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Washington, D.C. - How refreshing, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources- Water and Power Subcommittee held a hearing on the "Vitality of Incorporating natural infrastructure in western water management," at Dirksen building on today! The purpose of this hearing is to examine the policy to support economic development, protect watershed health and build more resilient communities. Chairman Ron Wyden(D-OR) convened the meeting with witness testimonies from dynamic panelist Dr. Bobby Cochran, partner Community Resilience Innovation; Tony Larson, Executive Director Lewis and Clark Regional Water System; Dr. Holly Richter, Arizona Water Projects Directory, The Nature Conservancy; and Mr. Charlie Stern, Specialist in Natural Resources Policy, Congressional Research Services.
The old age saying "you never miss the well until the water runs dry," is such a true statement, and I recently tested it while in search of the springs for water. The road traveled was the right direction, however the wonderful discovery was, it's now a Private Property sign which stands out in the spot that once sprouted spring water. What is water? It's a molecule which is comprised of elements hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is a light gas and together with oxygen it forms the clouds, oceans, lakes, and rivers. Those elements and unique prosperities are found on the periodic table. Water plays a key and intricate role in our environment and our bodily functions. From the watery embryonic sac at birth, to the city boundaries we reside in; water surrounds us no matter where we go. It's force also in hail or rain with, impact that can cause catastrophic devastation during natural disasters, so having agencies such as US Bureau of Reclamation in place are critical before disaster strikes or infrastructure stops functioning at full capacity. The Bureau of Reclamation was established in 1902 for constructing dams, powerplants, and canals in 17 western states. These water projects let to homesteading and promoted the economic development of the West. The Hoover Dam on the Colorado River and Grand Coulee on Columbia River were constructed by the bureau and provide water for 31 million people. During the hearing Chairman Wyden expressed the approach to making the examination an evaluation by working together to find the most efficient way to work with farmers, migrating birds, and fish using natural infrastructure to restore the ruins removing man made rives that flood towns. Using what nature has given us to restore water is one best practice and way to achieve the Biden Administration leading effort to combat the climate crisis. Ranking Member Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) was getting thirsty just talking about natural infrastructure for water management and preservation efforts. The mechanism for management of incorporating natural infrastructure in western water management can not be a one size fits all approach for improving water supply, and upgrading facilities. Dr. Richter suggested information used to inform local decisions on water use is a great place to start. Dr. Cochran expressed the water infrastructure was built 50 years ago and upgrades are "opportunities to improve water management, forest restoration, and opportunity for ground water storage." The economic advantages are every $0.90 cents stays in the local community and creates a restoration economy. However, according to Dr. Cochran it must be an even playing field for any of these efforts to mature. Moreover, not all the panelist see the endless possibilities of natural infrastructure due to existing projects that have yet to be completed. Allowing natural infrastructure to set precedence would place other projects on the back burner further delaying project delivery and expectations expressed Tory Larson. "Maybe require for all natural projects new scope to reclamations mission," expressed Mr. Larson. "I want all my colleagues to know that if we envision it, it is one option of tool kit chosen by famers," stated Chairman Wyden. He also expressed that we need lots of tools in the west. Dr. Richter emphasized that ground water is the only source of water for some people with limited ground resources. With more clarity for a more vibrant economy, replenish of ground water aquifers increase run off. The US Army has been a partner with The Nature Conservancy buffer programs, helping with increasing water security. The remaining projects blend the natural and traditional water process to increase channel filtration. Mr. Stern suggest the definition of natural infrastructure and traditional grey components provide a range if availability functions, supply versus demand filtration and management and prevention of late season flows which leave agencies under broad authorities when conducting infrastructure. There are 180 federal water resource project ranging from water use and recycling, efficiency and revitalization, natural water storage, ground water recharge. Congress can set aside Water Smart guidance and incorporate natural infrastructure in the bureaus approach. "As they say, water is life," expressed Senator Hyde-Smith during the hearing. How we think about options for natural infrastructure is not either or. Aggregation districts invest in piping canals, lay hydropower and broadband, working on restoration innovative solutions when working together support in solutions options and flexibility to community are some ways to natural based feature shared Dr. Cochran. "Washington does lots of false choices," than create more options expressed Chairman Wyden. Mr. Tony Larson let it be known that some projects might be given a higher priority over the projects currently on the federal government plate and when it comes time for budget cuts rural water projects get cut mostly and are at the bottom of the list. Leaving drinking water projects incomplete and the burden on taxpayers. Today's hearing leaves many options on the table for an infusion of natural infrastructure in the west giving it an innovative boost but maintain traditional methods.
