will decide the fate of our majority.
– If we win just FOUR of them, we can flip the House – it's that simple.
– Polls show this election is our historic opportunity to take back the House and hand MAGA extremism a massive defeat.
Please, will you chip in $15 to the DCCC to build an unbeatable Democratic movement, reach the voters we need to win and turn out every last Democrat in this important election? >>***
Keep the faith,
Hakeem
***[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, 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:
Rush a donation right now to DEFEAT MAGA Extremism and RESTORE our House Majority!
Here's the situation Democrats need to just FOURowata to ke back the House Majority — and experts agree the race for House control is a COMPLETE TOSS-UP!
But, Extreme MAGA Republicans and their deep-pocketed megadonors are preparing to spend MILLIONS to defeat our grassroots movement.
Please, we're counting on you, rush a gift right now to help flip the House Blue and send Republicans a STUNNING defeat! >>
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DCCC.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
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?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DCCC (without a tip to ActBlue) because "there are 20 seats that House Democrats can win if we put in the work to defeat extreme MAGA Republicans right now," so that "we can continue building a powerhouse Democratic operation, flip key battleground seats and ensure Democrats have the resources we need to retake the majority."
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DCCC is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 (please see my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 9th, 2024, Which Also Discusses February 16th, 2024, February 28th, 2024, As Well As March 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to this email regarding rushing a donation right now to DEFEAT MAGA Extremism and RESTORE our House Majority, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
---------------------------------------------
The eighth political communication to which I responded today, March 29th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee that I received twelve days ago on March 17th, 2024, with the subject line, "State Democrats win special elections while Republicans attack IVF … and everything else you need to know in the states.", which stated the following:
State Democrats win special elections while Republicans attack IVF …and everything else you need to know in the states.
A NEWSLETTER BY THE DLCC
1. New Hampshire: Democrats defend two seats in the state House!
In New Hampshire, we are celebrating Democratic victories in two special elections in the state House. These wins were critical to chip away at Republicans’ ultra-thin majority in the New Hampshire House →
https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2024-03-13/democrats-win-nh-house-seats-special-elections-results
[Blogger's Note: I read New Hampshire Public Radio article titled, "Democrats target statehouse races in first big campaign spend of 2024."]
2. Arizona: Republican leader attacks women and contraception in sexist remark
In Arizona, Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli, who opposes legislation guaranteeing the right to contraceptives, says women can avoid getting pregnant simply by keeping their legs closed. This offensive comment showcases the blatant inequality and hate fueling the GOP’s attacks on bodily autonomy and reproductive freedoms →
https://www.leantotheleft.net/post/put-it-between-your-knees
[Blogger's Note: I read the Lean To The Left News & Views article titled, "Contraception? Just 'Put it Between Your Knees', Ladies."]
3. Iowa: Republican lawmakers advanced a bill that could have criminalized IVF methods
In Iowa, following last month’s controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling affecting IVF, Republicans advanced legislation that would threaten reproductive care and IVF by criminalizing causing the death of an “unborn” fetus. Though tabled after Democratic outrage, this devastating bill suggests life sentences for doctors who have ‘caused the death of an unborn fetus’ →
https://apnews.com/article/iowa-fetal-homicide-unborn-person-ivf-7d3b754e4fa24c60739c5f2f2b0d7c43
[Blogger's Note: I read the Associated Press article titled, "Iowa House OKs bill to criminalize death of an “unborn person” despite IVF concerns."]
🔦 DLCC Spotlight: Check out our new Spotlight candidates!
State Democrats are facing critical fights ahead. Click here to learn more about Democrats fighting for seats in upcoming special elections →
https://dlcc.org/spotlight-races
🗳️ Special Elections: Over the next few months, Democrats are facing nearly a dozen special elections in states like Alabama and Michigan, so we’re calling on grassroots Dems to help power our candidates to victory →***
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is working to rebuild the Democratic Party from the ground up by electing Democrats to state legislatures. Your grassroots donation will help provide state Democrats with the resources, staff, and technology to win elections — but it all depends on your support.
Join the fight! Chip in today:
DONATE***
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DLCC
DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Join the fight! Chip in today.
🗳️Elect state Dems in critical special elections
💰Fund our strategic investments in 2024, 2025, and beyond
❌Counter Republican extremism in the states
Can you chip in today?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DLCC PAC.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000→
[✓] Other amount $1.00
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?
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DLCC (without a tip to ActBlue) because "over the next few months, Democrats are facing over a dozen special elections in key states like Alabama and Michigan, so [the DLCC is] calling on grassroots Dems to help power our candidates to victory."
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DLCC is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on March 7th, 2024 (please see my 'March 7th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 9th, 2024, Which Also Discusses February 16th, 2024, February 28th, 2024, As Well As March 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to this email which discusses how State Democrats win special elections while Republicans attack IVF, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
Thus, these seven organizations—the DGA, the DAGA, the DASS, the DNC, the DSCC, the DCCC and the DLCC—in addition to this one campaign—the Biden for President campaign—are the political organizations, and the political campaign, that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written March 29th, 2024, revised March 30th, 2024, revised April 1st, 2024, revised April 2nd, 2024, revised April 12th, 2024, revised April 13th, 2024, revised April 16th, 2024, revised June 28th, 2024, revised July 11th, 2024 and revised August 25th, 2024)
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March 30th, 2024 Update No. 1: National Doctors Day is today March 30th, 2024, since National Doctors Day is observed yearly (annually) on March 30th.
And so, I made a one-time donation today to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) [by the way, "Médecins Sans Frontières" is French for "Doctors Without Borders"] in observation of National Doctors Day:
MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
MSF doctors are saving lives on Doctors Day and every day...
...Doctors Day is marked on March 30 to celebrate the work of doctors and medical workers everywhere. The celebration originates in 1842, when March 30 was the date that a patient was first given general anesthesia in surgery.
Today, MSF is marking Doctors Day by honoring the work our doctors do to save lives around the world—even as crises like war, conflict, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks challenge our work at every turn...
https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/campaigns/doctors-day-2024
You see, I usually donate to various charitable organizations during the year on a particular 'theme day,' so to speak, which I feel corresponds directly to those particular charitable causes, because it helps me to remember to donate to those particular charitable causes during the year that have a corresponding 'theme day.'
Plus, I am spreading the charitable love throughout the entire year—and not simply having a year's worth of charitable giving 'bunch up,' so to speak, on Giving Tuesday. So then, whichever charitable organizations don't have an obvious corresponding 'theme day,' I can donate to those charitable organizations during Giving Tuesday, since I haven't already given to those particular organizations sometime during the year!
That is why I coordinate some of my charitable giving during the year with a particular 'theme day' that some charitable causes correspond to—such as Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières whose cause I feel directly correspond to the 'theme day' of National Doctors Day! –Paul Whiting (March 30th, 2024)
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March 30th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses March 27th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, March 30th, 2024, is from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email on March 27th, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing separate news 'updates' from my news searches on Google, I also decided to restart writing these 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And highlighted articles from those Google news searches are provided through their own 'updates.'
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received on March 27th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
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These are The New York Times articles which I received on March 27th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, March 30th, 2024, from an email that I received three days ago on March 27th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Too few homes
President Biden worries about high housing costs. So do Republicans in Congress. The consensus reflects a major problem: Tens of millions of families, across red and blue states, struggle with rent and home prices. The reason is a longstanding housing shortage.
But action in Washington won’t make a huge difference. America’s affordable housing crisis is likely to be solved in cities and states. In today’s newsletter, I’ll explain how many are already doing so in bipartisan fashion. ...
America’s Affordable Housing Crisis
The housing crisis is likely to be solved in cities and states, not Washington.
By Conor Dougherty | March 27, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
NBC News cut ties with Ronna McDaniel, the former Republican Party chairwoman, after hosts criticized the network for hiring her as a commentator. A Times review found that she had helped Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. ...
NBC News Cuts Ties With Ronna McDaniel After Network Firestorm
A string of top stars had denounced the hiring of Ms. McDaniel, the former chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, on their own airwaves.
By Michael M. Grynbaum and John Koblin | March 26, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Trump posted a video urging his supporters to buy the “God Bless the USA Bible,” priced at around $60. Trump gets royalties from sales. ...
Trump’s Newest Venture? A $60 Bible.
His Bible sales pitch comes as he appears to be confronting a significant financial squeeze, with his legal fees growing while he fights a number of criminal cases and lawsuits.
By Michael Gold and Maggie Haberman | March 26, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Politics: A Democrat won a State House seat in Alabama after campaigning on access to abortion and in vitro fertilization. ...
Democrat Running on Abortion and I.V.F. Access Wins Special Election in Alabama
Marilyn Lands flipped a State House seat in the deep-red state by 25 percentage points, underscoring the continued political potency of reproductive rights.
By Maggie Astor | March 27, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Gaza: A new poll showed that 55 percent of U.S. adults disapprove of Israel’s military actions, a 10 percentage point jump from four months earlier. ...
Majority of Americans Disapprove of Israel’s Actions in Gaza, New Poll Shows
The Gallup poll conducted this month found that 55 percent of Americans disapproved of Israel’s military action, an increase of 10 percentage points from four months earlier.
By Anushka Patil | March 27, 2024
And the articles below are from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'On Politics' email:
Seeking Balance, Tripping Up
The question of how to cover Donald Trump is no closer to being solved.
By Jim Rutenberg | March 27, 2024
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Trump Isn’t Reaching Out to Haley and Her Voters. Will It Matter?
Republicans are debating the wisdom of the former president’s decision to bypass any reconciliation with Nikki Haley.
By Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman | March 26, 2024
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These are the USA Today articles which I received on March 27th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, March 30th, 2024, from an email that I received three days ago on March 27th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
A victory for reproductive rights? Democratic candidate Marilyn Lands wins Alabama's special election. ...
A victory for reproductive rights? Democratic candidate Marilyn Lands wins Alabama special election
By Karissa Waddick | March 26, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel will no longer join NBC after immediate backlash. ...
Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel will no longer join NBC after immediate backlash
By Marina Pitofsky and Gary Levin | March 26, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Photo of the day: Holy Week celebrated around the world
[Photo of the day: Catholic faithfuls in a Palm Sunday procession in San Lorenzo, in the outskirts of Asuncion, Paraguay on March 24, 2024. NORBERTO DUARTE, AFP via Getty Images]
For millions of Christians worldwide, Easter is an important day. But the days leading up to this Sunday's celebration, often called Holy Week, are also significant for Christians to reflect and pray on the life of Jesus Christ. Read more ...
When is Easter? How its date is determined each year and why some celebrate.
By Olivia Munson | January 19, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
A Georgia man has a tool to challenge voter rolls. Trump allies want to use it.
EagleAI set off alarm bells among experts who say government workers will be inundated with voter challenges ahead of the 2024 election.
READ MORE ...
A Georgia man created a tool to challenge voter registrations. Trump's allies may use it.
By Erin Mansfield | March 27, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned March 27th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Baltimore bridge tragedy exposes the dark side of social media
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, in the time it takes to say 'unhinged kookery,' was grotesquely transformed into a conspiratorial weapon online ...
Baltimore bridge collapse was tragic enough. Then came the right-wing conspiracy theorists.
What existed online regarding Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, stuff beamed into the brains of millions, bore no resemblance to the actual facts and news.
By Rex Huppke | March 27, 2024
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I did not select any Time Magazine articles from the emails that I received three days ago on March 27th, 2024.
And I decided to highlight these articles from The New York Times and USA Today for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written March 30th, 2024, revised March 31st, 2024 and revised June 6th, 2024)
P.S.: I think that this is going to be the last 'update' that I write regarding "my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I [have] received via email."
You see, I started writing this 'update' on March 30th, 2024, just after 8:05 PM PDT—and I am just now getting ready to post it at 11:25 PM EDT!
So, it has taken over three hours and twenty minutes for me to read the above-mentioned articles and to create this 'update.' And I have only completed one day's worth of emails that I have received in the last few days from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine! That is why I think that it's totally unrealistic for me to continue creating these 'updates' for the articles that I receive via email, since it takes way too much time for me to do so.
Besides that, I am really taking away valuable time from the time that I need to spend on 'updates' that I write for the Google searches that I do as often as I can manage, which are a lot simpler to create—and I feel that they provide a much broader range of news from a lot more news organizations.
Plus, this issue of me not having enough time to write these The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine emailed article 'updates' is really indicative of the issues that I have with regard to how much time and energy it takes to write about all of my "Online Activism" in response to the emails, text messages and mailers that I receive from the various organizations to which I subscribe—and then to, subsequently, write about all of it!
For example, yesterday March 29th, 2024, I wrote about eight donations that I made as a part of my series of very humble $1.00 donations for the 1st End of the Quarter 2024 FEC Deadline to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—as well as to one campaign—and it took me the entire day to write about those eight $1.00 donations! (Please see my 'March 29th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 17th, 2024' that can be found above.) Although, it's mostly because I am trying to actually show my readers the types of emails, or text messages, or mailers to which I am responding by effectively recreating those particular communications for the 'updates' that I write.
Thus, the activism itself is not very time consuming, but writing about the activism and recreating the requesting emails, texts and mailers takes hours and hours and hours of time...
...Anyway, my main point is: I barely have time to write 'updates' about my "Online Activism," as well as my infrequent Google news searches, let alone trying to continue writing these 'updates' about The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive via email! That is why I am pretty sure that this 'update' is going to be the last one.
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March 31st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On March 24th, 2024 [My Writing About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter (for 2024)]: Happy Easter, everyone!
[Blogger's Note: This 'March 31st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On March 24th, 2024' (that also appears as 'My Writing About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter...' on some of my blogs) was written on Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024, because I made my Easter charitable donations one week before Easter Sunday in order to, hopefully, get the charitable organizations to which I donated the funds that they need in time for Easter!]
On Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024, I made one-time donations to charities who are helping those in need during Easter, which includes a national veterans' organization (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes), and local nonprofits who are helping homeless folks here in Portland, Oregon (Union Gospel Mission, Portland Rescue Mission, Blanchet House of Hospitality and Blanchet Farm, plus Sisters of the Road), as well as an international charitable organization (The Salvation Army), in addition to nonprofits who are helping hungry folks, including a national hunger-relief organization (Feeding America) and a local food bank (Oregon Food Bank). And I was inspired to make these donations because of Jesus The Christ's loving message of "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." –Paul Whiting (written March 24th, 2024, revised March 31st, 2024 and revised May 6th, 2024)
P.S.: Please see my detailed descriptions—immediately after this 'update'—of the following Easter Sunday donations (that I made on Palm Sunday) for which I received donation requests through the regular mail!
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes: 'March 31st, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On March 24th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 1st, 2024' (that also appears as 'My Writing Continued About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter...' on some of my blogs), which can be found below.
Union Gospel Mission: 'March 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On March 24th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 11th, 2024' (that also appears as 'My Writing Continued Further About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter...' on some of my blogs), which can be found below.
The Salvation Army: 'March 31st, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 24th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 18th, 2024' (that also appears as 'My Writing Continued Further Some More About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter...' on some of my blogs), which can be found below.
Feeding America: 'March 31st, 2024 Update No. 5, Written On March 24th, 2024' (that also appears as 'My Writing Continued Further Some More Than Before About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter...' on some of my blogs), which can be found below.
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March 31st, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On March 24th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 1st, 2024 [My Writing Continued About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter (for 2024)]: Happy Easter, everyone!
[Blogger's Note: This 'March 31st, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On March 24th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 1st, 2024' (that also appears as 'My Writing Continued About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter...' on some of my blogs) was written on Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024, because I made my Easter charitable donations one week before Easter Sunday in order to, hopefully, get the charitable organizations to which I donated the funds that they need in time for Easter!]
I received a mailer from the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (CSAH) twenty three days ago on March 1st, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Heroes like this veteran [pictured on the envelope] sacrificed everything for our freedom. In their time of need, who will be there for them?", 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.]
Coalition to
Salute America's Heroes
Portland Area 2024 Easter Emergency Aid Drive
Dramatic Increase in America's Catastrophically Disabled Veterans Who Cannot Afford Groceries — and Some are Losing their Home
Dear Mr. Whiting,
My name is [redacted]. I proudly served in the U.S. Army. While deployed in Iraq, I was seriously injured from a roadside bomb.
I suffered severe burns on over 35% of my body, losing my nose, ears, and some of my fingers. That's me to the right in a side-by-side photo before that bomb went off and what I look like today.
Even after spending 48 days in a coma and going through more than 75 surgeries, I consider myself lucky — three of my fellow soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the bomb blast.
I've taken the unusual step of sending you the attached real $2.19 check. You may be wondering about the check amount. You see, the numbers 219 are important to me — I was severely injured on February 19.
I sent you the check to make sure you would not miss my letter. And here's why . . .
. . . Many of my fellow disabled War on Terror veterans are struggling financially — unable to afford the skyrocketing cost of food, much less the rising cost of utilities, rent or mortgage.
Mr. Whiting, the global War on Terror is far from over — as evident by the attacks in Israel and on U.S. service members abroad — and has resulted in many of our nation's servicemen and women returning home burned (like me), blinded, brain-damaged, paralyzed, or suffering from other severe wounds.
Disabled veterans call us each and every week with no place else to turn to for help. They are desperate to feed their families, stop their utilities from being cut off, or prevent an eviction from their home and becoming homeless.
Mr. Whiting, you can cash the $2.19 check if you like. But I hope you will not and instead find it in your heart to give to the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes. The Coalition is the nation's leading organization providing direct emergency aid to support our post 9/11 combat-wounded veterans.
We need every dollar we can raise to provide emergency aid to our catastrophically wounded heroes who fought to protect us in the global War on Terror but now are in dire financial crises. That's why the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes has launched its 2024 Easter Emergency Aid Drive.
The skyrocketing cost of food, and rising cost of gas, utilities, and to keep a roof over your head has affected everyone. But for our seriously wounded veterans and their families, it is devastating. You may be wondering why.
After being severely injured in the War on Terror, returning home, and being discharged from service, these wounded heroes had to wait on average six months — and sometimes over a year — to receive their first disabilities benefit check. Imagine going six months before receiving your first benefit check. It takes years for these severely disabled veterans to financially recover from the disaster caused by the Veterans Affairs backlog of claims.
I know you agree that America's post 9/11 combat-wounded veterans deserve much more than to return home severely disabled from the battleground only to be forced into a battle against financial disaster.
In addition to the emergency aid these wounded veterans desperately need, they also need to know their lifelong sacrifices have not been forgotten. That is why I have included with this letter an Easter Thank You and Get Well card that I hope you will sign and return. Coalition supporters have sent me Thank You and Get Well cards, and I can tell you that this show of support has helped in my road to recovery.
And your generosity can provide a wounded hero the peace of mind that they can feed their family, stay in their home, or avoid some other financial disaster — and maybe offer hope for the future.
Please send your generous tax-deductible gift to help our severely disabled troops who have already sacrificed so much.
Please do what you can to help. Thank you and God Bless you!
Sincerely,
Staff Sgt. [Name redacted], U.S. Army (Ret.)
[Title redacted] for the Coalition
"QR code message": SCAN ME
https://saluteheroes.org
P.S. I am sending these $2.19 checks to patriotic Americans like you who care deeply about America's wounded veterans. I hope you will tear up the $2.19 check and send your most generous tax-deductible gift to the Coalition's 2024 Easter Emergency Aid Drive, today.
Every call we receive from a disabled veteran is heartbreaking. Most of these post 9/11 combat-wounded veterans have nowhere else to turn to for help and are losing hope. Please do your part to help them with your best tax-deductible donation to the Coalition. And please return your signed Easter "Thank You and Get well" card so it can be delivered to a severely disabled War on Terror hero or hospitalized veteran.
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Portland Area 2024 Easter Emergency Aid Drive for Disabled Veterans in Need
Important Donation Reply to Staff Sgt. [Name redacted], U.S. Army (Ret.)
Dear [Name redacted],
Thank you for making me aware of the dire financial crises many of these veterans are facing and why. I will tear up the $2.19 check you sent me and am enclosing my signed Easter Thank You and Get Well card for you to deliver to a severely disabled or hospitalized veteran living in Oregon or elsewhere.
To help provide emergency aid to a wounded hero in need this Easter, I am enclosing my tax-deductible gift of:
[ ] $8
[ ] $15
If you can send this amount [of $15], it will do so much good to help a wounded warrior this Easter.
[ ] $20
[ ] $40
[✓] My best gift of $7.00
Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Donation Requested By: 7 Days from Receipt
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes today, March 24th, 2024 (Palm Sunday), in order to support their 2024 Easter Emergency Aid Drive! Plus, I tore up "the $2.19 check" in addition to returning “[my] signed Easter ‘Thank You and Get well’ card so it can be delivered to a severely disabled War on Terror hero or hospitalized veteran." –Paul Whiting (written March 24th, 2024 and revised March 31st, 2024)
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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March 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On March 24th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 11th, 2024 [My Writing Continued Further About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter (for 2024)]: Happy Easter, everyone!
[Blogger's Note: This 'March 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On March 24th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 11th, 2024’ (that also appears as 'My Writing Continued Further About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter...' on some of my blogs), was written on Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024, because I made my Easter charitable donations one week before Easter Sunday in order to, hopefully, get the charitable organizations to which I donated the funds that they need in time for Easter!]
I received a mailer from Union Gospel Mission thirteen days ago on March 11th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "With your help, lives will change this spring!", 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.]
UNION GOSPEL MISSION
The Path To LifeChange
March 7, 2024
Paul, you gave at Easter last year, will you give again?
Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Dear Paul,
I really enjoyed my first holiday season at the Mission, but if I'm being candid, I'm even more excited for my first Easter. After all, Easter and the new life that Jesus made possible are what the Mission is all about.
Will you help by sending an Easter gift like I see you did last year?
Because each $17.64 provides a day of life-changing care for one person, any amount you give again this Easter will make a difference, especially during the Easter season.
The empty tomb shows us that anything is posible with God, and nothing is too big for Him to overcome. Not drug addiction, not decades of homelessness — not even death. That's a message that the people we serve are desperate to hear.
If you can help, please send your gift today!
[Name redacted's] story in your newsletter is a great example of the life-saving, transformational impact you'll have when you give.
God bless you,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
P.S. Please respond by March 25 to help in time for Easter again this year. Every $17.64 you give can help change a life!
If you prefer, you can give online at https://ugmportland.org/easter
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CHANGE A LIFE THIS EASTER!
Yes. [name redacted]! I will help at Easter again this year! I'm sending a gift of:
[ ] $35.28 to provide 2 days of care.
[ ] $52.92 to provide 3 days of care.
[ ] $17.64 to provide 1 day of care.
[✓] $7.00 to help as possible.
When you give at Easter again thie year, every $17.64 provides a life-changing day of care for someone like [name redacted]!
Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
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UNION GOSPEL MISSION
LIFE CHANGE LETTER
MARCH 2024
"Growing up, I always thought things like, 'I don't matter, I'm worthless, I'm not important'. . . But that's not who I am. I am a son of God. He loves me, and I have worth." -[Name redacted]
INSIDE:
• Whatever You're Doing, It Matters
• Discovering a Life Worth Living
• Change a Life this Easter!
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3
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DISCOVERING A LIFE WORTH LIVING
"It was a super powerful experience for me to get to know Jesus in a more intimate way without distraction." -[Name redacted]
A FEW YEARS AGO, [name redacted] wanted to die. He was stuck in his addiction and had reached the end of his rope.
"Every single morning I'd wake up just miserable," he says. "I even started having these thoughts of, "Maybe life would just be better if I wasn't here."
But something in him stopped him from taking the step to end it all. Instead, he cried out to God.
You might think the heavens opened and a bright light shined down. Or that [name redacted] heard angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus. None of those things happened. But [name redacted] woke up the next day with a new desire — to read the Bible.
[Name redacted] knew about God. He had even gone to church and volunteered at the Mission with his parents. But God hadn't been real to him.
Until now.
Knowing that his addiction was out of control, [name redacted] called his parents and told them his life had fallen apart. He was addicted, had no healthy relationships left and was losing his apartment. His parents encouraged him to call the Mission. On Sunday, when his parents were scheduled to volunteer. Kris came to the Mission with them. He joined LifeChange for Men just a few weeks later.
Through nourishing food, Christ-centered counseling, daily Bible reading and the other aspects of the program, [name redacted] began to see things more clearly. He remembers one day in counseling, the group was talking about false beliefs and [name redacted] realized he'd always felt worthless. His counselor encouraged him to tell God that he was worthless and see what happened.
”When I prayed that, it just blew me away. I realized that's not true. That's not who I am. I'm a son of God. He loves me and I have worth there. Suddenly I was just almost a new person, and it was such an impactful moment. So, doing that in a safe space was very important for me," says [name redacted].
"I think what sets UGM apart from a lot of other recovery programs is that interpersonal experience with others." -[Name redacted]
It's all about Relationships: With Jesus, Yourself and Others
"You can pray read your Bible anywhere. But getting that counseling here, and then having an issue and dealing with it in-house made all the difference . . . there's so many skills that translated to my life."
[Name redacted] graduated from the program but wanted to keep giving back. He became one of our Shepherds — a mentor to other men in LifeChange — and continued doing that for several years.
"LifeChange gave so much to me, that it's the least I could do to give back," [name redacted] says.
He also joined a church when he first started the program and he's still involved. In fact, he met his wife there. They were married in 2022. [Name redacted] also went back to school and earned a college degree. Now, because of partners like you, he's got a great job and is looking forward to seeing where God takes him next.
Your Easter gift today will help change another life!
"One thing that I just desperately needed. was a fresh start." -[Name redacted]
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Whatever You're Doing, It Matters
ONE OF MY FAVORITE things about working here at the Mission is that I get to see people like you acting as the loving hands and feet of Jesus in our community.
Long-time volunteers [name redacted] and [name redacted] are a great example.
[Name redacted] and [name redacted] have had the same Tuesday night route with UGM's Search + Rescue van for years. As they make their way from encampment to encampment they greet people with smiles, check in with them, serve them good food and ask if they can pray for them.
On the night I was with them, a gentleman in a wheelchair made his way over to them. They told me afterwards that he is usually happy and lighthearted but on this night he broke down in tears. Life on the street is hard and he'd had another setback. This time the pain felt like too much. [Name redacted] listened with a caring ear, provided for the gentleman's immediate needs and prayed with him.
The whole thing took just a few minutes but when that man left, his entire demeanor had changed. He knew he wasn't alone. Even better, he was loved.
Some people like [name redacted] and [name redacted] like to be on the front lines. Other people prefer to be behind the scenes. But whatever you are doing — whether it feels big or small — it matters. It matters because every time you partner with the Mission, you are being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Happy Easter!
Ways You can Get Involved this Easter Season
Volunteer your time:
We always need volunteers to serve meals, sort clothes, and provide administrative support. Visit ugmportland.org/volunteer
Donate food or clothing:
We are always grateful for donations of food and clothing to help us meet the needs of our guests.
Make a financial donation:
Your financial gift will provide vital programs and services to those we serve in our community.
---------------------------------------------
Change a Life this Easter!
The empty tomb is proof that with God all things are possible. No one is too lost in addiction or homelessness for Him to redeem.
Most of the men and women who come to our doors feel hopeless, and hearing that message changes everything.
They need to know that they can get off the streets, overcome addiction and live changed lives, just like [name redacted]. But they don't just need to hear it. They need to experience it.
They need to have people walk alongside them and support them with the right relationships and tools that will help them actually change their lives.
You can make that possible by sending a gift today.
Because each $17.64 is enough to provide a full day of meals and care for one person in our LifeChange program, any amount you give today can help change a life.
A lot of our partners give during the "traditional" holiday season. But we believe that Easter is the most important holiday of all.
Any amount you can give today will make a difference in changing lives!
Give instantly at https://ugmportland.org/easter.
Heart of Hope Partner
WANT TO MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER IMPACT?
Become a Monthly Heart of Hope Partner
When you sign up to give monthly, you'll know you're changing lives every day while saving postage and administrative costs and making sure that vital Mission programs keep running.
To sign up or find out more, call [phone number redacted] or visit ugmportland.org/heart-of-hope
Through the transformative power of Jesus Christ, we open life-changing pathways to people experiencing homelessness, hunger, addiction, and abuse.
LIFECHANGE LETTER
A PUBLICATION OF UNION GOSPEL MISSION
And so, I made a one-time donation to Union Gospel Mission today, March 24th, 2024, in order to "CHANGE A LIFE THIS EASTER," which is why I donated "[$7.00] to help as [much as] possible." –Paul Whiting (written March 24th, 2024 and revised March 31st, 2024)
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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March 31st, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 24th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 18th, 2024 [My Writing Continued Further Some More About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter (for 2024)]: Happy Easter, everyone!
[Blogger's Note: This 'March 31st, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On March 24th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 18th, 2024' (that also appears as 'My Writing Continued Further Some More About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter...' on some of my blogs), was written on Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024, because I made my Easter charitable donations one week before Easter Sunday in order to, hopefully, get the charitable organizations to which I donated the funds that they need in time for Easter!]
I received a mailer from The Salvation Army Portland Metro six days ago on March 18th, 2024—which included a greeting card, as well as a donation voucher—both of 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.]
[OUTSIDE OF THE GREETING CARD:]
Happy Easter
[INSIDE OF THE GREETING CARD:]
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade." —1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
Happy Easter from all of us at The Salvation Army!
Dear Friend,
Easter is a time of rebirth, renewal, and rejoicing. As you celebrate with friends and family, please also remember to feed the hungry just as Jesus did. May God bless you and yours this holy Easter season. Thank you, as always, for being a steadfast friend to our neighbors in need.
—Your friends at The Salvation Army
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[DONATION VOUCHER:]
THE SALVATION ARMY
My Easter Offering
To Feed Hungry People
Yes, I want to help feed our hungry neighbors In the Portland Metro area this Easter. I'm enclosing $7.00 to feed as many people as possible.
Your best gift here! → $ 7.00
Please make you check payable to The Salvation Army.
Your gift will be used locally.
From: Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
To: The Salvation Army
Portland Metro Donation Processing Center
[Street Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Blogger's Note: For The Salvation Army USA website, at which there's a local donation page for you to make a donation to The Salvation Army in your area, please visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn where you will see the "Donate Local" button at the top right-hand corner of their website! And thank you for considering making a donation to The Salvation Army, because "as you celebrate (Easter) with friends and family, please also remember to feed the hungry just as Jesus did."]
And so, I made a one-time donation to The Salvation Army Portland Metro today, March 24th, 2024, in order to celebrate Easter by remembering to "feed the hungry just as Jesus did." –Paul Whiting (written March 24th, 2024, revised March 31st, 2024 and revised May 6th, 2024)
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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March 31st, 2024 Update No. 5, Written On March 24th, 2024 [My Writing Continued Further Some More Than Before About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter (for 2024)]: Happy Easter, everyone!
[Blogger's Note: This 'March 31st, 2024 Update No. 5, Written On March 24th, 2024’ (that also appears as 'My Writing Continued Further Some More Than Before About Donating In Order To Help The Less Fortunate, Including Homeless Folks And Hungry Folks—As Well As To Help U.S. Veterans—During Easter...' on some of my blogs), was written on Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024, because I made my Easter charitable donations one week before Easter Sunday in order to, hopefully, get the charitable organizations to which I donated the funds that they need in time for Easter!]
I received a mailer from Feeding America today March 24th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Your gift can go TWICE as far to help rescue healthy foods like: ❏ fruits and veggies; ❏ milk and cheese; ❏ meats, beans and eggs", 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.]
FEEDING AMERICA
$15 CAN BECOME ----> $30 to rescue EVEN MORE fresh produce.
$20 CAN BECOME ----> $40 to rescue EVEN MORE nutritious dairy products.
$25 CAN BECOME ----> $50 to rescue EVEN MORE healthy protein.
Return a Food Rescue Voucher today or give now at SupportFeedingAmerica.org/Match!
Dear Paul Whiting,
For too many of our neighbors, getting meals on the table has become increasingly difficult. Challenges like the high prices of food and everyday necessities have left many facing hunger.
At the same time, farmers, retailers and food distributors have extra produce and groceries sitting in fields and warehouses because they can't move all of it. Unfortunately, much of this perfectly good food ends up in landfills. Every year, right here in America, 119 billion pounds of food are wasted instead of reaching families at risk of hunger.
Why? Local supermarkets may not be able to sell fresh fruit that's irregularly shaped. Or a box of cereal nearing its sell-by date can't be sold in stores—even though it's still safe to eat.
