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It's been none stop action ushering in the arrival of the Summer season. While most activities have been modified due to the coronavirus that's not keeping the people confined from protesting police brutality, shopping, and going to the beach during open city phases. Despite these slow progressive actions it has not slowed the spike of the coronavirus in certain hotspots.
Moreover, this Summer spike in projections has caused the former United States Attorney General to curse the masses that don't want to comply with his authoritative enforcement of wearing a mask. What happened to the Constitutional rights of Americans? Are they restricted during a public health emergency pandemic? Well, it's certainly presented some major concerns with the health conscious citizens cautious of vaccines. Furthermore, those that once sworn an oath to uphold the rule of law, are now cursing the masses that don't believe in complying with restrictions placed on their civil liberties. Some American's have even voiced their concerns with the mask that it brings back unpleasant moments in America's history that are constantly being swept under a rug. The mask represents a time when slaves had to adorn an iron mask over their mouth to prevent them from communicating. It also has a similar representation of a muzzle which a dog usually wears to prevent it from biting anyone. The coronavirus has placed many citizens in hotspot locations in peculiar circumstances of being damn if you wear a mask, and damn if you don't. Damn, a middle English late 13 century word. As a legal term "to condemn, declare guilty, convict." In the theological sense of "doom to punishment in a future state," according to the dictionary. The coronavirus sure has a way of sweeping across certain hotspots signaling a spike that life just got a little more sticky, but you'll eventually get out of the situation- if you survive the curse of Holder. How about calling in the clergy to pray? America has certainly lost its way and is almost on the brink of no return. If someone with common sense doesn't come forth and make a decision in alignment with Americans Constitutional rights, then maybe they rather it be one's freedoms be gone forever while being curse.
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Washington, DC - With tons of support from 277 cosponsors and 232 Democrats, The House voted today in admiration to designate the District of Columbia as a state under House Resolution 51 which was concerning for the Oversight and Reform Committed back on December 19, 2019, and later introduced in the house January 3, 2019. H.R. 51, Washington DC Admission Act, a bill provides for admission into the United States of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia. The Commonwealth shall be admitted to the Union on equal footing with the other states. The bill provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution repealing the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution which provides for the appointment of electors of the President and Vice President.
"This is an historic day," stated Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who has been a champion for H.R.51. He says that Eleanor Norton has been keeping her eye on the prize for a very long time, over two decades of service, and it's a huge moment for her, and those that live in the District of Columbia. Congressman Hoyer also provided a recap on American history with emphasizing as a Marylander, his state gave to the nation, the land which the nation's capitol is now located. He anticipated that Senator McConnell will come to his senses. Congresswoman Norton says of this historic moment "we are buoyed by the priority the House gave D.C. statehood at a time when COVID-19 has meant that only essential bills are coming to this floor this year." However, today is a celebration day suggestion Norton. The bill has to cross the hurdles in the Senate to become law. Will Securing the Energy Sector Post COVID-19 Strengthen Transatlantic Alliance relations?6/23/2020 Washington, D.C- The Turkish Heritage Organization is maintaining an invigorating and innovative record with hosting virtual panel discussions during these unprecedented times of COVID-19. "Transatlantic Alliance: Challenges and Opportunites," webinar took place on June 17, with dynamic guest panelist Robert Cekuta, Former U.S. Amb. to Azerbaijan, Daniel Kochis, Senior Foreign Policy Analyst, Heritage Foundation, and Prof. Dr. Oktay Tanrisever, Chair, Department of International Relations, Middle East Technical University, moderated by Savannah Lane, Programs Director, Turkish Heritage Organization.