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We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. -The Preamble
Washington, D.C. -Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform convened a full committee hearing on "H.R. 51 : Making DC the 51st state." Chairwoman Carylon Maloney called the hearing to order. While reading her opening remarks, she highlighted some concerns expressed from others in Congress such as "expanding the Senate map" or "diluting their power,' however Chairwoman Maloney suggest that adding a state shouldn't be about politics. American's have full rights granted by the Constitution, and the financial burden to a new state right to democracy shouldn't be contingent on a party membership. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser was a distinguish witness at today's hearing along with Chairman of the Counsel Phil Mendelson and others. The hearing comes at a profound time when Congress has placed a barrier preventing the people from bringing forth their grievances; and the Vatican request for financial support, as if the district is some promontory with a portion of the 10 miles square radius further compartmentalized, but for who? #DCStatehood is the hashtag to engage on social media if you didn't pick up your yard sign or attend a meeting, but who will benefit from H.R. 51 if Congress receives the Constitutional amendment? Given much consideration for the current climate of conditions that are facing our country much deserves a critical conversation beyond Oprah interviewing Harry and Megan about coming to America for security. There is now a border crisis and the Biden Administration hasn't been in office 100 days, while the corona virus continues to cause mandates to move cities to open up business or allow family gatherings. Furthermore, the District has yet to finalize the 20 year Comprehensive Plans because of the corona virus, but Mayor Bowser is very satisfied with more money from the American Relief Package. Will DC statehood grant residents housing preference and accommodations to help eliminate the reoccurring housing crisis in the city? Or will the city be further compartmentalized into partnership cluster groups that can't engage with constituent's beyond a referral from some long list of community service partners? Once again a critical conversation with the residents of DC as a collective should be held to incorporate some of their concerns. This narrative has been promulgated by as much effort to push the reparations bill, that hasn't slipped the attention span of many, but sure Congress is surprised. The symbols, and association that once stood will soon be re designated to a different territory if the District of Columbia becomes the 51st state. In 1790, not an act from God, but through an act of Congress, a national capital on the north bank of the Potomac River was approved, and later astronomer Benjamin Banneker would follow the stars and set the mile points for what is the District of Columbia or DC today. That was very form fitting for the founding fathers however, did they ever see the day Congress would convene a hearing where the Mayor of DC is demanding statehood? Most probably not, neither did Benjamin Banneker. Not sure if Maryland felt generous or guilty back then and didn't want to marginalize any moments in meaningful history, an took a great measure and responsibility. How accountable DC has been with that land grab gesture is the grandiose occasion growling at the guts which gives the belly of the beast a more gruesome scene. Sooner than later, The District of Columbia Organic Act allowed full autonomy and control over the District, and in accordance with the United States Constitution, Article I Section 8: to exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings. H.R. 51 was introduced on January 4, 2021 by Congresswoman Norton, and it's a bill to provide for the admission of the State of Washington DC into the union. What is a union you may ask? It is much different from the unity the Biden Administration has demonstrated, it's a political unit constitution an organic whole formed usually from previously independent units as England and Scotland in 1707 which have surrendered their principal powers to the government of the whole or to a newly created government according to the Dictionary of Law. If Congress would consider this bill, it suggest that exclusion of portion remaining as seat of government of United States territory of the State shall not include the area described in section 112, the "capital" shall server as the seat of government of the United States. Again what would representation in the union for DC look like, considering taxation has taken it's fair toll on the people? Perhaps it depends on the quadrant, and how much of a constituency budget remains on the balance sheet or needs an injection. If this were a requirement than former DC Councilmember Jack Evans could share his constituent concerns. If you go to Ward 7, the residents may request another grocery store to supply the nutrients they need especially during times like corona virus. If you go to Ward 8, the residents may request some