Thursday, July 13, 2017

Abortion, Trumpcare, Voters, Terrorist, Suicidal Teens

In Arkansas, rape survivors will be forced to notify their attacker if they get an abortion
The Daily Dot
July 10, 2017

Arkansas women may soon be forced to notify their sexual partner or family members if they want to have an abortion, thanks to a provision passed in the state’s 2017 legislative session. H.B. 1566, the Tissue Disposal Mandate, would make it illegal for a woman to have an abortion without communicating with the man who impregnated her — whether that be her husband, boyfriend, a casual hook-up, or a perpetrator of sexual assault.
Read more...

Here is an idea: outlaw abortion and we won't have that problem. If the mother is forced to confront her accuser, it should be in a court of law where he is being prosecuted for his crime, and the child should get the opportunity to survive by monetary support from the rapist for the rest of his life. It's not the child's fault he or she exists. Why punish the child by executing it?

Sen. Rand Paul: Senate GOP Decides to Keep Obamacare
Breitbart
July 12, 2017

The Senate Obamacare bill does not repeal Obamacare. I want to repeat that so everyone realizes why I’ll vote “no” as it stands now:
Read more...

Sigh....Get RID of Obamacare and legislate the insurance companies instead of replacing it with "Trumpcare". Is it that hard to understand? Why do people feel the need to fix something by making it more complicated?

Hundreds of Colorado Voters Withdraw Registrations in Wake of Trump-ordered Probe of Fraudulent Voting!
Breitbart
July 12, 2017

Colorado is one state that has agreed to comply with the voter fraud commission that President Donald Trump put in place with an executive order in May. And now county clerks in that state are reporting that they’ve seen hundreds of people withdraw their voter registrations. A spokesperson for the Denver Elections Division told a Denver media outlet that 180 people have withdrawn their registrations in the county since Monday of this week.
Read more...

That could be a good thing if all of the voters are dead Democrats. If they have nothing to hide, why would they withdraw? Apparently something illegal is going on or it wouldn't be happening. After all, if they refuse to vote out of protest, they are just hurting themselves.

ISIS finally confirms the death of its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
MFS--The Other News
July 11, 2017

According to a statement by the Russian defense ministry carried in reports by the local media outlets, Al-Baghdadi was targeted along with at least 300 other insurgents and 30 top leaders of the terror group.
Read more...

The enemy of our enemy...

"Blue Whale Challenge" urges young people to end their lives
CBS News
July 12, 2017

The family of a Texas teen who hanged himself says their son was involved in a ghoulish online game that calls on participants to complete a series of tasks before taking their own lives, and some schools are warning parents about the so-called Blue Whale Challenge.
Read more...

How tragic...do parents not teach their children the difference between fantasy and reality now days?

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Plane Crash, Human Chain, Lawless Corporations, Voting, Russia, Navy Secretary

Marine special ops troops among 16 dead in plane crash
UPI
July 12, 2017

Federal Aviation Administration officials contacted the Marines when the aircraft disappeared from air traffic control radar as it flew over Mississippi, officials said. The plane burned after it struck the ground, and possible unexploded ordnance and ammunition could be surrounding the plane and hampering investigation, WLBT-TV, Jackson, Miss., reported.
Read more...

Good Samaritans form human chain to rescue swimmers caught in rip current off Florida coast
Good Morning America
July 11, 2017

“[Jessica and I] are no Olympic swimmers, not even Coast Guard swimmers but just two average people who spend a lot of time in the water,” Simmons said. “Everybody that was involved is a hero in my book.” The chain eventually grew to around 40 people, according to a police report obtained by ABC News. The report estimates the swimmers were stuck nearly 70 yards away from the shoreline.
Read more...

Judiciary Democrats Praise Rule to Restore the Rights of Hardworking Americans to Hold Lawless Corporations Accountable
David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
July 10, 2017

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee applauded the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for finalizing a rule to prohibit the use of pre-dispute, binding (“forced”) arbitration in contracts for consumer financial products such as checking or savings accounts, student loans, or credit cards.
Read more...