The truth is, we get food donation offers all the time, but without funds to move the food, we are unable to accept it. And what we can't ship, we lose. So rather than getting healthy and fresh food into the hands of neighbors who need it, it goes to waste.
That means food ends up in dumpsters instead of going to people like [name redacted]. After a heart attack 10 years ago forced him to stop working, [name redacted] began visiting his local food pantry, served by the Feeding America network. There, he was able to access the meals he needed.
You can help the Feeding America network rescue food that would otherwise be wasted so it's available for neighbors like [name redacted] when they need it.
Thanks to a $250,000 challenge match offered by our generous partners at [business name redacted], you can have TWICE the impact for people at risk of hunger. Simply return your enclosed Food Rescue Voucher and your gift's impact can DOUBLE to help the Feeding America network rescue safe, healthy food and deliver it to children and families.
Normally, every $1 you give helps provide at least 10 meals through the Feeding America network. But with the [business name redacted] challenge match, every $1 can help provide at least 20 meals, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Your support can help many neighbors facing hunger, like [name redacted].
For years, [name redacted] provided for his family through his job as a homebuilder. But after his heart attack, he worried about the future. Though the family was receiving SNAP benefits, they still couldn't afford enough food.
In search of extra help, [name redacted] turned to his local food pantry. "We would be in trouble, real bad, without this pantry," he said. The family has especially enjoyed the fresh eggs and breakfast foods they've gotten there.
From ears of corn to boxes of pasta, the Feeding America network is rescuing nutritious food and making it possible for people like [name redacted] to feed their families. With your support, we rescued 3.96 billion pounds of food last year!
I know that sounds like a lot...but it's just the beginning of what we can do with your help. Please join the challenge match right now. Together, we can continue to:
• Support food banks so they can meet growing need.
• Work with people at every step of the food production process to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste.
• Help our neighbors access this perfectly good food.
And it all starts with your Food Rescue Voucher. Please return it with your contribution today to spark a chain reaction that will help us rescue more food—and help people get the meals they need to thrive. I truly appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Feeding America
P.S. Remember, thanks to the challenge match from [business name redacted], your gift can help rescue food so more neighbors facing hunger can feed their families. Thank you for returning your Food Rescue Voucher with your donation today.
Your gift can help provide TWICE as many meals. Scan here or visit SupportFeedingAmerica.org/Match
---------------------------------------------
YOUR GIFT CAN GO TWICE AS FAR TO RESCUE GOOD FOOD!
Every $1 you give can help provide at least 20 meals.
YES! I want to help Feeding America rescue more food for our neighbors. My gift of:
[ ] $15 can help provide at least 300 meals.
[ ] $20 can help provide at least 400 meals.
[ ] $25 can help provide at least 500 meals.
[✓] $7.00 can help provide as many meals as possible.
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
FEEDING AMERICA
Give online:
SupportFeedingAmerica.org/Match
And so, I made a one-time donation to Feeding America today, March 24th, 2024, because "[MY] GIFT CAN GO TWICE AS FAR TO RESCUE GOOD FOOD," since "$7.00 can help provide as many meals as possible." –Paul Whiting (written March 24th, 2024 and revised March 31st, 2024)
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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March 31st, 2024 Update No. 6, Written On April 2nd, 2024 About March 2024: This 'update' is special, since I am continuing to change the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And because I first changed the way that I make donations starting in August 2023, this update is also technically 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
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 5, Written On January 1st, 2024 About December 2023
Besides that, because this is the year 2024—where I am continuing to change the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations that I started changing in 2023—this update is also a follow-up to the following:
▪ January 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On February 1st, 2024 About January 2024
▪ February 29th, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On March 1st, 2024 About February 2024
Please let me explain: I spent A LOT the year before last (2022) because I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" And I also spent QUITE A BIT last year (2023) because I was trying to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism throughout the year. And 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—and I was enjoying an interest-free period on my charges up until August 2023! Thus, my carefree days of not paying for any interest on my credit card balance were officially over last year. And my minimum payments were going to be a rather large percentage of the amount that I had set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment, as well as my extra payment, on my credit card each month.
So, in response to this change in my minimum payments, I changed the way that I donated to political, progressive and charitable organizations, starting in 2023, due to the fact that I was spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations in 2023—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:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%
September 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%
October 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%
November 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 71%
December 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%
And so, if I average out the total percentage in 2023 that I spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through December 2023, it comes out to be 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.)
That is the reason I started really "tightening my belt," so to speak, with regard to all of the donations that I am making on my credit card each month! So, 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, 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.
That is why 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; however, when I do donate, I am 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.
Thus, when I do donate, 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.)
In addition to that, as of March 21st, 2024, I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis (such as to Joe Biden's campaign for President of the United States, or to local campaigns here in Oregon), but I am not donating like I have been up until this point—which has been virtually every time that I have received a political campaign donation request via email or text message—because I seriously cannot afford to donate that much for the rest of the 2024 Presidential Election cycle, as well as for the foreseeable future.
And I have made this decision based upon how much these individual political campaign donations are costing in my 'monthly donating budget'—even though I have only been donating $3.00 with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue. However, it's still more than I can afford given my 'monthly donating budget,' which is why I have decided to stop donating to individual political campaigns entirely—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, as mentioned above.
And to clarify one more thing: In the past, I used to only donate to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations—rather than to individual campaigns—since that's all I really could afford given my 'monthly spending budget,' because I am "low income." Plus, those Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations help all of the individual political campaigns with funding, which is why I used to only donate to those main organizations. And I only started donating to individual political campaigns in 2022, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" Therefore, this decision to stop donating to individual political campaigns (with the exception of presidential campaigns and local campaigns, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis) is really just going back to the way that I used to make political donations.
And now that two days ago, March 31st, 2024, was the last day of March 2024, I wanted to provide you with March's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:
March 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19.99% {19.99806326662%}
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: 2.00% {2.00322788896%}
[02] DNC (Dem. Nation. Cam. Comm.): 0.55% {0.54938670109%}
[03] DASS (Dem. Assoc. Secr. of State): 0.40% {0.4009038089%}
[04] Joe Biden for President: 0.61% {0.6139444803%}
[05] DAGA (Dem. Attorneys. Gen. Assoc.): 0.41% {0.40994189799%}
[06] DLCC (Dem. Legis. Cam. Comm.): 0.41% {0.40994189799%}
[07] DSCC (Dem. Senate. Cam. Comm.): 0.41% {0.40994189799%}
[08] DCCC (Dem. Congress. Cam. Comm.): 0.47% {0.47449967721%}
[09] DGA (Dem. Govern. Assoc.): 0.41% {0.40994189799%}
[10] UFW (Unite. Farm Work.): 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[11] USA for UNFPA: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[12] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.71% {0.7127178825%}
[13] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 1.61% {1.6139444803%}
[14] News Organizations: 0.71% {0.71013557133%}
[15] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[16] Monthly Political: 2.32% {2.32408005164%}
-------Please see [17] below-------
[18] Brady United: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[19] Easter Sunday: 3.47% {3.4667527437%}
[20] Red Cross Giving Day: 3.55% {3.55196901226%}
[21] National Doctors’ Day: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
Monthly Income Total Percentage Calculation:
2.00%
+ 0.55%
+ 0.40%
+ 0.61%
+ 1.64% {4 x 0.41%}
+ 0.47%
+ 0.65%
+ 1.29% {4 x 0.32% approximately}
+ 1.43% {2 x 0.71% approximately}
+ 1.61%
+ 2.32%
+ 3.47%
+ 3.55%
= 19.99%
Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases, as outlined within my monthly budget:
[17] Monthly Interest: 6.89% {6.89025177533%}
Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 6.89%
Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for March 2024: 26.88% {26.88831504196%}
And starting in 2024, I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
For example, I made two set of donations for the month of March 2024 (the first one on March 7th and the second one March 29th) to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this third month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.
That is why I am trying to contribute, during each month of 2024, as much as I am able to donate to Democratic political organizations—as well as to Democratic political campaigns—while I am still trying to stay within a 'monthly donating budget,' since that's all I can really afford! Now, that means I can only donate ONCE for the entire month to each of the above-mentioned seven organizations (and one campaign!) in order to stay within my 'monthly donating budget.' Period. (Although, it was the 1st End of the Quarter 2024 FEC Deadline this month, which is why I donated TWICE!) And that is how I am planning to budget for my credit card charges in order to see if it is "feasible for the foreseeable future" (say that three times fast!), or if I need to adjust this new credit card budget even more.
Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because 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 April 2nd, 2024, revised May 1st, 2024, revised September 4th, 2024 and revised September 5th, 2024)
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YEAR 2024 UPDATES FOR APRIL:
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April 3rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses April 2nd, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, April 3rd, 2024, is combined from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage, as well as from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email for the time period of April 2nd, 2024 through April 3rd, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google (which I stopped doing for a while), I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google today, April 3rd, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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April 3rd, 2024 search:
01. AP News
Yes, we're divided. But new AP-NORC poll shows Americans still agree on most core American values
By Gary Fields and Amelia Thomson Deveaux | Updated 3:46 AM PDT, April 3, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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April 3rd, 2024 search:
02. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Donald Trump doubles down on 'bloodbath' warning as he criticizes Joe Biden's handling of the border
By David Jackson | April 2, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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April 3rd, 2024 search:
03. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Opinion | Joe Biden Is More Than His Age
Letters to the Editor | April 2, 2024
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April 3rd, 2024 search:
04. Newsweek
Joe Biden Scores Big Win Over Donald Trump Among Suburban Voters
By Matthew Robinson | Apr 03, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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April 3rd, 2024 search:
05. Common Dreams
US Economy Performs Far Better Under Democrats Than Republicans: Study
Democrats have handled the economy better than Republicans since at least 1949.
By Thor Benson | Apr 02, 2024
By the way, after I read this article on April 3rd, 2024, I noticed the Common Dreams donation request below, which stated the following:
Join the Movement: Become Part of the Solution Today
We're optimists who believe in the power of informed and engaged citizens to ignite and enact change to make the world a better place.
We're hundreds of thousands strong, but every single supporter counts.
Your contribution supports this new media model—free, independent, and dedicated to uncovering the truth. Stand with us in the fight for social justice, human rights, and equality. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover the issues the corporate media never will. Join with us today!
---------------------------------------------
Another World is Possible.
Common Dreams is a media outlet that exists to make the world a better place: To inform. To inspire. And to ignite change for the common good. Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing.
[✓] Give once
[ ] Monthly
[ ] $15
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[✓] $5.00
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Thank you for your donation of $5
Help spread the word!*
1 out of 4 people you share this with will also donate.
[ ] Share on Facebook
[✓] Share on Twitter
[ ] Share via email
*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:
I just donated to @commondreams to support their independent, nonprofit journalism. They are funded by readers and rely on our support to continue publishing. Join me today: https://www.commondreams.org/message/mobile/message-from-common-dreams-2667174397?form=FUNTDFJESAR&ref=modal_thankyou
Thus, I made a one-time donation to Common Dreams out of a appreciative consideration for the article that I just read, because "Common Dreams is a media outlet that exists to make the world a better place: To inform. To inspire. And to ignite change for the common good."
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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April 3rd, 2024 search:
06. Newsweek
Donald Trump Stung in Primary As Huge Number of Republicans Vote Against Him
By Kate Plummer | Apr 03, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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April 3rd, 2024 search:
07. Financial Times
US local news swamped by 'pink slime' as political influence ramps up
Dark money-funded outlets that mimic regional news sites are becoming more sophisticated ahead of November election.
By Hannah Murphy | April 2, 2024
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April 3rd, 2024 search:
08. CNN
The politics of religion as Trump sells Bibles and Biden is criticized over Easter eggs
By Zachary B. Wolf | April 1, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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Continuing on—as I mentioned above—I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from the daily emails that I receive from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however—as I mentioned above—I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Again, please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too!
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of April 2nd, 2024 through April 3rd, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
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These are The New York Times articles which I received for the time period of April 2nd, 2024 through April 3rd, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following is The New York Times articles that I read today, April 3rd, 2024, from an email that I received yesterday, April 2nd, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 2nd, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS EXCERPT AND ARTICLE CONTAIN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
Netanyahu called aid worker deaths unintentional
Seven aid workers who had just delivered more than 100 tons of food to central Gaza were killed last night by Israeli strikes. The workers were driving in a clearly marked aid convoy, and they had coordinated their movements with Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized and said Israel “deeply regrets the tragic incident.”
Videos and photos verified by The New York Times suggest the convoy was hit multiple times. The imagery shows three destroyed white vehicles, with the northernmost and southernmost vehicles nearly a mile and a half apart.
“There was a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu said. “We will do everything so that this thing does not happen again.”
Aid organizations and several governments condemned the attack. The workers — a Palestinian, an Australian, a Pole, three Britons and a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen — were with the charity group World Central Kitchen, a newly important player in the effort to alleviate a looming famine in Gaza.
The incident underscored the risks to humanitarian workers in the area. At least 196 have been killed in Gaza and the West Bank since October, a senior U.N. official said. World Central Kitchen said it was suspending its operations in Gaza. ...
Netanyahu Called Aid Worker Deaths Tragic and Unintentional
By Matthew Cullen | April 2, 2024
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, April 3rd, 2024, from emails that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 3rd, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Political interest
The Federal Reserve is in a tough spot. It expects to cut interest rates soon. But doing so before an election will yank the apolitical central bank directly into a partisan fight.
Fed officials have lifted borrowing costs to 5.3 percent, the highest level in decades, to slow inflation. Now that price increases are fading, Fed officials think that they can dial back that response starting later this year. Investors expect the first move to come in June or July — just as the election kicks into high gear.
Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, says rate cuts this year would probably be an effort to help Democrats. Lower rates can lift markets and help the economy, so politicians tend to prefer cheap money when they are in office.
Fed officials insist that rate changes would respond to economic conditions, not politics. Still, they can’t ignore the vitriol. If they ramp up during the campaign, Trump’s attacks could convince his supporters that the Fed is bending to partisan whims. And in the long run, a loss of popular support could expose the central bank, which answers to Congress, to lawmaker censure or even political tinkering. ...
Interest Rates and the Election
The Fed is expected to cut rates soon. Doing so could pull it into a partisan fight.
By Jeanna Smialek | April 3, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 3rd, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Trump said undocumented immigrants were “not humans” and described the U.S.-Mexico border as a “blood bath.” ...
Trump Again Invokes ‘Blood Bath’ and Dehumanizes Migrants in Border Remarks
The former president has tried to stoke fear around immigration and border security throughout his 2024 campaign, as he has done in the past.
By Michael Gold and Anjali Huynh | April 2, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 3rd, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS EXCERPT AND ARTICLE CONTAIN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
Food aid for Gazans was sent back to Cyprus
World Central Kitchen, the charity group that paused its operations in Gaza this week after seven of its workers were killed in an Israeli strike, sent three ships with hundreds of tons of food meant for Gazans back to port in Cyprus. It was the most tangible sign yet that the attack, which Israel called a mistake, has set back efforts to address severe hunger that experts say is approaching famine.
At least one other aid group also announced it was suspending its operations in the enclave, and the U.N.’s World Food Program stopped its overnight work while it evaluated security.
The halting of the maritime aid organized by World Central Kitchen will probably be felt most in northern Gaza, where food shortages are most dire. The ships were intended to supplement the roughly 117 aid trucks that enter Gaza each day — a tally that is less than half what the U.N. estimates is needed to meet basic food needs.
Before the strike, the World Central Kitchen team had spent the day getting 100 tons of supplies off the group’s ship at a rudimentary jetty, which had been built in six days from the rubble of bombed buildings, and to their warehouse. ...
World Central Kitchen sent ships with hundreds of tons of food back to Cyprus.
By Matthew Cullen | April 3, 2024
And the article below is from the above-mentioned April 3rd, 2024 'On Politics' email:
Contradicting Trump, Ruby Garcia’s Sister Says He Never Contacted Family
The former president held up the death of a young Michigan woman at a campaign rally as an example of what he calls “migrant crime,” and claimed to have spoken to her family.
By Anjali Huynh | April 3, 2024
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These are the USA Today articles which I received for the time period of April 2nd, 2024 through April 3rd, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following is the USA Today article that I read today, April 3rd, 2024, from an email that I received yesterday, April 2nd, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 2nd, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS EXCERPT AND ARTICLE CONTAIN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
Seven workers from the nonprofit group World Central Kitchen, among the largest providers of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, were killed in an Israeli airstrike Monday.
The group's aid convoy was hit Monday as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, despite coordinating movements with the Israeli military, USA TODAY's John Bacon and your OnPolitics author reported. The workers had been traveling in two armored cars bearing the World Central Kitchen logo, according to a statement.
What is the World Central Kitchen? The nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen was established in 2010 by renown chef José Andrés after he traveled to Haiti following an earthquake, according to the nonprofit’s website. There, he cooked alongside displaced families in camps.
Where does the World Central Kitchen help? The group has been involved in humanitarian efforts around the world. For example, after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the nonprofit served millions of meals to those who fled Ukraine and those in the country, according to its website. The group also expanded its operations into Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia and other countries. ...
...President Joe Biden called chef José Andrés after seven World Central Kitchen workers killed in airstrike by Israeli military.
Joe Biden expresses outrage over deaths of World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza
By Michael Collins | April 2, 2024
The following is the USA Today article that I read today, April 3rd, 2024, from an email that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 3rd, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Trump put Ruby Garcia's murder at center of border security debate
Hardline immigration rhetoric has been a hallmark of Trump's political brand. He's focusing on crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. ...
Trump made Ruby Garcia's murder part of the border debate. Her family says he's lying about it.
By Zac Anderson | April 3, 2024
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, April 3rd, 2024, from an email that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 3rd, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS EXCERPT AND ARTICLE CONTAIN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
Outrage spreads following slaying of Chef Jose Andres' workers in Gaza
If World Central Kitchen, run by celebrity Jose Andres can be attacked by Israeli Defense Force, no one is safe, observers say. ...
Death of Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen crew marks a new low in Gaza war, aid workers say
By Dan Morrison | April 3, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 3rd, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Trump made Ruby Garcia's murder about the border to scare you
Donald Trump leveraged Ruby Garcia's tragic death to gin up fear about the southern border. Then he lied about speaking with the grieving family. ...
Grieving Michigan family says Trump lied about their daughter. Of course he did.
Trump doesn't care about the U.S.-Mexico border or immigrants in general. He doesn't care about Garcia or her family in Michigan. And he definitely doesn't care about you.
By Rex Huppke | April 3, 2024
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These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for the time period of April 2nd, 2024 through April 3rd, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 3rd, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received yesterday, April 2nd, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
World Central Kitchen Charity Halts Gaza Operations After Apparent Israeli Strike Kills Seven Workers
By Wafaa Shurafa And Samy Magdy / AP [Associated Press] | April 2, 2024
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 3rd, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today: [CONTENT WARNING: THESE ARTICLES CONTAIN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
U.S. Scrambles to Contain Fallout from Israel’s Strikes on Iranians and Aid Workers
By Vera Bergengruen | April 2, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above via Google news searches—as well as from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written April 3rd, 2024, revised April 4th, 2024, revised April 6th, 2024, revised April 9th, 2024 and revised April 18th, 2024)
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April 4th, 2024 Update No. 1: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, April 4th, 2024, is combined from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage, as well as from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received for April 4th, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google (which I stopped doing for a while), I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google for April 4th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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April 4th, 2024 search:
01. CNBC
Biden says U.S. economy is world's best. Trump calls it a 'cesspool.' Data is clear.
By Rebecca Picciotto | Apr 4 2024
KEY POINTS
• President Joe Biden is fighting to persuade Americans that the U.S. economy is the world's best.
• His opponent, Donald Trump, routinely depicts the United States as a commercial wasteland.
• By the numbers, Biden is correct: America's economy is stronger than that of other developed nations.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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April 4th, 2024 search:
02. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
No Labels says it will not challenge Joe Biden and Donald Trump
By David Jackson | April 4, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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April 4th, 2024 search:
03. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
US warns of policy changes if Israel doesn't take action to better protect civilians
President Biden spoke with Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.
By Molly Nagle and Alexandra Hutzler | April 4, 2024
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April 4th, 2024 search:
04. Axios
Biden calls for "immediate ceasefire" in tense call with Netanyahu (Biden's ultimatum to Bibi: Change Gaza policy or we will)
By Barak Ravid | Updated April 4, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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April 4th, 2024 search:
05. CNN
No Labels will not field third-party ticket
By Aaron Pellish | Updated 4:50 PM EDT, Thu April 4, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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Continuing on—as I mentioned above—I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from the daily emails that I receive from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however—as I mentioned above—I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Again, please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for April 4th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
---------------------------------------------
These are The New York Times articles which I received for April 4th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, April 4th, 2024, from an email that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 4th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times articles below:
Biden sent his sharpest message to Netanyahu yet
During a tense 30-minute call today with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, President Biden threatened to condition future American support for Israel on whether it improves its treatment of civilians in Gaza. Biden called the humanitarian situation in the enclave “unacceptable,” and insisted to Netanyahu that he quickly put in place specific protections.
It was the first time that the president has sought to leverage American aid to influence the conduct of Israel’s war against Hamas,* a step some of his closest allies have publicly supported. Biden’s frustration with Netanyahu has grown in recent months. But in public, he has staunchly supported Israel’s right to respond to Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack.
During the call, Biden urged Netanyahu to negotiate a deal that would result in an “immediate cease-fire” and the release of hostages taken by Hamas. A spokesman said the White House expects Israel to make announcements of specific changes within hours or days.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who dialed into the call, said afterward that Israel needed to do more to increase the flow of humanitarian supplies to Gaza, a challenge made more difficult after Israel’s deadly attack on an aid convoy this week.
“If we don’t see the changes that we need to see, there’ll be changes in policy,” Blinken said.
In related news, a key member of Netanyahu’s war cabinet called for early elections.** ...
Middle East Crisis
Biden Chides Netanyahu, Threatening to Pivot U.S. Policy:
*Biden tells Netanyahu that U.S. support hinges on treatment of Gaza civilians.
**A call for early elections by a member of Netanyahu’s war cabinet highlights the domestic pressure he is under.
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | Live Coverage April 4, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 4th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Politics: The centrist group No Labels abandoned its plans to run a presidential ticket this year. ...
No Labels Abandons Effort to Field a Presidential Candidate
The centrist group laid out grand ambitions of running a third-party candidate in a Biden-Trump contest, but the most prominent figures it courted all said no.
By Rebecca Davis O’Brien and Reid J. Epstein | April 4, 2024
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These are the USA Today articles which I received for April 4th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, April 4th, 2024, from emails that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 4th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS EXCERPT AND ARTICLE CONTAIN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
Andrés decries hit on World Central Kitchen workers
Government leaders and family members of the seven World Central Kitchen members killed in an Israeli missile strike continue pressing Israel for answers as details of the attack began to emerge. The seven were killed Monday while traveling in a convoy from an aid warehouse in central Gaza. Celebrity chef José Andrés, founder of WCK, said the charity group had clear communication with the Israeli military, which knew the aid workers' movements. While Israel has contended the incident was a "tragic" accident, Andrés said the workers were targeted "systematically, car by car." Read more ...
Andrés says Gaza aid workers were targeted 'systematically, car by car'; outrage mounts
By John Bacon | April 3, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 4th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS EXCERPT AND ARTICLE CONTAIN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
Biden issues Israel ultimatum after aid workers killed in Gaza strike
Biden made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by U.S assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps.
In Biden-Netanyahu call, president chastises Israel over failure to protect civilians
Hours after the call, Israel announced new steps to boost Gaza aid. The White House said the measures 'must now be fully and rapidly implemented.'
By Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy and Dan Morrison | April 4, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 4th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
No Labels never had a chance. They've finally admitted it.
No Labels kept saying they were dedicated to finding a more moderate presidential ticket. That turned out to be harder than they thought. ...
No Labels officially drops out of the 2024 race. The truth is they were never in it.
No Labels dropped plans Thursday for a so-called "unity ticket," which was expected to be a moderate Republican running for president with an equally moderate Democrat as vice president.
By Chris Brennan | April 4, 2024
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This is the Time Magazine article which I received for April 4th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 4th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
‘It’s Not Just a One-Off Incident:’ What the World Central Kitchen Deaths Reveal
By Yasmeen Serhan | April 3, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above via Google news searches—as well as from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written April 4th, 2024, revised April 9th, 2024 and revised April 18th, 2024)
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April 5th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received a text message today, April 5th, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence, which stated the following:
🏛️ The Supreme Court's next consequential gun safety decision is imminent, Paul.
In mere weeks, the Court will decide if a domestic abuser is allowed to own a firearm in the case of 𝘜.𝘚. 𝘷. 𝘙𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘪. And there is a lethal connection between firearms and domestic abuse.
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸. 𝗚𝘂𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸. 𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱. Brady is counting on you to speak out before it's too late:
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝘂𝗻𝘀?
[ ] ⚪YES
[✓] 🔴𝗡𝗢***
–Team Brady
***[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, 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:
BRADY UNITED AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
SURVEY: Ban Assault Weapons Now [11:59 p.m. Deadline]
Thank you for taking action. Will you take just 60 seconds to answer a few questions that will help us shape our strategy to prevent gun violence and keep our communities safe? -Team Brady
Research shows that gun safety reforms like an Assault Weapons Ban make communities safer and lower gun violence. But the NRA and the gun lobby are doing everything they can to block this critical legislation.
Do you believe that the gun lobby has too much influence in Washington?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
Which of the following gun safety policies do you think Congress should prioritize in the current session? (Select as many as you'd like.)
[✓] Regulating ghost guns
[✓] Banning assault weapons
[✓] Expanding background checks
[✓] Raising the minimum purchase age
[✓] Banning high-capacity magazines
[ ] Other:
Last year, after the tragedy in Uvalde, Congress passed the most significant gun safety legislation in decades. But with Republicans now in control of the House, the NRA has been able to block any further life-saving legislation.
As we head into a critical election year, how worried are you that the gun lobby could gain even more power in Washington?
[✓] Extremely worried
[ ] Very worried
[ ] Somewhat worried
[ ] Not at all worried
At Brady, we're doing everything we can to prevent gun violence and win leaders who will fight for life-saving reforms. We know we can save lives and save families from the unending pain of loss by taking action, but we can't do it alone. Are you committed to helping prevent gun violence by joining us to demand change?
[✓] Yes, I'm all in — how can I help?
[ ] No — I'm not concerned about gun violence.
Brady is a grassroots organization dedicated to preventing gun violence and saving lives with common-sense bipartisan gun safety legislation — and our work has never been more important. Our teams are working directly with the Biden-Harris administration to take action on common-sense gun safety measures that will save lives.
We set a goal to raise $25,000 to honor shooting victims by fighting to ban assault weapons - but we're still falling short with just hours left until our midnight deadline.
Will you rush $5 to help Brady prevent gun violence and save lives?
[✓] Yes, I'll give $5!
[ ] Yes, I can give $36 (this is the average online Brady donation).
[ ] Yes, and I can give more!
And so, I made a one-time donation to Brady: United Against Gun Violence, because "the Supreme Court's next consequential gun safety decision is imminent" and "Brady is counting on [me] to speak out before it's too late:" That is why I answered the question "𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝘂𝗻𝘀?" with a resounding '𝗡𝗢!' –Paul Whiting (written April 5th, 2024 and revised August 14th, 2024)
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April 5th, 2024 Update No. 2: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, April 5th, 2024, is combined from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage, as well as from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email for April 5th, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google (which I stopped doing for a while), I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google for April 5th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 5th, 2024 search:
01. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos Blockbuster jobs report flexes economic strength, defying Americans' lukewarm attitudes
The U.S. added 303,000 jobs in March, far surpassing economists' expectations.
By Max Zahn | April 5, 2024
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April 5th, 2024 search:
02. The Guardian
Biden says ‘union labor and American steel’ will be used to rebuild Baltimore bridge – as it happened
This live blog is now closed. ...
Closing summary
...In a visit to Baltimore, Biden pledged “to move heaven and earth” to rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, using “union labor and American steel”.
Chris Stein | 5 Apr 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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April 5th, 2024 search:
03. CNN
March jobs report comes in hot: The US economy added 303,000 positions last month
By Alicia Wallace | Updated 12:06 PM EDT, Fri April 5, 2024
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April 5th, 2024 search:
04. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Another month of robust US job growth points to continued economic strength
America’s employers delivered another outpouring of jobs in March, adding a sizzling 303,000 workers and bolstering hopes that the economy can vanquish inflation without succumbing to a recession in the face of high interest rates
By Paul Wiseman AP | April 4, 2024
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April 5th, 2024 search:
05. Reuters
Strong US labor market underpins economy in first quarter
By Lucia Mutikani | April 5, 2024
Summary
• Nonfarm payrolls increase 303,000 in March
• Unemployment rate falls to 3.8% from 3.9%
• Average hourly earnings rise 0.3%; up 4.1% year-on-year
• Average workweek rebounds to 34.4 hours from 34.3 hours
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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April 5th, 2024 search:
06. Newsweek
Joe Biden's Astonishing Polling Comeback
By James Bickerton | Apr 05, 2024
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April 5th, 2024 search:
07. MSNBC News
Apr. 5, 2024
Strong job numbers remind voters how President Biden has cleaned up Trump’s economic mess
Christine Romans, NBC News Senior Business Correspondent, Donny Deutsch, Host of the podcast “On Brand” join Nicolle Wallace on Deadline White House to discuss the strong jobs report released today, how it points to how the American economy is doing better than the American voter feels it is and what is the strategy for the Biden campaign on this issue which is often most important to voters.
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s).
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 5th, 2024 search:
08. The Guardian
No Labels national director says he will vote for Joe Biden
Joe Cunningham says ‘I would vote for Biden over Trump’ after third-party group dropped effort to run own candidate
By Martin Pengelly | 5 Apr 2024
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April 5th, 2024 search:
09. HuffPost
Donald Trump Puts Outrageous Condition On Potential Debate With Joe Biden
Trump revived unfounded accusations against Biden while making his debate demand.
By Ron Dicker | Apr 5, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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Continuing on—as I mentioned above—I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from the daily emails that I receive from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however—as I mentioned above—I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Again, please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for April 5th, 2024 through, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
---------------------------------------------
These are The New York Times articles which I received for April 5th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, April 5th, 2024, from emails that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 5th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times articles below:
Israel-Hamas War
Israel agreed to open a crossing* to increase humanitarian aid to northern Gaza after President Biden called Benjamin Netanyahu and threatened to make U.S. support conditional** on civilian protections. ...
*Israel Agrees to Open Erez Crossing for Gaza Aid After Biden Pressure
Israel has come under rising pressure from U.S. officials and humanitarian agencies to allow more aid into Gaza, amid warnings that famine is looming.
By Cassandra Vinograd and Erica L. Green | April 4, 2024
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**Israel to Add Gaza Aid Routes as Biden Hinges Support on Civilian Protection
The president denounced the killing of seven humanitarian workers in a tense call with Israel’s prime minister. Within hours, Israel agreed to increase aid deliveries.
By Peter Baker | April 4, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 5th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times articles below: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS EXCERPT AND ARTICLES CONTAIN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
Israel disciplined officers for aid worker killings
The Israeli military announced today that two officers had been removed from their posts* and three senior commanders were reprimanded for their role in the drone strikes that killed seven aid workers in Gaza this week.
The army’s findings will also be sent to military prosecutors to determine whether anyone should face criminal charges for their role in the attacks, which Israel said were the result of a string of significant errors.** In the meantime, the military is assessing whether to move the two dismissed officers to other roles or to fire them.
In related news, Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Israel’s plan to establish new aid routes into Gaza, but stressed that the measure of success will be whether enough trucks get in to ease the humanitarian crisis.*** ...
*Middle East Crisis Israel Disciplines Officers Over World Central Kitchen Strike
Here’s what we know:
Two officers were removed from their posts and three senior commanders were reprimanded for their roles in the drone strikes that killed seven aid workers, the Israeli military said.
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | Live Coverage April 5, 2024
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**String of Israeli Errors Led to Fatal Attack on Aid Convoy, [Israeli] Military Says
“It’s a serious event that we’re responsible for, and it shouldn’t have happened,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said of the strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers.
By Aaron Boxerman and Adam Rasgon | April 5, 2024
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***U.S. Seeks ‘Results’ After Israel Promises More Gaza Aid Routes
World leaders welcomed the shift by an Israel facing increasing pressure, but they stressed that the measure of success would be whether enough trucks get in to ease the humanitarian crisis.
