#Biden Administration COVID-19 Agenda

[ngdrb]

The accomplishments of Joe Biden during his presidency

Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, assumed office at a pivotal moment in history, facing a myriad of challenges ranging from a global pandemic to economic uncertainty and social unrest.

Throughout his presidency, President Biden has pursued an ambitious agenda aimed at addressing these pressing issues and advancing key policy priorities. In this essay, we will examine some of the notable accomplishments of Joe Biden during his time in office and the impact of his leadership on the nation.

One of the most significant accomplishments of President Biden during his presidency has been his administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon taking office, President Biden made the pandemic a top priority and swiftly implemented a national strategy to combat the spread of the virus and accelerate the vaccination campaign.

Under his leadership, the administration successfully exceeded its initial goal of administering 100 million vaccine doses within the first 100 days, ultimately surpassing 200 million doses. This aggressive vaccination effort has been instrumental in curbing the spread of the virus and has contributed to a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases and deaths across the country.

 In addition to his focus on public health, President Biden has made substantial strides in revitalizing the American economy in the wake of the pandemic. The administration's American Rescue Plan, a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package, provided much-needed financial assistance to individuals, families, and businesses impacted by the economic downturn. The plan included direct stimulus payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, support for small businesses, and funding for vaccine distribution and testing. 

President Biden's economic agenda has also centered on job creation and infrastructure investment, culminating in the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a historic legislation that allocates substantial funding for modernizing the nation's infrastructure, creating millions of jobs, and bolstering economic growth. Furthermore, President Biden has been a vocal advocate for advancing racial equity and social justice in the United States. His administration has taken concrete steps to address systemic inequalities and promote inclusivity, including the signing of executive orders to combat discrimination, promote fair housing, and strengthen tribal sovereignty. 

Additionally, President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. These actions underscore the administration's commitment to confronting the legacy of racism and fostering a more equitable society for all Americans.

 Moreover, President Biden has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating climate change and advancing environmental sustainability.

 His administration rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change, signaling a renewed dedication to global cooperation in addressing the climate crisis. In November 2021, President Biden convened a virtual Leaders Summit on Climate, bringing together world leaders to discuss ambitious measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition to clean energy. 

Additionally, the administration has unveiled a comprehensive plan to invest in clean energy infrastructure, promote energy efficiency, and prioritize environmental justice, aiming to position the United States as a global leader in the fight against climate change. 

In the realm of foreign policy, President Biden has sought to reassert American leadership on the world stage and rebuild alliances with international partners. His administration has prioritized diplomacy and multilateral engagement, working to address global challenges such as nuclear proliferation, cybersecurity threats, and human rights abuses. 

President Biden has reaffirmed the United States' commitment to NATO and other key alliances, signaling a departure from the isolationist policies of the previous administration. His approach to foreign affairs has emphasized the importance of collaboration and collective action in tackling shared global concerns, fostering a more cohesive and cooperative international order. Furthermore, 

President Biden has been a steadfast proponent of expanding access to affordable healthcare and strengthening the Affordable Care Act. His administration has taken steps to bolster the ACA, including increasing enrollment outreach, expanding coverage options, and lowering healthcare costs for millions of Americans. 

President Biden has also championed efforts to address mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders, recognizing the critical importance of mental and behavioral health in overall well-being. 

In conclusion, President Joe Biden has achieved a range of significant accomplishments during his tenure in office, from his swift and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic to his ambitious efforts to revitalize the economy, promote racial equity, combat climate change, and reinvigorate America's role in global affairs. 

His leadership has been marked by a steadfast commitment to addressing pressing domestic and international challenges and advancing a progressive policy agenda aimed at fostering a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous future for the nation. As his presidency continues to unfold, the enduring impact of his accomplishments is likely to shape the trajectory of the United States for years to come, leaving a lasting imprint on the fabric of American society and the global community.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Peter Montgomery at RWW:

Musician and Christian nationalist political activist Sean Feucht, who is affiliated with the dominionist New Apostolic Reformation, will bring his trademark mixture of worship, spiritual warfare, and hard-right politics to the National Mall on Saturday, Oct 26.  Feucht, an ardent supporter of former president Donald Trump, recently claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign was benefiting from “some serious demonic sorcery witchcraft thing.” He has previously demonstrated a willingness to spread lies about the Biden administration. In a “prayer zoom” livestream Wednesday night, Feucht said Saturday’s gathering will be a chance to “do damage to the kingdom of darkness. “I feel like this is a strategic assignment,” he said. “I feel like God is sending us on assignment…This is a governmental assignment…I feel like God is sending us in as the Navy Seals of intercessors…There comes an hour in battle when you need the Navy Seal intercessors.”  One of Feucht’s colleagues called the event an opportunity for the “ekklesia”—a term dominionists use to signify the church as a governing body on Earth—to “declare the majesty and the dominion of your kingdom over the governments of men.” Feucht said the weekend would kick off with a few hundred people gathering inside the U.S. Capitol complex on Friday morning, followed by a “Jesus March” from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House at noon on Saturday and the main event at 4 p.m. “This will be the last major faith worship event on the National Mall just days before the election and we are so excited to see how God is going to use it to turn the tide in America,” Feucht told Trinity Broadcasting Network’s Erick Stakelbeck. Feucht’s event comes just two weeks after dominionist New Apostolic Reformation leaders gathered thousands of people on the National Mall for a political and spiritual warfare rally that culminated with an “apostolic decree” that Trump would win this year’s election. Feucht considers anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ activist Lou Engle, the organizer of the Oct. 12 rally, his spiritual mentor. 

