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The Far-Right Insists That Even Butterflies Recognize Borders
Brief #136 – Environmental Policy
By Todd J. Broadman
The politics of immigration along the border between Texas and Mexico now involves the National Butterfly Center (NBC). The NBC is a 100-acre nature preserve located in Mission, Texas. Since 1993, the NBC has served as a protected migratory refuge for the monarch, the rare pale sicklewing, and over 80 other butterfly species.
How Race Has Emerged in Recent Redistricting Cases Months Before the 2022 Midterms
Brief #182 – Civil Rights
By Rodney A. Maggay
For the first few months of 2022 reports emerged on the status of redistricting efforts in a number of states. Some of those battles have not been definitively resolved with one case even reaching the U.S. Supreme Court.
The 2022 Wage-Gap Spiral: State and Federal action to Cap Nurses’ Pay
Brief #135 – Economic Policy
By Alexandra Ellis
As the pandemic comes to its third year, state legislatures across the US are looking to cap nurses’ pay. States are calling for local and federal regulation of nursing agencies who employ nursing home nurses and travel nurses. Proponents of capping agency nurses. pay suggest there has been a significant increase of hourly wage for agency nurses.
Situation Update: The Ukraine Crisis
Brief #143 – Foreign Policy
By Abran C
Tensions and the threat of war in Europe remain high in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. On February 10th Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and British Secretary of State Lizz Truss held talks in Moscow to air grievances and attempt to engage in diplomacy.
The U.S. House Select Committee Investigation of the January 6 Attack on the Capitol: Part 8
Brief #32 – Social Justice
By Erika Shannon
The most recent person to be subpoenaed by the committee is former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro. According to public reports and his own book, Navarro was involved in the efforts to delay Congress’s certification of the 2020 election and attempt to change the election of results.
New Study Shows Americans are Dying Early from Air Pollution
Brief #135 – Environment Policy
By Jacob Morton
A new study published by the Health Effects Institute shows that Federal air pollution regulations are not doing enough to protect our elders from serious illness and death. The recent report published by HEI shows that Americans 65 and older are still at risk of death from exposure to fine soot pollution in the air, even at the levels allowed by the Federal government.
Mental Health Needs of Children and Youth Escalate During COVID-19 Era
Brief #69 – Education Policy
By Yelena Korshunov
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, everybody said that Greg was an exceptional basketball player. He was a leader of his middle school basketball team. He shot a basketball at the school court with his friends every single day after class, unless it was pouring rain. When the COVID-19 tsunami came, Greg had to quarantine, as did all of his friends.
How the U.S. Should Counter Russian Aggression in Ukraine
Brief #142 – Foreign Policy
By Abran C
The crisis and possible looming war in Ukraine have historical implications that include more than just Russia and Ukraine. Though the ties between Russia and Ukraine run far back into history, the conflict also involves the historical involvement of the United States and its NATO allies in Europe.
Democrats and Republicans Stake Out Positions In Upcoming Supreme Court Confirmation Fight;
Brief #181 – Civil Rights
By Rodney A. Maggay
In February 2016, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia passed away. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell later issued a statement stating that there would be no hearing or vote on a nominee submitted by President Barack Obama and that the choice should be left to the next President after the upcoming 2016 presidential election.
Federal Court in Florida Bans Enforcement of Florida’s Anti – Riot Law;
Federal Court in Florida Bans Enforcement of Florida’s Anti – Riot Law
Civil Rights Policy Brief #173 | By: Rodney A. Maggay | September 13, 2021
Header photo taken from: News Journal Online
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Photo taken from: Reason Magazine
Policy Summary
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On September 9, 2021 Chief United States District Judge Mark E. Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida issued a preliminary injunction order in the case Dream Defenders v. DeSantis. The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund of Florida, Inc., the ACLU of Florida and Community Justice Project brought a lawsuit on behalf of Dream Defenders and other Black – led organizations. The basis of the lawsuit was that HB1, known as the Combatting Public Disorder Law, violates the Constitution’s First Amendment right to free speech and the Fourteenth Amendment by criminalizing legitimate protest activity. Chief Judge Walker’s order barred the State of Florida from enforcing the bill temporarily. After being passed by the Florida Legislature earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed the bill into law on April 19, 2021.
HB1 sought to address the racial justice protests that had erupted in 2020. The bill created new definitions for the term “riot” and how a person could be charged with inciting a riot. A person acting together with only two or more persons that results in a violent public disturbance could be charged with inciting a riot. A person could also be charged under the new law if there is injury to another person or property or imminent damage to another person or property as a result of the gathering.