Ambassador Cekuta suggest what the COVID-19 response revealed about the Transatlantic are shared values, goals, cooperation on a geopolitical issues, and decision to go along. The threat of the virus is going after everybody and it doesn't care about your background or income. He added that time will tell and we have to be careful. It will work out if we make it work out and the decisions made are not just coming from leaders, but people, our scientist, researchers, and companies have a responsibility in this reorganizing the supply chains. Furthermore, how we deal with education, something broader than NATO organizations or meeting of ministers. "COVID is challenging things," Ambassador Cekuta stated during the webinar. We should be looking at what worked in Germany and what worked in Turkey, and what didn't work we need to be sharing data, and be willing to open up with each other. On the other hand Senior Foreign Policy Analyst Daniel Kochis suggest that the US Russia relations has undermine the Transatlantic Alliance. The outlook is that there's going to be increased friction as Turkey leadership leans to Russia and increase relations with Russia. Mr. Kochis emphasized that there are a lot of reasons that Turkey-Russia is different in energy decrease and reliance on Russia energy flows, with historical strong presence in Mediterranean. With no need to turn the black sea into Russia, Turkey-Russian relationship won't last. Kochis is confident U.S-Turkey relations will last. Dr. Oktay Tanrisever shared that energy is the main issue for Turkey relationship post COVID world. Turkey has been played an important role in energy quarter, changing the mapping area for oil and gas even being transported to Europe. Turkey energy policy has contributed to energy care in transition form natural gas to renewable energy, decreasing dependence on Russia. The US to Europe export is an important development. Dr. Tanrisever stated that the reservation across the country is more about the issue in the East Mediterranean. Moreover, Turkey provides most feasible to country with an opportunity to see more purchasing moments. "Energy is most important part Turkey could play to promote Transatlantic Region," said Dr. Oktay Tanrisever during the webinar panel discussion. During COVID-19 we saw energy plummet, and we must prevent that situation from happening again recommended Dr. Tanrisever. Mr. Kochis expressed the factors that underline a breach of securing are rising from the supply of gas between Russia and Europe as a means of exercising political control. Pushing security for commercial gain is something to watch and worried with Turkey. A possible project of Russia could be gas lines coming in used by Russia to put political pressure on other governments, If you go look at the prices of gas can vary because of politics not because of the distance covered between France and Washington. "Energy is critical to security," Mr. Kochis stated. The international relations and challenges in post COVID-19 relating to Turkey-US are quite important Dr. Oktay said, despite challenges, Turkey's external relations are not aimed at displacing the West, and the relations can be handled diplomatically. He suggest that time could be used better for revitalization of relationship. It's equally important that the Middle East and Turkey avoid creating new problems, considering the existing problems can be controlled, combining Turkey's role with existing strategies on issues like Syria. Furthermore, with limited cooperation, but the challenges are manageable. Turkey's role in providing medical supplies changed Turkey's image. Creating a post working committee at levels of the State Department. Dr. Oktay recommends keeping the channel of communication open and come up with innovative ideas having their own vision and both countries need each other for the region. This also benefits when challenges external power take advantage of these issue. The vision from a cultural context need to be improved also. Washington, DC - The House Permanent Select on Intelligence Committee held a virtual hearing on "Emerging Trends in Online Influence Operations, Social media, COVID 19, and Election Security" convened by Chairman Adam Schiff with witness testimony from senior staff at 3's Tech Company- Facebook, Google, and Twitter on June 18. Chairman Schiff appears to be the most dedicated civil servant on Capitol Hill currently, or virtually for technical terms. He doesn't intend on wasting anymore taxpayer's dollars or time dealing with bad actors accessing products and services provided by 3's company with the ability to spread discourse in our democracy.
