#National Partnership For Women and Families

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Ryan Adamczeski at The Advocate:

The majority of Black women of reproductive age in the United States live in areas that restrict access to abortion, a new report has found. Out of the 11.8 million Black women between the ages of 15 and 49, 57 percent (6.7 million) have little to no abortion access, according to a study from the National Partnership for Women & Families (NPWF) and In Our Own Voice.

Of the Black women in states that prohibit abortion, 43 percent live in just three states — Florida, Georgia, and Texas. 2.7 million are already “economically insecure” and 1.4 million work service jobs where wages are lower and sick days are not mandatory. "Nearly two years later, the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade continues to significantly harm millions of people across the nation, impeding their access to abortion, disrupting their economic futures, and putting their health and even their lives at risk," the report states. "The impact of this decision is particularly harmful for women of color, who are less likely to have access to high-quality, culturally competent health care and face greater economic barriers to getting abortion care." The report noted that "abortion bans and the harms caused by Dobbs are especially egregious in light of this country’s ongoing maternal health crisis." Black women and birthing people are three times more likely to die in childbirth as compared to white women and birthing people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to a study conducted jointly between National Partnership for Women and Families and In Our Own Voice, a majority of Black women of reproductive age live in areas that don’t have access to abortion services.

The 2022 Dobbs ruling exacerbated those harms even further.

See Also:

HuffPost: Report Shows How The Fall Of Roe Will Hit Millions Of Black Women

[did-we-imagine]

Not a lawyer, but as a north african person, religious/conservative opinions aside, I feel that someone saying they don't want to marry their SO ever is a redflag. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Marriage normally secures both partners' rights esp the SAHMs...

However, I highly advise women NOT to put their careers on hold while men accumulate wealth and assets in GENERAL, and PARTICULARLY in my country/countries with similar laws, the assets aren't split evenly and while you can get some financial support, it will be meager (more commonly child support, alimony is not as easy to get, and many men will drive the wives to FILE for divorce to renounce their rights to financial support by them 🙂), AND you are only entitled to assets that you LEGALLY own (have boughy by yourself or the spouse declares that it is a shared property when acquiring it) though you may stay in the house (as long as the kids are minors, you aren't its owner), and btw, even this the men begrudge and resent lol. Obviously, cohabiting is not even an option here (illegal), but I guess in western countries it's definitely the less financially/socially beneficial variant of marriage. There is a reason why marriage is more secure than unmarried cohabiting in general.

I've seen women complain that their SOs refused to marry them even after having kids and spending 5 years+ together. I don't think that it's insane on these ladies' part to question their partners' intentions, despite their claiming that marriage is just a paper blah blah blah. If marriage really is just a meaningless piece of paper, then why don't you want to sign it? What is it going to change...? Imagine laboring emotionally and physically, enabling your other half to reach a certain level of material comfort and then being ditched with 0 claims to any of it.🤡

It's funny how those who wear rose tinted glasses will call me a cynical materialist or whatever, BUT it's the truth, and I'd fucking rather you know it right now rather than 20-30 years down the road as you get kicked out because the other person is leaving for a "younger/hotter" sugar babe OR they end up dying & their fam takes everything, leaving you in the dirt

My concluding 2 cts: if you are in a serious relationship that might result in marriage, consult a local lawyer to write a pre-nup, know your rights/duties, AND assume that the worst COULD happen, don't let the butterflies in your stomach tell you otherwise. People change. People can have bad intentions they HIDE until they get what they want. If someone refuses this and plays mindgames by questioning "your trust in them", run for the fucking hills because they are guilt tripping you lol. Being a SAHM long term is a very risky gamble IMO esp if the marriage laws don't guarantee you a minimum of the assets (just 20-30% is good, considering my country's law doesn't even do this) OR you aren't married, and even without assuming the worst of the breadwinning person, in the event of their death...How will you fare after 10+ years out of the job market, with very likely little qualifications or OLD ones?

this might be because I’m a family law lawyer and also an old crone who remembers when marriage equality wasn’t a thing (as in, marriage equality only became nation-wide two months before I went to law school), but I have Strong Feelings about the right to marry and all the legal benefits that come with it

like I’m all for living in sin until someone says they don’t want to get married because it’s ~too permanent~ and in the same breath start talking about having kids or buying a house with their significant other. then I turn into a 90-year-old passive-aggressive church grandma who keeps pointedly asking when the wedding is. “yes, a divorce is very sad and stressful, but so is BEING HOMELESS BECAUSE YOU’RE NOT ENTITLED TO EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF MARITAL PROPERTY, CAROLINE!”

[museum-spaces]

There has been a recent surge in repatriation/give everything back posts in Museum Tumblr so I thought I would share a story I found out about recently.

Background; I did some volunteer work for the Canadian Museum Association that included looking pretty in depth at a few exhibitions from 2023. One of them really caught my eye because it goes into an aspect of Originating Cultural Relationships that I don't see reflected in the public sector a lot even though its not that uncommon among my coworkers.

So back in the 1860s the Prince of Wales was gifted a series of baskets from the Michi Saagiig [Mississauga] women. These were a gift and have remained in the Royal Collection Trust ever since.

It is agreed upon by all parties that the Royal Collection is doing a good job caring for the baskets. However, the baskets still represent the women, the ancestors, who made them. They are family. And the living Michi Saagiig missed their grandmothers and aunts.

So the Peterborough Museum and Archives [Peterborough Canada, not the one in the UK] worked out a temporary loan from the Royal Trust Collection to bring the ancestors back 'for a visit' to their ancestral lands of Nogojwanong-Peterborough.

This was facilitated by the Museum, but the partnership was multi way, between Hiawaitha First Nation, Mississauga Nation, Museum, and the Trust.

