Val Demings running for Senate against Marco Rubio in Florida counterbalances Chris Sununu against Maggie Hassan in New Hampshire. In recent years NH has frustrated Republicans, as FL has frustrated Democrats. As of now, R’s seem to have passable pick-up opportunities in AZ, GA and NH; D’s in WI, OH, FL, NC and PA; that’s 3:5.
US President Joe Biden is facing questions from some within his Democratic party about the amount of foreign aid America sends to Israel.
Senator Bernie Sanders has said: "We must take a hard look at nearly $4bn (£2.8bn) a year in military aid to Israel."
In 2020, the US gave $3.8bn worth of aid to Israel - part of a long-term yearly commitment made by the Obama administration, which will run until 2028.
The vast majority of this aid is for military assistance, according to the Congressional Research Service.
The money has helped Israel develop one of the most advanced militaries in the world.
Israel has used the grants to buy F-35 aircraft, and in 2020, the US provided $500m for missile defence, including investments in Israel's Iron Dome system, which intercepts rockets.
Since 2011, the US has provided $1.6bn for the Iron Dome.
Since World War Two, Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign aid.
Meanwhile, President Biden has restored some funding ($235m) for the UN agency which helps Palestinian refugees - this funding was cut by the Trump administration in 2018.
I've been absent the past few days because my internet service was out. Just as I was getting my new computer connected Thursday evening the internet gateway (modem) went dead. I figured since an AT&T technician had to come out anyway this was a good time to get the free upgrade to much faster fiber optic they have been pushing. Except it turns out the fiber optic cable needs to come into my office, not were the old cable did, but in a spot that requires moving a huge, huge amount of stuff. So that will happen at some very indefinite time in the future. Meanwhile, though, the technician got the old system up and running again so I can read and post here again.
About yesterday's post linking the gun crisis to domestic violence: not in the Chicago area, so far as I can tell. The author contrasts mass shooting in public places that attract media attention to shootings in private places. But in Chicago it seems that most shootings occur in public places whether there are multiple or single victims. But as a recent Tribune article pointed out, these killings attract essentially no attention outside the Chicago area. Apparently because the victims are Black, so who cares?
‘A new Chile’: political elite rejected in vote for constitutional assembly [Click] Pinochet’s constitution out, independent and leftist candidates in.
ReplyDeleteVT May 18th: 23,945-23,912 = 33
ReplyDeleteActive Cases:1459
Deaths:254(+2)
Recovered:22,232 (92.8%)
Hospital:9(-2) ICU:1(+1) Tests:389,564(+716)
Now up to 5 Covid deaths in Vermont in May.
DeletePositivity Rate up to 1.2%
Death Rate holding at 1.1%
Galapagos Islands: Erosion fells Darwin's Arch
ReplyDeletehttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57153267
Israel closes Gaza border [again] after mortar attack
ReplyDelete(The border was briefly opened on Tuesday to allow a shipment of aid, including food and fuel.)
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57161333
India surpasses 25 million COVID-19 cases as powerful cyclone slows response effort
ReplyDeleteTropical Cyclone Tauktae made landfall in Gujarat Monday night.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/india-surpasses-25-million-covid-19-cases-powerful/story?id=77753777
FL: Val Demings to run for Senate against Marco Rubio
ReplyDeletehttps://www.cnn.com/2021/05/18/politics/val-demings-senate-florida-marco-rubio/index.html
From some behind paywall tea-leaf readings:
DeleteVal Demings running for Senate against Marco Rubio in Florida counterbalances Chris Sununu against Maggie Hassan in New Hampshire. In recent years NH has frustrated Republicans, as FL has frustrated Democrats.
As of now, R’s seem to have passable pick-up opportunities in AZ, GA and NH; D’s in WI, OH, FL, NC and PA; that’s 3:5.
So far, so good. I sure wish the margin were wider. But there's still time.
DeleteHow much aid does the US give Israel?
ReplyDeleteReuters:
US President Joe Biden is facing questions from some within his Democratic party about the amount of foreign aid America sends to Israel.
Senator Bernie Sanders has said: "We must take a hard look at nearly $4bn (£2.8bn) a year in military aid to Israel."
In 2020, the US gave $3.8bn worth of aid to Israel - part of a long-term yearly commitment made by the Obama administration, which will run until 2028.
The vast majority of this aid is for military assistance, according to the Congressional Research Service.
The money has helped Israel develop one of the most advanced militaries in the world.
Israel has used the grants to buy F-35 aircraft, and in 2020, the US provided $500m for missile defence, including investments in Israel's Iron Dome system, which intercepts rockets.
Since 2011, the US has provided $1.6bn for the Iron Dome.
Since World War Two, Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign aid.
Meanwhile, President Biden has restored some funding ($235m) for the UN agency which helps Palestinian refugees - this funding was cut by the Trump administration in 2018.
I've been absent the past few days because my internet service was out. Just as I was getting my new computer connected Thursday evening the internet gateway (modem) went dead. I figured since an AT&T technician had to come out anyway this was a good time to get the free upgrade to much faster fiber optic they have been pushing. Except it turns out the fiber optic cable needs to come into my office, not were the old cable did, but in a spot that requires moving a huge, huge amount of stuff. So that will happen at some very indefinite time in the future. Meanwhile, though, the technician got the old system up and running again so I can read and post here again.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Bill!
DeleteWhat listener said!
DeleteAbout yesterday's post linking the gun crisis to domestic violence: not in the Chicago area, so far as I can tell. The author contrasts mass shooting in public places that attract media attention to shootings in private places. But in Chicago it seems that most shootings occur in public places whether there are multiple or single victims. But as a recent Tribune article pointed out, these killings attract essentially no attention outside the Chicago area. Apparently because the victims are Black, so who cares?
ReplyDeleteNew York prosecutor says Trump inquiry now 'criminal'
ReplyDeletehttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57166735
Has anyone heard from Cat?
ReplyDeleteI sent her an email a few days ago, but no response.
Not I.
Delete