This is the second hearing held by this Committee with witness testimony from Facebook, and Twitter since November 2017, and much has taking place since then- starting with the meeting being conducted virtually. It was certainly a bipartisan hearing in theory, however in actuality it only included the Democratic Committee members. Not sure how the Republic Committee members missed the memo. Moreover, the resolution was most definitely a different look and appearance. Perhaps Google's representative was testing out some new AI software because he certainly appeared too have a different resolution setting from his counterparts Facebook and Twitter. This hearing wasn't intended to go back into the allegations of Russia interference in the 2016 Presidential Elections, but because they are arguably the best positioned to sound the alarm if and when another external actor attempts to interfere in our democratic discourse especially since the election is just five months away. So in essence, the hearing was a warning to the tech companies that they must change their practices, and policies to reflect more protection of users. Since the 2017 hearing, many of the technology companies have implemented community as a precautionary measure to protect the platform and it's users from bad actors and impersonating accounts. Twitter has taking the initiative to label content in the square space in accordance to 3rd party fact checking standards that has gained much notoriety in the last days with labeling President Trump's tweets. Chairman Adam Schiff was interested to learn if these companies can keep up with the rapid changes in how bad actors can potentially access their products and services. He also pointed out that other countries have learned from Russia and may coordinate activities, and it remains to be seen if these companies can remove manipulated media with speed. Chairman Schiff also emphasized that American's must decide American elections. Some social media platforms strategy in 2017 was to optimize for extreme content first, then factual information rises in falsehood. Since then Facebook has made significant investments suggest Nathaniel Gleicher, Head of Cyber Security Policy
A few questions, but limited responses Committee Member Jim Himes (D-Conn), suggest to the technology companies all it takes is a match of everyone filled with toxic gas to ignite as the analogy that the companies products and services have provided and the outcomes at this current rate. He suggest the algorithms promote anger and popularization. Representative Himes stated that Facebook is underlying business on algorithms. What is Facebook doing to not be destitute of the American public?, ask Mr. Himes. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) probably presented the most pressing and puzzling question to Facebook, wanting to learn if "Facebook doesn't consider itself a media platform, but a tech company first," then what exactly are they? Facebook's Head of Cyber Security Policy Nathaniel Gleicher suggest that the platform is a place of ideas across the spectrum where people can talk to families and friends. Another Committee member even suggest that these companies have even profited off of the bad actors, and have a responsibility to ensure data on their platform is authentic, open, and positive. The technology companies seem to be on one accord with regards to the fact that part of the problem is how humans engage with the products and services. According to Richard Salgado, Google Law Enforcement, the purpose of Alphabet's Google is to organize the world's information and make it accessible and useful. Since the COVID 19, Google's goal is to access high quality information, Google has launched a quarterly bulletin which includes information about concerning findings to improve its integrity in products and services. Despite there dedication to providing high quality information, they might want to fact check the start of the #BlackLivesMatter protest and the first outbreak of the #coronavirus to determine when the protest started. The protest occurred during the COVID 19 pandemic as a result of the police use of excessive force when detaining George Floyd for alleging using a counterfeit bill at the local community store. These sort of events can provide disinformation campaigns. Mr. Salgado suggest making quality count in ranking system with given users more context is one of the improvements Google has made. The prestigious Google search feature and ranking the algorithms is an important tool in the fight against disinformation. The ranking elevates information, and the algorithms determine what's the most authoritative above information that maybe less reliable. He also stated that YouTube's work focuses on identifying and removing content that violates their policies and elevating authoritative content when users search for breaking news -perhaps mainstream media has finally made the streaming transition. YouTube will find and limit borderline content that comes close and stops short of violating the policies. Here are a few feasible adjustments made:
