As an adult, I’ve lived in a number of places, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ve only ever had one real home. My home is my family. My home is Barack. #TheLightWeCarrypic.twitter.com/dNlrlEddBY
30 per cent !!!!!
HISTORIC AGREEMENT TO PROTECT BIODIVERSITY GLOBALLY.
……………………………..
Negotiators at a U.N. biodiversity conference reach a historic deal to protect nature
The most significant part of the agreement is a commitment to protect 30% of land and water considered important for biodiversity by 2030. Currently, 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas are protected.
“There has never been a conservation goal globally at this scale,” Brian O’Donnell, the director of the conservation group Campaign for Nature, told reporters. “This puts us within a chance of safeguarding biodiversity from collapse … We’re now within the range that scientists think can make a marked difference in biodiversity.”
2022
INSPIRING HOPE. TAKING ACTION.
As we reflect on this year, we couldn’t be more proud of the work of our global network of leaders who are tackling some of the most vital issues of our time and working together to strengthen their communities and our institutions.
Georgia’s runoff system was created to dilute Black voting power
Two Black men are competing for a U.S. Senate seat in a process crafted by segregationists to stifle Black political power
By Matthew Brown
ATLANTA — Tuesday’s showdown between Sen. Raphael G. Warnock (D) and Republican challenger Herschel Walker is the product of an unusual general election runoff system that was pushed by a powerful Georgia segregationist who sought to blunt the power of Black voters in the 1960s.
While 10 states use runoffs in primary elections, Georgia and Louisiana are the only two that do so in general elections. Georgia’s system was created in 1964 after the urging of Denmark Groover, (who blamed Black voters for a reelection loss and proposed runoffs. Groover later acknowledged the runoff system was intended to suppress Black political representation.
While runoff elections had existed for decades in Southern primaries, Georgia’s enthusiastic adoption of two-round voting came as a way of “ensuring a conservative White candidate won an election,” said Ashton Ellett, a political historian and archivist at the University of Georgia.
“A runoff makes it harder for folks who have less resources to vote. This was before advanced in-person voting or [voting was offered] by mail and when we had many other unfair, iniquitous, undemocratic policies. It wasn’t for a partisan advantage so much as an ideological and cultural one,” Ellett said.
Ms Reid to Ms Abrams: “You are the Moses of getting people to vote.”
They also discuss ‘Stacey’s Remarkable Books’ companion to ‘Stacey’s Extraordinary Words’. Among many things Ms. Abrams says it’s about “why children should be our lodestar for how we learn together and grow together”. As well as love letter to her parents.
Congressman Raskin’s full remarks on Trump criminal referrals
“The whole purpose and obvious effect of Trump’s scheme were to obstruct, influence and impede this official proceeding – the central moment for the lawful transfer of power in the United States.”
I couldn’t respond to your comment wishing me a happy holiday but just wanted to say thank you and I hope that 2023 is blessed for you and your family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Bridgeriverpass!!
Rep Raskin
“Terribly sad for us to lose Bruce Lee, a great father, a constant friend and an unstoppable force for Silver Spring and Montgomery County. Sending love and sympathy to Sarah and the Lee family.”
Oprah, Barack Obama Among Honorary Chairs for African American Museum’s ‘Living History’ Campaign
“I think about all those who came before me and didn’t have the opportunities or choices my generation was given,” she said. “I think I owe them a resurrection. I feel that my life brings redemption to the lives they struggled to create and build for all of us.”
(Ms. Winfrey)
Governor @GavinNewsom issued the following statement after a U.S. District Court deemed provisions of California’s gun safety law unconstitutional. pic.twitter.com/x7CR8hbvDw
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) December 20, 2022
“Is This How We Do Law Now?”
Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts
The highest court in the land has ignored the need for standing, the trial record, and of course precedent this past year––and it matters.
Host Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Sherrilyn Ifill, former president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and a senior fellow at the Ford Foundation. They discuss Sherrilyn’s thought-provoking piece this month in the New York Review of Books, which opens out into a big-picture discussion of what this Supreme Court’s tendency to reach out and grab cases, and erase trial records, or fill in the blanks on standing, even on claims, means for whose voices are heard at the highest court in the land, and who merits consideration in its decisions.
In this week’s Amicus Plus segment, Dahlia is joined by Mark Joseph Stern to talk about oral arguments in the big elections case concerning the Independent State Legislature Theory (Moore v. Harper), and in the Oregon wedding website case that threatens civil rights public-accommodations law (303 Creative), plus the Washington right-wing party circuit’s special guest du jour, Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Zelensky Will Meet With Biden in Washington and Address Congress, Officials Say
The visit will be the first time President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has left his country since Russia invaded in February.
Trump had big credits and losses ‘but seldom a big tax bill’
Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, House Ways & Means Committee, joins Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss the Committee’s decision to release former President Donald Trump’s tax returns and flaws within the Internal Revenue Service.
Ronald Klain
“Watching @SenatorLeahy’s farewell address with emotion — I first got to know him in 1989 as a member of the Judiciary Committee staff. His kindness and wisdom and savvy have been invaluable to me (and so many other staffers) for so long.”
