Poet, Artist and Philosopher: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was Part 6

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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Post No. 154: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 6

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 5" (WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS POST NO. 153). AND IT HAS ALL OF THE UPDATES WRITTEN FROM MAY 2024 TO AUGUST 2024

I Am No Longer Being An Activist
In The Same Way That I Was, Part 6

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this 'Part 2' blog post as a backup post, because there was a period of time when the original blog post kept being unpublished by Blogger for being too 'spammy'—I am guessing because of all the hyperlinks that I was providing for news articles that I was referring to my readers!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 have broken up the original post and republished that series of updates by year/month! And you can see the period of time for the updates—which each post has contained within it—at the top of each post in the phrase: "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 [NO.]' (WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS POST [NO.]). AND IT HAS ALL OF THE UPDATES WRITTEN FOR THE [TIME PERIOD]."

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. ...

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

[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.

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

★★★ 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 5" (WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS POST NO. 153, WITH A HYPERLINK PROVIDED BELOW). AND IT HAS ALL OF THE UPDATES WRITTEN FROM MAY 2024 TO AUGUST 2024:

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist-part-5.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 5" (WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS POST NO. 153, WITH A HYPERLINK PROVIDED BELOW). AND IT HAS ALL OF THE UPDATES WRITTEN FROM MAY 2024 TO AUGUST 2024:

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist-part-5.html

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

YEAR 2024 UPDATES FOR MAY:

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For my "May 1st, 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:

May 1st, 2024 Update No. 1: May is Military Appreciation Month! And I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 1st, 2024, with the subject line, "This Military Appreciation Month, remind our heroes how much their service means to you", which stated the following:

IT'S MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH!

★ ★ ★

MAKE SURE OUR SERVICE MEMBERS KNOW YOU SUPPORT THEM!

GOAL: 150,000 SIGNATURES

SIGN THE CARD NOW***

May is Military Appreciation Month, Paul. And we want to invite you to take a moment and thank our heroes in uniform.

Top military supporters from around the country are coming together to recognize everything our brave service members do for us: From risking their lives in some of the world's harshest and most isolating conditions to sacrificing time with their families, our heroes deserve our unending gratitude and recognition.

That's why, in honor of Military Appreciation Month, we've set a goal to get 150,000 grateful Americans to sign our thank-you card via email and text messages by the end of the month. Please, show your gratitude as a top military supporter by signing now:

★ ★ ★

Happy Military
Appreciation Month
– we appreciate
everything you do!

ADD YOUR NAME***

Our service members continue to make tremendous sacrifices day in and day out — from providing humanitarian relief around the world to keeping us safe back home.

The men and women in our military are heroes. And all too often, they don't get the recognition they deserve.

Truly, the least we can do is ensure they feel the gratitude and appreciation from top military supporters like you. So please, take a moment and sign our Military Appreciation Month card for our service members before our goal deadline.

ADD YOUR NAME***

Thank you so much for supporting our heroes in uniform.

The USO

SIGN THE CARD***

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

So, I signed a Military Appreciation Month card "to recognize our heroes who have sacrificed so much, particularly those who are stationed far from friends and family in dangerous parts of the world." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to America's service members, "Happy Military Appreciation Month! We’re so thankful for your heroic service and sacrifice. Sending our deepest gratitude, respect and appreciation." ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "May 1st, 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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May 1st, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, May 1st, 2024, with the subject line "Join us. Take the pledge to #GoSilent this Memorial Day", which stated the following:

Paul,

Our annual #GoSilent campaign is about raising awareness of and recognizing those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. This year, we especially want to remind America of those who lost their lives during the ongoing Global War on Terror, which has killed more than 7,000 U.S. troops across two decades – every one of them volunteers.

Will you take the pledge to #GoSilent to remember the fallen on May 27th at 3:00 PM local time and help spread the word to remind the nation about what this day represents?

Our collective commitment to #GoSilent makes a powerful statement of support and reverence.

We hope you’ll join us in honoring the women and men who have given their lives in service to our nation. Honoring the families that also lost a loved one in the process. And encourage your fellow Americans to do the same.

Take the pledge to #GoSilent on Memorial Day now >>>

https://iava.org/go-silent-2024/#pledge

With gratitude,

Team IAVA

"#GOSILENT"

This Memorial Day, remember to Honor the Fallen.

#GoSilent with IAVA at 3:00 PM local time.

This Memorial Day, at 3PM local time, IAVA will #GoSilent in honor of America’s servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Gather your friends and family across the country and pause with us for a national moment of silence to honor those who have sacrificed so much.

TAKE THE PLEDGE

Commit to #GoSilent with IAVA on Memorial Day

https://iava.org/go-silent-2024/#pledge

JOIN US IN PAYING TRIBUTE

Thank you for joining us to #GoSilent to honor the fallen this Memorial Day. IAVA’s annual #GoSilent campaign is about raising awareness and recognition for our nation’s heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

This year IAVA especially wants to remind America of those who lost their lives during the Global War on Terror (GWOT). In a war that continues to be waged to this day, GWOT has killed more than 7,000 U.S. troops across more than two decades – every one of them volunteers.

We encourage you to take the pledge to incorporate a moment of pause and recognition on May 27th at 3PM local time and help spread the word to remind the nation about what this day truly represents. We developed this toolkit (https://iava.org/go-silent-social-media-kit) to support your efforts in paying tribute to our incredible veterans and their families on your personal and organizational social media channels.

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

#GOSILENT with IAVA this Memorial Day

Pledge to observe a moment of silence at 3pm local time on May 27th to honor the fallen.

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Email: [redacted]
State (2 letter abbreviation): [redacted]
Zip Code (5 digits): [redacted]

Confirmation

And so, I took the pledge "to observe a moment of silence at 3pm local time on May 27th [2024] to honor the fallen." –Paul Whiting (written May 1st, 2024 and revised May 23rd, 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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For my "May 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. An introduction to the 'update' can be found below:

May 4th, 2024 Update: May is Military Appreciation Month! And I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 4th, 2024, with the subject line, "What Military Appreciation Month means to me", which stated the following:

Paul,

Every moment of every day. That's when we honor and appreciate our military here at the USO.

This Military Appreciation Month, I'm grateful we are taking the time as a nation to collectively thank our service members and their families for their dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to selflessly defending our country.

When I was at the Air Force Academy, I learned the value of Service Before Self. It's the idea that when serving your country, personal comforts take a backseat to duty. I cannot think of a better way to describe our heroes in uniform. These are folks who willingly sacrifice so much to put themselves in harm's way in the service of our country. We owe the brave members of our military a debt of gratitude, and the 25th anniversary of Military Appreciation Month is the perfect opportunity to honor them.

I invite you to join me and the USO in thanking these heroes. My hope is that every person in uniform, at home and abroad, feels our immense gratitude over this next month.

The USO has been supporting our service members for 83 years, and we would not be able to do it without you. Thank you for standing with us and with the military community. Together, let's ensure the people serving in America's military and their families know they are appreciated and valued, not just this month, but every day.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
U.S. Air Force Veteran
[Title redacted], USO

Show your gratitude as a top military supporter and make a donation now to help us start Military Appreciation Month in the best position to strengthen the well-being of those who serve.

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 on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "Since 1941, the USO has stood by all who serve in America’s military. But we're not a government-funded agency — we count on individual supporters like you to fund the programs that make the biggest difference for our service members. Please donate in honor of Military Appreciation Month so we can continue to provide individual support to our service members every day of the year."

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, "May 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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May 7th, 2024 Update No. 1: The third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day is today, May 7th, 2024! And I received an email from The National Fentanyl Awareness Day Team today, May 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day!", which stated the following:

NATIONAL
FENTANYL
AWARENESS
DAY

https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org

Dear NFAD [National Fentanyl Awareness Day] Partners,

Today is the third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day!

Please join us and spread the word on social media to take action and save a life. Check out some sample social copy and creative assets here [PDF] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NUdaP-WelV4xHHON-Bs8ISaF2hkVExDW/view?usp=drivesdk), and don't forget to use #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay. We will be uplifting our partners’ posts on social media throughout the day, so please be sure to tag our social accounts!

Thank you again for all you are doing to raise awareness about this issue and for taking the time today to educate your networks!

With gratitude,

The National Fentanyl Awareness Team

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nationalfentanylawarenessday

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fentawareday

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fentanylawarenessday/instagram.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-fentanyl-awareness-day

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@songforcharlie

YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@songforcharlie

Plus, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to Song for Charlie (https://songforcharlie.org/?form=FUNRTLRMRYU), via the National Fentanyl Awareness Day website, in order to support their "national family-run, nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about 'fentapills' — fake pills made of fentanyl," as well as to show my support for National Fentanyl Awareness Day! –Paul Whiting (written May 7th, 2024 and revised May 8th, 2024)
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May 7th, 2024 Update No. 1, Follow-Up Written On May 8th, 2024: I received an email from The National Fentanyl Awareness Day Team today, May 8th, 2024, with the subject line, "Thank You!", which stated the following:

NATIONAL
FENTANYL
AWARENESS
DAY

https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org

Dear Partners and Supporters,

Thank you for partnering with us to spread the word about illicitly manufactured fentanyl and take action to save a life. We couldn’t do this work without you.

Please complete this brief partner survey*** to share how you activated this year, and help us inform our 2025 plans and how we can better support partners in the future.

We’re so grateful for your support this year. We’ll be in touch soon with further updates, but if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email redacted].

With gratitude,

The National Fentanyl Awareness Team

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nationalfentanylawarenessday

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fentawareday

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fentanylawarenessday/instagram.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-fentanyl-awareness-day

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@songforcharlie

YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@songforcharlie

National Fentanyl Awareness Day Partner Survey

How did you activate on May 7th?

[✓] Posted on social media (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, TikTok, Twitter, etc.)
[  ] Hosted or helped organize a New Drug Talk film screening
[  ] Hosted or helped organize an in-person event
[  ] Sent an email to my network
[  ] Had a conversation about the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills
[  ] Learned the signs of an overdose and how to respond
Obtained naloxone
[  ] Other (please specify)

How did you originally hear about National Fentanyl Awareness Day?

[  ] Another partner organization
[✓] News [Please see my 'May 9th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More, Written On May 13th, 2023,' which can be found above.]
[  ] Social media
[  ] Other (please specify)

If you attended or hosted an in-person event, where was the event and how many people attended?

I am a blogger! So, I posted a 'May 7th, 2024 Update No. 1' on my website blog post: https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2 016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist.html.

What NFAD resources did you find most helpful?

[  ] Social media graphics / posters
[  ] Email drafts
[✓] Website facts
[  ] Hosting a film screening guide
[  ] Family discussion guide
[  ] Spanish social media graphics

How can NFAD better support your activation in the future? Any other feedback you’d like to share?

Here is the above-mentioned 'May 7th, 2024 Update No. 1' that I wrote on my blog for National Fentanyl Awareness Day:

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

May 7th, 2024 Update No. 1: The third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day is today, May 7th, 2024! And I received an email from The National Fentanyl Awareness Day Team today, May 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day!", which stated the following:

NATIONAL
FENTANYL
AWARENESS
DAY

https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org

Dear NFAD [National Fentanyl Awareness Day] Partners,

Today is the third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day!

Please join us and spread the word on social media to take action and save a life. Check out some sample social copy and creative assets here [PDF] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NUdaP-WelV4xHHON-Bs8ISaF2hkVExDW/view?usp=drivesdk), and don't forget to use #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay. We will be uplifting our partners’ posts on social media throughout the day, so please be sure to tag our social accounts!

Thank you again for all you are doing to raise awareness about this issue and for taking the time today to educate your networks!

With gratitude,

The National Fentanyl Awareness Team

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nationalfentanylawarenessday

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fentawareday

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fentanylawarenessday/instagram.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-fentanyl-awareness-day

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@songforcharlie

YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@songforcharlie

Plus, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to Song for Charlie (https://songforcharlie.org/?form=FUNRTLRMRYU), via the National Fentanyl Awareness Day website, in order to support their "national family-run, nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about 'fentapills' — fake pills made of fentanyl," as well as to show my support for National Fentanyl Awareness Day! –Paul Whiting (written May 7th, 2024 and revised May 8th, 2024)

P.S.: Just so you know, your hyperlink to Instagram is broken! Apparently, the web address is incorrect because there is a forward slash in front of it that causes it to go to a Google error page, as quoted below:

Google

404. That's an error.

The requested URL /https://www.instagram.com/fentanylawarenessday/instagram.com/ was not found on this server. That's all we know.

So, I copied the URL without the extra forward slash (https://www.instagram.com/fentanylawarenessday/instagram.com/) and it worked just fine!

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

Thank You!

Your submission has been received.

By the way, I realized after I submitted the partner survey above that I completed it somewhat incorrectly! You see, I accidentally wrote the explanation about posting a 'May 7th, 2024 Update No. 1' on my website blog post for National Fentanyl Awareness Day under the comment box question, "If you attended or hosted an in-person event, where was the event and how many people attended?" When what I should have actually done is provided that same explanation about posting an 'update' on my blog post under the question, "How did you activate on May 7th?" by selecting "Other (please specify)," rather than checking off "Posted on social media (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, TikTok, Twitter, etc.)," like I did. –Paul Whiting (May 8th, 2024)

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May 7th, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On May 12th, 2024: National Teachers’ Day is yearly (annually) on the first Tuesday of the first full week of May, which this year is May 7th, 2024!

Plus, National Teachers' Day is observed within National Teacher Appreciation Week, which this year is May 6th, 2024 through 10th, 2024 due to the fact that National Teacher Appreciation Week is yearly (annually) during the first full school week of May.

The following webpage introduction, regarding National Teacher Appreciation Week 2024, is from the National Education Association's website NEA.org:

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

Teachers Go Above & Beyond for Students.
NOW IT’S OUR TURN TO SHARE OUR SUPPORT.

National Teacher Day is May 7, 2024, and National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10, 2024.

This year, we’re joining together to listen to and stand with teachers and uniting to take action and demand our leaders provide the resources and respect educators deserve. Because every student - no matter the color of their skin or the ZIP code they live in - deserves educators who are caring, committed, and have the resources they need to help every student succeed.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM THE FIRST LADY

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden joined NEA President Becky Pringle and AFT President Randi Weingarten to send a special message to educators across the country.

[Blogger's Note: I watched The White House video above that is titled, "First Lady Jill Biden Hosts a Virtual Appreciation Event for Educators," which is imbedded in the webpage.]

CELEBRATE AND SHARE WITH US

Help educators know just how appreciated they are by sharing a message on social media, tagging @NEAToday, and using #ThankATeacher. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.nea.org/TAW

By the way, I am writing this 'update' five days after National Teachers’ Day since I was actually planning to do my usual set of donations for the month of May 2024 to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the national races for the House of Representatives, the Senate and the President of the United States, as well as the state races for the Governors, the Secretaries of State, the Attorneys General and the State Legislatures, sometime during National Teacher Appreciation Week, which is when I was planning to write an 'update' regarding the aforementioned Teacher Appreciation Week.

However, I decided to make my monthly political donations on Mother's Day instead, which is today, May 12th, 2024.

Thus, after I made my usual monthly political donations today, I remembered that I didn't write an 'update' regarding National Teachers’ Day and National Teacher Appreciation Week! So, that is why I wrote this 'update' afterward (belatedly) because I changed how I was planning to contribute for my monthly political donations—and that is why I forgot to write this 'update' before today! –Paul Whiting (May 12th, 2024)

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May 8th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses May 4th, 2024 And May 6th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, May 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, 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 May 8th, 2024, as well as two days ago, May 6th, 2024, in addition to four days ago May 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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). I hope that makes sense!

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 8th, 2024 search:

01. CNN

Journalist sounds alarm on dangers of propaganda, calling it ‘one of the worst crises for American democracy this century’

By Oliver Darcy | Updated 10:51 PM EDT, Tue May 7, 2024

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

May 8th, 2024 search:

02. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Biden says US will not provide Israel with weapons to use in major Rafah invasion

He told CNN Israel has used American bombs to kill civilians in Gaza.

By Molly Nagle | May 8, 2024

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

May 8th, 2024 search:

03. Pew Research Center

Americans' Changing Relationship With Local News

As news consumption habits become more digital, U.S. adults continue to see value in local outlets

By Elisa Shearer, Katerina Eva Matsa, Michael Lipka, Kirsten Eddy and Naomi Forman-Katz | May 7, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 4th, 2024 search:

04. AP News

A group of Republicans has united to defend the legitimacy of US elections and those who run them

By Christina A. Cassidy | Updated 5:32 AM PDT, May 4, 2024

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

May 4th, 2024 search:

05. Reuters

Trump vows to fight 'anti-white feeling' in US. His allies have a plan

By Gram Slattery and Nathan Layne | May 4, 2024

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

May 8th, 2024 search:

06. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

R.F.K. Jr. Says Doctors Found a Dead Worm in His Brain

The presidential candidate has faced previously undisclosed health issues, including a parasite that he said ate part of his brain.

By Susanne Craig | May 8, 2024

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

May 8th, 2024 search:

07. The Guardian

Congress hears testimony on Russia's sonic attacks on US officials in Havana

Panel heard from expert witnesses how Russia had 'means, motive and opportunity' for covert targeting of intelligence officers.

Panel heard from expert witnesses how Russia had ‘means, motive and opportunity’ for covert targeting of intelligence officers

Richard Luscombe | 8 May 2024

By the way, after I read this article on November 4th, 2023, I noticed The Guardian News donation request below, which stated the following:

You've read 28 articles in the last year

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you move on, I wanted to ask if you would consider supporting the Guardian’s journalism as we enter one of the most consequential news cycles of our lifetimes in 2024.

With the potential of another Trump presidency looming, there are countless angles to cover around this year’s election – and we'll be there to shed light on each new development, with explainers, key takeaways and analysis of what it means for America, democracy and the world.

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. We always strive to be fair. But sometimes that means calling out the lies of powerful people and institutions – and making clear how misinformation and demagoguery can damage democracy.

From threats to election integrity, to the spiraling climate crisis, to complex foreign conflicts, our journalists contextualize, investigate and illuminate the critical stories of our time. As a global news organization with a robust US reporting staff, we’re able to provide a fresh, outsider perspective – one so often missing in the 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, or better yet, support us every month with a little more. Thank you.

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Guardian US

[✓] One-time
[  ] Monthly
[  ] Annual

Contribution amount

[  ] $75
[  ] $125
[✓] Other

Continue

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

Support just once

Support us with the amount of your choice.

[  ] $75
[  ] $125
[  ] $250
[✓] Other
Enter your amount $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 "supporting the Guardian’s journalism as we enter one of the most consequential news cycles of our lifetimes in 2024."

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

May 8th, 2024 search:

08. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

Biden Says the U.S. Will Not Supply Israel With Weapons to Attack Rafah

The president’s remarks underscore a growing rift over the war in Gaza. He also acknowledged that U.S. bombs have been used to kill Palestinian civilians.

By Erica L. Green | May 8, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 4th, 2024 search:

09. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

Seriously, GOP? MTG trying to oust Speaker Mike Johnson is a joke (If Marjorie Taylor Greene is the future of the Republican Party, I don't want it)

It's one thing for the people of Georgia to want Greene as a representative, that's their prerogative, but for the rest of the GOP to consider her as a leader in the House is another thing entirely.

By Nicole Russell | May 3, 2023

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 4th, 2024 search:

10. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Biden campaign slams Trump's latest unwillingness to accept results of 2024 election

Trump's push "for revenge ... reigns supreme," Biden's campaign said.

By Lalee Ibssa and Soo Rin Kim | May 2, 2024

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

May 6th, 2024 search:

11. AP News

Trump says Biden is running a 'Gestapo' administration. It's his latest reference to Nazi Germany

By Bill Barrow and Lisa Mascaro | Updated 12:03 PM PDT, May 5, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 6th, 2024 search:

12. MSNBC News

Biden White House pushes back in response to Trump ‘Gestapo’ talk

Donald Trump’s weird whining about the White House resembling the "Gestapo" isn’t just factually wrong and morally offensive, it’s also deeply ironic.

By Steve Benen | May 6, 2024

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

May 8th, 2024 search:

13. Newsweek

President Joe Biden Is Good for the Jews and for Israel (President Joe Biden Is Good for the Jews and for Israel | Opinion)

By Halie Soifer CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America | May 07, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 8th, 2024 search:

14. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

Speaker Mike Johnson Survives Marjorie Taylor Greene Move to Oust Him (Johnson Survives Greene’s Ouster Attempt as Democrats Join G.O.P. to Kill It)

Republicans and Democrats banded together to block a motion by the right-wing Georgia congresswoman to remove the speaker.

By Catie Edmondson, Carl Hulse and Kayla Guo | May 8, 2024

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

May 8th, 2024 search:

15. Politico

Inside the vote to defeat Greene's effort to oust Johnson from the speakership

The vote was 359-43, with seven members voting present. Twenty-one members did not vote.

By Anthony Adragna | 05/08/2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 4th, 2024 search:

16. Newsweek

Full List of Republicans Condemning Marjorie Taylor Greene

By Andrew Stanton | May 03, 2024

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May 4th, 2024 search:

17. Politico

Why the Senate GOP is downplaying the chances of a red wave

Republicans have a shot at more than a half-dozen Senate seats, but they’re purposefully tempering expectations after failures in 2020 and 2022.

By Burgess Everett | 05/02/2024

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May 8th, 2024 search:

18. Newsweek

Marjorie Taylor Greene Booed by Republicans

By Kaitlin Lewis | May 08, 2024

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

May 8th, 2024 search:

19. NPR (National Public Radio)

Bid to oust Speaker Johnson fails but GOP turmoil remains

By Barbara Sprunt | UPDATED MAY 8, 2024 7:08 PM ET

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

May 8th, 2024 search:

20. Arizona Mirror

Maricopa County Republicans censured the AZ Supreme Court because it rejected election lawsuits

By refusing to overturn the 2022 election like Kari Lake and Abe Hamadeh wanted, the court proved it was ‘biased,’ the county GOP said

By Caitlin Sievers | May 8, 2024

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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 4th, 2024 search:

21. CNN

Trump suggests he won’t accept 2024 election results

By Jake Tapper | [No publishing date provided]

By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the publishing date.

---------------------------------------------
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 May 8th, 2024 and revised June 21st, 2024)

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May 9th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) today, May 9th, 2024, with the subject line, "ACLU of Oregon Spring Newsletter", which stated, in part, the following:

ACLU of Oregon's Spring 2024 Newsletter

Paul –

Spring is oftentimes a symbol and opportunity for a fresh start and new beginnings. In the spirit of trying something new, your ACLU of Oregon team is delighted to share with you our inaugural Spring Newsletter.

READ NOW:

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/publications/spring-2024-newsletter

In the newsletter, we discuss fresh starts, new projects and partnerships, and ways you can get involved with our work. You can also meet [name redacted], our new [title redacted]!

We often share our latest updates via social media, and we hope the newsletter will be another way for you to engage with and hear from the ACLU of Oregon team. If there are other ways you'd like to hear about our work and stay connected, please let us know!

In this newsletter, we also mention the TOGETHER Conference. I hope you will join us for a day of shared learning and relationship building on Saturday, September 21 – which will be close in time to the important November elections. ...

... Thank you for your ongoing engagement and support of our work towards a more just, equitable, and caring Oregon.

In gratitude,

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
[Title redacted], ACLU of Oregon

DONATE NOW

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding the ACLU of Spring 2024 Newsletter. A brief introduction to the webpage can be found below:

SPRING 2024 NEWSLETTER

In this volume of the newsletter, we discuss fresh starts, new projects and partnerships, and various ways to take action and get involved with our work. You can also say hello to [name redacted], our new [title redacted]!

We invite you to explore our newsletter with clickable links in the PDF viewer below. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/publications/spring-2024-newsletter

Plus, after I read the email above, as well as after I read the ACLU of Oregon Spring 2024 Newsletter, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU of Oregon in order to show my appreciation for the ACLU of Oregon Spring 2024 Newsletter—and because "spring is oftentimes a symbol and opportunity for a fresh start and new beginnings," so "in the spirit of trying something new, [the] ACLU of Oregon team is delighted to share with [me] [their] inaugural Spring Newsletter." –Paul Whiting (May 9th, 2024)

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May 10th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) today, May 10th, 2024, with the subject line, "It’s happening again: NY [New York] State must step in at Wafler Farms", which stated the following:

United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW

It’s happening again: NY State must step in at Wafler Farms

In September 2023, we shared an outrageous video with you showing the abuse and intimidation at Wafler Farms. Hundreds of thousands of people watched the video. Thousands of people took action telling the New York Department of Labor to intervene immediately. But they didn't. Now it appears worker leaders are being retaliated against. We need your help in demanding the NY DOL take action.

As you may remember, in this profanity-filled rant lasting several minutes, owner Paul Wafler says, "You don't get organized in the morning to get in the van and go. That's tough s***t. The job starts when we leave. Not because you're just standing in here. Let's get that real g** d*** clear. And if you want to leave the lights on the van and then delay everything to get going because you still don't know how to drive a van again, that's tough s*** too." (Full video can be seen on the "Take Action" page.)

After UFW posted this video on social media, the workers who were suspected of filming the video told us they began receiving extra attention and scrutiny on the job. In addition, throughout the 2023 season, workers expressed concern over issues around wage theft, occupational health and safety and general issues with disrespect and verbal abuse.

Typically in early spring, Wafler begins recalling H2A workers. This year some of the workers suspected of being active union supporters, who had previously been called back in the first wave, were not recalled at the typical time and one has still not been recalled. Instead, less senior workers were recalled. The company's lawyers refused to say why. This has created a chilling environment for the other workers as they fear retaliation.

Tell the NY Department of Labor they should immediately investigate and act. They should require Wafler to recall the worker right away and give the workers back pay for the time they missed. As they continue to recall workers, Wafler should respect seniority. Ask the Waflers to respect NY state law and stop intimidating and retaliating against workers who have been outspoken about labor violations. Additionally, they must address the issues of alleged wage theft, safety and abusive managers.

Take Action!

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:

It's happening again: NY State must step in at Wafler Farms

"Sept 8, 2023: Listen to how the owner of NYs Wafler Farms treated his workers." from YouTube:

https://youtu.be/wbc-CGMydHU?si=ycEYWeZu7Z3KnEWH

In September 2023, we shared an outrageous video with you showing the abuse and intimidation at Wafler Farms. Hundreds of thousands of people watched the video. Thousands of people took action telling the New York Department of Labor to intervene immediately. But they didn't. Now it appears worker leaders are being retaliated against. We need your help in demanding the NY DOL take action.

As you may remember, in this profanity-filled rant lasting several minutes, owner Paul Wafler says, "You don't get organized in the morning to get in the van and go. That's tough s***t. The job starts when we leave. Not because you're just standing in here. Let's get that real g** d*** clear. And if you want to leave the lights on the van and then delay everything to get going because you still don't know how to drive a van again, that's tough s*** too." (Full video can be seen on the "Take Action" page.)

After UFW posted this video on social media, the workers who were suspected of filming the video told us they began receiving extra attention and scrutiny on the job. In addition, throughout the 2023 season, workers expressed concern over issues around wage theft, occupational health and safety and general issues with disrespect and verbal abuse.

Typically in early spring, Wafler begins recalling H2A workers. This year some of the workers suspected of being active union supporters, who had previously been called back in the first wave, were not recalled at the typical time and one has still not been recalled. Instead, less senior workers were recalled. The company's lawyers refused to say why. This has created a chilling environment for the other workers as they fear retaliation.

Tell the NY Department of Labor they should immediately investigate and act. They should require Wafler to recall the worker right away and give the workers back pay for the time they missed. As they continue to recall workers, Wafler should respect seniority. Ask the Waflers to respect NY state law and stop intimidating and retaliating against workers who have been outspoken about labor violations. Additionally, they must address the issues of alleged wage theft, safety and abusive managers.

Contact Information

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code (Optional): [redacted]
State/Province (Optional): [redacted]
Email: [redacted]

Subject: NY State must step in at Wallen Farms

NY State Department of Labor Enforcement Division,

Wafler Farms' apple workers need you to please do your job. Thousands emailed you about wage theft and other abuses back in September 2023. You didn't act, even after the video came out showing some of what was going on there.

Now Wafler Farms looks to the retaliating against worker leaders who were vocal with their concerns. This year some of the workers suspected of being active union supporters, who had previously been called back in the first wave, were not recalled at the typical time and one has still not been recalled.

The NY State Department of Labor must act immediately. You should requre Wafler to recall the workers right away and give these workers back pay for missed work time. As they continue to recall workers, Wafler should respect seniority. Ask Waflers to respect NY state law and stop intimidating and retaliating against workers who have been outspoken about labor violations. Additionally they must address the issues of alleged wage theft, safety and abusive managers. The UFW, the union certified to represent the workers at Wafler, has previously fed charges with you.

We ask you to immediately please investigate and act. Thank you!

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:

Pro-union workers at Wafler Farms aren’t being recalled at the usual time. Tell @NYSLabor to make Wafler respect the law & not retaliate against pro-UFW workers who are outspoken on labor violations.

https://act.seiu.org/a/waflerdol2024?ms=tellfriend_t&ceid=442257&snw=2&ref=35b780a8-08e2-49d7-81e4-533226e38722#!

And, after I sent the email above to the New York State Department of Labor Enforcement Division, via the SEIU.org (Service Employees International Union) website, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers in order to "tell @NYSLabor to [please] make Wafler respect the law & not retaliate against pro-UFW workers who are outspoken on labor violations." –Paul Whiting (May 10th, 2024)

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For my "May 12th, 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:

May 12th, 2024 Update No. 1: Happy Mother's Day, everyone! In celebration of Mother's Day, I did a Google search for "Mother's Day USO" and found the following USO (United Service Organizations) search result regarding Mother's Day:

United Service Organizations

Sign the card: Thank the mothers moms serving our country this Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, the USO is thanking moms in the military for their service and sacrifice. Sign the card to military moms!

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

★★★USO★★★

50,000 signatures needed to hit our goal!

→→→→→19,857

This Mother’s Day, the USO is thanking moms in the military for their service and sacrifice. Sign the card to military moms!

Thank you for all you do for our country, and happy Mother’s Day!

Sincerely,

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

SIGN THE CARD

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

Thanks for signing the card! Will you take a few minutes to complete a quick survey about supporting all of our nation's heroes?

The USO supports America's men and women in uniform at more than 200 locations around the world, including on the front lines in places like Djibouti and Afghanistan. How important is it to you that Americans continue supporting our deployed service members?

[✓] Extremely important
[  ] Very important
[  ] Somewhat important
[  ] Not at all important

The USO is more than concerts and airport lounges. Which of the ways we support our military men and women do you believe are valuable? Check all that apply.

[✓] Providing connections to family, home and country during deployments.
[✓] Helping military personnel and their families transition back into civilian life.
[✓] Supporting military families whose loved ones are deployed.
[✓] Providing support and rehabilitation for wounded, ill and injured service members.
[✓] Delivering special gifts and cheer to our heroes through programs like USO2GO.

Thousands of service men and women are currently deployed overseas, including in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Have you or a family member or friend ever served in the U.S. military?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No

How important do you think it is to support our nation's heroes and help them stay connected to family back home during deployment?

[✓] Extremely important
[  ] Important
[  ] Somewhat important
[  ] Not at all important

A Navy lieutenant commander recently told us that USO Care Packages are a "constant reminder to those of us out 'in the sandbox' that we are not forgotten and folks back home actually care."

Now, as we work to deliver our brave service members a touch of home, we need to ask for your support.

It takes a lot of time, coordination and money to get our care packages to more than 200,000 service members who are away from their families, sacrificing so much defending our freedoms. The USO is not a government agency we rely on the generosity and patriotism of citizens like you.

But right now, time is running out before our midnight deadline, and we need your support. Help us make sure that we have the resources to support our troops. Will you please donate by MIDNIGHT tonight to send a little bit of home to our service members and show them how thankful you are?

[  ] Yes, I'll donate $35 or more. Send me a T- shirt!
[✓] Yes, I'll donate but don't want a T-shirt!
[  ] No, I don't want to donate to support our service members today.

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

Help Connect our Heroes to Home

It takes a lot of time, coordination and money to get our care packages and other essentials to more than 200,000 service members who are away from their families, sacrificing so much defending our freedoms.

Will you please donate by MIDNIGHT tonight to send a little bit of home to pur service members and show them how thankful you are?

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[  ] $1,000
[✓] $ 10.00

And so, I signed the USO Mother's Day card "thanking moms in the military for their service and sacrifice." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our military moms, "Thank you for all you do for our country, and happy Mother's Day!" ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "May 12th, 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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May 12th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses May 11th, 2024: National Nurses Week is yearly (annually) from May 6th through May 12th.

And I received an email from Planned Parenthood Federation of America yesterday, May 11th, 2024, with the subject line, "I'm a nurse. Here are the facts.", which stated the following:

Paul,

Patients often come into health centers with lots of questions about the care they can receive. What is medication abortion? Is it safe and effective? Is it like Plan B?

Nurses like me all across the country have the answers. Yes, medication abortion is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. No, it's not like Plan B. Medication abortion ends a pregnancy, while emergency contraception like Plan B prevents pregnancy from happening altogether.

It's frustrating to watch abortion opponents spread misinformation about care like medication abortion. Mifepristone, one of two medications commonly known as the "abortion pill," has been used by millions of patients for abortion and miscarriage management for decades — and right now, lawmakers are using courts to interfere with the scientific facts that nurses know (https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/rightfully-ours/bans-off-our-bodies/mifepristone-medication-abortion-what-you-need-to-know).*

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, care became so much less accessible for people all over the country. And now health care providers have to worry that the Supreme Court could decide to curb access to mifepristone — a decision which will harm even more people.

This is why as a nurse, I'm asking you to help protect and preserve crucial — and safe! — abortion care like mifepristone today. Donate now to help people access the care they deserve!

DONATE***

Mifepristone really does expand access to care. In some states, patients can make a telehealth appointment to be prescribed mifepristone, and can even have the pill sent to them discreetly in the mail. And mifepristone is common: In 2021, more than 60% of all documented abortions were medication abortions.

Here's what nurses like myself will tell you: This attempt to overturn the FDA's approval isn't about science — it's about politics. Patients deserve access to the medication they need.

Providers like me need your help to protect access to care like mifepristone. Donate today to help protect and restore access to reproductive health care and provide accurate information through sex education.

Thank you, Paul, for your support! Across the country, health centers are working to provide compassionate care — it's one of my favorite things about being a nurse. And knowing we have you behind us makes the work even sweeter.

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]

DONATE NOW »***

*[Blogger's Note: I read the Planned Parenthood Action Fund's webpage titled, "What You Need to Know About the Latest Attack on Abortion Care: the Mifepristone Abortion Pill," which is referenced above.]

BIDEN VICTORY FUND

Dear Paul,

This November, we'll answer the most urgent question of our time: Is democracy still America's sacred cause? It's what the 2024 election is all about.

Donald Trump's campaign is all about him. It's not about America and not about you. His campaign is obsessed with the past, not the future. He's willing to sacrifice our democracy to put himself in power.

We have heard from his own mouth his plans for a day-one dictatorship, a justice system that attacks his personal enemies, and an extreme agenda that takes away our rights and freedoms.

You're a critical member of my team, and I want to be frank: Trump is riding high and will use his platform as the Republican nominee to distort our record and sow divisions amongst Americans.

I believe that we are stronger than what divides us. We know the truth about the accomplishments we've made together, and how much more we want to achieve. Make no mistake, what's at stake is the very soul of our nation. I won't stop working to defend and secure our democracy. But I can't do that without your help.

Your last gift of $1 helped us start 2024 strong, but Paul, I am humbly asking you to please give again. This is a crucial moment in the campaign when we must speak directly to voters about how dangerous another Trump presidency would be. Will you please give $25, $38, or even $50 today, so that we can ensure victory in November?

In less than one term, we have done more than what some administrations accomplish in two. We've helped create 15 million jobs, lowered prescription drug prices for seniors, made historic investments in our nation's infrastructure and clean energy future, and passed the first significant new federal gun legislation in 30 years with bipartisan support.

We're just getting started, but all of this progress is at risk if we don't secure a second term. And there is something far greater at stake here: our democracy itself.

Our opponent poses many threats to our hard fought rights and freedoms — but he poses the greatest threat to our democracy. If we lose in November, we could lose everything.

His assault on democracy isn't just part of his past. It's what he's promising for the future. There's no confusion about who he is and what he intends to do.

• His first rally for the 2024 campaign opened with a choir of January 6 insurrectionists singing from prison, the same people who he called "patriots" for their violent assault on the Capitol, and pledged to pardon.

• He condones violence against his political enemies and would use our government to seek revenge and retribution against those who oppose him.

• He's said he'd be a dictator on day one and justified "the termination of all the rules, regulation, and articles, even those found in the Constitution."

• He threatened the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with the death penalty because the Chairman put his oath to the Constitution ahead of his personal loyalty to Trump.

• He is "proud" of his role overturning Roe v. Wade, ripping away women's freedoms across the country.

Trump claims to uphold law and order, but he sows lawlessness and disorder. This November, democracy is on the ballot. Without democracy, no progress is possible. The alternative to democracy is dictatorship — the rule of one, not the rule of "We the People."

He refers to the United States as "a failing nation." But I believe in America's possibilities. Just look at what we've already accomplished:

• We grew the economy 3.1% last year — beating forecasts of a recession and stronger than during the Trump administration.

• We currently have more people working and more people with health coverage than ever before.

• We passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that has created good-paying jobs to build and upgrade our roads, bridges, and transportation while also replacing lead pipes to supply clean water, expanding access to high-speed internet, and transitioning to clean energy.

• We signed executive orders protecting reproductive health care and expanding access to contraception.

Look, all that progress is at stake in the next election, and we need to elect Democrats all across the country. Which is why I am asking you to please make your most generous contribution to the Biden Victory Fund today.

Trump's extremist agenda will make it harder for Americans to vote, strip away our fundamental freedoms, and restrict education by rewriting our nation's history.

But I am not going to let that happen.

Let's continue building a more fair and more free America — one where the economy is built from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down. An America that restores Roe so that, once again, women have the freedom to make their own health care decisions. And an America that protects our most vulnerable, where everyone can live, work, and retire with the dignity owed to every single one of us.

We can't allow our country to be destroyed by a man more interested in power than principle. It's up to us to defend our democracy and finish the job we started. I won't stop fighting — democracy is on the ballot. I hope you will continue to show your support for Democrats nationwide by sending a contribution today so that we ensure that our best days are to come.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden
President of the United States

P.S. Donald Trump wants to undermine our democracy and take away the freedom to choose, wants to grow our economy only for the wealthy, and takes no action to keep our communities safe from gun violence. I am fighting for our democratic ideals, the progress we've made over the last three years, and for an America that is more fair and more free for all. Can I count on you?

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

DO YOU BELIEVE IN AN AMERICA THAT IS MORE FREE,
MORE FAIR, AND MORE PROSPEROUS FOR US ALL?

[✓] Yes, Joe! I want to help you finish the job and preserve our democracy. Trump's extremist agenda would be disastrous for our country and our people. I am sending my contribution today to the Biden Victory Fund so that we can win the White House again, elect Democrats nationwide, and keep working for the American people.

[  ] $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/AprilDonate.

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 $2 →

[  ] 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, May 12th, 2024, in order to confirm the reply memorandum statement: "Yes, Joe! I want to help you finish the job and preserve our democracy. Trump's extremist agenda would be disastrous for our country and our people. I am sending my contribution today to the Biden Victory Fund so that we can win the White House again, elect Democrats nationwide, and keep working for the American people." –Paul Whiting (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).

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May 12th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On May 13th, 2024, Which Also Discusses April 19th, 2024, May 1st, 2024, May 2nd, 2024, May 6th, 2024, As Well As May 11th, 2024: Happy Mother's Day, everyone!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, May 13th, 2024, is for donations that I made yesterday, May 12th, 2024, as part of my series of donations for the month of May 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 fifth 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), in addition to helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC).]

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, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The first political communication to which I responded yesterday, May 12th, 2024, was a text message that I received twenty four days ago on April 19th, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State Legal Fund (DASS Legal Fund), which stated the following:

After the 2020 election, Trump and his surrogates filed 62 lawsuits contesting election processes, vote counting, and the vote certification process in nine states. Nearly all of these were dismissed or dropped.

And Trump’s MAGA allies running for Secretary of State followed suit:

[Name redacted] filed lawsuits before her double digit loss in Michigan. [Name redacted] tried to overturn his loss in Nevada. [Name redacted] is still pushing lawsuits to overturn his loss in Arizona.

With the ringleader of the election-denier movement at the top of the ticket this November, we expect more court cases and more chaos leading up to, and after, November 5th.

That’s why we’re reaching out and counting on your support:

Can you make a donation to the DASS Legal Fund today? Your support will help us fight for our democracy in the courtroom and stop the attacks on our elections.***

-DASS Legal Fund

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 Legal Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, May 12th, 2024, because "[my] support will help [DASS Legal Fund] fight for our democracy in the courtroom and stop the attacks on our elections," since, "with the ringleader of the election-denier movement at the top of the ticket this November, [DASS Legal Fund expects] more court cases and more chaos leading up to, and after, November 5th."

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

The second political communication to which I responded yesterday, May 12th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) that I received twelve days ago on May 1st, 2024, with the subject line, "We want to hear from you, Paul", which stated the following:

As we work together to elect more Dem AGs and protect the progress made by our incumbents, it’s so important that we know what issues are at the top of your mind, Paul. Will you take a few moments to complete our brief priorities survey? >>***

Your priorities and concerns are the driving force behind the work we do — we need to know what drives you to the polls, what you talk about at your kitchen table, and what issues matter most to you this year.

Our team values your insight; it informs our strategy and helps us run better programs. The best way to help us out today is by taking our May issues survey. It’s a quick, easy opportunity for you to tell us directly what you want our AGs to address most urgently.

Please, take just a few moments to fill out our short May issues survey. The results will help inform our decision-making as we get further into the critical 2024 election year.

TAKE THE SURVEY***

We appreciate you for sharing your concerns with us. We always value your input!

— Team DAGA

DEMOCRATIC
ATTORNEYS
GENERAL
ASSOCIATION

What issues matter the most to you?

We want to hear directly from you! Can you take our quick, four-question survey, to let us know what's most important to you:

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

WHICH OF THESE ISSUES SHOULD DEMOCRATIC AGS PRIORITIZE MOVING FORWARD? (Optional)

[✓] FIGHTING FOR AN ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST THE ULTRA WEALTHY
[✓] PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO VOTE AND OUR DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM
[✓] WORKING TOWARDS AN EQUITABLE JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR ALL AMERICANS
[✓] PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM BAD ACTORS LOOKING TO EXPLOIT THEM
[✓] FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS
[✓] DEFENDING OUR ENVIRONMENT, ESPECIALLY CLEAN AIR AND WATER
[✓] ENSURING THAT MORE PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
[✓] DEFENDING THE RIGHT TO ACCESS AN ABORTION [PLUS] REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE
[✓] PROTECTING PUBLIC SAFETY
[  ] OTHER

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU TO HAVE ELECTED OFFICIALS AT THE STATE LEVEL WHO WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR PROGRESS ON THESE ISSUES? (Optional)

[✓] EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
[  ] VERY IMPORTANT
[  ] SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT
[  ] NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT

WHICH BEST REPRESENTS YOUR OPINION WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTION STRATEGY? (Optional)

[✓] I THINK IT'S CRITICAL TO SUPPORT DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES AND CAUSES YEAR- ROUND, SO WE'RE READY FOR ANYTHING
[  ] I ONLY ENGAGE WHEN THERE'S A BIG PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION COMING UP.

WE NEED GRASSROOTS DEMOCRATIC SUPPORTERS LIKE YOU TO HELP US ELECT AND REELECT DEM AGS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. CAN YOU MAKE A CONTRIBUTION? (Optional)

[✓] YES, I CAN GIVE $5 TO HELP ELECT DEM AGS [ATTORNEYS GENERAL].*
[  ] YES, I CAN GIVE $20.24 TO HELP ELECT DEM AGS IN RACES ACROSS OUR COUNTRY.
[  ] YES, AND I CAN GIVE MORE, BECAUSE IT'S CRUCIAL WE WIN THESE KEY RACES.
[  ] NO, I CAN'T GIVE TODAY, BUT I KNOW THIS IS IMPORTANT WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE FUNDED.

SUBMIT

*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I donated less than $5.00—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]

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

DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSOCIATION

THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSE!
NOW TAKE THE NEXT STEP:

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, May 12th, 2024, in order to complete "[filling] out [the DAGA's] short May issues survey," since "the results will help inform [the DAGA's] decision-making as [they] get further into the critical 2024 election year." That is why I "[took the DAGA's] quick, four-question survey, to let [them] know what's most important to [me]!"

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

The third political communication to which I responded yesterday, May 12th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) that I received eleven days ago on May 2nd, 2024, with the subject line, "$50 helps defeat MAGA extremists this November →", which stated the following:

President Biden is calling on Democrats to help protect our democracy:

The threat remains and democracy must be defended.

The fight for... our rights, our freedoms, & our democracy ...starts in the states.

We need widespread grassroots support to defeat MAGA extremists this fall.

Can we count on you to own a piece of this fight?

Heed President Biden’s call to action and rally behind state Dems with a gift of $7 or more:

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 »

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

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, May 12th, 2024, because "President Biden is calling on Democrats to help protect our democracy," since "the fight for... our rights, our freedoms, & our democracy
...starts in the states."

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

The fourth political communication to which I responded yesterday, May 12th, 2024, was a text message seven days ago on May 6th, 2024, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:

I met with Norah O'Donnell on 60 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴 to share how the future of our democracy hinges on Democrats winnin back the House in November. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄.

If you can chip in $10 to the DCCC before, during, or after watching, it would mean the world to have your support.***

- Hakeem

Watch my interview on 60 Minutes & chip in to help flip the House!

"60 House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: The 60 Minutes Interview" from YouTube:

https://youtu.be/nA8iuoRNQws?si=M7tJs5niMTy3-MgJ

I just got off 60 Minutes — can you chip in $5 below to help Democrats flip the House and end Republicans extreme MAGA Majority?

[Blogger's Note: I watched the video above that is titled, "60 House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: The 60 Minutes Interview." And this is actually the second time that I have watched Leader Hakeem Jeffries' interview on 60 Minutes, with the first time being on May 5th, 2024, where the video had the alternative title, "Leader Jeffries on CBS' 60 Minutes."]

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit the DCCC.

[✓] Donate $4 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, May 12th, 2024, in order to show my appreciation for "60 House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: The 60 Minutes Interview," by contributing "to help Democrats flip the House and end Republicans extreme MAGA Majority."

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

The fifth political communication to which I responded yesterday, May 12th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) that I received two days ago on May 11th, 2024, with the subject line, "Four quick sentences about the work we’re doing: We wanted to send you a super short email about the DNC's mission.", which stated the following:

We’ll keep this short so you can get back to your weekend, Paul.

The DNC’s mission is to elect Democrats at all levels of government, from local office to the Oval Office. We rely on grassroots donations from donors like you to help fund the work we’re doing all across the country -- and a lot of those contributions come from emails just like this one.

So we’re asking: Will you pitch in $35 now to help support the DNC’s work?

If you've saved 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: OTHER

Thanks,

The Democrats

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).

[✓] $4 →

[  ] $20 →

[  ] $50 →

[  ] $100 →

[  ] $250 →

[  ] $1,000 →

[  ] $2,000 →

[  ] Other

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, May 12th, 2024, because "the DNC’s mission is to elect Democrats at all levels of government, from local office to the Oval Office," and "[they] rely on grassroots donations from donors like [me] to help fund the work [they're] doing all across the country."

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

The sixth political communication to which I responded yesterday, May 12th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) that I received two days ago on May 11th, 2024, with the subject line, "This impacts almost 70 MILLION Americans", which stated the following:

Do you approve of President Biden’s response to Social Security & Medicare?

[✓] YES***
[  ] SOMEWHAT
[  ] UNSURE
[  ] NO

Paul, President Biden continues to be a brick wall against the GOP’s attacks on Social Security and Medicare. He has boldly promised throughout his presidency to stop ANYONE from making cuts to these vital funds or raising the retirement age – and he has kept that promise by:

[✓] Calling on Congress to protect and strengthen benefits that impact nearly 70 million Americans.
[✓] Announcing a huge 8.7% (over $50 more per month on average) increase in payments.
[✓] Cutting down healthcare expenses, setting a $35 a month cap on insulin costs for seniors, and reducing prescription drug prices for seniors and countless others.

While Joe is protecting these crucial benefits, both the GOP and Trump are working tirelessly to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits for those who need them the most. GOP legislators have held secret closed-door meetings and tried to attach cuts to debt ceiling legislation, and Trump has even called for cuts to Social Security and Medicare!

Trump and the GOP are clearly out of touch with the 81% of registered voters who say that Congress should NEVER cut Social Security and Medicare and the 93% of likely voters who believe that the US should increase or maintain benefits.

Let’s be clear, Paul: without President Biden’s constant efforts to protect Social Security and Medicare, Trump and the GOP would gut both of these essential programs. And with polling showing Trump leading President Biden by 2 – 46% v. 44% – this November could decide the fate of Social Security and Medicare once and for all.

That’s why we're asking you, Paul, to be one of the 50 people we need in Oregon to join your fellow Democrats and rate President Biden’s response to Social Security and Medicare now!

Do you approve of President Biden’s response to Social Security & Medicare?

[✓] YES***
[  ] SOMEWHAT
[  ] UNSURE
[  ] NO

Democratic Governors Association

Make Your Voice Heard on Social Security | 11.59 p.m. Deadline

Thank you for taking action! With the GOP scheming to strip our hard-earned Social Security benefits, will you take a moment to answer a couple more questions and make sure your voice is heard on Social Security?

Poll deadline: 11:59 p.m. tonight

Email: [redacted]
Cell Phone: [redacted]

Do you approve of Donald Trump's plans to cut Social Security for millions of Americans?

[  ] Yes
[✓] No

How worried are you about the GOP's continued attacks on Social Security?

[✓] Extremely worried
[  ] Very worried
[  ] Somewhat worried
[  ] Not at all worried

Who do YOU trust more to protect seniors?

[✓] Democrats
[  ] Republicans

President Biden continues to be a brick wall standing against Republicans' efforts to strip our Social Security, undermine our rights, and weaken our democracy — but he can't do it alone. That's why Democratic governors are working alongside President Biden to defend progress and protect working families.

On a scale of 1 (lowest priority) to 5 (highest priority), please rank how much you believe we should prioritize electing Democratic governors who will be President Biden's strongest allies in the states.

[  ] 1
[  ] 2
[  ] 3
[  ] 4
[✓] 5

Despite the fact that their agenda is WILDLY out of touch with the will of the American people, the GOP continues pushing policies that would hurt millions of Americans. Will you invest $100 today to give Democratic governors the tools they need to protect Americans in every state from Trump's dangerous 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 isn't possible for everyone. But with Republicans spending millions of dollars to enact their extremist agenda, every dollar helps.

Electing Democratic governors in every state is the most critical thing we can do to stop the far right. And right now, we're $25,000 short of what we need to raise before our next major deadline. Please, will you give $22 or whatever you can afford before midnight tonight?

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

With 11 governors' races on the ballot this November, including in key toss-up staten like New Hampshire and North Carolina, the blue firewall that we rely on to stop the GOP's extremist agenda is at risk. We're giving it our all to support them, but right now, we're falling dangerously short of our fundraising goals.

That's why a group of generous donors is matching all gifts up to our $25,000 goal before midnight tonight. Time is running out to have your gift DOUBLED up to our goal: Give now to elect Democratic governors and preserve our blue firewall!

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 $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 DGA (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, May 12th, 2024, in order to respond to the question, "Do you approve of President Biden’s response to Social Security & Medicare?" with a resounding 'YES!'

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

The seventh political communication to which I responded yesterday, May 12th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) that I received yesterday, with the subject line, "MT, MN, OH, WI, NV, HI, PA, MA:", which stated the following:

Your Gift Tripled!

We must protect these 8 Democrats:
Jon Tester - MT [Montana],
Amy Klobuchar - MN [Minnesota],
Sherrod Brown - OH [Ohio],
Jacky Rosen - NV [Nevada],
Elizabeth Warren - MA [Massachusetts],
Mazie Hirono - HI [Hawaii],
Bob Casey - PA [Pennsylvania],
Tammy Baldwin - WI [Wisconsin],
to stop Republicans' Senate takeover!

Donate by midnight to triple your impact: (We must fight for every seat!)

If you've saved payment info with ActBlue Express, your donation will be processed immediately.

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***

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 $4 →

[  ] Donate $110 →

[  ] Donate $220 →

[  ] Donate $550 →

[  ] Other amount

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, May 12th, 2024, in order to help "protect these 8 Democrats: Jon Tester - MT, Amy Klobuchar - MN, Sherrod Brown - OH, Jacky Rosen - NV, Elizabeth Warren - MA, Mazie Hirono - HI, Bob Casey - PA, [and] Tammy Baldwin - WI, to stop Republicans' Senate takeover!"

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

The eighth political communication to which I responded yesterday, May 12th, 2024, was an email from the Biden for President campaign that I received yesterday, with the subject line, "We are so grateful for your support.", which stated the following:

Biden-Harris 2024

Paul, I am reaching out to share a special message with you. It's been over a year since President Biden and I launched our reelection campaign.

We are so grateful for your support over the past year. But this fight is not over: Can you make another $25 donation and help power us through to November? It would mean a lot.

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

[  ] $25 >>
[  ] $50 >>
[  ] $75 >>
[  ] $100 >>
[  ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***

When Joe asked me to be his running mate, I knew that campaigning for -- and becoming -- Vice President would be one of the most important things I’d ever do.

Paul, I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge.

I was raised to take action. From the time I was in a stroller, my mom was out there marching and fighting for justice. Growing up, whenever I was worried about something, my mother would look me in the eye and ask, “So what are you going to do about it?”

That's why, when I saw a broken justice system, I became a district attorney to try and fix it. It's why, during the foreclosure crisis when the Big Banks were taking advantage of the American people, I took them on as Attorney General of California. It's why, as a United States Senator, I fought to keep judges off the bench who didn't support reproductive freedom. And it’s why I am ready to get out on the campaign trail to defeat Donald Trump again.

So, I’m coming to you directly: Your support over the past year has helped get us this far, but we need your help again. If you have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to make another donation, let me tell you there is no better day than today. Can I count on you to make another $25 donation to our reelection campaign?

Thank you for your support -- today and every day.

Kamala Harris
Vice 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

Donate to reelect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and save our democracy

Protecting our fundamental rights and saving our nation's democracy all comes down to reelecting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. They're counting on this grassroots team to keep MAGA extremism out of the White House! Rush a donation today.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Joe Biden.

[✓] Donate $4 →

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And so, I made a one-time donation to the Biden for President campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, May 12th, 2024, in order to "make another [$4] donation and help power [the Biden for President campaign] through to November," because "[Vice President Kamala Harris is] ready to get out on the campaign trail to defeat Donald Trump again."

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

The ninth political communication to which I responded yesterday, May 12th, 2024, was an email from VoteVets that I received yesterday, with the subject line, "Please rise.", which stated the following:

Paul,

What would you do if a candidate for president saluted those who attacked this country and tried to topple our democracy and freedom? ...

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

[START OF 'POST' ON "X," FORMERLY TWITTER]

VoteVets
@votevets

Trump's salute to the January 6th terrorists, enemies of our democracy, is a betrayal of EVERYTHING we stand for.

It's NO different from honoring other terrorists who've attacked our country.

This November, our duty is clear.

VOTE BLUE!

[start of imbedded video image]

Trump Saluting Jan 6th Terrorists

"CONFEDERATE STATES OF"

[end of imbedded video image]

10:43 AM May 8, 2024-119.2K Views

[END OF 'POST' ON "X," FORMERLY TWITTER]

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

... Well he did.

https://twitter.com/votevets/status/1788218287127704055

[Blogger's Note: I watched the video on 'X' (formerly Twitter) above that is titled, "CONFEDERATE STATES OF."]

🇺🇸 Wait ... Before you go! 🇺🇸

VoteVets is one of the largest spending and most effective outside organizations supporting Democrats in this election. We can reach Independent and moderate swing voters other organizations can't.

If re-electing Joe Biden and a Democratic House and Senate feels worth $20 to you, please make that donation to VoteVets to super-charge our efforts today.

If you've stored your info with ActBlue, we'll process your contribution instantly:

[ ] CONTRIBUTE $20
[✓] CONTRIBUTE OTHER***

VoteVets

Donate to support VoteVets!

VoteVets has a HUGE role to play in 2024. We give voice to Veterans in a way no other group can.

Please make a donation to VoteVets today to help us elevate the voices of Veterans and their families:

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit VoteVets.org.

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $5 →

[✓] 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, May 12th, 2024, because "Trump's salute to the January 6th terrorists, enemies of our democracy, is a betrayal of EVERYTHING we stand for," since "it's NO different from honoring other terrorists who've attacked our country." That is why I contributed in support of this really powerful video to VoteVets, which "is one of the largest spending and most effective outside organizations supporting Democrats in this election [that] can reach Independent and moderate swing voters other organizations can't."

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

Finally, these last four 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 tenth organization to which I donated was the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) based upon a description that appeared on the DPO.org website, which stated the following:

ABOUT US

The Democratic Party of Oregon

The Democratic Party of Oregon promotes the election of Democratic candidates at every level across the state of Oregon with technical and volunteer support. We provide opportunities for all Oregon Democrats to participate fully in our political process. The Democratic Party of Oregon supports local county Parties to make sure that every community can work to get Democratic Candidates elected.

SUPPORT OREGON DEMOCRATS!

Donate to support our work to elect Democrats across Oregon.

[  ] $5
[  ] $10
[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $100
[✓] OTHER

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

DEMOCRATIC PARTY of OREGON

Donate to support Oregon Democrats!

Please make a donation to the Democratic Party of Oregon — Your support is critical to our work to Keep Oregon Blue in 2024 and beyond.

[  ] $10
[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[✓] $5.00

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Street Address: [redacted]
Postal Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State/Province: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Cell Phone: [redacted]

Contribute $5

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Democratic Party of Oregon (this donation was made through FastAction, which does not offer a tip box) yesterday, May 12th, 2024, in order to "support [the Democratic Party of Oregon's] work to elect Democrats across Oregon."

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

The eleventh 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, May 12th, 2024, in order to help "elect Democratic pro-choice women to office."

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

The twelfth organization to which I donated was the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (Jane Fonda Climate Political Action Committee), based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

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 $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, May 12th, 2024, because "[the Jane Fonda Climate PAC relies] 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."

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

The thirteenth organization to which I donated was the Voters of Tomorrow PAC (Voters of Tomorrow Political Action Committee) based upon a donation request that appeared on the VotersOfTomorrow.org website, which stated the following:

HELP US BUILD A MOVEMENT

Make a contribution today to help Voters of Tomorrow build a new generation of democracy defenders.

[  ] $10
[  ] $25
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[✓] Other amount

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

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

Donate to help Voters of Tomorrow reach Gen Z voters

$160,922.06 Raised →→→→→ GOAL $500,000
MIDNIGHT DEADLINE! >> updated at 7:12 PM

In 2022, young voters proved yet again that we are a political force to be reckoned with. Voters of Tomorrow played a major role in harnessing that power. As The Financial Times said, the group "worked to boost turnout among 18-to 29-year-olds and may have saved the election."

But we have to keep this momentum going. Voters of Tomorrow is continuing to ramp up its outreach and voter education efforts. Unlike many other organizations, we are meeting Gen Z where they are by providing valuable content in the same platforms they already spend time in.

With your contribution, Voters of Tomorrow will be able to reach even more young voters and guide them away from dangerous misinformation pushed by people looking to disenfranchise them.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Voters of Tomorrow Action.

[  ] 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 Voters of Tomorrow PAC (Voters of Tomorrow Action) (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, May 12th, 2024, in order to "help Voters of Tomorrow build a new generation of democracy defenders."

Thus, these eight organizations—the DASS Legal Fund, the DAGA, the DLCC, the DCCC, the DNC, the DGA, the DSCC, as well as the DPO—in addition to this one campaign—Biden for President—plus, these four Political Action Committees (PACs)—VoteVets, EMILYs List, Jane Fonda Climate PAC, as well as Voters of Tomorrow PAC—are the political organizations, the political campaign, and the PACs that I donated to on May 12th, 2024! –Paul Whiting (written May 13th, 2024, revised May 14th, 2024, revised May 21st, 2024, revised June 11th, 2024, revised June 28th, 2024, revised July 11th, 2024 and revised August 27th, 2024)

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

May 14th, 2024 Update No. 1: 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, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

[Blogger's Note: The following local political donation is 'special' because the candidate below is running in my Oregon State House District, so that is why I decided to write about the fact that I donated to his campaign, however, I am redacting all of the relevant information about him in order to protect my privacy with regard to which part of the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area that I live in!]

The first political communication to which I responded was a text message today, May 14th, 2024, from the [candidate name redacted] for Oregon campaign, which stated the following:

Hey, Paul!! My name is [redacted] with [candidate name redacted] for Oregon. Improving capacity = reducing homelessness. [Candidate name redacted] is the only candidate with over a decade working in capacity management, bringing healthcare to thousands of Oregonians. It's time to use this at-the-root approach on homelessness, cleaning up our streets and getting more folks the care they need. Can we count on your support on May 21st?

My text reply to [candidate name redacted] for Oregon: Yes

[Candidate name redacted] for Oregon's text reply back: Thanks, Paul! Remember to return your ballot by May 21. Have a great day!!

And, after I read the text message above, I did a web search for his campaign on Google, where I read over his campaign website and, then, I decided to donate to his campaign on his C&E Systems donation webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

[CANDIDATE NAME REDACTED]
FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Make a Donation

Donation Amount

[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[  ] $1000
[  ] $2500
[  ] $5000
[✓] Other donation amount $30,000 or under: $5.00

Personal Information

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Email Address: [redacted]
Address: [redacted]
Address 2/Apt/Unit: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]

Make Your Donation

And so, I made a one-time donation to the [candidate name redacted] for Oregon campaign (this donation was made through C&E Systems, which does not offer a tip box) since "[candidate name redacted] is the only candidate with over a decade working in capacity management," because "it's time to use this at-the-root approach on homelessness, cleaning up our streets and getting more folks the care they need."

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

[Blogger's Note: The following local political donation is 'special' because the candidate below is running in my Portland City Council District, so that is why I decided to write about the fact that I donated to his campaign, however, I am redacting all of the relevant information about him in order to protect my privacy with regard to which part of the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area that I live in!]

The second political communication to which I responded was a text message today, May 14th, 2024, from the [candidate name redacted] for Portland City Council, which stated the following:

Hi neighbor, it's [candidate name redacted]. I'm running for Portland City Council because I know what it takes to address the unique challenges facing our community. I've been an attorney, union member, a small business owner, and I'm in long-term recovery from addiction. As a husband and father, I'm committed to strengthening our community for not only my family, but for all of Portland. Will you join me in bringing practical solutions as your next Portland City Councilor for District [number redacted] with a $15 donation today?

Friends of [Candidate Name Redacted]

Make a Donation

Donation Amount

[  ] $20
[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[  ] $300
[  ] $350
Other donation amount $350 or under: $5.00

Personal Information

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Email Address: [redacted]
Address: [redacted]
Address 2/Apt/Unit: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]

Make Your Donation

And so, I made a one-time donation to the [candidate name redacted] for Portland City Council (this donation was made through C&E Systems, which does not offer a tip box) because "[he knows] what it takes to address the unique challenges facing our community," since "[he's] been an attorney, union member, a small business owner, and [he's] in long-term recovery from addiction," so "as a husband and father, [he's] committed to strengthening our community for not only [his] family, but for all of Portland."

Thus, these two campaigns—[candidate name redacted] for Oregon, as well as [candidate name redacted] for Portland City Council—are the political campaigns that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written May 14th, 2024, revised June 11th, 2024 and revised July 11th, 2024)

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

May 15th, 2024 Update No. 1: 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, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The only political communication to which I responded was a text message today, May 15th, 2024, from the Rolling Sea Action Fund PAC (Rolling Sea Action Fund Political Action Committee), which stated the following:

This year marks the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday [Selma to Montgomery marches on March 7, 1965*]. So we’re racing to rename Edmund Pettus Bridge after Rep. [Representative] John Lewis. But we need 2OO,OOO signers in order to make this a reality. Can you help us by adding your name, Paul?***

Edmund Pettus was a racist who helped keep slavery alive during the Civil War. He even served as a grand dragon in the KKK [Ku Klux Klan]!

It’s way past time for America to forgo its racist past and honor REAL heroes like Congressman John Lewis.

And we can’t think of a more powerful gesture than renaming the Edmund Pettus Bridge after Rep. John Lewis, who dedicated his life to freedom and equality on this very bridge.

Paul, we MUST stop honoring the names of racists like Edmund Pettus. Sign on to rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge the "John Lewis Bridge" immediately →***

–Rolling Sea Action Fund

ROLLING SEA ACTION FUND

ADD YOUR NAME

Help us Rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge after Congressman John Lewis.

Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]

[PLEASE CONFIRM] Will you add your name to support renaming the Edmund Pettus Bridge after Congressman John Lewis? (Optional)

[✓] Yes, add my name!
[  ] No.

Did you know that John Lewis was a part of the Freedom Rides of 1961? (Optional)

[  ] Yes, knew that.
[✓] No. I had no idea.

Did you also know that John Lewis was one of the youngest speakers on the 1963 March of Washington? (Optional)

[  ] Yes!
[✓] No.

45 times. Did you know that was the number of times John Lewis was arrested for peacefully protesting for Civil Rights? (Optional)

[  ] Yes, that is appalling
[✓] No I did not know that.

One of John Lewis' most memorable quotes was:
"When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to say something, to do something."
Do you agree with John Lewis? (Optional)

[✓] Yes!
[  ] No.

John Lewis was a Civil Rights leader who believed in equality and protecting voting rights for ALL Americans.

How worried are you that the Senate blocked the John Lewis Voting Rights Act that would have protected the right to vote for ALL Americans? (Optional)

[✓] I'm very concerned.
[  ] I'm somewhat concerned.
[  ] I'm not that concerned.
[  ] I'm not concerned at all.

RIGHT NOW extremist Republicans are waging war on voting rights across the country. They want to get rid of vote-by-mail and automatic voter registration. They're particularly targeting Black communities and trying to disenfranchise millions of voters. It's SICKENING.

John Lewis legacy of defending and protecting voting rights is on the line. So, in response, Rolling Sea Action Fund is building political and grassroots power to turn out every Black voter around the country so we can defeat these Republicans.

We're investing resources into electing Black leaders who will stand up to the extremist far-right agenda against [their war on voting rights]. The majority of our work relies on small-dollar donors like you to fund the resources needed to boost Black Voter Turnout to defeat racist Republicans in 2024.

We need to raise $15,000 before the end of the month. We need 150 more donations to reach that goal, can you rush a donation right now? (Optional)

[✓] Yes, will rush $5!
[  ] Yes, will rush $25!
[  ] Yes, I will rush 50!
[  ] Yes, and I will chip in even more!

Submit

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

ROLLING SEA ACTION FUND

Support Black Democrats!

We don't have time to waste! MAGA Republicans are sowing chaos inside the House and attacking our freedoms. We're dedicated to electing Black leaders to Congress who will uplift OUR voices and protect OUR rights.

Donate to help us fight for Black communities by electing Black Democrats to Congress >

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Rolling Sea Action Fund.

[✓] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $15 →

[  ] Donate $35 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Other amount

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, after I sent the signed the petition above, I made a one-time donation to the Rolling Sea Action Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "sign on to rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge the 'John Lewis Bridge' immediately," because "Edmund Pettus was a racist who helped keep slavery alive during the Civil War," and "it’s way past time for America to forgo its racist past and honor REAL heroes like Congressman John Lewis."

Thus, this one Political Action Committee (PAC)—Rolling Sea Action Fund—is the PAC that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written May 15th, 2024, revised May 16th, 2024, revised June 11th, 2024, revised July 11th, 2024, revised August 25th, 2024, revised September 21st, 2024 and revised August 31st, 2025)

*"Selma to Montgomery marches" 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):

The Selma to Montgomery marches were three protest marches, held in 1965, along the 54-mile (87 km) highway from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital of Montgomery. The marches were organized by nonviolent activists to demonstrate the desire of African-American citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote, in defiance of segregationist repression; they were part of a broader voting rights movement underway in Selma and throughout the American South. By highlighting racial injustice, they contributed to passage that year of the Voting Rights Act, a landmark federal achievement of the civil rights movement.

Since the late 19th century, Southern state legislatures had passed and maintained a series of Jim Crow laws that had disenfranchised the millions of African Americans across the South and enforced racial segregation. The initial voter registration drive, started in 1963 by the African-American Dallas County Voters League (DCVL) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) failed as local White officials arrested the organizers and otherwise harassed Blacks wishing to register to vote. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally ended segregation but the situation in Selma changed little. The DCVL then invited Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the activists of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to amplify the efforts, and these figures drew more prominent people to Alabama. Local and regional protests began in January 1965, with 3,000 people arrested by the end of February. On February 26, activist and deacon Jimmie Lee Jackson died after being shot several days earlier by state trooper James Bonard Fowler during a peaceful march in nearby Marion. To defuse and refocus the Black community's outrage, James Bevel, who was directing SCLC's Selma voting rights movement, called for a march of dramatic length, from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery, calling for an unhindered exercise of the right to vote.

The first march took place on March 7, 1965, led by figures including Bevel and Amelia Boynton, but was ended by state troopers and county possemen, who charged on about 600 unarmed protesters with batons and tear gas after they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the direction of Montgomery. The event became known as Bloody Sunday. Law enforcement beat Boynton unconscious, and the media publicized worldwide a picture of her lying wounded on the bridge. The second march took place two days later but King cut it short as a federal court issued a temporary injunction against further marches. That night, an anti-civil rights group murdered civil rights activist James Reeb, a Unitarian Universalist minister from Boston. The third march, which started on March 21, was escorted by the Alabama National Guard under federal control, the FBI and federal marshals (segregationist Governor George Wallace refused to protect the protesters). Thousands of marchers averaged 10 mi (16 km) a day along U.S. Route 80 (US 80), reaching Montgomery on March 24. The following day, 25,000 people staged a demonstration on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol.

The violence of "Bloody Sunday" and Reeb's murder resulted in a national outcry, and the marches were widely discussed in national and international news media. The protesters campaigned for a new federal voting rights law to enable African Americans to register and vote without harassment. President Lyndon B. Johnson seized the opportunity and held a historic, nationally televised joint session of Congress on March 15, asking lawmakers to pass what is now known as the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He enacted it on August 6, removing obstacles for Blacks to register en masse. The march route is memorialized and designated as the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selma_to_Montgomery_marches

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May 15th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received a text message today, May 15th, 2024, from March For Our Lives (MFOL), which stated the following:

Hi Paul – it’s [name redacted], [title redacted] of March For Our Lives.

It’s been a while since you last heard from us over text, so I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce our team.

MFOL was started in 2018 by students who survived one of the deadliest school shootings in history. In the years since, we’ve delivered wins for communities in state legislatures, courts, and the halls of Congress. We’ve also turned out record numbers of youth voters in the last three election cycles!

𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗳𝘂𝗹.

We’re focused on winning battles for gun safety across the country, and that starts by mobilizing young people to show up + [plus] elect gun safety champions up and down the ballot in November.

None of our work is possible without the help of grassroots supporters like you, so please: Will you fuel the critical fights ahead by chipping in today?***

Thank you so much.

MARCH FOR OUR LIVES

Thank you for supporting the March For Our Lives Action Fund! Grassroots supporters like you are the backbone of our youth-led movement Because of your support, we have grown into one of the largest youth-led movements in the country, elected the first Gen-Z Congressmember, secured key legislative victories such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, delivered historic youth turnout at the polls, and so much more. This year, we're fighting even harder for gun safety legislation at every turn and demanding young people's voices are heard!

Chip in to fuel our fight and save lives today >>

Your contribution will benefit March For Our Lives Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Contributions or gifts to March for Our Lives Action Fund are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.

Amount

[  ] $3
[✓] $5
[  ] $10
[  ] $20
[  ] $50
[  ] $100
[  ] $0.00

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Billing Address: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
Postal Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State/Province: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone: [redacted]

Contribute

And so, I made a one-time donation to March For Our Lives in order to help them "elect gun safety champions up and down the ballot in November," since "[they've] delivered wins for communities in state legislatures, courts, and the halls of Congress [and] also turned out record numbers of youth voters in the last three election cycles!" –Paul Whiting (written May 15th, 2024 and revised June 25th, 2024)

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May 17th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On May 18th, 2024, Which Also Discusses May 15th, 2024: I received two emails from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) regarding their first ever annual ACLU Giving Day.

The first email that I received from the ACLU was three days ago on May 15th, 2024, with the subject line, "Early access for top supporters like you, Paul", which stated the following:

EARLY ACCESS:
ACLU GIVING DAY 2X MATCH
DEADLINE: MAY 20

3% →→→ $100,000

DONATE***

Paul –

We wanted to give you this news first – the ACLU is announcing our first ever ACLU Giving Day next week on Monday, May 20!

Every day, the ACLU shows up in states and courtrooms across the country, ready to defend our civil rights and liberties. Whether it's growing attacks on trans youth, extreme groups pushing for a national abortion ban, or the government violating our First Amendment right to free speech – the ACLU is always ready to take up these fights, and more.

But increasing attacks mean an increasing need for resources, which is why our first ever annual ACLU Giving Day next week is so critical.

We've set a goal to raise $100,000 – and thanks to the support of a generous donor, every gift you make ahead of our deadline will be matched 2X. That means that your support will go twice as far to ensure the ACLU has the resources to fight for civil rights every single day.

Will you make a matched donation right now to help us get a head start on our goal?

MATCH MY GIFT***

ACLU Giving Day is a day where we recognize our community, including our 1.1 million members who fund the work we do every day. It's that funding that guarantees the ACLU will never stop in our fight to defend civil rights and liberties wherever they are threatened.

That's why we're coming to you today – ahead of our first annual ACLU Giving Day – to offer you early access to our 2X match and an early opportunity to help fuel the fight ahead.

Will you please make a 2X-matched donation right now to help us meet our $100,000 goal and ensure the ACLU can keep protecting civil liberties wherever they're threatened?

Thank you for being with us in the fight for our fundamental freedoms,

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers [Title redacted], ACLU

DONATE NOW***

And the second email that I received from the ACLU was yesterday, May 17th, 2024, with the subject line, "Can we count on you, Paul?", which stated the following:

ACLU GIVING DAY 2X MATCH
DEADLINE: MAY 20

27% →→→→→$100,000

MATCH MY GIFT 2X***

Paul, we have an exciting announcement for you: In support of ACLU Giving Day, a generous donor is matching every gift up to our $100,000 goal!

Our nationwide network of attorneys is working right now to stop abortion bans, fight voter suppression ahead of the election, bolster trans justice, and so much more. But whether they can keep up the fight hinges on hitting our Giving Day goal.

Can we count on you to make a gift of $35 – every dollar will be DOUBLED – so we can reach our Giving Day goal? With fundamental rights under attack across the country, we can't afford to fall short.

MATCH MY GIFT***

With so much on the line in 2024, we can't afford to slow down now.

Not when our right to protest is being suppressed.

Not when state and national attacks on abortion rights are at an all-time high.

Not when lawmakers across the country are banning trans youth from accessing gender-affirming care.

And not when voter suppression is keeping people from the ballot box.

We're ready to take on all of these challenges and win – from the Supreme Court to statehouses and beyond. But without your support, we may not be able to keep doing what we do best. Our lawyers won't be able to show up in court. Our organizers won't be able to facilitate community resistance. And our plans to fight for civil liberties across the country may need to be scaled back.

So please don't wait to make this 2X impact when it's needed most: If you're ready to fuel the fight for 2024 and well beyond, will you rush a 2X-matched donation now to help us reach our crucial $100,000 goal by the Giving Day deadline?

Thank you for fighting alongside us,

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
[Title redacted], ACLU

DONATE NOW***

And so, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU yesterday, May 17th, 2024, in order to show my support for the "first ever ACLU Giving Day next week on Monday, May 20!" That is why I answered the question "...will you rush a 2X-matched donation now to help us reach our crucial $100,000 goal by the Giving Day deadline?" with a resounding 'Yes!' –Paul Whiting (May 18th, 2024)

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

For my "May 18th, 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:

May 18th, 2024 Update No. 1 [My Writing About Armed Forces Day (for 2024)]: Armed Forces Day is today, May 18th, 2024—since Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May each year—so, I did a Google search for "Armed Forces Day 2024 USO" and found the following USO (United Service Organizations) search result:

secure.uso.org
https://secure.uso.org › donate

Uso - Official USO Website

We're thanking our troops with shows that boost morale. Donate today to show your support. Our military heroes make incredible sacrifices. Support them with a donation today. 200+ Centers worldwide. 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. Give hope to the wounded. Boost troop morale.

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

★★★USO★★★

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR AMERICA’S TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Honor their sacrifice by making a donation today.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Amount

[  ] $35
[  ] $50
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[  ] $1,000
[✓] $ 25.00

Name

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Cell Phone (optional): [redacted]

DONATE $25

Your donations will support:

Transitioning Troops and Deployed Troops

During deployment, you can provide troops with a connection to their families, along with entertainment and relaxation. After service has ended, you can continue to support troops as they transition to civilian life.

Military Families

You can help keep families strong and connected both during and after deployment. The USO provides a wide range of programs that support the entire family every step of the way.

Wounded Warriors and Families of the Fallen

Some troops return home with physical or invisible wounds. You can provide therapeutic and reintegration services as they navigate the road to recovery. You can also provide support to families of troops who have paid the ultimate price while serving their country.

And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org in order to support the USO's following statement: "Our military heroes make incredible sacrifices. ... Give hope to the wounded. Boost troop morale."

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, "May 18th, 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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May 18th, 2024 Update No. 2 [My Writing About Celebrating Armed Forces Day As A New Tradition For Honoring The Service And Sacrifices Of U.S. Military Personnel (for 2024)]: I have started a new tradition as a way to pay tribute to U.S. Military Personnel in honor of Armed Forces Day!

Instead of having a celebration on Memorial Day—because that holiday is really designed for grieving, and/or mourning, and/or paying respect to those who have died while serving in the U.S. Military—I think that the celebration to honor the service and sacrifices of U.S. Military Personnel should really be on Armed Forces Day.

Thus, I plan to have a holiday dinner on Armed Forces Day, and I also plan to listen to patriotic music, as a way to celebrate the many freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America thanks to the service and sacrifices that are made, each and every day, by U.S. Military Personnel! –Paul Whiting (May 18th, 2024)

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May 19th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses May 10th, 2024, May 12th, 2024, May 16th, 2024 And May 18th, 2024, As Well As The Time Period Of May 1st, 2024 Through May 3rd, 2024:

This 'update' that I wrote on May 17th, 2024 and on May 19th, 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 May 1st, 2024 through May 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 for May 10th, 2024, May 12th, 2024, May 16th, 2024 and May 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
---------------------------------------------

May 12th, 2024 search:

01. AP News

FBI warns that foreign adversaries could use AI to spread disinformation about US elections

By Eric Tucker | Updated 2:32 PM PDT, May 9, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 10th, 2024 search:

02. NBC News

Biden says Trump won't accept 2024 election results

“The guy is not a democrat with a small ‘d,’” Biden said about his Republican rival.

By Megan Lebowitz | May 8, 2024

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

May 16th, 2024 search:

03. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

Biden and Trump agree to two debates, with the first in June (Biden and Trump agree to two televised debates, bucking commission)

By Francesca Chambers, Joey Garrison and David Jackson | May 15, 2024

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

May 16th, 2024 search:

04. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Biden, Trump agree to ABC News and CNN debates

Biden and Trump agreed to a prime-time debate at ABC News studios on Sept. 10.

By Libby Cathey, Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Lalee Ibssa and Soo Rin Kim | May 15, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 16th, 2024 search:

05. AP News

Biden and Trump, trading barbs, agree to 2 presidential debates, in June and September

By Josh Boak, Zeke Miller and Jill Colvin | Updated 6:03 PM PDT, May 15, 2024

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

May 18th, 2024 search:

06. Rolling Stone

Trump Attacks Joe Biden's Economic Policy... Over Snickers Bars

After the president cited Snickers as an example of “shrinkflation,” Trump rebuked the assertion in a Truth Social post

By Jeremy Childs | May 18, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 10th, 2024 search:

07. Newsweek

Marjorie Taylor Greene Has Lost Republicans

By Ewan Palmer | May 09, 2024

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

May 12th, 2024 search:

08. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

Will You Accept the Election Results? Republicans Dodge the Question.

Leading Republicans have refused to say flatly that they will accept the outcome of the presidential election if Donald Trump loses.

By Michael C. Bender and Nick Corasaniti | May 11, 2024

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

May 12th, 2024 search:

09. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

Which Republicans refuse to commit to accept 2024 election results?

By Margie Cullen | May 9, 2024

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

May 16th, 2024 search:

10. Politico

Warning signs for Trump: 5 takeaways from Tuesday's primaries

Nikki Haley’s zombie presidential candidacy is still drawing a sizable slice of the Republican vote in the suburbs.

By Steven Shepard and Madison Fernandez | 05/15/2024

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

May 18th, 2024 search:

11. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Noncitizen voting, already illegal in federal elections, becomes a centerpiece of 2024 GOP messaging

In recent months, the specter of people who aren't American citizens and are voting in the United States has become a rallying cry for Republicans

By Ali Swenson | May 18, 2024

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

May 18th, 2024 search:

12. MSNBC News

State Republicans can thank Trump's RNC for their financial woes

A growing number of state Republican operations are either broke or perilously close to it.

By Max Burns | May 16, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 16th, 2024 search:

13. NBC News

Biden and Trump agree to debates in late June and September

The first debate will be hosted by CNN in Atlanta at 9 p.m. ET June 27, and it won't be in front of a live audience.

By Rebecca Shabad, Monica Alba, Allan Smith and Dasha Burns | May 15, 2024

---------------------------------------------
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.

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

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 May 1st, 2024 through May 3rd, 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 May 1st, 2024 through May 3rd, 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 May 17th, 2024, from emails that I received sixteen days prior on May 1st, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 1st, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Trump’s Time Interview

In an interview with Time magazine, Trump said that as president he would use the military to deport migrants and let states decide whether to monitor women’s pregnancies.

President Biden called Trump’s comments “reprehensible.” ...

Trump Again Vows Mass Deportations and Won’t Rule Out Political Violence

In an interview with Time magazine, the former president said he planned to use the military to deport migrants and would not dismiss the possibility of political violence after this year’s election.

By Michael Gold | April 30, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 1st, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Arizona voted to repeal its abortion ban

Arizona lawmakers today repealed an abortion ban that first became law in 1864, when Abraham Lincoln was president and a half-century before women won the right to vote.

The repeal narrowly passed the Republican-controlled State Senate with the support of all 14 Democratic senators and two Republicans. Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, is widely expected to sign it, after which abortion policy in the state would revert to a 2022 law that restricted the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The 1864 law, which had remained on the books without enforcement for decades, burst into the middle of a heated national political debate three weeks ago when Arizona’s Supreme Court ruled that it should be reinstated because Roe v. Wade had been overturned.

Democrats sought to use the ban to energize voters in Arizona, a battleground state. On the right, the issue created a rift between anti-abortion activists who wanted to keep the law in place and Republicans who worried about the potential backlash of a near-total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

In Florida, a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy went into effect today, meaning most abortions are now outlawed across the entire Southeast. ...

Arizona Lawmakers Repeal 1864 Abortion Ban, Creating Rift on the Right

Two Republican state senators broke with their party to ensure final passage of the repeal. Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, is expected to sign it on Thursday.

By Jack Healy and Elizabeth Dias | May 1, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 1st, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

How six-week abortion bans went from fringe to reality

Just over a decade ago, six-week abortion bans were seen as too radical even by many members of the anti-abortion movement, who worried they carried too much political and legal risk.

On Wednesday, Florida became the latest state to put one into effect.

The law, which was signed last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, cuts off access to the procedure before many women even know they are pregnant, leaving millions of women in the South hundreds of miles from a clinic offering abortion.

The ban represents another victory for the true believers of the anti-abortion movement that seek sharp curbs on the procedure. But when such a ban was first introduced, mainstream abortion opponents who preferred gradually chipping away at abortion rights felt such restrictions could backfire and undermine their broader goals.

My colleague Elizabeth Dias covers religion and is the author, with Lisa Lerer, of a forthcoming book about the fall of Roe v. Wade. I asked her how the six-week ban moved from the fringe to the mainstream — and why those early warnings from anti-abortion allies might be coming true now. Our conversation was edited for length and clarity.

When did the concept of six-week abortion bans first emerge?

The Florida law didn’t just come out of nowhere — it’s related to a push that began more than a decade ago, in Ohio. There, in 2011, an evangelical activist, Janet Porter, began to advocate for a bill that would ban abortion when a fetal “heartbeat” is detectable, about six or eight weeks into a pregnancy.

That was during former President Barack Obama’s first term, a time when the Tea Party was rising and the anti-abortion movement was fairly weak relative to its power today. The fall of Roe was a long way away. How did leaders of the anti-abortion movement react to Porter’s proposal?

The big players in the anti-abortion movement were focused on incremental change, on moving the needle slowly. Porter and her wing of the anti-abortion movement were considered really fringe. Groups like Ohio Right to Life and the state’s Catholic conference refused to support the ban, which they thought could be dangerous, and unproductive, for their movement because it seemed too extreme. The bill didn’t pass that year — it didn’t pass, in fact, until 2019.

The concept of the “heartbeat bill” banning abortion as early as six weeks traveled far beyond Ohio. Why did the movement come to embrace it?

Many opponents of abortion have a deep and often spiritual conviction that, at the moment of conception, a fully human person worthy of rights is created, and they have worked hard to rally the public to think of a fertilized cell in this way. So the way that this wing of the movement started to talk about it was, well, what’s more human than the heart?

It’s important to note, though, that this was a powerful messaging tactic and that embryos don’t have fully developed hearts that early in a pregnancy. Most experts actually describe what is detected at this point as an electric pulse from a primitive tube of cardiac cells.

When did these bans start picking up speed, and actually passing?

The election of Donald Trump in 2016 was a pivot point for the whole movement. Legislators in Ohio soon advanced their six-week bill, although it was vetoed. The window of what was possible suddenly expanded for them, although with Roe still in place, the mainstream anti-abortion movement didn’t see six-week bans as an effective way to undercut the country’s abortion protections.

But once the balance of power on the Supreme Court shifted with the appointment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, things changed. When state legislatures met in 2019, they began to pass a wave of abortion restrictions. Five states, including Ohio, passed so-called heartbeat bills that banned abortion as early as six weeks. Missouri passed a bill banning abortion around 8 weeks, and Alabama also passed a ban on abortion. Those bans could not immediately take effect because of Roe, but it was all part of laying the groundwork for what they hoped would be its eventual fall.

When doctors measure the length of a pregnancy, they start from the date of a woman’s last period, which is about two weeks before conception is possible. So a six-week ban is an even smaller window than some people realize.

Yes. The point of all of these laws is to stop as many abortions as possible — the movement talks about making abortion “unthinkable.” And some of the people who initially worried about a six-week ban ended up supporting them. But it became so broadly unpopular after Roe was overturned, others pushed 15-week bans instead, though that’s not their ultimate goal, either. This is a movement that thinks and plans in generations.

For much of the history of the six-week ban, lawmakers voted for such measures knowing they couldn’t be put in place. How has support for these bans changed since the fall of Roe?

Thirteen years ago, in Ohio, some abortion opponents warned that a six-week ban could hurt their movement. The reaction to the Florida law shows us that they may have been right all along.

The Florida law is completely controversial. Yes, they’re achieving their goal of limiting abortion access, in practical terms, but they’re taking on a huge risk, too, since this fall voters will have a chance to enshrine the protection of abortion rights into their state constitution through a ballot measure.

So the anti-abortion movement is experiencing real whiplash. They’re achieving policy goals they’ve been pursing for years, and they stand to lose them for having overreached — which was a fear many of them had at the very beginning with Janet Porter’s law. ...

How Six-Week Abortion Bans Went From Fringe to Reality

Even opponents of abortion saw such curbs as too controversial just over a decade ago. Times have changed.

By Jess Bidgood | May 1, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 1st, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to The New York Times articles below:

The backlash in Florida

For a long time, a six-week abortion ban was not considered as seriously in Florida as it was in other states. That changed last year, when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it as he stacked up conservative policy victories ahead of his presidential run. I asked The New York Times’s Miami bureau chief, Patricia Mazzei, to tell us how his decision to sign the ban may have actually intensified the campaign for expanded abortion rights in Florida.

In 2022, DeSantis signed a 15-week abortion ban at a big church near Orlando. But when he signed the six-week ban, he did it behind closed doors. That signaled, I think, that he knew it was going pretty far for a state where public opinion polls still suggested most Floridians wanted legal abortion far beyond six weeks.

Critics of the ban channeled their efforts into gathering petition signatures to put an amendment on the ballot that would directly ask Floridians if they wanted to expand abortion access, and bring it back up to about 24 weeks. They had begun that effort after the 15-week ban was enacted, but it really ramped up after the six-week ban was signed. They were successful, and that question will appear on the ballot in November.

So the people who feel that the ban is wrong, they feel like there is a way out, that there is light at the end of the tunnel if they can get this passed. They have a way to channel their anger, or their opposition — although the ballot measure will require more than 60 percent support to pass, and that’s a high threshold.

The anti-abortion movement’s victory was really attenuated by this ballot measure, and they are now gearing up for a tough campaign. — Patricia Mazzei

Read more of Patricia’s coverage of Florida’s abortion ban: ...

Florida’s Six-Week Abortion Ban Is Now Law, With Political Implications

The ban, which took effect on Wednesday, was part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s push into cultural conservatism. But Florida politics is rarely that simple.

By Patricia Mazzei | May 1, 2024

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Inside an Abortion Clinic Days Before Florida’s Six-Week Ban Takes Effect

On one of the last days it would be legal to get an abortion until 15 weeks of pregnancy in Florida, a clinic in Fort Pierce was completely booked.

By Patricia Mazzei | April 30, 2024

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Florida Abortion Ban to Take Effect, Cutting Off Major Access Point

The state has dozens of clinics that serve tens of thousands of women a year, including from across the Southeast. The six-week ban will require most to travel much farther.

By Patricia Mazzei | April 29, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 1st, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

… and more abortion news

Vice President Kamala Harris seized on Florida’s ban at a campaign event in Jacksonville, Fla., on Wednesday, warning that a second Trump term would bring “more bans, more suffering, less freedom.” ...

In Florida, Harris Looks to Make Trump the Face of the State’s Abortion Ban

The vice president sought to tie former President Donald J. Trump to the state’s six-week abortion ban, which took effect on Wednesday.

By Nicholas Nehamas | May 1, 2024

The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, May 19th, 2024, from emails that I received sixteen days ago on May 3rd, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 3rd, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

The job market shifted into lower gear

After a winter of rapid growth in the American labor market, April’s jobs numbers delivered a more mixed picture. Employers added 175,000 positions, less than economists had expected and well below the average over the last year; and the unemployment rate climbed to 3.9 percent.

“We’ve gotten so used to jobs reports that smash expectations that it was a bit shocking this morning to see one that fell short,” our economics reporter Ben Casselman told me. “But really, the slowdown shouldn’t be a big surprise, and isn’t particularly worrisome.”

Layoffs remained low and most job sectors appeared stable. Wage growth eased notably, though the unemployment rate remained under 4 percent for the 27th consecutive month — the longest stretch in more than 50 years. In fact, some economists said that the April data offered hopeful hints that the economy was headed toward a more stable footing.

“Today’s report was exactly what policymakers at the Federal Reserve have been hoping for: an economy that is gradually cooling but not plunging into recession,” Ben said.

So far, though, cooling is probably not enough to persuade the Fed to cut rates just yet. Jerome Powell, the Fed chair, said this week that policymakers would not react to small moves. ...

U.S. Job Market Eases, but Hiring Remains Firm

Employers added 175,000 jobs in April, a milder pace than in the winter months, though layoffs have remained low and most sectors appear stable.

By Lydia DePillis | May 3, 2024

And the articles below are from the above-mentioned May 3rd, 2024 'On Politics' email:

A New Issue Flares in the 2024 Race: Campus Protests

With tensions escalating and Republicans pouncing, President Biden finally weighed in and sought to increase the distance between himself and some of the more radical activism on colleges.

By Lisa Lerer | May 3, 2024

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Latino Advocacy Groups Call Trump’s Deportation Plans a Danger to Democracy

The political arms of five organizations are coordinating their efforts to mobilize Hispanic Democrats, saying that defeating the former president is their top goal.

By Jazmine Ulloa | May 3, 2024

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These are the USA Today articles which I received for the time period of May 1st, 2024 through May 2nd, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

The following are the USA Today articles that I read on May 17th, 2024, from emails that I received sixteen days prior on May 1st, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 1st, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

US Christians say they can't be bystanders amid Israel-Hamas conflict

While some U.S. Christians strongly support one side or the other, many who feel caught in the middle embrace their faith calling as peacemakers.

READ MORE ...

From the sidelines, some Christians in US strive to be peacemakers as Israel-Hamas war continues

By Marc Ramirez | April 30, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 1st, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Man or bear online conversation has women explaining safety concerns

Women explain why they would feel safer encountering a bear in the forest than a man they didn't know. The hypothetical has sparked a broader discussion about why women fear men.

READ MORE ...

Man or bear? Hypothetical question sparks conversation about women's safety

Women explain why they would feel safer encountering a bear in the forest than a man they didn't know. The hypothetical has sparked a broader discussion about why women fear men.

Amaris Encinas | April 30, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 1st, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Marjorie Taylor Greene's war on Mike Johnson is too nuts even for MAGA

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's crusade to oust GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson has somehow brought Democrats and Republicans together.

READ MORE ...

Marjorie Taylor Greene breaks MAGA stupidity barrier as Democrats vow to save Mike Johnson

Marjorie Taylor Greene's unique brand of uselessness has somehow forged bipartisanship in a legislative body that's effectively made of oil and water.

Rex Huppke | May 1, 2024

The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, May 19th, 2024, from emails that I received seventeen days ago on May 2nd, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 2nd, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Arizona Senate votes to repeal near-total 1864 abortion ban

Arizona lawmakers took a significant step Wednesday toward blocking a Civil War-era abortion ban after state senators repealed the measure the Arizona Supreme Court said last month could stand. The vote fell largely on party lines, with two Republican state senators breaking from the chamber's GOP majority to back repealing the ban. Along with banning abortions in all situations except life-threatening medical emergencies, the law imposes prison terms for doctors and others who aid in an abortion. The repeal will head to Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, for her signature. Read more ...

Arizona Senate votes to repeal 1864 abortion ban, sends measure to governor

By Savannah Kuchar and Ray Stern | May 1, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 2nd, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Debunking misinformation surrounding anti-war college protests

Debunking misinformation surrounding the anti-war protests taking place at colleges across the country. ...

University protests have generated misinformation online. Here's what's true and false.

By Hannah Hudnall | May 2, 2024

The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, May 19th, 2024, from an email that I received sixteen days ago on May 3rd, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 3rd, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Biden breaks silence on campus unrest

President Joe Biden sought to strike a balance on Thursday when speaking about current protests on college campuses that in some cases have bred destruction and violence. The president called for peaceful protest "in the best tradition of how Americans respond to consequential issues" but made clear "violent protest is not protected." Biden's response to the unrest has been complicated by his reelection campaign as he looks to unify the Democratic coalition, of which young progressive voters decry his steadfast support of Israel. Read more ...

President Biden breaks silence on campus unrest: 'Violent protest is not protected'

By Joey Garrison and Francesca Chambers | May 2, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 3rd, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Arizona's governor signs abortion ban repeal. Now what?

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on Thursday signed into law a repeal of the state's 160-year-old abortion ban, rescinding one of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws after weeks of hard-fought political negotiation at the state capitol. But neither the governor's signature, nor the Arizona Legislature's momentous decision Wednesday to repeal the ban, will bring stability right away to a policy area that has been in flux — and a subject of intense political debate — for nearly two years. Nor does the ban immediately go away. ...

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signs abortion ban repeal, but 1864 law will linger for months. What's next?

By Stacey Barchenger and Ray Stern | May 2, 2024

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These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for the time period of May 1st, 2024 through May 3rd, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)

The following are the Time Magazine articles that I read on May 17th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received sixteen days prior on May 1st, 2024:

What Trump’s Abortion Comments to TIME Reveal About His Plans For a Second Term

By Philip Elliott | April 30, 2024

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What Does It Mean to Have a Child? We Should Be Taking That Question Seriously.

By Mara Van Der Lugt | April 30, 2024

The following are the Time Magazine articles that I read today, May 19th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received sixteen days ago on May 3rd, 2024:

Swing States Overwhelmingly Back Abortion Rights, New Poll Finds

By Philip Elliott | May 2, 2024

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

Protesters Are Calling on Universities to Divest from Israel. Here’s What That Means

By Solcyré Burga and Nik Popli | MAY 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 on May 17th, 2024 and on May 19th, 2024, then revised May 23rd, 2024)

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May 19th, 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, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

[Blogger's Note: Please see my 'May 19th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses May 10th, 2024, May 12th, 2024, May 16th, 2024 And May 18th, 2024, As Well As The Time Period Of May 1st, 2024 Through May 3rd, 2024' that can be found above, which includes the article below that was the inspiration for the following donation.]

The only political communication to which I responded was an article that I read from The New York Times today, May 19th, 2024, from an email that I received sixteen days ago on May 3rd, 2024, with the title, "Latino Advocacy Groups Call Trump’s Deportation Plans a Danger to Democracy." (By the way, I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.) An introduction to the article can be found below:

"Latino Advocacy Groups Call Trump’s Deportation Plans a Danger to Democracy" from The New York Times

The political arms of five organizations are coordinating their efforts to mobilize Hispanic Democrats, saying that defeating the former president is their top goal.

By Jazmine Ulloa | May 3, 2024

Leaders of five Latino and immigrant rights’ organizations on Friday denounced former President Donald J. Trump’s immigration proposals, saying his plans would amount to constitutional overreach, lead to mass racial profiling against Latinos and pose a threat to democracy.

Mr. Trump in a Time magazine interview this week described the arrival of migrants at the nation’s southern border as an “invasion” and laid out plans for a massive deportation operation if he is re-elected this fall.

“There’s no right way to be American, there’s no right way to look American,” said María Teresa Kumar, president of Voto Latino, adding that Mr. Trump and his backers sent Hispanic voters the wrong message.

The event was part of an effort by the groups’ political arms to better coordinate their work to shore up Latino support for President Biden and other Democrats ahead of the November election.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., leaders with Voto Latino, UnidosUS Action Fund, Mi Familia Vota, America’s Voice, and Latino Victory Project announced a combined investment of $50 million — the most the groups have spent jointly to sway a voting bloc that is likely to be crucial in swing-state races and congressional elections. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/03/us/politics/latino-groups-oppose-trump.html

And, after I read the article above, I did a Google search for Voto Latino and found their main website VotoLatino.org, where I noticed a popup that appeared, which stated the following:

Less than 200 days until the Election!

Help us register young Latino voters ahead of critical deadlines in battleground states like Georgia, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. The most effective impact you can make is a recurring gift to our voter registration efforts.

INVEST IN OUR VOTER REGISTRATION WORK

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:

VOTO LATINO
It's your country. Represent!

DONATE TO HELP US REGISTER 500,000 NEW VOTERS BEFORE NOVEMBER 5TH, 2024

We need your support to keep up the pace and register at least 500,000 more Latino voters before registration deadlines hit and time runs out to request absentee ballots.

Will you pitch in, if you can, to help us register the voters we need to make sure OUR VOICES are heard on Election Day?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Voto Latino.

[  ] DONATE $10 →

[  ] DONATE $25 →

[  ] DONATE $50 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $250 →

[✓] 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 Voto Latino (with a tip to ActBlue) because the "leaders of five Latino and immigrant rights’ organizations on Friday [May 3rd, 2024] denounced former President Donald J. Trump’s immigration proposals, saying his plans would amount to constitutional overreach, lead to mass racial profiling against Latinos and pose a threat to democracy." That is why I contributed to Voto Latino, since "their focus [that is, Voto Latino, UnidosUS Action Fund, Mi Familia Vota, America’s Voice, and Latino Victory Project], they said, was to avoid another Trump presidency." You see, as an 'Online Activist,' I had already heard about Voto Latino before, because they are "a civic engagement organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy."

Thus, this one organization—Voto Latino—is the political organization that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written May 19th, 2024, revised June 11th, 2024 and revised July 11th, 2024)

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May 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses May 18th, 2024 (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 a mailer from Street Roots three days ago on May 18th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the flyer that read, "25 YEARS of STREET ROOTS: Ambassadors of your local news since 1999. Rooted in dignity. Blossoming through relation.", 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.]

STREET ROOTS
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Street Roots has perservered for 25 years

as a dignified income opportunity,

trusted source of local investigative news,

force for advocacy,

bridge to resources,

and beacon of connection and belonging.

Your support today sets Street Roots up for another 25 years.

This year, we return to our roots on Burnside. Your donation will help us blossom in our new home.

Together, we bloom.

SCAN HERE TO DONATE:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/strroo

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

Street Roots

Together, we bloom.

ONE TIME DONATIONS

[  ] $1000: Covers a weekly SR newspaper printing and creates income for 250 vendors

[  ] $500: Coordinates two weeks of outreach to unhoused folks through our Ambassador program

[  ] $250: Supports educational stipends for our new rooftop classroom, the School in the Sky

[  ] $100: Provides much-needed socks, hats, ponchos and hand-warmers to our vendors

[  ] $50: Supplies detergent for laundry in our new Wellness Center

[  ] $25: Launches 10 new vendors with 10 free papers each

[✓] $5.00*: A gift at any level makes a difference

Street Roots creates income opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and poverty by producing a newspaper and other media that are catalysts for individual and social change.

www.streetroots.org

*[Blogger's Note: I accidentally donated $5.00 to Street Roots for this mailer, rather than donating a minimum of $7.00 like I usually do for regular mail requests! You see, I used to donate a minimum of $10.00 for mailers, but I reduced that amount in August of 2023 to $7.00 per mailer (please see my post script which begins by saying, "P.S.: Just so you know 'I have changed the way that I make donations to political, progressive and charitable organizations each month ...'" that can be found below). Thus, I mistakenly donated the minimum of $5.00 that I usually donate for email/text message requests.]

And so, I made a one-time donation to Street Roots today, May 21st, 2024, because "Street Roots creates income opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and poverty by producing a newspaper and other media that are catalysts for individual and social change." –Paul Whiting (written May 21st, 2024 and revised May 23rd, 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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May 21st, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses May 20th, 2024: I received an email from VoteVets yesterday, May 20th, 2024, with the subject line, "Scott Perry TRASHES Military Families", which stated the following:

Paul,

Representative Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, went on a tirade against Military families last week.

Bad enough this former General in the National Guard is one of Trump’s most loyal foot soldiers.

Bad enough that he worked tirelessly to spread the Big Lie and subvert the will of the voters and help Trump illegally hold on to power.

Bad enough that he’s being investigated by the FBI for those efforts.

But this former General railed against a bill aimed at helping Military spouses hang on to their jobs if the Military requires them to move to a new duty station.

See for yourself:

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

[START OF 'POST' ON "X," FORMERLY TWITTER]

VoteVets
@votevets

🚨@RepScottPerry's remarks are an outright insult to Military Families. Being against the support they need for family stability is disgraceful and jeopardizes military retention and readiness. Our Servicemembers and their families deserve FAR better!

[start of imbedded video image]

"WE CANNOT FASHION OUR DECISIONS..."

RETIRED GENERAL AND GOP CONGRESSMAN TRASHES MILITARY FAMILIES.

NO SURPRISE!

[end of imbedded video image]

[END OF 'POST' ON "X," FORMERLY TWITTER]

https://x.com/votevets/status/1792179890034192770

[Blogger's Note: I watched the video on 'X' (formerly Twitter) above that is titled, "WE CANNOT FASHION OUR DECISIONS..."]

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

This is disgusting and he should know better. No one signs up for their spouse to be unemployed, because of their service. If we can help out Military families, we should, PERIOD. If you can’t support Military families, you should not be in public office.

Maybe Perry and his GOP allies don’t care about Military families, but if you do, please:

Add your name here and show the millions of spouses, daughters, and sons of our Active Duty that we have their back.

ADD YOUR NAME***

Thank you,

The team at VoteVets

VoteVets

ADD YOUR NAME: SUPPORT MILITARY FAMILIES

Add your name to stand in solidarity with VoteVets and Military families across the country in response to recent attacks from the House GOP.

We hope you will join us.

FIRST NAME: Paul
LAST NAME: Whiting
EMAIL ADDRESS: [redacted]
MOBILE PHONE: [redacted]

What is your Military connection?

[  ] Veteran
[✓] Family of Veteran
[  ] Other

VoteVets depends on support from thousands of grassroots supporters like you to power our work. Can we count on you to make a contribution to help us advocate for Veterans and their families nationwide?

[  ] Yes, I will contribute $5
[  ] Yes, I will contribute $25
[  ] Yes, I will contribute more!

And so, I added my name today, May 21st, 2024, in order to "stand in solidarity with VoteVets and Military families across the country in response to recent attacks from the House GOP." –Paul Whiting (written May 21st, 2024 and revised May 23rd, 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 VoteVets on May 12th, 2024 (please see my 'May 12th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written On May 13th, 2024, Which Also Discusses April 19th, 2024, May 1st, 2024, May 2nd, 2024, May 6th, 2024, As Well As May 11th, 2024' that can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to VoteVets for May 2024.