employment opportunity along with beautification projects and have concerns about developers turning Barry Farms into a city within the city leaving much of the historic preservation unrecognizable. If you go to Ward 5, the residents may request for the developers to explain how many affordable housing units are in the plans. If you go to any quadrant of the city currently, most parents are not satisfied with the education system or the current online learning programs. Meanwhile, Mayor Bowser expressed she attends the hearing on behalf of the 712,000 residents. Where was her presentation to support that expression, she didn't even have a memo or meeting request to read off on record to show Congress that she really cares about the constituents. The last time many residents say the Mayor was during the national press tour for #BlackLivesMatterPlaza and street sign. And when she did a press conference after a wild party in the city wearing her cross shoulder Gucci bag. Mayor Bowser is exalted for compartmentalizing the city but has exhausted herself to a level exclusionary when it accounts to addressing any concerns and leaving it to her dedicated team. Considering Mayor Bowser has been in many teleconference chats lately, she did forget to turn her mic on while on the Hill. Due to the bad faith agreements made over 220 years ago, Mayor Bowser is demanding that Congress grants them union participation. Washington has been able to balance the budget and Mayor Bowser said residents deserve "the right to full representation." That requires a lot of work and is the Washington establishment ready to do that? Objects are closer than they appear is the notification on the mirrors, so only opposition to the bill is who actually benefits. It was made very clear and concise during the hearing that Congress would only consider this idea through a Constitutional amendment. Congressman James Comer (R-KY) had this to say about the bill during the hearing "let's be clear, today's hearing is about creating 2 new states." However, it appears the Senate is the principal obstacle to the plan that is perceived as unconstitutional. He also suggest this bill is a key part of a democratic radical new agenda to reshape America. Congresswoman Norton who introduced the bill back in January, said she will "refute each contention raised, and this has been an historic year." Apparently back in 2016, 86% of DC residents voted for Statehood, but since then the conditions of the residents has changed, so the question remains DC Statehood for who? Many great fairytales begin with once upon a time! And despite Dr. Seuss not being that genre of literature; there was once upon a time "Green Eggs and Ham" was the Storytime selection at school. Now that daylight savings time has arrived, we can Spring forward with reflections while remaining aware that the cycles of life continue to unfold in a timely manner. The birds chirp at sunrise and the bees continue to pollenate on time. When you think of time, perhaps you might ponder at the notion- "I have all the time in the world," and lawfully you do. But time is not going to wait in your bubble until some blissful moment to burst for enjoyment to arise. It's up to you too seize the moment of opportunity- which is why, what you do with your time in this current space will matter now more than ever. Furthermore, the value of your time is often out of the equation, if you have yet to figure out how to make the best use of your time. Many factors can be found in the fundamental principle of time, however, the most beneficial is what you find rewarding by use of your time in some form within a responsible space; and currently we are living in a society, or what little remains. Merriam-Webster's Pocket Dictionary defines time as a noun, period during which something exists or continues or can be accomplishes; a point at which something happens; customary hour; age; tempo; moment, hour, day, or year as indicated by a clock or calendar; one's experience during a particular period. Considering that definition, have you ever noticed how our society has already arranged how we should spend our time, and where it should be spent? Whether it be at school, work, church, and day-to-day living. We have even advanced our time to incorporate software applications that remind us when to eat, open the refrigerator, take a shower, wake up and even turn off the lights. Is it not ok to take the appropriate unit of time measure to figure things out in this life cycle of space our culture is in? Then the argument would probably be how much time is appropriate, well that depends on the matter at hand, and since you matter perhaps it is your individual choice to take all the time in the world if need be. Not to justify that will yield an intended outcome but perhaps that's where the value of your time can be factored into the equation. Now our space in this current time in society has been restricted with mandates and mask enforcement, but is this how you plan on spending the rest of your time on this earth's planet? Did you put yourself in this restricted time and space? However, you have learn to adjust, and this is a great