#U. S. Foreign Policy

[todaysdocument]

News from the U.S. Department of Labor, "Federal Stop-Order on Indio Farmer" (USDL-IX-59S56), San Francisco, August 3, 1959.

Record Group 174: General Records of the Department of LaborSeries: Records Relating to the Mexican Labor ("Bracero") ProgramFile Unit: Mexican Labor Program, General Correspondence

NEWS from the U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

James P. Mitchell, Secretary

CONTACT: Tor Torland, Info Officer

630 Sansome Street, San Francisco

YUkon 6-3111, Ext. 647

[handwritten] Mr Robertson

File

Mexican Program [/handwritten]

[stamp] RECEIVED

AUG 4 1959

REGIONAL ATTORNEY

SAN FRANCISCO [/stamp]

FEDERAL STOP-ORDER ON INDIO FARMER

SAN FRANCISCO, August 3: Joseph Munoz, a member of the Coachella Valley Farmers Association in Indio, has been refused further authorization to employ Mexican farm workers in a decision made public today by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Under the terms of public law 78 and the international agreement between the governments of the U.S. and Mexico, Mexican nationals may be imported to work on our farms only if it has been determined by authorities that there are not enough American workers in a specific area to fill farm-labor needs there.

Munoz was found to be using Mexican nationals to sort tomatoes in his packing shed despite repeated warnings by the U. S. Labor Department and the California Department of Employment that American workers were available for the jobs.

Glenn E. Brockway, regional director of the Labor Department's employment security bureau, issued his decision in a letter to the Coachella Valley Farmers Association. Brockway said, in part:

"All authorizations issued to the Coachella Valley Farmers Association to contract Mexican national workers are hereby revoked with respect to the employment of Mexican national workers by the said Joseph Munoz."

The federal stop-order also specified that because of Munoz's "repeated failure to give preference in employment of United States domestic workers", no authorizations would be granted him in future to use Mexican nationals.

The move came as part of the U.S. Labor Department's continuing policy of strictly policing the foreign-labor importation program so as to ensure first preference for farm jobs to American citizens.

#####

USDL-IX-59S56

[mariacallous]

Me among my fellow shitlibs: Given that Biden's dovish policies - especially pulling out of Afghanistan - didn't earn him fucking shit from the left, and given the actions going down in Ukraine and Taiwan, I think it's only a matter of time before America finds itself drawn into a war, especially against China. And despite how squeamish Democrats have been about America's role in being the World's Police ever since the Iraq War, since we can never count on the left to be true allies for peace again after how they treated Biden, Democrats will need be willing to be more proactive in dealing with rising threats, even if that means a radical show of deterrent force against threats like Russia, China, and Iran.

Me whenever moderates and independents are also within earshot: And that's why Kamala Harris is going to use our peerless massive military to peg every single of America's enemies that so much as looks at our troops the wrong way! Kamala Harris? More like Hawkmala Harris! U-S-A! U-S-A!

Pretty much.

Although, I'm also more inclined to a hawkish foreign policy anyway, and have been since easily 2008-2012.

[misfitwashere]

Even I, when I read the text of his statements, find myself normalizing him. I read or listen and look for a drop of normalcy, or for how his followers would hear him. I subconsciously do the work he wouldn’t do and look for meaning or critical thinking amidst all the gibberish, and then dismiss the gibberish. But right there on the page, right there on the screen where he stands, his words are often nonsense, and offensive, frightening nonsense.

The major reason he’s still in this race, and not being laughed off the stage, is because so many of those who support him are locked behind a wall of information or bias and fictionalize him, and those who report on him are either afraid of him, told to normalize him by corporate higher-ups, or are inured to his weirdness and self-absorption. Many report on the drip of normalcy and neglect the flood of incoherent, belligerent, and offensive inanity. We must not allow ourselves to get so used to him to the point that he uses us.

