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[DMH]

 

President Obama Visits Mosque in Show of Solidarity with Muslim Americans - Q1, 2016

 

Baltimore, MD - President Barack Obama traveled to Baltimore this week to speak to a delegation of Muslim American and community leaders at the Islamic Society of Baltimore that was noted for its emphasis on solidarity with the community and criticism of recent rhetoric towards Muslim Americans in the media and on the political stage. 

 

"So the first thing I want to say is two words that Muslim Americans don't hear often enough and that is thank you," said President Obama at the start of his remarks to the crowd gathered at the Islamic Society of Baltimore. This marks the President’s first official visit to a mosque since the start of his presidency. President Obama is only the third U.S. President to make an official visit to a mosque during their term, with Dwight Eisenhower and George W. Bush having made previous trips during their respective presidencies.

 

President Obama was particularly forceful with regard to increasingly popular rhetoric from conservative circles around “radical Islamic terrorism” and the danger of casting a wide net when making claims of that nature. “We've heard inexcusable political rhetoric," said President Obama following a meeting with Muslim American leaders. "We've seen Muslim children bullied. We've seen mosques vandalized. We have to be consistent in condemning hateful rhetoric and violence against everyone." 

 

The President also addressed the rise of Islamic terrorist organizations like ISIS and called for a clear separation between the ideology of the terrorist groups and the Islamic faith. "Right now, there is an organized extremist element. Groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIL, they're not the first extremists in history to misuse God's name. We've seen it before, across faiths. Mere tolerance of different religions is not enough. Our faiths summon us to embrace our common humanity.”

 

Michigan Senator Alex Fakhouri was reportedly invited by the White House directly to also attend the gathering. Senator Fakhouri is the first and only Muslim American serving in the United States Senate. Representatives from various Muslim American interest groups, such as the Council on American Islamic Relations or CAIR, were also in attendance. “For a decade and longer, Muslims across America have faced the all too familiar challenge posed by the vocal few who do not or refuse to understand a viewpoint that is not their own,” said Senator Fakhouri when asked about why he accepted the offer to attend the event. “To see the President in solidarity with my community is heartwarming, and a reminder that we are still one nation, indivisible, regardless of which God we pray under.”

 

Joined by Maryland Senators Nolan Stokes and Ben Cardin, the President also met with various community leaders across Maryland at the event as well. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and other Baltimore city officials attended the event and participated in a separate roundtable held later in the day with the President. Republican Governor Larry Hogan cited scheduling conflicts for not being in attendance despite a reported offer by the White House.

 

When asked about the President’s visit, Senator Stokes stated, “The recent attacks on the Muslim community are alarming. I join in the call for love and peace. Muslim Americans are welcomed here and violence against our Muslim brothers and sisters will not be tolerated.”

 

Reports of increased Islamaphobia have been cited by experts in recent weeks and months following the rise of ISIS and rhetoric utilized that has placed the Muslim American community in what they describe as a difficult position. "The President's first trip to a U.S. mosque and his message promoting religious pluralism reaffirms the place of Muslims in American society," said CAIR in a statement following the meeting with President Obama.

[DMH]

 

Justice Antonin Scalia Dead at 79, Political Fight Rages for Supreme Court Vacancy - Q2, 2016

 

Shafter, TX - Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has passed away at the age of 79 at a ranch in Shafter, Texas. Justice Scalia was reportedly on vacation at the ranch owned by businessman John Poindexter. Medical personnel have determined the cause of death to be natural causes and no foul play is being investigated by law enforcement.

 

Justice Scalia was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and was confirmed by the Senate in a 98-0 vote. Scalia quickly made a name for himself as one of the foremost conservative legal minds in the United States and was universally recognized as a member of the court’s conservative wing. Key opinions of the late-Justice include D.C. v. Heller, which affirmed that the Constitution guarantees an individual right to handgun ownership, repeatedly declared that the Constitution does not guarantee the right to an abortion through dissents such as in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and did present an occasional libertarian streak through opinions like his opinion in favor of the majority in Texas v. Johnson which affirmed the right of Americans to engage in flag burning. The late-Justice was also known for his close friendship with ideological opposite and liberal member of the court Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

 

The death of the conservative legal icon has sent shockwaves across the American political world as the implications of his vacant seat have consumed Washington in recent days. While the White House and politicians across the country expressed sympathy for the Scalia family, the politics surrounding the death of the Justice quickly turned towards whether or not a new nominee should be confirmed by the Senate.