This exhibition ran from April to November last year and was ALWAYS meant to be a 'visit' - that language is deliberate. The baskets came home for a visit before returning to their new home in the UK.

here's an article about it

Now, from a layman's perspective this might seem like a small victory - the baskets, the makakoons, didn't even stay in Hiawatha which is the modern location of the village they were made in. And it was only a few months, but still cool. Still pretty neat.

But from my perspective this is MASSIVE. This means that the ROYAL FAMILY has agreed to send things home - at least on the short term. This will bring about change in British collection law. It won't be quick. But we will see more and more British institutions sending things on visits. And eventually we will see repatriation. It is going to take a very long time, and this is by no means the first rung on the ladder. But

THE MAKAKOONS CAME HOME FOR A VISIT

[noctivagantpodcast]

I Live On Stolen Land

Consider donating to one of these wonderful charities dedicated to preserving the cultures, livelihoods, rights, and dignity of Indigenous peoples.

First Nations Development Institute. Information taken from their 'Our Programs' page: Grantmaker dedicated to addressing financial inequality and its many, many negative impacts. In additional to financial aid, FNDI provides job training and participates in policy-making and advocacy, often focusing on environmental concerns, food insecurity, and tribal sovereignty. Some examples of current projects include "Fortifying Our Forests" AKA restoring and protecting sacred land in partnership with the Forest Service, Native Language Immersion Initiative AKA ensuring the survival of Native languages, and Native Farm To School AKA connecting Native youth with traditional means of growing and harvesting food.

Native American Rights Fund A registered non-profit that provides legal representation in matters of Native interest, be that a single individual or an entire tribe. Since their inception, they have won cases that made critical contributions to the advancement of Native rights in the United States. Their efforts have helped uphold tribal sovereignty, compelled museums, universities, and other institutions to return the remains of Native ancestors, and protected the voting rights of pretty much everyone.

Redhawk Native American Arts Council This organization's primary focus is on the preservation of Native American arts through educational programs. We can also thank them for granting scholarships to Native students seeking higher education, and for running a youth program which aims to help Urban Indigenous youth connect with their heritage through the arts.

Seventh Generation Fund A "fiscal sponsor" for smaller community groups that are run by and for Native tribes/individuals, with the focus of preserving heritage and defending tribal sovereignty, as well as continued survival post-genocide. One example of their work is the Flicker Fund, a disaster fund dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities during times of crisis, be that a pandemic, extreme weather, or a severe drought. Another is the Traditions Bearers Fellowship, which provides financial support to tribal community members who carry on pre-colonization traditions.

Quiluete Move To Higher Ground Stephanie Meyer committed a serious of egregious acts of cultural appropriation and exploitation, and made a very large fortune off a very real tribe. This very real tribe now finds themselves living in a tsunami zone and unable to afford a move to a safer area. As of 2022, the move of the Tribal School, the most important phase, is complete, but there's much more work to be done.

Indigenous Women Rising Abortion Fund A fund to provide Native individuals and family access to abortion care, menstrual hygiene supplies, and midwifery. Here are two separate articles verifying their status as the ONLY indigenous specific (and Indigenous led) abortion fund. For more information on how the destruction of Roe V Wade has negatively impacted Indigenous women, look here and here.

South Dakota Historical Society Foundation So, this isn't a Native led or Native specific organization, but, they work closely with Indigenous communities in South Dakota to preserve their heritage alongside the state's history. I recently had a lovely conversation with one of their representatives about the Ghost Shirt their society is sheltering until such a time as the tribe it rightfully belongs to can house it safely. Article about the shirt's repatriation with some cool info on the shirt's history is here.

[mousedetective]

Organizations To Help Indigenous People

I've been reblogging three separate posts for a while now and I thought I'd combine them all into one for maximum ease. Please reblog this list and help these organizations if you can!

Warrior Women Project

Sitting Bull College

First Nations COVID-19 Response Fund

The Redhawk Native American Art Council

Partnership With Native Americans

Native American Heritage Association

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center

Indigenous Women Rising (abortion access fund)

Indian Residential School Survivor’s Society

Stop Line 3

Honor The Earth

The Lakota People’s Law Project

Amazon Frontlines

‘Āina Momona

The Native Wellness Institute

The Native Americans Rights Fund

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation/University of Manitoba

First Nations Child & Family Caring Society

Native Women's Association of Canada

Indspire

Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre

Micmac Benevolent Society

Mawita'mk

Advancing Indigenous People In STEM

Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment

The Association on American Indian Affairs

First Nations Development Institute

American Indian College Fund

Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment (CARE)

Hopa Mountain

Indigenous Values Initiative

Native American Disability Law Center

People’s Partner for Community Development 

If anyone has links to other organizations that help indigenous people, please feel free to add them!

[sylvia-on-the-run]

The zionist Holocaust continues in northern Gaza with American partnership and Arab betrayal.

In a new horrific war crime added to the black terrorist record of the zionist occupation and the United States, the Abu Hussein School, located in the heart of Jabalia camp, which was sheltering dozens of displaced families, was subjected to a barbaric bombing with internationally prohibited American-made weapons, which led to the martyrdom of a large number of innocent people and the serious injury of others, in a new genocide operation, fully supported by the United States, which continues to provide political cover and military support for the extermination of our people.

This new brutal massacre comes as part of an ongoing zionist strategy that aims to uproot our people from their land and destroy their infrastructure, in a desperate attempt to displace them, especially after the people of the north defied the occupation and refused to leave the northern regions.

Northern Gaza and Jabalia camp which is the beating heart of the resistance, will remain steadfast in the face of this ongoing holocaust that is being carried out with direct American cover and sponsorship and international silence.

Our people are once again paying the price for the betrayal of the Arab nation which, had it risen up and used its enormous resources and capabilities as a pressure card to stop the aggression, would have impeded the zionist-American military machine from carrying out these brutal massacres against children, women and civilians.