As a result of HB1 this lawsuit was brought by Plaintiff Dream Defenders against Gov. DeSantis. The order issued on September 9 is for a preliminary injunction which prohibits enforcement of the law until the case brought by the plaintiffs has been decided. LEARN MORE
Policy Analysis
The preliminary injunction issued by Chief Judge Walker does not close the book on HB1 but only serves to suspend the law while the case is being litigated. The case brought could still end up finding the law valid or it could find the law unconstitutional. But the way Chief Judge Walker wrote the order shows that the law has some structural weaknesses that will make it unlikely that it will pass constitutional muster.
The first thing that Chief Judge Walker did was begin his written order with the story of Florida A & M of Tallahassee students Wilhelmina Jakes and Carrie Patterson from 1956. Both students, who were Black, were arrested for inciting a “riot.” All they had done was refuse to move out of the “whites – only” seats they were sitting in on the local city bus. By doing this, Chief Judge Walker was signaling that the current use of HB1 is no different from the use of “anti – riot” laws to uphold Jim Crow laws in Florida in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Connecting HB1 with racial incidents from Florida’s past is an effective way to illustrate how HB1 was being used to target racial justice protestors.
Photo taken from: First Coast News
But as his written order went on, Chief Judge Walker brilliantly illustrated how the law was severely flawed. One theme he continually returned to was how the law was “vague and overbroad.” A law that is deemed “vague and overbroad” cannot be enforced because the terms and phrases in the bill/law are open to multiple and varying interpretations. This means that a law can mean one thing in one situation and can mean another in the same situation. There is no specificity to provide guidance to citizens and law enforcement officials who are relying on the law as to how to behave. Chief Judge Walker went on to list numerous hypothetical incidents that may or may not run afoul of HB1.
Photo taken from: Orlando Weekly
He asks what does “willfully participate in a violent public disturbance” mean? Does it mean actively taking part or merely being present while only holding a protest sign? What about giving a rioter a bottle to wash their eyes? Is this willfully participating in a riot? And, does violent actions caused by a minority of protesters implicate other attendees? Chief Judge Walker determined that the law as written does not offer answers to these situations and therefore the law was “vague and overbroad” and could not be enforced with any consistency.
While the order is only a preliminary injunction that temporarily prohibits the state from enforcing the law while the case proceeds, Chief Judge Walker has written a brilliant rebuttal as to why HB1 is flawed and likely not even constitutional. A law like HB1, which was clearly written to target racial justice protesters, should be permanently struck down and left as a relic of Florida’s past. LEARN MORE, LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
Click or tap on image to visit resource website.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida – statement on federal court’s ban on HB1 enforcement.
Community Justice Project – Florida group’s statement on HB1 court decision.
Should a Mental Health Assessment be a Requisite for a US Presidency?
Should a Mental Health Assessment be a Requisite for a US Presidency?
Health and Gender Policy Brief #131 | By: S Bhimji | September 15, 2021
Header photo taken from: The Conversation
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Photo taken from: Politico
Policy Summary
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The presidency of Donald Trump was an eye-opener for not only Americans but the entire world. Within the first few months of the presidency, Trump proved to everyone that even mentally challenged people can become leaders of the most powerful country on the planet; but whether they could govern is another matter.
From the very beginning, Trump’s character was revealed as brash, turbulent, volatile, impulsive, and divisive, and his lack of political experience was obvious- but he did not care or listen to anyone. The leadership traits that the public values like diligence, honesty, intelligence, and compassion were absent in Trump. Instead, his leadership style was that of a strongman or more like a dictator who hated to lose and lacked empathy.
During his entire presidency, he defiantly flipped the presidential scripts and created chaos everywhere. There was combativeness with everyone including his staff, the media, and even members of his party. There was a constant turnover of staff- all of whom were praised as great workers in the beginning and then deemed to be the worst employees when fired. Almost all briefings with the media were hostile and the modus operandi under Trump was to take no prisoners.
Everything that resonated with the prestige and tradition of being a US president was thrown out of the window- it was either Donald’s way or no way at all. And to make matters worse, most people believe that Trump was in some way responsible for the social insurrection that occurred on January 6, 2021.
Over the past few months, millions of Americans have become baffled by his personality and alarmed by the policies and tactics he was employing to stay in power. Some of these policies were regressive, unlawful, and undermined the long established democratic processes which the USA preaches to other nations.
But it was his ability to distort facts about everything from the crowd size at his inauguration to the mismanagement of the Covid crises which revealed that Trump has some deep underlying mental issues. If the facts did not suit him, he reiterated that they were fake or false news. Every single day, rather than go to his office, he would spend the early hours of the morning sending irrational tweets and insults to everyone including US Supreme court justices.
The persistent falsehoods by Trump eroded public trust in the US government. Trump made it sound that people are entitled to lie if they feel they have been maligned. But was this president under too much stress or was he another mental case?
Policy Analysis
One thing is clear; Donald Trump has some type of mental disorder, and one does not have to be a psychiatrist to make that diagnosis. But aside from his pathological lying, experts note his narcissistic personality, grandiose ideas and delusions are common traits observed in psychotic individuals.