 

Senate Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, announced on the floor of the Senate that they would not take up a Supreme Court nominee during the 2016 election year. “... the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and I believe that it is today the American People who are best-positioned to help make this important decision,” said Majority Leader McConnell on the Senate floor. “Rather than a lame-duck president whose priorities and policies they just rejected in the most-recent national election.”

 

Senate Republicans have taken to the media to make the case that the vacancy on the Supreme Court is best left to the American People. Alabama Senator Cliff Fleming spoke to Fox News and pointed to past actions undertaken by Senate Democrats and then-Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada for changing the rules around judicial nominees in the Senate. “Democrats are the ones who abolished the Supreme Court judicial filibuster so they could continue to politicize the process that they say needs to be held up to the level of sanctity that it deserves,” stated Senator Fleming when asked about how the American People would respond to the actions of Senate Republicans.

 

Other Republicans pointed to a speech given by then-Senator Joe Biden of Delaware in 1992 in which he similarly called for a SCOTUS vacancy to be filled following the 1992 Presidential Election. Senator Douglas Butcher of Louisiana expanded on this point to Bill O’Reilly on the O’Reilly Factor by stating, “The interesting thing about this is that the current sitting vice president is the one who back in the Reagan years was talking about the inappropriate nature of nominating a Supreme Court candidate during an election. So, we have not established this so-called rule. It’s your vice president who established this rule.” 

 

Democrats have been quick to criticize the position of Senate Republicans in the press as unprecedented in nature and degrading for the institution. Speaking to MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Senator Heather James of Washington stated, “Since 1916, every nominee to fill a vacancy on the Court has been acted on by the Senate. 5 of them have been confirmed in election years, most recently Justice Kennedy in 1988, under President Reagan.” Democrats have also been publicly dismissive of the issue raised by Republicans around the speech made by then-Senator Biden as a one-off remark and not indicative of the wider party or institution.

 

The White House has indicated that it intends to move forward with nominating a jurist to replace the late-Antonin Scalia. Shortlists floating around D.C. have indicated that Judge Merrick Garland, Judge Paul J. Watford, and Judge Sri Srinivasan are top contenders for a potential nomination. Some progressive Democrats have expressed frustration with the White House over choosing a more conciliatory nominee in an attempt to seek confirmation than a more ideologically-aligned candidate. “The White House needs to call McConnell and co’s bluff and nominate a candidate Democrats can unify around that brings a strong progressive set of credentials,” said House Progressive Caucus Vice Chair Keith Ellison. “McConnell isn’t going to budge, so why should we? Put forward a nominee that is immensely qualified and unashamed to have an opinion.”

 

Recent polling indicates that a narrow majority of 52 percent of Americans believed Obama should make the nomination. The support overwhelmingly came from Democrats, with 81 percent of them saying they supported Obama nominating Scalia's successor. Among Republicans, only 27 percent said they either strongly or somewhat supported Obama making the pick.

 

Democrats and Republicans also have indicated different priorities when it comes to picking a Supreme Court nominee, according to the poll. A majority, or 62 percent, of Democrats said they wanted someone pragmatic and willing to compromise, with 55 percent of Republicans saying they wanted someone ideologically pure.

[DMH]

 

Pulse Nightclub Shooting Becomes Worst Mass Shooting in American History - Q2, 2016

 

Orlando, FL - Floridians and Americans nationwide are reeling from the worst mass shooting in American history as a gunman shot and killed 49 people and wounded 53 more at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida before being killed by law enforcement following a three-hour standoff. The 29-year-old shooter reportedly swore allegiance to ISIS hours before committing the mass shooting that is now being investigated by the FBI as an act of domestic terrorism. 

 

The victims of the mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub are disproportionately Latino as the nightclub was hosting a ‘Latin Night’ event when the shooting began at 2:00am. The shooter used a Sig Sauer MCX semi-automatic rifle and a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol to carry out the mass shooting. Some law enforcement experts have cited the three-hour standoff between Orlando Police and the shooter as an inadequate response for failing to breach the nightclub sooner. The wife of the shooter is currently in custody on suspicion of assisting with the planning of the attack.

