#Affirmative action for reducing inequality

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Breaking Barriers: Achieving Goal 10 - Reduced Inequality for a Fairer World

Reducing inequality is a fundamental pillar for creating a just and prosperous society. As we progress into the future, it becomes imperative to address the disparities that hinder progress and restrict opportunities for individuals and communities. United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 10, aptly named "Reduced Inequality," aims to tackle this issue head-on, fostering a more inclusive world. In this article, we delve into the significance of Goal 10 and explore various strategies that can help us overcome barriers and achieve a fairer and more equitable society.

Understanding the Goal

Goal 10, part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is a critical global commitment that aims to tackle the issue of inequality within and among countries. It recognizes that reducing inequality is not only a matter of social justice but also a fundamental prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.

At its core, Goal 10 seeks to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of their socio-economic background, gender, age, disability, or any other form of marginalization. By addressing disparities and promoting inclusivity, the goal aims to create a world where everyone can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.

One of the key principles of Goal 10 is the concept of "leaving no one behind." It recognizes that progress should not be measured solely by overall economic growth but also by the extent to which it reaches and benefits all segments of society, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized populations. This includes addressing income inequality, gender disparities, social exclusion, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Income inequality is a significant aspect of Goal 10. It focuses on bridging the gap between the rich and the poor by promoting fair and inclusive economic growth. This involves implementing policies that ensure equitable distribution of wealth and income, such as progressive taxation, social protection measures, and inclusive labor markets. By addressing income disparities, societies can create more balanced and just economic systems that provide opportunities for upward mobility and social cohesion.

Gender inequality is another crucial dimension of Goal 10. It recognizes that women and girls often face unique challenges and barriers that hinder their full participation in society. Achieving gender equality involves ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and political representation for women and girls. By empowering women and promoting gender equality, societies can unlock the untapped potential of half of their population and foster more inclusive and sustainable development.

Addressing social exclusion is a key component of Goal 10. It acknowledges that discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, or disability can perpetuate inequalities and limit opportunities for certain groups. By promoting inclusive policies and combating discrimination, societies can create environments that value diversity, foster social cohesion, and respect the rights and dignity of all individuals. This includes initiatives such as inclusive education, access to healthcare, and promoting cultural acceptance and understanding.

Moreover, Goal 10 emphasizes the importance of empowering marginalized communities and ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes. This includes providing targeted support and resources to overcome historical disadvantages and promoting inclusive governance structures. By giving voice and agency to marginalized groups, societies can address the specific challenges they face and create more equitable and participatory societies.

Achieving Goal 10 also requires investing in sustainable development. Recognizing the interlinkages between social, economic, and environmental dimensions, the goal emphasizes the need for infrastructure development, innovation, and technology transfer in marginalized areas. By providing access to clean energy, improving transportation networks, and promoting sustainable practices, societies can bridge the gap between developed and developing regions, reducing inequalities and ensuring a more sustainable future for all.

In conclusion, Goal 10 - Reduced Inequality, is a vital component of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By addressing disparities and promoting inclusivity, it strives to create a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute. Through efforts to reduce income inequality, bridge gender gaps, combat social exclusion, empower marginalized communities, and invest in sustainable development, societies can move closer to achieving this ambitious goal. By working collectively and leaving no one behind, we can build a fairer and more equitable world for present and future generations.

The Impact of Inequality

Inequality, in all its manifestations, has far-reaching consequences that undermine social cohesion, impede economic growth, and hinder sustainable development. By perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion, inequality restricts access to essential resources and opportunities, such as education, healthcare, and basic services. As a result, individuals and communities are trapped in circumstances that limit their potential for advancement and improvement.

One of the most significant consequences of inequality is its adverse impact on social mobility. When opportunities for upward mobility are limited or unevenly distributed, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds face significant barriers to improving their socio-economic status. This lack of mobility not only affects individuals but also has broader implications for society as a whole. It hampers the overall progress and economic growth of a nation, as talent and potential remain untapped due to systemic barriers.

Moreover, inequality exacerbates social tensions and can lead to heightened levels of conflict and instability within nations. When a significant portion of the population feels marginalized and excluded from the benefits of development, it creates a fertile ground for social unrest and discontent. In extreme cases, this can escalate into political instability and social upheaval, with severe implications for peace and security.

Inequality also has adverse effects on health outcomes and access to quality healthcare. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds often face greater health risks and reduced access to essential healthcare services. The lack of resources and opportunities to maintain good health and well-being further perpetuates the cycle of inequality. This, in turn, leads to a less productive and healthy workforce, hindering economic growth and development.

Education is another area where inequality has a profound impact. Limited access to quality education perpetuates disparities and reinforces existing inequalities. When individuals are denied access to education or receive substandard education due to their socio-economic status, it limits their potential for personal and professional growth. Education is a powerful tool for social and economic empowerment, and unequal access to it perpetuates intergenerational cycles of disadvantage.

Furthermore, inequality has environmental implications. Disadvantaged communities often bear the brunt of environmental degradation and pollution. They have limited access to clean air, water, and sanitation, which further exacerbates health disparities. Additionally, inequality can lead to unequal exposure to the impacts of climate change, with marginalized communities being disproportionately affected by extreme weather events and natural disasters.

Understanding the impact of inequality is crucial in recognizing the urgency and significance of Goal 10 - Reduced Inequality. By comprehending the negative consequences of inequality on social cohesion, economic growth, and sustainable development, we can appreciate the importance of addressing this issue. Goal 10 seeks to rectify these disparities by promoting inclusive policies and initiatives that provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

By reducing inequality, societies can foster social cohesion, where individuals feel valued and included, contributing to a more harmonious and prosperous world. Economic growth becomes more sustainable when it benefits a broader range of people, ensuring that progress is shared equitably. By breaking the cycles of poverty and exclusion, Goal 10 creates pathways for individuals to improve their lives, fostering social mobility and empowerment.

In conclusion, inequality undermines the fabric of societies, hindering social cohesion, economic growth, and sustainable development. It perpetuates cycles of poverty, limits access to education, healthcare, and basic services, and exacerbates social tensions. By understanding the impact of inequality, we realize the urgent need to address this issue. Goal 10 - Reduced Inequality plays a vital role in shaping a more inclusive and harmonious world, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.

Tackling Income Inequality

Income inequality is a significant facet of overall inequality that demands attention and concerted efforts to promote a fair distribution of wealth and income. It is crucial for a well-functioning society to ensure that individuals have equal access to resources and opportunities, regardless of their socio-economic background. By addressing income inequality, policymakers can work towards creating a more inclusive and just society.

One of the key strategies to tackle income inequality is through implementing progressive taxation. Progressive taxation involves levying higher tax rates on individuals with higher incomes. This approach ensures that those who can afford to contribute more to society do so, enabling the government to allocate resources towards public goods and services that benefit everyone. Progressive taxation helps redistribute wealth, reduce income disparities, and create a more equitable society.

Ensuring living wages is another essential aspect of reducing income inequality. A living wage is the minimum income necessary for an individual or household to meet their basic needs, such as food, housing, healthcare, and education. By establishing policies that mandate employers to pay fair wages that meet or exceed the living wage, policymakers can help lift individuals and families out of poverty and reduce income inequality. This approach promotes economic stability, improves living standards, and empowers individuals to participate fully in the economy.

Promoting inclusive economic growth is also critical in addressing income inequality. It involves creating an economic environment that benefits all sections of society, including marginalized and disadvantaged groups. Policymakers can focus on implementing policies that foster entrepreneurship, encourage job creation, and support small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, investing in infrastructure development, particularly in underserved areas, can create opportunities for economic growth and reduce regional income disparities. By prioritizing inclusive economic growth, policymakers can ensure that the benefits of development are shared equitably, leading to a more balanced and fair society.

Investing in quality education and skill development programs is instrumental in empowering individuals to overcome economic barriers and access better opportunities. Education plays a crucial role in providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for economic mobility. By improving access to quality education at all levels, policymakers can ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have an equal chance to succeed. Additionally, investing in vocational training and skill development programs equips individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the job market, enhancing their employability and earning potential. By promoting equal access to education and skills development, policymakers can help level the playing field and reduce income disparities.

Furthermore, addressing income inequality requires addressing systemic barriers and discrimination that limit opportunities for certain groups. Policymakers can work towards eliminating gender-based pay gaps, ensuring equal access to employment, and providing support for historically marginalized communities. By implementing policies and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, policymakers can create an environment that fosters equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or other forms of identity. This approach contributes to a more equitable distribution of income and wealth.

Income inequality is a significant aspect of overall inequality that requires focused attention. Policymakers can play a crucial role in addressing income disparities by implementing progressive taxation, ensuring living wages, promoting inclusive economic growth, and investing in quality education and skill development programs. By adopting these strategies, societies can strive towards a more equitable distribution of wealth and income, creating opportunities for individuals to overcome economic barriers and access better opportunities. Ultimately, reducing income inequality contributes to a more just and inclusive society where everyone can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.

Bridging Gender Gaps

Gender inequality continues to persist as a significant global challenge, and addressing this issue is a key focus of Goal 10 - Reduced Inequality. Empowering women and girls and bridging gender gaps is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive society. By promoting equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, societies can unlock the full potential of women and benefit from their valuable contributions in various spheres.

Equal access to education is a fundamental aspect of achieving gender equality. By ensuring that girls have the same opportunities as boys to receive quality education, societies can break the cycle of gender inequality and empower women to pursue their aspirations. Access to education equips women with knowledge and skills, enabling them to participate fully in social, economic, and political life. Additionally, investing in girls' education has a multiplier effect, leading to positive outcomes for families, communities, and future generations.

Addressing gender disparities in healthcare is another critical step towards achieving gender equality. Women and girls often face unique health challenges, and unequal access to healthcare exacerbates these disparities. By providing gender-responsive healthcare services, policymakers can ensure that women have access to reproductive health services, maternal care, and other essential healthcare interventions. By addressing gender-specific health needs and reducing barriers to healthcare access, societies can improve overall health outcomes and advance gender equality.

Equal employment opportunities and addressing discriminatory practices in the workforce are vital for achieving gender equality. Women continue to face barriers to entering certain sectors and occupations, as well as disparities in wages and career advancement. By promoting policies that eliminate gender-based discrimination and bias in hiring, promotion, and remuneration, societies can create more inclusive work environments. Additionally, providing support for work-life balance, such as affordable childcare and parental leave policies, helps women balance their caregiving responsibilities with their careers. This enables women to fully participate in the workforce and contributes to closing the gender pay gap and enhancing gender equality in economic participation.

Furthermore, engaging men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality is crucial. By challenging harmful stereotypes and norms that perpetuate gender inequality, societies can foster an environment that supports gender equality. Engaging men and boys in conversations and initiatives that promote gender equality helps to break down rigid gender roles and stereotypes, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Achieving gender equality requires a multi-dimensional approach that involves collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Policy frameworks and legislation that promote gender equality, such as laws against gender-based violence and discrimination, are crucial. Additionally, targeted interventions and programs that provide women with skills training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to financial resources can empower women economically and enhance their decision-making power.

Moreover, promoting women's leadership and participation in decision-making processes is essential. This includes increasing the representation of women in political and public positions, as well as promoting their participation in community and grassroots organizations. By amplifying women's voices and perspectives, societies can benefit from diverse ideas, priorities, and solutions.

Goal 10 - Reduced Inequality recognizes the importance of addressing gender inequality as a crucial component of achieving a more equitable and inclusive society. By promoting equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, as well as addressing discriminatory practices and supporting work-life balance, societies can bridge gender gaps and empower women and girls. Ensuring equal opportunities for women to participate fully in all aspects of society enables societies to tap into their full potential and benefit from their invaluable contributions. Achieving gender equality is not only a matter of justice but also a pathway to sustainable development and social progress for all.

Combating Social Exclusion

Social exclusion is a deeply concerning issue that takes various forms, including discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, or disability. Goal 10 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the need for inclusive policies that promote diversity and prohibit discrimination in all its manifestations. It is imperative to foster an environment that embraces cultural differences, promotes tolerance, and respects the fundamental rights of every individual. By eliminating barriers and prejudices, societies can strive towards inclusivity, where everyone feels valued, respected, and can participate fully in all aspects of life.

Discrimination based on race and ethnicity is a pervasive form of social exclusion that marginalizes certain groups and perpetuates inequality. Goal 10 calls for the promotion of equal rights and opportunities for all, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background. This involves implementing policies that address systemic racism, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic identity. By recognizing and appreciating the diverse backgrounds and cultures within societies, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious environment where everyone can thrive.

Religious discrimination is another form of social exclusion that undermines the principles of equality and freedom of religion. Goal 10 emphasizes the importance of promoting tolerance, understanding, and respect for diverse religious beliefs and practices. Inclusive policies and initiatives should ensure that individuals have the freedom to practice their religion without fear of discrimination or persecution. By fostering religious pluralism and promoting interfaith dialogue, societies can create an environment where different religious communities coexist peacefully, contributing to social cohesion and mutual understanding.

Addressing disability-based discrimination is essential for building inclusive societies. People with disabilities often face significant barriers to equal participation in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and access to public services. Goal 10 emphasizes the need for inclusive policies that promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. This includes providing equal access to education, employment opportunities, and barrier-free infrastructure. By removing physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers, societies can ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate and contribute to society.

Creating inclusive societies also involves fostering a culture of respect for human rights. Goal 10 emphasizes the importance of upholding and promoting the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and justice. It calls for the implementation of legislation and policies that protect individuals from discrimination based on any grounds, including race, ethnicity, religion, or disability. By ensuring that everyone has equal protection under the law and equal access to justice, societies can build a foundation for inclusivity and social cohesion.

Education and awareness play a crucial role in promoting inclusion and combating social exclusion. By integrating inclusive education into school curricula and promoting awareness campaigns, societies can challenge stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory attitudes. Education can empower individuals to recognize the value of diversity, foster empathy and understanding, and promote social inclusion from an early age.

Moreover, promoting diversity and inclusion in all spheres of society, including the workplace, is essential. Companies and organizations should adopt inclusive practices that promote diversity, equality, and non-discrimination. This includes implementing equal employment opportunities, diverse recruitment processes, and providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, organizations can foster innovation, creativity, and productivity.

Social exclusion manifests in various forms, including discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, or disability. Goal 10 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for inclusive policies that promote diversity, prohibit discrimination, and foster inclusive societies. By embracing cultural differences, promoting tolerance, and respecting human rights, societies can eliminate barriers and prejudices. Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and can participate fully is not only a matter of justice and equality but also a catalyst for social progress, cohesion, and sustainable development.

Empowering Marginalized Communities

Marginalized communities, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and other factors, often face significant challenges in accessing opportunities and resources. Goal 10 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the importance of empowering these communities and ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes. By addressing the unique barriers they face and providing targeted support, societies can work towards leveling the playing field and enabling marginalized groups to overcome historical disadvantages.

One important approach to empower marginalized communities is through the implementation of affirmative action policies. Affirmative action aims to redress historical inequalities and create opportunities for individuals from marginalized backgrounds. These policies can include measures such as preferential hiring, quotas in education, and targeted support for entrepreneurship and economic development. By providing these opportunities, societies can help bridge the gap and create a more equitable and inclusive society.

In addition to affirmative action, strengthening social safety nets is crucial in supporting marginalized communities. Social safety nets encompass programs such as social assistance, healthcare, and access to basic services. By ensuring that marginalized individuals and communities have access to these essential services, societies can mitigate the impact of inequality and provide a foundation for social and economic well-being. Strengthening social safety nets can help lift individuals and communities out of poverty, reduce vulnerability, and promote social inclusion.

Promoting inclusive governance is another vital aspect of reducing inequality and empowering marginalized communities. Inclusive governance involves ensuring that marginalized groups have a voice in decision-making processes that affect their lives. It requires creating spaces for participation, consultation, and representation of marginalized communities in policy development, implementation, and monitoring. By including diverse perspectives, societies can make more informed and equitable decisions, and address the specific needs and concerns of marginalized communities.

Education plays a pivotal role in empowering marginalized communities and breaking the cycle of inequality. Goal 10 highlights the importance of providing equal access to quality education for all individuals, regardless of their background. By investing in education systems that are inclusive and culturally responsive, societies can create opportunities for marginalized communities to acquire knowledge, skills, and capacities necessary for social and economic mobility. It is crucial to address barriers to education, such as lack of infrastructure, discrimination, and gender-based biases, to ensure that marginalized individuals have equal opportunities to succeed.

Furthermore, addressing the root causes of marginalization and discrimination is essential. Societies must work towards eliminating systemic barriers, biases, and prejudices that perpetuate inequality. This requires promoting awareness, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. Creating spaces for dialogue and engagement between marginalized communities and broader society can help foster understanding, empathy, and solidarity.

Economic empowerment is a key factor in reducing inequality and empowering marginalized communities. This can be achieved through targeted economic development initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, job creation, and access to financial resources. By providing marginalized individuals and communities with the tools and resources they need to thrive economically, societies can help break the cycle of poverty and inequality.

Lastly, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the strengths and contributions of marginalized communities. Promoting diversity and cultural appreciation can help combat stereotypes and create a more inclusive society. By valuing and respecting the unique perspectives, knowledge, and experiences of marginalized communities, societies can foster social cohesion and harness the potential of all individuals.

In conclusion, Goal 10 emphasizes the importance of empowering marginalized communities and reducing inequality. Through affirmative action policies, strengthening social safety nets, promoting inclusive governance, investing in education, addressing systemic barriers, and fostering economic empowerment, societies can work towards a more equitable and inclusive society. By ensuring that marginalized communities have equal access to opportunities and resources, societies can unlock their full potential and create a more just and prosperous future for all.

Investing in Sustainable Development

Reducing inequality is intricately connected to the principles of sustainable development. Goal 10 of the 2030 Agenda recognizes the significance of investing in infrastructure, innovation, and technology in marginalized areas to address the disparities between developed and developing regions. By focusing on sustainable practices and ensuring equal access to essential services, societies can create opportunities, bridge the gap, and foster inclusive and resilient communities.