moment of perception being introduced to reality in real time and space, but most of all you matter, even if it's an awkward way to find out. Obviously, Father Time is a personification illustrated as an elderly bearded man sometimes with wings dressed in a robe carrying an agriculture tool, and hourglass or other time keeping device which represents times constant one way movement. Is it Deja vu or time traveling perhaps? The illustration doesn't go in depth to say how his time was spent now that he is elderly and bearded. But perhaps it can be interpreted as use the tools within your reach to crave out that space in time and make your contribution because you want to look back during day light savings time and see the harvest during your fountain of youth. However, the fountain of time or fountain of youth doesn't run dry it continues to flow and flourish, and you don't have to go to Washington Park in Chicago Illinois just to see it. Start now, at this time, in the current space because you matter to this planet earth. Washington, D.C. - The House Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing today, Friday March 12 "Reviving Competition, Part 2: Saving the Free and Diverse Press," where Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) called the hearing to order. "A free and diverse press is the backbone of a thriving democracy. Our democracy is strong when we have a free and diverse press that informs citizens holds power to account and exposes corruption and wrong doing," expressed Congressman Cicilline. Currently, the press has been in an economic free fall with a number of journalist working at newspapers having to cut half of its staff, and the recent Verizon acquisition purchase of the Huffington Post, their Buzz Feed news will not be carried over in the recent purchase. This along with other concerns have placed a further burden on the advertising revenue that will be non existent if Congress doesn't act with embracing equality for all news publications that have earned there stance in the establishment. Furthermore, the state of Rhode Island has seen a 54% decline in news companies according to Congressman Cicilline.
The Committee started an investigation during the 116th congress. They saw signs of dominance at the hands of gatekeepers like Google and Facebook, now they return to examine the effective market power largest technology platforms have in vast areas that are critical for the survival of any news publication or company, advertising revenue. Perhaps Congress has to incorporate if Google and Facebook are actually news publisher with in-house advertising power. According to the Attorney General's Google is the largest electronic trading market in existence. When asking about the emerging market in 2018, an attorney expressed "if there is no content for the market and if that's the case then we have to identify the current market that your work is operating in and go from that point forward. It may seem unfair but given the time we are operating in we can't hold out and hope a new market develops rapidly where what you have may be valued higher than in the current market it's operating in at this time." Three years later, many legacy media companies find themselves in this predicament, but if Congress provides the safety net in H.R. 2054 Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2019 there's a possibility there value won't further diminish more than where it current stands, pleading with Congress. The bill was introduced on April 3, 2019 by Congressman Cicilline with sponsor support from Mr. Collins of Georgia and Mr. DeSaulnier. The act will provide a temporary safe harbor for the publishers of online content to collectively negotiate with dominant online platforms regarding the terms on which their content may be distributed. A news content creator means any print or digital news organization that has a dedicated professional editorial staff that creates and distributes original news and related content concerning local, national, or international matters of public interest on at least a weekly basis, and is commercially marketed through subscriptions, advertising, or sponsorship and provides original news and related content with the editorial content consisting of not less than 25% current news and related content. Where was the press during the digital transition? At the brainstorming table with their heads resting in a sensationalist style. But they swiftly learn that's a stale standard now. This business is not easy from an outdated legacy standpoint, or emerging digital news market entry point. Could you imagine the pressure on the digital news spectrum right now? Not if you don't have any original digital news content it is a challenge which has resulted in much speculation. Before The Washington Post express publication went into the morgue on it's side, the headline read "Hope you enjoy your stinking phones." It appears from the current state of the press, many people are very pleased and satisfied with their phones. When did the legacy news organizations learn about the transition to an emerging digital market? Was it before Congress introduced the