 

Despite the investigation centering on the attack as a form of domestic terrorism, law enforcement and public experts are also pointing to the targeting of the LGBT community by the shooter as additional evidence that the attack was also a hate crime. Prominent LGBT organizations and activists have openly criticized the increasingly hostile political conversation around LGBT issues as a motivating factor for increased violence perpetrated against members of the community. Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBT organization, has already raised over $1 million for victims and their families. OneOrlando, a fundraising effort established by Mayor Buddy Dyer, has seen $1 million donations from both the Walt Disney Company and NBCUniversal.

 

Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for Orange County and has ordered that state flags be lowered for 49 days to honor the 49 victims of the mass shooting. The White House has offered use of federal resources to assist law enforcement in Orange County in the aftermath of the shooting. American Muslim leaders have been swift to condemn the attack, as have various elected officials and other community leaders. A vigil on the banks of Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando attracted 50,000 people to honor those lost.

 

The United Nations Security Council issued a statement condemning the shooting for "targeting persons as a result of their sexual orientation". The statement was notably supported by countries known for suppressing homosexual behavior and discussion, such as Egypt and Russia. Various Western and Middle Eastern countries have condemned the terrorist attack in the days following the tragedy.

 

The mass shooting has raised questions about the nature of national security as the Pulse Nightclub shooting becomes the worst domestic terrorist attack since 9/11. The usage of Facebook by the shooter has also prompted scrutiny of the company and other social media giants in the wake of the tragedy. Conversations around violence directed at the LGBT community have been commonplace in the days since the attack. 

[DMH]

 

President Obama Nominates Paul Watford to Supreme Court; McConnell a No on Hearing - Q3, 2016

 

Washington D.C. - In what is expected to be a major showdown between the White House and the Republican-led Congress, President Barack Obama has nominated 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Paul J. Watford to succeed the late-Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. Judge Watford is the third African American to be nominated to the Supreme Court. The nomination marks a leftward shift compared to the other two names in the running, Judge Merrick Garland and Judge Sri Srinavasan. This comes after Senate Republicans have openly stated that they would not consider any nominee put forward by the President in an election year.

 

"I have fulfilled my constitutional duty," said President Barack Obama while delivering remarks at the Rose Garden. "Now it’s time for the Senate to do theirs. Presidents do not stop working in the final year of their term. Neither should a senator." The President highlighted Judge Watford's extensive legal background during the ceremony, with emphasis on his tenure as a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals since his 61-34 confirmation in 2012, as well as his prior legal work in the private sector and as an assistant U.S. Attorney in California. 

 

In response to the nomination, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has reaffirmed that Senate Republicans will not consider the nomination of Judge Watford. "It is unfortunate that President Obama has decided to put forward a nominee in spite of the clear signal that such a nominee will not be considered," said McConnell. "The American People should have their choice in November regarding who will nominate a successor to the late-Antonin Scalia. We have been consistent on this and the nomination of Judge Watford does not change that."

 

Fellow Senate Republicans, such as Senator Cliff Fleming of Alabama, echoed the sentiment of Majority Leader McConnell on mainstream news networks. "Throughout this whole affair you've seen members of our side of the aisle, or I guess I should say mine rather, who have said this is about the process," said Senator Fleming during a primetime interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN. "This is about following a precedent that then-Senator Joe Biden tried to establish decades ago and became even more necessarily when Senate Democrats cranked the divisiveness up to 10 by eliminating the Judicial filibuster for SCOTUS nominees. We didn't do this, Harry Reid did this."

 

Democrats in Congress have been quick to criticize Senate Republicans for refusing to hold a hearing for Judge Watford. Much of their criticism has centered around the possibility of a conservative successor being nominated, should 2016 Republican Presidential Nominee Katherine McCord of South Carolina win in the fall, and how that successor could rule against reproductive access, LGBT rights, and other key social issues of interest to center-left and left-wing Americans. 

 

2016 Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Doug Murphy of Wisconsin similarly went onto Anderson Cooper 360 to make the case of the dangers of a conservative SCOTUS nominee. "These chickenloaf games McConnell is playing with the Supreme Court, he's doing it for reasons that neither he nor any of the Republican presidential candidates will publicly admit: they're gunning for Roe, Obergefell, and Windsor," stated Murphy when asked about the long-term goal of blocking Judge Watford's nomination. "They view this not as an opportunity to confirm a highly qualified justice who will serve the people. Rather it's a tawdry attempt by them to legislate from the bench what they could never get done at the ballot box or in Congress. Why? Because the American people would never stand for it."