Psychologists have labeled Trump’s persona as brash, belligerent, volatile, and outlandish; he has a constant need to seek attention; criteria that fit a diagnosis of narcissistic, paranoid, and antisocial personality disorders. Notes from Trump’s niece, Mary, reveals that Trump had no role models for empathy and reciprocity when growing; his mother was often absent and self-focused whereas his father lacked empathy. Throughout his life, Donald tried to win his father’s affection and approval.
Whatever position one takes on Trump and his policies, most people agree that he has been divisive and corrosive to the nation. He has failed to appreciate the reality of matters like losing an election. His beliefs appear to be delusional and destabilizing for the country. But it his bald-faced lies that have been the most disturbing; why he lies persistently remains a mystery.
Photo taken from: The Milwaukee Independent
Trump had almost no ability to govern or make any type of strategic policy to run a country. His tweeting reflected that his thinking was haphazard, impulsive, offensive, and boisterous. Trump is emotionally immature and has never been able to handle criticism or praise. When criticized he always gets angry and fires that individual. What was worse is that he was surrounded by people who agreed to meet all his demands and whims, which set a dangerous precedent for the nation.
Health professionals have come to know a fair bit about Trump’s personality and they have a cause for concern should he run again.
Government officials are considering legislative action about when and where to invoke the 25th amendment to the Constitution, which calls for the orderly transfer of power when a president is temporarily or permanently incapacitated.
Engagement Resources
Click or tap on image to visit resource website.
About mental health: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
Tyranny and mental health:
https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article/72/1/1/272832
Mental Illness in the Oval Office
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2016/Mental-Illness-in-the-Oval-Office
Taxes and Tribulations – Brief on Biden Tax Plans
Taxes and Tribulations – Brief on Biden Tax Plans
Economic Policy Brief #123 | By: Tyler-Joseph Ballard | September 15th, 2021
Header photo taken from: Bright! Tax
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Photo taken from: Shutterstock
Policy Summary
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A $3T USD budget shortfall in 2020 and the current deficit for 2021 of another $3T USD leaves the current administration in a considerable bind. The Biden administration’s proposed tax plans — The American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan — impose considerable tax hikes for corporations and top earners while providing increased child and dependent tax credits.
The Biden tax plan would increase federal spending by an estimated $1.7T USD between 2022-2031 while generating about $1.7T in additional revenue to supplant the additional spending during that same time frame. After-tax income among the bottom two earning quintiles would see increases over the next decade under the Biden Families Plan. This plan aims to execute upon the common American progressive talking points of redistributing wealth to lower earners through taxation of the highest earners and corporations.
Some of the key changes in these proposed plans include the following:
- An increased tax rate for top earners from 37% to 39.6%
- An increase in statutory federal corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%
- Extension of the enhanced Child Tax Credit through 2025
- A tax hike on US corporations operating in foreign countries (GITLI) from 10.5% to 21%.
Projections from the Congressional Budget Office indicate an overall deficit of $12.1 USD through the next decade, with an annual average of a 4% deficit to GDP ratio. The Tax Foundation projects that even with the increase in revenue to offset increased federal spending, about 200,000 full time jobs will be lost as a result of the two tax plans, as the workforce is expected to hit a significant reduction in growth over the latter half of the Biden tax timeline.
Policy Analysis
The immediate benefits and long-term positive impacts of the Biden tax plans for the lowest quintiles of earners are a significant takeaway of the plan, but the ramifications for corporations and top earners have and will continue to be a point of contention which holds up the passage of the plans in Congress.
Presently, Democrats in the House of Representatives have introduced an economic plan which is in line with the wishes of the Biden Administration, but reduces proposed tax rate increases upon corporations. Though Democrats have the capacity to pass such legislation through Congress, moderate Democrats remain concerned about the extremely high price tags that come with the Biden plans. Proposed legislation fluctuates between $1T and $3.5T USD in additional federal spending, and it is unclear what kind of compromise will be made between House Democrats for these proposals.
Photo taken from: CNBC
In response to these proposals, a business coalition called “America’s Job Creators for a Strong Recovery” has aimed to lobby moderate House Democrats to ease up on proposed corporate tax hikes, arguing that it is not a solution to the current economic crisis. The spending bills in Congress find solutions to funding the additional spending. But, similarly to previous administrations, the Biden administration is unlikely to yield a solution which cuts into the deficit and overall federal debt. Spending to get out of economic turmoil has been a feature of the American presidency since Roosevelt’s New Deal.
Photo taken from: TBA
Engagement Resources
Click or tap on image to visit resource website.
Key groups to follow to get reliable assessments of the Biden tax plan and Congressional action upon those plans are both the Tax Foundation (tax foundation.org)
and the Congressional Budget Office (cbo.gov). As House Democrats mediate between the White House and lobbyists, expect party line voting, with successful passage of whatever the finalized bills will be.