The blood of the martyrs of Jabalia and all the martyrs of our people and Lebanon will remain a stain on the forehead of everyone who conspired or failed to confront the ongoing genocide war.

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine Central Media Department October 17, 2024

[autisticadvocacy]

Comprehensive sex ed must include info on healthy sex and sexuality for people with disabilities, and be taught to all of us. Check out our paper on reproduction and disability sex ed created with the National Partnership for Women & Families: https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/repro-disability-sexed.pdf

[st4rrzynight]

Hey, sincerely asking. What do you think will happen should trump win?

hi! thanks for asking 🙃

shit will get expensive for people who are not millionares because of trumps tax that benefits the wealthy.

also project 2025 as it states at aclu.org

"Project 2025 is a federal policy agenda and blueprint for a radical restructuring of the executive branch authored and published by former Trump administration officials in partnership with The Heritage Foundation, a longstanding conservative think tank that opposes abortion and reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, immigrants’ rights, and racial equity."

i personally don't want to fear for my right to love a woman, and my rights and my families rights because were mexican. i also want to have rights for my own body for reproduction.

MASS DEPORTATIONS

Targeting immigrant communities through mass deportations and raids, ending birthright citizenship, separating families, and dismantling our nation’s asylum system.

i personally dont want to see my family getting deported, im not sure if my birthright citizenship would also be at risk but id assume so.

What Are Donald Trump’s Connections to Project 2025?

Project 2025 was published by The Heritage Foundation, a longstanding conservative think tank with direct ties to former President Trump’s administration. Though Trump has falsely claimed he is not connected to Project 2025, a recent report from CNN found at least 140 people who worked on Project 2025 previously worked in the Trump administration. The Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts also previously worked on President Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has described his organization’s role as “institutionalizing Trumpism.”

he claims to not have anything to do with project 2025 but he is a liar.

ROLLING BACK TRANS RIGHTS

Weaponizing federal law to require states and private actors to discriminate against transgender people by threatening to sue schools that protect the rights of trans students or telling hospitals that they would lose their Medicaid funding if they provide gender-affirming medical care to trans adolescents

why are we going back in time? he literally wants to abolish so many rights that people fought so hard to have

"If Donald Trump wants to make America great again, as his oft-repeated slogan promises, then that leads to the question: When was the last time America was actually great?

Trump has an answer. In an interview with The New York Times published Saturday, the real estate mogul was asked when the country last reached the GOP front-runner's lofty ideal -- as a reporter asked, when do "you think the United States last had the right balance, either in terms of defense footprint or in terms of trade?"

The answer, Trump explained, was during periods of military and industrial expansion at the onset of the 20th century and again in the years after World War II."

the years after world war II?

Truman announced Japan's surrender and the end of World War II. The news spread quickly and celebrations erupted across the United States. On September 2, 1945, formal surrender documents were signed aboard the USS Missouri, designating the day as the official Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day).

world war two ended 1945

In the 1950s-1980s, women often lacked the right to full control over their finances, property ownership, career choices, reproductive decisions, equal pay, protection from workplace discrimination, and were often expected to prioritize domestic duties over professional ambitions, with societal pressure to primarily be wives and mothers, limiting their participation in politics and other public spheres; they also faced restrictions on access to credit and the ability to make legal contracts without their husband's consent in many cases.

Key points about women's limited rights in this period:

Limited employment opportunities:

Many jobs were considered "men's work" and women were often pushed towards traditionally female roles like secretarial work, with lower pay compared to men doing similar jobs.

Husband's legal authority:

Married women often had limited legal rights, with husbands having significant control over their finances and property.

Restrictions on reproductive choices:

Access to contraception and abortion was often limited or heavily regulated, with societal pressure to prioritize motherhood.

Discrimination in credit and loans:

Women often faced difficulty obtaining credit cards or loans without a male co-signer.

Lack of protection from sexual harassment

Legal protections against sexual harassment in the workplace were largely absent.

Limited representation in politics:

Women were significantly underrepresented in political leadership positions.

why would we want to vote for someone who wants to take us back in time to a point where we were restricted of so many things?

thats why i dont want trump to win cause if he said himself he had a part in overturning roe v wade imagine what else he would do with another 4 years of presidency.

(please reblog so this gains more traction so people know that trump is legit not a good candidate or person at all)

[melhindips]

Day 344

🎓 MIT ends American-Israeli arms manufacturer partnership, first such move by a US uni since Oct - @mit_caa

🇵🇸 64 killed, 155 injured in Gaza in past 48 hours

🇵🇸 Gaza City (north): Israel bombed home in Tuffah killing 11 incl. 4 kids & 3 women. Israel targeted 2 schools housing displaced people killing 10 incl. 2 kids & a woman

‼️ Renewed evacuation order of displaced Palestinians in eastern Beit Lahiya (north) as constant airstrikes disrupt movement; but IOF claim evacuation excludes medical facilities

🛂 Israel’s national security council admit halting visa issuance for international aid orgs

🇵🇸 2 Palestinians killed in IOF attack on tents for displaced people in Khan Younis (south). 2 killed by IOF bomb on home in Maghazi camp (central)

West bank:

🇵🇸 Dozens of Israeli settlers & troops storm Hebron forcing Palestinians to flee; settlers & soldiers fired tear gas and ammunition at Palestinian homes in Bethlehem

🇵🇸 IOF shot & injured 2 Palestinians near Tarqumiya checkpoint

[theastrohub]

political astrology: how astrology explains trump's assassination attempt + predictions.

by @astrobaeza [ PAIDSERVICES ₊ masterlist ₊ tips ]

(sorry y'all my account got deleted randomly but I'm no longer MIA! but anyways let's get into it)

As was widely talked about, Trump had a recent attempt on his life. While this is unfortunately not unheard of while sitting in the position of President of the United States of America, we can figure out why this happens using astrology.