Nov 29, 2022
Washington—Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Vice Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY) today issued the following statement:
“Today’s convictions are a victory for the rule of law and reinforce the fact that the violence of January 6th included a deliberate attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election and block the transfer of presidential power. The Select Committee’s investigation demonstrated that when Donald Trump summoned a mob to assemble in Washington, DC on January 6th, the Oath Keepers and other extremist groups heard that call and began to plan and coordinate. Individuals involved now face the consequences of taking part in a scheme to undermine American democracy.
“It’s vital that there be accountability for every vile aspect of January 6th and the events that led to that day’s tragedy. We applaud the Justice Department’s success today and support ongoing efforts to ensure that accountability at all levels.”
Neal Katyal:
“…still to this day Trump has still never explained what he’s done for that 187 minutes.
I think Jack Smith is going to start to realize that is Trump’s MO in general, his modus operanda. ‘Cause it’s not just January 6th and this 187 minutes, it’s also the explanation of why he had all those stolen documents at Mar-a-Lago. He’s never explained that. It’s been like 18 or19 weeks, I’ve lost count, since his house was raided. No explanation. All Trump does is attack, attack, attack, cry baby, say it’s unfair, and this and that. But he’s never actually explained what he was doing either on January 6th, or with all of these very sensitive national security documents. Having one prosecutor, Jack Smith, look at all this, we’ll start to see these parallels and patterns emerge.”
A mountain lion in California inspired construction of a wildlife crossing
NPR’s A Martinez speaks to wildlife advocate Beth Pratt about the construction of a wildlife crossing near Los Angeles that could help save the local mountain lion population.
P22, a lone lion who lived on the land around the famous Hollywood sign, had to get there by crossing two of LA’s busiest interstates. P22 inspired the construction of wildlife crossing slated for 2025. He died recently at 12 years. The backdrop discussion is about the genetic inbreeding of small populations of lions because they’re isolated by urban development. Breeding with close relatives leads to genetic problems. This new wildlife crossing, the largest ever, will connect two important chunks of land and make mating between animals of different populations possible = grand news, yesssss.
“Russian tyranny has lost control over us.”
“Ukraine hold its lines and we’ll never surrender.” (great cheering)
“We have artillery, yes thank you. Is it enough? Honestly not really.”
“I assure you that Ukraine soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes themselves.”
“Matter of time before they struck against your allies. We must stop them now.”
“Your money is not charity, it is an investment in the global security and democracy.”
“It would be naive to wait for steps towards peace from Russia.”
“Attacks on our…infrastructure but we do not complain, we do not judge whose life is easier.”
“We Ukrainians will also go through our war with dignity and success.”
“We will celebrate Christmas and even if there is not electricity, the light of our faith in ourself will never be put out.”
“I know that everything demands on us…yet so much depends on the world, so much on the world depends on you.”
“Flag is a symbol of our victory, we fight, we will win because we are united.”
“It is just a matter of time when they will strike against your other allies if we do not stop them now. We must do it. I believe there should be no taboos between us in our alliance. Ukraine never asked the American soldiers to fight on our land instead of us. I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes themselves.”
“Ladies and gentlemen — ladies and gentlemen, Americans, in two days we will celebrate Christmas. Maybe candlelit. Not because it’s more romantic, no, but because there will not be, there will be no electricity. Millions won’t have neither heating nor running water. All of these will be the result of Russian missile and drone attacks on our energy infrastructure.
But we do not complain. We do not judge and compare whose life is easier. Your well-being is the product of your national security; the result of your struggle for independence and your many victories. We, Ukrainians, will also go through our war of independence and freedom with dignity and success.”
“I know that everything depends on us, on Ukrainian armed forces, yet so much depends on the world. So much in the world depends on you. When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our heroes gave me the flag, the battle flag, the flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives. They asked me to bring this flag to you, to the U.S. Congress, to members of the House of Representatives and senators whose decisions can save millions of people.
So, let these decisions be taken. Let this flag stay with you, ladies and gentlemen. This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war. We stand, we fight and we will win because we are united — Ukraine, America and the entire free world.”
Full Transcript of Zelensky’s Speech Before Congress
The Ukrainian president delivered an emotional appeal for further American support, vowing that his country would prevail in its war with Russia.
What President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine have achieved matters for the entire world. Together, the United States and Ukraine will keep the flame of liberty burning bright.
Zelenskyy finally gets the White House respect he sought, earned
Watching Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it was hard not to wonder how much better off Ukraine would be if Donald Trump had treated our ally as well as Joe Biden has.
“As part of his remarks, the president told American lawmakers,
“Your money is not charity. It is an investment in global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”
The comments echoed the sentiment endorsed by Biden and many leading U.S. officials. Indeed, there was no request for anything reciprocal from Ukraine — because nothing about our current collective conditions is transactional. The White House and congressional leaders recognize U.S. support as money well spent, not just for Ukrainian interests, but in the interests of democracy, international stability and rules-based order around the world.”
“Under Trump, Zelenskyy was extorted, weakened and made more vulnerable. Under Biden, the Ukrainian leader has been celebrated, supported, and given the White House meeting he’s long wanted.
By all appearances, Zelenskyy was pleased by the support he received yesterday. For Americans embarrassed by the previous administration, there was also a degree of satisfaction in seeing the United States reclaim its role as the preeminent global leader.”