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May 21st, 2024 Update No. 3 (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 a text message today, May 21st, 2024, from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, which stated the following:

Paul, it's [name redacted], [title redacted] & [title redacted] of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Every 2 minutes, a child is moved from an unstable home into the Foster Care System. This can lead them to believe they're unlovable, even worthless. But they are LOVED - not forgotten! Your gift today, in honor of National Foster Care Month, will provide books, toys, & other gifts, giving them comfort and hope for a brighter future! Hope springs from every gesture of compassion. Please click to give now & show these children YOU care.***

MARINE CORPS RESERVE
TOYS FOR TOTS

Bring Hope and Joy to Children in Foster Care

Marine Toys for Tots

Your gift in honor of National Foster Care Month will help provide toys, books, games, and emotional comfort for children in the Foster Care System. A simple gesture like this will do so much to remind them they are not forgotten. They have value. They are loved!

Thank you for giving generously to restore children's hope for tomorrow!

Donation Information

[  ] $50
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $150
[✓] $5.00

Contact Information

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

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in order to "help provide toys, books, games, and emotional comfort for children in the Foster Care System ... in honor of National Foster Care Month." –Paul Whiting (written May 21st, 2024 and revised June 9th, 2024)

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May 21st, 2024 Update No. 4: I voted today, May 21st, 2024, in Oregon's Primary Election! –Paul Whiting (May 21st, 2024)

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May 23rd, 2024 Update No. 1: I received a text message today, May 23rd, 2024, from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), which stated the following:

Hi, Paul, [name redacted], IAVA [title redacted] here.

Thank you for taking the pledge to #GoSilent on May 27th at 3:00 PM local time. IAVA has executed a lot of successful campaigns on behalf of our community, but none is more important than our #GoSilent campaign.

When we collectively pledge to #GoSilent, we remind America what Memorial Day is really about: recognizing the sacrifice of those who gave all in service to our nation.

With only 3 days to go until Memorial Day, I’m personally asking if you can challenge your network to join you and the rest of our IAVA community to #GoSilent, so together, we can ensure the sacrifice of the fallen is remembered and not forgotten: ***

[Blogger's Note: Please see my 'May 1st, 2024 Update No. 2' for my pledge to #GoSilent with IAVA on Memorial Day 2024, which can be found above.]

#GOSILENT SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT

After you take the #GoSilent pledge at IAVA.org/go-silent, the following tools will help guide your social media participation with IAVA’s #GoSilent campaign. Personalize and share your own stories, photos and experiences as much as possible with the hashtag #GoSilent. Make sure to tag IAVA and we will retweet/share your post!

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

SHARE THE MESSAGE: X

Use the “Share” links below or copy/paste the tweet we’ve prepared to create your X post.

So, I selected the "Share on X" option [by the way, I only have a X.com account (formerly Twitter.com) so I can read posts 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:

Take the pledge to #GoSilent on Monday, May 27th at 3PM local time in honor of the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation. Join the @IAVA #MemorialDay campaign at iava.org/go-silent!

https://iava.org/go-silent

Thus, I wanted to share this text message from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) with you, my readers, so that you too can "take the pledge to #GoSilent on Monday, May 27th [2024] at 3PM local time in honor of the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation." –Paul Whiting (May 23rd, 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.]

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

May 24th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received a text message today, May 24th, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence, which stated the following:

Paul, it's Coach [name redacted]. I'm an NBA coach, a father, and a gun violence survivor. I'm reaching out on behalf of Brady because we all need to be in the fight to free America from gun violence and stop the next tragedy.

Two years ago today, 19 children and two teachers were killed by a gunman with an AR-15 at their elementary school in Uvalde, TX [Texas].

After that heinous tragedy, I used my platform to ask the nation: 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘥𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨? Yet school shootings continue and weapons of war remain on our streets.

That's why, to honor the victims of Uvalde with action and make sure no other families in America need to live in fear, I'm personally asking: 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘆'𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲-𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺? 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 $𝟭𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗗𝗢𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁:***

Coach [name redacted]

MARCH
FOR OUR
LIVES

Content warning: This email reflects on the events at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022. If this is too much to read, we understand. Take care of yourself and skip the rest of this email. Here are some mental health resources that you may find helpful.

Paul,

Today marks two years since the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two of their teachers were brutally taken in a preventable tragedy. Seventeen children and teachers were also grievously injured, and an entire community was changed forever.

As we remember this horrific event, March For Our Lives stands in solidarity with the families and community of Uvalde, honoring the victims and survivors, and standing with them in the journey for action and accountability.

In the days following the shooting, while NRA-backed politicians like Trump said, “Get over it,” March For Our Lives organized our second historic March in Washington, D.C.

Following our efforts, the demands of the millions of Americans who grieved alongside Uvalde were met with victory in the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first piece of federal gun safety legislation in three decades.

This is a step in the right direction, Paul, but it is not nearly enough.

We will continue to honor those we lost and fight like hell for those who are still with us until no other community has to experience this unimaginable pain, and until children can grow up without the fear of going to school.

In solidarity,

March For Our Lives

Today and every day we honor the lives lost in Uvalde on May 24, 2022.

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 9

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 9

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 11

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 11

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 10

[name redacted], 48

[name redacted], 44

DONATE NOW***

...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, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The only political communication to which I responded was an email from Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC [Ban Assault Weapons NOW (BAWN) Political Action Committee, or BAWN PAC] today, May 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "humbly asking, Paul", which stated, in part, the following:

As a Gen Z activist and organizer with March for Our Lives, I’ve been working around the clock to make sure my generation is the last to grow up doing active shooter drills. Now, I'm proud to join [name redacted] and the Tour to Save Democracy to continue our fight. Will you join me and [name redacted] in the fight against gun violence by pitching into the tour today? >>***

Paul, I was just seven years old when I experienced my first mass shooting drill.

I remember hearing “BANG BANG BANG” as a school officer pounded on my classroom door, trying to get inside.

My legs shook and my heart beat so loudly that I could feel the vibrations throughout my body.

I knew it was fake, but the trauma of that shooting drill was real.

My generation – Generation Z – has grown up under the constant threat of gun violence, learning our multiplication tables alongside how to barricade our classroom doors.

That reality was made all too real after a vicious gunman with an assault weapon stole the lives of 7 and injured 48 more in my community of Highland Park, Illinois.

Since then, there have been HUNDREDS of mass shootings across the nation – including violent shootings in Pennsylvania, Georgia, AND Illinois just this week.

But Republicans still refuse to take action.

So believe me when I say, Paul: Young people are sick and tired of thoughts and prayers.

That’s why I’m proud to work alongside [name redacted] to mobilize Gen Z voters to defeat vulnerable Republicans through our groundbreaking Tour to Save Democracy. Our generation will be the ones to end these ruthless tragedies, ban assault weapons, and ensure that no one else has to grow up under the constant threat of gun violence. But we need your support, Paul. If we can bring...more gifts in the door before midnight, we can ensure that the Tour to Save Democracy has the resources needed to travel to critical swing districts across the country, defeat every Republican standing in the way of passing sensible legislation, and elect Democratic champions of gun violence prevention across the country. So I’m humbly asking: Can you chip in $15 right away? All contributions will help cover tour costs like gas, permits, and food. >>***

Founding Donor
For: Paul Whiting
Suggested Support $15 >>***

We can’t end gun violence without a unified front, Paul.

Even though Illinois banned assault weapons, there’s still so much more work to be done.

Because when our neighbors like Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa have lax gun laws, someone can easily cross the border and access terrifying weapons that they couldn’t get here.

I’ll be blunt: For too long, elected officials have gotten away with reciting the empty phrase “thoughts and prayers” after each shooting instead of passing meaningful legislation.

But with your support, we can take decisive action to make “thoughts and prayers” a thing of the past, replace every vulnerable Republican with a gun safety Democrat, and ban assault weapons for good.

Take it from me, Paul: Building a nationwide movement isn’t easy. But if we’re going to have any chance at defeating pro-gun legislators and electing a Democratic Majority in Congress to pass sensible gun reforms, we’re going to need strong allies behind us. [Name redacted] and I are counting on...grassroots supporters to pitch in before midnight to help us fuel the Tour to Save Democracy's 21 stops across the country to rally Gen Z to our full voting powers and finally end gun violence for good. Will you join our fight by chipping in $15 right now? Your donation will directly support tour expenses like paying bus drivers, refueling the bus, and securing permits. >>

[  ] Chip in $15 now >>
[  ] Chip in $30 now >>
[  ] Chip in $45 now >>
[  ] Chip in $60 now >>
[✓] Chip in another amount now >>***

Thank you,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted] for Tour to Save Democracy

CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOUR TO SAVE DEMOCRACY!

BAWN is partnering with [name redacted] as he embarks on a summer tour to save our democracy. [Name redacted] and a collective of Gen Z activists will bus across the nation stopping in Republican-held swing districts to rally young voters, flip these seats blue, and elect strong gun safety Democrats.

But [name redacted] is counting on grassroots support to fund his tour and make it possible.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight? Your contribution will directly support necessary parts of [name redacted's] tour, like gas, food, and lodging expenses.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] 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 Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC) (with a tip to ActBlue) because "[BAWN PAC] can ensure that the Tour to Save Democracy has the resources needed to travel to critical swing districts across the country, defeat every Republican standing in the way of passing sensible legislation, and elect Democratic champions of gun violence prevention across the country."

Thus, this one Political Action Committee (PAC)—Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC)—is the PAC that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written May 24th, 2024, revised June 2nd, 2024, revised June 11th, 2024 and revised July 11th, 2024)

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May 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses May 25th, 2024: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund yesterday, May 25th, 2024, with the subject line, "INSIDE: A win in AZ [Arizona]", 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,

In the legal fight to protect access to abortion, the Arizona Supreme Court issued an order staying its mandate that would allow prosecutors to enforce a 160-year-old law against doctors for providing abortion care. Because of another court-ordered stay regarding this law, this means the earliest the law could be enacted is the end of September.

While it’s still nightmarish that this law is even on the table, the most important thing about this stay is that it gives patients and providers in Arizona a reprieve for a few months.

[A quote] from [name redacted], the [title redacted] of Planned Parenthood Arizona:

"Planned Parenthood Arizona will continue to provide abortion care through 15 weeks of pregnancy, and we remain focused on ensuring patients have access to abortion care for as long as legally possible. We know that it is now more important than ever to provide care to as many patients as we legally can, and we are committed to expanding our services to meet the increasing needs of our community — including recently resuming medication abortion services at our Flagstaff Health Center. We will not be intimidated or silenced by anti-abortion extremists, because our bodies and our autonomy are at stake.”

Patients and providers will continue to suffer in states like Florida — where abortion is on the ballot in November, but in the meantime, a highly restrictive 6-week ban is in place. And in places like Louisiana, where the legislature just passed a first-in-nation bill to inappropriately add safe, essential abortion medications to the state’s Controlled Substances list, which could criminalize people who possess these pills without a prescription and make it harder for patients who use these medications outside of the abortion context to access them. That bill is now headed to the governor’s desk for signing, despite widespread opposition from Louisiana reproductive medical experts.

No matter what, Planned Parenthood Action Fund will continue to fight to help restore and expand abortion access and protect our fundamental reproductive rights.

Thank you for being a part of this.

[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 champions of reproductive health. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse:

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL)

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is a former congresswoman from Florida who became the first South American immigrant to serve in Congress when she was elected in 2018. She is now running for Senate to replace Rick Scott, a senator who has been an outspoken supporter of restrictions on reproductive freedom and abortion. If elected, she would be the first Latina elected to the Senate from Florida.

Angela Alsobrooks (MD)

Angela Alsobrooks has spent her career fighting for Marylanders, and will continue that tireless fight in the Senate. Alsobrooks currently serves as county executive for Prince George’s County. She is the first woman to hold the position and the first Black woman elected to the position of county executive in Maryland’s history. She will be a voice for expanding reproductive rights and abortion access, ensuring that all Americans have the right to control their own bodies, lives, and futures. If elected, she would be the first Black woman elected to the Senate from Maryland.

See Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s ongoing list of endorsed candidates here (https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/act/2024-endorsements)!

Take Action: Demand Court Reform Now!

Right now, we are all anxiously awaiting rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court that could fundamentally change reproductive access and care across the country.

Next month, the Supreme Court is likely to rule on whether to limit access to FDA- approved mifepristone, one of two medicines commonly used for miscarriage care and medication abortion. The court will also soon rule in a case to determine whether pregnant people can be denied emergency medical care. A longstanding federal law, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (or EMTALA) requires hospital emergency room doctors to provide all patients with the treatment physicians deem as stabilizing to save patients' health and lives. Idaho and other states with abortion bans want to sidestep the law and exclude emergency abortion care, even for people facing serious pregnancy complications. The outcomes of both cases could endanger the lives of pregnant people.

Politicians opposed to abortion know they can’t win in the court of public opinion, so they are relying on the courts that are hostile to reproductive health to take away our basic human rights. We have to act now to reform our federal courts and ensure that the systems in place protect people, not politics.

Add your name: We must reform our courts now!***

[Blogger's Note: I was considered taking this action by adding my name to "Demand court reform now!", which states the following:

Demand court reform now!

To protect and advance our rights, we must reclaim our federal courts.

Our fundamental rights are under attack, and we need courts that will defend our freedoms, apply the law fairly, and advance equality.

But for years, lawmakers hostile to our reproductive rights have been filling the courts with judges who think — and look — like them. While our courts were once a backstop to protect our rights, presidential administrations and hostile Senate majorities have worked over time to successfully stack the courts with judges and justices who are hostile to our rights.

Structural, systemic, and meaningful court reform is the only way to ensure that courts uphold the law and protect our rights.

Sign your name to join us in the call to reform our courts. Together, we will secure rights, opportunities, and reproductive freedom for all.

What do we mean by "court reform?" Expand to learn more. ▼

THE PROBLEM:
▪ The Supreme Court hasn't been expanded for 150 years — meanwhile the U.S. has become much more diverse, the population has multiplied by more than 10, and the volume of cases brought before the federal judiciary has significantly increased.
▪ Supreme Court justices are also now serving significantly longer terms than their predecessors — as many as 30 or more years on the bench.

THE SOLUTION:
▪ Expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court and put term limits in place for justices.

THE PROBLEM:
▪ Supreme Court justices aren't forced to follow a binding code of conduct. Justices aren't prevented from owning and trading stocks, have poorly defined rules around accepting gifts — and there are no clear consequences for most unethical behavior.
▪ This makes it possible for outside groups and individuals to influence justices in ways that we may never learn about.

THE SOLUTION:
▪ Impose ethics and transparency requirements for Supreme Court justices.

THE PROBLEM:
▪ The federal courts are increasingly overburdened and there aren't enough judges to keep up with the growing U.S. population and caseloads.
▪ It's been more than 30 years since Congress last comprehensively expanded the number of lower court seats — the longest period of time between expansions in the history of district courts and courts of appeals.

THE SOLUTION:
▪ Add seats for additional judges on lower courts to keep up with the growing U.S. population and caseload.

THE PROBLEM:
▪ Interest groups can shop for judges who align with their views — often judges they've helped get confirmed — and then deliberately send them cases, knowing they will decide against reproductive freedom, gender equity, LGBTQ+ liberation, access to health care, and civil liberties.

THE SOLUTION:
▪ Prevent single-judge divisions so that interest groups can't "shop" for judges and guarantee that a favorable judge decides their case.

Show Less ▲

However, I am concerned about telling judges how to do their jobs (especially the Supreme Court of the United States) and how their jobs need to be changed, because I am afraid that they may take offense. Thus—to the best of my knowledge—I have never actually signed a petition with regard to reforming the courts. That is why I opted to not take this specific action.]

State Spotlight: South Carolina

A South Carolina judge ruled that the state can continue to enforce a ban on nearly all abortions after 6 weeks as an appeal continues. Planned Parenthood had argued that the law should be blocked while its vague language and meaning are determined. The court ruled that the law would stand as the case moves through the courts.

Here's what this means and what's next.

https://apnews.com/article/abortion-south-carolina-fetal-heartbeat-fa742d40c8e15df41c8545d8a33a1838

Around the Web

NBC News: More than half of Black women ages 15-49 live with little to no abortion access

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/57-percent-black-women-abortion-bans-restictions-rcna151972

NPR: Louisiana may reclassify drugs used in abortion as controlled dangerous substances

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/05/17/1251965020/louisiana-may-reclassify-drugs-used-in-abortion-as-controlled-dangerous-substanc

NBC News: Abortion rights amendments qualify for the ballot in Colorado and South Dakota

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/abortion-rights-ballot-measure-south-dakota-rcna152746

Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org

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, May 26th, 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 four 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 back 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 (May 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.]

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

May 26th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses May 21st, 2024, May 23rd, 2024 And May 25th, 2024, As Well As May 5th, 2024 Through May 16th: This 'update' that I am writing today, May 26th, 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 May 5th, 2024 through May 25th, 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 May 21st, 2024, May 23rd, 2024 and May 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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). I hope that makes sense!

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 21st, 2024 search:

01. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

House G.O.P. Moves to Crack Down on Noncitizen Voting, Sowing False Narrative

The bills under consideration have virtually no chance of becoming law, but Republicans are using them to amplify Donald Trump’s false claims of widespread illegal voting by noncitizens.

By Luke Broadwater | May 21, 2024

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

May 25th, 2024 search:

02. The Guardian

Arizona secretary of state calls threats to election officials ‘domestic terrorism’

Adrian Fontes made comments on NBC panel of elections officials from states whose voters could decide 2024 presidential election

By Ramon Antonio Vargas | 24 May 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 23rd, 2024 search:

03. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

Donald Trump is spreading QAnon posts as he campaigns. Here's why (As Trump campaigns, he's spreading QAnon posts anew. Some call that 'playing with fire')

By Jessica Guynn and Will Carless | May 23, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 23rd, 2024 search:

04. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

Trump Falsely Claims Biden Administration Was ‘Locked & Loaded’ to Kill Him

Former President Donald J. Trump misrepresented a standard Justice Department policy to claim the F.B.I. was ready to kill him when searching his home in 2022.

By Maggie Astor | May 22, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 21st, 2024 search:

05. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Biden, Democrats slam video on Trump site referencing 'Unified Reich' while Republicans dodge commenting

"That’s Hitler’s language; that's not America’s," the president said.

By Justin Gomez, Allison Pecorin and Fritz Farrow | May 21, 2024

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

May 23rd, 2024 search:

06. CNN

This email will shock you! But it’s just Trump trying to raise money

By Zachary B. Wolf | May 22, 2024

(CNN) — Followers of former President Donald Trump were meant to be startled when they were sent an email Tuesday, addressed from “President Trump,” with this arresting subject line:

“They were authorized to shoot me!”

The preview line in the email did not back down.

“I nearly escaped death. Biden’s DOJ was locked and loaded for deadly force at Mar-a-Lago …”

Literal readers of Trump’s message might wonder: Is this a cry for help from physical harm?

But everyone should know it is just Trump asking, again, for money. ...

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------

I did not select any articles from this category.

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 21st, 2024 search:

07. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

Here's Why Republicans Are Focusing on Voting by Noncitizens

House Republicans are pushing legislation to crack down on voting by noncitizens, which is allowed in some local elections but illegal — and exceedingly rare — at the federal level.

By Minho Kim | May 21, 2024

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

May 21st, 2024 search:

08. NPR

'Abortion abolitionists' want to charge patients with murder and ban IVF (Republicans try to soften stance on abortion as 'abolitionists' go farther)

By Sarah McCammon | May 21, 2024

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

May 23rd, 2024 search:

09. Newsweek

Donald Trump Sees Thousands of Kentucky Republicans Vote Against Him

By Anna Skinner | May 21, 2024

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 25th, 2024 search:

10. CNN

Top Republicans are already rushing to buy into Trump’s 2024 election fraud narrative

By Stephen Collinson | Updated 12:17 AM EDT, Fri May 24, 2024

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

May 25th, 2024 search:

11. MSNBC News

Republicans enraged by Biden’s efforts to keep gas prices lower

President Joe Biden is taking fresh steps to help keep gas prices from climbing. For Republicans to see this as “disgusting” and “disgraceful” is bizarre.

By Steve Benen | May 24, 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.

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

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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). 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 May 5th, 2024 through May 16th, 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 May 6th, 2024 through May 16th, 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 May 23rd, 2024, from an email that I received seventeen days prior on May 6th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 6th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Trump, who has celebrated violent protests, cheers campus crackdowns

Let’s start today’s newsletter with a brief news quiz.

Who said this, in reference to the clearing of protests on Columbia University’s campus last week?

“The police came in. In exactly two hours, everything was over. It was a beautiful thing to watch.”

And who said this, in reference to the attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021?

“It was a beautiful day.”

The answer in both cases, of course, is former President Donald Trump, who is wielding self-serving and frequently inaccurate stories about both events as tools in his presidential campaign. He has denounced the campus protests as lawless chaos even as he depicts the Jan. 6 rioters as heroes — and appears to be trying to play one episode off the other as he seeks to sanitize his own record as president.

As he has moved in and out of his New York criminal trial and hit the campaign trail in recent weeks, Trump has tried to turn the college protests of the war in Gaza to his political benefit. He has praised the arrests of protesters, and suggested in an interview with Time magazine that he would call in the National Guard to quell protests if they were happening on his watch.

“Columbia just canceled their commencement,” Trump said Monday at the courthouse in Manhattan where he is on trial. “That shouldn’t happen.”

Trump, who frequently uses violent rhetoric — including suggesting there would be “bedlam” and “potential death and destruction” if various criminal proceedings against him moved forward — is seeking to depict President Biden as a hapless leader who cannot get the protests under control.

But Trump’s calls for order contrast sharply with the way he talks about Jan. 6, a day that saw brutal violence against police officers, which he has nonetheless turned into a talking point of his third campaign for the presidency.

He has rallied to the side of rioters arrested that day, lamented the time some have spent in jail, called them “hostages” and “unbelievable patriots,” and said he would consider pardoning them if he returns to power.

Now he is comparing the punishments meted out to the Jan. 6 rioters with those faced by college protesters, though the two events are fundamentally different.

“They took over a building. That is a big deal,” Trump said last week, referring to the Columbia protesters, wondering if their punishment would be “anything comparable” to that of the mob that broke into the Capitol on Jan. 6.

‘It was an assault on democracy’

As the Biden campaign seeks to make Jan. 6 a key plank of its case against Trump, the bubbling up of protests on campuses nationwide — and the images they have generated of clashes between protesters and counterprotesters as well as mass arrests — has made some Democrats nervous.

“How do the Democrats, how do all of us on that side, say Jan. 6 was wrong?” the Rev. Al Sharpton said on MSNBC, making comments that were quickly picked up by Fox News. “If you can have the same pictures going on college campuses, you lose the moral, you lose the moral high ground.”

But many other Democrats have been quick to say the campus protests have little in common with Jan. 6.

“What happened on Jan. 6 is a violent mob. They came and attacked the Capitol Police, they came and attacked the Capitol, it was an assault on democracy,” said Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer who was at the Capitol that day. He later testified about seeing fellow officers bloodied as they fought with rioters, and about having racist slurs lobbed his way.

Dunn, who is now running for the Democratic nomination for a congressional seat in Maryland, said in an interview that members of his party needed to be clear about what happened that day — especially in response to Trump’s efforts to distort the facts.

“People are really upset about what happened, and they have a real fear about whether it can happen again,” he said.

Some Democrats are alarmed about Trump’s rhetoric, and warn that it gives his supporters a dangerous permission structure.

“Donald Trump sends a message that his supporters can break the law and commit violence whenever they’re following his cues,” said Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, a Democrat who was the lead manager of the unsuccessful impeachment of Trump over the events of Jan. 6 and was part of the monthslong investigation of the day’s events by a select committee in the House.

‘Everything in America is in chaos’

Some Republicans have struggled to defend the inconsistencies of calling for the prosecution of the college campus protesters while defending those accused of breaking the law on Jan. 6.

That includes Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, a Trump ally and vice-presidential contender who was asked by Kaitlan Collins of CNN last week whether people who break in and vandalize a building should be prosecuted.

“Exactly,” Vance said, before Collins followed up by asking why he had raised money for some of the Jan. 6 defendants.

Vance accused the national media of having an “obsession” with Jan. 6, and said some of the people who had protested on Jan. 6 had the “complete weight of the Justice Department thrown at them when at worst they’re accused of misdemeanors.”

Over the weekend, some of Trump’s Republican congressional allies sought to depict the college protests as a factor that would help him in the November election.

“One of the many reasons why Donald Trump is going to win this election is you’ve got Democratic protesters out there putting a terrorist headdress on a statue of George Washington,” Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas said Sunday on ABC, apparently referring to how a protester draped a kaffiyeh over a statue of the first president at George Washington University.

“Everything in America is in chaos, from our border to our campuses,” said Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who is also a potential Trump running mate.

It’s not clear that the strategy will work. In 2020, Trump sought to pin racial justice protests, which sometimes turned violent and led to the destruction of property, on Biden and Democratic mayors — but he still lost.

In addition to trying to use the campus protests to complain about the treatment of the Jan. 6 defendants, he also compared the demonstrations to the violence of Charlottesville, Va., in 2017, when white supremacists marched yelling antisemitic slurs and, later, a woman was killed when a car plowed into a crowd of counterprotesters.

“Charlottesville is like a ‘peanut’ compared to the riots and anti-Israel protests that are happening all over our country RIGHT NOW,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, late last month.

His rhetoric may be as much about cleaning up his own record as it is about attacking Biden’s. ...

Trump, Who Has Celebrated Violent Protests, Cheers Campus Crackdowns

The former president’s calls for order in college unrest contrast with how he talks about Jan. 6.

By Jess Bidgood | May 6, 2024

And the article below is from the above-mentioned May 6th, 2024 'On Politics' email:

Geoff Duncan, Georgia’s Republican Former Lt. Gov., Says He Will Vote for Biden

“I am voting for a decent person I disagree with on policy over a criminal defendant without a moral compass,” wrote Mr. Duncan, who was in office during the 2020 election.

By Maggie Astor | May 6, 2024

The following is The New York Times article that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from an email that I received seventeen days prior on May 9th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 9th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

...More top news

Politics: At a private meeting, Donald Trump told oil executives and lobbyists to donate $1 billion to his campaign because he would roll back climate rules. ...

At a Dinner, Trump Assailed Climate Rules and Asked $1 Billion From Big Oil

At a private meeting at Mar-a-Lago, the former president said fossil fuel companies should donate to help him beat President Biden.

By Lisa Friedman, Coral Davenport, Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman | May 9, 2024

The following is The New York Times article that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from an email that I received sixteen days prior on May 10th, 2024:

And the article below is from the above-mentioned May 10th, 2024 'On Politics' email:

How Republicans Echo Antisemitic Tropes Despite Declaring Support for Israel

Prominent Republicans have seized on campus protests to assail what they say is antisemitism on the left. But for years they have mainstreamed anti-Jewish rhetoric.

By Karen Yourish, Danielle Ivory, Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Alex Lemonides | May 9, 2024

The following is The New York Times article that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from an email that I received fourteen days prior on May 12th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 12th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

MOTHER’S DAY

For Mother’s Day, Catherine Pearson collected stories from Times readers about the mother figures in their lives — grandmothers and aunts, teachers and neighbors, and, of course, moms.

Genevieve Geer wrote about Mrs. Dunn, her friend’s mother, who “taught me that when you can’t get in through the front door, there is always a side door, or a window, to slip into the places you wanted to go.”

Judith Shapiro wrote about Ruth, her childhood nanny, who “let me stay up late on Sunday nights, curled up next to her in an overstuffed chair, watching our favorite television shows.”

Marjorie George wrote about Miss Jordan, her fifth-grade teacher, who “was a powerful example of what a Black woman could be.”

You can read many more stories in Catherine’s article, “An Ode to Those Who Mother Us.” ...

An Ode to Those
Who Mother Us

By Catherine Pearson | May 9, 2024

The following is The New York Times article that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from an email that I received eleven days prior on May 15th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 15th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Inflation eased and markets hit new highs

A new inflation report released today offered consumers and policymakers some relief: April prices, with volatile food and fuel prices stripped out, rose 3.6 percent over the previous year — the lowest annual increase in so-called core inflation since early 2021.

The report, which showed a slight dip in overall inflation as well, was especially appreciated by economists who had become worried about the lack of progress after three straight months of uncomfortably rapid price increases.

“This report was mostly good news in that it wasn’t bad news,” our economics reporter Ben Casselman told me. He said that the stubborn price increases in recent months “had begun to erode confidence in the ‘soft landing’ narrative that had taken hold last year. This report doesn’t erase those concerns, but it does at least ease fears that inflation was re-accelerating.”

Today’s data showed progress on several fronts. The prices of groceries decreased outright in April. So, too, did the prices of new and used cars and airline fares. And while gasoline prices ticked up, housing costs — which have proved to be among the most stubborn — showed hints of improvement.

The news boosted the stock market’s current rally: The S&P 500 rose 1.2 percent today and surpassed its previous high set in March. Bond yields also fell as investors appeared to dial back how long they expected interest rates to stay elevated. ...

Inflation Eased and Markets Hit New Highs

Also, Biden and Trump agreed to debate in June and September. Here’s the latest at the end of Wednesday.

By Matthew Cullen | May 15, 2024

The following are The New York Times articles that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from an email that I received ten days prior on May 16th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 16th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times articles below:

2024 Elections

President Biden and Donald Trump agreed to two debates, in June and September. The first will be on CNN, the second on ABC.

The Biden campaign hopes the debates, held earlier than in previous years, will force voters to confront the implications of a Trump victory.

Biden has attracted more donors* than at the same point in the 2020 campaign. Trump has fewer than he did four years ago — and fewer than Biden.

Videos featuring false claims about Biden are spreading online. Experts have linked them to Russian disinformation groups. ...

*One Area Where Biden Is Leading Trump: His Number of Donors

By Albert Sun, Scott Reinhard and Rebecca Davis O’Brien May 16, 2024

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

**Russian Disinformation Videos Smear Biden Ahead of U.S. Election

Many of the videos are trying to appeal to right-wing voters with fake messages about President Biden, experts say.

By Julian E. Barnes and Steven Lee Myers | May 15, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 16th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Business and Economy

Inflation slowed last month after several increases, and the S&P 500 stock index reached a new high. “This is the first good C.P.I. report in four months,” one expert said. ...

Inflation Cooled Slightly, Offering Some Relief for Consumers and the Fed

Prices climbed 3.4 percent in April from a year earlier, a moderation after some hot inflation readings this year. Stocks rose as investors bet that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates sooner.

By various authors | May 15, 2024

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

These are the USA Today articles which I received for the time period of May 5th, 2024 through May 16th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

The following are the USA Today articles that I read on May 23rd, 2024, from emails that I received eighteen days prior on May 5th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 5th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Get ready to hear a lot about La Niña. Here's why.

La Niña is a natural climate pattern marked by cooler-than-average seawater in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. Here's why that matters.

READ MORE ...

Get ready to hear a lot about La Niña. Here's why it could make hurricane season worse.

By Doyle Rice | May 4, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 5th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Donald Trump accuses Democrats of running 'Gestapo administration'

In an event for Republican donors on Saturday at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump compared the Biden administration to the Nazi secret police.

READ MORE ...

Trump accused Democrats of running a 'Gestapo administration.' Here's what the reference to Nazis means.

By George Fabe Russell | May 5, 2024

The following is the USA Today article that I read on May 23rd, 2024, from an email that I received seventeen days prior on May 6th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 6th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Democrats say 2024 electors are afraid of political violence

Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi preside over the certification of Electoral College votes at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. 2020 looms over the people who sign up to cast votes for political parties on behalf of the Electoral College, which is what picks the next president.

READ MORE ...

'Terrifying': Democrats say they have plans to keep electors safe from political violence

By Phillip M. Bailey and Erin Mansfield | May 6, 2024

The following is the USA Today article that I read on May 23rd, 2024, from an email that I received fifteen days prior on May 8th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 8th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Exclusive: Getting DHS on war footing for Nov. election threats

In exclusive interviews, Homeland Security Secy. Alejandro Mayorkas and top aide disclose massive election security response prior to 2024 election.

READ MORE ...

Exclusive: Homeland Security ramping up 'with intensity' to respond to election threats

By Josh Meyer | May 8, 2024

The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from emails that I received seventeen days prior on May 9th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 9th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

DeSantis' new law threatens outdoor worker health

In one of the hottest states in the nation, what are outdoor workers to do when state government rescinds protections from the sun? And given only Miami-Dade County required employers to provide heat breaks to begin with, what problem is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis trying to solve? The USA TODAY Network spoke with advocates and workers about how Florida holds municipalities to a heat standard that doesn't exist. Read more ...

No shade, no water, no breaks: DeSantis' new law threatens Florida outdoor worker health

By Kate Cimini | May 8, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 9th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

House kills effort from Marjorie Taylor Greene to oust Mike Johnson

Democrats and Republicans joined together to dismiss the conservative agitator's motion to vacate against the speaker.

READ MORE ...

Mike Johnson saved: House kills effort from Marjorie Taylor Greene to oust speaker

Marina Pitofsky, Riley Beggin and Ken Tran | May 8, 2024

The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from emails that I received eleven days prior on May 15th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 15th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

More news to know now

How some in the GOP are already raising 2024 election doubts ...

Trump’s doubts about election results spread among GOP and raise concern for next Jan. 6.

By Sarah D. Wire | May 15, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 15th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Senate intel chair: Foreign adversaries will likely target election

Sen. Mark Warner issues extraordinary warning about foreign meddling in likely rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump

READ MORE ...

Senate warns of unprecedented foreign interference in 2024 election

By Josh Meyer | May 15, 2024

The following are the USA Today articles that I read on May 26th, 2024, from emails that I received ten days prior on May 16th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 16th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Inflation eases in April as prices fall for eggs, bacon and bread, CPI data shows

Inflation eased in April as declines in grocery and used car prices offset another rise in rent and gasoline. After inflation picked up notably early this year, the Labor Department’s consumer price index revealed more progress in the battle to tame prices, with an underlying inflation measure reaching a three-year low. Still, it may not be enough to convince the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in the next couple of months. Read more ...

Inflation eases in April as prices fall for eggs, bacon and bread, CPI data shows

By Paul Davidson | May 15, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 16th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Current, former lawmakers say Congress is dysfunctional. Will the infighting stop?

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks to members of the press after Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene (R-GA) introduced a motion to vacate on the floor of the House of Representatives seeking to remove Johnson from his leadership position at the U.S. Capitol on May 08, 2024 in Washington, DC. The chaos in the House appears to be mostly over, but so is any new work to make new laws.

READ MORE ...

Current and former lawmakers know Congress is dysfunctional. Will the infighting stop before the election?

By Ken Tran | May 16, 2024

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

These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for the time period of May 10th, 2024 through May 14th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)

The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received sixteen days prior on May 10th, 2024:

Campus Protests Are Called Disruptive. So Was the Civil Rights Movement

By Jeanne Theoharis | May 9, 2024

The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from 'Inside Time' email that I received fifteen days prior on May 11th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 11th, 2024 email introduction to the Time Magazine article below:

It's getting harder to give birth in America

This past week we launched TIME100 Health, our newest TIME100 list that seeks to recognize the most influential doctors, scientists, and researchers alongside others working to make a healthier world.

On a recent reporting trip to Birmingham, Ala., TIME's Alana Semuels saw first-hand the difficulties that many of those providers and their supporters are up against as she covered a troubling trend. In the last fifteen years hundreds of maternity wards have closed around the country, including Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, which shut its doors last October. Labor and delivery units are often in the red. Doctors are leaving the industry, with many saying their work is undervalued by private and public insurance providers.

These trends have adversely impacted vulnerable communities and hurt the quality of maternal care in the United States, doctors and researchers say. It’s something that feels particularly resonant this weekend, when we celebrate Mother’s Day in the United States.

Semuels, who this year won an award for her journalism from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, is an expert at showing how economic trends influence the lives of TIME’s readers. Her reporting from Alabama was supported by the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s 2023 Impact Fund for Reporting on Health Equity and Health Systems. ...

Why Maternity Care Is Underpaid

By Alana Semuels | May 7, 2024

What America’s Student Photojournalists Saw at the Campus Protests

By Sanya Mansoor | Photographs by the student journalists of The Daily Bruin, The Daily Northwestern, The Daily Princetonian, The Daily Targum, The Daily Texan, Daily Trojan, The Gw Hatchet, The Indiana Daily Student, The Michigan Daily, and The Vanderbilt Hustler | Introduction by Karl Vick | May 9, 2024

The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received fourteen days prior on May 12th, 2024:

My Mother Needed Mental Health Treatment. She Got a Jail Cell

By Nina St. Pierre | May 9, 2024

The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, May 26th, 2024, from 'Daily Spotlight' email that I received twelve days prior on May 14th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 14th, 2024 email introduction to the Time Magazine article below:

Women Say They Were Pressured Into Long-Term Birth Control

"I don't have faith in doctors anymore."

A TIME investigation found doctors are more likely to push long-term contraceptives when treating Black, Latina, young, and low-income women.

Read more. ...

‘I Don’t Have Faith in Doctors Anymore.’ Women Say They Were Pressured Into Long-Term Birth Control

By Alana Semuels | May 13, 2024

May 27th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On May 23rd, 2024: Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I signed a Memorial Day card "to honor the military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country" from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 23rd, 2024, that I received today via an email with the subject line, "Before you celebrate Memorial Day weekend…", which stated the following:

SIGN THE CARD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

HONOR OUR SERVICE MEMBERS BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

ADD YOUR NAME***

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Paul,

Before Memorial Day weekend arrives, we want to make sure we all take a moment to remember what this holiday is really about: honoring the heroes who've made the ultimate sacrifice for our country — and those currently risking their lives to defend our freedoms.

We're counting on 100,000 proud military supporters like you to sign the card via email and text message before Memorial Day ends to show your support for active-duty service members deployed around the world: Will you join thousands of other military supporters and thank our heroes before midnight?

THANK OUR HEROES

Right now, our service members are facing emerging threats from the Iranian military in the Middle East and increased hostility from the governments of Niger and Chad.

In the face of these escalating conflicts around the world, your gratitude and support right now mean so much to our service members risking their lives for our country.

So please, don't miss this chance to honor the fallen and show all our heroes in uniform serving across the globe how much you appreciate everything they do for us. Sign the card now to thank our service members this Memorial Day.

THANK OUR HEROES

Thank you for standing with those who serve this Memorial Day.

The USO

SIGN THE CARD***

***[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.]

Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our troops, "As we honor our military heroes this Memorial Day, we want you to know how grateful we are for your courageous service and the immense sacrifices you make every day to protect our country." ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "May 27th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On May 23rd, 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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May 27th, 2024 Update No. 2 [My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2024)]:

For Memorial Day 2024, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence "as our troops continue to be deployed in harm’s way to places like Iraq and Syria," which is why "this is also a good time to remind ourselves of those who keep stepping up and volunteering to risk their lives in order to keep us safe here at home every day." That is why I made the pledge to "#GoSilent with [IAVA] today at 3:00 PM local time to make sure that the sacrifice of the fallen is not forgotten, and to help us remind America of the true meaning behind Memorial Day." And I also made a donation to the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans. –Paul Whiting (written May 27th, 2024 and revised May 28th, 2026)

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May 31st, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses May 27th, 2024, As Well As May 24th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, May 31st, 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 and Time Magazine articles that I received via email—for the total time period of May 24th, 2024 through May 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!

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 May 27th, 2024 and May 31st, 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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). I hope that makes sense!

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 27th, 2024 search:

01. CBS News

Low percentage of Americans in military is "deeply problematic as a democracy," Rep. Pat Ryan says

Rep. Pat Ryan warned of Americans losing touch with "those that are fighting our wars and their families," saying "we have to figure out how...

By Kaia Hubbard | Updated on: May 26, 2024 / 4:12 PM EDT

Washington — Rep. Pat Ryan said Sunday that he sees the divide between the small share of Americans — less than 1% — who are active-duty service members in the U.S. military and the rest of the country as "deeply problematic as a democracy."

"When you lose touch between those that are fighting our wars and their families and everyone else, that's something so essential that we have to figure out how to bring folks together, and get more folks serving," Ryan said on "Face the Nation" ahead of Memorial Day. ...

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

May 27th, 2024 search:

02. The Guardian

US president warns new army officers to be ‘guardians of American democracy’

President entreats graduates at commencement to ‘hold fast’ to oath to US constitution in veiled reference to Trump’s threat to democracy

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 31st, 2024 search:

03. Reuters

Trump supporters call for riots and violent retribution after verdict

By Joseph Tanfani, Ned Parker and Peter Eisler | May 31, 2024

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

May 31st, 2024 search:

04. CNN

Right-wing media figures vow revenge after Trump‘s conviction

By Oliver Darcy, CNN | Updated 7:27 AM EDT, Fri May 31, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
---------------------------------------------

I did not select any articles from this category.

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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 27th, 2024 search:

05. Politico

Biden urges 'constant vigilance' to maintain democracy in West Point speech

Biden never mentioned former President Donald Trump by name, but the themes of his commencement address had clear political undertones.

By Lauren Egan | 05/25/2024

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

May 27th, 2024 search:

06. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

Biden Delivers Commencement Address at West Point Military Academy

President Biden’s commencement address comes at a moment of military upheaval abroad, university protests at home and a looming rematch with former President Donald J. Trump.

By Michael D. Shear | May 25, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 27th, 2024 search:

07. AP News

Biden tells West Point graduates they'll face threats 'like none before' (Biden’s message to West Point graduates: You’re being asked to tackle threats ‘like none before’)

By Zeke Miller | Updated 1:14 PM PDT, May 25, 2024

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

May 31st, 2024 search:

08. USA Today

'Reckless': President Joe Biden blasts Donald Trump for calling guilty trial verdict 'rigged'

By Bart Jansen | May 31, 2024

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

May 31st, 2024 search:

09. Newsweek

Joe Biden Gets Good Sign from New Poll

By Nick Mordowanec | May 31, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
---------------------------------------------

I did not select any articles from this category.

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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 31st, 2024 search:

10. AP News

Republican lawmakers react with fury to Trump verdict and rally to his defense

By Mary Clare Jalonick | Updated 6:23 PM PDT, May 30, 2024

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

May 31st, 2024 search:

11. USA Today

Trump babbles incoherently about conviction. GOP should be afraid (Guilty Trump's press conference was a disaster. Republicans need to replace him – fast.)

Where are the calls on the right to replace this 77-year-old felon who can't talk straight with a newer, less legally encumbered version?

By Rex Huppke | May 31, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 27th, 2024 search:

12. CNN

Trump loudly booed at Libertarian convention when he asks attendees to ‘nominate me or at least vote for me’

By Kate Sullivan, Aaron Pellish and Steve Contorno | Updated 11:26 PM EDT, Sun May 26, 2024

Washington, DC (CNN) — Former President Donald Trump was loudly and consistently booed throughout his speech Saturday at the Libertarian Party’s national convention, particularly when he asked attendees to “nominate me or at least vote for me.”

The heckling began the moment the former president took the stage, and some of his supporters in the room tried to drown out the boos with chants of “We want Trump.”

“Now I think you should nominate me or at least vote for me, and we should win together,” Trump said. “Because the Libertarians want to vote for me … and it’s very important because we have to get rid of the worst president in history.”

Trump added, “Only do that if you want to win; if you want to lose, don’t do that. Keep getting your 3% every four years.” (In 2016, Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson earned more than 3% of the popular vote – a high point in the party’s history.)

Trump left the stage after 34 minutes, marking one of his shortest campaign speeches to date. ...

By the way, I also watched the video accompanying the article above that is titled, "Watch Trump react to getting booed at Libertarian convention."

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

May 31st, 2024 search:

13. NBC News

Trump's potential running mates pile on judge and jury after guilty verdict

It was a fast and furious political coda to a trial that had served as an unofficial audition stage for prospective running mates looking to show their loyalty.

By Henry J. Gomez | May 30, 2024

---------------------------------------------
GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
---------------------------------------------

May 31st, 2024 search:

14. NBC News

Trump guilty makes news headlines around the world

The announcement that Donald Trump had been found guilty by a jury in New York on 34 felony counts made headlines in newscasts around the world.

[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | May 31, 2024

By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s).

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

May 31st, 2024 search:

15. Al Jazeera

After Trump guilty verdict, US divisions deepen as Russia extends sympathy

While Democrats rejoice and Republicans agonise, international reactions on the historic guilty verdict pour in.

[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | 31 May 2024

---------------------------------------------
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.

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

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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). 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 May 24th, 2024 through May 31st, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com and Time.com articles!

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

This is The New York Times article which I received for May 24th, 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 on May 30th, 2024, from an email that I received six days prior on May 24th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned May 24th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Trump's Pattern of Sowing Election Doubt Intensifies in 2024

A false, familiar claim by the former president - that the contest in which he's participating is "rigged" - has reached a fever pitch in this cycle. ...

Trump’s Pattern of Sowing Election Doubt Intensifies in 2024

By Karen Yourish and Charlie Smart | May 24, 2024

By the way, I also watched all of the videos accompanying the article above that are labeled, and dated, as follows:

[1] "Mr. Trump first raised questions about the 2016 election in August of that year, about 100 days before the election." | Aug. 21, 2016

[2] "He did so earlier — and more frequently — before the 2020 election." | June 26, 2019

[3] "But in the 2024 cycle, the falsehoods have been baked in since Mr. Trump announced his candidacy, almost two years before Election Day. They show no signs of subsiding." | Nov. 18, 2022

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

I did not select any articles from USA Today.

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

This is the Time Magazine article which I received for May 31st, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)

The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, May 31st, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today:

What Happens Next Now That Trump Has Been Convicted? Your Questions, Answered

By Nik Popli | MAY 21, 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 and Time Magazine—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written May 31st, 2024, revised June 6th, 2024 and revised June 21st, 2024)

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May 31st, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from PlantBasedTreaty.org today, May 31st, 2024, with the subject line, "Urgent: Ask your representative to oppose new language in the Farm Bill", which stated the following:

US Farm Bill seeks to undo more than a dozen state laws on the treatment of farm animals

Contact your representative today

On May 24, the House Agriculture Committee passed their version of the Farm Bill, which contains dangerous language attempting to “fix” Proposition 12, which is known as the strongest law we have on farmed animal welfare. In reality, the language of this Bill is a hand-out to giant multinational pig farms that want to keep farm animals locked in cruel and extreme confinement.

Hundreds of other state laws relating to animal welfare, animal products, sales regulations, standards for disease and quarantine control, toxic materials, and more are also at risk.

We need you to act NOW to stop this bill from advancing any further. If we don’t succeed, even the most basic protections for animals could disappear, dooming animals to even more cruelty and suffering.

Email your representative:

https://secured.humanesociety.org/page/149570/action/1

Phone your representative:

https://hslf.org/action-center/nix-prop-12-fix

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:

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

Nix the Prop 12 "Fix"!

A monumental threat is facing animals in our country, and we need your help to stop it!

Ever since the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the strongest farm animal protection law in the country—California's Proposition 12—lobbyists representing only a segment of the pork industry have pushed for a so-called "fix"—a "fix" that is not at all necessary. And now it's clear that their allies in Congress are going to try and use the Farm Bill to implement their so-called "fix."

The proposed partisan Farm Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives contains language that aims to invalidate Prop 12 and could also wipe out hundreds of other state laws not only relating to animal welfare and animal products, but also how states regulate the sales of products within their own borders, set standards for disease and quarantine control, toxic materials and more.

Animals (and people) need your help to stop the unraveling of even the most basic protections.

TAKE ACTION

Please make a brief, polite phone call to your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators and urge them to oppose the Prop 12 "fix" in the Farm Bill. You can find their contact information here (https://secured.humanesociety.org/page/78532/action/1?chain). You can simply say, "Prop 12 and other state animal welfare laws do not need to be "fixed." As your constituent, I urge you to oppose language in the Farm Bill that seeks to nullify state animal protection laws."

Calling is so important. Please do not skip this crucial step. Then, personalize and submit to send a follow-up message.

[Blogger's Note: Rather than calling my U.S. Representative and Senators, I wrote to them instead, since I usually communicate in writing to my Representative and Senators—that way, I have a written record of what I communicated.]

YOUR MESSAGE

Subject: Please oppose language in the Farm Bill that seeks to nullify state animal protection laws!

Dear Legislator,

I am writing to urge you to oppose the Prop 12 "fix" in the Farm Bill or any language that seeks to nullify state animal protection laws. Prop 12 and the hundreds of other state laws this language would target don't need to be fixed.

The language contained in the Farm Bill proposed by House Republicans would likely invalidate not only Prop 12, but hundreds of other state laws regulating the sales of products within their own borders and setting standards for disease and quarantine control, toxic materials and more.

Eliminating laws like Proposition 12 would harm U.S. farmers who have relied on these state laws, made substantial investments to meet consumer demand for more humanely raised food, and are now seeing the benefits of their commitment. Fifteen. states have addressed intensive confinement of farm animals and nearly 80% of American voters—including nearly equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats—support enactment in their own states of a law to protect farm animals.

I hope you will stand firmly against this massive federal overreach by opposing the Prop 12 "fix" in the Farm Bill or any language that seeks to nullify state animal protection laws.

Thank you.

Signed,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

YOUR INFORMATION

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
Street address: [redacted]
Apartment, suite or other: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip code: [redacted]
Phone number: [redacted]

Send Your Message

And so, I sent the letter above to my U.S. Representative and Senators, via The Humane Society of the United States website, in order to urge them "to oppose the Prop 12 'fix' in the Farm Bill or any language that seeks to nullify state animal protection laws." –Paul Whiting (May 31st, 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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May 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On June 1st, 2024 About May 2024 (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): 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

▪ April 30th, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On May 1st, 2024 About April 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, May 31st, 2024, was the last day of May 2024, I wanted to provide you with May's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

May 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17.14% {17.14267269205%}

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

[01] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 4.52% {4.51904454486%}
[02] DGA (Dem. Govern. Assoc.): 0.41% {0.41446094254%}
[03] BFP (Biden for President): 0.41% {0.41446094254%}
[04] DCCC (Dem. Congress. Cam. Comm.): 0.41% {0.41446094254%}
[05] Song for Charlie: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[06] News Organizations: 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[07] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[08] UFW (Unite. Farm Work.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[09] PPFA (Plan. Parent. Feder. of Amer.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[10] BVF (Biden Victory Fund): 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[11] DASS (Dem. Assoc. Secr. of State): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[12] DAGA (Dem. Attorneys. Gen. Assoc.): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[13] DLCC (Dem. Legis. Cam. Comm.): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[14] DSCC (Dem. Senate. Cam. Comm.): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[15] DNC (Dem. Nation. Cam. Comm.): 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[16] VoteVets: 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[17] DPO (Dem. Party of Ore.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[18] EMILYs List: 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[19] Jane Fonda Climate PAC: 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[20] Voters of Tomorrow PAC: 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[21] Non-Categorized Political: 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[22] Rolling Sea PAC: 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[23] March For Our Lives: 0.67% {0.66881859264%}
[24] Monthly Political: 2.32% {2.32408005164%}
[25] Voto Latino: 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
-------Please see [26] below-------
[27] Toys for Tots: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[28] Street Roots: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[29] Brady United: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[30] Ban Assault Weapons NOW: 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[31] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}

Monthly Income Total Percentage Calculation:

4.52%
+ 1.23% {3 x 0.41%}
+ 2.56% {8 x 0.32%}
+ 1.95% {3 x 0.65%}
+ 1.40% {4 x 0.35%}
+ 2.49% {9 x 0.28% approximately}
+ 0.67%
+ 2.32%
= 17.14%

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:

[26] Monthly Interest: 7.95% {7.94577146546%}

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 7.95%

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for May 2024: 25.09% {25.08844415752%}

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 May 2024 (on May 12th) 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 fifth 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 June 1st, 2024, revised August 1st, 2024 and revised September 4th, 2024)

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YEAR 2024 UPDATES FOR JUNE:

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June 1st, 2024 Update No. 1: June is PTSD Awareness Month. And I decided to write this 'update' as a way to explain that June is PTSD Awareness Month by providing information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website highlighting that "JUNE IS PTSD AWARENESS MONTH," which can be found below:

JUNE IS PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

Help Raise PTSD Awareness

There are currently about 12 million people in the United States living with PTSD.

Even though PTSD treatments are effective and accessible, most people don't get the help they need. Help spread the word that PTSD treatments are available. Everyone with PTSD—whether they are a Veteran or civilian survivor of sexual assault, serious accident, natural disaster, or other traumatic event—needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life.

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/PTSD/understand/awareness/index.asp

Join Us

During PTSD Awareness Month, and throughout the entire year, help raise awareness about the many different PTSD treatment options.

Make the Pledge

Start by making the pledge to Raise PTSD Awareness:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/awareness_pledge_form.asp

Register for the Virtual Walk

Join us for 30 minutes of exercise in June. Sign up for the Virtual Walk:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/virtual_walk.asp

Take a PTSD Self-Screen

Answer 5 questions about your symptoms on PTSD Screening Day: June 27:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/screening_day.asp

And so, I decided to "Make the Pledge" in order to help "Raise PTSD Awareness," which can be found below:

Awareness Pledge Form

Tell us about your individual or organization's local, regional or national involvement by providing the following information.

Name: Paul Whiting

Email or phone: [redacted]

Choose the category that best describes you:

[✓] Individual
[  ] Organization, agency or business
[  ] VA employee
[  ] VA team, clinic or health care facility

Name of organization, agency or business (if applicable): Paul Whiting: Poet, Artist and Philosopher

Location of VA center, clinic or health care facility (if applicable): N/A

Do you or does your organization provide health care services to Veterans?

[  ] Yes
[✓] No

Website and/or social media sites (if applicable): https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-am-no-longer-being-activist.html

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

Thank you for filling out the Pledge form.

We really appreciate the effort you are making to spread the word about PTSD Awareness. Every person who shares the information makes a difference.

Please continue to spread the word! PTSD Treatment Works.

Plus, as you can see above, I included my information from the Awareness Pledge Form, which is why I wrote this blog post update! –Paul Whiting (June 1st, 2024)

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: "If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States." Dial 988

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June 1st, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On June 2nd, 2024: This 'update' is a follow-up to my 'June 6th, 2023 Update—Continued,' where I explained, in part, that I made a recurring yearly donation to the Human Rights Campaign on June 6th, 2023. A copy of said 'update' can be found below:

June 6th, 2023 Update—Continued: I was doing my oftentimes daily news searches on Google today, June 6th, 2023, when I noticed an article on APNews.com titled, "LGBTQ+ Americans are under attack, Human Rights Campaign declares in state of emergency warning." An introduction to the article can be found below:

"LGBTQ+ Americans are under attack, Human Rights Campaign declares in state of emergency warning" from AP (Associated Press) News

By Hannah Schoenbaum | June 6, 2023

The Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. on Tuesday and released a guidebook pointing to laws it deems discriminatory in each state, along with “know your rights” information and resources to help people relocate to states with stronger LGBTQ+ protections.*

Sounding the alarm about the current political climate, the nation’s largest organization devoted to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans said travel advisories aren’t enough to help people already living in states where lawmakers have targeted LGBTQ+ people.

“We need champions right now,” HRC President Kelley Robinson said in an interview with The Associated Press. President Joe Biden and other LGBTQ+ rights supporters with decision-making authorities, she said, need to be more than just allies.

The declaration is a call to action for “people in power at every level” of government and the business community, she said, urging them to fight for LGBTQ+ rights with the same fervor as they’ve fought for abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last summer.

“When Dobbs fell, you saw a federal response to deal with the abortion crisis that we’re in,” Robinson said. “We are in a crisis of even greater scale to the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, and we need that same sort of response.”

Just a few days into Pride Month, the campaign said it’s taking action in response to an “unprecedented and dangerous” spike in discriminatory legislation sweeping state houses this year, with more than 525 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced and more than 70 signed into law so far in 2023 — more than double last year’s number.

A recent Associated Press analysis found that many bills seeking to ban or restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender youth, who have been the primary targets of state legislation this year, sprang not from grassroots or constituent demand, but from the pens of a few powerful conservative interest groups.

The HRC guidebook, meanwhile, provides information about filing complaints for civil rights violations and points to resources for financing moves and finding employment, particularly in the 17 states with a trifecta of Democratic leadership in both legislative chambers and the governor’s office.

“The amount of calls I get every day from parents asking how they can move to another state because they’d rather mourn their home than their child is real,” Robinson said. “This is a different level of urgency and demanded a different level of response.”

The emergency declaration is the first in the 43-year history of the HRC, which encompasses a foundation focusing on research, advocacy and education, national and state lobbying campaigns and a political action committee that supports and opposes candidates for office. It comes as Republican-dominated legislatures around the country have restricted various aspects of transgender existence, from pronoun usage and bathroom access to medical care and more. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-emergency-human-rights-campaign-guidebook-5a1195f8a6759bdfd37cd7f5a6c5ee34

*Plus, I also read that article on HRC.org titled, "For the First Time Ever, Human Rights Campaign Officially Declares ‘State of Emergency’ for LGBTQ+ Americans; Issues National Warning and Guidebook to Ensure Safety for LGBTQ+ Residents and Travelers", which was referenced in the "LGBTQ+ Americans are under attack, Human Rights Campaign declares in state of emergency warning" article above. An introduction to the article can be found below:

"For the First Time Ever, Human Rights Campaign Officially Declares ‘State of Emergency’ for LGBTQ+ Americans; Issues National Warning and Guidebook to Ensure Safety for LGBTQ+ Residents and Travelers" from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

By HRC Staff | June 6, 2023

HRC’s First-Ever Emergency Declaration Comes After More Than 75 Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Signed Into Law This Year (More Than Double The Number From Last Year), Creating an Imminent Threat to the Health and Safety of LGBTQ+ People and Families Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States for the first time in its more than 40-year history, following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year. A new report released by HRC today — LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack — details more than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been signed into law this year alone, more than doubling last year’s number, which was previously the worst year on record.

The sharp rise in anti-LGBTQ+ measures has spawned a dizzying patchwork of discriminatory state laws that have created increasingly hostile and dangerous environments for LGBTQ+ people, prompting HRC today to also issue a national warning (https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/national-state-of-emergency-for-lgbtq-americans) and downloadable guidebook (https://hrc-prod-requests.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/LGBTQ-Guidebook-for-Action.pdf) for the LGBTQ+ community — including health and safety resources, a summary of state-by-state laws, “know your rights” information, and resources designed to support LGBTQ+ travelers as well as those already living in hostile states. This guidebook will arm LGBTQ+ people with resources and information to help ensure safety in all 50 states. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/for-the-first-time-ever-human-rights-campaign-officially-declares-state-of-emergency-for-lgbtq-americans-issues-national-warning-and-guidebook-to-ensure-safety-for-lgbtq-residents-and-travelers

And I decided to highlight this AP News article—as well as this Human Rights Campaign article—for you, my readers, to consider reading too!

Besides that, I made an yearly (annual) donation to show my support for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), since the HRC "officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States for the first time in its more than 40-year history, following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year [2023]," because "the sharp rise in anti-LGBTQ+ measures has spawned a dizzying patchwork of discriminatory state laws that have created increasingly hostile and dangerous environments for LGBTQ+ people, prompting HRC today [June 6th, 2023] to also issue a national warning and downloadable guidebook for the LGBTQ+ community." –Paul Whiting (written June 6th, 2023 and revised August 22nd, 2023)

Thus, the above-mentioned recurring yearly donation started yesterday, June 1st, 2024! –Paul Whiting (June 2nd, 2024)

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June 2nd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses May 31st, 2024: I received an email from Native American Rights Fund (NARF) two days ago on May 31st, 2024, with the subject line, "Take Action This Sunday", which stated the following:

Dear Paul,

This Sunday, June 2, is the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act, where the United States conferred citizenship on Native Americans. Despite this new status, it took another 40 years for Native Americans in all states to see the benefits of citizenship and have the right to vote.

100 years later, Native communities still face barriers to voting. In recent months NARF has successfully sued in multiple places including Montana, Arizona, and North Dakota to push back against state laws that disenfranchise and discriminate against Native voters.

In light of this 100-year struggle, NARF has joined with IllumiNative and the Native Organizers Alliance to organize a National Day of Action + Reflection on June 2. The goal is to spark conversations and educate people about the Indian Citizenship Act and the ongoing fight for realizing Native voting rights.

Please join us in spreading awareness about this pivotal moment in history. Get social media graphics at our Social Media Toolkit. Join us across social media platforms on June 2 as we gather to shine a light on the experiences of Native people in the United States.

Let’s collectively build power for people today and generations to come.

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:

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION & REFLECTION TOOLKIT
100 YEARS OF NATIVE AMERICAN U.S. CITIZENSHIP

POST WITH US ON JUNE 2ND

Share the graphic and caption copy (Native or Ally option) below on your social media channels to spread awareness about this pivotal moment in history and its impact (https://illuminative.org/nativecitizenship). When we show up in force to shine a light on the experiences of Native peoples in the U.S. we can collectively build power that will impact generations to come. ...

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

100 YEARS OF NATIVE AMERICAN U.S. CITIZENSHIP

This election year marks 100 years since Native Americans were conferred U.S. Citizenship. Despite being Indigenous to the country, it wasn’t until the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act, was signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge that all Native peoples born in the U.S. were conferred U.S. citizenship. This was the first time U.S. citizenship for Native Americans was not conditioned on military service or assimilation, but rather was the right of all Native Americans, including those who lived on tribal land. Importantly, citizens of Tribal nations did not need to relinquish one status for the other, but could retain both.

MIXED SUPPORT

Support for the Indian Citizenship Act among tribes was mixed, with some tribes regarding it as a threat to their separate sovereign status. Stoking more suspicion, the act did not automatically grant the right to vote for all Native American citizens. It took another 40 years of relentless struggle, often led by disenfranchised Native American veterans, before this fundamental right was secured in Indigenous communities across the country.

POWER OF THE NATIVE VOTE

Today, Native Americans make up critical voting blocs in swing states like Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, and Nevada. And in many local jurisdictions, Native Americans can swing outcomes in school boards, county commissions, water districts, and other offices that control everyday decisions that impact our lives. The fight for universal access to vote is not over. Many Native people still face unreasonable barriers to accessing election services while legislators continue to pass laws designed to disenfranchise Native voters. This centennial marks a new opportunity to build on generations of hard earned progress by using our hard won right to vote and ensuring all Native Americans can do the same. We have benefited from the progress of the last century, and now we hold the power to shape the next.

[Start of Infographic]

HOLD THE POWER

100 YEARS OF NATIVE AMERICAN U.S. CITIZENSHIP

JUNE 2, 2024
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AND REFLECTION

Mark the centennial of the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act by using your power and taking action.

1. Share the asset and copy

https://illuminative.org/nativecitizenship/toolkit

2. Check your voter registration

https://www.voteamerica.com

3. Support the efforts to pass the Native American Voting Rights Act (NAVRA)

https://vote.narf.org/native-american-voting-rights-act-navra

[End of Infographic]

Plus, I made a one-time donation to Native American Rights Fund in order to observe "the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act, where the United States conferred citizenship on Native Americans." –Paul Whiting (June 2nd, 2024)

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June 2nd, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Federation of America today, June 2nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Ready for Pride Month?", which stated the following:

Paul —

It's P R I D E and we. are. fired. up.

Fired up to celebrate. Fired up to join parties and parades and rallies. Fired up to keep fighting for the equal, inclusive, and joyful future we all deserve.

The only way to build that future is with a diverse and united movement. We are proud to partner with organizations led by and serving queer people of color this Pride Month.

These organizations provide direct services to LGBTQ+ people, advocate for change, and show the kind of courage we need in this moment.

Click here to make a donation that will be shared among these partners:

[✓] SPARK Reproductive Justice Now

[✓] National Black Justice Collective Institute

[✓] Waves Ahead

[✓] Trans Empowerment Project

DONATE***

For so many LGBTQ+ people, their local Planned Parenthood health center was the first place they could count on for sexual and reproductive health care, without judgment or stigma. From sex education to birth control to gender-affirming care to STI testing and treatment — Planned Parenthood is proud to be a trusted and welcoming resource.

We also know that health care is just one area where LGBTQ+ people — and especially LGBTQ+ people of color — face discrimination. Our movement needs a vision bold enough, and a heart big enough, to fight for equality in every aspect of our lives.

Make your special Pride Month gift right now and support grassroots organizations that are powering this movement.

We hope you're fired up for a joyful and engaged Pride Month. Thank you for supporting Planned Parenthood and our partners in this work.

— Planned Parenthood

A plurality of Americans, 50%, think former President Donald Trump's guilty verdict on all 34 counts in his hush money trial was correct, a new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds, and almost as many, 49%, think he should end his 2024 presidential campaign over the result.

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June 2nd, 2024 search:

02. Reuters

Trump warns of 'breaking point' for Americans if he's jailed

By Isabella Murray | June 2, 2024

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June 4th, 2024 search:

03. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

A Felon in the Oval Office Would Test the American System

Some are wondering how the Constitution’s checks and balances, meant to hold presidents accountable, would work if the next president elected were already a felon.

By Peter Baker | June 2, 2024

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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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June 4th, 2024 search:

04. NBC News

If Trump returns to the White House, what will happen to America’s intelligence agencies? (If Trump wins, he could weaponize U.S. spy services against his domestic political enemies, former intel officers warn)

A former national security official who served under Trump said, “I haven’t talked to a single senior person who said, ‘Don’t worry, he’ll be fine.’”

By Dan De Luce | June 3, 2024

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June 4th, 2024 search:

05. Reuters

Biden announces sweeping measures to bar migrants from asylum at the border

By Ted Hesson and Mica Rosenberg | June 4, 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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June 4th, 2024 search:

06. NBC News

Biden signs executive order dramatically tightening border

He has faced political pressure as migrants have continued to arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border.

By Gabe Gutierrez and Monica Alba | June 4, 2024

June 4th, 2024 search:

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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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June 2nd, 2024 search:

07. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

GOP's 'law and order' message at odds with their defense of Trump: ANALYSIS

"I don't really see how you can have it both ways," one expert told ABC News.

By Alexandra Hutzler | June 1, 2024

Republicans have long proclaimed themselves the party of "law and order."

That political philosophy, however, doesn't seem to have extended to the historic criminal trial of Donald Trump that ended this week in a first-ever conviction of a former president -- 34 guilty verdicts handed down by 12 ordinary Americans. ...

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June 2nd, 2024 search:

08. AP News

Republicans join Trump's attacks on justice system and campaign of vengeance after guilty verdict

By Lisa Mascaro and Mary Clare Jalonick | Updated 10:20 AM PDT, June 1, 2024

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June 4th, 2024 search:

09. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Majority of independents and 'double haters' think Trump should end 2024 campaign: POLL

The voting blocs could be critical in November in the expected razor-thin race.

By Isabella Murray | June 3, 2024

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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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June 2nd, 2024 search:

10. NBC News

Trump supporters try to dox jurors and post violent threats after his conviction

On social media and web forums, users called for jurors, judges and prosecutors to be killed after the former president was found guilty on 34 felony counts.

By Ryan J. Reilly | May 31, 2024

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June 2nd, 2024 search:

11. CNN

RNC co-chair Lara Trump slams Maryland GOP Senate candidate Larry Hogan for urging Americans to ‘respect’ hush money verdict

By Aaron Pellish | Updated 10:09 PM EDT, Sun June 2, 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 the time period of June 1st, 2024 through June 5th, 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 June 1st, 2024 through June 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 on June 1st, 2024, from an email that I received that day:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 1st, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times articles below:

Other Big Stories

“The American principle that no one is above the law was reaffirmed,” Biden said of Donald Trump’s criminal conviction. He called attacks on the verdict “reckless.”*

Trump criticized prosecutors and the judge in a speech filled with falsehoods.** ...

*Biden Denounces ‘Reckless’ G.O.P. Efforts to Discredit Trump Conviction

The president broke his long silence over his predecessor’s legal troubles, calling the New York jury’s guilty verdict vindication for the idea that “no one is above the law.”

By Peter Baker | May 31, 2024

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**Trump and Allies Assail Conviction With Faulty Claims

After former President Donald J. Trump was found guilty, he and a number of conservative figures in the news media and lawmakers on the right have spread false and misleading claims about the Manhattan case.

By Linda Qiu | May 31, 2024

The following is The New York Times article that I read on June 4th, 2024, from an email that I received that day:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 4th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Both Democrats and Republicans embrace border politics

Republicans in Arizona voted this afternoon to put a measure on the state’s ballots in November that would make illegal immigration a state crime. If passed, the measure would give local authorities the power to arrest, jail and deport unauthorized migrants.

The proposal is similar to laws recently passed by Republicans in Texas and Iowa that challenged the federal government’s exclusive authority to enforce immigration laws. Like those, it is likely to face court challenges if passed. But Republicans are hoping the measure can convince anti-immigration conservatives and unenthusiastic independents to vote in a swing state that could be crucial in the presidential race.

President Biden is also hardening his border policies in an effort to ease pressure on the immigration system and address voters’ rightward shift on immigration. Today, he issued an executive order that prevents migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border until illegal crossings drop significantly; it could go into effect tomorrow. Here’s how it works. ...

In Shift, Biden Issues Order Allowing Temporary Border Closure to Migrants

The move shows how drastically immigration politics have shifted in the United States. The American Civil Liberties Union said it planned to challenge the order in court.

By Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Hamed Aleaziz | June 4, 2024

The following are The New York Times articles that I read on June 5th, 2024, from emails that I received today:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 5th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

The asylum loophole

President Biden’s latest executive actions on immigration are an attempt to shrink a loophole that has allowed many people to enter the country without legal permission. That loophole is the asylum system.

In today’s newsletter, I’ll explain why experts consider the asylum system to be broken and why a long-term solution will almost certainly require a new law from Congress.

Not as intended

The modern idea of asylum stems from World War II. It is meant to protect people fleeing political oppression — Jews during the Holocaust, dissidents from the Soviet empire, Iranians after the revolution and, in recent years, Muslim Uyghurs, Afghans, South Sudanese and Ukrainians.

But asylum has expanded far beyond its original intent. Today, many migrants claim asylum even though they are not at risk of being persecuted. They instead want to move to the U.S. — understandably enough — because it is a richer, politically freer and less violent place than much of the world.

After migrants arrive at the U.S. border and request asylum, the federal government allows many to remain in the country while their cases are considered. The process can take years, partly because the system is overwhelmed and doesn’t employ enough border agents and immigration judges to decide cases quickly.

The situation has become self-reinforcing, giving more migrants reason to come to the U.S. As my colleague Miriam Jordan has explained:

It is not just because they believe they will be able to make it across the 2,000 mile southern frontier. They are also certain that once they make it to the United States they will be able to stay.

Forever.

And by and large, they are not wrong …

Most asylum claims are ultimately rejected. But even when that happens, years down the road, applicants are highly unlikely to be deported. With millions of people unlawfully in the country, U.S. deportation officers prioritize arresting and expelling people who have committed serious crimes and pose a threat to public safety.

Two decades ago, the typical way that people tried to enter the U.S. without legal permission was to evade border agents. Today, the typical way is to surrender to agents and request asylum.

It’s true that migrants typically face difficult circumstances at home, but that alone doesn’t explain the recent surge. The 1970s and ’80s offer a telling comparison: Global poverty was far higher then than now, and much of Latin America was convulsed by political violence. Yet the number of people who tried to cross the U.S. border was far lower than in recent years.

The recognition of the asylum loophole (along with other factors, like social media and affordable airfares) is a major reason.

‘A simple truth’

As a result, the U.S. now has an immigration system that permits many more entrants than Congress intended — and many more than Americans support.

Polls show that most Americans consider illegal immigration to be a serious problem and favor tougher border security. Mayors and governors, who are dealing with the costs and turmoil associated with the surge, are also unhappy. As Noah Smith, who’s generally pro-immigration, recently wrote on Substack, “Americans like immigrants, but they strongly dislike the idea of giving up popular democratic control over immigration.”

Biden made a similar point at the White House yesterday, while surrounded by officials from border communities. “We must face a simple truth,” he said. “To protect America as a land that welcomes immigrants, we must first secure the border and secure it now.”

Biden’s executive actions are an effort to address both a substantive problem and a political threat to his re-election. The new policy, which started at midnight, prevents most people from claiming asylum if they enter the country without legal permission. They will instead have to remain in Mexico or return to their home country. The policy will remain in place unless daily migration falls well below its current level.

Legal experts are divided on whether judges will uphold Biden’s order. On the one hand, federal law calls for a generous initial approach to asylum claims. On the other hand, the Supreme Court recently ruled that immigration law “exudes deference to the president.”

Congress, of course, has the power to resolve this uncertainty. It could pass a law making clear who deserves an asylum hearing. Congress also has the power to hire more agents and judges, to reduce the system’s yearslong backlog.

Until recently, Biden and many other Democrats were uninterested in passing such a law unless it also expanded legal immigration. Democrats, sensing their political vulnerability, changed their approach late last year and agreed to a bipartisan border-security bill — only to watch Republicans kill it at the urging of Donald Trump. Trump preferred letting the border crisis fester to hurt Biden. Yesterday’s executive order was Biden’s response.

Whatever happens in the courts, the executive order may reduce migration simply by sending a signal that Biden has become more serious about border security. But the order falls well short of a lasting fix to the asylum loophole. Any true fix will have to be part of the immigration overhaul that politicians have talked about for decades and still have not passed. ...

One Big Reason Migrants Are Coming in Droves: They Believe They Can Stay

Seeking asylum has become the surest way for migrants to stay in the U.S. The underfunded immigration system can’t keep up, so cases languish for years.

By Miriam Jordan | Jan. 31, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 5th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Republican leaders seek to avenge Trump

Donald Trump’s allies in recent days have called for revenge prosecutions and other retaliatory measures against Democrats in response to the former president’s felony conviction in New York.

Prominent former White House aides like Stephen Bannon and Stephen Miller have demanded locally elected Republicans use their power to target Democrats. Ronny Jackson, a House representative from Texas, said he would encourage Congress to “aggressively go after” President Biden and his family. And Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, said that some Democrats should “get the death penalty.”

They are among a growing chorus of Republicans who say that the criminal cases against Trump are a political weaponization of the justice system. Based on that premise, they argue that Republicans should do the same thing.

Seeking legal retribution is nothing new for Trump, who in 2016 echoed chants of “Lock her up” against Hillary Clinton. But the intensity of anger and open desire to use the criminal justice system against Democrats after last week’s verdict surpasses anything seen before. Many of the calls have come from people who are expected to play larger roles in a potential second term under Trump.

The clamor has left little room for moderate or traditional Republicans, such as Larry Hogan, who is looking to flip a Senate seat in Maryland. After he implored Americans to “respect the verdict,” Trump’s daughter-in-law, who is also the co-chair of the Republican National Committee, said that Hogan “doesn’t deserve the respect of anyone in the Republican Party.”

For more: Our polling experts tried to figure out if Trump’s guilty verdict changed any voters’ minds. The early answer appears to be an equivocal “yes.” ...

Small Shift Toward Biden After Trump Verdict

We reached nearly 2,000 people who participated in previous Times/Siena polls to see if any had changed their minds.

By Nate Cohn and Ruth Igielnik | June 5, 2024

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These are the USA Today articles which I received for the time period of June 1st, 2024 through June 5th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

The following is the USA Today article that I read on June 1st, 2024, from an email that I received that day:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 1st, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Donald Trump's conviction has landmark impact on American history

Trump is the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime. Here's what the verdict in his New York trial means for his legacy and U.S. history.

READ MORE ...

How Donald Trump's criminal conviction is already rewriting American history

By Karissa Waddick | June 1, 2024

The following is the USA Today article that I read on June 4th, 2024, from an email that I received that day:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 4th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Trump falsely claims he never said 'Lock her up' about Clinton | Fact check

Trump was documented saying the phrase and calling for Clinton's imprisonment numerous times throughout his 2016 presidential campaign.

READ MORE ...

'Lock her up': Trump now claims he never said or backed this. But he did. A lot. | Fact check

By Jeremy Yurow and Hannah Hudnall | June 4, 2024

The following are the USA Today articles that I read on June 5th, 2024, from emails that I received today:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 5th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Photo of the day: Remembering through reenactment

D-Day ceremonies, including reenactments, this week mark the 80th anniversary of the launch of "Operation Overlord", a vast military operation by Allied forces in Normandy, which turned the tide of World War II, eventually leading to the liberation of occupied France and the end of the war against Nazi Germany.

[Photo of the day: Parachutists wearing replica WWII-era paratrooper attire prior to their jump from a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft chartered and navigated by US crew, on June 5, 2024, at the Cherbourg airport, in Normandy, France. LOIC VENANCE, AFP via Getty Images] ...

As Joe Biden marks D-Day anniversary, he faces a world again embroiled in conflict

President Joe Biden was influenced by the events of World War II – from Pearl Harbor to Normandy. They have shaped his role as a statesman.

By Michael Collins | June 5, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 5th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Trump said Clinton shouldn't run amid investigation. Now he's running as a convict.

Trump said 2016 rival Hillary Clinton would cause an "unprecedented constitutional crisis" if indicted. He's running under conviction and indictment.

READ MORE ...

Trump said Clinton shouldn't run under investigation. Now he's running as a convict

By Josh Meyer | June 5, 2024

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These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for June 4th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)

The following are the Time Magazine articles that I read on June 4th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received that day:

‘We Are the World Power.’ How Joe Biden Leads

By Massimo Calabresi | June 4, 2024

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Fact-Checking What President Joe Biden Said in His 2024 Interview With TIME

By Leslie Dickstein, Simmone Shah and Julia Zorthian | June 4, 2024

"Normandy landings" 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):

The Normandy landings were the landing operations and associated airborne operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it is the largest seaborne invasion in history. The operation began the liberation of France, and the rest of Western Europe, and laid the foundations of the Allied victory on the Western Front. ...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings

[Blogger's Note: By the way, the phrase World War 2 is also sometimes written as WW2—as well as also written as World War II, or WWII, where the number '2' is represented in Roman numerals as a capital letter "I" (as in the phrase "I can see clearly now the rain is gone") in which case the letter "I" is written two times in sequence right after the phrase world war.]

So, this special 80th Anniversary of D-Day 'update' that I am writing today, June 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 and USA Today articles articles that I received via email—for June 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 June 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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). I hope that makes sense!

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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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June 6th, 2024 search:

01. NewsNation

How many Americans died on D-Day?

By Taylor Delandro | JUN 6, 2024

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June 6th, 2024 search:

02. AP News

Dwindling number of D-Day veterans plea to recall WWII lessons on anniversary (D-Day anniversary haunted by dwindling number of veterans and shadowed by Europe’s new war)

By John Leicester, Sylvie Corbet and Danica Kirka | Updated 10:24 AM PDT, June 6, 2024

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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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June 6th, 2024 search:

03. NBC News

D-Day 80th anniversary commemoration of Normandy invasion

Biden has joined other world leaders and veterans to commemorate the Normandy landings, the Allied forces’ surprise attack that helped liberate Europe from Nazi Germany.

By NBC News | June 6, 2024

What we know

• President Joe Biden joined French President Emmanuel Macron, Britain's King Charles III and other dignitaries to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when the Allied forces launched a surprise attack that helped liberate Europe from Nazi Germany.

• "Democracy is never guaranteed," he told the assembled crowd at the Normandy American Cemetery as he honored the veterans who fought in the defining World War II battle and helped defeat Nazi Germany. He went on to praise NATO’s strength and unity, drawing an implicit contrast with his Republican rival, Donald Trump, who aides say considered withdrawing from the alliance.

• Leaders traveled from around the world to attend commemorations in northern France, but the real stars of the occasion were the handful of remaining veterans. About 150 American veterans who took part in the Normandy landings were expected to attend the ceremonies, which could be the last major milestone for many.

• Western leaders are also confronting a shattered postwar peace, with Russia waging a new war in Europe, and the far-right on the march.

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June 6th, 2024 search:

04. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

D-Day anniversary, ex-servicemen commemorated by Joe Biden in Normandy (Biden on D-Day anniversary and Normandy landings: 'Let us be worthy of their sacrifice')

One by one, President Joe Biden and the first lady met with veterans ahead of the ceremony steps away from Omaha Beach.

By Michael Collins | June 6, 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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June 6th, 2024 search:

05. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

Biden Seeks to Echo Reagan With Normandy Speech to Honor D-Day (Forty Years Later, Biden Seeks to Echo Reagan’s Legacy of American Leadership)

At Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, President Biden plans to follow one of the former president’s most iconic speeches with his own testimonial to democracy and the need to resist isolationism.

By Peter Baker | June 6, 2024

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June 6th, 2024 search:

06. MSNBC News

President Biden: The struggle between dictatorship and freedom is unending

President Biden delivers remarks at Normandy, France on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

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June 6th, 2024 search:

07. NBC News

Biden stands with WWII veterans to mark D-Day 80th anniversary

President Joe Biden and other world leaders stood side by side with WWII veterans, marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. NBC News' Kelly O'Donnell reports on Biden's remarks from the ceremony in Normandy, France.

[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | June 6, 2024

By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video, which is why I didn't include the author(s) name(s).

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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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I did not select any articles from this category.

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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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June 6th, 2024 search:

08. CNN

‘Sends tingles down your spine’: See emotional moment presidents honor D-Day heroes

French President Emmanuel Macron along with President Joe Biden honored American veterans who stormed the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago, marking the beginning of the end of World War II.

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: 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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). 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 June 6th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com and USAToday.com articles!

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These are The New York Times articles which I received for June 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, June 6th, 2024, from emails that I received today:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 6th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times articles below:

D-Day Anniversary

Today is the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the pivotal World War II battle on beaches in Normandy. Few veterans of the battle are alive. ...

D-Day at 80

Veterans of the pivotal battle of World War II are disappearing. Europe, facing new conflict, recalls what their comrades died for.

By Roger Cohen | June 6, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 6th, 2024 'The Evening' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

In Normandy, Biden linked the war in Ukraine with D-Day

President Biden commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day today with a speech on the beaches of Normandy in France. He argued that the ongoing effort to stand up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a direct extension of the battle for freedom that raged across Europe during World War II.

Nations must team up, Biden said, to defeat another “tyrant bent on domination” and meet “the test of ages” to defend Ukraine. “Isolation was not the answer 80 years ago and is not the answer today,” Biden said. “The struggle between dictatorship and freedom is unending.”

Before Biden’s address, the audience delivered a nearly hourlong series of standing ovations as D-Day veterans arrived. Most of the men, now in their late 90s or over 100, rolled up a blue-carpeted ramp in wheelchairs. A few managed to walk with canes or unassisted, drawing extra applause. We spoke with some veterans about that pivotal battle and what came next. ...

Biden Links Fight for Ukraine With Allied Effort on D-Day

Speaking in Normandy, the president argued that similar principles were at stake in both wars: the defense of freedom and a rules-based international order.

By Michael D. Shear and Peter Baker | June 6, 2024

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These are the USA Today articles which I received for June 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, June 6th, 2024, from an email that I received today:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 6th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

More news to know now

A grandmother's 80-year-old diary documents the opening of D-Day ...

'The Americans are landing': A grandmother's 80-year-old diary documents opening of D-Day

Scribbled in French shorthand, Louise Hamel’s diary still captures the power of the moment

By Michael Collins | June 6, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 6th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Photo of the day: 80 years since D-Day changed the world

D-Day – the largest land, sea and air invasion ever attempted – still resonates today. With the bold invasion of Nazi-held Europe on June 6, 1944, the Allied forces began turning the tide in World War II. The success of the invasion came at the cost of more 10,000 Allied troops killed, wounded or missing. Read more

[Photo of the day: US President Joe Biden (L) and US First Lady Jill Biden (C) speaks with US WWII veteran Edward "Bud" Berthold at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France, on June 6, 2024. SAUL LOEB, AFP via Getty Images] ...

On D-Day, they changed the world. 80 years later, an incredible journey takes them back.

By Michael Collins | June 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 and USA Today—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written June 6th, 2024, revised June 21st, 2024 and revised August 31st, 2025)

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June 7th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 5th, 2024: National Gun Violence Awareness Day is today, June 7th, 2024, since National Gun Violence Awareness Day is yearly (annually) on the first Friday in June.

And I received an email from March For Our Lives (MFOL) two days ago on June 5th, 2024, with the subject line, "We need to pass the People’s Response Act", which stated the following:

MARCH
FOR OUR
LIVES

Hey, Paul — [name redacted] here, [title redacted] at March For Our Lives! I work with teams of volunteers to imagine what a world free from gun violence looks like.

There is an epidemic of violence affecting our children, families, and particularly marginalized communities. Our current system of public safety is broken – but we have the power to fix it.

One of the key areas we need to address gun violence is police brutality and violence against Black and brown communities — that’s exactly what the People’s Response Act will do.

Paul, this month, March For Our Lives members are heading to Capitol Hill to advocate for this bill and ask Congress to sign it into law.

But we need more than just the young people on the ground to make this happen — so I’m personally asking if you can urge your representatives to support the People’s Response Act today. We’ve already written out your message, all you have to do is click to send it!

SEND YOUR MESSAGE***

Here’s more on what the People’s Response Act calls for: ⤵️

[✓] A focus on preventing violence before it starts and building systems of care that are rooted in improving the well-being of all communities
[✓] Restorative justice and harm reduction-based treatment of mental health and substance abuse
[✓] Creating a Division on Community Safety within the Department of Health and Human Services which will fund, conduct, and coordinate research, technical assistance, and grant programs related to non-carceral, health-centered investments in public safety
[✓] Launching a federal first responders unit to support states and local governments with emergency health crises
[✓] Providing $11 billion in grant funding to state and local governments, as well as community-based organizations, to fully fund public safety and improve crisis response
[✓] Establishing a $2.5 billion First Responder Hiring Grant to create thousands of jobs and provide funding to state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community organizations, to hire a variety of emergency first responders

The far-right continually tries to tell us the lie that the solution to violence is more guns in our communities. But that’s just not true.

The public safety solutions proven to work are rooted in care and empathy, not criminalization or arming more people. The People’s Response Act centers our community and safety by establishing an evidence-based, public health approach to public safety.

Please, send a message to your representatives today urging them to support the People’s Response Act — it will only take a moment. Contacting our representatives is one of the most powerful ways we can amplify our message and hold our leaders accountable for addressing public safety.

In solidarity,

[Name redacted]

DONATE NOW

TAKE ACTION: TELL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPPORT THE PEOPLE'S RESPONSE ACT

Email your legislators now and urge them to support an inclusive, holistic, and health-centered approach to public safety that focuses on preventing violence before it starts and builds systems of care that are rooted in improving the well-being of all communities >>>

Details

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

Message Recipients

[Title and Name redacted]

[Title and Name redacted]

[Title and Name redacted]

Send the following message: Please, support the People's Response Act today!

Dear [elected official]

I'm bringing to your attention an important piece of legislation that I believe will reduce gun violence in our district and improve public salety. I'm urging you to support the People's Response Act today.

The People's Response Act calls for robust investment in the things that communities around the country need to live in safety, including community-based violence reduction programs, suicide prevention programs, domestic violence prevention programs, and mental end behavioral health service programs.

Thank you for taking the time to consider joining the growing number of cosponsors for these two pieces of legislation. I believe the bill is a vital tool to address the crisis of gun violence — which is now the leading cause of death for young people in America.

Sincerely,

Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Email redacted]

Send message

And, after I sent the message above to my U.S. Representative and Senators in Congress, I made a one-time donation to March For Our Lives (MFOL) in order to show my support for the People's Response Act, which "calls for robust investment in the things that communities around the country need to live in safety, including community-based violence reduction programs, suicide prevention programs, domestic violence prevention programs, and mental end behavioral health service programs." –Paul Whiting (June 7th, 2024)

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June 7th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses June 3rd, 2024: National Gun Violence Awareness Day is today, June 7th, 2024, since National Gun Violence Awareness Day is yearly (annually) on the first Friday in June.

And I received a text message four days ago on June 3rd, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence, which stated the following:

URGENT: We are weeks away from the Supreme Court's next gun safety decision, Paul, and we cannot afford another gun lobby victory like last summer.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, 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. Brady is counting on you to speak out before it's too late: 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝘂𝗻𝘀?
⚪YES
🔴𝗡𝗢***

–Team Brady

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 "we are weeks away from the Supreme Court's next gun safety decision" 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 June 7th, 2024 and revised August 14th, 2024)

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For my "June 9th, 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:

June 9th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, June 9th, 2024, with the subject line, "May/June Military Supporter Update", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 123 / MAY/JUNE 2024, which stated, in part, the following:

YOUR USO AT WORK
Issue 123 / MAY/JUNE 2024

DONATE NOW »

https://secure.uso.org

Paul,

We are so grateful to all our supporters who took the time to honor and thank our service members during Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day last month. This month, our service members are proving that they deserve every ounce of our support.

Read on to learn about the ways USO Home Team members like you are helping support our members of the military who are risking their lives to serve. ...

And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "USO Celebrates Military Appreciation Month" and "USO Bridges Gap Between Service Members and Civilians Through Human to Human Project," as well as "Partners Join the USO in Celebrating Military Appreciation Month," in addition to "Volunteering With the USO":

USO FRONT LINES

USO Celebrates Military Appreciation Month

May was Military Appreciation Month, and we used this time to celebrate our commitment to standing by every person who has taken the oath to serve. Thank you to all our supporters who took the opportunity to join us in helping show our gratitude and appreciation to service members in a meaningful way. If you didn’t get a chance to sign our Military Appreciation Month card, you can still let our heroes know you’re thinking of them by signing now.

https://action.uso.org/2404_MAM

[Blogger's Note: I signed the USO's Military Appreciation Month card on May 23rd, 2024 (please see my 'May 27th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On May 23rd, 2024,' which can be found above).]

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GET INSPIRED

USO Bridges Gap Between Service Members and Civilians Through Human to Human Project

Our Military Appreciation Month spotlight video, “Human to Human,” offers a look into the shared experiences between civilians and the people serving our country. To do this, we brought together seven pairs of strangers consisting of one service member and one civilian each at the Atlanta International Airport. Learn more about this special campaign, and watch the video now. >>

https://www.uso.org/stories/3782-how-the-uso-bridged-the-gap-between-service-members-and-civilians-through-the-human-to-human-project

[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's article titled, "How the USO Bridged the Gap Between Service Members and Civilians Through the Human to Human Project," which also includes the above-mentioned video that I watched.]

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CORPORATE PARTNERS

Partners Join the USO in Celebrating Military Appreciation Month

May is a special month for the USO. It is a time to raise awareness among the general public about the people actively serving in the U.S. military, as well as a time to show service members how much they are appreciated. USO corporate partners Clear Channel Outdoor, The Coca-Cola Company®, Wonder® Bread and Tastykake®, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Keystone Light, Paradies Lagardère & Copper Cane collaborated in these efforts by sponsoring various special events, contests and campaigns that recognize Military Appreciation Month. Learn more »

https://www.uso.org/stories/3788-how-our-corporate-partners-joined-the-uso-in-celebrating-military-appreciation-month-this-year

[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's article titled, "How Our Corporate Partners Joined the USO in Celebrating Military Appreciation Month in 2024."]

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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 standing by 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, "June 9th, 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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June 9th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received a text message today, June 9th, 2024, from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, which stated the following:

Hi, Paul, it's [name redacted], [title redacted] & [title redacted] of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Today is National Children's Day & our URGENT goal is to raise $36.5K by midnight tonight to represent being a force for good for impoverished children 365 days a year! Your donation today will deliver toys, books & other gifts to children all across the country. There are just a few hours left, so please give NOW to bring hope & joy to children in need EVERY SINGLE DAY.***

MARINE CORPS RESERVE
TOYS FOR TOTS

Be a Force for Good on National Children's Day and all year long!

Marine Toys for Tots

In honor of National Children's Day and to be a force for good 365 days a year for children in need, help us raise $36,500. Your gift today will help us deliver toys, books, joy, and hope to children in need no matter the season. Please give generously to bring a smile to a child's face and give them hope for a brighter tomorrow. Thank you.

Donation Information

[  ] $50
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $150
[✓] $5.00

Contact Information

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

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in order to "help [Toys for Tots] deliver toys, books, joy, and hope to children in need no matter the season ... in honor of National Children's Day." –Paul Whiting (June 9th, 2024)

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June 10th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 8th, 2024, As Well As June 7th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 10th, 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 total time period of June 7th, 2024 through June 10th, 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 June 8th, 2024 and June 10th, 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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). I hope that makes sense!

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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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June 8th, 2024 search:

01. Politico

Trump allies attack strong jobs report as bad for 'native born Americans'

MAGA Inc. says the May report “paints a dire picture for the American economy.”

The labor market may still be hot, but the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. is using the better-than-expected jobs report released Friday to hit President Joe Biden on another front — immigration.

The Labor Department’s report that the U.S. economy added 272,000 jobs in May “paints a dire picture for the American economy,” MAGA Inc. wrote in a press release titled “May Jobs Report: Immigrants Win While Native Born Americans Lose.” The release cites a decrease in the number of native-born workers who are employed and an increase in the number of foreign-born workers who had jobs in May compared to April.

MAGA Inc. also pointed to comments from CNBC’s senior economics reporter Steve Liesman, who on Friday morning said “there’s an immigration piece to this” while discussing the jobs report.

“There are bodies available, and there is work for them to do. Whether or not they’re here legally or not is a different story,” Liesman said, which MAGA Inc. quotes in the release. What’s not included, however, were his follow-up remarks adding “that’s the political story.”

“The economic story is there’s work for them to do, they’re being put to work,” Liesman said. “I did not get to look at the non-native hiring in this survey yet, but I’m sure it’s pretty healthy.”

Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement to POLITICO that “Trump’s team is pushing racist, nativist attacks” and “trying to divide our country to help himself” instead of “outlining a vision to grow the economy.”

“This reads like a statement from the racist, nativist politicians of the 1800s who vilified immigrants and divided Americans to gain power,” Moussa said. “It’s also wrong: under Joe Biden’s leadership, 15.6 million more Americans have jobs and the unemployment rate has been at or under 4% since January 2022. That’s an economic record that Donald Trump can only dream about.” ...

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June 8th, 2024 search:

02. The Guardian

Trump plots capture of DoJ in renewed assault on US justice system

Ex-president determined to destroy independence of justice department if he regains control of White House

By Ed Pilkington | 7 Jun 2024

Donald Trump is planning an assault on the American justice system should he win re-election to the White House, in which he would seek to destroy the independence of the justice department and turn it into an attack machine for his Make American great again (Maga) movement.

At the heart of his plans is the desire to impose his will on the individual prosecutorial decisions taken by the Department of Justice. The move, if successful, would end half a century of accepted practice that prevents presidents from politically interfering with specific cases.

It would allow Trump in his second term to eradicate the federal prosecutions currently being pursued against him as well as against insurrectionists who stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021 whom he has championed as “hostages”. It would also free him to instigate legal investigations as acts of revenge against his perceived political enemies, including Joe Biden and family.

“I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family,” Trump said last year.

No evidence has been presented linking Biden to any crime, though his son Hunter Biden did go on trial on Monday accused of falsifying a firearms license application.

Trump repeated the threat that he use the justice system to go after his opponents on Tuesday, telling Newsmax that the prosecutions against him had set a “terrible precedent” that he implied he would turn against Democrats should he win in November. “It’s a terrible, terrible path that they’re leading us to, and it’s very possible that it’s gonna have to happen to them.”

In his first White House term, Trump made clear that he aspired to total control of the DoJ. He failed in that attempt, largely because of the resistance of top justice officials.

Trump’s determination to overcome the norm is now much more advanced than it was four years ago. His disdain for the fundamental building blocks of the justice system was on full display following his New York conviction last week on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up an affair with the adult actor Stormy Daniels.

In comments widely echoed by senior Republicans, Trump denounced the trial as “rigged” – an echo of his false claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him.

“His message is that whenever anything comes out in a way that isn’t positive for me, it’s illegitimate,” said Rebecca Roiphe, a law professor at New York Law School. “If people start to believe that, then really, you don’t have any rule of law.” ...

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June 8th, 2024 search:

03. The Washington Post

Analysis | The link between the news Americans consume and the things they believe

Issue importance, confidence in reality and acceptance of false claims varies widely by news source.

By Philip Bump | June 6, 2024

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June 10th, 2024 search:

04. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Biden stops at WWI cemetery Trump didn't visit to honor US troops

Trump claimed bad weather prevented him from visiting the graves in 2018.

President Joe Biden on Sunday visited a World War I cemetery outside Paris where American troops are buried as his last stop on his trip to France.

The visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery was notable, as it draws a contrast with former President Donald Trump, who in 2018 declined to visit the same cemetery, citing bad weather. Later reports, however, claimed Trump described those buried there as "suckers" and "losers." ...

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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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June 8th, 2024 search:

05. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Jobs report blows past expectations, displaying resilient strength of US economy

The U.S. economy added 272,000 jobs in May.

By Max Zahn | June 7, 2024

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June 8th, 2024 search:

06. U.S. Department of Defense (.gov)

Austin: U.S., Allies, Partners United in Ukraine's Defense From Expansionist Russia

By David Vergun | June 7, 2024

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June 10th, 2024 search:

07. The Atlantic

The U.S. Economy Is Absolutely Fantastic

No, really.

By Rogé Karma | June 10, 2024

If the United States’ economy were an athlete, right now it would be peak LeBron James. If it were a pop star, it would be peak Taylor Swift. Four years ago, the pandemic temporarily brought much of the world economy to a halt. Since then, America’s economic performance has left other countries in the dust and even broken some of its own records. The growth rate is high, the unemployment rate is at historic lows, household wealth is surging, and wages are rising faster than costs, especially for the working class. There are many ways to define a good economy. America is in tremendous shape according to just about any of them.

The American public doesn’t feel that way—a dynamic that many people, including me, have recently tried to explain. But if, instead of asking how people feel about the economy, we ask how it’s objectively performing, we get a very different answer.

Let’s start with economists’ favorite metric: growth. When an economy is growing, more money is being spent. More stuff is being produced, more services are being performed, more businesses are being started, more workers are being hired—and, because of this abundance, living standards are probably rising. (On the flip side, during a recession—literally, when the economy shrinks—life gets materially worse.) Right now America’s economic-growth rate is the envy of the world. From the end of 2019 to the end of 2023, U.S. GDP grew by 8.2 percent—nearly twice as fast as Canada’s, three times as fast as the European Union’s, and more than eight times as fast as the United Kingdom’s.

“It’s hard to think of a time when the U.S. economy has diverged so fundamentally from its peers,” Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, told me. Over the past year, some of the world’s biggest economies, including those of Japan and Germany, have fallen into recession, complete with mass layoffs and angry street protests. In the U.S., however, the post-pandemic recession never arrived. The economy just keeps growing. ...

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June 10th, 2024 search:

08. Voice of America

Biden honors US war dead with cemetery visit ending French trip

By Associated Press | June 09, 2024

BELLEAU, FRANCE — President Joe Biden closed out his trip to France by paying his respects at an American military cemetery that Donald Trump notably skipped visiting when he was president, hoping his final stop Sunday will draw the stakes of the November election in stark relief.

Before returning to the United States, Biden honored America's war dead at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery about an hour outside Paris. He placed a wreath at the cemetery chapel before an expanse of white headstones marking the final resting place of more than 2,200 U.S. soldiers who fought in World War I.

It was a solemn end to five days in which Trump was an unspoken yet unavoidable presence. On the surface, the trip marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day and celebrated the alliance between the United States and France. But during an election year when Trump has called into question fundamental understandings about America's global role, Biden has embraced his Republican predecessor — and would-be successor — as a latent foil.

Every ode to the transatlantic partnership was a reminder that Trump could upend those relationships. Each reference to democracy stood a counterpoint to his rival's efforts to overturn a presidential election. The myriad exhortations to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia created a contrast with Trump's skepticism about providing U.S. assistance.

Biden's paeans to the struggle between democracy and autocracy drew plaudits in Europe, where the prospect of a return to Trump's turbulent reign has sparked no shortage of anxiety. But it remains to be seen how the message will resonate with American voters, as Biden's campaign struggles to connect the dire warnings the Democratic president so often delivers about his rival with people's daily concerns.

The visit to the cemetery served as a moment to underscore the contrast once more.

"It's the same story," Biden said. "America showed up. America showed up to stop the Germans. America showed up to make sure that they did not prevail. And America shows up when we're needed just like our allies show for us."

During a 2018 trip to France, Trump skipped plans to go to the cemetery, a decision that the White House blamed on weather at the time. However, subsequent reports said that Trump told aides he didn't want to go because he viewed the dead soldiers as "suckers" and "losers." Trump has denied the comments, although they were later corroborated by his chief of staff at the time, John Kelly. ...

President Biden's campaign released a new ad on Friday attacking former President Trump over past comments he's made about members of the military.

Why it matters: The ad comes after Biden during speeches this week commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day took veiled jabs at his GOP presidential rival as he hailed the power of democracy —and warned of its fragility.

The Biden campaign on Thursday released a separate ad featuring three veterans who criticized Trump as "a draft dodger" and took aim at his fitness to be commander in chief.

Driving the news: The one-minute ad, called "What Trump Thinks," displays past quotes the former president has reportedly made about veterans, such as calling them "losers" and "suckers."

• The ad also displays a quote from Trump reportedly saying that "we're not going to support that loser's funeral," referring to former Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

What they're saying: "Donald Trump is so self-obsessed that when he hears about service members making the ultimate sacrifice—dying for one's country—his first instinct is to denigrate their service, sacrifice, and families," Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler said in a statement.

• "He called fallen service members "suckers" and "losers" not once, not twice, but three separate times," Tyler said. ...

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June 10th, 2024 search:

10. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

Joe Biden honors soldiers, visits cemetery Donald Trump skipped (Joe Biden honors World War I soldiers, visits cemetery in France that Donald Trump skipped)

By Michael Collins | June 9, 2024

BELLEAU, France – President Joe Biden ended his five-day trip to France on Sunday by paying his respects to World War I soldiers buried in a cemetery that former President Donald Trump did not visit six years ago over weather concerns. ...

... Trump in 2018, during his presidency, canceled a visit to the cemetery because it was raining. “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers,” Trump reportedly said, according to The Atlantic. Trump also called the fallen soldiers “suckers” and “losers,” the magazine claimed. ...

... Trump’s White House denied the report and said the cemetery visit had been canceled because the rain grounded his helicopter and there wasn’t enough time to close off roads for a motorcade on such short notice.

But Biden has mentioned the ensuing incident several times this year during campaign events as he again faces Trump in this November’s election.

“To me, that is such a disqualifying assertion made by a president – ‘suckers’ and ‘losers,’” he told reporters at Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport in Pennsylvania in April.

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June 10th, 2024 search:

11. Newsweek

Joe Biden Gets Good Sign in New Critical Battleground States Poll

By Natalie Venegas | Jun 09, 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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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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June 8th, 2024 search:

12. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

Trump's verdict put him on his heels. So he's threatening violence (Trump ramps up violent rhetoric after guilty verdict – and GOP just keep ignoring it)

Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, keep supporting Donald Trump and his violent speeches.

By Chris Brennan | June 5, 2024

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before – Donald Trump is in a raging fury about a decision that didn’t go his way.

So Trump casts himself as the victim of a rigged system while rallying Republican leaders to literally rig the system after the fact, to derail the decision, to appease his acrimony. Along the way, Trump ramps up violent rhetoric. But the Republicans remain in lockstep behind him, even as serious strife looms ahead.

Sounds like the 2020 election result and the Capitol riot that followed, right?

But now it’s Trump’s 2024 criminal conviction in New York, where a jury of his peers last week found him guilty of 34 felonies.

Trump has only one playbook. We’ve seen the calamity that he created after he lost in 2020. We saw Republicans denounce him for the violence and mayhem of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection before they came crawling back to him.

And now Trump and his Republican allies are running the same plays. The latest U.S. House speaker, who tried to disenfranchise millions of voters in an attempt to help Trump overturn the 2020 election, now wants a valid jury verdict thrown out. And Trump is priming his supporters for future violence.

Republicans are working against the justice system out in the open

Consider House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican who denounced the Capitol attack in 2021 as "shameful violence" in a statement that curiously no longer appears on his congressional website.

Johnson, nearly eight months into his speakership, clings to power with a bare-bones majority mostly thanks to support from Trump.

Maybe that's why the speaker showed up on Fox News on Friday to call on the U.S. Supreme Court to immediately step in and quash the unanimous verdict a New York jury delivered the day before, convicting Trump for using false business reporting to conceal a $130,000 payment he made in 2016 to an adult film star to keep her quiet about an affair that could have derailed his first run for president.

“I do believe the Supreme Court should step in," Johnson said. "I think that the justices on the court – I know many of them personally – I think they're deeply concerned about that, as we are. So I think they'll set this straight.”

Can you hear the political flip-er-roo? Trump and his allies like Johnson spent weeks claiming that the New York case was somehow driven politically by President Joe Biden without ever offering a wisp of evidence. And now they plan to counter that bogus claim of politicization of the courts with ... an open and obvious attempt at politicization of the courts.

Johnson said he's chummy with the Supremes. He knows what they're thinking. He's telling them on television to ignore our entire legal system and jump to a rigged end for Trump.

Trump is trying to call in a favor from Supreme Court justices

Trump must have liked Johnson's plan to have the Supreme Court demolish this country's system of law and order by obliterating a jury verdict, even before an appeal is filed by the convicted felon who was once president.

Trump took to his social media website Truth Social on Sunday to wail about the verdict before declaring, "The United States Supreme Court MUST DECIDE!"

This is an easy read on Trump. He sees everything as a transaction. He doesn't care about the legality or ethics of any of it. He just thinks people probably owe him. And he put three of the most conservative justices on the Supreme Court, so he is certain to see them as in his debt.

Trump also ramped up his violent rhetoric Sunday, telling Fox News that he expects his supporters to revolt if he is sentenced to prison or even house arrest for his New York conviction.

“I don’t know that the public would stand it," Trump said. "At a certain point, there’s a breaking point."

This, too, is a standard Trump tactic – issuing what he can later claim was only a warning when we know, given his history, it is really a call to violence. ...

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June 8th, 2024 search:

13. MSN

GOP's response to Trump verdict: An "ominous sign" for the future?

By GZERO Staff | [No publishing date indicated]

It’s far too early to say how former President Trump’s 34 felony convictions in the New York hush money case will affect the 2024 US presidential election, but make no mistake, the verdict has far-reaching implications for the future of the Republican party.

On GZERO World, Ian Bremmer was joined by New Yorker columnist Susan Glasser and former US attorney Preet Bharara for a frank look at what Trump’s conviction means for the GOP moving forward. As historic as Trump’s conviction is, the political response may be even more unprecedented and could have dangerous implications not just for Republicans or capital “D” Democrats but for our already fragile, lower-case “d” democracy.