Clay Demands Swift Action from Ashcroft to Safeguard Missouri Voter Rolls, Election Day Operations from Foreign Tampering
William “Lacy” Clay, Jr. (D-MO, 1st)
July 10, 2017

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri is demanding that Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft identify immediate actions he intends to take to safeguard Missouri elections from foreign tampering. The Congressman’s letter to Mr. Ashcroft also denounced Missouri’s new Photo ID law. Mr. Clay, Missouri’s senior Democrat in Congress, first warned of Russian attempts to tamper with U.S. elections early last year during hearings before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Read more...

Trump Sees Fake Russia During Meeting With Former KGB Agent Putin While Cohen Sees Real Russia at OSCE PA in Minsk
Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)
July 11, 2017
While at the annual Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly last week in Minsk, Belarus, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), witnessed the real Russia that votes against human rights, democratic values, free elections, and the territorial integrity of nations, while President Trump saw the fake Russia during his meeting at the G20 Summit in Germany with former KGB agent and Russian President Vladimir Putin:
Read more...

Senator Tom Cotton RIPS Obama’s departed Navy secretary
Allen West Republic
JULY 12, 2017

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on Tuesday told President Trump’s pick for Navy secretary, Richard V. Spencer, that he may be hindered in his new position by the legacy of his Obama predecessor, whom he called one of the most unpopular secretaries in modern history.
Read more...





Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Carter Introduces Legislation to Align Federal Acquisition Practices with the Private Sector

Brooks Urges Senate to Stay in Washington and Pass Health Care Legislation
Mo Brooks (R-AL, 5th)
July 10, 2017

“It’s possible that the Senate will do its job, do something on health care, and send it to the House of Representatives, where we would either reject it and move to a conference committee or accept it, but the indications are right now that the Senate is mightily struggling to come up with a plan to properly deal with the health care issue that is in front of us.
Read more...

Buchanan Calls for Swift Action by Congress
Vern Buchanan (R-FL, 16th)
July 10, 2017

As Congress returns to Washington after a week-long recess, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan today called for swift action to confront the heroin crisis, crack down on sanctuary cities and reduce taxes on middle-income American families.
Read more...

Cárdenas Leads CHC Leadership Letter of Concern to Secretaries of State on Voter Fraud Commission
Tony Cardenas (D-CA, 29th)
July 7, 2017

“After many independent studies and analyses, there is still no proof of large or organized voter fraud,” said Rep. Cárdenas. “It’s great for us as Americans to know that our systems are working and our democracy is not at risk due to actions of individual voters. That being said, this Administration is determined to abuse its authority, and double down on these bogus claims, while ignoring the evidence of Russian interference right under their noses. I’m glad to see that our states are upholding American citizens’ right to privacy.”
Read more...

Carter Introduces Legislation to Align Federal Acquisition Practices with the Private Sector
Buddy Carter (R-GA, 1st)
July 7, 2017

"Private sector businesses, as well as state and local governments, are turning to rentals instead of purchases or leases of heavy equipment across the country," said Carter. "This has led to significant cost savings and the federal government should do the same for taxpayers. I am proud to introduce this legislation because it's past time for the federal government to get in line with the cost savings measures of businesses and state governments throughout the nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in this common sense mission to save taxpayer dollars through rentals."
Read more...

ISAKSON, PERDUE: HEALTH INSURANCE RATE INCREASE FURTHER EVIDENCE OBAMACARE FAILING, REPLACEMENT NEEDED
Senator Johnny Isakson - (R - GA)
July 10, 2017

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., again decried the high costs facing Georgians under Obamacare, citing additional evidence that a replacement is urgently needed to give Americans affordable, accessible health care choices.
Read more...