“Well I was thinking personally how hard this guy works, traveling to the front one day and then traveling to Washington the next, it’s not an easy assignment…usually he speaks Ukrainian and here he comes to us and he speaks to us in our own language.
I was thinking it is not how he talked about it, but how proud one should be to be on the side of this man. And how proud one must have been in that chamber to be close to greatness. Because I think what we saw tonight was greatness, and we should be appreciative of that.”
‘We Wanted To Get It Right’: Rep. Thompson Reflects On The Work Of The January 6 Committee
Rep. Bennie Thompson, chair of the January 6 House Select Committee, talks with Symone Sanders-Townsend about the committee’s work, points of contention among members, cooperation with the Justice Department, and the magnitude of the stakes involved in the committee’s report and referrals.
The local weather in Ukraine today
Thursday, 22 December 2022
The weather today in Ukraine will be freezing cold with temperatures of 2°C during the day time. During the evening and night time the temperatures will drop to 0°C.
(weather 25.com)
THE PRESIDENT: Okay, this is going to be brief, folks.
The storm — extreme cold weather — you can see it on the map the estimated areas where they’re at the — you know, as low as 50 degrees; where it’s that dark red, it’s below zero. You know, it’s dangerous and threatening. This is really a very serious weather alert here. And it goes from Oklahoma all the way to Wyoming, and Wyoming to Maine. And it’s of real consequence.
So I encourage everyone — everyone, please heed the local warnings. We’ve contacted — we’ve tried to contact 26 governors so far in affected regions.
And — and go to Weather.gov — Weather.gov for more information.
And I know this is — you know, it’s like — this is not like a snow day, you know, when you were a kid; this is serious stuff.
And my team is prepared to help communities weather this — no pun intended — this storm, this — this freeze, and — because we need to cope. They need to be able to cope if it’s necessary.
I’m going to, shortly, be briefed by — by both FEMA and the National Weather Service, and we’re going to start that briefing.
And — but in the meantime, please take this storm extremely seriously. And I don’t know whether your bosses will let you, but if you all have travel plans, leave now. Not — not a joke. I’m tell- — sending my staff — my staff, if they have plans to leave on — tomorrow — late tonight or tomorrow, I’m telling them to leave now. They can talk to me on the phone. It’s not life and death. But it will be if they don’t — if they don’t get out, they may not get out.
So, any rate, thank you all for coming in, and I’m going to do the briefing now. Thank you.
Bloomberg Government
@BGOV
32m
President Biden urged Americans with travel plans for the holiday weekend to “leave now” to avoid being stranded — or worse — by a massive winter storm that will hit a huge portion of the central US.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi after Zelensky’s address: “It was one of the finest speeches I’ve ever heard in the Congress” & Compared his speech in Congress to Churchill’s speech.
Володимир Зеленський
“I thank @POTUS for the warm welcome and I deeply appreciate all the support of the U.S. and the American people. I am confident that together we will be able to secure a better, prosperous and free future for both of our nations. Ukraine’s victory will also be America’s victory.”
It’s been a long time, but I cannot let this special time, this special week, today’s special speech by POTUS Biden pass without sharing my satisfaction with you.
It’s been a challenging year, one full of Pet-scans, biopsies, MRI, and treatments. One with good news followed by bad ones. But, I am grateful for every day I had, for every post I read, and for every comment posted here.
Wishing you many blessings, good health first and foremost, joy and peace of mind. May 2023 be a better year than 2022 for us all.
President Zelensky to President Biden:
“My message: I wish you peace. I think that is the main thing, and you understand it only when the war in your country, when somebody like these terrorists from Russia come to your houses. And I wish you to see your children alive and adult. And I wish you to see your children when they will go to universities, and to see their children. I — I think that is the main thing what I can wish you.”
What One Black Judge’s Family History Can Teach Us About Justice
This is why representation matters.
“At present, Black judges make up 12.77 percent of the federal bench. This is actually, finally, starting to approach adequate representation for Black people in this country, in no small part because President Joe Biden has put forward the most racially diverse set of judicial nominations in history. But for decades and indeed centuries, diversity on the bench has not been anywhere close to where it should be. Donald Trump’s judicial appointees were, recall, 84 percent white.”
I.R.S. Routinely Audited Obama and Biden, Raising Questions Over Delays for Trump
The revelation that the agency had not audited Donald J. Trump during his first two years in office despite a mandatory presidential audit program raised concerns about potential politicization.
Groundbreaking year in film, art, music and fashion
A biweekly column from ICT with the latest news from the arts and entertainment world
Here are some of the year’s highlights.
History-making Asian American soccer player describes his journey to self-acceptance
Kellyn Acosta, the first Asian American to appear in the World Cup for the USMNT, described how others have dismissed his Japanese heritage, and the harmful stereotypes around Asians and sports.
MICHELLE OBAMA
“The world is missing out on the power and potential of young women and girls in Afghanistan. We stand with those supporting girls’ education in Afghanistan and around the world.”
“The teenager who greets Trans Santa in the film hints at some of that struggle. They tell Santa they want to get a binder, a compression undergarment to flatten breasts for teens who identify as gender-nonconforming or transgender.
Truax smiles and nods knowingly. As he talks, a string of Christmas lights on four evergreen trees behind them illuminate the December sky.
“I know when I got my first binder, it changed me,” Truax tells his visitor. “It empowered me to have the body of the person I wanted to be.”
