Friday, May 26, 2023
43 Million Traveling
Memorial Day Holiday Travel
43 Million Americans (out of 330 Million) are expected to travel this Memorial Day
Weekend.
37 Million will travel by Car.
6 Million will travel by Plane.
Please remember to take a moment this Holiday Weekend (while
traveling to your Vacation, while Swimming, while Camping, during your BBQ, etc.)
to remember that Memorial Day remembers the American Men and Women who died
while serving in the US Military protecting our Nation and the World.
It is alright to also remember and thank Active-Duty Soldiers
and Veterans for their Service.
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Politicans Going Home
From the BBC:
“Lawmakers in Washington are preparing to leave town for a
holiday weekend, with time running out to reach a deal over raising the debt
ceiling.”
The US Treasury has warned that the country will not have
enough money to pay all of its bills as soon as 1 June. Analysts say if the US
fails to honour obligations it could have severe economic consequences. Investor
worries have increased, despite assurances from negotiators that talks are
making progress.
Republicans are seeking spending cuts to government programmes,
in exchange for raising the $31.4tn (£25tn) cap on government borrowing. House
Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who leads Republicans in the House and has been the
most high-profile public face of the talks for his party, said Democrats and
Republicans had worked past midnight on Wednesday and would continue to
negotiate. "There's a couple of issues still hanging out there that we've
got to get done," he said. "We're gonna work 24/7 to try to make that
happen." There is no current plan for the two sides to meet on Thursday,
but that could change. Another key Republican said he believed a deal to raise
the nation's debt-ceiling deal was "likely" by Friday afternoon. "We
are inching closer to a deal. I think it's some of the finer points they are
working on right now," Rep Kevin Hern told Reuters. "You are likely
to see a deal by tomorrow afternoon."
The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq were trading higher at midday
on Thursday, lifted by positive updates on earnings from some companies, while
the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down about 0.6%. That followed several
days of declines. Fitch Ratings, one of the big three credit ratings agencies,
on Wednesday said it had put the US on "negative watch" - the first
step toward lowering the country's credit rating. It cited "increased
political partisanship" and weak governance compared to other countries
that hold its top rating. "The brinkmanship over the debt ceiling, failure
of the US authorities to meaningfully tackle medium-term fiscal challenges that
will lead to rising budget deficits, and a growing debt burden signal downside
risks to US creditworthiness," the company said.
Mr McCarthy has promised to give lawmakers 72 hours to review
the bill, and at least 24 hours' notice if they have to return to Washington
early. If a deal is reached this week, a vote could happen early next week. There
is little wiggle room for objections to be raised, as the Senate would also
have to vote on the bill, which would then go to the White House for signing. Lawmakers
could also temporarily lift the debt cap to give the talks more time.
^ It's nice to see
them not take any of this seriously. I guess something that directly affects
330 Million American Men, Women and Children is not important to them. ^
18 Years For Sedition
From the BBC:
“Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes sentenced to 18 years for
Capitol riot”
The leader of a far-right militia has been sentenced to 18
years in prison for his role in the US Capitol riot. Stewart Rhodes, the
founder of the Oath Keepers, was convicted on charges of seditious conspiracy
and other crimes. Rhodes stayed outside the Capitol on 6 January 2021, but
co-ordinated with militia members who stormed the building. The sentence is the
longest yet given to a Capitol rioter. Prosecutors had asked for 25 years. Rhodes
was also convicted last year of obstruction of an official proceeding and
tampering with documents or proceedings in one of the highest-profile Capitol
riot trials. At a hearing on Thursday, the militia leader showed little
remorse, claiming he was a political prisoner and insisting the Oath Keepers
only intended to protect other protesters. Judge Amit Mehta rejected those
claims and expressed concern about Rhodes' violent rhetoric, including a threat
to hang former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The sentence given to Rhodes is
the longest handed out so far for the riot, where thousands of supporters of
Donald Trump who objected to the result of the 2020 presidential election
stormed the US legislature. Rhodes, a former US Army paratrooper and
Yale-educated lawyer, founded the Oath Keepers in 2009. Armed members of the
anti-government group showed up at a number of protests and standoffs, and
eventually became staunch supporters of Donald Trump. Dozens were present at
the riot.
What did the Oath Keepers do on January 6? Rhodes began a campaign to reject the
results of the election two days after the November 2020 vote, while ballots
were still being counted. He messaged supporters: "We aren't getting through
this without a civil war… Prepare your mind, body, spirit." Rhodes and
other Oath Keepers then spent thousands of dollars on weapons and equipment and
stashed them in a hotel room in nearby Virginia just prior to 6 January 2021.
During the riot itself, Rhodes stayed outside the building taking phone
calls and messages while other Oath Keepers stormed the building. Prosecutors
said he acted like a "battlefield general" during the melee. Defence
lawyers argued that the weapons stash was never used and that the militia was
on a purely defensive mission. They plan to appeal the convictions.
What is seditious conspiracy? Kelly Meggs, the leader of the
militia's Florida chapter, was scheduled to be sentenced later on Thursday. Meggs
was also convicted of seditious conspiracy, a little-used Civil War-era law
that carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. It's distinct from the crime of
treason, which carries a high burden of proof outlined in the US Constitution,
and can lead to the death penalty. Three other Oath Keepers who went on
trial at the same time as Rhodes and Meggs were found not guilty of seditious
conspiracy but were convicted of lesser charges.