“This is a marker of the escalation that we’re seeing in 2024,” Glasser says, pointing to the GOP attacks on the US justice system, “I think it’s a sign of where the Republican party is at, that they’ve essentially mortgaged the party so completely to the fate of one individual, that they’re willing to tear down what remains of faith in our institutions.” ...

By the way, I also watched the YouTube video accompanying the article above that is titled the same as the article.

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June 10th, 2024 search:

14. Slate

Donald Trump news: Republicans are absolutely losing it over his guilty verdict. (Which Republican Wins the Award for Best Outraged-About-Trump Tweet?)

Someone check on Don Jr.

By Jim Newell | May 30, 2024

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GOOGLE SEARCH: POLITICAL NEWS
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June 8th, 2024 search:

15. CNN

Interviewers keep giving Trump an off-ramp to his revenge tour. He isn’t taking it

By Steve Contorno | June 7, 2024

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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORKERS ON STRIKE NEWS
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PORTLAND OREGON NEWS
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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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). 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 June 7th, 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 June 7th, 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, June 7th, 2024, from emails that I received today:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 7th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Fight theory

Polls show that many of the policies enacted by President Biden are popular. His measures to reduce the cost of insulin and other drugs receive support from more than 80 percent of Americans. His infrastructure bill, his hawkish approach to China and his all-of-the-above energy policy, which combines expanded oil drilling with clean-energy subsidies, are popular, too.

But voters obviously like some of his policies more than others. And an unusual pattern seems to be hurting Biden’s re-election campaign: Voters are less aware of his most popular policies than his more divisive ones.

The chart below captures the pattern. It is based on a poll last year by YouGov and Blueprint that asked voters, in separate questions, whether they supported various policies and whether they were aware that Biden had enacted them:

[START OF GRAPH]

Graph titled, "Support vs. awareness of Biden's policies"
Some of the president's most popular policies are among his least known.

Restricting junk fees

Support: 89%
Awareness: 55%

Reducing the federal deficit

Support: 89%
Awareness: 46%

Capping insulin costs

Support: 88%
Awareness: 64%

Passing a bipartisan semiconductor bill

Support: 83%
Awareness: 54%

Capping Medicare drug costs

Support: 83%
Awareness: 49%

Restricting China's use of A.I. chips

Support: 83%
Awareness: 40%

Suing big tech companies

Support: 79%
Awareness: 48%

Passing a bipartisan infrastructure bill

Support: 78%
Awareness: 63%

Deploying more border agents

Support: 76%
Awareness: 43%

Increasing oil and gas drilling

Support: 74%
Awareness: 48%

Increasing police funding

Support: 74%
Awareness: 46%

Pardoning marijuana offenses

Support: 73%
Awareness: 60%

Easing sanctions on Venezuelan oil

Support: 68%
Awareness: 42%

Raising taxes on the rich

Support: 68%
Awareness: 70%

Supporting striking workers

Support: 66%
Awareness: 71%

Giving clean-energy credits

Support: 64%
Awareness: 58%

Sending aid to Ukraine

Support: 60%
Awareness: 82%

Expanding medicaton abortion

Support: 57%
Awareness: 62%

Canceling student debt

Support: 52%
Awareness: 84%

Banning some transgender restrictions

Support: 48%
Awareness: 55%

Source: Blueprint/YouGov poll of 1,063 registered voters conducted Oct. 26 to Nov. 2, 2023. | By The New York Times

[END OF GRAPH]

Canceling student debt and sending aid to Ukraine, for example, receive majority support, but not overwhelming support. Those are also among the policies that voters know best.

Increasing police funding and capping Medicare costs, by contrast, are extremely popular — and somewhat obscure. “We have found this disconnect between what voters care about and what they think Biden cares about,” said Evan Roth Smith of Blueprint, a Democratic research group.

In today’s newsletter, I’ll try to make sense of the disconnect, with help from an idea that a political strategist recently explained to me: fight theory.

Ukraine vs. bank fees

Biden’s biggest weakness in the 2024 campaign is arguably the cost of living. (His age and his record on immigration are also high on the list.) Annual inflation has averaged 5.5 percent during his presidency, up from 2.1 percent during the previous two decades. Most of the price increases aren’t Biden’s fault — just look at the high inflation in other countries* — but many voters hold presidents accountable for the economic trends on their watch.

Biden and his aides have tried to address this weakness by arguing that he understands Americans’ frustrations and is fighting to reduce prices. When I spoke recently with Lael Brainard, Biden’s national economic adviser, she named more than a dozen items that she said were part of Biden’s “cost-lowering agenda.” Her list included several of the policies you can see in the chart above.

(To go deeper, here are previous Morning newsletters about Biden’s moves on “junk fees” and medical costs and a story by my colleague Zolan Kanno-Youngs about insulin.)

Still, many of these policies receive relatively little attention. Compare how often you hear about, say, Biden’s moves to reduce credit-card late fees or the cost of hearing aids with how often you hear about Ukraine, Gaza, abortion, immigration or Donald Trump’s trial.

Why is this?

Adam Green, co-founder of Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a Democratic-aligned group, blames what he calls fight theory. “It’s not enough to have positive messaging,” Green said. “Voters must see drama, clash and an ongoing saga in order for our message to break through a cluttered news environment.”

Abortion and immigration receive a lot of attention partly because the two political parties argue so much about them. Similarly, student-debt cancellation is salient because it is a priority for progressives and anathema to conservatives (including the Republican appointees on the Supreme Court). Ukraine aid, likewise, was for months the subject of a debate in Congress.

These fights become the subject of political fundraising emails, activist campaigns, news stories and social media posts. Conflict attracts attention. The situation with Biden’s most popular economic policies — especially the reduction of medical costs — is somewhat different.

Quiet Republicans

Congressional Republicans generally voted against these policies. The Inflation Reduction Act, which is full of measures to cut medical costs, passed in 2022 with only Democratic votes. But many Republicans recognize the popularity of those policies and have been careful not to talk much about their opposition.

When Biden last year announced the first 10 drugs for which Medicare would begin to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies, Republicans stayed mostly quiet. They deprived Democrats of a fight.

But Republicans haven’t remained completely quiet about their opposition, and Biden’s campaign and other Democrats are likely to emphasize the contrast as the campaign picks up. They will try to pick more fights. One example: After Senator Tim Scott, a potential Trump running mate, introduced a measure this spring to repeal Biden’s limit on credit-card late fees, prominent Democrats like Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren highlighted the issue.

Scott’s measure has little chance of becoming law while Biden is president. But if Trump returns to the White House and Republicans take control of Congress, they may well repeal several of Biden’s most popular policies and hope that voters don’t punish them too much for it. A goal of Biden’s campaign, Democrats say, will be to highlight that possibility.

Related: Some Democrats are urging Biden to make “greedflation” — blaming corporations for price increases — a central campaign theme.** ...

*A Global Inflation Crisis

Big price increases are not exclusive to the U.S.

By German Lopez | July 26, 2022

Inflation has dominated the news about America’s economy in recent months as prices for food, gas and other goods have increased faster than they have in four decades.

But inflation is a global phenomenon right now — and the U.S. has actually fared better than other countries in recent months. In June, consumer prices in the U.S. increased 9.1 percent over the previous year; they increased 9.6 percent across the E.U. in the same time period.

Much of the public discussion about inflation in the U.S. has focused on domestic problems, particularly President Biden’s policies. Critics argue that the American Rescue Plan, the pandemic relief bill that Biden signed into law 16 months ago, has supercharged consumer demand by sending $1.9 trillion to Americans, state governments and other programs. As higher demand has chased limited supplies of goods, prices have soared.

The law has certainly played a role in increased inflation, economists say. But the global trends suggest that focusing solely on the U.S.’s role misses a big part of the story — how external forces have driven up prices, too.

In today’s newsletter, I want to look at the main causes of inflation and why they might be difficult to fix.

Common causes

The big factors that drove up inflation in the U.S. also affected the rest of the world: the disruption of supply chains by both the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and soaring consumer demand for goods.

But increasing inflation has played out differently in different countries, said Jason Furman, an economist at Harvard University. The U.S.’s earlier, bigger price spike had different causes than Europe’s more recent increase. (Countries differ in how they calculate price changes, but economists still find comparisons of the available data useful.)

In the U.S., demand has played a bigger role in inflation than it has elsewhere. That is likely a result of not just the American Rescue Plan but also economic relief measures enacted by Donald Trump. Altogether, the U.S. spent more to prevent economic catastrophe during the pandemic than most of the world did. That led to a stronger recovery, but also to greater inflation. ...

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

**Whose Fault Is Inflation? Liberals Want Biden to Blame Big Business.

“Greedflation” is a moniker about corporate price increases that has bolstered some Democratic senators, and now the president is being encouraged to lean in on the issue for his economic messaging.

By Nicholas Nehamas, Jim Tankersley and Kellen Browning | June 6, 2024

As high prices at grocery stores, gas pumps and pharmacies have soured many voters on his first term, President Biden has developed a populist riposte: Blame big corporations for inflation, not me.

But despite facing a tough re-election battle where economic issues will be central, Mr. Biden has not leaned into that message as frequently or naturally as some other Democrats, including senators running in competitive seats across the southwest and the industrial Midwest. The Biden campaign has not focused its television or online advertisements on messages berating companies for high prices, unlike Senators Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who have made the issue a centerpiece of their campaigns — and who are outrunning Mr. Biden in polls.

Now, some progressives are urging Mr. Biden to follow those senators’ lead and make “greedflation,” as they call it, a driving theme of his re-election bid. They say that taking the fight to big business could bolster the broader Main Street vs. Wall Street argument he is pursuing against former President Donald J. Trump, particularly with the working-class voters of color Mr. Biden needs to motivate. And they believe polls show voters are primed to hear the president condemn big corporations in more forceful terms.

“It’s a winning message for Democrats,” said April Verrett, the president of the Service Employees International Union, which is knocking on doors in battleground states as part of a $200 million voter-turnout operation. “And clearly Bob Casey, who’s doing better in the polls than the president, is proving that it’s the winning message.”

Inflation soared under Mr. Biden in 2021 and 2022, as the economy emerged from pandemic recession. Its causes were complex, including snarled global supply chains, stimulative policies by the Federal Reserve and, to a degree, federal fiscal policies including Covid relief bills signed by Mr. Trump and the $1.9 trillion emergency spending measure Mr. Biden signed soon after taking office to help people and businesses hurt by the downturn.

What Republicans call “Bidenflation” has become one of the president’s biggest political liabilities in his rematch with Mr. Trump. In response, Mr. Biden has sought to simultaneously cheer progress in stabilizing or bringing down prices — growth has slowed sharply from a year ago — while acknowledging the pain voters still feel in their pocketbooks.

Mr. Biden has also attacked corporations for pricing practices in certain sectors such as meatpacking, snack foods, concert tickets and gasoline. His administration has worked to limit prices for prescription drugs like insulin and inhalers, rein in bank overdraft and credit card fees and make airline travel cheaper and more transparent, achievements that he often discusses on the campaign trail.

“We’re taking on corporate greed to bring down the price of gas, food and rent, eliminating junk fees,” Mr. Biden told a crowd of 1,000 cheering supporters in Philadelphia last week.

Still, leaning into that combative message is not always a natural fit for Mr. Biden. He proudly calls himself a “capitalist” and has long had a close, if sometimes contentious, relationship with corporate America. Some economists close to his White House disagree that corporations’ raising prices to juice profits is a major driver of inflation.

And while Mr. Biden delights in telling a folksy anecdote about Snickers bars shrinking in size without doing the same in price, other Democrats have sounded far more aggressive on the issue. The push to blame corporations has united many factions of the Democratic Party, including progressives, swing-state populists, union leaders and environmentalists.

Mr. Brown, who represents a state that Mr. Trump won handily in 2020, has released several web ads proclaiming he is “cracking down on the companies that rip off Ohio.” Mr. Casey cut a campaign ad showing corporate executives in suits sneaking into a grocery store under cover of night and switching out cereal boxes for smaller replacements. Senate Democrats in tight races like Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Jacky Rosen of Nevada are making similar pitches.

“President Biden has quite a bit of latitude here to put the blame where it belongs and he should not be shy about voicing it,” said Julián Castro, the former Housing and Urban Development secretary who ran against Mr. Biden for the Democratic nomination in 2020. “The alternative is that they’re going to blame you.”

But some of Mr. Biden’s progressive allies say the president has found effective — and popular — ways to talk about corporate pricing practices, including his focus on “junk fees” levied by airlines, concert promoters and more. They also say he must balance the issue with a broad set of campaign messages, including on abortion and democracy.

“You’re going to be more focused on kitchen-table issues in a Senate race,” said Lindsay Owens, executive director of the progressive Groundwork Collaborative in Washington. Mr. Biden, she added, is “doing the exact right thing. He’s not focusing on the wonky, eggheaded debates on where inflation is coming from, and he’s focusing a lot more on the ways Americans are feeling and experiencing price increases in their daily lives.”

The liberal argument that corporate greed has driven prices higher flows from a recent surge in corporate profits, notching record highs after the pandemic. They say many companies, particularly in industries with relatively little competition, have used the reopening of the economy to test how aggressively they can raise prices. ...

And the article below is from the above-mentioned June 7th, 2024 'On Politics' email:

Trump Defends Vow to Prosecute Rivals, Saying ‘Sometimes Revenge Can Be Justified’

In recent days, sympathetic interviewers, including Dr. Phil gave Donald Trump the chance to walk back or soften his vows of retribution, but he backed his position against Democrats.

By Chris Cameron | June 6, 2024

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

This is the USA Today article which I received for June 7th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

The following is the USA Today article that I read today, June 7th, 2024, from an email that I received today:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 7th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Extremist groups in U.S. have nearly doubled since 2021, report finds

The annual report from the SPLC [Southern Poverty Law Center] raises the specter of far-right groups. Also: Pro-migrant groups are being harassed for their work.

READ MORE ...

Far-right extremist groups show surging growth, new annual study shows

Plus: Attacks on border charities, state trooper fired; Epoch Times executive indicted. It's the week in extremism, from USA TODAY.

By Will Carless | June 7, 2024

Far-right extremist groups are actively working to undermine U.S. democracy and are organizing in record numbers, according to an annual report from the Southern Poverty Law Center. Meanwhile, extremist groups have been targeting faith-based groups that assist migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border, and a New Jersey state trooper is fired for having a racist tattoo.

It’s the week in extremism.

Far-right extremists suffered a blow in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection. More than 1,000 people were charged and key leaders were imprisoned, some for decades. But a new annual report from the Southern Poverty Law Center suggests the far-right has regrouped and is taking aim at democratic institutions across the country. ...

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

This is the Time Magazine article which I received for June 7th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)

The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, June 7th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today:

New Poll Shows Biden and Trump Voters Are Living Different Realities

By Philip Elliott | June 6, 2024

For about half of this country, former President Donald Trump’s boorish behavior is reason enough to pass on signing up for another four years of his bombast in the White House. Even after his 34 felony convictions last week, the ex-President seemed incapable of demonstrating contrition or remorse, and appeared ready to defy anything that ran afoul of his self-confidence. It all seems like a lot to stomach, and knowingly so.

But if you actually take a moment to study the universe of Americans—especially American voters who support Trump—it becomes apparent really quickly just how well the billionaire reality star understands his base, and in particular their views of nostalgia for a past that wasn’t quite as “great” as they like to believe. It might seem alien to those who back President Joe Biden, but it’s worth remembering that his base is just as mysterious to Trump’s constituents.

A massive new poll from the Pew Research Center asked thousands of Americans about virtually every major culture war issue, from guns to abortion to marriage equality. Many of the results are exactly what you would expect. But a few responses do a particularly good job at illuminating how a large chunk of this nation of immigrants remains deeply uncomfortable with the prospect of America continuing to change and becoming more diverse.

What polite society would deem far afield from acceptable rhetoric, Trump’s loyalists and Biden’s stans see as obvious truths. Consider the following:

• Asked if white people declining as a share of the total U.S. population is good or bad for society, 39% of Trump supporters said it was bad. Among Biden supporters, 10% took the same view.
• Among Biden voters, 79% say slavery’s legacy still affects Black people, while just 27% of Trump supporters agree.
• A decade after the Supreme Court extended marriage equality to all Americans with the Obergefell ruling, Biden supporters were more than five times as likely as Trump supporters to say the expansion of marriage equality was good for society, with a 57%-11% split.
• Regarding the more than 10 million immigrants in the U.S. without legal status, most Trump supporters—63%—want “a national law enforcement effort to deport undocumented immigrants.” Among Biden supporters, that number sinks to 11%. ...

Name: Paul Whiting
Profile ID: [redacted]

Match: OFFER UNCLAIMED
Deadline: MIDNIGHT FRIDAY

PLANNED PARENTHOOD ACTION FUND

Paul, it's been two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. 21 states have bans on some or all abortions in place.

Imagine what things could look like in two more years, five more, ten more… if we don't fight [with all of our might] right now.

I'm counting on you, Paul, to recommit to the fight by making a gift to protect our reproductive rights during this crucial time. Right now, your impact can be doubled up to a total of $250,000 when you give by midnight on June 14.

People traveling hundreds or thousands of miles to receive health care. Doctors fleeing states in fear of being prosecuted for doing their jobs. The lives of pregnant people being debated in courtrooms across the country. That's the reality we're living in.

Please, make your gift to Planned Parenthood Action Fund now and it will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

As we face continued attacks on abortion and other essential care, we need to come together. It will take every single one of us to win this fight.

There are more of us. We are stronger. And we will not back down.

In solidarity,

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

MATCH MY GIFT***

Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org

...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, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The only political communication to which I responded was an email from Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC [Ban Assault Weapons NOW (BAWN) Political Action Committee, or BAWN PAC] today, June 11th, 2024, with the subject line, "We need to tell you about our son, Jerry", which stated, in part, the following:

Paul, we want to share the story of our son Jerry, who was slaughtered eight years ago alongside 48 others inside of Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, by a gunman with an assault weapon. But if you’re short on time, can you chip in $5 to help Ban Assault Weapons NOW’s work to elect gun safety champions who will pass a ban on assault weapons like the one that stole our son from us? We can’t tell you how much your support would mean to us. >>***

Paul, tomorrow marks eight years since we turned on the TV, only to see our son Jerry’s car outside of Pulse Nightclub in the coverage.

We prayed we were wrong – but it was at that moment that we knew: Our son was among the 49 innocent lives stolen that night at the barrel of an assault rifle.

An assault rifle that, when we identified his body, had completely destroyed his chest.

But we don’t want Jerry to be remembered that way.

Because it’s impossible to describe just how special Jerry was.

He was silly, sweet, and friendly; he would've done anything for his friends and family.

He was the kind of kid who would call us every morning and every night.

We couldn't have asked for a better son.

The horror of losing your child is unimaginable. Eight years later, we’re still just as heartbroken about his murder as we were the day it happened.

But, Paul, we’re also enraged.

Because for eight long years, assault weapons have been allowed to continue roaming our streets, tearing even more families like ours apart.

So, we’re honoring Jerry the best way we know how by taking this fight into our own hands and working to finally get a federal assault weapons ban passed and these weapons of war out of our communities for good.

That’s why we’re proud to support BAWN’s work to elect gun safety champions dedicated to passing this critical ban and keeping even more parents from knowing the pain of losing their child to an assault weapon. Paul, we’re personally asking you to step up and chip in $5 now to help honor Jerry and the 48 other innocents massacred at Parkland eight years ago tomorrow. BAWN is fighting relentlessly to elect a gun safety majority who will FINALLY pass a ban on assault weapons – and to REMOVE every single lawmaker standing in the way of this lifesaving ban. So, can we count on you? The more you give, the more funds BAWN can rush to gun safety candidates committed to protecting our families by banning assault weapons. >>

[✓] Chip in $5 now >>***
[  ] Chip in $10 now >>
[  ] Chip in $15 now >>
[  ] Chip in $20 now >>
[  ] Chip in another amount now >>

No parent should have to go through what we went through.

Thank you for bringing us closer to a reality in which weapons of war no longer devastate families and communities across our country.

Thank you,
[Names redacted]
[Affilations redacted]
[Titles redacted] of Ban Assault Weapons NOW

RUSH IN A CONTRIBUTION!

BAWN is working tirelessly to kick every coward who refuses to ban assault weapons out of office and elect critical gun safety champions in their place but we can't fully fund our campaign alone.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight? The more you give, the more we give to gun safety champions.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC.

[  ] 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 Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC) (with a tip to ActBlue) in order to "help honor Jerry and the 48 other innocents massacred at Parkland eight years ago tomorrow."

Thus, this one Political Action Committee (PAC)—Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC)—is the PAC that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written June 11th, 2024 and revised July 11th, 2024)

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For my "June 14th, 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:

June 14th, 2024 Update No. 1: Flag Day is yearly (annually) on June 14th!

And I read an NBC article today, June 14th, 2024, which is titled, "The American Legion weighs in on upside-down American flags," while I was doing my occasional news searches on Google, which I do as often as I can manage. A simplified overview to the article can be found below:

"The American Legion weighs in on upside-down American flags" from NBC News

The American Legion said flags should be flown upside down only if there is “extreme danger to life or property.”

By Megan Lebowitz | June 13, 2024

WASHINGTON — The veteran organization the American Legion weighed in on the upside-down American flag controversy on Thursday, noting that flags should only be flown this way if there is "extreme danger to life or property." ...

... "The American flag is a symbol of courage, strength, freedom and democracy," said the American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer in a statement to NBC News. "American Legion members swore with their lives to protect all that the flag stands for."

Seehafer pointed to the Flag Code, a detailed set of guidelines laying out how the American flag should be displayed, as evidence the flag should not be inverted unless to signal distress.

"Our organization also led the creation of the U.S. Flag Code, which includes the following: ‘The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property,’” Seehafer said. ...

Besides that, in observance of Flag Day, I did a search on Google for "Flag Day USO" and found an article on the USO.org website titled, "When is Flag Day and Five Must-Know American Flag Facts." A brief introduction to the article can be found below:

"When is Flag Day and Five Must-Know American Flag Facts" from the USO

By Mike Case | Wednesday, Jun 14, 2023

“Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” – Saturday, June 14, 1777; Journals of the Continental Congress

There are many famous stories about the American flag, from Betsy Ross to the Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima, to firefighters raising the flag at Ground Zero in New York after 9/11.

To help celebrate Flag Day on June 14, which is the “birthday” of the American flag, here are 5 less well-known facts that you might not know about the “Red, White and Blue”: ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.uso.org/stories/2768-when-is-flag-day-and-five-must-know-american-flag-facts

And even before I read the article 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: "For more than 80 years, it has been the USO's mission to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families. 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."

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, "June 14th, 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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June 14th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received a text message today, June 14th, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence, which stated the following:

🚨 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆'𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀. 𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸. 🚨

𝘽𝙪𝙢𝙥 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶-𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗻𝘀 – they were banned by ATF after a bump stock was used to kill 60 people in the deadliest shooting in modern American history at a music festival in Las Vegas.

And today, the Supreme Court struck down that regulation, putting them back into civilian hands and putting all of us at risk.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗪𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘆'𝘀 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀. 𝗔𝗗𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪. >> txt.brady.org/1eNuRYmE556im

–Team Brady

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:

Urge Congress: Ban Bump Stocks NOW!

The Supreme Court just put bumpstocks back into the hands of civilians. We need to pass legislation to regulate these weapons of war NOW, before tragedy strikes again.

These accessories turn semi-automatic firearms into the functional equivalent of machineguns. However, the Supreme Court has upheld a decision striking down the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' rule classifying them as such. That means bumpstocks — the tool that was used to kill 60 people and wound hundreds of others in Las Vegas — will once again be on gun store shelves. Take action now and tell your lawmakers to support legislation to regulate bump stocks NOW!

Details

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

Message Recipients

[Title and Name redacted]

[Title and Name redacted]

[Title and Name redacted]

Send the following messages

Subject: Please Support Closing the Bump Stock Loophole

Dear Congress,

As your constituent and supporter of Brady (www.bradyunited.org), I ask that you please bring H.R. 396, Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, which would regulate bump stocks, to an immediate vote and support its passage.

In the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Garland v. Cargill, where the Court upheld the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to strike down the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule that prohibited the production, sale, and possession of bump stocks, this bill is more important than ever.

Bump stocks are devices that enable semiautomatic firearms to be converted into machine guns. These devices are uniquely lethal and have already devastated communities by enabling one person to fire off hundreds of rounds in just seconds. In 2017, a bump stock was used in the Las Vegas shooting that killed 60 people and left over 400 others with gunshot wounds. In this case, the bump stock meant that the shooter was able to fire off more than 1,000 bullets in mere minutes.

After the Las Vegas shooting brought light to the destruction these weapons enable, there was powerful bipartisan support to protect our communities by regulating bump stocks. Members of Congress from both parties, state and local officials, and even the National Rifle Association recognized the need to strictly regulate bump stock devices given their ability to transform semi-automatic firearms into machine guns. These events led the ATF, under the Trump administration, to clarify that bump stocks are classified as machineguns.

But now, that life-saving rule is being undone and the regulatory power of the ATF is being restricted because of this Supreme Court decision. However, you have the power to change this. By passing H.R. 396, Congress can ensure that bump stocks are regulated and protect Americans. This bill could help prevent a tragedy like the Las Vegas massacre from ever happening again.

So please, bring the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023 to a vote NOW and support its passage. Thank you for your time and consideration on this important issue. My community is counting on your support.

Sincerely,

Paul Whiting
[Address, City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
[Email redacted]

Send all messages

And so, I sent the letter above to my Representative and Senators in Congress, via the EveryAction Brady Campaign website, in order to request that Congress "bring H.R. 396, Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, which would regulate bump stocks, to an immediate vote and support its passage" because, "in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Garland v. Cargill, where the Court upheld the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to strike down the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule that prohibited the production, sale, and possession of bump stocks, this bill is more important than ever." –Paul Whiting (June 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 Brady: United Against Gun Violence on June 7th, 2024 (please see my 'June 7th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses June 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to Brady: United Against Gun Violence for June 2024.

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For my "June 16th, 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:

June 16th, 2024 Update No. 1: Happy Father's Day, everyone! In celebration of Father's Day, I did a Google search for "Father's Day USO" and found the following USO (United Service Organizations) search result regarding Father's Day:

United Service Organizations

Celebrate Military Dads!

This Father's Day, help us honor dads who serve. Choose from our list, or write something from your heart. Select Message ...

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

★★★USO★★★

12,000 signatures needed to hit our goal!

→→→→→4,809

This Father's Day, help us honor dads who serve. Choose from our list, or write something from your heart.

Select Message:

[  ] I'm grateful to all military fathers!

[✓] Happy Father's Day, military dad!

[  ] Thanks for being a dad, and a hero!

[  ] I support military dads!

[  ] Military dads rock!

[  ] Write Your Own Message

Sincerely,

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

SIGN THE CARD

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

Thanks for signing the card! Will you take a few minutes to complete a quick survey about supporting all of our nation's heroes?

From scorching deserts in Iraqi summers to frozen mountaintops in Afghan winters, our troops endure harsh conditions to keep folks like us safe. How important is it to you to support our service members deployed far from home?

[✓] Extremely important
[  ] Very important
[  ] Somewhat important
[  ] Not at all important

The USO gives our service members the support they need to keep their spirits up, from phone calls home to A- list entertainment. Do you think it's important to keep troops' morale high by letting them know patriotic Americans back home stand with them?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No

Hundreds of thousands of service members are currently deployed overseas, putting themselves in harm's way in dangerous combat zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Have you or a family member or friend ever served in the military?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No

Our service members make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe, missing special moments like the first day of school or a baby's first steps while deployed far from home. How important do you think it is to help our troops stay connected to family back home during deployment?

[✓] Extremely important
[  ] Important
[  ] Somewhat important
[  ] Not at all important

A Navy lieutenant commander recently told us that USO Care Packages are a "constant reminder to those of us out 'in the sandbox' that we are not forgotten and folks back home actually care."

Now, as we work to deliver our brave service members a touch of home, we need to ask for your support.

It takes a lot of time, coordination and money to get our care packages to more than 175,000 service members who are away from their families, sacrificing so much defending our freedoms. The USO is not a government agency — we rely on the generosity and patriotism of citizens like you.

Help us make sure that we have the resources to support our troops. Will you please donate by MIDNIGHT tonight to send a little bit of home to our service members and show them how thankful you are?

[✓] Yes, I'll donate $25!*
[  ] Yes, I'll donate $50!
[  ] Yes, I'll donate $75!
[  ] No, I don't want to donate to support our service members today.

*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I donated less than $25—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]

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

Support America's Service Members!

For more than 30 years, has been the USO's mission to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America's military and their families. But we're not a govemment agency, and rely on individual supporters like you to fund the programs that make the biggest difference for our service members.

Donate today so we can continue to provide individualized support to our service members every day.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[✓] $ 10.00

And so, I signed the USO Father's Day card in order to "honor dads who serve." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our military dads, "Happy Father's Day, military dad!" ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "June 16th, 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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June 16th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses May 18th, 2024: Happy Father's Day, everyone!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 16th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of June 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 sixth 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 doing the following: helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC); helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List); helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets); helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC); and helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC); as well as helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund). Besides that, I made a donation to a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino).]

I received a mailer from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) twenty nine days ago on May 18th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Dedicated supporters like you make all the difference. See the impact you're making!", 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.]

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

Mr. Whiting,

In 2020, I ran for president because I thought everything this country stood for and everything I believed in was at risk — our democracy was at stake, a pandemic was raging, and the economy was reeling. But look how far we've come since then.

Together, we vaccinated America to get through that pandemic; we created 15 million new jobs to get this economy going strong; we passed the American Rescue Plan to put $1,400 in people's pockets at the time, helping cut child poverty in half; and so much more.

This election is about each of us asking ourselves: What kind of country do we want to live in?

Everyone deserves to live in a democracy with dignity rooted in freedom, fairness, opportunity, justice, and truth; based on promises made and promises kept. That's the America we're building together.

But Donald Trump is willing to sacrifice our democracy to put himself in power. He said he would be a dictator on day one and would terminate parts of the U.S. Constitution if it suits his reelection. He consistently refused to denounce political violence. Let me be clear: There's no confusion about who he is and what he intends to do.

The MAGA movement led by Trump is waging attacks on voting rights, pushing for a national abortion ban that prohibits lifesaving medical care for women, stripping health coverage away from millions of Americans by repealing the Affordable Care Act, and denying communities the commonsense safety measures to protect against gun violence.

Mr. Whiting, this November, your freedom is on the ballot. But we can only preserve our freedoms and make our country work for all by electing Democrats up and down the ballot. You have given generously before, and we are so appreciative of your commitment to saving democracy. I am humbly asking you to send an additional grassroots gift of $35, $55, $70, or more to the Democratic National Committee today.

There is nothing we can't accomplish if we work together. But in order to move the country forward, we need to elect Democrats to office this November who will continue fighting to open the doors of opportunity to all — not closing it shut behind them.

When you give to the DNC, you are helping secure the resources Democrats all over the country need to win on Election Day. Your support builds up field operations, airs ads in local markets, mobilizes volunteers, and coordinates our network of grassroots supporters who are committed to preserving our values.

We cannot let these efforts go in vain by letting MAGA Republicans — who are doing everything in their power to try to destroy our democracy for their own agenda — take control. Donald Trump is their leader, inspiring them nationwide to take away our freedoms. They want to slash Social Security and Medicare, eliminate women's freedom to control their own bodies, pass laws to endanger LGBTQ+ youth and their families, threaten our democracy, and roll back progress on everything from climate action to voting rights.

These MAGA voices have abandoned the truth and abandoned democracy. They made their choice. Now the rest of us have to make our choice.

Democrats stand for decency, honesty, and truth. We respect the Constitution. We know that no one, not even the president, is above the law. We are committed to living in a nation where our freedoms are protected, where everyone has a fair shot at a life of dignity and opportunity, and where our democracy works for everybody. And we know that there is nothing beyond our capacity if we act together.

I hope you will stand with us to help defend our democracy. There is no better way than to give to the DNC, the only organization that is working to elect Democrats all across the country, from the school board to the White House.

We have already made so much progress, but that progress is threatened by those who exploit fear for their own personal gain and who traffic in lies for profit and power.

But this November, we face a moment of real choosing. Democracy is on the ballot. That is why we need your support today.

I have never been more optimistic about our future, because I know, as a nation, we still believe that anything is possible when we work together. And if we can reach enough voters with this message, we'll have done something few generations can say. We will have saved American democracy as we know it.

Thank you.

With gratitude,

Joe Biden
President of the United States

P.S. This November, Democrats are fighting to preserve and strengthen our American democracy from Donald Trump and his MAGA extremism. The DNC is coordinating efforts to elect candidates all across the country who respect our Constitution and will fight for our freedoms. We need Democrats to win elections at every level to push back against MAGA lies. But we can't do that without your support. Please give today. And together, we will build our future.

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

My Personal Reply to President Joe Biden

Yes, President Biden! I understand that all the progress Democrats have made is at risk from an extremist MAGA agenda that wants to take away our freedoms and turn this country backwards. I know that Democrats are fighting for democracy, and that the DNC is doing the work to elect Democrats across the country, from the state house to the White House. I will stand with the DNC at this critical moment. Enclosed is my grassroots contribution of:

[  ] $35

[  ] $55*

[  ] $70

[✓] Other $4.00

*A contribution of this amount would go even further to help elect Democrats!

Text "DEMOCRAT" to 43367 to let President Biden know your renewal donation is on the way.

Go to www.democrats.org/May24New to put your contribution to work today.

Paul [Middle Initial] 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:

Support the Democratic National Committee

Donate to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot nationwide!

Your generous donation will help us fight for the Biden-Harris agenda, hold the GOP accountable, and elect more Democrats. Donate to the DNC 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) - Direct Marketing.

[  ] Donate $35 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $200 →

[  ] 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 DNC (with a tip to ActBlue) because "this November, [our] freedom is on the ballot. But we can only preserve our freedoms and make our country work for all by electing Democrats up and down the ballot." That is why I made "my grassroots contribution of $4.00," because: "Democrats stand for decency, honesty, and truth. We respect the Constitution. We know that no one, not even the president, is above the law. We are committed to living in a nation where our freedoms are protected, where everyone has a fair shot at a life of dignity and opportunity, and where our democracy works for everybody. And we know that there is nothing beyond our capacity if we act together." –Paul Whiting (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.)

In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, 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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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June 16th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses May 18th, 2024: Happy Father's Day, everyone!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 16th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of June 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 sixth 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 doing the following: helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC); helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List); helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets); helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC); and helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC); as well as helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund). Besides that, I made a donation to a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino).]

I received a mailer from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) twenty nine days ago on May 18th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "URGENT", 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
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Paul, please give the [request] below your Immediate attention. Thank you so much.

PORTLAND PRECINCT RESIDENT

Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Dear Paul,

It is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL to our rights and freedoms that you quickly confirm you are a Democrat and a registered voter residing in Portland. Please mark and return the attached 2024 DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP CONFIRMATION CARD no later than June 5.*

There are state legislative elections in 44 states this fall—and everything is on the line.

Republican state legislatures are hell-bent on taking away reproductive freedoms—even the right to have children through IVF is at stake. They're putting their extreme pro-gun agenda ahead of children's safety. They're restricting voting rights and silencing political opponents. They're demonizing and discriminating against LGBTQ+ youth.

By contrast, Democratic state legislatures are protecting abortion rights. They're passing commonsense gun reforms to stop mass shootings. They're strengthening voting rights. And they're protecting vulnerable populations from being ostracized and discriminated against.

The DLCC is working around the clock to flip chambers seat-by-seat while protecting our Democratic majorities so we can expand the number of states where our democracy, rights, freedoms, safety, and security prevail. We're making major grassroots investments in the battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. But our ability to succeed depends on good people like you.

What you do today will make all the difference. Please rush a generous contribution of $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, or whatever you can today to the DLCC. Gifts totaling up to $49,600 will be matched 5:1 by a group of generous Democrats—so a $50 contribution will generate $300 to win Democratic control of key state legislatures.

Please do your part to save our democracy. Thank you.

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]

Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee are not tax deductible.

*[Blogger's Note: I am responding to this request eleven days later than requested; however, I only make donations to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations once per month—and I chose Father's Day as the day that I made my series of donations for the month of June.]

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

2024 DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
PRECINCT AND MEMBER CONFIRMATION CARD

MARK IF CORRECT

[✓] LEGAL NAME: PAUL WHITING
[✓] PARTY AFFILIATION: DEMOCRATIC
[✓] MEMBERSHIP STATUS: ACTIVE

What Republican state legislative atrocities concern you the most? (check all that apply)

[✓] Imposing brutal abortion bans that threaten women's health and deny women their fundamental rights.

[✓] Making it illegal for people to have children through IVF.

[✓] Passing voter suppression laws designed to disenfranchise voters of color.

[✓] Putting partisan hacks who support Trump's Big Lie in charge of running elections.

[✓] Passing bills imposing book bans that deny students access to Information about slavery, racial discrimination, gender, and sexuality.

[✓] Passing bills denying transgender youth access to health care and barring teachers from using their students preferred names and pronouns.

[✓] Making guns easier to purchase and carry while doing nothing to stop the epidemic of mess gun violence.

[  ] Other (please elaborate)

Do you believe the United States would be better off today if Democrats had the majority in more state legislatures?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Unsure

I have enclosed my DLCC contribution of:

$1,000 becomes $6,000

$2,500 becomes $15,000

$5,000 becomes $30,000 ← GIFTS TOTALING UP TO $49,600 WILL BE MATCHED 5:1 [FIVE TO ONE] BY A GROUP OF GENEROUS DEMOCRATS.

[✓] Other $4.28 becomes $25.68

Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee are not tax deductible.

To put your gift to work immediately, go to dlcc.org/DonorConfirmation

[Blogger's Note: I feel like I need to clarify why I donated $4.28 to the DLCC—for their mailer to which I responded on Father's Day—when I donated $4.00 to both the DNC (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses May 18th, 2024' that can be found above) and the DCCC (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 6, Which Also Discusses June 15th, 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 $4.00 per donation, which is how much I usually donate to political organizations, or campaigns, 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 $0.28 for $4.00. Thus, since I could not tip through the FastAction payment portal, I donated $4.28 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) in order to show my support for the 2024 Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Membership Confirmation Card, which I am planning to mail early next week. –Paul Whiting (written June 16th, 2024 and revised November 3rd, 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, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, 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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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

June 16th, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses June 10th, 2024: Happy Father's Day, everyone!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 16th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of June 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 sixth 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 doing the following: helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC); helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List); helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets); helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC); and helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC); as well as helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund). Besides that, I made a donation to a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino).]

I received a mailer from the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund six days ago on June 10th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "2024 Election Year Fund", 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

From the Desk of [Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Democratic Party of Oregon

Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Democratic Party of Oregon
Victory Fund
2024 Election Year Fund

Dear Mr. Whiting,

Nothing less than our democracy is on the ballot this November. With Election Day fast approaching, we must work around the clock to ensure that we continue electing strong Democratic candidates who will represent us and the values we share here in Oregon.

You understand as well as I do that Republican extremism does not stop at state lines. The MAGA agenda threatens to take away our rights, freedoms, and choice at all levels of government — making it clearer than ever that state and local leadership matters.

That's why we are launching our 2024 Election Year Fund Drive now to ensure that we have all the resources we need to help elect Democrats in Oregon, from local school boards to the White House. So please Mr. Whiting, rush a donation of $35, $55, or even $70 to stand with us in the fight for our future.

Every dollar raised today goes further than a dollar raised in the final weeks leading up to the election. In 2020 and 2022, we proved we have a plan for victory, but we need a well-funded party to execute our winning programs like the 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. And so far, we've already recruited and trained over 3,300 volunteer Neighborhood Leaders for 2024!

As Election Day nears and MAGA opportunists look to infiltrate vulnerable seats everywhere, we must continue to fight for Democratic leaders who are committed to serving both the people and our democratic values.

The Democratic Party of Oregon knows what it takes for Democrats to win in Oregon and understands that issues like women's reproductive rights, good paying jobs, more accessible health care, lower prescription drug costs, investments in clean energy, affordable housing, racial and economic justice, LGBTQ+ rights, workers' rights, civil rights, reducing student debt, and commonsense gun laws are most important to us here at home. But we also know that our party is only as strong as our grassroots supporters.

So much is on the line, and time is limited. We must be prepared for anything to happen in this highly consequential election year. Please give today so that we can build a strong alliance of Democratic volunteers and voters across the state.

Thank you for standing with us,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Democratic Party of Oregon

P.S. Our Election Year Fund Drive is underway and we have no time to lose. Republicans have become the Party of Trump and the damage they can do doesn't end at state lines. The Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund needs you right now. Together, we can make an incredible impact for generations to come because a win for Democrats is a win for democracy. Thank you.

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

THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON
VICTORY FUND NEEDS YOUR
SUPPORT. CAN WE COUNT ON YOU?

Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

YES! I know that we can't take anything for granted in this election and that our Democratic candidates need the resources and coordination all across Oregon to push back against MAGA extremists. Enclosed is my contribution of:

[  ] $35
[  ] $55
[  ] $70
[✓] Other $4.00

Please make your check payable to the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund. Please fill out and sign the form on the back to complete your contribution. Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Party of Oregon are not tax deductible.

Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

To put your gift to work immediately, please visit
www.democrats.org/SPVF24May

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 →

[  ] 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 Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) because the "[Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund's] Election Year Fund Drive is underway and we have no time to lose. Republicans have become the Party of Trump and the damage they can do doesn't end at state lines." That is why "the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund needs [me] right now. Together, we can make an incredible impact for generations to come because a win for Democrats is a win for democracy." –Paul Whiting (written June 16th, 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, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, 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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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

June 16th, 2024 Update No. 5, Which Also Discusses June 15th, 2024: Happy Father's Day, everyone!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 16th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of June 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 sixth 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 doing the following: helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC); helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List); helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets); helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC); and helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC); as well as helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund). Besides that, I made a donation to a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino).]

I received a mailer from the Biden Victory Fund yesterday, June 15th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Paul, Trump will sacrifice our democracy to put himself in power. Together, we can stop him.", 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,

Election Day is quickly approaching, and this year will be the most consequential election in our lifetime. Simply put, the American people have a clear choice ahead of them: Are we going to keep moving forward? Or will we allow Donald Trump to drag us backwards into the chaos, division, and darkness that defined his term in office?

The future of our democracy is at stake in this election. We know who Donald Trump is and that he is willing to sacrifice our democracy to put himself in power. We cannot let him.

Trump wants to take us backwards. He brags about overturning Roe, ripping reproductive freedom away from millions of Americans — now he wants to pass a national abortion ban. He's vowing to "terminate" the Affordable Care Act, raise prescription drug prices, and gut Medicare and Social Security. He wants to cut taxes for the rich. Again.

Paul, your last gift of $1* helped us start this year off strong, and I am humbly asking for your support once again. Please help us deliver a decisive victory on Election Day by sending a contribution of $25, $38, or $50 today.

When I launched my campaign for reelection, I said that I believed every generation has a moment where they have had to stand up for democracy. To stand up for their fundamental freedoms. And that this moment is ours. That couldn't be more true today.

Unlike Donald Trump's campaign, this campaign is about all of us. It's about OUR future together, and preserving and strengthening OUR democracy.

Since day one, our goal has been to give folks a little more breathing room. To build a more free and fair America. We've made real progress these last few years, and we're ready to finish the job.

Already, we've created a record 15 million new jobs in just three years, and unemployment is near a 50-year low.

More people have health insurance today than ever before. And now, Medicare has the power to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs, saving taxpayers money and cutting the federal deficit by $160 billion.

Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 46,000 new projects have been announced across the nation to modernize our roads and bridges, ports and airports, and public transit systems.

There's more work to be done, from saving the planet from the climate crisis and our country from gun violence, to ensuring the middle class finally has a fair shot and the wealthy pay their fair share.

But this election will be a close one, and we can't take anything for granted. Trump and his allies are spending hundreds of millions of dollars pretending Trump's first term was not a total disaster for the American people. They tell lies and they hide the facts. We can't let that happen. We cannot run the risk of Trump stepping foot in the Oval Office again.

Six million grassroots donors invested in my campaign in 2020 so that we could defeat Donald Trump. We need an even greater level of support to defeat him again in November.

Please contribute to the Biden Victory Fund today to ensure our country's future: a future where we defend democracy, not diminish it. Where we restore the right to choose and other freedoms, not take them away.

I've seen the constant contest between competing forces in the battle for the soul of our nation. Between those who want to pull America back to the past, and those who want to move America into the future.

I believe in America. I believe in YOU, the American people. And I am asking you to stand with me in the fight to move our country forward.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

President Joe Biden

P.S. This campaign isn't about me. This campaign is about all of us. It's about OUR future together. And it's about fighting back against Donald Trump's extreme plan to sacrifice our democracy and take us backwards. But I can't do it alone. Please give today, and together we will fight for our future, a future for all Americans.

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

[Blogger's Note: By the way, there was also a 'back teaser message' on the envelope above that read, "A special message enclosed from Jill Biden." And that message can be found below.]

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

Jill Biden

Dear Friend,

Joe likes to tell people that he had to propose marriage to me five times — which is true — but the truth is, I loved him from the start. He has inner strength, the courage to carry forth his convictions, and a character based on his deep faith. Anyone can tell you what they want to do. Joe Biden can tell you what he's done.

We've been married for over 40 years, and trust me when I say that he never stops fighting for the country he loves. There are times when I don't know how he does it. But I've always understood why he does it. He does it for you and families like yours.

I'm so grateful that Joe is our president during these uncertain, unpredictable, tumultuous times. Joe isn't just the right person for this job, he is the only person for this job.

And he does it for you, not himself.

This campaign has been about you from the very beginning — about your hopes for our country, your belief in our ability to move forward together, and building a better future for all Americans.

This election will offer our country a stark choice: strong, steady leadership, and the protection of our democracy or four years of chaos and corruption, hatred, and division. Joe and Kamala are fighting for you, our country, and for a future that brings everyone along. This is the job they signed on for and they won't rest until they finish the job.

I hope you will join us in this fight by making a gift today to ensure that our best days still lie ahead of us.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jill Biden
First Lady of the United States

P.S. I believe in Joe. And Joe believes in America and in bringing others along to build a better future together. If you believe in our nation's potential, please give today.

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

WILL YOU CONTINUE TO STAND WITH US
IN THE FIGHT FOR AMERICA'S FUTURE?

[✓] Yes, President Biden! I am ready to continue the fight against Trump's extremist agenda to pull this country backwards. I am ready to stand for more freedoms, not less, and to defend democracy, not diminish it. My last gift was in April, 2024.* Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of:

[  ] $25

[  ] $38

[  ] $50

[✓] Other $4.00

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/DonateJune.

Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

BIDEN VICTORY FUND

*[Blogger's Note: My last donation referenced above for $1.00 in April was when I entered "for a chance to meet the President and Dr. Biden in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware" for some delicious [vegan] ice cream (please see my 'April 26th, 2024 Update No. 2, which can be found above).]

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

BIDEN VICTORY FUND

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

This is to certify that President Joe Biden recognizes
PAUL WHITING
PORTLAND, OREGON
as a leader in the fight for our future in this election year, 2024.

President Joe Biden

Date: June 6, 2024

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 $4 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000→

[  ] Donate $2,000→

[  ] Other

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%)

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, President Biden! I am ready to continue the fight against Trump's extremist agenda to pull this country backwards. I am ready to stand for more freedoms, not less, and to defend democracy, not diminish it." And I was also donating to show my appreciation for the Biden Victory Fund Certificate of Recognition that was attached to the bottom of the reply memo! –Paul Whiting (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.)

In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, 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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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

June 16th, 2024 Update No. 6, Which Also Discusses June 15th, 2024: Happy Father's Day, everyone!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 16th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of June 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 sixth 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 doing the following: helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC); helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List); helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets); helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC); and helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC); as well as helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund). Besides that, I made a donation to a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino).]

I received a mailer from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) yesterday, June 15th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "URGENT: MATCHING GIFT OFFER JUNE 30 FEC DEADLINE ← DOCUMENTS 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.]

DEMOCRATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS
DEADLINE: JUNE 30

Your Gift Will Have ELEVEN TIMES The Impact

Newsweek
........................................................
House Republicans' Party-Line Majority Hangs by a Thread

Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Apt. No. redacted]
[Street Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Dear Paul,

It's a dead heat. The generic congressional ballot polling average — which asks voters whether they plan to cast their ballot for their Democratic or Republican House candidate — has us neck-and-neck with extreme MAGA Republicans. It doesn't get any closer than this.

Everything is on the line. Our democracy. Our freedoms. Our rights. This is our opportunity to hold extreme MAGA Republicans accountable and take back the House For The People.

We only need to gain four seats to win back our majority. That's it. The do-nothing GOP majority hangs by a thread.

That's why I am urging you to rush a generous contribution to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) before the June 30 Federal Election Commission (FEC) deadline. Your support will ensure we can continue our strong momentum toward retaking the House majority in November.

Because the stakes are so high, a group of generous Democratic donors has agreed to match every dollar you give with $10 of their own. Your gift of $80 will turn into $880, $120 will become $1,320 and $160 will generate $1,760 to take back the People's House.

House Republicans hold one critical advantage in some of the tightest and most competitive of races. The most recent FEC reports show that in some of the races that will determine control of the House of Representatives, the Republican incumbents have more cash on hand.

We now face a critical fundraising deadline — the June 30 FEC report. With just 18 weeks to go before the election, I cannot overstate how important it is that the DCCC's FEC report shows us on a level playing field with the Republicans We MUST show our Democratic candidates that the DCCC will be there to help close the fundraising gap throughout the summer and fall.

Your support will enable the DCCC to fully fund essential programs in the combined 60+ races where our majority will be made. These include:

➤ Protecting our 29 battle-tested Frontline incumbents* facing the toughest campaigns of their careers. These Democrats are holding onto seats in swing districts, and we can't lose a single one.

➤ Targeting the 16 Republican-held seats in districts President Biden won in 2020. We know these races are winnable and the GOP incumbents are vulnerable. These are some of our Districts in Play where we will be on offense

➤ Winning the 20 Red to Blue targeted districts, where we are supporting Democratic candidates who are ready to win and will be an antidote to the GOP chaos.

With your support, we can build on the ground operations to recruit volunteers and mobilize crucial Democratic voters this year. Your continued partnership will ensure that Democrats are on the airwaves holding Republicans accountable for their extremism and ensuring Americans know what Democrats are capable of when we're in the majority.

When Democrats controlled the House, we passed historic laws to lower costs, create better-paying jobs and make our communities safer. We worked across the aisle to pass the Bipartisan Safer Commmmunties Act, the first major gun safety legislation passed by Congress in nearly 30 years.

House Democrats will be running on our record of delivering real results. We'll restore reproductive freedom for all, strengthen voting rights, protect Social Security and Medicare and continue to implement the tremendous achievements of the 117th Congress. Above all, we'll restore responsible governance, uphold the rule of law and protect our democracy.

To do all of this, we urgently need your support. A strong June 30 FEC report will show that we have the resources and the grassroots backing to retake our House majority and deliver for everyday Americans once again.

Please help make sure the DCCC's June 30 FEC report makes clear we are poised to win back the House. Take advantage of our $10 to $1 match and rush your contribution to the DCCC today. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries
House Democratic Leader

P.S. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for House Democrats and the DCCC. We must seize every new opportunity before us to take back the House For The People. To do that, we depend on people like you. Please do your part to help ensure that we reach our June 30 FEC deadline goal.

*Number as of 5/2/24, more districts being added as challengers emerge and resources become available.

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

JUNE 30 FEC DEADLINE: 10-1 MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE
House Democrats have the momentum, and it is time to seize this moment and Take Back the House in November! That's why, in advance of the critical June 30 FEC reporting deadline, I'm rushing my contribution to the DCCC for:

[  ] $80 = $880

[  ] $120* = $1,320

[  ] $160 = $1,760

[✓] Other $4 = $44

*Gifts in this amount will really help!

Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Apt. No. redacted]
[Street Address 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 [phone number redacted]. To charge your contribution as a credit card and for other important information, please see reverse side of this form.

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

[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 $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 DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue) because "a group of generous Democratic donors has agreed to match every dollar [I] give with $10 of their own." That is why I contributed a "gift of [$4, which] will turn into [$44 in order to] take back the People's House." –Paul Whiting (written June 16th, 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, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, 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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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

June 16th, 2024 Update No. 7, Written On June 17th, 2024, Which Also Discusses May 25th, 2024, June 2nd, 2024, June 6th, 2024, June 7th, 2024, June 10th, 2024, June 15th, 2024 And June 16th, 2024: Happy Father's Day, everyone!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 16th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of June 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 sixth 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 doing the following: helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC); helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List); helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets); helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC); and helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC); as well as helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund). Besides that, I made a donation to a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino).]

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 $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on May 12th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...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! ...

...In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The first political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was a text message that I received twenty three days ago on May 25th, 2024, from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (Jane Fonda Climate Political Action Committee), which stated the following:

Did you see this? Earlier this month, the Washington Post revealed that in April, Donald Trump told oil execs he'd roll back protections and let drilling 𝗳𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 $𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 [one billion dollars].

He then went on to attend a fundraiser in Texas hosted by some of the world's richest fossil fuel industry executives. While this kind of blatant corruption poses a grave threat to our climate progress, we have good news – climate champions across the country are stepping up to fight back. And they need our support.

JanePAC is all in to hold the disgraced former president accountable and elect candidates who will lead the way on clean energy and defeat Big Oil.

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸:***

Jane Fonda
CLIMATE PAC

Help Elect Climate Champions

The Jane Fonda Climate PAC is focused on electing bold climate champions who aren't afraid to take on Big Oil & defend our planet but we can't do it without your support. If you're able, please donate $5, $50, or whatever amount is right for you to help Jane PAC candidates across the country this year. →

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 $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 Jane Fonda Climate PAC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, since "the Washington Post revealed that in April, Donald Trump told oil execs he'd roll back protections and let drilling fly if they gave his campaign $1,000,000,000." That is why I contributed to the Jane Fonda Climate PAC because they are "focused on electing bold climate champions who aren't afraid to take on Big Oil & defend our planet."

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

The second political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) that I received fifteen days ago on June 2nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Please respond immediately, Paul -", which stated the following:

Hi Paul, it's [name redacted], the Research Director here at the DSCC.

I'm reaching out because even after multiple indictments and pushing our democracy to the brink, Donald Trump is still statistically tied with Joe Biden in the polls!

We need to know that Democrats everywhere are prepared to stand against Donald Trump -- because it's going to take all of us to keep him from inflicting four more years of misery on the country.

We've launched our Official 2024 Straw Poll to make sure our grassroots team is prepared to take on Donald Trump once again, but I just checked our records and didn't see your response -- so please answer immediately:

⚫ Live Poll ⚫

Who do you support for president?

[✓] BIDEN

[ ] TRUMP

Thank you for your input,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], DSCC

DSCC
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

2024 Straw Poll

This poll is closing in a matter of hours. Please respond to each question and do not share this link with others.

First, please confirm: Who do you support for president this year?

[✓] Joe Biden!
[  ] Donald Trump.

Do you agree with more than 100 historians that Donald Trump was one of the worst presidents ever?

[✓] Yes!
[  ] No.

What do you consider to be the most dangerous parts of Donald Trump's time in office? (Select all that apply.)

[✓] Lying about election fraud and refusing to concede to President Biden
[✓] Coddling dictators and undermining America's allies abroad
[✓] Putting three ultra-conservative justices onto the Supreme Court
[✓] Attempting to eliminate the Affordable Care Act
[✓] Attacking journalists as the "enemy of the people"
[✓] Ignoring critical issues like climate change and gun violence
[  ] Other:

President Biden has accomplished so much in his first term. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's four years were a DISASTER -- but polls show them statistically TIED!

How concerned are you about the possibility of Trump and his Senate allies returning to power?

[✓] Extremely concerned
[  ] Somewhat concerned
[  ] Not at all concerned

To stop Republicans from taking back power, we need every Democrat on board to help President Biden and Democrats win this year.

Are you committed to stopping far-right Republicans and helping defend President Biden's Senate majority?

[✓] Yes, count me on the team to support Democrats!
[  ] No. I don't care if Republicans retake power.

If we want to defend our Senate majority, then we MUST stay on track to hit all our fundraising targets! But right now we're falling behind our next major fundraising goal, and the deadline is midnight!

Please, we need your help to get back on track. Will you chip in $55 or more to help defend our Democratic Senate and beat Donald Trump's far-right Republican allies?

Please use the links below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:

[  ] I'll donate $55!
[  ] I'll donate $110!
[  ] I'll donate $165!
[✓] I'll donate 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.

[  ] Donate $3 →

[  ] Donate $220 →

[  ] Donate $550 →

[  ] Donate $1,100 →

[  ] Donate $2,200 →

[  ] Donate $2,700 →

[✓] 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 DSCC (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, in order to confirm that I support Joe Biden for President of the United States!

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

The third political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was an email from Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC [Ban Assault Weapons NOW (BAWN) Political Action Committee, or BAWN PAC] that I received eleven days ago on June 6th, 2024, with the subject line, "$1", which stated, in part, the following:

One dollar.

That’s the donation we’re asking you to make before midnight. Paul -- seriously, just $1.

$1 to help [name redacted] and the Tour to Save Democracy elect gun safety champions dedicated to banning assault weapons, like the ones used in the Parkland and Pulse tragedies.

$1 to defeat cowards in vulnerable Republican districts who witness mass slaughter and refuse to take a stand against weapons of war.

$1 to stop entirely preventable mass shootings carried out at the hands of assault weapons in our schools, nightclubs, places of worship, grocery stores, and everywhere in between.

It’s probably hard to imagine that $1 has the power to do all these things. But when we all give, it adds up fast – and the more we raise, the more we can donate to the Tour to Save Democracy's trip across the country to replace every complacent Republican with a gun safety Democrat who will protect our communities.

So please, Paul: Can we count on you to chip in just $1 before midnight? If you -- and everyone reading this -- chips in $1, it would make a world of difference to ensure the Tour can make it to all 21 stops they have planned in swing districts that are critical to electing the gun safety Majority who will finally BAN assault weapons. >>

DONATE $1***

Thanks for your support,

Team Ban Assault Weapons NOW!

CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOUR TO SAVE DEMOCRACY!

BAWN is partnering with [name redacted] as he embarks on a summer tour to save our democracy. [Name redacted] and a collective of Gen Z activists will bus across the nation stopping in Republican-held swing districts to rally young voters, flip these seats blue, and elect strong gun safety Democrats.

But [name redacted] is counting on grassroots support to fund his tour and make it possible.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight? Your contribution will directly support necessary parts of [name redacted's] tour, like gas, food, and lodging expenses.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC) (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, to show my support for "the Tour to Save Democracy's trip across the country to replace every complacent Republican with a gun safety Democrat who will protect our communities [and] to ensure the Tour can make it to all 21 stops they have planned in swing districts that are critical to electing the gun safety Majority who will finally BAN assault weapons."

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

The fourth political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) that I received eleven days ago on June 6th, 2024, with the subject line, "🏳️‍🌈❤️🏳️‍⚧️", which stated the following:

The Democratic Attorneys General Association Happy Pride Month, Paul!

This June and beyond, we honor the LBGTQ+ community and this country’s hard-fought (and still continuing!) march toward full equality. Here at DAGA, our position has always been: Love is love is love is love. ♥️

And as the People’s Lawyers, the Democratic Attorneys General will tell you: Justice is justice is justice is justice. ⚖️

There’s still so much work to be done in upholding every person’s right to be who they are, and love who they love, free of legal and institutional discrimination. And Dem AGs are dedicated to leading the way in their communities.

Paul, if you’re committed to the fight for LGBTQ+ equality in this country, chip in $5 right now to help us elect progressive Dem AGs across the country.

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
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

In the past ten years, we’ve seen huge progress. Marriage equality became the law of the land, workplace discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals was prohibited by the Supreme Court, and more LGBTQ+ leaders have been elected (including our very own history-making Dem AGs [name redacted] and [name redacted]!). Activists, voters, and politicians have worked hard across the country for this progress.

But progress is fragile, and LGBTQ+ rights are still very much in danger.

Trans youth are under attack nationwide, books with LGBTQ+ themes are being banned from our public schools, and Supreme Court Justice [name redacted] has named Obergefell v. Hodges, the case that legalized same-sex marriage, as one that could be overturned.

Paul, the fight for LGBTQ+ equality has come so far, but there are still people with great power and influence trying to reverse it all. This Pride Month, chip in $5 to help us defeat them and instead elect Dem AGs who will relentlessly pursue freedom and protection for LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.

Thanks,

Democratic AGs

[Blogger's Note: By the way, the subject line above actually had a heart hands emoji between the two flags, but it only appeared as "🏳️‍🌈🖾🏳️‍⚧️" when I went to copy and paste it! So, I decided to select a heart shape emoji in place of the heart hands emoji, since I feel that it is communicating the same feeling.]

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 $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 DAGA (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, since "there’s still so much work to be done in upholding every person’s right to be who they are, and love who they love, free of legal and institutional discrimination." That is why I contributed to the Democratic Attorneys General Association, because "Dem AGs [Attorneys General] are dedicated to leading the way in their communities."

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

The fifth political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was an email from Voto Latino that I received ten days ago on June 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "How Latino swing-state voters could sway the 2024 election", which stated the following:

Dear Paul,

As we head into the key months before the 2024 election, Voto Latino conducted a large-scale poll of Latino voters in battleground states to take the most complete pulse of the electorate that is poised to decide America’s future.

I shared the headline results of this poll in USA Today this morning, and I wanted to make sure you saw that our findings completely challenge the conventional wisdom. What we saw is that there has been no meaningful “rightward shift” among Latino voters – instead, there are many who have become frustrated with the two-party system and are seriously considering a third-party vote.

The good news for Democrats: In a head-to-head matchup, Biden is leading Trump among swing-state Latinos by a robust 59% to 39%. This is within striking distance of his 2020 election results, and would mean a boost in raw vote total from Latino voters given our community’s growing share of the electorate.

However, when our survey expands the field to include third-party candidates, Biden’s support among Latino voters falls to just 47%, with Trump dipping slightly to 34% and Kennedy taking 12%.

In other words, our poll reveals a key reality for the Biden campaign: For all-important Latino swing-state voters, this will be a persuasion election – between Biden and Kennedy.

As I wrote in USA Today, the strategic imperative is clear for Voto Latino. Our polling makes it clear that Latinos continue to be repelled by Trump. Yes, we will continue to remind our community just how catastrophic his return to power would be. At the same time, we’ll be shifting our resources to ensure Latinos see Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for who he really is: no champion of social justice and no friend to working people.

We are so thankful for your continued support as we work to ensure Latinos across the country can make their voices heard in this election and beyond. If you’d like to make a donation to support our fight, please consider doing so here:***

In gratitude,

[Name redacted]

VOTOLATINO
It's your country. Represent!

HELP VOTO LATINO REGISTER AND MOBILIZE YOUNG LATINO VOTERS IN SWING STATES!

Election Day is less than six months away, and we've set the ambitious goal of registering 500.000 new young Latino voters before November. We can only do it with your support.

It costs $18 to register and $6 to mobilize one new Latino voter in a battleground state. Will you donate $24 or any amount to help our efforts today?

There's so much at stake this election our mission to engage and mobilize the Latino community is more crucial than ever.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Voto Latino.

[  ] DONATE $25 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $250 →

[  ] DONATE $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Voto Latino (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, because, "as we head into the key months before the 2024 election, Voto Latino conducted a large-scale poll of Latino voters in battleground states to take the most complete pulse of the electorate that is poised to decide America’s future." And their "polling makes it clear that Latinos continue to be repelled by Trump." Plus, their "poll reveals a key reality for the Biden campaign: For all-important Latino swing-state voters, this will be a persuasion election – between Biden and Kennedy."

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

The sixth political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was an email from VoteVets that I received ten days ago on June 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "The difference", which stated the following:

VoteVets

On June 6th, we marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day — the beginning of the end of Nazi tyranny, and arguably the finest hour of the Greatest Generation.

President Biden honored the brave Americans who gave their lives to liberate Europe.

We’re proud that he’s our Commander in Chief, and that his speech — echoing those of past Presidents Reagan, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Roosevelt — spoke definitively about the worth of democracy and the critical role America plays in protecting it at home and abroad.

Trump had a similar opportunity while he was president.

He did not rise to the challenge. Befriending and praising dictators is a sin we cannot abide, but somehow it’s even worse than that. During the 100th anniversary celebrations of the end of World War 1, Trump canceled an appearance at the American cemetery in France where the legendary Marines of the battle of Belleau Wood rest.

He called these 1,800 heroes “suckers” and “losers” and refused to honor their sacrifice.

We haven’t forgotten. And we will not forgive.

Help us defeat Donald Trump — once and for all.

Make a donation to VoteVets and help us build the infrastructure we need to stop Trump’s march to dictatorship and fascism in its tracks.

If you've stored your info with ActBlue, we'll process your contribution instantly:

[  ] RUSH $10 NOW
[  ] RUSH $25 NOW
[  ] RUSH $50 NOW
[  ] RUSH $100 NOW
[  ] RUSH $250 NOW
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

Thank you,

The team at VoteVets

VoteVets

Chip in to support VoteVets today >>

We're the largest progressive organization fighting for the rights and lives of Veterans and Military families and we're honored to have you on the team.

Our voices matter. This is important. Pitch in today.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit VoteVets.org.

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $5 →

[✓] 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 VoteVets (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, since, "on June 6th, we marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day — the beginning of the end of Nazi tyranny, and arguably the finest hour of the Greatest Generation," during which "President Biden honored the brave Americans who gave their lives to liberate Europe." And the difference is that "Trump had a similar opportunity while he was president," but "he did not rise to the challenge," because "during the 100th anniversary celebrations of the end of World War 1, Trump canceled an appearance at the American cemetery in France where the legendary Marines of the battle of Belleau Wood rest ... and refused to honor their sacrifice."

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

The seventh political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was a text message seven days ago on June 10th, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS), which stated the following:

Folks,

It was Donald Trump and the GOP’s most destructive scheme of 2020.

After the results of the election were tallied and it was clear President Biden had won, ten Republicans in Wisconsin chose to ignore the will of the people.

Instead, they posed as “fake electors” for Trump. We saw the same thing happen in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico and Pennsylvania.

Thankfully, the fake electors plot got foiled, but it showed how low Donald Trump and anti-democracy extremists would go to overturn a nationwide election.

I expect them to go even lower in this year’s presidential race. That’s why I’m writing to ask if you will make a $5, $50, or even $100 donation to the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS) today.

Thank you,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Wisconsin

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 $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 DASS (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, due to the following: "After the results of the election were tallied and it was clear President Biden had won, ten Republicans in Wisconsin chose to ignore the will of the people. Instead, they posed as 'fake electors' for Trump. We saw the same thing happen in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico and Pennsylvania. Thankfully, the fake electors plot got foiled, but it showed how low Donald Trump and anti-democracy extremists would go to overturn a nationwide election." That is why I donated to Democratic Association of Secretaries of State beacuse "our Democratic Secretaries protect our elections" and "they're the last line of defense for [our] rights."

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

The eighth political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was an email from the Biden for President campaign that I received two days ago on June 15th, 2024, with the subject line, "Check out this week’s Team Joe Newsletter →", which stated, in part, the following:

Biden-Harris 2024

Paul

We hope you've had a great week. From celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day by honoring the brave men and women who fought to protect democracy to uplifting gun violence prevention, a lot has been happening for Team Biden-Harris, and we're excited to share some of the latest updates with you!

But first, we have to be honest: Donald Trump's MAGA supporters flooded his campaign with $141 million last month. To counteract that massive haul and keep our own momentum going, we need you with us. Will you chip in $25 today to help reelect Joe and Kamala and finish the job?

DONATE***

We're so grateful for your support. Read on to learn more about what President Biden and Vice President Harris have been up to this week →

PRESIDENT BIDEN DELIVERS
REMARKS ON D-DAY IN
NORMANDY

Last week, President Biden commemorated the 80th anniversary of D- Day by delivering a powerful speech saluting the brave American soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy to end Nazi occupation of France - and demonstrated to the world America's steadfast commitment to defending democracy.

As President Biden underscored in his speech, 80 years later, that commitment has never been more at risk and the threats to the ideals of democracy have never been greater. He reminded us all of our obligation to continue the ongoing fight to defend democracy, saying, "we have a special obligation. We cannot let what happened here be lost in the silence of the years to come. We must remember it, must honor it, and live it."

President Biden knows that democracy begins with each of us, and it only survives if we're willing to stand up to save it.

PRESIDENT BIDEN SPEAKS AT
THE EVERYTOWN FOR GUN
SAFETY SUMMIT

Earlier this week, President Biden spoke at Everytown's Gun Sense University about his commitment to fighting for a future where every American has the freedom to live in communities safe from gun violence.

President Biden told the crowd, "You can help rally a nation with a sense of urgency and seriousness of purpose. You're changing the culture. We're proving we can do more than just thoughts and prayers. You're changing politics. You're proving that you're powerful and you're relentless, and I mean that."

President Biden will continue to take on the gun lobby and fight for meaningful gun safety legislation so that every community can live without fear.

HONORING JUNETEENTH
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE
DAY

Since Day One, President Biden and Vice President Harris have advanced racial justice and asserted that Black history is American history. President Biden was proud to sign into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, designate the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, and posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Medgar Evers. In the face of MAGA extremists' growing attacks on racial progress and attempts to rewrite history, the President and Vice President are committed to reminding us that our country is only strengthened by the breadth, complexity, and significance of African American history.

Vice President Harris has also declared Juneteenth-- June 19, 2024 as one of three National Days of Action on Voting. With a focus on voter engagement, these days aim to ensure all Americans have the information they need to vote, promote voter participation for students, protect election workers, and fight voter suppression laws.

The Biden-Harris administration will never stop fighting to recognize the full arc of our country's history -- to help us understand how the past connects us to the present and shapes our shared future.

"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

Thanks for donating toward our June goal!

Protecting our fundamental rights and saving our nation's democracy all comes down to reelecting Joe Biden and Kamala Harms. They're counting on this grassroots team to keep MAGA extremism out of the White House! Rush a donation today.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Joe Biden.

[✓] Donate $3 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $46 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $2,000 →

[  ] Other amount:

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 Biden for President campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, in order to show my support for "this week’s Team Joe Newsletter."

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

The ninth political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was a text message that I received yesterday, June 16th, 2024, from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), which stated the following:

We've asked you once.

We've asked you twice.

𝗡𝗼𝘄, 𝘄𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿!!

We launched an official Biden 2024 Endorsement Survey, and we don't have your response yet, Paul. With Trump leading President Biden by just one point in a new poll out this week – 50% vs. 49% – we need to know where our top grassroots supporters stand.

𝟵𝟮% 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗚𝗔 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝘀𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄:

Will you endorse Joe Biden for a second term?

[✓] 👍 YES:***
[ ] 👎 NO:

-DGA

Democratic Governors Association

2024 BIDEN ENDORSEMENT SURVEY | IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUESTED

Thank you for taking action!

As a top Democrat in your area, you have been selected to complete this exclusive survey. Will you please take a moment to answer the following questions about the 2024 elections?

Please confirm: Do you endorse President Biden for a second term?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Unsure

How favorably do you view President Biden's leadership during his first term in office?
(1 - Not favorable, 5 - Extremely favorable)

[  ] 1
[  ] 2
[  ] 3
[  ] 4
[✓] 5

In President Biden's fight to combat the GOP's extreme agenda and move America forward, which issues do you think he should prioritize? (Select all that apply.)

[✓] Abortion rights
[✓] Voting rights
[✓] LGBTQ+ rights
[✓] Civil rights
[✓] Preserving democracy
[✓] The economy
[✓] Gun violence prevention
[  ] Other:

As Pres. Biden works to better the lives of everyday Americans, MAGA extremists threaten to pass radical legislation to take away vital freedoms.

How worried are you about the rise of MAGA extremism?
(1 - Not worried, 5 - Extremely worried)

[  ] 1
[  ] 2
[  ] 3
[  ] 4
[✓] 5

This November, there are 11 governors' races on the ballot including open governorships in battleground states like North Carolina and New Hampshire. Democratic governors are the last line of defense against the worst of the GOP's far-right agenda while also serving as crucial allies for President Biden as he works to implement his agenda across the nation.

Do you believe that grassroots activists should invest in our blue firewall of Democratic governors this year?

[✓] Yes, we absolutely should!
[  ] No, we shouldn't
[  ] I'm not sure

The 2024 elections are just around the corner and President Biden and our blue firewall candidates are counting on this team to have their backs. Will you invest $100 to help us elect Democratic governors across the country to 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. But the DGA is working tirelessly to elect Democrats across the country. And with Republicans pushing an extremist agenda, we can't afford to miss any fundraising goals.

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 in every state is the most critical thing we can do to stop the far right and move our country forward. 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 $30.17 or whatever you can?

[✓] Yes, I'll give $3.
[  ] Yes, I'll give $30.17! (This is what most Democrats are giving.)
[  ] Yes, and I'll give more!

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

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 gop 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 $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 DGA (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, in order to respond to the question, "Will you endorse Joe Biden for a second term?" with a resounding 'YES!'

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

Finally, these last three 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 tenth organization to which I donated yesterday, June 16th, 2024, 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 $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 EMILYs List (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, in order to help "elect Democratic pro-choice women to office."

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

The eleventh organization to which I donated yesterday, June 16th, 2024, was Rolling Sea Action Fund based upon a description that appeared on the RollingSea.org website, which stated the following:

Unleashing the Strength of Black Voices for Lasting Political Impact

At Rolling Sea Action Fund, we believe in the power of the Black community to shape our democracy and create positive change. We are dedicated to amplifying Black voices, addressing our concerns, and ensuring our full participation in the electoral process.

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

ROLLING SEA ACTION FUND

Support Black Democrats

We’re devoting our efforts to empower Black voters, protect our Senate Majority and flip the House from red to blue. But we need your help right now!

We’re nearly BROKE, so we need a huge wave of emergency donations to STOP the GOP's corrupted voter suppression agenda.

If you don’t give right now, we will not be able to fight back and protect President Biden's agenda in 2024. Please, rush a donation now, before it's too late >>

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Rolling Sea Action Fund.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Rolling Sea Action Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, because they are "devoting [their] efforts to empower Black voters, protect our Senate Majority and flip the House from red to blue."

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

The twelfth organization to which I donated was the Voters of Tomorrow PAC (Voters of Tomorrow Political Action Committee) based upon a donation request that appeared on the VotersOfTomorrow.org website, which stated the following:

HELP US BUILD A MOVEMENT

Make a contribution today to help Voters of Tomorrow build a new generation of democracy defenders.

[  ] $10
[  ] $25
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[✓] Other amount

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

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

Donate to help Voters of Tomorrow reach Gen Z voters

$186,456.06 Raised →→→→→ GOAL $500,000
MIDNIGHT DEADLINE! >> updated at 7:50 PM

In 2022, young voters proved yet again that we are a political force to be reckoned with. Voters of Tomorrow played a major role in harnessing that power. As The Financial Times said, the group "worked to boost turnout among 18-to 29-year-olds and may have saved the election."

But we have to keep this momentum going. Voters of Tomorrow is continuing to ramp up its outreach and voter education efforts. Unlike many other organizations, we are meeting Gen Z where they are by providing valuable content in the same platforms they already spend time in.

With your contribution, Voters of Tomorrow will be able to reach even more young voters and guide them away from dangerous misinformation pushed by people looking to disenfranchise them.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Voters of Tomorrow Action.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Voters of Tomorrow PAC (Voters of Tomorrow Action) (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 16th, 2024, in order to "help Voters of Tomorrow build a new generation of democracy defenders."

Thus, these four organizations—the DSCC, the DAGA, the DASS, as well as the DGA—in addition to this one campaign—Biden for President—plus, these six Political Action Committees (PACs)—Jane Fonda Climate PAC, Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC, VoteVets, EMILYs List, Rolling Sea Action Fund, as well as Voters of Tomorrow PAC—as well as this one civic engagement organization—Voto Latino—are the political organizations, the political campaign, as well as the PACs and civic engagement organization that I donated to on June 16th, 2024! –Paul Whiting (written June 17th, 2024, revised June 18th, 2024, revised June 28th, 2024, revised July 11th, 2024 and revised September 26th, 2024)

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June 17th, 2024 Update No. 1: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] I received an email from March For Our Lives (MFOL) today, June 17th, 2024, with the subject line, "Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church", which stated the following:

MARCH
FOR OUR
LIVES

Content warning: This email reflects on the events at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015. If this is too much to read, we understand. Take care of yourself and skip the rest of this email. Here are some mental health resources that you may find helpful.

Paul,

Nine years ago today, a gunman walked into the historically Black church Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Despite being a total stranger, the parishioners invited him to join their Bible study. When they bent their heads to pray, he opened fire, killing nine people, injuring one, and forever altering the entire community.

The open arms and kindness of these worshipers were taken advantage of in a heinous act of terror and hate.

Racism runs deep within this country, and this shooting is only one example of how Black liberation and gun violence prevention are intimately connected.

Hate crimes like this happen due to a national climate of racism, bigotry, and anti-blackness. They become deadly because of systemic failures from loose gun laws.

More people are killed by extremists using firearms than any other weapon, and despite declining rates of violence overall, hate crimes have continued to increase. Of the hate crimes reported between 2020 and 2022, over half targeted Black people.

To stop these deadly acts of racism, we must continue to make gun safety legislation a priority.

In honor of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church community and all those taken nine years ago today, we will continue advocating for change until all people, regardless of race or religion, can live freely without the fear of gun violence.

In solidarity,

March For Our Lives HQ

Today and every day we honor the lives lost at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17, 2015.

[Name redacted], 41

[Name redacted], 54

[Name redacted], 74

[Name redacted], 49

[Name redacted], 70

[Name redacted], 59

[Name redacted], 45

[Name redacted], 87

[Name redacted], 26

And so, I wanted to share this email from March For Our Lives (MFOL) because, "in honor of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church community and all those taken nine years ago today, [March For Our Lives] will continue advocating for change until all people, regardless of race or religion, can live freely without the fear of gun violence." –Paul Whiting (June 17th, 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 March For Our Lives (MFOL) on June 7th, 2024 (please see my 'June 7th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 5th, 2024' that can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to MFOL for June 2024.

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June 19th, 2024 Update No. 1: In observance of Juneteenth, I sent letters to my U.S. House Representative and Senators in Congress urging them to pass the Abolition Amendment (S.J.Res.33/H.J.Res.72), after I did a search on Google for "ACLU Close The Slavery Loophole" and I found a corresponding action on the ACLU website titled, "CONGRESS: END FORCED LABOR IN PRISONS," which can be found below:

Congress: End Forced Labor in Prisons

Despite the fact that many are taught that the 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude more than 150 years ago, forced, unpaid labor still persists to this day in our country – due in large part to the "exception clause" of the 13th Amendment. This egregious loophole barred slavery except for people who have been convicted of crimes – which has resulted in the forced labor of incarcerated workers across the country and encouraged the continued overcriminalization of Black and Brown people for centuries.

But there’s legislation that could end the "exception clause" once and for all – and we must demand our lawmakers take action on it. So please send a message to Congress and tell them to pass the Abolition Amendment immediately.

Message Recipients: Your U.S. House Representative and Senators

YOUR MESSAGE

Subject: Pass the Abolition Amendment (S.J.Res.33/H.J.Res.72)

As your constituent, I urge you to support passage of the Abolition Amendment (S.J.Res.33/H.J.Res.72) – which would end slavery and involuntary servitude in all its forms — including forced labor in prisons.

The "exception clause" to the 13th Amendment barred slavery except for people who have been convicted of crimes. This loophole disproportionately encouraged the criminalization and re-enslavement of Black people during the Jim Crow era, gave rise to Black Codes, convict leasing, and chain gangs. Its harm persists today in the form of forced labor, poverty wages, and reliance on mass incarceration that disproportionately impacts people of color.

Put simply: The "exception clause" has allowed for millions of incarcerated workers over the years to be exploited, underpaid, and excluded from workplace safety protection laws – and it has enabled human rights abuses and systemic racism to go on for centuries.

In the land of the free, forced labor is never acceptable. So please, take action immediately to end the exception – and pass the Abolition Amendment.

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]
Address Line 2: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip Code: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]

And, after I sent the letter above, I received a confirmation email today, June 19th, 2024, from the ACLU with the subject line, "One more thing - can you spread the word?", which stated the following:

Hi Paul,

Thank you for taking action to defend the rights of incarcerated workers across the country.

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

Thank you,

The ACLU Team

----

Hi friend,

Despite many of us being taught that slavery and involuntary servitude was abolished more than 150 years ago, forced labor still persists in our country.

The “exception clause” in the 13th Amendment states slavery is barred except for people who have been convicted of crimes. And as a result, millions of incarcerated workers – disproportionately Black and Brown people – have been exploited, underpaid, and excluded from workplace safety protection laws over the years.

Forced prison labor is unconscionable: Our federal lawmakers can bring it to an end now by passing the Abolition Amendment.

I just sent a message to Congress telling them to do exactly that. Will you join me?

aclu.org/prisonlabor

Thanks.

Besides that, I also read an excellent article on the ACLU website—that is from June 17, 2021—which is titled, "What Juneteenth Means to Me." A copy of the full article can be found below:

"What Juneteenth Means to Me" from the ACLU of DC

By Natacia Knapper, Senior Organizer | June 17, 2021

On the surface, Juneteenth - also known as Freedom Day - marks the end of slavery in the United States. On, June 19, 1865, military troops went to Galveston, Texas to free the last of the enslaved Black people in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation declared all enslaved people free two years prior, this reality was kept from a number of areas in the South. Many places, like Galveston, continued to hold and work slaves until troops arrived in the state and read the orders announcing the enslaved people’s freedom.

But that’s just the textbook definition (acknowledging the fact that the history of Juneteenth is often left out of our textbooks). For many years, Juneteenth has been a holiday for the Black community in the South, particularly in Texas. While I grew up in Southern California, I was lucky enough to still celebrate Juneteenth throughout my life, thanks to having an extended family based in Louisiana. Even though I was living in San Diego, my dad made sure to fly us out there for most, if not every Juneteenth, during much of my childhood.

I remember always complaining when I would arrive, suffering through that damp swampy heat, desperate to find any source of cool relief in my great aunt Celia’s big, old, un-air-conditioned house. Also, forcing me into a traditional gender role, Aunty Cee would almost immediately put me to work – going with her to the store, helping her clean and prep the kitchen, making calls to my aunts and cousins to find out what they’d be bringing to the family cookout. However, my frustration and discomfort always seemed to go out the window when the celebration began – a celebration that often began on Juneteenth but would continue for at least a couple of days.

There was usually a crawfish boil, sausage on the grill, tables upon tables of freshly cut watermelon, and endless bottles and pitchers of strawberry soda and homemade strawberry lemonade – an amazing and delicious assortment – but the food was just one part of these gatherings. We played music, we danced, and we’d tell stories. The kids would play games (and sometimes the adults too) and my more extroverted cousins and other kids in the neighborhood would put on little plays. Most importantly, however, Aunty C would have us give affirmations to each other – little notes that we’d write out and give to each other, affirmations about how beautiful it is to be Black. We shared affirmations about our hair, our art, our loudness, our quiet strength, our recipes, our accomplishments (even if the accomplishment was simply surviving in a world that doesn’t want us to). I would sometimes tuck myself into a corner somewhere with a comic book and a soda when things were getting too rowdy, but I loved my family’s Juneteenth celebration because it was rooted in Black joy.

Yes, the day in 1865 is about emancipation and the end of slavery. But Juneteenth, the holiday, is so much more than that.

As I have watched Juneteenth expand beyond the South, especially over the last 10 years or so, I have been so grateful to see how it’s been embraced by the Black community throughout the country. The struggle is real – and the struggle is not removed from the holiday – but what I have always appreciated is that it’s not centered on what we have endured, but on our capacity to love ourselves and each other through it all.

Media loves to capitalize on Black trauma and it’s easy to focus on the ongoing uphill battles Black people have had to climb in the United States – and continue to climb – but at the core the purpose of Juneteenth is to uplift our community. Togetherness and radical love. This is our moment to say, “We’re still here. And we love being Black.” And as a kid, during my Aunty’s parties, the tender talks with my elders, and the shared elation you can only experience with people who understand what we are managing to survive.... that’s when I felt our resilience the most.

Juneteenth isn’t steeped in trauma. It doesn’t ignore our history; it simply allows us the space we deserve to love on each other as Black people.

D.C. has embraced Juneteenth so deeply and so fully that the holiday typically lasts a week – between various community events on Juneteenth’s history, teach-ins on abolition and reparations, happy hours and the day of being filled with so many different celebrations to choose from. This Juneteenth, whether you’re new to the holiday or not, find a list of ways to join in on the joy and learning by visiting Palm Collective’s events page.

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.acludc.org/en/news/what-juneteenth-means-me

And, after I sent letters to my U.S. House Representative and Senators in Congress, via the ACLU website, as well as after I read the article above, I also made a donation to the ACLU in order to show my support for passing the Abolition Amendment in celebration of "The Land of the Free," because slavery is just plain wrong. –Paul Whiting (June 19th, 2024)

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For my "June 19th, 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:

June 19th, 2024 Update No. 2 ('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): In observance of Juneteenth, I made a donation to the USO (United Service Organizations) today, June 19th, 2024. And I made this donation to the USO based upon an email that I received today, with the subject line, "Honoring Black service members this Juneteenth", which stated the following:

Paul,

Black service members have been overcoming unimaginable barriers to serve since the very first battle of the American Revolution. This Juneteenth, we’re honored to highlight the stories of some of the incredible individuals who went above and beyond in service of our nation.

[Drawing of American Revolution minuteman]

Even before our country was founded, and long before slavery was abolished, enslaved soldier Peter Salem fought in the American Revolution with the minutemen — a small, handpicked, elite force in the colonial militia. Though he proudly served in the first battle of the war at Lexington and Concord, he had to later fight for his freedom to earn the right to continue serving after enslaved people were barred from the militia.

[Photo of Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. in front of fighter plane]

After growing up during segregation, Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. became a pilot and instructor for the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II — the first Black pilots of the U.S. Air Corps. He went on to fly combat missions during the Korean War and the Vietnam War as a fighter pilot.

As a highly decorated hero in three wars, James received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Meritorious Service Medal and 14 Air Medals. After returning from Vietnam, he served as commander in chief of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) and became the first Black four-star general in the history of our Armed Forces.

In 2021, after more than 40 years of service in the Army, retired Gen. Lloyd Austin was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the first African American secretary of defense of the United States. Today, Black service members continue to protect and defend our country in every branch and at every level, making up about 20% of our active-duty military. Sgt. Michael Wolkeba is one of them, and last year, he was named USO Soldier of the Year for his bravery and actions in a moment of crisis.

[Sgt. Michael Wolkeba speaking in front of USO banner]

While driving home one day, Michael encountered a collision between a motor home and a commercial vehicle. The commercial vehicle had pierced the motor home, trapping an injured elderly couple inside. With no regard for his own safety, Michael climbed through a shattered window and low crawled through the debris and shattered glass to reach the injured woman, who was suffering from a massive leg injury and having trouble breathing. As a trained Army Combat Medic, Michael provided critical emergency medical treatment, ultimately saving the woman’s life.

This Juneteenth, we’re proud to honor and celebrate the Black military heroes throughout our history and actively serving today. Today and always, thank you for standing with us as we support the people serving in America’s military.

DONATE 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.]

Thus, this donation is my way of "honoring Black service members this Juneteenth." And also I made this 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 wurk hard to keep them connected to home but we can't do that we thout support from matary 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, "June 19th, 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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June 20th, 2024 Update No. 1: Did you know that World Refugee Day is yearly (annually) on June 20th?

Neither did I! That is, until last year (2023), when I heard about World Refugee Day from a Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières video advertisement on YouTube!

And I wrote an 'update' labeled, 'June 20th, 2023 Update' regarding that YouTube advertisement from Doctors Without Borders, 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:

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

June 20th, 2023 Update: Did you know that World Refugee Day is yearly (annually) on June 20th?

Neither did I! That is, until I was on YouTube watching a video titled, "Disney's New Amsterdam Theatre: A Broadway Icon (Access Granted)," when I saw an advertisement from Doctors Without Borders USA in the form of a YouTube video.

By the way, I tried to find this video on YouTube—as I have done with other 'updates' such as this one where I am highlighting a fundraising ad—but, I was unable to locate this video on the Doctors Without Borders USA channel; however, the description from the donation page states the following:

MATCH: Make a lifesaving gift this World Refugee Day

100 million people have been forcibly displaced—many of them refugees. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières is providing lifesaving care wherever it’s needed most in more than 70 countries around the world—and we rely on the support of individual donors like you to power our vital work.

Give now before midnight on World Refugee Day, June 20, and your generosity will be MATCHED, dollar for dollar.

All gifts given, up to $500,000, will be doubled through 11:59 p.m. EST on World Refugee Day (June 20). Every dollar you give will be matched with $1. Gifts received after the match has been met will not be matched but will be used where needed most.

Thus, after I watched the video above, I made a one-time donation to Doctors Without Borders USA in order to do my part to "make a lifesaving gift this World Refugee Day," because "Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières is providing lifesaving care wherever it’s needed most in more than 70 countries around the world", since "100 million people have been forcibly displaced—many of them refugees." That is why I gave "before midnight on World Refugee Day, June 20, [so that my] generosity [would] be MATCHED, dollar for dollar."

By the way, here is an article from the United Nations regarding World Refugee Day:

"World Refugee Day | 20 June" from the United Nations

Refugees represent the very best of the human spirit. They need and deserve support and solidarity — not closed borders and pushbacks.

— UN Secretary-General António Guterres

2023 Theme: Hope Away from Home

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.

Background

Every minute 20 people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution or terror. There are several types of forcibly displaced persons:

Refugees

A refugee is someone who fled his or her home and country owing to “a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion”, according to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention. Many refugees are in exile to escape the effects of natural or human-made disasters.

Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers say they are refugees and have fled their homes as refugees do, but their claim to refugee status is not yet definitively evaluated in the country to which they fled.

Internally Displaced Persons

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are people who have not crossed an international border but have moved to a different region than the one they call home within their own country.

Stateless Persons

Stateless persons do not have a recognized nationality and do not belong to any country.

Statelessness situations are usually caused by discrimination against certain groups. Their lack of identification — a citizenship certificate — can exclude them from access to important government services, including health care, education or employment.

Returnees

Returnees are former refugees who return to their own countries or regions of origin after time in exile. Returnees need continuous support and reintegration assistance to ensure that they can rebuild their lives at home.

UN Action

1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol

Refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol help protect them. They are the only global legal instruments explicitly covering the most important aspects of a refugee’s life. According to their provisions, refugees deserve, as a minimum, the same standards of treatment enjoyed by other foreign nationals in a given country and, in many cases, the same treatment as nationals.

The 1951 Convention contains a number of rights and also highlights the obligations of refugees towards their host country. The cornerstone of the 1951 Convention is the principle of non-refoulement. According to this principle, a refugee should not be returned to a country where he or she faces serious threats to his or her life or freedom. This protection may not be claimed by refugees who are reasonably regarded as a danger to the security of the country, or having been convicted of a particularly serious crime, are considered a danger to the community.

The rights contained in the 1951 Convention include:

[✓] The right not to be expelled, except under certain, strictly defined conditions;
[✓] The right not to be punished for illegal entry into the territory of a contracting State;
[✓] The right to work;
[✓] The right to housing;
[✓] The right to education;
[✓] The right to public relief and assistance;
[✓] The right to freedom of religion;
[✓] The right to access the courts;
[✓] The right to freedom of movement within the territory;
[✓] The right to be issued identity and travel documents.

Some basic rights, including the right to be protected from refoulement, apply to all refugees. A refugee becomes entitled to other rights the longer they remain in the host country, which is based on the recognition that the longer they remain as refugees, the more rights they need.

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-day

–Paul Whiting (June 20th, 2023)

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

Therefore, I decided to write this 'update' as a way to highlight that June 20th is World Refugee Day!

So, in observance of World Refugee Day, I did a Google search for "World Refugee Day 2024" and found the following search results for Doctors Without Borders:

Doctors Without Borders
https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org

3X Match for World Refugee Day - World Refugee Day 2024

Doctors Without Borders — Make a donation now for World Refugee Day and help people seeking safety in 70+ countries. For over 50 years we have been providing food, water, and healthcare around the globe. ...

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

Make a gift in honor of World Refugee Day.

People often can’t access medical care because of who they are or where they live. For more than 50 years, Doctors Without Borders has been boldly meeting this challenge by bringing medical care to people who need it—no matter their race, religion, politics, or gender.

With the generous support of our donors, we can provide medical care without borders.

Right now, all gifts given, up to $500,000, will be tripled thanks to a generous matching grant from Worthington & Margaret Mayo-Smith—but only until midnight on June 21. Hurry! Make your 3X MATCHED gift today.

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

All gifts given, up to $500,000, will be tripled through midnight on June 21. Gifts received after the match has been met will not be matched but will be used where needed most.

Amount

[✓] ONE-TIME
[  ] MONTHLY
Increase the impact of your gift. Make it monthly.

Please select your tax-deductible gift amount below*

[  ] $1,000
[  ] $500
[  ] $250
[  ] $100
[  ] $50
[✓] Other $5.00
Minimum payment $5.00.

Your Information

Title: Mr.
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
E-mall address: [redacted]
Phone Number: [redacted]

Billing Information

Billing Address: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
ZIP/Postal Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State/Province: [redacted]

DONATE $5.00

And so, I made a one-time donation to Doctors Without Borders USA in order to contribute "now for World Refugee Day and help people seeking safety in 70+ countries," since "for over 50 years [Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières has] been providing food, water, and healthcare around the globe." That is why I donated, because "all gifts given, up to $500,000, will be tripled thanks to a generous matching grant ... but only until midnight on June 21."

In addition to that, I found the following "World Refugee Day 2024" Google search results for USA for UNHCR:

USA for UNHCR
www.unrefugees.org

World Refugee Day

On World Refugee Day, held every year on June 20, we commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees.

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

World Refugee Day

On World Refugee Day, held every year on June 20, we commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees.

What is World Refugee Day?

World Refugee Day was first celebrated on June 20, 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. On World Refugee Day, we celebrate refugees' contributions and seek to build empathy and understanding for their plight and their resilience to build a bright future.

World Refugee Day 2024

Hope away from home – a world where refugees are always included

By the end of 2023, more than 114 million people were forcibly displaced globally — a record number propelled by the war in Ukraine and other conflicts around the world. For millions of refugees who are forcibly displaced each year due to conflict, violence and persecution, fleeing is the first step in a long and difficult journey to finding safety.

With a record number of people forced to flee their homes, the international community must work together to give refugees more hope and more opportunities while they are away from home. The most effective way to support refugees is by including them in the communities where they have found safety — this means ensuring they can apply for jobs, enroll in schools and access services like housing and healthcare. Inclusion paves the way for long-term solutions for refugees and displaced people, allowing them to thrive in a new country or preparing them for a safe return to their home countries.

On World Refugee Day, let’s commit to including refugees in our schools, workplaces, healthcare systems and beyond. Use the hashtags #WorldRefugeeDay, #WithRefugees and #RefugeeDay on social media to honor refugees and displaced people by amplifying their voices and experiences.

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

Your Compassion Can Help Refugees

More than 110 million people worldwide have been forced from their homes to escape war, violence and persecution. So many are now facing additional crises like drought and looming famine. They need shelter, comfort and safety — your compassion is needed now more than ever. These families need your love and support as they rebuild their homes and hold on to their dreams of a brighter future.

These families are resilient, but can’t survive on resilience alone — resources are stretched thin, and more help is needed. Your compassionate support helps keep UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on the ground, providing emergency shelter and lifesaving aid including food, medicine and clean water. You can stand with families from Yemen to Ukraine and from Ethiopia to Afghanistan — wherever families forced to flee are in need of help. With your kind gift, you’ll provide the relief that comes in knowing they are not alone.

Please don’t hesitate. Every second counts, any amount helps and your kindness truly makes a difference.

Please act now to ensure refugees are safe and cared for.

[✓] USA for UNHCR is a non-profit 501(c)(3)
[✓] Gifts are 100% tax-deductible
[✓] All donations are processed securely
[✓] As a donor, you’ll receive updates on how your gift helps families like these
[✓] Any amount you give can help ease the suffering of those in urgent need

Donation Amount

$120 can provide six refugee children with school supplies so they can make their dreams a reality.

[  ] $1000
[  ] $240
[  ] $120 ← Many people are giving at the $120 level right now.
[  ] $60
Other Amount $5.00

Billing Information

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone: [redacted]
Street Address (Including apt #): [redacted]
Zip Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]

DONATE $5.00 NOW

And so, I made a one-time donation to USA for UNHCR since, "on World Refugee Day, held every year on June 20, [USA for UNHCR commemorates] the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees." That is why I contributed, because "on World Refugee Day, let’s commit to including refugees in our schools, workplaces, healthcare systems and beyond" in order to help create "hope away from home – a world where refugees are always included."

By the way, here is an article from the United Nations regarding World Refugee Day:

"World Refugee Day | 20 June" from the United Nations

Refugees need global solidarity and the ability to rebuild their lives in dignity.

— UN Secretary-General António Guterres

2024 Theme: For a World Where Refugees Are Welcomed

Refugees need our solidarity now more than ever. Solidarity means keeping our doors open, celebrating their strengths and achievements, and reflecting on the challenges they face.

Solidarity with people forced to flee also means finding solutions to their plight – ending conflicts so they can return home in safety, ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in the communities that have welcomed them, and providing countries with the resources they need to include and support refugees.

Background

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.

Every minute 20 people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution or terror. There are several types of forcibly displaced persons:

Refugees

A refugee is someone who fled his or her home and country owing to “a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion”, according to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention. Many refugees are in exile to escape the effects of natural or human-made disasters.

Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers say they are refugees and have fled their homes as refugees do, but their claim to refugee status is not yet definitively evaluated in the country to which they fled.

Internally Displaced Persons

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are people who have not crossed an international border but have moved to a different region than the one they call home within their own country.

Stateless Persons

Stateless persons do not have a recognized nationality and do not belong to any country.

Statelessness situations are usually caused by discrimination against certain groups. Their lack of identification — a citizenship certificate — can exclude them from access to important government services, including health care, education or employment.

Returnees

Returnees are former refugees who return to their own countries or regions of origin after time in exile. Returnees need continuous support and reintegration assistance to ensure that they can rebuild their lives at home.

UN Action

1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol

Refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol help protect them. They are the only global legal instruments explicitly covering the most important aspects of a refugee’s life. According to their provisions, refugees deserve, as a minimum, the same standards of treatment enjoyed by other foreign nationals in a given country and, in many cases, the same treatment as nationals.

The 1951 Convention contains a number of rights and also highlights the obligations of refugees towards their host country. The cornerstone of the 1951 Convention is the principle of non-refoulement. According to this principle, a refugee should not be returned to a country where he or she faces serious threats to his or her life or freedom. This protection may not be claimed by refugees who are reasonably regarded as a danger to the security of the country, or having been convicted of a particularly serious crime, are considered a danger to the community.

The rights contained in the 1951 Convention include:

[✓] The right not to be expelled, except under certain, strictly defined conditions;
[✓] The right not to be punished for illegal entry into the territory of a contracting State;
[✓] The right to work;
[✓] The right to housing;
[✓] The right to education;
[✓] The right to public relief and assistance;
[✓] The right to freedom of religion;
[✓] The right to access the courts;
[✓] The right to freedom of movement within the territory;
[✓] The right to be issued identity and travel documents.

Some basic rights, including the right to be protected from refoulement, apply to all refugees. A refugee becomes entitled to other rights the longer they remain in the host country, which is based on the recognition that the longer they remain as refugees, the more rights they need.

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-day

–Paul Whiting (written June 20th, 2024 and revised June 21st, 2024)

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June 20th, 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 $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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.

...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! ...

...In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The only political communication to which I responded was a text message today, June 20th, 2024, from Four Directions Native Vote (Four Directions), which stated the following:

Hi, Paul! Our names are [name redacted] and [name redacted], Rosebud Sioux Tribal members and Co-Founders of Four Directions – the only National Native Vote organization based on an Indian Reservation.

In Lakota culture, the Four Directions represent the circle of life we participate in to better ourselves and our communities. We protect our communities by going to the polls to vote.

Native Americans face unique obstacles to voting from a lack of polling sites to bad phone and internet services. They’re also targeted by cynical voter suppression tactics like removing ballot boxes and hiring only non-Native election workers.

But we’ve proven with the right investments, we can dramatically close the Native voter turnout gap. This year especially, closing that gap could have massive implications.

In November, the Senate Majority runs through Indian Country. From Montana to Arizona to Nevada to Wisconsin, the Native vote has the power to swing elections. In Montana alone, there are over 60,000 eligible Native American voters in a state that could be decided by less than 10,000 votes.

With so much at stake, we’re planning our biggest voter outreach program ever to mobilize Native voters across the country.

Your donation today will help us turn out Native American voters in Indian Country - voters that will decide the Senate Majority.

So can you chip in now to turn out Native voters this November?***

Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related)

– [Name redacted] and [Name redacted]

Four
Directions

Chip in now to turn out Native voters this November!

In Lakota culture, the Four Directions represent the circle of life we participate in to better ourselves and our communities. We protect our communities by going to the polls to vote.

Native Americans face unique obstacles to voting from a lack of polling sites to bad phone and internet services. They're also targeted by cynical voter suppression tactics like removing ballot boxes and hiring only non-Native election workers.

With so much at stake this November, we're planning our biggest voter outreach program ever to mobilize Native voters across the country. Your donation today will help us turn out Native American voters in Indian Country - voters that will decide the Senate Majority.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Four Directions-RFA.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] 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 [I pressed this button by mistake!*]

[  ] Add custom amount

And so, I made a one-time donation to Four Directions Native Vote (Four Directions) (with a tip to ActBlue) because, "in November, the Senate Majority runs through Indian Country," since "from Montana to Arizona to Nevada to Wisconsin, the Native vote has the power to swing elections." That is why "[my] donation today will help [Four Directions] turn out Native American voters in Indian Country - voters that will decide the Senate Majority."

*P.S.: I usually leave a $0.35 (7%) tip to ActBlue for my typical $5.00 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:

Donate to ActBlue

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit ActBlue.

[  ] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[✓] Other amount $1.00

Thus, this one organization—Four Directions Native Vote (Four Directions)—is the political organization that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written June 20th, 2024, revised June 21st, 2024, revised July 11th, 2024, revised August 25th, 2024 and revised August 27th, 2024)

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June 20th, 2024 Update No. 3: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, June 20th, 2024, with the subject line, "We can't slow down – not during Pride month, not ever", which stated the following:

Paul,

With so much on the line in 2024, we can't afford to slow down now – not during Pride Month, not ever. Especially not when trans youth are under attack nationwide.

Here's what trans kids are facing today:

• Restrictive laws preventing access to gender-affirming care

• Bathroom bans forcing trans kids to use bathrooms they don't feel safe or comfortable in

• Discriminatory legislation stopping trans students from participating in school activities like sports

• Censorship of in-school discussions of LGBTQ people and issues

That's why we're launching a special campaign to raise $30,000 to help fund the ACLU's work defending LGBTQ rights and all our civil liberties – and a generous donor is matching every gift up until our deadline at midnight tomorrow.

Can we count on you to amplify your impact right now by making a monthly donation to the ACLU? Your first monthly gift will be doubled to protect trans youth and LGBTQ people across the nation.

DONATE MONTHLY***

Paul, these discriminatory policies keep trans students from having an inclusive and safe learning environment – and disproportionately harm Black youth and youth of color. One parent in Virginia put it best:

"The school board and their policies provide a real barrier for our child to be included at school. Our child wasn't allowed to use the appropriate restroom. It's been difficult to get him referred to by the appropriate name… There's lots of other things to attend to to make a trans kid's day at school as dignified as possible – names, pronouns, activities, gendered activities, gendered instruction, even dress codes that are gendered. All of that stuff impacts trans kids."

Yet despite facing these endless attacks on their identities and their very personhood, trans people continue to lead the charge so they – and all of us – can live fully as themselves. We cannot and will not let them fight alone, Paul.

Through advocacy, litigation, and lobbying, we're ready to fight alongside LGBTQ leaders and take on all of these challenges and win – from local school boards to statehouses and beyond. The ACLU has been a leader in the fight for LGBTQ rights for decades – and we're not stopping now.

But we need your support to ensure we can keep doing what we do best without having to scale back our efforts.

So please, don't wait to make this 2X impact when it's needed most: Will you rush a matched monthly donation now to help us hit our $30,000 goal to protect LGBTQ people and all our rights before our deadline tomorrow?

Thank you for your commitment to fighting for trans kids and all LGBTQ people,

The ACLU Team

DONATE 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—rather than making a monthly donation—I made a one-time donation to the ACLU, since "[the ACLU] can't slow down – not during Pride month, not ever," because "through advocacy, litigation, and lobbying, [they're] ready to fight alongside LGBTQ leaders and take on all of these challenges and win – from local school boards to statehouses and beyond." That is why "the ACLU has been a leader in the fight for LGBTQ rights for decades – and [they're] not stopping now." –Paul Whiting (written June 20th, 2024 and revised June 21st, 2024)

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June 20th, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses June 12th, 2024, June 14th, 2024, June 16th, 2024 And June 18th, 2024, As Well As June 8th, 2024 Through June 11th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 20th, 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 total time period of June 8th, 2024 through June 20th, 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 the time period of June 12th, 2024 through June 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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). I hope that makes sense!

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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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June 14th, 2024 search:

01. CNN WATCH: Trump supporters say America is a republic, not a democracy

CNN's Donie O'Sullivan explores why many MAGA Republicans are claiming that America is a republic, not a democracy.

[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | [No publishing date indicated]

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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June 14th, 2024 search:

02. NBC News

The American Legion weighs in on upside-down American flags

The American Legion said flags should be flown upside down only if there is “extreme danger to life or property.”