Who is Florida Governor Ron Desantis?
Who is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis?
Elections and Politics Policy Brief #131 | By: Abran C | September 18, 2021
Header photo taken from: Tampa Bay Times
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Photo taken from: The Guardian
Background
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The conservative-leaning state of Florida which has not elected a Democratic governor since 1999 is currently being headed by its 46th governor Ron Desantis. Before being elected Desantis joined the U.S. Navy from 2004 to 2010, serving as a judge advocate general (JAG) officer advising troops in Iraq and at Guantanamo Bay. He represented Florida’s 6th congressional district for three terms until his election as Governor over Democratic rival Andrew Gillum in 2019.
Controversies
Desantis’ term as governor has been full of controversy but also praise and high approval ratings among conservatives in both Florida and around the U.S. DeSantis has signed a number of controversial bills into law such as Florida bill 168: an Anti-Immigrant law that attempts to ban sanctuary cities in Florida and requires local law enforcement and jails to comply with ICE requests to find and hold illegal immigrants. This law received backlash from immigrant rights organizations and the ACLU.
Earlier this year in April 2021, DeSantis also signed HB 1 or what his administration called an anti-riot bill into law. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, which were met with disapproval among conservatives, the Florida Governor signed into law a bill that granted civil legal immunity to people who drive through protesters blocking a road. Supporters of HB 1 say the bill targets those who would act violently during protests, block highways or engage in looting.
Photo taken from: The Washington Post
The claim is that protests that impede traffic and block roads are dangerous and any citizens encountering protestors doing so are legally allowed to drive through the crowd. This law was recently declared unconstitutional by a federal judge in Florida but the judge’s ruling does not block all law enforcement in the state from enforcing HB 1.
Governor Ron DeSantis is also accused of sending Florida law enforcement to the home of former state data scientist Rebekah Jones. Jones had been fired from her job after refusing to change data that would put Florida counties meeting criteria for easing Covid restrictions and reopening. Jones says a superior asked her to open up the data and alter the numbers so that the state’s coronavirus positivity rating would change from 18% to 10% — and the state would appear to meet its target to reopen.
When she refused and continued posting data independently a search warrant was issued for her home and video emerged of several agents with weapons drawn entering her home and seizing her computers and phone. DeSantis alleges Jones sent illegal messages to state health department groups, though Jones was never arrested or charged with any crime.
Photo taken from: The Guardian
COVID-19
During the start of the U.S. shut down due to COVID-19, DeSantis issued a stay-at-home order on April 1st, 2020, but quickly set a reopening date for only a month later, May 4th, 2020. Having resisted lockdowns and mask mandates throughout the pandemic, he has become the leading the voice for the Republican hands-off approach to the virus. Allowing Floridians to deal with the virus as they pleased has resulted in Florida becoming among the worst in the nation for infection rates with about 22,000 per day and most ICUs in the state being filled to the brim. DeSantis has worked to ban mask mandates in schools even as the COVID-19 cases and deaths among children have risen with the new Delta variant. The U.S.
Department of Education recently it had begun a new program to provide funding for school districts in Florida that lose money for implementing safe COVID-19 practices such as mandatory masks.
Photo taken from: Tampa Bay Times
Future of the GOP and Presidential Hopeful
DeSantis has made it clear that he is looking to embrace Trumpism and the Republican party’s shift to the far right. Many see DeSantis as the new rising star to take the mantle and Presidency whenever Donald Trump is defeated or relinquishes his grip on the Republican party. Others see DeSantis as the right man to join former President Trump on the 2024 ticket, with the two being among the most popular of all potential Republican candidates.
Of the laws passed during his administration, many have caused concern by civil society organizations. His in-action and lack of acceptance of mainstream science have placed Florida as one of the worst states in COVID-19 deaths. And his politics signal the growing problem of a growing list of conservative governors and senators who are banking their re-elections on who can be the most inflammatory regardless of the toll on their constituents and who can best emulate Trump. Whatever the possibilities in the future, DeSantis seems secure to win re-election in Florida if he chooses to run.
China’s Relationships with the Muslim World
China’s Relationships with the Muslim World
Foreign Policy Brief #131 | By: Avery Roe | September 15, 2021
Header photo taken from: Middle East Institute
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Photo taken from: Getty Images
Policy Summary
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With significant attention being drawn to the treatment of the Uyghur population and the rise of the Taliban, it is important to understand China’s relationship with the Muslim world as they contend for global influence
One of the most newsworthy relationships China has with the Muslim world is the treatment of the Uyghurs. The Uyghurs are a population of approximately 12 million, predominately Muslim people, that live in the Xinjiang region of China. Most do not speak Mandarin. The Chinese Government has orchestrated a mass crackdown in the region, including restricting people’s rights to practice their religion and the construction of forced re-education camps. The Chinese say this these moves are to prevent terrorism and root out Islamist extremism. However, these acts have been called Genocide by multiple Western Countries, including the United States.