Judge Mehta ruled in favour of prosecutors who argued for a
stiffer sentence for Rhodes under a so-called "terrorism
enhancement". They argued that the Oath Keepers sought to use
"intimidation or coercion" against the US government. Four other Oath
Keepers were convicted of seditious conspiracy in January, and four members of
the far-right Proud Boys were convicted on the charge earlier this month. Most
of the Capitol rioters were not part of an organised group, however.
In total, more than 1,000 people have been arrested in
connection with the riot, and more than half have pled guilty to crimes
including assault, theft, weapons charges, trespassing and obstructing an
official proceeding. Around 80 have been found guilty following a trial,
according to the US Justice Department.
^ This Domestic Terrorist should have gotten a lot more jail
time. He and his minions tried to overthrow the Government of the United
States. ^
Zlata's Diary
When I was 13 years old and living in Germany I read “Anne
Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl” for my Middle School English Class.
I had already read Anne’s Frank Diary before that class
assignment and so my English Teacher suggested I read “Zlata's Diary: A Child's
Life in Sarajevo” and so I did. It was sort of for Extra Credit, but since I always
got As or 100s (except in Math) I didn’t need any Extra Credit.
Zlata Filipović is considered the “Anne Frank Who Lived”
since both wrote Diaries during Wartime and with 1 side trying to kill them (the
German Nazis killed Anne and the Bosnian Serbs tried to kill Zlata.)
Zlata Filipović was born on December 3, 1980 in Sarajevo,
Bosnia, Yugoslavia the only Child of Malik (a Lawyer) and Alicia (a Biochemist.)
Zlata started her Diary in 1991 (during peacetime) unlike
Anne (who started her Diary in 1942 – 2 years into the German Occupation of the
Netherlands.)
Before the War she took tennis and piano lessons and liked
pizza and American Movies.
When Bosnia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1992
the Yugoslavs (the Bosnian Serbs and the Serbs Living in Serbia) lay Siege of its
Capital Sarajevo (where Zlata lived.)
The Siege of Sarajevo lasted from April 2, 1992 – February 29,
1996 (3 years, 10 months 3 weeks and 3 days) and killed 13,952 in the City.
"Today was truly, absolutely the worst day ever in Sarajevo," began her entry of May 2, 1992, which was now addressed to an imaginary friend called "Mimmy." By this time, the constant gunfire had forced the Family into the dark, smelly, rat-infested cellar.
"We listened
to the pounding shells, the shooting, the thundering noise overhead," she
continued. "We even heard planes. At one moment, I realized that this
awful cellar was the only place that could save our lives. Suddenly, it started
to look almost warm and nice. We heard glass shattering in our street.
Horrible. I put my fingers in my ears to block out the terrible sounds."
Zlata wrote about the War and the Siege for 2 years.
She wrote about the hardships of living without gas,
electricity, or water, and subsisting on United Nations food packages.
She mourned the death of her 11-year-old friend Nina, who was
hit by shrapnel that lodged in her brain ("I cry and wonder why? She
didn't do anything.") and denounced the politicians ("Ordinary people
don't want this division because it won't make anyone happy, not the Serbs, not
the Croats, not the Muslims.)
In the Summer of 1993 was published and by December 1993 the
United Nations evacuated her Parents and Herself from War torn Sarajevo to France
where she lived for 1 year before moving to Dublin, Ireland (where she still
lives.)
She studied at Trinity College and then at Oxford.
Living in Germany during the Wars in the Former Yugoslavia I
saw a lot of the War on TV (the Concentration Camps, the Massacres, the Sieges,
etc.) as well as seeing all the Refugees in-person.
I helped organize Donations (Food, Clothes, Toys, etc.) for
the Refugees.
My Dad was also a Peacekeeper in both Croatia and in Bosnia
& Herzegovina.
I was finally able to go to Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina
and Montenegro in December 2010 – with my Mom.
Dual Travel
I was asked what I do (being a Dual Citizen of both Canada
and the United States) when I travel.
By American Law every American Citizen and American National
has to use their US Passport Book, US Passport Card, US Military ID Card or
State Enhanced Driver’s License when entering the US.
If you don’t you can be detained at the Border (except at US
Preclearance outside the US) and fined and/or go to jail - especially if its not your first offense.
By Canadian Law every Canadian Citizen has to use their
Canadian Passport when entering Canada.
If you don’t you can be detained at the Border and fined
and/or go to jail – especially if its not your first offense.
With that said when I travel to any other Country I can use either
my Canadian Passport or my American Passport.
According to the 2023 Henley Passport Index Canadians have
Visa-Free Access to 187 Countries (ranking it 8th in the World)
According to the 2023 Henley Passport Index Americans have
Visa-Free Access to 186 Countries (ranking it 7th in the World.)
Some Countries let Americans enter Visa-Free or Visa On
Arrival and not Canadians and vice versa so I would use that Passport if I travel
there.