By Cassandra Vinograd, Raja Abdulrahim and Michael Levenson | April 5, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 5th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
During a visit, Biden vowed to rebuild Baltimore’s bridge
In Baltimore today, President Biden toured the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed 10 days ago after a shipping vessel slammed into it. He told the city’s residents that “your nation has your back,” and called on Congress to fund the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge as quickly as possible. ...
Biden Visits Baltimore to Show the ‘Nation Has Your Back’
The president took an aerial tour of the wreckage of the collapsed bridge and was briefed on the recovery efforts.
By Erica L. Green and Michael D. Shear | April 5, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 5th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
More top news
Economy: U.S. employers added 303,000 jobs in March, as the labor market remained robust. The unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent. ...
U.S. Job Growth Much Stronger Than Expected
Employers added 303,000 jobs in March, the 39th straight month of growth. The unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent.
Talmon Joseph Smith | April 5, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 5, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
When food, war and politics collide
The deadly Israeli strike on an aid convoy that killed seven workers for the relief group World Central Kitchen in the Gaza Strip shook official Washington this week. It prompted President Biden to issue his sharpest public criticism of Israel to date and spurred Israel’s military to make a rare admission of fault.
It also revealed the power of something that is usually an afterthought in national and global politics: food.
José Andrés, the celebrity chef who built World Central Kitchen from a scrappy outfit feeding hurricane victims to a $500 million relief organization operating in war zones, dialed up political pressure on both Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. He spoke directly with Biden, White House officials said on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, in an interview with Reuters, he accused the Israel Defense Forces of “systematically” attacking the three-car convoy.
On Thursday, Biden held a tense call with Netanyahu, threatening to place conditions on future support for the country. Hours later, Israel said it would permit more aid deliveries in Gaza. It also promised new steps to reduce civilian casualties and broker a temporary cease-fire in exchange for the release of hostages who are being held in Gaza by Hamas militants after they attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people.
I spoke with my colleague Kim Severson, a reporter who covers food for The New York Times and has written extensively about Andrés, about the celebrity chef’s political activism and why the deaths of these seven workers have drawn so much attention in a war that has already been so deadly. The interview was edited and condensed. ...
When food, war and politics collide
By Jess Bidgood | April 5, 2024
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These are the USA Today articles which I received for April 5th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, April 5th, 2024, from emails that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 5th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS EXCERPT AND ARTICLES CONTAIN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAR WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!]
Six months of war: Read more about the Israel-Hamas war from USA TODAY
• As war in Gaza tests interfaith bonds in the U.S., some find ways to mend relationships.*
• Pregnant people in Gaza face starvation and no anesthesia.** ...
*As war in Gaza tests interfaith bonds in the US, some find ways to mend relationships
By Marc Ramirez | April 4, 2024
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**Pregnant women in Gaza Strip face starvation, no anesthesia after 6 months of war
By Kim Hjelmgaard | April 5, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 5th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
No Labels says it will not launch presidential ticket
The centrist, nonprofit group No Labels will not field a third-party candidate to challenge President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, a decision that could benefit Biden. The group for months said it was searching for candidates to appear on a potential "unity" bid in the November election, particularly as Biden and Trump inched toward a 2020 rematch. Meanwhile, Biden allies and some Republicans had criticized the No Labels effort, saying a third-party campaign could draw moderate votes away from Biden and boost Trump's reelection chances. Read more ...
No Labels says it will not launch presidential ticket to challenge Joe Biden and Donald Trump
By David Jackson | April 4, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 5th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
In Baltimore, President Biden urges Congress to act to rebuild bridge
President Joe Biden, visiting Baltimore, grieved with family members of the six workers killed during the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
READ MORE ...
'Most were immigrants. All were Marylanders': Biden grieves in Baltimore over bridge collapse
By Joey Garrison and Eduardo Cuevas | April 5, 2024
---------------------------------------------
These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for April 5th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following are the Time Magazine articles that I read today, April 5th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today:
The U.S.-Israel Spat Over Rafah Is a Distraction
By Mairav Zonszein | April 4, 2024
---------------------------------------------
The Biden-Trump Rematch May Mark the End of an Era
By Bruce J. Schulman | April 4, 2024
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 5th, 2024, from the 'Daily Spotlight' email that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 5th, 2024 email introduction to the Time Magazine article below:
If you thought Trump's first term had conflicts of interest, his Truth Social stock could make a second term an ethics nightmare, Philip Elliott writes. ...
Why Trump’s Truth Social Stock Is an Ethics Nightmare
By Philip Elliott | April 4, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above via Google news searches—as well as from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written April 5th, 2024, revised April 6th, 2024, revised April 9th, 2024 and revised April 18th, 2024)
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April 6th, 2024 Update No. 1: This 'update' that I am writing today, April 6th, 2024, is combined from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage, as well as from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email for April 6th, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google (which I stopped doing for a while), I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google for April 6th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 6th, 2024 search:
01. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The total solar eclipse is just 3 days away: Where will clouds, storms spoil the view?
Doyle Rice, Eric Lagatta and Dan D'Ambrosio | April 5, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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April 6th, 2024 search:
02. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
What does a solar eclipse look like? Here's what I saw in 2017
By Ingrid Jacques | April 5, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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April 6th, 2024 search:
03. Politico
Biden campaign announces pulling in $90M in March
The president’s war chest swamps that of former President Donald Trump — even if Biden is still struggling in the polls.
By Elena Schneider | 04/06/2024
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April 6th, 2024 search:
04. CBS News
Biden raised over $90 million in March, campaign says, increasing cash advantage over Trump
By Aaron Navarro | April 6, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
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
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I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
---------------------------------------------
Continuing on—as I mentioned above—I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from the daily emails that I receive from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however—as I mentioned above—I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Again, please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for April 6th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
---------------------------------------------
These are The New York Times articles which I received for April 6th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, April 6th, 2024, from an email that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 6th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Good morning. On Monday, there will be a total solar eclipse in North America. Even if you’re not convinced by the hype, there’s still reason to get excited.
Sun block
On Monday, the moon will steal between the Earth and the sun, a total solar eclipse in North America. The path of totality, the strip of the continent where the moon will completely obscure the sun, begins in Mazatlán, Mexico, crosses over more than a dozen U.S. states, from Texas to Maine, and ends in Newfoundland, Canada. ...
Eclipse Mania
There’s still reason to get excited, even if you’re not convinced by the hype.
By Melissa Kirsch | April 6, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 6th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
President Biden’s call with Benjamin Netanyahu demanding Israel change its approach was meant to force a course correction, not to rupture the U.S.-Israel relationship, Peter Baker explains. ...
In Threatening Israel, Biden Hopes to Avoid a Rupture
The president has put Israel’s leader “on probation,” as a veteran diplomat put it. The threat is not idle, aides said, but he wants to force a course correction rather than follow through.
By Peter Baker | April 5, 2024
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These are the USA Today articles which I received for April 6th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, April 6th, 2024, from emails that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 6th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
The solar eclipse is Monday: Here's everything to know
A rare total solar eclipse is Monday, April 8. Here's everything you need to know about its path, duration and how to view it safely.
READ MORE ...
The total solar eclipse is Monday: Here's everything to know, including time, path, safety
Natalie Neysa Alund and Eric Lagatta | April 6, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 6th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
New voting restrictions in the South could sway races in November
States across the South are passing new restrictions on how votes are cast. Civil rights activists say it will reduce turnout among Black voters.
READ MORE ...
Voter ID and absentee-ballot limits: the South tightens key voting laws ahead of election
States across the South are passing new restrictions on how votes are cast. Civil rights activists say it will reduce turnout among Black voters.
By Erin Mansfield | April 6, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 6th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
World Central Kitchen wants independent probe into Gaza drone strikes
Relief groups say Israel's plan to open more Gaza aid routes won't be enough to stave off starvation.
READ MORE ...
Chef Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen demands independent probe into Gaza drone strikes
Relief groups say Israel's plan to open more Gaza aid routes won't be enough to stave off starvation.
By Dan Morrison | April 5, 2024
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These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for April 6th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following are the Time Magazine articles that I read today, April 6th, 2024, from an 'Inside Time' email that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 6th, 2024 email introduction to the Time Magazine article below:
How to get ready for the solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse is expected to pass through the United States Monday, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon. The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.
What can you expect? Well, traffic jams, especially in the path of totality. Temperatures may drop by anywhere from 5 to 15 degrees as the sunlight retreats. Particularly avid eclipse fans will take to the skies as some fanatics plan to board commercial flights along the eclipse's path, just to catch a brief glimpse of the moon obscuring the sun.
We at TIME love covering an eclipse. It is a rare moment, where millions of people share in an experience that won’t return for decades. As part of our coverage on Monday, editor-at-large Jeffrey Kluger—our resident space and science expert—will host a broadcast, streaming at TIME.com and across our social platforms.
Before you grab your glasses—and please make sure you’re using the right ones—visit TIME this weekend and join us on Monday for all your eclipse background, video, and photography. ...
See the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality
By Simmone Shah | April 1, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 6th, 2024 email introduction to the Time Magazine article below:
What Happens if It's Cloudy During an Eclipse?
Cloudy skies are known to dull the effects of total eclipses, making them less dramatic. But that doesn’t mean you should give up altogether. ...
READ MORE »
What Happens if It’s Cloudy During an Eclipse?
By Anna Gordon | April 4, 2024
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 6th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today:
Immigration Is Powering the U.S. Economy
By Wendy Edelberg and Tara Watson | April 5, 2024
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 6th, 2024, from the 'Daily Spotlight' email that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 6th, 2024 email introduction to the Time Magazine article below:
How to Find Solar Eclipse Glasses—and Spot Fake Ones
Here’s everything you need to know about how to purchase solar eclipse glasses, get them for free—and avoid fakes.
Read more. ...
How to Find Solar Eclipse Glasses—and Spot Fake Ones
By Solcyré Burga | March 20, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above via Google news searches—as well as from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written April 6th, 2024, revised April 8th, 2024, revised April 9th, 2024 and revised April 18th, 2024)
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April 8th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses April 7th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, April 8th, 2024, is combined from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage, as well as from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email for the time period of April 7th, 2024 through April 8th, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google (which I stopped doing for a while), I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google for April 8th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 8th, 2024 search:
01. CBS News
Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse you can see across the U.S. today
By Aliza Chasan | Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 10:54 AM EDT
---------------------------------------------
April 8th, 2024 search:
02. NBC News
Live updates: Total solar eclipse 2024 forecast, what time it is and how to watch (Live updates: Total solar eclipse to cross North America today)
A total solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada. The rest of the continental U.S. will get to see a partial eclipse.
By Denise Chow | Updated April 8, 2024, 8:41 AM PDT
---------------------------------------------
April 8th, 2024 search:
03. AP News
Total solar eclipse 2024: Huge crowds line totality path under mostly cloudy skies (Huge crowds await a total solar eclipse in North America. Clouds may spoil the view)
By Marcia Dunn | Updated 7:44 AM PDT, April 8, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 8th, 2024 search:
04. CBS News
When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. after today? See the paths for the 2044 and 2045 events
By Cara Tabachnick | April 8, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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April 8th, 2024 search:
05. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
When is the next total solar eclipse in the US after 2024 and what is its path? What to know
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Gabe Hauari and Eric Lagatta | April 8, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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April 8th, 2024 search:
06. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Biden leads Trump in fundraising for 2024 presidential race (What we know about Biden and Trump's fundraising hauls so far in 2024)
By Karissa Waddick | April 7, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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April 8th, 2024 search:
07. Axios
Boomers deliver surprise strength for Biden
By Justin Green | April 8, 2024
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April 8th, 2024 search:
08. NPR (National Public Radio)
Key voting groups are shifting in the race between Biden and Trump
By Domenico Montanaro | April 7, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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April 8th, 2024 search:
09. The Guardian
House intelligence chair says Republicans are ‘absolutely’ repeating Russian propaganda
Mike Turner, the Ohio Republican, echoes a similar claim made recently by another rightwing American lawmaker
By Ramon Antonio Vargas | 8 Apr 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 8th, 2024 search:
10. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
GOP lawmaker: Some Republicans echo Russian propaganda on Ukraine ('Stand up for democracy': GOP lawmaker accuses some of his fellow Republicans of echoing Russian propaganda)
By David Jackson | April 7, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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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.
---------------------------------------------
Continuing on—as I mentioned above—I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from the daily emails that I receive from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however—as I mentioned above—I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Again, please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of April 7th, 2024 through April 8th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
---------------------------------------------
These are The New York Times articles which I received for the time period of April 7th, 2024 through April 8th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, April 8th, 2024, from an email that I received yesterday, April 7th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 7th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
On location
A reporter covering arts and culture
State governments use our tax dollars to build roads, fund schools and provide health care. In 38 states, they also ship money off to a high-gloss private industry: Hollywood.
And it’s a lot of money. My colleague Christopher Kuo and I found that those states had given out more than $25 billion over the past two decades to subsidize the making of movies and television. The idea is to lure businesses to spend money, employ locals and stimulate the economy.
The problem is, the programs are actually huge money losers for states. Studies show that these efforts typically return a quarter or even a dime on every dollar given to studios.
Yet lawmakers are not slowing their spending. Quite the opposite. Hollywood is playing states off one another, and the competition has them sweetening their deals to lure productions, economists say. Under mounting pressure from New Jersey, New York recently expanded its film incentive program by 67 percent, to $700 million. Oklahoma went from $4 million to $30 million in just three years, in part to stay competitive with Texas. Then, Texas decided to spend nearly seven times that amount.
“You could find almost an unlimited number of better uses for the same dollars,” said Michael Thom, a tax expert at the University of Southern California. “Who on earth would say, ‘Keep giving the money to Hollywood; my kid’s school doesn’t need new books’?”
My colleagues and I wanted to understand why these programs persist. This morning, we published the third article in our series about the topic. Here’s a quick look at what we found.
Parties and cameos
States started supercharging their film incentive programs around the turn of the century. The idea is that when producers come to film in a state and spend money there, the government gives them back 20 to 30 percent of their costs as a thank-you for choosing that state.
Lawmakers say the film and TV shoots employ electricians, hair stylists and many other crew members. That means jobs. Money trickles through local economies to hotels, diners and dry cleaners. In Georgia, for example, the film industry says the state gets $6 or $7 in economic value for every dollar invested.
My colleague Jonathan Abrams went to a small town in Georgia and saw some of the effects there firsthand. A restaurant owner said that sales spiked every time a production came to town. A woman who owns a jewelry and leather goods store once sold the actress Anne Heche a $300 purse. But even when a community enjoys visits from famous people and an infusion of cash, the state is paying to subsidize those benefits.
Of course, skeptical economic white papers can be no match for the allure of exclusive parties and the promise of a cameo in a blockbuster movie. Hollywood insiders lobby politicians with campaign donations and perks, which is another reason states keep expanding these programs. In Michigan, a big-name producer wined and dined lawmakers just as the state’s film incentives were set to expire. If you squint at the right scene from “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” you’ll spot a former Senate majority leader.
And states need to offer a good deal, or else productions will simply film elsewhere. Experts say this arms race helps explain why more and more public funds flow to these programs.
Remember the battle between Texas and Oklahoma? We document that in our latest piece. After Texas committed $200 million, Oklahoma began pushing to add many more millions to its own program. Dennis Quaid, a native Texan, has already plotted his home state’s next move: He wants it to approve $1 billion in the next budget. ...
Why States Have Spent Billions Subsidizing Hollywood
Inside the costly competition to attract TV and film shoots.
By Matt Stevens | April 7, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 7th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Other Big Stories
A little-known data firm has helped drive up patients’ bills and earn billions for insurers, a Times investigation found. ...
Insurers Reap Hidden Fees by Slashing Payments. You May Get the Bill.
A little-known data firm helps health insurers make more when less of an out-of-network claim gets paid. Patients can be on the hook for the difference.
By Chris Hamby | April 7, 2024
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, April 8th, 2024, from emails that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Politics
An examination of Trump’s public statements revealed how he distorts his opponents’ record and exaggerates. ...
The Method Behind Trump's Mistruths
A close examination of every public word from the former president during a crucial week of his campaign.
By Angelo Fichera | April 8, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Other Big Stories
Economists sent similar résumés to job postings at about 100 of the largest U.S. companies — but changed the applicants’ names to suggest an ethnicity. Some companies discriminated against Black applicants much more than others. ...
What Researchers Discovered When They Sent 80,000 Fake Résumés to U.S. Jobs
Some companies discriminated against Black applicants much more than others, and H.R. practices made a big difference.
By Claire Cain Miller and Josh Katz | April 8, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
The eclipse brought darkness and fascination In an awe-inspiring cosmic coincidence, the moon and sun perfectly aligned this afternoon, producing a total solar eclipse visible across North America. The moon’s shadow plunged daylight into darkness, carving a path from Mexico, up to Maine and into Canada. We took lots of photos.
The event, which offered just a few minutes of totality in any location, attracted millions of onlookers — including some who traveled great distances to witness the celestial anomaly. It was a rare moment of mass gathering in a time when culture is so splintered.
The eclipse first crossed into the U.S. from the border town of Piedras Negras, Mexico at 2:27 p.m. Children in a migrant shelter on the Mexican side shrieked in amazement. The moon’s shadow then carried on to Russellville, Ark., where 100 or so couples were pronounced married; Buffalo, where hundreds listened to “Here Comes the Sun”; and Montreal, where locals on Mount Royal applauded.
In some places like Wyoming County, N.Y., crowds were disappointed to see a sky full of clouds. But elsewhere — even away from the path of totality, like in New York City — crowds delightfully squinted through protective glasses.
The path of totality finally left the U.S. after passing through Houlton, Maine around 3:30 p.m, where a quiet crowd admired the view. “I would pay a million dollars to see that again,” an 11-year-old resident said.
The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. is in 2044. See you then. ...
Watching the Total Eclipse Across North America
By The New York Times | April 8, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Trump said abortion limits should be decided by states
Donald Trump has offered wavering signals for months about his views on abortion access — an issue that both Democrats and Republicans believe could help decide the presidential election in November. But today, he delivered a statement declaring that abortion restrictions ought to be left up to the states.
Trump added that he was “strongly in favor of exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.” His comments appeared to be an effort to please the conservative base without alienating swing voters. “You must also win elections to restore our culture,” Trump said.
But so far, Trump’s stance has angered both sides. Former Vice President Mike Pence called it a “slap in the face” to anti-abortion voters, while Democrats said that it was effectively an endorsement of the harshest state restrictions. ...
Trump Says Abortion Restrictions Should Be Left to the States
After months of mixed signals, Donald Trump said that whatever states decide “must be the law of the land,” adding that he was “strongly in favor of exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.”
By Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Swan and Michael Gold | April 8, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Targeted books: More books were challenged in 2023 than at any point in the past two decades. These books faced the most attempts at bans. ...
Here Are the Most Targeted Books of 2023
Amid a nationwide surge in book bans, memoirs and novels that deal with the experiences of L.G.B.T.Q. people or explore race received the most challenges.
By Elizabeth A. Harris | April 8, 2024
And the article below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'On Politics' email:
Biden Will Try Again to Wipe Out Student Loan Debt for Millions of Borrowers
The Supreme Court blocked President Biden’s first attempt at large-scale student debt relief last summer.
By Michael D. Shear | April 5, 2024
---------------------------------------------
These are the USA Today articles which I received for the time period of April 7th, 2024 through April 8th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following is the USA Today article that I read today, April 8th, 2024, from an email that I received yesterday, April 7th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 7th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Trump reportedly would pressure Ukraine into ceding land to Russia to end war
Trump has said publicly he could end the Ukraine war within a day of returning to the presidency, although he has revealed few details of his plan.
READ MORE ...
Trump reportedly would pressure Ukraine into ceding land to Russia to end war
By John Bacon | April 7, 2024
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, April 8th, 2024, from emails that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
...Former President Donald Trump said today he thinks individual states should choose their own restrictions on abortion, refusing to endorse a national ban on the procedure.
"At the end of the day, this is all about the will of the people," Trump said in a video on his Truth Social platform, USA TODAY's David Jackson reported.
Wait, so where does Trump stand on abortion? It's not clear. The former president said on Monday that he thinks each state should enact their own abortion law, but he didn't specify which laws he supports. That's a departure from many of his fellow Republicans, who have called for a nationwide law banning or restricting reproductive rights.
What does this mean for the 2024 election? President Joe Biden and his supporters – who have made abortion a top issue in the race for the White House – said Trump's distinction between federal and state regulations is meaningless.
Democrats also said Trump has long been a threat to abortion rights by appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that had provided a constitutional right to abortion across the country.
Read more here: Donald Trump says states should decide abortion policy, avoids talk of a national ban ...
Donald Trump says states should decide abortion policy, avoids talk of a national ban
By David Jackson | April 8, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Lawmakers unveil sweeping data privacy bill that could change social media
The legislation would transform the level of control users have over their personal data collected on search engines and social media.
READ MORE ...
Bipartisan lawmakers unveiled a sweeping data privacy bill: Here's how it could change social media
By Riley Beggin | April 8, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Cindy McCain warns 'children are dying as we speak' in Gaza
Cindy McCain, the director of the World Food Programme, warned in a new interview that “children are dying as we speak” in Gaza.
READ MORE ...
Cindy McCain warns 'children are dying as we speak' in Gaza, says aid workers need greater access
By Marina Pitofsky | April 7, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 8th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
'This is so cool!' Solar eclipse wows nation
A total solar eclipse rolled its way across the country, all the way from southern Texas to northern Maine.
READ MORE ...
Total solar eclipse 2024 live updates: Watch video and see photos of the sky spectacle
Doyle Rice, John Bacon, Rick Jervis and Jorge L. Ortiz | April 8, 2024
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These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for the time period of April 7th, 2024 through April 8th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 8th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received yesterday, April 7th, 2024:
Here’s What a Solar Eclipse Looks Like From Space
By Jeffrey Kluger | April 7, 2024
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 8th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today:
See How the Solar Eclipse Will Look Anywhere in America
By Chris Wilson | April 6, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above via Google news searches—as well as from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written April 8th, 2024, revised April 9th, 2024 and revised April 18th, 2024)
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April 9th, 2024 Update No. 1: This 'update' that I am writing today, April 9th, 2024, is combined from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage, as well as from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email for April 9th, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google (which I stopped doing for a while), I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google for April 9th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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April 9th, 2024 search:
01. CNN
US lawmakers unveil a plan to give all Americans a right to online privacy
By Brian Fung | April 8, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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April 9th, 2024 search:
02. Reuters
Biden plans to cancel student loan debt, 23 million Americans may be impacted
By Steve Holland and Stephanie Kelly | April 8, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 search:
03. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Biden's Trade Moves Raise Tensions Abroad but Draw Cheers in Swing States
The president’s efforts to restrict Chinese imports and block a Japanese steel merger have pleased labor unions and sent a message to rival Donald J. Trump.
By Jim Tankersley | April 9, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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April 9th, 2024 search:
04. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
'Antisemitic tropes': Jewish groups criticize Donald Trump's comments (Trump says Jewish voters who support Biden 'should be spoken to', criticizes Black, Jewish Democrats)
By Marina Pitofsky | April 9, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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April 9th, 2024 search:
05. Chicago Tribune
Biden assails Trump on abortion at Chicago fundraiser (In Chicago, President Joe Biden raises millions, assails Donald Trump over abortion rights)
By RICK PEARSON | April 8, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 search:
06. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
'One person responsible': Biden campaign blames Trump after Arizona abortion ruling
By Joey Garrison | April 9, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 search:
07. CBS News
Biden's new student loan forgiveness plan could help 30 million borrowers. Here's who would qualify.
By Aimee Picchi | April 9, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 search:
08. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Who gets student loan forgiveness in Biden's latest plan? How to apply (Biden's latest student-loan forgiveness plan brings questions for borrowers: What to know)
By Jonathan Limehouse | April 9, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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April 9th, 2024 search:
09. Axios
Republicans rush to distance from "disaster" Arizona abortion ruling
By Andrew Solender | Updated April 9, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 search:
10. NBC News
Arizona Republicans distance themselves from state abortion ruling
Republican opposition to the ruling comes a day after former President Donald Trump said that abortion laws should be decided by states.
By Zoë Richards | April 9, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 search:
11. Axios GOP suffers Arizona meltdown on abortion that could hurt Trump, Lake
By Justin Green | April 9, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 search:
12. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Opinion | A Party in Exile Is the Best Hope for Anti-Trump Republicans (There ls a Way Out of MAGA Domination)
By Jonathan Rauch and Peter Wehner | April 8, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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Continuing on—as I mentioned above—I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from the daily emails that I receive from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however—as I mentioned above—I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Again, please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for April 9th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
---------------------------------------------
These are The New York Times articles which I received for April 9th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, April 9th, 2024, from an email that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 9th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times articles below:
Arizona reinstated a 160-year-old abortion ban
Arizona’s highest court today ruled that an 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions “is now enforceable.”* With the federal right to abortion now overturned, the justices explained, there was nothing stopping the state from reinstating its long-dormant prohibition.
The court put its ruling on hold for the moment, allowing two weeks for arguments about the ban’s constitutionality. The state would then wait another 45 days before enforcing the restriction. But if the law goes into effect, it will have far-reaching consequences for both abortion access and national politics.
Until now, abortion has been legal in Arizona through 15 weeks of pregnancy. But the 1864 law, which was enacted many decades before Arizona became a state, outlaws abortion from the moment of conception, except when the procedure is necessary to save the life of the mother. It makes no exceptions for rape or incest, and doctors prosecuted under the law could face two to five years in prison.
Abortion rights supporters said the measure would put women’s health in jeopardy. Clinics in Arizona could soon close, forcing women seeking abortions to travel to California, New Mexico or Colorado to end their pregnancies.
The decision also places Arizona, a critical battleground state, at the center of a debate** that could help decide November’s presidential election. Democrats condemned the court’s ruling, though they also said it would help galvanize their supporters. Several Arizona Republicans, sensing political peril, also criticized the ruling. ...
*Arizona Reinstates 160-Year-Old Abortion Ban
The state’s highest court said the law, moribund for decades under Roe v. Wade, was now enforceable, but it put its decision on hold for a lower court to hear other challenges to the law.
By Jack Healy and Kellen Browning | April 9, 2024
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**Abortion Jumps to the Center of Arizona’s Key 2024 Races
Democrats quickly aimed to capitalize on a ruling by the state’s highest court upholding an 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions.
By Lisa Lerer, Nicholas Nehamas and Reid J. Epstein | April 9, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 9th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Environment: Norfolk Southern agreed to pay $600 million to residents and businesses in East Palestine, Ohio, to settle a lawsuit over last year’s derailment. ...
Norfolk Southern Settles Derailment Suit for $600 Million
The railroad company will pay residents and businesses in East Palestine, Ohio, and the surrounding area after a derailment last year.
By J. Edward Moreno | April 9, 2024
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These are the USA Today articles which I received for April 9th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, April 9th, 2024, from emails that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 9th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today articles below:
Here's what to know about President Joe Biden's new student loan forgiveness plan. ...
Biden promises student loan relief as early as this fall through new plan
The president, vice president and others plan to fan out across the country this week to trumpet the administration's boldest student debt relief plan since the Supreme Court's rebuke last summer.
By Zachary Schermele and Alia Wong | April 8, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 9th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Trump defers to 'the will of the people' on abortion
Both Democrats and anti-abortion advocates weren't happy with GOP frontrunner Donald Trump's policy on abortion. Given the rallying item reproductive rights have provided Democrats this election, Trump was practically required to give voters some direction on where he stood on the issue: individual states should decide the extent of abortion access (or lack thereof). The anti-abortion coalition took aim at Trump's opting out of a national abortion ban, while Democrats pointed out that Trump has given at least tacit support to Republican-backed restrictions in individual states, including a six-week abortion ban in his home state, Florida.
Republicans who want a national abortion ban are blasting Trump's policy. ...
'Slap in the face': Mike Pence blasts Donald Trump for saying abortion restrictions should be up to states
By David Jackson | April 8, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 9th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Donald Trump versus ... Lindsey Graham? GOP allies clash on abortion
Graham echoed other conservatives in criticizing Trump's announcement that states should decide abortion policy, not the federal government.
READ MORE ...
Donald Trump versus ... Lindsey Graham? Republicans clash over abortion policy
Graham echoed other conservatives in criticizing Trump's announcement that states should decide abortion policy, not the federal government.
By David Jackson | April 9, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 9th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Arizona Supreme Court upholds 160-year-old abortion ban
The Arizona Supreme Court upheld an 1864 abortion ban that mandates prison time for abortion providers.
READ MORE ...
Abortion in Arizona set to be illegal in nearly all circumstances, state high court rules
By Ray Stern and Stacey Barchenger | April 9, 2024
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These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for April 9th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following are the Time Magazine articles that I read today, April 9th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today:
Biden Announces New Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Details. Here’s What to Know
By Solcyré Burga | April 8, 2024
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Trump Declines to Endorse a Nationwide Abortion Ban, Says It Should Be Up to States
By Nik Popli | April 8, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above via Google news searches—as well as from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written April 9th, 2024 and revised April 18th, 2024)
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April 10th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses March 28th, 2024: I received a mailer from United Farm Workers thirteen days ago on March 28th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "It was about to became one of the scariest days ever. Suddenly all the cabbage pickers around her stopped working. Then [name redacted] noticed her lips were tingling and her mouth was dry. She was sick, too, and she didn't know why.", 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.]
UNITED FARM WORKERS
National Headquarters: La Paz ▪ [Address redacted] ▪ [City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Spring 2024
Dear Friend,
[Name redacted] must launder her clothes separately from those of the rest of her family.
She started taking this precaution after all three of her children suffered from rashes when she washed their clothes together.
[Name redacted] lives in Watsonville, California. She has more than a decade of experience as a berry picker. Like many of America's farm workers, she has repeatedly been exposed to toxic pesticides on the job.
"On several occasions, they have sprayed the plants very close to where we are working," [name redacted] says. "One time I was pruning the plants and they sprayed so close that I could not stand the burning in my nose."
The raspberry plants were so heavily coated with the poison they turned white.
One day after a pesticide spraying, [name redacted's] clothes had such a strong, unpleasant odor she went home, removed them and put them into the washing machine. "At the first wash, the chemical smell was not removed," she reports.
"I had to wash the clothes three times so that the smell could be removed."
A young woman named [redacted] had an even more frightening experience just a few years ago while packing cabbages into containers on a farm near Bakersfield, California.
An hour into her shift, all of the cabbage pickers around [name redacted] stopped working. Some of them fainted. Others started to vomit. Suddenly [name redacted's] lips were tingling and her mouth was dry. She was sick, too.
[Name redacted] went to an emergency department in Taft, the town where she lives. She and more than 50 other farm workers had been exposed to a highly toxic pesticide called Vulcan. It had been sprayed on a nearby orchard and had drifted to the field where they were working.
The active ingredient in the insecticide the workers were exposed to was chlorpyrifos. It attacks the nervous system. It belongs to the same chemical family as sarin gas.
The Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Environmental Health and Hazmat Unit had to respond to the scene to perform a mass decontamination.
If chlorpyrifos [pronounced: klor · peer · uh · faas] is touched, inhaled, or eaten, it can cause severe neurotoxicity ["the capacity of chemical, biologic, or physical agents to cause adverse functional or structural change in the nervous system"]. Some of the symptoms include convulsions, respiratory paralysis, increased saliva and sweat production, dizziness, headache, muscle twitching, weakness, tremors, lack of coordination, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and pupil constriction with blurred or darkened vision.
Research has shown that chlorpyrifos slows brain development in children. It has been associated with lower IQs and increased rates of autism.
Because it is so hazardous, residential use has been prohibited since 2000. Before then, poison control centers received about 800 calls per year about exposure to products containing chlorpyrifos, many of them involving children.
Aware of the dangers, tomato farmers voluntarily stopped using chlorpyrifos more than 20 years ago. Some citrus growers did, too. Declining sales forced the world's largest manufacturer to announce it would halt production by the end of this year.
But, despite scientific proof that chlorpyrifos was harmful, it continued to be sprayed on many fruits and vegetables grown in this country—apples, oranges, strawberries, corn, wheat and others.
The US Geological Survey estimated US farms used just over five million pounds of chlorpyrifos the year [name redacted] was exposed and the most recent year data were available.
Due to its extreme toxicity, the Environmental Protection Agency requires workers handling and applying this pesticide to wear protective equipment such as respirators, chemical-resistant gloves and coveralls. Entry into fields treated with the chemical is restricted for periods ranging from 24 hours up to five days.