Feucht is a missionary-musician associated with the controversial and influential megachurch Bethel in northern California. In 2020, his run for Congress ended with a defeat in the primary election in spite of endorsements from Charlie Kirk, Christian nationalist political operative David Lane, and NAR leaders Ché Ahn and Cindy Jacobs. But when COVID-19 struck, Feucht saw an opportunity to make a name for himself by leading public events in defiance of public health restrictions, dubbing them “Let Us Worship.” In 2020, Feucht was part of the pro-Trump boosterism engaged in by many Christian nationalist and dominionist religious-right leaders. When Trump was defeated, Feucht claimed that the incoming Biden administration was “carrying some of the most anti-Christ agenda and philosophy that maybe we have seen in the history of America” and he warned, “There is a mob spirit that wants us to bow down to the gods of secular liberalism … and if we don’t bow, we’re gonna be bullied, harassed, and threatened. We’re going to be censored. We’re going to banished from speaking in the public square.”

Far-right Christian Nationalist Sean Feucht will bring his Let Us Worship rally to DC’s National Mall this Saturday.

[mightyflamethrower]

Joe Biden polls at or below 40 percent approval. Historically, such unpopularity has made it almost impossible for a president to be reelected.

His age advances by the hour. His voice falters, his memory fades, and his gait is reduced to short steps, with his arms, winglike and in tandem, offering balance.

Biden is not so much an octogenarian as an unhealthy and prematurely aging 80-year-old. It is America’s irony that he is fit for almost no other job in the country other than President, which apparently allows for a 3-day-a-week ceremonial role while others in the shadows run the country.

So how does Biden become renominated and reelected, as polls show he is behind in almost every critical swing state on nearly every issue? Answer: not by campaigning, not by championing his record, and especially not by doubling down on his neo-socialist and now unpopular agendas.

Instead, his campaign is focused on four other strategies to beat Donald Trump.

First, left-wing local, state, and federal prosecutors are tying Trump up in court on crimes that have never been seen before and will never be again after the election. All the cases are politically motivated, with many coordinated with the White House.

Even if Trump is not convicted by blue-state prosecutors, in blue-state courtrooms, in front of blue-state juries, he will lose critical campaigning time.

Trump may end up paying out $1 billion in legal fees and fines. At 76, the monotonous days in court are designed to destroy him financially, physically, and mentally.

Biden and his operatives know that, in the long term, they may have fatally damaged the American legal system with such judicial sabotage. But short-term, they hope to destroy Trump before the ballots are cast.

Second, in his fourth year, Biden is suddenly selling government favors to special-interest voting blocs, or hoping to bring short-term relief to voters at the expense of long-term damage to the nation.

For elite college students and graduates, there are now billions of dollars in student-loan cancellations, despite a Supreme Court ruling declaring such targeted contractual amnesties illegal.

For consumers, before the election, Biden will likely drain the last drops from the critical Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lower gas prices—now sky-high due to his previous disastrous green policies.

If that is not enough, Biden has ordered Ukraine not to hit Russian oil facilities to avoid panic in the global petroleum markets before early and mail-in balloting begin.

Biden will quietly jawbone the Federal Reserve Bank to lower interest rates and reinflate the economy, despite his own creation of hyperinflation that caused interest rates to rise in the first place.

He will pander to Arab-American voters in swing-state Michigan by cutting arms deliveries to Israel, even as it seeks to destroy the killers of October 7.

And if that mollification is not sufficient to win Michigan, he will suddenly slap higher tariffs on imported Chinese electrical vehicles to win back apostate union auto workers.

Three, the left learned after 2016 that the only way to beat Trump is to change the way Americans vote.

So under the cover of the COVID-19 lockdown, the left sued in critical states to reduce Election Day to a mere construct, while 70 percent of voters mailed in their ballots or voted by early, rolling balloting over many weeks.

The key was the inability to fully authenticate votes, given the old practice of showing up on Election Day and presenting an ID was declared “racist.”

Four, Biden, as he did in 2020, will outsource his campaign to the media, 95 percent of which is left-wing. Talking televised heads will claim Biden is “sharp as a knife” while focusing on Trump’s tweets, Stormy Daniels, Michael Cohen, and lurid but irrelevant testimonies that permeate Trump’s court appearances.

Trump will continue to hold weekend-long, massive 100,000-person rallies, even in blue states. Meanwhile, Biden’s fixers in the media, administrative state, and legal community will counter that even with no crowds and no campaigning, Biden can win through 24/7 nonstop “October Surprises”—all summer long.

So expect more false “Russian collusion,” “laptop disinformation,” and “January 6 insurrection” hoaxes and their new replacements designed to smother the airwaves with salacious scandals nonstop.

Biden’s fading tenure is similar to the last sad months of Woodrow Wilson’s second term, when in 1919-20, the country was assured that a bedridden president was somehow hard at work, even as his wife, doctors, and handlers kept everyone else away.

Biden’s keepers do not seem to care about the president’s own failing health or his dismal polls. They discount his rare, anemic, and disastrous public appearances. They laugh off the huge Trump rallies. And they certainly could care less about the bad optics of pandering to special interests at the expense of the country or the damage done to the American legal and balloting systems.

Instead, Bidenites believe they can reelect an unhealthy, unpopular, and unsuccessful president by any means necessary.

And they may be right.

[badbirdnews]

The border surge has unleashed dangerous diseases on U.S. citizens.

Diseases like tuberculosis, chickenpox, polio, measles, malaria, leprosy, and even the dreaded Covid-19 are making their way into the country, brought in by the unchecked influx of immigrants. The Biden administration, however, seems to turn a blind eye to this impending disaster. Their immigration agenda remains indifferent to the harmful effects it has on the health and safety of U.S. citizens.

As these individuals pour across the border, they bring with them a myriad of dangerous diseases. Tuberculosis, a deadly respiratory illness, once again are becoming a rampant threat to public health. Chickenpox, a childhood disease that was once under control, is resurfacing in alarming numbers. Polio, a disease thought to be eradicated in the United States, finding its way back due to the lack of proper screening and vaccination protocols.