bill in April of 2019? Or was it at the start of advertising revenue that same year. If we analyze the advertising revenue amassed from the 2016 Presidential election, it wouldn't give any estimate of a ballpark figure as to why ad revenue didn't deliver the same return in the 2020 Presidential election. Has there been a free and fare press holding our government accountable while keeping the people informed? It depends on who you ask, but according to diverse digital media views they are not pleased with main stream media or legacy media organizations. Moreover, why have they been complacent in the cache with latency not leaping toward the digital transition? Perhaps expecting Congress to cover the lack of creativity or preparation for the transition. Now that the emerging market is permeant and here to stay, will the legacy news organizations seek out a more diverse creative team? They should considering Congress is doing them an exceptional favor despite non deliver of original digital content needless to mention an advertising structure or model. During the Trump Administration which wasn't so long ago, the Congressional Black Caucus held a panel discussion on journalist reporting in a Trump Era. Even though President Trump had his eloquent humor he always provided a headline for any news publication legacy or digital online news. Not just that, more things were happening that were newsworthy in local communities that deserved coverage but not all legacy news corporations could get to those areas. Now with the coronavirus upon us, it is critical that communities get accurate news information and these outlets are reaching rural communities. The days of sitting behind the desk waiting for a wire to write a headline are no longer going to land that compelling original news content story. "The desk is dusty in a digital era," is a phrased I coined and introduced at the MMTC Conference when asked about the emerging digital media, and they hadn't responded to date. Journalist have to set aside any personal political party favorites aside out of their work and find the facts to present in an unbiased fashion allowing their reader to formulate an opinion. What standard will they now set for themselves? Here are a few suggestions from journalist training:
Welcome to the stream! Sure hope Congress provides the safety net to see the compelling digital news content of the legacy news organizations. Washington, D.C. - Maybe getting started is half of the battle, and onboard to a healing process. Today's, Senate Committee on the Judiciary hearing "Oversight of the FBI: the Jan 6 Insurrection, Domestic Terrorism and Other Threats," might break the ice, by first finding out exactly what did Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, Christopher Wray know about January 6th events that exceeded the Save America Rally March plans; and the response to what was known if anything. FBI Director Wray returns after the no Russian collusion narrative was corroded. According to Chairman Durbin Mitch McConnell said "there is no question none that President Trump is morally responsible for provoking that event of that day." Those bad actors efforts to overturn a free and fair election were ultimately unsuccessful and that trauma lingers on. Many of the people who attended the Save America Rally were exercising their First Amendment right to peaceful assemble and bringing forth their grievances on Electoral college vote day in hopes that their vote wasn't misrepresented. Moreover, the Neo-Nazi symbols and Confederate flags paraded through the halls of the United States Capitol. Does Congress recall the time in 1861, when 11 states succeeded from the Union and formed the Confederacy, did they not hang a flag in those states symbolic timeless grounds? In fact, days before the January 6th Save America Rally, there was a Jericho Prayer March in Georgia. However, gallows were constructed and name calling ensued on crucial levels with hang Mike Pence and where's Nancy? No report if there were any quiver and arrows involved in those accounts. Everything in the rotunda where Nancy Pelosi and many other members of Congress kneeled for George Floyd, was just laying there on the floor. Congress expressed with care, the FBI warned them that the insurrection could be a significant driver of violence in the future considering the shared false narrative of a stolen election. Did the FBI ask the People that cast their ballots in the election how they felt? Furthermore, it has no bases on January 6th considering the November 4th 2020 Presidential Election exceed the time allocated causing much uncertainty in the Electoral College Vote certification. Director Chris Wray had more details than many prior hearings with regards to the FBI knowing, but in this case the First Group of event goers attending in a peaceful protest manner not much possibility to present a threat to the republic. The Second Group is similar to a reverse pyramid with regards to trespassing on Capitol Grounds, and the Third Group, rather small in size but significant in the events because they are the bad actors that engaged in violence, came to Washington with the