 

Other leading Democrats have been more blunt in their approach to criticizing Senate Republicans for refusing to consider Judge Watford's nomination. Senator Alex Fakhouri of Michigan, while speaking to Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, stated, "From 2013 to 2014 alone, the FBI reported hate crimes related to gender identity grew by more than 200%. Clearly, there is rabid fomenting of hatred out there, and the GOP is in the center of it. You better believe if they get their Supreme Court pick, it will lead to the overturning of Windsor, Obergefell, and, ultimately their long-stated target, Roe v. Wade."

 

Caught in the middle of an increasingly vitriolic public clash surrounding the Supreme Court vacancy are various moderate Democrat and Republican Senators who have expressed desire for compromise to prevail. Senator John Carlsen of Indiana, a prominent Blue Dog Democrat in the chamber, made that desire known during an appearance on Meet the Press. "My own preference was for the President and Senate Majority Leader to sit down together and find a list of nominees they could both live with," said Senator Carlsen when asked about the state of the nomination. "...Presidents Taft, Wilson, Hoover, Roosevelt, Johnson and Reagan have all had their nominees considered in a Presidential election year... My recommendation is still that the President and Senate Majority come together to find a way forward."

 

Progressive Democrats threw a major curveball into the conversation around the SCOTUS vacancy debate as Independent Senator Camilo deSonido of California and Senator Alex Fakhouri of Michigan spoke to the press at a briefing in the Senate and put forward a joint resolution that would allow for the direct election of the Judges of the United States Supreme Court. "I think the bill says it all, said Senator deSonido during the briefing. "Direct democracy takes Progressives, and historically Republicans back to their Bull Moose roots. Direct democracy was part of the agenda of the 1912 US Progressive Party Convention.

 

Despite praise within some progressive circles, the idea was quickly panned by Republicans across the party, as well as various moderate and center-left Democrats. "It's clear that the joint resolution by deSonido and Fakhouri was not received well by not only the Republican Party but many members of the Democratic Party," said Professor Larry Sabato. "While some Americans have expressed increasing openness to term limits for Supreme Court Justices, something that is present in the joint resolution, direct election of Justices simply is not a mainstream position with a heck of a lot of logistical problems."

 

Pundits are in general agreement that Republicans have maintained fairly consistent messaging around the SCOTUS vacancy. "At the end of the day, Republicans made clear they would not see a nominee made by President Obama and they're sticking to it," said Fox News commentator Charles Krauthammer during Fox News Sunday. "While the argument around the Vice President's words from 1992 has hit its peak with voters, the overall message of Republicans has stayed the same: voters should pick who nominates this next nominee. Whether voters actually want that versus allowing President Obama to pick a nominee is another story but that consistency no doubt helps."

 

Democrats, while effectively rallying their own voters to support filling the vacancy, have struggled to appeal to independent and swing voters. "I think there is little question that Democratic voters want this vacancy filled, probably more than any nominee in recent memory," said MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell during an opening monologue. "I do think the emphasis on ideology, as we've seen various Democrats do in the press, doesn't land nearly as well when Republicans are by-and-large not making an ideological case. Republican voters as a result aren't as enthused but it makes their case feel less blatantly partisan, despite how clearly partisan their opposition is."

 

Other prominent Democrats have been critical of the joint resolution put forward by Senator deSonido and Senator Fakhouri. "I think it was a mistake to put forward this resolution in the way it was," said former DNC Chairwoman Donna Brazile. "Republicans have been calling out Democrats for being overly ideological on SCOTUS and calling for direct election of judges, in what I'd expect would be very partisan political campaigns, only exacerbates that criticism. I do think the actions of two Senators is overblown by the press but this is the climate we live in."

 

In spite of large swaths of the Democratic Party expressing hesitancy around the joint resolution proposal, progressive Democrats have expressed support for the idea. "deSonido and Fakhouri are seeing what progressive voters on the ground want and running with it," stated progressive strategist Jeff Weaver. "While I may have focused more on term limits themselves and not direct election, anyone would be an idiot to not see how historically unpopular SCOTUS is across the board. Americans want change in the Supreme Court, even if establishment Democrats and Republicans don't."