By Megan Lebowitz | June 13, 2024

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June 20th, 2024 search:

03. CBS News

Trump is proposing a 10% tariff. Economists say that amounts to a $1,700 tax on Americans.

By Aimee Picchi | Updated on: June 20, 2024 / 1:13 PM EDT

Former President Donald Trump is pledging to supercharge one of his signature trade policies — tariffs — if he's re-elected this November, by imposing 10% across-the-board levies on all products imported into the U.S. from overseas. The idea, he has said, is to protect American jobs as well as raise more revenue to offset an extension of his 2017 tax cuts.

But that proposal would likely backfire, effectively acting as a tax on U.S. consumers, economists spanning the political spectrum say. If the tariffs are enacted — with Trump also proposing a levy of 60% or more on Chinese imports — a typical middle-class household in the U.S. would face an estimated $1,700 a year in additional costs, according to the non-partisan Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Meanwhile, the left-leaning Center on American Progress has also crunched the numbers and projects roughly $1,500 per year in extra costs for the typical household. The reason, according to experts: Companies in the U.S. that import goods from abroad typically pass the cost of tariffs onto American consumers; relatedly, domestic manufacturers then often raise their own prices.

Who would pay the price?

The biggest impact of higher import tariffs would likely fall on low- and middle-income consumers because they spend a larger share of their income on goods and services than wealthier Americans, according to Kimberly Clausing and Mary Lovely of the Peterson Institute.

"If you are an economist, you know right away that tariffs are taxes. If you put a tariff on imported goods, it means they become more expensive" and competitors can raise their prices, Clausing told CBS MoneyWatch.

Trump is selling "snake oil," added Lovely. "It's really on steroids, and you have to speak a little louder and say, 'This is really going to affect you'."

The bottom line, both Clausing and Lovely said, is that Trump's tariff proposals would likely boost consumer prices, a concern after two years of surging inflation. The typical American household would feel the biggest pinch through materials and goods bought by U.S. companies, such as lumber for construction, and which would be passed onto them through $610 in additional annual costs, the Center on American Progress analysis estimated.

Middle-class households would also pay $220 more a year for cars and other vehicles, $120 more for gas and other oil products, and $90 a year in additional food costs, according to the policy analysis firm.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung didn't respond to requests for comment. ...

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June 20th, 2024 search:

04. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

It's not just vibes. Americans' perception of the economy has completely changed.

The pandemic upended the factors that used to predict consumer sentiment.

By Mary Radcliffe, Monica Potts, and Kaleigh Rogers | June 18, 2024

There's a question journalists, economists and President Joe Biden's campaign have been puzzling over for months: Why, when every traditional indicator is positive, are Americans so displeased with the economy?

According to the most recent jobs report, job growth is steady, unemployment remains low and wages are rising. The gross domestic product, a common measure of the health of the economy, has been growing since the second quarter of 2020. Even inflation, which in 2022 reached the highest levels Americans had seen in decades, has finally been cooling.

And yet, consumer sentiment is pessimistic. In June 2022, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index reached the lowest level ever recorded since tracking began in 1966 — lower even than during the Great Recession of 2008. No matter how you slice it, there's a gap between how the economy is doing and how Americans feel about it.

Or is there? We wanted to understand the factors at play in Americans' perception of the economy and why, despite strong fundamentals, people still aren't feeling good about it. And we wondered if maybe it's not that people are wrong about how the economy is doing, but that they simply care about different issues in the wake of the upheaval following the COVID-19 pandemic.

To piece this together, we downloaded a collection of economic indicators related to people's experiences of the economy from the St. Louis Federal Reserve — specifically, indicators relating to inflation, interest rates, work and wages, housing, and basic household finances. We then fitted a linear regression model using those indicators to look at how they were related to the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index from 1987 to 2019 (basically, the "Before Times").

This model tracks the Consumer Sentiment Index over that time period pretty closely. Consumer sentiment as a trendline can be a bit spiky, as big news or economic shocks (such as the collapse of the housing market in 2008) can have dramatic effects that fade fairly quickly as the economy stabilizes. But other than these spikes, our model is fairly consistent at tracking the trends over the 32-year period preceding the pandemic.

Applying the same pre-pandemic model to consumer sentiment during and after the pandemic, however, simply does not work. The indicators that correlated with people's feelings about the economy before 2020 no longer seem to matter in the same way. As with so many areas of American life, the pandemic has changed virtually everything about how people think about the economy and the issues that concern them.

Before the pandemic, a number of variables were statistically significant indicators for consumer sentiment in our model; in particular, the most salient variables appear to be vehicle sales, gas prices, median household income, the federal funds effective rate, personal savings and household expenditures (excluding food and energy). And some of these indicators have seen dramatic changes over the past four years, likely contributing to the disconnect between the positive economic news and Americans' continued economic pessimism. ...

Personal savings rate

Prior to the pandemic, our model shows consumers felt better about the economy when the personal savings rate, a measure of how much money households are able to save rather than spend each month, was higher. This makes sense: People feel better when they have money in the bank and are able to save for important purchases like cars and houses. ...

... Inflation

Another big piece of the puzzle is inflation. Before the pandemic, changes in the inflation rate weren't statistically significant in our model (though we do see a negative relationship between consumer sentiment and personal consumption expenditures). But during and after the pandemic, Americans saw some of the highest rates of inflation the country has had in decades, and in a very short period of time. These sudden spikes naturally shocked many people who had been blissfully enjoying slow, steady price growth their entire adult lives. And it has taken a while for that shock to wear off, even as inflation has crept closer to typical levels. ...

... Housing

The cost of housing, whether buying or renting, is one of the biggest items on most household budgets. But surprisingly, our pre-pandemic model didn't find a notable relationship between housing prices and consumer sentiment. We also looked at the direct correlation between housing prices and consumer sentiment and didn't see a meaningful relationship there either. However, in our post-pandemic data, when we examined how correlated consumer sentiment was with each indicator we considered, consumer sentiment and median housing prices had the strongest correlation of all (a negative one, meaning higher prices were associated with lower consumer sentiment). ...

... Vehicle sales

One other factor we wanted to investigate was car sales. In our pre-pandemic model, total vehicle sales had a strong positive relationship with consumer sentiment: If people were buying cars, you could pretty reasonably bet that they felt good about the economy. This feels intuitive — who buys a car if they think the economy is in the toilet? But during and after the pandemic, a lot seemed to change in the industry. ....

... Changes in the kinds of purchases we've discussed — homes, cars and everyday items like groceries — have fundamentally shifted the way Americans view how affordable their lives are and how they measure their quality of life. And even as real wages catch up to inflation and the job market and stock market remain strong, there are still genuine challenges facing consumers that aren't isolated to just one or two indicators. Even though some indicators may be improving, Americans are simply weighing the factors differently than they used to, and that gives folks more than enough reason to have the economic blues. ...

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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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June 12th, 2024 search:

05. CNN

Hunter Biden conviction shatters Trump’s persecution narrative

By Stephen Collinson, CNN | Updated 8:19 AM EDT, Wed June 12, 2024

(CNN) — An unprecedented two weeks of legal drama that yielded historic convictions of a former president and a sitting president’s son have also produced a clear political takeaway.

The survival of the rule of law in America and untainted justice may depend on the choice voters make in November.

The country’s divergent possible paths under President Joe Biden or presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump were highlighted in the way both men, their families and their political operations reacted to the twin trials and verdicts.

Biden made no effort to interfere in the prosecution of his son Hunter with either his executive authority or with the media megaphone of his office. He allowed his own Justice Department to secure a guilty verdict Tuesday that could result in jail time for the recovering addict and hurt his own 2024 campaign. “I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” the president said after the jury found his son guilty of lying on a federal background check form and possessing a gun while addicted to, or using, illegal drugs. He has already said he won’t pardon his son. In his first reaction to the verdict, Hunter Biden didn’t attack the judge or prosecutors, simply saying he was grateful for the love and support of his family and blessed to be clean again.

The Bidens’ comportment contrasted with Trump’s reaction to his own trial and conviction nearly two weeks ago in his hush money case. The ex-president lashed out at witnesses, prosecutors, jurors and the judge. He claimed that “this was done by (the) Biden administration in order to wound or hurt a political opponent.” He blasted “a rigged decision,” despite the fact the Justice Department was not involved in the case brought by the Manhattan district attorney. Since then, Trump has been warning he’d use presidential powers to punish his political opponents and bend the legal system to his will.

“Sometimes revenge can be justified,” Trump told TV psychologist Phil McGraw last week. “I have to be honest. You know, sometimes it can.” The former president told Fox News last week, “I would have every right to go after them,” referring to the Bidens.

Two Trump claims discredited by Hunter Biden verdict

Throughout his trial in Manhattan, his former hometown, Trump, insisted he couldn’t get a fair verdict in a city that votes mostly Democratic. But Delaware is a blue state — and a jury there just convicted the president’s son. One juror told CNN Tuesday that politics never came up in the deliberations. Jurors in Trump’s trial have yet to speak, perhaps because of fears they could be identified following the ex-president’s intimidation tactics.

Had Biden been acquitted, Republicans would surely have argued that a biased jury in a state where everyone seems to know the first family had proven their point. But the guilty verdict blew another of their political arguments out of the water.

Joe Biden came to office pledging to restore the independence of the Justice Department following Trump’s repeated efforts to employ its legal and investigative powers almost as a personal law firm during his term. But the former president has left no doubt that he’d do the same and more if he wins back the White House in November and would ignore the DOJ’s core mission statement of enforcing the law with “independence and Impartiality.” Trump has already vowed to prosecute Biden and his family and to “obliterate” what he calls the “Deep State.” Several outside groups have drawn up plans to help him.

The Hunter Biden verdict also contradicted the central rationale of Trump’s multiple legal defenses in his four criminal cases, several civil matters and his entire presidential campaign. This is the false notion that he is a victim of a weaponized legal system by a Justice Department that exclusively targets Republicans. ...

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June 16th, 2024 search:

06. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

If Trump Wins

By Charlie Savage, Jonathan Swan, and Maggie Haberman | Updated June 16, 2024

Donald Trump and his closest allies are preparing a radical reshaping of American government if he regains the White House. Here are some of his plans for cracking down on immigration, directing the Justice Department to prosecute his adversaries, increasing presidential power, upending America’s economic policies, retreating militarily from Europe and unilaterally deploying troops to Democratic-run cities.

Crack down on illegal immigration to an extreme degree Mr. Trump is planning a massive expansion of his first-term crackdown on immigration if he returns to power in 2025. Among other things, he would:

1. Carry out mass deportations

Mr. Trump’s top immigration adviser, Stephen Miller, said that a second Trump administration would seek a tenfold increase in the volume of deportations — to more than a million per year.

2. Increase the number of agents for ICE raids

He plans to reassign federal agents and the National Guard to immigration control. He would also enable the use of federal troops to apprehend migrants.

3. Build camps to detain immigrants

The Trump team plans to use military funds to build “vast holding facilities” to detain immigrants while their deportation cases progress.

4. Push for other countries to take would-be asylum seekers from the United States

He plans to revive “safe third country” agreements with Central American countries and expand them to Africa and elsewhere. The aim is to send people seeking asylum to other countries.

5. Once again ban entry into the United States by people from certain Muslim-majority nations

He plans to suspend the nation’s refugee program and once again bar visitors from mostly Muslim countries, reinstating a version of the travel ban that President Biden revoked in 2021.

6. Try to end “birthright citizenship”

His administration would declare that children born to undocumented parents were not entitled to citizenship and would cease issuing documents like Social Security cards and passports to them.

Use the Justice Department to prosecute his adversaries

Mr. Trump has declared that he would use the powers of the presidency to seek vengeance on his perceived foes. His allies have developed a legal rationale to erase the Justice Department’s independence from the president. Mr. Trump has suggested that he would:

1. Direct a criminal investigation into Mr. Biden and his family

As president, Mr. Trump pressed the Justice Department to investigate his foes. If re-elected, he has vowed to appoint a special prosecutor “to go after” Mr. Biden and his family.

2. Have foes indicted for challenging him politically

He has cited the precedent of his own indictments to declare that if he became president again and someone challenged him politically, he could say, “Go down and indict them.”

3. Target journalists for prosecution

Kash Patel, a Trump confidant, has threatened to target journalists for prosecution if Mr. Trump returns to power. The campaign later distanced Mr. Trump from the remarks.

Increase presidential power

Mr. Trump and his associates have a broad goal to alter the balance of power by increasing the president’s authority over every part of the federal government that currently operates independently of the White House. Mr. Trump has said that he will:

1. Bring independent agencies under presidential control

Congress has set up various regulatory agencies to operate independently from the White House. Mr. Trump has vowed to bring them under presidential control, setting up a potential court fight.

2. Revive the practice of “impounding” funds

He has vowed to return to a system under which the president has the power to refuse to spend money that Congress has appropriated for programs the president doesn’t like.

3. Strip employment protections from tens of thousands of longtime civil servants

During Mr. Trump’s presidency, he issued an executive order making it easier to fire career officials and replace them with loyalists. Mr. Biden rescinded it, but Mr. Trump has said that he would reissue it in a second term.

4. Purge officials from intelligence agencies, law enforcement, the State Department and the Pentagon

Mr. Trump has disparaged the career work force at agencies involved in national security and foreign policy as an evil “deep state” he intends to destroy.

5. Appoint lawyers who would bless his agenda as lawful

Politically appointed lawyers in the first Trump administration sometimes raised objections to White House proposals. Several of his closest advisers are now vetting lawyers seen as more likely to embrace aggressive legal theories about the scope of his power.

Upend trade and other economic policies

At the risk of disrupting the economy in hopes of transforming it, Mr. Trump plans to impose new tariffs on most goods manufactured abroad. Economists say his broader agenda – including on trade, deportations and taxes – could cause prices to rise. He has said that he will:

1. Impose a “universal baseline tariff,” a new tax on most imported goods

Mr. Trump has said that he plans to impose a tariff on most goods made overseas, floating a figure of 10 percent for a new import tax. On top of raising prices for consumers, such a policy would risk a global trade war that hurts American exporters.

2. Implement steep new trade restrictions on China

He has said that he will “phase out all Chinese imports” of electronics and other essential goods, and impose new rules to stop U.S. companies from making investments in China. The two countries are the largest economies in the world and exchange hundreds of billions of dollars of goods each year.

3. Slash rules imposed on business interests

He has vowed to revive his deregulatory agenda and go further in curbing the so-called administrative state – agencies that issue rules for corporations such as limits aimed at keeping the air and water clean and ensuring that food, drugs, cars and consumer products safe, but that can cut into business profits.

4. Extend and expand tax cuts

Mr. Trump has said he would extend the tax cuts from his 2017 tax law that are set to expire, including for all levels of personal income and for large estates. He also privately told business leaders he wants to further lower the corporate tax rate.

Retreat from military engagement with Europe

Mr. Trump has long made clear that he sees NATO, the country’s most important military alliance, not as a force multiplier with allies but as a drain on American resources by freeloaders. He has said he will:

1. Potentially undercut NATO or withdraw the United States from the alliance

While in office, he threatened to withdraw from NATO. On his campaign website, he says he plans to fundamentally re-evaluate NATO’s purpose, fueling anxiety that he could gut or end the alliance.

2. Settle the Russia-Ukraine war “in 24 hours”

He has claimed that he would end the war in Ukraine in a day. He has not said how, but he has suggested that he would have made a deal to prevent the war by letting Russia simply take Ukrainian lands.

Use military force in Mexico and on American soil

Mr. Trump has been more clear about his plans for using U.S. military force closer to home. He has said that he would:

1. Declare war on drug cartels in Mexico

He has released a plan to fight Mexican drug cartels with military force. It would violate international law if the United States used armed forces on Mexico’s soil without its consent.

2. Use federal troops at the border

While it’s generally illegal to use the military for domestic law enforcement, the Insurrection Act creates an exception. The Trump team would invoke it to use soldiers as immigration agents.

3. Use federal troops in Democratic-controlled cities

He came close to unleashing the active-duty military on racial justice protests that sometimes descended into riots in 2020 and remains attracted to the idea. Next time, he has said, he will unilaterally send federal forces to bring order to Democratic-run cities.

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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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June 20th, 2024 search:

07. USA Today

Trump's agenda if he wins 2024 election, from energy to education

By Victor Hagan | June 18, 2024

Former President Donald Trump plans to deport millions of migrants, reshape global trade with expensive tariffs and fill the government with loyalists if he wins a second four-year White House term in the November presidential election.

From revamping education to an “America-first government,” the former commander-in-chief is pledging to kick-start the following programs and policies once back in office.

Tariffs

Trump has mentioned the idea of 10 percent and higher tariffs on all goods imported into the country, claiming it will eliminate trade deficits. He also wants to implement a four-year plan to ensure the U.S. “no longer needs to rely on China for essential medical and national security goods” and prohibit Chinese ownership of any critical infrastructure in the U.S.

Energy

The former president plans to boost domestic energy production, lower fuel costs, eliminate the Green New Deal, and allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, fossil fuels accounted for 81% of US energy production in 2022.

Immigration

If elected in November, the Republican president plans to reinstate first-term immigration policies, including limiting asylum access at the U.S.-Mexico border, eliminating automatic citizenship for those born to immigrant parents in the U.S., deputize the National Guard and local law enforcement to “rapidly removing illegal alien gang members and criminals” while implementing a merit-based immigration system. ...

Education

Trump said he would remove “Biden’s radical left ideology out of our military and rehire every patriot who was unjustly fired” and “standing in the world and American leadership abroad.” He also plans to cut federal funding for schools and programs that promote ideals considered to be on the radical left agenda, including critical race theory, gender ideology, weaponizing civics education, and transgender athletes competing in the gender division they identify with.

Project 2025, created by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C., also plans on eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. ...

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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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June 12th, 2024 search:

08. The New Republic

Watch: Local Sinclair Anchors Read Same Shady Script on Biden's Age

Local news anchors across the country are reading from the exact same script on Joe Biden.

By Hafiz Rashid | June 11, 2024

Local television news broadcasters are airing suspiciously similar attacks on Joe Biden’s mental acuity and how it will affect the coming election—and it appears to be part of a coordinated effort.

The Sinclair Broadcast Group owns or operates 185 local television stations across the country, and dozens of their stations aired a segment from national correspondent Matthew Galka citing a Wall Street Journal article that makes dubious attacks on Biden’s age and mental awareness. The stations that aired the segment introduced it using startlingly similar, if not identical language, the Popular Information and Public Notice newsletters reported.

It’s not the first time Sinclair, owned by right-wing businessman David D. Smith, has appeared to be running a conservative propaganda campaign. Infamously in 2018, dozens of the company’s TV stations were caught airing an identical editorial about the dangers of biased and false news. This time around, the Rupert Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal, as well as Murdoch’s cable news stations Fox News and Fox Business, have gotten in on the act. ...

By the way, I also watched the 'X' (formerly Twitter) video mentioned in the article above that is titled, "Check out this video showing local Sinclair anchors reading from the same script." Please see the hyperlink below for the video on X.com, which is about six minutes long, just to let you know:

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1800521789417943317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800521789417943317%7Ctwgr%5Ec06b78e44340850c5702967b9d0f6f49dc92a521%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewrepublic.com%2Fpost%2F182567%2Fsinclair-right-wing-script-biden-age-local-news

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June 14th, 2024 search:

09. CNN

Biden and Zelensky lay out new US support for Ukraine

By Maureen Chowdhury, Michael Williams, Elise Hammond and Kyle Feldscher | Updated 9:47 PM ET, Thu June 13, 2024

What you need to know

▪ US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke Thursday after signing a bilateral security agreement on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. "We're going to stand by Ukraine," Biden said, vowing lasting support for the country's defense now and in the future.

▪ The deal lays out a path for the US’ long-term security relationship with Kyiv but could also be undone by future US administrations, according to multiple people familiar with its details.

▪ Support for Ukraine has been a key topic of the meetings so far. After lengthy and complicated negotiations, G7 leaders have agreed to loan Ukraine money backed by profits from frozen Russian investments, according to a senior US official.

▪ The summit comes after a congressional fight over additional US funding for Ukraine — something Biden personally has apologized to Zelensky for — and as the president's 2024 rival Donald Trump is in Washington, DC, meeting with GOP allies.

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June 14th, 2024 search:

10. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Biden, Zelenskyy sign new 10-year security agreement

Biden vowed to support Ukraine "until they prevail this war."

ByJustin Gomez and Molly Nagle | June 13, 2024

President Joe Biden touted on Thursday several new major U.S. commitments for Ukraine that were announced this week, including a 10-year bilateral security agreement, sanctions to disrupt Russia's war machine, and a sign-off from the G7 on a $50 billion loan backed by frozen Russian assets.

Biden, in during a press conference in Italy with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said the collective efforts by the G7 show that Russian President Vladimir Putin "cannot wait us out, he cannot divide us, and we'll be with Ukraine until they prevail this war."

On the bilateral agreement, Biden said the goal is to "strengthen Ukraine's credible defense and deterrence capabilities for the long term."

He reiterated his position that American troops will not fight in Ukraine, but the United States would provide them with weapons.

Zelenskyy called it a "historic day" after signing the "strongest agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. since our independence."

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June 16th, 2024 search:

11. CBS News

Biden raises $30 million at Hollywood fundraiser featuring Obama, campaign says

By Aaron Navarro | Updated on: June 16, 2024 / 10:49 AM EDT

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June 18th, 2024 search:

12. AP News

FACT FOCUS: Biden's pause as he left a star-studded LA fundraiser becomes a target for opponents

By Melissa Goldin | Updated 10:33 AM PDT, June 18, 2024

Video from a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for President Joe Biden on Saturday is circulating on social media with claims that he froze up onstage as he exited the event.

“Biden froze again last night and had to get escorted out by Obama,” reads one post on X that had received approximately 22,000 likes and 5,600 shares as of Monday. “Is this normal?”

Members of his campaign and administration say the Democratic president stopped to take in cheers and applause as he left a sit-down with former President Barack Obama and comedian Jimmy Kimmel that helped raise more than $30 million for his reelection campaign. A spokesperson for Kimmel echoed this view.

The video is the most recent in a series of clips taken at public events, some of them edited, that are being used to suggest Biden is mentally and physically unfit for office.

Here’s a closer look at the facts.

CLAIM: Biden froze onstage during his fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday night and had to be led away by Obama.

THE FACTS: Biden paused amid cheers and applause as he exited the stage with his predecessor following an interview moderated by late-night host Kimmel.

Former President Donald Trump shared a video on his social media platform Truth Social that showed a grainy version of Biden stopping and looking out into the audience as he departed. “Is this really who you want to be your president?” Trump asked in the post.

Separate footage from the event provided to The Associated Press by Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer shows the president waving, pointing, clapping and giving the thumbs-up to the audience alongside Obama while Kimmel waits off to the side. Biden then stands still for about seven seconds looking out at the crowd. He starts moving again when Obama briefly takes his arm and puts his hand on his back as the pair walks offstage.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates described the moment as “the President taking in an applauding crowd for a few seconds.” Singer attributed the negative characterizations as a distraction tactic from those who “are so scared of losing to Joe Biden, they’ll make anything up to distract from the fact that their candidate for president, Donald Trump, has been convicted of 34 felonies, found liable for sexual assault, committed financial fraud, and only cares about himself.”

In response to a question at a press briefing on Monday about videos that have been edited to make Biden appear frail or confused, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called such footage “cheap fakes video” that are “done in bad faith.” She added that they demonstrate “everything that we need to know about how desperate, how desperate Republicans are here.”

A source who helped organize, and attended, the fundraiser told the AP that there was nothing noteworthy about this moment and that Obama wanted to be “chummy” by walking offstage with Biden.

Lewis Kay, a spokesperson for Kimmel, called the claims spreading online “nonsense.”

“Attendees in the front were shouting at him, and President Biden was trying to hear them,” he wrote in an email to the AP. “It’s as simple as that.” ...

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June 18th, 2024 search:

13. CNN

‘This did not happen’: White House denies claims Biden froze at fundraiser event

The White House has denied GOP allegations that President Biden froze during a star-studded Los Angeles fundraiser. CNN's Arlette Saenz reports.

[No author(s) name(s) indicated] [No publishing date indicated]

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: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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June 12th, 2024 search:

14. Newsweek

Joe Biden Favored to Beat Donald Trump in 538 Election Forecast

By Ewan Palmer | Jun 11, 2024

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June 16th, 2024 search:

15. CNN

Biden delivers stark warnings about potential second Trump term at star-studded fundraiser

By Arlette Saenz | Updated 11:03 AM EDT, Sun June 16, 2024

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June 16th, 2024 search:

16. NBC News

Biden G7 video: conservative media uses misleading camera angle

A different angle, captured by NBC News, shows that President Joe Biden was walking to give a thumbs-up to parachuters who had just landed in a demonstration.

By David Ingram | June 14, 2024

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June 16th, 2024 search:

17. USA Today
(I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

Biden was giving thumbs up to skydivers, not wandering in viral G7 video

By Kinsey Crowley | June 14, 2024

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June 16th, 2024 search:

18. CNN

Right-wing media outlets use deceptively cropped video to misleadingly claim Biden wandered off at G7 summit

By Michael Williams and Samantha Waldenberg | June 14, 2024

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June 16th, 2024 search:

19. The Guardian

Trump gets name of his doctor wrong as he challenges Biden to cognitive test

Gaffe came as 78-year-old Republican presidential candidate sought to bolster his support among Black and Latino voters in Michigan

By Ed Pilkington | 16 Jun 2024

Donald Trump has made a point in recent months of deriding his rival Joe Biden as being cognitively impaired, mocking the 81-year-old US president for his verbal stumbles and accusing him of falling both up and down stairs.

But people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

On Saturday night Trump, who turned 78 on Friday, returned to the theme during a speech in Detroit, Michigan to the rightwing group, Turning Point Action. He sarcastically quipped that Biden “doesn’t even know what the word ‘inflation’ means”, and challenged his rival in the 2024 election to take a cognitive test just as he had done when he was in the White House.

Trump told his audience that he had “aced” the cognitive test following advice from the then presidential physician, a Republican member of Congress whom he named as Ronny Johnson. “Has anyone heard of Ronny Johnson, congressman from Texas?” he asked the crowd.

“He was the White House doctor, and he said I was the healthiest president, he feels, in history. So I liked him very much.”

The Ronny Johnson who administered Trump’s test was in fact Ronny Jackson, who represents Texas’s 13th congressional district. Jackson has been one of Trump’s most loyal advocates since entering the US House in 2021.

Trump’s Saturday night gaffe was instantly shared on social media. One of the most gleeful postings came from Biden’s rapid response team. ...

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June 16th, 2024 search:

20. NPR

Trump challenges Biden to cognitive test, but confuses name of doctor who tested him

[No author(s) name(s) indicated] | JUNE 16, 2024

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump on Saturday night suggested President Joe Biden “should have to take a cognitive test," only to confuse who administered the test to him in the next sentence.

The former president and presumptive Republican nominee referred to Texas Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson, who was the White House physician for part of his presidency, as "Ronny Johnson.” The moment came as Trump was questioning Biden's mental acuity, something he often does on the campaign trail and social media.

“He doesn’t even know what the word ‘inflation’ means. I think he should take a cognitive test like I did," the former president said of Biden during a speech at a convention of Turning Point Action in Detroit. ...

... Trump, who turned 78 on Friday, has made questioning whether the 81-year-old Biden is up for a second term a centerpiece of his campaign. But online critics quickly seized on his Saturday night gaffe, with the Biden campaign — which has long fought off criticism about the Democratic president's verbal missteps — posting a clip of the moment minutes later. ...

... During the same speech in Detroit, Trump also referenced a video clip widely circulated online in Republican circles where Biden is seen during the recently concluded Group of Seven summit in Italy watching skydivers land with flags from different nations.

A cropped version of the video shows Biden stepping away from the leaders, turning his back and walking in the other direction. He flashes a thumbs-up but it's not clear who he is gesturing to. A more complete angle of the same scene, however, shows that the president had turned to face a skydiver who has landed.

Trump nonetheless seized on the video clip, falsely describing Biden turning around "to look at trees," drawing laughter and hoots from the crowd.

The Biden campaign issued a statement dismissing the clip as misleadingly cropped and accusing those disseminating it as “tampering with the video to make up lies.”

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GOOGLE SEARCH: DEMOCRATS NEWS
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June 18th, 2024 search:

21. NBC News

Republican senator blocks ban on bump stocks for guns brought by Democrats

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., sought unanimous consent to pass the BUMP Act, but Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., objected for the GOP, effectively blocking the legislation.

By Sahil Kapur and Frank Thorp V | June 18, 2024

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats sought to pass legislation Tuesday banning bump stocks for firearms after the Supreme Court overruled a previous ban, but a single Republican objected on behalf of his party, effectively stalling the bill.

Backed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., sought “unanimous consent” to pass his BUMP Act that would prohibit the devices, which modify semi-automatic weapons to fire bullets more quickly.

The New Mexico senator said he’s a firearm owner who sees no purpose for bump stocks other than to facilitate mass shootings, as in Las Vegas in 2017, when a gunman killed dozens of people at a music festival and more than 500 people were injured.

“The Las Vegas gunman was able to murder and injure so many so quickly because he used a deadly device known as a bump stock,” Heinrich said on the Senate floor. “There’s no legitimate use for a bump stock. Not for self-defense, not in a law enforcement context, not even in military applications as they’re less accurate than a standard fully automatic military platform. But what they are tailor-made for is a mass shooting.”

But the bill was met with an objection from Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., blocking it from moving forward. The objection was backed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and many other Republican senators, marking a turnaround after many of them championed a bump stock ban imposed by the Trump administration after the Las Vegas massacre. ...

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June 18th, 2024 search:

22. CBS News

GOP senator blocks Democratic bill to ban bump stocks after Supreme Court ruling

By Caitlin Yilek | Updated on: June 18, 2024

Washington — A Republican senator blocked a Democratic-led attempt to pass legislation Tuesday that would have restored a Trump-era ban on bump stocks, an accessory that enables semi-automatic weapons to shoot at a very rapid pace, after last week's Supreme Court decision striking down the ban.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, a New Mexico Democrat, requested that his bill banning bump stocks be brought up for a vote under unanimous consent, a procedure in which a measure passes so long as no lawmaker objects. Sen. Pete Ricketts, a Nebraska Republican, blocked the measure by objecting. ...

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June 18th, 2024 search:

23. CNN

Senate GOP blocks effort by Democrats to pass bump stock ban after Supreme Court ruling

By Clare Foran, Morgan Rimmer and Ted Barrett | Updated 7:26 PM EDT, Tue June 18, 2024

(CNN) — Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked an attempt by Democrats to pass a bill to ban bump stocks in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling.

The bill would enact a federal ban on the sale of bump stock devices. Bump stocks allow a shooter to convert a semi-automatic rifle into a weapon that can fire at a rate of hundreds of rounds a minute. The Supreme Court on Friday struck down a federal ban on bump stocks approved by former President Donald Trump, the latest opinion from the conservative court rolling back firearm regulations.

While some Republicans support a ban on bump stocks, the issue has divided GOP senators in the aftermath of the high court ruling.

On Tuesday, Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico made a request on the Senate floor for unanimous consent to pass the bill and Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska objected, calling it a “show vote.”

“As a firearms owner myself, there’s no legitimate use for a bump stock – not for self defense, not in a law enforcement context, not even in military applications … but what they are tailor made for is a mass shooting,” Heinrich said, noting that the bill he was seeking to pass has bipartisan support.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also spoke on the floor in support of a ban.

“The Senate must step into the breach and pass a federal ban on bump stocks,” Schumer said, calling it a “commonsense safety measure.” ...

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GOOGLE NEWS: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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June 18th, 2024 search:

24. Axios Bump stock ban blocked by Senate Republicans

By Stephen Neukam and Stef W. Kight | June 18th, 2024

Senate Republicans blocked Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-N.Y.) attempt to move forward legislation to ban bump stocks, reigniting a pre-election messaging battle over gun control measures.

Why it matters: The Supreme Court's decision to toss a Trump-era ban on bump stocks has given Schumer an opening to put some of the chamber's Republicans in the position of defending the gun attachment, which was used in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Driving the news: Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) asked senators for unanimous consent Tuesday afternoon to pass a bill that would ban bump stocks, but Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) objected, thwarting the effort. ...

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June 18th, 2024 search:

25. AP News

Republicans block bill to outlaw bump stocks for rifles after Supreme Court lifts Trump-era ban

By Mary Clare Jalonick | Updated 2:41 PM PDT, June 18, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans blocked bipartisan legislation Tuesday that would have outlawed bump stocks after the Supreme Court struck down a ban on the rapid-fire gun accessory used in the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history.

Democrats tried to force a voice vote on the bill to ban bump stocks, a tactic often used by both parties when they know that they don’t have the votes to pass legislation but want to bring an issue to the Senate floor. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, would ban the sale of the devices, similar to the rule issued by President Donald Trump’s administration after a gunman in Las Vegas attacked a country music festival in 2017 with semiautomatic rifles equipped with the accessories. ...

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June 18th, 2024 search:

26. MSNBC News

Why Republicans keep ignoring reality about falling crime rates

Reality makes clear that Biden-era crime rates are going down. Republicans keep telling voters to believe that Biden-era crime rates are going up.

By Steve Benen | June 18, 2024

There’s been quite a bit of news lately about crime rates in the United States, and fortunately, pretty much all of it has been encouraging. NBC News reported recently, for example, “that crime in the U.S. declined significantly in 2023, continuing a post-pandemic trend and belying widespread perceptions that crime is rising.”

Last week, the Justice Department released some preliminary data on this year’s figures, which also showed significant improvements in violent and property crimes in every region of the country. The Washington Post’s Catherine Rampell noted soon after that murder rates in 2024 “are on track to be at or below what they were every year of Donald Trump’s presidency.”

Prominent Republicans, however, aren’t just reluctant to celebrate the good news, they’re pretending that it doesn’t exist.

On NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” for example, Rep. Byron Donalds told viewers, “I think it’s important for people to understand your murder rate may be down, but that doesn’t mean that violent crime, et cetera, are also lower.”

But violent crime, et cetera, really are lower. It was a detail the Florida Republican, who’s reportedly in contention for his party’s vice presidential nomination, simply ignored.

Around the same time, Sen. Tim Scott, another leading candidate for the GOP ticket, appeared on ABC News’ “This Week,” and told guest host Jonathan Karl:

“Under Joe Biden, we’ve seen the movement to defund the police, leaving communities like the one I grew up in devastated and ravaged by a wave of violent crime that we have not seen literally in five decades.”

As the South Carolina Republican really ought to know, there’s been no effort to defund law enforcement — except, that is, among Scott’s GOP colleagues in Congress — and the idea that violent crime rates have reached a five-decade high is the opposite of reality.

When Karl noted that crimes are “actually down,” Scott effectively said that he didn’t care about the evidence. “We’ve seen a spike in violent crime,” the senator added, pointing to a development that has not occurred.

The problem is not just that Republicans are lying. The broader significance of this is that many Americans don’t know that they’re lying, and the public has embraced assertions with no basis in reality.

I’m reminded anew of a line in a recent Axios report that stood out for me: “Polls show crime is a top concern ahead of the 2024 election — and it’s an issue where Republicans regularly edge Democrats. But falling homicide rates could take the steam out of the crucial GOP advantage.”

That’s true, it could. That said, it’s difficult to have confidence that it will.

Prominent Republican voices, including those seeking national office, likely know that crime rates are falling. That does not appear to stop them from telling the public the opposite of the truth, working from the assumption that many voters will simply believe the falsehoods and never hear about actual crime data. ...

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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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). 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 June 8th, 2024 through June 11th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com and USAToday.com articles!

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The following is The New York Times article that I read on June 12th, 2024, from an email that I received four days prior on June 8th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 8th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Other Big Stories

The U.S. economy added 272,000 jobs last month and wages rose, a sign of robust growth even as the unemployment rate ticked up to 4 percent. ...

U.S. Hiring Rises Strongly, Along With Wages

Hiring was unexpectedly robust in May, with a gain of 272,000 jobs, but it wasn’t all good news: The unemployment rate ticked up, to 4 percent.

By Lydia DePillis | June 7, 2024

The following is The New York Times article that I read on June 12th, 2024, from an email that I received that day:

And the article below is from the above-mentioned June 12th, 2024 'On Politics' email:

Hunter Biden Conviction Undercuts a Trump Narrative, and a Fund-Raising Pitch

Many allies of Donald J. Trump had secretly wanted an acquittal, which they predicted would have turbocharged fund-raising and fed their claims of a rigged justice system.

By Jonathan Swan, Maggie Haberman and Michael Gold | June 11, 2024

The moment had finally come. Late Tuesday morning, nearly five years after Republicans first went after Hunter Biden, the president’s son could finally be called a convicted felon.

But Donald J. Trump and other Republicans did not seem to be relishing the opportunity. The early reaction to a jury’s guilty verdict against Hunter Biden on three felony gun charges resembled a shriveling balloon.

“The Hunter Biden gun conviction is kinda dumb tbh,” said one close Trump ally, Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, in a post on X, using an abbreviation for “to be honest.” Another Trump associate, Charlie Kirk, called it a “fake trial.”

Many Trump allies had been secretly rooting for an acquittal. The talking points wrote themselves: It would have been yet more evidence that the United States justice system was rigged in favor of the Bidens and against the Trumps. Tuesday’s guilty verdict was inconvenient to that narrative. ...

... Yet the shiftless and broadly muted G.O.P. response to the verdict said more than any protestations to the contrary. A Trump ally who spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly describe private conversations explained that as soon as it was clear that the Hunter Biden gun case couldn’t be used against President Biden, the topic fell off the radar for political messaging.

“The only good that could come out of this was that if he was acquitted on charges where he’s obviously guilty,” the Trump ally said. “An acquittal on charges that he was obviously guilty was the only upside for us.”

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

The following is the USA Today article that I read on June 12th, 2024, from an email that I received two days prior on June 10th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 10th, 2024 'On Politics' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Trump at Vegas rally: 'I don't care about you, I just want your vote'

Donald Trump spoke to a crowd in 104-degree heat in Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday. Six people were hospitalized in heat-related illnesses. See video.

READ MORE ...

Trump jokes about heat at Las Vegas rally; 6 people hospitalized after attending

By Kinsey Crowley and Mark Robison | June 10, 2024

Six people were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses after attending a Donald Trump rally in Las Vegas Sunday in sweltering 104-degree temperatures, according to officials.

The former president commented on the heat during his remarks, which were largely off-script due to teleprompter issues, and stoked online controversy for saying he didn't care about the attendees and just wanted their vote.

"By the way, isn't that breeze nice? Do you feel the breeze?" he said in a recording from C-SPAN. "Cuz I don't want anybody going on me. We need every voter. I don't care about you, I just want your vote, I don't care." ...

The following is the USA Today article that I read on June 12th, 2024, from an email that I received one day prior on June 11th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 11th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

More news to know now

Trump threats are "terrifying" for feds, an ex-FBI chief says. ...

Trump threats 'terrifying' for feds, ex-FBI chief says. Steve Bannon says they 'should be'

By Josh Meyer | June 11, 2024

WASHINGTON − Steve Bannon, who has advised former President Donald Trump, just warned the last two ex-FBI directors to "Get your passport, get the hell out of the country because hey, we're coming,” in a second Trump term.

The presumptive Republican nominee's threats about imprisoning his opponents have caused such concern among people in U.S. law enforcement and intelligence that some are talking about leaving the country to avoid unfair prosecution if Trump wins a second term, according to Andrew McCabe, the former head of the FBI.

And Bannon, who served as an advisor to Trump's 2016 campaign and in the White House during his first term, said on his "War Room" podcast Saturday that McCabe and his predecessor would be targeted by a Trump White House for having investigated Trump's alleged collusion with Russia and other activities.

“We will hunt you down," Bannon said in reference to McCabe and his predecessor, James Comey.

McCabe, the acting FBI director after Trump fired Comey, told CNN he was concerned about what Trump might do in a second term if he defeats President Joe Biden in November.

"He runs the risk of really dismantling and greatly incapacitating the Department of Justice and the FBI," McCabe told CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins last Wednesday. He described it as "terrifying” and “frightening,” citing Trump’s vow to his supporters that he “will be your retribution.”

What’s more, McCabe said, “I have a lot of conversations with former colleagues, people who are or were in the intelligence and law enforcement community, and may have worked in the Obama administration, other places. And people are really trying to assess like, what is life going to be like if Donald Trump wins a second term?"

"And on a very personal level, I mean, these are torturous discussions with their family members about whether or not they have to leave the country, to avoid being unconstitutionally and illegally detained,” McCabe added. “I mean, people were actually worried about being thrown in jail, or grabbed in some sort of extra-judicial detention." ...

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 and USA Today—for you, my readers, to consider reading too! –Paul Whiting (written June 20th, 2024 and revised June 21st, 2024)

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June 20th, 2024 Update No. 5, Written On June 21st, 2024: I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) yesterday, June 20th, 2024, with the subject line "Keep the pressure on our leaders: Protect our Afghan allies", which stated the following:

Paul,

In March, Congress delivered an additional 12,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) for Afghan nationals who assisted in the U.S. war effort.

IAVA is leading in this fight, but we must keep the pressure on our leaders until ALL of our allies can get the safe harbor we promised them.

Tell the Biden Administration and congressional leaders: Keep our promise to the Afghan allies that served with the U.S. military in Afghanistan >>>

ACT NOW***

The effort to bring Afghan allies to safety is personal for those of us who served alongside them. Moral injury impacts our community each day that our promise to protect the Afghan allies who risked their lives to work with U.S. troops is not fully kept.

In our recent member survey, 72% of IAVA members said that more needs to be done for our Afghan allies who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.

IAVA will not stop until the U.S. has a plan to ensure the safe evacuation of our Afghan allies and their families. We cannot allow them to continue to pay the price for our withdrawal.

Keep the pressure on our leaders and demand that they do not abandon our wartime allies.

Thank you,

Team IAVA

KEEP OUR PROMISE TO THE AFGHAN
ALLIES THAT SERVED WITH OUR ARMED
FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN.

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: Keep our promise to the Afghan allies that served with our armed forces in Afghanistan.

[Decision Maker]:

I'm a veteran supporter and our Afghan Allies matter to me. We need to have their backs like they had ours.

Our nation promised to protect the Afghan allies who risked their lives to work with U.S. troops. But we're falling short of keeping it.

With each day that passes, our Afghan allies are paying the price for our withdrawal with their lives. Inaction in Washington is stopping us from keeping our promises to those who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.

IAVA will not allow our country to abandon our wartime allies. We won't give up our fight to ensure the US has a plan in place to properly ensure the safe evacuation of ALL our Afghan allies and their families.

Please, keep the government's promise and protect the Afghan allies who risked their lives to work with U.S. troops.

[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!

And so, I sent the letter above to my Senators and Representative in Congress yesterday, June 20th, 2024, via the IAVA website, in order to request that lawmakers please "keep the government's promise and protect the Afghan allies who risked their lives to work with U.S. troops." –Paul Whiting (June 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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June 22nd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 21st, 2024: I received an email from CREDO Mobile (which is my cell phone company) yesterday, June 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "Sign the petition: Don’t Cut SNAP Benefits," which stated the following:

Dear Fellow Progressive,

Republicans in Congress recently unveiled their proposed Farm Bill with drastic cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP is our nation’s most important and most effective anti-hunger program, with tens of millions of Americans relying on it to put food on the table.

We can’t allow Republicans to take SNAP benefits away from people in need of food. Sign our petition urging Congress not to cut SNAP benefits.

Progressive groups were quick to push back on the Republican farm bill proposal.

“This would be the largest cut to SNAP since 1996 if enacted and these cuts would grow even deeper over time," said Ty Jones Cox, vice president for food assistance at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

We agree. Tell Congress not to cut benefits by signing our petition today.

Sign the Petition***

Civic Shout

Tell Congress: Don't Cut SNAP Benefits

Every five years, Congress passes a new Farm Bill. This massive piece of legislation touches on crucial issues like agricultural policy, land use and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the official name for what used to be referred to as food stamps.

SNAP is our nation's most important and most effective anti-hunger program, with tens of millions of Americans relying on it to put food on the table SNAP is less than 2% of the federal budget.

Despite that, Republicans in Congress recently unveiled their proposed Farm Bill with drastic cuts to SNAP benefits.

We can't allow Republicans to take SNAP benefits away from people in need of food. Sign our petition urging Congress not to cut SNAP benefits.

Progressive groups were quick to push back on the Republican farm bill proposal.

"Weakening safeguards that protect people from pesticides, slashing protections for endangered species, and recklessly expanding industrial logging should have no place in the Farm Bill, said [name redacted], [title redacted] at the Center for Biological Diversity.

"This would be the largest cut to SNAP since 1996 if enacted and these cuts would grow even deeper over time," said [name redacted], [title redacted] at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

"It would be mean-spirited and shameful for Congress to cut the SNAP benefits moms and families rely on; and it also would be damaging to our economy," added [name redacted], [title redacted] and [title redacted] of Moms Rising.

We agree. Tell Congress not to cut benefits by signing our petition today.

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
U.S. ZIP code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Cell phone (not landline): [redacted]

Sign Petition

So, I signed the petition above today, June 22nd, 2024, via the Civic Shout website, in order to "tell Congress not to cut [SNAP] benefits." And that is why I wanted to share this email from CREDO Mobile. –Paul Whiting (June 22nd, 2024)

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June 22nd, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, June 22nd, 2024, with the subject line, "INSIDE: What it's like to lobby for abortion rights from a red state", 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,

Since politicians trying to ban abortion love to cite fake facts, let’s talk about some actual facts:

[✓] Over 80% of Americans believe abortion care should be legal, regardless of their personal views on the issue.
[✓] A majority of Americans — 54%! — believe that “exceptions” to abortion laws do not work.
[✓] About two-thirds of Americans agree that politicians are not qualified to make decisions on abortion at any point in pregnancy.*

In the face of relentless attacks on our health and rights, we have to remember: We are the majority. Abortion is health care, and health care is a human right. And we will keep fighting for reproductive freedom across the country.

In solidarity,

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

*Source: “Key findings and guidance for abortion policy messaging”, Impact Research (2024)

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

See Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s ongoing list of endorsed candidates here (www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/endorsements)!

Take Action: Two Years Later and The Fight for Abortion Access Continues

Join Planned Parenthood Action Fund-endorsed candidates and leaders who are fighting for access to abortion across the country.

These leaders know what’s at stake for abortion rights this election, and they know what we need to protect and secure essential health care.

Find an event near you: joebiden.com/dobbs

Around the Web

The 19th: ‘You represent us’: What it’s like to lobby for abortion rights from a red state

https://19thnews.org/2024/06/abortion-republican-states-lobbying-congress

New York Magazine: Abortion Rights Look Set to Sweep Again on November Ballot

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/abortion-rights-look-set-to-sweep-again-on-november-ballot.html

NPR News: The push for embryo rights in state legislatures worries IVF patients and doctors

https://www.npr.org/2024/06/03/nx-s1-4991097/personhood-rights-embryos-ivf-patients-doctors

Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org

By the way, I read all of the articles referenced in the email above, listed under 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, June 22nd, 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

Planned Parenthood®
Care. No matter what.

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]

Dear Mr. Whiting.

Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court ended federal abortion rights by overturning Roe v. Wade, politicians who oppose abortion have been determined to block abortion care for as many people as possible. Today, 21 states and counting have banned all or some abortion.

However, Planned Parenthood is even more determined. We won't stop until we win reproductive freedom for all. We are resolute in our commitment to get people the care they need, no matter who they are or where they live — no matter what.

Your past contributions to Planned Parenthood Federation of America have strengthened resources in states where abortion remains legal. Thanks to your support, we have also helped people who have lost access in their home state — by ensuring they can book timely appointments and get needed resources for an out-of-state abortion.

Your generosity has helped patients travel hundreds of miles to get the abortion they need, giving them financial and logistic assistance for transportation, lodging, dependent care, and time off from work. You have also helped Planned Parenthood legal teams manage a growing docket of critical court cases and continue to fight bans and restrictions that force people to carry pregnancies against their will.

Planned Parenthood is doing everything in our power to protect patients' health, lives, and futures, even as lawmakers block essential health care and escalate their attacks.

This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court will likely decide an important case involving access to mifepristone, a safe, effective medicine used in almost all medication abortions in the U.S. The case challenges the FDA's 20-plus-year approval of mifepristone, used by more than 5 million people across the U.S. But this attack has nothing to do with safety. It's anti-abortion activists' attempt to, once again, use the courts to further limit access to abortion.

We don't know yet how the Supreme Court will rule.* Regardless of the decision, Planned Parenthood will keep fighting to protect and expand our rights. We're dedicated to expanding access to birth control, emergency contraception, and accurate, inclusive sex education. Can we count on your help?

Please let us know you're still with us by renewing your support for Planned Parenthood Federation of America with a generous annual renewal contribution of $20, $35, or $50.

We can't allow the politicians who have devastated so many lives with abortion bans to dictate the future of health care. To do so would place all sexual and reproductive health care in peril, including birth control, IVF treatment, gender-affirming care, and more. This crisis does the most harm to people with low incomes and those in Black, Latino, and other communities for whom barriers to care have always been greater due to systemic racism and economic injustice.

Your renewed support for 2024 will ensure more people can get sexual and reproductive health care, including those who live in states with abortion bans.

Your contribution will allow Planned Parenthood to work toward reproductive freedom for all by promoting health equity, getting patients to care, finding innovative solutions to overcoming barriers, enshrining federal protections for abortion, and more. Please bolster our efforts by renewing your support for 2024 with a generous contribution.

Together, we can ensure that abortion and all sexual and reproductive health care are accessible to everyone, everywhere. As more states enact bans and restrictions, Planned Parenthood faces mounting pressure. We must help even more patients access abortion, which means booking more appointments, funding more out-of-state travel, increasing capacity in more health centers, and sustaining critical legal battles.

I sincerely hope we can count on your support again this year. Our fight to rebuild, restore, and expand reproductive rights depends on everyone's commitment and determination. We must never walk away from the millions of people who depend on Planned Parenthood to be there for them.

Please show your commitment and determination by making a generous annual renewal gift to Planned Parenthood Federation of America today. Thank you for standing with us and the people we serve.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]

P.S. The attacks on abortion access are fierce, but so are we. The strength of our movement is inspiring, and the more people who are with us, the sooner we will win the political and policy changes we need. Please stay in this movement by renewing your support for 2024 with a generous contribution.

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

Planned Parenthood®
Care. No matter what.

YOU CAN COUNT ON ME!

To ensure that Planned Parenthood can continue to connect people to the care they need in these dangerous times, I am renewing my support for 2024 with a contribution of:

[  ] $20

[  ] $35

[  ] $50

[✓] Other $7.00

[  ] Make this a monthly gift!
To charge your gift by credit card, please see reverse, or make your check payable to Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Donations to Planned Parenthood are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.

Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

www.plannedparenthood.org/renew

And so, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Federation of America today, June 24th, 2024, in order to renew my support for 2024, because "[they] won't stop until [they] win reproductive freedom for all," since "[they] are resolute in [their] commitment to get people the care they need, no matter who they are or where they live." –Paul Whiting (June 24th, 2024)

*[Blogger's Note: As noted above, I received this letter on June 1st, 2024, so with regard to the case involving access to mifepristone, "the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday [June 13th, 2024] ruled a group of doctors lacked legal standing to challenge the Food and Drug Administration's regulation of the abortion pill mifepristone, preserving access to the medication nationwide," as quoted from an article on ABC News:

"Supreme Court unanimously strikes down legal challenge to abortion pill mifepristone"

The ruling preserves access to the mail-order medication nationwide.

By Devin Dwyer | June 13, 2024

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday ruled a group of doctors lacked legal standing to challenge the Food and Drug Administration's regulation of the abortion pill mifepristone, preserving access to the medication nationwide. ...

...The case put abortion access back in the spotlight for the court for the first time since its conservative majority voted to overrule Roe v. Wade in 2022. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/supreme-court-unanimously-strikes-legal-challenge-abortion-pill/story%3fid=110439079]

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June 24th, 2024 Update No. 2 I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, June 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "Two years ago today, everything changed.", which stated the following:

ACLU

The fight for reproductive rights is far from over.

DONATE NOW:

https://action.aclu.org/give/protect-abortion-access-5

Paul,

Following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Roe v. Wade – exactly two years ago today – anti-abortion politicians moved quickly.

They banned or restricted abortion in nearly half of all states. Now they are fighting for the power to jail doctors for providing emergency abortion care to sick patients in hospitals. They launched attempts to severely restrict medication abortion nationwide.

This isn't a far-off dystopian future; it's an ongoing crisis impacting tens of millions of people every day and could spread to every state – a crisis that the ACLU has met head-on, with your support, from day one.

Two years since Roe was overturned, with so many fights ahead to protect abortion access and the people most impacted, we're asking you to recommit to the fight for reproductive freedom: In recognition of today's anniversary, will you donate to help the ACLU protect abortion access and defend those seeking care?

Thanks to the generous support of people like you:

→ The ACLU and our affiliates have gone to court in 15 states – plus Guam – to protect abortion access just in the last two years alone.

→ We launched the Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative to defend patients, doctors, and supporters at risk of criminal investigation or prosecution relating to abortion.

→ We're using every tool at our disposal to mobilize voters to protect abortion rights nationwide.

→ And just today, we joined leading reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations today to unveil the 'Abortion Access Now' campaign, pledging a collective $100 million investment from across the coalition to advance abortion rights and access.

This is tremendous progress – but the fight is far from over. As we fight back from the courts to the streets, we're counting on your support to help us keep winning for abortion rights.

The ACLU is the best-equipped organization to continue the progress we've made in protecting abortion access, but our ability to do so hinges on the generous support of people like you. So please, make a gift to support our fight to defend abortion access and all of our rights today.

Thanks,

The ACLU Team

DONATE NOW:

https://action.aclu.org/give/protect-abortion-access-5

And so, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU in order to answer the question, "in recognition of today's anniversary [of the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Roe v. Wade], will you donate to help the ACLU protect abortion access and defend those seeking care?" with a resounding 'Yes!' –Paul Whiting (June 24th, 2024)

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June 25th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from March For Our Lives (MFOL) today, June 25th, 2024, with the subject line, "Federal gun reform history was made on this day", which stated the following:

MARCH
FOR OUR
LIVES

June 25, 2022. I remember it vividly, Paul.

It’s the day Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) – the first piece of federal gun safety legislation in 30 years!

Paul, this wouldn’t have been possible without gun safety champions from across the country coming together for the second March For Our Lives in D.C. and across the country on June 11, 2022.

After our historic second march, March For Our Lives organizers met with 70+ members of Congress, and the BSCA is the result of our demands for progress finally being listened to.

BSCA remains one of our movement’s BIGGEST wins and that’s worth celebrating. Our hard work and years of organizing came to fruition to make significant and lasting change.

Help us build on the momentum of BSCA by pitching in anything you can today! We still have a lot more work to do until gun violence of all forms is obsolete.

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

[  ] $10
[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[✓] OTHER

Paul, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is already saving lives.

Just take a look at some of what BSCA includes below ⤵️:

✅ Enhanced background checks for 18-21 year olds
✅ Expanded definition of “gun dealers” to help close the gun show loophole
✅ $250M investment in community violence intervention programs
✅ $1.3B in funding to make our schools safer
✅ Over $1B for training mental health professionals and expanding the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988)

The results are already speaking for themselves ⤵️:

✅ 52% increase in prosecutions of unlicensed firearm dealers
✅ 500+ people charged for gun trafficking or purchasing guns for those who aren’t allowed to purchase their own
✅ 1,100+ illegal firearm sales stopped for individuals under 21 – a 25% increase
✅ 80 community violence intervention programs funded nationwide
✅ 2,100+ communities improved school safety and 6,000 schools expanded crisis intervention teams for students who may be a danger to themselves or others
✅ 170,000+ individuals received mental health awareness training

Let’s be clear though: these wins are the bare minimum required to end gun violence. We have an epidemic on our hands and it’s killing kids and disproportionately killing people of color. This is urgent and we can’t afford to wait.

Progress in the gun safety movement can be slow but BSCA showed us it is possible to secure change at the federal level when we come together and demand it. I am hopeful for more progress and look forward to celebrating even larger wins with you as we continue fighting for more life-saving legislation like BSCA.

Can I count on you to step up today and donate $10 or more so we can continue our critical advocacy?

Thank you,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
March For Our Lives

DONATE NOW

Thank you for supporting the March For Our Lives Action Fund! Grassroots supporters like you are the backbone of our youth-led movement.

Because of your support, we have grown into one of the largest youth-led movements in the country, elected the first Gen-Z Congressmember, secured key legislative victories such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, delivered historic youth turnout at the polls, and so much more.

In 2024, were fighting even harder for gun safety legislation at every turn and demanding young people's voices are heard.

Chip in to fuel our fight and save lives today >>>

Your contribution will benefit March For Our Lives Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Contributions or gifts to March for Our Lives Action Fund are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.

Amount

$5
$10
$25
$50
$100
$500
[✓] $3

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Billing Address: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
Postal Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State/Province: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone: [redacted]

Contribute

And so, I made a one-time donation to March For Our Lives (MFOL) in order to show my support for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which passed Congress on June 25, 2022! That is why I contributed to "help [MFOL] build on the momentum of [the] BSCA by pitching in anything [I] can today!" –Paul Whiting (June 25th, 2024)

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June 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 22nd, 2024 And June 24th, 2024, As Well As June 16th, 2024 Through June 20th, 2024: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 26th, 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 total time period of June 19th, 2024 through June 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 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 June 22nd, 2024, June 24th, 2024 and June 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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). I hope that makes sense!

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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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I did not select any articles from this category.

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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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June 26th, 2024 search:

01. The Guardian

Conservative US lawmakers are pushing for an end to no-fault divorce

Republicans in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas have discussed eliminating or restricting such cases

By Eric Berger | 25 Jun 2024

Some prominent conservative lawmakers and commentators are advocating for ending no-fault divorce, laws that exist in all 50 US states and allow a person to end a marriage without having to prove a spouse did something wrong, like commit adultery or domestic violence.

The socially conservative, and often religious, rightwing opponents of such divorce laws are arguing that the practice deprives people – mostly men – of due process and hurt families, and by extension, society. Republican lawmakers in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas have discussed eliminating or increasing restrictions on no-fault marriage laws.

Defenders of the laws, which states started passing a half-century ago, see legislation and arguments to repeal them as the latest effort to restrict women’s rights – following the overturning of Roe v Wade and passage of abortion bans around the country – and say that without such protections, the country would return to an earlier era when women were often trapped in abusive marriages.

“No-fault divorce is critical to the ability, particularly the ability of women, to be able to exercise autonomy in their own relationships, in their own lives,” said Denise Lieberman, an adjunct professor at the Washington University School of Law in St Louis, who has a specialty in policies concerning gender, sexuality and sexual violence.

Before 1969, when then California Republican governor Ronald Reagan, who had been divorced, approved the country’s first no-fault divorce law, women, who are more likely to experience violence from an intimate partner, were often forced to stay in marriages. If they could not prove that their husband had been abusive or persuade him to grant a divorce, they would not be able to take any assets from the marriage or remarry, according to a study in the Quarterly Journal of Economics.

States around America gradually followed suit and passed similar laws allowing unilateral divorce until 2010, when New York became the last state to approve the practice.

Between 1976 and 1985, states that passed the laws saw their domestic violence rates against men and women fall by about 30%; the number of women murdered by an intimate partner declined by 10%; and female suicide rates declined by 8 to 16%.

Without such laws, “it’s hard to prove anything in court relating to a family because you don’t have any witnesses”, said Kimberly Wehle, professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law. “It’s very difficult to get evidence to show abuse of children. How do you do it? Do you put your kids on the stand?”

Conservative commentators such as Matt Walsh, Steven Crowder and lawmakers such as the Republican senator JD Vance of Ohio have argued that the laws are unfair to men and hurt society because they lead to more divorces. ...

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June 26th, 2024 search:

02. CNN

US surgeon general declares US gun violence an urgent public health crisis

By Jen Christensen | Updated 12:11 PM EDT, Tue June 25, 2024

(CNN) — Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis that demands urgent action, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared in a major new advisory that pushes for more research and stronger laws designed to reduce harm.

It’s the first time a publication from the country’s leading voice for public health has focused on firearm violence and its “profound consequences” on survivors, communities, and mental health.

“Over the last decade or two, this problem has been worsening and we have now reached the point where gun violence is the leading cause of death among kids and teens – the leading cause of death. That is something that we should never take as the new normal. There’s nothing normal about that,” Murthy told CNN’s John Berman.

Guns have become a deeply polarizing issue, Murthy said, but the advisory is meant to “take it out of the realm of politics and put it into the realm of public health, which is where it belongs.” The advisory lays out key preventive steps and regulatory measures that Murthy says can turn the tide on gun violence — just as they did for tobacco-related disease and motor vehicle crashes.

“Many people I’ve talked to around the country worry that this may be an intractable problem, that there’s no way to solve it,” he said. “That’s not true.” ...

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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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June 22nd, 2024 search:

03. Vanity Fair

Trump Throws Predictable Conniption Fit Over Fox Poll Putting Joe Biden Ahead

“The latest Fox News poll is TRASH!” he ranted to his followers.

By Bess Levin | June 21, 2024

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June 22nd, 2024 search:

04. NBC News

Biden campaign attempts to flip the age script with a flurry of unflattering Trump videos

The president’s team is more forcefully pushing back against the GOP’s portrayal of Biden and trying to turn the spotlight back on Trump.

By Monica Alba, Gabe Gutierrez and Sarah Dean | June 21, 2024

As some misleading videos of President Joe Biden have exploded online in recent weeks, his re-election campaign has intensified its pushback against them while attempting to flip the script by repeatedly highlighting unflattering clips of former President Donald Trump on social media.

A prolific Biden campaign account on X, called @BidenHQ, has shared at least 20 such videos since June 1, with a noticeable uptick this week that culminated in a more than two-minute montage on Thursday of Trump “getting confused, lost, wandering off, and waving to nobody.”

In an interview with NBC News at the Biden campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, deputy campaign manager Rob Flaherty said his team was intentionally investing in resources to be more forceful in its response to videos that attempt to raise questions about Biden’s age, 81, and ability to serve a second term.

Conservative accounts, most notably including the Republican National Committee’s “research” arm, have widely shared disingenuous clips that show Biden appearing to struggle to find a chair at a D-Day event in France and seeming to wander off after a skydiving demonstration with other world leaders in Italy.

At the France event, GOP-aligned accounts claimed Biden was trying to sit in a chair that didn’t exist. But the complete footage of the ceremony shows the president looking over his shoulder for his chair and pausing before taking a seat. (The chair was, in fact, there.)

At the Italy event, one tight camera angle appeared to show Biden wandering off before being pulled back to the group by the Italian prime minister. But a second camera angle reveals the president was, in reality, walking over to greet skydivers who’d just finished the presentation.

The Biden campaign calls these “deceptively edited videos” that have become a “huge part” of the Trump team’s strategy.

“We have to be more aggressive about monitoring, about intervening, about taking action against it, because it is just going to be such a centerpiece of how he’s communicating,” Flaherty said. “This cycle we’re also pushing back by flipping Donald Trump and his own words — his more dangerous divisive rhetoric — because that is such a feature of his campaign. These deceptive videos are out here because Donald Trump is desperate to distract from his unpopular agenda.” ...

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June 24th, 2024 search:

05. CNN

Why Trump is suddenly talking up Biden after months of slamming his cognitive capacity

By Stephen Collinson, CNN | Updated Mon June 24, 2024

(CNN) — After months lampooning President Joe Biden as a cognitively impaired “brain-dead zombie” who can’t finish a sentence or navigate off a stage, former President Donald Trump and his campaign are changing their tune days ahead of the critical debate of the election.

The commander in chief has suddenly morphed into a “worthy debater,” someone of considerable ability and a veteran political performer who is not to be underestimated, according to Trump and his lieutenants.

The game of pre-debate expectation-setting is often absurd – one aide to former President George W. Bush once claimed that John Kerry, his Democratic opponent in 2004, was a better debater than Roman rhetorician Cicero. But the Trump team’s shift is remarkable given their relentless assault on Biden’s faculties. And it hints at their possible concerns that they’ve set an unnecessarily low bar for the president’s performance ahead of Thursday’s clash hosted by CNN in Atlanta.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a possible Trump vice presidential pick, tried to reset the balance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “The guy’s run for office more than a dozen times. He’s run for president four times. He’s been campaigning since President Nixon was in office,” he said. “This guy has got the ability.”

Trump is also hedging against a stronger-than-expected Biden showing by suggesting his opponent will be “jacked up” on drugs to ensure a strong performance.

The Biden campaign, meanwhile, is intensifying its new attempt to portray Trump as an “unhinged” criminal who is morally reprobate, out to benefit his rich friends and unfit for a return to the Oval Office. The president’s campaign, which is marking the second anniversary of Roe v. Wade’s reversal this week and making abortion a key election issue, promised in a memo Sunday that the head-to-head would finally show voters the contrast Biden believes will disqualify Trump.

“Thursday’s debate will be one of the first moments of this presidential campaign where a larger slice of the American electorate will have the opportunity to witness the stark choice between Joe Biden, who is fighting for the American people, and Donald Trump, who is fighting for himself as a convicted felon with an unhinged campaign of revenge and retribution,” campaign communications director Michael Tyler wrote. ...

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June 24th, 2024 search:

06. Newsweek

Republican Fact-Checked on Accusation Against Joe Biden During Interview

By Rachel Dobkin | Jun 23, 2024

Republican North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum was fact-checked by CNN's Kaitlan Collins during an interview on Sunday about his accusation that President Joe Biden is using executive orders more than other presidents, and countered his claim that the Democratic incumbent is a "dictator."

While filling in for hosts Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, Collins confronted Burgum on CNN's State of the Union, with multiple clips of the governor claiming that Biden is a dictator. In one of the clips, Burgum says, "This is what's happening under Joe Biden. We're actually living under a dictatorship today."

Biden's political rival, former President Donald Trump—the presumptive GOP presidential nominee—has been criticized for parroting Nazi Germany dictator Adolf Hitler and has been accused of being a threat to democracy if he wins in November. His critics claim that if he gets to the Oval Office, he won't leave when his term is up, citing Trump's refusal to accept Biden's 2020 election victory.

"I understand you don't like President Biden's policies on immigration or student loans, but respectfully, you're calling the democratically elected president a dictator?" Collins asked Burgum.

Burgum, a Trump ally who has been floated as his potential running mate, responded: "We've got three branches of government and this president, more like any other, has bypassed Congress. Because as a governor of a natural resources state...we're facing over 30 rules and mandates, each one of those could be 800 pages to 1400 pages long."

He continued: "On the student loan thing, when the Supreme Court ruled against him, then he just said, 'Hey, we'll figure a different way to do it.' I just think that there's again, a double standard here. He is bypassing the other two branches of government to push an ideological view whether it's on economics or whether it's on climate extremism."

Burgum hit on two of Biden's big agenda items: cancelling student loan debt and promoting clean energy. On his first day in office, Biden ordered federal agencies to reinstate or strengthen over 100 environmental regulations that Trump rolled back.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announced last month that the Biden administration had approved $167 billion in student loan forgiveness for over 4 million Americans over a period of time after the Supreme Court struck down Biden's original plan in June 2023 to forgive about $430 billion of federal student loan debt.

Newsweek has reached out to Burgum's office via online form and Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, via email for comment. It also reached out to the White House via email for comment.

When reached for comment on Sunday afternoon, Biden's campaign referred Newsweek to Alex Floyd, a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee (DNC), who said via email: "Doug Burgum is sucking up to a convicted felon who has threatened a 'bloodbath' if he loses, called to 'terminate' the Constitution, and pledged to be a dictator on 'Day One.' ...

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June 22nd, 2024 search:

07. Newsweek

Joe Biden Now Leads Donald Trump Among Rural Voters By Jordan King | Jun 21, 2024

A Fox News poll has put Joe Biden two percentage points above Donald Trump with rural voters.

Biden scored 50 percent and Trump hit 48 percent, according to the survey, which the former president and many of his supporters have claimed is illegitimate.

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Okay, I've been studying this new FOX NEWS poll, and I have concluded it's a complete outlier. They have Joe Biden winning rural voters 50-48% over Trump. There is no way that's possible. Zero."

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene agreed, saying: "This Fox News poll is WRONG! My district is in rural northwest Georgia and it is SOLIDLY supporting Trump! Same with most of rural America! Smart people!"

Trump blasted the entire poll on Truth Social, calling it "trash" and accusing Fox News of "using a biased, Democrat-leaning sample of voters."

Despite the results, Fox News does cite its 2020 data, saying Trump generally does well with rural voters (+17).

Pollster Lee Carter appeared on Fox News' Fox & Friends on Thursday and said he believes the poll is a "blip."

He added: "I don't think this is something that's long term. I think we saw these kinds of shifts in polls in 2016, but I think it's important to note that Donald Trump was never ever, ever...ahead in the polls in 2016 or 2020."

Newsweek contacted Fox News, via its corporate communications email address, to ask whether it has any response to those casting doubts on the poll.

The survey, which questioned 1,095 registered voters, puts Biden ahead of Trump by two points (50 percent for Biden and 48 per cent for Trump), for the first time since October.

It attributes this largely to changing views about the improving economy, with a record 31 percent approving of his handling of inflation and 41 percent approving of the economy. ...

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June 24th, 2024 search:

08. The New Republic

GOP Operative Behind Those Edited Biden Videos Revealed

Here’s the person responsible for the viral, doctored videos of Joe Biden.

By Ben Metzner | June 24, 2024

An RNC staffer is behind the viral doctored videos of Joe Biden appearing senile, a new report from The Daily Beast shows.

According to the Beast’s Jake Lahut, 31-year-old Jake Schneider, a former Trump campaign employee and former intern for Tea Party Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann, runs the popular RNC Research Twitter account, which has posted several videos of Biden appearing confused or freezing up. RNC Research has also promoted an edited video that suggests that the president pooped himself (it has since been debunked).

Sources close to the Trump campaign called Schneider “the tip of the spear” of the Republican effort to make Biden’s age a central issue of the election. And they’re not wrong. Schneider and RNC Research enjoy high levels of coordination with powerful right-wing media organizations smuggling the interests of the ruling class through seemingly neutral platforms: Sinclair Broadcast Group, the media company buying up local news affiliates and turning them into pro-Trump organs, has been blasting out syndicated news features on Biden’s age using RNC Research videos (including, in at least three articles, the claim that he pooped himself) to nearly 100 local news websites in the past month. ...

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June 26th, 2024 search:

09. NBC News

From 'WORST debater' to 'worthy debater': Trump changes his tune on Biden's skills

The former president, leery of past mistakes when he set the bar too low for Biden, is now trying to raise expectations for his rival in their first 2024 showdown Thursday in Atlanta.

By Sahil Kapur | June 25, 2024

In six weeks, Donald Trump has gone from mocking President Joe Biden as a feckless debater who can barely speak to praising his talents ahead of their first debate in the 2024 presidential election.

“Crooked Joe Biden is the WORST debater I have ever faced — He can’t put two sentences together!” Trump wrote on his social media platform on May 15. Two days later, he said in a speech to the Minnesota GOP: “He can’t talk. He can’t walk. Can’t find his way off a stage. Can’t put two sentences together.”

But lately, ahead of the debate Thursday in Atlanta, Trump is singing a different tune, saying he has watched Biden’s vice presidential debate from 2012 and appreciated his rival’s abilities.

“He beat Paul Ryan pretty badly,” Trump said in an interview with the “All-In Podcast” that published Thursday. “And I assume he’s going to be somebody that will be a worthy debater. I would say I don’t want to underestimate him.”

Trump’s allies are wary of making the same mistake they made ahead of Biden’s State of the Union speech in March, when Trump world disparaged Biden as a feeble old man and set expectations so low that he easily surpassed them.

This time, Trump’s team is making a last-ditch attempt to flip the script and play the expectations game differently, warning that Biden will be well-prepared for the moment. His team is also working the referees by going after CNN’s moderators and claiming it’s the media, not Trump, that’s lowering the bar for Biden.

“The media wants to lower Joe Biden’s debate performance bar so low he gets a participation trophy simply for standing upright for 90 minutes, but make no doubt about it — Biden will be highly prepared and alert on debate night, relying on the same perfectly calibrated dosage used to deliver his widely praised 2024 State of the Union Address or his 2012 thrashing of Paul Ryan in the VP debate,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said.

The “true benchmark,” Cheung said, is whether Biden can defend his record in office against Trump’s first-term record without any “interference” from the debate moderators.

A Biden campaign official said that Trump is making a “transparent” attempt to blame anybody but himself if he loses the debate and that the campaign is ready to push back.

“We see this as Trump setting the predicate for if and when he has a bad night,” said the Biden official, who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about the campaign's thinking. “When Trump feels he might lose, he sets that permission structure to create excuses for himself. ... He likes to throw a tantrum.”

Trump’s zigzagging rhetoric points to his larger struggle in branding Biden, whom he has spent years disparaging — sometimes as a doddering old fool who is barely aware of his surroundings and other times as a mastermind who is deftly manipulating the justice system to secure indictments and convictions of Trump for criminal activity without leaving a trace of evidence that he was involved. ...

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June 24th, 2024 search:

10. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

Democrats Lean on Abortion Rights Message for Anniversary of End of Roe

Across the country this week, Democrats are focusing on abortion issues and emphasizing Donald Trump’s role in nominating the justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade.

By Katie Glueck and Lisa Lerer | June 24, 2024

Two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, unleashing a cascade of state-level abortion bans and prompting an angry political backlash, Democrats are marking the anniversary by highlighting the role former President Donald J. Trump played in ending the constitutional right to an abortion.

Through advertising, campaign events and news conferences, Democrats at every level of the party are fanning out across the country, working to remind voters that it was justices nominated by Mr. Trump who helped overturn Roe v. Wade. ...

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June 24th, 2024 search:

11. Politico

Senate Democratic campaign arm launches ads on anniversary of Dobbs decision

The ad blitz comes as Senate Democratic leadership has been forcing votes on reproductive rights on the floor.

By Ursula Perano | 06/24/2024

Senate Democrats' campaign arm will launch a series of ads in women-focused media outlets marking the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee ads will run on websites including Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Well Plated and more, and will be directed toward readers in Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. Viewers who click through the ads will be directed to a new DSCC-backed website that targets individual GOP Senate candidates’ positions on abortion and other reproductive-health issues.

“The Republican overturn of Roe v. Wade and the escalating attacks it has triggered on women’s right to make their own medical decisions has ensured reproductive freedom will be a defining issue of the 2024 Senate elections,” DSCC Chair Gary Peters (D-Mich.) told POLITICO in a statement. “Voters will reject GOP candidates and protect Democrats’ Senate majority in November.”

The ad blitz comes as Senate Democratic leadership has been forcing votes on reproductive rights on the floor, including votes on access to contraception and in vitro fertilization. Republicans have consistently blocked the legislation from advancing, at times offering their own competing versions.

Reproductive rights have proven a fruitful issue for Democrats in elections since the Supreme Court overruled Roe on June 24, 2022. Outcomes of ballot referendums on abortion at the state level have consistently trended toward protecting access — and outrage over the downfall of Roe is still seen as a leading cause for Republicans failing to mount a red wave in the last midterms. ...

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GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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June 22nd, 2024 search:

12. The New York Times
(I am a subscriber to The New York Times 'Basic Access' Digital Subscription.)

On the House Floor, Republicans Gag Mentions of Trump's Conviction

During official proceedings of the G.O.P.-controlled chamber, speaking about former President Donald J. Trump’s felony conviction has been forbidden, while disparaging President Biden and Democrats is routine.

By Luke Broadwater | June 21, 2024

The floor of the United States House of Representatives is supposed to be a dignified place, where lawmakers refer to each other as “gentleman” or “gentle lady,” speak only to the presiding officer, and never engage in personally disparaging remarks against rivals, an offense known as “engaging in personalities.”

But what happens when the leader of one party is a convicted criminal whom a jury has found guilty of things that would normally be considered unmentionable on the House floor?

The history-making felony conviction of former President Donald J. Trump has raised some historic questions for the House’s rules of decorum, which have existed for centuries but can be bent to the will of whichever party controls the majority-driven chamber.

The Republicans who now hold the majority have used those rules to impose what is essentially a gag order against talking about Mr. Trump’s hush-money payments to a porn actress or about the fact that he is a felon at all, notwithstanding that those assertions are no longer merely allegations but the basis of a jury’s guilty verdict. Doing so, they have declared, is a violation of House rules.

In short, perhaps the only place in the United States where people are barred from talking freely about Mr. Trump’s crimes is the floor of what is often referred to as “the people’s House,” where Republicans have gone so far as to erase one such mention from the official record.

In recent weeks, Republican leaders have cracked down on Democrats who refer to Mr. Trump’s court cases on the floor, citing the centuries-old rules of decorum, which date back to the days of Thomas Jefferson. Merely mentioning that Mr. Trump is a felon prompts an admonishment from whomever is presiding when the offending fact is uttered. (Mr. Trump is also indicted on felony charges in cases related to his handling of classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election.)

“The chair would remind members to refrain from engaging in personalities toward presumptive nominees for the office of the president,” is now a common phrase heard in the chamber after the mention of the words “Trump” and “felon.”

On one occasion, Republicans barred Representative Jim McGovern, Democrat of Massachusetts, from speaking for the rest of the day and deleted his comments from the Congressional Record after he railed against Mr. Trump and his court cases.

“When they censor any mention of Donald Trump’s criminal convictions, they are essentially trying to ban a fact,” Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, said in an interview. “I am not aware of any precedent where factual statements have been banned in our lifetime.”

Mr. Raskin said the silencing of Mr. Trump’s critics on the House floor had a historical analog: the House’s pre-Civil War ban on legislation relating to the abolition of slavery. In 1836, the House passed a so-called gag rule that automatically postponed action on all petitions related to slavery without hearing them.

“In a legislative sense, this was of course far more important than the new rule against mentioning Trump’s criminal record,” Mr. Raskin said.

Still, he said, he considers the prohibition against criticizing Mr. Trump’s felon status “Orwellian.”

The battle over what can be said on the House floor began last month after Mr. McGovern, the top Democrat on the Rules Committee, said on the floor that Mr. Trump “is on trial for covering up hush-money payments to a porn star for political gain, not to mention three of the criminal felony prosecutions he’s facing.”

Representative Jerry Carl, Republican of Alabama and the presiding officer on the floor at the time, admonished Mr. McGovern for “engaging in personalities.”

But Mr. McGovern pressed on.

“We have a presumptive nominee for president facing 88 felony counts, and we’re being prevented from even acknowledging it,” he complained, adding: “He’s also charged with conspiring to overturn the election. He’s also charged with stealing classified information, and a jury has already found him liable for rape in a civil court and, yet, in this Republican-controlled House, it’s OK to talk about the trial — but you have to call it a sham.”

That’s when Representative Erin Houchin, Republican of Indiana, rose to demand that Mr. McGovern’s words be “taken down,” meaning his remarks would be stricken from the Congressional Record and Mr. McGovern would not be allowed to talk on the floor for the rest of the day.

After a lengthy delay while Mr. Carl figured out what to do — including consulting the parliamentarian, whose job is to interpret House rules — he reported that Mr. McGovern’s words would, in fact, be stricken from the record.

“The words of the gentleman from Massachusetts accuse a presumptive nominee for the office of president of engaging in illegal activity,” Mr. Carl said. “Presumptive nominees for the office of president are accorded the same treatment under the rules of decorum in debate as a sitting president.”

In truth, Republicans have exempted themselves from that equal treatment standard when it comes to President Biden, whom they routinely accuse of criminal conduct despite having produced no evidence of any. Representative James Comer of Kentucky, the chairman of the Oversight Committee, began one recent meeting by simply declaring that the rule against speaking ill of a president “will not be in order for the duration of today’s hearing.” Given that it was part of an impeachment inquiry, he explained, “members must be allowed to speak frankly.”

Republican leaders have frequently allowed their members to trample on the rules of decorum without repercussion in other contexts as well, including when Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia insulted the makeup of Representative Jasmine Crockett, Democrat of Texas, during a committee hearing. Mr. Comer declined to take down her words, as Democrats demanded, and allowed her to continue participating.

When it comes to Mr. Trump, Republicans have reached all the way back to the 18th century to justify the prohibition against disparaging him, effectively finding that he should be treated like a king. ...

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June 22nd, 2024 search:

13. AP News

GOP targets a Biden executive order on voter registration ahead of the fall election

By Christina A. Cassidy | Updated 9:07 PM PDT, June 21, 2024

ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans and conservative activists have increasingly been targeting an executive order issued three years ago by the Biden administration that is intended to boost voter registration, claiming it’s unconstitutional and an attempt to interfere in the November election.

A recent fundraising email sent by a GOP political action committee is an example of how they are framing the order, saying it compels federal agencies “to act as Biden’s personal ‘Get-Out-The-Vote’ machine.”A Republican-led House committee recently issued subpoenas to agency directors and a group of GOP secretaries of state asked the Supreme Court to take up a case challenging the order.

Despite the pushback on the right, there has been no indication the order favors voters of one party over another.

White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson said the administration will continue to protect the voting rights of eligible citizens regardless of political affiliation. Biden issued the order in 2021 as Republican legislatures across the country were debating a wave of state voting restrictions amid the false claims that widespread fraud had cost former President Donald Trump reelection.

"These are baseless claims brought by the very people who spread debunked lies about the 2020 elections and have used those same debunked lies to advance laws across the nation that make it harder to vote and easier to undermine the will of the people," Patterson said in a statement.

Here's a look at what the order does, what federal agencies have done so far to comply with it and what Republicans are saying about it. ...

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June 22nd, 2024 search:

14. Roll Call

House Republicans shift message on extending 2017 tax cuts

Cost concerns, blue-district GOP issues prompt strategy rethink

By Caitlin Reilly | June 21, 2024

The GOP party line on the expiring 2017 tax law has been to extend and make it permanent, but changing politics and growing debt has House Republicans charged with reviewing the provisions shifting away from that message.

Lower tax rates on individuals, relief from the alternative minimum tax, treatment of money U.S. companies make abroad, small-business deductions and other provisions established by 2017 law are set to expire at the end of next year.

The impending tax cliff has prompted lawmakers to start laying the groundwork for 2025, even though no one can predict the outcome of November’s elections.

Biden administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen and Director of the National Economic Council Lael Brainard, have said Democrats would extend tax breaks for households making less than $400,000 and offset the cost with tax increases on the wealthy and corporations.

Republicans have long said they would like to extend and make permanent expiring provisions, but in a shift in messaging some members on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee say fully extending the provisions isn’t a foregone conclusion. ...

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June 24th, 2024 search:

15. Politico

Trump is on a fundraising blitz. But there are other warning signs for Republicans.

For the first time this year, the Fox News poll had Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by two points, within the poll’s margin of error.

By Adam Wren | 06/24/2024

For Republicans who spent much of the year crowing about Joe Biden’s weaknesses, Donald Trump’s massive fundraising haul looked like an affirmation, with the former president erasing Joe Biden’s longstanding cash advantage.

But outside of the money race, a series of other developments in recent days have left even Republicans with the impression that November may not be quite as good for the GOP as it once seemed.

First came the GOP’s underperformance in a special House race in a deep-red swath of Ohio that included a swing county. Then, after Republicans over the weekend nominated a far-right candidate for lieutenant governor in Indiana, a top national GOP lawyer predicted a “serious” threat to the top of the ticket even in the heart of MAGA country.

Now, new polling from Fox News shows an 11-point swing in President Joe Biden’s favorability among independents: They prefer Biden by 9 points, a reversal from May, when they favored Trump by 2 points.For the first time this year, the poll has Biden leading Trump by two points, 50-48, within the margin of error.

Trump may be raking in donations. But across the country, the mood of Republicans has dimmed, according to nearly a dozen Republican operatives, county chairs and current and former GOP officials. It comes amid ongoing concerns about the effect of abortion on Republican candidates. And it follows defections from Trump in the primaries and, most recently, polling that has found Trump’s conviction in his New York hush-money trial hurting him with independents. ...

GOOGLE SEARCH: REPUBLICANS NEWS
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June 26th, 2024 search:

16. Newsweek

Donald Trump Suffers Triple Primary Blow

By James Bickerton | Jun 26, 2024

A trio of Donald Trump-endorsed Republicans suffered primary defeats to GOP rivals in South Carolina, Colorado and Utah on Tuesday in a blow to the former president's authority. ...

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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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). 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 June 16th, 2024 through June 20th, 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 June 16th, 2024 through June 20th, 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 June 23rd, 2034, from an email that I received seven days prior on June 16th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 16th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

FROM OPINION

Fatherhood changes men’s brains. By how much depends on the bond they have with their child, Darby Saxbe writes. ...

Dad Brain Is Real, and It’s a Good Thing

By Darby Saxbe | June 16, 2024

A father of three recently told me that if he could go back in time and give himself one piece of advice, it would be to have kids sooner. Fatherhood changed him; it gave his life purpose, he said. It turns out neuroscience agrees with him.

My research lab investigates how the brain changes when men become fathers, and we are discovering that fatherhood can be transformative for their brains and bodies. The brain and hormonal changes we observe in new dads tell us that nature intended men to participate in child rearing, because it equipped them with neurobiological architecture to do so. They, too, can show the fundamental instinct for nurturing that’s often attributed solely to mothers.

Not only that, but men’s involvement in fatherhood can have long-term benefits for their brain health — and for healthy societies. At a time when boys and men seem to be experiencing greater social isolation and declining occupational prospects, the role of father can provide a meaningful source of identity. But the transition to fatherhood can also be a time of vulnerability, which is why supporting fathers should be a priority for policymakers. ...

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 16th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

After multiple relapses, David Sheff’s son is 13 years sober. He relates as a father to President Biden and his son Hunter Biden, he writes. ...

Biden’s Love for His Son Is Beautiful — and It Hits Home for Me

By David Sheff | June 16, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 16, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

MORNING READS

Father’s Day: The best advice for dads, according to dads. ...

The Best Advice for Dads (According to Dads)

By Talya Minsberg | June 14, 2024

For Father’s Day, The Times asked readers to share the best pieces of parenting advice for dads they’ve learned along the way. Close to 500 responded, with tips on how to get through the difficult early days of infanthood, bond with kids as they get older and protect them even as you prepare to let them go.

Read some of our favorite submissions below, which have been edited for clarity, and share your own advice in the comments. ...

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 16th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Square feet: Los Angeles wants to combat homelessness with tiny homes. ...

When Is a Tiny House Too Small to Be a Home?

As the Supreme Court weighs whether cities can criminalize sleeping outdoors or in tents, Los Angeles is attempting to combat homelessness with tiny homes criticized by some as ‘inhumane.’

By Ronda Kaysen | June 15, 2024

For two years, James Valdez lived in his S.U.V., so it was a relief when he moved into Branford Village, a community of tiny homes, in Los Angeles.

And then the flood came. And then another. During the first flood in August 2023, the water rose to the steering wheel of his S.U.V. Six months later in February, when water rushed through the complex again, residents were evacuated out of knee-high water to emergency shelters.

“You learn to live with it,” said Mr. Valdez, 58, whose 2016 GMC Acadia somehow survived ruin. “At least you have a bed.”

Roughly 150 recently homeless people live in the complex of tiny homes, part of Los Angeles’s effort to combat homelessness.

At a time when the Supreme Court is weighing whether cities can criminalize sleeping outdoors or in tents, tiny homes offer a cheap and efficient way to erect shelters, delivering a stop gap fix to a national housing crisis. The country is short a staggering 7.3 million homes for extremely low-income renters, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. A record 12.1 million Americans pay more than half their income in rent, according to census data, and a record 653,100 Americans were homeless on a given night in January 2023.

Tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness now pepper the country — in Austin, Albuquerque, Madison, Seattle and St. Louis. And more are coming, as state and local governments, desperate to clear tent encampments, bet that such housing can provide more privacy, security and autonomy than traditional homeless shelters where multiple people sleep in a common area. ...

The following is The New York Times article that I read on June 23rd, 2034, from an email that I received six days prior on June 17th, 2024:

And the article below is from the above-mentioned June 17th, 2024 'On Politics' email:

Is the Partisan Divide Too Big to Be Bridged?

From the urban and rural divide to the partisan gulf, from religious groups to warring factions on campuses, organizations and funders are cropping up with hope for common ground.

By Jonathan Weisman | June 16, 2024

Bernard Clay, a Black, middle-aged data analyst and poet from Louisville, Ky., was leery when he was thrown together with Shaelyn Bishop, a shy, white, young biologist who grew up on a family farm in rural Green County, Ky., 15 minutes from the closest town.

But over a structured brainstorming session in 2022, amid a weekend retreat with the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange, something clicked. Mr. Clay, 47, had a side project chronicling Kentucky’s Black Civil War veterans. Ms. Bishop, 34, during quiet hours alone studying the ecology of the Clay Hill Memorial Forest in Taylor County, Ky., had pondered the old stones that almost certainly marked the burial grounds of the once-enslaved, a forgotten memorial to a hidden past.

An effort was born — the Enslaved People of Clay Hill, or EPOCH, Legacy Project — to officially recognize the burial ground. And a connection was made across the gulfs of race, age and geography.

The nation’s poisonous divisions, exacerbated by politicians, cable news and social media, and collectively known as the outrage industrial complex, have been much lamented. Less noticed is the counterweight, a constellation of nonprofits and other organizations like the Kentucky Rural Urban Exchange devoted to bridging divides — urban and rural, Black and white, L.G.B.T.Q. and straight, left and right. Call it the kumbaya industrial complex.

The problem: The starkest divide — Trump-branded conservatism versus the rising political left — may be the one where no one is interested in reconciliation.

“We have to be focused on what we call the exhausted majority — that’s 65 percent of Americans,” said Stephen B. Heintz, the president and chief executive of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a major financial backer of the proliferating groups trying to promote common ground. “It’s just not an efficient use of time to convince true ideologues to compromise.”

On June 17, with the backing of Rockefeller Brothers, the MacArthur Foundation, the Emerson Collective and others, a new group, Trust for Civic Life, will award its first $8 million to 20 civic groups judged the most promising in their efforts to rebuild community and reinforce democratic values. Another $2 million will come later in the year to meet the trust’s pledge of $10 million a year for community-level democracy efforts. In this case, “democracy” is with a small “d” — emphasizing efforts to shore up the values needed to promote democratic pluralism, without explicit mentions of Republicans or Democrats.

The first trust grants, selected from more than 60 organizations, will be announced in Boulder, Colo., at a Democracy Funders Strategy Summit on combating authoritarianism, more evidence that bridge-building has become the hot new concept in a country looking for hope. ...

The following are The New York Times articles that I read on June 25th, 2024, from an email that I received six days prior on June 19th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 19th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

Opinions

Compulsory prison labor is a form of slavery, but it’s still legal in most of America, write Andrew Ross, Tommaso Bardelli and Aiyuba Thomas. ...

End Legal Slavery in the United States

By Andrew Ross, Tommaso Bardelli and Aiyuba Thomas | June 19, 2024

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, the day when word of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the farthest outpost in America. Many people do not realize that Emancipation did not legally end slavery in the United States, however. The 13th Amendment — the culmination of centuries of resistance by enslaved people, a lifetime of abolitionist campaigning and a bloody civil war — prohibited involuntary servitude “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.”

In the North, that so-called exception clause was interpreted as allowing the private contracting of forced prison labor, which was already underway, and in the ex-Confederacy it gave rise to the much more brutal system by which freed men and women were routinely arrested under false charges and then leased out to plantation owners and industrialists to work off their sentence. Some historians have described this convict leasing system as “worse than slavery,” because there was no incentive to avoid working those people to death.

Over time, courts accepted that all people who are incarcerated lose the protection against slavery or involuntary servitude. The legacy of that legal deference is a grim one. Today, a majority of the 1.2 million Americans locked up in state and federal prisons work under duress in jobs that cover the entire spectrum, from cellblock cleaning to skilled manufacturing, for wages as low as a few cents per hour or, in several states, for nothing at all. And though members of Congress denounce imported goods made with prison labor in places like China’s Xinjiang province, the offices of many government agencies in Washington and elsewhere are stocked with furniture and supplies made by prisoners in this country. In fact, federal agencies are mandated to purchase goods from federal prisons, just as state or municipal agencies, including public schools and universities, often must consider sourcing from state penitentiaries. In many states, prison-made goods are freely available on the open market and shipped overseas.

Labor that people have no meaningful right to refuse and that is enforced under conditions of total control is, unquestionably, slavery. It’s a different model from the chattel slavery over which the Civil War was fought, but by all norms of international law, it is a violation of fundamental human rights. ...

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 19th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

ARTS AND IDEAS

Today is Juneteenth, a federal holiday. More people have been celebrating the holiday across the U.S. over the past few years.

Many celebrations take place among families, often in backyards. But some cities, like Atlanta and Washington, hold larger events, including parades and festivals with residents and local businesses. Here’s a guide. ...

The History of Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas were told they were free. A century and a half later, people across the United States continue to celebrate the day, which is now a federal holiday.

By Derrick Bryson Taylor | June 12, 2024

This article was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2024.

Juneteenth, an annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War, has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s.

President Biden signed legislation in 2021 that made Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, a federal holiday, after interest in the day was renewed during the summer of 2020 and the nationwide protests that followed the police killings of Black Americans including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

There has been a noticeable increase in Juneteenth celebrations across the United States over the past few years.

Here’s a brief guide to Juneteenth.

How did Juneteenth begin?

On June 19, 1865, about two months after the Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Va., Gordon Granger, a Union general, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued nearly two and a half years earlier, on Jan. 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.

The holiday is also called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.” ...

The following is The New York Times article that I read today, June 26th, 2024, from an email that I received six days ago on June 20th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 20th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

2024 Election

Biden’s recent actions have clarified his approach to immigration: Help those who are already in the U.S., but limit arrivals. ...

Biden’s Strategy: Help Immigrants in the U.S., but Stop Others From Arriving

President Biden’s recent actions on immigration put his approach to one of the most divisive issues in the 2024 election into focus.

By Zolan Kanno-Youngs | June 19, 2024

There are hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the United States who have been living in the country illegally for years, working and making a living, starting families and sending their children to school. President Biden says they can stay.

And then there are the more recent arrivals, who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in record numbers, seeking protection from poverty and persecution. They will have to wait.

Mr. Biden has taken two major actions on immigration this month, expanding legal protections for undocumented spouses of American citizens while also sealing the border to most people seeking asylum in the United States.

Taken together, the decisions put Mr. Biden’s approach to one of the most polarizing issues of the 2024 campaign into sharp focus: He will help immigrants who are already here, but try to keep the border shut to those trying to get in. ...

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These are the USA Today articles which I received for the time period of June 16th, 2024 through June 20th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

The following are the USA Today articles that I read on June 23rd, 2034, from an email that I received seven days prior on June 16th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 16th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

After struggle with infertility, new dad celebrates first Father's Day

A Texas man who struggled with infertility shares his journey to fatherhood to help erase the stigma around a disease that's on the rise worldwide.

READ MORE ...

On Father's Day, a dad cherishes the child he feared infertility would prevent

By Marc Ramirez | June 16, 2024

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 16th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

What do I want for Father's Day? My son's normal to be love.

My truth is that I have no business being a father, but my son is helping me believe I deserve it.

READ MORE ...

On Father's Day, I realize my son helps me ask for the thing I need: A step to healing

I want to be honest about what being a dad means to somebody like me.

By Louie Villalobos | June 16, 2024

The following are the USA Today articles that I read on June 25th, 2024, from emails that I received six days prior on June 19th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 19th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

TOP STORIES

Juneteenth is Wednesday: Here's what the federal holiday means

Juneteenth is on Wednesday in 2024. Here's what to know about the federal holiday and what it celebrates.

READ MORE ...

Juneteenth: What to know about the historical celebration that's now a federal holiday

On June 19, 1865 slaves in Galveston, Texas were given the news that they were freed by President Abraham Lincoln. Now, the day is a holiday that celebrates the "Second Independence Day" in America.

By Ahjané Forbes | June 16, 2024

Three years after it was made a federal holiday, Juneteenth 2024 marks a day of celebration as well as education.

The federal holiday known as “Second Independence Day,” marks the day the last African American slaves were notified that they had been freed from their masters, the National Museum of African American History and Culture said.

Dr. Tim Goler, a professor of urban affairs and sociology courses and director of research for the Center for African American Public Policy at Norfolk State University, told USA TODAY that Juneteenth or "Freedom Day" is a day that shows the "beauty of our culture" that everyone should participate in.

The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865 more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation - when the Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, Goler said.

“This delay and the enforcement of the emancipation in Texas was due to a lack of enforcement until this general arrived," Goler said. "Then Juneteenth thus became this kind of powerful symbol of freedom and the long struggle for civil rights."

The Juneteenth National Independence DayAct was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in June 2021. The bill was signed by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021, which officially made the day a federal holiday.

Here's what you need to know about Juneteenth. ...

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 19th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

See Juneteenth celebrations around the U.S.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

READ MORE ...

See Juneteenth celebrations around the U.S. Camille Fine

By Sean Dougherty | June 16, 2024 ...

The following are the USA Today articles that I read today, June 26th, 2024, from emails that I received six days ago on June 20th, 2024:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 20th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

More news to know now

Here's what Trump and Biden each want to do for the economy. ...

Comparing Trump's and Biden's economic plans, from immigration to taxes

By Paul Davidson | June 20, 2024

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have laid out starkly contrasting blueprints for the U.S. economy as they vie for a second term in November.

Trump has said he would seek to extend and expand his 2017 tax cuts, severely restrict illegal immigration while deporting millions of foreign-born residents, impose tariffs on all U.S. imports, and roll back much of Biden’s initiatives to transition the nation to clean energy.

Biden would extend some of the Trump tax cuts − but not for wealthy individuals and corporations – establish more targeted tariffs on Chinese imports and toughen immigration constraints but not nearly as dramatically as Trump.

He also would push a lengthy wish list of social service programs that would make child care more affordable, provide free college tuition, cancel more student loan debt and lower drug prices, among other proposals. But analysts say they’re unlikely to pass a divided Congress.

“Biden’s policies are better for the economy,” says Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics. “They lead to more growth and less inflation.”

According to a Moody’s study, Trump’s plan would trigger a recession by mid-2025 and an economy that grows an average 1.3% annually during his four-year term vs. 2.1% under Biden. (The latter is in line with average growth in the decade before the pandemic.)

Next year, under a Trump administration, inflation would rise from the current 3.3% to 3.6%, well above the 2.4% forecast under Biden, the Moody’s analysis shows. Compared with Biden, the U.S. would have 3.2 million fewer jobs and a 4.5% unemployment rate, a half percentage point higher, at the end of a Trump tenure.

The Moody’s projections defy polls that have consistently shown Americans rate Trump a better steward for the U.S. economy than Biden. Forty-six percent of respondents trust Trump on the economy and 32% trust Biden, according to an ABC/Ipsos poll in late April. Their views on the economy are expected to be a major focus of a June 27 debate between the two candidates hosted by CNN.

Even right-leaning economists agree Trump’s trade and immigration policies would hobble the economy. Scott Lincicome of the libertarian Cato Institute says they would be “highly damaging to the U.S. and global economies.” He adds, however, that specific forecasts “should be taken with a grain of salt.”

Chris Edwards, another Cato economist, says Trump “has an edge over Biden” on the economy because Biden has used “trade rules, narrow tax breaks, corporate subsidies, regulations, antitrust, labor union rules” and other measures to “centrally plan” manufacturing, tech and other industries that should be left to free markets.

Moody’s study assumes a Biden administration would be dealing with a Democratic-majority House and Republican Senate as party control of the two chambers flips, while Trump would enjoy a Republican House and Senate, based on models that predict the likeliest election scenarios.

The estimates aren't an exact science, and changes in the proposals would modify the economic impact. But they're crunched by computer models that are based on similar policies over the past 75 years.

Here's a breakdown of how their plans are projected to affect the economy. ...

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned June 20th, 2024 'Evening Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

Louisiana's Ten Commandments law should come with Trump disclaimer

I'm fine with Louisiana requiring Ten Commandments posters in classrooms, as long as they note which commandments Donald Trump has broken.

READ MORE ...

Ten Commandments in Louisiana schools is fine – as long as they note the ones Trump broke

The 'Thou shalt not commit adultery' line on the classroom Ten Commandments poster will require a substantial asterisk for Trump.

By Rex Huppke | June 20, 2024

Louisiana's governor signed a law requiring a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom in the state, something I'm completely fine with as long as those posters say, in large font along the top: "The Ten Commandments, Most of Which Donald Trump Has Violated.

That seems fair, and I would be comfortable with students of any age walking into a classroom and receiving a daily lesson on the meaning of hypocrisy.

The Republicans who pushed for this law, which makes Louisiana the only state to mandate Ten Commandments posters in schools, seem laser-focused on history and accuracy. They describe the commandments as “a historical document.” And after signing the legislation, Gov. Jeff Landry said: “If you want to respect the rule of law, you’ve got to start from the original law giver, which was Moses.”

Okey doke. Let’s go with that. Because respecting the rule of law matters. And if we’re respecting the rule of law, I’m sure Gov. Landry would agree it would be educational malfeasance not to inform Louisiana students that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and former president – a man Landry himself has enthusiastically endorsed – has broken a slew of the laws outlined on their classroom poster.

Any 10 Commandments poster should note the ones Trump violated

The law requires that the Ten Commandments posters be “at least eleven inches by fourteen inches,” and that the “text of the Ten Commandments shall be the central focus of the poster or framed document” and be “printed in a large, easily readable font.”

And again, that’s all completely fine with me, as long as there are notes on the poster or on an accompanying poster that detail the ways Trump has violated certain commandments.

For example, per the language mandated by the state of Louisiana: “Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Trump has previously dropped “g--damn” in his rally speeches. ...

... Trump isn't exactly poster boy for church-going or adultery-avoiding

Next up on the commandments poster is: “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.”

Trump rarely goes to church, and on this Easter Sunday he posted this decidedly non-holy screed on social media: “HAPPY EASTER TO ALL, INCLUDING CROOKED AND CORRUPT PROSECUTORS AND JUDGES THAT ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO INTERFERE WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2024, AND PUT ME IN PRISON, INCLUDING THOSE MANY PEOPLE THAT I COMPLETELY & TOTALLY DESPISE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO DESTROY AMERICA, A NOW FAILING NATION, LIKE ‘DERANGED’ JACK SMITH, WHO IS EVIL AND ‘SICK.’”

The “Thou shalt not commit adultery” line on the classroom poster will require a substantial asterisk, as Trump was recently convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair. ...

... Trump Ten Commandments definitely don't say a thing about stealing

Louisiana students who look up from their desks and see “Thou shalt not steal” in large, easily readable font should certainly know that their governor’s pick to be president of the United States was, in 2019, ordered to pay $2 million in damages for using money from his own charity to pay off business debts and buy a painting of himself. ...

... And then there’s this foundational rule Landry and Louisiana’s Republican lawmakers rightly believe all students, regardless of faith, apparently, should abide: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

Put more succinctly: Don’t lie.

If students of the Bayou State who gaze upon their government-mandated Ten Commandments poster are going to see that warning to “not bear false witness,” it is only fair that every remaining square inch of every classroom wall be devoted to detailing the multitudinous lies Trump told throughout his one-term presidency and the entire 2024 presidential campaign. ...

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These are the Time Magazine articles which I received for June 19th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)

The following is the Time Magazine article that I read on June 25th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received six days prior on June 19th, 2024:

The Origins of Juneteenth and Why ‘Black Independence Day’ Falls on June 19th

By Simmone Shah | June 17, 2024

This June on the 19th, many Americans will gather to celebrate Junteenth, now the newest federal holiday in the United States. Though it’s been celebrated by Black Americans as early as in the mid-late 1800s, Juneteenth is a date that was long omitted from history books—and wasn’t designated as a federal holiday until 2021, after police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black people in the U.S. renewed a push for conversations on racial justice and the holiday’s enshrinement on a national level.

“It recognizes liberation, it recognizes freedom. Some people will refer to it as Black Independence Day. It’s a day to celebrate the ending of an era of 246 years of enslavement that African Americans experienced in this country,” says Daina Ramey Berry, Professor of History and Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Many Americans might not know why the date is significant or even celebrated, since many might not have learned about the event in school. “Many people assume that freedom began with the Emancipation Proclamation and think of Lincoln as the great liberator,” says Berry.

But the real history is more complicated than that. On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that "all persons held as slaves" in the Confederacy or states that seceded from the Union, "are, and henceforward shall be free." But that freedom did not come immediately, as the Civil War continued on and Union soldiers went from state to state to enforce the measure. “Essentially, very few enslaved people were freed in 1863,” says Berry.

On June 19th, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and two months after the Civil War officially ended, Union Army General Gordon Granger and 2,000 of his soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people of their freedom.

“When the Union army reached Galveston and notified Black people of their freedom, it generally signified that the last segment of the roughly four million slaves in the South, now knew they were officially free,” Nafeesa Muhammad, Associate Professor of History at Spelman College, told TIME in an email. “And this is the significance of Juneteenth.” ...

The following is the Time Magazine article that I read on June 25th, 2024, from 'Inside Time' email that I received six days prior on June 19th, 2024:

How to Buy Groceries Right Now Without Breaking the Bank

By Simmone Shah | June 18, 2024

Gina Zakaria, a mother of two based in Los Angeles, considers herself to be a savvy shopper.

As someone who has been making content about frugal living on her social media since 2017, she’s become an expert on finding deals at the grocery store—but as prices have continued to climb upwards in recent years, even she has been feeling the pinch when shopping for necessities.

“I always look for sales,” she says, “but I do feel the difference in my total.”

Prices in grocery stores across the country are now up 25% from pre-pandemic levels, data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics shows. Staring down rising prices at the supermarket checkout line, many Americans are feeling the impact. Within the last few years, 80% of Americans say they’ve felt a notable increase in the cost of groceries—and more than a quarter have said they’ve occasionally skipped meals as a result of rising costs, according to a study conducted by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma.