China;s treatment of the Uyghurs is in stark contrast to China’s actions towards Muslims abroad and even other groups of Muslims within the Chinese borders. The Chinese Communist Party is officially atheist but recognizes five religions, including Islam. Religious practices are tightly monitored and limited to “normal religious activities,” normal remains undefined. Hui Muslims within China have not faced nearly the same repression that Uyghurs have. Historically relations between the Hui people and the ethnic majority Han have been very friendly. This is largely considered to be because the two cultures have merged. Whereas the Uyghurs have a strong desire to be autonomous, the Hui are culturally very similar to the Han, including speaking Mandarin. The Hui have largely been allowed to practice their faith in ways that they see fit.
China has also cultivated very positive relationships with Pakistan and The Taliban, two largely Muslim entities. While China is still concerned about the threat of terrorism with regards to the Taliban, they have given them their political and diplomatic support in the aftermath of their takeover of Afghanistan. In the eyes of Chinese leadership, the fall of Afghanistan shows that the values of Western Democracy aren’t universal and that their system could be a viable alternative to American ideas. China has also forged a very strong economic relationship with Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This gives China access to ports and further trade and Pakistan gains a very valuable trade ally.
Policy Analysis
In actively working on its relationships with the Muslim world China is finding a foreign policy gap that the United States has struggled with, especially in the post-9/11 era. As the United States has left Afghanistan to disastrous results, China is stepping in to fill that gap and present what could be a valuable alternative. This should be of some concern to the United States as it tries to establish its post-Afghanistan foreign policy. If the United States wants to maintain its influence it is important to maintain an awareness of Chinese activities and how China is attempting to portray itself as an alternative to the United States. It could be incredibly beneficial for the United States to reach out to Muslim countries in order to create more depth in those relationships.
Photo taken from: The Times
China’s relationship with religion becomes much more nuanced when looking internally. Given the difference in treatment between the Hui and Uyghur peoples, it is clear that religion is not the sole issue, it comes down to cultural differences and how each group practices their faith. While this is important to understand it does not diminish the urgency in the circumstances of the Uyghur people. The international community, including the United States, needs to take the more active role so that further harm can be prevented.
While China has rightfully been receiving significant negative attention for its treatment of the Uyghur population, it is clear that their concerns are far more cultural than religious. Not acknowledging the intricacies in China’s relationship with the Muslim world could be a dangerous way to ignore China’s attempts at gaining international influence.
Engagement Resources
Click or tap on image to visit resource website.
- https://uhrp.org/- The Uyghur Human Rights Project is an American-based organization promoting the rights of the Uyghur people through research and events.
- https://enduyghurforcedlabour.org/- End Uyghur Forced Labor calls on corporations to exit the Uyghur region at all levels of their supply chain to stop the system of forced labor that has been occurring.
The Fake Covid Card Marketplace
The Fake Covid Card Marketplace
Health & Gender Policy Brief #130 | By: S. Bhimji | September 15, 2021
Header photo taken from: Connecticut Post
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Photo taken from: Yahoo Finance
Policy Summary
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The pressure is now on the unvaccinated individuals. Many workplaces, restaurants, entertainment centers, hotels, the travel industry, and government offices are requiring mandatory vaccination for both employees and people who use their facilities. And like all things American, there is a thriving black market for fake vaccination cards.
The fake vaccination cards are sold all over social media platforms and the Dark net. These enterprising business people reply instantly and for less than $100 one can have an authentic-looking vaccination card.
Once you pay up in bitcoins or Apple Pay, the vaccine card is discreetly delivered to you within 24 hours. And most importantly, these cards are registered with the Covid database and come with a logo of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cards look original and so there is little chance that anyone can tell if you have had the vaccine. Tracing the money once paid is almost impossible.
Policy Analysis
With the rapid spread of the delta variant sweeping the US landscape, vaccine mandates are becoming common in most US cities including gyms, bars, sports clubs, and healthcare institutions; plus many indoor venues are now demanding that patrons show proof of vaccination before they can enter the premises.
But close to 40% of the adult American population is still reluctant to get the vaccine and to meet their needs there is a flourishing bogus inoculation card industry to help them get around the rules.
Besides social media, fake vaccine cards can be obtained on eBay, Skype, Whatsapp, and even Instagram. Despite several high-profile busts, law enforcement is doubtful that the business can be discontinued. The fly-by-night operations reach consumers with bogus phone numbers and the money is quickly transferred out of the country.
Many of the fake cards look exactly like the real deal and are hard to spot. Plus the cards are also registered with the Covid data bank making it even more difficult to prove that the person has not been vaccinated. This problem has partly arisen because there are thousands of healthcare workers going all over the country administering the vaccines and filling the cards at nursing homes, workplaces, schools, colleges, and so on. Hence, tracking these workers, when they injected the vaccine, and to whom is a big hurdle.