 

Polling following the nomination of Judge Watford indicate that a 48 percent plurality of Americans, down from 52 percent, believe the President should be able to make the nomination and that Watford should be confirmed. The support continued to overwhelmingly come from Democrats, with 91 percent of them saying they supported Obama nominating Scalia's successor. Among Republicans, support for Obama has dropped to only 16 percent that have said they either strongly or somewhat supported Obama making the pick. 77 percent of Americans have stated they do not support the joint resolution proposal put forward by Senator deSonido and Senator Fakhouri, but a 65 percent majority of progressive-identifying Americans have expressed support.

 

Priorities of both major parties among their bases have changed drastically in recent weeks. 64 percent of Democrats now say they want someone ideologically pure as their nominee, and they find that in Judge Watford. This is a major shift from a majority of Democrats who wanted a more conciliatory choice prior to the Watford nomination. Nearly 75 percent of Republicans have expressed strong or somewhat strong support of Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans blocking the nomination of Judge Watford. Polling has also indicated that a 54 percent majority of Americans view the Watford nomination as ideologically-motivated, in spite of a nearly 65 percent majority of Americans holding a favorable personal view of Judge Watford.

 

Democrats do hold an enthusiasm lead over Republicans with their base voters regarding how the nomination is motivating potential voting patterns. Despite struggling with swing and conservative voters, Democrats have animated their base around the Watford nomination with many potential liberal voters citing threats to LGBT rights, reproductive rights, environmental protections, and other key priorities. The increasingly ideological nature of the public conversation has motivated more ideological conversations among conservative talk radio and podcasts, which could provide enthusiasm against Judge Watford among conservative voters.

[DMH]

 

 

Senate Republicans Call For Additional Scrutiny of Valdez, Flournoy, and Orszag - Q1, 2017

 

Washington D.C. - Senate Republicans have indicated that they will seek to additionally scrutinize three cabinet nominees of President Xiomara de la Cruz. While Democrats currently hold a 50-49 majority in the U.S. Senate, with a pending outcome in Wisconsin, they cannot afford to lose a single vote within their caucus to confirm the nominees of the President's cabinet. 

 

One name has floated consistently around the media in a firestorm since the President announced her cabinet. Former OMB Director Peter Orszag, tapped to return as OMB Director, has found himself in the crosshairs of conservative media. A former Director of the Congressional Budget Office and Director of the Office of Management and Budget during the early years of the Obama Administration, Mr. Orszag has been credited by many as a key player in keeping the United States from spiraling into a depression during the Great Recession. His personal life and somewhat contentious relationship with some members of the White House was subject of media speculation and interest during his time at the OMB. 

 

Republicans criticism of Peter Orszag has focused primarily around his private sector work for investment bank Citigroup. Accusations include claims that Mr. Orszag enriched himself after leaving office within the same industry he regulated. Republicans have also been critical of the White House for elevating a member of Wall Street after campaigning against Wall Street in 2016, going so far as to accuse their opponents of being the candidates of Wall Street. A joint statement by multiple members of the Senate Republican Conference, spearheaded by Senator David Stewart of Pennsylvania, stated that, "Peter Orszag enriched himself on the back of public service before and we have no reason not to believe he will do it again. He cannot become a part of this administration."

 

Republicans have hammered the issue of his work at Citigroup and private sector work during his time after the Clinton Administration repeatedly in the press. "Citigroup used Peter Orszag when he worked for Obama to make sure Obama kept their financial elites out of jail," said Senator Jason Roy of South Carolina on Fox and Friends. "Then he left Obama and cashed-out and went to Citigroup. This bank took over $500 billion in bailout funds from the American people and no consequences from Obama and this guy helps them get off."

 

While pundits expect Peter Orszag's upcoming hearing to be contentious as a result of significant Republican scrutiny, some have been critical of the rhetoric by some Senate Republicans centered around financial regulation. "Frankly, I'm scratching my head at these Senate Republicans demanding increased financial burden," exclaimed Fox News Host Sean Hannity. "I think Peter Orszag needs to be challenged for his shady business and bad record but some of these Republicans sound like lefty Camilo deSonido or Nolan Stokes. I guess we'll have to see."

 

The decision by Republicans to challenge the nomination of former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy for Secretary of Defense came more into view following public criticism of her time in the Obama Administration. Previously the the highest-ranking woman in the history of the Department of Defense, Mrs. Flournoy has been a well-respected figure in foreign policy and defense circles. "Flournoy's nomination was a natural choice for President de la Cruz," explained Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin on Fox News Sunday. "While Flournoy will make history as the first female Defense Secretary should she be appointed, she is ideologically similar to the moderate de la Cruz."