One critical aspect of reducing inequality is improving infrastructure in marginalized areas. Access to reliable and sustainable infrastructure, such as transportation networks, water and sanitation systems, and energy services, is essential for economic growth, social development, and poverty reduction. By investing in the development of infrastructure in marginalized regions, societies can facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people, connecting communities and providing access to markets, education, healthcare, and other vital resources. This helps to create equal opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all individuals, regardless of their geographic location.

In particular, access to clean energy is crucial in reducing inequality and promoting sustainable development. Energy poverty disproportionately affects marginalized communities, hindering their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Goal 10 emphasizes the importance of expanding access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy sources, particularly in underserved areas. By investing in renewable energy solutions and improving energy efficiency, societies can not only reduce inequalities but also mitigate the environmental impact associated with conventional energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.

Sustainable practices and environmental conservation also play a vital role in reducing inequality and promoting inclusive development. Goal 10 recognizes that the pursuit of economic growth should be accompanied by responsible consumption and production patterns. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, societies can prevent further exacerbation of inequalities and ensure a better future for all. Sustainable agriculture, for example, promotes food security, reduces environmental degradation, and provides income-generating opportunities for small-scale farmers. Similarly, adopting sustainable forestry practices can protect ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of indigenous and marginalized communities.

Moreover, the promotion of innovation and technology is crucial in reducing inequalities and advancing sustainable development. Goal 10 emphasizes the need to enhance the technological capabilities of marginalized regions and promote research and development to foster inclusive growth. By investing in innovation and technology, societies can bridge the digital divide, provide access to information and communication technologies, and empower marginalized communities to participate in the global economy. This helps create opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and access to markets, contributing to the reduction of inequalities and the promotion of sustainable economic development.

Inclusive and sustainable urbanization is another important aspect of reducing inequality. Goal 10 recognizes the importance of creating cities and human settlements that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By prioritizing affordable housing, accessible transportation, green spaces, and social infrastructure, societies can ensure that marginalized communities have equal access to urban opportunities and services. This helps prevent the concentration of wealth and resources in specific areas, promoting balanced development and reducing spatial inequalities.

Furthermore, the participation of marginalized communities in decision-making processes is crucial for sustainable development and reducing inequality. Goal 10 emphasizes the importance of promoting inclusive institutions and ensuring that marginalized voices are heard in policy formulation and implementation. By engaging marginalized communities in decision-making processes, societies can ensure that their specific needs, concerns, and aspirations are taken into account, contributing to more equitable and inclusive development outcomes.

In conclusion, reducing inequality is closely linked to sustainable development. Goal 10 highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure, innovation, and technology in marginalized areas to bridge the gap between developed and developing regions. By providing equal access to clean energy, improving transportation networks, promoting sustainable practices, and prioritizing environmental sustainability, societies can create equal opportunities and foster inclusive and resilient communities. By embracing the principles of sustainable development, societies can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all individuals, leaving no one behind.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

Achieving Goal 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries, requires collaborative efforts on a global scale. Governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector all have important roles to play in implementing effective policies and initiatives that promote equality and inclusivity. By working together and fostering partnerships, we can combine resources, knowledge, and expertise to address the root causes of inequality and create lasting change.

One of the key aspects of achieving Goal 10 is strengthening international cooperation. Inequality is not confined to national boundaries; it is a global challenge that requires collective action. Governments need to collaborate and share best practices to develop comprehensive policies that address inequality at both the national and international levels. International organizations and forums provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation, enabling countries to learn from each other's experiences and develop joint strategies to tackle inequality effectively.

Promoting fair trade is another important component of reducing inequality. Global trade can play a significant role in creating economic opportunities and reducing poverty. However, unfair trade practices, such as tariff barriers, subsidies, and market access restrictions, can exacerbate inequalities and hinder the development of disadvantaged regions. Goal 10 emphasizes the need for fair and equitable trade rules that promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By addressing trade imbalances and ensuring a level playing field, countries can promote inclusive economic development and reduce inequality within and among nations.

Increasing development assistance to disadvantaged regions is a crucial step in reducing inequality. Official Development Assistance (ODA) plays a vital role in supporting developing countries in their efforts to address inequality and achieve sustainable development. Goal 10 calls for the fulfillment of ODA commitments and the provision of additional resources to countries most in need. By increasing financial assistance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support, the international community can help level the playing field and enable disadvantaged regions to overcome structural barriers and achieve equitable development.

Public-private partnerships are essential in driving progress towards Goal 10. The private sector has a significant role to play in promoting inclusive growth, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable development. By aligning business strategies with social and environmental objectives, companies can contribute to reducing inequality. Collaboration between the private sector, governments, and civil society organizations can lead to innovative solutions and investments in sectors that directly impact marginalized communities, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Through responsible business practices and investments, the private sector can help create equal opportunities and contribute to sustainable and inclusive development.

Civil society organizations also play a crucial role in advancing Goal 10. They serve as advocates for marginalized communities, holding governments and other stakeholders accountable for their commitments to reducing inequality. Civil society organizations work on the ground, engaging with communities, and providing valuable insights and perspectives that inform policy-making processes. Their expertise and grassroots connections can help ensure that policies and initiatives are inclusive, responsive, and address the specific needs of marginalized groups.

Furthermore, knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives are essential for achieving Goal 10. Governments, organizations, and academia need to collaborate in generating and disseminating research, data, and best practices on reducing inequality. This exchange of knowledge and expertise can inform policy decisions and enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing inequality. Capacity-building programs can also empower individuals and organizations to address inequality effectively, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to implement sustainable solutions.

Achieving Goal 10 requires collaborative efforts on a global scale. Governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector must work together, sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise, to implement effective policies and initiatives. Strengthening international cooperation, promoting fair trade, increasing development assistance, fostering public-private partnerships, and supporting civil society organizations are crucial steps towards reducing inequality worldwide. By joining forces and leveraging collective strengths, we can make significant progress in creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all.

Conclusion

Goal 10 - Reduced Inequality, represents a bold and necessary vision for a fairer and more inclusive world. By addressing income inequality, bridging gender gaps, combating social exclusion, empowering marginalized communities, and investing in sustainable development, we can overcome barriers and create a society where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. Achieving this goal requires the collective efforts of individuals, governments, and organizations worldwide. Let us strive together to break down the walls of inequality and build a brighter future for all.

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by

TAMMI ROSSMAN-BENJAMIN

While civil rights law continues to play an important role in how DEI programs operate, they have since evolved and expanded, especially in the last decade. With the establishment and rapid growth of the Black Lives Matter movement and the popularization of critical race theory, there has been an explosion of interest among colleges and universities in establishing or expanding DEI programs not just to reduce social inequality, but to fight the systemic injustice that leads to it. Although the same identity groups remain the focus of DEI efforts, those efforts now view them through the lens not of social inequality but of systemic oppression.

How do Jewish students fit into this picture? Until 2004 they were not afforded Title VI protections from discrimination, because they were regarded solely as members of a religious group — not a protected category under Title VI. As a result, campus affirmative-action or equal-opportunity programs had no reason to include Jewish students in their efforts. But even after 2004, when Jewish students were deemed eligible for Title VI protection as members of a national origin group, neither they nor antisemitism was integrated into most DEI initiatives, despite an increasingly hostile campus environment.

The blindness of DEI programs to Jewish students and antisemitism is likely the result of two factors.

First, although Jews were once a historically marginalized and underrepresented group in American higher education, that is certainly no longer the case. Consequently, despite having endured thousands of years of oppression, including one of history’s largest genocides, and even now suffering more hate crimes in America than any historically marginalized and underrepresented group except African Americans, Jews are not viewed as oppressed at all within a DEI framework. On the contrary, they are generally seen as white, privileged oppressors who do not merit the attention of DEI programs.

Second, even if Jewish students manage to secure a seat at the DEI table, a thornier problem awaits. Although a growing number of DEI officials are willing to respond to and educate the campus community about acts of classical antisemitism, such as swastikas painted on a Jewish fraternity house or neo-Nazi fliers distributed on campus, many of those same officials are unwilling to acknowledge and address anti-Zionist-motivated harassment. Yet this is by far the predominant form of antisemitism facing Jewish students today.

The disparate treatment of these two types of antisemitism is very much related to the ideological leanings of most DEI programs. Because instances of classical antisemitism are often perpetrated by individuals associated with white-supremacist groups, who are also perpetrators of racist attacks on many historically marginalized groups, calling out and educating about this type of antisemitism actually kills two birds with one stone.

On the other hand, many instances of anti-Zionist harassment on campus are perpetrated by members of identity groups served by DEI programs. In addition, many DEI staff themselves harbor virulently anti-Israel sentiments, as demonstrated in a 2021 report examining the social-media postings of DEI staff at major universities. Drawing heavily on ideologies undergirding most DEI programs, these postings portrayed Israel as a racist, settler-colonial state, linked the plight of Palestinians to the struggles of oppressed minorities in America, and implied that it was the duty of antiracist activists to support the liberation of Palestine “from the river to the sea,” a rallying cry for the elimination of the Jewish state.

Against this backdrop, it’s not hard to see why so many DEI programs are loath to acknowledge the antisemitic nature of anti-Zionist behavior that so often leads to the harassment of Jewish students. But that hasn’t stopped Jewish advocates from trying.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazil’s Enduring Racial Gap

New economic analysis reveals that despite some progress, Brazil must do more to address racial inequality.

Despite substantive efforts in recent years, racial gaps in Brazil remain significant. Last year, we published a book documenting the evolution of racial inequality in the country, touching on income, education, health, violence and political representation. Overall, things do not look great. Although there has been some progress in addressing racial disparities over the past few decades, it has reached only a small proportion of Black Brazilians. New public policies are needed to promote a more equal nation. 

Brazil was long regarded as a “racial democracy”, and it took generations of scholars and decades of organized Black movements to debunk this myth. There has also been growth in racial consciousness in Brazil even in the past five years, with more people now identifying as Black. Today, most Brazilians recognize that racism prevents many from achieving their full potential, but to what extent has this recognition translated into improved well-being for Black Brazilians?

Long-term trends in racial inequality in earnings show a decline over the past forty years, but the gap has increased recently. In the 1980s and 1990s, Black workers received 44-48% less than White workers. In the late 1990s, the racial earnings gap started to narrow and was reduced to 32% by 2011. But since then, the wage gap has remained between 32 and 35%.

This reduction in earnings inequality was small and restricted to a short period around the 2000s. It was likely the result of other factors that contributed to an overall decrease in inequality—such as higher minimum wages and a reduction in wage differences between workers with high and low levels of education—rather than advances in racial equality itself.

Wage differences have remained pervasive, even when comparing workers with similar jobs and levels of education and experience. Considering these factors, Black workers received around 13% less than White workers in the 1980s. This gap has remained stable through 2020.

From this point of view, no progress was made at all. Despite overcoming a dictatorship, controlling hyperinflation, implementing conditional cash transfers, and introducing race-based affirmative action in universities, Brazil was unable to reduce discrimination in the labor market over the last forty years.

Still, there is a somewhat positive message. Most—but not all—racial differences are due to factors other than discrimination in the labor market. They include different types of employment, variations between different regions of Brazil, and, most importantly, different levels of educational attainment between Black and White Brazilians. This suggests a promising avenue for reducing labor inequality: promoting equality in education.

Continue reading.

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The guide for the Women’s Reservation invoice reaffirms India’s faith in affirmative action even as it highlights its dichotomous allegiance to ‘meritocracy’ on the value of inequity.

The Women’s Reservation Bill has been surpassed after 27 years. The war for a seat at the table has been long. We go to the table being us. As girls who need to redefine, reconfigure and reset the narratives. We begin with lipstick and bindi.

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PERUSE MOREOVER:-

[ammg-old2]

The New York City suburb of Scarsdale, located in Westchester County, New York, is one of the country’s wealthiest communities, and its residents are reliably liberal. In 2020, three-quarters of Scarsdale voters cast ballots for Joe Biden over Donald Trump. One can safely presume that few Scarsdale residents are ardent backers of Trump’s wall on the Mexican border. But many of them support a less visible kind of wall, erected by zoning regulations that ban multifamily housing and keep non-wealthy people, many of them people of color, out of their community.

Across the country, a lot of good white liberals, people who purchase copies of White Fragility and decry the U.S. Supreme Court for ending affirmative action, sleep every night in exclusive suburbs that socially engineer economic (and thereby racial) segregation by government edict. The huge inequalities between upscale municipalities and their poorer neighbors didn’t just happen; they are in large measure the product of laws that are hard to square with the inclusive In This House, We Believe signs on lawns in many highly educated, deep-blue suburbs.

In a new report for The Century Foundation, I contrast Scarsdale with another Westchester County suburb, Port Chester, which is just eight miles away but has remarkably different demographics. Scarsdale’s median household income, in excess of $250,000, is nearly three times that of Port Chester, as is the portion of residents with a college degree. And whereas three-quarters of Port Chester’s elementary students qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school, zero percent of Scarsdale’s students do. In Scarsdale, 87 percent of residents are non-Hispanic white or Asian American, whereas 69 percent of Port Chester residents are Black or Hispanic.

On the overwhelming majority of Scarsdale’s land, building anything but a single-family home is illegal. According to data collected for the report by New York University’s Furman Center, just 0.2 percent of Scarsdale’s lots have structures classified as two- or three-family homes or apartments. Port Chester, by contrast, allows multifamily housing on about half its land. From 2014 to 2021, 41 percent of the new housing units authorized in Port Chester were for multifamily housing. In Scarsdale, none of the 218 units permitted was for a multifamily home. When multifamily housing is proposed in Scarsdale, residents raise numerous objections, many of them spurious. Some oppose apartments, for example, on the grounds that multifamily housing will result in overcrowded schools, even though data show that school enrollment in the Village of Scarsdale has been declining in recent years.

Many people seeking a better life for their children would, in fact, relish an opportunity to move to Scarsdale. In interviews I conducted for my new book, Excluded: How Snob Zoning, NIMBYism, and Class Bias Build the Walls We Don’t See, low-wage single mothers from across the country repeatedly expressed their desire for better schools for their children.

And as I note in the Century Foundation report, Scarsdale spent nearly $5,500 more per student than Port Chester did in 2020, and had lower student-to-teacher ratios. In 2019, 32 percent of Port Chester students were performing at grade level in English, compared with 87 percent of students in Scarsdale—a staggering 55-percentage-point gap. In math, 35 percent of Port Chester students performed at grade level, compared with 90 percent of Scarsdale students, also a 55-point gap. When low-income students are given a chance to attend lower-poverty schools, research shows they can cut the achievement gap with their middle-class peers in math by half and in reading by one-third over a five- to seven-year period. They just seldom get the option.

Television cameras help depict the plight of immigrant families who are turned away at the border, but they don’t capture the way working-class families in places like Port Chester are shut out of higher-opportunity public schools in places like Scarsdale that prohibit the construction of the types of homes that less advantaged families could afford. Although Scarsdale parents may try to reconcile the exclusion with their political liberalism by supporting greater state education spending in places like Port Chester, economic integration of schools has been found to be far more effective than a “separate but equal” compensatory-spending approach to equity.

By limiting housing supply, Scarsdale’s zoning laws—and similar rules in other New York City suburbs—also artificially drive up home prices in the metropolitan region. Earlier this year, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul proposed the New York Housing Compact, which would have given downstate municipalities, such as those in Westchester County, a goal of increasing their housing supply by 3 percent every three years. If communities failed to reach those goals, the state would require municipalities to provide applicants for housing permits with a fast-track approval process. In addition, downstate areas would need to rezone for greater housing within a half mile of commuter-railway and subway stations. Currently, in Scarsdale, nearly all of the land near the train station is zoned for large lots containing single-family homes.

But though yes-in-my-backyard reforms have gained traction in states such as California and Oregon and in cities such as Minneapolis and Charlotte, the liberal New York State legislature deep-sixed a moderate Democratic governor’s housing agenda—with the help of elected officials and civic leaders from affluent liberal suburbs. Amy Paulin, a Scarsdale Democrat, told The New York Times that Hochul’s “proposal would change the complexity of our county in a way that doesn’t make sense.” Westchester County’s Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Democratic leader of the state Senate, meanwhile, rejected Hochul’s plan and called instead for financial incentives to encourage communities to voluntarily permit more housing.

[morlock-holmes]

I'm just not finding this book that compelling. It's a bunch of largely reasonable-sounding ideas which are not exactly wrong but which were, in my experience, already clearly unworkable in practice by the time the book was written. I kind of don't even want to bother to expand because if you're reading this you get the problem, but just for example: Kendi essentially makes the affirmative action argument that any policy which tends to produce inequity in racial outcomes is racist and needs to be countered with a policy that reduces inequity, and I'll leave writing the right-wing rebuttal to my correspondents, who can do it in their sleep, but the other question is, "What about a policy that reduces inequity along one axis while increasing it along another?"

Like, McWhorter gives the example of, "Suppose you reduce the number of suspensions in majority black schools to be in line with those of majority white ones, but this in turn means that the number of violent incidences in those schools increases?"

And you can say, "Well, suspending way more students is a racist policy and so is reducing suspensions in a way that exposes students to more violence" and that isn't even wrong, so much as it muddles up what we're trying to do when we use the term "racist".

It entails that we may have to look at a policy which was objectively intended to reduce racism and conclude that it is actually racist, which in turn suggests that anti-racism requires a kind of radical epistemic humility.

Which... Uh... Is not entirely the spirit of the book but more importantly is absolutely not in any way the spirit of early 20s antiracism as it is practiced in expensive training seminars and twitter slap-fights.

It also, and this has been an issue for a long long time, leaves us without a clear vocabulary to describe the different kinds of racism even though distinguishing them is, in fact, important. The distinction between "This color-blind policy has unequal effects which ought to be considered more carefully" and "Nazism" is actually pretty important.

Also this is still just, radically incompatible with Robin DiAngelo's approach to racism, which makes the fact that they ended up as allies and shared bookshelves in millions of American households evidence of something deeply, disturbingly wrong with contemporary antiracism.

No, that's not exactly fair, questions like "How do we effectively deal with high crime in black neighborhoods given police brutality concerns?" are in fact, complex, and there is room for disagreement between people who are otherwise allies.

Robin DiAngelo is evidence of something deeply, disturbingly wrong with contemporary antiracism.

So, I decided to keep looking and got Ibram X. Kendi's *How to Be An Antiracist* from the library.