None of these precautions were taken the day [name redacted] was exposed.
"None of my co-workers were instructed on anything related to pesticides before or after we fell ill," [name redacted] says. "There were no postings or prior warnings of dangerous chemicals nearby."
Workers like [name redacted] and [name redacted] are powerless to protect themselves from pesticides on their own. "We have reported to the manager and the supervisor and they have never done anything about these incidents," [name redacted] says.
They need an advocate to work on their behalf. And they have a dedicated, highly effective one in the UFW—the United Farm Workers of America. Protecting farm workers and the public from harmful pesticides has been a major focus of this organization since César Chavez founded it in 1962.
The UFW led the charge to ban DDT ["Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane is an insecticide used in agriculture"].
After that fight was won, we successfully worked to outlaw five of the deadliest agricultural chemicals ever used in the United States—parathion, phosdren, captan, dinoseb and methyl bromide. Some of these substances are so toxic that a single drop on the skin leads immediately to convulsions, coma and death.
In 2015, the UFW and our allies achieved an important victory. The Environmental Protection Agency under President Obama finally took the first steps necessary to ban chlorpyrifos from use in agriculture.
We also teamed up with the Obama administration to win other protections for America's two million farm workers and their families.
The minimum age to apply toxic pesticides was raised to 18. Requirements were strengthened for training, notification, pesticide safety and hazard communication as well as availability of protective equipment and emergency decontamination.
The new rules ended decades of discrimination against farm workers, who previously had far fewer pesticide protections than all other types of workers.
Then came Donald Trump.
Dow Chemical Company had donated $1 million to President Trump's inaugural committee. It was then the leading producer of chlorpyrifos. To no one's surprise, Trump's EPA soon reversed the steps Obama's EPA had taken towards banning chlorpyrifos.
The UFW joined other concerned parties in a court action seeking to block the Trump administration's preemptive move to keep a deadly pesticide in farm workers' lives and in millions of Americans' diets.
And we triumphed. Temporarily. In August 2021, following a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the EPA ordered a halt to all food uses of chlorpyrifos, ending an estimated 90% of chlorpyrifos use in the U.S. The ban held for two years until it was overturned last November by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced before the holidays they won't challenge the ruling. As I mentioned earlier, chlorpyrifos is not only dangerous to farm workers but it's also dangerous to all our kids. This means that unless the food is grown in a state where chlorpyrifos is banned, this chemical will be back in our fields and on our food as soon as the 2024 growing season.
And so, frustratingly, we must fight this decades-long battle again with the ban overturned and sent back to EPA for a do-over.
Will you join with us in demanding the EPA reinstate the ban? Together, we will continue to fight back against chlorpyrifos and other threats to the safety of America's farm workers and its food supply.
[Blogger's Note: I took this action "demanding the EPA reinstate the ban" of chlorpyrifos on January 23rd, 2024. (Please see my 'January 23rd, 2024 Update No. 6,' which can be found above.)]
The UFW works to pass laws to protect farm workers from pesticides—and to ensure that the food all Americans feed our families is safe. We are also working to protect farm communities and the general public, by advocating for notice of upcoming pesticide applications.
We fight in the courts and organize workers in the fields. We negotiate strong union contracts to guarantee workers good pay, fair benefits, safe working conditions and respectful treatment.
When President Biden took office, the whole world noticed that he did so with the likeness of Cesar Chavez looking down on his work in the Oval Office. This was a very powerful symbol for our communities, and we have heard from hundreds of farm workers and their children about how much it meant to them.
I hope you'll take a few minutes now to become a partner in the work of the UFW by making a contribution of $25, $36, $50, $100, or more.
Do it for [name redacted]—a farm worker and the daughter of farm workers who wants what all of us do—a decent, dignified life, fair wages she and her family can live on, and a safe and respectful place to work. Do it for [name redacted]—a hard-working mother who wants to create a better, safer future for her children.
They—and we—will very much appreciate any amount you're able to give.
Sincerely,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
P.S. Since the pandemic began nearly two years ago, America's farm workers have continued their essential work of putting food on America's tables. UFW has continued our essential work of keeping them safe. Please let us hear from you very soon, and give as generously as you can.
---------------------------------------------
[UFW SAFE FOOD logo]
FOR A SAFE AND JUST FOOD SUPPLY
[✓] Yes, we need to protect [name redacted], [name redacted] and the other hardworking men and women who labor to bring us our food from toxic chemicals and other threats to their lives and livelihoods. Enclosed is my donation of:
[ ] $25
[ ] $36
[ ] $50
[ ] $100
[✓] Other $7.00
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Contributions or gifts to the United Farm Workers are not tax deductible. As a labor union, we are a 501(c) 5 non-profit organization.
United Farm Workers ▪ [Address, City, State and ZIP Code redacted] ▪ www.ufw.org
So today, April 10th, 2024, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers in order to "become a partner in the work of the UFW by making a contribution of $7.00," because "we need to protect [name redacted], [name redacted] and the other hardworking men and women who labor to bring us our food from toxic chemicals and other threats to their lives and livelihoods." –Paul Whiting (April 10th, 2024)
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April 10th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, April 10th, 2024, with the subject line "12%.", which stated the following:
12%. That’s how many IAVA members reported they were survivors of military sexual trauma, Paul.
And a staggering 63% of those who reported surviving military sexual trauma said they were retaliated against.
When our fellow servicemembers sign up to serve their country, they know they may face attacks from our enemies. But they don’t anticipate facing attacks by their brothers or sisters in arms. IAVA has always been a leader in advocating for survivors, but more is needed to ensure survivors get the care, support, and protection they deserve.
This Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, will you join us in calling on Congress to pass the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act?
SIGN THE PETITION***
The bill would increase access to health care for survivors, strengthen oversight of the claims process, and ensure survivors have proper access to the VA counseling and benefits they need to heal.
With 42% of IAVA members stating that they believe the Department of Defense is not effectively addressing the problem of military sexual trauma, it’s clear that leaders in Washington need to adjust their priorities to better support survivors.
Sign our petition now to demand Congress pass this bill and give survivors the care, support, and protection they deserve >>>***
Thank you,
Team IAVA
P.S. Veterans have paid their dues so IAVA membership is always free. However, we rely on voluntary donations from supporters like you. If you can, please chip in to support IAVA's ability to fight on behalf of the post-9/11 generation of veterans.
DONATE***
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
CALL ON CONGRESS TO PASS THE
SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS
EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT ACT
Who You're Contacting:
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Phone number redacted]
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Phone number redacted]
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Phone number redacted]
What You're Saying
Subject: Pass the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act
[Decision Maker]:
12%. That's how many IAVA members reported they were survivors of military sexual trauma.
And a staggering 63% of those who reported surviving military sexual trauma said they were retaliated against.
When our fellow servicemembers sign up to serve their country, they know they may face attacks from our enemies. But they don't anticipate facing attacks by their brothers or sisters in arms.
The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act would increase access to health care for survivors, strengthen oversight of the claims process, and ensure survivors have proper access to the VA counseling and benefits they need to heal.
This Sexual Assaull Awareness and Prevention Month, will you join us in supporting survivors and pass the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act to give survivors the care, support, and protection they deserve?
[Your name]
[Your email address]
Contact Information
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email: [redacted]
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
SEND IT!
HELP SPREAD THE WORD:
SUPPORT VETERANS TODAY
Our country has an obligation to fulfill its promise to honor and support vets. Make a donation today to help IAVA fulfill its mission to connect, unite, and empower post-9/11 veterans.
DONATE
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:
Add your name to our petition right now to call on Congress to pass the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act
https://act.iava.org/empowerandsupportact
And, after I sent the letter above to my Senators and Representative in Congress, via the IAVA website, I made a one-time donation to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) in order to "demand Congress pass this [Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act] bill and give survivors the care, support, and protection they deserve" during "Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month." –Paul Whiting (April 10th, 2024)
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April 11th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On April 12th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 8th, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, April 12th, 2024, is for donations that I made yesterday, April 11th, 2024, as part of my series of donations for the month of April to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this fourth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election. In addition to that, I made a donation to my local Democratic fundraising and coordinating organization (Democratic Party of Oregon). Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC), and helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List), as well as helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets).]
I received a mailer from the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund thirty five days ago on March 8th, 2024, 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.]
2024 DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON
VICTORY FUND RENEWAL
Dear Mr. Whiting,
I am personally reaching out because the 2024 election is in full swing and Republican candidates are pandering to the MAGA base with their extreme agenda. It may seem that we are insulated from the worst of their policies here in Oregon, but the GOP is laser-focused on undermining all that we stand for.
Just look at the dysfunction we've seen in the House of Representatives to see what happens when Republicans hold a majority — they ignite chaos in our institutions instead of addressing the issues Americans care about most.
The action you take now will not only help determine this year's elections, but will send a clear message that when you stand with Democrats, you stand for democracy. That's why I humbly ask you to renew your 2024 membership to the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund today.
Enclosed is your Official 2024 Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund Membership Card. I hope you'll carry this as a reminder of your commitment to electing Democratic candidates who will work for the people while respecting our election integrity, protecting our civil rights and freedoms, and strengthening our democratic institutions.
We are fighting around the clock for every Democrat on the ballot between now and Election Day. And with strong wins this November, Oregon could be a prime example to the country of how Democrats are united in delivering for the American people.
Mr. Whiting, can we count on you to renew your Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund membership? Please return the enclosed 2024 Renewal Confirmation Reply with your generous gift of $35, $55, or even $70 today.
Receiving your support early in the year is critical to our success. Every dollar raised now goes further than a dollar raised in the final days leading up to the election. Your gift today gives us the ability to plan and make early investments into our Neighborhood Leader Program. In 2022 alone, we recruited over 2,100 volunteer Neighborhood Leaders who reached out to over 120,000 targeted Democrats by door, phone, and mail, and 90% of those contacted turned out to vote! With your help, we will elect leaders who share our Democratic values and who will fight for good-paying jobs, more accessible health care, lower prescription drug costs, investments in clean energy, affordable housing, racial and economic justice, women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, workers' rights, civil rights, reducing student debt, and commonsense gun laws. We have a lot of work to do, and we can't do it without you.
When you renew your 2024 membership, you support strategic efforts like:
• Connecting voters with Democratic priorities and highlighting the progress we can make on upholding our democracy, defending reproductive rights, expanding voters' rights, making health care more affordable and accessible, reversing the effects of climate change, and ensuring civil rights for all Americans.
• Defending voting rights so that every eligible voter's voice is heard and every vote is counted.
• Strengthening the Democratic Party of Oregon infrastructure by expanding technological capabilities, identifying and sharing best practices across campaigns, customizing voter outreach and messaging, and providing Democratic candidates with every resource they need to win.
• Organizing in every ZIP code to mobilize a coalition of Democrats with shared values across our state.
Ensuring victory on Election Day, up and down the ballot, depends on folks like you taking action today.
Please confirm your commitment to the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund today by returning your 2024 Renewal Confirmation Reply with a generous membership gift — or by renewing online at democrats.org/SPVF24Renew.
Thank you for doing your part to defend our democracy. Together, we will deliver results for the people, from the school board to the White House.
Sincerely,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Democratic Party of Oregon
P.S. When folks like you stand with Democrats, we deliver meaningful results that benefit our nation for generations to come. Let's build a blue coalition to elect responsible leaders who will fight for our democracy, protect our institutions, and put people first. To help secure Democratic victories this November and beyond, I urge you to generously renew your membership to the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund today. Thank you!
---------------------------------------------
Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund
2024 Renewal Confirmation Reply
[Start of Member Card]
★ 2024 ★
STATE PARTY VICTORY FUND
MR PAUL [MIDDLE INITIAL] WHITING
OREGON DEMOCRAT
[Number redacted]
SINCE DECEMBER 2023
[End of Member Card]
[✓] YES! I have received my 2024 Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund Membership Card.
[✓] YES! I will help fight for our democracy and provide early support to the Democratic Party in Oregon. To ensure Democrats win up and down the ballot this November, I have enclosed my 2024 Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund membership renewal contribution of:
[ ] $35
[ ] $55
[ ] $70
[✓] Other $5.00
Please make your check payable to the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund.
Please complete the information at the reverse as required by law.
Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Party of Oregon are not tax deductible.
Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
To put your gift to work immediately, please visit democrats.org/SPVF24Renew
And, after I read the letter above, I entered the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Support the State Party Victory Fund!
Renew your support today to strengthen your State Party's infrastructure and help fight for our shared Democratic values!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC) SPVF.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[✓] Other amount $5.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to "renew [my] 2024 membership to the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund." –Paul Whiting (written April 12th, 2024, revised April 13th, 2024, revised May 13th, 2024 and revised October 22nd, 2024)
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.)
In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.'
Thus, for the rest of the 2024 election cycle—as well as for the foreseeable future—I have made a goal of donating $3.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, and a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), as well as a goal of donating $5.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.35).
-------------------------------------------------------------------
April 11th, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On April 12th, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 24th, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, April 12th, 2024, is for donations that I made yesterday, April 11th, 2024, as part of my series of donations for the month of April to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this fourth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election. In addition to that, I made a donation to my local Democratic fundraising and coordinating organization (Democratic Party of Oregon). Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC), and helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List), as well as helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets).]
I received a mailer from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) nineteen days ago on March 24th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "URGENT OFFICIAL BUSINESS: DO NOT DISCARD", 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.]
HAKEEM JEFFRIES
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER
Dear DCCC Supporter,
With a few months to go before Election Day, we face an urgent challenge.
Extreme MAGA Republicans have proven to be the party of chaos, crisis and confusion. Rather than work for the American people, House Republicans have bent the knee to extremists like Marjorie Taylor Greene and refused to seek compromise to get things done. Americans are tired of the extreme MAGA agenda that fails to deliver for everyday families.
We cannot let House Republicans stay in power. With just months to go, we need to lay it all on the line to take back our majority.
Extreme MAGA Republicans are doubling down on their reckless agenda that will decimate Social Security and Medicare, ruin our economy and criminalize abortion nationwide. If we allow MAGA Republicans another two years in the majority, they will do everything to roll back our tremendous progress.
And they will threaten the very survival of our democracy. We cannot let extreme MAGA Republicans hold the majority and pave the path back to the White House for the twice-impeached Insurrectionist-in-Chief.
That's why — with the 2024 election only months away — we're counting on you to renew your DCCC membership in this critical year with a generous contribution today.
In addition, we need your insight to maximize our effectiveness in flipping the House of Representatives from red to blue. So please fill out the enclosed 2024 Democratic Priorities Survey and send it back to the DCCC along with your renewal gift.
We want to know more about your priorities and where you stand on key issues. Your support will help elect Democrats who will act on these priorities now.
House Republicans want to ban abortion nationwide. Meanwhile, House Democrats are working to protect women's health care and restore reproductive freedom. Having grassroots organizers in key states like Michigan, Ohio and Kansas will allow our team to operate in crucial districts to let voters know where Republicans stand on reproductive freedom.
House Republicans want to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps the cost of insulin to $35 per month for millions of Americans and finally gives Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices. We need boots on the ground in competitive districts to hold Republicans accountable for their extreme agenda that seeks to repeal this law and force some to go without the lifesaving medication they need.
House Republicans have made attempts to decimate Social Security and privatize Medicare, putting the stability of our social safety net at risk. In response, House Democrats stand resolute in our commitment to work For The People. To secure Social Security and Medicare, Democrats emphasize the importance of building the grassroots support and campaign strategy essential for securing a victory in 2024. We cannot do that without the resources needed to win.
We need to continue to hold extreme MAGA Republicans accountable, contrast their out of touch positions on the issues that matter most with our popular agenda and refute their lies to win back the House for Democrats. Swing-seat Republicans are not the moderates they claim to be. Time and time again, these increasingly vulnerable Republicans have turned their back on their constituents and joined extremists.
We cannot let House Republicans get away with their repeated assaults on our rights and our freedoms. We can only do that by arming Democratic House candidates with the tools and financial support to win.
Laying the groundwork now is a top priority, With just months to go, investing in efforts that will register new voters and turn out the vote cannot wait. It requires hard, painstaking work precinct-by- precinct, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, county-by-county and district-by-district.
The DCCC relies on donations like yours to help us recruit volunteers, launch voter registration drives and support outreach programs that will enable us to win big this November. In addition to your support, we want to hear where you stand on key issues. So please use the 2024 Democratic Priorities Survey to share your perspectives and ideas.
Republicans are building the case against themselves. Meanwhile, our battle-tested Frontline Democrats and top-tier DCCC recruits are the elements that will ensure we win back the House this November. That's why we need to build critical on the ground support to keep our Frontliners and recruits running.
Please rush your 2024 renewal contribution and your 2024 Democratic Priorities Survey to the DCCC today. Now more than ever, we need you to invest in the DCCC to take back the House of Representatives and defend our democracy.
Keep the faith,
Hakeem Jeffries
House Democratic Leader
P.S. With just months before Election Day, please rush your 2024 renewal contribution to the DCCC today. Your support is critical to ensure we have the grassroots organization needed to take back the House and continue our work for the American people. In this make-or-break election year for our democracy, thank you for your steadfast support of the DCCC.
---------------------------------------------
2024 Democratic Priorities Survey
[Blogger's Note: I completed the 2024 Democratic Priorities Survey online, so that is the edition of the survey that appears below, rather than the printed edition of said survey that came with the mailer.]
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is seeking feedback from registered Democrats like you. Your feedback and honest responses are critical to the Democratic Party and will help guide strategies and priorities to stop House Republicans from destroying the progress Democrats and President Biden have made.
Email Address: [redacted]
Cell Phone Number: [redacted]
SECTION I (ONE): POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Did you vote in the 2022 midterms?
[✓] Yes!
[ ] No.
Do you plan to vote in November?
[✓] Yes!
[ ] No.
How do you typically vote?
[ ] Same day in person
[ ] Early in person
[ ] Absentee ballot
[✓] Drop box
SECTION II (TWO): DEMOCRATIC VALUES
House Democrats believe Social Security and Medicare are essential for the American people and should not be turned over to self-serving Wall Street executives. Do you agree or disagree?
[✓] Agree
[ ] Disagree
House Democrats believe access to health care should be a right, not a luxury, and are committed to strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Do you agree or disagree?
[✓] Agree
[ ] Disagree
House Democrats believe Medicare should be allowed to negotiate lower prices with the prescription drug companies so Americans no longer have to pay four or five times what people in other countries pay for the same medicines. Do you agree or disagree?
[✓] Agree
[ ] Disagree
House Democrats believe climate change is real, that we need policies to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and combat other threats to our planet. Do you agree or disagree?
[✓] Agree
[ ] Disagree
House Democrats believe it is an urgent priority to protect reproductive freedom and restore the promise of Roe v. Wade. Do you agree or disagree?
[✓] Agree
[ ] Disagree
SECTION III (THREE): THE MAGA REPUBLICAN AGENDA
House Republicans have promised a nationwide abortion ban. Some of their members have even proposed banning birth control. How much of a Democratic priority do you believe it should be to protect reproductive freedom?
[✓] Top Priority
[ ] Somewhat a Priority
[ ] Not a Priority
[ ] Unsure
Since its passage, Republicans have made 70 attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and take health care away from 20 million Americans. How much of a Democratic priority do you believe it should be to strengthen the ACA?
[✓] Top Priority
[ ] Somewhat a Priority
[ ] Not a Priority
[ ] Unsure
Republicans want to ignore the existential climate crisis and weaken our environmental protection laws. How much of a Democratic priority do you believe it should be to prevent corporations from polluting our environment?
[✓] Top Priority
[ ] Somewhat a Priority
[ ] Not a Priority
[ ] Unsure
Republicans want to use any means necessary to suppress the vote. How much of a Democratic priority do you believe it should be to fight these efforts and protect our democracy?
[✓] Top Priority
[ ] Somewhat a Priority
[ ] Not a Priority
[ ] Unsure
Republicans refuse to advance further gun control measures that will help keep our children and communities safe. How much of a Democratic priority do you believe it should be to strengthen gun control?
[✓] Top Priority
[ ] Somewhat a Priority
[ ] Not a Priority
[ ] Unsure
The GOP is working to roll back LGBTQ+ protections. How much of a Democratic priority do you believe it should be to stop them from advancing their extreme and discriminatory views?
[✓] Top Priority
[ ] Somewhat a Priority
[ ] Not a Priority
[ ] Unsure
SECTION IV (FOUR): 2023 DEMOCRATIC PRIORITIES
Which of the issues below do you believe Democrats should focus on as top priorities in 2024? (Check up to five.)
[✓] Improving access to quality and affordable health care for all Americans
[✓] Protecting and strengthening Social Security
[ ] Strengthening environmental protection laws
[✓] Codifying Roe v. Wade and protecting birth control access
[✓] Exposing and blocking attacks on voting rights
[ ] Increasing the minimum wage
[ ] Lowering prescription drug prices
[✓] Strengthening gun safety measures
[ ] Advancing racial equality and civil rights
[ ] Other
Please specify:
What concerns you most now that the GOP narrowly controls the House?
[✓] Pointless investigations of the Biden Administration
[✓] Effort to advance a national ban on abortion
[✓] Repealing or cutting Social Security and Medicare
[✓] Attempting to overturn 2024 presidential election results
[✓] Installing extremists in committee leadership
[✓] Stripping Americans of their health care
[✓] Loosening gun safety measures
[ ] Other
Please specify:
SECTION V (FIVE): GENERAL ISSUES
How concerned are you about Democrats having the resources needed to take back the House in November?
[✓] Very Concerned
[ ] Not Concerned
[ ] Somewhat Concerned
How concerned are you that Republicans will try to override the will of the people to install a Republican president in 2024?
[✓] Very Concerned
[ ] Not Concerned
[ ] Somewhat Concerned
How concerned are you about what a second term for Donald Trump means for our democracy?
[✓] Very Concerned
[ ] Not Concerned
[ ] Somewhat Concerned
How concerned are you about Democrats having the resources needed to register new voters before Election Day this November?
[✓] Very Concerned
[ ] Not Concerned
[ ] Somewhat Concerned
If you are worried about House Republican's MAGA Agenda, then join us now to flip the House and defend President Biden's legacy!
[✓] Yes! I can pitch in to elect House Democrats
SUBMIT
---------------------------------------------
[DCCC logo] DEMOCRATS 2024
Flip the House!
Join us 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 join us to elect a wave of Democrats and flip the House?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit the DCCC.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $5.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to complete my "2024 Democratic Priorities Survey." –Paul Whiting (written April 12th, 2024, revised April 13th, 2024, revised May 13th, 2024 and revised September 2nd, 2024)
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.)
In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.'
Thus, for the rest of the 2024 election cycle—as well as for the foreseeable future—I have made a goal of donating $3.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, and a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), as well as a goal of donating $5.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.35).
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April 11th, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On April 12th, 2024, Which Also Discusses April 1st, 2024, As Well As April 10th, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, April 12th, 2024, is for donations that I made yesterday, April 11th, 2024, as part of my series of donations for the month of April to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this fourth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election. In addition to that, I made a donation to my local Democratic fundraising and coordinating organization (Democratic Party of Oregon). Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC), and helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List), as well as helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets).]
I recently received two mailers from the Biden Victory Fund. The first mailer that I received was eleven days ago on April 1st, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Paul, hitting this goal will be a challenge — but with your help, we can make it!", 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.]
BIDEN VICTORY FUND
Dear Paul,
I want to thank you for answering the call to defend our democracy. I'm humbled by your support and I know that with you in our corner, we can win in November and keep moving our nation forward.
Your support has strengthened our campaign across the country and helped us build coalitions and engage communities across the country. We couldn't do this without you.
Our campaign is running at full speed right now, and we need to be ready for whatever comes our way. This is why my team has launched the Finish The Job Fund to boost our efforts heading into the all-important next few months of this campaign.
Every dollar you give will provide our team of staff and volunteers in every state what they need to share our message with voters. There's only so much we can predict, so we've got to make sure that our folks have the resources they need to face any challenges leading up to Election Day.
Paul, I don't ask this lightly, but as an essential member of our team, I think you understand how necessary it is that we are prepared for what will be another very close election. I am humbly asking you to please send a gift of $25, $38, or $50 today to help us hit the Finish The Job Fund's goal of $500,000.
I'm not taking anything for granted in this race, and neither should you, because as I've said time and time again: the soul of our nation is at stake.
Once again, we're up against Donald Trump and his MAGA extremists. Their campaign is about him. Not America. Not you. Donald Trump's campaign is obsessed with the past, not the future. He's willing to sacrifice our democracy just to put himself in power.
Our campaign is different. For me and Kamala, our campaign is about America. It's about you. It's about every person of every age and background that deserves the opportunity to thrive. This campaign is about preserving and strengthening American democracy. And it's about the future we're going to continue to build, together.
MAGA extremists want to undo all the progress we've made and are threatening to take away our fundamental freedoms and roll back the critical legislation that our administration has passed. To those who dare to attack our democracy and by extension attack our fundamental rights, let me be clear: I won't let it happen on my watch.
We'll continue to take action to make education and child care more affordable, fight to restore the protections of Roe, pass more gun safety legislation, and create more opportunities for every American.
Look, we've got a great plan, and we've already built a solid foundation. But we're in for a close race in November, with MAGA extremists using fear and grievances to sell Americans on a set of false promises. We have to combat their lies with the truth, and that's no easy feat. But when we make our case, we win.
And now we have a unique opportunity with the Finish The Job Fund to exceed our normal fundraising goals. Every dollar gets us closer to defending our rights, protecting our democracy, and providing a fair shot for every American for generations to come.
Please give today so that we can finish strong on Election Day and finish the job we started.
Thank you for being a part of this team and for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Joe Biden
President of the United States
P.S. Paul, you've been key to our campaign, and I'm humbly asking for your help once again. We know this will be another close election, and the Finish The Job Fund could put us ahead. Please give today. I'm not going to stop fighting, but I need you in my corner. Can I count on you?
---------------------------------------------
DO YOU WANT TO MULTIPLY THE POTENTIAL
FOR VICTORY ON ELECTION DAY?
[✓] Yes, Joe! I want to give to the Finish The Job Fund! I am giving today so that my dollars will mobilize grassroots support across the country and increase the likelihood of a win for democracy on Election Day. Enclosed is my contribution so that, together, we can finish the job.
[ ] $25
[ ] $38
[ ] $50
[✓] Other $5.00
Please make your check payable to the Biden Victory Fund.
Or if you prefer to charge your contribution, please fill out the form on the reverse.
You can also contribute online by visiting www.democrats.org/MarchFund.
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
BIDEN VICTORY FUND
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 Marris 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.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000→
[ ] Donate $2,000→
[✓] Other $5.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
So, I made a one-time donation to the Biden Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to confirm the reply memorandum statement: "Yes, Joe! I want to give to the Finish The Job Fund! I am giving today so that my dollars will mobilize grassroots support across the country and increase the likelihood of a win for democracy on Election Day. Enclosed is my contribution so that, together, we can finish the job."
The second mailer that I received from the Biden Victory Fund was two days ago on April 10th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Paul, this will make all the difference on Election Day. ENCLOSED: EXCLUSIVE TRIPLE MATCH OFFER", 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.]
BIDEN VICTORY FUND
Dear Paul,
I want to thank you for answering the call to defend our democracy. I'm humbled by your support and I know that with you in our corner, we can win in November and keep moving our nation forward.
Your support has strengthened our campaign and helped us build coalitions and engage communities across the country. We couldn't do this without you.
My team has an exciting opportunity right now: A generous donor has agreed to triple-match the amount we raise from supporters like you, up to $150,000.
That means every dollar you give today will have three times the impact on the work we're doing now, at a moment when we need those resources the most.
Paul, I know you understand the stakes of this election, but I must stress how big the opportunity before us is. As an essential member of our team, I am humbly asking you to rush a gift of $25 that becomes $75, $38 that turns into $114, or even $50 that generates $150 today to help Kamala and I win reelection and elect Democrats up and down the ballot.
I'm not taking anything for granted in this race, and neither should you, because as I've said time and time again: the soul of our nation is at stake.
Once again, we're up against Donald Trump and his MAGA extremists. Their campaign is about him. Not America. Not you. Donald Trump's campaign is obsessed with the past, not the future. He's willing to sacrifice our democracy just to put himself in power.
Our campaign is different. For me and Kamala, our campaign is about America. It's about you. It's about every person of every age and background that deserves the opportunity to thrive. This campaign is about preserving and strengthening American democracy. And it's about the future we're going to continue to build, together.
MAGA extremists want to undo all the progress we've made and are threatening to take away our fundamental freedoms and roll back the critical legislation that our administration has passed. To those who dare to attack our democracy and by extension attack our fundamental rights, let me be clear: I won't let it happen on my watch.
We'll continue to take action to make education and child care more affordable, fight to restore the protections of Roe, pass more gun safety legislation, and create more opportunities for every American.
Look, we've got a great plan, and we've already built a solid foundation. But we're in for a close race in November, with MAGA extremists using fear and grievances to sell Americans on a set of false promises. We have to combat their lies with the truth, and that's no easy feat. But when we make our case, we win.
That's why I need you with us now. Every dollar you send today will make triple the difference in this fight. The fight to defend our democracy and protect our freedoms, and create a better future for all.
So please give today and take advantage of the triple-match up to $150,000.
Thank you for being a part of this team and for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Joe Biden
President of the United States
P.S. Paul, you've been key to our campaign, and I'm humbly asking for your help once again. We know this will be another close election, but we have an opportunity now that could put us ahead. Please give today so your contribution can go three times as far. I'm not going to stop fighting, but I need you in my corner. Can I count on you?
---------------------------------------------
DO YOU WANT TO MULTIPLY THE POTENTIAL
FOR VICTORY ON ELECTION DAY?
[✓] Yes, Joe! I want to make three times the difference. I am giving today so that my dollars will be triple-matched and increase the likelihood of a win for democracy on Election Day. Enclosed is my contribution to help mobilize voters across the country.
[ ] $25
[ ] $38*
[ ] $50
[✓] Other $5.00
*Paul, your gift of $38 today will become $114 and have triple the impact!
Please make your check payable to the Biden Victory Fund.
Or if you prefer to charge your contribution, please fill out the form on the reverse.
You can also contribute online by visiting www.democrats.org/MatchMarch.
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
BIDEN VICTORY FUND
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 Marris 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.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000→
[ ] Donate $2,000→
[✓] Other $5.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)
So, I made a one-time donation to the Biden Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to confirm the reply memorandum statement: "Yes, Joe! I want to make three times the difference. I am giving today so that my dollars will be triple-matched and increase the likelihood of a win for democracy on Election Day. Enclosed is my contribution to help mobilize voters across the country." –Paul Whiting (written April 12th, 2024, revised April 13th, 2024 and revised May 13th, 2024)
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.)
In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.'
Thus, for the rest of the 2024 election cycle—as well as for the foreseeable future—I have made a goal of donating $3.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, and a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), as well as a goal of donating $5.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.35).
-------------------------------------------------------------------
April 11th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On April 12th, 2024, Which Also Discusses April 5th, 2024, April 9th, 2024, As Well As April 10th, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, April 12th, 2024, is for donations that I made yesterday, April 11th, 2024, as part of my series of donations for the month of April to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this fourth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election. In addition to that, I made a donation to my local Democratic fundraising and coordinating organization (Democratic Party of Oregon). Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC), and helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List), as well as helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets).]
I have combined every political campaign, or political organization, donation request per day (made via email or text message) into one 'update' for each day that I donate, so that I don't have to keep writing individual 'updates' for political campaign donations, or political organization donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual campaign political donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
(By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political donation requests, which is why I don't include them with these email or text message requests.)
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $4.00 per political organization, for the rest of the election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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!
Besides that, as of March 21st, 2024, I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future (with the exception of local campaigns here in Oregon), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis (please see my 'March 21st, 2024 Update No. 2,' which can be found above), as I have explained below:
...Alright, I have a big announcement to make: I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis!
And I have made this decision based upon how much these individual political campaign donations are costing in my 'monthly donating budget'—even though I am only donating $3.00 with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue—since I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month, starting in 2024! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
Therefore, at the start of 2024, I calculated that I could still make ONE $3.00 donation per political campaign for the entire election cycle. And that means after I have made that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I have only donated once per campaign, which is what I have been doing so far!