Also, as a Canadian Citizen I am also a Commonwealth Citizen
meaning I have special rights when I travel to the 14 other Commonwealth Realm
(Canada is also a Commonwealth Realm) and the 55 other Member Countries of the Commonwealth
of Nations.
So if I travel to the United Kingdom (a Commonwealth Realm) I
would use my Canadian Passport and not my American Passport as I would have
more rights and privileges than if I used my American Passport.
I have only been a Canadian Citizen since 2009 (when Canada changed
its Nationality Laws to give Citizenship back to those that had automatically had
it taken from them by the Canadian Government, as my Mother did.
Background: From 1946 (when Canadian Citizenship was created) until 1977
Canada didn’t allow Dual Citizenship.
So anyone who became a Citizen of another Country (as my
Grandfather did in the 1960s when he became an American Citizen) and their
Minor Children (as my Mother was at the time) had their Canadian Citizenship automatically
taken away from them – even though my Mom was born in Canada.
Note: The Canadian Government also automatically took away Canadian Citizenship
to any Canadian who lived outside of Canada for 10 years or more – even if they
had no other Citizenship.
My Mom was already an American Citizen from Birth (through my
Grandmother.)
Even though Canada started allowing Dual Citizenship in 1977
anyone who had their Canadian Citizenship automatically taken from them by the
Canadian Government before 1977 didn’t get it back until a new Law was made in
2009 – and then only if you applied for it.
Back to my trip: My Mom and I visited Canada in July 2012. We went from Lubec,
Maine to Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada for 1 night – on my Mom’s Birthday.
When entering Canada
(on the FDR Bridge) my Mom and I had to use our Canadian Passports and when we
entered the United States the next day we had to use our American Passports.
Note: People on Campobello Island have Dual Citizenship because the closest
Hospital is in Lubec, Maine (and access to the rest of Canada is blocked in the
Winter.)
Lubec also has the only Gas Station so people from Campobello
Island have to have their US and Canadian Passports with them at all times in
case they have to cross the bridge and go to get gas or do other errands – Campobello
Island is also 1 hour ahead of Maine.
Back to my Trip (Again): After we visited Campobello Island we drove through
Maine to the main Canadian Border and again had to use our Canadian Passports
to enter Canada. We then spent 2 weeks in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island
and Nova Scotia before returning to the US (where we had to use our American
Passports to enter.)
Memorial War Films
For Memorial Day Weekend this weekend here are some War Movies, with a focus on America, to watch (I have seen all of these):
List of Films and Television Shows about the French and
Indian War (1754-1763):
The Last Of The Mohicans (1992)
List of Films and Television Shows about the American
Revolution (1775-1783):
Drums Along The Mohawk (1939)
Johnny Tremain (1957)
The Patriot (2000)
The Crossing (2000)
Turn: Washington Spies (2014-2017)
List of Films and Television Shows about the American Civil
War (1861-1865):
Gone With The Wind (1939)
The Raid (1954)
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
The Blue And The Grey (1982)
Glory (1989)
Ken Burn’s The Civil War (1990)
Gettysburg (1993)
Gods And Generals (2003)
Lincoln (2012)
Grant (2020)
List of Films and Television Shows about the Spanish-American
War (1898):
Rough Riders (1997)
List of Films and Television Shows about the First World War
(1917-1918):
Sergeant York (1941)
Hemingway's Adventures Of A Young Man (1962)
The Yanks Are Coming (1963)
All Quiet On The Western Front (1979)
The Lighthorsemen (1987)
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992–1993)
The Lost Battalion (2001)
Fly Boys (2006)
Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero (2018)
The Great War (2019)
List of Films and Television Shows about the Second World War
(1941-1945):
To Be Or Not To Be (1942)
So Proudly We Hail! (1943)
The Fighting Sullivans (1944)
The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946)
The Search (1948)
The Desert Fox (1951)
Battle Cry (1955)
The Bridge Of The River Kwai (1957)
The Diary Of Anne Frank (1959)
Judgement At Nuremberg (1961)
The Longest Day (1962)
Battle Of The Bulge (1965)
Is Paris Burning (1966)
Tobruk (1967)
The Bridge At Remagen (1969)
Patton (1970)
Tora Tora Tora (1970)
Midway (1976)
A Bridge Too Far (1977)
Holocaust (1978)
Sophie’s Choice (1982)
The Scarlett And The Black (1983)
To Be Or Not To Be (1983)
Schindler’s List (1993)
Swing Kids (1993)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Anne Frank The Whole Story (2001)
Enemy At The Gates (2001)
Uprising (2001)
Band Of Brothers (2001)
Defiance (2008)
The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler (2009)
The Pacific (2010)
The Imitation Game (2014)
Unbroken (2014)
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)
Dunkirk (2017)
World On Fire (2019)
List of Films and Television Shows about the Cold War
(1945-1991):
The Journey (1959)
One, Two, Three (1961)
Romanof And Juliet (1961)
Escape from East Berlin (1962)
The Russians Are Coming The Russians Are Coming (1966)
Night Crossing (1982)
The Hunt For Red October (1990)
The Tunnel (2001)
The Debt (2011)
Deutschland 83 (2015)
Firebird (2021)
List of Films and Television Shows about the Korean War
(1950-1953):
A Yank In Korea (1951)
Mission Over Korea (1953)
The Bridges At Toko-Ri (1954)
Battle Hymn (1957)
M*A*S*H (1972-1983)
Inchon (1981)
List of Films and Television Shows about the Vietnam War (1964-1973):
A Yank in Viet-Nam (1964)
The Green Berets (1968)
The Killing Fields (1984)
Platoon (1986)
Gardens Of Stone (1987)
Good Morning Vietnam (1987)
Rescue Dawn (2006)
Journey From The War (2007)
Tunnel Rats (2008)
Ken Burns’ Vietnam War (2017)
List of Films and Television Shows about the Gulf War
(1990-1991):
The Heroes of Desert Storm (1991)
Jarhead (2005)
List of Films and Television Shows about the Afghanistan War (2001-2021):
Escape From Taliban (2003)
The Patrol (2013)
Hyena Road (2015)
The Covenant (2023)
List of Films and Television Shows about the Iraq War
(2003-2017):
Brothers At War (2009)
The Road To Fallujah (2009)
American Sniper (2014)
Ft Ticonderoga
From Fort Ticonderoga’s Facebook:
Join Fort Ticonderoga this Saturday and Sunday (May 27-28) to
pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives in service to their
country during the American Revolution. Discover the story of the American Army
in 1777 and how it prepared to defend liberty at Ticonderoga through living
history programs and demonstrations throughout Memorial Day weekend.