 

Senate Republicans have honed their criticism of Mrs. Flournoy around her role in crafting the Obama Administration's policy for the 2011 U.S. intervention in Libya that removed dictator Muammar Gaddafi from power. While the intervention was successful in removing Gaddafi from power, subsequent instability has left Libya in significant upheaval, with the violent attack on the American embassy in Benghazi in 2012 becoming synonymous with the overall intervention. "Flournoy, as the mastermind behind the disastrous intervention in Libya in 2011, has proven herself to be a reckless and irresponsible decision-maker when it comes to matters of national security," said Senator Anne Marie Morello of Idaho in a recent press release. "The intervention in Libya led to chaos and instability in the region, ultimately creating a breeding ground for terrorism and further exacerbating the refugee crisis. 

 

The final cabinet member receiving additional scrutiny is the nominee for Secretary of State, Senator Katrina Valdez of Virginia. The former Director of the CIA during the Obama Administration and Senator of Virginia since 2013, Senator Valdez had been a supporter of now-Vice President Doug Murphy of Wisconsin during the 2016 Democratic Presidential Primaries before backing the President. "Katrina Valdez is a natural choice for Secretary of State given her similar background and ideology to President de la Cruz," said MSNBC Host Rachel Maddow. "Valdez is qualified but also has the added benefit of having good relations across the Democratic Party."

 

While Republicans have been relatively mum regarding their opinions of Senator Valdez's nomination, pundits expect her to be grilled by Republicans on current foreign affairs and her past tenure with the CIA. "The United States is operating in a world constantly changing with pressing issues that the de la Cruz Administration will need to address," explained CNN Host Fareed Zakaria. "I expect Senators have a lot of questions about where Senator Valdez, and by extension President de la Cruz herself, stand on key foreign policy challenges facing the United States. ISIS, trade, China, Russia, NATO, South America, etc. could all be issues Republicans seek concrete answers for."

 

The President's cabinet has received broad support from the Democratic Party. Hailed by pundits as overall a left of center cabinet with nods to moderate conservatives and progressives, the de la Cruz Administration has not faced significant opposition from within the ranks of their party. Prominent Democratic leaders, such as DNC Chairwoman and Senator Heather James of Washington, have been vocal in the press on the positives of the cabinet. "I'm excited and encouraged by President de la Cruz's Cabinet nominations and executive appointments, which show every sign of a well prepared administration that has hit the ground running," said the DNC Chairwoman on Morning Edition with NPR. "Of course nominations for important federal office deserve due scrutiny, and the Senate's role to advise and consent on these nominations is integral, but I'm hopeful the confirmation process will not be held up unnecessarily."

 

Polling indicates that a 61% majority of Americans approve of the cabinet put forward by the de la Cruz Administration. Polling for OMB Nominee Peter Orszag is the lowest of any nominee with a narrow 46% plurality of Americans favoring his confirmation to the role, more than likely the result of a concentrated conservative media campaign. Michele Flournoy and Katrina Valdez both hold majority support of 55% and 59% respectively, with the dip for Flournoy the result of renewed focus on the 2011 military intervention in Libya. 

[Tedder]

GM Says Venezuela Has Seized Its Car Plant, Halting Operations

 

General Motors has announced the immediate cessation of its operations in Venezuela following the unexpected seizure of its plant by local authorities, marking another chapter in the country's escalating economic crisis. The automotive giant labeled the incident an "illegal judicial seizure of its assets," highlighting the ongoing tensions between foreign businesses and the Venezuelan government.

 

The seizure, according to GM, demonstrates a "total disregard" for its legal rights, with assets including vehicles reportedly removed from company facilities. In response, GM stated, "We strongly reject the arbitrary measures taken by the authorities and will vigorously take all legal actions, within and outside of Venezuela, to defend our rights."

 

This move comes as part of a broader trend of nationalizations that began under former President Hugo Chavez and has continued under his successor, President Nicolas Maduro. Over the years, the Venezuelan state has taken control of significant portions of the economy, including sectors such as oil, telecommunications, and energy, often citing economic sovereignty and anti-imperialist rhetoric as justifications.