“As prices continue to rise, people may be afraid to go shopping, which leads to them eating out more or not [making] the best decisions when it comes to cooking,” says Will Coleman, a chef and content creator who shares tips for saving money on groceries on his Instagram. Most recent USDA data from 2022 shows that Americans were spending an average of 11% of their discretionary income on eating both at home and in restaurants—the highest percentage since 1991. “With prices going up, there must be more resources and knowledge being shared about shopping and cooking [more accessible],” Coleman notes.

TIME spoke with experts about why groceries are so expensive and ways to keep costs down while you shop.

Why are groceries so expensive right now?

Rising prices can be traced back to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused major supply chain disruptions and worker shortages, says Ronald Hill, a Professor at American University’s Kogod School of Business. “It blew up the supply chain,” he says.

Global conflicts—including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East— have also contributed to price increases. “We had grain coming through Eastern Europe and that became a problem,” he says. “Gasoline was coming from the Middle East, and that became a powder keg.” ...

[Blogger's Note: In furtherance of the great shopping advice contained in the Time Magazine article referenced above, the following hyperlinks are for my blog posts regarding how I use thrift, coupons, shopping lists, budgeting and credit cards in order to save money while I am spending money from my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" blog:

"My Point Of View On...Thrift, Or Frugality"

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-point-of-view-on-thrift.html

My Point Of View On...Using Coupons, Or "Couponing"

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-point-of-view-on-couponing.html

"My Point Of View On...Shopping Lists And Price Comparison Lists"

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2014/08/my-point-of-view-on-shopping.html

"My Point Of View On...Budgeting"

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2014/07/my-point-of-view-on-budgeting.html

"My Point Of View On...Credit Cards"

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/2014/07/my-point-of-view-on-credit-cards.html

And here is a hyperlink to all of the posts listed above that are under the search label 'Budgeting':

https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com/search/label/Budgeting

Plus, the following highlight from my 'budgeting' blog posts above is "my writing about tracking my 'discount savings' in my monthly budget":

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

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 (June 26th, 2024)
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June 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 22nd, 2024 And June 24th, 2024, As Well As June 16th, 2024 Through June 20th, 2024 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On June 28th, 2024): I have a big announcement to make: As of today, June 28th, 2024, I am no longer writing current news 'updates!' And my reason for doing this is due to that fact that these news 'updates' take an extraordinary amount of time to write—so much so that I am not getting any of my other blogging done, which includes all of the edits that still I have to complete on my various blog posts for my poetry and prose. However, I am still planning to write 'updates' about my current activism, which is what I originally intended this blog post to be about. –Paul Whiting (June 28th, 2024)

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June 27th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 10th, 2024: I received a mailer from The Salvation Army Portland Metro seventeen days ago on June 10th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "YOUR NEWSLETTER IS ENCLOSED ► Because of YOU", 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
The Portland Metro Area Newsletter CREATED FOR Mr. Paul Whiting

Because of YOU

STORIES ABOUT THE LIVES YOU ARE CHANGING AND THE DIFFERENCE YOU ARE MAKING

SPRING / 2024

You Give Veterans Hope
See inside >

"I Know What They Do and Why"
See inside >

"I Don't Have Words"
See back page >

Mr. Whiting, you make sure families don't lose hope — even at their greatest moment of need.

BACK ON TRACK, THANKS TO YOU
You held together a mom and her family, Mr. Whiting

"I don't know how things got so off track... "

"Just a few months ago, everything was going well," [name redacted] continues. "We were saving money to rent a new house, and the kids were doing well in school."

The derailment began when this single mother of three suddenly found herself unemployed. The company where she'd worked for years unexpectedly closed. In an instant, [name redacted] lost the means to support her family.

To make matters worse, [name redacted's] water heater sprung a leak, causing costly damage. After spending the last of her savings to pay for repairs, there was nothing left.

Scrambling to find work, [name redacted] took a part-time job which allowed the family to remain in their apartment. But her paycheck wasn't enough to cover food — or the school supplies her children desperately needed.

Thankfully, you were there to help [name redacted] and her children get back on their feet. Through your generous support of The Salvation Army, you provided the family nutritious food and emergency assistance. And the kids were so excited when they each received school supplies to help them thrive in the classroom!

After a few weeks, [name redacted] let us know she had found a new, full-time job! She was also proud to inform us that all three of her children were doing well in school.

"Thanks to The Salvation Army, our family is back on track, [name redacted] says.

[Name redacted's] story shows your compassion in action! Will you give again today, Mr. Whiting? Your continued generosity will help more neighbors in crisis receive the assistance they need to bounce back and start anew.

YOU GIVE VETERANS HOPE
Mr. Whiting, you help veterans with dignity and positivity

Through the generosity of supporters like you, The Salvation Army's Veterans and Family Center (VFC) in Beaverton [Oregon] has long served those who have served. It's been a refuge, where veterans who are homeless, or facing other issues, can find the help they need to get back on their feet.

Veterans who come for shelter also receive help addressing PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder], addiction, loneliness, depression, and other challenges many of our servicepeople face. The VFC is distinctive in many ways, including allowing families to shelter together, and even permitting companion and service animals, which can be vital to improving mental health.

It's a strong program, and you help keep it that way. But a few years ago, it became clear that the VFC building itself had seen better days.

That's why — again, through your kindness — a renovation project was launched. The mission: to create a more dignified environment where veterans can feel honored as they receive help.

Plumbing, windows, air conditioning and heating were brought up to modern standards. Rooms were updated, including changing carpeted floors to solid surfaces to better accommodate residents using wheelchairs. And the entire building has been refreshed to create a more cheerful and positive environment.

Helping veterans recover — and find hope — is just one of the many ways you serve your neighbors in need. We're very grateful for your support, and so are the veterans who turn to us for help. Please consider a gift today to help others in need. May God bless you for your kindness!

"I KNOW WHAT THEY DO AND WHY"
Mr. Whiting, see how [name redacted] - who shares your enthusiasm for The Salvation Army took his giving to the next level!

Why does [name redacted] make The Salvation Army a part of his long-term giving? Simple. When his family was in crisis years ago, they were there to help.

"My dad was seriously injured," [name redacted] remembers. "He fell through a roof where he was working a 25-foot drop-and landed on the side of his head.

When we ran out of resources, my mom went to The Salvation Army, and they took care of us while my dad was in the hospital. That stuck with me all these years."

But The Salvation Army also helped [name redacted] years later.

"I had no place to go," he remembers. "I was about 18. I couldn't find a job. I was out on the street two or three months." The Salvation Army made sure [name redacted] had food and a place to stay. "They were very helpful."

So, when The Salvation Army reached out to [name redacted] years later about becoming a long-term supporter, it was an easy decision. "I started out at $20 a month, and now it's up to $100 a month. It's been a long time, and I have no regrets."

Does [name redacted] think about the good he's doing? "Absolutely. I think about it every month when the withdrawal goes through. I know what they do, and I know why they do it, too."

"I'm interested in the success of The Salvation Army. That's why I give. They want people to succeed. That means a lot."

Want to make The Salvation Army a part of your long-term giving plans? Find out how below...

https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/239493#!/donation/checkout?c_src=USN_Homepage&c_src2=evergreenHero

MR. WHITING:
YOU HELP NEIGHBORS FACE THE UNEXPECTED

Dear Mr. Whiting,

If there's one universal theme to the stories in this issue and so many we hear, it's unexpected.

An unexpected life moment might simply be bothersome for you or me, but for many of our neighbors? Unexpected life challenges can quickly become overwhelming, if not impossible to overcome.

Maybe a sudden job loss has left a family unstable. Perhaps an emergency expense or inflated food prices have cut into the weekly grocery budget. Or they might be facing the choice between paying a utility bill and buying food.

Whatever the case, when unexpected challenges become a crisis, your neighbors need help right away.

That help may come in the form of food, clothing, or other necessities. Help to pave the way for better days ahead when struggling families need it most. The help that reminds them someone cares.

Thanks to friends like you, The Salvation Army can offer the men, women, and families who come to us help in the form of immediate assistance ... and hope.

When you read the stories in this newsletter, I trust you'll be reminded of the far-reaching impact of your generosity and compassion.

Because of you, The Salvation Army is ready for the unexpected, giving our neighbors in need help — and hope — for a better tomorrow.

Thank you for your dedication and support!

[Title and Name redacted]

"I DON'T HAVE WORDS"
You gave a veteran and his daughter a reason to be thankful, Mr. Whiting

After his service in the Army, [name redacted] was unable to find work.

A helicopter crew chief stationed in the Middle East, [name redacted] returned home with a blood disorder called ITP [immune thrombocytopenic purpura], which can cause easy or excessive bleeding. Although he was willing to work, employers considered his condition too great a liability.

To make matters worse, [name redacted] was unable to secure disability benefits through the VA [U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs] — leaving this single father to raise his 2-year-old daughter on just his monthly Social Security payment.

"I was worried about how I was going to show her something worthwhile to be thankful for," [name redacted] says.

But compassionate friends like you made sure [name redacted] and his little girl received food assistance from The Salvation Army — a definite reason to give thanks.

"I don't have words to describe how much I appreciate it and how positive of an effect that it's going to have for me and my daughter," [name redacted] says. "It is truly a blessing. Truly the biggest help that I could have."

You are the biggest help for so many neighbors in need when you give generously. Will you be a blessing for someone else who's struggling right now, Mr. Whiting? Please give again today!

Put Your Gift To Work Faster!

Consider giving online. It's safe, secure, quick, and easy! Help more of our struggling neighbors today. Please visit us at 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 in order to "help more of our struggling neighbors today."]

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

The Salvation Army
DOING THE MOST GOOD
[Address, City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

YES! I want to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Enclosed is my gift of:

[  ] $15
[  ] $10
[  ] $25
[✓] $7.00

Your gift will be used locally.

Please make your check payable to The Salvation Army.

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
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

And so, I made a one-time donation to The Salvation Army Cascade Division in order to support The Salvation Army's Portland Metro Area Newsletter for Spring / 2024, since "I want to make a difference in the lives of those in need." –Paul Whiting (June 27th, 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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June 27th, 2024 Update No. 2: Today is PTSD Awareness Day, since PTSD Awareness Day is yearly (annually) on June 27th. And I decided to provide information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website highlighting the National Center for PTSD, which can be found below:

PTSD: National Center for PTSD

https://www.ptsd.va.gov

We are the world's leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress.

PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is that there are effective treatments.

PTSD SCREENING DAY: JUNE 27

June 27 is PTSD Screening Day

Answer 5 questions about your symptoms to see if your feelings and behaviors are related to PTSD.

Learn more >>

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/screen/index.asp

Understand PTSD Section:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/index.asp

Treatment Section:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/tx_basics.asp

Get Help Section:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/index.asp

Family and Friends Section:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/effects_ptsd.asp

Therefore, I decided to write this 'update' as a way to highlight that June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day. Plus, PTSD Awareness Day is observed within PTSD Awareness Month which is June. (Please see my 'June 1st, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above, for more information on PTSD Awareness Month.)

Besides that, I wanted to highlight information from the USO webpage titled, "PTSD Resources: Where to Turn When You Need Help," due to the fact that they were the organization that first made me aware that June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day and that June is PTSD Awareness Month. (Please see my 'June 1st, 2022 Update, Written On June 29th, 2022,' which can be found above.) Please see a brief introduction to the above-mentioned article can be found below, which is dated June 24th, 2013.

"PTSD Resources: Where to Turn When You Need Help" from the USO

Monday, Jun 24, 2013

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean troops and families trying to cope with the anguish of war memories or even mental and emotional trauma from traumatic brain injuries will be forgotten.

Here is a list of resources for both troops and families dealing with PTSD.

And as always, if you or someone you know needs to talk to someone immediately, call the Military Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact them online at militarycrisisline.net. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.uso.org/stories/1300-ptsd-resources-where-to-turn-when-you

In addition to that, I wanted to highlight information from the Wounded Warrior Project's website regarding "Veterans and PTSD: Understanding Causes, Signs, Symptoms and Treatment." An introduction to the webpage can be found below:

Veterans and PTSD: Understanding Causes, Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

PTSD among service members and veterans

What is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a diagnosed condition that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event. PTSD is a very common condition for many veterans after military service. Symptoms can include disturbing thoughts, feelings, or dreams related to the events, mental or physical distress, difficulty sleeping, and changes in how a person thinks and feels.

What Causes PTSD?
PTSD can occur after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. For veterans, this can stem from combat, training, or military sexual trauma.

PTSD Symptoms
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are four types of symptoms:

• Re-experiencing:

° Flashbacks: You may find yourself reliving a traumatic event. This could include physical symptoms such as a racing heart or sweating.
° Bad dreams: These might include dreams related to the event
° Frightening thoughts
• Avoidance: avoiding thoughts, feelings, places, activities, or objects that remind you of the traumatic event

• Arousal and reactivity: being easily startled, feeling tense, having trouble sleeping

• Cognition and mood: experiencing negative thoughts, feelings of guilt or blame, or loss of interest in hobbies

When these symptoms last for a month, it is considered PTSD. ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the webpage:

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/mental-wellness/veteran-ptsd-treatment-support-resources

Plus, I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, June 27th, 2024, with the subject line "It’s PTSD Awareness Day.", which stated the following:

Paul,

As an invisible wound of war, PTSD is not always obvious and it requires the understanding and compassion of the broader community. It takes different forms – some more drastic than others. That's why last week, IAVA partnered with Columbia’s Lighthouse Project to combat it at its most extreme impact.

Can you donate today so we can continue to provide more resources and trainings for our veteran community and ensure all veterans can access the life-saving care we’ve fought to deliver?

With hundreds of sign-ups and a thorough and informative presentation from our partners, our members are now equipped with tools to combat suicide and ensure veterans in crisis can get the care they need in their own communities and networks.

If you were unable to join us, but want the tools yourself, you can find the slides from the presentation here:

https://iava.org/blog/iava-saving-lives-of-veterans-their-families-and-communities-with-the-columbia-protocol

Our work doesn’t stop here. IAVA will continue to lead the fight to make sure all post-9/11 veterans get the care they’ve earned and deserve.

We want to see the widest array of options possible for veterans to treat their wartime wounds. That means advocating for alternative therapies for veterans, including increasing access to cannabis and psychedelic-assisted care.

On PTSD Awareness Day and every day, let’s fight together to help those suffering.

If you can, contribute now to fuel our fight to help our battle buddies treat their wartime wounds and empower them with critical resources to help support those in our community.

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

And so, I made a one-time donation to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) in order to "fuel [IAVA's] fight to help our battle buddies treat their wartime wounds and empower them with critical resources to help support those in our community." I also made a one-time donation to Wounded Warrior Project in order to raise awareness of "PTSD among service members and veterans." –Paul Whiting (written June 27th, 2024, revised June 28th, 2024 and revised August 7th, 2024)

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: "If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States." Dial 988

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June 27th, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On June 28th, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, June 28th, 2024, is for donations that I made yesterday, June 27th, 2024, as a part of my series of very humble $1.00 donations for the 2nd 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 second quarter 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).]

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 $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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.

...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! ...

...In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The first political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 27th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) that I received four days ago on June 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "re: Paul's 5X-match offer", which stated the following:

↓ ↓ 5X MATCH ACTIVE! ↓ ↓

When you donate to the DLCC...

You're fueling our work to elect Democrats nationwide and support the Biden-Harris agenda.

CHIP IN A 5X-IMPACT GIFT →***

If you donate right now, your $7 will have 5X the impact, and could go toward:

Investing in key races and target chambers early in the cycle
Hiring experienced organizers and training new volunteers
Developing targeted digital ads
...and SO MUCH MORE!

We're counting on grassroots Democrats from across the country to step up and power this movement TODAY.

Will you chip in a 5x-impact gift to elect Democrats to state legislatures across the country?

If you've stored your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will process immediately.

[  ] Chip in $50 now ($250 impact!)
[  ] Chip in $100 now ($500 impact!)
[  ] Chip in $250 now ($1250 impact!)
[  ] Chip in $1000 now ($5000 impact!)
[✓] Chip in another amount >>***

DLCC
DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Match Active: Have 5X the impact!

🗳️Elect state Dems in must-win races
💰Fund our strategic investments in 2024, 2025, and beyond
❌Counter Republican extremism in the states

Can you chip in a 5X-matched gift today?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit DLCC Victory Fund.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000→

[✓] 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 DLCC (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, because my contribution will become "a 5x-impact gift to elect Democrats to state legislatures across the country."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DLCC is because I already donated $4.00 (with a $0.28 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses May 18th, 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 5X-match offer, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The second political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 27th, 2024, was a text message that I received three days ago on June 25th, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS), which stated the following:

Hi, [name redacted] here.

I currently serve as Wisconsin’s [title redacted], and I can clearly see how Trump and his MAGA followers are positioning themselves to try to reverse this November’s election results if they don’t like the outcome.

For example, one of Trump’s 2020 fake electors, [name redacted], still sits on the Wisconsin Elections Commission, the agency responsible for overseeing our elections.

This is a guy who also publicly bragged that Republicans should be “proud” for suppressing Black and Latino votes in Milwaukee in 2022.

[Name redacted's] actions are all part of a larger, coordinated effort to overturn the will of the American people. They’re going after election workers, officials responsible for maintaining voter rolls and anyone who speaks out against them.

Because of the MAGA mob’s intimidation tactics, an average of almost two poll workers quit every day. This is a huge issue that needs to be addressed.

DASS is the Democrats' committee tasked with electing new Secretaries of State and helping current Democratic Secretaries of State (like me) protect free and fair elections.

Please pitch in $5 or whatever you can afford right now to help hit DASS’ $30,000 online fundraising goal before the end of this month.***

Thank you,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Wisconsin

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 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 DASS (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, because "Trump and his MAGA followers are positioning themselves to try to reverse this November’s election results if they don’t like the outcome," which "are all part of a larger, coordinated effort to overturn the will of the American people." That is why I contributed $1.00 "to help hit DASS’ $30,000 online fundraising goal before the end of this month."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DASS is because I already donated $3.00 (with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 7, Written On June 17th, 2024, Which Also Discusses May 25th, 2024, June 2nd, 2024, June 6th, 2024, June 7th, 2024, June 10th, 2024, June 15th, 2024 And June 16th, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to this text massage regarding DASS’s online fundraising goal before the end of this month, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The third political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 27th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) that I received two days ago on June 26th, 2024, with the subject line, "[6th time asking] Do you approve?", which stated the following:

PRESIDENT BIDEN APPROVAL POLL

Just in his first term, President Biden has:

✓ Fostered the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years while creating 15.6 million jobs.

✓ Repeatedly acted to protect access to abortion.

✓ Stopped Republican attempts to cut Social Security and Medicare.

✓ Helped save more than 1 million union workers and retirees' pensions.

But during the first presidential debate TOMORROW, Donald Trump is sure to attack Biden's record.

SO TELL US:

Do you approve of Joe Biden?

[✓] YES
[ ] NO

DGA
Democratic Governors Association

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.

Email: [redacted]
Cell phone: [redacted]

Please confirm: Are you one of the 88% of Democrats who approve of the job President Biden is doing?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No

Do you approve of President Biden's vision for America?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Unsure

President Biden is campaigning 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 over 15 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 190 judges, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson!
[  ] Other:

Do you plan to vote in the 2024 election?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Unsure

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 during 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

If November's election were held today, who would you vote for?

[✓] Joe Biden
[  ] Donald Trump
[  ] Unsure
[  ] Other:

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?

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 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 will 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!]

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

DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSOCIATION

With 11 governors' races on the ballot this November, including in key toss-up states like New Hampshire and North Carolina, the blue firewall that we rely on to stop the GOP's extremist agenda is at risk. We're giving it our all to support them, but right now, we're falling dangerously short of our fundraising goals.

That's why a group of generous donors is matching all gifts up to our $25,000 goal before midnight tonight. Time is running out to have your gift DOUBLED up to our goal: Give now to elect Democratic governors and preserve our blue firewall!

Make it monthly!

[✓] No, donate once
[  ] Yes, count me in!

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic Action.

[  ] Donate $44 →

[  ] Donate $88 →

[  ] Donate $220 →

[  ] Donate $440 →

[  ] Donate $880 →

[  ] Donate $1,760 →

[✓] 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 DGA (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, in order to respond to the question, "Do you approve of Joe Biden?" with a resounding 'YES!'

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DGA is because I already donated $3.00 (with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 7, Written On June 17th, 2024, Which Also Discusses May 25th, 2024, June 2nd, 2024, June 6th, 2024, June 7th, 2024, June 10th, 2024, June 15th, 2024 And June 16th, 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 President Biden approval poll before the first presidential debate, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The fourth political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 27th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) that I received two days ago on June 26th, 2024, with the subject line, "Can you spare $1?", which stated the following:

Paul, we’re asking you to chip in $1 (yes, four quarters!) to support our candidates running in close elections.

$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 RAGA [Republican Attorneys General Association] funder and [name redacted's] vacation buddies: [Name redacted] and his dark money network.

But that’s the power of a grassroots team — $1 multiplied by every single person reading this email (that means you!) can add up to a powerful sum, able to compete with the GOP megadonors and their dark money networks.

So many of the things we care about most are on the line in November, from reproductive freedom to voting rights to climate change and more. So if we told you the dollar in your wallet could make a difference in electing more Democratic AGs and making progress on the issues you care about, would you chip in 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
[  ] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

Thanks in advance for your support,

Team DAGA

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 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 DAGA (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, in order to contribute "$1 (yes, four quarters!) to support [DAGA] candidates running in close elections," because "that’s the power of a grassroots team — $1 multiplied by every single person reading this email ... can add up to a powerful sum, able to compete with the GOP megadonors and their dark money networks."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DAGA is because I already donated $3.00 (with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 7, Written On June 17th, 2024, Which Also Discusses May 25th, 2024, June 2nd, 2024, June 6th, 2024, June 7th, 2024, June 10th, 2024, June 15th, 2024 And June 16th, 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 my $1 donation making a difference in electing more Democratic AGs in order to make progress on the issues that I care about, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The fifth political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 27th, 2024, was a text message that I received two days ago on June 26th, 2024, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:

Invitation Status: 𝙋𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙄𝙉𝙂

Paul, last week we invited you to participate in our exclusive Presidential Debate poll -- 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘧 6:50 PM 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦!

The latest data shows that over 1 in 4 voters don't plan to watch the debate…are you one of them?

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲: 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲?

[✓] 𝗬𝗘𝗦 >>***
[ ] 𝗡𝗢 >>
[ ] 𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 >>

– DCCC

DCCC

House Democratic Survey | Deadline 11:59 P.M.

Thank you so much for responding to our poll. Please take a moment to read each question carefully and answer truthfully.

Please Confirm: Will you watch the Presidential debates?

[✓] Yes!
[  ] No

SUBMIT

Thank you for responding to our poll. While we process your response, please take just a moment to answer these follow-up questions.

As of right now, do you approve of President Joe Biden?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Unsure

Which of the following do you consider President Biden's biggest accomplishments? (Please choose no more than 3)

[✓] Safeguarding democracy both at home and abroad
[  ] His nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
[  ] Rebuilding America's infrastructure by signing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
[  ] Creating over 15 million new jobs
[  ] Passing the Inflation Reduction Act to help lower costs
[✓] Investing in American manufacturing and combating the climate crisis
[✓] Signing groundbreaking new gun safety legislation
[  ] Other

Donald Trump's Presidency sowed chaos and division from day one — from overturning Roe v. Wade to inciting the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6th. Tell us, do you believe Donald Trump is fit to hold the presidency again?

[✓] Absolutely, not!
[  ] Yes, I do.

Donald Trump is being aided and abetted by his extreme MAGA allies in the House, including Speaker Mike Johnson. Electing a Democratic House Majority in 2024 could be the ONLY check on TOTAL control by Trump and Team Extreme.

Are you committed to restoring our Democratic House Majority in 2024?

[✓] YES!
[  ] No.

If you answered yes, is there any way you could rush a generous gift before midnight?

Taking back the House Majority this November is critical to stopping Donald Trump and his MAGA allies, but Republicans are raising MILLIONS to CRUSH our chances.

We are just hours away from our midnight deadline, and we are in danger of MISSING our goal. Please, can you chip in at least $15 to the DCCC before midnight to help close the fundraising gap, put an end to the MAGA money machine, and take back the House?

[  ] YES! I CAN PITCH IN $15 TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >>
[  ] YES! I CAN PITCH IN $21.63 TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >> (THIS IS WHAT MOST DEMOCRATS ARE GIVING THIS YEAR!)
[  ] YES! I CAN PITCH IN $35 TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >>
[  ] YES! I CAN PITCH IN $50 TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >>
[✓] YES! I CAN PITCH IN ANOTHER AMOUNT TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >>

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

[DCCC logo] 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 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 the DCCC.

[✓] Donate $1 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DCCC (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, in order to respond to the question, "Will you watch the first Presidential Debate?" with a resounding 'YES!'

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DCCC is because I already donated $4.00 (with a $0.28 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 6, Which Also Discusses June 15th, 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 a poll to see if I will be watching the first Presidential Debate, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The sixth political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 27th, 2024, was an email from the Biden for President campaign that I received yesterday, with the subject line, "Please open before tonight’s debate →", which stated the following:

Biden-Harris 2024

Paul -- President Biden is debating Donald Trump in just a few hours. We're counting on you to tune in and, if you're able to, make a contribution to this campaign.

I'm inspired by Joe's decency, his honesty, his strength, and his relentless optimism. He knows that the measure of true leadership is who you lift up, not who you beat down. It's an honor to serve alongside him.

To win this election, defend democracy, and make more progress for the American people, we need a groundswell of support. Especially today. That's why I have to ask:

Will you chip in $25 -- or even more -- to show your support for Joe and help our campaign defeat Trump? I know you contribute every month and I want you to know how much every donation means to us. It makes a difference.

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

[  ] $25 >>
[  ] $50 >>
[  ] $75 >>
[  ] $100 >>
[  ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***

Kamala Harris
Vice 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

Stand with Joe Biden: Rush a donation before the debate begins!

Joe is debating Donald Trump tonight. We need to show our support for our President. Will you rush a donation before the debate begins?

Donate Immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Joe Biden.

[✓] Donate $1 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $125 →

[  ] Other amount:

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 for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, in order to "stand with Joe Biden ... before the debate begins ... to show our support for our President."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Biden for President campaign is because I already donated $3.00 (with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 7, Written On June 17th, 2024, Which Also Discusses May 25th, 2024, June 2nd, 2024, June 6th, 2024, June 7th, 2024, June 10th, 2024, June 15th, 2024 And June 16th, 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 showing my support for Joe Biden before debating Donald Trump, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The seventh political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 27th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) that I received yesterday, with the subject line, "Is there ANYTHING we can say before tonight's debate?", which stated the following:

Democrats,

Tonight is a critically important night for President Biden and for the Democratic Party. And we are writing to ask if there is ANYTHING we can say to convince you to make one more $35 contribution to the Democratic National Committee?

What if we told you that Donald Trump just launched his first ads of the general election in swing states across the country?

What if we told you that he was able to do so because of his record fundraising after his guilty verdict and is sure to raise even more money tonight, after his sentencing, and during the Republican convention?

And what if we told you that this week is also an FEC deadline and that everything we raise (and Trump and the RNC) will be public? Everyone will be watching.

This is an all-hands-on-deck day for Democrats. Joe Biden needs you. Candidates up-and-down the ballot need you.

Can Joe Biden and Democrats everywhere count on you to make a $35 contribution directly to the Democratic National Committee today? Every donation means a lot.

If you've saved 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: OTHER***

Thank you in advance for donating before tonight's debate begins and our FEC deadline ends. It means a lot.

The Democratic Party

Donate to the DNC ahead of our end-of-quarter fundraising deadline and help elect Democrats nationwide!

Trump and his far-right allies are raising millions of dollars to lift up extreme MAGA Republican candidates running at all levels across the country.

We're counting on this grassroots team to help us fight back and invest in the resources our candidates rely on to compete and win year after year. Rush a donation today >>

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC).

[✓] Donate $1 →

[  ] Donate $20 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $2,000 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DNC (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, because "before tonight's debate ... this is an all-hands-on-deck day for Democrats," and "Joe Biden needs [me]," as well as "candidates up-and-down the ballot need [me]."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DNC is because I already donated $4.00 (with a $0.28 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses May 18th, 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 contributing before the debate, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The eighth political communication to which I responded yesterday, June 27th, 2024, was a text message that I received yesterday, from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), which stated the following:

Paul, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱-𝘁𝗼-𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Every time he takes the stage, Donald Trump spews hate and lies and pushes for an 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦 far-right agenda -- so we need to make sure our opposition is rock solid before the debate!

Right now, we don't know if YOU are committed to opposing Trump BEFORE he takes the stage, so please tell us before the debate begins:

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽?
Yes:***
No:

- DSCC

DSCC
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

Reject Trump | Debate Survey

Thank you for your input! Please help our Democratic strategy team by answering the following questions:

First, please confirm before the debate that you DEFINITELY WON'T support Trump:

[✓] Yes, I reject Trump 100%!
[  ] No, I might support Trump.

What do you think Trump's biggest weakness will be on the debate stage? (Select all that apply.)

[✓] He doesn't care about facts or evidence.
[✓] His temper makes him lose control.
[✓] He relies on hate and lies to make his points.
[✓] He doesn't make sense when he speaks.
[✓] He interrupts and acts rudely.
[✓] He does not respect the moderators.
[✓] He's pushing an extreme, far-right agenda that Americans oppose.
[  ] Other:

At the debate, Biden and Trump will compare their records on a wide range of issues.

Which issues do you believe President Biden has handled better than Donald Trump? (Select all that apply.)

[✓] Reproductive rights
[✓] Combating inflation
[✓] Social Security
[✓] Health care
[✓] Foreign policy
[✓] LGBTQ+ equality
[✓] Climate change
[✓] Gun safety
[✓] Immigration
[✓] Appointing Supreme Court justices
[✓] Raising the minimum wage
[✓] Infrastructure
[✓] Education
[  ] Other:

President Biden's accomplishments and Donald Trump's disastrous record share one thing in common: Both were made possible because their party controlled the Senate!

How concerned are you by the prospect of Trump's MAGA Senate enablers returning to power?

[✓] Extremely concerned!
[  ] Somewhat concerned.
[  ] Not at all concerned.

We need to hit every single fundraising goal between now and Election Day to stop Trump's ultra-MAGA allies from winning in November. But with just days to go until our end-of-quarter deadline, we aren't on track to raise the $500,000 we need to defend the Senate!

We need you with us, so please: Will you chip in $30 (becomes $120 with today's Triple-Match active!) or whatever you can to fight for a Democratic Senate?

Please use the links below to start a monthly donation through ActBlue:

[  ] Yes, I'll chip in $30 (becomes $120)!
[  ] Yes, I'll chip in $60 (becomes $240)!
[  ] Yes, I'll chip in $90 (becomes $360)!
[✓] Yes, but I'd like to choose a different amount to chip in.*

*[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

Triple-Match Activated! MAXIMIZE 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?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit DSCC.

[✓] Donate $1 →

[  ] Donate $120 →

[  ] Donate $300 →

[  ] Donate $600 →

[  ] Donate $1,200 →

[  ] Donate $2,400 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DSCC (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, in order to respond to the question, "Will you confirm you DEFINITELY WON'T support Trump?" with a resounding 'Yes!'

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DSCC is because I already donated $3.00 (with a $0.21 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 7, Written On June 17th, 2024, Which Also Discusses May 25th, 2024, June 2nd, 2024, June 6th, 2024, June 7th, 2024, June 10th, 2024, June 15th, 2024 And June 16th, 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 showing that I am committed to opposing Trump before the first debate, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

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 the Biden Victory Fund based upon the ActBlue donation webpage text, which stated the following:

Biden Victory Fund

Donate to support Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Democrats nationwide.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Biden Victory Fund.

[✓] Donate $1 →

[  ] Donate $46 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000→

[  ] Donate $2,000→

[  ] Other

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 (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, in order to "support Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Democrats nationwide."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Biden Victory Fund is because I already donated $4.00 (with a $0.28 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 5, Which Also Discusses June 15th, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to contribute for the 2nd End of the Quarter 2024 FEC Deadline, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The tenth organization to which I donated was the Democratic Party of Oregon based upon the ActBlue donation webpage text, which stated the following:

DEMOCRATIC PARTY of OREGON

Donate to support Oregon Democrats!

Your donation could qualify you for the Oregon Political Tax Credit.

It's like a free $50 donation (or $100 for joint-filing couples).

You can qualify if:
[✓] You are an Oregon resident
[✓] You will submit an Oregon tax return for 2021
[✓] You will make less than $75,000 in 2021 (or $150,000 for joint-filing couples)

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic Party of Oregon Federal Account.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500→

[  ] Donate $1,000→

[✓] Other $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 Democratic Party of Oregon (without a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, June 27th, 2024, in order to "support Oregon Democrats!"

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Democratic Party of Oregon is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses June 10th, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to contribute for the 2nd End of the Quarter 2024 FEC Deadline, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

Thus, these eight organizations—the DLCC, the DASS, the DGA, the DAGA, the DCCC, the DNC and the DSCC—in addition to these two campaigns—Biden for President, as well as the Biden Victory Fund—are the political organizations, and the political campaigns, that I donated to on June 27th, 2024! –Paul Whiting (written June 28th, 2024, revised June 29th, 2024, revised July 3rd, 2024, revised July 5th, 2024, revised July 11th, 2024, revised August 27th, 2024, revised September 26th, 2024 and revised September 30th, 2024)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
June 27th, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On June 28th, 2024 (Follow-Up, Written On June 29th, 2024) [June 29th, 2024 Update No. 1]: I received an email from the Biden for President campaign today, June 29th, 2024, with the subject line, "7 Things To Tell Your Friends After The Debate -- And 4 Things You Can Do", which stated the following:

Biden-Harris 2024

Hey, Paul--

If you're like me, you're getting lots of texts or calls from folks about the state of the race after Thursday. Maybe it was your panicked aunt, your MAGA uncle, or some self-important Podcasters. It's a tough position to be in, so I thought it might be helpful to send you a few responses.

1. Yes, the debate started rough, but voters saw what a threat Donald Trump is to the country. It was more than just lying -- though he did plenty of that. Trump:

° Defended the end of Roe v. Wade, saying "it's been a great thing."

° Said that the pro-Trump Nazi march in Charlottesville was "made up."

° Said on January 6th that "we were respected all over the world."

° Defended his 34 felony convictions, saying the system was "rigged" and he did nothing wrong.

2. Actual voters perceived this debate very differently than those who pay attention to politics a lot (like everyone who is getting this email and everyone who goes on cable news).
Breaking news: People think Joe Biden's old. They did coming into the debate, they do coming out of the debate. At the same time, though, a lot of people have rose-colored glasses about the Trump years. The most important thing about the debate was always going to be that people were reminded of what they hate about Donald Trump: that he's unhinged, out for revenge, and in it for himself. And they were reminded, in a powerful way.

Flash polls from CNN, 538, SurveyUSA, Morning Consult, and Data for Progress show what we expected: the debate did not change the horserace. In fact, following the debate, our internal dials showed President Biden led Trump on key measures of being presidential, speaking to the issues that matter, and being likable by more than 20 points.

3. That's because the long-term impact of debates is overstated anyway. Let us all remember that Barack Obama lost the first debate in 2012 (and the media panicked too!). Bush lost in 2004. Ronald Reagan lost the first debate in 1984. They, as you'll recall, won their elections. And those debates were in October, not June!

4. 90 minutes does not negate 3 ½ years of results.
Joe Biden is extremely good at being president. Let's not forget that the guy up on stage:

° Expanded health care to millions of families

° Lowered the price of insulin to $35 for seniors

° Created more jobs than any president in history

° Vaccinated the country and reopened our schools

° Took the largest climate action in the history of the world

° Canceled student loans for nearly 5 million people

° Rallied the world in support of Ukraine, and expanded NATO while doing it

° Passed the largest national funding for passenger rail since the founding of Amtrak

° Banned chokeholds and no-knock entries by federal law enforcement, and restricted the transfer of military equipment to police departments

° Passed the largest investment in bridges and roads in our history

° Pardoned thousands of Americans federally convicted of marijuana possession

° Expanded benefits to veterans who have been exposed to toxic chemicals

° Officially protected same-sex marriage federally

° Passed the first gun violence prevention bill in 30 years

° Saved the pensions of more than 1 million union workers

° Averted a banking crisis (remember that?)

° Expanded paid overtime to working families

° Made birth control pills available over the counter

° Made renewable energy the #2 source of electricity in America

° Moved to reschedule marijuana

° Shifted the microchip supply chain back to the United States

° Put the first Black woman on the Supreme Court

° And that's really all I have time to list out here!

The day after the debate, Joe Biden gave a fiery, defiant speech, where he tackled concerns about his age head-on.
I don't know if you were watching, but Joe Biden left the debate stage, spoke at a rally, went to Waffle House https://x.com/JoeBiden/status/1807072874701750334?utm_medium=email&utm_source=an&utm_campaign=jb_em_fr_20240629_b7_rf_tier1_rtb_eoq_fl_na-urg&link_id=6&can_id=2ad615ab0e39d0942d678cd2c349240b&email_referrer=email_2373535&email_subject=7-things-to-tell-your-friends-after-the-debate-and-4-things-you-can-do, got on a plane, flew to Raleigh, hung out with 200 supporters on the tarmac, went to bed, woke up, gave an amazing speech, got back on a plane, went to New York, visited Stonewall with Elton John, and then spoke at a pride gala for LGBTQ+ supporters.

The speech in Raleigh, by the way, has millions of views online, and you should watch and share it yourself:

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

[START OF 'POST' ON "X," FORMERLY TWITTER]

Joe Biden
@JoeBiden

Folks, I might not walk as easily or talk as smoothly as I used to.

I might not debate as well as I used to.

But what I do know is how to tell the truth.

[start of imbedded video image]

Raleigh, NC
1:31 PM ET

BREAKING NEWS LIVE CNN
BIDEN: "I INTEND TO WIN THIS ELECTION"

[end of imbedded video image]

From Biden-Harris HQ
1:48 PM - Jun 28, 2024 - 31.9M Views

[END OF 'POST' ON "X," FORMERLY TWITTER]

https://x.com/JoeBiden/status/1806746426904379543?utm_medium=email&utm_source=an&utm_campaign=jb_em_fr_20240629_b7_rf_tier1_rtb_eoq_fl_na-urg&link_id=7&can_id=2ad615ab0e39d0942d678cd2c349240b&email_referrer=email_2373535&email_subject=7-things-to-tell-your-friends-after-the-debate-and-4-things-you-can-do

[Blogger's Note: I watched the video on 'X' (formerly Twitter) above that is titled, "BIDEN: 'I INTEND TO WIN THIS ELECTION'"]

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

6. The bedwetting brigade is calling for Joe Biden to "drop out." That is the best possible way for Donald Trump to win and us to lose.
First of all: Joe Biden is going to be the Democratic nominee, period. End of story. Voters voted. He won overwhelmingly. And if he were to drop out, it would lead to weeks of chaos, internal foodfighting, and a bunch of candidates who limp into a brutal floor fight at the convention, all while Donald Trump has time to speak to American voters uncontested. All of that would be in service of a nominee who would go into a general election in the weakest possible position with zero dollars in their bank account. You want a highway to losing? It's that.

And at the end of the day, we'd switch to candidates who would, according to polls, be less likely to win than Joe Biden -- the only person ever to defeat Donald Trump.

[Screenshot of polling graphic by Data For Progress titled, "Leading Democrats Fare Similarly in Head-to-Heads Against Trump" regarding a June 28th, 2024 survey of 1,011 U.S. likely voters that poses the question, "If the November 2024 election for U.S. president was being held tomorrow, and these were the candidates, who would you vote for?"]

7. Joe Biden is the Democratic nominee, period. Rather than worrying about polls, our supporters are getting on board.
Did you see the awesome clips of our supporters on the tarmac doing the Cupid Shuffle at 2am on the night of the debate? The biggest rally of our campaign yet on Friday? Well, no, probably not, because the media is busy hyperventilating and trying to manifest drama to boost ratings. But this isn't Aaron Sorkin's fever dream. It's Joe Biden's reelection campaign.

While they were spinning out, our grassroots supporters got to work and:

° Raised us $27 million in two days

° Signed up for three times as many volunteer shifts as on an average day

° Attended more than 1,500 events nationwide

We even had three times as many people as usual apply to campaign jobs yesterday. Mercifully, while the beltway pundits are spending their time attacking Joe Biden, our people are more focused than ever.

Smart folks -- folks that care about defeating Donald Trump and winning this election -- have identified that the best way to help right now is by helping, and not by kicking their feet up and telling everyone around them to panic.

This brings me to what you can do right now.

1. Donate to our campaign. Seriously, it makes a difference. Of that $27 million, the vast vast majority comes from $5, $10, $25 donations. We are a campaign of grassroots supporters -- and we need you now more than ever.

DONATE NOW >>

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/em-bfp-june-2024

2. Share why you support the President on social media. The internet is not real life, but your friends really are. Every social media post supporting the President reaches real voters, and also helps us counteract the negative narrative around the President. You don't need to do anything fancy to post, but if you want to let us know how it went, sign up here:

SHARE NOW >>

https://app.reach.vote/login

3. Sign up for a volunteer shift. Talking to voters is more important than fretting about polls. There's an organizer in your neighborhood who would love to talk to you. Sign up here:

VOLUNTEER NOW >>

https://app.reach.vote/login

4. Forward this email to someone who you think needs to see it. And tell them to sign up for our email list:

https://web.joebiden.com/forms/take-action-for-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris

And lastly, but most importantly, you've got to keep the faith. I've worked for Joe Biden for five years, which is a pretty short tenure comparatively. I've watched as people counted him out after Iowa in 2020, and then he won. I've watched as they said there was no way he could win the general election (do not think I have forgotten the week of New York Times opinion pieces about how Joe Biden needed to change his campaign strategy), and then he won. I've watched as people said his legislative agenda was dead, and then he passed the Inflation Reduction Act. I've watched as people said he'd get cooked in the midterms, and then Democrats had historic wins.

There is no candidate who is better when he's backed into a corner, and there is no team that is better when we come together to do big things. That's because we, like him, keep our heads down and do the work.

As the President says, when you get knocked down, you get back up again. And as some poets once said: you're never going to keep him down.

Thanks for being in this with us.

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Biden for President

"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

And so, I wanted to share this email from the Biden for President campaign in order to show my support for this "7 Things To Tell Your Friends After The Debate -- And 4 Things You Can Do" email message! –Paul Whiting (June 29th, 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 Biden for President campaign on June 16th, 2024 (please see my 'June 16th, 2024 Update No. 7, Written On June 17th, 2024, Which Also Discusses May 25th, 2024, June 2nd, 2024, Jun 6th, 2024, June 7th, 2024, June 10th, 2024, June 15th, 2024 And June 16th, 2024' that can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to the Biden for President campaign for June 2024.

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

June 30th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On July 1st, 2024 About June 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

▪ April 30th, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On May 1st, 2024 About April 2024

▪ May 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On June 1st, 2024 About May 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, June 30th, 2024, was the last day of June 2024, I wanted to provide you with June's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

June 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15.87% {15.87798579728%}

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

[01] National Black Justice Collective Institute: 0.07% {0.06907682375%}
[02] SPARK Reproductive Justice Now: 0.07% {0.06907682375%}
[03] Trans Empowerment Project: 0.07% {0.06907682375%}
[04] Waves Ahead: 0.07% {0.06907682375%}
[05] NARF (Native Amer. Rights Fund): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[06] March For Our Lives: 0.52% {0.51646223369%}
[07] Brady United: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[08] Toys for Tots: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[09] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 2.26% {2.25952227243%}
[10] PPAF (Plan. Parent. Act. Fund): 0.65% {0.64880568108%}
-------Please see [11] below-------
[12] Ban Assault Weapons NOW: 0.55% {0.55261459005%}
[13] DNC (Dem. Nation. Cam. Comm.): 0.34% {0.34086507424%}
[14] DLCC (Dem. Legis. Cam. Comm.): 0.34% {0.34086507424%}
[15] Non-Categorized Political: 0.28% {0.27630729502%}
[16] DPO (Dem. Party of Ore.): 0.41% {0.40994189799%}
[17] BVF (Biden Victory Fund): 0.34% {0.34086507424%}
[18] DCCC (Dem. Congress. Cam. Comm.): 0.34% {0.34086507424%}
[19] Jane Fonda Climate PAC: 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[20] DSCC (Dem. Senate. Cam. Comm.): 0.27% {0.27178825048%}
[21] DAGA (Dem. Attorneys. Gen. Assoc.): 0.27% {0.27178825048%}
[22] Voto Latino: 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[23] VoteVets: 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[24] DASS (Dem. Assoc. Secr. of State): 0.27% {0.27178825048%}
[25] BFP (Biden for President): 0.27% {0.27178825048%}
[26] DGA (Dem. Govern. Assoc.): 0.27% {0.27178825048%}
[27] EMILYs List: 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[28] Rolling Sea PAC: 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[29] Voters of Tomorrow PAC: 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[30] Monthly Political: 2.32% {2.32408005164%}
-------Please see [31] below-------
[32] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 1.10% {1.09748224661%}
[33] Doctors w/o Borders: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[34] USA for UNHCR: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[35] Four Directions Native Vote: 0.39% {0.38734667527%}
[36] PPFA (Plan. Parent. Feder. of Amer.): 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[37] The Salvation Army: 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[38] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[39] WWP (Wounded Warrior Project): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}

Monthly Income Total Percentage Calculation:

0.28 {4 × 0.07%}
+ 2.24% {7 × 0.32%}
+ 0.52%
+ 2.26%
+ 0.65%
+ 0.55%
+ 1.36% {4 × 0.34%}
+ 0.28%
+ 0.41%
+ 1.26% {6 × 0.21%}
+ 1.35% {5 × 0.27%}
+ 2.32%
+ 1.10%
+ 0.39%
+ 0.90% {2 × 0.45%}
= 15.87%

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

[11] Credit Card Purchases: 10.73% {10.72627501613%}
[31] Monthly Interest: 6.83% {6.83279535183%}

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 17.56% {17.55907036797%}

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for June 2024: 33.43% {33.43705616526%}

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 June 2024 (the first one on June 16th and the second one on June 27th) 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 sixth 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 2nd 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 July 1st, 2024, revised August 1st, 2024, revised September 4th, 2024 and revised September 5th, 2024)

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YEAR 2024 UPDATES FOR JULY:

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July 2nd, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, July 2nd, 2024, with the subject line, "No person, no president is above the law, Paul.", which stated the following:

Paul –

The Supreme Court recently declared that criminal law doesn't apply when you're Donald Trump – or any other president using the powers of the office. Presidents who use their official powers to commit crimes are now presumptively immune from criminal accountability – even after they leave office.

The ruling goes against everything our country's constitution has ever represented. Without immediate action from Congress to overrule this ruling, we cannot truly claim to be in a democracy in which all are equal before the law: Contact your reps now and demand a constitutional amendment.

Justice Sotomayor warned us about this ruling: "In every use of official power, the President is now a king above the law."

TELL CONGRESS TO ACT

https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-congress-america-elects-presidents-not-kings

Let's be clear on how ruinous this decision is – and how important it is for us to shut it down fast. The ruling means a president could use the Armed Forces against political opponents. And as long as their actions are "official," they'll be immune from criminal prosecution for the rest of their lives. That's not a democracy, Paul. That's tyranny.

For Congress to refuse to do anything to stop this, is a failure to do its job. We – the people – cannot and will not allow that to happen.

Tell your reps and senators that this is the moment to act: Urge them to pass a constitutional amendment reestablishing criminal accountability for the president now.

For our democracy,

The ACLU Team

DONATE NOW

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

TELL CONGRESS: AMERICA ELECTS
PRESIDENTS, NOT KINGS

The Supreme Court has just declared that criminal law doesn't apply when you're Donald Trump – or any other president using the powers of the office. Presidents who use their official powers to commit crimes are now presumptively immune from criminal accountability – even after they leave office.

That means a president could commit absolute atrocities in office – turning the Armed Forces against political opponents, using the Justice Department to investigate or prosecute critics of the president, or worse – and as long as their actions are "official," they'll be immune from criminal prosecution.

We cannot let this ruling stand – so we're calling on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning it.

Inaction from Congress (or the people) at this moment is unacceptable. If our representatives cannot act now – when the Supreme Court has just presented our democracy with an immediate existential threat – then they cannot legislate at all.

Tell Congress: Pass a constitutional amendment restoring presidential liability – because those who criminally abuse the office must be held accountable. No one is above the law: We elect presidents, NOT kings.

Message Recipients:
Your U.S. Senators and House Representatives

Message Subject:
No Kings in America: Pass a Constitutional Amendment Now

The Supreme Court ruling immunizing former President Donald Trump against any criminal responsibility for official acts in violation of criminal law is egregious. We cannot allow anyone elected president to commit crimes without criminal liability. A president who knows they can commit crimes with impunity is dangerous. We must be able to hold our elected officials accountable.

As your constituent, I'm calling on you – and all of Congress – to pass a constitutional amendment as quickly as possible restoring checks and balances to our government and reining in this extreme expansion of presidential power.

Justice Sotomayor described this ruling best: "In every use of official power, the President is now a king above the law."

This ruling goes against everything our country's laws and constitution have ever represented. Without immediate action from Congress to overrule this ruling, we cannot truly claim to be in a democracy in which all are equal before the law.

We cannot wait for further catastrophe to strike before taking action. This ruling is a direct threat to the rule of law, and provides a free pass to presidents to use the power of their office to commit the most blatant crimes and not fear prosecution.

If Congress refuses to act at this moment, know that voters are watching. Inaction now is a failure of the government to do its job at all.

Congress must act now to pass a constitutional amendment reestablishing criminal accountability for the president.

Sincerely,

Paul Whiting

Salutation: Mr.
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Address: [redacted]
Zip Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]
E-mail address: [redacted]

Send

And, after I sent the letter above, I received a confirmation email today, July 2nd, 2024, from the ACLU with the subject line, "One more thing - can you spread the word?", which stated the following:

ACLU

Thank you for taking action to protect democracy.

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

Thank you,

The ACLU Team

----

Hi friend,

The Supreme Court has just declared that criminal law doesn't apply when you're Donald Trump – or any other president using the powers of the office. But no one should be above the law. We elect presidents, NOT kings.

That's why I just joined the ACLU in calling on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning this ruinous decision.

Will you join me now and send a message to protect our democracy?

aclu.org/noimmunity

Thanks.

Then, after I sent the letter above to my U.S. House Representative and Senators in Congress, via the ACLU website, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU in order to show my support for "calling on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning this ruinous decision," since "the Supreme Court recently declared that criminal law doesn't apply when you're Donald Trump – or any other president using the powers of the office." –Paul Whiting (July 2nd, 2024)

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July 3rd, 2024 Update No. 1: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] 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 $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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.

...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! ...

...In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The only political communication to which I responded was an email from Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC [Ban Assault Weapons NOW (BAWN) Political Action Committee, or BAWN PAC] today, July 3rd, 2024, with the subject line, "RE: Fourth of July", which stated the following:

I’m [name redacted], a survivor of the Highland Park mass shooting. Since then I’ve been working to fight for an end to gun violence and mass shootings nationwide. Last year, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the state's ban on assault weapons, in a major win for our movement. But we won’t quit until every state bans assault weapons. Just last month, Trump’s handpicked conservative majority on the Supreme Court STRUCK DOWN the ban on bump stock devices – and his MAGA loyalists in Congress want to stuff the courts with even more judges who will also stand in the way of gun safety legislation. It’s clear that our work is far from over. So, I’m about to ask you for $3 to join our fight today by supporting [name redacted] and the Tour to Save Democracy. But first, I'll explain why we need your help and why the Tour is so important. >>***

Here’s my story, which is but one of thousands and thousands of similar stories experienced by gun violence survivors and victims in the United States each year:

Two years ago, my family and I dressed up in red, white, and blue to celebrate our country at Highland Park, IL’s [Illinois's] annual July 4th parade. We watched as the floats filled with smiling children passed by. We clapped to the beat of the drums as the marching band began to play.

And then, the rat-tat-tat of drums was interrupted by another, foreign sound - that of bullets, rapid firing from an AR-15 - spraying indiscriminately into the crowds of children, parents, and grandparents. We heard the screams. We saw the confusion and chaos. And we ran.

Luckily, we made it out safely. But many others were not so lucky.

Two years ago at the Highland Park 4th of July parade, 7 innocent people were murdered by a shooter with an AR-15-style weapon. Their bodies were destroyed, left bloody and unrecognizable by the wreckage of a single assault weapon. 48 others were injured by bullets or shrapnel. A toddler was orphaned, an 8-year-old was paralyzed, and a mother’s unborn child miscarried.

In less than 50 seconds, the shooter fired off 83 rounds that ripped through glass, concrete, bricks, flesh, and bone.

Two years ago, my community was ravaged by a mass shooting that has forever changed Highland Park. If it can happen in my community, it can happen anywhere.

Because of my experience and that of so many others across the country, I’m advocating for change at the federal level to ensure that our country can once again be a safer place. A place where we can go to the grocery store, to the theater, to a concert, to an elementary school, or to a parade without fear.

Our children deserve better. Our families deserve better. We deserve better.

I’m proud to work with BAWN and the Tour to Save Democracy to help elect gun safety champions in government and to ban assault weapons. But we need your help too. We need 850 more gifts in the next 24 hours to hit our goal and help the Tour. And in turn, the Tour will be traveling across the country to support candidates in swing districts dedicated to preventing another tragedy like the Highland Park shooting. We need your help so that we can honor with action those stolen from us on July 4th, 2022, and in so many other tragic shootings. Can I count on you to chip in $3 now? Contributions help cover the costs of the Tour, like gas and food. >>***

I’m proud to have joined [name redacted] and BAWN in Washington D.C. in June 2023 to demand Congress take action to ban assault weapons.

And now I’m proud to support [name redacted] and the Tour to Save Democracy ahead of their launch on July 12th.

The Tour to Save Democracy is covering over 4,400 miles and visiting 20 swing districts to rally Gen Z voters around the gun safety Democrats running to unseat the spineless, vulnerable Republicans like those who BLOCKED the vote on a federal assault weapons ban that [name redacted], other survivors, and I fought so hard for at our sit in.

Please join the fight too. The Tour To Save Democracy needs help raising 850 gifts in 24 hours to fuel their efforts to replace any Republican lawmaker who stands in the way of gun safety legislation with a strong Democrat. Will you rush $3 now to help us continue the fight for a federal assault weapons ban and elect candidates who have the guts to do what’s right? It would mean so much to me to have your support. >>***

[  ] Chip in $3 now >>
[  ] Chip in $6 now >>
[  ] Chip in $9 now >>
[  ] Chip in $12 now >>
[✓] Chip in another amount now >>***

In gratitude for your support,

[Name redacted]
Survivor of the Highland Park Shooting and Gun Violence Prevention Advocate

CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOUR TO SAVE DEMOCRACY!

BAWN is partnering with [name redacted] as he embarks on a summer tour to save our democracy. [Name redacted] and a collective of Gen Z activists will bus across the nation stopping in Republican-held swing districts to rally young voters, flip these seats blue, and elect strong gun safety Democrats.

But [name redacted] is counting on grassroots support to fund his tour and make it possible.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight? Your contribution will directly support necessary parts of [name redacted's] tour, like gas, food, and lodging expenses.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC.

[  ] 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 Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC) (with a tip to ActBlue) because "the Tour To Save Democracy needs help raising 850 gifts in 24 hours to fuel their efforts to replace any Republican lawmaker who stands in the way of gun safety legislation with a strong Democrat." That is why I contributed to "rush [$5] now to help [BAWN] continue the fight for a federal assault weapons ban and elect candidates who have the guts to do what’s right."

Thus, this one Political Action Committee (PAC)—Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC)—is the PAC that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (July 3rd, 2024)

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July 3rd, 2024 Update No. 2: I received a text message today, July 3rd, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence, which stated the following:

Two years ago tomorrow, a shooter used an assault weapon to kill seven people, wound dozens of others, and traumatize thousands during a July 4th parade in Highland Park, IL [Illinois].

Today, the harrowing reality is that we are ALL Highland Park — including you, Paul. Whether marching in a parade, in class at school, or simply walking down the street, we are ALL at risk of becoming victims of gun violence.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲.

Tell us before midnight tonight: Should Congress ban military-style assault weapons?

YES:***
NO:

Team Brady

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 "two years ago tomorrow, a shooter used an assault weapon to kill seven people, wound dozens of others, and traumatize thousands during a July 4th parade in Highland Park, IL." That is why I answered the question "Should Congress ban military-style assault weapons?" with a resounding 'YES!' –Paul Whiting (written July 3rd, 2024 and revised August 14th, 2024)

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July 4th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 10th, 2024: Happy Independence Day, everyone!

I received a mailer from Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) twenty four days ago on June 10th, 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

Please display your free car magnet — on Independence Day and every day — to show your support for wounded warriors!

Dear Mr. Whiting,

I was honored to fight for my country for nearly 30 years.

I joined the U.S. Army a year after finishing high school, and I was proud to do everything I could to defend our nation.

But parts of my service didn't turn out quite like I expected. It's a story of pain, of all that I endured during my service and after.

But it's also a story of strength. I'm still fighting and I'm winning.

And one big reason I'm on a path of healing today is the support I've received from Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) thanks to generous people like you. I truly appreciate your commitment!

And I want you to know this. After veterans like me return from our service in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, we are looking for a sign. A sign of hope.

We need to know our service is respected. We need to know our sacrifice has not been forgotten. Because that would be the most terrible injury of all.

And we really need to know there are grateful Americans out there, like you, who we can turn to for urgent help as we adjust to life with war injuries.

That's why I'm enclosing your free 2024 car magnet today. I'm hoping you'll display it proudly in the weeks leading up to Independence Day as a symbol of your respect for wounded warriors and your lasting commitment. For veterans like me, it's a sign of hope!

Please provide more of the critical help and hope that are needed now by, making your most generous Independence Day gift of $15, $18, or even $21 today. Thank you!

Be extra generous, if you can, to help address the urgent need for care that so many brave veterans are currently facing now. You can even sign and return the enclosed card, with your gift, to show your sincere appreciation to a wounded veteran!

I felt proud to be given the responsibility to serve my country, but I also experienced trauma while serving.

I fought bravely, trying to be a good soldier, bottling up my pain and emotions despite all the turmoil it was causing me.

But it got to be too much. It hit all at once in 2012 during my deployment in Afghanistan. The memories of the death and suffering I saw - all this stuff came crashing down. I couldn't take it anymore. I felt like I was in quicksand.

Finally, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe depression, and anxiety. WWP was there for me. The sessions with my WWP Talk counselor gave me a glimmer of hope. I just had to keep holding onto the lifeline he had thrown to me.

Eventually, WWP got me out of the quicksand and to a place where I could go on with my life. Knowing that somebody had my back — that I was supported and somebody cared — that's why I'm still here.

And you're still here, too. You'll never stop honoring the women and men who have fought for our country and our freedom. Thank you!

Today, with Independence Day on the way, please show your patriotic spirit and compassion once again by displaying your car magnet and sending your gift to WWP.

Independence Day is a day to celebrate our freedom. But it's also a day to remember that freedom isn't free.

Every woman and man who has proudly worn the uniform of the U.S. military has sacrificed for it. We have a responsibility to serve our injured veterans!

It's truly one of the most important times to show your support for America's wounded warriors. I'd be so grateful if you'd give today. Thank you!

With gratitude,

[Name redacted]
Wounded Warrior

P.S. Independence Day is coming soon, and your new car magnet is the perfect way to show veterans and service members you honor their service — not just one day, but every day of the year! Today, please make your most generous donation to help more wounded warriors. When you do, be sure to sign and return the enclosed thank-you card for an injured veteran. Thank you for sending your gift!

"QR code message": Scan here to give: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

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★ MY INDEPENDENCE DAY GIFT TO HELP AMERICA'S HEROES ★

[✓] YES, I received my patriotic car magnet to honor our wounded heroes. To help more heroes regain their independence, I'm enclosing a special contribution of:

[  ] $15
[  ] $18 ← Can you spare this much?
[  ] $21
[  ] $24
[✓] My best gift of $7.00

To donate online, go to supportwwp.org/wwp:

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

[  ] My check is enclosed and made out to Wounded Warrior Project.
[  ] Please charge my credit card.
(Please complete form on reverse.)

Every gift makes a positive impact!
Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law.

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]

And so, I made a one-time donation to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) today, July 4th, 2024, in order to show my appreciation for the free 2024 car magnet! Plus, I signed "the enclosed thank-you card ... to show [my] sincere appreciation to a wounded veteran!" 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 July 4th, 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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For my "July 4th, 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:

July 4th, 2024 Update No. 2: Happy Independence Day, everyone!

In celebration of Independence Day (which is usually more informally referred to as the 'Fourth of July'—or sometimes the '4th of July'—in the United States of America), I did a Google search for "4th of July USO" and found the following USO (United Service Organizations) search result regarding the 'Fourth of July':

United Service Organizations

Sign the Card: Thank Our Troops This Fourth of July

This Fourth of July, we're trying to show our brave military heroes how much we appreciate the sacrifices they make to protect our freedom. ...

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

★★★USO★★★

75,000 signatures needed to hit our goal!

→→→→→→66,506

This Fourth of July, we're trying to show our brave military heroes how much we appreciate the sacrifices they make to protect our freedom. Sign the USO's Independence Day card now to thank our troops!

Happy Fourth of July! Thank you for everything you do to protect our freedom and keep us safe.

Sincerely,

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

SIGN THE CARD

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

Thanks for signing the card! Will you take a few minutes to complete a quick survey about supporting all of our nation's heroes?

From scorching deserts in Iraqi summers to frozen mountaintops in Afghan winters, our troops endure harsh conditions to keep folks like us safe. How important is it to you to support our service members deployed far from home?

[✓] Extremely important
[  ] Very important
[  ] Somewhat important
[  ] Not at all important

The USO gives our service members the support they need to keep their spirits up, from phone calls home to A-list entertainment. Do you think it's important to keep troops' morale high by letting them know patriotic Americans back home stand with them?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No

Hundreds of thousands of service members are currently deployed overseas, putting themselves in harm's way in dangerous combat zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Have you or a family member or friend ever served in the military?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No

Our service members make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe, missing special moments like the first day of school or a baby's first steps while deployed far from home. How important do you think it is to help our troops stay connected to family back home during deployment?

[✓] Extremely important
[  ] Important
[  ] Somewhat important
[  ] Not at all important

A Navy lieutenant commander recently told us that USO Care Packages are a "constant reminder to those of us out 'in the sandbox' that we are not forgotten and folks back home actually care."

Now, as we work to deliver our brave service members a touch of home, we need to ask for your support.

It takes a lot of time, coordination and money to get our care packages to more than 175,000 service members who are away from their families, sacrificing so much defending our freedoms. The USO is not a government agency — we rely on the generosity and patriotism of citizens like you.

But right now, we're falling short of our goal, and time is running out. Will you donate today to help the USO keep our service members connected to the family, home and country they protect? We'll send you a free American- made T-shirt you can wear to show your support for our troops!

[  ] Yes, I'll donate $29 or more. Send me a T-shirt!
[✓] Yes, I'll donate but don't want a T-shirt!
[  ] No, I don't want to donate to support our service members today.

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

Help Connect our Heroes to Home

It takes a lot of time, coordination and money to get our core packages and other essentials to more than 200,000 service members who are away from their families, sacrificing so much defending our freedoms.

Will you please donate by MIDNIGHT tonight to send a little bit of home to our service members and show them how thankful you are?

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

[  ] $29
[  ] $49
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[  ] $1,000
[  ] $1,500
[✓] $14.00

And so, I signed the USO 4th of July card in order to "show our brave military heroes how much we appreciate the sacrifices they make to protect our freedom." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our troops, "Happy Fourth of July! Thank you for everything you do to protect our freedom and keep us safe." ...

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "July 4th, 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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July 4th, 2024 Update No. 3: Happy Independence Day, everyone!

I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, July 4th, 2024, with the subject line "This Independence Day: We deserve better", which stated the following:

Paul,

This is an important year in our nation’s history, and events over the last week have underscored what’s at stake.

This Independence Day, we at IAVA are recommitting to demanding more out of our leadership. 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.

Can you help us fuel our fight to ensure our generation of veterans’ voices are heard and our leaders are held accountable?

We’re not just getting the backs of our fellow post-9/11 veterans this Independence Day, but the backs of our fellow Americans as well.

We all deserve better. America deserves better. And we’re willing to fight like hell again to get it.

Support our work as the leading voice of the post-9/11 generations of veterans. We can’t bring it on behalf of my generation of vets without your help.

Onward!

[Name redacted]
Iraq War Veteran
IAVA [Title redacted]

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***

BIDEN VICTORY FUND

Dear Paul, Our freedoms are on the ballot this November. That's not an exaggeration. For all the threats Trump poses to our economy and to our standing in the world, the greatest threat he poses is to our democracy. Not only has Trump embraced the violence of January 6th, he's running on it.

And now he says if he loses again in November, there'll be a "bloodbath." There's no place for political violence in America. Ever. Period. And I won't stop working to defend and secure our democracy. I am fighting for the progress we've made over the last three years, and for an America that is more fair and more free for all. But I can't do that without your help.

Paul, that is why I am urgently asking for your support right now. Because we can't afford to lose this election. With each day, Trump doubles down on his extremism and threatens to break our democratic institutions in pursuit of personal power. Will you please give $25, $38, or even $50 today, so that we can ensure victory in November and save our country's democracy?

In 2016, Donald Trump ran for president promising to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. Once he got into office, that's exactly what he did and he brags about it to this day. As a result, states are passing bans, criminalizing doctors, and forcing women to leave their home states to get care. And if given a chance, MAGA Republicans and Donald Trump will pass a national ban on the right to choose.

Trump and his MAGA allies want to take back the U.S. government for their own benefit, and they don't care if it comes at the expense of working families.

Let me remind you of Trump's last year in office. With the COVID pandemic raging, Trump lied to the American people about how dangerous the virus was, and just let it get worse. Later, he wanted to tear-gas peaceful protesters calling for social justice out in the streets near the White House, so he could have a photo op.

And then, after losing the 2020 election, we saw with our own eyes a violent mob storm the United States Capitol. For the first time in our history, insurrectionists had come to stop the peaceful transfer of power in America. All because Donald Trump's lies had brought the mob to Washington. Now, he calls the insurrectionists in prison "patriots" and plans to pardon them.

That's why we must never let him near the Oval Office again. We can't allow our country to be destroyed by a man more interested in power than principle.

With your support, together, we can finish the job we started. That's why I am humbly asking you to make a contribution today.

Together, we took on Big Pharma and won, giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices and cap the cost of insulin at just $35 a month for seniors. We created over 15 million new jobs, passed historic legislation to rebuild our nation's crumbling infrastructure, and passed the most significant gun safety legislation in decades.

These accomplishments are directly because of you and your support. And this is just the beginning:

• We're going to lower drug prices for everyone — everyone.

• We'll continue to build an economy that grows from the middle out and the bottom up.

• And I won't stop until we pass a ban on assault weapons.

We'll continue building a more fair and more free America — one where the economy is built from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down. An America that restores Roe so that, once again, women have the freedom to make their own health care decisions. And an America that protects our most vulnerable, where everyone can live, work, and retire with the dignity owed to every single one of us.

We know who Donald Trump is, and we know what he stands for. He lies about the 2020 election and poses the gravest threat to our democracy since the Civil War. He praises dictators and weakens our global alliances, saying that he'd let leaders like Putin "do whatever the hell they want" with regard to invading our NATO allies.

Donald Trump's America is one of resentment, revenge, and retribution. But I see a very different future. I see a future where we defend democracy, not diminish it. I see a future where we defend our freedoms, not take them away, where the middle class has a fair shot and the wealthy pay their fair share; and where America remains the beacon of the world. Above all, I see a future for all Americans.

And that's a future we can build together. That's the reason I've never been so optimistic. We have to remember who we are. We're the United States of America. There is nothing beyond our capacity when we act together.

I do not need to tell you how close this election is going to be and how much of an impact you have. Your support could be what puts us over the top. Please give today, so that we can finish the job and continue building an America for us all.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden
President of the United States

P.S. Donald Trump is willing to sacrifice our democracy to put himself in power. But I believe in America. I believe in YOU, the American people. And I am asking you to join me in the fight for our future. The stakes of this election could not be higher. Please respond with your gift in the next 14 days to ensure we have the resources to fight the attack on our democracy.

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

CAN I COUNT ON YOU TO HELP
DEFEND DEMOCRACY BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE?

[✓] Yes, Joe! I know that Donald Trump and MAGA extremists are an existential threat to our democracy, our freedoms, and our future. We need a Biden-Harris victory in November in order to see our country move forward. I am including my contribution of:

[  ] $25

[  ] $38

[  ] $50

[✓] Other $3.00

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/SupportJune.

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 $2 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000→

[  ] Donate $2,000→

[✓] Other $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%)

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 know that Donald Trump and MAGA extremists are an existential threat to our democracy, our freedoms, and our future. We need a Biden-Harris victory in November in order to see our country move forward." –Paul Whiting (July 4th, 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, starting on July 4th, 2024, I have decided—yet again—to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to even 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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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July 4th, 2024 Update No. 5, Which Also Discusses July 3rd, 2024: Happy Independence Day, everyone!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, July 4th, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of July 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 seventh 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 doing the following: helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC); helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List); helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets); helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC); and helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC); as well as helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund), in addition to helping to support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide (Educated We Stand). Besides that, I made a donation to a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino), as well as a donation to a social welfare organization that is advancing equality at the ballot box across Indian Country (Four Directions Native Vote).]

I received a mailer from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) yesterday, July 3rd, 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.]

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Dear Paul,

On behalf of the Democratic National Committee, I would like to personally thank you for your monthly support as a DNC Grassroots Partner.

Your invaluable commitment to our Party as a sustaining donor bolsters our investments in on-the-ground organizing and state parties, expands voter protection, allows us to continue building out our data and technological infrastructure, and so much more.

As a token of our appreciation, we are enclosing a limited-edition commemorative button. I hope you wear it and proudly represent the Party that is fighting for a more just future for every American.

The DNC's work is essential to electing leaders who will defend democracy and serve the American people, and your monthly support is key to that work. You share in every victory and every step forward we take, because we could not do it without being able to depend on your regular contribution.

As a DNC Grassroots Partner, you're leading the way toward a brighter future for our country.

Thank you for all that you have done and all I know you will continue to do. I am so grateful for your generosity and steadfast commitment to the Democratic Party.

Warmly,

[Name redacted]

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

Hi There -

I wanted to thank you for donating to help re-elect Kamala and me and finish!! the job. By giving a few bucks at a time, folks like you are powering my campaign. I wouldn't be here without your support. I really man it!!

Joe Biden

"QR code message": Scan for more information about your Grassroots Partner membership.

https://action.democrats.org/dnc-2024-summer-cultivation-gp

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WILL YOU STAND WITH THE DNC
IN FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY?

Yes! I know that our very freedoms are at stake in this election and that the DNC is fighting for them in every race, in every state. Enclosed is my contribution of:

[  ] $20

[  ] $30*

[  ] $40

[✓] Other $3.00

*A contribution of this amount would go even further to help elect Democrats!

Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Please go to www.democrats.org/GiveGP24 to make an immediate online gift.

Please make your check payable to the DNC and return it with this form in the envelope provided to the Democratic National Committee, [address, city, state and ZIP code redacted].
To charge your donation, please see reverse. Please complete the information on the reverse as required by law.

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:

Democrats

Donate to help elect Democrats up and down the ticket nationwide!

Your gift today will help the DNC fight for the Biden- Harris agenda, hold the GOP accountable, and elect more Democrats nationwide.

Donate a special one-time gift today 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) - Direct Marketing.

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[✓] Other amount $3.00

Please leave a tip for ActBlue

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[✓] Add custom amount $0.21 (7%)

And so, I made a one-time donation to the DNC (with a tip to ActBlue) because "I know that our very freedoms are at stake in this election and that the DNC is fighting for them in every race, in every state." And I was also donating to show my appreciation for the limited-edition commemorative button! –Paul Whiting (July 4th, 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, starting on July 4th, 2024, I have decided—yet again—to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to even 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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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

July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024: Happy Independence Day, everyone!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing from July 5th, 2024 to July 7th, 2024 is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of July 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 seventh 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 doing the following: helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC); helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List); helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets); helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC); and helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC); as well as helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund), in addition to helping to support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide (Educated We Stand). Besides that, I made a donation to a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino), as well as a donation to a social welfare organization that is advancing equality at the ballot box across Indian Country (Four Directions Native Vote).]

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 $1.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $2.00 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, starting on July 4th, 2024, I have decided—yet again—to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to even more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on June 16th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...The 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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! ...

... In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on May 12th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...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! ...

... In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$3.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount yet again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $1.07 (from $2.14) and I am still 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 $2.14 (from $3.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The first political communication to which I responded on July 4th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) that I received on July 1st, 2024, with the subject line, "re: SCOTUS, which stated the following:

ELECT STATE DEMS
A project of the DLCC

BREAKING: SCOTUS grants Trump immunity

The Supreme Court just ruled that Trump will be granted immunity for some official acts and a presumption of immunity for other official acts which, means he may avoid accountability for attempting to overturn the 2020 election.

Republicans will see this ruling as a win, and they’ll rush to flood Trump and his allies’ campaigns with hundreds of millions of dollars in donations.

If we want to stay competitive and win this November, we need Democrats to counteract the surge of GOP donations. Your donation will help elect state Dems and protect our democracy. Can we count on you?

If you've stored your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will process immediately.

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Here’s the bottom line: Even though Trump was granted immunity, we cannot stop or slow the fight to safeguard fair elections and protect our democracy. Especially not with hundreds of Trump allies on the ballot who pose a risk to our country.

When Trump was convicted of 34 felony criminal charges, his supporters didn’t waver – they rallied. They were emboldened by his illegal behavior. Republican donors have doubled down to throw even more money, time, and support behind Trump and his allies.

Will you rush an urgent gift of $50 or more to help block Republicans' extreme anti-democratic agenda as it gains momentum in states nationwide?

The fight is far from over,

Team DLCC

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:

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And so, I made a one-time donation to the DLCC (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, since "the Supreme Court just ruled that Trump will be granted immunity for some official acts and a presumption of immunity for other official acts which, means he may avoid accountability for attempting to overturn the 2020 election." That is why I contributed, because "even though Trump was granted immunity, we cannot stop or slow the fight to safeguard fair elections and protect our democracy."

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

The second political communication to which I responded on July 4th, 2024, was a text message that I received on July 1st, 2024, from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), which stated the following:

BREAKING NEWS, Paul: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝙄𝙈𝙈𝙐𝙉𝙄𝙏𝙔!

Ever since the Court heard oral arguments, legal experts have warned this day could come -- thanks largely to the ultra-MAGA justices 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥.

𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽'𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹, 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗢𝗣 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

A group of generous donors has agreed to TRIPLE every gift made from now until midnight to fight back and DEFEAT Republican Senate candidates, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵. Please, Paul, 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 $𝟯𝟬 (𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 $𝟭𝟮𝟬!) 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗪 >>***

- DSCC

DSCC

Triple-Match Activated! MAXIMIZE 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? Your donation will be TRIPLE-MATCHED!

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit DSCC.

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And so, I made a one-time donation to the DSCC (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, since "𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝙄𝙈𝙈𝙐𝙉𝙄𝙏𝙔!" That is why I contributed, because "𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽'𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹, 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗢𝗣 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲."

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

The third political communication to which I responded on July 4th, 2024, was an email from VoteVets that I received on July 1st, 2024, with the subject line, "Absolute Immunity", which stated the following:

VoteVets

A few months ago, an appeals court judge asked Trump’s lawyer whether Trump could order SEAL Team 6 to assassinate a political rival and get away with it.

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued an opinion that gave Trump absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.

It paves the way for dictatorship, and every horror that comes along with one.

This Supreme Court, from repealing Roe v. Wade, to last week’s Chevron decision, to today, has fundamentally altered the federal government in a way we have not seen in generations. They have paved the way for Trump to implement Project 2025.

The stakes could not be higher. If Trump retakes the White House he will become dictator for life. It will be the end of our democracy as we know it.

RUSH A DONATION TO VOTEVETS SO WE CAN FIGHT BACK***

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There is no exaggerating now.

We are in the fight of our lives, and we need your support.

Thank you,

The team at VoteVets

VoteVets

Chip in to support VoteVets today >>

We're the largest progressive organization fighting for the rights and lives of Veterans and Military families and we're honored to have you on the team.

Our voices matter. This is important. Pitch in today.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit VoteVets PAC.

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And so, I made a one-time donation to VoteVets (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, since, "the Supreme Court of the United States issued an opinion that gave Trump absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts." That is why I contributed, because "if Trump retakes the White House he will become dictator for life [and] it will be the end of our democracy as we know it."

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

The fourth political communication to which I responded on July 4th, 2024, was a text message that I received on July 2nd, 2024, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:

🚨𝙐𝙍𝙂𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙎𝙐𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙈𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙐𝙍𝙏 𝘼𝙇𝙀𝙍𝙏🚨

Democratic Leaders are sounding the alarm!

Sonia Sotomayor: "𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺, 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵."

Hakeem Jeffries: "𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘫𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵."

Joe Biden: "𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱."

Paul, we need 5,000 grassroots supporters to stand with these leaders and add their name to our petition demanding Trump be held accountable. Will you sign on right now?

𝙀𝙈𝙀𝙍𝙂𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙔 𝙏𝙍𝙐𝙈𝙋 𝘼𝘾𝘾𝙊𝙐𝙉𝙏𝘼𝘽𝙄𝙇𝙄𝙏𝙔 𝙋𝙀𝙏𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 >>***

– DCCC Action Team

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

Trump Accountability Petition

Thank you for signing on to our petition. While we process your electronic signature, please take a moment to answer a few brief questions for our House Democrats Research Team.

Do you agree with the Supreme Court's recent ruling that grants Donald Trump immunity?

[  ] Yes.
[✓] No!

SUBMIT

As of the recent conclusion of this term, do you approve of the Supreme Court?

[  ] Yes.
[✓] No!

Donald Trump has been impeached twice, convicted of multiple felonies, and faces 54 total felony counts including counts for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

How concerned are you about the GOP's unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump?

[✓] Extremely concerned.
[  ] Very concerned.
[  ] Somewhat concerned.
[  ] Not at all concerned.

How important is it to you that Donald Trump is never allowed to retake power, especially now that the Supreme Court has greatly expanded the authority of the Presidency?

[✓] Extremely important.
[  ] Very important.
[  ] Somewhat important.
[  ] Not at all important.

The Extreme MAGA Majority in the House is laying the groundwork for another Trump Presidency. They are raising money nonstop to hang on to their fragile Majority and thwart our efforts to hold Donald Trump accountable.

Do you believe it is important to take back the House in 2024 to ensure Trump is held accountable?

[✓] Yes!
[  ] No.

** URGENT UPDATE **

MAGA Republicans have raised over $134 MILLION from shady megadonors and are prepared to unload this war chest to blanket the airwaves with lies.

Even worse, we're lagging behind our monthly fundraising goal. Missing this goal could be the difference between a Democratic Majority that delivers For The People, and another two years of Republican-led chaos.

So, as a top Democratic supporter, we have to ask: Will you rush in $15 to the DCCC right now to help us take back the Majority and flip the House blue?

[  ] YES! I CAN PITCH IN $15 TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >>
[  ] YES! I CAN PITCH IN $24.35 TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >> (THIS IS WHAT MOST DEMOCRATS ARE GIVING THIS YEAR!)
[  ] YES! I CAN PITCH IN $35 TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >>
[  ] YES! I CAN PITCH IN $50 TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >>
[✓] YES! I CAN PITCH IN ANOTHER AMOUNT TO ELECT DEMOCRATS >>

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

[DCCC logo] 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 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 the DCCC.

[✓] Donate $2 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DCCC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, in order to respond to the "𝙐𝙍𝙂𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙎𝙐𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙈𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙐𝙍𝙏 𝘼𝙇𝙀𝙍𝙏" by signing the "𝙀𝙈𝙀𝙍𝙂𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙔 𝙏𝙍𝙐𝙈𝙋 𝘼𝘾𝘾𝙊𝙐𝙉𝙏𝘼𝘽𝙄𝙇𝙄𝙏𝙔 𝙋𝙀𝙏𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉" demanding Trump be held accountable.

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

The fifth political communication to which I responded on July 4th, 2024, was an email from Educated We Stand (or, 'Educated. We Stand') that I received on July 2nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Introducing: Educated. We Stand", which stated the following:

Hi folks, my name is [redacted].

Right now, we’re in a battle for the soul of our schools. And that battle is just beginning.

That’s why I helped create Educated. We Stand – a new political advocacy organization dedicated to defeating the extremists like Moms for Liberty and Ron DeSantis who seek to oppress our youth, ban books, and destroy American education as we know it.

If you’re ready to join the fight against right-wing extremists zeroing in on our public schools and our children, watch our launch video and be one of our Founding Donors to protect our schools. A donation of $5, $25, or $50 helps us build the foundation to support candidates across the country who will put an end to this extremist agenda.

[Blogger's Note: I watched the launch video mentioned above which is titled, "Educated. We Stand" on YouTube.]

2024 is the first step, but we want to build a movement that will eventually be able to support dozens, if not hundreds, of candidates for School Board well into the future.

In 2020, I defeated [name redacted], the [title redacted] of the far-right group Moms for Liberty, for a seat on the Brevard County School Board. I am fighting for the protection of public education in this country and the rights of teachers to freely educate our children without fear of reprisal or public assault by DeSantis, Moms for Liberty, or anyone else.

Check out our launch video and jump into the fight to protect our schools and our children from right-wing extremism.

Thank you so much,
[Name redacted]

DONATE***

EDUCATED. WE STAND

Donate to Educated We Stand

In recent years, communities across the US have witnessed a surge in organized and well-funded efforts meant to disrupt and dismantle public education systems through legislative reform and regulating curriculums with far-right ideological beliefs.

If the movement continues to grow without an effective, organized, and funded counterbalance — we risk a widespread indoctrination of young people, promoting ideologies that threaten American Democracy and the American way of life.

EDUCATED WE STAND will serve as a national, non-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of public education. Its mission is to fight the influence of far-right extremists and ensure that our educational systems remain spaces for unbiased, evidence-based learning that fosters critical thinking and prepares students to be engaged, informed citizens. Will you pitch in today to EDUCATED WE STAND and help support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Educated We Stand - IE [Independent Expenditure].

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $5,000 →

[  ] Donate $10,000 →

[✓] 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 Educated We Stand (or, 'Educated. We Stand') (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, because "in recent years, communities across the US have witnessed a surge in organized and well-funded efforts meant to disrupt and dismantle public education systems through legislative reform and regulating curriculums with far-right ideological beliefs." That is why I contributed to "Educated. We Stand – a new political advocacy organization dedicated to defeating the extremists like Moms for Liberty and Ron DeSantis who seek to oppress our youth, ban books, and destroy American education as we know it."

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

The sixth political communication to which I responded on July 4th, 2024, was an email from the Biden for President campaign that I received on July 3rd, 2024, with the subject line, "This team must hold Donald Trump accountable.", which stated the following:

Biden-Harris 2024

Donald Trump is celebrating the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity as a “BIG WIN.” Take a look, Paul:

Image of Trump email, which states:

TRUMP
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
2024

BREAKING FROM TRUMP: Supreme Court gives TOTAL IMMUNITY for official acts!

BREAKING

TRUMP ALERT

Official acts cannot be illegally prosecuted - BIG WIN FOR DEMOCRACY & OUR CONSTITUTION!

It goes without saying that this ruling is not a win for our democracy or for our Constitution. One of the dissenting opinions even states that this decision means that if the president “[o]rders the Navy’s Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival” they will now be “Immune.”

Immune, Paul.

With this decision, Donald Trump now knows that not even the courts will hold him back as he goes on his unhinged pursuit of power and campaign for revenge and retribution.

If you want to stop Trump and send him back to Mar-a-Lago once and for all, will you pitch in $25 to help defeat him again? Every dollar we raise today will help reach the millions of undecided voters who we need to turn out in November.

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

[  ] $25 >>
[  ] $50 >>
[  ] $75 >>
[  ] $100 >>
[  ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***

The stakes of this race were incredibly high before this unprecedented decision, but now they are even higher.

The Donald Trump running for office right now is not the same one that we ran against in 2020. He is scarier. He is more unhinged. He is more dangerous. And, potentially worst of all, he has nothing to lose.

This team must hold Trump accountable. Our democracy and ALL of our fundamental rights hang in the balance. Whether it's $25 or another amount, we need you to rush what you can to help Joe Biden beat convicted felon Donald Trump.

Thank you for answering the call,

Biden HQ

"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

We must stop Donald Trump.

Trump and his MAGA extremist allies pose an existential threat to the future of our democracy and our nation.

We're counting on this team to invest in the necessary resources to stop him. Donate now.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Joe Biden.

[  ] Donate $2 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $125 →

[✓] 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 Biden for President campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, due to the following reasons: "The Donald Trump running for office right now is not the same one that [the Biden for President campaign] ran against in 2020. He is scarier. He is more unhinged. He is more dangerous. And, potentially worst of all, he has nothing to lose." That is why I contributed, because "this team must hold Trump accountable," since "our democracy and ALL of our fundamental rights hang in the balance."

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

The seventh political communication to which I responded on July 4th, 2024, was an email from Voto Latino that I received on July 3rd, 2024, with the subject line, "Trump's First 180 Days", which stated the following:

____________________________________________

USA TODAY

Project 2025 head says 'second American Revolution' will be 'bloodless if the left allows'

By Rachel Barber USA TODAY

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/03/project-2025-kevin-roberts-scotus-immunity-ruling/74289539007

____________________________________________

Paul,

This headline is chilling, infuriating, arrogant… we could go on. But this is the reality we could face if we allow Trump back in the White House.

If you’re unfamiliar with Project 2025, it's a 920-page document that contains a playbook for the first 180 days of Trump’s term. It includes policy proposals and executive initiatives to carry out an ultra-conservative agenda: mass deportations, tax cuts for the wealthy, a national abortion ban, opposition to same sex marriage, and a litany of other dangerous ideas.

____________________________________________

Incomplete list of proposals and initiatives laid out in Project 2025:

• Build camps to detain immigrants
• End “birthright citizenship”
• Eliminate the Department of Education
• Dismantle the EPA's renewable energy programs
• Reduce scope of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
• Target journalists for prosecution

____________________________________________

It’s no secret that this presidential election will be decided by a small margin. If you’ve been on our email list for a while, you already know where we’re going with this. There are over 4 million young Latinos who will become eligible to vote before the November election. If we get these young progressive voters to turn out, we can make sure Project 2025 is never enacted.

We are working in states across the country to register and mobilize these young progressive voters ahead of November.

Our work is powered by grassroots supporters like you. If you’d like to support our mission and stop Trump, please consider a $24 donation >>***

— Voto Latino

VOTOLATINO
It's your country. Represent!

LATINO VOTERS WILL BLOCK PROJECT 2025

____________________________________________

USA TODAY

Project 2025 head says 'second American Revolution' will be 'bloodless if the left allows'

By Rachel Barber USA TODAY

____________________________________________

Over 4 million young Latino voters will become eligible to vote by November 2024. If they cast a ballot against Trump, they can stop Project 2025 from becoming our reality.

We've done our math:

[✓] Four million newly eligible young Latino voters by 2024.

[✓] $18 to register one voter.

[✓] $6 to mobilize one voter to the polls.

Through innovative digital campaigns, Voto Latino's goal is to register and turn out all young Latinos to participate in our democracy. The average cost to register and mobilize one new voter is $24.

Incomplete list of proposals and initiatives laid out in Project 2025:

• Carry out mass deportations

• Increase the number of agents for ICE raids

• Build camps to detain immigrants

• Ban entry into the U.S. by people from certain Muslim-majority nations

• End "birthright citizenship"

• Enact national abortion ban

• Reverse the approval of abortion pills

• Remove free access to emergency contraception for over 48 million women

• Reduce scope of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

• Oppose same-sex marriage

• Ban gay couples from adopting children

• Reverse ban on discrimination for gender and sexual orientation in the workforce

• Eliminate the Department of Education

• Eliminate HeadStart, severely limiting childcare in rural America

• Dismantle the EPA's renewable energy programs

• Expand oil and gas drilling on first day of presidency

• Direct a criminal investigation into Mr. Biden and his family

• Have foes indicted for challenging him [Donald Trump] politically

• Target journalists for prosecution

• Bring federal independent agencies under presidential control

• Revive the practice of "impounding" funds [that is, "...refusing to spend money Congress has appropriated for programs a president doesn’t like — a tactic that lawmakers banned under President Richard Nixon."]

• Strip employment protections from tens of thousands of longtime civil servants

• Purge officials from intelligence agencies, law enforcement, the State Department and the Pentagon

We're already ramping up our voter registration and mobilization campaigns, but we can't do it alone.

Please support our work with a donation of $24 today.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Voto Latino.

[  ] DONATE $25 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $250 →

[  ] DONATE $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Voto Latino (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, because "LATINO VOTERS WILL BLOCK PROJECT 2025." And to clarify: "Project 2025, [is] a 920-page document that contains a playbook for the first 180 days of Trump’s term. It includes policy proposals and executive initiatives to carry out an ultra-conservative agenda: mass deportations, tax cuts for the wealthy, a national abortion ban, opposition to same sex marriage, and a litany of other dangerous ideas."

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

The eighth political communication to which I responded on July 4th, 2024, was an email from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) that I received on July 4th, 2024, with the subject line, "Justice Sotomayor is SPEAKING OUT, Paul!", which stated the following:

[Flashing Sign!] SCOTUS ALERT [Flashing Sign!]

After the conservative-majority Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump has immunity for official acts, Justice Sotomayor delivered a POWERFUL dissent, joined by Justices Kagan and Jackson:

"Today’s decision to grant former Presidents criminal immunity reshapes the institution of the Presidency. It makes a mockery of the principle, foundational to our Constitution and system of Government, that no man is above the law… The Court gives former President Trump all the immunity he asked for and more. Because our Constitution does not shield a former President from answering for criminal and treasonous acts, I dissent."

<<< Paul, sign now to stand with liberal justices like Justice Sotomayor and DEMAND Donald Trump be held accountable >>>

SIGN HERE >>***

Paul, this OUTRAGEOUS decision is a BIG win for Donald Trump – it could lead to delays and possible immunity for Trump in the January 6th trial! The conservative-majority Supreme Court just prioritized protecting Trump over protecting our democracy.

THANKFULLY, liberal justices like Sonia Sotomayor are fighting every day to protect our democracy. Justice Sotomayor said in her dissent, "...the President is now a king above the law… with fear for our democracy, I dissent." But she can’t do it alone, Paul.

In the wake of this monumental decision with uncertain effects to come, we need Democrats EVERYWHERE to stand up against Donald Trump and DEMAND he face accountability for his actions. Will you be one of the 39 dedicated Democrats from [ZIP Code redacted] that we need to sign our Trump Accountability Petition by midnight tonight?

ADD YOUR NAME to demand Donald Trump be held accountable once and for all!

SIGN HERE >>***

DGA
Democratic Governors Association

JULY TRUMP ACCOUNTABILITY LIVE POLL | 11:59 P.M. DEADLINE TO RESPOND

Thank you for taking action.

Will you take a moment to complete our short survey? Your response is critical to building our strategy and fighting the GOP's extremist agenda.

Survey Deadline: 11:59 p.m.

Email: [redacted]
Cell phone: [redacted]

The conservative-majority Supreme Court just gave Donald Trump exactly what he asked for: immunity from some of his crimes. The crimes he could never be held accountable for? In May, Donald Trump was found GUILTY in his first criminal trial. Earlier this year, he was found liable for business fraud and ordered to pay $355 million. He incited an insurrection, spread conspiracy theories, and championed extremist policies while he was president. And he's still facing three more indictments and 54 felony charges.

Tell us: Do you believe Donald Trump is fit to lead?

[  ] Yes
[  ] Somewhat
[✓] No

Despite this ruling, and awaiting verdicts on THREE more criminal cases for a total of 54 criminal charges — including felony charges over attempts to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election, retention of national defense information, and even racketeering - Donald Trump will be the 2024 Republican presidential nominee.

How concerning is the GOP's unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump?

[✓] Extremely concerning
[  ] Very concerning
[  ] Somewhat concerning
[  ] Not at all concerning

Trump is campaigning to give an even louder voice to his anti-democracy conspiracy theories, enact anti-freedom policies, ban abortion, and evade justice for the three indictments and 54 felony counts he's facing.

How concerned are you about the possibility of a second Trump presidency?
(1 - Not at all concerned | 5 - Extremely concerned)

[  ] 1
[  ] 2
[  ] 3
[  ] 4
[✓] 5

In addition to Donald Trump, there are more extremists up and down the ballot this November who are threatening abortion access, voting rights, and fundamental freedoms nationwide.

How concerned are you about your rights, if these extremists are elected?

[✓] Extremely concerned
[  ] Very concerned
[  ] Somewhat concerned
[  ] Not at all concerned

It took all of us coming together to defeat Trump in 2020. Right now, at this critical time, will you commit to voting for Democrats in 2024 and help stop Trump from regaining power?

[✓] Yes — I want to stop Trump from regaining power.
No — I want to see Donald Trump in the White House.

MAGA Republicans are excited about the likelihood of another Trump presidency. We need the funds to fight back. Will you chip in $100 to help Democratic governors put a stop to Trump and Republicans' dangerous agenda?

Please use the options below to start a weekly donation through ActBlue:

[  ] Yes, I will give $100!
[✓] No, I can't give that much.

We understand giving at that level might be tough. But the DGA is working tirelessly to elect Democrats across the country, and with Republicans undermining voting and reproductive rights, 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 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

Stopping Trump's agenda and 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 $44 whatever you can so that we can elect Democrats and fight back against the GOP's dangerous agenda?

Please use the options below to start a weekly 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 weekly donation—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]

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

DONATE NOW
DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT

With 11 governors' races on the ballot this November, including in key toss-up states like New Hampshire and North Carolina, the blue firewall that we rely on to stop the GOP's extremist agenda is at risk. We're giving it our all to support them, but right now, we're falling dangerously short of our fundraising goals.

That's why a group of generous donors is matching all gifts up to our $25,000 goal before midnight tonight. Time is running out to have your gift DOUBLED up to our goal: Give now to elect Democratic governors and preserve our blue firewall!

Make it weekly!

[  ] Yes, count me in until the 2024 General Election
[✓] 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) on July 4th, 2024, in order to "to stand with liberal justices like Justice Sotomayor and DEMAND Donald Trump be held accountable." That is why I contributed, because "...the President is now a king above the law… with fear for our democracy, I dissent."

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

Finally, these last eight 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 the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA), based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

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 $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 DAGA (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, because "Democratic AGs are protecting our democracy and fighting for working families in nearly every corner of the country."

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

The tenth organization to which I donated was the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS), based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

Democratic Association of Secretaries of State

Donate to Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS)

Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS) is a 527 Political Action Committee that works to help elect Democratic Secretaries of State who are committed to protecting and preserving voting rights and ballot access for all Americans through fair, honest, open, and accurate elections.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic Association of Secretaries of State.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $108 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $2,500 →

[  ] Donate $5,000 →

[✓] 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 DASS (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, because "Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS) is a 527 Political Action Committee that works to help elect Democratic Secretaries of State who are committed to protecting and preserving voting rights and ballot access for all Americans through fair, honest, open, and accurate elections."

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

The eleventh organization to which I donated was the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund, based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

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 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, in order to "strengthen [my] State Party's infrastructure and help fight for our shared Democratic values!"

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

The twelfth organization to which I donated was EMILYs List, based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

EMILYs LIST
RUN. WIN. CHANGE THE WORLD.

Support Democratic Pro-Choice Women

Donate to help elect women who will protect the right to choose at every level of government, all across the country.

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 $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 EMILYs List (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, in order to help "elect women who will protect the right to choose at every level of government, all across the country."

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

The thirteenth organization to which I donated was the Four Directions Native Vote (Four Directions), based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

Four
Directions
Fighting for Voting Equality All Across Indian Country.

Take a stand for Native American voting rights

Four Directions is a Native-led voting rights group, organizing at the county level in critical states like Georgia and Arizona.

Your donation is critical and provides us with the support we need to advance equality at the ballot box across Indian Country.

Chip in now to help us make history again through 2021 and beyond!

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Four Directions-RFA.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Four Directions Native Vote (Four Directions) (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, in order to "take a stand for Native American voting rights," because "[my] donation is critical and provides [Four Directions] with the support [they] need to advance equality at the ballot box across Indian Country."

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

The fourteenth organization to which I donated was the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (Jane Fonda Climate Political Action Committee), based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

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 $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[✓] 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 Jane Fonda Climate PAC (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, because "[the Jane Fonda Climate PAC relies] 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."

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

The fifteenth organization to which I donated was Rolling Sea Action Fund, based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

ROLLING SEA ACTION FUND

Support Black Democrats

We’re devoting our efforts to empower Black voters, protect our Senate Majority and flip the House from red to blue. But we need your help right now!

We’re nearly BROKE, so we need a huge wave of emergency donations to STOP the GOP's corrupted voter suppression agenda.

If you don’t give right now, we will not be able to fight back and protect President Biden's agenda in 2024. Please, rush a donation now, before it's too late >>

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Rolling Sea Action Fund.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Rolling Sea Action Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, because they are "devoting [their] efforts to empower Black voters, protect our Senate Majority and flip the House from red to blue."

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

The sixteenth organization to which I donated was the Voters of Tomorrow PAC (Voters of Tomorrow Political Action Committee), based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

Donate to help Voters of Tomorrow reach Gen Z voters

$198,766.06 Raised →→→→→ GOAL $500,000
MIDNIGHT DEADLINE! >> updated at 7:21 PM

In 2022, young voters proved yet again that we are a political force to be reckoned with. Voters of Tomorrow played a major role in harnessing that power. As The Financial Times said, the group "worked to boost turnout among 18-to 29-year-olds and may have saved the election."

But we have to keep this momentum going. Voters of Tomorrow is continuing to ramp up its outreach and voter education efforts. Unlike many other organizations, we are meeting Gen Z where they are by providing valuable content in the same platforms they already spend time in.

With your contribution, Voters of Tomorrow will be able to reach even more young voters and guide them away from dangerous misinformation pushed by people looking to disenfranchise them.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Voters of Tomorrow Action.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Voters of Tomorrow PAC (Voters of Tomorrow Action) (with a tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024, in order to "help Voters of Tomorrow build a new generation of democracy defenders."

Thus, these seven organizations—the DLCC, the DSCC, the DCCC, the DGA, the DAGA, the DASS, as well as the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund—plus, this one campaign—Biden for President—plus, these six Political Action Committees (PACs)—VoteVets, Educated We Stand, EMILYs List, Jane Fonda Climate PAC, Rolling Sea Action Fund, as well as Voters of Tomorrow PAC—plus, this one civic engagement organization—Voto Latino—in addition to this one social welfare organization—Four Directions Native Vote—are the political organizations, the political campaign, as well as the PACs, the civic engagement organization and the social welfare organization that I donated to on July 4th, 2024! –Paul Whiting (written from July 5th, 2024 to July 7th, 2024, revised July 12th, 2024 and revised August 27th, 2024)

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July 4th, 2024 Update No. 7, Written On July 5th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] I received an email from March For Our Lives (MFOL) yesterday, July 4th, 2024, with the subject line, "Our hearts are heavy today", which stated the following:

MARCH
FOR OUR
LIVES

Content warning: This email reflects on the events in Highland Park, Illinois on July 4, 2022. If this is too much to read, we understand. Take care of yourself and skip the rest of this email. Here are some mental health resources that you may find helpful.

Paul,

On July 4, 2022 in Highland Park, soon after the community’s Fourth of July parade started, a gunman shot into the crowd from a nearby rooftop.

Seven people died and more than 45 were seriously injured.

This mass shooting is a stark reminder that we will never truly be safe until we have comprehensive gun safety legislation.

Simply existing in the public puts you at risk. Whether you’re going to class, the mall, a movie, or even a Fourth of July parade, we’re all at risk.

This isn’t to fearmonger or to make you anxious — this is being real about the state of our country. This is what happens when the gun lobby, the NRA, and the leaders they have in their pockets prioritize guns over lives.

There was no one ‘cause’ of the shooting in Highland Park. We saw an assault rifle manufacturer irresponsibly marketing the military-style firearm to teenagers and young adults, like the 21-year-old shooter. We also saw that despite sending troubling signals to police, the young gunman was still able to obtain a firearm license. When he further showed he was a danger to himself and others, neither his family nor law enforcement reported him to reevaluate if he could safely have his firearm. This is why we need to fight gun violence from all possible angles.

Since the shooting, March For Our Lives and our partners won an assault weapons ban in Illinois, and then successfully defended against the gun lobby's cowardly legal challenge. Just this week, we won again when the Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to it. We are pleased that this work protected that ban, but know that there is still so much to be done.

To honor those we’ve lost we will continue fighting for a world free of gun violence.

We can’t lose hope. We can build a world where no other individual, family, or community will have to experience gun violence.

In solidarity,

March For Our Lives

Today and every day we honor the lives lost in Highland Park on July 4, 2022.

[Name redacted], 64

[Name redacted], 35

[Name redacted], 37

[Name redacted], 88

[Name redacted], 63

[Name redacted], 78

[Name redacted], 69

DONATE NOW***

Paul, Donald Trump's presidential legacy is uplifting white supremacy and worsening racial tensions.

In his first term, his administration pursued some of the most aggressive, exclusionary policies we've ever experienced, such as the Muslim ban. That administration rolled back federal civil rights protections, leaving Black and brown people without legal help against discrimination.

In a potential second term, he's vowed to censor classroom discussions of race, gender, and systemic oppression. He'll hold federal funding hostage from schools, charities, and other organizations with diversity programs, risking millions of people's access to fair housing, education, health care, and more. We must take these proposals seriously.

His plans reflect the same anti-DEI agenda laid out in Project 2025 – the policy proposals set forth by the Heritage Foundation for the next president, proposing a plan to censor education about racism in America and attack inclusion programs. Our experts have broken down exactly how these policies would impact our rights – and how we can continue to promote racial justice and equality no matter who takes office in November.

Our experts have the civil rights and civil liberties response to Project 2025 – and with their leadership and your help, we're ready to ensure that any attempts to rollback racial justice will fail. Check out this roadmap to fight for civil rights and civil liberties in our latest election memo, "Trump on DEI and Anti-Discrimination Law." >>

GET THE PLAN:

https://www.aclu.org/news/racial-justice/trumps-attacks-on-dei-reveal-administrations-agenda-for-second-term

Thanks for being with us as we chart the road ahead,

The ACLU Team

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage regarding the article titled, "Trump’s Attacks on DEI Reveal Administration's Agenda for Second Term." A brief introduction to the article can be found below:

ACLU
NEWS & COMMENTARY

Trump’s Attacks on DEI Reveal Administration's Agenda for Second Term

The 2024 Trump campaign’s “anti-white racism” rhetoric threatens to unravel decades of progress on racial equality and civil rights. The ACLU outlines our plan to fight back.

By ACLU

July 2, 2024

When Donald Trump’s administration ended in 2020, two-thirds of Americans believed that Trump had increased racial tensions in the U.S. The Trump administration’s sustained assault on political, civic, and legal efforts to promote racial justice and the administration’s transparent pursuit of an agenda based on white supremacy had pushed the country to its breaking point.

Today, Trump and his supporters have doubled down on this agenda. As part of a larger backlash against racial justice efforts that ignited in the aftermath of the 2020 killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, the 2025 Presidential Transition Project has now made its anti- diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies a cornerstone of their continued attacks on racial equity and free speech.

In addition to abandoning civil rights enforcement on behalf of marginalized groups, Trump and his supporters plan to intensify right wing attacks on education, employment, and economic opportunity initiatives, and to censor academic discussions about race, gender, and systemic oppression. At the ACLU, we won’t retreat. We’re prepared to challenge the Trump administration’s policies at every level of government. Learn more in our breakdown: ...

[Blogger's Note: I read the ACLU's News & Commentary article titled, "Trump’s Attacks on DEI Reveal Administration's Agenda for Second Term."]

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.aclu.org/news/racial-justice/trumps-attacks-on-dei-reveal-administrations-agenda-for-second-term

So, I wanted to share this email from the ACLU in order to show my support for the "Trump’s Attacks on DEI Reveal Administration's Agenda for Second Term" article. –Paul Whiting (written July 6th, 2024 and revised July 24th, 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 on July 2nd, 2024 (please see my 'July 2nd, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to the ACLU for July 2024.

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July 8th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 30th, 2024: I received a mailer from Feeding America eight days ago on June 30th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "EMPTY SHELVES = EMPTY PLATES: 2X MATCH OPPORTUNITY", 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

Your gift can go 2X as far to help families get the food they need.

June 12, 2024

Dear Paul Whiting,

Right now, over 44 million people in America are at risk of hunger. Many families in your own community may not know where their next healthy meal will come from.

Summer has always been a difficult time of year for food banks. With the high cost of groceries and everyday essentials, it's especially hard right now. More people are turning to the Feeding America network for extra support.

Food banks are doing their best to meet the urgent demand, but they can't do it alone. That's why we're hoping you'll take action right now.

Today, you can help us stock the shelves of food banks and pantries in Oregon and across the country—and help families get the healthy food they need to thrive.

Normally, every $1 you give helps provide at least 10 meals through the Feeding America network. But thanks to a $500,000 challenge match from pop culture retailer [business name redacted], every dollar you give right now can have TWICE the impact and help provide at least 20 meals.

[✓] This means your gift of $15 can help provide at least 300 meals.

[✓] $20 can help provide at least 400 meals.

[✓] And $25 can help provide at least 500 meals to people facing hunger.

I've enclosed a list of most-needed items. Your support helps us deliver these types of nutritious foods and essentials to neighbors at risk of hunger. So please, take a minute to look at it.

Any amount you give helps stock the shelves of food banks so families like [name redacted's] can access the meals they need to thrive. As a restaurant manager, [name redacted] didn't think she'd ever need extra help getting the food she needs. "I never even had to worry about it," she says.

But [name redacted] was recently laid off from her job and her husband, who works in landscaping, hasn't received a paycheck in a while. So [name redacted] turned to her local food pantry, which is served by the Feeding America network.