And let us not forget about the highly contagious measles, which is spreading like wildfire among vulnerable populations. Malaria, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, is becoming an endemic in certain areas of the America. Leprosy, a debilitating condition that causes nerve damage and disfigurement, is also making an unfortunate comeback.

And lastly, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of a failure to secure borders and enforce proper immigration protocols. Yet the Biden administration appears unconcerned about the potential for this virus to further ravage our nation. Their indifference is nothing short of alarming.

In the face of these threats, it is imperative that the Biden administration takes immediate action to address the potential health crisis at our borders. The safety and well-being of American citizens must be prioritized over political agendas. It is high time for our leaders to acknowledge the harmful effects their immigration policies are having on our nation and take decisive action to protect us all.

https://badbirdnews.com/the-border-surge-has-unleashed-dangerous-diseases-on-u-s-citizens/

[mariacallous]

For three years, I have been waiting for good news from Washington to share with Yvette Beatty.

Beatty, 63, is a home health aide in Philadelphia who has provided care for elderly adults and people with disabilities for nearly 40 years. Like most direct care workers, she earns very low wages despite the increasing demand for her essential work.

I first met Beatty in April 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. In our interviews, she shared with me the hardships she endured: the fear she faced as she risked her life going to work, and her daily struggle to afford basics like food and medicine for her family. “It is very hard.” she told me. “Thank God for noodles.” (You can listen to Beatty in her own words in this profile.)

Beatty questioned why leaders in Washington were not doing more to support underpaid yet essential care workers—the vast majority of whom, like her, are women and workers of color.

“With home health aides, we are struggling out here,” Beatty told me in April 2020. “This is a field everyone needs. They need our service. Why can’t we get wages that help us?”

Yvette Beatty: Listen to her own words in this profile.

Two weeks ago, President Joe Biden took important steps toward heeding Beatty’s call. In a Rose Garden ceremony, he signed a historic executive order with more than 50 directives for improving care jobs and expanding access to affordable child care and long-term care. In his remarks, President Biden thanked care workers like Beatty and said they “deserve jobs with good pay and good benefits.”

The new executive order is important for two key reasons. First, it demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to addressing three interrelated and critical challenges in the care sector: 1) the struggle that millions of American families face trying to access high-quality, affordable child care and long-term care for their loved ones; 2) the dire shortage of care workers who provide these services; and 3) the inadequate pay, benefits, and job quality that plague the sector. Because pay for care workers is so low, turnover is high, waitlists are long, and families are unable to find the care they need. In his Rose Garden remarks, President Biden framed the stakes in moral and economic terms, calling the issue “fundamental to who we are as a nation” and important to the entire economy.

To this end, the executive order directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Education to use their regulatory power to enhance the job quality and wages for long-term care workers, early educators, and child care workers. For instance, HHS could increase the pay and benefits for Head Start personnel, and the Education Department could encourage its grantees to increase wages for child care staff.

The second key reason for the executive order’s importance is that it harnesses the power of the executive branch at a time when progress in Congress has stalled. Early in his administration, President Biden proposed historic investments in the care sector as part of the Build Back Better agenda, including $400 billion for long-term care, $225 billion for child care, and $200 billion for early childhood education. However, the final version of this legislation signed into law (the Inflation Reduction Act) was ultimately a slimmed down version of Build Back Better that was stripped of any investments in care.

Now, with Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, any major legislation investing in care work seems unlikely for the foreseeable future. But by issuing an executive order on care work, President Biden was able to bypass Congress to make some progress through the executive branch and demonstrate continued support—albeit without bringing any new money to the issue.

Unfortunately, that lack of new money means that America’s care crisis will continue, despite the positive steps outlined in the executive order. Sizable federal and state investment is required to simultaneously improve care jobs and expand access to affordable, quality child care and long-term care. Unlike other low-wage sectors such as retail or fast food (where wages are responsive to labor market demand, as evidenced by fast-growing wages for in-demand leisure and hospitality workers), the hourly pay for workers providing direct long-term care is mainly financed through Medicaid (funded by both the federal and state governments) and restricted by (often inadequate) Medicaid reimbursement rates set by states. Even when demand for workers is high, as it is today, employers in the care sector have little room to raise pay or improve benefits to attract and retain staff, unless states increase Medicaid reimbursement rates and Congress and state governments invest additional money to finance pay bumps.

Recently, several states have made financial commitments to raise pay for care workers permanently. Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina, and New York have funded pay increases for direct care workers providing long-term services, including home health aides. And New Mexico, Washington, D.C., Maine, and Louisiana boosted pay for child care workers. While promising, these examples of state leadership remain the exception. A comprehensive and national solution to the care crisis requires federal action.

To Yvette Beatty, this issue isn’t partisan. “It isn’t a Democrat or a Republican thing,” she told me back in 2020. “It’s a ‘we’ thing.” She noted the appeal to voters in helping both families and workers. “Help the home health aides so we can continue to help our patients. If we can’t keep ourselves together, how are we going to keep our patients together?”

President Biden’s executive order and instances of state action show hopeful signs of progress on solving America’s care crisis. But major federal investment is needed, and I’m still waiting to call Beatty with good news that it’s coming. Three years ago, when I asked her how she would feel if leaders in Washington invested in care workers, she responded: “It would give us hope if they supported us. It would let us know we are appreciated. If the government could help us right now, it would feel beautiful.”

[theculturedmarxist]

Late 2021, I wrote a bombshell BMJ investigation that found data integrity problems in Pfizer’s COVID-19 clinical trial, based on internal documents provided by an American whistleblower. As the investigation took off on social media, Facebook began censoring it, leading to a back and forth between The BMJ and Facebook, as well as coverage in multiple outlets over “fact checkers” who check narratives—not facts.

New emails released during litigation against the Biden administration now explain Facebook’s move to target The BMJ. Months prior to The BMJ’s investigation, a Facebook employee emailed White House officials Andy Slavitt and Rob Flaherty, detailing how the social media giant would reduce virality of vaccine stories that might discourage the administration’s vaccine policies even if they contained “true content.”