The teenager looks up to Santa, their face brightening in a smile.
“It’s very empowering being in your presence,” they say.
They then stand up and pump their left fist in triumph, a new bounce in their step.”
“For some, such a scene has nothing to do with the holiday. But for this kid, meeting a Santa who understands their journey might be one of best Christmas gifts ever.” (CNN)
(This scene comes from “Santa Camp,” a moving new documentary film about this push for diversity. The film airs on HBO Max, which like CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.)
Merry Christmas from COLD Knoxville, TN. It is sunny and what we call a “Walker blue sky day.” We have 21 yr old Mason with us before he departs on Jan 17 for Navy boot camp. He will be embarking on a third generation tradition–Navy Nuclear Power Propulsion program and going subs. As someone we know said, qualifying for nuc power and subs is a BFD. 🙂 We are quite proud of him.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May this season bring joy for your heart, good health for your body, peace and comfort for your soul!🎄🎅🏾🦌🔔🎁🧸⛄️❄️✨❤️🙏🏾
Michelle and I send our best wishes to families celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season. Today begins a week-long celebration of African-American heritage and culture. As folks gather to light the Kinara, we hope you have a happy Kwanzaa. pic.twitter.com/zgsyugVPYE
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
Hi Everyone! Thank you Nerdy! 🤗❤️
Hi NW…cuddles are good.
Chag urim sameach !
–Happy Hannukah !!
Hey Dudette!!
Hiya pkd!🤗
Hi, Dudette and Nerdy! Hi, Everyone! I’m late to the party. 🙂
Jan. 6 Committee hearings – The Final Report
–Congrats, thx, to the J6 Committee and their staffs for such incredible work !!
30 per cent !!!!!
HISTORIC AGREEMENT TO PROTECT BIODIVERSITY GLOBALLY.
……………………………..
Negotiators at a U.N. biodiversity conference reach a historic deal to protect nature
The most significant part of the agreement is a commitment to protect 30% of land and water considered important for biodiversity by 2030. Currently, 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas are protected.
more: (https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1144065910/a-u-n-pact-finds-agreement-to-save-nature-seen-as-vital-for-biodiversity)
“There has never been a conservation goal globally at this scale,” Brian O’Donnell, the director of the conservation group Campaign for Nature, told reporters. “This puts us within a chance of safeguarding biodiversity from collapse … We’re now within the range that scientists think can make a marked difference in biodiversity.”
OBAMA FOUNDATION
2022
INSPIRING HOPE. TAKING ACTION.
As we reflect on this year, we couldn’t be more proud of the work of our global network of leaders who are tackling some of the most vital issues of our time and working together to strengthen their communities and our institutions.
(https://www.obama.org/year-in-review-2022/)
Georgia’s runoff system was created to dilute Black voting power
Two Black men are competing for a U.S. Senate seat in a process crafted by segregationists to stifle Black political power
By Matthew Brown
ATLANTA — Tuesday’s showdown between Sen. Raphael G. Warnock (D) and Republican challenger Herschel Walker is the product of an unusual general election runoff system that was pushed by a powerful Georgia segregationist who sought to blunt the power of Black voters in the 1960s.
While 10 states use runoffs in primary elections, Georgia and Louisiana are the only two that do so in general elections. Georgia’s system was created in 1964 after the urging of Denmark Groover, (who blamed Black voters for a reelection loss and proposed runoffs. Groover later acknowledged the runoff system was intended to suppress Black political representation.
While runoff elections had existed for decades in Southern primaries, Georgia’s enthusiastic adoption of two-round voting came as a way of “ensuring a conservative White candidate won an election,” said Ashton Ellett, a political historian and archivist at the University of Georgia.
“A runoff makes it harder for folks who have less resources to vote. This was before advanced in-person voting or [voting was offered] by mail and when we had many other unfair, iniquitous, undemocratic policies. It wasn’t for a partisan advantage so much as an ideological and cultural one,” Ellett said.
Dec 5/22: (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/12/05/georgia-runoff-history/)
Is there any facet of American Life that is not affected why white supremacy and racism…
Interesting. Never thought of runoffs from that angle.
Musk suspends journalists from Twitter, claims ‘assassination’ danger
Company executives alleged that the more than half a dozen reporters endangered
Twitter’s owner by sharing his location. But a review of their tweets shows no evidence of it.
Paul Farhi: (https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/12/15/twitter-journalists-suspended-musk/)
Stacey Abrams: Voter suppression is baked into DNA of election systems but so is voter persistence
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdRi1z3AIFU)
Ms Reid to Ms Abrams: “You are the Moses of getting people to vote.”
They also discuss ‘Stacey’s Remarkable Books’ companion to ‘Stacey’s Extraordinary Words’. Among many things Ms. Abrams says it’s about “why children should be our lodestar for how we learn together and grow together”. As well as love letter to her parents.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi4SNXC4rSY)
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words | Storytime Read Aloud
—Ms. Abrams’ first children’s book about a little girl called Stacey – settle in!
HERE T’IS…
The full executive summary of the Jan. 6 committee report:
(https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23466415/introductory-material-to-the-final-report-of-the-select-committee.pdf)
Rep Raskin
The @January6thCmte finds evidence that Trump, Eastman and others obstructed a crucial official proceeding—Congress’ certification of electoral votes.