However, it's still more than I can afford given my 'monthly donating budget,' which is why I have decided to stop donating to individual political campaigns entirely—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And so, I will still be making some donations to individual political campaigns (such as to Joe Biden's campaign for President of the United States, or to local campaigns here in Oregon), but I am not donating like I have been up until this point—which has been virtually every time that I have received a political campaign donation request via email or text message—because I seriously cannot afford to donate that much for the rest of the 2024 Presidential Election cycle, as well as for the foreseeable future.
And to clarify one more thing: In the past, I used to only donate to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations—rather than to individual campaigns—since that's all I really could afford given my 'monthly spending budget,' because I am "low income." Plus, those Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations help all of the individual political campaigns with funding, which is why I used to only donate to those main organizations! And I only started donating to individual political campaigns in 2022, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" Therefore, this decision to stop donating to individual political campaigns (with the exception of presidential campaigns and local campaigns, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis) is really just going back to the way that I used to make political donations.
In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.'
Thus, as I partially explained above, for the rest of the 2024 election cycle—as well as for the foreseeable future—I have made a goal of donating $3.00 per local campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, and a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), as well as a goal of donating $5.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.35) for the entire election cycle!
To sum it up, then: I am essentially keeping the same total individual campaign donation amount of $3.21, but I am only donating to local campaigns here in Oregon, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for email and text message donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35); plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51).
So, without further ado...
The first political communication to which I responded yesterday, April 11th, 2024, was a text message seven days ago on April 5th, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS), which stated the following:
DASS Chair and [state redacted] Sec. of State [name redacted] has received a 600% increase in threats in a seven month period. Here’s just a sampling:
“Seriously, just die.”
“You better keep your doors locked and sleep with one eye open.”
“I can’t wait to find you and follow you to your house and expose your address.”
Paul, these aren’t isolated incidents either. In the wake of Trump’s 2020 Big Lie, we are seeing extreme threats to election administrators across the nation.
The Big Lie has morphed into a Big Threat, and it’s not going away. In fact, we only expect the rhetoric to ramp up as we get closer to November.
Can we count on you to make a small donation of $5 to elect Democratic Secretaries of State who will defend our democracy from election-denying Republicans?***
- Team DASS
***[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, 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:
Democratic Association of Secretaries of State
When federal action stalls, state laws decide the future of our republic. We can't let those laws fall into the hands of partisan, conspiracy-loving GOP legislatures.
Our Democratic Secretaries protect our elections — even when Congress is deadlocked. They're the last line of defense for your rights, and they need your help this year more than ever. Rush a donation now and defend our Secretaries of State!
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DASS PAC.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $35 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[✓] Other amount $4.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.28 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DASS (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to "make a small donation of [$4] to elect Democratic Secretaries of State who will defend our democracy from election-denying Republicans," because "the Big Lie has morphed into a Big Threat, and it’s not going away," since "[DASS] only expect[s] the rhetoric to ramp up as we get closer to November."
---------------------------------------------
The second political communication to which I responded yesterday, April 11th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) three days ago, April 9th, 2024, with the subject line, "[PLEASE READ] Stand with our AGs defending mifepristone", which stated the following:
Paul, Dem AGs are working hard to protect access to mifepristone across the country as the Supreme Court decides its fate. Will you add your name to stand with them today?
Supporter: [email redacted]
Your Status: Not Signed
Signature Deadline: TODAY
[Blogger's Note: I signed this petition on April 11th, 2024—which was two days after the signature deadline—but this was an important petition for me to sign and I also feel that it was the most important DAGA email to which I responded out of the most recent emails that I received from DAGA.]
ADD YOUR NAME***
Paul, the fate of mifepristone, the safe and effective drug used in the majority of abortions in the country, is currently being decided by the Supreme Court — the same Court that overturned Roe v. Wade just two years ago.
Dem AGs are on the frontlines of the battle to protect access to medication abortion and reproductive rights across the nation. Rallying with other abortion rights advocates outside the Supreme Court, [state redacted] AG [name redacted] said:
“We cannot allow anti-choice forces to make political decisions and ignore the facts, ignore the science, ignore the judgments of medical professionals.”
Will you add your name to stand with our AGs and say you support the fight to keep mifepristone accessible?
SIGN ON***
This is a critical moment in the fight for reproductive rights, and we must stand together to fight back against far-right attacks on abortion access.
Thanks for being on the team,
DAGA
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DEMOCRATIC
ATTORNEYS
GENERAL
ASSOCIATION
Keep Mifepristone Accessible!
This is a critical moment in the fight for reproductive rights, and we must stand together to fight back against far-right attacks on abortion access. Add your name now to stand with our AGs as they work to protect mifepristone:
FIRST NAME: Paul
LAST NAME: Whiting
POSTAL CODE: [redacted]
EMAIL: [redacted]
MOBILE PHONE (Optional): [redacted]
SUBMIT
---------------------------------------------
DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSOCIATION
PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS
From abortion access to voting rights, Dem AGs are on the front lines, defending our democracy and protecting our communities.
Make a donation to DAGA to elect more Dem AGs in 2024 and beyond — starting right here and now.
DONATE IMMEDIATELY:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) PAC.
[ ] DONATE $5 →
[ ] DONATE $10 →
[ ] DONATE $25 →
[ ] DONATE $50 →
[ ] DONATE $100 →
[ ] DONATE $250 →
[ ] DONATE $500 →
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT $4.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.28 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DAGA (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to "add [my] name to stand with our AGs and say [I] support the fight to keep mifepristone accessible," since "Dem AGs are on the frontlines of the battle to protect access to medication abortion and reproductive rights across the nation."
---------------------------------------------
The third political communication to which I responded yesterday, April 11th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) that I received two days ago on April 10th, 2024, with the subject line, "This email is proof that you’re making a difference, Paul.", which stated the following:
DOWN BALLOT DEFENDERS
A project of the DLCC
END-OF-QUARTER IMPACT REPORT
Attn: Down Ballot Defenders
From: Team DLCC
Date: April 10th, 2024
Subject: EOQ Impact Report
Now that the dust has settled on Q1 (Quarter 1), we want to report back to our Down Ballot Defenders and showcase the tangible impact your monthly donations have made in state legislatures.
From breaking fundraising records to flipping seats, your contributions have given Democrats the consistent support our party needs to succeed. So without further ado, here's a breakdown of the accomplishments we've made and the challenges that lie ahead:
Victory Lane:
FLIP! MARILYN LANDS
VICTORY! ERIK JOHNSON
VICTORY! JENNIFER MANDELBAUM
Marilyn Lands claimed an "earthquake" of a victory in Alabama. The DLCC's Spotlight program helped raise money directly for Rep. Lands. It was also one of our most successful Spotlight pages of the election cycle to date.
Our communications team played a key role in supporting Rep. Lands and her campaign directly, helping to amplify the importance of this race.
Our efforts in New Hampshire paid off: We held both seats (← "This is HUGE!") in the House, bringing Democrats one step closer to flipping control of the New Hampshire House.
We also successfully defended our majority in the Pennsylvania House. Our special election victory showcased the strength of our campaign strategies and marked the sixth time Democrats have successfully defended our majority since November 2022.
Go to our website to check out our other Spotlight candidates!
https://dlcc.org/spotlight-races
Strategic Spending:
The DLCC has invested nearly $750,000!! {"This is thanks to your support!"} into state races this cycle to build Democratic power across the country. We're identifying the best opportunities for Democratic success cycle after cycle to provide resources where we're needed most.
Along with spotlighting candidates, we're bolstering our efforts to capitalize on opportunities to flip key seats, defend existing majorities, and break vulnerable Republican supermajorities. Here's a quick breakdown of where we're investing so far:
OVER $200k (200,000) PENNSYLVANIA
$130k (130,000) MICHIGAN
$130k (130,000) ARIZONA
$112.5k (112,500) NEW HAMPSHIRE
$50k (50,000) MINNESOTA
$48k (48,000) WISCONSIN
$30k (30,000) NORTH CAROLINA
Funding the Fight:
We started the year off breaking records. Thanks to grassroots support, we raised over $2.3 million, making Q1 our best first fundraising quarter for grassroots giving on record. This includes our best January, February, and March grassroots fundraising to date—a 45% increase over our previous Q1 record.
Since we launched the Down Ballot Defenders ("Which we're so happy you're a part of") program in February, it's fostered a steady stream of support-contributing to the DLCC's $60 million target budget for 2024 and strengthening our efforts to elect state Democrats nationwide.
Upcoming Agenda: (← "April is a BIG month for the DLCC")
APRIL 16: Michigan will hold two pivotal elections under new state House maps. Our spotlight candidates, Peter Herzberg and Mai Xiong, are running for key seats that are crucial for maintaining our trifecta in the state.
APRIL 18: We will be exactly 200 days away from Election Day. This means there are only 200 days to give our state Dems the resources they need to defeat extreme Republicans and help protect the path to the presidency.
KEEP AN EYE OUT:
DLCC [title and name redacted] is working to boost our message of electing state Dems with appearances on MSNBC, bringing attention to the importance of state-level races.
Wrapping Up:
Your support as a Down Ballot Defender has been crucial to our success. From special election victories to strategic investments, your contributions have powered every achievement.
✴ So thank you for being the driving force behind our mission to elect state Democrats. ✴
★ As we gear up for April, your continued support is needed now more than ever. When we work together, we can maintain our momentum, tackle upcoming challenges, and not just compete, but WIN against extreme Republicans and their billionaire backers. ★
♡ Thank you, Team DLCC ♡
DONATE →***
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DLCC
DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Join the fight! Chip in today.
🗳️Elect state Dems in critical special elections
💰Fund our strategic investments in 2024, 2025, and beyond
❌Counter Republican extremism in the states
Can you chip in today?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DLCC PAC.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000→
[✓] Other amount $4.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.28 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DLCC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, since "[my] support as a Down Ballot Defender has been crucial to [the DLCC's] success," because "when we work together, we can maintain our momentum, tackle upcoming challenges, and not just compete, but WIN against extreme Republicans and their billionaire backers."
---------------------------------------------
The fourth political communication to which I responded yesterday, April 11th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) that I received yesterday, with the subject line, "I have some questions for you, Paul", which stated the following:
[Image of a GIF, which states: "I'm reaching out to top supporters because I urgently need your help."]
Hey Paul, it’s [name redacted], [title redacted] from the DGA, with an exclusive opportunity for you. My team is conducting an important poll with a special group of top, dedicated, active supporters – and you’re on the list. You’ve been personally selected to represent [ZIP code redacted], so please don’t delay.
Thanks,
[Name redacted] and Team DGA
WHAT’S YOUR PARTY STATUS?
[✓] DEMOCRAT***
[ ] REPUBLICAN
[ ] INDEPENDENT
[ ] OTHER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DO YOU APPROVE OF PRESIDENT BIDEN’S AGENDA?
[✓] YES***
[ ] NO
[ ] UNSURE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WILL YOU ENDORSE PRESIDENT BIDEN FOR A SECOND TERM?
[✓] YES, I WILL***
[ ] NO, I WON'T
[ ] I’M NOT SURE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF THE 2024 ELECTION WERE HELD TOMORROW, WHO WOULD YOU VOTE FOR?
[✓] BIDEN***
[ ] TRUMP
[ ] NOT SURE
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
IN PROGRESS: EXCLUSIVE DEMOCRATIC SURVEY
[Blogger's Note: the survey text below combines the above-mentioned four survey questions, "WHAT’S YOUR PARTY STATUS?", "DO YOU APPROVE OF PRESIDENT BIDEN’S AGENDA?", "WILL YOU ENDORSE PRESIDENT BIDEN FOR A SECOND TERM?" and "IF THE 2024 ELECTION WERE HELD TOMORROW, WHO WOULD YOU VOTE FOR?", each of which opened to a separate survey page—and all four of which I participated in! However, each survey repeated the exact same questions, just in a slightly different order, which is why the text below is a combination.]
Thank you for your response. As a strong Democrat in [ZIP code redacted], you have been selected to represent your community in an exclusive strategy survey.
Email: [redacted]
Cell Phone: [redacted]
Please confirm: What is your party status?
[✓] Democrat
[ ] Republican
[ ] Independent
[ ] Other
Do you approve of President Biden's agenda?
[✓] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Unsure
Will you endorse President Biden for a second term?
[✓] Yes, I will
[ ] No, I won't
[ ] I'm not sure
If the 2024 election were held tomorrow, who would you vote for?
[✓] Biden
[ ] Trump
[ ] Not sure
When Trump was in office, Democratic governors were a brick wall against the worst of his agenda. Now, they're some of President Biden's most powerful allies, fighting to defend abortion rights, voting rights, and more.
How important is it to elect strong Democratic governors who can boost President Biden's campaign efforts and advance his agenda across the country?
[✓] Extremely important
[ ] Very Important
[ ] Somewhat important
[ ] Not at all important
There will be 11 critical governors' races on the ballot in November, including in key battleground states like New Hampshire and North Carolina. These races are anyone's game — and the results will have huge implications for our country.
How much should Democrats prioritize investing in these must-win races now to make sure that our candidates can defeat MAGA megadonors in November?
(1: Lowest Priority, 5: Highest Priority)
[ ] 1
[ ] 2
[ ] 3
[ ] 4
[✓] 5
November's elections are fast approaching — and our gubernatorial candidates are counting on this team to have their backs. Will you invest $100 to help us elect Democratic governors who will advance President Biden's agenda and block the GOP's radical MAGA legislation?
Please use the options below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I will give $100!
[✓] No, I can't give that much.
We understand that giving at that level might be tough. But the DGA is working tirelessly to elect Democrats across the country. And with MAGA Republicans pushing an extremist agenda in the courts, Congress, and states nationwide, we can't afford to miss any fundraising goals.
But we just pulled your supporter record, and here's what we found:
Email: [redacted]
Given to DGA today? Not Yet
Suggested donation: $44
Gov. Andy Beshear's incredible victory in Kentucky proved just how important grassroots donations are. But right now, we're $25,000 short of what we need to raise before our next big deadline. Please, before midnight tonight, will you give $44 or whatever you can?
Please use the options below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I'll give $22.
[ ] Yes, I'll give $44! (suggested donation)
[✓] Yes, and I'll give more!
*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I made a one-time donation, rather than a monthly donation—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]
---------------------------------------------
DONATE NOW DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT
If we want to stop the Republicans dangerous agenda, we have to keep pace with the GOP's millions in fundraising — but right now, not enough Democrats are donating, and we're falling short ahead of our midnight deadline.
Luckily, a group of generous donors is matching all gifts up to our goal! Please don't wait: rush your gift to elect Democratic governors!
Make it monthly!
[ ] Yes, count me in!
[✓] No, donate once
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic Action.
[ ] Donate $44 →
[ ] Donate $88 →
[ ] Donate $220 →
[ ] Donate $440 →
[ ] Donate $880→
[ ] Donate $1,760 →
[✓] Other amount $2.00*
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.14 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DGA (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to respond to each one of the following DGA survey questions: 1) "What’s your party status?" 2) "Do you approve of president biden’s agenda?" 3) "Will you endorse president biden for a second term?" and 4) "If the 2024 election were held tomorrow, who would you vote for?"
*P.S.: The reason that I only donated $2.00 to the DGA (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) is because I was actually trying split a $4.00 donation (with a $0.28 tip to ActBlue) for each one of the above-mentioned four surveys that I took, since I am currently donating "$4.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28)." Thus, I donated $1.00 after each one of the surveys (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07); however, I must have donated too many times within too short of a time period, because only two of the four $1.07 donations actually processed, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did!
---------------------------------------------
The fifth political communication to which I responded yesterday, April 11th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) that I received yesterday, with the subject line, "A map for Paul: Here are the 23 senate seats we need to defend this November.", which stated the following:
23, Paul.
That’s the number of Senate seats Democrats are defending in November. Take a look:
(GIF of Senate Seats Map)
Make no mistake: this is not going to be easy, especially not with national Republicans prepared to spend millions of dollars attacking Democratic candidates. That’s why it’s absolutely critical we have the resources to defend Senate Democrats -- from Ohio to Pennsylvania to Nevada and beyond -- and preserve our majority.
But we need your help to do it. So, Paul, can you chip in $23 now to our Democratic Momentum Fund to support the DNC’s work to elect Democrats up and down the ballot?
Thank you for your support,
The Democrats
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
DEMOCRATS
Pitch in to our Democratic Momentum Fund.
Every dollar we raise into this fund will be put to use strengthening our efforts to defeat MAGA Republicans and ensuring we have the resources to elect Democrats up and down the ballot this year.
Pitch in now to invest in the resources our candidates are relying on to compete and win year after year.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC).
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,000 →
[✓] Other amount $4.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.28 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DNC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to "chip in [$4] now to [the DNC's] Democratic Momentum Fund to support [their] work to elect Democrats up and down the ballot," since there are "the 23 senate seats we need to defend this November."
---------------------------------------------
The sixth political communication to which I responded yesterday, April 11th, 2024, was a text message that I received yesterday from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), which stated the following:
𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧: Donald Trump was leading in the polls.
𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡: In a 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘶𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦, President Biden 𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 of Trump.
𝗡𝗢𝗪: We need to know who 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 supporting!
Paul, with President Biden holding a 𝘳𝘢𝘻𝘰𝘳-𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 lead over Donald Trump, we 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 confirm Democrats are still supporting President Biden 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 the next batch of polls is released. 𝗦𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗣:
𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁?
[✓] Biden:***
[ ] Trump:
- DSCC
***[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, 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:
DSCC
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Presidential Poll
First, please confirm: Who do you support for president?
[✓] President Biden!
[ ] Donald Trump
Which issues are MOST important to you in determining your presidential vote? (Please read each option carefully, then select no more than three.)
[✓] Reproductive rights
[ ] Social Security
[ ] Health care
[ ] Upholding marriage equality
[ ] Climate change
[✓] Gun safety
[ ] The future of the Supreme
Court
[✓] Defending democracy
[ ] Something else:
Donald Trump's MAGA allies are plotting to take away our Senate majority. If they succeed, they'll try to REVERSE all of the progress we've made under President Biden!
How concerned are you by the possibility of Trump's allies flipping the Senate?
[✓] Extremely concerned
[ ] Somewhat concerned
[ ] Not at all concerned
It's simple: We MUST stop Trump's allies from defeating Senate Democrats and flipping the Senate red. But right now, we're not on track to hit today's $25,000 fundraising goal -- and falling short would be a HUGE setback.
Please, we have to ask: Will you chip in $30 today to help fight for a Democratic Senate?
Please use the links below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $30.
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $90.
[ ] Yes, I'll chip in $120.
[✓] Yes, I'll chip in, but I'd like to choose a different amount.*
*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I made a one-time donation, rather than a monthly donation—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]
---------------------------------------------
DSCC
Donate now to SUPERCHARGE our Senate majority!
CNN says multiple GOP seats could flip blue this year — but with Mitch McConnell's megadonors already playing offense, it's going to take all hands on deck to win!
Please, will you chip in now to protect our historic progress by supercharging our Democratic majority?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit DSCC.
[ ] Donate $60 →
[ ] Donate $120 →
[ ] Donate $300 →
[ ] Donate $600 →
[ ] Donate $1,200 →
[ ] Donate $2,400 →
[✓] Other amount $4.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.28 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the DSCC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to confirm that I support Joe Biden for President of the United States!
---------------------------------------------
The seventh political communication to which I responded yesterday, April 11th, 2024, was an email from the Biden for President campaign that I received yesterday, with the subject line, "😧 Picture it, Paul 👀", which stated the following:
Biden-Harris 2024
😧 Picture it, Paul 👀
President Donald J. Trump getting sworn in on January 20, 2025 -- the start of another four-year term filled with chaos and division. Four long years.
We're sorry to put that thought into your head, but it's important we all come to terms with the fact there is a very real chance it happens.
Polling in this race is close. Razor thin. Not just nationally, but in swing states across the country.
The MAGA right is mobilizing, and outside spending is only going to ramp up against us as we get closer to the election.
The only thing standing in their way is Joe Biden…and you.
Let us be clear: If we have the resources to win this election, we will. If we don't, we're in trouble. The answer to that question is up to people who care enough about the outcome to donate.
And now that we’re in the heat of the general election, there's no better time than right now. President Biden needs you, Paul.
Can you please use this link to contribute $25 to Joe Biden's reelection campaign? Help us ensure four more years of progress while keeping Donald Trump out of the White House.
If you've saved payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[ ] $25 >>
[ ] $50 >>
[ ] $75 >>
[ ] $100 >>
[ ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***
🙏🙏 Thank you in advance for chipping in.
Team Biden-Harris
"My dad used to have an expression -- 'It's the lucky person who gets up in the morning, puts both feet on the floor, knows what they are about to do, and thinks it still matters.' Your support matters. Your donation matters." -- Joe Biden
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Donate today to reelect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris!
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 pitch in today?
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Joe Biden.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $46 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,000 →
[✓] Other amount: $14.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.98 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden for President campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to "contribute [$14] to Joe Biden's reelection campaign," so that I can "help us ensure four more years of progress while keeping Donald Trump out of the White House."
P.S.: The reason that I donated $14.00 to the Biden for President campaign (with a $0.98 tip to ActBlue) is because I wasn't sure if the previous two $5.00 donations that I had made to the Biden Victory Fund processed correctly (please see my 'April 11th, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On April 12th, 2024, Which Also Discusses April 1st, 2024, As Well As April 10th, 2024' that can be found above), since—for some reason—I didn't receive ActBlue receipts for either one of those two donations! Thus, I was symbolically donating two $5.00 donations and one $4.00 (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.98) just in case those two $5.00 donations didn't process—which they actually did—so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
---------------------------------------------
The eighth political communication to which I responded yesterday, April 11th, 2024, was a text message that I received yesterday from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (Jane Fonda Climate Political Action Committee), which stated the following:
Hey, it's Jane Fonda.
Earth Month is more than just 30 days on the calendar to me.
It's a chance to celebrate the unsung heroes of the climate fight: the grassroots activists, protesters, and elected leaders who are fighting for our future in the face of extraordinary pushback. Not to mention, it's a time to renew our commitment to protect our beautiful planet.
That's why I'm reaching out. I want to hear your 2024 Earth Month story. What are you most excited about in the fight against the climate crisis this year? Maybe you're planning to start a garden, or bike to work instead of drive? Or maybe you want to help on a more macro scale, contributing your time or money to elect climate champions? Whatever your story is, I want to hear it.
Your perspective might spark some new ideas for me too! Click here to share it with me:***
Thanks. xx Jane Fonda
***[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, 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:
Jane Fonda
CLIMATE PAC
Your 2024 Earth Month Story
This Earth Month, Jane Fonda invites you to commit to protecting and nurturing our planet. Every action, big or small, helps in the fight against climate change. What will you do to make a difference?
Share how you plan to contribute to a sustainable future. Your commitment can inspire change and make a real impact.
After you share your story, make sure to keep an eye on your inbox, we may reach out for your permission to share some of your stories on social media!
First Name (Optional): Paul
Last Name (Optional): Whiting
Postal Code (Optional): [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]
Share Your 2024 Earth Month Story (Optional):
---------------------------------------------
Dearest Jane Fonda Climate PAC,
The following is my answer to the question "What will you do to make a difference?" in order to commit to protecting and nurturing our planet in the fight against climate change.
Below please find a copy of a post titled, "My Point Of View On...Global Warming" that is from my "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blog, which was published on July 31st, 2022.
And the YouTube video referenced at the beginning of said blog post—that is from my "Paul Whiting: Poet, Artist and Philosopher" YouTube channel—was published on August 14th, 2021, shortly after the "sixth major assessment of climate science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" was published, as referenced from The New York Times article below, which I cited in the post, that was published on August 9th, 2021.
Therefore, this blog post is a summarization of how I "plan to contribute to a sustainable future."
Yours very truly,
Paul Whiting
Poet, Artist and Philosopher
Portland, Oregon
(he/him/his)
Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer Post No. 306: "My Point Of View On," Part 27 — Global Warming ('This is how I am doing my part to try and reduce the effects of global warming!')
https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-27-global.html
My Point Of View On...
Global Warming ('This is
how I am doing my part to
try and reduce the effects
of global warming!')
YouTube video "How I Use 'Conscious Consumerism' To Live With Respect To The Planet Upon Which I Live" from Paul Whiting: Poet, Artist and Philosopher:
https://youtu.be/i9DrMHEH-rQ?si=kS5mA1i8zl0AmFqx
The YouTube video above is about me discussing how I use "Conscious Consumerism" to live as it relates to global warming, which was recorded on Thursday, August 12th, 2021 and was published on August 14th, 2021.
And below is an excerpt, and a link, from a summarization that I wrote of an article from "The New York Times," which was published on August 9th, 2021:
"A Hotter Future Is Certain, Climate Panel Warns. But How Hot Is Up to Us" from The New York Times:
"Some devastating impacts of global warming are now unavoidable, a major new scientific report finds. But there is still a short window to stop things from getting even worse.
Nations have delayed curbing their fossil fuel emissions for so long that they can no longer stop global warming from intensifying over the next 30 years, though there is still a short window to prevent the most harrowing future, a major new United Nations scientific report has concluded...
...The report, approved by 195 governments and based on more than 14,000 studies, is the most comprehensive summary to date of the physical science of climate change...
...The new report is part of the sixth major assessment of climate science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which was created in 1988. A second report, set to be released in 2022, will detail how climate change might affect aspects of human society, such as coastal cities, farms or health care systems. A third report, also expected next year, will explore more fully strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and halt global warming."
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/09/climate/climate-change-report-ipcc-un.html
"How I Use 'Conscious Consumerism' To Live With Respect To The Planet Upon Which I Live":
My Point Of View No. 1: I only eat plant-based foods, which means that I'm vegan. I also try to buy minimally processed natural foods, as well as organically grown, fair trade, rain-forest safe, and non-GMO products. Also, I try to buy local products as much as possible.
My Point Of View No. 2: I try to buy 100% recycled paper products, including toilet paper, facial tissues and paper towels.
My Point Of View No. 3: I try to buy natural personal care products, such a oral hygiene products, as well as organic shampoo and conditioner, organic soaps and natural cleaning products, wherever possible.
My Point Of View No. 4: I buy 100% clean electricity for my apartment and rechargeable batteries for my devices that can use rechargeable batteries.
My Point Of View No. 5: I travel by walking — which is exercise for me — although, that limits to how far I can travel by walking.
My Point Of View No. 6: I keep up with politics in order to stay more informed as a voter. And I make sure that I vote in every election, including "special elections."
My Point Of View No. 7: I also keep up with the news in order to stay more informed as a citizen. And I subscribe to news organizations that I can afford given my budget.
My Point Of View No. 8: I budget very carefully, so that I know where every penny is going. And I track what I save when I spend money, such as store discounts and coupons, as well as other discounts, so that I can spend that money on other things.
(I explain more about my budget in the video...)
My Point Of View No. 9: And the mobile phone company that I'm with, CREDO Mobile, is also very environmentally conscientious and socially conscientious. Plus, they make regular donations to different organizations that are trying to do good in the world.
My Point Of View No. 10: And, so, this is how I am doing my part to try and reduce the effects of global warming!
-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., A Creative Writer)
"I maybe say too much about how life really is!"
https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-point-of-view-on-part-27-global.html
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Jane Fonda
CLIMATE PAC
Thank you for your response! Now, take the next step and contribute to the Jane Fonda Climate PAC!
Can we count on you to chip in today to help the Jane Fonda Climate PAC defeat the political allies of the fossil fuel industry and save our planet?
Whether it's $5 or $25 — every grassroots donation will make a HUGE impact in our fight to elect climate champions at every level of government.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Jane Fonda Climate PAC.
[ ] Donate $5 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $5,000 →
[✓] Other amount $4.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.28 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to "share how [I] plan to contribute to a sustainable future," because "Earth Month is more than just 30 days on the calendar to [Jane Fonda and] me."
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Finally, these last two political donations weren't due to communications that I received from the following organizations, but because I have donated to these organizations in previous election cycles!
The ninth organization to which I donated was EMILYs List based upon a popup that appeared on the EmilysList.org website, which stated the following:
Donate to EMILYs List
Very simply, we work to elect Democratic pro-choice women to office. And we cannot do it without supporters like you.
Please donate today and help elect more women leaders like Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Elizabeth Warren.
[ ] $25
[ ] $50
[ ] $250
[ ] $500
[ ] $1000
[ ] $2500
[ ] $4000
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT
And, after I read the popup above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
EMILYs LIST
RUN. WIN. CHANGE THE WORLD.
Donate to EMILYs List
Very simply, we work to elect Democratic pro-choice women to office. And we cannot do it without supporters like you.
Please donate today and help elect more women leaders like Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, and Elizabeth Warren.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit EMILYs List.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,500 →
[ ] Donate $4,000 →
[✓] Other amount $4.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.28 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to EMILYs List (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, in order to help "elect Democratic pro-choice women to office."
---------------------------------------------
The tenth organization to which I donated was VoteVets based upon a description that appeared on the VoteVets.org website, which stated the following:
Elevating Voices of Veterans
VoteVets elevates the voices of Veterans and military families through progressive legislative policies and electoral endorsements that impact the lives of active service members, Veterans, and the country.
And, after I read the description above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
VoteVets
Contribute to VoteVets to help us elevate the voices of veterans
This election, there are a number of very powerful forces campaigning to privatize veterans' health care, including the Koch Brothers are funding a MASSIVE astroturf veterans organization backing them up.
This is what we're up against. And as the largest progressive veterans organization we're ready for the challenge. Your contribution at any amount is very important.
Donate Immediately:
Your contribution will benefit VoteVets PAC.
[ ] Donate $10 →
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $4.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.28 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to VoteVets (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, April 11th, 2024, because "VoteVets elevates the voices of Veterans and military families through progressive legislative policies and electoral endorsements that impact the lives of active service members, Veterans, and the country."
Thus, these six organizations—the DASS, the DAGA, the DLCC, the DGA, the DNC, as well as the DSCC—in addition to these two campaigns—Biden Victory Fund, as well as Biden for President—plus, these three Political Action Committees (PACs)—Jane Fonda Climate PAC name, EMILYs List, as well as VoteVets—are the political organizations, the political campaigns, and the PACs that I donated to on April 11th, 2024! –Paul Whiting (written April 12th, 2024, revised April 13th, 2024, revised April 16th, 2024, revised May 13th, 2024, revised May 14th, 2024, revised June 17th, 2024, revised June 28th, 2024 and revised July 11th, 2024)
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April 16th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses April 15th, 2024: I have combined every political campaign, or political organization, donation request per day (made via email or text message) into one 'update' for each day that I donate, so that I don't have to keep writing individual 'updates' for political campaign donations, or political organization donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual campaign political donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
(By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political donation requests, which is why I don't include them with these email or text message requests.)
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $4.00 per political organization, for the rest of the election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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!
Besides that, as of March 21st, 2024, I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future (with the exception of local campaigns here in Oregon), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis (please see my 'March 21st, 2024 Update No. 2,' which can be found above), as I have explained below:
...Alright, I have a big announcement to make: I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis!
And I have made this decision based upon how much these individual political campaign donations are costing in my 'monthly donating budget'—even though I am only donating $3.00 with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue—since I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month, starting in 2024! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
Therefore, at the start of 2024, I calculated that I could still make ONE $3.00 donation per political campaign for the entire election cycle. And that means after I have made that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I have only donated once per campaign, which is what I have been doing so far!
However, it's still more than I can afford given my 'monthly donating budget,' which is why I have decided to stop donating to individual political campaigns entirely—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And so, I will still be making some donations to individual political campaigns (such as to Joe Biden's campaign for President of the United States, or to local campaigns here in Oregon), but I am not donating like I have been up until this point—which has been virtually every time that I have received a political campaign donation request via email or text message—because I seriously cannot afford to donate that much for the rest of the 2024 Presidential Election cycle, as well as for the foreseeable future.
And to clarify one more thing: In the past, I used to only donate to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations—rather than to individual campaigns—since that's all I really could afford given my 'monthly spending budget,' because I am "low income." Plus, those Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations help all of the individual political campaigns with funding, which is why I used to only donate to those main organizations! And I only started donating to individual political campaigns in 2022, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" Therefore, this decision to stop donating to individual political campaigns (with the exception of presidential campaigns and local campaigns, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis) is really just going back to the way that I used to make political donations.
In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.'
Thus, as I partially explained above, for the rest of the 2024 election cycle—as well as for the foreseeable future—I have made a goal of donating $3.00 per local campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, and a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), as well as a goal of donating $5.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.35) for the entire election cycle!
To sum it up, then: I am essentially keeping the same total individual campaign donation amount of $3.21, but I am only donating to local campaigns here in Oregon, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for email and text message donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35); plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51).