Nashville Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Internet Threat Targeting Law Enforcement Officers
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
July 10, 2017

According to court documents, in September 2015, Waddey posted a photograph on Instagram which depicted a handgun pointed at a Tennessee State Trooper vehicle. The posting was captioned, “F*** them non attentive hoes” and a comment read, “Gona die lookin at his computer.” Photographs subsequently found on Waddey’s phone also depicted a uniformed police officer bleeding heavily from the head and captioned “only a dead cop is a good cop.” Another photograph depicts a uniformed police officer who appears to have been shot multiple times in the back and laying in the street, while yet another photograph depicts a screen shot of a video showing another uniformed police officer who appears to have been shot and laying on the ground bleeding. This photo is captioned, “ON TAPE: OFFICER SHOT IN THE HEAD D….”
Read more...

Sorensen brings latest Freedom Rock to Holstein
The Daily Reporter
July 10, 2017

Freedom Rocks are brightening up the landscape in several Iowa counties. These painted-boulder salutes to veterans all started with one just off Highway 25 near Menlo. On this specific plot of land was a very large boulder that for years had been used for a graffiti canvas.
Read more...

Monday, July 10, 2017

Atheist's Freedom of Religion and more...

Blackburn-sponsored bill making hearing aids affordable, accessible advances
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN 7th)
July 7, 2017

Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.) on Wednesday applauded the bipartisan passage of their Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act in the House Energy & Commerce Committee. The legislation would make certain types of hearing aids available over-the-counter to Americans with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Read more...

Trial begins in lawsuit alleging toxic 'boys' club' at Iowa Statehouse
Press-Citizen
July 10, 2017

Kirsten Anderson, a 39-year-old former communications director for the Senate Republican caucus, brought the lawsuit after being fired in May 2013, just seven hours after giving her boss a memo asking for an investigation into workplace culture at the Capitol and for stronger policies against harassment.
Read more...

Opinion



Council Preview: Atheist invocation draws ire
Oskaloosa Herald
July 5, 2017

Atheist activist Justin Scott is scheduled to give a secular invocation at the Oskaloosa City Council meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, and many in the community say they may come out to protest his invocation.
Read more...

Seriously? I am not an atheist by any means. I believe firmly that Christ died for my sins and have excepted Him in my life. However, that does not give me the license to take someone else's freedom to be wrong away from him.

Furthermore, if Christians wish to keep their First Amendment rights, then we'd better learn to let everyone, not just people we like, have them.

To protest this event is lowering yourself to the level of the person protested against in this case. Do unto others: If we wish atheists would stop protesting our rights away, then we need to make sure those rights are able to be enjoyed by atheists.

Finally, atheism is a religion. Religion, according to Webster's Dictionary is "a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices". Therefore, if an atheist believes there is no God, and practices that belief, then atheism is his religion. To protest him is to protest his rights to practice his freedom of religion.

This is just my opinion

Shonda M. Ponder, editor
(Once again saying something that is unpopular, but true.}


Saturday, July 8, 2017

Russia, Guns, The Wall, Obamacare, CNN, Charlie Gard, Black Lives Matter and more...

The Ongoing Frustration of Trump's Conservative Critics
Town Hall
July 7, 2017

Most Trump supporters are not cultists who are blind and indifferent to his faults and indelicacies, but nor are they soiling themselves in agony over them. They have not betrayed their principles in supporting and defending Trump. They are not hypocrites for cheering him on against the plethora of leftist assaults. They don't root for Trump because they seek revenge against the left, as some have wrongly supposed. The left's war on America, as founded, is ongoing, not some one-off offense for which we seek redress.
Read more...

Trump at G20 with Mexican President: Mexico ‘Absolutely’ Paying for Border Wall
Breitbart
July 7, 2017

Members of the press were briefly allowed in the meeting where an AP reporter asked Trump, “Mr. Trump, do you still want Mexico to pay for the wall?”
Read more...

Trump, Putin Agree to Tackle Cybersecurity Together
NewsMax
July 7, 2017

"It was agreed that all of these issues, including anti-terrorism efforts, fight against organized crime, and hacker activities in any of their manifestations will be a focus of bilateral Russian-U.S. cooperation," Lavrov said. "A bilateral working group will be set up for these [issues]."
Read more...