This is going to be the hardest one for me to finish, not because of anything political at all but just because I find the way Kendi writes memoir stylistically unexciting.

It reminds me of those long-form magazine pieces that go on and on about the subject's disarming smile and the color of his Italian loafers and how the sunset looks from the coffee shop he selected for the interview and the whole time you're going, "Jesus Christ get to the good parts about securities fraud already"

I'm not coming into the book with a positive attitude which certainly can't help.

So far the political arguments are... well they're arguments, so it's immediately a huge step up from *White Fragility*. That there is even a cogent argument being made feels bizarre after slogging through the utter mess that is *White Fragility*.

They also, unless I'm totally misunderstanding what Kendi is saying, seem *entirely* incompatible with Robin DiAngelo's approach to antiracism on some extremely fundamental levels, which is making me reconsider what *White Fragility* actually is and what was going on in 2020 in general.

I am kind of getting to the point where I almost want to recommend that people read *White Fragility* just so you can understand how truly shockingly bad it is. Like I really cannot overstate it, it's not just that I disagree with the politics, it's really genuinely awful even as an example of those politics.

[bristolchurch]

Beyond Appearances: Prioritising Talent and Ability over Skin Colour in Church Settings

A 2016 article by Christianity Today reported that while many white Christians express a desire for racial reconciliation, there is a gap between their intentions and their actions. For example, a study cited in the article found that white evangelicals were less likely to support policies aimed at reducing racial inequalities, such as affirmative action or reparations for slavery. Furthermore,…

[thetldrplace]

Codex Fascismo: Volume Three H.R. Morgan

From The Political and Social Doctrine of Fascism by Benito Mussolini.

"Fascism believes in holiness and heroism, in actions influenced by no economic motives. If the economic conception of history is denied, it follows that the existence of unchangeable class war is also denied- the natural progeny of the economic conception of history."

"Fascism denies the materialist conception of happiness being equated with well-being, which reduces men to the level of animals caring only to be fat and well fed, degrading humanity to a purely physical existence."

Mussolini sees democracy as a doctrine of political equality. Fascism, he says, denies that the majority can direct human society, it affirms the inequality of mankind as beneficial and fruitful, and that such inequality can never be leveled through a mechanical process such as universal suffrage.

Of the State, Mussolini says it is "the custodian and transmitter of the spirit of the people".  

Dave note:

Ok, in one sense, the state, as a representative of the people, is such a thing. But this is an example of where the Fascists are just as guilty of conflation as the Marxists. The State does, in a way, represent the spirit of its citizens. But then he takes that representative ideal and uses it to invest the fascist party with owning the "will of the people", which always leads to the consequent that anyone who disagrees with the party, is an enemy of the people.  

"The Fascist State organizes the nation, but leaves a sufficient margin of liberty to the individual; the latter is deprived of all useless and possibly harmful freedom, but retains what is essential; the deciding power in this question cannot be the individual, but the State alone"

"The Fascist State is an embodied will to power and government, an ideal force in action. According to Fascism, government is not a thing to be expressed in territorial and military terms, but in terms of morality and the spirit."

Dave note:

There is a level of either deceptive, or delusional, language here ascribing dictatorial powers to the State, and masking it as the spiritual will of the people. Mussolini tells us that individuals have sufficient freedom.... to do what their told to do. Anything the state decides you shouldn’t do is only 'useless or harmful freedom'. The state will give its citizens the essential freedom, which it will decide. But of course, there is no separate agent called the state... the state is that entity that is run by men, and those men are planning on deciding what freedom's you will or won't have. Their trying to hide this fact by appealing to the emotions and declaring that the state is the will of the people, but this is a lie.

Morgan gives excerpts from My Autobiography by Benito Mussolini. No quotes of interest

From Policy and Debate by Oswald Mosely.

Mosely discusses economic details of unionism and protectionism from foreign imports that are cheaper. In large international corporations, control should be returned to the workers for their own benefit. They would employ skilled managers, and both those would have their own self-interests at heart to keep the business profitable. These managers must persuade.

Mosely then discusses national policy of wage controls and protectionist import controls.  

Civilization should add to nature; the strong must be free to create, but they must be kind to the weak.

From The Two Violences by Thierry Maulnier.

The two violences are capitalism and socialism. Capitalism creates class conflict and socialism exploits it.

Conservativism tries to preserve national unity by preserving the forces that are destroying it, while the revolutionary works for the destruction of the very thing it wants to liberate.

Fascism mitigates the economic rivalries of the classes, reminding both sides that life doesn't consist in the search for material benefit. It abolishes class struggle by transforming the economic circumstances that have created class struggle.

The Marxists got it wrong in that the association of men according to economic interests was never the most complete form of human community. A better way is to see community as representing all forms of life in the common soil, blood, and language mingled within the community.

Capitalism ends up as an international phenomenon and degrades the national community at the expense of profits for finance capitalists, and the democratic spirit that pretends equality degrades culture to the lowest common denominator.

What is needed is an authority, a hierarchy, an order- a harmonious, coherent, and noble society. This can only be achieved the a national revolution both anti-liberal and anti-Marxist.

From Beyond Nationalism by Emmanuel Maunier.

Dictatorship is indispensable to any revolution, particularly a spiritual one; in order to neutralize and overcome evil forces. Liberalism is the grave-digger of liberty.

Devotion, sacrifice, virile devotion; the authentic spiritual energy that sustains these new men uprooted from bourgeois decadence, filled with an ardor that one possesses when one finds a faith and a meaning in life.  

We are taking a totalitarian position against the invisible and open wound in the body of the modern world, which has completed its work of decomposition. Individualism is at the root of the evil.

After a century of bourgeois languor, the adventurous life again claims its place in the world.  

Morgan gives excerpts from The New Order by Alexander Marc. No quotes of interest

From Plutocratic Satellites by Eduoard Berth

"Now people only aspire to the state of well-being of the man who has retired and is completely uninterested in anything except his pension, and lives in terror of social or international unrest and asks for only one thing- a stupid, vacuous peace made up of the most mediocre material satisfactions."

Daves note:

Eduoard is upset that people only aspire to peace. Eduoard thinks that such a man is stupid, vacuous and only cares for the most mediocre material satisfactions. What does Eduoard propose? That men should live for adventure and sacrifice and things he thinks count for real living. That's arrogance and hubris speaking. Eduoard thinks everyone else needs to think like he does, which is precisely why the larger community needs to be protected from psychopaths like Eduoard. Here's the deal: if you have a deeper longing for something more, and understand, I'm not disagreeing with people who do, then excellent: go for it. Live your life on the edge and find your purpose. But when propose a political system wherein NO ONE can opt out of YOUR vision, I don't want any part of it. Leave people to themselves. If they feel like doing something YOU think is worthless, that's their right.  

The problem I'm seeing is that these fascist ideologues see purpose in political vision, much like the Marxists. Well I DON'T find my purpose in political vision. I find purpose in Christianity. It's not that I disagree with the fascists that there should be a higher purpose to life than material goods, I do. But as was mentioned earlier, this should only be done by persuading men. If someone wants to reject my life and philosophy, they should have that right, even if I disagree. After all, a muslim would certainly feel that I'm dead wrong about what counts as true purpose in life. But I don't want the muslim to have control over my life to tell me what he thinks my life's purpose should be.  

But Fascism is totalitarian- it necessarily intrudes into every area of its citizens life and decides for them what they ought to think and do. It claims to be doing this for some spiritual purpose, but I think this is a lie. They accuse Marxism and liberalism of being materialistic, because those systems only concern themselves with material well-being. Marxism does. Liberalism recognizes that people's lives are not meant to be exclusively political. Fascism says it concerns itself with the spiritual, but it only does so by referring to the State as an ideal. In reality, the Fascists too are concerned wholly with the political system as THE representative work that humans should be engaged in and towards which all human efforts need to be directed. Their either lying or deluded into believing they aren't materialists, but they have bought into a system that places all value on a political system.  

Morgan gives excerpts from Fascist Socialism by Pierre Drieu La Rochelle, The Plague of Liberalism by Ziotio Garibaldi, A Tight Definitive of the Radical Extremist Center by Robert Brassilach, and The Origin of National Integralism by Richard Winter. No quotes of interest.

From the Founding 33 Points of National Integralism by Richard Winter

The meaning of life is the nation. The nation gives man its humanity and thus, significance. Without the nation, man is nothing and ceases to be human. All men have a duty to serve, endorse, and protect the interests of the nation. It is through that service the existence of a man is justified. National Integralism seeks to empower the individual, to bind the individual with something greater than one's self, the nation.

Dave's note:

This language is repeatedly used. Fascism pretends to 'set individuals free'; free to do what? What they're supposed to do, which is whatever the state says. So Fascism sets us free to do what they tell us... which sounds a lot like slavery. They tell us straight up though, the nation gives the individual his significance and existence. Outside the nation, you cease to be human. An individual's existence is justified by his service to the nation. What's not being said is the obvious: and if the individual is seen as not doing his service, then his existence is no longer justified. Which translated means: do what we tell you, or you're dead.

From If Our Objectives Are Achieved by Richard Winter

It is a national interest that the state must provide for the basic needs of its citizens such as medical treatment, education, and work. (The work clause is mentioned in Our Political Outline as well.)

Dave's note:

As I mentioned in another post: rights come with responsibilities. The entity that has responsibility for something, must have the rights necessary to procure the thing it is responsible for.  

If individuals want to have rights over their retirement, then they must take responsibility for it. But if we offload the responsibility to the state, then the state automatically gains rights over our lives in order to make a retirement possible. In such an instance, we voluntarily relinquish our rights in order to obtain security. This is an inescapable fact of life. So when the program is that medical treatment, education and work are to be provided by the state, it necessarily means individuals no longer have any rights in those areas. That is the trade-off.

From On Revolutionary Myth by Hubert Beuve-Mery

150 years of individualism has emptied man of all substance.

From Beyond Democracy by H Lagardelle  

Democracy only recognizes the individual; it ignores the group

From Notes from the Spanish Contingent

"In a supposedly democratic society where the corruption mechanisms atrophy, individualistic consumerism makes us forget the collective interest."

We reject a uniform worldview, globalized and monotonous, creating true vital laboratories manufactured in large multinational companies, and we are committed to a multi-polared world.

Democratic policies committed to bringing all areas of citizen participation and social progress on the road to building a participatory democracy, where the interests of the economic or media are fully controlled by popular institutions.  

From The Fascista: Friend of the People by Benito Mussolini

Discipline. Fascism is in favor of the most rigid discipline. It must be accepted. If it is not, it will be imposed. Only by obedience, and the humble and sacred pride in obedience, can the right to command be conquered.

Violence is not always immoral. Sometimes it is moral. We made use of it for 48 hours and obtained results we wouldn't have gotten with 48 years of sermons and propaganda.

Dave note:

Love that quote. Sure, if you beat the crap outta people, you don't have to try to convince them. And Mussolini basically admits he wouldn't have been able to convince people.  

[dhaaruni]

What do you think of the talk about forgiving student debt? (I think, personally, that it's a good thing to do on principle but bad politics and I'm really frustrated by how much people seem to equate good on principle with good politics.)

I think any point blank cancellation of debt is bad politics AND bad policy. Republicans think any kind of cancellation is a handout to people that didn't earn it and the loudest advocates of student debt cancellation won't even be grateful because the Biden administration will definitely means test it if they end up doing it. Enacting point blank forgiveness without addressing the root causes of the problem like reducing interest rates and making public college more affordable is well, pointless for future generations. And, those reforms have to be done through Congress!!

Look at it like this:

Also, from an electoral standpoint, while Biden's approval ratings with Democrats aren't great and canceling debt may marginally improve them, the real reason his approvals are tanking is because Independents think he's too progressive when he got elected as a moderate. They're really mad about inflation and for a long time, Democratic partisans didn't even admit inflation was a real issue, which is just malpractice! And, given that the majority of Independents in swing states/districts didn't go to college, a giveaway to the college-educated, who already generally make more money than non-college voters, is going to go over extremely poorly and we NEED them to not be mad at us!! Trump won Independents in 2016 and barely lost them in 2020, which is why Biden won and Hillary Clinton lost!

And, framing student debt cancellation as a racial justice issue just makes an unpopular policy even more unpopular by racializing it tbh. Americans don't like racially targeted policies and that's why affirmative action is SO unpopular even in deep blue states (see: California ballot props). We're already losing white, no-college voters by 50, do you want to lose them by 70? Due to the makeup of our electoral system, losing them by 50 means that even when Biden wins the popular vote by 7 million votes, we win the electoral college by <43k votes across WI/AZ/GA, and that's fundamentally unsustainable.

And, this is aside from the fact Biden's already canceled billions in student loans from predatory lenders and for disabled loan holders, for people who didn't complete college or were victims of fraudulent colleges, etc. This isn't for them, this is for people that went to college and aren't earning as much as their peers and everybody knows it. Like, if these are your advocates for canceling student loan debt, it's no wonder the issue isn't very popular!!

[literacywasamistake]

Becoming a Neoliberal Subject

“At the time of this writing, distrust for the government is higher than it has been in decades: the Pew Research Center (2013) reports that the majority of Americans believe that the federal government threatens their own personal rights and freedoms[.] Over 40 percent say that the government has a negative effect on their daily lives — an alarming jump from thirteen years ago when only 31 percent expressed such sentiment. Government leaders on both sides of the political debate rail against government waste and prioritize draconian spending cuts. Meanwhile, CEO bonuses are expanding, large corporations openly flout tax laws, and corporate leaders who just a few years ago begged for government aid boldly proclaim that new forms of government regulation unfairly curtail profits. To wit, Jamie Dimon, CFO of JP Morgan Chase, recently wailed that restrictions of debit card fees would prove the “nail in the coffin for big American banks.” As capitalism has reduced human dignity to individual ability (Sennett and Cobb 1973), neoliberalism ha distorted liberal ideals of freedom into self-sufficiency in the marketplace (Slater 1997). The “Common sense” of our time (Schutz 1953) dictates that structural inequalities— sexism, racism, unemployment, lack of access to the tools to navigate one’s future— can, and should, be individually overcome.

At first glance, it seems counterintuitive that the young people who would benefit most from social safety nets and solidarity with similarly disadvantaged others cling so fiercely to ideals and practices of untrammeled individualism and self-reliance, not only as the way things are but also as the way they should be. I argue that their deeply held convictions are not simply imposed from above but they are grounded in their everyday experiences of humiliation and betrayal, their recognition that the social contract they depended on has been severed— or simply never existed in the first place. Over and over again, working-class youth learn that they can depend on others only at great cost. In turn, they numb the ache of betrayal and the hunger for connection by seizing upon cultural scripts of elf-reliance, individualism, and personal responsibility. The more “flexible” they must become in their interactions with institutions— that is, the more they learn to manage short-term commitment and disillusionment— the more “hardened” they become toward the world around them.

Through this process, they become acquiescing neoliberal subjects, rejecting all kinds of government intervention, and affirmative action in particular, as antithetical, and thereby offensive, to their lived experiences. In this way, potential communities of solidarity are broken apart by the strain of insecurity and risk. Men hold fast to the few remaining public sector jobs by vigilantly policing their boundaries against women and gay people. White people draw moral boundaries against blacks for taking government money and wasting their tax dollars. Black respondents draw even stronger boundaries against other blacks who cannot get ahead through hard work alone. Ultimately, young working-class men and women believe that if they have to battle through life alone, then everyone else should, too. Hacker (2006b:1) writes, “Risk can bring people together, creating communities of shared fate. Yet risk can also split people apart.” For the post-industrial working class, the necessity of taking care of themselves breeds resentment, dear, and distrust, thus making the possibility of community too risky.

In recognizing the ways in which institutions repeatedly fail them, informants exhibit what Willis (1977) terms “Partial penetration,” or a sense of the conditions of their social existence and their position within the social whole. They realize they are denied the tools to succeed by the very institutions that the believed in to help them. But this awareness becomes subsumed under dominant definitions of reality in such a way that the hegemony logic of neoliberalism is reaffirmed rather than fundamentally challenged (Williams 1977.) That is, their deep distrust leads them to embrace widely available neoliberal ideas and policies, believing that it is in their own best interest to live in a society that privatizes risk and privileges the individual over the collective. As a deeply saturating, hegemonic cultural framework, neoliberal ideology resonates with their lives, concealing the “social organizations of [its] production and plausibility” (Ewick and Silbey 1995:214). In translating their experiences of loneliness, uncertainty, and betrayal into stories of staunch individualism and absolute self-reliance, informants create personal narratives that not only express but actively constitute and ultimately reproduce the hegemony of neoliberalism (Ewick and Silbey 1995:212).

Even seeming acts of resistance are incorporated within an individualistic logic, as evidenced by informants’ reliance on popular culture to ease their anxieties and rage. Interestingly, many of the young people featured in this chapter— Amber, Jay, Vanessa— read and sometimes even write, fantasy, science fiction, and self-help books. When I asked Amber what she liked about these genres, she replied without a moment’s hesitation, “the escapism. Getting to escape. I like fantasy!” Jay is currently in the midst of what sounds like a fascinated science fiction novel that is explicitly about class struggle:

Jay: The protagonist is a skinhead neo-Nazi who acquires a time machine. Nazis fascinate me. In the first draft, it was actually a hard-core Republican, and I felt like it wasn’t interesting enough so I went further and found the most degenerate conservative you can come up with. I mean, aren’t we all fascinated with things that disgust us? I am hoping… you know what transgressive art is? I feel like it’s gonna be transgressive art, like people will really hate the protagonist. He acquires a time machine and him and his gang rewrite history to make it like a white paradise. And then they get to live in their white paradise and it’s never enough. Even though they have it all, they want more, they want more, and the real issue is not about white power it’s something else. He sees the error of his ways but his gang members don’t.

JS: So if it’s not about white power, what is it about?

Jay: It’s about class struggle. Because ultimately people who join groups like that, I mean there is another character who has to put up with a militant black, like a modern day Black Panther, and, uh, eventually they realize that, um, each other’s hatred is based on the same thing. They are poor and angry and uneducated.

But the awareness of injustice is channeled through popular culture in a way that renders it individual (a matter for “self-help”) or solitary (writing a novel); they see exploitation as something to be resolved on their own. And this makes sense, given their inability to navigate bureaucracy and fundamental distrust of others.