Chairman Schiff says, "conventional wisdom is that Google is least transparent," contemplating change, will they plan to make data available with a strategy to keep their head down. Representative Val Demings (D-FL) informed the tech companies that this virtual hearing was a critical discussion and the Committee may leave with more questions than answers. Not sure if Google's Law Enforcement was ready to rewrite the corporate mission statement since the 1998 version, but Mr. Salgado did offer that the Google search is constantly improving of its algorithms, and it's checked through real people so therefore they are able to twerk the algorithms with a letter grade of A. Perhaps that A is symbolic of their parents Alphabet, but Richard suggest he isn't an easy grader. And his resolutions wasn't easy on the pupils either. Representative Demings expressed that Google has a moral and ethical obligation to users ensuring account is secure. It is the responsibility on part of Google the data users entrust is secure with security being their number one product. Hopefully the next hearing will be held on Capitol Hill with all Committee members in attendance that way the resolution is on one setting and doesn't appear to be distorted. For those individuals who haven't perfected the ability to walk on water to get them to their destination, thank goodness for the design of watercraft's such as boats and ships. A boat is a small vessel for travel on water, and a ship is larger than a boat. Many people first learned about a boat or ship through flashcards, or the famous nursery rhyme "roll, roll, roll, your boat," and it surely is a dream come true to own a watercraft. Moreover, when all else fails on land, having a boat to set sail is essential, especially if you have a destination in mind. But most importantly, be sure you have access to a watercraft first, before sailing. No need to fluster or freak out if you can't afford the lifestyles of the rich and famous by purchasing a yacht- it is simply OK. Most cities provide amenities for the rich lifestyle and incredible water experience with offering paddle boating, canoeing, or kayaking which are human powered boats. Luckily, for the District, tourist and residents can go down to the Tidal Basin and rent the paddle boat for 2 at a rate of twenty dollars an hour. Those experiences allow for a more intimate water travel experience - and possibly feeding the ducks and seeing the fish up close while getting a little physical fitness in as well. Recently, I traveled to Cobb Island. The travel distance is about an hour and half drive from the District of Columbia. My extravagant plans entailed going to the island for a tan, enjoy the waves, jump a few and simple relax overall. This obviously sounds very incredible. Furthermore, upon my arrival at Cobb Island, a moment of reality set in. I suddenly realized that I knew no one on the island, and the only way to access the waters was to live on the island or be friends of an islander. Despite being a stranger on the island realizing that I need a boat, it was an incredible artifact staring me in the face. From its placement setting it allowed for me to park my car an catch a glimpse of what living on Cobb Island is like. From that five minute taste, it sure was something my palliate could adjust too, but not so much as my pockets. I had the pleasure of driving around the island. The people use golf carts to get around, and they were friendly. On my way back home, I found the boating dock station and feel in love. A gentleman came down to Cobb Island from Dover to work on his boat. He sure had a great sound system on his boat because I sure was jamming. I didn't know if his radio system sounds that good when he is out on the water and needs to communicate with others. Believe it or not, boats and ships alike have played a significant and vital role in our civilization. With some ship moments not so beautiful, considering the White Lion transport of slaves to the Americas. The White Lion was a privateer ship of English manufacture that brought the 1st Africans to Virginia in late August of 1619, a year before the Mayflower. The Mayflower is an American colonial history ship carried the pilgrims from England to Plymouth, Massachusetts where they established the 1st permanent New England colony in 1620. Perhaps boats and ships are best used a forms of shipping cargo including containers of goods, pipes, cars, and sometimes they even must be pulled in for battle or public health emergencies so in those aspects its most beneficial. The Constitution, a warship renowned in American history has battled the waters securing its place at the docket. It was first built for the US Navy, and launched in Boston Massachusetts October 21, 1797, and it's the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. Perhaps arriving on an island, to discover you need a boat to access the waters can broaden your horizon. Leading to learn more about boats, and if all else fails on land, a boathouse is always another best option. But first make sure the budget is bountiful. In 1862, slavery ended in the District of Columbia, and Congress promises compensation to slave owners who adopt a policy of gradually freeing slaves. Now in 2020, the sentiment has certainly shift with presidential expressions of "F#*& Trump" expanding to "F#*& 12," some how Congress is exempt. Not just that the promises made to Blacks in America hasn't been kept. Many in position of power have abused their sworn oath to public service by neglecting the constituents. Moreover, we shall over come some day. Perhaps that day has arrived sooner than many saw coming. George Floyd protest being the turning point in America, but do Black Lives really matter beyond the Social Impact Fund with a Justice Reform and Rule of Law theme supported by Open Society U.S.?