We make this referral and three others because this obstruction is not only an affront to our democracy. It’s a crime.
Congressman Raskin’s full remarks on Trump criminal referrals
“The whole purpose and obvious effect of Trump’s scheme were to obstruct, influence and impede this official proceeding – the central moment for the lawful transfer of power in the United States.”
As the Bidens mark Hanukkah, the White House gets its own menorah for the first time
(https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1144125582/as-the-bidens-mark-hanukkah-the-white-house-gets-its-own-menorah-for-the-first-t?)
Ronald Klain
“From the White House, to your house, Chag Chanukah Sameach….”
President Biden and The First Lady Host a Hanukkah Holiday Reception
FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/12/19/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-plan-to-prevent-and-end-homelessness/)
I couldn’t respond to your comment wishing me a happy holiday but just wanted to say thank you and I hope that 2023 is blessed for you and your family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Bridgeriverpass!!
pkayden thanks, wishing you much love and good health in 2023 !!
Rep Raskin
“Terribly sad for us to lose Bruce Lee, a great father, a constant friend and an unstoppable force for Silver Spring and Montgomery County. Sending love and sympathy to Sarah and the Lee family.”
FACT SHEET: U.S.-Africa Partnership in Promoting Peace, Security, and Democratic Governance
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/12/15/fact-sheet-u-s-africa-partnership-in-promoting-peace-security-and-democratic-governance/)
Oprah, Barack Obama Among Honorary Chairs for African American Museum’s ‘Living History’ Campaign
“I think about all those who came before me and didn’t have the opportunities or choices my generation was given,” she said. “I think I owe them a resurrection. I feel that my life brings redemption to the lives they struggled to create and build for all of us.”
(Ms. Winfrey)
WI Web Staff: (https://www.washingtoninformer.com/oprah-barack-obama-among-honorary-chairs-for-african-american-museums-living-history-campaign/)
Our smart Governor
Totally agree Pkayden.
Happy Holidays to everyone!!!!
Also agree! And happy holidays to all y’all!
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxHjwi3iYJE)
Sen. Raphael Warnock on Jan. 6 criminal referrals, Title 42 and cryptocurrency
—bravo, super bravo, Reverend Warnock !
Michelle Obama
“What parts of #TheLightWeCarry have resonated with you the most? I’d love to hear your reflections and thoughts.”
–pretty sure ‘The Light We Carry’ will be under the tree for me!
I need to buy it.
Sri Lalitambike – Amma
“Is This How We Do Law Now?”
Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts
The highest court in the land has ignored the need for standing, the trial record, and of course precedent this past year––and it matters.
Host Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Sherrilyn Ifill, former president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and a senior fellow at the Ford Foundation. They discuss Sherrilyn’s thought-provoking piece this month in the New York Review of Books, which opens out into a big-picture discussion of what this Supreme Court’s tendency to reach out and grab cases, and erase trial records, or fill in the blanks on standing, even on claims, means for whose voices are heard at the highest court in the land, and who merits consideration in its decisions.
In this week’s Amicus Plus segment, Dahlia is joined by Mark Joseph Stern to talk about oral arguments in the big elections case concerning the Independent State Legislature Theory (Moore v. Harper), and in the Oregon wedding website case that threatens civil rights public-accommodations law (303 Creative), plus the Washington right-wing party circuit’s special guest du jour, Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Here: (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-this-how-we-do-law-now/id928790786?i=1000590427493)
Congress moves ahead on Electoral Count Act reforms in response to Jan. 6
Amy B Wang, Liz Goodwin: (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/12/19/electoral-count-reform-omnibus/)
Zelensky Will Meet With Biden in Washington and Address Congress, Officials Say
The visit will be the first time President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has left his country since Russia invaded in February.
Michael D. Shear, Emily Cochrane
(https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/21/us/politics/zelensky-washington-biden-congress.html)
Trump had big credits and losses ‘but seldom a big tax bill’
Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, House Ways & Means Committee, joins Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss the Committee’s decision to release former President Donald Trump’s tax returns and flaws within the Internal Revenue Service.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-1PmL2URQs)
Senator Leahy delivers farewell address
Ronald Klain
“Watching @SenatorLeahy’s farewell address with emotion — I first got to know him in 1989 as a member of the Judiciary Committee staff. His kindness and wisdom and savvy have been invaluable to me (and so many other staffers) for so long.”
Congrats on your retirement Senator Leahy with great thanks.
Nov 29, 2022
Washington—Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Vice Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY) today issued the following statement:
“Today’s convictions are a victory for the rule of law and reinforce the fact that the violence of January 6th included a deliberate attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election and block the transfer of presidential power. The Select Committee’s investigation demonstrated that when Donald Trump summoned a mob to assemble in Washington, DC on January 6th, the Oath Keepers and other extremist groups heard that call and began to plan and coordinate. Individuals involved now face the consequences of taking part in a scheme to undermine American democracy.
“It’s vital that there be accountability for every vile aspect of January 6th and the events that led to that day’s tragedy. We applaud the Justice Department’s success today and support ongoing efforts to ensure that accountability at all levels.”