A special service (Sunday ONLY) features a procession of a Continental Army soldier’s funeral. Pay respect to the numerous soldiers who did not receive a proper burial at Ticonderoga in 1777 and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice they made to secure our liberty today.
The full visitor schedule can be found here:
https://www.fortticonderoga.org/featured-events-memorial.../
^ I wish I could go back. I have loved going to Fort
Ticonderoga since I was a little kid. ^
Oleksandr Chaika
From EuroMaiden Press:
At the outset of the full-scale Invasion, 33-year-old Athlete,
Dancer, and Coach, Oleksandr Chaika, joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and was
assigned to the 24th Mechanized Brigade in Popasna, Luhansk Oblast. However, on
April 6, 2022, an enemy shell struck the trench where he was stationed. It took
almost an hour to extract him from the ground, and gangrene had already formed
by then. The doctors from Dnipro decided to amputate his leg to save his life.
During Autumn, Oleksandr Chaika underwent prosthetics as part
of the Operation Renew Prosthetics program at the Medical Center for
Orthopedics and Prosthetics (MCOP) in Washington, DC. With time and dedication,
he learned to walk again. After ten months of treatment and rehabilitation, he
returned to Kyiv and decided to continue teaching Children acrobatics.
Before the first session with the Children, he felt extremely
nervous.
“I was apprehensive about the first day, how the children
would react. Would they be afraid of the prosthesis? How would the learning
process proceed? How would they respond to all this?” said Oleksandr.
Nonetheless, everything went smoothly! The Parents played a
crucial role and prepared the Kids beforehand, resulting in a great experience
for everyone involved.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
165 Million Approve
From News Nation:
“Half of US public approves of arms deliveries to Ukraine”
Like the blue and yellow flags that popped up around the U.S.
when Russia invaded Ukraine 15 months ago, U.S. popular support for
Washington’s backing of Ukraine has faded a little but remains widespread, a
survey by the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and NORC
shows.
It found that half of the people in the U.S. support the
Pentagon’s ongoing supply of weapons to Ukraine for its defense against Russian
forces. That level is nearly unchanged in the past year, while about a quarter
are opposed to sustaining the military lifeline that has now topped $37
billion. Big majorities among both Democrats and Republicans believe Russia’s
attack on Ukraine was unjustified, according to the poll, taken last month. And
about three out of four people in the U.S. support the United States playing at
least some role in the conflict, the survey found.
The findings are in line with what Ukraine’s ambassador says
she sees when she makes appearances at think tanks, fancy dinners, embassy
parties and other events to rally vital U.S. backing for her country. “I feel
the support is still strong,” Ambassador Oksana Markarova said, even as
tensions with China, domestic politics, mass shootings and other news often top
Ukraine’s war in U.S. news coverage these days. “There are other things
happening at the same time,” she said. “But I feel the very strong bipartisan
support.”
When it comes to specific kinds of U.S. backing for Ukraine,
popular support for U.S. sanctions against Russia has experienced the most
significant drop, falling from 71% a year ago to 58% this spring, although
that’s still a majority. The decline in support for the sanctions may reflect
people’s concern that the efforts to isolate Russia economically have
contributed to inflation, analysts said. Overall, however, the findings show
that a couple of early concerns U.S. policymakers had about the strong material
assistance for Ukraine have yet to be realized: that public support would
crater if the war dragged on, and that the heavy assistance to Ukraine would
become a partisan wedge issue, splitting Democrats and Republicans. “There’s no
ground-swelling of American Ukraine fatigue here, and that has always been the
fear,” said Samuel Charap, a senior political scientist at the RAND Corp.
research center.