intention for domestic terrorism with coordinated travel and coordinated gear. Is the Capitol not the jurisdiction for We the People? Is the United States not a sovereign country? Who does Capitol Hill belong to? Perhaps the push for Statehood in DC wouldn't permit people to gather on the premise of the Capitol without a permit. Meanwhile who did the local government contact to have a security plan for such large expectancy? Given proper consideration the prior marches were gigantic in size, with limited conformation except for if you carried a flag in support of a political candidate- you were subject to a jab to your jaw or even cut in some instances. It has been perplexing as to the privileges' protest pass some organizations receive over the common people just wanting to participate in the political process. These organizations have been able to destroy property at their leisure in hopes Congress will pass legislation for rebuilding the infrastructure. The protest that occurred in support of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor had activity of anti government, anti authority, and sovereign citizen extremism and no determination to subvert our democracy despite Portland resurrecting their own autonomous Capitol zone and closing the Police Precinct at one point. Senator Blackburn's bandwidth was having some connectivity issues, but she was concern about the Crypto currency and how it can be used for terrorism. "There are a lot of questions," stated Senator Blackburn to Director Wray. The National Guard timeline was of grave concern considering Mayor Bowser spoke with the National Guard twice suggested Congresswoman Blackburn. Director Wray suggest he doesn't have specifics on who requested what but the Mayor does have some authority but not much and must still work with Federal partners. On January 4th, District of Columbia Mayor Bowser sent out communication on Twitter "I am asking Washingtonians and those who live in the region to stay out of the downtown area on Tuesday and Wednesday and not to engage with demonstrators who come to our city seeking confrontation and we will do what..." The FBI didn't delay in their search to find the bad actors there were twitter post and metrobus advertising any known information to come forward. Director Wray did confirm that there is no evidence January 6th events were organized by people posing as supporters of Antifa or Black Lives Matter. The online disinformation has helped paved the way and Director Wray suggest the "accessibility it proves terrorism moves at the speed of social media, and they use tools under terms of service." essential having ability to hack the platforms. "It pains and frustrates me when not a responsive," Director said to the Full Committee Hearing regarding what he knew. However a call to the FBI is similar to a call to all according to Chris Wray. These moments provide the indicators to look back on paths to key moments a friend or family member knew the person and that's the person they can rely on. That is sort of a catch 22 because what if they ended on bad terms then you will only get one side of the story so perhaps having those reliable news sources and field agents reports can deescalate any misinformation. Moreover, the meta data and geo location cell phone tower and banking information were brought up during the hearing. FBI Director Wray suggest meta data has various legal authorities and relevant authorities, but there is a legal process to serve on companies invoking legal powers in gathering meta data. However that policy and procedure to acquire that information was not disclosed during the hearing. What was there intention versus their aspirations for motivation and bravery to storm the Capitol? Maybe the next hearing will tell that side. In the meantime here is a recap of the Save America Rally: Washington, D.C. - "Am I on," stated Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee (D-TX) during the Rules Committee Meeting on H.R. 1280, better known as the "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021," introduced February 24, 2021, a bill to hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct in court, improve transparency through data collection, and reform police training and policies. The bill has 5 titles and many sections that spell out its intended use and purpose. Those 8 minutes and 46 seconds have been the standing ground for much discussion on police standards and reform. Many Congressional officials attending the Rules Committee meeting hearing could not express full support for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act because of their harness anger from and for the January 6 Save America Rally which was in part ruined by a few bad actors. Eventually, they will go outside in nature and find an olive branch extension of fresh air releasing the anger for healing and live up to the #BuildBackBetter promise of the 46th President-elect Joseph Biden. Moreover, momentarily the main goal is to move the George Floyd Justice legislation forward and work on modifications as they deem fit along the path to the Senate floor. George Floyd's family was the only family to