The recent debate provided a good example of his belligerent inanity. I almost felt sorry for him a couple of times because he was so out of his depth, so lost and out of control. He had no facts to show he cared about issues and people, and often pushed beyond the debate agreements of 2 minute comments to aggressively ramble on with conspiratorial lies.

And the simplistic, malignant nature of these lies almost surprised me. I didn’t expect him to so blatantly repeat on national tv the weird crazies he repeats on smaller stages. For example, his old debunked refrain about millions coming across the border to steal and rape, even repeating racist disinformation about Haitians stealing pets to eat them. He ignored the fact that most Haitians in the city were here legally, and immigrants in general are less likely to commit crimes than other U. S. residents, certainly less likely than DT himself.

“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats,” said Trump. The police and other city officials have repeatedly said there were no such reports, but DT claimed it was true because he saw it somewhere on tv.

Of course, when asked directly at the debate if he wanted the Ukrainians to win the war to defeat Russian invaders, or if he would veto a national abortion ban, he showed his true values and that, maybe his ramblings serve a purpose all his own, and refused to answer the actual question asked.

Recently, at a Fox “News” town hall, he was asked about the mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia that led to four deaths and multiple injuries. DT avoided the question to talk about the support he received from Hungarian autocrat Viktor Orbán, the same autocrat he mentioned at the debate as a foreign ruler who respects him.

“’It’s a sick and angry world for a lot of reasons…’ Trump said. ‘And we’re going to make it better, you know, Viktor Orban made a statement, he said, ‘bring Trump back and we won’t have any problems.’ He was very strong about that.’” Never a comment about gun safety, or a sliver of compassion for the victims and their families.

Or to a Mom’s for Liberty event he said, “The transgender thing is incredible. Think of it. Your kid goes to school and comes home a few days later with an operation. The school decides what’s going to happen with your child.” Untrue, yes. Insane? Possibly.

In a recent speech to the Economic Club of New York, he rambled on again about Kamala Harris’ border policy: “She wants to defund the police, have Tony Logan votes, ban trafficking in Pennsylvania and everywhere else, take away your private health insurance, and perhaps most pertinent to the very brilliant people in this room, raise your business and corporate taxes, and unbelievably, she’ll see a text on unauthorized trafficking in those people’s living rooms at ease…”

Then: “[She] Has to be defeated. Cannot have her be the President of the United States. Under Kamala, the United States is becoming a third-world banana republic. She and her party are censoring speech, weaponizing the justice system, and trying to throw their political opponents, me, in jail.

This hasn’t happened. I didn’t do that to Crooked Hillary. I said, that would be a terrible thing, wouldn’t it? Putting the wife of the President of the United States in jail…” Of course, during the 2016 campaign he and his supporters repeatedly greeted mentions of Hillary Clinton with shouts of  “lock her up.” And recently, he repeatedly talked about his own plans to weaponize the DOJ.

When asked, “’If you win in November, can you commit to prioritizing legislation to make childcare affordable, and if so, what specific piece of legislation will you advance?” In DT’s reply, he admitted childcare was an important issue but failed to mention a single specific solution. Instead, he spent his time rambling incoherently on his idea of increasing tariffs on imports. He said:

“But I think when you talk about the kind of numbers that I’m talking about, that—because look, child care is child care. It’s, couldn’t—you know, there’s something … You have to have it. In this country, you have to have it.

But when you talk about those numbers compared to the kind of numbers that I’m talking about by taxing foreign nations at levels that they’re not used to, but they’ll get used to it very quickly. And it’s not going to stop them from doing business with us, but they’ll have a very substantial tax when they send product into our country.’” And on and on.

And at a rally in Las Vegas, in June, reported on by Eugene Robinson of The Washington Post, DT was trying to talk about the transition to electric vehicles, but instead veered off to speak about sharks:

“By the way, a lot of shark attacks lately, do you notice that? Lot of sharks. I watched some guys justifying it today: ‘Well they weren’t really that angry, they bit off the young lady’s leg because of the fact that they were not hungry, but they misunderstood who she was.’ These people are crazy. He said, ‘There’s no problem with sharks, they just didn’t really understand a young woman swimming.’ No, really got decimated, and other people, too, a lot of shark attacks….”