“As you know, in addition to removing vaccine misinformation, we have been focused on reducing virality of content discouraging vaccines that does not contain actionable misinformation,” reads the Facebook email to White House officials Slavitt and Flaherty. “This is often-true content….”

Facebook’s new policy came after the White House had pressured them to control information that might harm Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine policy. Months after agreeing to aid the administration, Facebook’s fact checker faulted The BMJ for “missing context” although they found no factual errors.

Pushing Facebook to attack the press violates the free press clause of the First Amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

“The government can’t get around the First Amendment by coercing, pressuring, or cajoling private companies to censor Americans for expressing views of which the government disapproves,” emailed Jenin Younes, litigation counsel at New Civil Liberties Alliance, who is suing the federal government along with the attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana. “But Rob Flaherty’s emails demonstrate that the Biden administration intentionally sought to suppress true content that it believed threatened the administration’s agenda.”

[beardedmrbean]

Dozens of House Democrats joined with their Republican colleagues on Wednesday in a vote to require the White House to assess the inflationary effect of President Biden’s executive orders before they are issued.

The bill is the latest effort by Republicans to pump the brakes on Biden administration policies that they say are causing the highest inflation levels seen in decades. But the bill was also supported by 59 Democrats, and easily passed in a 272-148 vote.

Under the bill, any executive order that has an annual budgetary effect of $1 billion or more would have to first be studied by the administration for its possible inflationary effects on the economy, which Republicans say would make Biden think twice about imposing costly new rules on the public.

REPUBLICANS BLAST BIDEN AFTER LATEST INFLATION REPORT, SAY PRESIDENT ‘LIVING IN AN ALTERNATE REALITY’

The bill passed over objections from Democrats who rejected GOP arguments that Washington policies – either in the form of edicts from the Biden administration or massive waves of new federal spending by Congress – have caused inflation. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., blamed the higher costs faced by millions of Americans on COVID and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

"The global spike in inflation has been caused by food and fuel disruptions resulting from the illegal and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as auto part supply shortages connected to the COVID-19 pandemic," she said in Tuesday debate. "There is no evidence that government spending or executive orders by President Biden have increased inflation."

Other Democrats insisted that massive spending bills like the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and the $700+ billion Inflation Reduction Act helped to tame inflation, even though some economists have said those and other bills pumped up demand by flooding the country with more money in a way that drove inflation higher.

GOING BLACK, NOT GREEN: CURBING US OIL, GAS PRODUCTION WOULD HURT THE ENVIRONMENT, REPORT FINDS

"Because of the American Rescue Plan and the actual Inflation Reduction Act that Democrats passed last year, our country's inflation rate is now lower than in the U.K., Canada, and 20 other European Union member states," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

Republicans have vowed to control congressional spending now that they run the House and argued that Biden also needs to be put in check because he is too casually issuing orders that lead to higher prices for Americans. The GOP has cited two examples of Biden executive orders that have had inflationary effects – one that revoked the Keystone XL pipeline permit, and another in late 2021 that requires the government to move toward buying only electric-only vehicles over the next decade.

"Pushing one big-spending policy after another, President Biden has continued to throw fuel on the inflationary fire," said House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., a sponsor of the bill. "That fire is rapidly consuming the wages of our constituents. They have had to pay higher and higher prices for everything from eggs to electricity, all while inflation pushes their real wages further and further behind."

STEFANIK SLAMS PENTAGON FOR LATE REVIEW OF DIVERSITY OFFICIAL: ‘COVERUP OF THEIR RADICAL WOKE AGENDA’

"The REIN IN Act ensures that costly actions the President decides to take solely under his own authority through executive orders will not go into effect until he is informed of and considers the potential inflationary effects," Comer added. "The hope is the president, once he is informed of and understands the potential for inflationary harm from his own policy initiatives, will think twice about inflicting such harm."

Another sponsor, House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York, said families are getting crushed by inflation that’s hitting nearly everything they buy, and that Congress needs to pass the bill to force Biden to recognize it.

"During the past 2 years of one party, far-left, radical, socialist Democrat rule in Washington led by President Joe Biden, inflation has skyrocketed to the highest level in my lifetime," she said. "You talk to any family, any small business, any farmer, any manufacturer, and they will say that the inflation that they are suffering from is crippling their businesses, crippling their family budgets."

[docmerry]

Health is on the Ballot This November-Global Health

The 2024 US presidential election will have a vast effect on the health and lives of US residents as well as on many people abroad. The two major candidates hold markedly different views and agendas across global health policy issues.

COVID-19 Pandemic

The actions taken by the Trump Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic can most charitably be described as a mixed bag. He advocated unscientific treatments like the antiparasitic medication Ivermectin against the advice of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He held frequent “super spreader” campaign events against the advice of Dr. Tony Fauci, our preeminent infectious disease expert.

Trump announced that the US was withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 2020, based on claims that were false, misleading, and unsubstantiated. The Biden Administration immediately reestablished our membership in WHO in 2021.

On the other hand, the Trump Administration allocated $18 billion to Operation Warp Speed to speed up the development of highly effective COVID-19 vaccines that the FDA authorized within a year. In pharmaceutical terms that is warp speed. Despite a lot of pushback from sceptics, eventually enough people were vaccinated to allow us to come out of lockdown.

Isolation is not Insulation

U.S. foreign assistance makes up less than 1% of our national budget and includes support for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, family planning, neglected tropical diseases, maternal and child health. This funding not only saves lives, it also contributes to global political and economic security and stability. President Trump’s budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2018 called for reducing foreign assistance for global health down from $8.5 billion to $6.5 billion. That is a 24% reduction in spending.