According to @astrologyking-blog, Trump has his midheaven almost exactly conjunct the fixed "demon star" Algol, indicating potential murder, sudden death or beheading. He also says Uranus aligns with Algol for most of 2024; Algol’s association with hidden or suppressed issues might be brought to light through Uranus' illuminating energy. This can lead to significant personal revelations or changes in public understanding, like with his presidential campaign and his reputation (10th H). With this Uranus in Taurus transit, we'll see large changes and instability with his public reputation and career. Somewhat unfortunate for someone with a presidential campagin.

"the fact that trump has had nothing but. bad news since he got shot at suggests to me he was fated to die that day and his continued survival is unraveling the timeline."

Saturn in pisces is currently transiting his 7th house, which can indicate legal issues, issues or restrictions in close business partnerships and relationships, everything that is of importance to a man like himself. There may be neptunian qualities to his one-to-one partnerships, meaning deception or disillusionment.

Transit mars is currently conjunct his natal sun, meaning he might come out of this with a stronger determination to save or clean his public image and reputation. We will probably see more attempts to reach the masses through speeches, communication on social media platforms, interviews. This communication will be more friendly and light-hearted in nature, most likely in an attempt to humanize him after his assassination attempt.

Transit mercury and Sun will be in his first house in Virgo a week from now, the day of the presidential debate with Kamala Harris, which is advantageous for something like a national "argument". It will be held in Philadelphia, where Trump attended university. I anticipate he will be at ease, as it is a familiar place to him (transit moon conj natal 4th H moon). He will probably be within close proximity to his family or maybe take press photos with his family that day, specifically women figures.

He might look really put together and have planned concise words for the debate, again in attempts to "rebrand". On the flip end, he could also be extremely anxious, and visibly so. (maybe we'll see a lot of bathroom breaks, stuttering, sweating).

Overall, this presidential election is very interesting considering its unique circumstances and precedent. Hopefully it doesn't get too crazy..

what do you guys think, astrobaes?

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

July 23, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUL 24, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris continues her momentum toward the 2024 presidential election since President Joe Biden’s surprise announcement on Sunday that he would not accept the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. 

Today more than 350 national security leaders endorsed Harris for president, noting that if elected president, “she would enter that office with more significant national security experience than the four Presidents prior to President Biden.” As vice president, she “has met with more than 150 world leaders and traveled to 21 countries,” the authors wrote, and they called out her work across the globe from her work strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region to her historic trip to Africa and her efforts to expand U.S. relationships with nations in the Caribbean and North Central America. In contrast to Harris, the letter said, “Trump is a threat to America’s national security.” 

Those signing the letter included former Central Intelligence Agency director Michael Hayden, former director of national intelligence James Clapper, national security advisors Susan Rice and Thomas Donilon, former secretaries of defense Chuck Hagel and Leon Panetta, and former secretaries of state Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. 

In a New York Times op-ed today, former secretary of state Clinton praised Biden for his “decision to end his campaign,” which she called “as pure an act of patriotism as I have seen in my lifetime.” She went on to say that Vice President Harris “represents a fresh start for American politics,” offering a vision of an America with its best days ahead of it and, rather than “old grievances,” “new solutions.”

Clinton noted that her own political campaigns had seen her burned in effigy, but said, “It is a trap to believe that progress is impossible” and that Americans cannot overcome sexism and racism. After all, she pointed out, voters elected Black American Barack Obama in 2008, and she herself won the popular vote in 2016. “[A]bortion bans and attacks on democracy are galvanizing women voters like never before,” Clinton wrote, and “[w]ith Ms. Harris at the top of the ticket leading the way, this movement may become an unstoppable wave.”

Today, Harris held her first campaign rally, speaking to supporters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the Republicans held their national convention just last week. The energy from the 3000 people packed into the gym where she walked out to Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” was palpable. 

She began by thanking Biden and touting his record, then turned to noting that in her past as a prosecutor, California attorney general, U.S. senator from California, and vice president, she “took on perpetrators of all kinds—predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So,” she said, “hear me when I say: I know Donald Trump’s type.” She went on to remind the audience that Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students, was found liable for committing sexual abuse, and “was just found guilty of fraud on 34 counts.” 

While Trump is relying on “billionaires and big corporations,” she said, “we are running a people-powered campaign” and “will be a people-first presidency.” The Democrats, she said, “believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by but to get ahead; a future where no child has to grow up in poverty; where every worker has the freedom to join a union; where every person has affordable health care, affordable childcare, and paid family leave. We believe in a future where every senior can retire with dignity.”

“[A]ll of this is to say,” she continued, “Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency. Because…when our middle class is strong, America is strong.”

In contrast, she said, Trump wants to take the country backward. She warned that he and his Project 2025 will “weaken the middle class,” cutting Social Security and Medicare and giving “tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations,” while “working families foot the bill.” “They intend to end the Affordable Care Act,” she said, “and take us back…to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions…. Remember what that was like? Children with asthma, women who survived breast cancer, grandparents with diabetes. America has tried these failed economic policies before, but we are not going back. We’re not going back.”  

“[O]urs is a fight for the future,” she said “And it is a fight for freedom…. Generations of Americans before us led the fight for freedom.  And now…the baton is in our hands.”   

Meanwhile, MAGA Republicans are still scrambling for a plan of attack against Harris. One of their first angles has been the sexism and racism Clinton predicted, calling her “a DEI hire.” House Republican leaders have told fellow lawmakers to dial back the sexist and racist attacks. 

MAGA Republican representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) has taken a different angle: he introduced an impeachment resolution against Harris, while others are demanding that the House should investigate Harris and demand the Cabinet remove President Biden under the 25th Amendment. The Republican National Committee has decided to make fun of Harris’s laugh.