(https://january6th.house.gov/news/press-releases/thompson-cheney-statement-verdicts-january-6th-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy)
President Biden
Thanks to our Administration’s investment, more than 7,200 infrastructure projects were announced or are underway across the country this year.
And we’ll reach more than 20,000 projects in 2023.
Joe Biden has launched an economic policy revolution
Paul Waldman: (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/12/21/biden-industrial-policy-economic-revolution/)
Neal Katyal:
“…still to this day Trump has still never explained what he’s done for that 187 minutes.
I think Jack Smith is going to start to realize that is Trump’s MO in general, his modus operanda. ‘Cause it’s not just January 6th and this 187 minutes, it’s also the explanation of why he had all those stolen documents at Mar-a-Lago. He’s never explained that. It’s been like 18 or19 weeks, I’ve lost count, since his house was raided. No explanation. All Trump does is attack, attack, attack, cry baby, say it’s unfair, and this and that. But he’s never actually explained what he was doing either on January 6th, or with all of these very sensitive national security documents. Having one prosecutor, Jack Smith, look at all this, we’ll start to see these parallels and patterns emerge.”
How This Bridge Was Rebuilt in 15 Days After Hurricane Ian
The Sanibel Causeway was rendered completely impassable to vehicles. Less than a month later, it was open to traffic.
A mountain lion in California inspired construction of a wildlife crossing
NPR’s A Martinez speaks to wildlife advocate Beth Pratt about the construction of a wildlife crossing near Los Angeles that could help save the local mountain lion population.
Listen: (https://www.npr.org/2022/12/21/1144627754/a-mountain-lion-in-california-inspired-construction-of-a-wildlife-crossing)
imho,
P22, a lone lion who lived on the land around the famous Hollywood sign, had to get there by crossing two of LA’s busiest interstates. P22 inspired the construction of wildlife crossing slated for 2025. He died recently at 12 years. The backdrop discussion is about the genetic inbreeding of small populations of lions because they’re isolated by urban development. Breeding with close relatives leads to genetic problems. This new wildlife crossing, the largest ever, will connect two important chunks of land and make mating between animals of different populations possible = grand news, yesssss.
President Biden Hosts a Joint Press Conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine
2:30 ET
President Zelensky will deliver a joint address to Congress, after accepting an invitation from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
His address is expected at 7:30 ET this evening.
LIVE at 7 p.m. ET | Zelensky delivers address to U.S. Congress
An absolutely powerful – and wonderful – address to Congress.
Outstanding…brought Tears to my eyes…
Stunning speech from President Zelensky.
“Russian tyranny has lost control over us.”
“Ukraine hold its lines and we’ll never surrender.” (great cheering)
“We have artillery, yes thank you. Is it enough? Honestly not really.”
“I assure you that Ukraine soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes themselves.”
“Matter of time before they struck against your allies. We must stop them now.”
“Your money is not charity, it is an investment in the global security and democracy.”
“It would be naive to wait for steps towards peace from Russia.”
“Attacks on our…infrastructure but we do not complain, we do not judge whose life is easier.”
“We Ukrainians will also go through our war with dignity and success.”
“We will celebrate Christmas and even if there is not electricity, the light of our faith in ourself will never be put out.”
“I know that everything demands on us…yet so much depends on the world, so much on the world depends on you.”
“Flag is a symbol of our victory, we fight, we will win because we are united.”
(Notes)
–corrections of above thrilled to pieces notes!
“It is just a matter of time when they will strike against your other allies if we do not stop them now. We must do it. I believe there should be no taboos between us in our alliance. Ukraine never asked the American soldiers to fight on our land instead of us. I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes themselves.”
(https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/21/us/politics/zelensky-speech-transcript.html)
“Ladies and gentlemen — ladies and gentlemen, Americans, in two days we will celebrate Christmas. Maybe candlelit. Not because it’s more romantic, no, but because there will not be, there will be no electricity. Millions won’t have neither heating nor running water. All of these will be the result of Russian missile and drone attacks on our energy infrastructure.
But we do not complain. We do not judge and compare whose life is easier. Your well-being is the product of your national security; the result of your struggle for independence and your many victories. We, Ukrainians, will also go through our war of independence and freedom with dignity and success.”
“I know that everything depends on us, on Ukrainian armed forces, yet so much depends on the world. So much in the world depends on you. When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our heroes gave me the flag, the battle flag, the flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives. They asked me to bring this flag to you, to the U.S. Congress, to members of the House of Representatives and senators whose decisions can save millions of people.
So, let these decisions be taken. Let this flag stay with you, ladies and gentlemen. This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war. We stand, we fight and we will win because we are united — Ukraine, America and the entire free world.”
Full Transcript of Zelensky’s Speech Before Congress
The Ukrainian president delivered an emotional appeal for further American support, vowing that his country would prevail in its war with Russia.
((https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/21/us/politics/zelensky-speech-transcript.html))
President Biden
What President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine have achieved matters for the entire world. Together, the United States and Ukraine will keep the flame of liberty burning bright.
That light – again – will prevail over darkness.
OMG – this is wonderful.
💖😎
Zelenskyy finally gets the White House respect he sought, earned
Watching Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it was hard not to wonder how much better off Ukraine would be if Donald Trump had treated our ally as well as Joe Biden has.