Conservative warns McConnell to not give up on ObamaCare repeal
The Hill
JUly 7, 2017

Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is not happy about talk that Senate Republicans might give up that effort and instead work with Democrats on legislation to shore up troubled insurance markets.
Read more...

CNN May Have Had The Worst Week In Washington
The Daily Caller
July 8, 2017

The network’s rough week started on Sunday when President Trump jumpstarted controversy by tweeting a video that showed him body-slamming the CNN logo. The tweet was met with widespread condemnation in the media, which resulted in the video being shown over and over again on national television.
Read more...

Meet the Colorado Woman Training Teachers to Use Guns to Stop School Violence
The Daily Signal
July 8, 2017

FASTER trains school workers “not to replace police and EMT, but to allow teachers, administrators, and other personnel on-site to stop school violence rapidly and render medical aid immediately,” according to the FASTER website.
Read more...

GOP Senator’s Bill Passes, Makes Gun Seizure Order Without Gun Owner’s Knowledge Possible
Right Wing News
July 8, 2017

The bill is SB 719, and it has now gone through and passed Oregon’s House and Senate. It appoints an Extreme Risk Protection Order, which forces the subject of the order to give up all firearms, as well as his hidden carry permit if he possesses one.
Read more...

Charlie Gard Gets A Second Chance At Life
Red State
July 7, 2017

The Mengele-esque medical claque at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital has found playing God has responsibility. They’ve “reconsidered” their unilateral decision to remove 11-month-old Charlie Gard from life support over the wishes of his parents.
Read more...

A Texas Judge Turns Back an Irrational Challenge to Campus Carry
National Review
July 7, 2017

Here’s a piece of judicial good news. Yesterday, a Texas trial court dismissed a court challenge to Texas’s campus carry law that was based, of all things, on the First Amendment. No, really:
Read more...

BLM Leader Receives His Court Date As Officer Recovers From Deadly Ambush
Conservative Daily Post
July 7, 2017

A federal lawsuit has been filed in Louisiana, which blames Black Lives Matter, and several leaders, of inciting racial violence, especially against cops. This suit specifically refers to a deadly incident last summer that resulted in the death of Baton Rouge law enforcement officers, and the shooter.
Read more...







Friday, July 7, 2017

Trump's Use of Twitter, Jihad Encouraged Against Trump, and more...

President Trump is changing the norms that empower his media antagonists
American Thinker
June 30, 2017

As usual, President Trump is outraging the political-media establishment, who all assume that his early-morning tweets yesterday zinging the Morning Joe odd couple, "hitting back ten times as hard," as wife Melania once characterized his tactical doctrine, were the result of some form of derangement. They are not equipped to understand the strategy that lies behind his tweets. Like fish unaware of the water in which they swim, they operate on the basis of unconscious beliefs.
Read more...

Actually, I think technology did that. Trump is just smart enough to know how to use it.

Activist Linda Sarsour Calls for 'Jihad' Against Trump Administration
Fox News
July 6, 2017

Adressing the Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) convention this past weekend, Sarsour attacked the Trump administration and called on the Muslim community to unite against the White House.
Read more...

Isn't this the same as making a terroristic threat?

“Women’s March” to Target NRA Headquarters
Gateway Pundit
July 6, 2017

Organizers of January’s “Women’s March” against Trump have now set their sights on protesting the NRA. According to a Facebook event page they have set up, they will protest at the NRA headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, then march 17 miles to the Department Of Justice in Washington, D.C. for some reason. It appears they didn't like an NRA ad that depicts protection from riot intruders.
Read more...

Of course they don't...

Sen. Toomey Explains GOP's Unpreparedness in Repealing Obamacare: 'Didn't Expect Donald Trump to Win'
Town Hall
July 6, 2017

Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) gave an extremely candid response Wednesday evening at a Town Hall meeting when asked about the Senate GOP’s struggle to repeal and replace Obamacare despite years of complaining about it.
Read more...

Lame excuse. It shouldn't have been done because Trump was elected. It should have been done because We the People have been screaming about it for five years. After all, you knew Barack Hussein Obama wasn't going to be elected again.