But concern in the Trump camp showed today when Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio shared with reporters a “confidential memorandum” trying to get ahead of polls he says will show Harris leading Trump. He said he expects to see a “Harris Honeymoon” that will end quickly. 

Trump has continued to post angrily on his social media feed but is otherwise sticking close to home. His lack of visibility highlights that the Republicans are now on the receiving end of the same age and coherence concerns they had used against Biden, and there might be more attention paid to Trump’s lapses now that Biden has stepped aside. CNN’s Kate Sullivan noted today, for example, that “Trump said he’d consider Jamie Dimon for Treasury secretary, but now says he doesn’t know who said that.” 

As Tim Alberta noted Sunday in The Atlantic, the Trump campaign tapped J.D. Vance in an attempt to harden the Republican base, only to find now that he cannot bring to the ticket any of the new supporters they suddenly need. 

According to Harry Enten of CNN, Vance is the first vice presidential pick since 1980 who has entered the race with a negative favorability rating: in his case, –6 points. Since 2000, the usual average is +19 points. Vance won his Senate seat in 2022 by +6 points in an election Republican governor Mike DeWine won by +25 points. Vance “was the worst performing Republican candidate in 2022 up and down the ballot in the state of Ohio,” Enten said. “The J.D. Vance pick makes no sense from a statistical polling perspective.”

Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark, who specializes in focus groups, noted that swing voters groups “simply do not like” Vance. “Both his flip flopping on Trump and his extreme abortion position are what breaks through,” she wrote. 

The 2024 election is not consuming all of the political oxygen, even in this astonishing week. Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that eight large companies must turn over information about the data they collect about consumers, product sales, and how the surveillance the companies used affected consumer prices. 

“Firms that harvest Americans’ personal data can put people’s privacy at risk. Now firms could be exploiting this vast trove of personal information to charge people higher prices,” FTC chair Lina M. Khan said. “Americans deserve to know whether businesses are using detailed consumer data to deploy surveillance pricing, and the FTC’s inquiry will shed light on this shadowy ecosystem of pricing middlemen.”

The eight companies are: Mastercard, Revionics, Bloomreach, JPMorgan Chase, Task Software, PROS, Accenture, and McKinsey & Co.

In the House, Republicans have been unable to pass the appropriations bills necessary to fund the 2025 U.S. budget, laced as they are with culture-wars poison pills the extremists demand. Today House members debated the appropriations bill for the Interior Department and the Environment which, among other things, bans the use of funds “to promote or advance critical race theory” or to require Covid-19 masks or vaccine mandates. 

According to the European climate service Copernicus, last Sunday was the hottest day in recorded history. The MAGA Republicans’ appropriations bill for Interior and the Environment calls for more oil drilling, fewer regulations on pollutants, no new regulations on vehicles, rejecting Biden’s climate change executive orders, and reducing the funding for the Environmental Protection Agency by 20%.

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[invisibleicewands]

Michael Sheen helps shine a spotlight on everyday heroes at Welsh Charity Awards

The Welsh Charity Awards 2024, took place Monday evening (25 November) at National Museum Cardiff, in the company of Michael Sheen – holding up a mirror to the challenges and solutions facing communities the length and breadth of Wales.

Coinciding with the first day of Welsh Charities Week, in a ceremony honouring a range of dedicated volunteers, groups and charities, the leading charity FareShare Cymru scooped the top prize, ‘Organisation of the Year’ for its innovative work in turning an environmental problem into a social solution, and successfully redistributing surplus food to over 260 community groups, providing 2.1 million meals per week to 28,295 people, saving the voluntary sector an estimated £2.6 million in Wales.

Named Fundraiser of the Year, was Beth Baldwin in partnership with Diabetes UK Cymru, who raised over £100,000 in memory of her son Peter, as part of the ‘Rewrite Peter’s Story’ Campaign, which provided vital Type 1 Diabetes resources to every GP in Wales, saving lives and driving lasting change.

Campaign

In an emotional speech during the evening, Beth said: “Next January will be 10 years since my son, Peter, died from undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetes unnecessarily.

“In the last 10 years, we’ve campaigned with the amazing support of Diabetes UK Cymru to ensure that this happens to no other family. We’ve managed to save 15 lives that we are aware of.”

Beth continued: “Nothing, nothing can bring Peter back, ever, and I have to live with that. But I can, while I’m here, make a difference; I can use my voice, I can mobilise my community, I can utilise the support of an amazing charity and you guys in the room today to make sure that the four Ts of the onset of Type 1 Diabetes are widely known. Toilet. Thirsty. Tired. Thinner.

“If ever you, or your child, displays these symptoms, in isolation or together, please see a GP as soon as you can for a blood glucose finger prick test. The majority of you will be sent away, no problem, no diabetes.

“However, time is so critical. And 24 hours earlier, we could have saved Peter’s life. And I don’t want that happening to anyone else. So, please, if you take anything away from this evening: the four Ts –Toilet. Thirsty. Tired. Thinner. Thank you so much.”

Tireless efforts

Introducing the awards, legendary Welsh actor and WCVA President, Michael Sheen, said: “The tireless efforts of the voluntary sector is something that never ceases to amaze me.

“It is a wonderful reminder of all the positive things about Wales. Here, in this room, we have individuals and groups who have made a real difference in people’s lives, in every corner of our country, and beyond.

“I cannot wait to hear more about all the phenomenal work that’s gone on over the past year […] You are changing lives every day, and Wales … and indeed the world is a better place because of you.”

On winning Organisation of the Year, Sarah Germain, Chief Executive of FareShare Cymru, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our team of staff and volunteers who go above and beyond to turn an environmental problem into a social solution.

“The award goes much further than celebrating the achievements of FareShare Cymru, but also honours the achievements of our partners, supporters, volunteers and the community groups and charities that we support with food. It recognises the huge difference that each of them makes every day, and which FareShare Cymru’s food in some way helps them to achieve.”