“As part of his remarks, the president told American lawmakers,
“Your money is not charity. It is an investment in global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”
The comments echoed the sentiment endorsed by Biden and many leading U.S. officials. Indeed, there was no request for anything reciprocal from Ukraine — because nothing about our current collective conditions is transactional. The White House and congressional leaders recognize U.S. support as money well spent, not just for Ukrainian interests, but in the interests of democracy, international stability and rules-based order around the world.”
Steve Benen: (https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/zelenskyy-finally-gets-white-house-respect-sought-earned-rcna62906)
“Under Trump, Zelenskyy was extorted, weakened and made more vulnerable. Under Biden, the Ukrainian leader has been celebrated, supported, and given the White House meeting he’s long wanted.
By all appearances, Zelenskyy was pleased by the support he received yesterday. For Americans embarrassed by the previous administration, there was also a degree of satisfaction in seeing the United States reclaim its role as the preeminent global leader.”
Timothy Snyder:
“Well I was thinking personally how hard this guy works, traveling to the front one day and then traveling to Washington the next, it’s not an easy assignment…usually he speaks Ukrainian and here he comes to us and he speaks to us in our own language.
I was thinking it is not how he talked about it, but how proud one should be to be on the side of this man. And how proud one must have been in that chamber to be close to greatness. Because I think what we saw tonight was greatness, and we should be appreciative of that.”
Timothy Snyder: The Making of Modern Ukraine. Class 22. Ukrainian Ideas in the 21st Century
President Biden
I promised to tackle the spike in prices at the pump caused by Putin’s war.
Since then, we’ve led the world in oil releases, rallying our global partners to release oil as well.
Now, gas prices are at the cheapest levels since June 2021. And I’m not done yet.
‘We Wanted To Get It Right’: Rep. Thompson Reflects On The Work Of The January 6 Committee
Rep. Bennie Thompson, chair of the January 6 House Select Committee, talks with Symone Sanders-Townsend about the committee’s work, points of contention among members, cooperation with the Justice Department, and the magnitude of the stakes involved in the committee’s report and referrals.
Minus 17 degrees F here early this morning…minus 20 degrees F now.
–pls stay warm out there, may everyone find a warm safe place to be.
The local weather in Ukraine today
Thursday, 22 December 2022
The weather today in Ukraine will be freezing cold with temperatures of 2°C during the day time. During the evening and night time the temperatures will drop to 0°C.
(weather 25.com)
THE PRESIDENT: Okay, this is going to be brief, folks.
The storm — extreme cold weather — you can see it on the map the estimated areas where they’re at the — you know, as low as 50 degrees; where it’s that dark red, it’s below zero. You know, it’s dangerous and threatening. This is really a very serious weather alert here. And it goes from Oklahoma all the way to Wyoming, and Wyoming to Maine. And it’s of real consequence.
So I encourage everyone — everyone, please heed the local warnings. We’ve contacted — we’ve tried to contact 26 governors so far in affected regions.
And — and go to Weather.gov — Weather.gov for more information.
And I know this is — you know, it’s like — this is not like a snow day, you know, when you were a kid; this is serious stuff.
And my team is prepared to help communities weather this — no pun intended — this storm, this — this freeze, and — because we need to cope. They need to be able to cope if it’s necessary.
I’m going to, shortly, be briefed by — by both FEMA and the National Weather Service, and we’re going to start that briefing.
And — but in the meantime, please take this storm extremely seriously. And I don’t know whether your bosses will let you, but if you all have travel plans, leave now. Not — not a joke. I’m tell- — sending my staff — my staff, if they have plans to leave on — tomorrow — late tonight or tomorrow, I’m telling them to leave now. They can talk to me on the phone. It’s not life and death. But it will be if they don’t — if they don’t get out, they may not get out.
So, any rate, thank you all for coming in, and I’m going to do the briefing now. Thank you.
(Cross-talk.)
Thank you. If I don’t see you, Merry Christmas.
(wh.gov)
Bloomberg Government
@BGOV
32m
President Biden urged Americans with travel plans for the holiday weekend to “leave now” to avoid being stranded — or worse — by a massive winter storm that will hit a huge portion of the central US.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi after Zelensky’s address: “It was one of the finest speeches I’ve ever heard in the Congress” & Compared his speech in Congress to Churchill’s speech.
Володимир Зеленський
“I thank @POTUS for the warm welcome and I deeply appreciate all the support of the U.S. and the American people. I am confident that together we will be able to secure a better, prosperous and free future for both of our nations. Ukraine’s victory will also be America’s victory.”
Happy Holidays to all my TOD family, stay safe, & love y’all!
Adding more beautiful voices:
Merry Christmas Gazelle and TODVille!
It’s been a long time, but I cannot let this special time, this special week, today’s special speech by POTUS Biden pass without sharing my satisfaction with you.
It’s been a challenging year, one full of Pet-scans, biopsies, MRI, and treatments. One with good news followed by bad ones. But, I am grateful for every day I had, for every post I read, and for every comment posted here.
Wishing you many blessings, good health first and foremost, joy and peace of mind. May 2023 be a better year than 2022 for us all.
And, thank you for this marvelous arrangement of Holy Night!
BEAUTIFUL Merry Christmas GAZELLE🎄
Morning everyone:) stay warm:)
GREAT
thank you PBO.