UN-AMERICAN: On Independence Day, ZERO References to July 4th on Obama’s Social Media Accounts
Western Tribune
July 5, 2017

The former president spent his day overseas at a conference in Seoul, South Korea — but back home, his social media accounts displayed not a hint of the holiday his countrymen were celebrating this July Fourth.
Read more...

Is anyone really surprised?

North Korea tested a Hwasong-14 missile, which is reported as having the capability to reach Alaska.

And, finally, they can't say they weren't warned:


Thursday, July 6, 2017

Lindsey Lohan, Free Speech, Media Trust, National Security, Gorsuch, Terrorist Awarded, Planned Parenthood, Charlie Gard

Hollywood Starlet Defends POTUS, Urges Americans to Trust Trump
The Constitution
July 5, 2017

While Lindsay Lohan may not be in the prime of her career currently, she still ranks as one of the larger stars to come out in support of Trump. Hollywood has been busy with their demeaning of The Donald, or outright silence on the subject, thanks to the massive liberal slant of both California and of the movie industry. Now that Lohan has come out of the closet, so to speak, perhaps we will find ourselves with a renewed support of the President in Tinsel Town.
Read more...

Stop Promoting Violence As Protected Speech
The Dana Show
July 5, 2017

The left is ouWhen I made my spot-on NRA ad wherein I condemned violence, I was specifically referring to the violence in Tweeted examples below... The left is outraged that I, or anyone, would condemn these violent acts because in reality, they sanction them.
Read more...

PBS Poll: More Americans Trust Trump Than the Media; 'Horrible Trend'
Newsbusters
July 5, 2017

Monday's PBS NewsHour spotlighted the low trust in the news media, according to the results of their latest poll. Only 30 percent of those surveyed by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist trust the press "a good deal" or "a great amount." The Trump administration scored seven points better in the same poll. Guest Stuart Rothenberg bemoaned the "horrible trend" towards distrust of the media over the past several decades. NPR's Tamara Keith underlined that "these numbers are part of a very long trend of institutions losing trust from the American people; and that...puts America at risk."
Read more...

Trump nat sec strategy to 'translate MAGA into foreign policy'
Conservative Review
July 6, 2017

President Trump will release a National Security Strategy (NSS) document likely by year’s end, one that will be based on the newly formed concept of “principled realism,” senior Trump administration officials tell Conservative Review.
Read more...

Gorsuch already making conservative mark on Supreme Court, amid Kennedy rumors
Fox News
July 06, 2017

The newest member of the Supreme Court already is making his mark after just three months on the job, effectively restoring a conservative tilt to the bench in decision after decision – amid mounting speculation over whether President Trump could soon have the chance to pick a second justice
Read more...

What Canada just AWARDED this jihadist who murdered a U.S. soldier DISGUSTS me
Allen West
July 06, 2017

As reported by CBC.ca, “Alberta PC Leader Jason Kenney and some other conservative politicians are lambasting the federal government over its move to apologize to Omar Khadr and pay him a settlement of $10.5 million [Canadian].
Read more...

Franks: If Senate Strips Planned Parenthood Defunding From Health Bill, It Will Blow It to 'Smithereens'
CNS News
July 5, 2017

On Twitter last Friday, House Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) warned that if the Senate takes the "pro-life components out of" the health care bill, it will blow the bill "to smithereens" in the House. Franks' remarks came several days after he signed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that the defunding of Planned Parenthood in the bill was essentially non-negotiable.
Read more...

'Don't give up... miracles do happen' Mother of 'Italian Charlie Gard' says son, 9, given up for dead as a baby has a happy life of painting and chess
Daily Mail
July 5, 2017

The mum of an Italian boy with a condition similar to Charlie Guard has told his parents:' Don't give up – miracles happen.'
Read more...

Some good news worth sharing...