So, without further ado...
The only political communication to which I responded today, April 16th, 2024, was a text message that I received yesterday, April 15th, 2024 from the Voters of Tomorrow PAC (VOT PAC), which stated the following:
Paul, it’s [name redacted], VOT PAC’s 16-year-old [title redacted]. The last time a Republican president won both the popular vote AND the electoral college, I wasn’t even born yet.
Time after time, a majority of voters reject Republicans’ unpopular policies… Yet Republicans still come into power through the electoral college.
The truth is that turning out more voters isn’t enough for Democrats to win. It’s not just HOW many voters we turn out, but WHERE we turn them out.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by 3 million but lost the electoral college by less than 100,000 votes… in key swing states. In 2020, Trump lost because of an 80,000 vote margin – where? You guessed: in key swing states.
So VOT PAC is working in overdrive to register and turn out NEW Gen Z voters in those exact key states, like Georgia and Texas.
But we can’t do it without adults like you donating to our efforts to hire campus organizers in battleground states across America.
So please, will you invest in our democracy and my generation, and pitch in $27 before midnight to fund VOT PAC’s turnout efforts in swing states? >>***
***[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, 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:
VOTERS OF TOMORROW
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Donate to Voters of Tomorrow PAC!
Help us turn out Gen Z in DROVES and defeat MAGA Republicans!
With your contribution, Voters of Tomorrow PAC will be able to tum out Gen Z against Republicans all across the country.
Can you pitch in below to fund our efforts? >>>>
Donate immediately.
Your contribution will benefit Voters of Tomorrow PAC.
[ ] Donate $15 →
[ ] Donate $27 →
[ ] Donate $50 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $500 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[✓] Other amount $4.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.28 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Voters of Tomorrow PAC (VOT PAC) (with a tip to ActBlue) today, April 16th, 2024, because "VOT PAC is working in overdrive to register and turn out NEW Gen Z voters in...key [swing] states, like Georgia and Texas," since "it’s not just HOW many voters we turn out, but WHERE we turn them out."
Thus, this one Political Action Committee—Voters of Tomorrow PAC (VOT PAC)—is the PAC that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written April 16th, 2024 and revised July 11th, 2024)
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April 18th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses April 16th, 2024, As Well As April 9th, 2024 Through April 15th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, April 18th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails. That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world.
And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google, I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.' (Although, highlighted articles from the above-mentioned news organizations that send me email newsletters, as well as highlighted articles from my news searches on Google, I will sometimes write together is a super-combined 'update.')
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google for today, April 18th, 2024, as well as two days ago, April 16th, 2024, in addition to the "approximate" time period of April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations! (When I say 'approximate' time period, I am referring to the Google news searches that I did on April 16th, 2024, where I selected the "Past Week" filter on Google, which I am assuming represents the period of April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024.)
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
01. NBC News
American farmers sending aid to rebuild Ukraine's farming industry amid war
As the war with Russia hits Ukraine's land and crushes the farming industry, farmer and philanthropist Howard Buffett is traveling the U.S. to try and get American farmers to support Ukraine.
April 9, 2024
By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s).
---------------------------------------------
April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
02. CBS News
CBS News poll: Rising numbers of Americans say Biden should encourage Israel to stop Gaza actions
By Anthony Salvanto, Fred Backus, Jennifer De Pinto and Kabir Khanna | Updated on: April 14, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
03. CBS News
Is the U.S. in a "vibecession"? Here's why Americans are gloomy even as the economy improves.
By Aimee Picchi, Edited By Anne Marie Lee | April 9, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
04. AP News
How immigrant workers in US have helped boost job growth and stave off a recession
By Paul Wiseman, Gisela Salomon and Christopher Rugaber | Updated 7:12 AM PDT, April 12, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 18th, 2024 search:
05. CBS News
Democrats who investigated Trump say they expect to face arrest, retaliation if he wins presidency
By Scott MacFarlane | Updated on: April 17, 2024 / 9:00 AM EDT
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
06. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Joe Biden catching up to Donald Trump in 2024, poll finds
By Ken Tran | April 13, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
07. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Bidens earned $620,000 in 2023, paid 23.7% in federal income taxes (President Biden earned $620,000 in 2023 and paid 23.7% in federal income taxes, returns show)
By Joey Garrison | April 15, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 18th, 2024 search:
08. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Donald Trump's campaign funnels cash to Mar-a-Lago, other businesses (Trump is funneling campaign money into cash-strapped businesses. Experts say it looks bad.)
By Zac Anderson and Erin Mansfield | April 18, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
09. CNN
Bidens release tax return that shows they made almost $620,000 in 2023
By Michael Williams | Updated 6:15 PM EDT, Mon April 15, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
10. NBC News
Biden and his wife report $620,000 income on 2023 tax returns
Biden released the data on the day U.S. taxes for last year are due.
By Reuters | April 15, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
11. AP News
Tax Day shows stark divide between Biden and Trump
By Josh Boak and Jill Colvin | Updated 2:30 PM PDT, April 15, 2024
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April 16th, 2024 search:
12. Newsweek
Joe Biden Now Leads Donald Trump in Ten Polls
By Kate Plummer | Apr 15, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
13. Newsweek
Joe Biden Gets Good News From America's Most Accurate Pollster
By Thomas Kika | Apr 13, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
14. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris release their latest tax filings
Predecessor Donald Trump declined to disclose such records.
By Fritz Farrow | April 15, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
15. Newsweek
Donald Trump is Falling Behind Joe Biden in Battleground State Campaigning
By Daniel Bush | Apr 15, 2024
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April 16th, 2024 search:
16. Newsweek
Joe Biden Is Delivering on His Green Promises | Opinion
By Michelle Deatrick | Apr 16, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
17. AP News
Democrats pounce on Arizona Supreme Court's abortion ruling (Democrats pounce on Arizona abortion ruling and say it could help them in November’s election)
By Jonathan J. Cooper | Updated 3:59 PM PDT, April 9, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
18. NBC News
Democrats see recent abortion rulings as an opening to galvanize Latino voters
Recent state Supreme Court rulings in Arizona and Florida affect large numbers of Latino voters. Democrats are hoping to mobilize them in November.
By Alexandra Marquez | April 13, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
19. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Democrats Hammer a Simple Attack on Abortion: Donald Trump Did This
The party is unifying around a blunt message that Vice President Kamala Harris pushed for privately ahead of her Friday trip to Arizona, where Democrats hope to keep Republicans reeling.
By Lisa Lerer, Reid J. Epstein and Nicholas Nehamas | April 11, 2024
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April 18th, 2024 search:
20. NBC News
Democrats begin to outpace Republicans in fundraising for key House races
Republicans are publicly dismissing concerns about fundraising, saying their House candidates can remain competitive with Democrats.
By Ben Kamisar, Bridget Bowman and Joe Murphy | April 18, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
21. Politico
Trump intensifies his grip on congressional GOP agenda
From government surveillance to abortion to Ukraine, the former president is enjoying unparalleled sway over Hill Republicans’ policymaking.
By Burgess Everett 04/11/2024
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
22. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
House Republicans in chaos after Trump weighs in, conservatives rebel (Spurred by Donald Trump, House Republicans descend into chaos after right-wing lawmakers derail vote)
By Ken Tran and Riley Beggin | April 11th, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
23. NPR (National Public Radio)
Trump, Johnson want to halt noncitizen voting. It's already illegal
By Miles Parks | APRIL 12, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
24. NBC News
House votes to renew FISA spying tool after earlier Republican revolt
Prior to passage, the House failed to adopt a bipartisan amendment to curtail warrantless surveillance inside the U.S. Section 702 of the law expires on April 19 unless it's renewed.
By Scott Wong, Sahil Kapur and Rebecca Kaplan | April 12, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
25. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
House passes FISA reauthorization bill after previous GOP setback
The House narrowly failed to adopt a warrant amendment to the FISA bill.
By Lauren Peller | April 12, 2024
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April 9th, 2024 through April 15th, 2024 "Past Week" search:
26. CBS News
House approves bill renewing FISA spy program after GOP upheaval threatened passage
[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | Updated on: April 12, 2024 / 3:55 PM EDT / CBS/AP
---------------------------------------------
April 16th, 2024 search:
27. The Guardian
Republican senator Tom Cotton calls for vigilantism to break up Gaza protests
Outcry as Cotton says those inconvenienced by protesters blocking roads and airports should ‘take matters into own hands’
By Erum Salam | 16 Apr 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 16th, 2024 search:
28. MSNBC News
How Senate Republicans killed the child tax credit and made Tax Day 2024 worse for families (Senate Republicans’ breathtaking cruelty is hidden in your tax returns)
Millions of children would have benefitted from an expanded tax credit, but GOP senators had other ideas.
By James Downie | April 15, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 18th, 2024 search:
29. NBC News
Trump operation asks Republicans who use him for fundraising to share the haul
A memo from Trump's campaign managers asks anyone using his name, image or likeness to raise money to donate at least 5% of the proceeds to his fundraising committee.
By Alexandra Marquez | April 17, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 18th, 2024 search:
30. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
GOP is Trump's party. Now he's making Republicans pay to use his name (Trump demands 5% cut from GOP candidates who use his 'name, image and likeness' in ads)
By David Jackson | April 17, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 18th, 2024 search:
31. Politico
Trump campaign asks for cut of candidates' fundraising when they use his name and likeness
The campaign sent the letter as the former president is struggling to close a fundraising gap with Biden.
By Alex Isenstadt | 04/17/2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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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 (April 18th, 2024)
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April 19th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses April 10th, 2024 Through April 12th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, April 19th, 2024, is from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email for the time period of April 10th, 2024 through April 12th, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing separate news 'updates' from my news searches on Google, I also decided to restart writing these 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And highlighted articles from those Google news searches are provided through their own 'updates.' (Although, highlighted articles from the above-mentioned news organizations that send me email newsletters, as well as highlighted articles from my news searches on Google, I will sometimes write together is a super-combined 'update.')
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for the time period of April 10th, 2024 through April 12th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!
---------------------------------------------
These are The New York Times articles which I received for the time period of April 10th, 2024 through April 12th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, April 19th, 2024, from an email that I received nine days ago on April 10th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 10th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times articles below:
A new majority
No American president has done as much to restrict abortion as Donald Trump. When he was running in 2016, he promised to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade, and his three nominees helped do precisely that in the 2022 Dobbs decision. Twenty-one states have since enacted tight restrictions. Yesterday, Arizona’s highest court reinstated an 1864 law[1] that bans nearly all abortions.
These laws have proven to be unpopular. When abortion access has appeared on the ballot since 2022, it has consistently won, even in red states like Kansas, Kentucky and Montana. A Wall Street Journal poll last month found that abortion stood out from immigration, inflation and foreign wars as the only major issue on which most voters trusted President Biden more than Trump.
All of this helps explains why Trump has tried to reduce his vulnerability on the issue — and why the Biden campaign is already running advertisements about abortion. “Donald Trump did this,”[2] reads the onscreen text at the end of an ad released this week. It focuses on a Texas woman who nearly died during a miscarriage after a hospital refused to treat her.
Trump released his own video this week, meant to serve as his defining statement on the issue. He said that states should be free to set their own laws, which is the post-Dobbs status quo. In so doing, he tried to distance himself from his past support for a federal ban.
This back-and-forth will be a theme of the 2024 campaign. Democrats will try to focus voters on abortion, while many Republicans will try to shift attention elsewhere. Today’s newsletter offers four key points to help you make sense of the debate.
The four points
1. The politics of abortion have changed.
Before Dobbs, polls suggested that the issue didn’t offer a big political advantage to either party. Most voters favored both significant access to abortion and significant restrictions, which put them to the left of Republican politicians and to the right of Democratic politicians.
But Dobbs — and the reality of statewide bans, as opposed to the mere prospect of them — altered public opinion. Gallup’s polls suggest that almost 10 percent of Americans on net switched from an anti-abortion position to a position favoring abortion access:
[Image of a graph titled, "Americans' attitude on abortion" from opinion polls taken for the period of time of the 1980s to the 2020s. The results of the polls' question "Do you think abortions should be: 1) Legal under any circumstances, 2) Legal only under certain circumstances, 3) No opinion, or 4) Illegal in all circumstances" are depicted by their respective responses. Source: Gallup | By The New York Times]
2. Democrats still have a challenge: salience.
In the 2022 midterms, several high-profile Democratic candidates highlighted their Republican opponents’ role in restricting abortion access. Stacey Abrams in Georgia and Beto O’Rourke in Texas were among them. So was Nan Whaley, the Democratic candidate for governor in Ohio. “We think it is the issue,” Whaley said.
It wasn’t. These candidates all lost by substantial margins. Nationwide, not a single Republican governor or senator has lost a re-election bid since the Dobbs decision. In House elections, the decision may have played a decisive role in a small number of races.
How could this be? In today’s polarized atmosphere, most voters have already made up their minds. “There’s no one issue in this day and age that can be a silver bullet,” Danielle Deiseroth, executive director of Data for Progress, a left-leaning research firm, told me.
If anything, Democrats may have a harder time focusing attention on abortion in a presidential election, when a larger portion of the electorate doesn’t follow politics closely and prioritizes pocketbook issues. Some of these voters are Black and Hispanic working-class Americans who tend to care less about abortion policy than white voters, Rachel Cohen of Vox has written.
3. Trump’s has his own problem: suburban swing voters.
Democrats who tried to run on abortion in the 2022 midterms were trying to oust incumbent Republicans. Biden has an easier job this year: He’s trying to reassemble a winning coalition.
His 2020 coalition included many college graduates — and women — in metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Detroit, Atlanta and Phoenix, who allowed him to win swing states. Abortion access is popular with these voters, Deiseroth notes, especially when framed in terms of freedom and government overreach.
A recent poll found that only about one in four independents blame Trump for recent abortion bans. Biden hopes to increase that share — and win back people who voted for him four years ago.
4. Trump hopes voters ignore the past.
Trump’s latest position on the issue is a middle ground for Republicans, in favor of Dobbs but implicitly against a new federal law restricting abortion. This stance is meant to suggest that voting for him won’t lead to new laws forbidding abortion. That may be true (if he were to veto a Republican-passed federal ban, which he didn’t promise in his video). Yet it also ignores some important facts.
As president again, Trump could appoint dozens more federal judges who would interpret existing laws to reduce access. And Trump is effectively asking voters to ignore his first-term record. He remains arguably the most important opponent of abortion access in American history.
For more
Trump’s abortion stance is designed to look moderate, Times Opinion’s Jamelle Bouie writes.[3] ...
[1] Arizona Reinstates 160-Year-Old Abortion Ban
The state’s highest court said the law, moribund for decades under Roe v. Wade, was now enforceable, but it put its decision on hold for a lower court to hear other challenges to the law.
By Jack Healy and Kellen Browning | April 9, 2024
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[2] YouTube video titled "Willow's Box | Biden-Harris 2024," dated April 8th, 2024, from the Joe Biden official YouTube channel.
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[3] The Man Who Snuffed Out Abortion Rights Is Here to Tell You He Is a Moderate
By Jamelle Bouie | April 9, 2024
The following is The New York Times article that I read today, April 19th, 2024, from an email that I received eight days ago on April 11th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 11th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
More top news
Guns: The Biden administration approved the broadest expansion of background checks in decades in an attempt to regulate a fast-growing shadow market of weapons. ...
Biden Administration Approves Expansion of Background Checks on Gun Sales
The new rule, which is likely to face legal challenges, is an attempt to regulate a fast-growing shadow market of weapons that has fueled gun violence.
By Glenn Thrush and Erica L. Green | April 11, 2024
The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, April 19th, 2024, from emails that I received seven days ago on April 12th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
‘More and more aligned’
The Houthis, the Iran-backed militia that controls much of Yemen, have disrupted the global economy by firing on commercial ships traveling through the Red Sea. But the Houthis have made some exceptions: Ships from China and Russia are allowed to pass without being attacked.
This policy, formalized with a diplomatic agreement last month, is the latest sign that the world has entered a new period of great power politics. On one side is the largely democratic alliance — including the United States, Japan, South Korea and Western Europe — that has dominated global affairs since the demise of the Soviet Union. On the other side are China, Russia, Iran and North Korea as well as Iran-backed groups like the Houthis.
These authoritarian powers “are more and more aligned,” Jens Stoltenberg, the head of NATO, the Western alliance, told the BBC this week. “They support each other more and more, in very practical ways.”
In today’s newsletter, I’ll explain how the emerging alliance is shaping the world and why experts are anxious about the future.
Money, weapons and propaganda
Over the past decade, the emerging anti-democratic alliance has become bolder and more coordinated. Among the examples:
• In the Ukraine war, China, Iran and North Korea have supplied crucial help to Russia. Iran and North Korea have sent weapons. And China has allowed Russia’s economy to overcome tough sanctions, as my colleague Ana Swanson has detailed. This economic aid offers military benefits, too: China is helping Russia rebuild its military-industrial base after two years of war.
• China and Russia also act as military allies beyond Ukraine. “China and Russia are pursuing the joint development of helicopters, conventional attack submarines, missiles and missile-launch early warning systems,” Hal Brands of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies recently wrote in Foreign Affairs.
• Iran and North Korea resumed their collaboration on missile technology during the Trump administration, according to the U.N. North Korea already has nuclear weapons, and Iran seems to want them.
• During the war in Gaza, Chinese and Russian groups have filled social media with posts supporting Hamas (which, like the Houthis, relies on Iranian support). Many include antisemitic tropes, such as Jewish control of the U.S. “The reason why China chose this moment to take a decisively anti-Israel position is because China regards Israel as a close ally of the West,” Miles Yu of the Hudson Institute told Congress.
The Houthis have praised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a global turning point. Ali al-Qahoum, a Houthi leader, said that the invasion had weakened “unipolarity” — a reference to American power — and promoted “multipolarity.”
Very different values
Al-Qahoum’s line underscores the larger goal of the China-led alliance. Above all, it wants to reduce American influence and allow regional powers to assert their will. China might then be able to take over Taiwan. Russia could again dominate parts of Eastern Europe. Iran could contest Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally, for sway over the Middle East. (These Times maps, by Alissa Rubin and Lazaro Gamio, explain Iran’s ambitions.)
The countries in the anti-U.S. alliance, Brands wrote, aim “to reorder their regions and, thereby, reorder the world.” As Fumio Kishida, Japan’s prime minister, told Congress yesterday during a visit to Washington, “The international order that the U.S. worked for generations to build is facing new challenges, challenges from those with values and principles very different from ours.”
These other countries obviously have their differences: Iran, for instance, is an Islamic theocracy, while China and Russia have oppressed their own Muslim populations. But the countries nonetheless have overlapping worldviews.
All have authoritarian governments. All have patriarchal societies, with few women in senior roles. All restrict L.G.B.T. rights. None permit a free press. All imprison people, or worse, for criticizing the regime. The countries celebrate their hostility to liberal democracy and want to forge a world with less of it.
What’s next?
One possibility is that the world is entering a new cold war, with two broad alliances competing for power. Sometimes, this competition may lead to actual wars, in which the two alliances support opposite sides — but both take steps to avoid escalation. That describes the situation in Ukraine.
Another possibility is even more alarming: a global war. Noah Smith, writing in his Substack newsletter this week, argued that the chances of such an outcome were higher than many Americans recognized. This war could start either with a major event, such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, or almost accidentally.
Imagine if the Houthis killed many Americans in a Red Sea attack or a Russian missile somehow did so in Europe. Experts are especially worried about China’s harassment of Philippine ships in the South China Sea. In a White House meeting yesterday, President Biden discussed the threat with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan.
One problem, as Jim Sciutto of CNN pointed out in his new book, “The Return of Great Powers,” is that the guardrails that helped prevent a past world war seem weaker today. China and the U.S. don’t always communicate as well as Soviet and American officials once did, and proxy forces like the Houthis don’t always heed their sponsors.
The past several decades have included many agonizing problems around the world. Overall, though, it has been a remarkably peaceful period. Global deaths from armed conflicts have fallen to near their lowest levels in six centuries, and global poverty has plummeted. The future looks more frightening. ...
The New Great-Power Politics
How an emerging alliance is shaping the world.
By David Leonhardt | April 12, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
More top news
• Economics: A wave of rapid immigration is taxing local resources around the U.S. and drawing political anger. But it might leave the economy better off. ...
Immigrants in Maine Are Filling a Labor Gap. It May Be a Prelude for the U.S.
A wave of rapid immigration is taxing local resources around the country and drawing political ire. But it might leave America’s economy better off.
By Jeanna Smialek | April 12, 2024
And the article below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'On Politics' email:
Trump, at Fund-Raiser, Says He Wants Immigrants From ‘Nice’ Countries
At rallies, Donald Trump frequently laments migrants from a list of countries from Africa, Asia and the Middle East as he stokes fears around the surge at the border.
By Maggie Haberman and Michael Gold | April 7, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to The New York Times article below:
Governing the ungovernable
By Jess Bidgood
When members of Congress return to Washington from their home districts, they often trudge to Capitol Hill for a tally known as a “bed check,” a low-stakes vote series that is mostly aimed at taking attendance.
On Tuesday night, even though Republicans ostensibly control the House, more Democrats were actually present in the chamber for both of those votes — making the exercise a temporary reminder of just how painful this moment is for Speaker Mike Johnson.
The majority led by Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, keeps shrinking. Restive members of the far-right Freedom Caucus frequently derail his plans. And he is on a collision course with former President Donald Trump and a broader swath of the Republican rank and file over issues like aid to Ukraine, while Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene dangles a threat to oust him.
“The Lord Jesus himself could not manage this conference,” Representative Troy Nehls of Texas, a Republican, said on CNN this week. “You just can’t do it.”
Amid the tumult, Johnson appeared at Mar-a-Lago on Friday in an apparent effort to shore up his support from the former president. The hope, it seemed, was that the two could see past their differences if they united around something that fires up the Republican base: stoking unfounded distrust in the election.
During the joint appearance, Johnson said he would introduce a bill that would “require proof of citizenship to vote” and baselessly claimed that undocumented voters could tip American elections, even though voting by people who are not citizens is exceedingly rare. And he got what he had most likely come for: a full-throated endorsement from the former president.
“I stand with the speaker,” Trump said.
I spoke with my colleague Catie Edmondson, who covers Congress for the The New York Times, about Johnson’s delicate dance with Trump as the speaker faces his most precarious moment yet in a tenuous term.
JB: Let’s start with a simple question. What is the fundamental problem facing Johnson as speaker?
CE: The ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October showed that, regardless of who is the leader of the Republican conference, it is an unwieldy group of people that is, in some ways, ungovernable.
It’s not a functioning majority. There are members of the Freedom Caucus preventing Johnson from even bringing legislation to the floor for a vote, which is what we saw Wednesday as he attempted to extend a key surveillance tool. Greene is using the threat of ouster to torment him. It’s a world of hurt for him right now.
JB: Johnson cut a deal to reauthorize that surveillance law this morning. He says he is looking for a way to advance Ukraine aid after refusing to put the issue to a vote. He has also kept government open with the help of Democrats. These are all the kinds of things he generally would have voted against as a rank-and-file member, as you’ve observed. How has being the speaker shifted his priorities?
CE: Johnson has described the experience of receiving classified briefings about intelligence and volatile situations abroad as sobering. He’s no longer solely responsible for representing his very conservative district. He is second in line to the presidency. He has to make sure government functions in a smooth fashion. He’s also responsible for protecting frontline Republicans in politically vulnerable districts. I think all of that has changed his worldview on some of these big decisions.
JB: How much sway does Trump hold over Johnson, and the House Republican conference writ large? What is the dance that Johnson has to do with Trump right now?
CE: Trump’s real power on the Hill, with House Republicans, has always been destructive in nature. He’s someone who blocks things from happening rather than someone who builds consensus. So far, Johnson hasn’t really brought up anything that Trump really cares about. But any vote on Ukraine aid will be a major test of this dynamic.
Many of Johnson’s members, particularly in the Freedom Caucus, are averse to voting for anything that can be signed into law by a Democratic president, so Johnson knows he will have to rely on Democrats to pass basic governance measures. At the same time, he has to make sure he’s right with the base, right with the Freedom Caucus and, of course, right with Trump.
JB: Is Johnson’s speakership really hanging in the balance?
CE: Every vote that the Freedom Caucus feels like they’ve been betrayed on just ratchets up the anger and the frustration a little bit more. I don’t anticipate this getting better for him.
If Greene calls a motion to vacate, the question becomes what Democrats will choose to do. We’ve seen a lot of Democrats openly weigh the idea of saving him if he puts a Ukraine package on the floor for a vote. But if he survives for that reason, it would cut the legs out from under him. He would be viewed as the speaker only because the opposition party decided to save him.
JB: Is there any sign that voters care about Congress being so dysfunctional?
CE: I would assume Republicans in swing districts have a lot of agitation over the fact that chaos dominates the headlines every day, and it’s laid at the feet of their party.
But if you talk to Democratic strategists about what their message is, I think it’s going to rely less on Republican chaos, and it will be more about Republican extremism, especially on abortion. ...
Governing the Ungovernable
House Speaker Mike Johnson has problems in Washington. Trump can help, and hurt.
By Jess Bidgood | April 12, 2024
And the article below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'On Politics' email:
Trump, at Fund-Raiser, Says He Wants Immigrants From ‘Nice’ Countries
At rallies, Donald Trump frequently laments migrants from a list of countries from Africa, Asia and the Middle East as he stokes fears around the surge at the border.
By Maggie Haberman and Michael Gold | April 7, 2024
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These are the USA Today articles which I received for the time period of April 10th, 2024 through April 12th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, April 19th, 2024, from an emails that I received nine days ago on April 10th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 10th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Abortion in Arizona set to be illegal in nearly all circumstances
Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Tucson later this week after the Arizona Supreme Court announced it will uphold an 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions and mandates prison time for abortion providers.
The law, enacted even before Arizona became a U.S. state, can only be prospectively enforced and the court stayed enforcement for 14 days, according to the court's ruling.
• Wait — a 1864 law supersedes a 2022 law? The court's majority ruled that a law passed in 2022, which prohibited abortions after 15 weeks, did not repeal the pre-statehood law nor create a right to abortion.
• The state Supreme Court's ruling puts a stark choice before voters: Choose the new reproductive rights measure or watch abortion policy turn back to the 19th century. One immediate effect of the ruling could be more support for a potential ballot measure in the works for this year.
• The Biden administration is blaming Trump for this: Arizona's ruling came a day after GOP frontrunner Donald Trump said individual states should be able to choose their own abortion restrictions. ...
Vice President Kamala Harris will return to Arizona as access to abortion in the state unravels
By Laura Gersony | April 9, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 10th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today articles below:
More news to know now
• President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will showcase a strong and growing partnership during a White House state visit on Wednesday.[1]
• Norfolk Southern and victims reached a $600 million settlement for the 2023 East Palestine train derailment.[2] ...
[1] White House state dinners put America on display. They're crucial for US diplomacy.
These dinners, where the president and first lady honor a visiting head of state and their spouse, are more than living expressions of goodwill and hospitality.
By Stewart D. McLaurin | April 10, 2024
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[2] Norfolk Southern, victims reach $600M settlement for 2023 East Palestine train derailment
By Benjamin Duer | April 9, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 10th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Hello OnPolitics readers! Arizona's Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a near total abortion ban from 1864 – before Arizona became a state – and the backlash from both sides of the aisle was swift.
President Joe Biden's reelection campaign and administration are holding "one person responsible," which is former President Donald Trump, USA TODAY's Joey Garrison reports.
Trump has for months delivered mixed messages on abortion. Just a day before the Arizona Court issued their ruling, the former president and presumptive GOP nominee said he was in favor of states deciding on their own restrictions.
Going back to Roe v. Wade: Trump on Monday also boasted about his part in overturning Roe v. Wade , the landmark 1973 Supreme Court ruling that provided the constitutional right to an abortion – something the Biden campaign and Democrats are equally eager to remind voters about. ...
Arizona Supreme Court revives 1864 abortion ban. What to know about the ruling
By Shelby Slade, Ray Stern, Jimmy Jenkins, Mary Jo Pitzl, Stephanie Innes and Sasha Hupka | April 10, 2024
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, April 19th, 2024, from an email that I received eight days ago on April 11th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 11th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
More news to know now
• Column: "Baby Olivia" is how Republicans are lying to kids about abortion. ...
Have you heard about 'Baby Olivia'? It's how Republicans are lying to kids about abortion.
Medical experts say the video's timeline is about 2 weeks earlier than what doctors agree on. But these concerns haven't stopped legislators from trying to show it in health classes across the country
By Sara Pequeño | April 7, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 11th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Greenhouse gases are rocketing to record levels
The cause of global warming shows no sign of slowing down: Levels of the three most significant human-caused greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide – continued their steady climb last year, federal scientists report. Research by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says because of the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, those three greenhouse gases in our atmosphere have risen to levels not seen in at least 800,000 years. Read more ...
Greenhouse gases are rocketing to record levels – highest in at least 800,000 years
By Doyle Rice | April 10, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 11th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Trump is no longer on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index after Trump Media dipped
Donald Trump is no longer on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a daily ranking of the world’s 500 richest people, after Trump Media's stock dipped.
READ MORE ...
Trump no longer on Bloomberg Billionaires Index after Truth Social stock plummets
By Bailey Schulz | April 9, 2024
The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, April 19th, 2024, from emails that I received seven days ago on April 12th, 2024:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today articles below:
What are Arizonans feeling after a 1864 abortion ban was upheld?
Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Arizona on Friday as people come to grips with a state Supreme Court decision to uphold an 1864 abortion ban.
The law bans abortions in all cases except when to save the life of the mother. But ambiguity over what is a life-saving abortion raises legal questions, especially for doctors.
• When does the Arizona abortion ban take effect? The court said no enforcement of the ban could take place in the 14 days after its decision, and confusion over implementation of the law will likely mean more court cases to come. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes affirmed this week she would never prosecute an abortion case.
• Chaos erupted in the Arizona House on Wednesday[1] as Democrats attempted to repeal the ban, only to be thwarted by the Republican majority.
• Arizona's women are reeling. And planning.[2] The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, spoke with eight Phoenix women with a variety of viewpoints on the topic. ...
[1] Arizona abortion ban: Arizona House Republicans halt Democrats' effort to overturn 1864 law
Mary Jo Pitzl and Reagan Priest | April 11, 2024
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[2] Women are reeling, planning after Arizona's Supreme Court upheld an 1864 abortion ban.
Rey Covarrubias Jr. and Kira Caspers | April 11, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today articles below:
A gun-show and internet loophole no more
Under current rules, licensed dealers must perform background checks and log the make, model and serial numbers of guns sold, but hobbyists and infrequent traders don't. Justice Department officials say too many guns are being sold under the so-called gun-show loophole and internet loophole, so new rules will more clearly define who should join the 80,000 other federal firearms licensees and abide by existing law. The feds expect at least 20,000 additional gun sellers will now be required to perform the instant background checks that will stop them from selling to felons, domestic abusers and other prohibited buyers. Read more[1]
• This is not a drill: 1 in 4 teachers say guns forced their schools into lockdown last year.[2]
• There's a new weapon in the country's battle against gun violence: prosecutors.[3] ...
[1] Taking on black-market guns, Biden administration issues new rules on unlicensed dealers
By Nick Penzenstadler | April 11, 2024
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[2] This is not a drill: 1 in 4 teachers say guns forced their schools into lockdown last year
By Alia Wong | April 11, 2024
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[3] Parents sentenced, principal charged with failing to prevent shootings: A new strategy
Kayla Jimenez, Phaedra Trethan and Thao Nguyen |April 11, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today articles below:
Arizona's abortion ban includes medication for miscarriage
Opinion: Arizona's near-total abortion ban also outlaws medicine to 'procure the miscarriage,' which is how I ended an unviable pregnancy.
READ MORE ...
Arizona's 1864 abortion law applies to miscarriages, too. That won't stand
Even if some voters might prefer Arizona’s now-ixnayed 15-week ban to a proposed constitutional amendment preserving abortion rights, almost no one is arguing to keep the draconian 1864 ban.
By Joanna Allhands | April 9, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
Johnson wants to tackle noncitizen voting, but it's almost nonexistent
Studies consistently find virtually no examples of noncitizens voting in federal elections, and no evidence of elections being stolen.
READ MORE ...