It was just in the month of March that the country started to implement the CDC Guidelines of social distancing due to the public health emergency coronavirus pandemic resulting in quarantine life almost becoming the new normal. After not so adjusting well, many small business owners and clergy decided to defy the #StayHome and social distancing enforcement order by opening and operating their business. The local governing officials were not having it, so they were arrested for violating the orders. The beach was even off limits due to public health concerns. As testing measures and equipment were finally sorted out, many Americans were awaiting the next phase to #OpenUpAmerica during a presidential election year. In figuring out next plans to stay safe while taking part in outdoor activities, America was in shock at the swift and sudden protest that had taken over the twin city setting it ablaze. Legally we can't say it was for George Floyd until we see the authorized permit for the protest during a public health emergency coronavirus. Emotionally, many organizations have called for the arrest of the four Minneapolis police officers, along with a plea of stop killing. Unfortunate, George Floyd's protest presented strength in numbers, but the message was burnt in translation at the police precinct. Furthermore, at the rate, scale, scope, and magnitude of destruction in the twin city, not one speaker mentioned or presented a list of demands. There's no way possible many of the people speaking at the podiums on behalf of George Floyd were waiting on the House Resolution 988 introduced by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) "Condemning all acts of police brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive and militarized force throughout the country." By the time the Auto Zone was set on fire in Minneapolis, a few protesters realized they're peaceful protest had been infiltrated by domestic extremist organizations who prey on specific demographic of protester conditions to lure them in unknowingly. The peaceful protest demonstration had amassed more participants overnight not backing down, ready to avenge the police killing of George Floyd. On May 29th, the #GeorgeFloydprotests literally spread like a wild fire to the District of Columbia, right in time for the soft launch #ReOpenDC phase 1. This protest would be the first to stretch the First Amendment beyond its intended use and purpose testing it to extreme levels until late in the night. From Chinatown to Georgetown, the business were destroyed and looted leaving DC Mayor Muriel Bowser dialing up the National Guard for help. Perhaps after infiltrators set ablaze the historic St. John's church the gates of hell are liable to open up consuming many into a curfew because that is exactly what occurred, 7 p.m. the District residents had to be home with ease of restrict for essential workers and media. The May 26th death of George Floyd is still under investigation, but the police officers involved have been apprehended. What the accountability outcome will be is to be determined. Furthermore, it's allege that he used a counterfeit $20 at a local community store in Minneapolis. George Floyd had moved to Minneapolis from Texas. According to George's Instagram post he stated he went through somethings but bounced back, loved the world, and working out. Retired NBA player Stephen Jackson stated George was his brother they called each other "twin." He was changing his life and driving trucks and Jackson had just sent him 2 or 3 boxes of clothes. George Floyd's memorial services were held in Houston Texas with the eulogy given by Rev. Al Sharpton. Did Floyd belong to a church home in Texas? Did they maintain the social distance orders at the services? We don't know, but Sharpton sure did beat them to the podium if he did. Furthermore, are some of these self-proclaim civil rights leaders turned preachers part of the problem that the police are not held accountable? Do they believe through prayer the police will stop killing blacks in America or through affective legislation with accountability explicitly spelled out would help? What gives one preacher the rights of passage from Jesus to condemn President Trump for holding up the Bible Infront of the Historic St. John's church after it had been set ablaze, and will be giving the eulogy of a black man killed by excessive use of force? That's similar to a talking snake then, hopefully Sharpton can talk about some legislation before his massive march in August. He stated at George Floyd's funeral services "nobody calls me to keep a secret. People call me to blow up issues that nobody else will deal with. I'm the Blow Up Man, and I don't apologize for that." Glad Rev. Al Sharpton has mustard up some faith he didn't have while marching alongside Dr. King. At least they will have a Black Lives Matter street to march down, and hopefully the yellow paint that spells out Black Lives Matter can lead to some accountability some day. We shall overcome when Black Lives really matter in America. The Turkish Heritage Organization and Atlantic Council in Turkey didn't let the coronavirus hault any of today's critical issues, so they hosted a virtual discussion "Turkey and the Post COVID-19 World Order," with Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay on May 29. Perhaps it's possible that the Turkey-US relations had much noise from the promotion of law and order throughout the entire world, and that message was missed resulting in a major humanitarian effort of 6 million refugees being cared for. The best way to care for this humanitarian effort was where the break down in communication started to become clear, considering the scale and scope of this circumstances Turkey was faced