Injury Kept Him From Desert Storm. Years Later, Vet Consumed by Guilt. But Stranger Hands Over Letter
Liftable
July 4, 2017

When Hayley Williams’ father, John Williams, came home injured from a military training exercise before Desert Storm, their life changed dramatically. In addition to the physical and emotional struggles John Williams was experiencing, the family feared they would not be able to afford Hayley’s university tuition.
Read what happens next...

Statement by The Ponder Editor Concerning Trump Bodyslam of CNN

I am about to say something very unpopular, but I don't care. Just because it is unpopular doesn't make it any less the truth:

CNN is astounded at a Trump video that depicts him body slamming CNN. Other Journalists have feigned being shocked along with CNN, accusing Trump of inciting violence against the media.

That is simply not true. He has, however, been shown on CNN in videos that beheaded and tortured him. So, what is wrong with him fighting back?

The DC article I read is quoted as saying: “Around the world, journalists are murdered with impunity on a regular basis,” Poynter managing editor Ben Mullin gravely stated. “This isn’t funny.”

It isn't funny when a certain news organization concentrates all of it's efforts on destroying our President, either. How many other Presidents has it destroyed with lies and fake news? How many other PEOPLE?

The thing is, for CNN to cry out for freedom of speech, and then decry it because it was used against them is justice...pure and simple.

I, for one, am cheering that body slam on!

Signed, a very strong supporter of Freedom of the Press -- providing that EVERYONE, including the President, has it.

Shonda M. Ponder, editor
The Ponder News


Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Renewable Energy, Trumpcare, North Korea, Hot Cars, Free Speech, Transgender Military, Privatization, Anti-Semitism, Prisoner Rights

Ernst on RFS Renewable Volume Obligations for 2018 and 2019
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
July 5, 2017

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2018 at 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol, meeting the levels Congress prescribed in 2007, along with setting the 2019 RVOs for biodiesel at 2.1 billion gallons:
Read more...

Feinstein: Republican Health Care Bill Increases Costs
Senator Dianne Feinstein - (D - CA)
July 5, 2017

“Under the Senate Republican health care bill, between 3 million and 4 million Californians would have their health coverage taken away. Those Californians who are able to keep their coverage would end up paying much more for less health care.
Read more...

Fischer Statement on North Korea Missile Test-Launch
Senator Deb Fischer- (R - NE)
July 5, 2017

“The latest test-launch demonstrates a sobering reality: the threat of North Korea is quickly advancing. As the threat increases, we must bring greater pressure to bear on North Korea, and its international patrons, China and Russia, but we should have no illusions that they will solve this problem for us.
Read more...

Sen. Franken Announces Bill to Prevent Children from Becoming Trapped in Hot Cars
Senator Al Franken - (D - MN)
July 5, 2017

Tragically, an average of 37 children die each year in overheated cars, and more than 700 have died nationwide since 1998. The Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in Rear Seat Act (HOT CARS Act) would seek to save the lives of children before they become trapped in a hot car. The bill would require newly manufactured cars to come equipped with technology to alert drivers if a child is left in the back seat once the car is turned off. Such technology exists and is available in some vehicles-including many of GM's 2017 and 2018 models-but has not yet been implemented on a larger scale.
Read more...

Michigan college stops T-Rex-clad student from speaking, acts as if free speech is extinct
Alliance Defending Freedom
July 5, 2017

In April, campus police approached three members of the Turning Point USA chapter at the college who were on a large open area of the MCC Clinton Township campus to raise awareness about the value fossil fuels provide to society. The police told the students, one of whom was wearing T-Rex dinosaur costume, that they could not talk to other students, offer educational literature, or collect signatures in support of the issue. They further warned the students that they were violating the college’s speech permit policies because they had not obtained pre-approval from an administrator on a different campus, and that they could be deemed to be trespassing if they did not immediately cease their activities.
Read more...

American Family Association Urges Congress to end military transgender policy
American Family Association
July 5, 2017

Next week Congress will be voting on a military funding bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2018 (NDAA). Congress will then have an opportunity to put an end to the Obama administration's transgender military mandate.
Read more...