Speaker Mike Johnson said noncitizen voting is a 'threat.' The facts say otherwise
By Erin Mansfield | April 12, 2024
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 12th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:
'Biggest aftershocks yet.' VP Harris blasts Trump over Arizona abortion ban
Vice President Kamala Harris, visiting Arizona, accused Donald Trump of trying "take America back to the 1800s" by dismantling reproductive rights.
READ MORE ...
'Biggest aftershocks yet.' Kamala Harris blasts Trump over Arizona's near-total abortion ban
By Joey Garrison | April 12, 2024
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These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for the time period of April 10th, 2024 through April 12th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 19th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received nine days ago on April 10th, 2024:
What to Know About the Arizona Supreme Court Abortion Ban Ruling
By Solcyré Burga | April 9, 2024
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 19th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received seven days ago on April 12th, 2024:
How Ronald Reagan Helped Abortion Take Over the Republican Agenda
By Jonathan Bartho | April 12, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine for you, my readers, to consider reading too!
–Paul Whiting (written April 19th, 2024, revised April 20th, 2024 and revised June 21st, 2024)
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April 20th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received a text message today, April 20th, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence, which stated the following:
Paul, the Columbine shooting was 25 years ago today — since then, we've seen NO action from Congress to prevent school shootings. As a mother and gun violence survivor, I refuse to stay silent. But I need you with me in this fight.
Answer our live poll before midnight: 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀?
[✓] YES >>***
[ ] NO >>***
—[Name redacted's]
***[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, 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:
BRADY UNITED AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
Stop School Shootings | 11:59 p.m. Deadline
Thanks for responding to our live poll. You've been selected to complete a 60-second survey on why this issue is meaningful to you. Will you answer just a few questions right now?
There have been over 400 school shootings since Columbine. How concerned are you about the growing gun violence in our schools?
[✓] Extremely concerned
[ ] Very concerned
[ ] Somewhat concerned
[ ] Not at all concerned
Deadly, military-grade assault weapons are often the weapon of choice for mass shooters including the shooters at both Covenant School in Nashville and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
How urgent do you think it is for Congress to ban assault weapons so we can make our schools and communities safer?
[✓] Extremely urgent-banning assault weapons is a necessary step in ending the gun violence epidemic.
[ ] Not at all urgent - I'm not concerned about weapons of war in our communities.
Last year, gun safety champions in Washington [D.C.] finally passed a package of meaningful gun violence prevention reforms. But this legislation fell short of the changes that communities need and gun violence is still on the rise.
How important is it to you that we pass more life-saving gun violence prevention legislation like an assault weapons ban and expanded background checks?
[✓] Extremely important
[ ] Very important
[ ] Somewhat important
[ ] Not at all important
Brady is fighting to stop school shootings and save lives from gun violence - and this mission has never been more important. Our teams are working directly with the Biden-Harris administration to take action on common-sense gun safety measures that will save lives.
In observance of this somber and tragic day, and all the lives lost to preventable mass shootings, we set a goal to raise $15,000 by midnight tonight. But we're still falling short with just hours left until our deadline.
Will you rush $5 to help Brady prevent gun violence and save lives?
[✓] Yes, I can give $5.
[ ] Yes, I can give $36 (this is the average online Brady donation).
[ ] Yes, and I can give monthly!
And so, I made a one-time donation to Brady: United Against Gun Violence, because "the Columbine shooting was 25 years ago today — since then, we've seen NO action from Congress to prevent school shootings." That is why I answered the question "𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀?" with a resounding 'YES!' –Paul Whiting (written April 20th, 2024 and revised August 14th, 2024)
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April 22nd, 2024 Update No. 1: Happy Earth Day, everyone! In honor of Earth Day, I donated to only a few of the environmental organizations today, April 22nd, 2024, that I usually support each year for Earth Day, which are specifically Union of Concerned Scientists, Sierra Club and Greenpeace because, when I donate to organizations on Earth Day each year, I often choose to select some of the same organizations and I also select some different organizations.
And I make many of those selections due to them being organizations that I usually donate to, or maybe due to emails that I receive from some organizations, or perhaps due to donation videos for some organizations that I see on YouTube, all of which can inspire me throughout the year to donate all the way up until Earth Day each year.
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 really 'tightening my belt,' so to speak, with regard to all of the donations that I am making on my credit card each month!
So, for Earth Day 2024, I selected just a few of the environmental organizations to which I usually donate, because I am really trying spend only the bare minimum that I can, since that's all I can really afford.
That way, I am still trying to be an "Online Activist," and to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism, but I am also trying to reduce my rather considerable credit card balance! Therefore, when I finally get my balance down to a more manageable level, I can start donating again to more environmental organizations, like I used to do, since there truly are an incredible number of organizations that are dedicated to the environment and wildlife.
And I was inspired to make these three donations by the following: a Catalyst Magazine that I received sometime toward the end of February (as I recall) from the Union of Concerned Scientists, and by a mailer that I received on March 8th, 2024 from Sierra Club, as well as by a mailer that I received on April 18th, 2024 from Greenpeace.
You see, I usually make donations to various environmental organizations on April 22nd of each year—as a way to celebrate Earth Day—and as a way to support the environmental organizations to which I choose to donate on Earth Day, which is the day that I feel thematically corresponds directly to the causes that those particular organizations represent.
And it's not just on Earth Day that I do this!
Thus, I donate to various charitable organizations during the year on a particular 'theme day,' so to speak, which I feel corresponds directly to those particular charitable causes, because it helps me to remember to donate to those particular charitable causes during the year that I feel have a corresponding 'theme day.'
Plus, I am spreading the charitable love throughout the entire year—and not simply having a year's worth of charitable giving 'bunch up,' so to speak, on Giving Tuesday. So then, whichever charitable organizations don't have an obvious corresponding 'theme day,' I can donate to those charitable organizations during Giving Tuesday, since I haven't already given to those particular organizations sometime during the year!
That is why I coordinate some of my charitable giving during the year with a particular 'theme day' that some charitable causes correspond to—such as the above-mentioned environmental organizations whose causes I feel directly correspond to the 'theme day' of Earth Day! –Paul Whiting (written April 22nd, 2024, revised April 23rd, 2024 and revised April 24th, 2024)
P.S.: Please see my detailed descriptions—immediately after this 'update'—of the following Earth Day donations for which I received the above-mentioned communications!
Union of Concerned Scientists: 'April 22nd, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On April 23rd, 2024, Which Also Discusses February 2024' that can be found below.
Sierra Club: 'April 22nd, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On April 23rd, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 8th, 2024' that can be found below.
Greenpeace: 'April 22nd, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On April 23rd, 2024, Which Also Discusses April 18th, 2024' that can be found below.
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April 22nd, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On April 23rd, 2024, Which Also Discusses February 2024: Happy Earth Day, everyone! I received a magazine from Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) sometime toward the end of February 2024 (as I recall), with 'cover lines' on the front of the magazine that read, "Countdown to Zero Emissions: The time is now to phase out fossil fuels | Diversifying the Federal Science Workforce | Bringing Change to California's Croplands", which stated, in part, the following:
{C
Catalyst
Volume 24, Winter 2024
Countdown to Zero Emissions
The time is now to phase out fossil fuels
____________________________________________
Diversifying the Federal Science Workforce
____________________________________________
Bringing Change to California's Croplands
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COUNTDOWN TO ZERO
While time is running short to get to net-zero heat-trapping emissions, momentum is growing to change the way we power our world. New UCS analysis shows we can make it—and earn climate, economic, and health benefits in the process.
BY SETH SHULMAN
Members and supporters of the Union of Concerned Scientists are likely all too familiar with the huge effort needed to reduce the pollution caused by our reliance on fossil fuels, and that we have no time to waste given the disastrous impacts of climate change that are already upon us. But there’s another side to this story: across the globe, we are in the midst of the biggest energy transformation since the Industrial Revolution—arguably one of the biggest energy transformations ever. And evidence of the growing momentum toward clean energy is all around us.
Consider that, for the first time, the United States generated more electricity from wind and solar than it did from coal during the first five months of 2023, and is projected to do so—for the first time—for the whole year in 2024. Even more impressive is the mind-boggling amount of additional clean energy now in the pipeline. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as of the end of 2022 there were more than 10,000 proposed wind and solar projects—representing double the country’s current electricity capacity—actively seeking interconnection to the transmission system.
Of course, siting, permitting, and building all this new capacity and the additional transmission capacity to support them in a timely fashion will be an enormous task. But the transformation is happening. For one thing, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA)—the largest federal funding bill for climate action in history—committed nearly $400 billion to support low- and zero-carbon technologies including wind and solar power, battery storage, and electric vehicles.
A year and a half since the IRA’s passage, these expenditures are already having a significant impact. The White House says the United States has created more than 170,000 new clean energy jobs, and the American Clean Power Association says 83 new manufacturing plants have been announced that will produce solar power equipment, wind turbine parts, or batteries, representing some $270 billion of capital investment through July 2023. That’s as much as the previous seven years of clean energy investment combined.
Meanwhile, progress on electric vehicles (EVs) is ramping up rapidly, too. By one count, since the passage of the IRA, US companies had, as of December 2023, announced some $78 billion in new investments in factories making EVs and their components. Seventy-nine factories are now either proposed or under construction, and the sector has already added nearly 50,000 new jobs.
Numbers such as these reveal the enormity of the shift under way. But unfortunately, US oil and fossil gas production also hit all-time highs in 2023, which threatens to undermine climate progress. The all-important question is: Can we accelerate the clean energy momentum already under way, while ensuring the benefits flow to all communities in an equitable way? Will we be able to move fast enough to meet international climate commitments while protecting people, ecosystems, and the planet?
THE NEED FOR SPEED
An interdisciplinary ["relating to more than one branch of knowledge"] team of UCS experts set out recently to crunch the numbers about the speed and scale of our energy transformation. Their report, Accelerating Clean Energy Ambition, finds that, with concerted action to build on existing state and federal clean energy policies, the United States can reach its climate goals.
“We’re not saying it’ll be easy, but we know that a cleaner and more just energy future is within our reach,” says Steve Clemmer, report author and director of energy research and analysis at UCS. “We outline a viable, cost-effective path for the United States to meet its emissions reduction targets.”
What’s more, Clemmer says, the team found that moving at the speed and scale needed will generate tremendous benefits. Not only will this allow us to avoid the enormous costs associated with climate damages, but it will also lower near-term consumer energy costs and dramatically reduce air pollution and improve public health at the same time.
The analysis also finds that while the IRA will help stimulate much of the near-term private investment in clean energy and related infrastructure needed to decarbonize the US economy—more than $1 trillion through 2035—that is still not enough. We will need additional policies and investments across all sectors if we are to succeed at slashing emissions in half by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. While the IRA roughly doubles the current pace of annual emissions reductions to about 3 percent per year through 2030, the analysis shows that the United States will need to accelerate its reductions to roughly 5 percent per year to achieve its climate targets.
SETTING PRIORITIES
The key to bridging the gap is swift action to dramatically ramp up the deployment of clean energy technologies and related infrastructure while also making sure to phase out fossil fuels.
How do we do it?
Clemmer emphasizes that the main solutions have long been clear. First, he says, we need to generate electricity primarily via wind and solar power instead of by burning coal and fossil gas. Second, we need to retool the transportation, building, and industrial sectors to run on clean electricity instead of dirty fossil fuels. And third, we need to do everything we can to increase energy efficiency in each of those sectors, thereby lowering overall energy demand.
The good news is that all these solutions can be accomplished with proven and commercially available technologies, and they can reduce energy costs for consumers. The UCS report urges federal and state policymakers to build on current policies by setting science-based emissions reduction goals and enacting ambitious policies to achieve those goals in every sector of the US economy. In addition, policymakers should adopt near- and long-term plans to cut fossil fuel production and use, reject fossil fuel infrastructure expansion, limit the role of carbon capture and storage and other carbon management strategies (which can be costly and do not address upstream emissions), and hold fossil fuel companies accountable for fraud and damages related to the climate impact of their products.
As report co-author Rachel Cleetus, lead economist and policy director of the UCS Climate and Energy Program, explains, “The urgency of the climate crisis requires a sharp turn away from fossil fuels toward clean energy solutions. Our analysis found that an ambitious suite of policies to meet US climate goals would cause overall fossil fuel use to fall 82 percent between 2021 and 2050. Oil would drop by 85 percent, gas by 72 percent, and coal would be eliminated entirely and rapidly.” (See the box above.)[1]
The analysis emphasizes that state and federal authorities need to protect marginalized communities that have borne the brunt of industrial pollution. These communities should be the prime beneficiaries of investments in clean energy technologies and efforts to cut air, water, and soil pollution, as well as carbon emissions.
HISTORICAL PRECEDENT
All told, the UCS report finds that the United States needs to nearly triple the share of electricity it generates from renewables to 60 percent by 2030, 81 percent by 2035, and 92 percent by 2050. And raising the degree of difficulty even more is the reality that many forces—especially those that profit most from business as usual—are actively trying to slow or stop the changes we need to build a healthy and prosperous future.
Nonetheless, as difficult as the challenge seems, history is filled with examples of large and often swift changes, even in the energy field. As a New Englander, I’m comforted by the example of whale oil, which fueled our local economy for decades. Less than two centuries ago, whaling was an enormous multinational enterprise, as the blubber from hundreds of thousands of whales was boiled down into oil to be burned in lamps. At its height in the 1840s, whaling was the fifth-largest industry in the United States and a seemingly permanent source of energy. But in the second half of the 1800s, whale oil was quickly displaced by kerosene, and soon thereafter by the electric light. Within a matter of just a few decades, the vast, terribly destructive whale oil industry was history.
ENORMOUS BENEFITS
By the UCS team’s estimate, a rapid and decisive shift to clean energy can boost the US economy with nearly $1.8 trillion in cumulative capital investments through 2035 and nearly $3.7 trillion through 2050, while avoiding some $575 billion in projected climate damages by 2035, and nearly $1.3 trillion by 2050. And these steps will significantly reduce harmful air pollution, avoiding as many as 73,000 premature deaths by 2050 and saving up to $800 billion in public health expenditures.
As Clemmer explains, “The solutions are clear: transitioning equitably to clean energy, increasing efficiency, and electrifying our cars and homes offer a crucial pathway for the United States to meet its climate goals. It’s a big job, but we find that these steps will not only limit the worst impacts of climate change, they will also reduce our energy costs and improve our health.” {C}
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[1] THE URGENT NEED FOR A FOSSIL FUEL PHASEOUT
UCS supports a fast and fair global phaseout of fossil fuels to meet climate, health, and environmental justice imperatives. What does that look like?
First, it means a rapid and steep decline in the production and use of coal, oil, and gas, with a goal of getting to zero. UCS modeling shows that, with smart, comprehensive policies, we can cut heat-trapping emissions to at least half their 2005 levels by 2030 and to net zero by 2050. Phasing out fossil fuels is central to meeting these targets.
The default position of governments at every level across the country should be to reject the expansion of fossil fuel production and the buildout of infrastructure that could remain in place for decades to come. At the same time, governments—and businesses across all sectors—should steadily reduce their fossil fuel production and consumption.
To advance a phaseout that is both fast and fair, policymakers and regulators must oppose and dismantle the fossil fuel industry’s disproportionate political influence over environmental, land use, and energy policy, while enacting policies and regulations that lead to a decline in fossil fuel use. Despite their claims and greenwashing campaigns, the fossil fuel industry has shown time and time again that it can’t be trusted to lead this transition.
To learn more about UCS’s position, visit our website: https://act.ucsusa.org/win24-fossil-fuel-phaseout.
Now, I highlighted this article from the UCS Catalyst Magazine because it was the article that I was planning to read next from the magazine! You see, I read the Catalyst Magazines, whenever I receive them, as I have time to do so. Thus, I had already read pages 1 through 7 of the 'Volume 24, Winter 2024' Catalyst, and I was just getting ready to read the "Countdown To Zero" article, which starts on page 8, just as soon as I had the time.
That is why I chose this particular article as my 'inspiration,' so to speak, for donating to the Union of Concerned Scientists yesterday, April 22nd, 2024, as part of my donations for Earth Day! –Paul Whiting (written April 23rd, 2024 and revised April 24th, 2024)
P.S.: If you are interested in reading the entire 'Volume 24, Winter 2024' of Catalyst Magazine, here is a description of Catalyst, from the Union of Concerned Scientists website, with a hyperlink below:
Catalyst Magazine
A member publication by the Union of Concerned Scientists
Catalyst, ISSN 1539-3410, is published quarterly by the Union of Concerned Scientists and mailed to our members. You can download past issues below. Text of articles from Catalyst, duly acknowledged, may be reprinted free of charge, though artwork may not be reproduced.
https://www.ucsusa.org/about/catalyst-magazine
Plus, as mentioned in the description above, "you can download past issues" of Catalyst Magazine going all the way back to 2010!
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April 22nd, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On April 23rd, 2024, Which Also Discusses March 8th, 2024: Happy Earth Day, everyone! I received a mailer from Sierra Club forty six days ago on March 8th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "IMPORTANT: Membership Renewal Enclosed", 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.]
SIERRA CLUB
Explore, enjoy, and protect the planet
It's time to renew your Sierra Club membership!
Dear Sierra Club Member,
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous past support as a member of the Sierra Club. I also want to urge you to renew your membership before it expires this month.
To express my appreciation for your ongoing support to help the Sierra Club meet the many challenges which face our environment, I've enclosed your personal Sierra Club membership card — bearing a memorable image and inscribed with your name.
I'm sending you this card with the sincere hope that you will continue your membership support for the Sierra Club, our nation's oldest, most powerful, and most influential voice for the environment.
Your strong commitment is essential to continue our efforts in effective advocacy, public education, political action, grassroots organizing, and much, much more.
Especially now. We need to make positive, lasting change to protect our planet, wildlife, and our communities.
But we cannot take anything for granted. We know the influence of the fossil fuel industry is much deeper than any single party or politician. We will have to fight harder than ever to defend our natural world, to continue repairing the harm the previous administration inflicted, and to achieve solutions to the climate crisis. I need your help.
Your renewal gift today will help challenge Big Oil, the coal industry, and other polluters who seek to exploit fragile wildlands and oceans for their dirty profits, and help us work with our allies to restore the health of our air, water, and wilderness.
Please renew your support for the Sierra Club right away! Simply return the enclosed contribution form along with your renewal contribution, using the envelope I've provided for your convenience.
There could not be a more important time to renew your support for the Sierra Club.
By continuing to work together, we are stronger in our battles to defend and protect our nation's precious wildlands and wildlife. We will be relentless in our push at the local, state, and federal levels to move our country toward a cleaner, renewable, and sustainable energy future.
Simply put, together with you and other committed individuals, the Sierra Club can carry out its mission. But without you, our cause is lost... because YOU are the Club.
YOU make all of our efforts possible.
Because of you and your fellow advocates, the Sierra Club has people on the ground in almost every state... we have a time-tested ability to hold politicians accountable... we have a creative and effective legal program... and we have a grassroots network of committed and energetic activists.
To help us carry on our essential work on behalf of the environment, please send us your membership renewal right away.
And, if at all possible, please consider increasing your level of support to help us meet the challenges ahead — to give an extra-special boost to our work at a time when the threats to our environment are greater than ever.
When you renew, you'll continue your special members-only benefits without interruption. Our beautiful Sierra magazine. Chapter newsletters and activities. Participation in our local, worldwide, and national outings program.
Plus, the satisfaction from having an active personal role in safeguarding our nation's precious natural heritage. Please renew your Sierra Club membership today!
Sincerely,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
P.S. We're making progress but there remains so much more for us to accomplish. We need to work together. We need you! Please renew today. Thank you!
P.P.S. You can put your gift to work immediately at SierraClub.org/RenewNow.
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SIERRA CLUB
Annual Membership Renewal
Member Since: 2001
Your Local Chapter: Oregon Chapter
[Start of Member Card]
Paul Whiting
ID# [redacted]
SIERRA CLUB
Membership Card
[End of Member Card]
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Yes, renew my Sierra Club Membership at the special member rates below.
Please use my dues to protect and defend our planet for this and future generations.
Regular
Individual $35
Joint $43
Supporting
Individual $60
Joint $68
Contributing
Individual $120
Joint $128
Student
Individual $19
Joint $27
Senior
Individual $19
Joint $27
Dues under $25 receive a digital version only of Sierra magazine.
[✓] Please do NOT send me any free gifts.
[ ] Stainless Steel Straws
[ ] Exploration Daypack
I'd like to do more! Here's a special, additional gift, over and above my Membership dues, to help in the following area(s):
Sierra Club $_______
(for lobbying and legislative action)
The Sierra Club Foundation $_______
(for research and public education)
Environmental Law Program $_______
(for environmental litigation)
Contributions, gifts, and dues to the Sierra Club are not tax-deductible; they support our effective citizen-based ad lobbying efforts. Annual membership dues of $25 or more include $7.50 for a one-year print subscription to Sierra magazine and $1.00 for your chapter newsletter. All members have digital access to Sierra magazine online.
[Blogger's Note: By the way, I usually renew my Sierra Club membership through their 'Join Online' webpage because I am not a student, nor a senior citizen (since I am not 65 years old yet), but I am "low income," so that's why I typically select the "$15 — Special Offer for Joining Today" amount for my 'renewal.']
And, after I read the letter above, I entered the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below (although, the text I am providing is actually from Sierra Club's main 'Join Online' webpage—which is what the hyperlink above goes to—so that you, my readers, can join Sierra Club if you would like to do so!):
Join Online
With vital landmark legislation like the Endangered Species Act under attack, and the regulatory powers of the EPA threatened in Congress, we need you to join us as a member to beat back rollbacks on the progress we've made protecting our national heritage. In addition to our ambitious work across the country, part of your membership dues support your local chapter.
Add your voice to the hundreds of thousands of Americans committed to leaving our children a living legacy — clean air, safe drinking water, and natural grandeur. From Yosemite National Park to the Grand Canyon, since 1892 the Sierra Club has been instrumental in preserving nature's most splendid wild places.
Please join us in this movement by becoming a Member today!
1. Select Amount
[✓] $15 - Special Offer for Joining Today
[ ] $39 - Regular
[ ] $75 - Supporting Member
[ ] $150 - Contributing Member
[ ] $1,000 - Life Member
2. Your Information
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Email: [redacted]
Cell Phone (Optional): [redacted]
Street Line 1: [Street Address redacted]
Street Line 2: [Apt. No. redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Postal Code: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
Join
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You did an amazing thing!
We have received your membership gift of $15.
And so, I made a one-time donation to Sierra Club yesterday, April 22nd, 2024, in order to 'renew' my annual membership, and as part of my donations for Earth Day! –Paul Whiting (written April 23rd, 2024 and revised April 24th, 2024)
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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April 22nd, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On April 23rd, 2024, Which Also Discusses April 18th, 2024: Happy Earth Day, everyone! I received a mailer from Greenpeace five days ago on April 18th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "WE'RE FACING THE BIGGEST THREAT IN OUR HISTORY. WE WON'T BE SUED INTO SILENCE", 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.]
SOS: GREENPEACE UNDER ATTACK
Paul,
Will you FUND THE FIGHT by rushing a gift of $25 or more right now?
$1.1 MILLION NEEDED TO FIGHT BIG OIL. PLEASE RESPOND IN 10 DAYS.
[✓] Stop Big Oil from suing us into silence.
[✓] Protect people and the planet.
[✓] Keep the truth of the climate crisis clear!
Dear Paul,
You won't believe what Big Oil is up to now. A greedy industry raking in billions of dollars each year is suing the Greenpeace network.
You read that right. Big Oil is suing us — a nonprofit — for $300 million.
I guess I shouldn't be shocked at the lengths they are going to, but I am. Because this is the most staggering lawsuit in our history. And it's not about "damages" to Big Oil.
They're trying to silence us. They're trying to silence you. And they're doing this because they know people power works.
Let me say it another way — they are weaponizing our justice system to stifle our right to speak for the well-being of people and the planet!
These types of lawsuits are a common tactic from Big Oil's dirty playbook. They carry crushing costs intended to silence us or drain our resources.
The same company already sued us in 2019, and that case was thrown out of court with a sharp warning to Big Oil!
But Big Oil is up to its old tricks again. And this time, they have something to prove — because they hate to lose.
That's why I'm urging you to rush a gift of $15, $25, $30, or more right now.
Your generosity will Fund the Fight and keep our critical work to expose environmental crimes and hold offenders accountable! Because we've been successful in exposing some of their worst offenses, Big Oil will do everything in their power to silence us and anyone against them.
You see, Big Oil wants to divide us and tie up our resources. But they've underestimated you and our entire people-powered movement. And the truth is they've only galvanized our fight.
✴ This is a historic battle. And the real defendants are people, the planet, and even the basic tenets of democracy. That's why I'm asking — and urging — you to rush a generous gift today. ✴
With more intense floods, hurricanes, and fires threatening people worldwide, the stakes have never been higher. The science is clear: climate action must be taken immediately.
But Big Oil doesn't want that. They and their government allies will do whatever it takes to keep lining their stuffed pockets. And they'll attempt to stop anyone in their way.
We must stop this corporate bullying for good. Will you join us and fund the fight?
Together, we can do this, like we've done so many times before. So, please, heed this urgent call. Our democracy and chance for a green, just, and livable future depend on it.
Sincerely,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Greenpeace USA
WE WON'T BE SUED INTO SILENCE
P.S. Greenpeace USA is being sued by Big Oil. This $300 million lawsuit threatens our very existence. We must raise $1.1 million immediately. Can we count on you to fund the fight?
Our goal isn't just to win this lawsuit. It's to protect people and the planet and to preserve our democracy. Give right away at greenpeace.org/usa/sos
Stop Big Oil! We must raise $1.1 million immediately!
>>> FUND THE FIGHT >>> RESPOND IN 10 DAYS >>>
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WE NEED YOUR HELP TO FUND THE FIGHT AND PROTECT PEOPLE AND THE PLANET.
WE WON'T BE SUED INTO SILENCE
YES, I WILL FUND THE FIGHT
[ ] $15 can help fight Big Oil lawsuits and protect our right to peacefully protest.
[ ] $25 can fuel bold campaigns to expose greedy polluters and hold them accountable.
[ ] $30 can power our movement, keeping our voices loud and broadcasting the urgency of climate action now.
[✓] Other $10.00
GIVE RIGHT AWAY AT greenpeace.org/usa/sos
Ways your generosity today helps protect people and the planet AND secures the green, just future we deserve.
→ Funds legal defense against Big Oil.
→ Powers our investigations of environmental abuse on land and the seas.
→ Amplifies sustainable solutions to stop pollution and climate change.
→ Fuels fierce advocacy for the rights and well-being of all people especially marginalized communities.
Greenpeace, inc. is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. Contributions to Greenpeace, Inc, are not tax deductible.
And, after I read the letter above, I entered the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
GREENPEACE
Big Oil is SUING Greenpeace
Big Oil is suing Greenpeace USA because we dared to speak out against their reckless disregard for people and the planet. They claim that we orchestrated the entire resistance at Standing Rock — in other words, they're trying to rewrite history and erase Indigenous leadership from one of the most powerful protests in history. If we lose this $300 million lawsuit, it threatens our entire movement fighting for the green, just and joyful future our Earth deserves.
They want to silence us because they know that people-power works. They want to scare us into submission and keep us from speaking out against their ruthless pursuit of profits.
The only way we'll come out victorious is with help from committed grassroots Greenpeacers like you. Donate now to help us fight back against Big Oil and protect our planet!
[ ] Monthly
Make a monthly gift to help sustain the fight for a greener, more peaceful future no matter what obstacles lie ahead!
[✓] One-Time
[ ] $50
[ ] $100
[ ] $250
[ ] $500
[ ] $1,000
[✓] $10.00
DONATE NOW
And so, I made a one-time donation to Greenpeace yesterday, April 22nd, 2024, since "Greenpeace USA is being sued by Big Oil," and as part of my donations for Earth Day! That is why I contributed to help "FUND THE FIGHT by rushing a gift of [$10]" in order to [✓] Stop Big Oil from suing [Greenpeace USA] into silence; and to [✓] Protect people and the planet; as well as to [✓] Keep the truth of the climate crisis clear! –Paul Whiting (written April 23rd, 2024 and revised April 24th, 2024)
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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April 23rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On April 24th, 2024: I have combined every political campaign, or political organization, donation request per day (made via email or text message) into one 'update' for each day that I donate, so that I don't have to keep writing individual 'updates' for political campaign donations, or political organization donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual campaign political donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
(By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political donation requests, which is why I don't include them with these email or text message requests.)
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $4.00 per political organization, for the rest of the election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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!
Besides that, as of March 21st, 2024, I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future (with the exception of local campaigns here in Oregon), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis (please see my 'March 21st, 2024 Update No. 2,' which can be found above), as I have explained below:
...Alright, I have a big announcement to make: I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis!
And I have made this decision based upon how much these individual political campaign donations are costing in my 'monthly donating budget'—even though I am only donating $3.00 with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue—since I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month, starting in 2024! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
Therefore, at the start of 2024, I calculated that I could still make ONE $3.00 donation per political campaign for the entire election cycle. And that means after I have made that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I have only donated once per campaign, which is what I have been doing so far!
However, it's still more than I can afford given my 'monthly donating budget,' which is why I have decided to stop donating to individual political campaigns entirely—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And so, I will still be making some donations to individual political campaigns (such as to Joe Biden's campaign for President of the United States, or to local campaigns here in Oregon), but I am not donating like I have been up until this point—which has been virtually every time that I have received a political campaign donation request via email or text message—because I seriously cannot afford to donate that much for the rest of the 2024 Presidential Election cycle, as well as for the foreseeable future.
And to clarify one more thing: In the past, I used to only donate to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations—rather than to individual campaigns—since that's all I really could afford given my 'monthly spending budget,' because I am "low income." Plus, those Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations help all of the individual political campaigns with funding, which is why I used to only donate to those main organizations! And I only started donating to individual political campaigns in 2022, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" Therefore, this decision to stop donating to individual political campaigns (with the exception of presidential campaigns and local campaigns, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis) is really just going back to the way that I used to make political donations.
In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.'
As I partially explained above, for the rest of the 2024 election cycle—as well as for the foreseeable future—I have made a goal of donating $3.00 per local campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, and a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), as well as a goal of donating $5.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.35) for the entire election cycle!
To sum it up, then: I am essentially keeping the same total individual campaign donation amount of $3.21, but I am only donating to local campaigns here in Oregon, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for email and text message donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35); plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51).
So, without further ado...
The only political communication to which I responded yesterday, April 23rd, 2024, was a text message that I received yesterday from the Keith Wilson for Mayor campaign, which stated the following:
Hi Paul, this is Keith Wilson. I’m running for mayor in 2024 to bring REAL CHANGE to Portland. I have a plan to end unsheltered homelessness within a year of taking office, and get rid of the tents, trash, and graffiti littering our city.
I’ve been committed to this issue for a long time now, and that’s why I founded Shelter Portland, a nonprofit that shelters the homeless at a fraction of what the city currently spends. It’s a compassionate, cost-effective, proven solution to getting people off the streets.
I’m not your typical politician and I don’t represent the status quo. As a green transportation exec, I built one of the cleanest trucking fleets in the nation, reducing our Portland fleet’s fossil fuel use to zero - that’s right, zero.
If you’re with me and agree that now is the time to finally tackle the major issues that affect Portland like homelessness and climate change, add your name right now to show your commitment:***
***[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, 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:
KEITH WILSON FOR MAYOR
It's time to bring REAL CHANGE to Portland!
If you're with Keith and agree that now is the time to finally tackle the major issues that affect Portland like homelessness and climate change, add your name right now to show your commitment!
Email: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
First Name: Paul
SUBMIT
---------------------------------------------
Thanks for adding your name, now take the next step!
Our beautiful city is in crisis and needs real change.
Keith's leadership and proven track record make him the perfect candidate to address this crisis.
The same politicians giving the same answers have not delivered. Keith will. He's ready to put his record of innovation and accomplishments to work for all Portlanders.
The new system of government will require a decisive, collaborative, and compassionate leader who is ready to tackle Portland's big problems and deliver immediate results.
Let's get to work, Portland.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Keith Wilson.
By checking the box below, I attest that this contribution was made with my own personal funds and that no one gave me the funds to make this contribution. I am a citizen or a lawful permanent resident (required by federal campaign finance law).
[✓] Required: I have read the contribution rules below and certify that I comply with them.