Photo taken from: WFLA
Law enforcement is working hard to catch up with these crooks and seizures of thousands of fake vaccination cards from China have occurred in several states. While some cards are of poor quality with typos and poor print quality, other fake vaccine cards look genuine. It is impossible to know how many people are using the fake vaccine cards
One way the FBI has started to counter the use of fake Covid cards is by increasing the penalties of up to 5 years in prison and a minimum of $5,000 in fines, but so far this has not been a major deterrent.
Unfortunately, resistance to the vaccine is still intense in many parts of the country, largely driven by disinformation. Many sites that sell these fake cards also have anti-vaccine slogans to encourage the buyer to purchase the cards. Aother problem is that some healthcare workers including nurses, pharmacists, and doctors have been known to sell REAL vaccine cards for money.
To prevent the widespread use of fake cards, the government is considering analog-digital cards or passports which are much more difficult to copy. But as long as paper cards exist, fraud will continue and it is unlikely that law enforcement will completely abolish this practice.
Engagement Resources
Click or tap on image to visit resource website.
Oregon FBI Tech Tuesday: Building a Digital Defense Against Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Cards
National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF). https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
Fraud Alert: COVID-19 Scams
https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/consumer-alerts/fraud-alert-covid-19-scams/
Was Obama Our First Multiracial President?
Was Obama Our First Multiracial President?
U.S. Resist News Op Ed | By: Ron Israel | September 6, 2021
Header photo taken from: Hilltop Views
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Photo taken from: HBO Max
There is an excellent new HBO documentary on the President of Barack Obama -our 44th President. Much of the documentary focuses on Obama’s efforts (many of them outstanding ) to deal with race and racism, It points out the inner conflict of Obama being the first “black” President and his desire to be seen as a President for all Americans; of his deliberate outreach to black Americans who almost universally supported him, though some felt he could have done more to address racism and the economic needs of the black community.
But technically speaking President Obama came from a multiracial background not just an African-American one. His mother was a white woman from Kansas and his father an African from Kenya and he grew up in multi-racial Hawaii.. This multi-racial heritage could have influenced his makeup as a person and his outlook on the world.
The results of the 2020 Census show that the US population is much more multiracial and more racially and ethnically diverse than what was measured in the past. Census results show that the multiracial population in almost every county in the United States grew between 2010 and 2020. In Puerto Rico, half of the people said they were more than one race — a trend that demographers say happened across the US as people shifted to multiracial identities.
President Obama’s multiracial background mirrors this trend towards multiracialism that is going on across our country. Those who classify themselves as multiracial are still in the minority according to the Census, so it would not have been wise for Obama to identify himself as multiracial. In his public statements he always identified as being black.. But the truth, at least from a genetic perspective, is that he is a person of mixed racial heritage and our first multiracial President.
The U.S. House Select Committee Investigates the January 6 Attack on the Capitol: Part 1
The U.S. House Select Committee Investigates the January 6 Attack on the Capitol: Part 1
Social Justice Policy Brief #26 | By: Erika Shannon | September 10, 2021
Header photo taken from: Axios
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Photo taken from: LegBranch
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U.S. RESIST NEWS plans to cover the work of the US House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Capitol Riot. In our first report we set forward the Committee’s agenda and what it hopes to accomplish.
In the aftermath of the overtaking of the U.S. Capitol Building by insurrectionists on January 6th of this year, there was the question of who would be investigating the events that occurred. Originally, there was a proposal to form a National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex; however, there was a Republican filibuster of the proposal to create this “January 6 Commission” in May, with not enough votes to break the filibuster. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi then created the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, with the resolution to form the committee passed in late June. In a statement from Speaker Pelosi, her reason for creating the Select Committee is to establish the truth of the events of that day and ensure that another such attack will not happen again.
There are currently nine members on this committee. It is comprised of Democrats Bennie Thompson (committee chairman), Zoe Lofgren, Adam Schiff, Jamie Raskin, Pete Aguilar, Stephanie Murphy, and Elaine Luria; as well as Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger. Chairman Bennie Thompson has served fourteen terms in office and is also chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, so it is easy to see why Speaker Pelosi chose him to head up this House Select Committee. Although the demographic makeup of this group is heavily Democratic, members have pledged to take a non-partisan approach to investigating the events that occurred on January 6th in the Capitol.
Recently, the Select Committee has issued orders to thirty-five social media and communications companies to preserve their records. Some of those targeted by the orders include AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile. The House committee will be looking at the records of individuals who have been charged with crimes related to the January 6 attack, as well as those who participated in a rally prior to the riot or its potential planning.