Good news on inflation: The Fed’s favorite gauge shows price increases are moderating
Alicia Wallace: (https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/23/economy/pce-inflation-november/index.html)
Ronald Klain
Merry Christmas everyone!
Yesterday’s econ news:
✅ Unemployment claims low
✅ Economic growth revised upward!
Today’s econ news:
✅ Inflation moderating
✅ Incomes up
✅ Spending up
✅ Gas prices down, grocery prices cooling
Biden’s America Finds Its Voice
David Brooks: (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/22/opinion/biden-zelensky-speech.html)
President Zelensky to President Biden:
“My message: I wish you peace. I think that is the main thing, and you understand it only when the war in your country, when somebody like these terrorists from Russia come to your houses. And I wish you to see your children alive and adult. And I wish you to see your children when they will go to universities, and to see their children. I — I think that is the main thing what I can wish you.”
What One Black Judge’s Family History Can Teach Us About Justice
This is why representation matters.
“At present, Black judges make up 12.77 percent of the federal bench. This is actually, finally, starting to approach adequate representation for Black people in this country, in no small part because President Joe Biden has put forward the most racially diverse set of judicial nominations in history. But for decades and indeed centuries, diversity on the bench has not been anywhere close to where it should be. Donald Trump’s judicial appointees were, recall, 84 percent white.”
Dahlia LIthwick: (https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2022/12/representation-judiciary-federal-bench-judge-wilkins.html)
I.R.S. Routinely Audited Obama and Biden, Raising Questions Over Delays for Trump
The revelation that the agency had not audited Donald J. Trump during his first two years in office despite a mandatory presidential audit program raised concerns about potential politicization.
(https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/21/us/politics/trump-irs-taxes.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare)
imo, thinking If trump had been re-elected putin might even now be making moves on Eastern Europe.
President Biden, the WH, our Democratic leaders have done such incredible stellar work…how fortunate are we?
INDIGENOUS A&E YEAR IN REVIEW:
Groundbreaking year in film, art, music and fashion
A biweekly column from ICT with the latest news from the arts and entertainment world
Here are some of the year’s highlights.
Sandra Hale Schulman: (https://indiancountrytoday.com/news/indigenous-a-e-year-in-review-groundbreaking-year-in-film-art-music-and-fashion)
History-making Asian American soccer player describes his journey to self-acceptance
Kellyn Acosta, the first Asian American to appear in the World Cup for the USMNT, described how others have dismissed his Japanese heritage, and the harmful stereotypes around Asians and sports.
(https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/history-making-asian-american-soccer-player-describes-journey-self-acc-rcna62119)
MICHELLE OBAMA
“The world is missing out on the power and potential of young women and girls in Afghanistan. We stand with those supporting girls’ education in Afghanistan and around the world.”
Black Lives in Alaska’ highlights more than 150 years of African American history in the Last Frontier
By Wesley Early
(https://alaskapublic.org/2022/12/21/black-lives-in-alaska-highlights-more-than-150-years-of-african-american-history-in-the-last-frontier/)
“The teenager who greets Trans Santa in the film hints at some of that struggle. They tell Santa they want to get a binder, a compression undergarment to flatten breasts for teens who identify as gender-nonconforming or transgender.
Truax smiles and nods knowingly. As he talks, a string of Christmas lights on four evergreen trees behind them illuminate the December sky.
“I know when I got my first binder, it changed me,” Truax tells his visitor. “It empowered me to have the body of the person I wanted to be.”
The teenager looks up to Santa, their face brightening in a smile.
“It’s very empowering being in your presence,” they say.
They then stand up and pump their left fist in triumph, a new bounce in their step.”
“For some, such a scene has nothing to do with the holiday. But for this kid, meeting a Santa who understands their journey might be one of best Christmas gifts ever.” (CNN)
(This scene comes from “Santa Camp,” a moving new documentary film about this push for diversity. The film airs on HBO Max, which like CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.)
A world of dew
And with every dewdrop
A world of struggle
(Bashô)
Peace and divine love to all on Christmas 2022.
I second that emotion!
Love’s an hourglass
Goes out wide and comes in closer
Time ticks away, it drips away
Leaving empty, sanded shoulders
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, dear TOD buddies – and especially to you, Nerdy darlin’.
Good West Coast Christmas Sunday to our dear Nerdy and to the TOD family. Blessings & Happy Holiday to you all. 🌟☃🎄🕎
Merry Christmas from COLD Knoxville, TN. It is sunny and what we call a “Walker blue sky day.” We have 21 yr old Mason with us before he departs on Jan 17 for Navy boot camp. He will be embarking on a third generation tradition–Navy Nuclear Power Propulsion program and going subs. As someone we know said, qualifying for nuc power and subs is a BFD. 🙂 We are quite proud of him.
Joyous holiday wishes sent to all!
All the best to your Navy son and your entire family!
Peace and love to all. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May this season bring joy for your heart, good health for your body, peace and comfort for your soul!🎄🎅🏾🦌🔔🎁🧸⛄️❄️✨❤️🙏🏾
Happy Christmas Week and Happy New Year, dear Dudette!
Wishing all a peaceful Christmas and the Best in the New Year. Thank you Nerdy for keeping the home fire burning in a place of refuge.
Hope your Christmas week is going great! And Happy New Year, too!
New post.