Cobb (in Sennett and Cobb 1973:271) writes: “When the structure of society appears as permanent or beyond human control, when what human beings have created comes to seem immutable, ‘natural’ transformation becomes individualized. How you are going to interpret the world moves to the front of consciousness, how you can transform it in accordance with your needs ceases to be a real question.” In this way, working-class youth affirm their commitment to self-reliance and individualism by devising individual solutions to overcoming obstacles. In Chapter 5, I will demonstrate how adulthood itself becomes an individual project.”

jennifer m. silva, from coming up short: working-class adulthood in an age of uncertainty, 2013

jennifer m. silva, from coming up short: working-class adulthood in an age of uncertainty, 2013

[yogaadvise]

Balancing 7 Chakras: What You Ned to Know About Chakra Alignment

Chakras as healing facilities have been main to Hindu, Buddhist, as well as Eastern spiritual practices. These are prime focus in the body that, when made use of with reflection, promote wellness.

" Chakra" translated from Sanskrit implies wheel or circle. The body is a wheel of power: just how this wheel moves, connects, as well as connects regulates the circulation of energy. A well balanced chakra system is tied to psychological handling, resistance to disease, as well as physical health.

Chakras can end up being misaligned, obstructed, or subjected. Obstructed energy can bring about ailment or psychological pain. Therefore, chakra "harmonizing" can be used to recover energy and wellness.

There are 7 major chakras of the body. Each one is connected with a color, mantra (a word or noise repeated throughout reflection), and a put on the body. With each other, yoga positions, reflection, as well as conscious nutrition, can be utilized to bring back chakra alignment.

Chakra 1-- Root (Mooladhaara)

Color: Red

Location: Base of the spinal column in tailbone. This chakra is closest to the planet, and is consequently related to grounding as well as survival. In the body, it is gotten in touch with legs, feet, bones, as well as the colon. A balanced origin chakra permits an individual to feel safe, secure, and also provided for.

Signs of over-activity: Paranoia, stress and anxiety, anxiety based upon the demand to make it through. Joint pain, digestion troubles, low back pain, hip pain, swollen feet.

Signs of underactivity: problem concentrating, lack of energy or confidence, airheadedness. Foot and leg injuries, gastrointestinal troubles, immune disorders.

How to stabilize your first chakra: Make sure that all basic survival needs are fulfilled. Beneficial practices consist of walking barefoot on the dirt or turf, relaxing the spirit through prayer, reestablishing personal origins, and exercising grounded yoga poses. Meditate: using the mantra Lam, or affirmations such as, I am based, I am safe, I am secure.

Yoga poses: Mountain, tree, warrior, side-angle, and bridge positions to assist in grounding.

Essential oils: Cedarwood, incense on wrists or lower back before sleep.

Supportive foods: Red-colored foods-- red apples, beetroots, pomegranates, cranberry, radishes, red potatoes, red lentils. Root vegetables, mushrooms, pet proteins (meat, eggs).

Chakra 2-- Sacral (Swadhishtana)

Color: Orange

Location: Halfway factor between the root chakra and also the navel. This chakra is connected with a sense of wellness, satisfaction, and sexuality. In the body, the sacral chakra is connected to the reduced abdomen, kidneys, bladder, blood circulation system, and also reproductive organs. A well balanced sacral chakra advertises joy, healthy and balanced connections, imagination, a sense of consistency, and also feeling satisfied.

Signs of over-activity: Obsessive behavior, absence of self-acceptance, mental illness, sexual regret, addiction, and also uneasyness. Irregular bowel movements, pain in the back, the inability to conceive, or urinary tract infections.

Signs of underactivity: Loss of pleasure in daily tasks. Depression, erectile dysfunction, stunted creativity, lack of passion.

How to stabilize your second chakra: Emphasis on activities that are nourishing for the heart and spirit-- ask, "Is this great for me? Is this healthy and beneficial?" Healing this chakra involves nurturing the heart and taking joy in the straightforward things in life: food, partnership, sex, as well as hobbies. Be near water.

Meditate: with words Vam, or affirmations such as I am healthy and balanced, I am creative, I am calm.

Yoga poses: Bridge position, cobra posture, forward bend, sitting forward bend, bound angle pose.

Essential oils: Jasmine, sandalwood, climbed, ylang ylang

Supportive foods: Oranges, tangerines, nuts, cumin, turmeric, ginger, orange-colored origin vegetables (carrots, squash). Foods with a high water web content, foods with vitamins A, B, and also C.

Chakra 3-- Naval/Solar Plexus (Manipura)

Color: Yellow

Location: Above the naval, prolongs upwards with the chest. Glowing an intense yellow shade, it is connected to sensations of confidence as well as control. A balanced marine chakra advertises sensations of worth, warmth, and also count on yourself and also instinct. In the body: a healthy digestive tract, reduced tension, normal rest, and well balanced hormones.

Signs of over-activity: Short-tempered, managing actions, greed, absence of concern, lack of ability to keep eye get in touch with. Digestion trouble, over active nerves, adrenal tiredness, unhealthy rest habits.

Signs of underactivity: Indecision, insecurity, neediness.

Healing the 3rd chakra: Reflection, breathing workouts, and doing slow-moving yogic spins outside. Releasing belly muscles.

Meditate: with the mantra Ram or affirmations such as I merit, I am positive, I am strong.

Yoga poses: Sun salutation, warrior, backbends, bow, half-twist, and also boat poses.

Essential oils: Ginger, rosemary, or lemon

Supportive foods: Yellow-colored foods: corn, bananas, applesauce, grains, chamomile tea with lemon as well as ginger. Foods that advertise digestive health: aloe juice, avocado, mint, kefir, yogurt, cinnamon, celery, as well as cucumber.

Chakra 4 — Heart (Anahata)

Color: Green

Location: Facility of the upper body, above the heart. The heart chakra connects to love, concern, calmness, and harmony. A balanced heart chakra manifests with a strong heart, immune system, and circulation. It is linked to feelings of love, compassion, compassion, and also healthy choices.

Signs of over-activity: Sensations of isolation, loneliness, panic. Heartburn, anxiousness, upper body stress, shortness of breath, and elevated heartrate.

Signs of underactivity: Depend on concerns, failure to get in touch with others. Despair, depression, poor blood circulation, breathing problems.

Healing the 4th chakra: Concentrate on deep breaths to get rid of the lungs, open up the shoulders, and also open the chest. Exercise self-care activities to route external love to yourself.

Meditate: with the rule Yam or the affirmation I am compassionate, I am open.

Yoga poses: Chest-openers: camel, cobra, fish posture. Attempt this 30-minute yoga exercise regimen to open up the heart chakra.

Essential oils: Rose, thyme

Supportive foods: Eco-friendly, nutrient-rich veggies: leafed environment-friendlies, spinach, kale, cabbage, broccoli, dark lettuce. Alkalizing fruits as well as veggies: green apples, limes, zucchini, celery, avocados, eco-friendly beans.

Chakra 5 — Hroat (Vishudda)

Color: Blue

Location: Throat Tied to the ability to interact, self-expression, as well as talking the truth. A balanced throat chakra suggests you can speak clearly with truth and compassion. Healthy and balanced glands, thyroid.

Signs of over-activity: Really feeling ignored, revoked, inability to talk the fact. Thyroid or hormonal agent inequalities, throat pain, frequent infections, or ulcers.

Signs of underactivity: Shyness, lack of ability to share your emotions.

Healing the 5th chakra: Talk with truthfulness as well as brevity. Method revealing your feelings and also truths, also alone. Remaining in or near water, strolling under the sky, paying attention to noises of water or wind.

Meditate: with the rule Pork, or affirmations that advertise strength and also self-respect: I share myself honestly as well as plainly, I am balanced.

Yoga poses: Fish, lion, or bridge presents. Neck stretches, shoulder openers, supported shoulder-stand, camel, and also rake poses.

Essential oils: Eucalyptus, sage, blue chamomile

Supportive foods: Nutritional foods with a high water content, clear fluids and also broths, herbal teas. Juices, fruits, as well as blueberries. Mineral water.

Chakra 6 — Third Eye (Anja)

Color: Indigo

Location: Facility of the temple, in between the eyebrows. This chakra is connected to reflection, wisdom, decisiveness, and instinct. A well balanced 6th chakra promotes a feeling of unity, convenience, as well as hearing your instinct. Connected with audio rest and pituitary gland health.

Signs of over-activity: It is unusual for people to struggle with an overactive Pineal eye. Those that do may invest a lot of their time fascinated in psychic tasks, such as paranormal experiences and also astrological readings.

Signs of underactivity: Absence of insight, mental instability, poor memory, feeling disconnected, judgmental behavior. Dizziness, loss of sight, tension headaches, depression, or sinus infections.

Healing the 6th chakra: Solitary meditation is the most effective method for recovery this chakra. As are simple repeated tasks, such as treking or long walks outdoors. Browse through all-natural landscapes that give perspective.

Meditate: with the concept Om or affirmations such as I am directed, I am centered, I am clear.

Yoga poses: Kid's position, standing forward bend, modest warrior, warrior III, as well as seated meditation.

Essential oils: Sage, bay, or jasmine

Supportive foods: Raw nuts: almonds, walnuts. Purple-colored foods, such as: grapes, plums, goji berries, acai, eggplant, or blueberries. Cleansing foods, such as: pineapple, mushrooms, grains, papaya, and also cruciferous vegetables.

Chakra 7 — Crown (Sahasrara)

Color: Violet - White.

Location: On the crown of the head. The crown chakra is connected with the connection to spirituality. A balanced crown chakra is linked to sensations of bliss and a healthy central nerves. Calm, centered ideas, and also the ability to touch right into a greater level of spirituality. This is the goal of every spiritual practitioner, and also it is tough to attain a completely balanced crown chakra.

Signs of over activity: Like the Buddhist principle of "paradise," it is not possible to have an overactive 7th chakra due to the fact that it would indicate one is no longer human.

Signs of underactivity: An underactive 7th chakra is regular: every human has an underactive 7th chakra. Indications consist of inability to focus, imagining, as well as not residing in today. Migraines, misconceptions, as well as tight joints.

Healing the 7th chakra: Straightening this chakra is best done with reflection and also stabilizing the other 6 chakras. Add daily exterior strolls to your regimen, concentrate on being existing, and cultivate gratitude.

Meditation: advised without a mantra. Usage affirmations such as I am present, I am here, I am connected.

Yoga poses: Balancing postures that bring recognition to the body: tree, hill, as well as eagle poses.

Essential oils: sandalwood, geranium, myrrh

Supportive foods: Water soaked up through the skin, sesame or chia seeds, bone broth, topical necessary oils, and also aloe vera juice. Because this chakra is tied to the spiritual, the crown chakra is probably to gain from sunlight, fresh air, and silent meditation.

[tinyshe]

I wanted to snip this because I believe the incoming administration will try to erase and change facts/history to suit them so here is a hot link and one in the title. I hope the copy traveled well because it was so large!

https://www.whitehouse.gov/trump-administration-accomplishments/

As of January 2021

Trump Administration Accomplishments

Unprecedented Economic Boom

Before the China Virus invaded our shores, we built the world’s most prosperous economy.

America gained 7 million new jobs – more than three times government experts’ projections.

Middle-Class family income increased nearly $6,000 – more than five times the gains during the entire previous administration.

The unemployment rate reached 3.5 percent, the lowest in a half-century.

Achieved 40 months in a row with more job openings than job-hirings.

More Americans reported being employed than ever before – nearly 160 million.

Jobless claims hit a nearly 50-year low.

The number of people claiming unemployment insurance as a share of the population hit its lowest on record.

Incomes rose in every single metro area in the United States for the first time in nearly 3 decades.

Delivered a future of greater promise and opportunity for citizens of all backgrounds.

Unemployment rates for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those without a high school diploma all reached record lows.

Unemployment for women hit its lowest rate in nearly 70 years.

Lifted nearly 7 million people off of food stamps.

Poverty rates for African Americans and Hispanic Americans reached record lows.

Income inequality fell for two straight years, and by the largest amount in over a decade.

The bottom 50 percent of American households saw a 40 percent increase in net worth.

Wages rose fastest for low-income and blue collar workers – a 16 percent pay increase.

African American homeownership increased from 41.7 percent to 46.4 percent.

Brought jobs, factories, and industries back to the USA.

Created more than 1.2 million manufacturing and construction jobs.

Put in place policies to bring back supply chains from overseas.

Small business optimism broke a 35-year old record in 2018.

Hit record stock market numbers and record 401ks.

The DOW closed above 20,000 for the first time in 2017 and topped 30,000 in 2020.

The S&P 500 and NASDAQ have repeatedly notched record highs.

Rebuilding and investing in rural America.

Signed an Executive Order on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products, which is bringing innovative new technologies to market in American farming and agriculture.

Strengthened America’s rural economy by investing over $1.3 billion through the Agriculture Department’s ReConnect Program to bring high-speed broadband infrastructure to rural America.

Achieved a record-setting economic comeback by rejecting blanket lockdowns.

An October 2020 Gallup survey found 56 percent of Americans said they were better off during a pandemic than four years prior.

During the third quarter of 2020, the economy grew at a rate of 33.1 percent – the most rapid GDP growth ever recorded.

Since coronavirus lockdowns ended, the economy has added back over 12 million jobs, more than half the jobs lost.

Jobs have been recovered 23 times faster than the previous administration’s recovery.

Unemployment fell to 6.7 percent in December, from a pandemic peak of 14.7 percent in April – beating expectations of well over 10 percent unemployment through the end of 2020.

Under the previous administration, it took 49 months for the unemployment rate to fall from 10 percent to under 7 percent compared to just 3 months for the Trump Administration.

Since April, the Hispanic unemployment rate has fallen by 9.6 percent, Asian-American unemployment by 8.6 percent, and Black American unemployment by 6.8 percent.

80 percent of small businesses are now open, up from just 53 percent in April.

Small business confidence hit a new high.

Homebuilder confidence reached an all-time high, and home sales hit their highest reading since December 2006.

Manufacturing optimism nearly doubled.

Household net worth rose $7.4 trillion in Q2 2020 to $112 trillion, an all-time high.

Home prices hit an all-time record high.

The United States rejected crippling lockdowns that crush the economy and inflict countless public health harms and instead safely reopened its economy.

Business confidence is higher in America than in any other G7 or European Union country.

Stabilized America’s financial markets with the establishment of a number of Treasury Department supported facilities at the Federal Reserve.

Tax Relief for the Middle Class

Passed $3.2 trillion in historic tax relief and reformed the tax code.

Signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – the largest tax reform package in history.

More than 6 million American workers received wage increases, bonuses, and increased benefits thanks to the tax cuts.

A typical family of four earning $75,000 received an income tax cut of more than $2,000 – slashing their tax bill in half.

Doubled the standard deduction – making the first $24,000 earned by a married couple completely tax-free.

Doubled the child tax credit.

Virtually eliminated the unfair Estate Tax, or Death Tax.

Cut the business tax rate from 35 percent – the highest in the developed world – all the way down to 21 percent.

Small businesses can now deduct 20 percent of their business income.

Businesses can now deduct 100 percent of the cost of their capital investments in the year the investment is made.

Since the passage of tax cuts, the share of total wealth held by the bottom half of households has increased, while the share held by the top 1 percent has decreased.

Over 400 companies have announced bonuses, wage increases, new hires, or new investments in the United States.

Over $1.5 trillion was repatriated into the United States from overseas.

Lower investment cost and higher capital returns led to faster growth in the middle class, real wages, and international competitiveness.

Jobs and investments are pouring into Opportunity Zones.

Created nearly 9,000 Opportunity Zones where capital gains on long-term investments are taxed at zero.

Opportunity Zone designations have increased property values within them by 1.1 percent, creating an estimated $11 billion in wealth for the nearly half of Opportunity Zone residents who own their own home.

Opportunity Zones have attracted $75 billion in funds and driven $52 billion of new investment in economically distressed communities, creating at least 500,000 new jobs.

Approximately 1 million Americans will be lifted from poverty as a result of these new investments.

Private equity investments into businesses in Opportunity Zones were nearly 30 percent higher than investments into businesses in similar areas that were not designated Opportunity Zones.

Massive Deregulation

Ended the regulatory assault on American Businesses and Workers.

Instead of 2-for-1, we eliminated 8 old regulations for every 1 new regulation adopted.

Provided the average American household an extra $3,100 every year.

Reduced the direct cost of regulatory compliance by $50 billion, and will reduce costs by an additional $50 billion in FY 2020 alone.

Removed nearly 25,000 pages from the Federal Register – more than any other president. The previous administration added over 16,000 pages.

Established the Governors’ Initiative on Regulatory Innovation to reduce outdated regulations at the state, local, and tribal levels.

Signed an executive order to make it easier for businesses to offer retirement plans.

Signed two executive orders to increase transparency in Federal agencies and protect Americans and their small businesses from administrative abuse.

Modernized the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the first time in over 40 years.

Reduced approval times for major infrastructure projects from 10 or more years down to 2 years or less.

Helped community banks by signing legislation that rolled back costly provisions of Dodd-Frank.

Established the White House Council on Eliminating Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing to bring down housing costs.

Removed regulations that threatened the development of a strong and stable internet.

Eased and simplified restrictions on rocket launches, helping to spur commercial investment in space projects.

Published a whole-of-government strategy focused on ensuring American leadership in automated vehicle technology.

Streamlined energy efficiency regulations for American families and businesses, including preserving affordable lightbulbs, enhancing the utility of showerheads, and enabling greater time savings with dishwashers.

Removed unnecessary regulations that restrict the seafood industry and impede job creation.

Modernized the Department of Agriculture’s biotechnology regulations to put America in the lead to develop new technologies.

Took action to suspend regulations that would have slowed our response to COVID-19, including lifting restrictions on manufacturers to more quickly produce ventilators.

Successfully rolled back burdensome regulatory overreach.

Rescinded the previous administration’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, which would have abolished zoning for single-family housing to build low-income, federally subsidized apartments.

Issued a final rule on the Fair Housing Act’s disparate impact standard.

Eliminated the Waters of the United States Rule and replaced it with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, providing relief and certainty for farmers and property owners.

Repealed the previous administration’s costly fuel economy regulations by finalizing the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles rule, which will make cars more affordable, and lower the price of new vehicles by an estimated $2,200.