For Cameron Hill, a 27-year-old state employee and Republican
in Anadarko, Oklahoma, there was much to dislike about Russia’s war and its
leader, Vladimir Putin: the statements from Putin that Hill took as misleading
propaganda, his heavy-handed rule, and Russian fighters’ attacks on civilians
and other abuses. From the start of the Ukraine war, “there was killing of
civilians, raping,” Hill said. “It didn’t seem like a moral-run military in the
first place.” By contrast, video showing the courage of a Ukrainian fighter as
he appeared to be executed by Russian fighters stood out to Hill. “His last
words were something along the lines of ‘Slava Ukraini,’” or Glory to Ukraine,
Hill said.
The vast majority of U.S. adults believe that Russia has
committed war crimes during the conflict, including 54% who say Russia is the
only side that has done so. The International Criminal Court at the Hague in
the Netherlands in March issued arrest warrants for Putin over Russia’s mass
deportation of Ukrainian children.
Older adults are more likely to view Russia’s invasion as an
unjustified attempt to overthrow Ukraine’s government — 79% among people 45 and
older, compared with 59% for those 44 and under.
In all, 62% regard Russia as an enemy — or top enemy — of the
United States. And 48% are very worried about Russia’s influence around the
world. At the same time, 50% say they have a favorable opinion of the Russian
people, compared with 17% who have an unfavorable view.
Only 8% of people in the U.S. say they have a favorable view
of Putin.
Americans’ view of Russia and its leader has already been a
flashpoint in U.S. politics, as when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis drew criticism
this spring for dismissing Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces as a
“territorial dispute.” The remark was associated with a drop in support for
DeSantis, a prospective Republican presidential candidate.
When it comes to the war itself, “it’s unfortunate that it’s
going on as long as it is. And I can’t imagine, you know, living there, and
that would be my life everyday, with bombs going off,” said Laura Salley, 60, a
college mental-health counselor in Easton, Pennsylvania, and a Democrat. “But
if we pull back, I’m pretty sure that Russia would find that as an opportunity
to encroach again,” Salley said.
The poll of 1,180 adults was conducted April 13-17 using a
sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed
to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for
all respondents is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
^ Half of 330 Million Americans is still 165 Million
Americans. I think Americans tend to “forget” things quickly – like most didn’t
realize the US was fighting in Afghanistan for 20 years until the Fall of Kabul
in August 2021.
That doesn’t mean we don’t care about or support Ukraine
against Russia – just that there are so many events, issues, problems to
constantly think about.
Bottom-Line: The US and the World needs to continue to
support Ukraine until Russia is defeated there. ^
Grave Attacked
From the BBC:
“Iran protests: Mahsa Amini's grave attacked by vandals”
(Photograph posted on Instagram by Ashkan Amini showing a
broken pane of glass that was covering the tombstone of Mahsa Amini at a
cemetery in Saqqez, Iran 21 May 2023)
Vandals have attacked the grave of Mahsa Amini, the young
woman whose death in custody last September sparked anti-government protests
across Iran. Photos from her family showed a pane of glass covering her
tombstone and portrait was smashed at Aichi cemetery in the western city of
Saqqez. Her brother posted on Instagram that it was the second attack in recent
months. "Even the glass of your tombstone bothers them," Ashkan Amini
wrote, without directly blaming anyone. He vowed: "No matter how many
times they break it, we will fix it. Let's see who gets tired first." The
family's lawyer, Saleh Nirbakht, said in an audio message that the grave was
vandalised on Sunday by individuals "known for such distasteful actions in
the past". He also said Mahsa's father had told him that authorities
obstructed the installation of a protective canopy over the grave by
threatening a local welder that his business would be shut down if he carried
out the work.
Mahsa died in hospital in Tehran on 16 September, three days
after she was detained by morality police in the capital for allegedly
violating Iran's strict rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab,
or headscarf. Witnesses said the 22-year-old Kurd was beaten while in custody,
but authorities denied she was mistreated and instead blamed "sudden heart
failure" for her death. The first protests took place after her funeral in
her hometown of Saqqez, when women ripped off their headscarves in solidarity. They
spread rapidly across the country and evolved into one of the most serious
challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.
Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands more have
been detained in a violent crackdown by security forces, which have portrayed
the protests as foreign-instigated "riots". Seven protesters have
also been executed since December following what a UN expert has called
"arbitrary, summary and sham trials marred by torture allegations".
Dozens more have reportedly been sentenced to death or charged with capital
offences. Last week, authorities in the central city of Isfahan hanged three
men found guilty of "enmity against God" over their alleged
involvement in a shooting attack that killed three security personnel during
protests in November.
Sources told Amnesty International that Majid Kazemi, Saleh
Mirhashemi and Saeed Yaqoubi were forcibly disappeared, then tortured and
forced to make incriminating statements that formed the basis of the cases
against them. Human rights groups are now expressing alarm at an announcement
on Monday by prosecutors in the southern province of Fars that said two Afghan
men, Mohammad Ramez Rashidi and Naeim Hashem Ghotali, would be publicly
executed soon. The Supreme Court recently upheld their convictions for
"corruption on Earth" and "armed rebellion against the
state" in connection with the killing of 13 people in an armed attack at
the Shah Cheragh mausoleum in the city of Shiraz on 26 October, which was
claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group. Norway-based Iran Human Rights said
they were sentenced to death "based on torture-tainted confessions,
without due process and fair trial rights".