with. Under the Obama Administration many were reluctant to listen that the PKK helped with misguiding the message while fighting terrorist with a terrorist policy. That approach was not effective resulting in Turkey figuring out an alternative solution to neutralize any terrorist incubator hot spot areas which were in conflict the humanitarian efforts. Turkey sought a strategy from their humanitarian efforts of providing relief for 6 million refugees and implemented a few of those bullet points in tackling the coronavirus pandemic which disrupted the supply chains around the world. Having to rely on nation station to provide essential services. The national governments demonstrated unparalleled ability to mobilize to move resources. Is this now the time for block-chain to recognize it's full potential? Perhaps there are endless possibilities, presuming it's use. Moreover, the UK and US suffered serious lost. Turkey avoided those conditions at the rate of the UK and US by implementing free and universal healthcare. Even building new hospitals along with passing a stress test with transition to a presidential system. Turkey was able to deliver supplies during the coronavirus pandemic to 126 countries including the US. All of their patients received treatment for free if they experience symptoms of the coronavirus. Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay suggest from a Comprehensive Reform approach, Turkey believes international organizations must serve all of humanity and defunding those isn't a great strategy. While forming a new organization for the sake of forming an organization isn't the best strategy either. The United Nations should consider to broker a global cease fire. Many of the top countries were competing for medical supplies through a single supply chain. World economies move on multiply supply chains, so to fix the structure by promoting robust industry economy, globalization is a way to realization political safeguard of interest. The coronavirus pandemic highlighted the short comings. While Turkey advocated for reform, the pandemic didn't mix with nation states support. Nation power based on military. COVID-19 highlighted this problem, an extension to include civilian structure, with healthcare revising the definition of power shaping up for a globalization change in supply chain. Furthermore, globalization was ended by COVID-19 with a world response to Wuhan China. Most of the world thought it wouldn't impact, but Turkey took action with not much known about the virus. Turkey took steps to prevent the spread by investing in their healthcare system. Having risk from the EU side, Italy, and Iran, Turkey noticed none of the super nations started to protect themselves like the EU. Look at WHO for example, not able to bring nation states and international organizations together. It took one month for the Security Council to prevent conflicts so global worlds and corporations weren't able to give a good exam score through the way individual countries manage it. The superpower countries US, China, some EU, and Russia were not able to reach medical supplies. Turkey was focus on high tech manufactured of goods while they focused on competition resulting in lack of trust. Not able to keep up with making their own simple mask showed globalization is required enter-connectivity between them for reaching medical supplies when needed. When the threat occurred leading to globalization then became nation states closing borders, goods and services. During the pandemic nothing available which restricted people to their border and restricted food. What the health crisis demonstrated about World Health Organization (WHO) is restructure. More international organizations require real reform and less bureaucrat and more transparency with structure mixed with a change in the organizations culture. Vice President Oktay suggest the problem with World Health Organization is structural. Determine what the problem is, provide effective and convenient way to make decision. WHO's authorization operation budget comes through volunteer bases, so then develop with member states for management effectiveness. "Change the culture, bring all capabilities of country and institutions and ministerial level together. The simple the better is our motto in Turkey," stated Vice President Oktay. None of minster organizations recognized they need others to get the job done. The rest will do their jobs as well and if they don't there are performance metrics. The power struggle is what has brought the world into this, all those trade wars, and unilateral sanctions turned the entire country to a place not livable. The main idea, a power shift between US and China, compete but if that competition impacts he rest of the world that's not fair to the rest of the world. The power shift will impact Turkey. With a new approach Turkey doesn't see itself as a power center. Turkey looks at the issue from it's own perspective. The US should start treating Turkey and understand Turkey from that perspective also, an individual right is how they look at the issue. The supply chain will take a new form. The world can't live in uncertainty world after COVID-19. Vice President Fuat Oktay suggest recreating a more trusting environment to restart the engines of goods and services, while making decisions based on our own interest. COVID-19 created an opportunity to understand Turkey. When the US needed supplies Turkey tried to help immediately. We were just there to help now with issues not only COVID-19 issues, the US and Turkey have started communicating better. Opening other channels to create trust between the two countries at institutional and community levels. |
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