New Video: Why privatizing public services hurts everyone (except big business)
American Federation for Government Employees
July 5, 2017

A new video from the American Federation of Government Employees illustrates how Americans suffer when the government hands over our public services to for-profit corporations.
Read more...

AJC: United Church of Christ Continues Demonization of IsraelAJC: UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CONTINUES DEMONIZATION OF ISRAEL
American Jewish Committee
July 3, 2017

AJC denounced the United Church of Christ (UCC) for adopting a resolution that criticizes Israel but ignores Palestinian leadership responsibility for the human rights of Palestinian children. The resolution, “A Call for the United Church of Christ to Advocate for the Rights of Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation,” passed at the UCC General Synod by a vote of 79 percent in favor, 13 percent against, and 9 percent abstaining.
Read more...

Lawsuit Accuses Los Angeles County Jail of Federal and State Civil Liberty Violations
Human Rights Defense Center
July 5, 2017

A national human rights organization is accusing the Los Angeles County Jail of federal and state civil liberty violations. The jail holds the largest number of pre-trial detainees in the United States, and was previously the target of a federal investigation that resulted in the conviction of the former sheriff and jail officials.
Read more...

Deported Veterans, Election Integrity, Chemotherapy, Gun Group Event, Agriculture and Food

Rep. Juan Vargas Welcomes Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members to San Diego for Meeting with Deported Veterans in Tijuana, Mexico
Juan Vargas (D-CA, 51st)
July 3, 2017

On Saturday, June 3, seven members of Congress visited the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, Mexico to meet with veterans who have been deported from the United States. During the visit, Reps. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01), Lou Correa (CA-46), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), and Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) toured the facility and heard the veterans’ personal stories.
Read more...

Veasey Introduces Bill to Deny Funding for Trump’s Sham Commission on Election Integrity
Marc Veasey (D-TX, 33rd)
June 30, 2017

In the wake of President Trump’s request from all 50 states to hand over voters’ sensitive information in his ongoing effort to dismantle the voting integrity of our nation, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, introduced H.R. 3029, the Combating the President’s Voter Suppression Act, to ensure no taxpayer funds will be used to support the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity.
Read more...

Durbin Calls On Illinois To Refuse Request To Release Illinois Voter Files To Trump Commission On Voter Fraud
Senator Richard J. Durbin - (D - IL)
July 2, 2017

“This Commission is a half-baked exercise setting out to prove President Trump actually won the popular vote, which under the clear language of the Constitution is irrelevant. The Vice-chair of the effort, Kris Kobach, is well-known in Washington for hair-on-fire conspiracy theories imagining massive voter fraud which somehow escapes the attention of thousands of appointed and elected officials from both parties who supervise our elections,” said Durbin. "It is understandable that election officials of both parties nationwide are telling Mr. Kobach and his Commission to stick his request where the sun never shines. Illinois should do no less."
Read more...

FDA clears expanded use of cooling cap to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
July 3, 2017

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the expanded use of a cooling cap, DigniCap Cooling System, to reduce hair loss (alopecia) during chemotherapy. This is the first cooling cap cleared by the agency for use in cancer patients with solid tumors.
Read more...

The Well Armed Women Hosts 3rd Annual National Leadership Conference
Well Armed Woman
June 30, 2017

The Well Armed Woman [TWAW] Shooting Chapters nonprofit organization will hold its 3rd Annual National Leadership Conference in Jacksonville, Fla., from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. Susan LaPierre, co-chair of the National Rifle Association’s Women’s Leadership Forum and wife of Wayne LaPierre, joins an illustrious group of seminar leaders and firearms trainers in this 3-day historic event at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. More than 350 chapter leaders will meet, train and learn valuable skills to take back to their chapters across the country.
Read more...

President Donald J. Trump Signs H.R. 1238 into Law
White House
June 30, 2017

H.R. 1238, the “Securing our Agriculture and Food Act,” which requires the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to carry out a program to coordinate DHS efforts related to defending the food, agriculture, and veterinary systems of the United States against terrorism and other threats.
Read more...