Americans now have more money in their pockets.

Deregulation had an especially beneficial impact on low-income Americans who pay a much higher share of their incomes for overregulation.

Cut red tape in the healthcare industry, providing Americans with more affordable healthcare and saving Americans nearly 10 percent on prescription drugs.

Deregulatory efforts yielded savings to the medical community an estimated $6.6 billion – with a reduction of 42 million hours of regulatory compliance work through 2021.

Removed government barriers to personal freedom and consumer choice in healthcare.

Once fully in effect, 20 major deregulatory actions undertaken by the Trump Administration are expected to save American consumers and businesses over $220 billion per year.

Signed 16 pieces of deregulatory legislation that will result in a $40 billion increase in annual real incomes.

Fair and Reciprocal Trade

Secured historic trade deals to defend American workers.

Immediately withdrew from the job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Ended the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and replaced it with the brand new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The USMCA contains powerful new protections for American manufacturers, auto-makers, farmers, dairy producers, and workers.

The USMCA is expected to generate over $68 billion in economic activity and potentially create over 550,000 new jobs over ten years.

Signed an executive order making it government policy to Buy American and Hire American, and took action to stop the outsourcing of jobs overseas.

Negotiated with Japan to slash tariffs and open its market to $7 billion in American agricultural products and ended its ban on potatoes and lamb.

Over 90 percent of American agricultural exports to Japan now receive preferential treatment, and most are duty-free.

Negotiated another deal with Japan to boost $40 billion worth of digital trade.

Renegotiated the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, doubling the cap on imports of American vehicles and extending the American light truck tariff.

Reached a written, fully-enforceable Phase One trade agreement with China on confronting pirated and counterfeit goods, and the protection of American ideas, trade secrets, patents, and trademarks.

China agreed to purchase an additional $200 billion worth of United States exports and opened market access for over 4,000 American facilities to exports while all tariffs remained in effect.

Achieved a mutual agreement with the European Union (EU) that addresses unfair trade practices and increases duty-free exports by 180 percent to $420 million.

Secured a pledge from the EU to eliminate tariffs on American lobster – the first United States-European Union negotiated tariff reduction in over 20 years.

Scored a historic victory by overhauling the Universal Postal Union, whose outdated policies were undermining American workers and interests.

Engaged extensively with trade partners like the EU and Japan to advance reforms to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Issued a first-ever comprehensive report on the WTO Appellate Body’s failures to comply with WTO rules and interpret WTO agreements as written.

Blocked nominees to the WTO’s Appellate Body until WTO Members recognize and address longstanding issues with Appellate Body activism.

Submitted 5 papers to the WTO Committee on Agriculture to improve Members’ understanding of how trade policies are implemented, highlight areas for improved transparency, and encourage members to maintain up-to-date notifications on market access and domestic support.

Took strong actions to confront unfair trade practices and put America First.

Imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions worth of Chinese goods to protect American jobs and stop China’s abuses under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Directed an all-of-government effort to halt and punish efforts by the Communist Party of China to steal and profit from American innovations and intellectual property.

Imposed tariffs on foreign aluminum and foreign steel to protect our vital industries and support our national security.

Approved tariffs on $1.8 billion in imports of washing machines and $8.5 billion in imports of solar panels.

Blocked illegal timber imports from Peru.

Took action against France for its digital services tax that unfairly targets American technology companies.

Launched investigations into digital services taxes that have been proposed or adopted by 10 other countries.

Historic support for American farmers.

Successfully negotiated more than 50 agreements with countries around the world to increase foreign market access and boost exports of American agriculture products, supporting more than 1 million American jobs.

Authorized $28 billion in aid for farmers who have been subjected to unfair trade practices – fully funded by the tariffs paid by China.

China lifted its ban on poultry, opened its market to beef, and agreed to purchase at least $80 billion of American agricultural products in the next two years.

The European Union agreed to increase beef imports by 180 percent and opened up its market to more imports of soybeans.

South Korea lifted its ban on American poultry and eggs, and agreed to provide market access for record exports of American rice.

Argentina lifted its ban on American pork.

Brazil agreed to increase wheat imports by $180 million a year and raised its quotas for purchases of United States ethanol.

Guatemala and Tunisia opened up their markets to American eggs.

Won tariff exemptions in Ecuador for wheat and soybeans.

Suspended $817 million in trade preferences for Thailand under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program due to its failure to adequately provide reasonable market access for American pork products.

The amount of food stamps redeemed at farmers markets increased from $1.4 million in May 2020 to $1.75 million in September 2020 – a 50 percent increase over last year.

Rapidly deployed the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which provided $30 billion in support to farmers and ranchers facing decreased prices and market disruption when COVID-19 impacted the food supply chain.

Authorized more than $6 billion for the Farmers to Families Food Box program, which delivered over 128 million boxes of locally sourced, produce, meat, and dairy products to charity and faith-based organizations nationwide.

Delegated authorities via the Defense Production Act to protect breaks in the American food supply chain as a result of COVID-19.

American Energy Independence

Unleashed America’s oil and natural gas potential.

For the first time in nearly 70 years, the United States has become a net energy exporter.

The United States is now the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world.

Natural gas production reached a record-high of 34.9 quads in 2019, following record high production in 2018 and in 2017.

The United States has been a net natural gas exporter for three consecutive years and has an export capacity of nearly 10 billion cubic feet per day.

Withdrew from the unfair, one-sided Paris Climate Agreement.

Canceled the previous administration’s Clean Power Plan, and replaced it with the new Affordable Clean Energy rule.

Approved the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.

Opened up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska to oil and gas leasing.

Repealed the last administration’s Federal Coal Leasing Moratorium, which prohibited coal leasing on Federal lands.

Reformed permitting rules to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and speed approval for mines.

Fixed the New Source Review permitting program, which punished companies for upgrading or repairing coal power plants.

Fixed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) steam electric and coal ash rules.

The average American family saved $2,500 a year in lower electric bills and lower prices at the gas pump.

Signed legislation repealing the harmful Stream Protection Rule.

Reduced the time to approve drilling permits on public lands by half, increasing permit applications to drill on public lands by 300 percent.

Expedited approval of the NuStar’s New Burgos pipeline to export American gasoline to Mexico.

Streamlined Liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal permitting and allowed long-term LNG export authorizations to be extended through 2050.

The United States is now among the top three LNG exporters in the world.

Increased LNG exports five-fold since January 2017, reaching an all-time high in January 2020.

LNG exports are expected to reduce the American trade deficit by over $10 billion.

Granted more than 20 new long-term approvals for LNG exports to non-free trade agreement countries.

The development of natural gas and LNG infrastructure in the United States is providing tens of thousands of jobs, and has led to the investment of tens of billions of dollars in infrastructure.

There are now 6 LNG export facilities operating in the United States, with 2 additional export projects under construction.

The amount of nuclear energy production in 2019 was the highest on record, through a combination of increased capacity from power plant upgrades and shorter refueling and maintenance cycles.

Prevented Russian energy coercion across Europe through various lines of effort, including the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation, civil nuclear deals with Romania and Poland, and opposition to Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Issued the Presidential Permit for the A2A railroad between Canada and Alaska, providing energy resources to emerging markets.

Increased access to our country’s abundant natural resources in order to achieve energy independence.

Renewable energy production and consumption both reached record highs in 2019.

Enacted policies that helped double the amount of electricity generated by solar and helped increase the amount of wind generation by 32 percent from 2016 through 2019.

Accelerated construction of energy infrastructure to ensure American energy producers can deliver their products to the market.

Cut red tape holding back the construction of new energy infrastructure.

Authorized ethanol producers to sell E15 year-round and allowed higher-ethanol gasoline to be distributed from existing pumps at filling stations.

Ensured greater transparency and certainty in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

Negotiated leasing capacity in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Australia, providing American taxpayers a return on this infrastructure investment.

Signed an executive order directing Federal agencies to work together to diminish the capability of foreign adversaries to target our critical electric infrastructure.

Reformed Section 401 of the Clean Water Act regulation to allow for the curation of interstate infrastructure.

Resolved the OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) oil crisis during COVID-19 by getting OPEC, Russia, and others to cut nearly 10 million barrels of production a day, stabilizing world oil prices.

Directed the Department of Energy to use the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to mitigate market volatility caused by COVID-19.

Investing in America’s Workers and Families

Affordable and high-quality Child Care for American workers and their families.

Doubled the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child and expanded the eligibility for receiving the credit.

Nearly 40 million families benefitted from the child tax credit (CTC), receiving an average benefit of $2,200 – totaling credits of approximately $88 billion.

Signed the largest-ever increase in Child Care and Development Block Grants – expanding access to quality, affordable child care for more than 800,000 low-income families.

Secured an additional $3.5 billion in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help families and first responders with child care needs.

Created the first-ever paid family leave tax credit for employees earning $72,000 or less.

Signed into law 12-weeks of paid parental leave for Federal workers.

Signed into law a provision that enables new parents to withdraw up to $5,000 from their retirement accounts without penalty when they give birth to or adopt a child.

Advanced apprenticeship career pathways to good-paying jobs.

Expanded apprenticeships to more than 850,000 and established the new Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship programs in new and emerging fields.

Established the National Council for the American Worker and the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board.

Over 460 companies have signed the Pledge to America’s Workers, committing to provide more than 16 million job and training opportunities.

Signed an executive order that directs the Federal government to replace outdated degree-based hiring with skills-based hiring.

Advanced women’s economic empowerment.

Included women’s empowerment for the first time in the President’s 2017 National Security Strategy.

Signed into law key pieces of legislation, including the Women, Peace, and Security Act and the Women Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act.

Launched the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative – the first-ever whole-of-government approach to women’s economic empowerment that has reached 24 million women worldwide.

Established an innovative new W-GDP Fund at USAID.

Launched the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) with 13 other nations.

Announced a $50 million donation on behalf of the United States to We-Fi providing more capital to women-owned businesses around the world.

Released the first-ever Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, which focused on increasing women’s participation to prevent and resolve conflicts.

Launched the W-GDP 2x Global Women’s Initiative with the Development Finance Corporation, which has mobilized more than $3 billion in private sector investments over three years.

Ensured American leadership in technology and innovation.

First administration to name artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and 5G communications as national research and development priorities.

Launched the American Broadband Initiative to promote the rapid deployment of broadband internet across rural America.

Made 100 megahertz of crucial mid-band spectrum available for commercial operations, a key factor to driving widespread 5G access across rural America.

Launched the American AI Initiative to ensure American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), and established the National AI Initiative Office at the White House.

Established the first-ever principles for Federal agency adoption of AI to improve services for the American people.

Signed the National Quantum Initiative Act establishing the National Quantum Coordination Office at the White House to drive breakthroughs in quantum information science.

Signed the Secure 5G and Beyond Act to ensure America leads the world in 5G.

Launched a groundbreaking program to test safe and innovative commercial drone operations nationwide.

Issued new rulemaking to accelerate the return of American civil supersonic aviation.

Committed to doubling investments in AI and quantum information science (QIS) research and development.

Announced the establishment of $1 billion AI and quantum research institutes across America.

Established the largest dual-use 5G test sites in the world to advance 5G commercial and military innovation.

Signed landmark Prague Principles with America’s allies to advance the deployment of secure 5G telecommunications networks.

Signed first-ever bilateral AI cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom.

Built collation among allies to ban Chinese Telecom Company Huawei from their 5G infrastructure.

Preserved American jobs for American workers and rejected the importation of cheap foreign labor.

Pressured the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to reverse their decision to lay off over 200 American workers and replace them with cheaper foreign workers.

Removed the TVA Chairman of the Board and a TVA Board Member.

Life-Saving Response to the China Virus

Restricted travel to the United States from infected regions of the world.

Suspended all travel from China, saving thousands of lives.

Required all American citizens returning home from designated outbreak countries to return through designated airports with enhanced screening measures, and to undergo a self-quarantine.

Announced further travel restrictions on Iran, the Schengen Area of Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil.

Issued travel advisory warnings recommending that American citizens avoid all international travel.

Reached bilateral agreements with Mexico and Canada to suspend non-essential travel and expeditiously return illegal aliens.

Repatriated over 100,000 American citizens stranded abroad on more than 1,140 flights from 136 countries and territories.

Safely transported, evacuated, treated, and returned home trapped passengers on cruise ships.

Took action to authorize visa sanctions on foreign governments who impede our efforts to protect American citizens by refusing or unreasonably delaying the return of their own citizens, subjects, or residents from the United States.

Acted early to combat the China Virus in the United States.

Established the White House Coronavirus Task Force, with leading experts on infectious diseases, to manage the Administration’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to keep workplaces safe.

Pledged in the State of the Union address to “take all necessary steps to safeguard our citizens from the Virus,” while the Democrats’ response made not a single mention of COVID-19 or even the threat of China.

Declared COVID-19 a National Emergency under the Stafford Act.

Established the 24/7 FEMA National Response Coordination Center.

Released guidance recommending containment measures critical to slowing the spread of the Virus, decompressing peak burden on hospitals and infrastructure, and diminishing health impacts.

Implemented strong community mitigation strategies to sharply reduce the number of lives lost in the United States down from experts’ projection of up to 2.2 million deaths in the United States without mitigation.

Halted American funding to the World Health Organization to counter its egregious bias towards China that jeopardized the safety of Americans.

Announced plans for withdrawal from the World Health Organization and redirected contribution funds to help meet global public health needs.

Called on the United Nations to hold China accountable for their handling of the virus, including refusing to be transparent and failing to contain the virus before it spread.

Re-purposed domestic manufacturing facilities to ensure frontline workers had critical supplies.

Distributed billions of pieces of Personal Protective Equipment, including gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields.

Invoked the Defense Production Act over 100 times to accelerate the development and manufacturing of essential material in the USA.

Made historic investments of more than $3 billion into the industrial base.

Contracted with companies such as Ford, General Motors, Philips, and General Electric to produce ventilators.

Contracted with Honeywell, 3M, O&M Halyard, Moldex, and Lydall to increase our Nation’s production of N-95 masks.

The Army Corps of Engineers built 11,000 beds, distributed 10,000 ventilators, and surged personnel to hospitals.

Converted the Javits Center in New York into a 3,000-bed hospital, and opened medical facilities in Seattle and New Orleans.

Dispatched the USNS Comfort to New York City, and the USNS Mercy to Los Angeles.

Deployed thousands of FEMA employees, National Guard members, and military forces to help in the response.

Provided support to states facing new emergences of the virus, including surging testing sites, deploying medical personnel, and advising on mitigation strategies.

Announced Federal support to governors for use of the National Guard with 100 percent cost-share.

Established the Supply Chain Task Force as a “control tower” to strategically allocate high-demand medical supplies and PPE to areas of greatest need.

Requested critical data elements from states about the status of hospital capacity, ventilators, and PPE.

Executed nearly 250 flights through Project Air Bridge to transport hundreds of millions of surgical masks, N95 respirators, gloves, and gowns from around the world to hospitals and facilities throughout the United States.

Signed an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to ensure that Americans have a reliable supply of products like beef, pork, and poultry.

Stabilized the food supply chain restoring the Nation’s protein processing capacity through a collaborative approach with Federal, state, and local officials and industry partners.

The continued movement of food and other critical items of daily life distributed to stores and to American homes went unaffected.

Replenished the depleted Strategic National Stockpile.

Increased the number of ventilators nearly ten-fold to more than 153,000.

Despite the grim projections from the media and governors, no American who has needed a ventilator has been denied a ventilator.

Increased the number of N95 masks fourteen-fold to more than 176 million.

Issued an executive order ensuring critical medical supplies are produced in the United States.

Created the largest, most advanced, and most innovative testing system in the world.

Built the world’s leading testing system from scratch, conducting over 200 million tests – more than all of the European Union combined.

Engaged more than 400 test developers to increase testing capacity from less than 100 tests per day to more than 2 million tests per day.

Slashed red tape and approved Emergency Use Authorizations for more than 300 different tests, including 235 molecular tests, 63 antibody tests, and 11 antigen tests.

Delivered state-of-the-art testing devices and millions of tests to every certified nursing home in the country.

Announced more flexibility to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to waive cost-sharing for tests.

Over 2,000 retail pharmacy stores, including CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens, are providing testing using new regulatory and reimbursement options.

Deployed tens of millions of tests to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribes, disaster relief operations, Home Health/Hospice organizations, and the Veterans Health Administration.

Began shipping 150 million BinaxNOW rapid tests to states, long-term care facilities, the IHS, HBCUs, and other key partners.

Pioneered groundbreaking treatments and therapies that reduced the mortality rate by 85 percent, saving over 2 million lives.

The United States has among the lowest case fatality rates in the entire world.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program to expedite the regulatory review process for therapeutics in clinical trials, accelerate the development and publication of industry guidance on developing treatments, and utilize regulatory flexibility to help facilitate the scaling-up of manufacturing capacity.

More than 370 therapies are in clinical trials and another 560 are in the planning stages.

Announced $450 million in available funds to support the manufacturing of Regeneron’s antibody cocktail.

Shipped tens of thousands of doses of the Regeneron drug.

Authorized an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for convalescent plasma.

Treated around 100,000 patients with convalescent plasma, which may reduce mortality by 50 percent.

Provided $48 million to fund the Mayo Clinic study that tested the efficacy of convalescent plasma for patients with COVID-19.

Made an agreement to support the large-scale manufacturing of AstraZeneca’s cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies.

Approved Remdesivir as the first COVID-19 treatment, which could reduce hospitalization time by nearly a third.

Secured more than 90 percent of the world’s supply of Remdesivir, enough to treat over 850,000 high-risk patients.

Granted an EUA to Eli Lilly for its anti-body treatments.

Finalized an agreement with Eli Lilly to purchase the first doses of the company’s investigational antibody therapeutic.

Provided up to $270 million to the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers to support the collection of up to 360,000 units of plasma.

Launched a nationwide campaign to ask patients who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma.

Announced Phase 3 clinical trials for varying types of blood thinners to treat adults diagnosed with COVID-19.

Issued an EUA for the monoclonal antibody therapy bamlanivimab.

FDA issued an EUA for casirivimab and imdevimab to be administered together.

Launched the COVID-19 High Performance Computing Consortium with private sector and academic leaders unleashing America’s supercomputers to accelerate coronavirus research.