^ This act was done by Cowards who are afraid of Equal Rights
and Justice for Iranian Women. ^
Denys Kryvyi
From EuroMaiden Press’ Facebook:
Ukrainian Nature Photographer Denys Kryvyi was killed while
attempting to save his injured Comrades on the front near Bakhmut.
Kryvyi, whose photographs were featured in National
Geographic and who held a blue FIAP ribbon, specialized in landscape and
reportage photography, demonstrating expertise in capturing animals and aerial
scenes. His works are showcased in the travel guides of the National Nature
Park Buzkyi Gard.
Denys’s wife, Halyna Volhina, conveyed the heartbreaking news
of his death, saying, "Today, I learned that I have lost the best and most
important person in my life - my husband, my friend, my sunshine, and the best
father to our two little girls. Denia is gone. He perished in Bakhmut while
bravely attempting to save his wounded comrades. He was a hero and a protector
who always went above and beyond, yet he never believed it was enough. He chose
his path willingly and walked it honorably. Let us remember him!”
The National Nature Park Buzkyi Gard acknowledged Denys’s
extensive experience as a photographer and his status as a laureate of numerous
international photo awards, while also highlighting his active collaboration
with National Geographic Ukraine.
Denys Kryvyi is the 58th Media Professional to lose his life
due to Russian Aggression, as reported by the Institute of Mass Information
(IMI).
If We Default....
As of right now there are only 7 days left until the United States defaults on its Loans.
Biden and the Republicans and the Democrats in Congress need
to stop using us as shields for their political games and just raise the Debt
Ceiling.
Even once the private negotiations are completed and if an
agreement is made it then has to pass the House and the Senate before Biden has
to sign it – all before Midnight on May 31, 2023 and that includes the Memorial
Day Holiday.
If the US defaults this is what will happen:
Inside the United States:
All 67 Million Americans receiving Federal Social Security
Benefits (48 Million Senior Citizens and 19 Million Disabled) won’t receive
their monthly SSA Benefits starting June 1, 2023.
All 93 Million Americans receiving Medicaid Benefits won’t receive
their monthly Benefits starting June 1, 2023.
All 5.2 Million American Veterans receiving Veteran Affairs
Benefits won’t receive their monthly VA Benefits starting June 1, 2023.
All 42 Million Americans receiving Federal Food Stamps won’t
receive their monthly Food Stamp Benefits starting June 1, 2023.
All 2.7 Million Americans getting Section 8 Housing Benefits
won’t receive their monthly Housing Benefits starting June 1, 2023.
All 3.3 Million American Children getting Free School Lunch
Benefits won’t receive lunches starting June 1, 2023.
All 120,000 American Disabled and Elderly getting Child and
Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) won’t receive their food assistance starting
June 1, 2023.
All 2.1 Million Federal Government Employees won’t get paid
starting June 1, 2023.
All 4.1 Million Contractors working for the US Federal
Government won’t get paid starting June 1, 2023.
All 500,000 Postal Workers won’t get paid starting June 1,
2023.
All 1.3 Million Active Duty Soldiers and all 799,500
Reservists serving in the US Military won’t get paid starting June 1, 2023.
An estimated 8.3 Million Americans will lose their jobs
shortly after June 1, 2023.
The International Credit Rating of the United States will be
lowered.
Interest Rates will rise.
A Recession will happen.
The US Dollar would decrease in value (meaning everything
Americans buy within the US would rise in price.)
American Small Businesses will fail with the increased cost
of goods and services and the high cost to get a loan.
Millions of Americans who lose their Federal Benefits and/or
Jobs will become homeless and flock to already strained Food Banks.
Outside the United States:
Since most of the World relies heavily on the United States
for many things (Defense, the US Dollar, Products, etc.) a World Wide Global
Recession will hit every corner of the World.
The US will lose its standing as the Sole Super Power (which
it has held for 32 years (78 years as a Dual World Super Power.)
Back When
When I was a Kid you could go to a store with just $1 and leave with: 2 Candy Bars, a Bag of Chips and a Soda (and still have your $1.)
You can’t do that anymore – there are cameras everywhere now.
Bazinga!
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Memorial Events
From Military.com:
“2023 Memorial Day Events”
While many associate Veterans Day and Memorial Day with
service, the two are not the same. Veterans Day is a celebration of those who
serve and have served. Memorial Day is a solemn day to reflect on veterans and
military personnel who are deceased. Memorial Day is Monday, May 29, 2023.
2023 Memorial Day Events
Washington, D.C., and Environs
Arlington National CemeterynThe Arlington National Cemetery
Memorial Day ceremony takes place on Monday, May 29, 2023, at the Amphitheater.
The president of the United States typically delivers an address at the
ceremony. Numerous military and government organizations also conduct services.
All ceremonies and special events are free and open to the public. Check the
Arlington National Cemetery website for details as the date approaches.
National Memorial Day Concert The National Memorial Day Concert
will be broadcast on Sunday, May 28, 2023, starting at 8 p.m. ET. It will be
livestreamed on PBS. The 2022 event was broadcast live from the West Front of
the United States Capitol.