Donate $5 →
Donate $10 →
Donate $15 →
Donate $50 →
Donate $20 →
Donate $100 →
Donate $350 →
[✓] Other amount $3.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[ ] Leave no tip
[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Keith Wilson for Mayor campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[Keith Wilson is] running for mayor in 2024 to bring REAL CHANGE to Portland." You see, Keith has "a plan to end unsheltered homelessness within a year of taking office ... and that’s why [he] founded Shelter Portland, a nonprofit that shelters the homeless at a fraction of what the city [of Portland] currently spends," which is "a compassionate, cost-effective, proven solution to getting people off the streets." Plus, "as a green transportation exec, [he] built one of the cleanest trucking fleets in the nation, reducing [their] Portland fleet’s fossil fuel use to zero - that’s right, zero." That is why I added "[my] name right now to show [my] commitment" to Keith Wilson's campaign for Mayor of Portland!
Thus, this one campaign—Keith Wilson for Mayor—is the political campaign that I donated to yesterday! –Paul Whiting (written April 24th, 2024 and revised July 11th, 2024)
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April 24th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses April 20th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, April 24th, 2024, is only from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
Plus, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails. That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world.
And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google, I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.' (Although, highlighted articles from the above-mentioned news organizations that send me email newsletters, as well as highlighted articles from my news searches on Google, I will sometimes write together is a super-combined 'update.')
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google for April 20th, 2024, as well as for April 24th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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April 24th, 2024 search:
01. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Biden says US to begin sending military equipment to Ukraine within 'hours'
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday "the key now is speed."
By Alexandra Hutzler | April 24, 2024
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April 24th, 2024 search:
02. NBC News
Biden signs Ukraine aid, Israel funding and TikTok crackdown into law
The Senate on Tuesday passed the package of foreign aid and a TikTok divest-or-ban provision in a 79-18 vote.
By Sahil Kapur, Frank Thorp V, Monica Alba and Summer Concepcion | April 23, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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April 24th, 2024 search:
03. AP News
Biden signs $95 billion aid package with assistance for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan. Calls for TikTok ban or sale (Biden says the US is rushing weaponry to Ukraine as he signs a $95 billion war aid measure into law)
By Aamer Madhani and Seung Min Kim | Updated 1:28 PM PDT, April 24, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 24th, 2024 search:
04. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Biden Signs a $95.3 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
The $95.3 billion measure comes after months of gridlock in Congress that put the centerpiece of President Biden’s foreign policy in jeopardy.
By Zolan Kanno-Youngs | April 24, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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April 20th, 2024 search:
05. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
President Biden finalizes long-awaited overhaul of Title IX rules (Biden finalizes Title IX rules to boost rights of sexual assault victims, LGBTQ students)
The new rules are set to take effect just a few months before the presidential election, and will apply to sex-based discrimination complaints filed on or after Aug. 1.
By Zachary Schermele | April 19, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 20th, 2024 search:
06. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
25 years later, the trauma of the Columbine High School shooting is still with us
By N'dea Yancey-Bragg | April 19, 2024
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April 20th, 2024 search:
07. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Republicans like Cotton, Lake threaten violence. We should care (Tom Cotton, Kari Lake show how much Trump, Republicans have normalized violent rhetoric)
Former president and current criminal defendant Donald Trump, largely through repetition, has tried mightily and effectively to normalize threatening, faux-tough-guy rhetoric.
By Rex Huppke | April 19, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 20th, 2024 search:
08. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Florida baffles experts by banning local water break rules as deadly heat is on the rise
By Jeanine Santucci, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Minnah Arshad and Kayla Jimenez | April 18, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 24th, 2024 search:
09. CNN
Biden signs foreign aid bill providing crucial military assistance to Ukraine
By Michael Williams, Arlette Saenz and Kevin Liptak | Updated 1:46 PM EDT, Wed April 24, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 24th, 2024 search:
10. CNBC
Biden signs Israel, Ukraine, TikTok bill into law
By Rebecca Picciotto | Apr 24 2024
KEY POINTS
President Joe Biden signed into law measures to provide aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, as well as force the divestiture of social media platform TikTok from its Chinese parent company ByteDance or face a national ban.
TikTok has vowed to challenge the measure legally. Biden's official approval ends a six-month saga of tense political battles on Capitol Hill over the foreign aid.
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 24th, 2024 search:
11. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Biden signs $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid bill that includes TikTok sell-or-ban law
By Joey Garrison | April 24, 2024
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 20th, 2024 search:
12. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Johnson Turns to Democrats to Bring Up Ukraine Aid Bill in the House
Democrats, who stepped in late Thursday to save a resolution paving the way for the foreign aid package to be considered, will have to do so again on Friday in a critical vote on the House floor.
By Catie Edmondson | April 18, 2024
---------------------------------------------
April 20th, 2024 search:
13. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
House Democrats help Johnson avoid defeat on foreign aid bills, despite GOP defections
Final votes are set for Saturday, but a third Republican threatened to oust him.
By Lauren Peller, John Parkinson, and Alexandra Hutzler | April 19, 2024
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April 20th, 2024 search:
14. Axios
Democrats take "unprecedented" step to save GOP's foreign aid bills
By Andrew Solender | Apr 18, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 20th, 2024 search:
15. Slate
Ukraine aid: Has Russian propaganda “infected” Republicans in Congress? The truth is more sinister. (With Republicans Like These, Who Needs Russian Propaganda?)
Some far-right members of Congress seem to be parroting Vladimir Putin’s talking points. That doesn’t mean anti-Ukraine conspiracy theories can’t be homegrown.
By Molly Olmstead | April 20, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
---------------------------------------------
I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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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 (April 24th, 2024)
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April 26th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from Friends of Willamette Week (FOWW) [Willamette Week is a local news publication here in Portland, Oregon—and I am a monthly contributor to the Willamette Week] today, April 26th, 2024, with the subject line, "You deserve to understand this election.", which stated, in part, the following:
FRIENDS OF WW SPRING DRIVE
Help expand WW's election coverage.
Today marks the fifth — and final — day of our Spring Drive. As of today, we've raised $20,941.64 toward our goal of $35,000 to expand Willamette Week’s election coverage.
A letter from the Friends of Willamette Week:
Hi Paul,
We hope you agree with the core messages of this week’s emails and the thrust behind our short Spring Drive:
[✓] This fall’s election will transform Portland city government.
[✓] It affects every one of us.
[✓] You deserve to understand every aspect of this election.
[✓] WW reporting helps Portlanders make informed decisions.
Here at Willamette Week, we believe good, intelligent, independent, local journalism can make a difference. Our work is key to a healthy democracy and we're rolling up our sleeves.
From new ranked-choice voting to new districts to all the candidates and all the crazy machinations in between — we believe we can help Portland’s voters gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation and what's at stake.
To do this we need your help.
Reporting the upcoming election is a massive undertaking, and one we embrace wholeheartedly. The more support we get from readers, the more we can make this election understandable and manageable for all of us.
In these emails we’ve done our best to lay out our plan to provide all Portlanders with essential election information — free of charge.
Now it’s your turn. We hope you’ll join us in this crucial undertaking.
Thank you,
The Friends of Willamette Week Team
Contribute today.
https://wweek.app.neoncrm.com/forms/2024-spring-drive
What we've heard from readers:
Jan: "I don't agree with all of your endorsements, but I welcome your analysis."
Holly: "In truth, I rely heavily on your preelection coverage. Your endorsements weigh heavily when I’m filling out my ballot."
Harry: "I felt your endorsements while choosing one candidate or side did an adept job at explaining the reasoning for the endorsement, research into the endorsement, and equal information for the opposing sides, as well [f]or concerns WW has with the side they endorsed. I found WW endorsements very useful in my own research regardless of how I felt or chose to vote myself."
Valerie: "Ballot measures and voting endorsements are the main reason I read WW."
Jonathan: "There are times it seems you are the only part of the Fourth Estate still left in Portland."
During our Spring Drive, we will send each supporter who contributes $100 or more OR becomes a new monthly $10 supporter a free WW tote bag!
Every supporter will receive a rad thank-you sticker.
Contribute today.
https://wweek.app.neoncrm.com/forms/2024-spring-drive
Our reporting changes lives for the better, holds the powerful accountable, and shines a light on the best in this city's culture. You can help support local journalism by becoming a Friend of Willamette Week.
And so, I made a one-time donation to Friends of Willamette Week because [✓] This fall’s election will transform Portland city government; [✓] It affects every one of us; [✓] You deserve to understand every aspect of this election; and [✓] WW reporting helps Portlanders make informed decisions." –Paul Whiting (April 26th, 2024)
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April 26th, 2024 Update No. 2: I have combined every political campaign, or political organization, donation request per day (made via email or text message) into one 'update' for each day that I donate, so that I don't have to keep writing individual 'updates' for political campaign donations, or political organization donations!
You see, I used to write one 'update' for each of the individual campaign political donations, or political organization donations, that I made virtually every time that I made a political donation. And within each 'update' I included the text from each political campaign's, or political organization's, requesting email or text message, along with some of each campaign's, or organization's, donation page text on the ActBlue website, as well as how much I donated to each campaign, or organization, plus whether I included a tip to ActBlue and how much I tipped.
(By the way, I still write individual 'updates' for political campaign, or political organization, mailers that I receive through the regular mail, because they are usually more elaborate political donation requests, which is why I don't include them with these email or text message requests.)
Plus, the 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $3.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $4.00 per political organization, for the rest of the election cycle! And that means after I make that one donation per campaign, or per organization—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I am only donating once per campaign, or per organization, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And 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!
Besides that, as of March 21st, 2024, I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future (with the exception of local campaigns here in Oregon), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis (please see my 'March 21st, 2024 Update No. 2,' which can be found above), as I have explained below:
...Alright, I have a big announcement to make: I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis!
And I have made this decision based upon how much these individual political campaign donations are costing in my 'monthly donating budget'—even though I am only donating $3.00 with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue—since I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month, starting in 2024! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
Therefore, at the start of 2024, I calculated that I could still make ONE $3.00 donation per political campaign for the entire election cycle. And that means after I have made that one donation per campaign—regardless of whether I donated in 2023, or 2024—I have only donated once per campaign, which is what I have been doing so far!
However, it's still more than I can afford given my 'monthly donating budget,' which is why I have decided to stop donating to individual political campaigns entirely—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis. And so, I will still be making some donations to individual political campaigns (such as to Joe Biden's campaign for President of the United States, or to local campaigns here in Oregon), but I am not donating like I have been up until this point—which has been virtually every time that I have received a political campaign donation request via email or text message—because I seriously cannot afford to donate that much for the rest of the 2024 Presidential Election cycle, as well as for the foreseeable future.
And to clarify one more thing: In the past, I used to only donate to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations—rather than to individual campaigns—since that's all I really could afford given my 'monthly spending budget,' because I am "low income." Plus, those Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations help all of the individual political campaigns with funding, which is why I used to only donate to those main organizations! And I only started donating to individual political campaigns in 2022, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" Therefore, this decision to stop donating to individual political campaigns (with the exception of presidential campaigns and local campaigns, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis) is really just going back to the way that I used to make political donations.
In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.'
As I partially explained above, for the rest of the 2024 election cycle—as well as for the foreseeable future—I have made a goal of donating $3.00 per local campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, and a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), as well as a goal of donating $5.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.35) for the entire election cycle!
To sum it up, then: I am essentially keeping the same total individual campaign donation amount of $3.21, but I am only donating to local campaigns here in Oregon, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for email and text message donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35); plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51).
So, without further ado...
The only political communication to which I responded was an email from the Biden for President campaign (Biden Victory Fund) today, April 26th, 2024, with the subject line, "🍦[Vegan] ice cream with the Bidens", which stated the following:
Biden-Harris 2024
The Bidens would like to meet YOU.
Yes you, Paul.
In person.
Why?
Because there are at least three things that can make Joe and Jill smile from ear to ear:
🏖️Spending a day at Rehoboth Beach surrounded by their kids and grandkids
🍦[Vegan] chocolate chip ice cream
👋Meeting supporters like you
So if you're up for it, they'd love to say hello.
All you have to do is donate $25 today and you'll be automatically entered for a chance to spend a day at Rehoboth Beach followed by [a vegan] ice cream date with Joe and Jill.
If you've saved payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
[ ] $25 >>
[ ] $50 >>
[ ] $75 >>
[ ] $100 >>
[ ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***
Not only does your donation get your name in the running to meet Joe and Jill, but it will put us one step closer to winning this election and supporting Democrats nationwide.
Thanks for your support,
Team Biden-Harris
"My dad used to have an expression -- 'It's the lucky person who gets up in the morning, puts both feet on the floor, knows what they are about to do, and thinks it still matters.' Your support matters. Your donation matters." -- Joe Biden
***[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, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Donate now for a chance to meet the President and Dr. Biden in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware!
Here's what pitching in can get you:
🎫 Your travel and a hotel stay on us!
🏖️ A beach day (and special [vegan] ice cream run with the President and Dr. Biden)
✨ Share priceless memories with a friend
Your donation will make a world of difference in sustaining this campaign and supporting Democrats nationwide! This offer won't last long, so chip in today.
Donate immediately:
Your contribution will benefit Biden Victory Fund.
[ ] Donate $25 →
[ ] Donate $46 →
[ ] Donate $100 →
[ ] Donate $250 →
[ ] Donate $1,000 →
[ ] Donate $2,000 →
[✓] Other amount $1.00
Please leave a tip for ActBlue
Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.
[ ] Add $2 tip
[✓] Leave no tip
[ ] Add custom amount
And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden Victory Fund (the Biden for President campaign) (without a tip to ActBlue) in order to enter "for a chance to meet the President and Dr. Biden in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware!"
P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Biden for President campaign (Biden Victory Fund) is because I simply wanted to enter "for a chance to spend a day at Rehoboth Beach followed by [a vegan] ice cream date with Joe and Jill," so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.
[Blogger's Note: I am vegan! So that is why I altered the offer above to be for [vegan] ice cream with President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden... ;0)]
Thus, this one campaign—Biden for President (Biden Victory Fund)—is the political campaign that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written April 26th, 2024 and revised July 11th, 2024)
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April 28th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses April 18th, 2024: I received a mailer from The Salvation Army Portland Metro ten days ago on April 18th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "THE SALVATION ARMY Food Fund Drive ✴ Reminder", 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.]
Help Local Families in Crisis!
Your gift of $10 will help feed families here in the Portland Metro area ...
April 2, 2024
Dear Mr. Whiting
This is urgent: The demand for food in our community has skyrocketed.
The high costs of food, rent, and other essentials are driving many local families into crisis. When they turn to us, their greatest need is food. These are people right here in the Portland Metro area:
Parents struggling to afford the basics for their children.
Seniors, on fixed incomes, who can't afford food, utilities, and medicine.
Neighbors who need a meal and hope to rebuild their lives.
To meet this urgent need, we've launched our FOOD FUND DRIVE to feed local families and help them supply the foods on their Shopping List. But we need the help of caring friends like you:
Your gift of $10 can provide 4 meals.
Your gift of $15 can provide 6 meals.
Your gift of $25 can provide 11 meals.
Your gift will go to work immediately, ensuring that families in crisis can get the food they need. So please, take a minute right now to send your most generous gift. And help moms, dads, children, and everyone who turns to us in need of food.
Thank you and God bless you, Mr. Whiting.
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
P.S. More and more families here in the Portland Metro area turn to us for help with the most basic of needs. Please make your most generous gift to our FOOD FUND DRIVE today. Thank you!
GIVE ONLINE! IT'S SECURE AND EASY. GO TO: SalArmy-Cascade.org
Please Help Put Food on the tables of struggling children and families in our community!
THANK YOU
"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." – Proverbs 22.9
THE SALVATION ARMY
DOING THE MOST GOOD
[Blogger's Note: For The Salvation Army USA website, at which there's a local donation page for you to make a donation to The Salvation Army in your area, please visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn where you will see the "Donate Local" button at the top right-hand corner of their website! And thank you for considering making a donation to The Salvation Army—and "thank you for having a heart for those in need!"]
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Mr. Whiting, please send a gift today to help families restock their pantries.
Thank you for having a heart for those in need!
Give online an SalArmy-Cascade.org
SHOPPING LIST
✔ Spaghetti
✔ Spaghetti Sauce
✔ Tuna Fish
✔ Macaroni
✔ Cereal
✔ Soup
✔ Canned Corn
✔ Rice
✔ Coffee
✔ Tea
✔ Canned Fruit
✔ Flour
✔ Sugar
✔ Salt
The Salvation Army
[Street Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Food Fund Drive
YES! I will help hungry children and families in my community. Here's my gift: $7.00
Please make your check payable to The Salvation Army.
❏ Please check to donate by credit card, and complete the back of this form.
YOU CAN HELP FAMILIES IN CRISIS RIGHT HERE IN THE PORTLAND METRO AREA!
Your gift will be used locally.
From: Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
To: The Salvation Army
Portland Metro Donation Processing Center
[Street Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
---------------------------------------------
I wanted to share this note of thanks ...
This year has been a difficult one for our family. We were doing just fine for the first couple of months, but when my husband got laid off from his job, it was like the ground fell out from under us. We had some money saved up for a rainy day, but even with that, supporting a family of five on just one income left us in a pretty tight spot.
I don't even want to think about where our family would be today if it weren't for The Salvation Army. Getting help from them meant that we didn't have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table.
We're just so grateful to every single person who made it possible for us to get the help we needed. Now that we're starting to get back on our feet, we're excited to help other local families through challenging times, just like you helped ours.
[Name redacted]
This is from a grateful mom who received help in her time of need because of donors like you. Believe me when I say that your support truly does make a difference.
And so, I made a one-time donation to The Salvation Army Cascade Division today, April 28th, 2024, in order to support The Salvation Army's "FOOD FUND DRIVE" campaign, because "[I] CAN HELP FAMILIES IN CRISIS RIGHT HERE IN THE PORTLAND METRO AREA!" –Paul Whiting (April 28th, 2024)
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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For my "April 28th, 2024 Update No. 2"—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:
April 28th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, April 28th, 2024, with the subject line, "USO Military News: April 2024", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 122 / April 2024, which stated, in part, the following:
YOUR USO AT WORK
Issue 122 / April 2024
DONATE NOW »
https://secure.uso.org
Paul,
It has been a difficult month for service members as tensions continue to rise around the world. We don't know what the members of our military will face in the coming days — but at times like these, we are especially grateful for your ongoing support of our brave heroes.
Read on to learn about the ways USO Home Team members like you are helping us support our service members right now. ...
And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "USO Helps Military Moms Celebrate New Beginnings" and "Children supporting USO’s Easter Eggstravaganza," as well as "Skip the costly repairs! Donate Your Used Vehicle":
GET INSPIRED
USO Helps Military Moms Celebrate New Beginnings
USO Grafenwoehr in Germany hosted a Special Delivery Baby Shower last month. These baby showers provide a touch of home for new moms and moms-to-be away from their families and support networks during pregnancies. These events are free for new and expecting mothers in the military community. Learn more about USO Special Delivery and how we support military moms.
https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-special-delivery
[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's article titled, "USO Special Delivery."]
---------------------------------------------
EVENTS
Children supporting USO’s Easter Eggstravaganza
USO supports Easter “Eggstravaganza” events Last month, USO Sigonella helped the local community celebrate Easter with tons of family fun. From snacks to plenty of Easter-themed crafts and activities, this event was all smiles.
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OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
Skip the costly repairs! Donate Your Used Vehicle
Easy Process | Free Pick-up | Tax-deductible*
*Consult your tax advisor
Donate a Vehicle to the USO
The donation of your used car, truck, motorcycle or RV can help provide the necessary funds for the USO to continue to deliver our mission. Learn more about how to donate »
https://uso.careasy.org/home
[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's article titled, "USO VEHICLE DONATION PROGRAM," which also includes a video that I watched.]
---------------------------------------------
...From all of us at the USO, thank you for being a patriotic supporter of our nation's service members!
And so, after I read the email above, 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. So please, donate now."
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, "April 28th, 2024 Update No. 2":
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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April 30th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses April 26th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS ARTICLES WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] This 'update' that I am writing today, April 30th, 2024, is combined from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage, as well as from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles that I received via email for April 30th, 2024.
Please let me explain: I have been busy 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 each require their own 'updates!' Besides that, I have often been 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!
So, because I have been so busy lately with "Online Activism," and also with the editing of my five blogs, I have just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. Then, I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from those emails that I highlight in these 'updates.'
That is why I recently signed up to receive email newsletters from the news organizations to which I subscribe in order for me to stay informed about what's happening in the world. And I was formerly writing separate 'updates' for each of the news articles that I read from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles; however, after I restarted writing these news 'updates' from my news searches on Google (which I stopped doing for a while), I also decided to restart writing the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe, but as a combined 'update.'
Thus, I am checking the news through Google searches again, like used to do, as often as I can manage it. You see, I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, because there is typically that much news every day; however, I am now simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. And, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do 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 Google news searches.
So, without further ado, I was doing my occasional news searches on Google for today, April 30th, 2024, as well as for four days ago, April 26th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!
And I used to provide a longer introduction to these news articles that I highlight regarding current news, on these types of 'updates' that I write, which used to include the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the articles; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all the current news 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article with the news organization's name in addition to a hyperlink; however, I think that all of those hyperlinks to current news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these current news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above, like I usually do. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]
Then, I am providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the publisher's name and the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------
April 30th, 2024 search:
01. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
FBI crime data shows decrease, despite Trump's contrary claims
By Zac Anderson | April 30, 2024
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April 30th, 2024 search:
02. NBC News Russia is trying to exploit America's divisions over the war in Gaza
The effort includes artificial intelligence, fake social media accounts and a spike in state-sponsored Russian propaganda.
By Dan De Luce | April 30, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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April 26th, 2024 search:
03. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
President Biden says he is happy to debate Trump (President Joe Biden says he will debate Donald Trump)
By Joey Garrison | April 26, 2024
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April 30th, 2024 search:
04. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
What if Donald Trump wins? 5 takeaways from TIME magazine interview
By Phillip M. Bailey and Sudiksha Kochi | April 30, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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April 26th, 2024 search:
05. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Election Updates: Biden says he is 'happy to' debate Trump, a notable shift.
By Chris Cameron | April 26, 2024
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April 30th, 2024 search:
06. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos Voters don't like Biden's economy — but why?
In focus groups, we asked undecided voters about their views on the economy.
By Monica Potts | April 30, 2024
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April 26th, 2024 search:
07. CBS News
Biden says he's "happy to debate" Trump before 2024 election
By Aaron Navarro | Updated on: April 26, 2024 / 2:00 PM EDT
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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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April 30th, 2024 search:
08. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)
Biden and Democrats Seize on Trump’s Interview With Time Magazine
The president and other top Democrats moved quickly to capitalize politically on Donald J. Trump’s interview with Time magazine, particularly his comments on abortion.
By Nicholas Nehamas and Reid J. Epstein | April 30, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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April 26th, 2024 search:
09. NBC News
White House seizes on Mitch McConnell's remarks that Trump stalled action on border security
In a new statement, the White House cited comments by the Senate Republican leader to argue that Trump rejected a compromise on a border deal for political gain.
By Sahil Kapur | April 25, 2024
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April 30th, 2024 search:
10. NBC News Trump on political violence in 2024: 'If we don't win, you know, it depends'
The former president also spoke about considering pardons for Jan. 6 defendants and deflected key questions on federal abortion policy in a lengthy Time magazine interview.
By Mark Peterson | April 30, 2024
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April 30th, 2024 search:
11. CNN
Trump doesn’t rule out political violence if he loses, and other takeaways from his Time interview
By Steve Contorno and Kate Sullivan | April 30, 2024
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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April 26th, 2024 search:
12. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)
Earth Day 2024: Why you should celebrate climate change optimism (For Earth Day 2024, experts are spreading optimism – not doom. Here's why.)
By Elizabeth Weise | April 22, 2024
By the way, I also listened to The Excerpt podcast accompanying the article above that is titled, "Earth Day 2024: Some scientists are calling for 'urgent optimism'."
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.
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Continuing on—as I mentioned above—I will occasionally read the news articles that I feel are the most important for me to read from the daily emails that I receive from The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine.
And I used to provide longer introductions to these New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I highlight, which included the name(s) of the author(s), as well as the date of publication in addition to some of the text from the article; but, I decided a while ago to forego my usual writing format for all The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles 'updates.'
To that end, I also used to provide the title of each article in addition to a hyperlink; however—as I mentioned above—I think that all of those hyperlinks to news articles are causing my "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was" blog post to be flagged and unpublished for violating Blogger's Spam policy! (Again, please see my 'February 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses February 25th, 2024' that can be found above.)
Therefore, I am changing the format by which I write these news 'updates' by providing the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of each article, as well as the author(s) name(s), in addition to the publishing date. That way, I am (hopefully) providing enough information about each article in order to make it possible for you, my readers, to do a search for any of the articles that I highlight by the article's title—plus, you can also verify the subtitle, the author(s) name(s) and the publishing date—if you wish to read those articles too! (I hope that makes sense.)
So, without further ado, I was doing my usual reading of the titles to The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles—including any article overviews contained within the emails—that I received for April 30th, 2024, when I noticed the following Time.com articles!
---------------------------------------------
These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for April 30th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 30th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today:
How Far Trump Would Go
By Eric Cortellessa | APRIL 30, 2024
The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, April 30th, 2024, from 'Daily Spotlight' email that I received today:
And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned April 30th, 2024 email introduction to the Time Magazine article below:
Fact-Checking What Donald Trump Said in His 2024 Interviews
Former U.S. President Trump sat down with TIME for two conversations and made inaccurate statements. Here’s what they are.
Read more. ...
Fact-Checking What Donald Trump Said in His 2024 Interviews With TIME
By Leslie Dickstein, Simmone Shah, Julia Zorthian and Eric Cortellessa | APRIL 30, 2024
And I decided to highlight these articles from the various news organizations above via Google news searches—as well as from Time Magazine—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written April 30th, 2024 and revised May 1st, 2024)
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April 30th, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On May 1st, 2024 About April 2024: This 'update' is special, since I am continuing to change the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month! And because I first changed the way that I make donations starting in August 2023, this update is also technically 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
▪ August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 5, Written On January 1st, 2024 About December 2023
Besides that, because this is the year 2024—where I am continuing to change the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations that I started changing in 2023—this update is also a follow-up to the following:
▪ January 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On February 1st, 2024 About January 2024
▪ February 29th, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On March 1st, 2024 About February 2024
▪ March 31st, 2024 Update No. 6, Written On April 2nd, 2024 About March 2024
Please let me explain: I spent A LOT the year before last (2022) because I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" And I also spent QUITE A BIT last year (2023) because I was trying to 'put my money where my mouth is' regarding my activism throughout the year. And 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—and I was enjoying an interest-free period on my charges up until August 2023! Thus, my carefree days of not paying for any interest on my credit card balance were officially over last year. And my minimum payments were going to be a rather large percentage of the amount that I had set aside in my monthly budget for my minimum payment, as well as my extra payment, on my credit card each month.
So, in response to this change in my minimum payments, I changed the way that I donated to political, progressive and charitable organizations, starting in 2023, due to the fact that I was spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations in 2023—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:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 23%
September 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 20%
October 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%
November 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 71%
December 2023:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 31%
And so, if I average out the total percentage in 2023 that I spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through December 2023, it comes out to be 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.)
That is the reason I started really "tightening my belt," so to speak, with regard to all of the donations that I am making on my credit card each month! So, 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, 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.
That is why 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; however, when I do donate, I am 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.
Thus, when I do donate, 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.)
In addition to that, as of March 21st, 2024, I am no longer donating to individual political campaigns for the foreseeable future—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis (such as to Joe Biden's campaign for President of the United States, or to local campaigns here in Oregon), but I am not donating like I have been up until this point—which has been virtually every time that I have received a political campaign donation request via email or text message—because I seriously cannot afford to donate that much for the rest of the 2024 Presidential Election cycle, as well as for the foreseeable future.
And I have made this decision based upon how much these individual political campaign donations are costing in my 'monthly donating budget'—even though I have only been donating $3.00 with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue. However, it's still more than I can afford given my 'monthly donating budget,' which is why I have decided to stop donating to individual political campaigns entirely—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, as mentioned above.
And to clarify one more thing: In the past, I used to only donate to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations—rather than to individual campaigns—since that's all I really could afford given my 'monthly spending budget,' because I am "low income." Plus, those Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations help all of the individual political campaigns with funding, which is why I used to only donate to those main organizations. And I only started donating to individual political campaigns in 2022, since I was "doing everything in my power to help Democrats win in the 2022 Midterm Elections!" Therefore, this decision to stop donating to individual political campaigns (with the exception of presidential campaigns and local campaigns, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis) is really just going back to the way that I used to make political donations.
And now that yesterday, April 30th, 2024, was the last day of April 2024, I wanted to provide you with April's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:
April 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12.99% {12.99225306649%}
And here are the percentages that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations by category, as outlined within my monthly budget:
[01] News Organizations: 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[02] Brady United: 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[03] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[04] UFW (Unite. Farm Work.): 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[05] DPO (Dem. Party of Ore.): 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[06] DCCC (Dem. Congress. Cam. Comm.): 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[07] BVF (Biden Victory Fund): 0.76% {0.75532601678%}
[08] DASS (Dem. Assoc. Secr. of State): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[09] DAGA (Dem. Attorneys. Gen. Assoc.): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[10] DLCC (Dem. Legis. Cam. Comm.): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[11] DGA (Dem. Govern. Assoc.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[12] DNC (Dem. Nation. Cam. Comm.): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[13] DSCC (Dem. Senate. Cam. Comm.): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[14] Jane Fonda Climate PAC: 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[15] EMILYs List: 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[16] VoteVets: 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[17] Biden for President: 0.97% {0.9670755326%}
[18] Non-Categorized Political: 0.49% {0.4835377663%}
[19] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 0.97% {0.96836668818%}
[20] Monthly Political: 2.32% {2.32408005164%}
-------Please see [21] below-------
-------Please see [22] below-------
[23] Earth Day: 1.94% {1.93673337637%}
[24] The Salvation Army: 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
-------Please see [25] below-------
Monthly Income Total Percentage Calculation:
1.29% {2 x 0.65% approximately}
+ 0.32%
+ 0.90% {2 x 0.45%}
+ 0.69% {2 x 0.35% approximately}
+ 0.76%
+ 2.21% {8 x 0.28% approximately}
+ 0.14%
+ 1.93% {2 x 0.97% approximately}
+ 0.49%
+ 2.32%
+ 1.94%
= 12.99%
Plus, here are the percentages that I have spent on interest and credit card purchases—in addition to a Time Magazine subscription payment—as outlined within my monthly budget:
[21] Monthly Interest: 7.05% {7.05229180116%}
[22] Credit Card Purchases: 2.56% {2.56229825693%}
[25] Time Magazine Subscription: 0.97% {0.96836668818%}
Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases, in addition to a Time Magazine Subscription: 10.58% {10.58295674628}
Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for April 2024: 23.57% {23.57520981278%}
And starting in 2024, I totally changed the way that I approach how I calculate what I am spending on my credit card each month! So now, I take the total amount that I have available in my monthly budget for my minimum payment on my credit card—as well as my extra payment—and I calculate how much I am reducing that amount each time that I charge on my credit card.
That way, I am very aware of the amount by which I am reducing my total available credit card payments for the month (the minimum payment and the extra payment) in order to, hopefully, pay more on my credit card than I am spending! Plus, I am also utilizing some funds from my budgeted expenses, as well as some funds from my savings, to make sure that I am paying a little more than I am spending while—at the same time—I am also trying to spend less on my credit card.
For example, I made one set of donations for the month of April 2024 (on April 11th) to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the Senate (the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) and the President of the United States (the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President, or the Biden Victory Fund), as well as the state races for the Governors (the Democratic Governors Association), the Secretaries of State (the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State), the Attorneys General (the Democratic Attorneys General Association) and the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), during this fourth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.
That is why I am trying to contribute, during each month of 2024, as much as I am able to donate to Democratic political organizations—as well as to Democratic political campaigns—while I am still trying to stay within a 'monthly donating budget,' since that's all I can really afford! Now, that means I can only donate ONCE for the entire month to each of the above-mentioned seven organizations (and one campaign!) in order to stay within my 'monthly donating budget.' Period. And that is how I am planning to budget for my credit card charges in order to see if it is "feasible for the foreseeable future" (say that three times fast!), or if I need to adjust this new credit card budget even more.
Therefore, the reason that I am explaining all of this donating and budgeting is because 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 May 1st, 2024, revised June 1st, 2024 and revised September 4th, 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. 153 was edited on September 25th, 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]