Biden’s budget request for FY2025 includes $9.8 billion for global health. The administration is negotiating with WHO to form a WHO Pandemic Agreement with 194 member states that would address some of the gaps in the COVID-19 response.

At the United Nations General Assembly (UN) meeting in late September, philanthropist Bill Gates reported that because of advances in nutrition and access to vaccines in low-income countries, deaths of children under five years old have dropped from 10 million down to 5 million per year since the turn of the century. The UN’s goals are to cut that number in half again by 2030.

Global access to vaccines initiative (GAVI)

Now, Gavi is preparing to support countries to recover from lost progress on routine immunization due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gavi is gearing up to deepen efforts to reach all children who have not received any doses of vaccines, introducing new life-saving malaria vaccines, and supports the sustainable growth of vaccine manufacturing in Africa. 

Why build vaccine manufacturing in Africa?

While that might sound like the set up to a why Willie Sutton robbed banks joke, Gavi has good reason to avoid counting on biotech companies like Moderna to supply vaccines.

There’s also a horrific and, frankly, racist narrative that countries in Africa won’t be able to use the vaccine. Now that’s certainly true when you just dump a lot of leftover vaccines. I know one small area in Africa that got seven different vaccines with short expiration dates, no planning, no predictable supply. So yeah, in that situation you’ll have problems. Dr. Tom Freiden, President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives; Director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the Obama Administration.

Over one billion dollars of taxpayer money and the expertise of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) scientists allowed Moderna to develop it’s COVID-19 vaccine. Then they refused to share that technology with the rest of the world. It’s morally inexcusable, but they have come up with excuses, all of which are untrue.

“We can’t transfer technology because we don’t have enough staff.” They have chosen not to have enough staff.

“We can’t transfer technology because it takes 12-18 months to scale up.” It took one partner of theirs, Lanza, between three and six months, depending on how you count it.

“Africa can’t use the vaccine effectively.” Africans have much less vaccine hesitancy than people in the US and most Western countries. They have a greater ability to run vaccination campaigns because it is something they do regularly.

To be sure, Moderna, which started up in 2010, has always been a bit sleazy. In February 2016, a Nature article criticized Moderna for not publishing any peer-reviewed articles on its technology, unlike most emerging and established biotech companies. In May 2020, Moncef Slaoui resigned from the board of directors of the company to take the lead on “Operation Warp Speed” during the Trump Administration. Slaui continued to hold more than $10 million in stock options while the federal government invested $483 million to assist Moderna in vaccine trials.

Aside from the intuitive pleasure derived from bending the arc of the moral universe by lifting disease burden, there is the added benefit of creating more political and economic stability.

Issues on the Table Right Now

COVID-19 has revealed inequalities in the world's healthcare delivery system. It did not create them. The need is critical and the world is responding.

Polio vaccines are being distributed in Gaza. It is not enough, but it is a start.

Two new malaria vaccines are being rolled out.  As the parasite becomes more resistant to anti-malarial drugs and mosquitos develop resistance to pesticides, prevention is our best hope for saving lives. Currently, our best option for prevention in a timely manner is vaccination.

Gavi also helped introduce new vaccines to fight two of the most deadly diseases for kids: pneumonia and diarrhea. As mentioned previously, two new vaccines to fight malaria that are being used widely in countries like Ghana. Malaria kills more than 600,000 people a year, mostly children in Africa. Gavi is preparing to support over 20 African countries to introduce these ground-breaking vaccines.

The US took a big step in helping put this plan into action. At the June 2024 Gavi pre-replenishment meeting in Paris, the U.S. pledged at least $1.58 billion for Gavi over the next five years. This is an excellent way to ensure the project has funding stability. That is critical to achieve goals beyond an immediate crisis.

A bipartisan Gavi resolution (H.Res.1286 / S.Res.684) provides a multi-year commitment to Gavi to ensure access to lifesaving vaccines and work towards ending preventable child and maternal deaths.

My Take:

Given that the Trump Administration withdrew from WHO early in the COVID pandemic when it became clear that it was not going to be "gone by Easter". Neither the WHO Pandemic Agreement nor Gavi will receive robust funding in a second Trump term.

Global health is not a zero-sum game. The return on investment in life expectancy, productivity, and stability with adequate funding on global health is enormous. In many ways Health is on the Ballot this November.

[getfast]

How Biden Testing Positive for COVID-19 Affects His Presidency?

In a significant development, President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19. This diagnosis not only has immediate implications for his health but also raises important questions about how Biden COVID circumstances will impact his presidency and the broader political landscape. Let’s explore what this means for Biden, his administration, and the nation.

A Personal Health Challenge

President Biden’s health is the foremost concern following his positive COVID-19 test. At 81 years old, he is in a higher risk category for complications. Although he is reportedly experiencing only mild symptoms and is adhering to medical advice, his case highlights the persistent and unpredictable nature of the virus. The President’s personal encounter with COVID-19 underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and public health measures.

In a recent statement, Biden has reassured the public that he is isolating and continuing to work remotely. This approach aligns with public health recommendations and demonstrates his commitment to managing his health while minimizing disruption. The situation serves as a poignant reminder of the personal toll of Biden COVID and the broader implications for those in similar high-risk categories.

Impact on Presidential Duties

The immediate impact of Biden’s COVID-19 diagnosis is the logistical challenge of maintaining presidential duties. As he isolates at the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris and other senior officials will step in to ensure the executive branch remains functional. Despite the technology that enables remote work, the President’s absence from in-person engagements could temporarily shift the focus of government activities and public attention.

The Biden COVID situation illustrates the complexities of maintaining presidential duties under such circumstances. The U.S. political system is well-prepared to handle such scenarios, with established protocols to ensure continuity and stability. Nonetheless, Biden’s COVID-19 diagnosis may cause delays in critical initiatives and affect how the administration navigates both domestic and international issues.