Brought the full power of American medicine and government to produce a safe and effective vaccine in record time.

Launched Operation Warp Speed to initiate an unprecedented drive to develop and make available an effective vaccine by January 2021.

Pfizer and Moderna developed two vaccines in just nine months, five times faster than the fastest prior vaccine development in American history.

Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines are approximately 95 effective – far exceeding all expectations.

AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson also both have promising candidates in the final stage of clinical trials.

The vaccines will be administered within 24 hours of FDA-approval.

Made millions of vaccine doses available before the end of 2020, with hundreds of millions more to quickly follow.

FedEx and UPS will ship doses from warehouses directly to local pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

Finalized a partnership with CVS and Walgreens to deliver vaccines directly to residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities as soon as a state requests it, at no cost to America’s seniors.

Signed an executive order to ensure that the United States government prioritizes getting the vaccine to American citizens before sending it to other nations.

Provided approximately $13 billion to accelerate vaccine development and to manufacture all of the top candidates in advance.

Provided critical investments of $4.1 billion to Moderna to support the development, manufacturing, and distribution of their vaccines.

Moderna announced its vaccine is 95 percent effective and is pending FDA approval.

Provided Pfizer up to $1.95 billion to support the mass-manufacturing and nationwide distribution of their vaccine candidate.

Pfizer announced its vaccine is 95 percent effective and is pending FDA approval.

Provided approximately $1 billion to support the manufacturing and distribution of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine candidate.

Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine candidate reached the final stage of clinical trials.

Made up to $1.2 billion available to support AstraZeneca’s vaccine candidate.

AstraZeneca’s vaccine candidate reached the final stage of clinical trials.

Made an agreement to support the large-scale manufacturing of Novavax’s vaccine candidate with 100 million doses expected.

Partnered with Sanofi and GSK to support large-scale manufacturing of a COVID-19 investigational vaccine.

Awarded $200 million in funding to support vaccine preparedness and plans for the immediate distribution and administration of vaccines.

Provided $31 million to Cytvia for vaccine-related consumable products.

Under the PREP Act, issued guidance authorizing qualified pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines.

Announced that McKesson Corporation will produce store, and distribute vaccine ancillary supply kits on behalf of the Strategic National Stockpile to help healthcare workers who will administer vaccines.

Announced partnership with large-chain, independent, and regional pharmacies to deliver vaccines.

Prioritized resources for the most vulnerable Americans, including nursing home residents.

Quickly established guidelines for nursing homes and expanded telehealth opportunities to protect vulnerable seniors.

Increased surveillance, oversight, and transparency of all 15,417 Medicare and Medicaid nursing homes by requiring them to report cases of COVID-19 to all residents, their families, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Required that all nursing homes test staff regularly.

Launched an unprecedented national nursing home training curriculum to equip nursing home staff with the knowledge they need to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Delivered $81 million for increased inspections and funded 35,000 members of the Nation Guard to deliver critical supplies to every Medicare-certified nursing homes.

Deployed Federal Task Force Strike Teams to provide onsite technical assistance and education to nursing homes experiencing outbreaks.

Distributed tens of billions of dollars in Provider Relief Funds to protect nursing homes, long-term care facilities, safety-net hospitals, rural hospitals, and communities hardest hit by the virus.

Released 1.5 million N95 respirators from the Strategic National Stockpile for distribution to over 3,000 nursing home facilities.

Directed the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to refocus on underserved communities impacted by the coronavirus.

Required that testing results reported include data on race, gender, ethnicity, and ZIP code, to ensure that resources were directed to communities disproportionately harmed by the virus.

Ensured testing was offered at 95 percent of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), which serve over 29 million patients in 12,000 communities across the Nation.

Invested an unprecedented $8 billion in tribal communities.

Maintained safe access for Veterans to VA healthcare throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic and supported non-VA hospital systems and private and state-run nursing homes with VA clinical teams.

Signed legislation ensuring no reduction of VA education benefits under the GI Bill for online distance learning.

Supported Americans as they safely return to school and work.

Issued the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a detailed blueprint to help governors as they began reopening the country. Focused on protecting the most vulnerable and mitigating the risk of any resurgence, while restarting the economy and allowing Americans to safely return to their jobs.

Helped Americans return to work by providing extensive guidance on workplace-safety measures to protect against COVID-19, and investigating over 10,000 coronavirus-related complaints and referrals.

Provided over $31 billion to support elementary and secondary schools.

Distributed 125 million face masks to school districts.

Provided comprehensive guidelines to schools on how to protect and identify high-risk individuals, prevent the spread of COVID-19, and conduct safe in-person teaching.

Brought back the safe return of college athletics, including Big Ten and Pac-12 football.

Rescued the American economy with nearly $3.4 trillion in relief, the largest financial aid package in history.

Secured an initial $8.3 billion Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Act, supporting the development of treatments and vaccines, and to procure critical medical supplies and equipment.

Signed the $100 billion Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, guaranteeing free coronavirus testing, emergency paid sick leave and family leave, Medicaid funding, and food assistance.

Signed the $2.3 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, providing unprecedented and immediate relief to American families, workers, and businesses.

Signed additional legislation providing nearly $900 billion in support for coronavirus emergency response and relief, including critically needed funds to continue the Paycheck Protection Program.

Signed the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act, adding an additional $310 billion to replenish the program.

Delivered approximately 160 million relief payments to hardworking Americans.

Through the Paycheck Protection Program, approved over $525 billion in forgivable loans to more than 5.2 million small businesses, supporting more than 51 million American jobs.

The Treasury Department approved the establishment of the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility to provide liquidity to the financial system.

The Treasury Department, working with the Federal Reserve, was able to leverage approximately $4 trillion in emergency lending facilities.

Signed an executive order extending expanded unemployment benefits.

Signed an executive order to temporarily suspend student loan payments, evictions, and collection of payroll taxes.

Small Business Administration expanded access to emergency economic assistance for small businesses, faith-based, and religious entities.

Protected jobs for American workers impacted by COVID-19 by temporarily suspending several job-related nonimmigrant visas, including H-1B’s, H-2B’s without a nexus to the food-supply chain, certain H-4’s, as well as L’s and certain J’s.

Great Healthcare for Americans

Empowered American patients by greatly expanding healthcare choice, transparency, and affordability.

Eliminated the Obamacare individual mandate – a financial relief to low and middle-income households that made up nearly 80 percent of the families who paid the penalty for not wanting to purchase health insurance.

Increased choice for consumers by promoting competition in the individual health insurance market leading to lower premiums for three years in a row.

Under the Trump Administration, more than 90 percent of the counties have multiple options on the individual insurance market to choose from.

Offered Association Health Plans, which allow employers to pool together and offer more affordable, quality health coverage to their employees at up to 30 percent lower cost.

Increased availability of short-term, limited-duration health plans, which can cost up to 60 percent less than traditional plans, giving Americans more flexibility to choose plans that suit their needs.

Expanded Health Reimbursement Arrangements, allowing millions of Americans to be able to shop for a plan of their choice on the individual market, and then have their employer cover the cost.

Added 2,100 new Medicare Advantage plan options since 2017, a 76 percent increase.

Lowered Medicare Advantage premiums by 34 percent nationwide to the lowest level in 14 years. Medicare health plan premium savings for beneficiaries have totaled $nearly 1.5 billion since 2017.

Improved access to tax-free health savings accounts for individuals with chronic conditions.

Eliminated costly Obamacare taxes, including the health insurance tax, the medical device tax, and the “Cadillac tax.”

Worked with states to create more flexibility and relief from oppressive Obamacare regulations, including reinsurance waivers to help lower premiums.

Released legislative principles to end surprise medical billing.

Finalized requirements for unprecedented price transparency from hospitals and insurance companies so patients know what the cost is before they receive care.

Took action to require that hospitals make the prices they negotiate with insurers publicly available and easily accessible online.

Improved patients access to their health data by penalizing hospitals and causing clinicians to lose their incentive payments if they do not comply.

Expanded access to telehealth, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Increased Medicare payments to rural hospitals to stem a decade of rising closures and deliver enhanced access to care in rural areas.

Issued unprecedented reforms that dramatically lowered the price of prescription drugs.

Lowered drug prices for the first time in 51 years.

Launched an initiative to stop global freeloading in the drug market.

Finalized a rule to allow the importation of prescription drugs from Canada.

Finalized the Most Favored Nation Rule to ensure that pharmaceutical companies offer the same discounts to the United States as they do to other nations, resulting in an estimated $85 billion in savings over seven years and $30 billion in out-of-pocket costs alone.

Proposed a rule requiring federally funded health centers to pass drug company discounts on insulin and Epi-Pens directly to patients.

Ended the gag clauses that prevented pharmacists from informing patients about the best prices for the medications they need.

Ended the costly kickbacks to middlemen and ensured that patients directly benefit from available discounts at the pharmacy counter, saving Americans up to 30 percent on brand name pharmaceuticals.

Enhanced Part D plans to provide many seniors with Medicare access to a broad set of insulins at a maximum $35 copay for a month’s supply of each type of insulin.

Reduced Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums, saving beneficiaries nearly $2 billion in premium costs since 2017.

Ended the Unapproved Drugs Initiative, which provided market exclusivity to generic drugs.

Promoted research and innovation in healthcare to ensure that American patients have access to the best treatment in the world.

Signed first-ever executive order to affirm that it is the official policy of the United States Government to protect patients with pre-existing conditions.

Passed Right To Try to give terminally ill patients access to lifesaving cures.

Signed an executive order to fight kidney disease with more transplants and better treatment.

Signed into law a $1 billion increase in funding for critical Alzheimer’s research.

Accelerated medical breakthroughs in genetic treatments for Sickle Cell disease.

Finalized the interoperability rules that will give American patients access to their electronic health records on their phones.

Initiated an effort to provide $500 million over the next decade to improve pediatric cancer research.

Launched a campaign to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in America in the next decade.

Started a program to provide the HIV prevention drug PrEP to uninsured patients for free.

Signed an executive order and awarded new development contracts to modernize the influenza vaccine.

Protected our Nation’s seniors by safeguarding and strengthening Medicare.

Updated the way Medicare pays for innovative medical products to ensure beneficiaries have access to the latest innovation and treatment.

Reduced improper payments for Medicare an estimated $15 billion since 2016 protecting taxpayer dollars and leading to less fraud, waste, and abuse.

Took rapid action to combat antimicrobial resistance and secure access to life-saving new antibiotic drugs for American seniors, by removing several financial disincentives and setting policies to reduce inappropriate use.

Launched new online tools, including eMedicare, Blue Button 2.0, and Care Compare, to help seniors see what is covered, compare costs, streamline data, and compare tools available on Medicare.gov.

Provided new Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits, including modifications to help keep seniors safe in their homes, respite care for caregivers, non-opioid pain management alternatives like therapeutic massages, transportation, and more in-home support services and assistance.

Protected Medicare beneficiaries by removing Social Security numbers from all Medicare cards, a project completed ahead of schedule.

Unleashed unprecedented transparency in Medicare and Medicaid data to spur research and innovation.

Remaking the Federal Judiciary

Appointed a historic number of Federal judges who will interpret the Constitution as written.

Nominated and confirmed over 230 Federal judges.

Confirmed 54 judges to the United States Courts of Appeals, making up nearly a third of the entire appellate bench.

Filled all Court of Appeals vacancies for the first time in four decades.

Flipped the Second, Third, and Eleventh Circuits from Democrat-appointed majorities to Republican-appointed majorities. And dramatically reshaped the long-liberal Ninth Circuit.

Appointed three Supreme Court justices, expanding its conservative-appointed majority to 6-3.

Appointed Justice Neil Gorsuch to replace Justice Antonin Scalia.

Appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy.

Appointed Justice Amy Coney Barrett to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Achieving a Secure Border

Secured the Southern Border of the United States.

Built over 400 miles of the world’s most robust and advanced border wall.

Illegal crossings have plummeted over 87 percent where the wall has been constructed.

Deployed nearly 5,000 troops to the Southern border. In addition, Mexico deployed tens of thousands of their own soldiers and national guardsmen to secure their side of the US-Mexico border.

Ended the dangerous practice of Catch-and-Release, which means that instead of aliens getting released into the United States pending future hearings never to be seen again, they are detained pending removal, and then ultimately returned to their home countries.

Entered into three historic asylum cooperation agreements with Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala to stop asylum fraud and resettle illegal migrants in third-party nations pending their asylum applications.

Entered into a historic partnership with Mexico, referred to as the “Migrant Protection Protocols,” to safely return asylum-seekers to Mexico while awaiting hearings in the United States.

Fully enforced the immigration laws of the United States.

Signed an executive order to strip discretionary Federal grant funding from deadly sanctuary cities.

Fully enforced and implemented statutorily authorized “expedited removal” of illegal aliens.

The Department of Justice prosecuted a record-breaking number of immigration-related crimes.

Used Section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to reduce the number of aliens coming from countries whose governments refuse to accept their nationals who were ordered removed from the United States.

Ended asylum fraud, shut down human smuggling traffickers, and solved the humanitarian crisis across the Western Hemisphere.

Suspended, via regulation, asylum for aliens who had skipped previous countries where they were eligible for asylum but opted to “forum shop” and continue to the United States.

Safeguarded migrant families, and protected migrant safety, by promulgating new regulations under the Flores Settlement Agreement.

Proposed regulations to end the practice of giving free work permits to illegal aliens lodging meritless asylum claims.

Issued “internal relocation” guidance.

Cross-trained United States Border Patrol agents to conduct credible fear screenings alongside USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) adjudication personnel to reduce massive backlogs.

Streamlined and expedited the asylum hearing process through both the Prompt Asylum Claim Review (PACR) and the Humanitarian Asylum Review Process (HARP).

Launched the Family Fraud Initiative to identify hundreds of individuals who were fraudulently presenting themselves as family units at the border, oftentimes with trafficking children, in order to ensure child welfare.

Improved screening in countries with high overstay rates and reduced visa overstay rates in many of these countries.

Removed bureaucratic constraints on United States consular officers that reduced their ability to appropriately vet visa applicants.

Worked with Mexico and other regional partners to dismantle the human smuggling networks in our hemisphere that profit from human misery and fuel the border crisis by exploiting vulnerable populations.

Secured our Nation’s immigration system against criminals and terrorists.

Instituted national security travel bans to keep out terrorists, jihadists, and violent extremists, and implemented a uniform security and information-sharing baseline all nations must meet in order for their nationals to be able to travel to, and emigrate to, the United States.

Suspended refugee resettlement from the world’s most dangerous and terror-afflicted regions.

Rebalanced refugee assistance to focus on overseas resettlement and burden-sharing.

85 percent reduction in refugee resettlement.

Overhauled badly-broken refugee security screening process.

Required the Department of State to consult with states and localities as part of the Federal government’s refugee resettlement process.

Issued strict sanctions on countries that have failed to take back their own nationals.

Established the National Vetting Center, which is the most advanced and comprehensive visa screening system anywhere in the world.

Protected American workers and taxpayers.

Issued a comprehensive “public charge” regulation to ensure newcomers to the United States are financially self-sufficient and not reliant on welfare.

Created an enforcement mechanism for sponsor repayment and deeming, to ensure that people who are presenting themselves as sponsors are actually responsible for sponsor obligations.

Issued regulations to combat the horrendous practice of “birth tourism.”

Issued a rule with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make illegal aliens ineligible for public housing.

Issued directives requiring Federal agencies to hire United States workers first and prioritizing the hiring of United States workers wherever possible.

Suspended the entry of low-wage workers that threaten American jobs.

Finalized new H-1B regulations to permanently end the displacement of United States workers and modify the administrative tools that are required for H-1B visa issuance.

Defended United States sovereignty by withdrawing from the United Nations’ Global Compact on Migration.

Suspended Employment Authorization Documents for aliens who arrive illegally between ports of entry and are ordered removed from the United States.

Restored integrity to the use of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by strictly adhering to the statutory conditions required for TPS.

Restoring American Leadership Abroad

Restored America’s leadership in the world and successfully negotiated to ensure our allies pay their fair share for our military protection.

Secured a $400 billion increase in defense spending from NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies by 2024, and the number of members meeting their minimum obligations more than doubled.

Credited by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for strengthening NATO.

Worked to reform and streamline the United Nations (UN) and reduced spending by $1.3 billion.

Allies, including Japan and the Republic of Korea, committed to increase burden-sharing.

Protected our Second Amendment rights by announcing the United States will never ratify the UN Arms Trade Treaty.

Returned 56 hostages and detainees from more than 24 countries.

Worked to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific region, promoting new investments and expanding American partnerships.

Advanced peace through strength.

Withdrew from the horrible, one-sided Iran Nuclear Deal and imposed crippling sanctions on the Iranian Regime.

Conducted vigorous enforcement on all sanctions to bring Iran’s oil exports to zero and deny the regime its principal source of revenue.

First president to meet with a leader of North Korea and the first sitting president to cross the demilitarized zone into North Korea.

Maintained a maximum pressure campaign and enforced tough sanctions on North Korea while negotiating de-nuclearization, the release of American hostages, and the return of the remains of American heroes.

Brokered economic normalization between Serbia and Kosovo, bolstering peace in the Balkans.

Signed the Honk Kong Autonomy Act and ended the United States’ preferential treatment with Hong Kong to hold China accountable for its infringement on the autonomy of Hong Kong.

Led allied efforts to defeat the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to control the international telecommunications system.

Renewed our cherished friendship and alliance with Israel and took historic action to promote peace in the Middle East.

Recognized Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel and quickly moved the American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Acknowledged Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights and declared that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are not inconsistent with international law.

Removed the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council due to the group’s blatant anti-Israel bias.

Brokered historic peace agreements between Israel and Arab-Muslim countries, including the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Sudan.

In addition, the United States negotiated a normalization agreement between Israel and Morocco, and recognized Moroccan Sovereignty over the entire Western Sahara, a position with long standing bipartisan support.

Brokered a deal for Kosovo to normalize ties and establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

Announced that Serbia would move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

First American president to address an assembly of leaders from more than 50 Muslim nations, and reach an agreement to fight terrorism in all its forms.

Established the Etidal Center to combat terrorism in the Middle East in conjunction with the Saudi Arabian Government.

Announced the Vision for Peace Political Plan – a two-state solution that resolves the risks of Palestinian statehood to Israel’s security, and the first time Israel has agreed to a map and a Palestinian state.