National Memorial Day Parade Hosted by the American Veterans
Center, the National Memorial Day Parade returns to Constitution Avenue in
Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, 2023, starting at 2 p.m. The parade will
be broadcast live, followed by a televised program Our Sacred Honor: An
American Salute, airing on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW stations nationwide.
National Museum of the United States Army The National Museum of the United
States Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, plans a full weekend of Memorial Day
events from Friday, May 26, through Monday, May 29, 2023, which are included in
general admission. Each day, these include a flag display, poppy flower-making
activity, and hands-on history exhibits. Additionally, on Monday, there will be
a screening of the documentary “Dear Sirs: A Personal Journey Through World War
II 75 Years Later” and a Memorial Day Remembrance and Moment of Silence.
"Rolling To Remember" Rally A series of events to honor the
nation's prisoners of war and missing-in-action is set to take place over the
Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C. The "Rolling To Remember"
rally will conclude with a ride by thousands of bikers from RFK to the National
Mall on Sunday, May 28, 2023. The motorcycle demonstration ride, hosted by
AMVETS, is also a call for action to prevent veteran suicides.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Annual Observance at The Wall The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Annual Observance at The Wall is set for on Monday, May 29, 2023, at 5 Henry
Bacon Dr NW, Washington, D.C. A wreath-laying will take place from 9:45-10:15
a.m. At noon, a ceremony begins on the East Knoll. It will be broadcast on the
organization’s Facebook page and at vvmf.org/live.
Nationwide At national cemeteries across the U.S., veterans and the
public are welcome to attend any of the more than 130 Memorial Day ceremonies
planned. Some are listed below, but more details can be found here. The
ceremonies will include solemn wreath-layings. Secretary McDonough will preside
over the wreath-laying at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, on
Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Wrightstown, NJ. Acting VA Deputy Secretary Guy
Kiyokawa will lay a wreath at Washington Crossing National Cemetery on Monday
May 29, 2023, in Newtown, PA. Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn
will address attendees at a wreath-laying and flag-placing event on Friday, May
26, 2023, at Annapolis National Cemetery in Annapolis, MD, and will speak at
the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA, on
Memorial Day.
Alabama The 15th Annual Memorial Day Observance at the Alabama National Cemetery
is scheduled for Monday, May 29, 2023, at 9 am.
Alaska A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony will be held at Fort Richardson
National Cemetery in Fort Richardson, Alaska, on Monday, May 29, 2023, from
noon to 1 p.m.
Arizona In Phoenix, the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona’s Memorial Day
Ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at 23029 N. Cave Creek
Road. The keynote speaker will be Navy Cross Recipient RJ Mitchell. The event
will include a flyover, wreath presentations, color guards, musical
accompaniments by the Army National Guard Band and more.
Arkansas A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for Sunday, May 28,
2023, from 2-3 p.m. at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
California A Memorial Day Ceremony is planned for Riverside National
Cemetery in Riverside, California, starting at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023.
Colorado The Ninth Annual Memorial Day Run & March is planned for Saturday,
May 20, 2023, at UCHealth Park in Colorado Springs. Hosted by the Colorado
Veterans Project, the event is open to veterans, civilians and uniformed
military. Participants may choose the 5K, 10K or 30K races, or a ruck march. A
virtual event also runs from May 10-31. Proceeds support veterans experiencing
homelessness.
Connecticut The Brookfield Memorial Day Parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday,
May 28, 2023.
Delaware The Newark Memorial Day Parade will take place on Sunday, May 21, 2023,
featuring veterans of wars from all branches of service. A ceremony begins at 1
p.m. on the University of Delaware’s Campus Green at Memorial Hall, followed by
the 2 p.m. start of the parade on Main Street.
Florida The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System will host the first in-person Memorial
Day ceremony since 2019 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg on
Sunday, May 30, 2023, at 10 a.m. It’s the largest public observance of Memorial
Day in the area.
A Memorial Day Community Ceremony will be held Monday, May
29, 2023, from 8:159:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave. in
Winter Garden.
Georgia The Andersonville National Historic Site in Georgia, site of the
deadliest ground of the American Civil War, hosts a Memorial Day Ceremony on
Sunday, May 28, 2023, from 2-3:30 p.m.
Hawaii In Honolulu, the 72nd Annual Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony will return to
the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Pūowaina (Punchbowl) on
Monday, May 29, 2023, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Illinois Join friends and neighbors on Woodstock Square in Woodstock on Monday,
May 29, 2023, for the Memorial Day Ceremony, Parade and Exhibits. The ceremony
starts at 10:30 a.m. with the parade following at 11 a.m. Stroll the square
before or after these events to see the storefront displays of military
uniforms and mementos from local families.
Indiana A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. to noon
Monday, May 29, 2023, at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, Indiana.
Iowa A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. to noon
Monday, May 29, 2023, at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa.
Kansas A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. to noon
Monday, May 29, 2023, at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas.
Kentucky The 2023 City of Florence Memorial Day Parade and Program will be held
Monday, May 29, 2023, beginning at 10 a.m.
Louisiana In Leesville, the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery’s
Memorial Day event will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023.