"This food is a miracle for me, honestly," [name redacted] says. "We've just been praying to figure it out."

While continuing to apply for jobs and take interviews, [name redacted] has remained hopeful. Having access to the food her family needs has helped her focus on getting a job and not worry about what her family is going to eat.

"We haven't seen this much food in a long time," [name redacted] says. "It makes a difference."

Right now, millions of people in our country are facing hunger. With your gift to Feeding America, you can make sure they have the food they need to feed their families.

Paul Whiting, please join the challenge match right now, while you can DOUBLE your impact and help provide TWICE as many meals for children and families.

I hope you can help today. Because when people are fed, futures are nourished. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Feeding America

P.S. You can help stock the shelves of food banks across the country with your donation of $15, $20 or even $25 today. Remember, thanks to the challenge match from [business name redacted], your gift can have DOUBLE the impact for people facing hunger.

Thank you for helping neighbors like [name redacted] put food on the table.

"QR code message": Your gift can help provide TWICE as many meals. Scan here or visit SupportFeedingAmerica.org/Match

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

Feeding America
MOST-NEEDED ITEMS

With your help, Feeding America is stocking the shelves with healthy foods, like lean protein, dairy and whole grains.

Cereal
Milk
Cheese
Jam
Eggs
Beans
Rice & pasta
Canned tuna
Meat (beef, pork, chicken)
Fruits & vegetables
Soup/stew/chili
Macaroni & cheese
Diapers
Peanut butter
Pasta sauce

Do you know your local food bank?

Oregon Food Bank

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

— FEEDING AMERICA —
FOOD MULTIPLIER VOUCHER

Any gift today from Paul Whiting can have TWICE the impact!

Neighbors in Oregon and across the country are facing hunger. Your contribution will help them feed their families and put meals on the table.

Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

You can have 2x the impact and help families get the food they need!

$15 CAN HELP PROVIDE 300 MEALS

$20 CAN HELP PROVIDE 400 MEALS

$25 CAN HELP PROVIDE 500 MEALS

.........................Please detach here.........................

My gift can be DOUBLED to stock the shelves with food!

YES! I want to help neighbors in Oregon and across the country access TWICE as many meals. My enclosed donation of:

[  ] $15 can nelp 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.

Your gift can go even further!

FEEDING AMERICA

Give online: SupportFeedingAmerica.org/Match

And so, I made a one-time donation to Feeding America in order to support their "FOOD MULTIPLIER VOUCHER," because "$7.00 can help provide as many meals as possible." And because I donated to Feeding America, I also donated locally to the Oregon Food Bank, whose mission includes the following statement: "...We distribute food equitably across the region and work on policies and programs to address the root causes of hunger." –Paul Whiting (written July 8th, 2024 and revised August 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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July 8th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses July 2nd, 2024: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) six days ago on July 2nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Important step forward on federal heat regulations", which stated the following:

United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW

Important step forward on federal heat regulations

Dear Paul,

We have some breaking news to share with you. After decades of advocacy, our voices have been heard. This morning the Biden Administration proposed the first federal heat safety standard. We are excited by these very important first steps to saving farm workers and other outdoor workers’ lives.

This common-sense and life-saving rule, proposed by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), will – once effective – protect the health and lives of farm workers who have no choice but to work during dangerous temperatures. This federal rule has been a long-time priority for the farm worker movement and is the result of decades of advocacy by farm workers, often in the wake of immense tragedies including farm worker deaths.

The newly proposed federal heat safety rule is modeled on existing heat safety standards in California, Oregon and Washington, all of which were implemented following the deaths of farm workers killed on the job by extreme heat. The proposed federal OSHA rule includes:

[✓] Requiring worker access to clean drinking water
[✓] Requiring worker access to shaded and/or indoor rest areas
[✓] Requiring workers to have the right to take regular rest breaks
[✓] Requiring employers to educate and train workers as to these rights, as well as implement a climate acclimatization plan for workers

UFW [title and name redacted] shares, "This is a bittersweet moment for farm workers. Every significant heat safety regulation in America at the state, and now federal, level was written in the blood of farm workers. Every year farm workers are killed by heat – with known deaths likely drastically outnumbered by the unknown, uncounted deaths. This is particularly true in states such as Florida and Texas, where extreme anti-worker and pro-death governors have taken extreme action to dismantle the few local workplace heat protections that existed.

"Today, the federal government put itself on the right side of history by seeking, for the first time, to establish the precedent that every worker in America has the right to shade, water, and rest while working in temperatures that could kill them. As extreme temperatures continue to become the new normal, we also know it will continue to be America’s most marginalized yet essential workers, disproportionately immigrants, who will continue to be used by our society as disposable human shields against climate change. This proposal is a step towards becoming a better nation – one in which our economy is more resilient, our society more just, and every worker able to work with dignity and come home to their family."

We are deeply encouraged by this important step forward, but the battle is not over. The next step is that the proposed regulations will be opened for public comments. We will again need your support. Look out for an email from us in the near future asking you to submit your comment.

Si Se Puede!

[Name redacted]
UFW [Title redacted]

PS: We wanted to share links to: UFW news release, Politico article, the proposed OSHA regulations. Please spread the word by sharing our posts on Facebook & Twitter.*

Want to support our work? start a monthly donation or chip in a one-time donation.***

[Blogger's Note: I read the United Farm Workers' article titled, "United Farm Workers & UFW Foundation Welcome Proposed Rulemaking for Federal Heat Standards for Outdoor Workers." I also read the Politico article titled, "Biden announces heat rules as climate-related deaths rise." Plus, I read the overview of the proposed OSHA regulations titled, "Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rulemaking."]

We welcome the proposed creation of a federal heat safety standard by the Biden-Harris Admin. This common-sense & life-saving rule proposed by @OSHA_DOL will, once effective, protect the health and lives of farmworkers who have no choice but to work during dangerous temps.

https://x.com/UFWupdates/status/1808078286221656476

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage in order to "chip in a one-time donation," the text of which can be found below:

United Farm Workers
                Si, Se Puede!

Your Spare Change Makes Change

Please donate to continue Cesar Chavez' dream for farm workers. The easiest way to give is online. Make a difference to the people who put food on your table. Any amount you give will help to improve the lives of farm workers and their families!

Contribution Information

[  ] $10
[  ] $18
[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $100
[  ] $250
[  ] $500
[  ] $1,000
[✓] $5.00

Contact Information

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

Contribute

And so, I made a one-time donation today, July 8th, 2024, to United Farm Workers in order to show my support for the breaking news that "the Biden Administration proposed the first federal heat safety standard." –Paul Whiting (July 8th, 2024)

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July 10th, 2024 Update No. 1: 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 $1.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $2.00 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.

...The 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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! ...

... In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on May 12th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...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! ...

... In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$3.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount yet again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $1.07 (from $2.14) and I am still 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 $2.14 (from $3.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The only political communication to which I responded was a text message today, July 10th, 2024, from Our Great Task, which stated the following:

Liz Cheney here. We have less than four months to prevent Donald Trump from getting anywhere near the Oval Office again. All of us—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—must work together to right the ship of our Republic and put our love of country before partisanship.

That’s why I started Our Great Task, my effort to defend democracy and defeat Donald Trump and those who enable him.

Can I count on you to support our important work by contributing today?

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ogt-tm-mw

Thank you for your support. This is the cause of our time.

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:

OUR GREAT TASK

Stand with Liz Cheney and stop Donald Trump. With your support we can defend the Constitution and save our Republic.

Liz Cheney founded Our Great Task because all of us — Republicans, Democrats, Independents — must work together to ensure Donald Trump and those who have enabled him are defeated.

Stand with Liz by donating to Our Great Task today. This is the cause of our time. We can't thank you enough for your support.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Our Great Task, Inc.

[  ] Donate $25 →

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[  ] Donate $100 →

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[✓] Other amount $5.00

Please leave a tip for ActBlue

Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.

[  ] Add $2 tip

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[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)

And so, I made a one-time donation to Our Great Task (with a tip to ActBlue) because "we have less than four months to prevent Donald Trump from getting anywhere near the Oval Office again," since "all of us—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—must work together to right the ship of our Republic and put our love of country before partisanship."

Thus, this one organization—Our Great Task—is the political organization that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (July 10th, 2024)

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July 10th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) today, July 10th, 2024, with the subject line, "Watch Program Now | State of Deception", which stated the following:

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Live Digital Program Starts Soon

State of Deception

WATCH NOW

About This Program

In Nazi Germany, there was no escaping the steady drumbeat of lies and misinformation to build German pride and blame the Jews for society’s problems. Nazi propaganda was pervasive—from radio broadcasts and blockbuster movies to billboards and children’s books. Join us to find out how Hitler and the Nazi party deployed a sweeping campaign to win support, manipulate a nation, and eventually commit mass murder.

Watch this special program.

After the live broadcast, the recording will be available to watch on demand on the Museum’s YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/live/uuXcd9hHc0g?si=V1O1Jlo4BtCGpVJj) 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, "State of Deception," which is slightly over thirty one minutes, just to let you know.]

You see, I originally received an email on July 9th, 2024, from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum with the subject line, "Watch Live Program | State of Deception", which stated the following:

Live Digital Program
State of Deception

Wednesday, July 10 at Noon ET
Museum’s YouTube and Facebook Pages

REMIND ME

About This Program

In Nazi Germany, there was no escaping the steady drumbeat of lies and misinformation to build German pride and blame the Jews for society’s problems. Nazi propaganda was pervasive—from radio broadcasts and blockbuster movies to billboards and children’s books. Join us to find out how Hitler and the Nazi party deployed a sweeping campaign to win support, manipulate a nation, and eventually commit mass murder.

Request a reminder to join us for this program.

Guest
[Name redacted], [title redacted], United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and [title redacted], State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda

Host
[Name redacted], [title redacted], United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Watch live on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/live/uuXcd9hHc0g?si=V1O1Jlo4BtCGpVJj) or Facebook (https://m.facebook.com/watch/34362997676/2572591559664662/) and join in the conversation.

After the live broadcast, the recording will be available to watch on demand on the Museum’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Now, to clarify, I decided to wait until after the event had livestreamed to watch it, since I only have a cellular data plan through my cell phone company (so, I don't have access to WiFi on my smartphone). Additionally, whenever I watch these livestreamed programs as a recording, I can go back to parts of the program that I wish to repeat in order to watch them over again.

Then, after I watched the video of the livestreamed event, I made a one-time donation to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, shortly after I finished watching the video, in order to show my support for the program "State of Deception." –Paul Whiting (July 10th, 2024)

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July 13th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On July 20th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] I signed a petition today, July 20th, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence, which is based upon a popup that appeared on the BradyUnited.org website, which stated the following:

GUNS HAVE NO PLACE IN OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

The assassination attempt on Donald Trump [on July 13th, 2024] was carried out with an assault weapon and underscores the urgent need for action to protect us all from gun violence.

Brady's namesake, Jim Brady, was shot and paralyzed in the assassination attempt on President Reagan. He dedicated the rest of his life to ending gun violence. We keep fighting in his name.

Add your name to our petition and make it clear: Guns have NO place in our democratic process!

Sign the petition

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:

BRADY
United Against Gun Violence

MAKE IT CLEAR: Guns have no place in our democracy!

Our country is founded on democracy and at the heart of democracy lies principles of fairness and freedom-that should include the fundamental freedom to live our lives without the fear of being shot.

This weekend's act of political violence against President Donald Trump should be a wake up call for the nation. Our political systems should be free from gun violerice, but in our country where guns are valued more highly than human lives, everyone is at risk.

Our namesake, Jim Brady, was also a victim of political violence when he was caught in the crossfire of the attempt on then-Pres. Reagan's life in 1981. He dedicated the rest of his life to ending gun violence in our nation, creating the background check system we still use today in the process.

From 1981 to 2024, guns have continued to threaten the sanctity of our political systems and unless we take action to protect our democracy and American lives from gun violence, we will keep living in fear. If you agree that guns have no place in our democracy, add your name to Brady's urgent petition now and make your voice heard. >>

Sign the Petition

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone: [redacted]

Add Your Name!

And, after I signed the petition above, via the BradyUnited.org website, I made a one-time donation to Brady: United Against Gun Violence today, July 20th, 2024, because "GUNS HAVE NO PLACE IN OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS." –Paul Whiting (written July 20th, 2024 and revised July 21st, 2024)

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July 15th, 2024 Update No. 1: 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 $1.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $2.00 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.

...The 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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! ...

... In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on May 12th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...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! ...

... In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$3.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount yet again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $1.07 (from $2.14) and I am still 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 $2.14 (from $3.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The only political communication to which I responded was an email from Turn Left PAC (Turn Left Political Action Committee) today, July 15th, 2024, with the subject line, "Disaster in the making: Trump picks J.D. Vance", which stated the following:

AMERICA IS NOT A DICTATORSHIP

HELP US PROTECT AMERICAN DEMOCRACY @ RESISTPROJECT2025.COM

Well there we have it, Paul.

JD Vance just got the “VP” nod from Donald Trump.

That’s the same JD Vance who said he was a “Never Trumper.” The same JD Vance that said Donald Trump was an “idiot” and that his personality was “noxious” and “reprehensible.”

And then he ran for Senate, and JD proved he was more than willing to lick the boots of Donald Trump as long as it benefits him.

The only thing that qualifies this man to be Trump’s vice president is unquestioning loyalty. That means he’s not just a disgrace – he’s dangerous.

You and I both know that JD Vance will be more than happy to help Trump replace our democracy with a dictatorship. And Project 2025 will give them the tools to do it.

That’s why I’m teaming up with Marine Capt. Ike McCorkle (RET.) to launch Turn Left’s campaign to Resist Project 2025. We need your support right now to get our message out to battleground states – starting with a few of JD Vance’s favorite quotes so they can see who he really is.

[An animated GIF of a video clip of JD Vance quotes played on Fox News, which includes: “I’m a never Trump Guy”, “Never liked him”, “Terrible candidate”, “Idiot if you voted for him”, “Might be America's Hitler”, “Might be a cynical a**hole”, “Cultural heroin”, “Noxious” and “Reprehensible.”]

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We’ll make sure every single voter in every battleground state knows that JD Vance is a coward and a bootlicker that has turned against his own principles (if he ever had them), to support a man who’s hell bent on replacing our democracy with a totalitarian dictatorship.

Sappers clear the way, Airborne all the way!

Richard Ojeda (Maj, retired)
Turn Left PAC

Support Turn Left >>

Turn Left is a grassroots org co-founded by firebrand Maj. Richard Ojeda (Ret.), now joining forces with retired Force Recon Marine Capt. Ike McCorkle. We’re organizing across the country to root out MAGA radicals and elect bold Democrats who will work for everyday Americans. Pitch in now to help us stop the MAGA threat to our democracy and secure a future for ALL Americans to thrive.

DONATE >>***

AMERICA IS NOT A DICTATORSHIP

RESIST PROJECT 2025
Turn Left

BREAKING: RETIRED MILITARY LEADERS LAUNCH 'RESIST PROJECT 2025' ΤΟ COMBAT EXTREMISM AND PROTECT DEMOCRACY

$47,963.37 Raised →→→→→→→→→→ GOAL $50,000
Join us to launch RESIST PROJECT 2025!  updated at 7:14 PM

In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and growing political violence across the nation, Turn Left PAC has launched 'Resist Project 2025,' a project to counter extremism in Congress and protect American democracy.

The effort is spearheaded by two highly decorated retired military officers, U.S. Army Major (ret.) Richard Ojeda, the founder of Turn Left, and USMC Captain (ret) Ike McCorkle.

Joining forces with these leaders are experienced progressive political operatives, including [name redacted], the former [title redacted] of Brand New Congress, [name redacted], former Congressional candidate of the Working Families Party, and [name redacted], LGBTQ+ community organizer, technologist, and Democratic campaign manager.

Your contribution will help this team mobilize volunteers and sound the alarm about Project 2025 in critical battlegrounds across the nation.

The project will feature proprietary digital tools developed by Turn Left and its partners to train and empower citizen leaders to fight back against extremism.

Turn Left PAC has a history of effective grassroots fundraising, having generated over $40 million since 2020 to support democratic candidates. The organization believes that strategic allocation of resources is critical in countering the influence of dark money and extremist agendas in American politics.

Can we count on your support to help us launch this project and spread the word about Project 2025?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Turn Left PAC-Independent Expenditure.

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[✓] OTHER AMOUNT $5.00

Please leave a tip for ActBlue

Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.

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[✓] Add custom amount $0.35 (7%)

And so, I made a one-time donation to Turn Left PAC (with a tip to ActBlue), since "JD Vance just got the 'VP' nod from Donald Trump." That is why I contributed to Turn Left PAC, because "[Turn Left will] make sure every single voter in every battleground state knows that JD Vance is a coward and a bootlicker that has turned against his own principles ... to support a man who’s hell bent on replacing our democracy with a totalitarian dictatorship."

Thus, this one Political Action Committee (PAC)—Turn Left PAC—is the PAC that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (written July 15th, 2024, revised July 16th, 2024 and revised July 30th, 2024)

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July 19th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On July 20th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 17th, 2024: I received an email from ACLU People Power yesterday, July 19th, 2024, with the subject line, "Urgent Action Alert: Tell Congress to stop attacks on LGBTQ rights!", which stated the following:

Hi Paul,

Extreme opponents of LGBTQ equality in Congress have been using bills that fund the federal government to sneak through poison pills that threaten peoples’ civil liberties -- they single out trans people by banning access to life-saving care and attack the rights and dignity of all LGBTQ people.

We can and must let our leaders in Congress know that we, the people, do NOT support these hateful efforts. Urge your member of Congress to oppose any government funding bill that includes poison pills that attack the rights and dignity of LGBTQ people, including banning access to life-saving care for trans people. Send a message to your representative today.

Take Action***

Make no mistake: This is a dangerous effort to hijack bills funding critical government services in order to attack the rights, health, and dignity of LGBTQ people. For example, extremists have proposed stripping away healthcare access from transgender servicemembers and their families, prohibiting pride flags and drag shows, and dismantling essential diversity, equity and inclusion programs and training across the federal government.

We at the ACLU will not allow these unconscionable attacks against our LGBTQ community to go unanswered.

Please join us in action at this urgent time. And know whatever attacks they may throw at us, we at the ACLU are here now and always to protect peoples’ rights. Count on it.

Thank you for your activism,

[Name redacted]
he/him/his
ACLU People Power

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:

Stop Attacks on LGBTQ People In Congress

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Subject: Protect LGBTQ People from Extremist Attacks in Congress

Dear [elected official],

Recently we have seen wave after wave of extreme measures, in the states and in Congress, to criminalize and strip LGBTQ people of their rights and dignity, including banning access to life-saving care for trans people. I am writing — during a genuine moment of crisis — to urge you to publicly commit to doing everything within your power to protect the health and dignity of LGBTQ people. Will you do so?

We call upon our elected representatives to stand up against any and all government funding bills that attack the rights, health, and dignity of LGBTQ people. Attempts to restrict access to lifesaving healthcare, prevent enforcement of nondiscrimination policies, ban pride displays, and attack diversity, equity and inclusion efforts must be rejected. LGBTQ people deserve the same chance to thrive and live fulfiling lives a as as everyone else. Having the freedor freedom to seek the healthcare we need, be treated with dignity and respect, and be our true and authentic selves is essential right for all people.

I urge you to not remain silent in this moment. Please use your voice to publicly show support for the rights of our community.

Thank you. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
[Your information here]

And so, I sent the letter above to my Representative in Congress, via the ACLU website, in order to "urge [my] member of Congress to oppose any government funding bill that includes poison pills that attack the rights and dignity of LGBTQ people, including banning access to life-saving care for trans people."

In addition to that, I also received an email from ACLU People Power three days ago on July 17th, 2024, with the subject line, "Shape the Future of Our Work Together!", which stated the following:

Hi Paul,

The ACLU People Power team knows that none of our work to protect and expand civil liberties would be possible without our volunteers and supporters like you. Our People Power volunteers have been at the forefront of the movement, and your work doesn’t go unnoticed. That’s why we want to hear what your priorities are for this upcoming year of work. Can you take 2 minutes to fill out the 2024 People Power survey and let us know what issues are at the top of your list?

Take the Survey***

No matter the results of this year’s elections, the ACLU’s commitment to defending civil rights and liberties is unwavering. Instead of focusing on party lines, we defend everyone from attacks on their rights. In the past year, our People Power Program mobilized to work on an array of issues, from our call team members who worked toward a big win for abortion rights in Ohio to achieving progress towards systemic equality by lobbying lawmakers to implement baby bond programs in three states. The People Power program has hosted over twelve thousand events that mobilized volunteers around all kinds of issues. You make our work possible.

That’s why we want to hear from you as we plan ahead. Your input through this survey will ensure that your priorities are reflected in our work. So, let us know what work you want to be involved in next, and fill out the 2024 People Power survey. Thank you for taking action!

Here’s to another year of achieving progress together,

The ACLU People Power Team

People Power Survey

SURVEY

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Email Address: [redacted]
Mobile Phone: [redacted]

What 5 issues are your top priorities for 2024? Chose your top 5. (Optional)

[✓] Criminal Justice Reform
Critical Race Theory
Death Penalty
Disability Rights
Free Speech
Immigrants' Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Policing
Privacy and Technology
[✓] Racial Justice
[✓] Repro [Reproductive Rights]
State Abortion Bans
Trans Justice
[✓] Voting Rights
[✓] Women's Rights

What other issues do you want the People Power team to focus on? (Optional):

[✓] Do you want to be part of the People Power team working to get out the vote in the 2024 election?

SUBMIT

And so, after I read the email above, I completed the 2024 People Power survey, via the ACLU website, on July 18th, 2024, in order to share "what [my] priorities are for this upcoming year of work," including "what issues are at the top of [my] list." –Paul Whiting (July 20th, 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 on July 2nd, 2024 (please see my 'July 2nd, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to the ACLU for July 2024.

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July 20th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses July 19th, 2024: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] 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 $1.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $2.00 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.

...The 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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! ...

... In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on May 12th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...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! ...

... In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$3.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount yet again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $1.07 (from $2.14) and I am still 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 $2.14 (from $3.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The only political communication to which I responded was an email from Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC [Ban Assault Weapons NOW (BAWN) Political Action Committee, or BAWN PAC] that I received yesterday, July 19th, 2024, with the subject line, "RE: Aurora, Colorado", which stated the following:

[Image of name redacted's mom]

I’m personally asking you to donate $5 today to honor my precious daughter, [name redacted], and the 11 other innocent souls stolen from us, 12 years ago, in the Aurora, Colorado theater massacre with action and support to the Tour to Save Democracy. >>***

Paul -- it’s been 12 long years since I lost my beloved baby girl, [name redacted].

On July 20, 2012 she went to the premier of Dark Night Rising at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater.

This is the last thing I would ever hear from her:

“Go get some rest, can’t wait for your visit. I need my momma.”

Just minutes later, she was gone -- slaughtered along with 11 others at the hands of a gunman with an AR-15.

[Name redacted] was just 24 years old. I miss her presence, her laughter, her wit, that smile -- her whole being.

[Photos of name redacted]

The world I knew ended that day. It has been 12 Thanksgivings, 12 birthdays, 12 Christmases, 12 New Year's Eves without our precious girl.

Our hearts never heal from gun violence, but we fight so hopefully you don't experience this pain.

That’s why I’m standing with BAWN and the Tour to Save Democracy. But we need your help to hold cowardly lawmakers accountable and unseat every one of them who refuses to protect our children. We need to raise $6,000 today in honor of our [name redacted] and the 11 other lives stolen from us on July 20, 2012. Will you chip in $5 to help the Tour to Save Democracy's work to elect gun safety champions committed to banning assault weapons -- like the AR-15 used to murder my daughter? The Tour is traveling over 4,400 miles from coast to coast to rally around the gun safety Democrats committed to protecting our families. >>***

Since I lost [name redacted], there has been tragedy after tragedy with no end in sight.

Over 400,000 Americans have been ripped from this world by gun violence.

And millions more have had to mourn their loved ones.

That is the cost of Republicans’ inaction, Paul.

This cannot be the road our country takes. That’s why I’m still fighting 12 years later -- and that’s why I’ll never stop fighting.

I know we can put a stop to the endless bloodshed in our country. But only if we all work together to hold complacent lawmakers accountable. That's why the Tour to Save Democracy's trip to 20 swing districts is so important. So I’m personally asking one more time: Will you chip in $5 to help the Tour raise $6,000 today in honor of our precious [name redacted] and the 11 others stolen from us 12 years ago? Every dollar you donate goes to support the Tour as they rally Gen Z around gun safety Democrats in swing districts dedicated to unseating complacent Republics, ending gun violence, and banning assault weapons once and for all. >>***

[✓] Chip in $5 now >>
[  ] Chip in $10 now >>
[  ] Chip in $15 now >>
[  ] Chip in $20 now >>
[  ] Chip in another amount now >>

Thank you for your support,

[Name redacted]
[Name redacted's] Mom, [Title redacted] of Survivors Empowered

CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOUR TO SAVE DEMOCRACY!

BAWN is partnering with [name redacted] as he embarks on a summer tour to save our democracy. [Name redacted] and a collective of Gen Z activists will bus across the nation stopping in Republican-held swing districts to rally young voters, flip these seats blue, and elect strong gun safety Democrats.

But [name redacted] is counting on grassroots support to fund his tour and make it possible.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight? Your contribution will directly support necessary parts of [name redacted's] tour, like gas, food, and lodging expenses.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC.

[  ] 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 Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC) (with a tip to ActBlue) yesterday, July 19th, 2024, in order to "honor [name redacted's] precious daughter, [name redacted], and the 11 other innocent souls stolen from us, 12 years ago, in the Aurora, Colorado theater massacre with action and support to the Tour to Save Democracy." –Paul Whiting (July 20th, 2024)

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July 20th, 2024 Update No. 2: [CONTENT WARNING: THIS UPDATE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE WHICH MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!] I received an email from March For Our Lives (MFOL) today, July 20th, 2024, with the subject line, "Aurora Century 16 Movie Theater", which stated the following:

MARCH
FOR OUR
LIVES

Content warning: This email reflects on the events at the Century 16 theater in Aurora, Colorado on July 20, 2012. If this is too much to read, we understand. Take care of yourself and skip the rest of this email. Here are some mental health resources that you may find helpful.

Paul,

12 years ago today, a gunman bought a ticket for The Dark Knight Rises at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. After the movie started, he left through an emergency exit, propped the door open, and came back in with military-grade gear covering his legs, neck, and head. He fired 76 shots, killed 12 people, and injured 70 more.

Authorities found he spent $15,000 on legal purchases of bullets, guns, tear gas grenades, and ballistic gear.

Our communities shouldn’t keep suffering because our country makes military-grade weapons readily available for the instant gratification of anyone, regardless of their background. No one should watch their family die because they wanted to see a movie. A movie.

As the Aurora community worked to reconcile the terror and violence, gun and ammunition sales spiked. The NRA has always fed on the paranoia from families afraid they’re next, or gun enthusiasts that hoard in the fear they will lose access to deadly weapons.

At the time, this was one of the worst mass shootings in the country’s history. Today, the tragedy remains in the public’s hearts and minds, forever altering the Aurora community and beyond.

Random acts of violence should not be commonplace. Every American has the right to freedom from violence. If we want a safer country like our allies with common sense gun laws, then we must continue to make gun safety legislation a priority.

The best way to honor the 12 lives lost and countless lives traumatized in the Aurora community, is to fight for change. We will not stop advocating for a country free from gun violence and acts of terror. Every community, family, and person deserves a government that does right by them.

To the future,

March For Our Lives HQ

Today and every day we honor the lives lost at Century 16 theater in Aurora, Colorado on July 20, 2012.

[Name redacted], 26

[Name redacted], 18

[Name redacted], 29

[Name redacted], 51

[Name redacted], 24

[Name redacted], 27

[Name redacted], 27

[Name redacted], 23

[Name redacted], 6

[Name redacted], 27

[Name redacted], 24

[Name redacted], 32

DONATE NOW***

...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.

...The 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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! ...

... In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on May 12th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...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! ...

... In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$3.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount yet again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $1.07 (from $2.14) and I am still 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 $2.14 (from $3.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The first political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC [Ban Assault Weapons NOW (BAWN) Political Action Committee, or BAWN PAC] that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "OFFICIAL Thank You Card for President Biden", which stated the following:

BREAKING:
PRESIDENT BIDEN ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION

Paul – Stop EVERYTHING you’re doing. Don’t click away from this email. Our beloved President Biden just made the tremendously brave decision to step down from the 2024 Presidential race. Now, we need to show President Biden how appreciative we are for his lifelong service to our country and incredible gun safety progress.

Paul, will you take 30 seconds and sign our official Thank You Card for President Biden before midnight? We need 500 grassroots Democrats to add their names before midnight. >>***

If you’re grateful that President Biden DEFEATED Trump in 2020…

If you’re grateful for President Biden’s HISTORIC gun safety progress…

If you’re grateful for everything President Biden has done to serve our country…

Then add your name to our official THANK YOU card for President Biden before we send it to him at midnight!

SIGN THE THANK YOU CARD >>***

Thank you,
Team Ban Assault Weapons Now

P.S. We won’t mince words: Kamala Harris will have a tough battle ahead as our Democratic nominee. Can you chip in before midnight to help us rush resources to the Tour to Save Democracy, ELECT gun safety Democrats running in tight races from coast to coast, and hand Trump the defeat he deserves? >>

DONATE

Action Network

Thank Joe Biden

Sign Joe Biden's card to thank him for his decades of public service!

SPONSORED BY
BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS NOW PAC

SIGN JOE BIDEN'S CARD TO THANK HIM FOR HIS DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE!

EMAIL: [redacted]
MOBILE NUMBER: [redacted]

Check the box below to sign the card THANKING Joe Biden for his leadership 25 our President

[✓] Yes, please add my name!

Do you approve of the job President Biden has done as president?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Unsure

On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate the job that Joe Biden has done as president?

[✓] 5-Great
[  ] 4-Good
[  ] 3-Average
[  ] 2-Poor
[  ] 1-Bad

Which of Joe Biden's actions as president do you support? (Select all that apply)

[  ] Opening the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention
[  ] Securing millions of COVID-19 vaccines
[  ] Passing the Bi-Partisan Safer Communities Act
[  ] Re-engaging in the World Health Organization
[  ] Reversing Trump's Muslim Ban
[  ] Reopening Obamacare enrollment
[  ] Ending Trump's Transgender Military Ban
[  ] Unveiling the American jobs Plan to create thousands of jobs
[  ] Sending stimulus checks to millions of hardworking families
[✓] ALL OF THE ABOVE

How concerned are you by Donald Trump's despicable attempts to destroy Joe Biden's legacy?

[✓] Very concerned
[  ] Concerned
[  ] Somewhat concerned
[  ] Not concerned at all
[  ] Unsure

The Tour to Save Demacracy is covering over 4,400 miles to visit 20 swing districts from coast to coast. Can you make a small donation to help them rally Gen Z voters around gun safety Democrats?

[✓] Yes!

With President Biden out of the race we can't afford for you to sit this one out. So please chip in anything you can!

Yes! I'll donate $5 >>
Yes! I'll donate $15 >>
Yes! I'll donate $35 >>
Yes! I'll donate $50 >>
[✓] I'll donate another amount >>

SUBMIT >>

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

CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOUR TO SAVE DEMOCRACY!

BAWN is partnering with [name redacted] as he embarks on a summer tour to save our democracy. [Name redacted] and a collective of Gen Z activists will bus across the nation stopping in Republican-held swing districts to rally young voters, flip these seats blue, and elect strong gun safety Democrats.

But [name redacted] is counting on grassroots support to fund his tour and make it possible.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight? Your contribution will directly support necessary parts of [name redacted's] tour, like gas, food, and lodging expenses.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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, after I signed the card above to President Biden, via the Action Network website, I made a one-time donation donation to Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC) (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "our beloved President Biden just made the tremendously brave decision to step down from the 2024 Presidential race." That is why I contributed to BAWN PAC "to show President Biden how appreciative we are for his lifelong service to our country and incredible gun safety progress."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on July 3rd, 2024 (please see my 'July 3rd, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above), as well as $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on July 19th, 2024 (please see my 'July 20th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses July 19th, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to contribute for the official Thank You Card for President Biden, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The second political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from was an email from Voto Latino that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "Biden is out. Fund voter registrations today.", which stated the following:

Paul

By now, you’ve likely heard that President Joe Biden has decided to end his campaign.

In 2020, Voto Latino endorsed Joe Biden in the face of an unprecedented threat to our community and our country. His exceptional term has earned our admiration and respect. His list of accomplishments is long and significant, and the Latino community will benefit from his work for generations.

While President Biden’s withdrawal certainly changes a lot about the 2024 election, one fact remains clear: we must keep registering voters.

Now more than ever we must unite our efforts to make sure Trump is not elected in November. Help fund our voter registration work.

If Trump returns to the White House, he’ll execute his anti-democracy and extreme platform. He will continue dehumanizing immigrants and will deploy our military to round-up people who they deem look undocumented. Trump also will expand the cottage industry of detention centers across the nation where no one is safe - U.S. citizens or not.

Donald Trump’s record of anti-immigrant and anti-worker policies severely burdens Latino working families. And he is now promising to double-down on his cruelty in 2025. He represents an unprecedented threat for Latinos and our thriving country.

Election decency, our democracy, and basic rights are on the ballot. The alternative is devastation to our families. Voto Latino will double-down on its efforts to help the Latino community fully realize its political power and create a more robust democracy. We’ll execute the largest Latino-focused registration and turnout campaign in U.S. history.

Donate to our mission here:***

- Voto Latino

VOTO LATINO
It's your country. Represent!

DONATE TO HELP US REGISTER 500,000 NEW VOTERS BEFORE NOVEMBER 5TH, 2024

We need your support to keep up the pace and register at least 500,000 more Latino voters before registration deadlines hit and time runs out to request absentee ballots.

Will you pitch in, if you can, to help us register the voters we need to make sure OUR VOICES are heard on Election Day?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Voto Latino.

[  ] DONATE $10 →

[  ] DONATE $25 →

[  ] DONATE $50 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $250 →

[✓] 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 Voto Latino (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "President Joe Biden has decided to end his campaign," and "his exceptional term has earned [Voto Latino's] admiration and respect," plus "his list of accomplishments is long and significant, and the Latino community will benefit from his work for generations." That is why I contributed to Voto Latino, since "now more than ever we must unite our efforts to make sure Trump is not elected in November."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to Voto Latino is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to contribute in order to help fund Voto Latino's voter registration work, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The third political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "President Joe Biden deserves our deep gratitude for his lifetime of public service and leadership.", which stated the following:

ELECT STATE DEMS
A project of the DLCC

Paul,

President Joe Biden deserves our deep gratitude for his lifetime of public service and leadership. For the past four years, we have made progress together to reverse Trump’s dangerous policies and worked tirelessly to defend our fundamental freedoms and democracy.

Together, we’ve protected health care, passed lifesaving gun safety legislation, and improved the lives of working families across America.

This work must continue uninterrupted. We must recommit ourselves to supporting Democrats up and down the ticket and winning in states nationwide this November.

Along with the race for the White House, state legislative races are more critical than ever for defending the accomplishments and progress made during the Biden Administration.

Winning this November will take all of us, and I hope we can count on you, Paul.

The stakes of this election couldn’t be higher, and Democrats must come together, united in our commitment to securing our democracy and fundamental freedoms at the ballot box in November.

Together,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

DONATE »***

DLCC
DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Join the team! 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 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 DLCC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "President Joe Biden deserves our deep gratitude for his lifetime of public service and leadership," which means that "along with the race for the White House, state legislative races are more critical than ever for defending the accomplishments and progress made during the Biden Administration."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DLCC is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute because the stakes of this election couldn’t be higher, and Democrats must come together, united in our commitment to securing our democracy and fundamental freedoms at the ballot box in November, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The fourth political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was a text message that I received on July 21st, 2024, from the Voters of Tomorrow PAC (Voters of Tomorrow Political Action Committee, or VOT PAC), which stated the following:

I’m just 16 years old so I can’t vote, but I (along with millions of young people!) will be doing EVERYTHING in our power to make Kamala Harris the first female president and to stop Donald Trump from ever holding office again!

This election is our chance to stop fascism in its tracks and make sure that Gen Z has a future that we can look forward to.

Young people might not be able to compete with Republicans’ millions, but we CAN defeat them with our Gen Z voter contact efforts.

VOT PAC is working in overdrive to register and turn out NEW Gen Z voters in swing states like Georgia and Texas. But we’re students, not professional fundraisers, and we need grown-ups like you to fund 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? >>***

[Name redacted] via Voters of Tomorrow PAC

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 $10 →

[  ] Donate $20.24 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $2,024 →

[✓] 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 Voters of Tomorrow PAC (VOT PAC) (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "millions of young people ... will be doing EVERYTHING in [their] power to make Kamala Harris the first female president and to stop Donald Trump from ever holding office again," since "this election is our chance to stop fascism in its tracks and make sure that Gen Z has a future that we can look forward to."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the VOT PAC is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute, because VOT PAC is working in overdrive to register and turn out NEW Gen Z voters, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The fifth political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "Biden's decision", which stated the following:

Major, MAJOR news, Paul: President Biden just ended his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Harris to take his place.

President Biden has earned his place in history by rescuing our democracy from Donald Trump, delivering us from the depths of the pandemic, and restoring our faith in an America where anything is possible when we work together. Now he's making history again with this selfless decision to put the country first.

In this moment, we need a MASSIVE surge of support for Democrats to prove we're up to the challenge of starting this election over again.

We've launched an urgent Triple-Impact Match to elect Democrats, but it's only good until midnight TONIGHT! Please chip in $55 (becomes $165!) to defend the Senate and continue our historic progress! >>***

If you've saved your payment info with ActBlue Express, your donation will be processed immediately.

[  ] DONATE $55 (BECOMES $165)
[  ] DONATE $110 (BECOMES $330)
[  ] DONATE $220 (BECOMES $660)
[✓] RUSH ANOTHER AMOUNT***

Thanks in advance,

Team DSCC

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 $1 →

[  ] Donate $110 →

[  ] Donate $220 →

[  ] Donate $550 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DSCC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, due to the following: "President Biden just ended his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Harris to take his place. President Biden has earned his place in history by rescuing our democracy from Donald Trump, delivering us from the depths of the pandemic, and restoring our faith in an America where anything is possible when we work together. Now he's making history again with this selfless decision to put the country first." That is why I contributed, because "we need a MASSIVE surge of support for Democrats to prove we're up to the challenge of starting this election over again."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DSCC is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute to the urgent Triple-Impact Match to elect Democrats, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The sixth political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was a text message that I received on July 21st, 2024, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:

Paul, as you've already heard, President Biden is stepping aside to usher in a new era of leadership to our party.

𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮, 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘽𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨.

His legacy will speak for itself. During his presidency he:

– Helped our nation 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰,
– Appointed 𝗞𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗼𝗻, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court,
– Took action to 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 and support a green economy,
– 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦…

We want to show President Biden that Democrats nationwide are grateful for ALL he's done for our party and country. Will you sign our thank you card to President Biden on behalf of Oregon Democrats?***

– Team DCCC

DCCC

Add your name

Sign President Biden's card and thank him for five decades of public service >>

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Email Address: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]

SIGN YOUR NAME

Which of President Biden's achievements are you most proud of? Choose all that apply:

[✓] Passing American Rescue Plan to fight the pandemic
[✓] Making investments in fixing crumbling infrastructure across the country
[✓] Protecting reproductive rights
[✓] Confirming Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court
[✓] Signing stronger gun violence prevention into law following shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde
[✓] Expanding health care for veterans
[✓] The Inflation Reduction Act
[✓] Rejoining the Paris Climate Accords and fighting climate change
[  ] Something else

Do you think America is better off with Democrats in office, or Republicans?

[✓] Democrats
[  ] Republicans
[  ] Unsure

Are you willing to make a small sacrifice if it would help keep Donald Trump's MAGA House Republicans out of office?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Unsure

Can you chip in $3 (less than a cup of coffee at Starbucks!) every week between now and Election Day to support Kamala Harris, defeat Trump's MAGA Republicans, and make Hakeem Jeffries the next Speaker of the House?

Your contribution on the next page will help House Democrats fund our GOTV ['Get Out The Vote'] strategy, campaign infrastructure, critical polling, and so much more.

[  ] I'LL CHIP IN $3 WEEKLY >>
[  ] I'LL CHIP IN $5 WEEKLY >>
[  ] I'LL CHIP IN $10 WEEKLY >>
[✓] I'LL MAKE A ONE TIME DONATION OF $20.24 TODAY >>*
[  ] NOT RIGHT NOW. (YOU'LL BE REDIRECTED TO A DONATION PAGE, BUT YOUR RESPONSES WILL BE RECORDED REGARDLESS OF YOUR ABILITY TO GIVE).

*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I donated less than $20.24—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]

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

Thanks for signing our card! Now, will you stand with Democrats to take back the House?

Start a weekly donation today to help flip the House BLUE with the DCCC >>>

Make it weekly!

[  ] Yes, count me in!
[✓] No, donate once

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit DCCC.

[✓] Donate $1 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DCCC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "we want to show President Biden that Democrats nationwide are grateful for ALL he's done for our party and country," since "President Biden is stepping aside to usher in a new era of leadership to our party."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DCCC is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute with regard to the signing of the DCCC's thank you card to President Biden on behalf of Oregon Democrats, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The seventh political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "We'll forever be grateful for President Biden's years of service to our country. Please join us in signing our card to thank him today.", which stated the following:

Paul, big news:
President Biden will no longer run for reelection.

[Image of President Joe Biden with the words, "Thank you, President Biden!"]

As president, President Biden has made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, strengthened our democracy, protected reproductive rights in the face of right-wing attacks, overseen record levels of job creation, protected Social Security and Medicare, and stood up for our rights and freedom. He has consistently delivered progress for the American people in only three and a half years – and we couldn’t be more grateful.

So please, Paul, will you be one of the first dedicated supporters to sign our thank you card to President Biden right now? You can even leave him a personalized note if you’d like.

SIGN THE CARD***

DGA

Thank you, President Biden!

As president, President Biden has made historic investments in rebuilding our nation to strengthen our democracy and stood up for our rights and freedoms. He has consistently delivered progress for the American people.

So please, will you be one of the first dedicated supporters to sign our thank you card to President Biden right now for his lifetime of service to our country? You can even leave him a personalized note if you'd like.

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Email: [redacted]
Street Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]

Leave your personal message for Joe here! (optional)

"President Biden,

THANK YOU for your decades [of] leadership in the Senate, the Vice Presidency and the Presidency!"

SUBMIT

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

DONATE NOW
DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT

With 11 governors' races on the ballot this November, including in key toss-up states like New Hampshire and North Carolina, the blue firewall that we rely on to stop the GOP's extremist agenda is at risk. We're giving it our all to support them, but right now, we're falling dangerously short of our fundraising goals.

That's why a group of generous donors is matching all gifts up to our $25,000 goal before midnight tonight. Time is running out to have your gift DOUBLED up to our goal: Give now to elect Democratic governors and preserve our blue firewall!

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic Action.

[  ] Donate $22 →

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[✓] Other amount $1.00

Please leave a tip for ActBlue

Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.

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And so, I made a one-time donation to the DGA (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "we'll forever be grateful for President Biden's years of service to our country," so that is why I joined the DGA "in signing [their] card to thank him."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DGA is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute for the signing of the DGA's thank you card to President Biden, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The eighth political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "President Biden", which stated the following:

Paul --

By now you have likely seen the news that Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign for president.

First and foremost, we all owe President Biden an enormous debt of gratitude for the unparalleled progress he has delivered over the last four years.

But we also know that many of you are wondering what comes next.

In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party to defeat Donald Trump in November.

We also know a lot of people are wondering what they can do at this moment to help. The DNC is the one organization best-positioned to move resources where they are needed, when they are needed to defeat Donald Trump AND elect a Democratic House and Senate.

So today, as we all watch and follow the news, we're asking:

Can you please use this link to contribute $100 directly to the Democratic National Committee? We will put your donation right to work defeating Donald Trump and electing a Democratic Congress.

If you've stored your info with ActBlue, we'll process your contribution instantly.

[  ] DONATE $50
[  ] DONATE $100
[  ] DONATE $200
[  ] DONATE $300
[  ] DONATE $500
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT***

Thank you,

The Democratic Party

Donate to the DNC and help elect Democrats nationwide!

Trump and his far-right allies are raising millions of dollars to lift up extreme MAGA Republican candidates running at all levels across the country.

We're counting on this grassroots team to help us fight back and Invest in the resources our candidates rely on to compete and win year after year. Rush a donation today >>

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC).

[✓] $1 →

[  ] $20 →

[  ] $50 →

[  ] $100 →

[  ] $250 →

[  ] $1,000 →

[  ] $2,000 →

[  ] Other

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 DNC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "we all owe President Biden an enormous debt of gratitude for the unparalleled progress he has delivered over the last four years" after he "ended his reelection campaign for president."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DNC is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute to the Democratic Party which will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Party to defeat Donald Trump in November, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The ninth political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from Turn Left PAC (Turn Left Political Action Committee) that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "Biden is out, here’s what we must do", which stated the following:

Paul,

With President Biden making the courageous and honorable decision to stand down in November’s election, the stakes for the future of our country just went sky high.

It's now even more important for us to win battleground districts and states to protect the House and Senate, and recent polling proves the best way to do that is by making sure voters know about the dangerous plans in Project 2025.

That is exactly what we are doing as we mobilize Resist Project 2025. Our mission from now until November is to flip red seats blue across the country; to win back the House majority; to hold the Senate; and to defend a Democratic presidency.

Thousands of you have answered the call in the last week as we ramped up our campaign launch on the heels of the shooting at the Trump rally.

Now I’m asking you to step up again and join Major (Ret.) Richard Ojeda and I as our fight against this fascist threat has just been multiplied.

I said it yesterday and I’ll say it again, Donald Trump IS a fascist. He IS a threat to democracy. We MUST defeat him and block Project 2025. Can we count on you to rush a donation right now?

Join the fight against Project 2025***

Semper Fi,

Ike McCorkle
Combat Wounded USMC Retired
For Turn Left

Support Turn Left >>

Turn Left is a grassroots org co-founded by firebrand Maj. Richard Ojeda (Ret.), now joining forces with retired Force Recon Marine Capt. Ike McCorkle. We’re organizing across the country to root out MAGA radicals and elect bold Democrats who will work for everyday Americans. Pitch in now to help us stop the MAGA threat to our democracy and secure a future for ALL Americans to thrive.

DONATE >>***

AMERICA IS NOT A DICTATORSHIP

RESIST PROJECT 2025
Turn Left

BREAKING: RETIRED MILITARY LEADERS LAUNCH 'RESIST PROJECT 2025' ΤΟ COMBAT EXTREMISM AND PROTECT DEMOCRACY

$55,417.64 Raised →→→→→→→→→→ GOAL $60,000
Join us to launch RESIST PROJECT 2025!  updated at 4:35 PM

In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and growing political violence across the nation, Turn Left PAC has launched 'Resist Project 2025,' a project to counter extremism in Congress and protect American democracy.

The effort is spearheaded by two highly decorated retired military officers, U.S. Army Major (ret.) Richard Ojeda, the founder of Turn Left, and USMC Captain (ret) Ike McCorkle.

Joining forces with these leaders are experienced progressive political operatives, including [name redacted], the former [title redacted] of Brand New Congress, [name redacted], former Congressional candidate of the Working Families Party, and [name redacted], LGBTQ+ community organizer, technologist, and Democratic campaign manager.

Your contribution will help this team mobilize volunteers and sound the alarm about Project 2025 in critical battlegrounds across the nation.

The project will feature proprietary digital tools developed by Turn Left and its partners to train and empower citizen leaders to fight back against extremism.

Turn Left PAC has a history of effective grassroots fundraising, having generated over $40 million since 2020 to support democratic candidates. The organization believes that strategic allocation of resources is critical in countering the influence of dark money and extremist agendas in American politics.

Can we count on your support to help us launch this project and spread the word about Project 2025?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Turn Left PAC-Independent Expenditure.

[  ] DONATE $20.25 →

[  ] DONATE $50 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $500 →

[  ] DONATE $1,500 →

[  ] DONATE $2,500 →

[  ] DONATE $5,000 →

[✓] 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 Turn Left PAC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "with President Biden making the courageous and honorable decision to stand down in November’s election, the stakes for the future of our country just went sky high," so "it's now even more important for us to win battleground districts and states to protect the House and Senate, and recent polling proves the best way to do that is by making sure voters know about the dangerous plans in Project 2025."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to Turn Left PAC is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on July 15th, 2024 (please see my 'July 15th, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute to Turn Left PAC's mission from now until November to flip red seats blue across the country; to win back the House majority; to hold the Senate; and to defend a Democratic presidency, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The tenth political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from the Biden for President campaign that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "I am endorsing Kamala Harris to be our next President of the United States", which stated the following:

Biden-Harris 2024

My fellow Americans,

Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a nation.

Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We've made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We've provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.

I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We've protected and preserved our democracy. And we've revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

For my part: my very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. And if you’re with us, donate to her campaign here:

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

[  ] $25 >>
[  ] $50 >>
[  ] $75 >>
[  ] $100 >>
[  ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***

I am grateful to every member of this team for the work they’ve done and will continue to do to save our democracy.

Keep the faith, as always, and spread it.

Joe Biden
President of the United States

Donate to Elect Kamala Harris

Our fight is more important now than ever before. Donate now.

Donate Immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Kamala Harris.

[✓] Donate $1 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $125 →

[  ] Other amount

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 Harris for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "while it has been [President Biden's] intention to seek reelection, [he believes] it is in the best interest of [the Democratic] party and the country for [him] to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling [his] duties as President for the remainder of [his] term," which is why "[he wants] to offer [his] full support and endorsement for [Vice President] Kamala [Harris] to be the nominee of our party this year."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Harris for President campaign is because that is all I can afford this month, give my 'monthly donating budget'; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute the Harris for President campaign, because, Democrats, it’s time to come together and beat Trump, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The eleventh political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from the Biden for President campaign that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "I am running to be President of the United States.", which stated the following:

Biden-Harris 2024

Paul, I am running to be President of the United States.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside our Commander-in-Chief, my friend, President Joe Biden -- one of the finest public servants we will ever know. And I am honored to have his support and endorsement.

And I am eager to run on the record of what Joe and I have accomplished together. We built our country back after our predecessor left it in shambles – making historic progress in upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, fighting climate change, and more. We are stronger today because we took action – together – to invest in America’s future.

I am excited to continue to work toward our vision for a better future for all. If that’s all you need to hear, then make your next donation to fund my campaign today.

If you've stored your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will process immediately and be split between DLCC PAC and Kamala Harris.

[  ] $25 »
[  ] $50 »
[  ] $75 »
[  ] $100 »
[  ] $120 »
[✓] Other »***

I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

In the coming days, as I hit the campaign trail to meet with Americans and lay out the choice in front of voters in the fall, I cannot imagine two more starkly different visions for where we want our country to go.

We can choose the dark path of Project 2025, with less freedom and more division. Or we can choose to pull together and do the work – For The People.

These are not ordinary times. And this will not be an ordinary election. But this is our America. And I need you with me in this fight. So, I have to ask:

Will you pitch in another $25 today to elect me as President of the United States and defeat Donald Trump? Whatever you are able to give in this moment will go a long way in our collective fight.

Together, I know we can win this election and save democracy.

More soon,

Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States

Donate to Elect Kamala Harris

Our fight is more important now than ever before. Donate now.

Donate Immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Kamala Harris.

[✓] Donate $1 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $125 →

[  ] Other amount

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 Harris for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, since "[Kamala Harris is] running to be President of the United States" and "in the coming days, as [she hits] the campaign trail to meet with Americans and lay out the choice in front of voters in the fall, [she] cannot imagine two more starkly different visions for where we want our country to go," because "we can choose the dark path of Project 2025, with less freedom and more division, or we can choose to pull together and do the work – For The People."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Harris for President campaign is because that is all I can afford this month, give my 'monthly donating budget'; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute to elect Kamala Harris as President of the United States and defeat Donald Trump, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The twelfth political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "Thank you, President Biden", which stated the following:

Paul,

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank President Biden for his lifetime of service and love for our country. Since he was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, he has been resolute in his commitment to bettering the lives of all Americans.

President Biden came into the Oval Office during a very difficult and divisive time, and when the country needed his leadership the most, he found common ground and worked deftly and tirelessly to pass transformative legislation.

His administration created millions of new jobs; passed the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act; lowered health care and drug costs for millions of Americans; signed bipartisan gun safety legislation; and restored America’s standing as the leader of the free world. We are a better and stronger nation because of President Biden.

At DAGA, we are committed to winning the presidential election come November. We know exactly what a second Trump presidency would mean. For four years, Democratic AGs were the last line of defense and the biggest check on the Trump Administration, holding Trump accountable to the rule of law.

We will do everything we can to ensure Democrats win up and down the ballot this fall in order to protect democracy, our constituents, and the rights of all Americans.

Onward,

Team DAGA

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 $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 DAGA (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, because "we want to thank President Biden for his lifetime of service and love for our country," since "President Biden came into the Oval Office during a very difficult and divisive time, and when the country needed his leadership the most, he found common ground and worked deftly and tirelessly to pass transformative legislation."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DAGA is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute because, at DAGA, they are committed to winning the presidential election come November, since they know exactly what a second Trump presidency would mean, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The thirteenth political communication to which I responded on July 21st, 2024 was a text message that I received on July 21st, 2024, from the Rolling Sea Action Fund (RSAF), which stated the following:

BREAKING: Joe Biden drops out of Presidential race, paving way for Kamala Harris to become the first Black female President of the United States.

Paul, Kamala Harris is INCREDIBLE and we would be thrilled to see her as the first female President of the United States.

But she's starting her campaign from ground 0 and desperately needs your support to defeat Donald Trump in just 107 days.

Please, if you care at all about electing Kamala Harris, endorse her campaign for President now:***

Let's do this,
RSAF

ROLLING SEA ACTION FUND

Endorse Kamala Harris for President! >>

First Name (Optional): Paul
Last Name (Optional): Whiting
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]

[CONFIRM] Will you endorse Karmala Harris for President of the United States? (Optional)

[✓] YES!

Generally speaking, are you a supporter of Kamala Harris? (Optional)

[✓] Yes, l am.
[  ] No, I am not.

Will you be supporting Kamala Harris (D) in the 2024 Presidential Election? (Optional)

[✓] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Unsure

Are you aware that racist Republican presidential candidates are looking to erase the work President Biden and Kamala Harris have done in the past four years? (Optional)

[✓] Yes, l am.
[  ] No, I am not.

We're committed to standing up for President Biden and VP Harris's record on the issues that matter. Do you stand with us in our mission to elect Kamala Harris? (Optional)

[✓] Yes

Black voter turnout is critical to flipping the House, saving the Senate, and electing Kamala Harris — but election experts are predicting a drastic decrease in voter turnout next November.

We're a Black-led organization dedicated to empowering, informing, and mobilizing Black voters in 2024 — and we're Jumpstarting our efforts by raising $25,000. Will you chip in on the next page?

[✓] Yes! I'll chip in $5* >>
[  ] Yes! I'll chip in $15 >>
[  ] Yes! I'll chip in $35 >>
[  ] Yes! I'll chip in $50 >>
[  ] Yes! I'll chip in even more >>

*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I donated less than $5—because it's an option that got me to the donation webpage!]

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

ROLLING SEA ACTION FUND

Support Black Democrats!

We don't have time to waste! MAGA Republicans are sowing chaos inside the House and attacking our freedoms. We're dedicated to electing Black leaders to Congress who will uplift OUR voices and protect OUR rights.

Donate to help us fight for Black communities by electing Black Democrats to Congress >

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Rolling Sea Action Fund.

[  ] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $15 →

[  ] Donate $35 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[✓] 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 Rolling Sea Action Fund (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024, due to the following: "Joe Biden drops out of Presidential race, paving way for Kamala Harris to become the first Black female President of the United States." That is why I contributed to the Rolling Sea Action Fund in order to respond to the question, "Will you endorse Karmala Harris for President of the United States?" with a resounding 'Yes!'

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Rolling Sea Action Fund is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute to endorse Kamala Harris's campaign for President, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

Thus, these six organizations—the DLCC, the DSCC, the DCCC, the DGA, the DNC, as well as the DAGA—plus, this one campaign—Harris for President—plus, these four Political Action Committees (PACs)—Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC, Voters of Tomorrow PAC, Turn Left PAC, as well as Rolling Sea Action Fund—in addition to this one civic engagement organization—Voto Latino—are the political organizations, the political campaign, as well as the PACs, and the civic engagement organization that I donated to on July 21st, 2024! –Paul Whiting (written from July 26th, 2024 to July 30th, 2024, revised July 31st, 2024, revised August 21st, 2024, revised August 24th, 2024, revised August 25th, 2024 and revised September 21st, 2024)

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

July 24th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses July 22nd, 2024: I received two emails from Planned Parenthood Action Fund regarding President Biden's announcement that he will not seek reelection, as well as regarding Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

The first email that I received from Planned Parenthood Action Fund was two days ago on July 22nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Thank you, President Biden", which stated the following:

Paul —

President Biden's announcement that he will not seek reelection came as a surprise to many — but the values behind his decision reflect his long career as a leader.

President Biden has shown us time and time again that he is a public servant who puts the needs of others before his own. That he loves this country, and will do what it takes to protect the future of our democracy. That he has the courage to do the right thing, even when it is difficult. Especially when it is difficult.

Will you add your name to our note of thanks to President Biden?***

[Image of President Biden smiling next to the words, "Thank you, President Biden," which has a button with words, "Add your name" below it.]

President Biden's record of protecting our reproductive freedom and abortion access is unquestionable.

President Biden deserves our thanks for consistently fighting to protect, expand, and restore access to abortion and other essential health care. The Biden administration has led the way by:

[✓] Protecting access to the abortion pill, mifepristone.

[✓] Reminding every state — even those with abortion bans — of their obligation to protect emergency abortion care by abiding by the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).

[✓] Approving the first-ever, over-the-counter birth control pill.

[✓] Expanding telemedicine options so more people can get birth control, gender-affirming care, and other essential health care without judgment or stigma.

[✓] Restoring access to family planning services through the Title X program, the nation's only federal program dedicated to providing sexual and reproductive health care to people with low incomes.

We're sending the president a message of gratitude and appreciation — click here to sign on.***

So much is at stake in this election — the right to abortion, access to birth control, equality for LGBTQIA+ people, the future of our country. We know how serious the threats are. And we know the progress we have made is truly fragile.

The only way we can build a future where everyone, everywhere has access to the care they need is with strong support from leaders like President Biden. He has shown us again that he's willing to do what it takes to win back what has been lost, and keep moving forward.

Take a moment right now to say thanks — and then get ready to keep protecting the legacy that President Biden's administration has built.

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

Planned Parenthood Action Fund

Thank you, President Biden!

Send a note of gratitude and appreciation

President Biden deserves our thanks for consistently fighting to protect, expand, and restore access to abortion and other essential health care.

Sign your name to thank President Biden for his decades of public service.

Add your name to help us say thanks.

First Name (Optional): Paul
Last Name (Optional): Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone (Optional): [redacted]

Do you want to be a member of Planned Parenthood Action Fund? You'll be the first to hear when PP Action Fund announces our endorsement for president. Yes

Subject: Thank you, President Biden!

Dear President Biden,

Thank you for consistently fighting to protect, expand, and restore access to abortion and other essential health care.

Throughout your presidency, you have worked to defend abortion, expand access to birth control, and make sure that everyone can get the care they need no matter who they are or where they live.

Your decision not to seek re-election shows once again the kind of leader you are a public servant who puts duty to the country and the future of our democracy first.

[Personalize your message:]

Thank you for your leadership on women's rights in the Senate, the Vice Presidency and the Presidency.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
[Your information here]

SEND MY MESSAGE

And, after I sent the comment above, I received a confirmation email today, July 24th, 2024, from Planned Parenthood Action Fund with the subject line, "Thank you for signing our thank you card to President Biden! One more thing:", which stated the following:

Paul,

Thank you for sending a note of thanks to President Biden for consistently fighting to protect, expand, and restore access to abortion and other essential health care.

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 X

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

President Biden is once again putting what's best for the country first. Say thanks for all he has done to protect reproductive health and rights.

https://weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/onlineactions/gi1rQiQ5sUekKHy8ZAKS6A2?snw=2&ref=6117c4ad-ffae-4539-ab1b-1673d9c60d0f

And the second email that I received from Planned Parenthood Action Fund was today, July 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "We're ready to make history", which stated the following:

Paul,

Planned Parenthood Action Fund is thrilled to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

We are committed to doing everything we can to elect her in November's critical election. In no uncertain terms, we must defeat Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and the Project 2025 vision for America. And we must elect Kamala Harris, who will ensure reproductive freedom — including abortion access — is an undeniable right.

The contrast between Vice President Harris and Donald Trump could not be clearer: Kamala Harris is a champion of the people. She will fight to protect our freedoms while Donald Trump will continue to strip them away. And her record on fighting for our reproductive freedom is unquestionable.

Kamala Harris is the only person running for president that we can trust to protect access to abortion.

[Image of Kamala Harris smiling next to the words, "Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorsed 2024: Kamala Harris."]

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Vice President Harris stepped up to be a fearless, unapologetic champion for reproductive freedom in the midst of a public health crisis.

For the past two years, she has traveled across the country — hosting nearly 100 events — to sound the alarm on the attacks against abortion rights. She was the first vice president in history to visit a Planned Parenthood health center. And her leadership shaped the Biden-Harris administration's response to the loss of a fundamental right, keeping the needs of patients at the heart of her work.

Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to resoundingly support Vice President Harris and her vision for a country of possibility and freedom for all.

— Planned Parenthood Action Fund

And so, I wanted to share these emails from Planned Parenthood Action Fund with you, my readers, in order to show my support for their note of thanks to President Biden, as well as their endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States! Plus, after I signed the note of gratitude and appreciation above to President Biden, via Planned Parenthood Action Fund website, I made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund, due to the following: "President Biden has shown us time and time again that he is a public servant who puts the needs of others before his own. That he loves this country, and will do what it takes to protect the future of our democracy. That he has the courage to do the right thing, even when it is difficult. Especially when it is difficult." –Paul Whiting (written July 24th, 2024 and revised September 24th, 2024)

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July 24th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses July 23rd, 2024: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, July 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "The real people impacted by Project 2025", which stated the following:

[Image of collage with a Donald Trump portrait and headlines about the ACLU, including the following: "The ACLU is making plans to fight Trump's promises of immigrant raids and mass deportations" from AP News; "ACLU prepares to fight Trump's planned DEI purge" from Axios; "How the ACLU Is Planning for the Return of Trump" from Mother Jones; "The ACLU has a blueprint to constrain Trump in a second presidential term" from NPR; "A Second Trump Term Would Double Down on Erasing Trans Rights. Here's How Advocates Are Preparing" from Teen Vogue.]

Paul, no matter who is elected to the White House this November, we're putting everything we have into defending our rights. Our roadmap to defend democracy is ready for you now.

Last week, the RNC presented one party's vision for the future – laying out Donald Trump's official platform should he become president again.

And despite Trump's recent effort to distance his campaign from Project 2025 – an extreme series of proposals for the next president authored by the Heritage Foundation with the help of several members of Trump's first administration – both the official platform and Project 2025's proposals share key policies that would attack our rights.

Both include mass deportation, mandating discrimination against trans people – including service members and children, censoring classroom discussions about race, gender, and systemic oppression, banning abortion, and more.

These aren't just PDFs full of empty threats, Paul. These policies would impact real people whose rights are on the line. They could mean immigrant families' lives uprooted, trans youth left without gender-affirming care, and students denied the truth about America's history of racism, sexism, and other forms of inequality.

We take these potential impacts seriously. That's why our experts have spent the past several months reviewing Trump's first term, his campaign promises, and Project 2025 – and evaluating the success of our work in his first term, when we launched over 430 legal actions to stop rights violations from the Trump administration. We know what it takes to protect our rights – we've been doing it for more than 100 years.

We've assembled this expertise into a series of memos, breaking down what we can expect if Trump is re-elected and mapping out exactly how we'll defend our rights in the face of these proposals.

And we've just released ALL Trump memos – including our final three on voting rights, free speech, and the criminal legal system. You can be the first to check out our complete plan for a potential second Trump administration by diving into the memos now >>

KNOW OUR PLAN:

https://www.aclu.org/campaigns-initiatives/the-trump-and-biden-memos

Paul, thanks to support from members like you, we've been able to show up to protect our rights through 19 different presidents across more than 100 years. Together, we can keep up that fight – and create the future we deserve, no matter who is elected this November.

The ACLU Team

ACLU
CAMPAIGNS & INITIATIVES ›

The Trump and Harris Memos

Join Our Fight for Rights and Freedoms, No Matter Who The Next President Is

Sign up now to receive key issue memos as they're released — and breaking alerts for all our work for civil liberties.

Subscribe*

By ACLU

Last updated on June 6, 2024

Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris will face off in the 2024 presidential election — and no matter which candidate wins, the victory will have immense implications for our civil rights and liberties. Though the ACLU doesn’t endorse or oppose candidates for elected office, we recognize that there will be drastically different realities for the country depending on which candidate wins in November.

Regardless of a candidate’s political affiliation, the ACLU will stand for any executive action to defend and expand civil rights and liberties and stand against any executive action that threatens them. Our advocacy experts are preparing for either presidential scenario and have identified the challenges and opportunities that each candidate will bring, and the concrete actions the ACLU will take in response.

Ahead of the election, we are sharing our findings in a series of 13 memos — seven memos on a potential second Trump administration and six on a potential Harris Administration — to be released through August. The memos will address a range of issues from immigrants’ rights, abortion access, LGBTQ justice, First Amendment rights, racial equity, criminal legal reform, and more. Check back every week for a new memo outlining what Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will mean for our most fundamental freedoms and what the ACLU will be doing to protect them.

Click on the titles below to learn more about each issue area and check back every week for a new memo outlining Trump or Harris' threats to our freedoms and what the ACLU will be doing to fight back.

Trump Memos

The Trump Memos Compilation

The ACLU's roadmap for protecting civil rights and civil liberties under a Trump Administration.

Read Our Memos Compilation

https://www.aclu.org/publications/the-trump-memos-compilation

Trump on the Criminal Legal System

Trump on Surveillance, Protest, and Free Speech

Trump on Voting Rights

Trump on DEI and Anti-Discrimination Law

Trump on Abortion

Trump on LGBTQ Rights

Trump on Immigration ...

[Blogger's Note: I read the ACLU's Campaigns & Initiatives article titled, "The Trump and Harris Memos." Plus, on September 17th, 2024, I finally downloaded and read "The Trump Memos Compilation" PDF, which is 130 pages long, but it contains all of the memos listed above with some additional introductory text to each memo. And it took me just about six and one half hours (or, 6 hours and 30 minutes) to read all of the chapters, as listed below, from the Compilation's Table of Contents, which I started reading on September 17th, 2024 and finished reading on September 18th, 2024:

CONTENTS

FOREWARD
.....................................................[Page] 1
(I didn't track how long it took me to read the forward.)

DONALD TRUMP ON:

IMMIGRATION
.....................................................[Page] 3
(1 hour and 2 minutes to read)

LGBTQ RIGHTS
.....................................................[Page] 23
(33 minutes to read)

ABORTION
.....................................................[Page] 37
(48 minutes to read)

DEI AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW
.....................................................[Page] 52
(1 hour and 13 minutes to read)

VOTING RIGHTS
.....................................................[Page] 71
(1 hour and 6 minutes to read)

SURVEILLANCE, PROTEST, AND FREE SPEECH
.....................................................[Page] 94
(53 minutes to read)

THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM
.....................................................[Page] 111
(55 minutes to read)

(Please see my 'August 31st, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses August 30th, 2024' that can be found below, regarding the "Harris Memos," which I read on September 16th, 2024.)]

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.aclu.org/campaigns-initiatives/the-trump-and-biden-memos

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

GET THE ACLU TRUMP AND BIDEN MEMOS

The ACLU has analyzed the impacts of a second Biden or Trump term and how to defend our rights. Sign up now to receive key issue memos as they're released — and breaking email alerts for all our work for civil liberties.

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
ZIP/Postal Code: [redacted]
E-mail: [redacted]
Mobile Phone Number: [redacted]

Subscribe

And, after I subscribed to the memos above, I received a confirmation email today, July 24th, 2024, from the ACLU with the subject line, "Thank you for joining!", which stated the following:

ACLU

Hi Paul,

Thank you for signing up for ACLU emails. In the coming days, you can expect the memos and the latest on our fight to defend liberties and how to take action – on issues ranging from racial justice, to voting rights, to reproductive freedom, and more – delivered straight to your inbox.

Stay tuned,

The ACLU Team

So, I wanted to share this email from the ACLU in order to show my support for the "The Trump and Harris Memos" article. –Paul Whiting (written July 24th, 2024, revised September 17th, 2024 and revised September 18th, 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 on July 2nd, 2024 (please see my 'July 2nd, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to the ACLU for July 2024.

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July 24th, 2024 Update No. 3: I received an email from March For Our Lives (MFOL) today, July 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "Our FIRST-EVER endorsement", which stated the following:

MARCH
FOR OUR
LIVES

Paul, we’re living in unprecedented times (it’s exhausting!) and we’ve all done a lot to adapt. Gun violence remains the leading cause of death for young people for the third year in a row and Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are campaigning on the most extremist agenda in our country’s history.

That’s why we’re doing something historic. Something that’s a first for us. To keep fighting for gun safety, we have to keep evolving because everything is on the line.

We’re proud to announce that we endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States. Chip in anything you can today to help us build momentum behind this moment >>>***

This is the first endorsement we’ve ever made, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. As one of the largest youth-led movements in the nation, we are clear-eyed about the challenge ahead.

As young people, we see the future of our country at a crossroads. Trump, the far-right, and the gun lobby want to drag us backward. They want to erode our rights and value guns more than human lives.

On the other hand, Vice President Harris prioritizes youth voices and works with us as she leads the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. She puts gun violence survivors at the center of policymaking, demonstrating her commitment to empowering those most impacted by the issue to implement the right solutions. We look forward to her centering gun violence as a key issue in her campaign.

We believe that Vice President Harris is uniquely suited to meet this moment. She will activate the youth vote and win against Trump. That’s why we’re throwing the weight of our movement behind her.

Kamala Harris must fight for a bold, progressive future — and we will hold her accountable to that.

Will you support our collective future by contributing anything you can? Donating to MFOL right now will help us get the vote out behind VP Harris!

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

[  ] $10
[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[✓] OTHER***

Onwards to our future,

[Name redacted]
March For Our Lives [Title redacted] (And former [title redacted] for VP Harris 😊)

DONATE NOW***

Thank you for supporting the March For Our Lives Action Fund! Grassroots supporters like you are the backbone of our youth-led movement.

Because of your support, we have grown into one of the largest youth-led movements in the country, elected the first Gen-Z Congressmember, secured key legislative victories such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, delivered historic youth turnout at the polls, and so much more.

In 2024, were fighting even harder for gun safety legislation at every turn and demanding young people's voices are heard.

Chip in to fuel our fight and save lives today >>>

Your contribution will benefit March For Our Lives Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Contributions or gifts to March for Our Lives Action Fund are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.

Amount

$5
$10
$20.24
$50
$100
$500
[✓] $1.23

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Billing Address: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
Postal Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State/Province: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Mobile Phone: [redacted]

Contribute

And so, I made a one-time donation to March For Our Lives (MFOL) because "[MFOL's] proud to announce that [they] endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States," since "Vice President Harris prioritizes youth voices and works with us as she leads the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention" and "she puts gun violence survivors at the center of policymaking, demonstrating her commitment to empowering those most impacted by the issue to implement the right solutions." –Paul Whiting (written July 24th, 2024 and revised August 15th, 2024)

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

July 24th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written From July 27th, 2024 To July 31st, 2024: [Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing from July 27th, 2024 to July 31st, 2024 is for donations that I made on July 24th, 2024, in response to Vice President Kamala Harris running to be President of the United States after President Biden stepped aside to usher in a new era of leadership to the Democratic Party, to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the following:

▪ 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 Harris for President, or the Harris 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).

Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are doing the following:

▪ helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets);
▪ helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC);
▪ and helping to support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide (Educated We Stand);
▪ as well as helping to organize across the country in order to root out MAGA radicals and elect bold Democrats who will work for everyday Americans (Turn Left PAC).

Besides that, I made donations to the following:

▪ a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino).

And these donations to the above-mentioned organizations are listed below in the chronological order in which I made said donations which, in turn, are based upon the general chronological order in which I received the respective request for each organization's donation.]

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 $1.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $2.00 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.

...The 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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! ...

... In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on May 12th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...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! ...

... In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$3.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount yet again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $1.07 (from $2.14) and I am still 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 $2.14 (from $3.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The first political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) that I received on July 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "I'm running to be President of the United States.", which stated the following:

ELECT STATE DEMS
A project of the DLCC

Paul, I am running to be President of the United States.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside our Commander-in-Chief, my friend, President Joe Biden – one of the finest public servants we will ever know. And I am honored to have his support and endorsement.

And I am eager to run on the record of what Joe and I have accomplished together. We built our country back after our predecessor left it in shambles – making historic progress in upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, fighting climate change, and more. We are stronger today because we took action – together – to invest in America’s future.

I am excited to continue to work toward our vision for a better future for all. But Paul, we also need strong Democrats in state legislatures across the country to continue to deliver progress for the American people. If that’s all you need to hear, then split a donation between the DLCC PAC and my campaign today.

If you've stored your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will process immediately and be split between DLCC PAC and Kamala Harris.

[  ] Chip in $50 now »
[  ] Chip in $100 now »
[  ] Chip in $250 now »
[  ] Chip in $500 now »
[✓] Chip in another amount »***

I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

In the coming days, as I hit the campaign trail to meet with Americans and lay out the choice in front of voters in the fall, I cannot imagine two more starkly different visions for where we want our country to go.

We can choose the dark path of Project 2025, with less freedom and more division. Or we can choose to pull together and do the work – For The People.

These are not ordinary times. And this will not be an ordinary election. But this is our America. And I need you with me in this fight. So, I have to ask:

Will you split a $50 donation today between the DLCC PAC and my team to elect me as President of the United States and defeat Donald Trump and Republicans in state legislatures across the country? Whatever you are able to give in this moment will go a long way in our collective fight.

Together, I know we can win this election and save democracy.

More soon,

Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States

DONATE »***

DLCC
DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Vice President Kamala Harris is calling on you:

Your split grassroots donation will help provide state Democrats with the resources, staff, and technology to win elections at the state level and support Kamala Harris.

Will you split a donation between the Harris campaign and DLCC PAC today?

Split your donation:

Total contribution $2.00

Customize amounts

DLCC PAC - Federal $1.00

Kamala Harris (President) $1.00

Donate $2

Please leave a tip for ActBlue

Power the nonprofit fundraising platform Democratic candidates & progressive causes rely on.

[ ] Add $2 tip

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And so, I made a one-time donation to the DLCC and to the Harris for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue), on July 24th, 2024, because "[Kamala Harris is] running to be President of the United States," and "[she is] excited to continue to work toward our vision for a better future for all," but "we also need strong Democrats in state legislatures across the country to continue to deliver progress for the American people."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DLCC is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; plus, the reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Harris for President campaign is because I already donated $1.00 twice (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024 (please see the eleventh donation of my 'July 24th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written From July 27th, 2024 To July 31st, 2024,' which can be found below) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to split a donation between the DLCC PAC and the Harris for President campaign, so that is why I made donations in the amount that I did.

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

The second political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from was an email from Voto Latino that I received on July 22nd, 2024, with the subject line, "🚨 WE'RE MAKING A $44M INVESTMENT 🚨", which stated the following:

HUGE NEWS, Folks:

We’re investing $44 million – that’s our entire campaign budget – to SUPPORT Kamala Harris’ bid for the White House.

But we’re going to need more resources if we want to register and turn out all of the young Latinos who could make a difference in the election. Can you rush a donation right away?

Here's the deal: While far-right extremists have sought to demonize immigrants, Vice President Kamala Harris has led the defense of our multicultural democracy. Her long-standing support for working Americans, voting rights, DACA, and for women’s rights have done so much good for our country and the Latino community. We need to make sure young Latino voters understand that.

We’ve identified over 4 million Latinos who will become eligible to vote before this November. But our $44 million investment is only enough to target about 45% of them! That’s why we need your support – because voter registration deadlines are just weeks away. The election is 105 days away. We need to ensure as many Latinos as possible turn in their ballots.

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

[  ] CHIP IN $24
[  ] CHIP IN $48
[  ] CHIP IN $72
[  ] CHIP IN $96
[  ] CHIP IN $120
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

Remember, this election is going to be extremely tight, so we have to throw everything we have at it. And that's exactly our plan: Voto Latino has a proven strategy that combines digital-first outreach, turnout, and SMS and mail efforts. It was the same strategy we used in 2020 to register and mobilize Latinos in record numbers -- it was the strategy that helped us win the White House. We have a track record of getting more Latinos to the polls on Election Day – but we need your help to execute our plan!

Time is running out, team. Will you rush a donation right now to help us defeat the MAGA agenda and keep Kamala Harris in office, working for us?

Thank you so much,
Voto Latino

VOTO LATINO
It's your country. Represent!

HELP US GET KAMALA IN THE WHITE HOUSE

Vice President Kamala Harris is facing a tough election, and polling shows that Trump is still polling ahead! It Democrats lose this election, it would be catastrophic for the Latino community.

Voto Latino is doing everything we can to register and mobilize Latinos before Election Day, including Investing our entire campaign budget $44 million! But that's only enough to reach 45% of eligible but unregistered Latino voters, so we need your help before it's too late. Can you rush an urgent donation today?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Voto Latino.

[  ] DONATE $10 →

[  ] DONATE $25 →

[  ] DONATE $50 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $250 →

[✓] 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 Voto Latino (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, because "[Voto Latino is] investing $44 million – that’s [their] entire campaign budget – to SUPPORT Kamala Harris’ bid for the White House." That is why I contributed to Voto Latino, since "[they're] going to need more resources if [they] want to register and turn out all of the young Latinos who could make a difference in the election."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to Voto Latino is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to contribute in order to help fund Voto Latino's voter registration work, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The third political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC [Ban Assault Weapons NOW (BAWN) Political Action Committee, or BAWN PAC] that I received on July 22nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Will Paul endorse Kamala Harris?", which stated the following:

BREAKING: JOE BIDEN ENDORSES KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT

ENDORSE KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT >>***

We had to make sure you saw the news, Paul:

FIRST:
President Joe Biden selflessly stepped down from the race for President.

THEN:
He ENDORSED Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States.

NOW:
BAWN is joining top gun safety Democrats like Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Adam Schiff, and Jamie Raskin in rallying around Kamala as the nominee.

This might be our most critical ask to date: Will you join us, Biden, and other gun safety Democrats in endorsing Kamala Harris for President? BAWN is working overtime to ensure Kamala Harris and gun safety Democrats everywhere have the support to win this historic election, but we need to know you’re with us. >>***

We’ll be honest, Paul:

We couldn’t be more proud of our beloved President Joe Biden for his brave and historic decision to bow out of the race.

And we know that Kamala Harris will be a fierce advocate for gun safety in the Oval Office. As Vice President she:

– Launched the FIRST-EVER White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention

– Helped pass the most significant federal gun safety legislation in DECADES

– FEARLESSLY advocated for a federal assault weapons ban

But polls show Trump and his MAGA Republicans STORMING ahead in battleground states to defeat Harris.

So it’s never been more important to rally around Vice President Harris and gun safety candidates everywhere to win the White House and defeat Trump once and for all.

That’s why we’re urgently launching a campaign to prove OVERWHELMING support for Kamala Harris’ candidacy. We need [50] more grassroots gun safety advocates from state to endorse Harris in the first 24 hours of her campaign and have her back at this make-or-break moment. Will you be one of our first supporters to endorse Kamala Harris as President? >>***

ENDORSE KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT >>***

Thank you for your support,
Team BAWN

PS: Gun safety Democrats across the country have tight races ahead of them. Chip in now to support candidates running in swing districts and ensure Kamala Harris has the gun safety majority in Congress she needs to get to work on day one. >>

DONATE

BAWN
Ban Assault Weapons NOW!

ENDORSE KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT

SPONSORED BY
BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS NOW PAC

ADD YOUR NAME TO CONFIRM YOUR SUPPORT FOR KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT!

EMAIL: [redacted]
MOBILE NUMBER: [redacted]

Thank you for adding your name. Please take 30 seconds to complete BAWN's critical gun reform survey:

JOE BIDEN AND KAMALA HARRIS TOOK SIGNIFICANT STEPS TO END GUN VIOLENCE AND MASS SHOOTINGS.

WHICH OF THE BIDEN/HARRIS ADMINISTRATION ACTIONS DO YOU SUPPORT? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

[  ] Declaring gun violence a public health emergency
[  ] Opening the first White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention
[  ] Promoting safe firearm storage
[  ] Touring the site of the Parkland Massacre
[  ] Meeting with countless gun violence and mass shooting survivors and families
[  ] Passing the most significant federal gun safety legislation in decades
[  ] Advocating to reinstate the Federal Assault Weapons Ban
[✓] ALL OF THE ABOVE

ARE YOU CONCERNED BY TRUMP AND HIS MAGA REPUBLICANS ATTEMPTS TO DISCREDIT KAMALA HARRIS' REPUTATION AND IMAGE?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No

WOULD YOU SUPPORT A MASSIVE CAMPAIGN TO ELECT A WAVE OF GUN SAFETY DEMOCRATS IN KEY SWING STATES TO DEFEAT THE GUN LOBBY'S CRONIES LIKE TRUMP, VANCE, AND THEIR REPUBLICANS?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No

THANKS TO YOU, WE'VE ALREADY DIRECTED $50K TO CONGRESSIONAL GUN SAFETY CANDIDATES. SO WE'RE COUNTING ON 500 GRASSROOTS GUN SAFETY SUPPORTERS TO STEP UP BEFORE MIDNIGHT TO CHIP IN THE TOUR TO SAVE DEMOCRACY AND HELP US BEAT TRUMP AND GUN-LOBBY-BACKED MAGA REPUBLICANS EVERYWHERE.

CAN YOU RUSH A DONATION BEFORE MIDNIGHT TO SUPPORT THE TOUR, HELP US BUILD THE GUN SAFETY TRIFECTA WE DESERVE, AND ELECT STRONG GUN SAFETY DEMOCRATS LIKE KAMALA HARRIS?

[  ] Yes! I'll donate $5 >>
[  ] Yes! I'll donate $15 >>
[  ] Yes! I'll donate $35 >>
[  ] Yes! I'll donate $50 >>
[✓] donate another amount >>

SUBMIT >>

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

CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOUR TO SAVE DEMOCRACY!

BAWN is partnering with [name redacted] as he embarks on a summer tour to save our democracy. [Name redacted] and a collective of Gen Z activists will bus across the nation stopping in Republican-held swing districts to rally young voters, flip these seats blue, and elect strong gun safety Democrats.

But [name redacted] is counting on grassroots support to fund his tour and make it possible.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight? Your contribution will directly support necessary parts of [name redacted's] tour, like gas, food, and lodging expenses.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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, after I endorsed Kamala Harris for President of the United States, via the Action Network website, I made a one-time donation donation to Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC) (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, because "BAWN is joining top gun safety Democrats like Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Adam Schiff, and Jamie Raskin in rallying around Kamala as the nominee." That is why I contributed to join "[BAWN PAC], Biden, and other gun safety Democrats in endorsing Kamala Harris for President."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on July 3rd, 2024 (please see my 'July 3rd, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above), as well as $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on July 19th, 2024 (please see my 'July 20th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses July 19th, 2024' that can be found above), in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond to contribute in order to endorse Harris in the first 24 hours of her campaign, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The fourth political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from Educated We Stand (or, 'Educated. We Stand') that I received on July 22nd, 2024, with the subject line, "Kamala Harris is a champion for public schools", which stated the following:

I know the past 24 hours have been crazy, but it’s time to go about the work of electing Vice President Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States and ensuring that Democratic candidates up and down the ballot are successful in November.

Before I explain further, will you rush a donation to Educated We Stand to help us defeat Moms for Liberty in November?

I had the amazing opportunity to introduce her at an event denouncing Florida's African American History standards teaching students the benefits of slavery. She was fearless and dynamic. And her commitment to defending our public schools is vital to us at Educated We Stand.

During her 2020 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris advocated for free universal preschool AND free public college education. She called for a $13,500 raise for every public school teacher and as a US Senator she sponsored bills that would promote women and minorities in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics].

Kamala Harris is a champion for public education and she was just endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers. There is no one better to lead our country and help us win the battle for the soul of our public schools.

But trust me, I’m under no illusions about this election. It’s going to be tough. Moms for Liberty, Ron DeSantis, and the MAGA machine are going to do everything in their power to elect extremist School Board members. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, is incredibly hostile toward public schools and has advocated for bringing schools under the direct control of Trump loyalists.

This is a battle we must win, but I need your support to get it done. Please rush $10 or $20 to defeat extremism, defend our public schools, and create the future our children deserve.

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

[  ] DONATE $25 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $50 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $100 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $250 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $500 NOW!
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

Thank you so much,

[Name redacted]

EDUCATED. WE STAND

Donate to Educated We Stand

In recent years, communities across the US have witnessed a surge in organized and well-funded efforts meant to disrupt and dismantle public education systems through legislative reform and regulating curriculums with far-right ideological beliefs.

If the movement continues to grow without an effective, organized, and funded counterbalance — we risk a widespread indoctrination of young people, promoting ideologies that threaten American Democracy and the American way of life.

EDUCATED WE STAND will serve as a national, non-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of public education. Its mission is to fight the influence of far-right extremists and ensure that our educational systems remain spaces for unbiased, evidence-based learning that fosters critical thinking and prepares students to be engaged, informed citizens. Will you pitch in today to EDUCATED WE STAND and help support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Educated We Stand - IE [Independent Expenditure].

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $5,000 →

[  ] Donate $10,000 →

[✓] 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 Educated We Stand (or, 'Educated. We Stand') (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, because "it’s time to go about the work of electing Vice President Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States and ensuring that Democratic candidates up and down the ballot are successful in November." That is why I contributed to Educated We Stand, since "Kamala Harris is a champion for public education and she was just endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to Educated We Stand is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute to Educated We Stand to help them defeat Moms for Liberty in November, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The fifth political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was a text message that I received on July 22nd, 2024, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:

Paul, I am running to be President of the United States.

I am honored to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

In the coming days, as I hit the campaign trail to meet with Americans and lay out the choice in front of voters in the fall, I cannot imagine two more starkly different visions for where we want our country to go.

We can choose the dark path of Project 2025, with less freedom and more division. Or we can choose to pull together and do the work — For The People.

These are not ordinary times. And this will not be an ordinary election. But this is our America. And I need you with me in this fight. So, I have to ask:

Will you split a $15 donation today between the DCCC and my team to elect me as President of the United States and defeat Donald Trump and Republicans across the country?***

Together, I know we can win this election and save democracy.

Kamala Harris

[DCCC logo] 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 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, split a gift between Kamala Harris for President and the DCCC right now to help flip the House Blue and send Republicans a STUNNING defeat! >>

Split your donation:

Total contribution $2.00

Customize amounts

Kamala Harris (President) $1.00

DCCC $1.00

Donate $2

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 DCCC and to the Harris for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, because "[Kamala Harris is] running to be President of the United States" and "[she is] honored to have the President's endorsement and [her] intention is to earn and win this nomination."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DCCC is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; plus, the reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Harris for President campaign is because I already donated $1.00 twice (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024 (please see the eleventh donation of my 'July 24th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written From July 27th, 2024 To July 31st, 2024,' which can be found below) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to split a donation between the DCCC and the Harris for President campaign, so that is why I made donations in the amount that I did.

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

The sixth political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) that I received on July 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "I need you in this fight", which stated the following:

Paul, I am running to be President of the United States.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside our Commander-in-Chief, my friend, President Joe Biden – one of the finest public servants we will ever know. And I am honored to have his support and endorsement.

And I am eager to run on the record of what Joe and I have accomplished together. We built our country back after our predecessor left it in shambles – making historic progress in reducing prescription drug costs, upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, fighting climate change, and more. We are stronger today because we took action – together – to invest in America’s future.

I am excited to continue to work toward our vision for a better future for all. But, Paul, we also need strong Democratic governors across the country to continue to deliver progress for the American people. If that’s all you need to hear, then split a donation between the DGA and my campaign today.

If you've saved payment information with ActBlue Express, your split donation between DGA and Kamala Harris for President will go through immediately.

[  ] Donate $22
[  ] Donate $44
[  ] Donate $88
[✓] Or donate other amount***

I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

In the coming days, as I hit the campaign trail to meet with Americans and lay out the choice in front of voters in the fall, I cannot imagine two more starkly different visions for where we want our country to go.

We can choose the dark path of Project 2025, with less freedom and more division. Or we can choose to pull together and do the work – For The People.

These are not ordinary times. And this will not be an ordinary election. But this is our America. And I need you with me in this fight. So, I have to ask:

Will you split a $22 donation today between the DGA and my team to elect me as President of the United States and defeat Donald Trump and Republicans across the country? Whatever you are able to give in this moment will go a long way in our collective fight.

Together, I know we can win this election and save democracy.

More soon,

Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States

DONATE NOW
DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT

If we want to stop Republicans dangerous agenda, we have to keep pace with the millions the GOP is raising to stop Democrats but right now, not enough supporters are donating, and we're falling short ahead of our midnight deadline.

Closing this gap is so important that Vice President Kamala Harris is asking. Please, rush your gift to help Vice President Harris win, defeat Republicans, and elect Democratic governors!

Split your donation:

Total contribution $2.00

Customize amounts

Democratic Action $1.00

Kamala Harris (President) $1.00

Donate $2

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 DGA and to the Harris for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, because "[Kamala Harris is] running to be President of the United States" and "[she is] eager to run on the record of what Joe and [she] have accomplished together," but "we also need strong Democratic governors across the country to continue to deliver progress for the American people."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DGA is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; plus, the reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Harris for President campaign is because I already donated $1.00 twice (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024 (please see the eleventh donation of my 'July 24th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written From July 27th, 2024 To July 31st, 2024,' which can be found below) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to split a donation between the DGA and the Harris for President campaign, so that is why I made donations in the amount that I did.

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

The seventh political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) that I received on July 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "An explanation", which stated the following:

We've sent a number of fundraising emails since President Biden announced he would no longer be seeking reelection, so we thought it important to take a moment to explain where we're at, but also to talk about why these messages are so important.

First, it has been an unprecedented month in American politics and it has never been more important for Democrats to remain united in the cause of saving our democracy and advancing an agenda that improves the lives of working people in this country.

As you read this, almost every poll shows the presidential race will be close, the Senate is completely up for grabs and the House of Representatives is as well. At this point, just about anything can happen on election night.

At the same time, the Trump campaign and the RNC have raised extraordinary sums of money, Republican super PACs are running ads in almost every contested state, and we're sure the worst attacks are yet to come.

Back to these messages and why they are so important.

You know by now that the DNC is the one organization best positioned to move resources where they need them when they are needed. It is what we do.

But what you may not know is that there is no greater single source of donations making that possible than the response to emails like this.

So while you may not have opened this email expecting to donate, given the current reality and how effectively we can put your contribution to work, that is what we are asking you to do:

Can Democrats running for office everywhere count on you to contribute $100 to the Democratic National Committee today? We would not ask if it were not so important.

If you've stored your info with ActBlue, we'll process your contribution instantly.

[  ] DONATE $50
[  ] DONATE $100
[  ] DONATE $200
[  ] DONATE $300
[  ] DONATE $500
[✓] OTHER AMOUNT***

Thank you in advance for donating today.

The Democratic Party

Donate to the DNC and help elect Democrats nationwide!

Trump and his far-right allies are raising millions of dollars to lift up extreme MAGA Republican candidates running at all levels across the country.

We're counting on this grassroots team to help us fight back and Invest in the resources our candidates rely on to compete and win year after year. Rush a donation today >>

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC).

[✓] $1 →

[  ] $20 →

[  ] $50 →

[  ] $100 →

[  ] $250 →

[  ] $1,000 →

[  ] $2,000 →

[  ] Other

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 DNC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, because "it has been an unprecedented month in American politics and it has never been more important for Democrats to remain united in the cause of saving our democracy and advancing an agenda that improves the lives of working people in this country."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DNC is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute since the DNC is the one organization best positioned to move resources where they need them when they are needed, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The eighth political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from Turn Left PAC (Turn Left Political Action Committee) that I received on July 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "You need to hear this", which stated the following:

Paul.

I know everybody is fired up about the changes in the presidential race. I am, too.

I have served with women my whole career, and I’ll just say that it’s about damn time we had a woman leading this country. I can’t wait to see Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor, wipe the floor with Don the Con.

But I’m going to be blunt, because you need to hear this.

If we don’t take back the House majority and hold the Senate, Kamala won’t be able to get anything passed in Congress. Then they’re gonna blame her for failing to get anything done, and I won’t stand for that.

Recent polling proves the best way to win the House and the Senate is to make sure voters know all about Trump’s blueprint for fascism – Project 2025.

I’ve teamed up with USMC Capt. (retired) Ike McCorkle to launch Resist Project 2025. Our mission from now until November is to win back the House majority, hold the Senate – and elect Kamala Harris as the first woman president to stop Trump and his fascist goons in their tracks.

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

[  ] Donate: $25
[  ] Donate: $50
[  ] Donate: $100
[  ] Donate: $500
[  ] Donate: $1,000
[✓] Custom Amount***

You’ve probably seen all the reports that over $100 million dollars were raised since President Biden made his announcement.

What you don’t know is that almost none of that money is going towards helping us flip the House or protect the Senate.

We can’t just elect a Democratic president. We’ve got to shut down fascism everywhere it rears its ugly orange head – and taking back Congress is the key.

Sappers clear the way, Airborne all the way!

Richard Ojeda (Maj, retired)
For Turn Left

Join the fight against Project 2025

Turn Left is a grassroots org co-founded by firebrand Maj. Richard Ojeda (Ret.), now joining forces with retired Force Recon Marine Capt. Ike McCorkle. We’re organizing across the country to root out MAGA radicals and elect bold Democrats who will work for everyday Americans. Pitch in now to help us stop the MAGA threat to our democracy and secure a future for ALL Americans to thrive.

DONATE >>***

AMERICA IS NOT A DICTATORSHIP

RESIST PROJECT 2025
Turn Left

BREAKING: RETIRED MILITARY LEADERS LAUNCH 'RESIST PROJECT 2025' ΤΟ COMBAT EXTREMISM AND PROTECT DEMOCRACY

$64,179.88 Raised →→→→→→→→→→ GOAL $65,000
Join us to launch RESIST PROJECT 2025!  updated at 4:35 PM

In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and growing political violence across the nation, Turn Left PAC has launched 'Resist Project 2025,' a project to counter extremism in Congress and protect American democracy.

The effort is spearheaded by two highly decorated retired military officers, U.S. Army Major (ret.) Richard Ojeda, the founder of Turn Left, and USMC Captain (ret) Ike McCorkle.

Joining forces with these leaders are experienced progressive political operatives, including [name redacted], the former [title redacted] of Brand New Congress, [name redacted], former Congressional candidate of the Working Families Party, and [name redacted], LGBTQ+ community organizer, technologist, and Democratic campaign manager.

Your contribution will help this team mobilize volunteers and sound the alarm about Project 2025 in critical battlegrounds across the nation.

The project will feature proprietary digital tools developed by Turn Left and its partners to train and empower citizen leaders to fight back against extremism.

Turn Left PAC has a history of effective grassroots fundraising, having generated over $40 million since 2020 to support democratic candidates. The organization believes that strategic allocation of resources is critical in countering the influence of dark money and extremist agendas in American politics.

Can we count on your support to help us launch this project and spread the word about Project 2025?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Turn Left PAC-Independent Expenditure.

[  ] DONATE $20.25 →

[  ] DONATE $50 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $500 →

[  ] DONATE $1,500 →

[  ] DONATE $2,500 →

[  ] DONATE $5,000 →

[✓] 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 Turn Left PAC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, because "if we don’t take back the House majority and hold the Senate, Kamala [Harris] won’t be able to get anything passed in Congress" and "recent polling proves the best way to win the House and the Senate is to make sure voters know all about Trump’s blueprint for fascism – Project 2025."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to Turn Left PAC is because I already donated $5.00 (with a $0.35 tip to ActBlue) on July 15th, 2024 (please see my 'July 15th, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute to Turn Left PAC, because we can’t just elect a Democratic president, we’ve got to shut down fascism everywhere it rears its ugly orange head – and taking back Congress is the key, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The ninth political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) that I received on July 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "NEW ENDORSEMENT >>", which stated the following:

We have huge news, Paul:

We’re officially endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for President!

As an experienced prosecutor (and former California Attorney General!), an accomplished public servant, and a capable leader, Kamala Harris has always stood for the people.

Vice President Harris is the most qualified candidate to unite our party and take on Donald Trump, and we don’t have a moment to waste. Trump’s grip on the GOP is stronger than ever, and if he wins a second term, reproductive rights, the freedom to vote, and the rule of law could crumble.

We’re endorsing Kamala Harris because it’s time for Democrats up and down the ticket to unite and stop MAGA extremism. Will you split a donation between Kamala’s campaign and DAGA so we can defeat Donald Trump and Republican AGs across the country?

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
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

Thank you,

Democratic AGs

DONATE TO DEFEAT TRUMP & PROTECT OUR RIGHTS

Kamala Harris is a former Attorney General who's ready to unite our party, defeat Donald Trump, and fight for our rights nationwide.

Chip in now to elect Kamala Harris and Democratic AG candidates across the country →

SPLIT YOUR DONATION

Total contribution $2.00

Customize amounts

Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) PAC $1.00

Kamala Harris (President) $1.00

Donate $2

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 DAGA and to the Harris for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, because "[the Democratic Attorneys General Association's] officially endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for President" since, "as an experienced prosecutor (and former California Attorney General!), an accomplished public servant, and a capable leader, Kamala Harris has always stood for the people."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DGA is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; plus, the reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Harris for President campaign is because I already donated $1.00 twice (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024 (please see the eleventh donation of my 'July 24th, 2024 Update No. 4, Written From July 27th, 2024 To July 31st, 2024,' which can be found below) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to split a donation between the DAGA and the Harris for President campaign, so that is why I made donations in the amount that I did.

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

The tenth political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was a text message that I received on July 23rd, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS), which stated, in part, the following:

As Democrats welcome Kamala Harris' campaign for President, Republicans are plotting to drastically reshape the federal government with their radical 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

The stakes are too high to not meet this moment.

It is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy.

Can you please split an urgent $5 contribution between DASS and the Democratic National Committee? There's never been a more critical moment to step up than right now.***

- Team DASS

Democratic Association of Secretaries of State

Stand with DASS and the Democratic National Committee.

Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as our next nominee.

We need to send an unmistakable message that we are united, and ready to defeat Donald Trump and protect our democracy. How we respond today, of all days, can't be understated.

Please split an urgent, day-one contribution between DASS and the Democratic National Committee. There's never been a more critical moment to step up than right now.

Split your donation:

Total contribution $2.00

Customize amounts

DASS PAC - Federal $1.00

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) $1.00

Donate $2

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 DASS and to the DNC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, because "as Democrats welcome Kamala Harris' campaign for President, Republicans are plotting to drastically reshape the federal government with their radical 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓," so that is why I "split an urgent $2 contribution between DASS and the Democratic National Committee."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DASS is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to split a donation between the DASS and the DNC campaign, so that is why I made donations in the amount that I did.

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

The eleventh political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from the Harris for President campaign that I received on July 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "I am running to be the next President.", which stated the following:

Paul, I am running to be President of the United States.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside our Commander-in-Chief, my friend, President Joe Biden -- one of the finest public servants we will ever know. And I am honored to have his support and endorsement.

And I am eager to run on the record of what Joe and I have accomplished together. We built our country back after our predecessor left it in shambles – making historic progress in upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, fighting climate change, and more. We are stronger today because we took action – together – to invest in America’s future.

I am excited to continue to work toward our vision for a better future for all. If that’s all you need to hear, then make your next donation to fund my campaign today.

If you've stored your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will process immediately and be split between DLCC PAC and Kamala Harris.

[  ] $25 »
[  ] $50 »
[  ] $75 »
[  ] $100 »
[  ] $120 »
[✓] Other »

I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

In the coming days, as I hit the campaign trail to meet with Americans and lay out the choice in front of voters in the fall, I cannot imagine two more starkly different visions for where we want our country to go.

We can choose the dark path of Project 2025, with less freedom and more division. Or we can choose to pull together and do the work – For The People.

These are not ordinary times. And this will not be an ordinary election. But this is our America. And I need you with me in this fight. So, I have to ask:

Will you pitch in another $25 today to elect me as President of the United States and defeat Donald Trump? Whatever you are able to give in this moment will go a long way in our collective fight.

Together, I know we can win this election and save democracy.

More soon,

Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States

Donate to Elect Kamala Harris

Our fight is more important now than ever before. Donate now.

Donate Immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Kamala Harris.

[✓] Donate $1 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $125 →

[  ] Other amount

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 Harris for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, since "[Kamala Harris is] running to be President of the United States" because "these are not ordinary times ... and this will not be an ordinary election ... but this is our America ... and [she needs me] with [her] in this fight" in order to "elect [her] as President of the United States and defeat Donald Trump."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the Harris for President campaign is because I already donated $1.00 twice (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute the Harris for President campaign, because, together, Kamala knows we can win this election and save democracy, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The twelfth political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) that I received on July 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "Please respond immediately, Paul -", which stated the following:

Hi Paul, it's [name redacted], your [title redacted] here at the DSCC.

I'm reaching out because Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are neck-and-neck in national polls!

We need to know that Democrats everywhere are still prepared to stand against Trump -- because it's going to take all of us to keep him from winning in November.

We're launching our Official 2024 Presidential Straw Poll to ensure our grassroots team is prepared to take on Donald Trump again! But I just checked our current dataset and didn't see your response -- so please answer immediately:

Live Poll

Who would you support for president?

[✓] HARRIS

[ ] TRUMP

Your input is critical,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], DSCC

DSCC
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

2024 Harris-Trump Straw Poll

This poll is closing in a matter of hours. Please respond to each question and do not share this link with others.

First, please confirm: Who would you support for president?

[✓] Kamala Harris!
Donald Trump.

Do you agree with more than 100 historians that Donald Trump was one of the worst presidents ever?

[✓] Yes - he's among the worst!
[  ] No.

What are you MOST concerned Trump will do if he assumes power? (Select all that apply.)

[✓] Put even MORE ultra-conservative justices onto the Supreme Court
[✓] Cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
[✓] Slash taxes for billionaires and giant corporations
[✓] Coddle dictators and undermine America's allies
[✓] Reverse our climate progress
[✓] Undermine LGBTQ+ rights
[✓] Cast doubt on free, fair election results
[  ] Other:

Which of the Biden-Harris administration's accomplishments has inspired you most as a Democrat? (Select all that apply.)

[✓] Creating more than 15 million good-paying jobs.
[✓] Fighting to strengthen American democracy after Trump's lawlessness on January 6th.
[✓] Capping life-saving insulin at $35/month for millions of Americans.
[✓] Investing trillions of dollars into American infrastructure, manufacturing, and fighting climate change.
[✓] Nominating over 200 confirmed federal judges, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
[✓] Combating inflation to lower everyday costs for ALL Americans.
[✓] Restoring America's reputation abroad.
[  ] Other:

President Biden has thrown his full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign!

Now it's up to all of us to defeat the MAGA Republicans in November. Can we count on you to support Democrats?

[✓] Yes, I'm ready to get to work and WIN!
[  ] No.

Hi Paul, it's [name redacted] again. To stop Republicans from taking back power, we need every Democrat to pledge their support and commit to helping Team Blue win this year. But right now, we're still behind on our $50,000 fundraising goal ahead of tonight's VITAL fundraising deadline!

Please, the stakes have never been higher. Will you contribute $55 or more to help defend our democracy and defeat the MAGA agenda by defending the Senate?

Please use the links below to start a weekly donation through ActBlue:

[  ] Count on me — I'll donate $55!
[  ] Count on me — I'll donate $165!
[  ] Count on me — I'll donate $220!
[✓] I'll show my support with another amount!*

*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I made a one-time donation, rather than a weekly 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 $1 →

[  ] Donate $220 →

[  ] Donate $550 →

[  ] Donate $1,100 →

[  ] Donate $2,200 →

[  ] Donate $2,700 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DSCC (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, since "[the DSCC needs] to know that Democrats everywhere are still prepared to stand against Trump -- because it's going to take all of us to keep him from winning in November." That is why I contributed to the DSCC in order to respond to the question, "Who would you support for president?" with a resounding 'Kamala Harris!'

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DSCC is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) in addition to $1.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute for the DSCC's Official 2024 Presidential Straw Poll, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

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

The thirteenth political communication to which I responded on July 24th, 2024 was an email from the VoteVets that I received on July 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "Our next Commander in Chief", which stated the following:

Are you ready to get the best sticker of the [election] cycle?

[Image of Kamala Harris COMMANDER IN CHIEF sticker]

CHIP IN $2.50 — yep, that’s it — AND WE’LL SEND YOU OUR BRAND NEW COMMANDER IN CHIEF STICKER

GET YOUR STICKER***

Donate to support VoteVets!

[Image of Kamala Harris COMMANDER IN CHIEF sticker]

Chip in $2.50 or more today and we'll send you the NEW "Commander in Chief" sticker for FREE!

We are seeing massive demand right now, so reserve your sticker here and well ship one to you as soon as we possibly can. It may take a couple weeks — but trust us, it's on the way.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit VoteVets.org.

[  ] Donate $2.50 →

[  ] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[✓] 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 VoteVets (without a tip to ActBlue) on July 24th, 2024, in order to receive the Kamala Harris "NEW COMMANDER IN CHIEF STICKER."