In the Washington Post article, the author also focused on the ridiculous normalizing of DT in much of the corporate media. “We in the media have failed by becoming inured to Trump’s verbal incontinence — not just the rapid-fire lies and revenge-seeking threats, but also the frightening glimpses into a mind that is, evidently, unwell…. The tendency with Trump, at 77, is to say he’s ‘just being Trump.’ But he’s like this all the time….” Hopefully, the debate has clearly exposed to the nation that he can’t or shouldn’t be normalized and is unfit to hold political office.

Add this to his offensive comments about soldiers, especially those wounded and killed during their service, or sexist, misogynist, and often cruel comments about women and one wonders how he could still be in this race, or how could anyone feel safe with the idea of him wielding power. There’s a reason why so many members of his former cabinet and administration are warning us about him. And as journalist Greg Sargent recently wrote in The New Republic, it’s time for “the media” to make DT’s incoherence the top story of the week, year, decade.

Time for us all, when we can listen to him, to recognize what’s there and not there, and get out the vote for Harris-Walz.

[realbeefman]

Angus loyal follower here I love your posts I actually started reading hilson fic because of you even though I’ve never seen the show and I never will because once I heard Hugh lauries voice in a fancam and it was so unsexy also they filmed a lot of b roll at my school anyway Seeing your destiel post was so surprising to me please tell me more about your spn opinions I’m so curious I love discourse <3

very long answer so i’ve hidden it under a readmore for the sanity of casual dash scrollers and people who dont care

first off his american voice or his british voice? this is kind of controversial and may seem wild considering i spend a solid chunk of time thinking about what house would be like during sex but i ACTUALLY find him deeply unattractive. i’d love to have his face and wear his skin but never in my life would i consider him a sexual being. he’s too british for it. the only way british people can be sexy is if they are women this is my most political belief on foreign policy. however i do think hugh laurie’s AMERICAN voice is actually very normal and makes him very endearing to me. hilson fic is awesome but honestly!!! most hilson fic for me just does not hit the same unless u can visualize the creepiness with which house looks at wilson. it’s genuinely sickening. he talks about wilson in the softest voice. so many of the most iconic lines in the show just dont HIT the same if u dont listen to the way they’re delivered.

that is SO cool that they shot b roll at ur school though!!! honestly seems like a dream. if i knew i had walked the same halls the house film team had i think i would die. the camerawork on that show is just fucking PHENOMENAL. i could write entire essays fangirling over how they shoot certain scenes but i fear that would be chronically desperately boring

oh man my supernatural opinions… first off disclaimer i have not seen supernatural recently because i am a deeply paranoid individual and prone to delusions and when i first watched the show i genuinely convinced myself that the monsters were real so. i think my most controversial spn opinion would have to be that it’s a PSYCHOLOGICAL THREAT. have you ever met a normal supernatural fan? NOBODY HAS. BECAUSE THE SHOW DRIVES PEOPLE NUTS

other than that my opinions are pretty normal i thiunk. i actually dont have anything at all against destiel even though i am solidly on the wincestie side of fandom. i dont care for the ship and i think it sucks but OBJECTIVELY its a good ship and has strong canon support. i think my hatred comes because i have read SO many destiel fics and have yet to come across a genuinely good one that accurately portrays the characters. i dont understand why an objectively reasonable ship with strong canon support has created some of the middest fic ive ever read in my life. genuinely fascinating. it’s not even that the fic itself is not good or entertaining it just doesn’t feel anything like the actual canon dean and castiel! i have read like two genuinely entertaining destiel fics that felt realistic and BOTH were from authors who primarily write samdean so!!