Maine Memorial Day in Cape Elizabeth will be observed with a parade starting at
9 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, followed by a brief ceremony and laying of the
wreath at the Village Green. The 2023 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal is Fred
Prince, a Navy veteran.
Maryland A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Baltimore National Cemetery.
Massachusetts On Boston Common, the Memorial Day Flag Garden will be on
display from Thursday, May 25, through Monday, May 29, 2023, at the Soldiers
& Sailors Monument. Each of the 37,000+ flags represents a Massachusetts
service member who gave his or her life defending the nation since the
Revolutionary War.
Somerville Veterans Services organizes the city's Memorial
Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023, as a tribute to those who lost
their lives defending the United States. The parade draws more than 80 groups
and is followed by the City of Somerville Memorial Day Ceremony.
Michigan Fort Custer National Cemetery will hold a "Program of
Remembrance" at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2023, with patriotic music, a
flyover by the Hooligans Flight Team, a wreath-laying and more. The keynote
speaker will be Col. Daniel J. Kramer II, MI ANG, Commander 110th Wing.
Minnesota Woodbury’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony begins at 11 a.m.
Monday, May 29, 2023, at the Woodbury Lions Veterans Memorial on the City Hall
campus. Retired four-star U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, a St. Paul native who
oversaw the U.S. war on terrorism in the Middle East, will give the address.
Mississippi A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 10-11
a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at Biloxi National Cemetery.
Missouri The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, will offer
free general admission for veterans and active duty military and half-price
general admission for the public during the 2023 Memorial Day weekend, from
Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29, 2023.
Montana A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for noon to 1 p.m.
Monday, May 29, 2023, at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel.
Nebraska A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 2-3 p.m. Monday, May
29, 2023, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell.
Nevada A Memorial Day Veterans BBQ and Resource Fair is planned for 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Veterans and Community Resource Center,
3090 East Centennial Parkway North Las Vegas. The event will include live
music, games, raffles, education about veteran legislative changes, and other
resources.
New Hampshire A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m.
to noon Monday, May 29, 2023, at Pine Hill Cemetery in Dover.
New Jersey In Allendale, the Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony is
planned for Monday, May 29, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The morning’s
activities begin with the parade, followed by the ceremony at Memorial Park at
10:15 am. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served afterward at the Allendale Fire
House.
New Mexico In Belen, the Annual VFW Post 2387 Memorial Day Ceremony will
be held at the Veterans Memorial Eagle Park from 9-10 a.m. Monday, May 29,
2023. Refreshments will be served afterward at the Henry Byrd III Visitors
Center.
New York On Monday May 29, 2023, at 11 a.m., LaGrange officials will conduct a
Memorial Day Observance at the War Memorial site located at Town Hall.
North Carolina In recognition of Memorial Day, the Chatham Community Library
in Pittsboro will host a three-part film series Tuesday, May 23, through
Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 6:30-8 p.m. This event is free and open to the
public.
Ohio The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus will offer free
admission for all visitors on Monday, May 29, 2023, for a Remembrance Ceremony
to honor fallen service members and their families. Additional events will take
place over Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday, May 27, 2023, the museum hosts a
CrossFit Hero Workout and the Memorial Day Ride for motorcycle enthusiasts. On
Sunday, May 28, 2023, join a candlelight vigil honoring Gold Star Families; a
Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll 5K race; and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for veterans
and civilians.
In remembrance of fallen veterans, VFW Post #10523 will host
Canal Winchester’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023, at
Union Grove Cemetery beginning at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will feature keynote
speaker Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Troy R. Taylor, the Command Chief
Master Sergeant for the Ohio Air National Guard.
Pennsylvania A Memorial Day Celebration featuring retired Marine Col. John
C. Church Jr. begins at noon Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Corporal Michael J.
Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia.
The Bucks County Memorial Day Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on
Friday May 27, 2023, at the WWI Memorial Fountain at Main and Broad streets.
South Dakota The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will host a
Memorial Day program at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, on
Monday, May 29, 2023, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Texas The Memorial Day in The Woodlands event — featuring live music,
children's activities, strolling entertainment and fireworks – takes place at
Town Green Park in The Woodlands, Texas, from 5-9 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2023.
The annual Memorial Day Ceremony will take place Monday, May
29, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center in suburban
Austin..
Utah A Memorial Day Ceremony is planned at Draper Cemetery in Draper, Utah, at
3 p.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, with brief remarks, the playing of taps, and a
moment of silence.
Vermont The city of Winooski hosts a Memorial Day Parade beginning at noon
Saturday, May 27, 2023. Following the parade, a ceremony will honor our fallen
veterans. Participants can enjoy a community BBQ.
Washington State The city of Puyallup will hold a Memorial Day City Observance
beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2023, in the Pavilion in Pioneer Park. The
guest speaker will be Michelle Black, Gold Star widow and author of
"Sacrifice: The Green Berets, a Fateful Ambush, and a Gold Star Widow's
Fight for the Truth.” The Clan Gordon Pipe Band will perform.
Wisconsin A Memorial Day Observance Ceremony will be Monday, May 29,
2023, at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Programming will include a Veterans Tribute by State Commander for the American
Legion, Greg Eirich.
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