The committee has also demanded records related to the events on January 6 from fifteen social media companies. These social media companies include 4chan, 8kun, Facebook, Gab, Google, Parler, Reddit, Snapchat, Telegram, theDonald.win, Tik-Tok, Twitch, Twitter, YouTube, and Zello. From these social media compaies, the House committee is seeking information including records related to the spread of misinformation, efforts to overturn the 2020 election or prevent the certification of results, violent extremism, and foreign influence in the 2020 election. The companies were given a two-week deadline in late August.
Besides communications companies and social media websites, the House Select Committee has also demanded records from eight different agencies within the Executive Branch. These include the National Archives and Records Administration, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, the FBI, the National Counterterrorism Center, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
These agencies also have two weeks to come up with records to appease the House Committee. Chairman Thompson is seeking records that deal with a range of matters relevant to the January 6 attack; this includes the gathering and dissemination of intelligence in advance of the attack; security preparations around the U.S. Capitol; the role agencies played in the defense of the Capitol on January 6; the planning and organization of events in Washington D.C. on January 5 and 6; and how the January 6 events fit in the continuum of efforts to subvert the rule of law, overturn the results of the November 3, 2020 election, or otherwise impede the peaceful transfer of power.
Photo taken from: The Nation
The House Select Committee is seeing a number of hurdles to overcome as it seeks to carry on its work. These includes recent comments by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who has recently made claims regarding former president Donald Trump and his involvement in the January 6 insurrection. McCarthy has alleged that the FBI has already concluded that former president Trump had no involvement in the insurrection. He also implied that the Department of Justice has already concluded that Trump did not cause, incite, or provoke the January 6 violence.
Committee chairman Bennie Thompson has pointed out that McCarthy’s claims are baseless; this is partially due to the fact that McCarthy doubled down on his own past comments that that Trump DOES bear responsibility for the January 6 events. McCarthy’s recent comments come in the wake of Speaker Pelosi blocking two of McCarthy’s picks for the bipartisan committee.
While McCarthy, and possibly others, hope to disrupt the investigation of the House Select Committee, many do have faith that they will get to the bottom of the events that occurred on January 6. The insurrection at the Capitol was an attempt to stop the Democratic process of electing a new President, and should be investigated to the fullest extent. In order to prevent future attacks or interruptions to the certification of election results, any and all people that were involved with the Capitol Riots must be caught and charged. That is only possible if the House Select Committee is able to figure out whom the key players were and how they fit into the events that unfolded. Check back for further updates from the House Select Committee and their findings as they come to light.
Engagement Resources
Click or tap on image to visit resource website.
To listen to hearings held by the House Select Committee, click here.
To submit a tip directly to the House Select Committee, visit this webpage.
Visit the official website of the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack to find out more about their purpose.
Nearly Half of Haiti in Ruins After Earthquake and Gang Violence: See What You Can Do to Help
Nearly Half of Haiti in Ruins After Earthquake and Gang Violence: See What You Can Do to Help
Foreign Policy Brief #130 | By: Erin Mayer | September 9, 2021
Header photo taken from: The Japan Times
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Photo taken from: Miami Herald
Policy Summary
[SSB theme=”Official” align=”center” counter=”true” ]
The August 14th earthquake in Haiti left over 2,200 deaths and 12,000 injuries in it’s wake. Approximately 53,000 homes were decimated and an additional 77,000 other dwellings were damaged. The island nation has struggled to get back on it’s feet following the catastrophe of Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
The earthquake occurred two months after gang violence swept the nation impacting over 1.5 million people, displacing at least 19,000 citizens around Port-Au-Prince and just a mere five weeks following the assassination of President Moïse.
Following the escalating gang violence and the devastation caused by natural disasters nearly half of the Haitian population, or over 4.4 million people, are experiencing critical food insecurity. 7,000 Haitian citizens are living in camps. Those who reside in the areas most devasted by the earthquake, such as Sud, Grand’Anse and Nippes, or approximately 1.6 million people, are in direly require emergency humanitarian aid.
Following the August earthquake, Prime Minister Ariel Henry declared a state of emergency. “When it comes to medical needs, this is our biggest urgency,” Henry said in a news conference. “We have started to send medications and medical personnel to the facilities that are affected.”
WFP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Lola Castro, reported the the current conditions in Haiti as devastating. “Their houses have been reduced to dust. Public buildings like schools, churches and hotels where they could have found temporary shelter have also been destroyed,” Castro stated.
“The earthquake rattled people who were already struggling to feed their families due to economic and climate shocks, and insecurity. The compound effects of multiple crises are devastating communities in the south faced with some of the highest levels of food insecurity in the country”.
Policy Analysis
President Joe Biden said during a press conference that he was “saddened by the devastating earthquake that occurred in Saint-Louis du Sud Haiti…” The President continued on by sending “our deepest condolences to all those who lost a loved one or saw their homes and businesses destroyed.”