 

Economists and political analysts have criticized the government's approach. "Government decision making is increasingly incoherent. It's difficult to understand the rationale," commented Nicolas Watson, head of Latin American research at Teneo Intelligence. This unpredictability has posed significant challenges for foreign companies operating in Venezuela, compounded by restrictions on accessing U.S. dollars, essential for importing necessary parts for manufacturing and other business operations.

 

The GM plant in Valencia, which employs nearly 2,700 workers, had already ceased car production in 2015, functioning solely as a distributor of spare parts due to these import challenges. Despite halting operations, GM has committed to making "separation payments" to its workers.

 

The economic backdrop to this seizure is dire. Venezuela's economy contracted by 18% in 2016, the third year of recession, with unemployment expected to climb above 25%. Venezuelans face severe shortages of essentials like food and medicine, and hyperinflation has decimated the value of the bolivar, leading to exorbitant prices for consumer goods.

 

Recent political developments have also sparked widespread unrest. Large-scale protests have intensified since the government barred opposition leader Henrique Capriles from holding political office for 15 years. The opposition has accused President Maduro of dictatorial behaviors, exacerbated by recent actions from a loyalist-backed Supreme Court which attempted to strip powers from the opposition-led National Assembly, although this decision was later reversed amid significant public and international backlash.

 

The situation in Venezuela remains fraught with both economic and political instability, prompting a series of international businesses to either reduce their operations or exit the country entirely, a list that now includes major names like ExxonMobil and Kimberly-Clark. This trend underscores the increasingly challenging environment for foreign investment and the ongoing economic decline under the current administration.

[Conrad]

California in Gridlock After Major Bridge Collapse on I-5 near Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, California – A critical section of Interstate 5 near Sacramento collapsed this afternoon, bringing rush hour traffic to a standstill and raising concerns about potential injuries. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has confirmed multiple vehicles were involved in the collapse, but the extent of injuries remains unclear at this time. Emergency responders are on the scene and have begun a search and rescue operation.

 

The collapse occurred on the northbound side of I-5 near the American River Bridge, a vital artery connecting Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest. The cause of the bridge failure is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest structural damage may have been exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall. A report by the USACE had flagged the bridge as deficient and urged repairs.

 

“This is a major transportation crisis,” said local officials at a press conference this evening. “Our top priority is the safety of those involved in the collapse. We are working tirelessly with emergency responders to locate and rescue anyone who may be injured.”

 

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has advised motorists to avoid the area entirely. Major traffic arteries throughout Sacramento are experiencing gridlock as drivers attempt to reroute. Commuters are urged to use public transportation if possible.

 

The full extent of the damage remains unknown. Engineers are on-site assessing the situation and formulating a plan for recovery. However, officials warn it could take days or even weeks to reopen the crucial stretch of I-5.

 

“This collapse will have a significant impact on the state’s economy and our way of life,” said an official. “We are committed to rebuilding the bridge as quickly and safely as possible, but this will be a long and complex process.”

 

California residents are bracing for a period of transportation disruption as authorities grapple with the aftermath of the bridge collapse. The coming days will be critical for determining the extent of injuries and the path forward for reconstruction.

 

The economic impact of the bridge closure is expected to be significant. The disruption of the vital trade corridor between Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest could lead to shortages and price hikes for goods transported by truck. Local businesses in Sacramento are also likely to suffer as commuters avoid the area.

 

Local officials are urging residents to remain calm and to come together in support of those affected by the disaster.

[Tedder]

British Airways IT Meltdown Causes Global Disruption

 

In a massive setback for travelers, British Airways canceled all flights from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Saturday due to severe IT failures, affecting thousands of passengers. The disruption, attributed to a power supply issue, has brought operations to a standstill, with no clear resolution in sight.

 

Travel plans for thousands were thrown into chaos as British Airways abruptly grounded its planes. Passengers described the scene at the airports as "chaotic" and criticized the airline for insufficient communication about the unfolding situation. Piles of unattended luggage and long, stagnant queues became the day’s grim symbols.

 

BA Chief Executive Alex Cruz, in a video statement, confirmed that the IT problems were not related to any cyber-attack, but rather a significant power supply issue. Cruz apologized for the disruptions, even as the airline instructed passengers via social media not to come to the airports.

 

The impact of the IT crash is extensive, with the GMB union alleging that the disaster could have been averted if BA had not outsourced its IT operations—a claim BA denies, insisting it does not compromise the security or integrity of its IT systems. Despite the denials, the union highlighted previous redundancies in the IT department as a potential factor in the meltdown.