Released an economic plan to empower the Palestinian people and enhance Palestinian governance through historic private investment.

Stood up against Communism and Socialism in the Western Hemisphere.

Reversed the previous Administration’s disastrous Cuba policy, canceling the sellout deal with the Communist Castro dictatorship.

Pledged not to lift sanctions until all political prisoners are freed; freedoms of assembly and expression are respected; all political parties are legalized; and free elections are scheduled.

Enacted a new policy aimed at preventing American dollars from funding the Cuban regime, including stricter travel restrictions and restrictions on the importation of Cuban alcohol and tobacco.

Implemented a cap on remittances to Cuba.

Enabled Americans to file lawsuits against persons and entities that traffic in property confiscated by the Cuban regime.

First world leader to recognize Juan Guaido as the Interim President of Venezuela and led a diplomatic coalition against the Socialist Dictator of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro.

Blocked all property of the Venezuelan Government in the jurisdiction of the United States.

Cut off the financial resources of the Maduro regime and sanctioned key sectors of the Venezuelan economy exploited by the regime.

Brought criminal charges against Nicolas Maduro for his narco-terrorism.

Imposed stiff sanctions on the Ortega regime in Nicaragua.

Joined together with Mexico and Canada in a successful bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 60 matches to be held in the United States.

Won bid to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

Colossal Rebuilding of the Military

Rebuilt the military and created the Sixth Branch, the United States Space Force.

Completely rebuilt the United States military with over $2.2 trillion in defense spending, including $738 billion for 2020.

Secured three pay raises for our service members and their families, including the largest raise in a decade.

Established the Space Force, the first new branch of the United States Armed Forces since 1947.

Modernized and recapitalized our nuclear forces and missile defenses to ensure they continue to serve as a strong deterrent.

Upgraded our cyber defenses by elevating the Cyber Command into a major warfighting command and by reducing burdensome procedural restrictions on cyber operations.

Vetoed the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, which failed to protect our national security, disrespected the history of our veterans and military, and contradicted our efforts to put America first.

Defeated terrorists, held leaders accountable for malign actions, and bolstered peace around the world.

Defeated 100 percent of ISIS’ territorial caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

Freed nearly 8 million civilians from ISIS’ bloodthirsty control, and liberated Mosul, Raqqa, and the final ISIS foothold of Baghuz.

Killed the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and eliminated the world’s top terrorist, Qasem Soleimani.

Created the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) in partnership between the United States and its Gulf partners to combat extremist ideology and threats, and target terrorist financial networks, including over 60 terrorist individuals and entities spanning the globe.

Twice took decisive military action against the Assad regime in Syria for the barbaric use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians, including a successful 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles strike.

Authorized sanctions against bad actors tied to Syria’s chemical weapons program.

Negotiated an extended ceasefire with Turkey in northeast Syria.

Addressed gaps in American’s defense-industrial base, providing much-needed updates to improve the safety of our country.

Protected America’s defense-industrial base, directing the first whole-of-government assessment of our manufacturing and defense supply chains since the 1950s.

Took decisive steps to secure our information and communications technology and services supply chain, including unsafe mobile applications.

Completed several multi-year nuclear material removal campaigns, securing over 1,000 kilograms of highly enriched uranium and significantly reducing global nuclear threats.

Signed an executive order directing Federal agencies to work together to diminish the capability of foreign adversaries to target our critical electric infrastructure.

Established a whole-of-government strategy addressing the threat posed by China’s malign efforts targeting the United States taxpayer-funded research and development ecosystem.

Advanced missile defense capabilities and regional alliances.

Bolstered the ability of our allies and partners to defend themselves through the sale of aid and military equipment.

Signed the largest arms deal ever, worth nearly $110 billion, with Saudi Arabia.

Serving and Protecting Our Veterans

Reformed the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve care, choice, and employee accountability.

Signed and implemented the VA Mission Act, which made permanent Veterans CHOICE, revolutionized the VA community care system, and delivered quality care closer to home for Veterans.

The number of Veterans who say they trust VA services has increased 19 percent to a record 91 percent, an all-time high.

Offered same-day emergency mental health care at every VA medical facility, and secured $9.5 billion for mental health services in 2020.

Signed the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017, which ensured that veterans could continue to see the doctor of their choice and wouldn’t have to wait for care.

During the Trump Administration, millions of veterans have been able to choose a private doctor in their communities.

Expanded Veterans’ ability to access telehealth services, including through the “Anywhere to Anywhere” VA healthcare initiative leading to a 1000 percent increase in usage during COVID-19.

Signed the Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act and removed thousands of VA workers who failed to give our Vets the care they have so richly deserve.

Signed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 and improved the efficiency of the VA, setting record numbers of appeals decisions.

Modernized medical records to begin a seamless transition from the Department of Defense to the VA.

Launched a new tool that provides Veterans with online access to average wait times and quality-of-care data.

The promised White House VA Hotline has fielded hundreds of thousands of calls.

Formed the PREVENTS Task Force to fight the tragedy of Veteran suicide.

Decreased veteran homelessness, improved education benefits, and achieved record-low veteran unemployment.

Signed and implemented the Forever GI Bill, allowing Veterans to use their benefits to get an education at any point in their lives.

Eliminated every penny of Federal student loan debt owed by American veterans who are completely and permanently disabled.

Compared to 2009, 49 percent fewer veterans experienced homelessness nationwide during 2019.

Signed and implemented the HAVEN Act to ensure that Veterans who’ve declared bankruptcy don’t lose their disability payments.

Helped hundreds of thousands of military service members make the transition from the military to the civilian workforce, and developed programs to support the employment of military spouses.

Placed nearly 40,000 homeless veterans into employment through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.

Placed over 600,000 veterans into employment through American Job Center services.

Enrolled over 500,000 transitioning service members in over 20,000 Department of Labor employment workshops.

Signed an executive order to help Veterans transition seamlessly into the United States Merchant Marine.

Making Communities Safer

Signed into law landmark criminal justice reform.

Signed the bipartisan First Step Act into law, the first landmark criminal justice reform legislation ever passed to reduce recidivism and help former inmates successfully rejoin society.

Promoted second chance hiring to give former inmates the opportunity to live crime-free lives and find meaningful employment.

Launched a new “Ready to Work” initiative to help connect employers directly with former prisoners.

Awarded $2.2 million to states to expand the use of fidelity bonds, which underwrite companies that hire former prisoners.

Reversed decades-old ban on Second Chance Pell programs to provide postsecondary education to individuals who are incarcerated expand their skills and better succeed in the workforce upon re-entry.

Awarded over $333 million in Department of Labor grants to nonprofits and local and state governments for reentry projects focused on career development services for justice-involved youth and adults who were formerly incarcerated.

Unprecedented support for law-enforcement.

In 2019, violent crime fell for the third consecutive year.

Since 2016, the violent crime rate has declined over 5 percent and the murder rate has decreased by over 7 percent.

Launched Operation Legend to combat a surge of violent crime in cities, resulting in more than 5,500 arrests.

Deployed the National Guard and Federal law enforcement to Kenosha to stop violence and restore public safety.

Provided $1 million to Kenosha law enforcement, nearly $4 million to support small businesses in Kenosha, and provided over $41 million to support law enforcement to the state of Wisconsin.

Deployed Federal agents to save the courthouse in Portland from rioters.

Signed an executive order outlining ten-year prison sentences for destroying Federal property and monuments.

Directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate and prosecute Federal offenses related to ongoing violence.

DOJ provided nearly $400 million for new law enforcement hiring.

Endorsed by the 355,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods, which brings together Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials to develop solutions to violent crime.

Improved first-responder communications by deploying the FirstNet National Public Safety Broadband Network, which serves more than 12,000 public safety agencies across the Nation.

Established a new commission to evaluate best practices for recruiting, training, and supporting law enforcement officers.

Signed the Safe Policing for Safe Communities executive order to incentive local police department reforms in line with law and order.

Made hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of surplus military equipment available to local law enforcement.

Signed an executive order to help prevent violence against law enforcement officers.

Secured permanent funding for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund for first responders.

Implemented strong measures to stem hate crimes, gun violence, and human trafficking.

Signed an executive order making clear that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to discrimination rooted in anti-Semitism.

Launched a centralized website to educate the public about hate crimes and encourage reporting.

Signed the Fix NICS Act to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals.

Signed the STOP School Violence Act and created a Commission on School Safety to examine ways to make our schools safer.

Launched the Foster Youth to Independence initiative to prevent and end homelessness among young adults under the age of 25 who are in, or have recently left, the foster care system.

Signed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which tightened criteria for whether countries are meeting standards for eliminating trafficking.

Established a task force to help combat the tragedy of missing or murdered Native American women and girls.

Prioritized fighting for the voiceless and ending the scourge of human trafficking across the Nation, through a whole of government back by legislation, executive action, and engagement with key industries.

Created the first-ever White House position focused solely on combating human trafficking.

Cherishing Life and Religious Liberty

Steadfastly supported the sanctity of every human life and worked tirelessly to prevent government funding of abortion.

Reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, ensuring that taxpayer money is not used to fund abortion globally.

Issued a rule preventing Title X taxpayer funding from subsiding the abortion industry.

Supported legislation to end late-term abortions.

Cut all funding to the United Nations population fund due to the fund’s support for coercive abortion and forced sterilization.

Signed legislation overturning the previous administration’s regulation that prohibited states from defunding abortion facilities as part of their family planning programs.

Fully enforced the requirement that taxpayer dollars do not support abortion coverage in Obamacare exchange plans.

Stopped the Federal funding of fetal tissue research.

Worked to protect healthcare entities and individuals’ conscience rights – ensuring that no medical professional is forced to participate in an abortion in violation of their beliefs.

Issued an executive order reinforcing requirement that all hospitals in the United States provide medical treatment or an emergency transfer for infants who are in need of emergency medical care—regardless of prematurity or disability.

Led a coalition of countries to sign the Geneva Consensus Declaration, declaring that there is no international right to abortion and committing to protecting women’s health.

First president in history to attend the March for Life.

Stood up for religious liberty in the United States and around the world.

Protected the conscience rights of doctors, nurses, teachers, and groups like the Little Sisters of the Poor.

First president to convene a meeting at the United Nations to end religious persecution.

Established the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative.

Stopped the Johnson Amendment from interfering with pastors’ right to speak their minds.

Reversed the previous administration’s policy that prevented the government from providing disaster relief to religious organizations.

Protected faith-based adoption and foster care providers, ensuring they can continue to serve their communities while following the teachings of their faith.

Reduced burdensome barriers to ensure Native Americans are free to keep spiritually and culturally significant eagle feathers found on their tribal lands.

Took action to ensure Federal employees can take paid time off work to observe religious holy days.

Signed legislation to assist religious and ethnic groups targeted by ISIS for mass murder and genocide in Syria and Iraq.

Directed American assistance toward persecuted communities, including through faith-based programs.

Launched the International Religious Freedom Alliance – the first-ever alliance devoted to confronting religious persecution around the world.

Appointed a Special Envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism.

Imposed restrictions on certain Chinese officials, internal security units, and companies for their complicity in the persecution of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.

Issued an executive order to protect and promote religious freedom around the world.

Safeguarding the Environment

Took strong action to protect the environment and ensure clean air and clean water.

Took action to protect vulnerable Americans from being exposed to lead and copper in drinking water and finalized a rule protecting children from lead-based paint hazards.

Invested over $38 billion in clean water infrastructure.

In 2019, America achieved the largest decline in carbon emissions of any country on earth. Since withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, the United States has reduced carbon emissions more than any nation.

American levels of particulate matter – one of the main measures of air pollution – are approximately five times lower than the global average.

Between 2017 and 2019, the air became 7 percent cleaner – indicated by a steep drop in the combined emissions of criteria pollutants.

Led the world in greenhouse gas emissions reductions, having cut energy-related CO2 emissions by 12 percent from 2005 to 2018 while the rest of the world increased emissions by 24 percent.

In FY 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cleaned up more major pollution sites than any year in nearly two decades.

The EPA delivered $300 million in Brownfields grants directly to communities most in need including investment in 118 Opportunity Zones.

Placed a moratorium on offshore drilling off the coasts of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.

Restored public access to Federal land at Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Recovered more endangered or threatened species than any other administration in its first term.

Secured agreements and signed legislation to protect the environment and preserve our Nation’s abundant national resources.

The USMCA guarantees the strongest environmental protections of any trade agreement in history.

Signed the Save Our Seas Act to protect our environment from foreign nations that litter our oceans with debris and developed the first-ever Federal strategic plan to address marine litter.

Signed the Great American Outdoors Act, securing the single largest investment in America’s National Parks and public lands in history.

Signed the largest public lands legislation in a decade, designating 1.3 million new acres of wilderness.

Signed a historic executive order promoting much more active forest management to prevent catastrophic wildfires.

Opened and expanded access to over 4 million acres of public lands for hunting and fishing.

Joined the One Trillion Trees Initiative to plant, conserve, and restore trees in America and around the world.

Delivered infrastructure upgrades and investments for numerous projects, including over half a billion dollars to fix the Herbert Hoover Dike and expanding funding for Everglades restoration by 55 percent.

Expanding Educational Opportunity

Fought tirelessly to give every American access to the best possible education.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expanded School Choice, allowing parents to use up to $10,000 from a 529 education savings account to cover K-12 tuition costs at the public, private, or religious school of their choice.

Launched a new pro-American lesson plan for students called the 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education.

Prohibited the teaching of Critical Race Theory in the Federal government.

Established the National Garden of American Heroes, a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the greatest Americans to ever live.

Called on Congress to pass the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act to expand education options for 1 million students of all economic backgrounds.

Signed legislation reauthorizing the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program.

Issued updated guidance making clear that the First Amendment right to Free Exercise of Religion does not end at the door to a public school.

Took action to promote technical education.

Signed into law the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which provides over 13 million students with high-quality vocational education and extends more than $1.3 billion each year to states for critical workforce development programs.

Signed the INSPIRE Act which encouraged NASA to have more women and girls participate in STEM and seek careers in aerospace.

Allocated no less than $200 million each year in grants to prioritize women and minorities in STEM and computer science education.

Drastically reformed and modernized our educational system to restore local control and promote fairness.

Restored state and local control of education by faithfully implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Signed an executive order that ensures public universities protect First Amendment rights or they will risk losing funding, addresses student debt by requiring colleges to share a portion of the financial risk, and increases transparency by requiring universities to disclose information about the value of potential educational programs.

Issued a rule strengthening Title IX protections for survivors of sexual misconduct in schools, and that – for the first time in history – codifies that sexual harassment is prohibited under Title IX.

Negotiated historic bipartisan agreement on new higher education rules to increase innovation and lower costs by reforming accreditation, state authorization, distance education, competency-based education, credit hour, religious liberty, and TEACH Grants.

Prioritized support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Moved the Federal Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Initiative back to the White House.

Signed into law the FUTURE Act, making permanent $255 million in annual funding for HBCUs and increasing funding for the Federal Pell Grant program.

Signed legislation that included more than $100 million for scholarships, research, and centers of excellence at HBCU land-grant institutions.

Fully forgave $322 million in disaster loans to four HBCUs in 2018, so they could fully focus on educating their students.

Enabled faith-based HBCUs to enjoy equal access to Federal support.

Combatting the Opioid Crisis

Brought unprecedented attention and support to combat the opioid crisis.

Declared the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency.

Secured a record $6 billion in new funding to combat the opioid epidemic.

Signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, the largest-ever legislative effort to address a drug crisis in our Nation’s history.

Launched the Initiative to Stop Opioid Abuse and Reduce Drug Supply and Demand in order to confront the many causes fueling the drug crisis.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a record $9 billion in grants to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services to States and local communities.

Passed the CRIB Act, allowing Medicaid to help mothers and their babies who are born physically dependent on opioids by covering their care in residential pediatric recovery facilities.

Distributed $1 billion in grants for addiction prevention and treatment.

Announced a Safer Prescriber Plan that seeks to decrease the amount of opioids prescriptions filled in America by one third within three years.

Reduced the total amount of opioids prescriptions filled in America.

Expanded access to medication-assisted treatment and life-saving Naloxone.

Launched FindTreatment.gov, a tool to find help for substance abuse.

Drug overdose deaths fell nationwide in 2018 for the first time in nearly three decades.

Launched the Drug-Impaired Driving Initiative to work with local law enforcement and the driving public at large to increase awareness.

Launched a nationwide public ad campaign on youth opioid abuse that reached 58 percent of young adults in America.

Since 2016, there has been a nearly 40 percent increase in the number of Americans receiving medication-assisted treatment.

Approved 29 state Medicaid demonstrations to improve access to opioid use disorder treatment, including new flexibility to cover inpatient and residential treatment.

Approved nearly $200 million in grants to address the opioid crisis in severely affected communities and to reintegrate workers in recovery back into the workforce.

Took action to seize illegal drugs and punish those preying on innocent Americans.

In FY 2019, ICE HSI seized 12,466 pounds of opioids including 3,688 pounds of fentanyl, an increase of 35 percent from FY 2018.

Seized tens of thousands of kilograms of heroin and thousands of kilograms of fentanyl since 2017.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecuted more fentanyl traffickers than ever before, dismantled 3,000 drug trafficking organizations, and seized enough fentanyl to kill 105,000 Americans.

DOJ charged more than 65 defendants collectively responsible for distributing over 45 million opioid pills.

Brought kingpin designations against traffickers operating in China, India, Mexico, and more who have played a role in the epidemic in America.

Indicted major Chinese drug traffickers for distributing fentanyl in the U.S for the first time ever, and convinced China to enact strict regulations to control the production and sale of fentanyl.

[antoine-roquentin]

Consider Ms. Cooper’s threat against the person who told her to leash her dog: She was going to call the cops and “tell them there’s an African American man threatening” her life.  It seems taken as a given  that the police are racially biased — that they will act with overwhelming force, and without regard to the actual facts of the case, to defend a white person who appears to be in danger from a black man. Even though she was the one breaking rules, she assumed the police would target him, precisely on the grounds that he was an “African American man.”

This is not a set of assumptions that most conservatives would likely hold. They are generally skeptical of claims of racial bias in policing. While some acknowledge a few “bad apples,” they assert that law enforcement officers typically discharge their duties in a restrained and fair manner, with their responses to situations dictated by the pertinent facts of the case.