have special accommodations for large gatherings for a funeral during a pandemic despite such reasons the call to police had been initiated. At the time of his funeral a substantial amount of people had passed away from COVID complications and could not be with their loved ones or even attend a funeral due to capacity concerns for spread of the virus so it wasn't even a repass to send some family off properly in many cases, but that wasn't considered in this case. Certainly, many people felt angry they too couldn't gather and were separated from family in critical times. Congress didn't correlate those conditions to their harness harbored anger for January 6, Save America Rally during the hearing for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Perhaps the policy measure could start with is "For Reasons to Call the Cops," considering their has been a spike in police complaints from bird watching, not wanting to believe people live in certain communities, to use of counterfeit twenty dollar bill which lead to the call for police on George Floyd. Considering times have been unprecedented was it a need for the local community store to call the police? Could the store clerk have deescalated the situation by banning George Floyd from the store instead of first calling the cops? There are many possibilities of what could have been done and if law enforcement should have used the chokehold technique to detain George Floyd for alleged use of counterfeit twenty dollar bill. Boldly today, the Committee on Rules wants to establish some common grounds for hearing bipartisan support for the bill. It's interesting that the bill could be signed by President Joseph Biden who authored the 1993 Crime Bill, but H.R. 1280 in its current form faced opposition on basis of qualified immunity and allowing plaintiff a day in court. Congresswoman Jackson-Lee expressed with emphasis as she read a list of names from Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, and with a bill similar to the structure of George Floyd Justice in Policing was set they could've been alive today, or had a different outcome. Congressman Thomas Cole (R-Ok) raised his concerns that last year's legislation where a common ground ahead was a disappointment and there was support for more training of law enforcement, ban the deadly chokeholds, and the body worn cameras would need additional funding. There were also liability concerns with recruitment and retention of law enforcement, and became a political issue wanting to politicize it and missed the opportunity then in the 116th Congress. Congressman Cole expressed that it wasn't a give and take but the Senate can find common ground and real desire to do something legislative but its not likely to happen by next month. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee let Congressman Cole know that seven hours had gone into the hearing with eleven hours of markup, however the freshman in Congress can't find those marks. Another concern for the bill was the defund the police aspect. In the District, during it's relaunch phase the day before the police budget hearing, there was a late night protest for George Floyd and the police budget hearing was cancelled carried off by defund the police and F#=k 12 were the chants covering every inch in a community beyond people of color with a ceremony Black Lives Matter Plaza painted in yellow symbolic of police caution tape or sunshine. What if Congress could enter the hearing by first releasing anger and have a level head for a pure heart to make sound judgement on bills that deserve proper markups and debate beyond seven hours, considering George Floyd couldn't breathe for 8 minutes and 46 seconds the hearing could have been for 8 hours and 46 minutes of meticulous and meaningful debates to pass the measure Congresswoman Jackson Lee expressed was used in the 1800's to capture escaping slaves so in the 21st century it's time to reestablish the social contract between society and the police. Currently, there is no fair contract and Black Lives Matter and pain needs to be respected. The legislation lays out the roadmap to end racial profiling and religious profiling while holding police accountable in a civil aspect and gives passionate protocol for dealing with the community. In contrast, the Act has some benefits for those recent attacks on Asian Americans as well. It is well documented that the bill has support from law enforcement beyond the 4th amendment protection by building on democracy. Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD), suggest policing in social justice contract is when you give up certain rights in order for security in society, you would not get in a state of nature. Moreover, police worn body cameras can held this technological age with accountability or as evidence used against the person engaging with the police for recording the incident. Nonetheless, this policy has a long bipartisian road ahead in anticipation for April 1, 2021 signature from President-elect Biden. Here's a look at body worn camera pilot project hearing held in Washington DC about 5 years ago. |
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