The timing of the IT failure, coinciding with the start of a busy holiday period, only intensified the inconvenience for travelers. British Airways has offered refunds or rebookings, but the sudden announcement left many stranded and without clear alternatives.

 

Aviation experts are dubbing the situation as catastrophic, given that the outage has frozen critical systems affecting flight operations, baggage handling, and customer service. Analysts predict that the disruptions could continue for several days, urging passengers to reconsider their travel plans.

 

British Airways faces mounting criticism over its handling of the situation, particularly its communication strategy. Travelers have expressed frustration over the lack of updates and visible staff assistance at the airports. The reliance on impromptu methods like whiteboards to convey flight information highlighted the scale of the disarray.

 

As the situation develops, British Airways continues its efforts to manage the crisis, but the long-term repercussions on passenger trust and company reputation remain uncertain. The airline must navigate not only the immediate technical challenges but also the broader implications for its operational and customer service strategies.

[Conrad]

Bridge Repair Costs Estimated at $4 Billion, Cleanup Progressing

SACRAMENTO, California – As the aftermath of the devastating bridge collapse on Interstate 5 near Sacramento unfolds, authorities have announced staggering estimates for the repair costs, reaching approximately $4 billion. However, amidst the financial projection, there's a glimmer of progress as most of the initial damage from the collapse has been cleared up.

 

The collapse, which occurred on the critical northbound section of I-5 near the American River Bridge, has left a profound impact on the region, with a death toll of eight and 287 individuals suffering injuries of varying degrees.

 

Addressing the nation and the people of California, Senator Camilo deSonido delivered a speech reflecting on the tragedy and calling for unity and action, "Ladies and gentlemen, today I find myself consumed by a range of emotions—anger, sorrow, and yet, amidst it all, gratitude," Senator deSonido said "My heart, first and foremost, goes out to the families who have suffered unimaginable losses and to those who are grieving the hurt or loss of loved ones due to today's tragic bridge collapse. You are in my every thought and prayer during this deeply difficult time." the Senator went onto thank the local and state official for their quick work.

 

He also called for bipartisan cooperation in addressing systemic issues. "To my colleagues across the aisle, particularly to Jason Roy and the Republican party, the message is one word: Repent," Senator deSonido urged. "Turn from the sin of hatred and embrace a path of love and cooperation." it was interesting to hear a Senator from California be so pious in a speech, remarked some political analysts. 

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been involved to assess the damage and provide financial assistance for the repair and recovery efforts. 

While federal assistance has covered a significant portion of the repair costs for the collapsed bridge,  it's unlikely that all costs will be met by the Federal Government. CNN estimates that the state has been left with a a 25% portion of the repair costs. Governor Brown has called on the federal government to do more. 

[Conrad]

Senate Introduces I-5 Relief Act to Address American River Bridge Collapse

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senators Everhart and deSonido, alongside other senators, have introduced a bill in the Senate aimed at providing critical relief funding for the aftermath of the American River Bridge collapse on Interstate 5. 

 

The Act allocates a staggering $4 billion as a grant to the State of California for urgently needed infrastructure development. This substantial funding injection is intended to jumpstart repair efforts and restore the functionality of the affected transportation route. The labelling of the funds as a grant has caused some concern among Republican Senators who have looked to change the funding mechanism to a loan. 

 

The proposed legislation includes provisions mandating regular reporting from California to the Congress on the utilization of both grant and loan funds. Transparency and accountability measures are emphasized to ensure that funds are effectively and efficiently utilized for their intended purposes. The Secretary of Transportation would be empowered to issue necessary regulations and guidelines to facilitate the rapid implementation of repair and reconstruction efforts.

 

It has not all been a field full of rosy flowers for the legislation, however as critics point to California's past handling of public funds, citing instances of overspending and inefficiency. "California has a notorious reputation for squandering public money on pet projects and bureaucratic bloat," noted a conservative commentator on FOX News. 

 

Some conservative commentators advocate for exploring alternative solutions, such as public-private partnerships "Rather than relying solely on government handouts, we should incentivize private sector involvement and explore innovative financing mechanisms," suggested conservative analyst, Sarah Thompson.  

 

The act however seems it will pass as it has met no real opposition from Senate Republicans.