In regards on how the United States intends to help the neighboring island nations, the President stated, “I have authorized an immediate U.S. response and named United States Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power as the senior U.S. official to coordinate this effort. Through USAID, we are supporting efforts to assess the damage and assist efforts to recover those who were injured and those who must now rebuild. The United States remains a close and enduring friend to the people of Haiti, and we will be there in the aftermath of this tragedy.”
The U.S. Agency for International Development plans to release $32 million to fund earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, in the hopes that this amount will assist in financing shelters, food aid and medical assistance.
Photo taken from: Ocha
However, this number falls quite below the amount the United Nations believes is required for the Haiti to recover. Samantha Power, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development announced the disbursement with Haiti’s interim prime minister, Dr. Ariel Henry, during a press conference in Port-au-Prince. USAID has since released over 160,000 pounds of food. Over 400 Haitians requiring intensive medical attention have been flown to Port-au-Prince. The agency also facilitated the construction of field hospitals and temporary shelters to assist during this tumultuous time.
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has arranged to supply food assistance to approximately 215,000 Haitians. By the end of August, WFP has offered in excess of 15,000 meals to the 48,000 people they have served.
Engagement Resources
Click or tap on image to visit resource website.
Project HOPE‘s emergency response team is on the ground, assessing survivors’ needs, delivering antibiotics and activating local Haitian medical teams to help overwhelmed hospitals.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams are on the ground in Haiti to respond to the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the country on Saturday, August 14. More than 2,200 people have been killed and more than 12,000 injured, according to Haitian authorities.
HELP’s mission is to create, through merit and needs based scholarships, a community of young professionals and leaders who will promote a more just society in Haiti.
Hope for Haiti is focused on providing support and partnership for the Haitian people, specifically children, every single day.
Abortion is No Longer a Criminal Act in Mexico
Abortion is No Longer a Criminal Act in Mexico
Health & Gender Policy Brief # 129 | By: S Bhimji | Sept 9, 2021
Header photo taken from: The Washington Post
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Photo taken from: CNBC
Policy Summary
[SSB theme=”Official” align=”center” counter=”true” ]
Just a few days ago, the Mexican Supreme court ruled that women in the Northern State of Coahuila should not be prosecuted for terminating a pregnancy.
For much of Mexico’s history, abortion has been restricted in most parts of the nation. But this move by the Mexican Supreme court is of historic significance as it advances the rights of women.
The Mexican Supreme court decision may start a tsunami for the decriminalization of abortions across Mexico, which has so far legally permitted abortions in only a few states; and even those cases were limited to rape or life-threatening disorders in the pregnant mother.
The Information Group on Reproductive Choice which has campaigned fervently for women’s right to abortion stated, “We hope that throughout the country women and people with the ability to carry a child have the conditions and freedom to determine their reproductive destiny.”
Coahuila is right across the border from Texas where the US Supreme court recently allowed a draconian law banning all abortions after 6 weeks of pregnancy to stand.
Policy Analysis
So what does this ruling mean?
The decision by the Mexican Supreme court to decriminalize abortion in Latin America’s 2nd biggest catholic nation is a huge surprise. However, for many years, Mexicans have been debating about making abortions legal and this ruling goes in the right direction for Mexican women.
Secondly, this law may also be a blessing for the women in Texas who are seeking legal abortions. ( It’s possible some women in Texas in need of an abortion may explore the possibility of haviong one done in Mexico).
Women’s rights campaigners, feminists, celebs, and other high-profile artists in Mexico have been asserting the need for the rights of women when it comes to abortion. This follows the momentous ruling of legalizing abortion in Argentina early this year.
The Mexican Supreme court ruling came about when it was asked to determine the legality of the abortion law in Coahuila, which until recently had punished women who had abortions with up to 3 years in prison. Upon review, all judges voted unanimously to decriminalize abortion in Coahuila and this ruling will apply to the rest of the nation.
Photo taken from: Catholic News Service
It will be some time before this new abortion law is adopted by the other states but Mexican women can rest assured that abortion will no longer be criminalized. More importantly, all the women who have been incarcerated for having abortions in recent years will be immediately freed.
For many decades, it was the impoverished Mexican women who were the most vulnerable to the rigid abortion laws of Mexico; each year hundreds of poor Mexican women were prosecuted and dozens are were jailed for having abortions.
But caution should be exercised; Mexico is still a conservative nation dominated by Catholics who are pro-life, and this decision is sure to anger some people.
However, with a growing resurgence of a more liberal middle-class population, the influence of the church in Mexico and many Latin nations has been weaning and experts believe that the abortion law will stand. Latinos are slowly beginning to accept that abortion is not a crime.
Perhaps the Governor of Texas should look south and change its ways; because as is, Texas is regressing backward in society.
Engagement Resources
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Abortion: Mexico
https://www.hrw.org/legacy/women/abortion/mexico.html
Unintended Pregnancy and Induced Abortion in Mexico: Causes and Consequences
Making Abortion Laws in Mexico: Salience and Autonomy in the Policy making Process