Political and Public Perception

Biden’s COVID-19 diagnosis could significantly influence public perception and political discourse. As a prominent advocate for vaccinations and health measures, the Biden COVID situation might spark renewed discussions about his administration’s pandemic policies. Critics may use this as an opportunity to question the effectiveness of current strategies, while supporters might highlight the unpredictability of the virus and the importance of adhering to public health measures.

The timing of this diagnosis could also impact the broader political narrative. With Biden’s administration grappling with key issues, including legislative priorities and international relations, his illness might shift media coverage and public debate. The Biden COVID diagnosis could affect his ability to drive his agenda forward and influence how the public and political opponents view his leadership during this critical period.

Legislative and Diplomatic Impact

The President’s temporary absence could affect legislative and diplomatic efforts. Key negotiations and policy initiatives might face delays, and the administration’s push for certain legislative goals could encounter obstacles. On the international stage, Biden’s absence might influence scheduled meetings and negotiations, potentially altering U.S. foreign policy dynamics.

Despite these challenges, the administration is likely to adapt and continue its work despite the President’s temporary absence. The executive branch has robust procedures for managing such disruptions, ensuring that government functions proceed smoothly. However, the Biden COVID situation underscores the broader implications of health issues on the functioning of the highest office in the land.

Moving Forward

As President Biden focuses on his recovery from COVID-19, the emphasis will be on managing both his health and the continuity of government operations. His experience with the virus highlights the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and the need for continued public health efforts.

For now, we wish President Biden a swift and smooth recovery. This situation serves as a reminder of the personal and political dimensions of navigating a global pandemic. Stay tuned for updates on Biden’s health and the broader implications for his presidency as we continue to follow this evolving story. Read More

[sa7abnews]

Kamala Harris to Call For ‘Price Gouging’ Ban on Food and Groceries

New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/16/kamala-harris-to-call-for-price-gouging-ban-on-food-and-groceries/

Kamala Harris to Call For ‘Price Gouging’ Ban on Food and Groceries

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will call for a federal ban on food and grocery price gouging as part of a broader set of proposals intended to reduce consumer costs, her campaign said in a preview of the first policy speech of her nascent presidential bid.

The Democratic nominee is promising to target price gouging and price-fixing within her first 100 days in office, along with other measures to ease the burden of high prices that have weighed on American households and contributed to many voters’ low marks for President Joe Biden’s handling of the economy.

Read More: Yes, Inflation Is Going Down. But Here’s Why Prices Aren’t

Harris plans to direct the Federal Trade Commission and other agencies to investigate and penalize “big corporations” that violate the rules, and to find other ways of tackling price fixing and other anti-competitive practices in the food and grocery industries, her campaign said late Wednesday night.

While price controls have a checkered history in the U.S,, Harris’ team is working to quickly add some proposals to the Biden administration’s achievements and goals, which are at the core of her campaign agenda. She will also detail plans to cut prescription drug and housing costs in an economic address during a visit to Raleigh, North Carolina on Friday.

Former President Donald Trump has made inflation, which spiked early in the Biden administration as the Covid-19 crisis wore on, a centerpiece of his argument that he should be returned to the White House. The Republican candidate and his allies cite Democratic spending programs as a source of the surge in prices for food, gasoline and many other items. 

The Trump campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read More: Harris Will Face the GOP’s Same Old Inflation Playbook

While Harris understands that “price fluctuations are normal in free markets,” her campaign said there is “a big difference between fair pricing in competitive markets, and excessive prices unrelated to the costs of doing business.” 

Americans, the campaign added, “can see that difference in their grocery bills” as prices have stayed high even as corporations’ costs have leveled off and their profits have stayed high.

Harris, in her speech, will specifically single out the highly consolidated meat industry, deeming its processing middlemen “particularly egregious” price fixers with a history of being found to have illegally controlled prices.

She also plans to direct her administration to carefully scrutinize proposed mergers between large food companies with an emphasis on considering whether they will result in higher grocery prices for consumers. That work would include continuing to examine the proposed merger between Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos., which faces challenges from the FTC and several states.

The Harris campaign argues that her proposals “stand in stark contrast” to Trump’s economic agenda, which it said “would increase inflation and costs for middle-class families” by levying tariffs on imports of household goods including groceries.

[influencermagazineuk]

Starmer Convenes First Cabinet Meeting with New Ministers

Sir Keir Starmer convened his cabinet for the first time on Saturday morning, following his decisive electoral victory centered on rebuilding public trust in politics and leading a service-oriented government. The new Prime Minister has appointed several prominent experts to key ministerial positions, demonstrating his commitment to embedding deep policy expertise at the core of his administration. Among these appointments are James Timpson, a respected businessman known for his work in prisoner rehabilitation, who now serves as prisons minister. Sir Patrick Vallance, formerly the government’s chief scientific adviser during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been appointed as the science minister. In a notable decision, Starmer chose not to appoint Emily Thornberry, his former shadow attorney-general, to the equivalent role in his government. Instead, he named Richard Harmer KC, a distinguished human rights lawyer, to the position. Timpson, Vallance, and Harmer are set to be elevated to the peerage. Starmer’s Labour government, the first in 14 years, faces immediate challenges such as resolving doctors’ pay negotiations. Additionally, plans are underway for a significant overhaul of the planning system, aimed at catalyzing a much-needed housebuilding surge. Upon entering Downing Street on Friday, Sir Keir Starmer delivered his inaugural speech as Prime Minister, vowing to mend the fractured trust between the public and politicians through concrete actions rather than mere words. He emphasized prioritizing economic growth as a key agenda. Starmer is also preparing for next week’s Nato summit, where he will engage with global leaders including US President Joe Biden. President Biden congratulated Starmer on his election victory during a phone call, reaffirming the special relationship between the US and the UK in support of freedom and democracy worldwide, according to the White House. Additionally, Starmer spoke with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris on Friday, reaffirming his commitment to the Good Friday Agreement. In his initial appointments, Starmer named Rachel Reeves as Chancellor, David Lammy as Foreign Secretary, and Yvette Cooper as Home Secretary—roles they previously held in opposition. Rachel Reeves assumes her role amidst challenges of stagnant economic growth, mounting public debt, and the highest peacetime tax burden. She addressed Treasury staff on Friday, outlining her vision for leading the most pro-growth finance department and supporting Labour’s industrial strategy aimed at revitalizing investment. "This Treasury will fully participate in a new era of industrial strategy," Reeves affirmed. Labour maintained a campaign pledge this year not to increase income tax, national insurance, or VAT in government, adhering to stringent fiscal rules. However, the party may need to consider raising other taxes, borrowing, or reducing public services if economic growth cannot be stimulated. Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, as the new government prepares to unveil reforms aimed at promoting development in the coming days, part of their commitment to revitalize the construction sector. Wes Streeting, newly appointed Health Secretary, is scheduled to meet with representatives from the British Medical Association (BMA) next week in efforts to resolve a deadlock that has led to 11 strikes by junior doctors in England over the past two years. Streeting engaged with the BMA during the election campaign earlier this year. Officials express growing confidence in the government's ability to negotiate a deal that falls short of the BMA's demand for a 35% pay increase, possibly agreeing to phased salary raises over several years. Addressing the situation on Friday, Streeting affirmed, "We pledged during the campaign to initiate negotiations urgently, and that is precisely what we are doing." Read the full article