Empowerment

Coming to the fore as a key theme this year was women’s equality and empowerment with St Giles Cymru winning the Health and Wellbeing award for its ‘Aspiring Champions’ project, which supports vulnerable young mothers (14 to 24 years) in Rhyl.

Also honoured for their extraordinary work in female healthcare were Young Volunteer of the Year, Molly Fenton, for her ‘Love Your Period’ advocacy campaign and Most Influential Small Organisation, FTWW (Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales), for their work on the NHS Wales Women’s Health Plan.

Another outstanding woman, who picked up a prize for her impactful contribution to society was Carmen Soraya Kelly (known as Soraya), who was named Volunteer of the Year, for her work empowering disadvantaged young people in south Wales.

Diversity

In a hotly contested category, Mudiad Meithrin was named Diversity Champion for its vital work advancing equality and anti-racism in Welsh-medium early childhood services, while The Outdoor Partnership was honoured for its use of the Welsh Language, particularly in having increased Welsh-speaking outdoor activities instructors from 4% to 25%.

peaking at this year’s ceremony, at National Museum Cardiff, WCVA Chief Executive Lindsay Cordery-Bruce said: “The Welsh Charity Awards hold a mirror up to our society, reflecting both the deep challenges we face in Wales and the extraordinary solutions driven by our finalists tonight.

‘As we close the first day of Welsh Charities Week, it is fitting that we take a moment to celebrate their remarkable achievements and mark the outstanding contribution made by the voluntary sector in Wales. We are often the only lifeline available to the most vulnerable in our society and a true inspiration for all of us who are passionate about building a fairer, stronger Wales for tomorrow.”

Organised by WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action), the Welsh Charity Awards is the only dedicated awards ceremony to celebrate the entire voluntary sector in Wales, recognising and celebrating the fantastic contribution charities, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers make to Wales by highlighting and championing the positive difference we can make to each other’s lives. [...]

[winnipegwinterpeg]

Access For All. Period.

Free pads and tampons are now available throughout Manitoba as part of the Access for All Period program, led by the Manitoba government. This program is focused on ending period poverty by providing equal access to menstrual products for all.

What is period poverty?

Period poverty is the inability to access or afford menstrual products, preventing youth and adults who menstruate from participating in their everyday lives.

Why is this important?

Removing barriers to access menstrual products is crucial to the physical and mental health of all who menstruate. A lack of proper access can result in dangerous situations, leading to both short and long term physical harm, as well as mental health issues including anxiety, depression and self-isolation. For students, it can negatively impact attendance and participation, affecting long-term achievement and resulting in missed educational and employment opportunities.

How does the program work?

The Manitoba government, in partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart, is providing readily available pads and tampons free to those in need. Products are available to all Manitobans in schools and community organizations as listed below. Free menstrual products are also available at participating shelters throughout the province through the Access for All Period program.

Where can I go?

You can access free menstrual products at the following locations (38 total, 26 in Winnipeg) under the cut:

* Andrews Street Family Centre, 220 Andrews Street, Winnipeg

* Blue Thunderbird Family Care, 998 Sargent Avenue, Winnipeg

* Acorn Family Place, 222 Furby Street #202, Winnipeg

* Canadian Muslim Women's Institute, 61 Juno Street #201, Winnipeg

* Community Ambition, 266A Linwood Street, Winnipeg

* Elmwood Community Resource Centre, 545 Watt Street, Winnipeg

* Family Dynamics, 393 Portage Avenue #401, Winnipeg

* First Nations Family Advocate, 286 Smith Street #200, Winnipeg

* The Food Vault and Community Resource Centre, 24 Hampton East, P.O. Box 881, MacGregor

* Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre, 1150A Waverly Street, Winnipeg

* Holy Names House of Peace, 211 Edmonton Street, Winnipeg

* Interlake Women's Resource Centre, 87 - 5th Avenue, Gimli

* Lakeshore Family Resource Centre, 9 Main Street, Ashern

* Madeline's Closet, 40 Main Street, Inwood

* Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, 445 King Street, Winnipeg

* Marlene Street Resource Centre, 27 Marlene Street #6, Winnipeg

* Men are Part of the Solution (MAPS), 117B Commercial Place, Thompson

* N'Dinawemak, 190 Disraeli Freeway, Winnipeg

* Ndinawe, 472 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg

* North End Women's Centre, 394 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg

* North Point Douglas Women's Centre, 221 Austin Street North, Winnipeg

* NorWest - A Woman's Place, 945 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg

* NorWest - Community Health, 785 Keewatin Street, Winnipeg

* Pluri-elles, 114-l420 Des Meurons Street, Winnipeg

* Samaritan House, 1610 Pacific Avenue, Brandon

* South Winnipeg Family Information Centre, 800 Point Road, Winnipeg

* Steinbach Family Resource Centre, 101 North Front Drive, Steinbach

* Swan Valley Crisis Centre, 119 9th Avenue North, Swan River

* The Counselling Centre, 335 9th Street, Brandon

* The Pas Family Resource Centre, 103 Edwards Avenue, The Pas

* Thrive Community Support Circle, 3-406 Edmonton Street, Winnipeg

* Wahbung Abinoonjiiag, 225 Dufferin Street, Winnipeg

* Winnipeg Central Park Women's Resource Centre, 400 Edmonton Avenue, Winnipeg

* Women's Safe Haven, 228-35 Main Street, Flin Flon

* West Central Women's Resource Centre, 640 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg

* Western MB Women's Regional Resource Centre, 729 Princess Avenue, Brandon

* YMCA Winnipeg (Downtown Branch) 301 Vaughan Street, Winnipeg, (West Portage Branch) 3550 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg

[calisources]

THE   CW'S   REIGN   SEASON   FOUR   QUOTES.   all   these   sentences   were   taken   from   season   four   of   the   historical   fictional   show,   reign.   change   pronouns,   locations   and   names   as   you   see   fit.   