P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to VoteVets is because I already donated $2.00 (with a $0.14 tip to ActBlue) on July 4th, 2024 (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From July 5th, 2024 To July 7th, 2024, Which Also Discusses July 1st, 2024, July 2nd, 2024, As Well As July 3rd, 2024' that can be found above) and that is all I can afford this month; however, I did want to respond in order to contribute for the "Commander in Chief" sticker, so that is why I made a donation in the amount that I did.

Thus, these seven organizations—the DLCC, the DCCC, the DGA, the DNC, the DAGA, the DASS as well as the DSCC—plus, this one campaign—Harris for President—plus, these four Political Action Committees (PACs)—Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC, Educated We Stand, Turn Left PAC, as well as VoteVets—in addition to this one civic engagement organization—Voto Latino—are the political organizations, the political campaign, as well as the PACs, and the civic engagement organization that I donated to on July 24th, 2024! –Paul Whiting (written from July 27th, 2024 to July 31st, 2024, revised August 21st, 2024, revised August 24th, 2024, revised August 27th, 2024 and revised September 24th, 2024)

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July 25th, 2024 Update No. 1: This 'update' that I am writing today, July 25th, 2024, is a special edition from my news searches on Google, which I do as often as I deem necessary—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 July 25th, 2024.

Please let me explain: I stopped writing any current news 'updates,' as of June 28th, 2024! And my reason for doing this was because the news 'updates' that I used to post were taking an extraordinary amount of time to write—so much so that I was not getting any of my other blogging done, which includes all of the edits that I still needed to complete on my various blog posts for my poetry and prose. [Please see my June 26th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses June 22nd, 2024 And June 24th, 2024, As Well As June 16th, 2024 Through June 20th, 2024 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On June 28th, 2024) that can be found above.]

However, there has been some really important news lately, so I decided to write this special edition 'update' from my news searches on Google, as well as from my occasional reading of The New York Times articles, USA Today articles and Time Magazine articles!

You see, I have typically just been reading the titles of The New York Times, USA Today and Time Magazine articles that I receive from their daily emails. And, 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 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 write the 'updates' from the above-mentioned news organizations to which I subscribe as a combined 'update.'

Thus, I normally check the news through Google searches as often as I can manage it—although I used to keep up with the news virtually on a daily basis, since there is typically that much news every day—however, as I explained previously, I am simply checking the news via Google searches as often as I can manage to do so. Plus, I usually check what's happening in the world via various Google searches that I do under the following topics, which—by the way—have recently been revised since the last time I wrote any current news 'updates' that, as I mentioned above, was prior to June 28th, 2024, as noted below:

American News
United States News
USA News
President Biden News
Joe Biden News
[NEW] Vice President Kamala Harris News
[NEW] Kamala Harris 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 July 25th, 2024, when I noticed many different articles from various news organizations!

And I used to provide a longer introduction to these articles that I highlight regarding the 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 these 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 recently realized that all of those hyperlinks to news articles were 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 changed the format by which I write these news 'updates' by first providing the original Google search category through which I found each article, as listed above. [Although, to clarify, sometimes the same article appears (or, articles appear) under different search categories.]

Then, I provide 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!

And for certain articles, I include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). I hope that makes sense!

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GOOGLE SEARCH: AMERICAN NEWS
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July 25th, 2024 search:

01. NBC News

Biden Oval Office speech calls for Americans to ‘preserve our democracy’ ('Our republic is now in your hands': Biden appeals to Americans to 'preserve our democracy')

“The best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation,” Biden said.

By Jonathan Allen | July 24, 2024

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden framed the decision to end his re-election campaign as a "defense of democracy" in an Oval Office address Wednesday night.

"I revere this office, but I love my country more. ... The defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title," Biden said. "I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.’”

It is rare for a president to relinquish power voluntarily, without the force of rejection by the electorate or the limits of the Constitution. Biden, who acceded to heavy pressure from within his own party to step aside as a candidate, cast his choice as one made in the interest of the nation and called on Americans to join him to "preserve our democracy."

He and other Democrats consistently argue that former President Donald Trump, whose refusal to concede after he lost the 2020 election to Biden culminated in a mob attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to stop the certification process, is a threat to democracy.

"America’s going to have to choose between moving forward or backward," Biden said, without directly mentioning Trump. "Between hope and hate. Between unity and division."

He added, "Our republic is now in your hands."

The speech, which came three days after he dropped his bid, is the beginning of Biden's efforts to shape his legacy following a disastrous debate performance in late June that left members of his party calling for him to step off the campaign trail and allow another candidate to run against Trump. Many Democrats believed Biden's bumbling debate performance and halting push to clean it up made his path to re-election impossible.

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden said in remarks delivered in a low tone and, at times, in a halting fashion. "That is the best way to unite our nation."

At a campaign rally in North Carolina on Wednesday night, Trump went after his former opponent. "Three days ago, we officially defeated the worst president in the history of our country, crooked Joe Biden," he said.

Biden abandoned his re-election campaign early Sunday afternoon, announcing the decision in a post on X that he followed about half an hour later with an endorsement of his vice president, Kamala Harris, for the Democratic presidential nomination.

She quickly consolidated support from within their party and is expected to win a virtual roll call of Democratic delegates — perhaps without opposition — as early as Aug. 1 and no later than Aug. 7.

Biden offered praise for Harris on Wednesday night.

"She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable," Biden said. "She’s been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country." ...

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GOOGLE SEARCH: UNITED STATES NEWS
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GOOGLE SEARCH: USA NEWS
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GOOGLE SEARCH: PRESIDENT BIDEN NEWS
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July 25th, 2024 search:

President Biden addresses decision to end campaign

02. CBS News

Biden says nothing can get in way of saving democracy, including "personal ambition" 22 hours ago

By Kathryn Watson | Updated on: July 24, 2024 / 9:21 PM EDT

Addressing the nation on camera for the first time since announcing his decision not to run for reelection, President Biden said in the Oval Office that saving democracy is more important than any title, and he acknowledged it was time to "pass the torch" to a new generation of leaders.

Years ago, Mr. Biden called himself a transitional candidate, and listed Vice President Kamala Harris among the younger generation of leaders he saw as the future of the Democratic Party. Now is the time to make way for those newer, younger voices, he said, like that of Harris, whom he has endorsed for the nomination.

Though he did not mention Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump by name, Mr. Biden has referred to Trump as a threat to democracy.

"I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future, all merited a second term," the president said. "But nothing, nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So, I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That's the best way to unite our nation. You know, there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. But there's also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now."

Mr. Biden hinted that he had arrived at the decision to drop out in part because of doubts over whether he could defeat Trump.

"I revere this office, but I love my country more," the president said. "It's been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it's more important than any title."

Mr. Biden took a moment to reflect and marvel at where his life had begun, long before his 51-year-long political journey.

"Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton and Claymont one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States," he said. "But here I am. That's what's so special about America."

The president expressed his gratitude to the American people, and praised the country as a nation of possibilities.

"It has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years," he said, adding, "I have given my heart and my soul to so many nation, like so many others. I'm blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people. I hope you have some idea of how grateful I am, to all of you."

For the remaining six months of his term, Mr. Biden said he plans to focus on the job of the presidency. He plans to continue to try to lower costs for families, defend personal freedoms, protect the right to vote, and fight against cancer. He said he also plans to continue to speak out against gun violence, and call for Supreme Court reform.

Abroad, the president said he would continue to make NATO stronger, support Ukraine's fight for freedom, and work to end the war in Gaza.

And Mr. Biden, who ran on the idea that democracy itself was at stake in 2020 and is again in 2024 with Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, reminded Americans that they are the ones who will determine America's destiny: "The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America – lies in your hands."

The president also listed what he believes are his greatest achievements, including lowering the racial wealth gap, passing bipartisan infrastructure funding, achieving wins against big Pharma, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, compensating veterans exposed to toxic materials and putting the first African American woman on the Supreme Court.

Hundreds of White House staffers remained to watch Mr. Biden's address, and he emerged afterward from the Oval Office to greet them, to huge cheers.

A Trump campaign official confirmed that the GOP nominee also watched the president's speech from his plane after a rally in Charlotte; New York Times photographer Doug Mills snapped a picture.

Democrats have fallen in line behind Harris, after Mr. Biden endorsed her for the nomination soon after announcing he would end his campaign. Mr. Biden cannot appoint a successor for the Democratic nomination, but since his announcement on Sunday, Harris has secured the endorsements of a majority of Democratic delegates. ...

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July 25th, 2024 search:

03. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Biden on decision to exit 2024 race: 'I revere this office but I love my country more'

Biden said passing the torch is the "best way to unite our nation."

By Alexandra Hutzler | July 24, 2024

President Joe Biden, in a rare Oval Office address, spoke somberly and emotionally about his decision to exit the 2024 race and pass the mantle to the next generation of leaders -- describing it as an act aimed at unifying the nation to which he devoted his decades-long career.

"I revere this office but I love my country more," Biden said. "It's been the honor of my life to serve as president but in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it's more important than any title."

The prime-time speech marked the first time Biden had spoken directly to the American people on-camera since his bombshell announcement three days ago that he was stepping away from the campaign trail and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

"I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future all merited a second term," Biden said Wednesday night. "But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition, so I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation."

On Harris, Biden said she is "experienced, she's tough, she's capable" and called her an "incredible partner" during their three-and-a-half years together.

"I've made my choice. I've made my views known … Now, the choice is up to you, the American people," he said.

Biden continued to emphasize what he believes is at risk this election, which he's repeatedly cast as an "inflection point" to save the nation's founding principles.

"I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake," he said. "And that's still the case."

Biden over the weekend gave in to a month of intense pressure from Democrats to change course after his poor debate performance reignited questions about his age and whether he could successfully take on Donald Trump to win another four years in office.

Biden initially resisted calls to step aside and insisted he was the best person to take on Trump, but on Wednesday said he now believes a new path is necessary.

"There's a time and a place for long years of experience in public life," he said. "There's also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices and yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now." ...

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GOOGLE SEARCH: JOE BIDEN NEWS
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July 25th, 2024 search:

04. AP News

Biden's speech: Warnings about Trump without naming him, a hefty to-do list, and a power handoff

By Seung Min Kim and Colleen Long | Updated 6:44 PM PDT, July 24, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered a solemn Oval Office address Wednesday that laid out in the clearest terms yet why he abandoned his reelection campaign.

He wanted to send an unmistakable warning about Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump while anointing Vice President Kamala Harris as his natural successor, without invoking an overtly political tone that would have been out of step in the official setting of the White House. He was determined to show that he would not act like a lame-duck president, outlining an ambitious agenda that underscored his resolve to continue building on his legacy.

Here are key takeaways from Biden’s address:

He warned about Trump — without naming him Biden did not mention Trump, his former Republican opponent, in his 10-minute Oval Office address — but he didn’t have to. The remarks were imbued with a deep sense of urgency about what the outgoing president saw as the stakes of the election.

The early part of his address sketched the choices that faces voters in November — a contrast Biden himself had hoped to make during a reelection campaign that he ultimately decided he could not continue.

“Americans are going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division,” Biden said. “We have to decide — do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.”

That last item — democracy — and defending it is “more important than any title,” Biden said.

Biden outlined a hefty to-do list for his final months

The president says he’s going to keep working over his final six months in office. He’s seeking to make the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad.

His to-do list was full of weighty issues. He said he’d work to end the war in Gaza, bring home the hostages and try “to bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war.” Biden meets Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He’s going to continue to work to lower costs for families and defend personal freedoms, keep calling out “hate and extremism” and push to end gun violence.

He also said he would continue to work on his initiative to end cancer as we know it and push for Supreme Court reforms.

“I’m going to keep working,” he said.

He is willingly handing off power to a new generation

Biden finally understood what Democrats had been telling him — that it was time to hand off power to a younger generation — and he embraced it, calling for “fresh voices, yes, younger voices” in politics.

“I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It’s the best way to unite our nation,” he said, even as he believed his presidency was deserving of a second term.

For months, Biden insisted that only he could go up against Trump and win. But that changed following his debate with Trump on June 27, when he spoke haltingly, lost his train of thought and failed to fact-check the former president’s falsehoods. The performance raised a chorus of questions about his age and ability to do the job another four years and pushed Democrats to increasingly call for him to step aside. The standoff dragged for 24 days before Biden yielded, saying he needed to unify his party.

The tone and setting were solemn

Biden is not a stranger to the sober address, delivering remarks on weighty matters such as the fate of democracy and voting rights at historically significant landmarks across the country and around the globe.

But Biden has used the formal trappings of an Oval Office address — a tool used by presidents in times of national crisis or to capture a key moment in history — sparsely, with Wednesday’s speech marking just the fourth time that he has sat behind the Resolute Desk to speak directly to the nation.

His tone was solemn, the delivery careful and deliberate. He was surrounded by family and close aides as he gave an address willingly relinquishing power — one that no politician wants to make.

“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule — that people do,” Biden said as he closed his address. “History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”

Biden made a subtle push for his vice president In the official setting of the Oval Office, Biden steered clear of overt political talk. But he still praised Vice President Kamala Harris as “tough” and “capable,” and gave a not-so-subtle push to voters.

“She’s been an incredible partner for her leadership, for our country,” he said. “Now the choice is up to you, the American people. ” ...

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GOOGLE SEARCH: WORLD NEWS
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GOOGLE SEARCH: GLOBAL WARMING NEWS
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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!

And for certain articles, I will include a few introductory paragraphs as a way to give more of a complete explanation to the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline') of these articles, which may also take the form of a kind of 'overview,' so to speak, by selecting particular paragraphs that I feel highlight the most important parts of these articles in order to summarize the meaning of the title (or, 'headline') and the subtitle (or, 'subheadline'). 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 July 25th, 2024, when I noticed the following NYTimes.com, USAToday.com and Time.com articles!

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This is The New York Times article which I received for July 25th, 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, July 25th, 2024, from an email that I received today:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned July 25th, 2024 'The Morning' email introduction to The New York Times article below:

THE LATEST NEWS

Biden’s Speech

• In an Oval Office address, President Biden said he withdrew from the 2024 election to unite his party and protect American democracy. “I revere this office, but I love my country more,” he said. See his speech.

• Biden added that he had chosen to “pass the torch to a new generation” and praised Kamala Harris: “She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable.”

• He cited accomplishments — including on climate change, infrastructure, health care, the economy, NATO and gun safety — and said he would call for reforms to the Supreme Court.

• Trump watched Biden’s speech from his plane after a campaign rally in North Carolina. On social media, he called it “sooo bad!”

• The speech, The Times’s Peter Baker writes, “was all Joe, love him or hate him — the paeans ["a thing that expresses enthusiastic praise"] to American exceptionalism, the evocations of family, the selective boasting.” Read a transcript. ...

Biden Says It Is Time to Step Aside for a Fresh, Younger Voice

In an Oval Office address, President Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris and said “it’s been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years.”

By Katie Rogers | July 24, 2024

President Biden told the American public in an Oval Office address on Wednesday that he had abandoned his re-election campaign because there is “a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices — yes, younger voices.”

His words, lasting 11 minutes in all, were the first extensive ones from Mr. Biden since his decision to step aside, and expanded on his initial announcement, delivered in a post on social media on Sunday, that he was dropping out of the race. His tone was wistful and his speech was an early farewell.

“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years,” he said.

Sitting behind the Resolute Desk and surrounded by photos of his family, Mr. Biden ticked through the accomplishments of his term, ranging from the choice of the first Black woman to be a Supreme Court justice to pulling the country out of a paralyzing pandemic. He expressed gratitude to the American people for allowing a “kid with a stutter” from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pa., to reach the pinnacle of American politics.

Just beyond the camera, dozens of aides and several members of his family, including Jill Biden, the first lady, watched as Mr. Biden said he would walk away from the office they had worked to help him reach for decades.

“I revere this office,” he said, “but I love my country more.”

Ultimately, Mr. Biden said, he concluded that “the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.” The president praised Vice President Kamala Harris — “she’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable” — but warned, as he has for years, that Americans faced a choice between preserving democracy and allowing it to backslide.

“History is in your hands,” Mr. Biden said. “The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep faith, keep the faith, and remember who we are.” ...

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This is the USA Today article which I received for July 25th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the USA Today 'Unlimited Digital Access' Subscription.)

The following is the USA Today article that I read today, July 25th, 2024, from an email that I received today:

And the excerpt below is from the above-mentioned July 25th, 2024 'The Daily Briefing' email introduction to the USA Today article below:

What does Joe Biden want to do in his last six months as president?

President Joe Biden said in a primetime address to the nation on Wednesday that he ended his campaign for a second term because, even though he reveres the office of the presidency, “I love my country more.” In his first public remarks since dropping out of the presidential race on Sunday, Biden pledged during a somber 10-minute address to spend his last six months in office working to make sure the United States remains strong, secure and the leader of the free world. Read more ...

Joe Biden addresses nation: 'Best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation'

By Michael Collins | July 24, 2024

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden said in a primetime address to the nation on Wednesday that he ended his campaign for a second term because, even though he reveres the office of the presidency, “I love my country more.”

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” he said from the Oval Office. “That is the best way to unite our nation.”

In his first public remarks since dropping out of the presidential race on Sunday, Biden pledged during a somber 11-minute address to spend his last six months in office working to make sure the United States remains strong, secure and the leader of the free world.

"The defense of democracy is more important than any title," he said. "I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.’”

Biden ended his campaign for a second term on Sunday after weeks of pressure from nervous Democrats and major donors, who feared he would lose to former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. Biden’s withdrawal threw the presidential race into unchartered territory just four months before the election.

Vice President Kamala Harris quickly announced that she would run for president, and Biden offered her his endorsement. Harris has since raised more than $126 million for her nascent campaign and has already secured more than enough delegates to win the party’s nomination.

In a letter announcing his decision to pull out of the race, Biden said while it had always been his intention to run for a second term, “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.”

The pressure on Biden to drop out started to build after a disastrous debate with Trump last month raised questions about his physical and mental acuity and his ability to serve another four-year term. But the White House insisted Monday, just a few hours before Biden’s speech, that concerns about his health had nothing to do with his decision to exit the race.

In his remarks, Biden made it clear he plans to serve out the remainder of his term.

Biden said he plans to spend the next six months doing his job as president – working to lower costs for families, growing the economy and defending personal freedoms and civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose.

He said he would continue rallying a coalition of allies to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking over Ukraine and would keep working to end the war in Gaza and bring peace to the Middle East.

Biden said he would also continue to pursue Supreme Court reform and his “Moonshot” program to end cancer.

The United States remains a nation of “promise and possibilities, of dreamers and doers,” he said. ...

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This is the Time Magazine article which I received for July 25th, 2024: (I am a subscriber to the Time Magazine 'INSIDER Digital' Subscription.)

The following is the Time Magazine article that I read today, July 25th, 2024, from 'The Brief' email that I received today:

President Joe Biden Reflects on Presidency and Explains Decision to ‘Pass the Torch’

By Nik Popli | July 24, 2024

Many speeches have been given from the Oval Office throughout history. But perhaps none were as somber and reflective as the one President Joe Biden delivered on Wednesday night, just days after announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.

Sitting at the Resolute Desk, where many Presidents before him had addressed the nation in times of crisis and decision, Biden attempted to cement his legacy as a leader who prioritized the defense of democracy over personal ambition. “I revere this office but I love my country more,” the President said of his decision to drop out of the race, as his wife Jill Biden and several family members watched from inside the room. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your President. But in defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.”

“I believe my record as President, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term,” he continued. “But nothing—nothing—can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition. The best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.”

The primetime speech marked Biden’s first public comments since passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for President. Biden's withdrawal came on the heels of a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump last month, where he appeared frail and struggled to articulate his positions effectively. The debate, widely seen as a turning point, exposed vulnerabilities and concerns about his age that had been simmering since his initial run against Trump in 2020.

Biden, 81, explained his decision to suddenly abandon his reelection bid after insisting that he would remain in the race, declaring that it is time for a new generation of leadership in America. “There’s a time and a place for long years of experience in public life,” he said. “There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.”

He praised Harris and urged voters to pick her over Trump in the November election, describing his 59-year-old Vice President as “experienced,” “tough,” and “capable” and declaring that democracy is at risk in this election.

“The idea of America lies in your hands,” Biden said as he alluded to the weight of the office and asserted that the character of a President still matters. “In this sacred space, I’m surrounded by portraits of extraordinary American Presidents,” he said in the beginning of his speech. “Thomas Jefferson wrote the immortal words that guide this nation. George Washington showed us Presidents are not kings.”

“I ran for President four years ago because I believed and still do that the soul of America was at stake,” Biden added, never mentioning former President Trump by name. “The very nature of who we are was at stake. That is still the case.”

In response to Biden’s address, Trump took to social media to criticize his delivery, calling the President “barely understandable” and “sooo bad.” Biden stumbled over a few words, but the speech did not feature significant errors.

Biden reflected on his decadeslong public service career and lauded the American system of government that allowed him to rise to the pinnacle of power, starting with his election to the Senate in 1973. Despite challenges and setbacks, including criticisms of his debate performance, Biden used his speech to list his accomplishments as President, including efforts to combat climate change and appointing the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. He also laid out his priorities for the final months of his presidency, focusing mostly on foreign policy. Biden vowed to strengthen NATO in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said he would “keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all hostages, and bring peace and security to the Middle East.” ...

July 27th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, July 27th, 2024, with the subject line, "July Military Supporter Update", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 124 / JULY 2024, which stated, in part, the following:

YOUR USO AT WORK
Issue 124 / JULY 2024

DONATE NOW »

https://secure.uso.org

Paul,

Military supporters like you help us provide service members and military families with the support and recognition they deserve. This month, USO Centers around the world hosted exciting programs and events — and none of these would be possible without you.

And on National Hire a Veteran Day this month, we were there with development services through the USO Transition Program to support our heroes as they prepare for life post-military.

Read on to learn about the ways you are helping provide the best possible support for members of our military and their families. ...

And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "The USO Celebrates Fourth of July Around the World" and "A Veteran and His Service Dogs Are Supporting Our Service Members Alongside the USO," as well as "USO and Southern New Hampshire University Continue Partnership for the People Who Serve," in addition to "Donate a Vehicle to the USO":

USO FRONT LINES

The USO Celebrates Fourth of July Around the World

Fort Moore in Georgia opened its doors for the first time in February, and its inaugural Independence Day celebration this year with a playroom, game room, events and more went a long way toward creating a sense of family and community on post.

At USO Rota in Spain, the local military community came out in full force to celebrate the Fourth of July. Highlights like a temporary patriotic tattoo station and pie-eating contests made guests feel like they were celebrating back at home!

Thank you for helping us celebrate our American independence around the world this Fourth of July!

[Blogger's Note: I signed a USO 4th of July card on July 4th, 2024 after I did a Google search for "4th of July USO" and found search results regarding the 'Fourth of July' (please see my 'July 4th, 2024 Update No. 2,' which can be found above).]

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

GET INSPIRED

A Veteran and His Service Dogs Are Supporting Our Service Members Alongside the USO

June was PTSD Awareness Month, and the USO is committed to supporting and uplifting service members and military families through every step of their service — through our USO Centers and the USO Canine Program. One U.S. Army veteran, Richard Rice, and his service dogs are regular USO volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of service members. They regularly visit USO Centers like the Warrior Center in Landstuhl, Germany, to bring emotional support to service members on the path to recovery. Learn more about the USO Canine Program.

https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-canine-program

[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's article titled, "USO Canine Program."]

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

CORPORATE PARTNERS

USO and Southern New Hampshire University Continue Partnership for the People Who Serve

Every year, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) amplifies the USO T-shirt campaign by engaging a military-connected member of their staff to show off their USO T-shirt and share what the campaign means to them.

This year, SNHU regional director Robert Shaw has been volunteering at many USO community events across the country. During Fleet Week in Los Angeles, Robert showed off his military pride and shared, "There has been one constant support for service members and their families, and that's the USO."

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

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

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 standing by our nation's service members!

And, 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, "July 27th, 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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July 27th, 2024 Update No. 2: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, July 27th, 2024, with the subject line, "We're proud to endorse Kamala Harris for president", 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,

Earlier this week, Planned Parenthood Action Fund announced its endorsement of Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

The contrast between Vice President Harris and Donald Trump could not be clearer. She will fight to protect our freedoms while Donald Trump will continue to strip them away. And her record on fighting for our reproductive freedom and abortion is unquestionable. For the past two years, she has traveled across the country — hosting nearly 100 events — to sound the alarm on the attacks against abortion rights. She was the first vice president in history to visit a Planned Parenthood health center. And her leadership shaped the Biden-Harris administration’s response to the loss of a fundamental right, keeping the needs of patients at the heart of her work.

Beyond the presidential race, we know the fight to protect and expand abortion access continues all across the country. Over 800,000 voters in Arizona supported a petition earlier this month for a ballot measure that would enshrine abortion in the state's constitution (https://abcnews.go.com/Health/arizona-abortion-rights-group-submits-signatures-needed-ballot/story?id=111638732) — that’s more than double the 383,923 signatures the state requires for a spot on the November ballot. That means 1 in 5 Arizona voters signed the petition.

Across the country, voters are using their voices and telling anti-abortion advocates what we already know, in no uncertain terms: people want legal access to abortion. As we near a pivotal November election, our collective commitment to reproductive freedom is more important than ever.

Use your voice, your actions, your conviction. We will win 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.**

Volunteer with Planned Parenthood Action Fund

One of the biggest ways you can make a difference in the next few months is to volunteer for Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s endorsed candidates (https://www.mobilize.us/ppaf).

See the ongoing list of endorsed candidates here (https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/endorsements)!

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight: Arizona Congressional Candidate Raquel Terán

Raquel Terán's primary election is on July 30 and she needs your help to win! Raquel has consistently been an advocate for the protection and expansion of access to abortion and access to quality care services.

Whether you are in the Phoenix area or not, you can find a volunteer opportunity here (https://www.mobilize.us/ppaf/?lat=38.21608877246459&lon=-97.98052812171379&org_ids=37129)!

[Blogger's Note: By the way, I accidentally didn't include the 'Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight: Arizona Congressional Candidate Raquel Terán' section above when I originally posted this 'update' on July 27th, 2024! And I only noticed that I had skipped the above-mentioned section when I finally got around to editing this 'July 27th, 2024 Update No. 2' one month later on August 27th, 2024, due to how busy I have been with activism lately. And I remember getting ready to include said section in this 'update'; however, I must have forgotten to include the text above when I was copying off the original email in order to recreate it, which is what I usually do with the activism emails from the various organizations that I support, when I am writing these kinds of blog post 'updates.' This blogger regrets the error.]

Renew Your Membership (and get a sticker!)

Great news: If you’re getting this newsletter, you’re already a member of Planned Parenthood Action Fund!

But to stay on our list, you need to renew your membership every year. And right now, when you sign up, you can get a special bundle with stickers and pins to show that you are a proud abortion rights supporter.

Reaffirm your Planned Parenthood Action Fund membership today and we’ll send you a bundle of pins and stickers to say thanks (https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/sa0f1KPc20esuZQLvV5pDQ2)!

Are you going to the Democratic National Convention in August? Let us know (https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/LE0CxxViQEWEg2PT0nmTUA2)!

[Blogger's Note: By the way, I accidentally didn't include the 'Renew Your Membership (and get a sticker!)' section above when I originally posted this 'update' on July 27th, 2024! And I only noticed that I had skipped the above-mentioned section when I finally got around to editing this 'July 27th, 2024 Update No. 2' one month later on August 27th, 2024, due to how busy I have been with activism lately. And I remember getting ready to include said section in this 'update'; however, I must have forgotten to include the text above when I was copying off the original email in order to recreate it, which is what I usually do with the activism emails from the various organizations that I support, when I am writing these kinds of blog post 'updates.' This blogger regrets the error.]

Take Action

Thank you, President Biden!

President Biden deserves our thanks for consistently fighting to protect, expand, and restore access to abortion and other essential health care.

President Biden has shown us time and time again that he is a public servant who puts the needs of the country before his own. That he loves this country, and will do what it takes to protect the future of our democracy. That he has the courage to do the right thing, even when it is difficult. Especially when it is difficult.

Will you add your name to our note of thanks to President Biden?

https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/gi1rQiQ5sUekKHy8ZAKS6A2

[Blogger's Note: By the way, I already signed the note of thanks to President Biden on July 24th, 2024 (please see my 'July 24th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses July 22nd, 2024' that can be found above).]

Around the Web

PBS: Sex education ‘is under attack’ by a wave of proposed legislation, advocate warns

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/sex-education-is-under-attack-by-a-wave-of-proposed-legislation-advocate-warns

By the way, the 'article' above is actually a video.

AP News: Support for legal abortion has risen since Supreme Court eliminated protections, AP-NORC poll finds

https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-biden-election-2024-dobbs-498d14f6e2bbfe1f313f006ad089de4e

AP News: Supreme Court will take up state bans on gender-affirming care for minors

https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-health-tennessee-kentucky-75e3b446513f61281013a2bf86248044

Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org

By the way, I read all of the articles referenced in the email above including the article regarding how 'over 800,000 voters in Arizona supported a petition earlier this month for a ballot measure that would enshrine abortion in the state's constitution,' which is titled, "Arizona abortion rights group submits signatures needed for ballot measure." I also read all of the articles listed under the 'Around the Web' section 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, July 27th, 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

Paul, how much do you know about Project 2025? The ACLU has a plan to fight it, but we want your honest understanding of the far-right platform first.

SUBMIT YOUR ANSWER:

https://surveys.signforgood.com/aclu-missionwired-20240725-Project2025

Please note: This link will take you to a third-party website, signforgood.com.

Thanks for being with us,

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

Project 2025 Survey

How much do you know about Project 2025, the far-right platform for the future of our country?

[✓] A good amount. I'm very familiar with it.
[  ] I'm somewhat familiar, I've heard some things about it.
[  ] A very small amount, but I would like to learn more.
[  ] Nothing. I've never heard of it.

[Blogger's Note: I mostly learned about Project 2025 from YouTube videos, which are listed below, starting from the earliest date that I watched them to the most recent date, with their corresponding hyperlinks:

History

Search: Project 2025

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

Watched July 29th, 2024:

"Project 2025: The Radical Conservative Plan to Reshape America Under Trump | WSJ" by The Wall Street Journal (11:17)

https://youtu.be/y16SZhZJHkI?si=ObAt7OluLNp2bh8g

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

Watched July 20th, 2024:

"The Lincoln Project's Anti-Project 2025 Ad Is a Must Watch" by NowThis Impact (1:38)

https://youtu.be/OC7jv13H7b0?si=0aZS3lKPvBzwAaPT

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

Watched July 15th, 2024:

"Evidence shatters Trump’s claims about his ties to Project 2025" by CNN (9:12)

https://youtu.be/zd-81ZHe844?si=VbM91XBDI9Oq0njk

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

Watched July 13th, 2024:

"Trump panics as public gets wise to Project 2025, 'authoritarian how-to manual'" by MSNBC (5:49)

https://youtu.be/dfGu50DHKSo?si=tPG8NDNpCu3YW4tU

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

Watched July 12th, 2024:

"What is Project 2025? | To The Point" by ABC10 (3:50)

https://youtu.be/cnS6nCZSE5M?si=aCFdR3nNIbTxL-Kr

"How Project 2025 would impact the U.S. tax code" by CBS News (4:19)

https://youtu.be/vAUmbAXeH8s?si=BQSTkutL63R4tuLF

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

Watched July 10th, 2024:

"What is Project 2025 and why is Trump distancing himself from it?" by Face the Nation (5:44)

https://youtu.be/q9zhBQHCg0s?si=FKmbtTHcTtTsHgeN

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

Watched July 9th, 2024:

"Project 2025 is 'takeover agenda' of the U.S. government by Trump loyalists" by MSNBC (5:32)

https://youtu.be/flZuFKMurcA?si=xxqg416V-qjsRhuz

"What is Project 2025? | VERIFY" by 12 News

https://youtu.be/neNjI2vjjHU?si=dRjGH-hrFpGPIAP-

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

Watched July 7th, 2024:

"As Trump distances himself from Project 2025, key influencers deliver a warning" by MSNBC (10:31)

https://youtu.be/1yAsejSQaGM?si=pSLW6ZSHTEgWHe_s

"Trump World 'panicking' as Project 2025 gets on the radar of voters" by MSNBC (8.51)

https://youtu.be/d8uMKY_hhtY?si=-Xr_726toT3tQEea

"Trump supporters' Project 2025 outlines 'dark and anti-democratic' vision for the U.S.: Vance" by MSNBC (4:18)

https://youtu.be/mk5Xg7XKW5Q?si=k26UK6aXtE0wMzM2

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

Watched July 5th, 2024:

"What Is Project 2025 and Why Is It Dangerous?" by Katie Couric (4:33)

https://youtu.be/bZ_AG6irJ_g?si=2OZDGn0RHoX9hDUb

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

Watched July 4th, 2024:

"'Our country will suffer': 'King: Trump' and Project 2025's promise of violence" by MSNBC

https://youtu.be/alIKVq6IhnM?si=KLgLBLWafv3QpqkV

"Project 2025’s ‘unhinged’ wish list: Criminalize porn, ban birth control" by MSNBC (7:52)

https://youtu.be/zkeGixHvb4k?si=ElXk_LT--2YjVdfe

"Hear chilling 'accidental confession' on Trump & Project 2025 in 'Beat with Ari Melber' breakdown" by MSNBC (12:15)

https://youtu.be/LU39UVT1gEw?si=3LlUx1u0-pR5x969

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

Watched June 25th, 2024:

"'Project 2025' raising alarms" from WCNC (3:18)

https://youtu.be/mEbJ8I9BSPw?si=Y3JUFPnv7f-RiXSa

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

Watched June 23rd, 2024:

"'It's a manifesto': The most terrifying details in Project 2025" by MSNBC (8:36)

https://youtu.be/VHElHF02t5c?si=G_CT9Y5lMZH3HjWy

"Project 2025 envisions wish list for 2nd Trump presidency" by NBC News (3:04)

https://youtu.be/pVNDr4ycLq4?si=ycR9J5uco3M_Dhv2

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

Watched June 22nd, 2024:

"Top Project 2025 architect talks conservative blueprint for Trump second term" by MSNBC (14:50)

https://youtu.be/DxEcSjWRipI?si=lqAfe5_JJHPxGsQb

By the way, this list only includes the videos about Project 2025 that I have watched up through today July 29th, 2024.

And I am planning to watch even more videos about Project 2025 as they come up in my YouTube Recommendations, as well as when I hear about them from other sources!

Plus, you can also see just how many videos are available to watch through a search on YouTube of "Project 2025," as noted below:

https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=Project+2025#bottom-sheet

Thus, I wanted to include this list of the videos that I watched above regarding Project 2025 for you, my readers, to consider watching as too!]

Project 2025 Survey

Thank you for your response! Did you also know that the ACLU has already mapped out exactly how to stop Project 2025?

Our experts have spent the past several months reviewing Trump's first term, his campaign promises, and Project 2025 — and evaluating the success of our own work, too. We know exactly what it takes to protect our rights ahead, but it's going to take all the support possible. Can you chip in with a donation today?

[  ] Yes, I can donate $35.
[  ] Yes, I'd like to donate monthly.
[✓] No, I can't chip in today.

We completely understand. $35 is the average most people give, but truly any amount in this urgent moment makes a difference. Would you be able to lend $5?

[  ] Yes, I can give $5.
[✓] No, I can't donate right now but I'd like to help in another way.

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

ACLU
TAKE ACTION

Today, years of hard-fought civil liberty protections are under threat and to influence lawmakers, we need everyone to get involved. Here's what you can do.

[✓] I have just a few minutes
[  ] I have some time
[  ] I'm up for anything

JOIN US

Stay up to date on how you can get involved.

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email: [redacted]
ZIP code: [redacted]
Phone number: [redacted]

Sign up

So, I wanted to share this email from the ACLU in order to show my support for the "Project 2025 Survey." –Paul Whiting (July 29th, 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 on July 2nd, 2024 (please see my 'July 2nd, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to the ACLU for July 2024.

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July 30th, 2024 Update No. 1: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is yearly (annually) on July 30th worldwide. So, I donated today, July 30th, 2024, to organizations that are working toward ending modern slavery, or human trafficking as it is formally called. And I donated to both an international and a national anti-human trafficking organization to symbolically recognize modern slavery, or human trafficking, as being an extremely serious issue worldwide, as well as in America. –Paul Whiting (July 30th, 2024)

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July 31st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From August 1st, 2024 To August 2nd, 2024 About July 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

▪ April 30th, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On May 1st, 2024 About April 2024

▪ May 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On June 1st, 2024 About May 2024

▪ June 30th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On July 1st, 2024 About June 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 Kamala Harris'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, July 31st, 2024, was the last day of July 2024, I wanted to provide you with July's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

July 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15.99% {15.99612653324%}

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

[01] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[02] Ban Assault Weapons NOW: 0.69% {0.69076823757%}
[03] Brady United: 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[04] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 1.87% {1.87217559715%}
[05] WWP (Wounded Warrior Project): 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[06] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[07] March For Our Lives: 0.72% {0.72498386055%}
[08] BVF (Biden Victory Fund): 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[09] DNC (Dem. Nation. Cam. Comm.): 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[10] DLCC (Dem. Legis. Cam. Comm.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[11] DSCC (Dem. Senate. Cam. Comm.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[12] VoteVets: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[13] DCCC (Dem. Congress. Cam. Comm.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[14] Educated We Stand: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[15] BFP (Biden for President): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[16] Voto Latino: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[17] DGA (Dem. Govern. Assoc.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[18] DAGA (Dem. Attorneys. Gen. Assoc.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[19] DASS (Dem. Assoc. Secr. of State): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[20] DPO (Dem. Party of Ore.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[21] EMILYs List: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[22] Four Directions Native Vote: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[23] Jane Fonda Climate PAC: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[24] Non-Categorized Political: 0.48% {0.4835377663%}
[25] Rolling Sea PAC: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[26] Voters of Tomorrow PAC: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[27] Feeding America: 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[28] UFW (Unite. Farm Work.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[29] Oregon Food Bank: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[30] Our Great Task: 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[31] USHMM (U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
-------Please see [32] below-------
[33] Turn Left PAC: 0.35% {0.34538411878%}
[34] Monthly Political: 2.32% {2.32408005164%}
-------Please see [35] below-------
[36] "President Biden stepping aside to usher in a new era of leadership to the Democratic Party": 0.83% {0.83925112976%}
[37] PPAF (Plan. Parent. Act. Fund): 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
[38] "Vice President Kamala Harris running to be President of the United States after President Biden stepped aside": 1.16% {1.16204002582%}
[39] World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: 0.78% {0.77469335054%}

Monthly Income Total Percentage Calculation:

1.61% {5 × 0.32% approximately}
+ 0.69%
+ 1.30% {2 × 0.65%}
+ 1.87%
+ 0.90% {2 × 0.45%}
+ 0.72%
+ 0.42% {2 × 0.21%}
+ 2.21% {16 × 0.14% approximately}
+ 0.48%
+ 0.70% {2 × 0.35%}
+ 2.32%
+ 0.83%
+ 1.16%
+ 0.78%
= 15.99%

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

[32] Credit Card Purchases: 2.85% {2.84506132989%}
[35] Monthly Interest: 7.02% {7.02324080051%}

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 9.87% {9.8683021304%}

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for July 2024: 25.86% {25.86442866365%}

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 July 2024 (on July 4th) 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—which is now Harris for President, or the Harris 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 seventh month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Plus, I made another set of donations for the month of July 2024 (on July 21st) to six organizations—the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Democratic Governors Association, the Democratic National Committee, as well as the Democratic Attorneys General Association—plus, one campaign—Harris for President—plus, four Political Action Committees (PACs)—Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC, Voters of Tomorrow PAC, Turn Left PAC, as well as Rolling Sea Action Fund—in addition to one civic engagement organization—Voto Latino—with regard to "President Biden stepping aside to usher in a new era of leadership to the Democratic Party."

Besides that, I made one more set of donations for the month of July 2024 (on July 24th) to seven organizations—the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Democratic Governors Association, the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Attorneys General Association, the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State as well as the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee—plus, one campaign—Harris for President—plus, four Political Action Committees (PACs)—Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC, Educated We Stand, Turn Left PAC, as well as VoteVets—in addition to one civic engagement organization—Voto Latino—with regard to "Vice President Kamala Harris running to be President of the United States after President Biden stepped aside."

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, as mentioned above, "President Biden stepped aside to usher in a new era of leadership to the Democratic Party" and "Vice President Kamala Harris is now running to be President of the United States after President Biden stepped aside," which is why I donated to some organizations more than once!) 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 from August 1st, 2024 to August 2nd, 2024 and revised August 31st, 2024)

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YEAR 2024 UPDATES FOR AUGUST:

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August 1st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On August 3rd, 2024: I received an email from Native American Rights Fund (NARF) two days ago on August 1st, 2024, with the subject line, "How are Native voters in Arizona making their voices heard?", which stated the following:

Dear Paul,

Over the course of 2024, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is releasing Native Voice, Native Vote, a series of videos explaining the fight to protect Native Americans’ right to vote. The campaign’s goal is to support and highlight Native voters and raise awareness about the obstacles that they face. The videos feature stories from across Indian Country, speaking with Native voters and tribal leaders affected by discriminatory laws and policies.

Yesterday, we released the campaign’s second video, which focuses on Native American voters in Arizona. Follow along with this campaign and learn more at vote.narf.org.

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:

NATIVE VOICES, NATIVE VOTE

Since the signing of the Indian Citizenship Act 100 years ago, Native Americans have been fighting for their right to vote. Nowhere is this truer than in Arizona. In The Road to Voting Rights in Arizona, the most recent episode of the Native Voices, Native Vote video series, hear stories from Native voters in Arizona about why they are fighting so hard to make their voices heard.

[Blogger's Note: I watched the YouTube video embedded in the webpage that is titled, "Native Voices, Native Vote: The Road to Voting Rights in Arizona."]

Over the year, we are releasing videos as part of Native Voices, Native Vote series. These powerful videos will tell the stories of Native voters and tribal leaders across Indian Country.

The Native American Rights Fund is committed to fighting injustices faced by Native Americans trying to exercise their right to vote. Help us in this generational fight for justice.

[Blogger's Note: I watched the YouTube video embedded in the webpage that is titled, "Native Voices, Native Vote: Protecting Native Voting Rights at the Native American Rights Fund."]

Subscribe to get updates and voting rights news. Share our stories with your circles. And donate today to protect Native American democracy and make sure that Native voices are heard and Native interests are represented.

STAY IN TOUCH

DONATE

vote.narf.org

Plus, I made a one-time donation to Native American Rights Fund on August 1st, 2024 in order to show my support for NARF's "Native Voices, Native Vote" video series. –Paul Whiting (August 3rd, 2024)

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August 1st, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On August 3rd, 2024: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Federation of America two days ago on August 1st, 2024, with the subject line, "72 hours. 1,000 donors. Are you in?", which stated the following:

PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Care. No matter what.

DONATE NOW***

Paul —

Some emergencies are deeply personal: a sudden and intense pain, a surprise diagnosis, a pregnancy complication that puts a patient's life in danger.

Other emergencies affect us all: the Supreme Court issues a ruling that cuts millions of people off from essential health care, and shreds basic protections for patients.

Either way, Planned Parenthood needs to be ready to respond — and the only way we can be ready for the next emergency is with support from people like you. We've set an ambitious goal to recruit 1,000 donors in 72 hours. Give now to support the Planned Parenthood Emergency Campaign.

[Image of thermometer gif counting up to 750 donors out of 1,000, with text "72 hour goal: 1,000 donors"]

DONATE NOW***

Your emergency donation to Planned Parenthood Federation of America right now is so important, because the truth is that the attacks on abortion and other reproductive health care are only intensifying.

We have to be ready to respond when lawsuits target patients and providers.

We have to mobilize the instant we see misinformation spreading online about medication abortion and birth control.

We have to make sure that Planned Parenthood health centers have the resources they need to keep their doors open and keep delivering the excellent care that patients deserve.

No matter what comes next, we are counting on you. Help reach our goal of 1,000 donors in 72 hours.

Thank you,

[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Planned Parenthood Federation of America

DONATE NOW »***

Paul, Project 2025 is weird, yes. But it's also no joke. It's a roadmap for a tyrant.

The team that wrote it consists of over 140 former Trump administration officials and lays out a series of invasive and downright harmful proposals to go after our most fundamental rights.

Take abortion rights, for example. Project 2025 wouldn't stop at sweeping abortion bans – already a devastating prospect. Their proposal goes even further, cutting funding to states that don't report a slew of deeply specific and personal medical details regarding abortion, miscarriage care, pregnancy complications, and reproductive health care in general.

That's a massive invasion of privacy, Paul. It is absolutely weird that anyone would want the government having so much information about our personal health. But you know what else it is? Dangerous totalitarianism.

Every proposal in the Project 2025 manifesto has this same, disturbing focus – they want to strip away our rights at any cost. That's why we're showing up in force to stop Project 2025 now. Our experts have the strategy to win across every civil liberty issue at stake – but we need you with us.

Add your name today to our growing movement dedicated to stop Project 2025 and receive actions to fight back with us.

ADD YOUR NAME***

With the full power of the ACLU – backed by you and countless other ACLU supporters, Paul – we know we can stop this threat of tyranny and protect our rights for good.

Thanks for joining us in this critical fight,

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: He, him, his
[Title redacted], ACLU

ACLU

STOP PROJECT 2025

Project 2025 threatens our rights, and is rife with proposals that would harm real people. Add your name to join our fight to stop it in its tracks. Project 2025 is a plan to let politicians and bureaucrats control our lives. It lays out a vision of America built on breaking up immigrant families with mass deportations, denying trans people needed medical care, stripping away our right to an abortion and right to medical privacy, punishing dissent and political opposition, and so much more.

We can't wait until after the election to stop Project 2025. That's why our experts have already built out a detailed roadmap to fight back — point-by-point, issue-by-issue. We're working now in state legislatures and courts nationwide to block this harmful agenda from ever becoming a reality.

If you would like a role in our plan of action against Project 2025, then add your name to our growing movement to fight back. And from intel to advocacy, we'll send you what you need in the weeks and days to come.

ADD YOUR NAME

Project 2025 is 900 pages of proposals to strip away the civil rights and liberties that we hold dear. It doesn't represent what true democracy is and would inflict direct harm on families across our country. That's why I am adding my name to the chorus of ACLU community members who are firmly against it and showing up in the plan to fight back — with concrete policy solutions, court strategies, and state legislative goals — to defeat Project 2025 and protect our rights for good.

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

ACT NOW

And, after I signed the petition above, I received a confirmation email today, August 3rd, 2024, from the ACLU with the subject line, "One more thing - can you spread the word?", which stated the following:

ACLU

Hi Paul,

Thank you for joining us in the fight against Project 2025. The fight for our rights is going to take every one of us – and we're glad to count you on our team.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be in touch with action steps, information, and ways you can plug in to the campaign to stop Project 2025. And right now, you can take the first step by checking out our video catching you up on everything you need to know about Project 2025 and how we're showing up to fight back (https://youtu.be/kgqk2006vsI?si=a-VcN5teJ1Bg0kGO).
(Please note: This link will take you to a third-party website, youtube.com.)

Then, once you're done, help us build our power: Share the pledge to stop Project 2025 by forwarding the email below to your friends, or by sharing this link: aclu.org/stop2025

Thank you for being with us,

The ACLU Team

------

Hi friend,

Project 2025 threatens our most fundamental rights. You may have heard their plans on the news – cruel policy proposals that would directly harm everyday people like you, me, and our families. From mass deportations of immigrant families to nationwide abortion bans and classroom censorship, these policies would set our country back decades in the fight for equality.

That’s why I’m joining the ACLU’s campaign to fight back against Project 2025 – and I hope you will too. Will you show up with me to protect our rights against these dangerous policies?

https://action.aclu.org/petition/stop-project-2025-tyranny

Thanks.

Then, after I signed the petition above, via the ACLU website, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU today, August 3rd, 2024, in order to "add [my] name today to [the ACLU's] growing movement dedicated to stop Project 2025 and receive actions to fight back with [them]." –Paul Whiting (written August 3rd, 2024 and revised August 22nd, 2024)

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August 3rd, 2024 Update No. 2 [My Writing About No Longer Memorializing The Anniversaries Of Mass Shootings Through My Blog Post 'Updates']: Today is yet another anniversary of a mass shooting in the United States of America!

And I was going to write a blog post 'update' about an email that I received yesterday from one of the organizations to which I subscribe that is advocating for common-sense gun safety laws—such as banning assault weapons—which is discussing this particular mass shooting, as I have done in the past with regard to the anniversary of other mass shootings.

However, going forward I am planning to no longer memorialize the anniversaries of mass shootings since I know that there are those who glorify these mass shootings—and fantasize about them and even copy them! Thus, I am concerned that I may be unwittingly buying into their mass shooting ideation, and I do not wish to promote gun violence in the minds of those who think it's a good idea to solve problems through gun violence.

Therefore, I will still be writing blog post 'updates' regarding the efforts being made to pass common-sense gun safety laws—such as banning assault weapons—by the gun safety organizations to which I subscribe, but I will no longer be writing about the anniversaries of mass shootings. –Paul Whiting (August 3rd, 2024)

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For my "August 4th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On August 3rd, 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:

August 4th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On August 3rd, 2024: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) yesterday, August 3rd, 2024, with the subject line, "Every recruit matters, and every service member supported", which stated the following:

Paul,

Going to boot camp can be nerve-wracking. Recruits are often far from home, away from their families and unsure of what to expect. Thankfully, the USO is there.

Many young Coast Guard recruits first arrive at the USO Center in the Philadelphia International Airport to assemble (or “muster”) on their way to Coast Guard basic training at Cape May, New Jersey.

The U.S. Coast Guard has used this USO Center as the muster point for Coast Guard recruits for over 40 years. Recruits can relax in the USO lounge, enjoy home-cooked meals and receive travel support before heading to basic training.

Coast Guard recruits relax at the airport lounge at USO at Philadelphia International Airport.

But perhaps the most important task for USO volunteers is listening and connecting to the young men and women as they prepare to embark on their life-changing journey of military service.

[Name redacted], who has volunteered with the USO since 2019, said, “Interacting with the recruits is the best part. It’s fun talking to the young women and men about where they are from, why the Coast Guard and what they would like to do after basic."

The USO supports Coast Guard recruits — and our entire military community — from day one. Whether it's helping recruits create bonds before boot camp or all of the programs, services and entertainment the USO will provide them with throughout their active-duty service, the USO has been supporting our heroes in uniform for more than 80 years.

And tomorrow, we’ll all be proudly celebrating the U.S. Coast Guard’s 234th birthday. Will you join us in wishing the Coast Guard a happy birthday? We need 50,000 military supporters to sign the happy birthday card before midnight tonight. Together, let's make sure the brave Coast Guardsmen know we appreciate their service and sacrifice.

SIGN THE CARD***

Let's celebrate the Coast Guard together,

Your friends at the USO

SIGN THE CARD***

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

So, yesterday, August 3rd, 2024, I signed the card "to support the brave Coast Guardsmen sacrificing to defend our beloved country ... in honor of the U.S. Coast Guard’s 234th birthday." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website yesterday to say to our active-duty heroes, "Semper Paratus! Thank you for being 'always ready' for all of us. We’re proud to honor and celebrate you on the Coast Guard’s 234th birthday! Thank you for keeping us safe and free."

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

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "August 4th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On August 3rd, 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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August 7th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses July 22nd, 2024: Purple Heart Day is today, August 7th, 2024, since Purple Heart Day is yearly (annually) on August 7th.

And I received a mailer from Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) sixteen days ago on July 22nd, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "YES! That's a REAL STAMP! What connects it to someone whose life was changed by your support?", 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

Paul, use this real first-class postage stamp to help an injured veteran today. I know how much your support means!

Dear Mr. Whiting,

That's a real first-class stamp, all right. But it's not just any stamp ...

You see, you're receiving this stamp to thank you for being one of the leading supporters of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). Your generosity means so much to injured veterans like me!

And while there may be some people out there who would keep this stamp for themselves. I'm pretty sure you won't do that.

That's because you recognize that the most powerful way you can use this stamp is to help the wounded veterans who have served and sacrificed for our nation — and who urgently need you right now!

Paul, I'm trusting you to place your stamp firmly on the return envelope I'm enclosing, and mail back your gift to support the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) 2024 Portland-Area Fund Drive. You can be one of the first from your community to help!

Your gift of $15, $18, or even $21 will help American heroes battle their way back to health and healing.

As you put your first-class stamp to the best possible use by sending your gift today, please also sign and return the thank-you card I'm enclosing. You'll definitely brighten the spirits of another wounded warrior!

I know. You see, while Americans like me are proud to serve, we often face serious challenges overcoming our battlefield injuries, and adjusting to civilian life when our service is done.

It really means a lot to us to know that you care, and that you give so generously to help.

I'm a U.S. Marine veteran who was honored to fight for America on many fronts, including in Iraq. But I can tell you that the stress I endured took a terrible toll on my soul and spirit.

After a helicopter I was flying in came under fire, I had trouble sleeping. I developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and I've experienced anxiety and terrifying nightmares.

I even considered suicide. I wanted help, but no one seemed to want to help me.

But you were there to help me when I needed you. From the very first WWP event I attended, I felt understanding and acceptance.

No one judged me. They validated me. It was empowering, and it was a real turning point for me.

Wounded Warrior Project gave me a foundation to build upon as I attempted to put the pieces of my life back together.

Today I have a business to run, a family to support me, and a passion for helping others. Thanks for being there for me when I needed you most!

Now, I'm hoping you'll give again so WWP can support the next wounded warrior who needs support. There are so many more injured veterans who need your help now!

I'm confident you'll use the enclosed stamp to support our Annual Fund Drive now ... while the need is so urgent.

You'll show our nation's wounded warriors how much you care, and you'll make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of our injured military heroes.

Thank you in advance for responding generously today. And please remember to sign and return your thank you card to bring cheer to one of America's heroes!

With gratitude,

[Name redacted]
Wounded Warrior

P.S. The first-class postage stamp that you're receiving today is a free gift for you. But freedom isn't free. It's been won through the blood, service, and sacrifice of veterans like me. Thank you for returning your best donation to help another wounded warrior now!

"QR code message": Scan to give. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

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

2024 Portland-Area
Fund Drive for Wounded Warriors

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
Thank you!

[✓] YES! [name redacted], I will help American heroes like you overcome their struggles and fulfill their dreams. Here is my gift to help wounded veterans:

[  ] $15
[  ] $18 ← Can you spare this much?
[  ] $21
[  ] $24
[✓] My best gift of $7.00

To make a donation online, go to supportwwp.org/wwp https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

[  ] My check is enclosed and made out to Wounded Warrior Project.
[  ] Please charge my credit card.
(Please complete form on reverse.)

Every gift makes a difference!
Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law.

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]

And so, I made a one-time donation to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) today, August 7th, 2024, in order to show my support for the 2024 Portland-Area Fund Drive for Wounded Warriors. Plus, I signed "the thank-you card ... to bring cheer to one of America's heroes!" 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 August 7th, 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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August 7th, 2024 Update No. 2: Purple Heart Day is today, August 7th, 2024, since Purple Heart Day is yearly (annually) on August 7th.

And I made a one-time donation to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which I heard about from a holiday and special occasions website that I used to receive emails from (please see my 'August 7th, 2023 Update, Which Also Discusses August 6th, 2023' that can be found above). Here is an excerpt from the Military Order of the Purple Heart's "About" webpage:

History Of The Purple Heart

The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.

The organization now known as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart” [MOPH], was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only veterans service organization comprised strictly of “combat” veterans.

Funds for welfare, rehabilitation and/or service work carried on by the organization are derived through the collection of used household items, the operation of thrift stores, through the donation of automobiles and monetary donations. If you would like to support our many programs - DONATE NOW:

https://www.purpleheart.org/Donate

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

JOIN THE LEGACY PROGRAM TODAY!

By making your monthly donation to the MOPH Legacy Program you help us provide much needed programs to Combat Wounded Veterans and their families across the globe. The MOPH provides opportunities for continued education and employment, as well as offering programs that affect the mental health and overall well being of the men and women who have spilled their blood in defense of our great nation.

We ask that you choose a donation level that you are comfortable with and click the subscribe button. Then you will be enrolled into our Legacy Program and will receive a pin which shows everyone just how much you care for these Purple Heart recipients. ...

... If you would like to make a one time donation please click donate below.

Donate

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

Donate to Military Order of the Purple Heart

Enter amount: $5 USD

Write a note (Optional):
THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice in keeping Our Great Nation free for generations to come. GOD BLESS YOU!

Donate with Debit or Credit Card

Select your Country/Region: [redacted]
Legal first name: Paul
Legal last name: Whiting

Billing Address

Street address: [redacted]
Apt., Ste., Bldg.: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
ZIP code: [redacted]

Contact Information

Phone number: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]

Donate Now

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

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

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

Friday, Aug 4, 2023

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

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

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

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

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

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

Plus, I made a one-time donation to the USO (United Service Organizations), because "for those Purple Heart Medal recipients who made the ultimate sacrifice, the USO is there for them and their families as well." –Paul Whiting (written August 7th, 2024 and revised August 8th, 2024)

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August 7th, 2024 Update No. 3: Purple Heart Day is today, August 7th, 2024, since Purple Heart Day is yearly (annually) on August 7th.

And I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, August 7th, 2024, with the subject line, "Pause. Reflect. Honor.", which stated the following:

Paul,

Some of us have served and sacrificed a lot for this country, but were lucky enough to come away from it all unscarred.

Today is National Purple Heart Day. A day to remember our brothers and sisters who were wounded in battle, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country because of those wounds.

All of us at IAVA will take a moment out of our day today to pause, reflect on, and honor those among us who earned the Purple Heart they never wanted in the first place. And the families who possess that honor on behalf of a loved one they’ll never see again.

Please join us, and encourage your friends to do the same.

With gratitude,

[Name redacted]
Iraq War Veteran
IAVA [Title redacted]

And, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) as a way to "take a moment out of [my] day today to pause, reflect on, and honor those among us who earned the Purple Heart they never wanted in the first place," as well as to respect "the families who possess that honor on behalf of a loved one they’ll never see again." –Paul Whiting (August 7th, 2024)

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August 8th, 2024 Update No. 1: Happy International Allyship Day!

You see, International Allyship Day is today, August 8th, 2024, since International Allyship Day is yearly (annually) on August 8th, with the very first official observance being last year (2023).

And I first heard about International Allyship Day from a holiday and special occasions website that I used to receive emails from (please see my 'August 8th, 2023 Update, Written On August 9th, 2023' that can be found above). An introduction to the main page of the official InternationalAllyshipDay.org website can be found below:

INTRODUCING

INTERNATIONAL Allyship Day 08.08

Welcome to International Allyship Day!

SAVE THE DATE. IT HAPPENS ON 8/8.

August 8th is a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the power of allyship across the globe. On this special day, we come together to recognize the importance of standing up for one another, fostering inclusivity, and building bridges of support and understanding.

What is Allyship?

RECOGNIZE. UPLIFT. ADVOCATE.

Allyship is the act of actively supporting and advocating for individuals or communities who face systemic oppression or discrimination. It means recognizing our own privilege and using it to uplift others, amplifying their voices, and fighting for their rights. Allyship is about being a friend, an advocate, and a source of solidarity.

International Allyship Day is a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the incredible strength that lies in unity. It is a day to embrace diversity, celebrate differences, and foster a sense of belonging for everyone! ...

Please see the hyperlink below for the website:

https://internationalallyshipday.org

By the way, on a more philosophical note, I genuinely feel that the following description of the word 'allyship,' as quoted from the InternationalAllyshipDay.org website referenced above, describes perfectly how I view my 'Online Activism,' as a self-designated 'Poet, Artist and Philosopher':

"Allyship is the act of actively supporting and advocating for individuals or communities who face systemic oppression or discrimination. It means recognizing our own privilege and using it to uplift others, amplifying their voices, and fighting for their rights. Allyship is about being a friend, an advocate, and a source of solidarity."

Thus, I truly think that this wonderfully-phrased statement above totally summarizes why I am an 'Online Activist' on my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," as well as on all of my blogs where I write about my activism! –Paul Whiting (August 8th, 2024)

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August 9th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, August 9th, 2024, with the subject line, "Action alert: It’s past time to end police violence", which stated the following:

Paul, four years ago, George Floyd, a Black man living in Minnesota, was murdered at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer.

Since then, this crisis of police violence has continued to get worse – with police killing more people last year than any previous year on record. So far this year, there have only been 10 days where police did not kill anyone. Only a month ago, police shot and tragically killed Sonya Massey in her own home after she called them for help.

Meanwhile, the officers who perpetrate this violence are rarely subject to legal consequences. There is a clear crisis of police violence in this country that disproportionately harms Black and brown people, the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities. Yet Congress still has not passed any legislation to rein in the often unchecked power of the police.

That's why we need to push for action right now and it starts with the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This bill was just reintroduced in the Senate this week and it would meaningfully address systemic racism and hold police accountable. Please, join us now and tell Congress to pass this legislation immediately.

STOP POLICE VIOLENCE***

Paul, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is a strong federal bill that would prevent officers from evading accountability for misconduct and violence, stop the Pentagon from sending tools of war to police departments across the country, and meaningfully rein in racial profiling and police brutality.

Despite bipartisan support in the House when it was first introduced in 2021, the Senate has refused to hold a vote on this bill for over three years. We need to let them know that this is unacceptable.

This is our chance to address in police violence and create real accountability in policing: We desperately need the kinds of structural change this bill would bring – tell your representatives to pass the George Floyd Justice in Police Act immediately.

Onward,

The ACLU Team

ACLU

TELL CONGRESS: END POLICE VIOLENCE

Send Message

Four years since George Floyd, a Black man living in Minnesota, was murdered at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, the Senate has refused to pass any meaningful legislation reining in police violence.

Meanwhile this crisis continues to get worse with police killing more people last year than any previous year on record, and Black and brown people, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community still being killed by police at a disproportionate rate. It's clear, unchecked, unaccountable policing puts us all in harms way. Yet police continue to experience broad immunity, job security even with a pattern of misconduct, and a steady supply of war equipment directly from the Pentagon.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act could address these issues by helping end racial profiling, creating real accountability for police, and reining in the crisis of police violence. Urge your representatives to pass this bill now.

The recipient: U.S. House and Senate

Subject: Pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Police violence continues to escalate in our country. Our police systems are built and trained on a culture of racism, discriminatory profiling, and an excessive use of force making our communities less safe as a result. As your constituent, I'm calling on you to pass meaningful, structural change for safer communities through the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Police killed more people in 2023 than any previous year on record. It's clear that our police brutality problem is only escalating and the recent murder of Sonya Massey serves as a reminder that even those who call the police for assistance are not safe from police violence.

We need systems in place that prevent this kind of violence from ever taking place and when it does, we need a system of meaningful accountability from the police who abuse their power and use excessive force. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act will help achieve these goals by addressing racial profiling and excessive use of force, creating real accountability for police misconduct and violence, and demilitarizing our police by ending the flow of battlefield-ready equipment from the Pentagon to local police departments.

Every community deserves to feel safe and that includes safety from police violence. Please do everything in your power to protect our communities and pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Sincerely,

Paul Whiting

Salutation: Mr.
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Address: [redacted]
Address line 2: [redacted]
Zip Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]
E-mail address: [redacted]

Send

And, after I sent the letter above, I received a confirmation email today, August 9th, 2024, from the ACLU with the subject line, "One more thing - can you spread the word?", which stated the following:

Hi Paul,

Thank you for taking action to end police violence.