[plethoraworldatlas]

An alliance of unionized rail workers on Tuesday demanded that the U.S. Senate reject President Joe Biden's nomination of former Trump administration official Ronald Batory to serve on the board of Amtrak, the nation's passenger rail company.

In a statement, Railroad Workers United (RWU) said Batory's tenure as head of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under former President Donald Trump "was marked by policies favoring 'operational efficiencies' (i.e., corporate profits) over the safety and well-being of rail workers and the public."

"Notably, under his leadership, FRA attempted to override state laws mandating two-person train crews, promoting instead the adoption of single-person crews nationally," said RWU. "This push was part of a broader deregulation agenda, ostensibly aimed at reducing operational costs for the monopoly of carriers at the potential expense of safety and labor protections."

"Moreover, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Batory oversaw the FRA's issuance of emergency waivers that suspended numerous long-standing safety regulations," the group added. "These waivers were granted rapidly with limited opportunity for stakeholder input, raising significant concerns among rail labor organizations about their sweeping breadth and the lack of stringent oversight, which could compromise rail safety and worker security."

The statement urges rail workers across the country to contact their senators and demand they block Batory's nomination.

"His record clearly demonstrates a prioritization of carrier profits over the safety of rail workers and the traveling public," said RWU, calling the Senate to "derail Batory."

[arpov-blog-blog]

...."Based on conversations with campaign staff during theGrio’s day trip to Biden-Harris HQ, it’s clear that the campaign is projecting a sense of strength and confidence in the president’s chances of winning reelection despite reported concerns about his age and polls showing some Black voters aren’t yet sold on casting their ballots for another four years of Biden and Harris.

The campaign’s strategy in combating disillusionment among Black voters is to employ a “persuasion campaign” by reminding them what the Biden-Harris administration has done for Black communities. Through early investments in ads and paid media, the campaign is targeting eight battleground states where there are significant Black populations that could tip the scale in favor of the president and vice president: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Florida.

The campaign’s strategy in combating disillusionment among Black voters is to employ a “persuasion campaign” by reminding them what the Biden-Harris administration has done for Black communities. Through early investments in ads and paid media, the campaign is targeting eight battleground states where there are significant Black populations that could tip the scale in favor of the president and vice president: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Florida.

“This is not, for me, the lesser of two evils. Joe Biden absolutely deserves to be reelected,” said former U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, the campaign’s national co-chair. “I think he has earned the African-American vote due to his actions, deeds, and accomplishments.”

The campaign co-chair noted that rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court and the lower courts and obstruction from Republicans in Congress have prevented the Biden-Harris White House from fully executing its plan to make life more equitable for Black communities.  

“We put $5 billion in for Black farmers who had been systemically discriminated against from the Department of [Agriculture]. The [federal] court blocked it,” said Richmond, who also noted, “The Supreme Court blocked student loans.” 

He said Congress, where Democrats needed at least 60 U.S. senators to vote in favor of Biden’s policies, “blocked voting rights” and “blocked the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.” He added that after both moves, Biden “went and did as much as he possibly could by executive order.” 

Team Biden-Harris is also going on the offensive. Ahead of tonight’s State of the Union address, the campaign deployed a bevy of talking points about how Trump as president failed Black Americans, including shepherding a spike in the Black unemployment rate, issuing tax cuts that primarily benefited white, wealthy households, and damaging Black businesses through his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign also recalled Trump’s repeated proposals or attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which has expanded health care access for millions of Black Americans, and slash the budgets for Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, and food stamps. 

In a memo provided to theGrio, the Biden-Harris campaign also listed the actions Trump would take if reelected. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, crafted the so-called “Project 25” agenda for a second Trump administration. As The New York Times reported, Trump, with the help of this presidential transition operation led by Heritage, aims to purge the federal government of career civil servants and replace agency staff with people who would be more politically loyal to him. "

[thxnews]

US Leads Global Health Security Efforts: Annual Report

Introduction

In an era profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious disease outbreaks, the Biden-Harris Administration's release of the Global Health Security Partnerships Annual Progress Report marks a significant step. This detailed report emphasizes the United States' unwavering commitment to enhancing global health security. It highlights the nation's pivotal role in establishing and supporting resilient health systems worldwide, demonstrating how these efforts contribute to a safer, more secure global health landscape.  