I'm not looking for a man to love, I'm looking for a weapon to use against her and her throne.

Men forget that women have ears.

My child will be heir to her throne, to both nations. 

Mary, this is a course you cannot step back from. And if you take it, I fear I'm looking at a dead woman.

We all die, Gideon. The question is what we stood for while we lived.

Are you saying that we should marry?

Although I am curious. Have you already named our children? Or did you leave at least that part for me?

Where Knox has sown hatred, we will scatter seeds of hope.

Earn my respect then, as I earn the respect of my men. In combat!

 Duels only lead to dead men, not respect.

Oh really, Lord Darnley? I was unaware that your crushing defeat was an act of charity.

Now, you take your assassin and you get out of our country. Or we will drive you out.

I want you to tell me why you keep pushing me away. I'm going to be your husband!

I had a husband! And I loved him and he was murdered in cold blood before my eyes.

As King and Queen, our lives will always be in peril.

 We're going to be in danger no matter whether we're together or not. Because of who we are, Mary. Because of our blood.

You will be my husband in name only. And we will never be happy. And I will never forgive you.

It is my duty, my God-given birthright and my crown. And I will defend it from anyone who attempts to take it.

I had hoped that our marriage would be a partnership in every way. 

I will be a true King. And we will finally be equals.

We are married because I couldn't take England without you. What makes you think that you can take England without me?

He will hang. And I will enjoy watching him die. 

Men will never willingly bow to the weaker sex.

And they will suffer greatly for it.

The Prince of Spain came to France whole, and left with an enormous piece of wood sticking out of his skull.

A daughter joining her mother for an evening stroll is hardly a crime.

Why, Claude, how nice of you to take time away from your grief to criticize me.

You'll take what under advisement? What, you're just going to mouth kingly words?!

The only monster in this castle is gossip. And we must not feed it, or it will bring us to our knees.

I should have your entire family burned at the stake.

You think that political manipulation and poisoning are my only skill?

When one Valois is weakened, the entire line is threatened.

Tell your son to come to court. Or I will have him dragged here. On his knees.

I will not be remembered as the queen that drew first blood.

 She wasn't your friend, Elizabeth, she was your prisoner. What a grotesque curse of royalty that you cannot even tell the difference.

A royal marriage gives one political clout.

Mary, revenge is not meant to ease pain. It is meant to balance the scales.

I've missed you. Perhaps that's reason enough for you to stop being an ass and stay for the party.

What? I-I can't. You and I are married. Until death do us part.

I lost both the man I love and the man I could have loved.

 My family has royal blood in our veins. 

Trust is given, but loyalty is earned. And you, my queen, have not earned mine.

He does have his father's history to overcome. You knew that when you chose him.

I am married to the most powerful man in the world, and I will not be threatened by my damaged brother who is unfit to rule. 

I suppose there's nothing to be done... Except stay for the King's wedding.

Because being married to a woman who is in love with another isn't exactly the ideal union I dreamed of either.

[dailyanarchistposts]

I.7.1 Do tribal cultures indicate that communalism defends individuality?

Yes. In many tribal cultures (or aboriginal cultures), we find a strong respect for individuality. As anthropologist Paul Radin pointed out, “respect for the individual, irrespective of age or sex” was one of “the outstanding features of aboriginal civilisation” as well as “the amazing degree of social and political integration achieved by them” and “a concept of personal security.” [quoted by Murray Bookchin, Remaking Society, p. 48] Murray Bookchin commented on Radin’s statement:

“respect for the individual, which Radin lists first as an aboriginal attribute, deserves to be emphasised, today, in an era that rejects the collective as destructive of individuality on the one hand, and yet, in an orgy of pure egotism, has actually destroyed all the ego boundaries of free-floating, isolated, and atomised individuals on the other. A strong collectivity may be even more supportive of the individual as close studies of certain aboriginal societies reveal, than a ‘free market’ society with its emphasis on an egoistic, but impoverished, self.” [Op. Cit., p. 48]

This individualisation associated with tribal cultures was also noted by historian Howard Zinn. He quotes fellow historian Gary Nash describing Iroquois culture (which appears typical of most Native American tribes):

“No laws and ordinances, sheriffs and constables, judges and juries, or courts or jails — the apparatus of authority in European societies — were to be found in the north-east woodlands prior to European arrival. Yet boundaries of acceptable behaviour were firmly set. Though priding themselves on the autonomous individual, the Iroquois maintained a strict sense of right and wrong.” [quoted by Zinn, A People’s History of the United States, p. 21]

This respect for individuality existed in a society based on communistic principles. As Zinn notes, in the Iroquois “land was owned in common and worked in common. Hunting was done together, and the catch was divided among the members of the village. Houses were considered common property and were shared by several families. The concept of private ownership of land and homes was foreign to the Iroquois.” In this communal society women “were important and respected” and families were matrilineal. Power was shared between the sexes (unlike the European idea of male domination). Similarly, children “while taught the cultural heritage of their people and solidarity with the tribe, were also taught to be independent, not to submit to overbearing authority. They were taught equality of status and the sharing of possessions.” As Zinn stresses, Native American tribes “paid careful attention to the development of personality, intensity of will, independence and flexibility, passion and potency, to their partnership with one another and with nature.” [Op. Cit., p. 20 and pp. 21–2]

Thus tribal societies indicate that community defends individuality, with communal living actually encouraging a strong sense of individuality. This is to be expected, as equality is the only condition in which individuals can be free and so in a position to develop their personality to its full. Furthermore, this communal living took place within an anarchist environment:

“The foundation principle of Indian government had always been the rejection of government. The freedom of the individual was regarded by practically all Indians north of Mexico as a canon infinitely more precious than the individual’s duty to his [or her] community or nation. This anarchistic attitude ruled all behaviour, beginning with the smallest social unity, the family. The Indian parent was constitutionally reluctant to discipline his [or her] children. Their every exhibition of self-will was accepted as a favourable indication of the development of maturing character…” [Van Every, quoted by Zinn, Op. Cit., p. 136]

In addition, Native American tribes also indicate that communal living and high standards of living can and do go together. For example, during the 1870s in the Cherokee Nation “land was held collectively and life was contented and prosperous” with the US Department of the Interior recognising that it was “a miracle of progress, with successful production by people living in considerable comfort, a level of education ‘equal to that furnished by an ordinary college in the States,’ flourishing industry and commerce, an effective constitutional government, a high level of literacy, and a state of ‘civilisation and enlightenment’ comparable to anything known: ‘What required five hundred years for the Britons to accomplish in this direction they have accomplished in one hundred years,’ the Department declared in wonder.” [Noam Chomsky, Year 501, p. 231]

Senator Henry Dawes of Massachusetts visited in 1883 and described what he found in glowing terms: “There was not a pauper in that nation, and the nation did not owe a dollar. It built its own capitol … and it built its schools and its hospitals.” No family lacked a home. In spite of this (or, perhaps, more correctly, because of this), Dawes recommended that the society must be destroyed: “They have got as far as they can go, because they own their land in common … there is no enterprise to make your home any better than that of your neighbours. There is no selfishness, which is the bottom of civilisation. Till this people will consent to give up their lands, and divide them among their citizens so that each can own the land he cultivates, they will not make much more progress.” [quoted by Chomsky, Op. Cit., p. 231–2] The introduction of capitalism — as usual by state action — resulted in poverty and destitution, again showing the link between capitalism and high living standards is not clear cut, regardless of claims otherwise.

Undoubtedly, having access to the means of life ensured that members of such cultures did not have to place themselves in situations which could produce a servile character structure. As they did not have to follow the orders of a boss they did not have to learn to obey others and so could develop their own abilities to govern themselves. This self-government allowed the development of a custom in such tribes called “the principle of non-interference” in anthropology. This is the principle of defending someone’s right to express the opposing view and it is a pervasive principle in the tribal world, and it is so much so as to be safely called a universal.

The principle of non-interference is a powerful principle that extends from the personal to the political, and into every facet of daily life (significantly, tribal groups “respect the personality of their children, much as they do that of the adults in their communities.” [Bookchin, The Ecology of Freedom, p. 115]). Most people today, used as they are to hierarchy everywhere, are aghast when they realise the extent to which it is practised, but it has proven itself to be an integral part of living anarchy. It means that people simply do not limit the activities of others, period (unless that behaviour is threatening the survival of the tribe). This in effect makes absolute tolerance a custom (the difference between law and custom is important to point out: Law is dead, and Custom lives — see section I.7.3). This is not to idealise such communities as they are must be considered imperfect anarchist societies in many ways (mostly obviously in that many eventually evolved into hierarchical systems so suggesting that informal hierarchies, undoubtedly a product of religion and other factors, existed).

As people accustomed to authority we have so much baggage that relates to “interfering” with the lives of others that merely visualising the situation that would eliminate this daily pastime for many is impossible. But think about it. First of all, in a society where people do not interfere with each other’s behaviour, people tend to feel trusted and empowered by this simple social fact. Their self-esteem is already higher because they are trusted with the responsibility for making learned and aware choices. This is not fiction; individual responsibility is a key aspect of social responsibility.

Therefore, given the strength of individuality documented in tribes with no private property, no state and little or no other hierarchical structures within them, can we not conclude that anarchism will defend individuality and even develop it in ways blocked by capitalism? At the very least we can say “possibly”, and that is enough to allow us to question that dogma that capitalism is the only system based on respect for the individual.

[sylvia-on-the-run]

The Massacres and Ethnic Cleansing in Northern Gaza Are the Responsibility of the Entire International Community

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine renewed its call to the peoples of the Arab nation and all solidarity forces with the Palestinian people to escalate urgent movements and protests in solidarity with northern Gaza.

The Front clarified that the horrific massacre committed by the occupation on the night of Saturday, October 19, 2024, reveals the true extent of what is happening in northern Gaza. The occupation forced tens of thousands of residents into an area no larger than 3 square kilometers after pursuing them for days with bombings and massacres, only to end by launching a brutal airstrike on that small space, packed with children, women, and families.

The Front emphasized that the entire international community is complicit in these heinous crimes and the declared ethnic cleansing of our people by continuously providing the occupation with cover and time to commit its massacres.

It pointed out that the United States is allowed to manipulate the international system and use it as a tool to cover up these genocidal crimes, while the U.S. administration is directly involved.

The Front also stressed that the official Arab regimes, through their failures and the subordination of some of their components, and through the direct partnership of others, bear significant responsibility for the ongoing genocide against our people.

It confirmed that, over a year into this war, these regimes still tremble before the zionist entity and its allies, refraining from taking even the simplest measures of pressure against this entity and its American ally.

The Front stated: "These regimes continue to suppress their people and prevent any protest movements, linking their fate to the fate of the occupation and war criminals. They even avoid proposing superficial draft resolutions against the occupation at the UN Security Council for fear of embarrassing the U.S. administration, while some of their factions continue to supply the Zionist entity with what it needs and open their lands and airports to the forces of aggression to launch attacks on our people."

The Front affirmed that the people of the world face a difficult challenge today, represented by the unchecked brutality of colonialism, practicing the ugliest crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing openly and continuously. This demands reactions that go beyond mere protest and solidarity, forming genuine pressure on the interests of the forces of aggression and the coalition of genocide.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine Central Media Office October 20, 2024