In other words, Ms. Cooper’s assumption that the cops would respond in a forceful manner against a black man without asking too many questions, strictly in virtue of his race as compared to hers — this is the kind of belief that liberals tend to hold about cops.

Indeed, based on her demographic characteristics — urban, white, female, highly-educated, of an upper-socio-economic status — it is statistically highly probable that Ms. Cooper voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 general election.

The peculiar intersection of race, class, and ideology that Ms. Cooper embodies is hardly unusual for cases like these. Consider: in areas of concentrated poverty that are being gentrified or that lie adjacent to wealthier areas (as is often the case in urban settings), policing tends to be much more frequent and aggressive — even for small crimes. Those calling the cops on people of color for things like taking shelter from the rain, failing to wave at a white passerby while leaving their AirBnB, sitting in their car waiting for yoga class to start, accidentally brushing up against a white person in a store, etcetera — the people regularly seeking out law enforcement for things like loud music, loitering, “suspected” criminal activity, or domestic disturbances  — these are often relatively well-off, highly-educated, liberal, white denizens eager to “clean up” or “protect” the neighborhoods they choose to live in.

Moreover, it is liberals who go out of their way to embed themselves in communities of color — especially young and highly-educated professionals or artists. Granted, rents tend to be cheaper in these areas. However, many are also drawn to such neighborhoods, quite explicitly, because they are “historic,” “cultured” and “diverse.” In so doing, they put themselves in situations where they more frequently come into contact with minorities. If misunderstandings or conflicts arise (as they inevitably will in multi-cultural and gentrifying urban neighborhoods), many reflexively look to local authorities to resolve these disputes on their behalf. Like Ms. Cooper, this is often done in confidence that the police will align themselves with the white person making the call. In practice, then, they are attempting to use police to punish people of color who are insufficiently deferent to their own demands or preferences. However, it is extremely difficult for most white liberals to understand their actions in this way due to a phenomenon social scientists call “moral credentialing.”

Research in the cognitive and behavioral sciences suggests that when whites explicitly denounce racism or affirm their commitment to racial equality, they often — paradoxically — grow more likely to act in ways that favor other whites; simultaneously, they grow more confident that their actions were not racially-motivated.

A similar effect holds when they observe others from their “in-group” making gestures towards antiracism: it convinces them not only that their peers are egalitarians but that their own actions and interactions are non-biased as well. Conversely, blaming or criticizing “others” for a particular moral failing reduces one’s own sense of guilt for that same moral failing.

Consequently, for whites who inhabit social circles where people go around denouncing racism to one another constantly — painting themselves as staunch advocates for social justice — it would become almost impossible for these people to see the role that they play in perpetuating systemic inequality.

Under the sway of moral credentialing, people can take actions that they would recognize in others as “racist” without understanding themselves to be racist when performing those same actions. These dynamics are quite clear in Ms. Cooper’s apology: She acknowledged how someone might perceive her actions to be racist but she insisted nonetheless that her behaviors were not racially motivated and that she never meant to harm anyone.

Put another way, it is not merely the case that liberals and leftists are capable of being dangerously entitled around people of color, they are probably more likely to engage in these sorts of behaviors than non-leftists. Precisely because they view themselves as “allies” to members of historically marginalized and disadvantaged groups, they often feel justified in taking liberties they would deny to other whites — confident that their actions are not racist, that they are merely giving an appropriate response to the situation at hand.

bunch of people have been talking about the “great awokening”, the public opinion shift in the last decade where a higher percentage of white liberals now repeat phrases associated with anti-racist thought in polls at a higher rate than black people. they assert that this is a new style of thought-terminating cliche, a new religion in fact, foisted on americans by democratic elites and/or the professional managerial class. notwithstanding the more obvious evidence against that, that many of those people also believe the sexual revolution was an elite-led affair when it most assuredly wasn’t, there’s the clear evidence that the actions of those who give these answers to pollsters don’t line up with their words. most ironic of all, the religious metaphor is clearly misapplied here, because what’s going on is that white liberals are using public support for anti-racist protests as a way of absolving their sins of racism.

[orbemnews]

Biden Moves to End Justice Contracts with Private Prisons WASHINGTON — President Biden signed executive orders on Tuesday to end Justice Department contracts with private prisons and increase the government’s enforcement of a law meant to combat discrimination in the housing market, part of the new administration’s continued focus on racial equity. Mr. Biden also signed orders that make it the federal government’s policy to “condemn and denounce” discrimination against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, who have faced harassment since the coronavirus pandemic spread from China to the United States and to strengthen relationships between the government and Native American tribes. The moves are incremental pieces of Mr. Biden’s broader push for racial equity — an initiative that is expected to be a centerpiece of his administration and that follow an executive order last week directing federal agencies to review policies to root out systemic racism. The government effort is led by Susan E. Rice, who runs the Domestic Policy Council. “I’m not promising we can end it tomorrow, but I promise you, we’re going to continue to make progress to eliminate systemic racism,” Mr. Biden said before signing the orders. He added that “every branch of the White House and the federal government is going to be part of that effort.” The orders are an escalating repudiation of President Donald J. Trump’s policies and attitudes toward race relations. In separate executive orders last week, Mr. Biden overturned a Trump administration ban on diversity training in federal agencies and disbanded a Trump-created historical commission that issued a report aiming to put a more positive spin on the nation’s founders, who were slaveholders. In a conference call with reporters, a senior White House official described the Trump administration’s “heinous” Muslim ban and said certain minority groups were treated with a “profound level of disrespect from political leaders and the White House.” During a news conference on Tuesday, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, blamed the Trump administration for exacerbating racial inequities when it came to health. “The actions taken by the prior administration, for all intents and purposes to destroy the Affordable Care Act, didn’t help any Americans and certainly didn’t help communities of color,” she said. At the same briefing, Ms. Rice made it clear that the administration was taking a new direction by highlighting those disparities instead of ignoring them — and that appointing a woman of color to oversee the initiative was part of that approach. “Americans of color are being infected by and dying from Covid at higher rates,” she said, noting that “40 percent of Black-owned businesses have been forced too close for good during the Covid crisis.” A descendant of immigrants from Jamaica, Ms. Rice called herself the living embodiment of the American dream and noted that “investing in equity is good for economic growth” and “creates jobs for all Americans.” The New Washington Updated  Jan. 26, 2021, 5:10 p.m. ET One of the orders signed on Tuesday calls on the Justice Department not to renew contracts with private prisons, reverting to a policy first adopted in the Obama administration, when Mr. Biden was vice president, and which Mr. Trump reversed. The order does not end all government contracts with private prisons — administration officials confirmed it would not apply to other agencies, like Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which contracts with private companies to detain thousands of undocumented immigrants. “There is broad consensus that our current system of mass incarceration imposes significant costs and hardships on our society and communities and does not make us safer,” the order reads. “To decrease incarceration levels, we must reduce profit-based incentives to incarcerate by phasing out the federal government’s reliance on privately operated criminal detention facilities.” The housing order directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to more strenuously enforce the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which targets discrimination in home buying. That includes asking the department to review actions under Mr. Trump that sought to weaken some of that enforcement. Last year, as part of Mr. Trump’s attempted appeals to white suburban voters, the department rolled back an Obama-era program meant to fight racial segregation in housing, known as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. “This represents a clear change of direction that gets us back on track to fulfill the Fair Housing Act,” said Julián Castro, who served as secretary of housing and urban development under President Barack Obama. “It’s sending a very strong signal that it’s a new day when it comes to fair housing and that HUD is going to be aggressive again. In some ways this is the easy part, but it’s a strong first step.” Mr. Castro said that the housing department was still far behind in terms of the number of personnel it needed to enforce the Fair Housing Act and that nonprofit groups across the country working on fair housing issues should receive federal funding and other resources. But given that the action came on Day 6 of the new administration, he said, it served as a “clear repudiation of Trump’s fear-mongering” about low-income housing invading white suburbs. Mr. Biden’s prisons order won praise from the American Federation of Government Employees Council of Prison Locals, which represents 30,000 federal prison workers across the country, and from groups working to reduce mass incarceration of Black and other Americans. “Eliminating the use of for-profit prisons is but a first step,” said Holly Harris, the executive director of Justice Action Network, a bipartisan organization working on criminal justice — but a step with implications beyond the small percentage of federal prisoners who are held in private prisons. “Everyone is missing that they’re a big obstacle to reform because they give millions to elected officials who write our criminal law.” Ms. Harris, who said she was a Republican, added that she was “extending a little grace to the Democratic administration and applauding this first step.” Source link Orbem News #Biden #Contracts #Justice #Moves #Prisons #Private

[anniekoh]

Support Reimagine LA ballot proposal Tuesday August 4 LA County Board of Supervisors will vote on whether or not to put the Reimagine LA ballot measure up for voters this November. This ballot measure divests public funds from incarceration and invests in the health and economic wellness of marginalized people in L.A.

Tuesday, August 4, 9:30 am Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda To view live on the web (this page has links to live broadcasts in Spanish & English).

The toolkit includes instructions on how to submit written public comment before or during the meeting.

The charter amendment provides a pathway for relief from the devastating impact of the pandemic, and confronts the longstanding racial and economic inequality in our County. In order to repair generations of racial and economic injustice, it will take transformative action. This is that next step: we need at least 10%; we can’t double count existing investments, and we need to help as many people as possible whose lives can’t wait. In order to provide access to decentralized and comprehensive services, let’s make 10% + our existing programs just the start of reimagining a County we can all be proud of. The people of Los Angeles deserve reinvestment at a scale greater than the level of injustice.

Reimagine LA ballot directs 10% of LA County budget to

1. Direct community investment

Increase funding for community-based youth development programs

Provide career training and jobs to low-income residents with a focus on jobs that support the implementation of the “Alternatives to Incarceration” workgroup recommendations–particularly construction jobs for the expansion of affordable and supportive housing, and jobs that support a decentralized system of care

Create access to capital for small minority-owned businesses, with a focus on Black-owned businesses

Provide rental assistance and housing vouchers to those at risk of losing their housing and those without stable housing

Provide capital funding for affordable housing, transitional housing, and supportive housing

2. Alternatives to incarceration

Increase funding for community-based restorative justice programs

Increase support for pre-trial non-custody services and treatment

Increase life-affirming community-based, mental health, and wellness counseling and services

Reduce the Sheriff’s Department budget and redirect that funding to programs and services in underserved communities

[grammarbaba]

The Hindu Lead Article (In ending standoff, magnanimity must prevail) – Jul 01, 2020:

stand-off (noun) – deadlock, stalemate, impasse (in a dispute/conflict).

magnanimity (noun) – big-heartedness, generosity, humanity, kindness.

prevail (verb) – exist, be in existence, be present, be prevalent.

call for (phrasal verb) – require, publicly ask/necessitate, demand.

outrage (noun) – fury, anger, wrath, indignation, resentment; (moral outrage is an (emotional) anger in reaction to an injustice).

might (noun) – strength, force, power.

oft- (adverb in combination) – often.

DNA (noun) – (figuratively) basic or fundamental traits, qualities, or characteristics of a person.

so to speak (phrase) – in a way, so to say, n some way or other; saying/speaking something figuratively.

demonise (verb) – to show someone as evil/wicked/bad.

neighbourhood (noun) – (surrounding) area, region, district/country.

long-standing (adjective) – well established, deep-rooted, long-term, firm (for a long time).

civilisational (adjective) – relating to civilisation (culture, customs, way of life).

ties (noun) – bond, association, relationship.

recount (verb) – tell, narrate, describe, recite.

intimacy (noun) – closeness, togetherness, affinity.

solidarity (noun) – unity, unanimity, harmony, cooperation.

affirmation (noun) – endorsement, confirmation, pronouncement.

spirit (noun) – principles, standards, ethos.

keep a cool head (phrase) – to stay calm in a difficult situation.

on the brink of (phrase) – on the edge/verge of difficult/dangerous situation; at a crucial or critical point.

regard (verb) – consider, think, view, treat.

hand-to-hand (adjective) – (of fighting/combat) at very short range.

valley (noun) – a low area between hills or mountains typically with a river running through it.

frontier (noun) – boundary, borderline, border.

casualty (noun) – victim, loss, death, fatality. 

face-off (noun) – clash, conflict, confrontation, skirmish.

occasion (noun) – time.

sake (noun) – purpose, cause, consideration, reason.

McMahon line (noun) – the demarcation line between Tibet and the North-east region of India proposed by British colonial administrator Sir Henry McMahon at the 1914 Simla Convention signed between British and Tibetan representatives. It is the effective boundary between China and India.

demarcation (noun) – an act of fixing of the boundary or limits.

tranquillity (noun) – peacefulness, restfulness, calmness, quietness.

Line of Actual Control (LAC) (noun) – the de-facto (effective) border between India and China. The LAC is a 4,057-km border running through three areas-Western (Ladakh, Ladakh (Kashmir)), middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal).

confidence building measures/mechanisms (noun) – confidence-building measures (CBMs) are planned procedures to prevent hostilities, to avert escalation, to reduce military tension, and to build mutual trust between countries.

clause (noun) – term, condition, provision, requirement.

bio-degradation (noun) – it is defined as ‘the gradual breakdown of a material mediated by specific biological activity’.

hazardous (adjective) – dangerous, perilous, unsafe.

apparently (adverb) – obviously, clearly, seemingly.

barbarically (adverb) – brutally, cruelly, ruthlessly.

inhuman (adjective) – vicious/cruel, brutal, barbaric.

Aksai Chin (noun) – a territory in Ladakh, is under illegal Chinese occupation.

de facto (adjective) – Latin, literally ‘of fact’; existing, actual, effective.

negotiation (noun) – discussions, talks, deliberation.

hindsight (noun) – understanding of something after it has happened.

consequence (noun) – result, outcome, effect; ramification, repercussion.

superpower (noun) – a nation which is very powerful and possesses military, political or economic might (power) with dominant status on the globe. (like the Soviet Union (erstwhile) or United States of America).

in the making (phrase) – burgeoning, coming, growing, developing.

imply (verb) – say indirectly, suggest, hint.

condescend (verb) – put down, talk down, patronize; degrade, demean, lower.

tantamount to (adjective) – equivalent to, comparable to, amounting to, on a par with.

beleaguered (adjective) – hard-pressed, troubled, suffering.

intransigent (adjective) – uncompromising, inflexible, unwavering.

flex one’s muscles (phrase) – publicly showing strength/power.

arbitration (noun) – conciliation, mediation, intervention/negotiation.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) (noun) – The Permanent Court of Arbitration, established by treaty in 1899, is an intergovernmental organization providing a variety of dispute resolution services to the international community.

breach (verb) – violate, infringe, break.

obligation (noun) – duty/responsibility; necessity, necessary requirement.

convention (noun) – agreement, accord, protocol.

maritime (adjective) – of or related to the sea.

pay heed to (phrase) – pay attention to, take notice of, listen to.

unimpeded (adjective) – unrestricted, unblocked, unlimited.

freedom of navigation (FON) (noun) – a principle of customary (established ) international law that ships flying the flag of any sovereign state shall not suffer interference from other states, apart from the exceptions provided for in international law.

overflight (noun) – a passage of an aircraft over a particular area.

hubris (noun) – excessive pride, feeling of superiority/arrogance, self-confidence.

intolerant (adjective) – allergic, sensitive, hypersensitive; inflexible, dogmatic, uncompromising, unforgiving, unsympathetic.

weigh in (phrasal verb) – make a forceful contribution to an argument; influence, be important to.

tit-for-tat (phrase) – equivalent retaliation; counterattack, revenge, an eye for an eye.

posture (noun) – standpoint, position, perspective/approach.

aggression (noun) – hostility, belligerence, combativeness, warmongering, hawkishness.

redouble (verb) – make something more intense.

diplomatic (adjective) – (delicate & sensitive) consular, foreign-policy, political.

intransigence (noun) – refusal to change opinions/views or agree/compromise something.

toll (noun) – number, count, sum total (of deaths/casualties).

boycott (noun) – restriction, ban/bar, prohibition.

sanctions (noun) – action taken, or an order given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc (Courtesy: VOA Learning English).

justification (noun) – reason, rationale, premise, basis.

apartheid (noun) – racial segregation/discrimination system in (South Africa); prejudice, bias, bigotry/inequity (racial segregation).

hasten (verb) – speed up, accelerate, expedite.

arguably (adverb) – possibly, conceivably, maybe, potentially.

trigger (verb) – give rise to, cause, invoke, bring about.

in the aftermath of (phrase) – as a consequence of, as a result of.

nationalist (adjective) – patriotic.

ferment (noun) – fever, furore, storm, clamour.

come to (the) fore (phrase) – to become obvious; to become visible.

sovereignty (noun) – authority, supreme power, rule/raj.

transgress (verb) – breach, violate, disobey.

run its course (phrase) – come to an end, end, cease, terminate.

barely (adverb) – only a very short time before; only just, hardly.

dent (noun) – blow, damage; reduction, depletion.

prospects (noun) – chances, potential, opportunities (for success).

laud (verb) – praise, hail, applaud, acclaim.

compelling (adjective) – convincing, valid, reasonable.

mobilise (verb) – stimulate, galvanize, encourage, urge.

workforce (noun) – workers, employees.

emulate (verb) – imitate, follow, take as an example.

agility (noun) – cleverness, quickness, sharpness. (an ability to think cleverly & quickly).

much more (phrase) – a lot more.

parity (noun) – equality, uniformity, sameness, evenness.

watch (noun) – guard, vigil, observation, lookout.

resemble (verb) – look like, be similar to, be like.

ostracize (verb) – to deliberately exclude someone from a group (& to stop communicating with him/her); shun, ignore, reject, avoid, cast off, blacklist.

unleash (verb) – let loose, release, set free.

hostility (noun) – opposition, aversion, enmity, antipathy; unfriendliness, bitterness.

warm (adjective) – friendly, kind, sympathetic, affectionate, amiable.

gushing (adjective) – enthusiastic, unrestrained, unreserved, effusive.

pragmatic (adjective) – empirical, realistic/actual, practical.

shrewd (adjective) – clever, astute, wise.

diplomacy (noun) – statesmanship, statecraft; negotiation, discussion, talks.