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

Thank you,

The ACLU Team

~~~~~

Hi friend,

Police killed more people in the US last year than any previous year on record – but officers continue to go unchecked with little accountability.

Congress must take action to end police violence – and it starts with passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. That’s why I just sent a message with the ACLU to my representatives in Congress to get this bill passed.

Will you join me?

https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-congress-end-police-violence

Thanks.

And so, I sent the letter above to my U.S. House Representative and Senators in Congress, via the ACLU website, in order to "tell Congress to pass this legislation immediately," since "the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is a strong federal bill that would prevent officers from evading accountability for misconduct and violence, stop the Pentagon from sending tools of war to police departments across the country, and meaningfully rein in racial profiling and police brutality." –Paul Whiting (August 9th, 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 on August 3rd, 2024 (please see my 'August 3rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses August 2nd, 2024' that can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to the ACLU for August 2024.

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August 10th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received two communications from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, August 10th, 2024, with regard to the second Anniversary of President Biden signing the PACT Act into law!

The first communication was an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, August 10th, 2024, with the subject line "Two years of the PACT Act: Over 1 million claims.", which stated the following:

Paul,

Two years ago today, President Biden signed the bipartisan PACT Act into law.

IAVA jump started the conversation around the need to address toxic exposure related to burn pits. Our generation’s ’Agent Orange.’ That conversation led to an effort that culminated in the passage of the PACT Act. And now two years later, over 1 million claims related to toxic exposure have been granted.

Will you chip in today so we can continue our work to raise awareness around the unique needs of post-9/11 veterans and get our fellow vets the care they deserve?

It wasn’t easy to get the PACT Act into law. It was years of meetings with congressional staff, leading events across the country, and even sleepless nights on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

But nothing worth doing is ever easy.

Now, we need your help to ensure that we can continue to fight hard and deliver wins on behalf of post-9/11 vets.

Pitch in today to help fuel our relentless efforts to ensure the voice of the post-9/11 generation veteran is heard and listened to - on the damage that was done by exposure to burn pits and so many other critical issues.

Onward!

[Name redacted]
Iraq War Veteran
IAVA [Title redacted]

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***

And the second communication was a text message today, August 10th, 2024, from from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), which stated the following:

Paul, it’s [name redacted], IAVA [title redacted].

Two years ago today, President Biden answered our call to address toxic exposure experienced by post-9/11 vets and signed the bipartisan PACT Act into law. After two years, over 1 million claims related to toxic exposure have been granted. Now, we’re counting on you to help make sure that our generation of veterans continue to get the care they’ve earned and deserve. Can you donate today?***

UNION GOSPEL MISSION
LifeChange Letter

August 2024 Edition

[Name redacted's] Journey from Despair to Hope

[Name redacted's] story is one of resilience. Homeless for years and battling addiction, she found herself pregnant and alone under the Grand and MLK Bridge in Portland. “I’ve been homeless since I was 13,” she says. “My mom died when I was 10. And my dad was very abusive emotionally and mentally.”

Hope arrived with [name redacted], a UGM [title redacted], who offered unwavering support and kindness unlike anything [name redacted] had ever known.

“She was always there whenever I needed something,” [name redacted] says.

Together, they tackled immense challenges. [Name redacted] connected [name redacted] with free prenatal care, helped her find a rehab facility that was the right fit, and stood by her side at the hospital as she delivered a healthy baby girl. Though separated for a year after [daughter of name redacted's] birth, [name redacted] never gave up. Through faith and the power of human connection, she rebuilt her life. Today, [name redacted] lives in sober housing, dreaming of a normal life with friends, a job, and maybe even college.

“I see myself having a normal life. That’s not something that I’ve ever really had,” [name redacted] says. “It’s all because Search + Rescue literally searched me out and rescued me. And if it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I am today.”

And, after I read the email above, I did a search on Google for "Union Gospel Mission of Portland" and found their donation webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING UNION GOSPEL MISSION!

Your gift today provides:

Meals, hygiene Items, clothing, showers, and shelter for those in need and a chance for us to connect with them and help them find a path off the streets, as well as long-term recovery in our LifeChange program.

Union Gospel Mission of Portland Donate Page

Choose Your Gift

[✓] One Time
[  ] Ongoing

[  ] $20
[  ] $30
[  ] $50
[  ] $100
[  ] $150
[✓] Other $7.00

Your Details

What's your name?

[✓] I'm an individual
[  ] I'm a Company

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting

Let's get your details.

Email: [redacted]
Address: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip Code: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
Phone: [redacted]

[✓] I would like to get news and updates from Union Gospel Mission!

Memo

"Aug '24 LifeChange Letter"

And so, I made a one-time donation to Union Gospel Mission today, August 11th, 2024, in order to show my support for the August 2024 Edition of the LifeChange Letter. –Paul Whiting (August 11th, 2024)

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August 11th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses August 10th, 2024: I received a mailer from Blanchet House & Farm (pronounced Blan-shāy) yesterday, August 10th, 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.]

News from
Blanchet House & Farm

AUGUST 2024

Our Residential Program Evolves to Serve Diverse Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness

[Name redacted] and [name redacted] ( pictured above) met in Blanchet House's residential program and have grown to be good friends and supporters of each other. You can hear them laughing and joking in the hall, which lightens the mood and lifts spirits.

Though they come from very different backgrounds, they share the need for a safe refuge to pursue opportunities that will improve their life's direction.

[Name redacted] had a difficult childhood spent in a [country redacted] refugee camp with his family after they were displaced by war. He's now enrolled in college and works hard, giving back in the kitchen. [Name redacted] came to Blanchet seeking to build so briety with a supportive community. He's now working full-time for [business name redacted], a city [redacted] program.

Both men have accomplished so much in a short time and are inspiring others in the residential program.

Evolving to Help More

Over the years, our program has adapted by offering shelter to people who are not only struggling with addiction, but have other barriers to housing and employment.

"Lately I'm getting calls from men looking for a place to stay because they're homeless due to mental health issues, lost their job and need help applying for disability, finished detox, or are staying in sleeping bag in a relative's garage. It happens all the time," says [name redacted], [title redacted] for Blanchet House. "The friends or family won't let him sleep indoors but he can sleep in the garage or backyard."

Our program is often at capacity, which means we are housing up to 50 men at a time. Because people are in a state of transition, beds in the house can open up without our planning. [Name redacted] then contacts someone on the wait list and welcomes them in. It's a special day for a person when they are shown their room, given clean sheets and clothes, and then invited to eat a great meal in the café. After a chance to settle in, shower, and sleep, they start the next day working in the kitchen.

Who's Staying With Us?

We are now providing temporary housing to men who are:

EMPLOYED BUT HOUSELESS

This includes men who are employed full-time but have recently lost housing and need a bed. There is a great need for this type of housing, so we created a few "working beds."

Residents staying in a working bed are not required to serve in the kitchen so that they can keep their jobs outside of Blanchet House. These beds are critical to keeping employed people from falling into homelessness and spiraling further away from housing.

REFUGEE OR MARGINALIZED

There are asylum seekers from other countries who have nowhere to live once they arrive, and as single men, their options are limited. Many have had their lives threatened because of their sexual identity or ethnicity.

RECUPERATING

Some of our residents have lost their employment and housing after suffering a medical crisis like cancer, a stroke, an accident, or chronic disease. They need a temporary place to recuperate which is not easy to find if you don't have family or savings.

IMPOVERISHED SENIOR CITIZEN

More older Americans are finding it difficult to hold on to housing while living on social security or a limited income. It takes time to find a new place to live and Blanchet House offers a place of transition.

One Thing in Common

Something that everyone who stays with us is experiencing is a lack of access to suitable affordable housing. It can take months and even years to secure an affordable place on a small income, social security, or disability.

Your donation can end and prevent someone's homelessness by providing them with a bed at Blanchet House. Thank you for caring for our residents.

CAFE NEWS

[No. of] Plates Served During One Meal Service!

In June, we set a meal service record by serving a shocking [no. of] plates of spaghetti in one hour.

It's alarming that so many people are so in need of a free meal that they are willing to stand in a long line wrapped around the block in the hot sun and sit next to strangers. But, as you know, at Blanchet House of Hospitality no one is a stranger and everyone is served as a respected quest.

Our compassionate and dedicated staff, chefs, volunteers, and residents worked so hard to make sure everyone in line was fed. And able to receive a second plate if they were still hungry. We're glad we can be here to serve thanks to our incredible volunteers and donors.

Did you know that $25 will pay for 16 meals in our cafe? We make excellent use of every dollar you donate. We're one of a few charities that can accept surplus donated food and immediately serve it to hungry people. This helps to keep costs low so that we can focus on solving the root causes of someone's homelessness. We now have specially trained staff to work with meal guests. Every day they help people access shelter, detox, medical care, sign up for housing, disability, and so much more. The spaghetti is pretty great, too.

Please consider donating if you can. Thank you.

Collins Family Legacy

We were so happy to see the [family affilation redacted] and [family affilation redacted] of Blanchet House founder Kevin "Kev" Collins volunteering to serve lunch this spring. [Name redacted], [name redacted], and [name redacted] (pictured right) loaded up 329 plates for our hungry guests. Kev was the driving force alongside Fr. Kennard [Father Francis “Frank” Kennard] to opening Blanchet House of Hospitality with his friends from the University of Portland back in 1952. His family has supported the mission in so many ways since then and continues to help. Thank you, Collins Family!

FARM NEWS

Blanchet Farm Welcomes Residents Into Upgraded Dormitories

[Name redacted], who's staying with us at Blanchet Farm, now introduces himself as "a beekeeper's apprentice" since he started spending Saturdays learning the art and science of beekeeping.

Beekeepers [name redacted] and [name redacted] volunteer to teach interested residents how to care for the farm's hives and harvest the honey. Beekeeping can be a therapeutic skill and is one of the unique hands-on activities that make Blanchet Farm transformational for people who've tried more traditional recovery programs.

"I am an addict and I'm working hard to break the cycles of my addiction," [name redacted] says. "I've been to dozens of recovery programs but this place is special."

Meaningful work goes a long way to rebuild a person's self-esteem and confidence after losing so much to their substance abuse and addiction.

Because of the community's incredible generosity this past year we were able to raise $8.5 million toward our goal of $9 million to construct new dormitories at the farm. We're cautiously and slowly welcoming 24 men to stay with us in the new facilities to begin the journey to build healthier lives.

Blanchet Farm has rightly gained a reputation across the country and many men want to come stay with us. We recently welcomed [name redacted] (pictured in yellow) from out-of-state, he got right to work his first day helping to refinish the welcome sign at the entrance to the farm. The guys are sanding and staining the background and painting the letters.

SPECIAL EVENT

Our Art Show Is Live!

You can now view and purchase art from Blanchet's fifth annual On the Ledge Art Show.

28 artists created work inspired by the theme, Homegrown. All proceeds benefit Blanchet House's services and the artists. You can check out the art at the Lloyd Center and other exhibition spaces around Portland throughout August.

Shop the collection and learn more at BHOntheLedge.com.

And, even before I read the newsletter above—since I was already planning to donate—I did a search on Google for "Blanchet House Portland" and found their donation webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

Blanchet House

YOUR GIFT SAVES LIVES

PLEASE SELECT A DONATION AMOUNT

[✓] Donate Once
[  ] Donate Monthly

[  ] $10.00
[  ] $25.00
[  ] $50.00
[  ] $100.00
[  ] $250.00
[  ] $1,000.00
[✓] Other Amount $7.00

YOUR INFORMATION

How did you hear about Blanchet House: August 2024 Blanchet House & Farm newsletter.

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Email: [redacted]
Address Line 1: [redacted]
Address Line 2: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State/Province: [redacted]
Zip/Postal Code: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
Phone Number: [redacted]

Preferred Contact Method: Email

Thus, I made a one-time donation to Blanchet House of Hospitality today, August 11th, 2024, in order to show my support for the August 2024 News from Blanchet House & Farm. –Paul Whiting (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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August 11th, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses August 10th, 2024: I received a mailer from The Salvation Army Portland Metro yesterday, August 10th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "We've Hit A Dry Spell...", which stated the following:

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

PLEASE HELP END OUR DONATION DROUGHT!

We need your help.

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

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

Remember, The Salvation Army isn't just a Christmas charity. We offer vital year-round help in your community, to your neighbors who are struggling. Right now, the high prices of essential items are bringing more families — especially those with children — to the brink of crisis. To help them, we urgently need your support.

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

Thank you.

[Name redacted], [Title redacted]

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

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

The Salvation Army
DOING THE MOST GOOD
[Address, City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

YES! I WANT TO HELP THE SALVATION ARMY BEAT THE DONATION DROUGHT!

Enclosed is my gift of:

[  ] $15
[  ] $10
[  ] $25
[✓] $7.00

Your gift will be used locally.

Please make your check payable to The Salvation Army.

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
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Give online at 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 "need is rising [and] donations are falling."]

And so, I made a one-time donation to The Salvation Army Cascade Division today, August 11th, 2024, in order to show my support for helping The Salvation Army end their donation drought, because "Need is rising...[and]...donations are falling."

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

Dearest Salvation Army,

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

Very truly yours,

-Paul Whiting
Poet, Artist and Philosopher
Portland, Oregon

Thus, this donation is part of my effort to help The Salvation Army throughout the year, because "The Salvation Army isn't just a Christmas charity," since "[they] offer vital year-round help in your community, to your neighbors who are struggling." –Paul Whiting (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.)

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

For my "August 12th, 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:

August 12th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received a text message today, August 12th, 2024, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:

Incredible news, Paul: All gifts are being MATCHED up to $20k to help us reach our goal of providing 2,000 summer care packages and other support to service members! Rush a gift worth 2X the value now to support our heroes!

$30 CAN HELP SEND 6 KITS:***
$50 CAN HELP SEND 10 KITS:***

- USO

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

And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "The US0 has set an ambitious goal to raise enough money to provide 2,000 cure packages and other support for service members facing harsh and dangerous conditions this summer. A generous group of donors is MATCHING all gifts, up to a total of $20.000, to help us get there. Donate now to have the value of your gift DOUBLED to support our heroes 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, "August 12th, 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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August 14th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses August 13th, 2024: I received a text message yesterday, August 13th, 2024, from Brady: United Against Gun Violence, which stated the following:

Paul, Coach [name redacted], here. I'm sorry to text again, but I wouldn't reach out if I didn't think your support could make a life-saving difference.

Brady is so close to hitting their $100,000 goal to continue their critical gun violence prevention work. Hundreds of people like you have stepped up over the past few days — but we're still falling short.

With the new school year about to start, it's time to dig deep to get guns OUT of schools: Can you chip in $25 right now and help Brady meet their goal before midnight Friday?***

MARCH
FOR OUR
LIVES

Paul,

There were over 350 school shootings last year — the highest ever recorded.

Over the next few weeks, students across the country are returning to their classrooms. Their biggest worries should be homework and math tests. Instead, they’re wondering if this is the year their lockdown drills will become reality.

But people like JD Vance think this is a “fake problem.” Leaders in Tennessee and Iowa want to put guns in classrooms, not prevent school shootings. You know as well as we do, though, Paul: Guns. Don’t. Make. Us. Safer.

In fact, studies show that armed guards don’t reduce school shootings, and in some cases can even increase the overall threat to students. And arming teachers? Don’t even get us started…

We need solutions that actually prevent shootings and we need them now. Students need access to guidance counselors and social workers—in addition to common sense laws that limit access to firearms. If we invest in solutions that can only come into action once someone has arrived on campus with a gun, we have failed and put our kids in danger.

Gun violence MUST be one of the first issues addressed post-election. We can’t slow down our progress now. Time is running out and no more children should have to die because the NRA wants to line their pockets from the culture of fear and paranoia in America. Sign our petition now and help us push for effective and lasting gun safety moving forward.

Add your name ››***

Together we can protect future generations,

March For Our Lives Action Fund

MARCH FOR OUR LIVES

Demand gun safety is a top priority of the new administration

We're in one of the most critical election years ever.

Post-election gun violence MUST be one of the first issues addressed.

We need solutions that offer real preventative measures and we need them now. Time is running out and no more children should have to die because the NRA wants to line their pockets from the culture of fear and paranoia in America.

Add your name to our petition now to join with March For Our Lives to demand addressing gun violence is at the forefront of issues for the new administration to address >>>

Sign the Petition

Name: Paul Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
ZIP Code: [redacted]
Mobile phone: [redacted]

Submit

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

Thank you for signing on. Can you take the next step?

Thank you for supporting the March For Our Lives Action Fund! Grassroots supporters like you are the backbone of our youth-led movement.

In 2018, we marched so that no more families had to face the devastation of losing a loved one to senseless gun violence Since then, over 175,000 lives have been taken by guns.

We cannot accept empty words from "leaders" as we watch kids die. Donate to fuel our organizing to defeat the gun lobby, pass sensible legislation, and turn out youth to vote for gun safety champions up and down the ballot.

DONATE IMMEDIATELY:

Your contribution will benefit March For Our Lives Action Fund.

[✓] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $20.24 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Other amount

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 March For Our Lives (MFOL) (without a tip to ActBlue) in order to "add [my] name to [their] petition now to join with March For Our Lives to demand addressing gun violence is at the forefront of issues for the new administration to address," because "we need solutions that actually prevent shootings and we need them now." –Paul Whiting (August 15th, 2024)

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August 19th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, August 19th, 2024, with the subject line, "What to know about Kamala Harris before the convention", which stated the following:

Paul, the last few weeks have been more than unprecedented.

But thanks to your previous support, our experts here at the ACLU had all the resources they needed to respond immediately – and we don't need to wait for the start of tonight's Democratic National Convention to find out what Vice President Harris will do if elected this November.

Our experts spent the last few weeks analyzing her record so you don't have to wait to see how the convention plays out to know what a Harris-Walz Administration would mean for your rights.

Read our experts' latest memo on Harris' commitments to protecting and expanding voting rights and how the ACLU will work to ensure that a Harris administration delivers on these commitments if she is elected.

GET OUR HARRIS-WALZ MEMO:

https://www.aclu.org/news/voting-rights/how-kamala-harris-can-be-a-pro-voting-rights-president

No matter who's in office, we've got a plan to preserve the fundamental rights we've spent more than 100 years working to expand and protect. So you can enjoy this week's convention knowing that the ACLU is ready no matter what happens.

Together,

The ACLU Team

And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage regarding the article titled, "How Kamala Harris Can Be a Pro-Voting Rights President." A brief overview to the article can be found below:

ACLU
NEWS & COMMENTARY

How Kamala Harris Can Be a Pro-Voting Rights President

The vice president’s record on increasing voter access for marginalized communities and pushing back against discriminatory voting laws indicates her commitment to expanding voting access to strengthen democracy.

By ACLU

August 16, 2024

In a moment when hostile state legislators have used unlawful redistricting efforts and discriminatory voting laws to attack our electoral systems, Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris has committed to protecting our democracy.

On the campaign trail, Harris has promised to push for passage of essential federal voting rights protections, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA), the Freedom to Vote Act (FTVA), and the Native American Voting Rights Act (NAVRA). If elected, Harris has the opportunity to build on the Biden-Harris administration’s record of championing measures that increase voting access. The ACLU is determined to hold a Harris-Walz administration accountable for promoting fair representation, preventing discriminatory voting laws, and strengthening our democracy for years to come.

Learn more in our breakdown. ...

[Text of the above-mentioned breakdown.]

... What You Can Do Today: As the election approaches, discriminatory election practices continue to impact voters of color, highlighted by a surge in anti-voter measures in recent years. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is a crucial step towards ensuring fair and inclusive elections. Add your name to our petition urging Congress to support this vital legislation.*

[Blogger's Note: I read the ACLU's News & Commentary article titled, "How Kamala Harris Can Be a Pro-Voting Rights President."]

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.aclu.org/news/voting-rights/how-kamala-harris-can-be-a-pro-voting-rights-president

*And, after I read the article above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage in the last paragraph of said article, as noted above, the relevant text of which can be found below:

CONGRESS: PROTECT OUR VOTING RIGHTS

As November's election approaches, discriminatory election practices continue to impact voters of color, highlighted by a surge in anti-voter measures in recent years. These measures – such as criminalizing providing food or water to voters in line, limiting drop boxes for absentee ballots and racially gerrymandered district maps – disproportionately disenfranchise Black and Brown voters. We must all show our collective commitment to stop these attacks on the right to vote and ensure all voices are heard.

While the ACLU will continue to fight in courts, and at the local and state level, the need for federal action to defend the fundamental right to vote has never been clearer. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) would restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, safeguarding this foundational democratic process. Yet this bill is still sitting in Congress along with other crucial pieces of voting legislation like the Freedom to Vote Act and Native American Voting Rights Act. Our elected leaders must feel the urgency of this moment: Congress will never act to protect our right to vote without a major, united push from communities across the country.

That’s why we are mobilizing activists like you to speak out in support of the voting rights of us all: Add your name to our petition now urging Congress to support the VRAA, a crucial step towards ensuring fair and inclusive elections and honoring John Lewis's legacy for civil rights.

Support this Petition

Across the country, restrictive measures continue to target the voting rights of Black, Brown and Latine communities. That’s why today, I am showing my support for the passing of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA). All Americans should have equal access to the ballot box and I’m urging you, a congressional leader, to show your commitment for voting rights too. For our democracy to work for all of us, it must include all of us.

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

And, after I signed the petition above, I received a confirmation email today, August 19th, 2024, from the ACLU with the subject line, "One more thing - can you spread the word?", which stated the following:

Hi Paul,

Thank you for taking action to defending our right to vote.

Help us build our power: Share the action by forwarding the email below to your friends, or by sharing this link: https://action.aclu.org/petition/protect-our-voting-rights

Thank you,

The ACLU Team

---

Hi friend,

As the general election approaches, discriminatory election practices continue to highlight a surge in anti-voter measures in recent years – measures that disproportionately disenfranchise Black and Brown voters.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) would serve as a vital protection against these attempts to suppress voter turnout and silence our voices. Yet this bill is still sitting in Congress. That’s why I’m joining the ACLU in urging our elected leaders to support the VRAA once and for all. Will you join me now?

https://action.aclu.org/petition/protect-our-voting-rights

Thanks.

So, I wanted to share this email from the ACLU in order to show my support for the "How Kamala Harris Can Be a Pro-Voting Rights President" article. –Paul Whiting (August 19th, 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 on August 3rd, 2024 (please see my 'August 3rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses August 2nd, 2024' that can be found above) that is the one-time donation which I made to the ACLU for August 2024.

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August 20th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from Planned Parenthood Action Fund today, August 20th, 2024, with the subject line, "Live from the Democratic National Convention: And how you can take action ahead of November", 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

Hi Paul,

My name is [redacted] and I’m a proud immigrant from Guatemala. I've been organizing in my community for over a decade, and this year I'm so excited to join Planned Parenthood Action Fund and delegates across the country at the Democratic National Convention this week — it's my first time here!

As an immigrant voter, I care about many issues my community faces. Among the issues that keep me up at night is how we continue electing champions who will protect access to sexual and reproductive health care.

Growing up, my mom taught me the power of community and working together, so I know none of us can build the future we want alone. It’s going to take all of us. With November just around the corner, we are in the fight for our lives…in the fight for our community’s dignity.

On our social media this week, Planned Parenthood Action Fund has been hyping up our footprint and encouraging supporters to join us at our exhibition booth! Follow @PPact on Instagram, Facebook, and X to see behind-the-scenes content live from the Democratic National Convention.

Thank you for being a part of this fight. Let's work together to take action and win!

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.**

Get Involved With The Democratic National Convention From Home

Delegates are competing to see which state can sign up for the most volunteer shifts with Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorsed candidates. Sign up for a shift now and help your state win! https://www.mobilize.us/ppaf

[✓] See the ongoing list of endorsed candidates here (https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/endorsements)!

[✓] Follow @PPact on Instagram, Facebook, and X to see behind-the-scenes content

[✓] Join a watch party online or near you!

https://www.mobilize.us/ppaf/?end_date=2024-08-23T03%3a59%3a59.999Z&event_type=15&start_date=2024-08-20T04%3a00%3a00.000Z

Volunteer with Planned Parenthood Action Fund

One of the biggest ways you can make a difference in the next few months is to volunteer for Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s endorsed candidates (https://www.mobilize.us/ppaf).

See the ongoing list of endorsed candidates here (https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/endorsements)!

Renew Your Membership (and get a sticker!)

Great news: If you're getting this newsletter, you're already a member of Planned Parenthood Action Fund!

But to stay on our list, you need to renew your membership every year. And right now, when you sign up, you can get a special bundle with stickers and pins to show that you are a proud abortion rights supporter.

Reaffirm your Planned Parenthood Action Fund membership today and we'll send you pins and stickers to say thanks!

https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/sa0f1KPc20esuZQLvV5pDQ2

Take Action

We need to reform our courts

As we saw in 2022 when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and took away our constitutional right to abortion, the court is not doing its job to protect our freedom.

By expanding the court, introducing term limits, and other essential reforms, we can help ensure that anti-abortion rights politicians can’t stack the courts and further restrict access to health care.

Sign the petition: Demand court reform NOW!

https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/T8EvgEF6HU-5aMVF_ip5TA2

[Blogger's Note: I was considered taking this action by adding my name to "Demand court reform now!", which states the following:

Demand court reform now!

To protect and advance our rights, we must reclaim our federal courts.

Our fundamental rights are under attack, and we need courts that will defend our freedoms, apply the law fairly, and advance equality.

But for years, lawmakers hostile to our reproductive rights have been filling the courts with judges who think — and look — like them. While our courts were once a backstop to protect our rights, presidential administrations and hostile Senate majorities have worked over time to successfully stack the courts with judges and justices who are hostile to our rights.

Structural, systemic, and meaningful court reform is the only way to ensure that courts uphold the law and protect our rights.

Sign your name to join us in the call to reform our courts. Together, we will secure rights, opportunities, and reproductive freedom for all.

What do we mean by "court reform?" Expand to learn more. ▼

THE PROBLEM:
▪ The Supreme Court hasn't been expanded for 150 years — meanwhile the U.S. has become much more diverse, the population has multiplied by more than 10, and the volume of cases brought before the federal judiciary has significantly increased.
▪ Supreme Court justices are also now serving significantly longer terms than their predecessors — as many as 30 or more years on the bench.

THE SOLUTION:
▪ Expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court and put term limits in place for justices.

THE PROBLEM:
▪ Supreme Court justices aren't forced to follow a binding code of conduct. Justices aren't prevented from owning and trading stocks, have poorly defined rules around accepting gifts — and there are no clear consequences for most unethical behavior.
▪ This makes it possible for outside groups and individuals to influence justices in ways that we may never learn about.

THE SOLUTION:
▪ Impose ethics and transparency requirements for Supreme Court justices.

THE PROBLEM:
▪ The federal courts are increasingly overburdened and there aren't enough judges to keep up with the growing U.S. population and caseloads.
▪ It's been more than 30 years since Congress last comprehensively expanded the number of lower court seats — the longest period of time between expansions in the history of district courts and courts of appeals.

THE SOLUTION:
▪ Add seats for additional judges on lower courts to keep up with the growing U.S. population and caseload.

THE PROBLEM:
▪ Interest groups can shop for judges who align with their views — often judges they've helped get confirmed — and then deliberately send them cases, knowing they will decide against reproductive freedom, gender equity, LGBTQ+ liberation, access to health care, and civil liberties.

THE SOLUTION:
▪ Prevent single-judge divisions so that interest groups can't "shop" for judges and guarantee that a favorable judge decides their case.

Show Less ▲

However, I am concerned about telling judges how to do their jobs (especially the Supreme Court of the United States) and how their jobs need to be changed, because I am afraid that they may take offense. Thus—to the best of my knowledge—I have never actually signed a petition with regard to reforming the courts. That is why I opted to not take this specific action.]

Around the Web

Reuters: Montana's top court strikes down parental consent law for minors seeking abortion

https://www.reuters.com/legal/montanas-top-court-strikes-down-parental-consent-law-minors-seeking-abortion-2024-08-14

NPR: Abortion with no medical help? It nearly doubled in 2023, study shows

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/07/31/nx-s1-5057588/abortion-mifepristone-jama-roe-v-wade

Visit plannedparenthoodaction.org

By the way, I read all of the articles listed under the 'Around the Web' section 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, August 20th, 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 made a one-time donation to Planned Parenthood Action Fund on July 24th, 2024 (please see my 'July 24th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses July 22nd, 2024' that can be found above) after I signed a note of thanks to President Biden! Therefore, I considered the one-time donation that I made to Planned Parenthood Action Fund on July 24th, 2024 to also be "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'" that I renewed on July 27th, 2024 (please see my 'July 27th, 2024 Update No. 2,' which can be found above); thus, I opted to renew my Associate Membership without donating this month.***

–Paul Whiting (written August 20th, 2024 and revised August 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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August 21st, 2024 Update No. 1: 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 $1.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $2.00 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 Kamala Harris'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.

...The 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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! ...

... In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on May 12th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...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! ...

... In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$3.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount yet again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $1.07 (from $2.14) and I am still 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 $2.14 (from $3.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The only political communication to which I responded was a text message today, August 21st, 2024, from the Democratic Mayors Association (DMA), which stated the following:

[City redacted] Mayor [name redacted] here. Last night, I was on the stage at the DNC. As a lifelong Republican, I am putting our country first by supporting Kamala Harris’ Presidential campaign. Since Donald Trump refused to accept the outcome of the 2020 election, the GOP has set down a path of political extremism, instead of focusing on our fundamental freedoms.

While Donald Trump has continuously attacked our major cities and done nothing to support them, I know firsthand that Mayors are our first line of defense and answer directly to their constituents. Now more than ever, we need leaders who will put country over party. That’s why I’m supporting Kamala Harris this November.

Will you join me in helping defend our cities and win elections up and down the ballot in November by making a donation to the Democratic Mayors Association today?***

Many thanks,
[City redacted] Mayor [name redacted] ( R )

DMA
Democratic Mayors Association

Support the Democratic Mayors

We represent Mayors across the country who have a common vision for progress and inclusive growth in their communities.

#Mayors Matter

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic Mayors Association.

[  ] Donate $10 →

[  ] Donate $15 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[✓] Other amount $4.67

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 $0.33 (7%)

And so, I made a one-time donation to the DMA (with a tip to ActBlue) since "as a lifelong Republican, [(City redacted) Mayor (name redacted) is] putting our country first by supporting Kamala Harris’ Presidential campaign." That is why I contributed to the Democratic Mayors Association, because "while Donald Trump has continuously attacked our major cities and done nothing to support them, [(City redacted) Mayor (name redacted) knows] firsthand that Mayors are our first line of defense and answer directly to their constituents," so "now more than ever, we need leaders who will put country over party."

Thus, this one organization—the DMA—is the political organization that I donated to today! –Paul Whiting (August 21st, 2024)

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August 22nd, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) today, August 22nd, 2024, with the subject line, "ACLU of Oregon Summer Newsletter", which stated the following:

ACLU of Oregon
Summer Newsletter

Paul –

Happy summer, Oregon!

If you attended a Pride event across the state, you may have seen our team members, partners, and volunteers trying to keep cool while collecting the first round of signatures for the Equal Rights for All campaign, which we launched earlier this summer! This ballot measure campaign will affirm the right to abortion, contraception and IVF, transgender healthcare, and same-gender marriage in the Oregon Constitution. We are now one step closer to making it onto the November 2026 ballot!

Read our summer newsletter to learn more about what we've been up to!

READ NOW:

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/publications/clone-spring-2024-newsletter

Relatedly, we took a stand against LGBTQ+ discrimination this summer. We took a company, [business name redacted], to court for banning gay and bisexual men from donating plasma at their Oregon centers. [Business name redacted] enforced this blanket ban even though our legal client had a negative blood test for sexually transmitted infections, had no history of such infections, and the center tests donated plasma for diseases.

Our legal team also filed a lawsuit just this week, suing the Medford Police Department for routinely spying and keeping records on social justice activists. Illegal surveillance practices like this have chilling impacts on free speech and have been prohibited in Oregon law for decades.

We also have an important update about the work we started three years ago. In 2021, we demanded an investigation into Oregon's public defense agency – the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) – after receiving multiple reports of gender-based retaliation and discrimination against women public defense attorneys. After repeatedly asking for the investigation report, we finally received it this August. The investigator hired by the state found that the facts substantiated several women attorneys' concerns about retaliation by [name redacted], [title redacted] for OPDC. We are seeking answers from the State of Oregon as to why [name redacted] continues to be [title redacted] at OPDC.

Keep exploring this newsletter and discover more about our new Development Director and Litigation Manager, our work this summer, and how the ACLU is preparing for the fall. No matter the results of the November elections or who is on the U.S. Supreme Court, the ACLU of Oregon team will continue doing the hard work to create a more just, equitable, and caring democracy in our state.

In gratitude,

[Name redacted]
Pronouns: She, her, hers
[Title redacted], ACLU of Oregon

DONATE NOW***

ACLU of Oregon
Summer 2024 Newsletter

August 22, 2024

In this volume of the newsletter, we discuss our recently filed legal cases fighting against LGBTQ+ discrimination and unlawful police surveillance, updates to our Equal Rights For All campaign, and developments in the investigation into Oregon's Public Defense Commission that we demanded in 2021. You can also say hello to [name redacted], our new [title redacted], and [name redacted], our new [title redacted]!

For the best viewing experience, we invite you to explore our newsletter on Issuu.

You can also read the newsletter in the PDF viewer below. ...

[Blogger's Note: I read the ACLU of Oregon's webpage titled, "Summer 2024 Newsletter," including said summer newsletter.]

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/publications/clone-spring-2024-newsletter

Plus, after I read the newsletter above, I also clicked on the hyperlink to a referenced webpage, regarding taking action to Stop Project 2025, the relevant text of which can be found below:

TAKE ACTION

Stop Project 2025

Project 2025 threatens our rights, and is rife with proposals that would harm real people. Add your name to join our fight to stop it in its tracks.

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

ACLU

STOP PROJECT 2025

Project 2025 threatens our rights, and is rife with proposals that would harm real people. Add your name to join our fight to stop it in its tracks. Project 2025 is a plan to let politicians and bureaucrats control our lives. It lays out a vision of America built on breaking up immigrant families with mass deportations, denying trans people needed medical care, stripping away our right to an abortion and right to medical privacy, punishing dissent and political opposition, and so much more.

We can't wait until after the election to stop Project 2025. That's why our experts have already built out a detailed roadmap to fight back — point-by-point, issue-by-issue. We're working now in state legislatures and courts nationwide to block this harmful agenda from ever becoming a reality.

If you would like a role in our plan of action against Project 2025, then add your name to our growing movement to fight back. And from intel to advocacy, we'll send you what you need in the weeks and days to come.

ADD YOUR NAME

Project 2025 is 900 pages of proposals to strip away the civil rights and liberties that we hold dear. It doesn't represent what true democracy is and would inflict direct harm on families across our country. That's why I am adding my name to the chorus of ACLU community members who are firmly against it and showing up in the plan to fight back — with concrete policy solutions, court strategies, and state legislative goals — to defeat Project 2025 and protect our rights for good.

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

ACT NOW

And, after I signed the petition above, I received a confirmation email today, August 22nd, 2024, from the ACLU with the subject line, "One more thing - can you spread the word?", which stated the following:

ACLU

Hi Paul,

Thank you for joining us in the fight against Project 2025. The fight for our rights is going to take every one of us – and we're glad to count you on our team.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be in touch with action steps, information, and ways you can plug in to the campaign to stop Project 2025. And right now, you can take the first step by checking out our video catching you up on everything you need to know about Project 2025 and how we're showing up to fight back (https://youtu.be/kgqk2006vsI?si=a-VcN5teJ1Bg0kGO).
(Please note: This link will take you to a third-party website, youtube.com.)

Then, once you're done, help us build our power: Share the pledge to stop Project 2025 by forwarding the email below to your friends, or by sharing this link: aclu.org/stop2025

Thank you for being with us,

The ACLU Team

------

Hi friend,

Project 2025 threatens our most fundamental rights. You may have heard their plans on the news – cruel policy proposals that would directly harm everyday people like you, me, and our families. From mass deportations of immigrant families to nationwide abortion bans and classroom censorship, these policies would set our country back decades in the fight for equality.

That’s why I’m joining the ACLU’s campaign to fight back against Project 2025 – and I hope you will too. Will you show up with me to protect our rights against these dangerous policies?

https://action.aclu.org/petition/stop-project-2025-tyranny

Thanks.

Besides that, after I read the email above, I also clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, regarding the Equal Rights for All campaign, the relevant text of which can be found below:

ACLU of Oregon

Equal Rights for All

Abortion, contraception, and IVF. Transgender rights. Marriage equality. We’ve experienced the attacks on these basic freedoms throughout the country from extremist politicians and judges. Now it is time for Oregonians to take action and protect our loves ones, our communities, and ourselves for generations to come.

The Equal Rights for All campaign is a ballot initiative for the November 2026 election, asking voters to update Oregon’s constitution to clarify that everyone has equal rights to make private and personal decisions about health care and marriage, regardless of one’s ability to become pregnant, gender identity, or sexual orientation. By protecting Oregonians’ ability to make our own, private healthcare decisions and marry who we love, we can stop politicians who want to turn back the clock on our rights and freedoms.

Join us and sign up to volunteer!

Oregonians want a future where we can continue to make our own healthcare decisions with the help of our doctors, love who we love, and live safely and authentically. We can all agree that politicians have no place in our deeply personal decisions.

We need your generous support to set a solid and successful foundation. Your early contributions and commitments to this fight will go a long way toward setting our campaign up for victory in 2026.

Please click on the link below to go to the Equal Rights for All campaign donation page; please note, the Equal Rights for All campaign is a separate legal organization from the ACLU of Oregon.

GIVE NOW

[Blogger's Note: I read the ACLU of Oregon's webpage titled, "Equal Rights for All." By the way, I already donated to support the Equal Rights for All campaign on January 23rd, 2024 (please see my 'January 23rd, 2024 Update No. 4,' which can be found above).]

https://www.aclu-or.org/en/campaigns/equal-rights-all

And, after I read the email above, I made a one-time donation to the ACLU of Oregon in order to show my support for the "Summer 2024 Newsletter!" –Paul Whiting (August 22nd, 2024)

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

August 23rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses July 22nd, 2024: Happy 2024 Democratic National Convention, which was held in Chicago, Illinois from August 19th, 2024 to August 22nd, 2024!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, August 23rd, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of August to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the following:

▪ 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 Harris for President, or the Harris 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),
▪ in addition to my local Democratic fundraising and coordinating organization (Democratic Party of Oregon), during this eighth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are doing the following:

▪ helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets);
▪ helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC);
▪ helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC);
▪ helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund);
▪ and helping to support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide (Educated We Stand);
▪ as well as helping to empower young Democrats by boosting youth voter turnout to create a strong voter's blue wave nationwide (Democratic Youth Wave PAC);
▪ in addition to helping to elect legislators who will fight for climate action, clean air and water, and the environment (Oregon Sierra Club Political Action Committee).

Besides that, I made donations to the following:

▪ a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino);
▪ and a social welfare organization that is advancing equality at the ballot box across Indian Country (Four Directions Native Vote);
▪ as well as a non-profit organization and grassroots movement of educators and school staff across the United States who aim to raise awareness and demand safety from gun violence in their communities (Teachers Unify To End Gun Violence).

And these donations to the above-mentioned organizations are listed below in the chronological order in which I made said donations which, in turn, are based upon the general chronological order in which I received each respective request for every organization's donation.]

I received from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) thirty two days ago on July 22nd, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read as follows:

DO NOT BEND

Mr. Whiting, your 2024 Democratic Convention kit is enclosed!

Confirmation of exclusive materials for Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting

✔ MAGNET
✔ STICKER SHEET
✔ POSTER
✔ SUPPORTER PLEDGE

APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 7/12

And the mailer 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.]

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Mr. Whiting,

Together, we are building a new era of American possibilities. We turn setbacks into comebacks. That is who we are. That's America. We must keep fighting for it. We've accomplished so much in the past three years, but we still have more work to do.

Meanwhile, Trump and MAGA Republicans across the country continue to show voters that they're utterly unfit to lead. It becomes clearer every day that Trump's MAGA takeover of the Republican Party is laying the groundwork for him to continue undermining our democracy.

The sad truth is that these extremists and their megadonors are going to spend everything they've got to spread lies and misinformation about Democrats' records and the upcoming election. It's critical Democrats have the resources to fight back.

That's why the Democratic National Committee is investing record amounts now in state parties and down-ballot races to ensure that we turn out as many voters as possible in November.

Folks, I wish the stakes weren't this high, but they are. That's why we need you. Together, we can do this.

The MAGA right has mobilized, and outside spending is only going to ramp up against us as we get closer to the election. If we have the resources to win this campaign, we will. If we don't, we're in trouble.

Mr. Whiting, will you please contribute $35, $55, or even $70 to the DNC to protect our freedoms and our future?

We've made historic investments in rebuilding the country: we've created over 15 million new jobs; kept unemployment under 4 percent for the longest stretch in over 50 years; and have more people on health insurance today than ever before in the history of the country.

Medicare can now negotiate what price they'll pay with Big Pharma, bringing down the cost of insulin from $400 a month to $35 a month for seniors. And there is so much more to come.

But Trump wants to get rid of all of it.

Trump wants to terminate — his phrase, "terminate" — the Affordable Care Act. From the very beginning, he's been determined to get rid of cheaper prescription drugs, reduce Social Security, and raise the age of Medicare.

He proudly brags about being the one who "got rid" of Roe v. Wade, and he promised to be a dictator on "day one."

This dangerous, inflammatory language is not just campaign rhetoric — it's who he is ...

... And Trump not only embraces the violence of January 6th, he's running on it.

This election is about competing visions for America: dictatorship or democracy. Trump's vision is one full of anger and hate and revenge and retribution. He looks at America and sees "a failing nation."

We Democrats have a very different view of America. We see an America where we defend democracy, not diminish it. We see an America where we protect freedoms — the freedom to vote, the freedom to choose — not take them away.

We see an America where the economy grows from the middle out and the bottom up, where working people have a shot, and where health care is a right, not a privilege.

The choice before us is clear.

We can either let Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans dismantle our democracy and rip away our hard-fought and fundamental freedoms, or we can come together and do everything possible to elect Democrats, who will continue to bring down costs for working families, grow our economy, and expand and protect our rights.

This race is going to be decided by a very close margin, and the DNC needs your critical support to win.

Please give today so that we'll have the resources we need to fight against MAGA attacks on our democracy and fight for a better future for every American.

With gratitude,

Joe Biden
President of the United States

P.S. Together. That's how we're going to beat MAGA extremists in this election no matter what they throw at us. Right now, we're facing millions of dollars in attack ads from the MAGA right in states across the country, and we need your help if we're going to win this election. Let me be clear: Your support matters. We can defeat Trump and MAGA extremists, but only if we work together. Please send your contribution to the DNC today. Thank you.

"QR code message": Scan the QR code to learn more about the Democratic National Convention!

https://demconvention.com

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

The "2024 Democratic Convention Kit," as I have described it below:

1.0 A magnet with the official Democratic National Convention logo (that can be seen at the top of the DNC official website store) which reads:

DNC 2024
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

https://shop.demconvention.com/

2.0 A sheet of five stickers which read and/or that show:

2.1: "I WILL VOTE"

2.2: VOTE BLUE
        VOTE BLUE
        VOTE BLUE

2.3: A graphic of the Chicago Skyline with '2024' written below it.

2.4: An image of the official DNC Blue Donkey surrounded by a circle of stars.

2.5: The words "WE ARE DEMOCRATS"
Democrats.org

3.0 A poster with an image of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris which reads:

A FUTURE FOR ALL AMERICANS
✶ ✶ PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN ✶ ✶
& VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS

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

ELECTION PLEDGE OF PARTICIPATION

[✓] Yes, Joe! I have received my Convention Kit and am excited to show my support!
[✓] I'm ready to join the fight for our future by reelecting Democrats up and down the ballot. I want to help Democrats win so we can defend our democracy, secure our freedoms, and build an economy that works for everyone.

[  ] $35
[  ] $55*
[  ] $70
[✓] Other $3.00

*A contribution of this amount would go even further to help elect Democrats!

Go to www.democrats.org/Give2024 to put your contribution to work today.

FROM: Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

TO: President Joe Biden
c/o The Democratic National Committee
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Please make your check payable to the DNC and return it with this form in the envelope provided to the Democratic National Committee, [address, city, state and ZIP code redacted]. To charge your donation, please see reverse. Please complete the information on the reverse as required by law.

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

DEMOCRATS

I, Mr. Whiting, pledge to participate in the 2024 election by taking the following actions. I will:

• Confirm my voter registration and make a plan to vote by visiting www.IWillVote.com.

[Blogger's Note: I confirmed my voter registration via I Will Vote on August 23rd, 2024.]

• Talk to my friends, family, and members of my community about the importance of this election.

[Blogger's Note: I am writing this 'update' in order to talk to you, my readers, about the importance of this election.]

• Encourage my friends, family, and members of my community to make their own plan to vote.

[Blogger's Note: Also, I am writing this 'update' in order to encourage you, my readers, to make your own plan to vote.]

• Visit www.democrats.org/take-action/ to find out ways I can volunteer.

[Blogger's Note: Plus, I signed up to receive text messages from the DNC via the above-mentioned website.]

Knowing what's at stake for our country if Trump and MAGA extremists gain control of our government, I'm making a donation to the Democratic National Committee today.

Signed:

Paul Whiting
Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting

Date: Aug. 23rd, 2024

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:

Democrats

Support the Democratic National Committee

Donate to help elect Democrats up and down the ticket nationwide!

Your generous donation will help us hold the GOP accountable and elect more Democrats across the nation. Donate to the DNC 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) - Direct Marketing.

[  ] Donate $35 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $200 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[✓] 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 DNC (with a tip to ActBlue) today, August 23rd, 2024, because "we can either let Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans dismantle our democracy and rip away our hard-fought and fundamental freedoms, or we can come together and do everything possible to elect Democrats, who will continue to bring down costs for working families, grow our economy, and expand and protect our rights." And I was also donating to show my appreciation for the 2024 Democratic National Convention Kit which I enjoyed displaying in my studio apartment—from August 19th, 2024 to August 22nd, 2024—during the dates of the DNC! –Paul Whiting (written August 23rd, 2024, revised August 24th, 2024, revised September 2nd, 2024 and revised October 30th, 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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August 23rd, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses July 22nd, 2024: Happy 2024 Democratic National Convention, which was held in Chicago, Illinois from August 19th, 2024 to August 22nd, 2024!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, August 23rd, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of August to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the following:

▪ 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 Harris for President, or the Harris 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),
▪ in addition to my local Democratic fundraising and coordinating organization (Democratic Party of Oregon), during this eighth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are doing the following:

▪ helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets);
▪ helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC);
▪ helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC);
▪ helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund);
▪ and helping to support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide (Educated We Stand);
▪ as well as helping to empower young Democrats by boosting youth voter turnout to create a strong voter's blue wave nationwide (Democratic Youth Wave PAC);
▪ in addition to helping to elect legislators who will fight for climate action, clean air and water, and the environment (Oregon Sierra Club Political Action Committee).

Besides that, I made donations to the following:

▪ a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino);
▪ and a social welfare organization that is advancing equality at the ballot box across Indian Country (Four Directions Native Vote);
▪ as well as a non-profit organization and grassroots movement of educators and school staff across the United States who aim to raise awareness and demand safety from gun violence in their communities (Teachers Unify To End Gun Violence).

And these donations to the above-mentioned organizations are listed below in the chronological order in which I made said donations which, in turn, are based upon the general chronological order in which I received each respective request for every organization's donation.]

I received a mailer from the Oregon Sierra Club PAC (Oregon Sierra Club Political Action Committee) thirty two days ago on July 22nd, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "IT'S PRETTY HOT OUTSIDE HUH?", 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.]

Oregon
Sierra Club
Political Action Committee
[Address, City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Dear Paul,

There's so much at stake this November.

I know you've probably heard that before, but when I think about the progress we need to secure every Oregonian's right to clean air, clean water and affordable clean energy, it highlights just how high the stakes are. Together, we're committed to making a positive Impact on our planet. But in order to make that happen, we'll need to elect candidates who are not just friendly to Oregon's environment, we need them to be champions.

That's why we must leverage the power of the Oregon Sierra Club Political Action Committee. Our long-standing reputation, continued dedication to our cause and tremendous volunteer capacity mean that we can target the best state and local races, provide key voter strategy and support and win big at the ballot box.

There's too much at stake. By acting together, we will win. That's why today, I'm asking for your support of our Political Action Committee.

As we feel the impacts of climate change, we need elected officials in every level of government to be focused on delivering real solutions. That's why we're supporting candidates who:

[✓] Fight hard for policies to stop fossil fuels and accelerate a just transition to clean energy. As utilities like [business name redacted] and [business name redacted] increase prices and dodge liability for causing wildfires, we need environmental champions to hold polluters accountable.

[✓] Invest in high-quality public transit, bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure. We need lawmakers who will stand up to massive highway expansion boondoggles and lead the way towards clean and accessible transportation.

[✓] Defend Oregon's carbon-dense forests while planting more trees and expanding access to green spaces. We need leaders who understand that protecting mature and old-growth forests is vital to clean water and climate resilience.

By supporting the Oregon Sierra Club PAC, you are not just endorsing any one candidate, but using our combined power to invest in the most sustainable, affordable and accessible Oregon possible. Consider a gift of $75, $100 or even $125 today.

There's big money available from our opponents' deep pockets, so we need to be able to support the candidates who have the courage and vision to lead us towards a more sustainable future.

By empowering our PAC and acting together, we will build a pro-environment majority in Salem and deepen the bench to make sure environmental champions lead Oregon for years to come. That comes from making clear messages to Oregonians across the state and ensuring we can drive out more voters than we ever have before.

Can I count on your support? We need to change Oregon for the good—and I can only do that with you by my side.

Thank you for all that you do,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Oregon Sierra Club Political Action Committee

P.S. Our PAC plays a vital role in advocating for policies that protect our natural resources, combat climate change and promote sustainability in our neighborhoods. When you give to the Oregon Sierra Club PAC, we can act together to ensure our environment and our values are at the forefront in Salem!

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

✔ Let's elect pro-environment candidates in Oregon!

ENCLOSED IS MY CONTRIBUTION OF:

[  ] $50
[  ] $75 ← thanks for considering this
[  ] $100
[  ] $125
Other $5.00

Oregon
Sierra Club
Political Action Committee
[Address, City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Donate online sc.org/ORNow2024

We are required by state law to report donor information for PAC donations.

Occupation: Not employed.
Employer: N/A
Employer Address: N/A

Please make your check payable to "Sierra Club Oregon PAC" or use your credit card on the back of this form.

Contributions to the Sierra Club Oregon PAC are not tax-deductible. Paid for by the Sierra Club Oregon PAC.

Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

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

Oregon
Sierra Club
Political Action Committee

Support the Oregon Sierra Club PAC today!

Oregonians deserve nothing less than legislators who will fight for climate action, clean air and water, and the environment.

With your financial contribution to the Oregon Sierra Club Political Action Committee (PAC), we can support candidates who will stand up for Oregon when it matters most!

Sierra Club volunteers work to elect strong environmental leaders. Your PAC contribution will amplify these efforts.

Help us make a political investment in a pro-environment future. Donate to our PAC today.

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Oregon Sierra Club PAC today, August 23rd, 2024, because "as we feel the impacts of climate change, we need elected officials in every level of government to be focused on delivering real solutions," since "by supporting the Oregon Sierra Club PAC, [I am] not just endorsing any one candidate, but using [their] combined power to invest in the most sustainable, affordable and accessible Oregon possible." –Paul Whiting (written August 23rd, 2024, revised August 24th, 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.)

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August 23rd, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses July 31st, 2024: Happy 2024 Democratic National Convention, which was held in Chicago, Illinois from August 19th, 2024 to August 22nd, 2024!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, August 23rd, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of August to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the following:

▪ 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 Harris for President, or the Harris 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),
▪ in addition to my local Democratic fundraising and coordinating organization (Democratic Party of Oregon), during this eighth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are doing the following:

▪ helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets);
▪ helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC);
▪ helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC);
▪ helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund);
▪ and helping to support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide (Educated We Stand);
▪ as well as helping to empower young Democrats by boosting youth voter turnout to create a strong voter's blue wave nationwide (Democratic Youth Wave PAC);
▪ in addition to helping to elect legislators who will fight for climate action, clean air and water, and the environment (Oregon Sierra Club Political Action Committee).

Besides that, I made donations to the following:

▪ a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino);
▪ and a social welfare organization that is advancing equality at the ballot box across Indian Country (Four Directions Native Vote);
▪ as well as a non-profit organization and grassroots movement of educators and school staff across the United States who aim to raise awareness and demand safety from gun violence in their communities (Teachers Unify To End Gun Violence).

And these donations to the above-mentioned organizations are listed below in the chronological order in which I made said donations which, in turn, are based upon the general chronological order in which I received each respective request for every organization's donation.]

I received a mailer from the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund twenty three days ago on July 31st, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Deadline Extended", 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.]

From the Desk of [Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Democratic Party of Oregon

Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Democratic Party of Oregon
Victory Fund
2024 Election Year Fund

Dear Mr. Whiting,

Election Day is fast approaching and nothing less than our own democracy is on the ballot this November. Extreme MAGA Republicans are stooping to new lows with their hypocrisy and chaos in an attempt to defeat Democrats nationwide.

But this November, we have an opportunity to turn out voters to continue electing strong Democratic candidates who will stand as defenders of democracy and represent the values of Oregon.

That's why I'm counting on your support to the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund with a gift of $35, $55, or even $70 because the work we are doing today — building infrastructure on the ground, staffing up campaigns, and investing in communications to reach every voter — will determine November's outcomes.

Democrats are the party of decency, choice, and opportunity. We recognize how critical issues like women's reproductive rights, good paying jobs, more accessible health care, lower prescription drug costs, investments in clean energy, affordable housing, racial and economic justice, LGBTQ+ rights, workers' rights, civil rights, reducing student debt, and common sense gun laws are to people here at home.

And Democrats are ready to take action. But we need a well-funded party to execute our winning Neighborhood Leader Program and get-out-the-vote campaign to win. 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. And so far, we've already recruited and trained over 3,300 volunteer Neighborhood Leaders for 2024!

Our Election Year Fund Drive is now underway to bolster the efforts of all Democratic campaigns in Oregon, from local elections all the way up to the White House. The countdown to Election Day has begun, and the more resources we have now, the better positioned we'll be to connect with each and every voter needed to win.

Mr. Whiting, we cannot do this without you. Our success depends on support from Democrats who have never taken democracy for granted — even when the going gets tough. So please, rush a donation of $35, $55, or more to ensure that Democrats can win throughout Oregon on Election Day.

This is a pivotal moment for our community, our state, and our country. You understand as well as I do that MAGA Republican extremism does not stop at state lines. Because their attacks on our rights, freedoms, and choice — even here in Oregon — remain a pressing threat to our democracy, we are not leaving a single race to chance.

The stakes of this election are too high for us to slow our momentum now. Democratic leaders are committed to fighting for our values. But they can only fight for us if we fight for them.

I hope that you will help elect Oregon Democrats to office by supporting our state party today in the important work of organizing, mobilizing, and turning out voters in Portland and all across our state.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted], Democratic Party of Oregon

P.S. We're counting on your support of the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund Election Year Fund Drive with a gift of $35 or more. Your contribution will help keep Oregon Democratic voters energized; build the strongest, well-resourced state party we can; and help elect Democrats who protect our values, respect our democracy, and put our government to work for the benefit of everyone. Thank you!

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

Democratic Party of Oregon
Victory Fund
2024 Election Year Fund Drive

Mr. Paul [Middle Initial] Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

[✓] YES! I know that we can't take any race for granted in this election and that our Democratic candidates need resources to compete and win in every corner of Oregon. To show the strength of Democrats, I've enclosed my contribution of:

[  ] $35
[  ] $55
[  ] $70
[✓] Other $3.00

Please make your check payable to the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund. Please fill out and sign the form on the back to complete your contribution. Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Party of Oregon are not tax deductible.

Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund
[Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

To put your gift to work immediately, please visit
www.democrats.org/SPVF24July

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 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) today, August 23rd, 2024, because the "[Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund's] Election Year Fund Drive is now underway to bolster the efforts of all Democratic campaigns in Oregon, from local elections all the way up to the White House." That is why "the countdown to Election Day has begun, and the more resources [they] have now, the better positioned [they'll] be to connect with each and every voter needed to win." –Paul Whiting (written August 23rd, 2024, revised August 24th, 2024, revised September 2nd, 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.)

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August 23rd, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses August 10th, 2024: Happy 2024 Democratic National Convention, which was held in Chicago, Illinois from August 19th, 2024 to August 22nd, 2024!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing today, August 23rd, 2024, is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of August to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the following:

▪ 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 Harris for President, or the Harris 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),
▪ in addition to my local Democratic fundraising and coordinating organization (Democratic Party of Oregon), during this eighth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are doing the following:

▪ helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets);
▪ helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC);
▪ helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC);
▪ helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund);
▪ and helping to support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide (Educated We Stand);
▪ as well as helping to empower young Democrats by boosting youth voter turnout to create a strong voter's blue wave nationwide (Democratic Youth Wave PAC);
▪ in addition to helping to elect legislators who will fight for climate action, clean air and water, and the environment (Oregon Sierra Club Political Action Committee).

Besides that, I made donations to the following:

▪ a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino);
▪ and a social welfare organization that is advancing equality at the ballot box across Indian Country (Four Directions Native Vote);
▪ as well as a non-profit organization and grassroots movement of educators and school staff across the United States who aim to raise awareness and demand safety from gun violence in their communities (Teachers Unify To End Gun Violence).

And these donations to the above-mentioned organizations are listed below in the chronological order in which I made said donations which, in turn, are based upon the general chronological order in which I received each respective request for every organization's donation.]

I received a mailer from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) thirteen days ago on August 10th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "Paul, Nothing matters more than state legislative battles this November.", 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
GOVERNOR ROY COOPER

Dear DLCC Supporter,

With less than 100 days to go before the most important election of our lifetimes, other races might be capturing the headlines, but nothing matters more to people in their everyday lives than the battles for control of our state legislatures.

Take it from me as a governor who has to work with my state's House and Senate constantly: No level of government has a more powerful, direct impact on people's lives, particularly now that the Supreme Court has pushed more decision making to the states.

State legislatures determine everything from reproductive freedom to the minimum wage, from voting rights to health care coverage, from education to gun laws.

That's why the work of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) to elect Democratic state legislators is so profoundly important.

The DLCC is focused not only on flipping state legislatures from Red to Blue — they also work to break Republican supermajorities. And that could not be more critical in places like my home state of North Carolina.

I can personally testify to the profound difference this makes because my time in office has been a tale of two governorships.

From 2019 to 2023, Republicans did not have enough votes to override my vetoes. I was able to stop bad bills and my veto forced them to negotiate and compromise. And we did a lot of good for the people of our state — most notably, expanding Medicaid and providing health care coverage to more than 450,000 North Carolinians. This was a life-changing — and life-saving — achievement.

By contrast, from 2017 to 2018, and again from 2023 to the present, Republicans had supermajorities. They proceeded to override my vetoes of legislation damaging reproductive freedom and other bills undermining the rights and well-being of North Carolinians. This has a devastating impact on the lives of women in our state.

While I am term-limited and will leave office at the end of the year, I want to ensure my successor is a Democrat with effective veto power and a legislature they can work with to solve the problems North Carolinians face.

That's why I'm asking you to rush a generous contribution to the DLCC today, both for the sake of my state and for the sake of people throughout the country who want their legislatures to protect democracy, restore our freedoms, and uphold our rights.

With 44 state legislatures holding elections on November 5th, the DLCC has a vast battlefield and urgently needs your support. Their top strategic priorities are:

➤ Protecting Democratic control of the Michigan House, Minnesota House, and Pennsylvania House.

➤ Ending complete Republican control of the legislatures in Arizona and New Hampshire.

➤ Building Democratic power and stopping Republican supermajorities in the Georgia House, Kansas House and Senate, Wisconsin Assembly and Senate, and — important to me, of course — the North Carolina House and Senate.

I've witnessed first-hand in my state that the DLCC's grassroots organizing work is second to none. They invest in strengthening Democratic caucuses, recruiting and training top-notch candidates, mobilizing armies of volunteers, building dynamic voter contact and get-out-the-vote operations, and more. That's why in 2022 — a supposed "red wave" year — the DLCC flipped four state legislative chambers from Red to Blue and lost none.

I cannot overemphasize how vital the DLCC's work is, especially in a state like North Carolina, where most of the Republican Party has been seized by MAGA extremists and gone off the deep end.

It's all the more important because North Carolina is a purple state. I've won six statewide elections — four as attorney general and two as governor. President Biden came within 1.3% of winning our state in 2020. The only reason Republicans dominate the legislature is extreme partisan gerrymandering. The DLCC has also led the fight to undo Republican vote-rigging and create fair maps here and throughout the country.

Everything is on the line in this election, and we're in the home stretch. Now is the time to defeat MAGA state legislators, elect Democrats, and build power to strengthen our democratic institutions, restore reproductive freedom, and address the needs of everyday people.

So please rush your contribution to the DLCC today. Please join me in fighting for state legislatures that support our democracy, our rights, and our freedom. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Roy Cooper
Governor of North Carolina

P.S. I served as a state representative and state senator before I was elected attorney general and governor. I know firsthand how important the DLCC's work today will be critical to electing tomorrow's Democratic leaders to higher office. There is simply no better investment you can make in our nation's future. I hope we can count on your continued support.

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

DEAR GOVERNOR COOPER,

We're in the homestretch-with less than 100 days to go and counting. The battle for control of state legislatures is critical to everything I care about from ensuring reproductive freedom and civil rights to defending our democracy and our children's future. That's why I'm rushing my contribution to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) for:

[  ] $1,000
[  ] $2,500
[  ] $5,000
[✓] Other $5.00

You can also contribute online by going to DLCC.ORG/Cooper

Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee are not tax deductible. Please make your check payable to DLCC and return it with this form. Please complete the information on the back of this form as required by law.

[Blogger's Note: I feel like I need to clarify why I donated $5.00 to the DLCC—for their mailer to which I responded for the 2024 Democratic National Convention—when I donated $3.00 to both the DNC (please see my 'August 23rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses July 22nd, 2024' that can be found above) and the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund (please see my 'August 23rd, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses July 31st, 2024' that can be found above) 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 DNC, the Democratic Party of Oregon Victory Fund and the DLCC) at $3.00 per donation, which is how much I usually donate to political organizations, or campaigns, 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 $0.21 for $3.00. Thus, since I could not tip through the FastAction payment portal, I was planning to donate $3.21 for the DLCC donation—however—I accidentally donated $5.00 instead! (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) today, August 23rd, 2024, because "everything is on the line in this election, and we're in the home stretch," so "now is the time to defeat MAGA state legislators, elect Democrats, and build power to strengthen our democratic institutions, restore reproductive freedom, and address the needs of everyday people." –Paul Whiting (written August 23rd, 2024, revised August 24th, 2024, revised September 2nd, 2024 and revised November 3rd, 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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August 23rd, 2024 Update No. 5, Written From August 24th, 2024 To August 28th, 2024, Which Also Discusses August 5th, 2024, August 7th, 2024, August 8th, 2024, August 19th, 2024, August 21st, 2024, August 22nd, 2024 And August 23rd, 2024: Happy 2024 Democratic National Convention, which was held in Chicago, Illinois from August 19th, 2024 to August 22nd, 2024!

[Blogger's Note: This 'update' that I am writing from August 24th, 2024 to August 28th, 2024 is for donations that I made as part of my series of donations for the month of August to Democratic fundraising and coordinating political organizations—and to one campaign—regarding the following:

▪ 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 Harris for President, or the Harris 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),
▪ in addition to my local Democratic fundraising and coordinating organization (Democratic Party of Oregon), during this eighth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Plus, I made donations to Political Action Committees (PACs) that are doing the following:

▪ helping to elect political candidates who are working to stop global warming (Jane Fonda Climate PAC);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are pro-choice women (EMILYs List);
▪ helping to elect candidates who are U.S. Veterans (VoteVets);
▪ helping young people to vote (Voters of Tomorrow PAC);
▪ helping to elect gun safety champions in Congress (Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC);
▪ helping to mobilize Black voters (Rolling Sea Action Fund);
▪ and helping to support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide (Educated We Stand);
▪ as well as helping to empower young Democrats by boosting youth voter turnout to create a strong voter's blue wave nationwide (Democratic Youth Wave PAC);
▪ in addition to helping to elect legislators who will fight for climate action, clean air and water, and the environment (Oregon Sierra Club Political Action Committee).

Besides that, I made donations to the following:

▪ a civic engagement organization that is helping to educate and empower a new generation of Latinx voters (Voto Latino);
▪ and a social welfare organization that is advancing equality at the ballot box across Indian Country (Four Directions Native Vote);
▪ as well as a non-profit organization and grassroots movement of educators and school staff across the United States who aim to raise awareness and demand safety from gun violence in their communities (Teachers Unify To End Gun Violence).

And these donations to the above-mentioned organizations are listed below in the chronological order in which I made said donations which, in turn, are based upon the general chronological order in which I received each respective request for every organization's donation.]

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 now in the homestretch and I have made a goal of donating only one $1.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $2.00 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 Kamala Harris'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.

...The 2024 election cycle is in full gear and I have made a goal of donating only one $2.00 donation per local political campaign here in Oregon (more on that below), or $3.00 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! ...

... In addition to that, starting on June 16th, 2024, I have decided to adjust the amount that I donate per political organization again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget.' Below, please find a description of my previous adjustment—which started on May 12th, 2024—to explain how I have recently adjusted the amounts that I am contributing, since I am donating to more political organizations:

...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! ...

... In addition to that, I used to donate "$5.00 per political organization"; however, starting on May 12th, 2024, I 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 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; 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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $5.35 (from $7.51), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$4.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle continues.

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 $2.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $4.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $2.14 (from $3.21) and I am still 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 $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $4.28 (from $5.35), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, I recently used to donate "$3.00 per political organization"; however, I have decided to adjust that amount yet again, so that I can donate to more political organizations and PACs (Political Action Committees) while I am still staying within my 'monthly donating budget,' since I am now donating to more organizations as the 2024 Presidential Election cycle enters the homestretch.

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 $1.00 per local political campaign only here in Oregon (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.07), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; and a goal of donating $2.00 per political organization for donation requests via email or text message (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.14), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; as well as a goal of donating $3.00 per political organization, or per PAC, for donation requests via the regular mail (with a 7% tip to ActBlue of $0.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To sum it up, then: I am reducing the total individual campaign donation amount to $1.07 (from $2.14) and I am still 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 $2.14 (from $3.21), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis; plus, I am reducing the total donation amount for political organizations and PACs for regular mail donation requests to $3.21 (from $4.28), or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

So, without further ado...

The first political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 5th, 2024, from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (Jane Fonda Climate Political Action Committee), which stated the following:

Hi, Jane Fonda here.

It’s official — today I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris for the next president of the United States. Not just because Donald Trump would be a disaster for our Democracy and our planet, but because she is the right person for the job.

Between now and November 5, the Harris campaign will need all the support they can get to reach as many voters as possible with her message of hope for our future.

Please follow this link to learn more about why I’m endorsing Kamala, and to split a contribution to support her campaign and JanePAC’s efforts to elect climate champions at every level of government:***

Jane Fonda
President, Jane Fonda Climate PAC

Help Elect Kamala Harris for President!

Imbed of a YouTube video titled, "Jane Fonda Endorses Kamala Harris for President 2024" by Jane PAC

https://youtu.be/9zteDFudZOg?si=7G5k3ogXbc2TuQnE

[Blogger's Note: I watched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC video titled, "Jane Fonda Endorses Kamala Harris for President 2024" on YouTube.]

As we approach Election Day, the Harris campaign will need all the support they can get to reach as many voters as possible with her message of hope for our future.

Will you split a contribution today to support her campaign and our efforts to elect climate champions at every level of government?

Split your donation:

Total Contribution $2.00

Customize amounts

Jane Fonda Climate PAC $1.00

Kamala Harris (President) $1.00

Donate $2

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 Jane Fonda Climate PAC (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "[Jane Fonda is] proud to endorse Kamala Harris for the next president of the United States." That is why I contributed to Jane PAC "to support her campaign and [Jane PAC's] efforts to elect climate champions at every level of government."

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The second political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 7th, 2024, from Teachers Unify To End Gun Violence, which stated the following:

A gun violence prevention champion and a former teacher walk into a classroom...

Paul — You probably heard that VP Kamala Harris just doubled-down on her commitment to bringing educators to the table — she chose Governor Tim Walz as her running mate!

And on Election Day, Americans will have a choice, too:

Elect a gun violence prevention champion and former educator, ready to ban assault weapons...

OR

Elect a pair of NRA-endorsed extremists, ready to ban books.

We're proud to say we pick Kamala and Tim every time. But they're up against a gun lobby guaranteed to spend millions to defeat them.

It won't be easy — but if we can uplift this Harris-Walz ticket, we will ALL win a safer future.

So right now, Paul — Will you chip in $25 today to elect candidates like Kamala and Tim who will make our communities safer from gun violence? >>***

- [Name redacted] @ Teachers Unify Action

TEACHERS UNIFY TO END GUN VIOLENCE

Support our work today!

"This work takes more than thoughts and prayers. It takes our collective voices united to demand change." [Name redacted], Columbine Surviving Educator & Columbine HS [High School] teacher

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 [I pressed this button by mistake!*]

[  ] Add custom amount

And so, I made a one-time donation to Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence (without a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "VP Kamala Harris just doubled-down on her commitment to bringing educators to the table — she chose Governor Tim Walz as her running mate!" Therefore, "on Election Day, Americans will have a choice ... Elect a gun violence prevention champion and former educator, ready to ban assault weapons... OR ... Elect a pair of NRA-endorsed extremists, ready to ban books."

*P.S.: I usually leave a $0.14 (7%) tip to ActBlue for my typical $2.00 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!

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The third political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 8th, 2024, from Four Directions Native Vote (Four Directions), which stated the following:

Paul, we can’t thank you enough for your donation. The work we do is only possible thanks to grassroots supporters like you.

It’s hard to believe it’s been over 20 years since we founded Four Directions. We started small, with voter registration drives on South Dakota’s Indian reservations.

Since then, we’ve expanded across 8 states and made a critical difference in close elections. In SD [South Dakota] alone, our GOTV ['Get Out The Vote'] efforts in 2004 more than doubled Native voter turnout.

And in WI [Wisconsin], Native turnout in their Supreme Court election far exceeded predictions thanks to our extensive canvassing work, as well as a forum we organized with now Justice [name redacted]. The other candidate was invited but did not show up.

Our hard work has proven the true impact of enfranchising our historically underserved community.

We can’t take all the credit. We truly couldn’t have done this without you.

Make no mistake though, our work is just getting started. We’re currently planning our largest voter outreach, registration drives, and Native voter protection ever on reservations across the country.

We’ve set high Native voter turnout goals in Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin and Montana – because Native voters deserve a stronger voice in our Nation’s governance.

At the end of the day, we not only empower Tribes and their members, for tribal citizens we are able to hire for Native voter engagement, help put food on their family’s table.

From the bottom of our hearts, philamayaye (thank you).

- [Name redacted] and [Name redacted], [Titles redacted] of Four Directions

Four
Directions

Take a stand for Native American voting rights

Four Directions is a Native-led voting rights group, organizing at the county level in critical states like Georgia and Arizona.

Your donation is critical and provides us with the support we need to advance equality at the ballot box across Indian Country.

Chip in now to help us make history again through 2021 and beyond!

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Four Directions.

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $2,500 →

[  ] Donate $5,000 →

[✓] 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 [I pressed this button by mistake!*]

[  ] Add custom amount

And so, I made a one-time donation to Four Directions Native Vote (Four Directions) (without a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "[Four Directions is] currently planning [their] largest voter outreach, registration drives, and Native voter protection ever on reservations across the country," since [they've] set high Native voter turnout goals in Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin and Montana – because Native voters deserve a stronger voice in our Nation’s governance."

*P.S.: I usually leave a $0.14 (7%) tip to ActBlue for my typical $2.00 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!

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The fourth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) that I received on August 19th, 2024, with the subject line, "Subject line", which stated the following:

BREAKING: President Biden just stepped off stage at the Democratic National Convention!

Thank you, President Biden!

Join thousands of Democrats in thanking President Biden for making historic progress for our nation!

SIGN THE CARD***

Paul, President Biden just stepped off stage at the Democratic National Convention -- inspiring Democrats everywhere with his legacy of patriotism.

It's no secret that Biden has been an outstanding public servant. He's served in unprecedented times with impactful leadership -- from creating over 15 million jobs to signing the most significant gun safety reform in decades to introducing the landmark Violence Against Women Act!

We're preparing a thank you card from TOP Democrats across the country to show our gratitude for everything the president has accomplished. But we still need 10,000 more signatures from Oregon before we can send it! So please, Paul, sign on now:

Sign the card thanking President Biden for his decades of public service >>***

SIGN THE CARD***

Thank you for sharing this moment with us,

Team DSCC

DSCC
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

Thank you, President Biden.

Thanks for signing the card! Now, please answer a few more questions:

Would you like to add a personal message for President Biden?

[✓] "THANK YOU, President Biden!"
[  ] No thanks!

For over fifty years, Joe Biden has served the American people. Through it all, he's made our country stronger, freer, and fairer.

How will President Biden's legacy be remembered?

[✓] Extremely positively
[  ] Somewhat positively
[  ] Not sure
[  ] Other

President Biden has endorsed Kamala Harris for president in 2024. Will you be voting for her in November?

[✓] Yes!
[  ] No.

To preserve President Biden's legacy, we MUST protect the progress he's made. But if Republicans take back the Senate majority, they'll do everything they can to erase that progress -- and we can't let it happen!

We've launched an emergency $50,000 fundraising goal to defend the Senate, so please, will you chip in $55 or more to keep the Senate in Democratic hands?

Please use the links below to start a weekly donation through ActBlue:

[  ] I'll chip in $55.
[  ] I'll chip in $165.
[  ] I'll chip in $220.
[✓] I'll chip in another amount.*

*[Blogger's Note: I selected this option—although I made a one-time donation, rather than a weekly 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 $2 →

[  ] Donate $220 →

[  ] Donate $550 →

[  ] Donate $1,100 →

[  ] Donate $2,200 →

[  ] Donate $2,700 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DSCC (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, in order to "join thousands of Democrats in thanking President Biden for making historic progress for our nation!"

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The fifth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was an email from Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC [Ban Assault Weapons NOW (BAWN) Political Action Committee, or BAWN PAC] that I received on August 19th, 2024, with the subject line, "FWD - OFFICIAL Thank You card for President Joe Biden", which stated the following:

Paul, this is a truly HISTORIC day:

President Joe Biden SELFLESSLY bowed down from the race for the presidency against convicted felon Donald Trump just last month.

And in only 6 hours, President Biden takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention to OFFICIALLY pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.

We’re so proud of Joe Biden’s hard work and accomplishments – like passing the first gun safety bill in 30 years and opening the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

Now, we’re asking one final time before President Biden’s historic speech at 11AM: Will you add your name to our card to thank President Biden for his work alongside our movement to end gun violence and BAN assault weapons? TONS of Democrats have already said their thanks, but we still need [6] more grassroots gun safety champions from [ZIP Code redacted] to sign the card to show Biden how grateful we are! Will you add your name ASAP?

THANK JOE BIDEN >>***

— FORWARDED MESSAGE —

From: Ban Assault Weapons Now

BREAKING:
PRESIDENT BIDEN ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION

Paul – Stop EVERYTHING you’re doing. Don’t click away from this email. Our beloved President Biden just made the tremendously brave decision to step down from the 2024 Presidential race. Now, we need to show President Biden how appreciative we are for his lifelong service to our country and incredible gun safety progress.

Paul, will you take 30 seconds and sign our official Thank You Card for President Biden before midnight? We need 500 grassroots Democrats to add their names before midnight. >>

If you’re grateful that President Biden DEFEATED Trump in 2020…

If you’re grateful for President Biden’s HISTORIC gun safety progress…

If you’re grateful for everything President Biden has done to serve our country…

Then add your name to our official THANK YOU card for President Biden before we send it to him at midnight!

SIGN THE THANK YOU CARD >>

Thank you,
Team Ban Assault Weapons Now

P.S. We won’t mince words: Kamala Harris will have a tough battle ahead as our Democratic nominee. Can you chip in before midnight to help us rush resources to the Tour to Save Democracy, ELECT gun safety Democrats running in tight races from coast to coast, and hand Trump the defeat he deserves? >>

[Blogger's Note: I already signed BAWN's official THANK YOU card for President Biden on July 21st, 2024 (please see my 'July 21st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From July 26th, 2024 To July 30th, 2024,' which can be found above), however, I signed it again on August 23rd, 2024!]

Action Network

Thank Joe Biden

Sign Joe Biden's card to thank him for his decades of public service!

SPONSORED BY
BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS NOW PAC

SIGN JOE BIDEN'S CARD TO THANK HIM FOR HIS DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE!

EMAIL: [redacted]
MOBILE NUMBER: [redacted]

Check the box below to sign the card THANKING Joe Biden for his leadership 25 our President

[✓] Yes, please add my name!

Do you approve of the job President Biden has done as president?

[✓] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Unsure

On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate the job that Joe Biden has done as president?

[✓] 5-Great
[  ] 4-Good
[  ] 3-Average
[  ] 2-Poor
[  ] 1-Bad

Which of Joe Biden's actions as president do you support? (Select all that apply)

[  ] Opening the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention
[  ] Securing millions of COVID-19 vaccines
[  ] Passing the Bi-Partisan Safer Communities Act
[  ] Re-engaging in the World Health Organization
[  ] Reversing Trump's Muslim Ban
[  ] Reopening Obamacare enrollment
[  ] Ending Trump's Transgender Military Ban
[  ] Unveiling the American jobs Plan to create thousands of jobs
[  ] Sending stimulus checks to millions of hardworking families
[✓] ALL OF THE ABOVE

How concerned are you by Donald Trump's despicable attempts to destroy Joe Biden's legacy?

[✓] Very concerned
[  ] Concerned
[  ] Somewhat concerned
[  ] Not concerned at all
[  ] Unsure

The Tour to Save Demacracy is covering over 4,400 miles to visit 20 swing districts from coast to coast. Can you make a small donation to help them rally Gen Z voters around gun safety Democrats?

[✓] Yes!

With President Biden out of the race we can't afford for you to sit this one out. So please chip in anything you can!

Yes! I'll donate $5 >>
Yes! I'll donate $15 >>
Yes! I'll donate $35 >>
Yes! I'll donate $50 >>
[✓] I'll donate another amount >>

SUBMIT >>

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

CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOUR TO SAVE DEMOCRACY!

BAWN is partnering with [name redacted] as he embarks on a summer tour to save our democracy. [Name redacted] and a collective of Gen Z activists will bus across the nation stopping in Republican-held swing districts to rally young voters, flip these seats blue, and elect strong gun safety Democrats.

But [name redacted] is counting on grassroots support to fund his tour and make it possible.

Will you rush in a gift before midnight? Your contribution will directly support necessary parts of [name redacted's] tour, like gas, food, and lodging expenses.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC.

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC (BAWN PAC) (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, in order to "add [my] name to [BAWN's] card to thank President Biden for his work alongside our movement to end gun violence and BAN assault weapons."

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

The sixth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 19th, 2024, from the Rolling Sea Action Fund, which stated the following:

❗NEW POLLING UPDATE❗

Paul, this is huge news. Trump and Kamala are virtually TIED in at five, key swing states.

If we Kamala can pull off a win in these states, we can make sure Trump never returns to the White House.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 from now until November, our organizers are working in swing states to turnout Black voters and make sure Kamala takes the lead and stays there.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 we're reaching out to loyal Democrats like you, Paul. We rely on grassroots donations to power our organizing programs across the country.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘄𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Will you chip in $5 right now to our Elect Kamala Fund? Every dollar you give will be matched 400% and will power our organizing programs in swing states this election.***

Rolling Sea Action Fund

ROLLING SEA ACTION FUND

400%-Match Activated!

President Biden Just announced he's dropping out of the Presidential election and endorsed Karnala Harris!!!

We can elect the first Black female President in HISTORY.

But Republicans have already started spewing racist attacks towards Kamala and she's starting her campaign from SQUARE ONE.

Can you join generous grassroots supporters and rush a donation of ANY amount to help us BOOST Black voter turnout in November? >>

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Rolling Sea Action Fund.

[  ] Donate $5 →

[  ] Donate $15 →

[  ] Donate $35 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[✓] 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 Rolling Seas Action Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, in order to contribute "[$2] right now to our Elect Kamala Fund," because "every dollar you give will be matched 400% and will power our organizing programs in swing states this election."

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

The seventh political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 19th, 2024, from the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS), which stated the following:

Hi Paul,

Secretary of State [name redacted] here.

Here in [state name redacted], we’ve seen the GOP supermajorities in the House and Senate change election laws so fewer ballots are counted – not more.

Unfortunately, in the wake of Trump’s Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen, this has become a national trend…

GOP-led states across the nation are making it even harder for many Americans to exercise their right to vote.

We’ve also seen extreme MAGA Republicans outright deny election results and push conspiracy theories about the integrity of our electoral system.

We must remain vigilant and continue to support those who safeguard our democratic process. There’s too much at stake to sit on the sidelines.

[State name redacted] has a solid reputation of running efficient elections. My opponent wants to dismantle that if he becomes Secretary of State.

We can’t let that happen.

I’m up for a tough re-election this November and I’m counting on your support. Please chip in $5 to my friends at the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State:***

Thank you,

[Name redacted]

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 $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 DASS (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "in [state name redacted], we’ve seen the GOP supermajorities in the House and Senate change election laws so fewer ballots are counted – not more." And "[name redacted is] up for a tough re-election this November and [she's] counting on [my] support," which is why I contributed "[$2] to [her] friends at the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State."

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

The eighth political communication(s) to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 were two emails from Educated We Stand (or, 'Educated. We Stand').

The first email that I received from Educated We Stand was on August 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "[Name redacted's] message", which stated the following:

Paul –

We wanted to make sure we brought [name redacted's] email back to the top of your inbox. The vibes have definitely shifted in this election since Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee, and we want to capitalize on this momentum to defeat Moms for Liberty in November.

We’re in a rush to raise another $5,000 by Thursday night. Can you chip in to Educated We Stand to help us support School Board Candidates who can win?

Thanks so much,
Educated We Stand

-------- Begin Original Message --------

EDUCATED. WE STAND

Have you felt the tide shifting, Paul?

Since Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee for President and Tim Walz joined the ticket, things have changed. People are energized, they’re donating, they’re knocking on doors, they’re ready to fight.

And the MAGA right-wing doesn’t know what to do about it. They don’t know how to attack the Harris Walz ticket without being racist, sexist, or a combination of the two, and they’re struggling to run strong campaign operations across battleground states.

But Moms for Liberty isn’t going to go away without a fight. They are well-organized, well-funded, and they have chapters in 48 states. We have donors from all fifty states, and if we’re going to defeat extremist Moms for Liberty candidates, we’ll need every one of those supporters to fight with us.

We’re launching a mid-month fundraising campaign to ensure we have the resources to win this fight. We need to raise $5,000 by Thursday night to get there. Will you pitch in $1 to Educated We Stand to help us?

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

[  ] DONATE $5 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $15 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $20 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $25 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $50 NOW!
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

We’ve felt the energy shift over the past month and we know you’ve felt it, too. So let us capitalize on this moment together and push the momentum even further.

Make your donation to Educated We Stand to defeat Moms for Liberty.

Thank you,
[Name redacted]

And the second email that I received from Educated We Stand was also on August 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "Our candidates stood tall last night", which stated the following:

Paul,

I am incredibly proud to announce that last night in Florida’s School Board elections, ten of our seventeen endorsed candidates won their primary school board elections outrights, and five others advanced to the November election.

Of those ten outright winners, three of them flipped Republican-held seats backed by Moms for Liberty and [name redacted] – two in Broward County and one in Sarasota County.

These victories represent a significant step forward in the fight to preserve and promote inclusive, evidence-based public education across Florida. But success can’t end here. We need to ride this wave through November to defeat Moms for Liberty-backed candidates across the board.

Will you rush your first general election donation to Educated We Stand right away to help us support these candidates through November 5th to take back our public schools?

SUPPORT OUR CANDIDATES***

We’re in an environment in which public education is facing attacks against School Board members and educators by Moms for Liberty and their supporters. But it isn’t just verbal jousts over school policy. These folks face personal attacks, including threats of violence and vandalism, just like I did when I ran and defeated [name redacted], a Moms for Liberty Co-Founder.

We are solely dedicated to limiting the influence of these far-right extremists in Florida and across the country. I hope you will join us in our efforts by chipping in any amount you can afford.

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

[  ] DONATE $5 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $15 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $20 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $25 NOW!
[  ] DONATE $50 NOW!
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

Cheers to a great night. Now, we move forward!

Best,
[Name redacted]

EDUCATED. WE STAND

Donate to Educated We Stand

In recent years, communities across the US have witnessed a surge in organized and well-funded efforts meant to disrupt and dismantle public education systems through legislative reform and regulating curriculums with far-right ideological beliefs.

If the movement continues to grow without an effective, organized, and funded counterbalance — we risk a widespread indoctrination of young people, promoting ideologies that threaten American Democracy and the American way of life.

EDUCATED WE STAND will serve as a national, non-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of public education. Its mission is to fight the influence of far-right extremists and ensure that our educational systems remain spaces for unbiased, evidence-based learning that fosters critical thinking and prepares students to be engaged, informed citizens. Will you pitch in today to EDUCATED WE STAND and help support pro public education officials and legislation nationwide?

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Educated We Stand - IE [Independent Expenditure].

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $5,000 →

[  ] Donate $10,000 →

[✓] 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 Educated We Stand (or, 'Educated. We Stand') (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "the vibes have definitely shifted in this election since Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee, and we want to capitalize on this momentum to defeat Moms for Liberty in November." That is why I contributed since "[Educated We Stand] candidates stood tall last night [in the Florida primary election on August 20th, 2024]," so I made "[my] first general election donation to Educated We Stand right away to help [them] support these candidates through November 5th to take back our public schools."

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

The ninth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was an email from VoteVets that I received on August 21st, 2024, with the subject line, "'Stolen Valor'", which stated the following:

Paul,

There is nothing Republicans like to do more than attack veterans. Twenty-years ago during the Democratic Convention, they did it with the Purple Heart band-aids, mocking John Kerry's service in Vietnam.

Today, the Trump campaign shared a letter attacking Tim Walz service that was signed by 50 Republican members of Congress.

It was a textbook example of Stolen Valor.

[Blogger's Note: I read the Military Times article below titled, "GOP vets in Congress attack VP nominee Walz over his military record": https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2024/08/21/gop-vets-in-congress-attack-vp-nominee-walz-over-his-military-record]

A full 29 of the 50 signatures come from Republicans who falsely claimed they are retired [from military service].

Calling yourself Retired means something. It speaks to a length of time in service that many of the people on that list of Republicans never fulfilled.

But truly, the most egregious example is Ronny Jackson who claimed to be a retired flag officer despite being demoted from Rear Admiral to Captain.

[Blogger's Note: I read the Military Times article below titled, "Lawmaker who claims to be a retired rear admiral was actually demoted": https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-navy/2024/03/07/lawmaker-who-claims-to-be-a-retired-rear-admiral-was-actually-demoted]

Troy Nehls was on the list as well, which would be funny to anyone who has seen him wear a Combat Infantryman’s Badge that he never earned!

[Blogger's Note: I read the Military Times article below titled, "Congressman accuses Army of political attacks over combat badge": https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2024/06/12/congressman-accuses-army-of-political-attacks-over-combat-badge]

Like we said, it was a textbook example of Stolen Valor as they attempt to Swift Boat Tim Walz.

[Blogger's Note: I read the Military Times article below titled, "Walz faces Republican criticism over timing of military retirement": https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/08/12/walz-faces-republican-criticism-over-timing-of-military-retirement]

Here is the truth: Republicans are trying to make Tim Walz service a big issue in this campaign. And we at VoteVets will be on the leading edge of defending him. But we can't do that alone. So today, as we lead the effort to fight back against Republican smears, we need your help:

Please contribute $10 directly to VoteVets today and we will put your donation to work fighting back against Republican efforts to Swift Boat** Tim Walz.

If you've stored your info with ActBlue, we'll process your contribution instantly:

[  ] RUSH $10 NOW
[  ] RUSH $25 NOW
[  ] RUSH $50 NOW
[  ] RUSH $100 NOW
[  ] RUSH $250 NOW
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

Thank you,

The team at VoteVets

VoteVets

Chip in to support VoteVets today >>

We're the largest progressive organization fighting for the rights and lives of Veterans and Military families and we're honored to have you on the team.

Our voices matter. This is important. Pitch in today.

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit VoteVets PAC.

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $5 →

[✓] 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 VoteVets (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, in order to contribute "[$2] directly to VoteVets today [so that they] will put [my] donation to work fighting back against Republican efforts to Swift Boat Tim Walz."

**"Swiftboating" 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):

The term swiftboating (also swift-boating or swift boating) is a pejorative [derogatory term] American neologism [that is, "any newly formed word, term, or phrase that nevertheless has achieved popular or institutional recognition and is becoming accepted into mainstream language"] used to describe an unfair or untrue political attack. The term is derived from Swift Boat Veterans for Truth (SBVT), the organization responsible for a widely publicized—and later discredited—political smear campaign against 2004 U.S. presidential candidate John Kerry. Since the 2004 election, the term has been commonly applied to a political attack that is dishonest, personal, and unfair.

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiftboating

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

The tenth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 21st, 2024, from the Democratic Youth Wave PAC (Democratic Youth Wave Political Action Committee), which stated the following:

Support HARRIS & WALZ-DNC is on fire - boost the Democratic Youth Wave!***

We're counting on 100,000 grassroots donations before the DNC Convention ends.

Your $100 or whatever you can give-will help us increase youth voter turnout.

Democratic Youth Wave
Youth in Motion, Democracy in Action

SUPPORT KAMALA HARRIS

Kamala stands for justice, equality, and a brighter future for all. Her unwavering support for women's reproductive rights, along with her leadership on crucial Issues like healthcare, education, and climate change, is exactly what our country needs.

As the Democratic National Convention ends in Chicago, America is energized by Vice President Kamala Harris's rise to the top of the ticket. With President Joe Biden's legacy celebrated, the focus shifts to uniting the nation and propelling Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, into a critical election against Donald Trump. Now is the time to act—donate today to support youth voter turnout and help shape the future.

Join us. Together we can increase the youth and Gen Z voters turnout.

Chip in today!

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Democratic Youth Wave - IE [Independent Expenditure].

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $5,000 →

[✓] 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 Democratic Youth Wave PAC (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, in order to "boost the Democratic Youth Wave," because "together we can increase the youth and Gen Z voters turnout."

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

The eleventh political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 22nd, 2024, from the Voters of Tomorrow PAC (Voters of Tomorrow Political Action Committee, or VOT PAC), which stated the following:

Paul it’s [name redacted] from Voters of Tomorrow PAC and I just saw Kamala Harris accept the nomination at the DNC!

I still remember the shock I felt as a child when I asked my Mom who the first woman president was and she told me there had never been one.

It created a feeling of uncertainty because if there hadn’t been a female president yet, what does that mean for MY voice in government?

I never saw myself represented in the office that has so much control over how I live, how my mom lives, and how every woman in this country lives their life. I knew I had to be the change I wanted to see in the world, that’s what Voters of Tomorrow PAC knows and fights for every day.

Paul, I’m only 16 so I can’t vote yet. But I can still help my generation use their voice by voting in this critical election.

Will you help our voices be heard at the ballot box by donating $27 to Voters of Tomorrow PAC? Every dollar you give today goes directly to registering and turning out Gen Z voters to elect Kamala Harris. >>***

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 $10 →

[  ] Donate $27 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Donate $2,024 →

[✓] 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 Voters of Tomorrow PAC (VOT PAC) (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, in order to "help [Gen Z's] voices be heard at the ballot box by donating [$2] to Voters of Tomorrow PAC," because "every dollar [I] give today goes directly to registering and turning out Gen Z voters to elect Kamala Harris."

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

The twelfth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was an email from the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) that I received on August 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "Democratic unity", which stated the following:

Paul,

The Democratic National Convention wrapped up this week, and one thing’s for certain: Democrats have united around the Harris-Walz ticket, and we are fired up to win big in November!

Over the past week, we saw…

[✓] Delegates from all 50 states and the territories
[✓] Rising stars in the Democratic Party
[✓] Old guard politicians and new, young voices
[✓] Democrats across the political spectrum (and even some Republicans!)
[✓] Former Presidents and First Ladies
[✓] And President Joe Biden

… all come together and rally around Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and down-ballot Democrats across the country.

It’s critical that we keep up this momentum over the next 10 weeks until November 5. The stakes are too high and the threats to our fundamental rights are too serious to sit on the sidelines.

Chip in $20.24 today to help Democrats run ads, connect with voters, and do everything we can to win big and defeat extremism on November 5:

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 $20.24 NOW
[  ] CHIP IN $50 NOW
[  ] CHIP IN $100 NOW
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT

Thanks for being on the team! Let’s do this! 🔥🔥🔥

— Dem AGs

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 $3 →

[  ] DONATE $10 →

[  ] DONATE $30 →

[  ] DONATE $50 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $300 →

[  ] DONATE $500 →

[✓] 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 DAGA (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "Democrats have united around the Harris-Walz ticket, and we are fired up to win big in November!" That is why I contributed "[$2] today to help Democrats run ads, connect with voters, and do everything we can to win big and defeat extremism on November 5."

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

The thirteenth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was an email from Voto Latino that I received on August 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "TIME SENSITIVE: Help us reach our 100,000 registered with our one-day goal!", which stated the following:

Voto Latino

GOAL: $67,200

DEADLINE: Midnight tonight

Help us reach 100,000 new voters registered!

We need to register 2,800 voters in order to reach 100k, and it costs $24 to reach one new voter. That means we need $67,200 to achieve our goal.

Will you help us hit our goal by donating any amount now?

PITCH IN NOW***

From registering Latino voters to keeping them informed on what’s at stake this cycle, Voto Latino’s work requires a lot resources.

Thanks to generous supporters like you we’ve already registered over 98k Latino voters this year — and we’re not planning on slowing down any time soon!

Hitting our ambitious goal of registering 500,000 new voters before Election Day will take a lot of work, and we need your help to achieve it. Can we count on you to pitch in and power our voter registration efforts now?

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

[  ] CHIP IN $24
[  ] CHIP IN $48
[  ] CHIP IN $72
[  ] CHIP IN $96
[  ] CHIP IN $120
[✓] ANOTHER AMOUNT***

We hope you’ll help us register and mobilize our community by donating any amount before midnight, Paul. We’re counting on you!

We’re so thankful to have you on our side.

— Voto Latino

VOTO LATINO
It's your country. Represent!

INVEST IN VOTO LAΤΙΝΟ

Voto Latino is dedicated to empowering communities through civic engagement, issue advocacy and leadership development.

Our work is not possible without your help!

Donate immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Voto Latino.

[  ] DONATE $25 →

[  ] DONATE $100 →

[  ] DONATE $250 →

[  ] DONATE $1,000 →

[✓] 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 Voto Latino (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, in order to "Help [Voto Latino] reach 100,000 new voters registered," because "[they] need to register 2,800 voters in order to reach 100k, and it costs $24 to reach one new voter, so "that means [they] need $67,200 to achieve [their] goal."

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

The fourteenth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was an email from the Harris Victory Fund that I received on August 23rd, 2024, with the subject line, "I want to say thank you", which stated the following:

Harris for President

Paul, last night, I formally accepted the nomination for President of the United States at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

[Image of Vice President Harris speaking at the DNC]

First, I want to say thank you.

Thank you for making me your Democratic nominee.

Thank you for believing that the promise of America is possible for each and every one of us.

Thank you for always standing with Tim and me.

I am so deeply grateful for the support I have received since I started this campaign. It is the honor of my lifetime to be your nominee -- but, we are the underdogs in this race, and it is up to each of us to keep fighting for a better future. Will you help us make history by pitching in another donation today?

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

[  ] $25 >>
[  ] $50 >>
[  ] $75 >>
[  ] $100 >>
[  ] $125 >>
[✓] Other >>***

Like so many of you, I grew up with parents who worked hard in pursuit of the promise of America.

We were taught to see a world beyond just ourselves. To be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people. We were raised to believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is everyone’s responsibility.

In fact, my mother used to say, "Don't sit around and complain about things -- do something.” She was saying, you have to get up and fight. And that is exactly what we are going to do for these next 74 days.

Our campaign is a fight for the future. And it is a fight for our freedom.

The freedom to vote;
The freedom to live safe from gun violence;
The freedom to love who you love openly and with pride;
And the freedom for a woman to make decisions about her own body.

Because we believe in the possibility of what our country can look like when we bring people together, not when we tear each other down. That is our America. That is the America we believe in.

I could not be more proud to be the official Democratic Presidential nominee, and I am counting on you, one of our campaign’s monthly donors, to help me and Tim win in November.

It is going to take millions of individuals acting together to preserve the promise of America. So every action you take -- whether it is donating [$4, including split donations] as you did on July 24, 2024, signing up to volunteer, or spreading our campaign’s message to your friends and neighbors -- will help ensure that we have the power to defeat Donald Trump and keep our country moving forward.

Thank you, Paul, and take care,

Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States

Donate to support the Harris-Walz campaign!

We all must stand together to win at the ballot box, protect our freedoms, and fulfill the promise of America.

Donate Immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Kamala Harris.

[  ] Donate $2 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $75 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $125 →

[✓] Other amount $24.39*

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 Harris for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "last night, [Vice President Kamala Harris] formally accepted the nomination for President of the United States at the 2024 Democratic National Convention."

P.S.: The reason that I donated $24.39 (without a tip to ActBlue) to the Harris for President campaign—because I was actually planning to make a $25.00 donation—is for the following quite complicated reasons:

No. 1: I accidentally donated $5.00 to the DLCC (through FastAction, which does not offer a tip box) on August 23rd, 2024 (please see my 'Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses August 10th, 2024'), rather than donating $3.21 (through FastAction), which is what I had originally budgeted! Therefore, because I donated $1.79 too much for that DLCC donation ($5.00 - $3.21 = $1.79), I tried to compensate for that mistake by subtracting $1.79 from the $25.00 that I had budgeted for the above-mentioned Harris for President donation ($25.00 - $1.79 = $23.21); but then,

No. 2: I accidentally donated $2.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) to Teachers Unify To End Gun Violence (please see the second donation of my 'August 23rd, 2024 Update No. 5, Written From August 24th, 2024 To August 28th, 2024, Which Also Discusses August 5th, 2024, August 7th, 2024, August 8th, 2024, August 19th, 2024, August 21st, 2024, August 22nd, 2024 And August 23rd, 2024' that can be found above), since I mistakenly pressed the "Leave no tip" button, rather than pressing the "Add custom amount" button—like I usually do; besides that,

No. 3: I also accidentally donated $2.00 (without a tip to ActBlue) to Four Directions Native Vote (please see the third donation of my 'August 23rd, 2024 Update No. 5, Written From August 24th, 2024 To August 28th, 2024, Which Also Discusses August 5th, 2024, August 7th, 2024, August 8th, 2024, August 19th, 2024, August 21st, 2024, August 22nd, 2024 And August 23rd, 2024' that can be found above), since, again, I mistakenly pressed the "Leave no tip" button, rather than pressing the "Add custom amount" button—like I usually do; so finally,

No. 4: I tried to additionally compensate for those two mistakes by adding the two respective $0.14 tip amounts for ActBlue ($0.14 + $0.14 = $0.28) to the newly adjusted $23.21 amount for this Harris for President donation ($23.21 + $0.28 = $23.49), HOWEVER, when I typed the amount on the ActBlue donation webpage I accidentally switched the "3" and the "4" in the total of $23.49 (can you say, 'DySlExIa'?) and I ended up donating $24.39...

...See, I told you it was quite complicated! ;0)

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

The fifteenth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 23rd, 2024, from the Harris Victory Fund, which stated the following:

Paul, last night, I formally accepted the nomination for President of the United States at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

First, I want to say thank you.

Thank you for making me your Democratic nominee.

Thank you for believing that the promise of America is possible for each and every one of us.

Thank you for always standing with Tim and me.

It is going to take millions of individuals acting together to preserve the promise of America. I’m counting on you, Paul. Chip in any amount that is meaningful to you today:***

My mother used to say, "Don't sit around and complain about things – do something.” She was saying you have to get up and fight.

And that is exactly what we are going to do for these next 74 days.

One more time because it is so important: Will you help us and our party make history by pitching in today?***

Thank you,

Vice President Harris

HARRIS
WALZ

Donate to support the Harris-Walz campaign!

We all must stand together to win at the ballot box, protect our freedoms, and fulfill the promise of America.

Donate $25 or more now.

Donate Immediately:

Your contribution will benefit Harris Victory Fund.

[✓] Donate $2 →

[  ] Donate $47 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $1,000 →

[  ] Donate $2,000 →

[  ] Other amount

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 Harris Victory Fund (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "last night, [Vice President Kamala Harris] formally accepted the nomination for President of the United States at the 2024 Democratic National Convention."

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

The sixteenth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 23rd, 2024, from the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), which stated the following:

Paul -- My whole life, I've worked for one client: The People.

That was true when I was a prosecutor, a district attorney, and the Attorney General of California. It was true when I served in the Senate and throughout my time as your vice president. And it was true as I accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States yesterday.

Democrats all across the country came together in Chicago to celebrate our progress and plan for the hard work we need to do in the final 74 days before the election. We.Will.Win. but we need YOU to help us deliver results up and down the ballot from the White House to the State House. Let's elect Democratic governors across the country.

That is why I am asking you today:

Will you split a donation of $10 between the Democratic Governors Association and my campaign?***

For the people,

Kamala Harris

DONATE NOW
DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT

If we want to stop Republicans' dangerous agenda, we have to keep pace with the millions the GOP is raising to stop Democrats – but right now, not enough supporters are donating, and we're falling short ahead of our midnight deadline.

Closing this gap is so important that Vice President Kamala Harris is asking. Please, rush your gift to help Vice President Harris win, defeat Republicans, and elect Democratic governors!

Split your donation:

Total Contribution "$4.00"*

Customize amounts

Democratic Action $1.00

Kamala Harris (President) "$3.00"*

Donate "$4"*

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 and to the Harris for President campaign (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "[Vice President Kamala Harris's] whole life, [she's] worked for one client: The People." That is why I split a donation between the DGA and the Harris for President campaign, since "[they] need [ME] to help [them] deliver results up and down the ballot from the White House to the State House," so "let's elect Democratic governors across the country."

*P.S.: The reason that I only donated $1.00 to the DGA and $3.00 to the Harris for President campaign is because the first time that I tried to split the donation, I accidentally only donated $2.00 to the Harris for President campaign (without a tip to ActBlue). So, I made a second donation with the correct split amounts of $1.00 each to the DGA and to the Harris for President campaign (with a tip to ActBlue of $0.14), like I usually do! Therefore, that is why the customized amount above of "$3.00" to the Harris for President campaign, and the total contribution of "$4," both appear in quotation marks, since those amounts represent the two separate transactions. (I hope that makes sense!)

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

The seventeenth political communication to which I responded on August 23rd, 2024 was a text message that I received on August 23rd, 2024, from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which stated the following:

𝗪𝗢𝗪, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲! Since Vice President Harris delivered her EARTH-SHATTERING speech at the DNC, Top Democrats opened up the rare 400%-MATCH on all contributions!!!!

Now is our chance to reclaim control of the House once and for all -- but ONLY if we act quickly to take advantage of this massive swing in our favor. So please: Will you rush $15 (4X-MATCHED!) to the DCCC before midnight to answer Vice President Harris' call and help win back our historic House Majority? >>***

𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧: VP Harris and Gov. Walz called on us to to take action to win in November.

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡: A brand new poll revealed that Democrats have SURGED into a FOUR POINT LEAD!!

𝗦𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗪: We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to FLIP seats in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and everywhere else across the country!! >>***

VP Harris knows just how unprecedented this opportunity is for Democrats.

If we can flip seats like these, we could keep extreme MAGA Republicans out of power for years to come.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗴𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 -- and they've already raised MILLIONS to crush our chances.

That's why we're calling on grassroots Dems like you to rush $15 before midnight to help us OUTRAISE them. We need to match their war chest or else we risk losing our once-in-a-generation shot to put the House back in Democratic hands. Can we count on you to rush in $15 to the DCCC? >>***

DCCC

[DCCC logo] 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 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 the DCCC.

[✓] Donate $2 →

[  ] Donate $15 →

[  ] Donate $25 →

[  ] Donate $50 →

[  ] Donate $100 →

[  ] Donate $250 →

[  ] Donate $500 →

[  ] Other amount

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 DCCC (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, because "[the DCCC's] calling on grassroots Dems like [me] to rush [$2] before midnight ... since Vice President Harris delivered her EARTH-SHATTERING speech at the DNC [and] Top Democrats opened up the rare 400%-MATCH on all contributions!!!!"

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

Finally, this last political donation wasn't due to communications that I received from the following organization, but because I have donated to this organization in previous election cycles!

The eighteenth organization to which I donated was EMILYs List, based upon their donation webpage that appeared on the ActBlue.com website, which stated the following:

EMILYs LIST
RUN. WIN. CHANGE THE WORLD.

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 $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 EMILYs List (with a tip to ActBlue) on August 23rd, 2024, in order to help "elect Democratic pro-choice women to office [and] help elect more women leaders like Kamala Harris..."

Thus, these five organizations—the DSCC, the DASS, the DAGA, the DGA, as well as the DCCC—plus, this one campaign—Harris for President, or the Harris Victory Fund—plus, these eight Political Action Committees (PACs)—Jane Fonda Climate PAC, Ban Assault Weapons NOW PAC, Rolling Sea Action Fund, Educated We Stand, VoteVets, Democratic Youth Wave PAC, Voters of Tomorrow PAC as well as EMILYs List—plus, this one grassroots movement—Teachers Unify To End Gun Violence—plus, this one social welfare organization—Four Directions Native Vote—in addition to this one civic engagement organization—Voto Latino—are the political organizations, the political campaign, the PACs, the grassroots movement, the social welfare organization, and the civic engagement organization that I donated to on August 23rd, 2024! –Paul Whiting (written from August 24th, 2024 to August 28th, 2024, revised August 31st, 2024, revised September 8th, 2024, revised September 21st, 2024 and revised August 31st, 2025)

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For my "August 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:

August 24th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, August 24th, 2024, with the subject line, "USO Military News: August 2024", with regard to the USO's newsletter "YOUR USO AT WORK," Issue 125 / August 2024, which stated, in part, the following:

YOUR USO AT WORK
Issue 125 / August 2024

LEARN MORE »

https://www.uso.org/campaign/human-to-human

Paul,

Thank you for your continued support as we celebrated the 234th anniversary of the Coast Guard and honored our wounded and fallen heroes on Purple Heart Day.

With summer coming to an end, we are entering a critical period where your support is needed more than ever. As children of military families head back to school and more service members are being deployed to the Middle East, your commitment makes a tangible difference.

Here are just a few ways your contributions have been making a real impact for those who serve: ...

And the following highlights from the USO's newsletter, which I selected to post, are regarding "'We Go Where They Go'" and "USO Entertainment Tour Brings Inspiration to Alaska," as well as "Soldiers Enjoy Exclusive USO Event With Wilmer Valderrama in Warsaw," in addition to "Carolina Panthers Meet Military Children at USO Grafenwoehr":

USO FRONT LINES

"We Go Where They Go"

With more than 250 USO Center locations worldwide, each USO Center is designed to address the unique challenges military members face. Whether in the freezing temperatures of Alaska or the scorching deserts of Africa, we're committed to being there.

Learn more about how the USO supports service members around the world. »

https://www.uso.org/stories/3828-we-go-where-they-go-a-look-at-how-5-uso-centers-around-the-globe-are-supporting-service-members-today

[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's article titled, "We Go Where They Go: A Look at How 5 USO Centers Around the Globe Are Supporting Service Members Today."]

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

GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT

USO Entertainment Tour Brings Inspiration to Alaska

Olympians Red Gerard and Hailey Langland joined Paralympic champion and Navy SEAL veteran Dan Cnossen for a USO tour to remote military installations in Alaska. Highlights included lunch at Fort Greely, a tour at Eielson Air Force Base where Dan explored an F-16, helicopter tours and a yoga session at Fort Wainwright. The tour was an inspiring and uplifting experience for the military community in Alaska, and the Olympians were deeply moved by their resilience.

Soldiers Enjoy Exclusive USO Event With Wilmer Valderrama in Warsaw

The U.S. Army V Corps were special guests at an exclusive event organized by the USO in Warsaw, Poland, in mid-June.

The soldiers attended a dinner at the U.S. ambassador’s residence and had the opportunity to meet actor Wilmer Valderrama, a USO Global Ambassador, who has worked with us to entertain military audiences for almost 20 years.

Learn more about USO Entertainment. »

https://www.uso.org/entertainment

[Blogger's Note: I read the USO's article titled, "Entertainment Is Our Tradition."]

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

EVENTS

Carolina Panthers Meet Military Children at USO Grafenwoehr

The USO recently hosted a unique event with the Carolina Panthers at USO Grafenwoehr in Germany. Players, cheerleaders and Panther mascot Sir Purr led a flag football and cheerleading clinic for more than 100 military children at the Vilseck High School football field. The Carolina Panthers players also participated in a Meet and Greet for the children.

Thank you to this community of military supporters for making fun and safe USO events like this possible!

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

...From all of us at the USO, thank you for standing by our nation's service members!

And, 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: "For more than 80 years, it has been the USO's mission to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families. 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. Donate today so we can continue to provide individualized support to our service members every day."

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

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "August 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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August 26th, 2024 Update No. 1: I received an email from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today, August 26th, 2024, with the subject line "Remember their sacrifice.", which stated the following:

Paul,

Three years ago today, 13 American service members were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul Airport’s Abbey Gate in Afghanistan.

[IMAGE OF THE 13 AMERICAN SERVICE MEMBERS]

REMEMBERING THESE BRAVE HEROES.

FALLEN, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

AUGUST 26, 2021

These 13 brave Americans gave their lives in the process of helping others escape the violence and chaos of our withdrawal from Afghanistan. Today, we remember our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. And we mourn with those they left behind.

We will never be able to repay their sacrifice.

But we can keep up the pressure on leaders in Washington to honor their memory by doing their duty to provide better oversight to where and when our troops are put into harm's way. That’s why IAVA and our members are calling on Congress to reform the authorizations of military force (AUMF’s) that authorized the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

Today, please join us in remembering the sacrifice of these 13 heroes.

Fallen, but not forgotten,

Team IAVA

And, after I read the email above, I did a search on Google for "reform the authorization of military force (AUMF) 'IAVA'" and found a March 29th, 2023 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America memo titled, "IAVA [Title and Name redacted] Comments on Senate Vote to Repeal Iraq War AUMF," the relevant text of which can be found below:

IAVA [TITLE AND NAME REDACTED]
COMMENTS ON SENATE VOTE TO
REPEAL IRAQ WAR AUMF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 29, 2023
CONTACT: [email redacted]

“On March 20, 2003, U.S. troops crossed the Kuwaiti border, and our country went to war in Iraq. 20 years later, Congress’ repeal of the authorization for use of military force (AUMF) for the Iraq War is long overdue.

The debate around the repeal of the AUMF has been an important one. We owe our fellow Americans serving in uniform, and their families, a thoughtful ongoing conversation about why we’re sending them into harm’s way. From the beginning of any war, until its very end, Congress should have clarity on what our strategic goals are. Our elected leaders should be relentlessly challenging and questioning whether these goals are being met and whether there’s still a national security imperative that requires US troops to be in the line of fire. And most of all, Congress definitely shouldn’t relinquish its war powers altogether and allow Presidents to send troops to fight threats unchecked. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what has happened over and over again in recent years.

Today’s bipartisan vote in the Senate is a step in the right direction, and now it’s time for the House to do its job. Congress has shirked its responsibility to our troops and their families for too long by leaving open-ended authorizations of military force in place. It’s past time to change that.”

Then, after I read the memo above, I did a search on Google for "contact my representatives and senators" and found the webpages for contacting my Representative via House.gov (https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative) and my Senators via Senate.gov (https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm), so that I could send them the letter below regarding this very important issue:

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

As your constituent, I am writing to you today on the 3rd anniversary of "13 American service members [that] were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul Airport’s Abbey Gate in Afghanistan," in response to an email that I received today from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), a copy of which can be found below:

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

From: Team IAVA [email redacted]
Reply-to: [email redacted]
To: [email redacted]
Date: Aug 26, 2024, 6:27 AM

Paul,

Three years ago today, 13 American service members were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul Airport’s Abbey Gate in Afghanistan.

[IMAGE OF THE 13 AMERICAN SERVICE MEMBERS]

REMEMBERING THESE BRAVE HEROES.

FALLEN, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

AUGUST 26, 2021

These 13 brave Americans gave their lives in the process of helping others escape the violence and chaos of our withdrawal from Afghanistan. Today, we remember our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. And we mourn with those they left behind.

We will never be able to repay their sacrifice.

But we *can* keep up the pressure on leaders in Washington to honor their memory by doing their duty to provide better oversight to where and when our troops are put into harm's way. That’s why IAVA and our members are calling on Congress to reform the authorizations of military force (AUMF’s) that authorized the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

Today, please join us in remembering the sacrifice of these 13 heroes.

Fallen, but not forgotten,

Team IAVA

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

And, after I read the email above, I did a search on Google for "reform the authorization of military force (AUMF) 'IAVA'" and found a March 29th, 2023 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America memo titled, "IAVA [Title and Name redacted] Comments on Senate Vote to Repeal Iraq War AUMF," the relevant text of which can be found below:

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

IAVA [TITLE AND NAME REDACTED]
COMMENTS ON SENATE VOTE TO
REPEAL IRAQ WAR AUMF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 29, 2023
CONTACT: [email redacted]

“On March 20, 2003, U.S. troops crossed the Kuwaiti border, and our country went to war in Iraq. 20 years later, Congress’ repeal of the authorization for use of military force (AUMF) for the Iraq War is long overdue.

The debate around the repeal of the AUMF has been an important one. We owe our fellow Americans serving in uniform, and their families, a thoughtful ongoing conversation about why we’re sending them into harm’s way. From the beginning of any war, until its very end, Congress should have clarity on what our strategic goals are. Our elected leaders should be relentlessly challenging and questioning whether these goals are being met and whether there’s still a national security imperative that requires US troops to be in the line of fire. And most of all, Congress definitely shouldn’t relinquish its war powers altogether and allow Presidents to send troops to fight threats unchecked. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what has happened over and over again in recent years.

Today’s bipartisan vote in the Senate is a step in the right direction, and now it’s time for the House to do its job. Congress has shirked its responsibility to our troops and their families for too long by leaving open-ended authorizations of military force in place. It’s past time to change that.”

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

Thus, I am writing to you today to humbly ask that Congress please consider a "repeal of the authorization for use of military force (AUMF) for the Iraq War," for the following reason, as quoted from the March 29th, 2023 IAVA memo cited above:

"We owe our fellow Americans serving in uniform, and their families, a thoughtful ongoing conversation about why we’re sending them into harm’s way. From the beginning of any war, until its very end, Congress should have clarity on what our strategic goals are. Our elected leaders should be relentlessly challenging and questioning whether these goals are being met and whether there’s still a national security imperative that requires US troops to be in the line of fire. And most of all, Congress definitely shouldn’t relinquish its war powers altogether and allow Presidents to send troops to fight threats unchecked. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what has happened over and over again in recent years."

So, "please join us in remembering the sacrifice of these 13 heroes" [who] "gave their lives in the process of helping others escape the violence and chaos of our withdrawal from Afghanistan." And even though, "[w]e will never be able to repay their sacrifice ... we *can* [humbly ask our] leaders in Washington to honor [the] memory [of the 'fallen, but not forgotten'] by doing their duty to provide better oversight to where and when our troops are put into harm's way. That’s why IAVA and [this constituent] are calling on Congress to reform the authorizations of military force (AUMF’s) that authorized the Afghanistan and Iraq wars."

Thank you for "join[ing] us in remembering the sacrifice of these 13 heroes ... who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country."

And thank you for all that you do to support our United States military personnel and our veterans!

Yours very truly,

Paul Whiting

And so, I sent the letter above to my Senators and Representative today, via their respective websites, in order to request that Congress please "reform the authorizations of military force (AUMF’s) that authorized the Afghanistan and Iraq wars." –Paul Whiting (written August 26th, 2024 and revised August 27th, 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 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) on August 7th, 2024 (please see my 'August 7th, 2024 Update No. 3,' which can be found above), as well as on August 10th, 2024 (please see my 'August 10th, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) those are the one-time donations which I made to IAVA for August 2024.

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August 29th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On August 30th, 2024: I received an email from United Farm Workers (UFW) yesterday, August 29th, 2024, with the subject line, "Act now to get UFW leaders back to work at NY’s [New York's] Kirby Farms", which stated the following:

United Farm Workers
Si, Se Puede! UFW

Act now to get UFW leaders back to work at NY’s Kirby Farms

The farm worker leaders at NY's Kirby farms need your help. The workers have been organizing at this company and according to charges filed by the union, the company is retaliating by not bringing back two of the most visible UFW supporters for the start of the new season.

[Name redacted] has worked for A&J Kirby Farms for 9 years. He is the union's most visible leader. Last year, he told The Buffalo News and The Guardian about the issues that motivated workers at Kirby to unionize, particularly the supervisor's favoritism.

It is alleged that right after [name redacted's] interview appeared, [name redacted] and his picking partner, [name redacted], were written up for poor performance. [Name redacted] feels he was targeted for speaking up. This was the only time he was written up in the 2023 season.

When the season ended last year, these workers were not informed that this one write up would mean they were not going to be called back this season. After hearing nothing about returning to work this season, [name redacted] tried to check in with the supervisor about the company's plans for this season. He was shocked to discover that the supervisor had blocked his phone number. Kirby is claiming that [name redacted] and [name redacted] "consistently failed to meet" the productivity standards. UFW has requested documentation to substantiate their claims, but Kirby has not provided any evidence.

According to Kirby workers, the company's policy is to fire workers after three write ups in a season. Yet they are using this single write up as an excuse to let [name redacted] and [name redacted] go. This move is demoralizing to all of the other workers and has scared them to the point where they're afraid to be seen talking to a UFW organizer.

New York's Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) has the authority to direct Kirby to rehire [name redacted] and [name redacted] and pay them for lost time. The UFW has already filed the necessary Unfair Labor Practice charge with the agency. Please send your message to PERB today and tell them time is of the essence. We can't let this seemingly retaliatory move dampen our organizing efforts. Not only are [name redacted] and [name redacted] losing pay, but a climate of fear is spreading throughout moving over the whole company.

PS: Spread the word by sharing this campaign on Facebook & Twitter.*

Act now to get UFW leaders back to work at NY’s Kirby Farms

The farm worker leaders at NY's Kirby farms need your help. The workers have been organizing at this company and according to charges filed by the union, the company is retaliating by not bringing back two of the most visible UFW supporters for the start of the new season.

[Name redacted] has worked for A&J Kirby Farms for 9 years. He is the union's most visible leader. Last year, he told The Buffalo News and The Guardian about the issues that motivated workers at Kirby to unionize, particularly the supervisor's favoritism.

It is alleged that right after [name redacted's] interview appeared, [name redacted] and his picking partner, [name redacted], were written up for poor performance. [Name redacted] feels he was targeted for speaking up. This was the only time he was written up in the 2023 season.

When the season ended last year, these workers were not informed that this one write up would mean they were not going to be called back this season. After hearing nothing about returning to work this season, [name redacted] tried to check in with the supervisor about the company's plans for this season. He was shocked to discover that the supervisor had blocked his phone number. Kirby is claiming that [name redacted] and [name redacted] "consistently failed to meet" the productivity standards. UFW has requested documentation to substantiate their claims, but Kirby has not provided any evidence.

According to Kirby workers, the company's policy is to fire workers after three write ups in a season. Yet they are using this single write up as an excuse to let [name redacted] and [name redacted] go. This move is demoralizing to all of the other workers and has scared them to the point where they're afraid to be seen talking to a UFW organizer.

New York's Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) has the authority to direct Kirby to rehire [name redacted] and [name redacted] and pay them for lost time. The UFW has already filed the necessary Unfair Labor Practice charge with the agency. Please send your message to PERB today and tell them time is of the essence. We can't let this seemingly retaliatory move dampen our organizing efforts. Not only are [name redacted] and [name redacted] losing pay, but a climate of fear is spreading throughout moving over the whole company.

Contact Information

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Postal Code: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]

Subject: PERB must act now to get UFW leaders back to work at NY's Kirby Farms

NY Public Employee Relations Board (PERB),

Farm worker leaders at NY's Kirby farmd need you to do your job. The workers have been organizing at this company and the company is seemingly retaliating by not bringing back two of the most visible UFW supporters for the start of the new season.

Last year, right after an interview was published about the issues that motivated workers at Kirby to unionize, [name redacted] — the union's most visible leader at A&J Kirby Farms — and his picking partner [name redacted] were written up for poor performance. This was the only time he was written up the 2023 season. According to Kirby workers, Company policy is to fire workers after three write ugs in a season — not one. Yet Kirby is claiming that [name redacted] and [name redacted] "consistently failed to meet" the productivity standards without providing evidence.

Your agency has the authority to tell Kirby to rehire [name redacted] and [name redacted] and pay them for lost time. The UFW has already filed the necessary Unfair Labor Practice charge. Time is of the essence. Not only are [name redacted] and [name redacted] losing pay, but a climate of fear is spreading throughout the whole company. You must take action ASAP.

THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
[Your information here]

Help get UFW leaders back to work. UFW-filed charges state NY's Kirby Farms is retaliating by not bringing back 2 of our most visible leaders for this season. NY Public Employee Relations Board can tell Kirby to rehire & pay them for lost time.

http://ufw.org/perb_recall

And, after I sent the email above to the New York PERB (Public Employee Relations Board), via the SEIU.org (Service Employees International Union) website, I made a one-time donation to United Farm Workers yesterday, August 29th, 2024, in order to "help get UFW leaders back to work," since "NY's Kirby Farms is retaliating by not bringing back 2 of [United Farm Worker's] most visible leaders for this [2024] season" and "NY Public Employee Relations Board can tell Kirby to rehire & pay them for lost time." –Paul Whiting (August 30th, 2024)

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August 31st, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses August 10th, 2024: I received a mailer from the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) twenty one days ago on August 10th, 2034, 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.]

Armed Services YMCA

"Behind every strong soldier, there is an even stronger family who stands by them, supports them and loves them with all their heart." —ANONYMOUS

Dear Caring Friend,

Imagine serving your country in the military, only to end up nearly homeless with two young children to care for.

That's what happened to [name redacted] and his wife, [name redacted], after moving from West Virginia to California for a Navy assignment. They were shocked with the staggering new cost of living.

"We had a nice savings and then we moved out here, and it was rough," [name redacted's wife] said.

The couple's savings were quickly drained, as their combined income wasn't enough to make ends meet. They couldn't afford to pay for housing and food. This is a tragic dilemma faced by service members across America.

In fact, 1 out of every 4 active-duty families today struggle to meet their food and nutrition needs. This should never happen in the land of opportunity!

Our heroes are on the front lines, protecting our liberties. The last thing they should have to worry about is feeding their children.

This is where the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) steps in to support service members and their families. We've vowed to leave no military family behind. And we need YOUR help today.

You can help support service men and women, and their families, with a gift of $15, $25 or even $50 to the ASYMCA today. You can reward their sacrifices by helping fund assistance here at home, during deployment, when transitioning between bases and in times of conflict and peace. And please accept the enclosed gifts with our thanks in advance for YOUR service!

Donations from caring friends like you help to provide emergency assistance, support groups, employment assistance, food distribution ... and more.

A strong military depends on strong military families. Because when someone signs up to serve our country, their family serves too.

With inflation and escalating food prices across the country, the needs are only increasing. It will be impossible for our young military families to make ends meet.

But with your help, the ASYMCA is there to help these families every step of the way. And we have been since 1861 — longer than any other military support organization in the U.S.

Military parents must deal with the pressures of protecting our country and being away from home. They make real sacrifices daily. They shouldn't have to struggle to put food on the table on top of that.

Food insecurity is a reality for military families. We're here to help but we can't help all the families that need us without YOU!

"It's been eye-opening to see the families that do struggle in the military," said [name redacted], whose husband is stationed at Fort Bragg. "I had never needed to reach out for assistance. But when I lost my job in industrial design, we still had bills. Being able to reach out to the ASYMCA to make ends meet was really a lifesaver."

Moving every three years can make steady employment difficult for military spouses. Their children are unable to establish lasting friendships. There's not a sense of home when things are constantly changing.

The Armed Services YMCA is honored to step in and support these patriots who put our country first and their own families second.

And YOUR assistance is needed now, more than ever, to keep giving service members and their families the support they deserve!

I hope you will rush your gift so we can put your donation to work, helping families who need us the most!

I'm sending you a notepad, bookmarks and a set of personalized name labels as a small token of our gratitude. When you use them, remember our service members and their families, who continually sacrifice to protect our freedom.

And please stand behind our service members and their families by making a donation today. Thank you for joining me in supporting this cause!

Serving those who serve,

[Name redacted], Vice Admiral, USN (Ret)
[Title redacted] and [title redacted]

P.S. When their families are struggling, our service members battle on to preserve the freedom we all hold dear. Please rush your contribution to help ensure our service members and their families are taken care of!

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

Armed Services YMCA

[✓] YES! I want to give back to the military families who sacrifice so much for our country. It is my pleasure to enclose this gift of:

[  ] $15
[  ] $25
[  ] $35 ← Can you spare this much?
[  ] $50
[✓] My best gift of $7.00

Please enclose your check made payable to Armed Services YMCA or see reverse to give by credit card.

[  ] Make my gift monthly.

Save a stamp and make your gift online: asymca.org/July24

Paul Whiting
[Apt. No. redacted]
[Street Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Armed Services YMCA
Donation Processing Center, [Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

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

ARMED SERVICES YMCA
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Your Donation Supports Military Families

[✓] One-time
[  ] Recurring

Choose a one-time amount.

[  ] $25
[  ] $50
[  ] $100
[  ] $500
[✓] USD $7.00

Your Information

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

[✓] It's OK to contact me in the future.

Address: [redacted]
Add apt., suite, floor: [redacted]
ZIP: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]
Phone Number: [redacted]

Leave a comment:

"This donation is for your July 2024 mailer!"

One-time donation $7.00 USD

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) today August 31st, 2024, since "1 out of every 4 active-duty families today struggle to meet their food and nutrition needs" and "when their families are struggling, our service members battle on to preserve the freedom we all hold dear." That is why I contributed to ASYMCA, because "the Armed Services YMCA is honored to step in and support these patriots who put our country first and their own families second." –Paul Whiting (August 31st, 2024)

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August 31st, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses August 27th, 2024: I received a mailer from Feeding America four days ago on August 27th, 2024, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "ENCLOSED: URGENT MEALS FOR KIDS", 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

MEALS FOR KIDS DRIVE

Return the enclosed Urgent Meal Voucher with your gift to have twice the impact for Children facing hunger!

August 7, 2024

Dear Paul Whiting,

[Name redacted's] mom, [name redacted], recently lost her job. Things haven't always been easy for this mom of three, and today's rising prices have made life even harder.

[Name redacted] is an adventurous girl who loves her toy dinosaurs and playing with friends. But she needs healthy food to help her grow and enjoy life to the fullest. Today, you can help children across America get the nutritious meals they need to thrive.

Right now, too many of our neighbors are dealing with the high costs of groceries and everyday necessities. In fact, over 44 million people, including more than 13 million children, are facing hunger. No parent should have to worry about where their children's next meal will come from.

I know you want to continue helping our neighbors at risk of hunger. Your donation to Feeding America today can have DOUBLE the impact in your community and across the country, thanks to a special $150,000 challenge match from a group of incredible supporters.

Simply return the enclosed Urgent Meal Voucher with your gift to our 2024 Meals for Kids Drive, or give online. Your donation will support programs like the Feeding America BackPack Program, Kids Café and the School Pantry Program, which help children and families have access to the food they need.

Normally, every $1 you give helps provide at least 10 meals through the Feeding America network. But right now during the challenge match, every $1 you give can help provide at least 20 meals for children across the country.

With your support, we can provide more critically needed meals through our 2024 Meals for Kids Drive. Your gift to Feeding America will be so meaningful and have TWICE the impact.

• Your generous contribution of $15 can help provide enough food for at least 300 meals.

• Consider giving an especially generous donation of $20, which can help provide enough food for at least 400 meals families like [name redacted's mom] and [name redacted's].

Every $1 = at least 20 meals!

Even before losing her job, [name redacted's mom] had to work hard to make ends meet. "We fall into that middle ground where I was making just too much for SNAP but still struggling," she says.

[Name redacted's mom] turned to her local food bank, a member of the Feeding America network. While [name redacted's mom] looks for work, the food bank helps her get what she needs to provide meals for her children.

"Just having this takes the pressure off my shoulders, even for just a minute," [name redacted's mom] says. "This helps in 800 different ways."

Having access to their local food bank's meal program benefits the whole family. [Name redacted] enjoys hanging out with her friends when they visit, and [name redacted's mom] has found peace of mind knowing her kids are getting healthy meals.

"Look at those little happy food dances," [name redacted's mom] says, watching [name redacted] enjoy her lunch. "Oh my goodness, that's nice to see."

With your gift, we can help children like [name redacted] get the food they need to nourish their bodies, their minds and their futures.

Across the country, in communities like yours, millions of children face hunger—especially now, as hardworking families deal with the high cost of food and necessities.

But you can help them get the meals they need to thrive by:

• Making a donation and returning it with the enclosed Urgent Meal Voucher or,
• Giving quickly and securely online at SupportFeedingAmerica.org/Match.

The Feeding America network provides billions of meals each year. With demand so high, your support is crucial. Please send your most generous gift today, while it can have DOUBLE the impact. We greatly appreciate your compassion.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted] and [title redacted]

P.S. Remember, every $1 you give to the 2024 Meals for Kids Drive can help provide at least 20 meals, thanks to the $150,000 challenge match. Your gift goes so far because we use your dollars responsibly and efficiently to help people facing hunger. Thank you.

Can I please hear from you by October 1?

"QR code message": Your gift can help provide TWICE as many meals. Scan here or visit SupportFeedingAmerica.org/Match

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

URGENT MEAL VOUCHER

MEALS FOR KIDS DRIVE

PLEASE REPLY BY OCTOBER 1

I want to have TWICE the impact to help children get the meals they need.
My gift of:

[  ] $15 can help provide at least 300 meals.
[  ] $20 can help provide at least 400 meals.
[  ] $25 can help provide ut least 500 meals.
[✓] $7.00 can help provide as many meals as possible.
[  ] I'm giving by credit card. (please see reverse.)
[  ] I want to make an even bigger impact by giving monthly! (please see reverse.)

Paul Whiting
[Apt. No. redacted]
[Street Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Give online: SupportFeedingAmerica.org/Match

FEEDING AMERICA

And so, I made a one-time donation to Feeding America in order to support their "2024 MEALS FOR KIDS DRIVE," because "$7.00 can help provide as many meals as possible." And because I donated to Feeding America, I also donated locally to the Oregon Food Bank, whose mission includes the following statement: "...We distribute food equitably across the region and work on policies and programs to address the root causes of hunger." –Paul Whiting (August 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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August 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Which Also Discusses August 30th, 2024: I received a text message yesterday, August 30th, 2024, from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, which stated the following:

Hi Paul, this is [name redacted], [title redacted] & [title redacted] of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The countdown to Christmas has officially begun! We're excited to announce our partnership with Richard Childress Racing as we proudly sponsor [name redacted's] No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet this weekend in Darlington, SC [South Carolina].

Before [name redacted] revs up his engine, we're on a mission to raise $33,333 to provide toys, books, joy, and HOPE to children in need — at Christmastime and throughout the year. Click to contribute now and join us as we #DriveforHope to make a difference for children living in poverty.***

MARINE CORPS RESERVE
TOYS FOR TOTS

TOGETHER, WE'RE A DRIVING FORCE FOR GOOD FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

Toys for Tots is proud to partner with Richard Childress Racing and [name redacted]. While [name redacted] races toward the finish line in the No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet, you can help us raise $33,333 to deliver toys, books, joy, and hope to children in need at Christmastime and all year long.

Thank you for being a driving force for good for children in need!

Donation Information

[  ] $33
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $150
[✓] $5

Contact Information

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Street Address: [redacted]
Address Line 2 (Optional): [redacted]
Postal Code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]
Phone (optional):

Donate $5

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation today August 31st, 2024, because "Toys for Tots is proud to partner with Richard Childress Racing." And "while [name redacted] races toward the finish line in the No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet, [I] can help [Toys for Tots] raise $33,333 to deliver toys, books, joy, and hope to children in need at Christmastime and all year long." –Paul Whiting (August 31st, 2024)

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August 31st, 2024 Update No. 4, Which Also Discusses August 30th, 2024: I received an email from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) today, August 30th, 2024, with the subject line, "Our plans for a Harris White House", which stated the following:

[Image of a collage with a Kamala Harris portrait, and a voting rights sign that says, "Voters Decide The Winner," as well as an image of the words "We the People" from Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.]

Paul, our 2024 election policy memo series is officially complete: the final memos in the series map out the opportunities and challenges we'll face in the fight for our rights should Vice President Kamala Harris be elected president this November.

As we did earlier this summer for Trump's presidential platform, our experts have now broken down Harris' pledges from the campaign trail, as well as her record in public office, to analyze what a Harris presidency would hold. If elected, we have the plan to hold her accountable to her commitments to expand our rights, while advocating for more progress at every level.

Check out our latest memos, including:

[✓] Harris on Immigration – which pushes back against the Biden administration's harmful asylum policies and sets forth the ACLU's plan to hold Harris accountable for expanding protections for longtime residents and a humane approach to the border

[✓] Harris on Surveillance – which dives into the ACLU's work urging Harris to protect us all from government surveillance and to create stronger privacy standards and safeguards

[✓] Harris on the Criminal Legal System – which describes our plan to push Harris to bring accountability, fairness, and humanity into our legal system by ending mass incarceration, stopping police brutality, and abolishing the death penalty

VIEW ALL OF THE HARRIS MEMOS:

https://www.aclu.org/campaigns-initiatives/project2025

Paul, thank you for all you've done to help us meet this moment. With you by our side, we're ready to take on this crucial work for our rights – regardless of who wins the White House this November.

With thanks for all you do,

The ACLU Team

ACLU
CAMPAIGNS & INITIATIVES ›

The Trump and Harris Memos

By ACLU

Last updated on July 30, 2024

Our democracy hangs in the balance because of initiatives like Project 2025. Read our memos outlining where each presidential candidate stands on the issues.

Republican nominee Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris will face off in the 2024 presidential election — and the stakes for our civil rights and liberties are higher than ever. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has introduced Project 2025, a roadmap to take away our freedoms by chipping away at checks and balances. Coupled with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling expanding presidential immunity from criminal prosecution while in office, Project 2025 threatens to dismantle democracy as we know it.

Though the ACLU doesn’t endorse or oppose candidates for elected office, we recognize there will be drastically different realities for the country depending on which candidate wins in November. Regardless of a candidate’s political affiliation, the ACLU will stand for any executive action to protect and expand civil rights and liberties, and stand against any executive action that threatens them. Our legal, legislative, and advocacy experts are preparing for any administration by identifying the challenges and opportunities that each candidate brings, and the concrete actions the ACLU will take in response.

Ahead of the election, we are sharing our roadmap in a series of 13 memos — seven memos on a potential second Trump administration and six on potential Harris administration — to be released through August. The memos will address a range of issues from immigrants’ rights, abortion access, LGBTQ rights, First Amendment freedoms, racial equity, criminal legal reform, and more. Check back every week for a new memo outlining what a potential Trump and Harris administration means for our most fundamental freedoms, and what the ACLU is doing to ensure the nation lives up to the promise of the Constitution.

Harris Memos

The Harris Memos Compilation

The ACLU's roadmap for protecting civil rights and civil liberties under a Harris Administration.

Read Our Memos Compilation

https://www.aclu.org/publications/the-harris-memos-compilation

Harris on the Criminal Legal System

Harris on Surveillance

Harris on Immigration

Harris on Voting Rights

Harris on LGBTQ Rights

Harris on Abortion ...

[Blogger's Note: I read the ACLU's Campaigns & Initiatives article titled, "The Trump and Harris Memos." Plus, on September 16th, 2024, I finally downloaded and read "The Harris Memos Compilation" PDF, which is 92 pages long, but it contains all of the memos listed above with some additional introductory text to each memo. And it took me just about four hours (or, 3 hours and 58 minutes) to read all of the chapters, as listed below, from the Compilation's Table of Contents:

CONTENTS

FOREWARD...........................................[Page] 1
(I didn't track how long it took me to read the forward.)

KAMALA HARRIS ON:

ABORTION.............................................[Page] 3
(47 minutes to read)
VOTING RIGHTS..................................[Page] 18
(53 minutes to read)
LGBTQ RIGHTS ...................................[Page] 37
(29 minutes to read)
SURVEILLANCE...................................[Page] 48
(55 minutes to read)
IMMIGRATION....................................[Page] 64
(24 minutes to read)
THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM.....[Page] 77
(30 minutes to read)

(Please see my 'July 24th, 2024 Update No. 2, Which Also Discusses July 23rd, 2024' that can be found above, regarding the "Trump Memos," which I started reading on September 17th, 2024 and finished reading on September 18th, 2024.)]

Please see the hyperlink below for the article:

https://www.aclu.org/campaigns-initiatives/project2025

So, I wanted to share this email from the ACLU in order to show my support for the officially completed "Harris Memos," as part of "The Trump and Harris Memos" article. –Paul Whiting (written August 31st, 2024, revised September 2nd, 2024, revised September 16th, 2024 and revised September 18th, 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 on August 3rd, 2024 (please see my 'August 3rd, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses August 2nd, 2024' that can be found above), as well as on August 22nd, 2024 (please see my 'August 22nd, 2024 Update No. 1,' which can be found above) those are the one-time donations which I made to the ACLU for August 2024.

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August 31st, 2024 Update No. 5, Which Also Discusses August 30th, 2024: I received an email from CREDO Mobile (which is my cell phone company) yesterday, August 30th, 2024, with the subject line, "Sign the petition: Tim Walz Free Lunch program", which stated the following:

Dear Fellow Progressive,

You have probably seen the photo of presumptive vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz mobbed by happy children. This was after he passed a universal lunch program in his state, making sure that every kid received a free lunch, no matter how rich or poor they were. Every kid, in every state should have lunch.

Sign the petition to Pass Tim Walz's free lunch for kids program in EVERY state!

This is what the government should exist to do. This is why we pay taxes. It's time to make sure kids have what they need to learn, and that includes not being hungry. We need to institute Tim Walz's free lunch program in EVERY state!

Sign the Petition Today***

Pass Tim Walz's Free Lunch For Kids Program in EVERY state!

[Petition Text:]

As governor of Minnesota, presumptive vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz passed a universal lunch program in his state, making sure that every kid received a free lunch, no matter how rich or poor they were.

It frees families from school lunch debt, which shouldn't ever have been a thing in the first place, ends the quiet humiliation of "lunch shaming" in which poorer kids receive worse quality food, helps out families who make too much to qualify for free meal programs but are still struggling, and ensures that kids have the fuel they need to learn.

This is what the government should exist to do. This is why we pay taxes. Making sure hungry kids are fed should be society's number one priority, and it speaks volumes about our society that the concept of "lunch debt" exists at all. It's time to end lunch debt for good and institute Tim Walz's free lunch program in EVERY state!

Pass Tim Walz's free lunch for kids program in EVERY state!

ADD YOUR NAME:

First Name: Whiting
Last Name: Paul
Email: [redacted]
Zip/Postal Code: [redacted]

Level up your activism with text alerts!

Cell phone (not landline): [redacted]

Thus, I signed the petition, via the CivicShout.com website, to "Pass Tim Walz's free lunch for kids program in EVERY state!" –Paul Whiting (written August 31st, 2024 and revised September 2nd, 2024)

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August 31st, 2024 Update No. 6, Written From September 1st, 2024 To September 2nd, 2024 About August 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

▪ April 30th, 2024 Update No. 2, Written On May 1st, 2024 About April 2024

▪ May 31st, 2024 Update No. 3, Written On June 1st, 2024 About May 2024

▪ June 30th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On July 1st, 2024 About June 2024

▪ July 31st, 2024 Update No. 1, Written From August 1st, 2024 To August 2nd, 2024 About July 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 Kamala Harris'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, August 31st, 2024, was the last day of August 2024, I wanted to provide you with August's total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations:

August 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 18.09% {18.09296320206%}

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

[01] NARF (Native Amer. Rights Fund): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[02] PPFA (Plan. Parent. Feder. of Amer.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[03] News Organizations: 0.97% {0.96836668818%}
[04] USO (United Serv. Orgs.): 2.58% {2.58231116849%}
[05] ACLU (Amer. Civ. Lib. Union): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[06] WWP (Wounded Warrior Project): 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[07] Military Order of the Purple Heart: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[08] IAVA (Iraq & Afghan. Vet. of Amer.): 0.65% {0.64557779212%}
-------Please see [09] below-------
[10] Union Gospel Mission: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[11] Blanchet House: 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[12] The Salvation Army: 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[13] Brady United: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[14] March For Our Lives: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[15] Monthly Political: 2.32% {2.32408005164%}
-------Please see [16] below-------
[17] DMA (Dem. Mayors Assoc.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[18] ACLU of Oregon: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[19] DNC (Dem. Nation. Cam. Comm.): 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[20] Oregon Sierra Club PAC: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[21] DPO (Dem. Party of Ore.): 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[22] DLCC (Dem. Legis. Cam. Comm.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[23] Non-Categorized Local Political: 0.21% {0.20723047127%}
[24] Jane Fonda Climate PAC: 0.07% {0.06907682375%}
[25] Teachers Unify To End Gun Violence: 0.13% {0.12911555842%}
[26] Four Directions Native Vote: 0.13% {0.12911555842%}
[27] DSCC (Dem. Senate. Cam. Comm.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[28] Ban Assault Weapons NOW: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[29] Rolling Sea PAC: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[30] DASS (Dem. Assoc. Secr. of State): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[31] Educated We Stand: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[32] VoteVets: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[33] Democratic Youth Wave PAC: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[34] Voters of Tomorrow PAC: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[35] DAGA (Dem. Attorneys. Gen. Assoc.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[36] Voto Latino: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[37] Harris for President: 1.91% {1.91091026468%}
[38] Harris Victory Fund: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[39] DGA (Dem. Govern. Assoc.): 0.07% {0.06907682375%}
[40] DCCC (Dem. Congress. Cam. Comm.): 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[41] Non-Categorized Political: 0.07% {0.06907682375%}
[42] EMILYs List: 0.14% {0.13815364751%}
[43] UFW (Unite. Farm Work.): 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[44] Armed Services YMCA: 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[45] Feeding America: 0.45% {0.45190445448%}
[46] Oregon Food Bank: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}
[47] Toys for Tots: 0.32% {0.32278889606%}

Monthly Income Total Percentage Calculation:

4.48% {14 × 0.32%}
+ 0.97%
+ 2.58%
+ 2.26% {5 × 0.45% approximately}
+ 0.65%
+ 2.32%
+ 0.63% {3 × 0.21%}
+ 0.21% {3 × 0.07%}
+ 0.26% {2 × 0.13%}
+ 1.82% {13 × 0.14%}
+ 1.91%
= 18.09%

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

[09] Credit Card Purchases: 2.64% {2.63524854744%}
[16] Monthly Interest: 7.55% {7.55390574564%}

Total Percentage of Monthly Income from Interest and Purchases: 10.19% {10.18915429309%}

Grand Total Percentage of Monthly Income for August 2024: 28.28% {28.28211749515%}

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 August 2024 (on August 23rd) 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 Harris for President, or the Harris 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) the State Legislatures (the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee), and the Mayors (Democratic Mayors Association, or the National Conference of Democratic Mayors), during this eighth month of the year for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Now, this is where I usually say the following on these donation 'updates' that I write each month:

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.

So, that means I am going to follow my own concluding words of advice from these donation 'updates' that I write each month:

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.

So now, the time has come to for me to "adjust this new credit card budget even more," since I am still spending a considerable percentage of my monthly income on all of these donations in 2024—as outlined below—starting with January of 2024.

January 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 13.42% {13.41962556488%}

February 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 24.29% {24.29244673983%}

March 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 19.99% {19.99806326662%}

April 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 12.99% {12.99225306649%}

May 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 17.14% {17.14267269205%}

June 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15.87% {15.87798579728%}

July 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 15.99% {15.99612653324%}

August 2024:
Total percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations: 18.09% {18.09296320206%}

Thus, if I average out the total percentage that I have spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2024 through August 2024, it comes out to an average of 17.22% {17.2265171078%} of my monthly income!

Now, if you compare the percentage in 2023 that I spent on political, progressive and charitable organizations from January 2023 through August 2023, it was 18% of my monthly income!

January 2023: 15%
February 2023: 19%
March 2023: 12%
April 2023: 17%
May 2023: 21%
June 2023: 20%
July 2023: 17%
August 2023: 23%

Total average percentage of my monthly income for political, progressive and charitable donations from January through August 2023: 18%

Therefore, by "tightening my belt," so to speak (please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 2, Written On October 1st, 2023 About September 2023' which can be found above), I have only saved about 0.78% over the first eight months of this year (2024) in comparison to the first eight months of last year (2023)...

...However, the good news is that I have been managing to pay down my credit card each month by about 5.30% {5.30019367333%} of my monthly income over the last eight months!

But, the not-so-good news is that I have been "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." And that actually has been working, so far—although it has also been a big drain on my savings, so much so that I am not going to have as much available in savings at the beginning of next year (2025), as I did at the beginning of this year (2024)—even after I have transferred all of the accumulated 'discount savings' (from coupons, discounts from stores, and discounts from other businesses, etc.) to my savings account, at the first of the year, which I have set aside in my 'monthly spending budget' during the entire year from the 'discount savings' that I have tracked. (Please see my 'August 19th, 2023 Update—Follow-Up No. 1, Written On August 31st, 2023,' which can be found above, for a full explanation of this process, under the heading "My Writing About Tracking My 'Discount Savings' In My Monthly Budget.")

So now, I have decided to stop making donations to progressive and charitable organizations until it's time for my annual holiday giving, which starts with Giving Tuesday and goes through Christmas Day—and sometimes New Year's Day—with my usual exception of the USO, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

To clarify, though: I am still donating to political organizations because it's a Presidential Election year. However, I am trying to spend a lot less on progressive and charitable organizations (with some exceptions), so that I can still make donations to the progressive and charitable organizations that I usually donate to during the holidays! Even then—however—I am now looking to make my holiday donations as humble as possible, whilst I am still donating, so as to (hopefully) leave myself with enough savings for next year's 'annual bills expenses', as well as any unexpected expenses...

...And then, starting in September 2024 (next month), I have made an executive decision that I am planning to only donate to political, progressive and charitable organizations on a quarterly basis—that is, every three months—or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis, so that I am (hopefully) reducing the percentage that I am spending of my monthly income on donations by a considerable amount and, thereby, reducing my credit card debt while I am also trying to no longer utilizing funds from my 'monthly spending budget,' or my savings, if at all possible.

And to clarify one more thing: I am still donating for holidays and special occasions throughout the year (like I have been doing in the past in order to keep up with all of my yearly donating, so that I don't get a year's worth of donations all bunching up on Giving Tuesday), as well as still donating for requests that I receive from political, progressive and charitable organizations through the regular mail (that is, 'mailers'), to which I choose to respond, but I will only be donating to political, progressive and charitable organizations for email and text message requests ONCE every three months (or, quarterly) with the exception of the USO, or as determined by me on a case-by-case basis.

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 from September 1st, 2024 to September 2nd, 2024, revised September 4th, 2024, revised September 5th, 2024 and revised October 2nd, 2024)

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For my complete charitable donation updates—that include some of my current "Online Activism," as well as most all of my ⋆USO⋆ donations—please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs.

Please see the hyperlinks below for the post:

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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This "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Post No. 154 was edited on November 5th, 2026.

"Prose is using all of the words that are necessary in order to describe all that is necessary to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

"Poetry is using the fewest words possible in order to describe all that is possible to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

Poet, Artist and Philosopher

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Post No. 154: I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 6

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