Expanding Global Health Security Partnerships

A Commitment to Worldwide Health By 2025, the United States aspires to assist over 50 countries in fortifying their health systems. This ambitious initiative is in line with the objectives set by the International Health Regulations and the Global Health Security Agenda's 2024 target. In the past year, the scope of US partnerships expanded to include 25 countries, focusing on enhancing disease surveillance, improving biosafety, optimizing emergency operations, and providing comprehensive training and support to health workers. These partnerships are a testament to the United States' dedication to strengthening global health security.   A Whole-of-Government Approach In its pursuit of global health security, the United States employs a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy. Importantly, this approach unites the efforts of various government departments, including the State Department, of Health and Human Services, the Agency for International Development, the Department of Defense, and others. Consequently, this collaborative strategy, bolstered by an investment of nearly $800 million in 2022, a significant increase from the previous fiscal year, showcases a profound commitment to enhancing health systems globally. Furthermore, these investments and the collective efforts of different government bodies underscore the United States' determination to lead in global health security initiatives. Notably, this unified approach reflects the nation's dedication to fostering a safer, healthier world.  

Delivering Results from United States Investments

Impactful Outcomes The latest report underlines the tangible and impactful outcomes of US investments in global health. It particularly notes that seven partner countries have demonstrated significant improvements in their ability to manage infectious diseases. This progress spans various areas, including enhancing zoonotic disease control, bolstering national laboratory capacities, improving emergency preparedness, and refining risk communication strategies. These successes underscore the effectiveness and importance of the partnerships formed under this initiative.   Case Studies of Success The report provides several compelling case studies that exemplify the success of these health initiatives. For instance, in Burkina Faso, the development of standard operating procedures for airports has improved the detection and management of ill travelers, enhancing the country's ability to respond to health emergencies. In Vietnam, the doubling of healthcare facilities enrolled in a national surveillance network for healthcare-associated infections represents a significant advancement in disease monitoring and control. These examples vividly demonstrate how strategic investment and collaboration in health systems lead to substantial improvements in pandemic preparedness and effective disease response.  

Spurring Other Donors and Multilateral Partners to Act

Fostering International Collaboration The United States is not solely focused on expanding its bilateral partnerships; it is also actively encouraging a more inclusive global collaboration. This involves persuading other countries and organizations to commit to the global health security agenda. The US continues to play a pivotal role in supporting initiatives like the Pandemic Fund at the World Bank, where it serves as a founding Board Member and the largest contributor. These efforts underscore the US's role as a global leader in health security, dedicated to fostering international cooperation and solidarity.   Building a Stronger Future Together The Administration's efforts are in line with the broader objectives set by the G7, emphasizing the importance of collective action and international cooperation. By working closely with international partners, the US aims to strengthen the overall global health security architecture. This includes engaging in ongoing negotiations to amend the International Health Regulations and develop a Pandemic Accord, ensuring a more robust and effective global response to health emergencies. The Administration's commitment to these goals highlights its dedication to building a stronger, more resilient global health system.  

And finally

The Biden-Harris Administration's report is a compelling testament to the United States' leadership role in global health security. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and a commitment to international cooperation, the US demonstrates its dedication to preventing and responding to infectious diseases. This approach not only protects American citizens but also contributes significantly to the health and safety of people worldwide. The report illustrates that collaborative efforts and shared commitments are essential for making significant strides in safeguarding global health.   Sources: THX News & The White House. Read the full article

[economytody01]

What Are The Potential Political Consequences Of Hunter Biden's Indictment?

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was indicted on tax and gun charges in September 2023. The indictment is a source of concern for both Democrats and Republicans, as it has the potential to have a significant impact on the political landscape.

Potential Impact On Democrats

The indictment could damage the Democratic Party's reputation and make it more difficult for Democrats to win elections in 2022 and 2024. Republicans are already using the indictment to attack Biden and the Democratic Party, and they are likely to continue to do so throughout the 2024 election cycle.

The indictment could also distract Biden from his agenda and make it more difficult for him to govern effectively. Biden is already facing a number of challenges, including inflation, the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If the indictment leads to a conviction, or if it forces Biden to spend more time and energy on his son's legal case, it could make it more difficult for him to address these challenges.

Potential Impact On Republicans

The indictment could also energize Republican voters and make it easier for Republicans to win elections in 2022 and 2024. Republicans are already highly motivated to defeat Biden in 2024, and the indictment could give them an additional boost.

The indictment could also help Republicans to raise money and recruit candidates. Republican donors may be more likely to open their wallets if they believe that the indictment will help them to defeat Biden in 2024. And the indictment could make it easier for Republicans to recruit candidates, as it could give them a strong issue to run on.

Overall Impact

The potential political consequences of Hunter Biden's indictment are significant. The indictment could damage the Democratic Party's reputation, make it more difficult for Biden to govern effectively, and energize Republican voters. It is too early to say definitively how the indictment will impact the political landscape, but it is clear that it has the potential to have a major impact.

Here are some specific ways in which Hunter Biden's indictment could impact the political landscape:

Damage the Democratic Party's reputation: The indictment could damage the Democratic Party's reputation by casting doubt on the party's judgment and character. This could make it more difficult for Democrats to win over voters, especially those who are undecided or who are inclined to vote for a Republican candidate.

Make it more difficult for Biden to govern effectively: The indictment could also make it more difficult for Biden to govern effectively by distracting him from his agenda and forcing him to spend more time and energy on his son's legal case. This could hurt his approval ratings and make it more difficult for him to win re-election in 2024.

Energize Republican voters: The indictment could energize Republican voters, who are already highly motivated to defeat Biden in 2024. Republicans may use the indictment to argue that Biden is a corrupt and incompetent leader. They may also use it to attack Biden's son, who is a controversial figure in his own right. This could make it more difficult for Biden to win re-election, especially in states where the Republican base is large and active.

It is important to note that these are just potential impacts. The actual impact of Hunter Biden's indictment on the political landscape will depend on a number of factors, including the outcome of the indictment, the overall political climate in the United States, and the performance of the Biden administration.