other controversial spn opinions i have. the “chuck is god” stuff is by far the most entertaining late seasons retcon. objectively ridiculous but so goddamn amusing. i think season 8 and the leviathans was the peak of supernatural. by far the best season in my opinion. plotwise it was not the most believable but i strongly believe that what makes a story good is not it’s logical soundness nor it’s objective value but whether it is ENTERTAINING and COMPELLING and by god the leviathans were both of those things. what a season. also benny and dean were having sex. i loved castiel going insane. OH and i think endverse spn is overhyped both as an episode and in fanon! i did not understand what endverse referred to for so long because i couldnt comprehend that SO MANY PEOPLE could possibly by THAT fanatic over a very mid episode.

not a controversial opinion but rowena is hot. she should've been in every episode for this reason alone. last semester i set up an office meeting with my professor who looked JUST like her to shoot my shot and she literally died before the meeting could happen. i've always felt in my heart that these are related.

[massispost]

New Post has been published on https://massispost.com/2024/11/russia-claims-u-s-pushes-armenia-to-commit-national-suicide/

Russia Claims U.S. Pushes Armenia ‘To Commit National Suicide’

YEREVAN — Russia has accused the United States of pushing Armenia to commit “national suicide” by “stimulating the activity of pro-Western structures” in the country and “trying to accelerate its adoption of a pro-Western foreign policy.” Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claimed on Thursday that in doing so Washington is “using methods tested in Ukraine and Moldova.” “There is a task to give a sustainable anti-Russian direction to the public and political processes in Armenia. To this end, Washington intends to carry out a long-term information and propaganda campaign that, among other things, is aimed at discrediting Yerevan’s prospects for…

[article11232]

The Elements That Establish Abu Dhabi as a Top Location for International Entrepreneurs and Investors

Abu Dhabi is fast transferring up the list of alternatives for global travelers and investors. Abu Dhabi offers an unequalled enterprise surroundings because of its strategic vicinity, rules that attract traders, sturdy economic system, and government initiatives that help innovation. Whether you’re an man or woman looking to launch a startup or a longtime corporation seeking expansion, Abu Dhabi employer formation offers a couple of blessings that make this colourful city a top vacation spot for enterprise.

Strategic Location and Connectivity

The fantastic vicinity of Abu Dhabi for enterprise status quo is considered one of the largest advantages. Abu Dhabi, which is placed between Europe, Asia, and Africa, is a international middle for alternate. This region makes it a really perfect doorway for corporations looking for to acquire proper of access to every installation marketplaces in the West and expanding markets in Asia and Africa.

The city additionally has pinnacle-notch infrastructure, which includes ports like Abu Dhabi International Airport and Khalifa Port, which provide tremendous connectivity for each human beings and merchandise. A precious useful resource for organizations engaged in trade, distribution, or logistics is Abu Dhabi's transportation community.

Business-Friendly Regulations

Abu Dhabi has made it clean for foreign traders to installation organizations, way to its transparent and business-pleasant policies. One of the maximum first rate changes in recent years is the UAE's decision to permit 100% foreign ownership in many sectors. Previously, overseas investors had been required to have a neighborhood associate who held 51% of the company stocks. However, with latest reforms, many industries now allow full overseas ownership, which has made Abu Dhabi organization formation tons greater appealing.

In addition, the authorities has reduced bureaucratic pink tape and simplified the enterprise registration manner. This allows and expedites the system of enterprise establishment for entrepreneurs based totally abroad. If you have the important documents, you should be capable of installation your enterprise in a few days at maximum.

Free Zones: A Business Haven

The unrestricted zones of Abu Dhabi are a prime draw for foreign corporations. These zones provide some of advantages, coupled with tax exemptions, general overseas ownership, and 0 customs duties. Some of the most famous loose zones in Abu Dhabi include:

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): This is an international monetary center that offers a legal framework based totally on English Common Law. It’s ideal for agencies within the financial offerings region.

Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD): One of the biggest business zones in the region, KIZAD offers extraordinary centers for production, logistics, and alternate groups.

Twofour54: Focused on media and enjoyment, Twofour54 provides a creative hub for media production, content advent, and digital innovation.

These free zones provide a stage of flexibleness that makes Abu Dhabi enterprise formation attractive to a huge type of industries. By setting up in a unfastened zone, you also benefit from a less difficult felony framework, reduced administrative fees, and get right of entry to to world-magnificence infrastructure.

Strong Economy and Political Stability

Another motive why Abu Dhabi is a high vacation spot for foreign traders is its robust and diverse economy. Although petroleum and energy continue to be most important contributors to Abu Dhabi's GDP, the city has been aggressively increasing its banking enterprise into regions like real property, finance, traveller, and technology. One of the primary components of the UAE's Vision 2030, which goals to reduce the u . S . A .'s dependency on oil and establish an knowledge-primarily based monetary device, is that this monetary diversification.

In addition, Abu Dhabi is thought for its political balance, a thing that’s critical for businesses. Investors can confidently installation save in Abu Dhabi, knowing that the prison and regulatory framework is stable and the chance of political unrest is minimum. This balance makes Abu Dhabi agency formation a more secure option in comparison to other areas with more risky political climates.

Tax Advantages

Taxation is a important attention for any business, and Abu Dhabi offers several tax-associated incentives for foreign investors. The UAE has no federal corporate tax (except in sure sectors like oil and banking) and no non-public earnings tax, making it a extraordinarily attractive destination for marketers.

Additionally, the UAE has a wide network of double taxation agreements with different countries, that could help minimize tax liabilities for foreign corporations. While a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) turned into brought in 2018, it remains one of the lowest prices globally, ensuring that Abu Dhabi enterprise formation still gives extensive tax advantages.

Government Support and Initiatives

Abu Dhabi has been actively selling an modern and entrepreneurial tradition. A quantity of presidency applications and investment possibilities are intended to aid new and small-to-medium-sized corporations (SMEs). For example, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) offers numerous incentives, which include offers, investment, and infrastructure guide to assist corporations grow.

Moreover, Abu Dhabi’s free zones regularly have their personal incubator and accelerator packages that offer mentorship, networking possibilities, and even get admission to to buyers. For instance, ADGM’s innovation hub gives a platform for fintech startups to collaborate with industry leaders and get entry to undertaking capital.

Quality of Life

Beyond commercial enterprise, Abu Dhabi gives a excessive best of life, making it an appealing vicinity for expatriates and their families. The metropolis is known for its cutting-edge services, excessive protection requirements, and brilliant healthcare facilities. Additionally, there’s a wide range of global schools, making it less difficult for expatriates to calm down.

Cultural and recreational activities are considerable, from traveling the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi to enjoying the pristine beaches and comfort inns. Major wearing activities, inclusive of Formula 1 races and worldwide golf tournaments, are held in Abu Dhabi, supplying an abundance of possibilities for commercial enterprise networking in a laid-again environment.

Conclusion

In end, overseas enterprise proprietors and buyers looking to take benefit of Abu Dhabi's effective location, commercial enterprise-pleasant legal guidelines, and strong monetary basis may find the company advent process to be appealing. With its global-class infrastructure, tax breaks, and government's dedication to innovation, Abu Dhabi is one of the world's most attractive company places. Whether you’re a virtual startup, a media enterprise organization, or a multinational business enterprise, Abu Dhabi delivers the proper environment to flourish and be triumphant.

[jcmarchi]

AI-Powered Solutions: How Migrants Are Overcoming Transportation Barriers in the U.S.

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/ai-powered-solutions-how-migrants-are-overcoming-transportation-barriers-in-the-u-s/

AI-Powered Solutions: How Migrants Are Overcoming Transportation Barriers in the U.S.

The credit scoring system in the U.S. is not only used in banking and large businesses, but also assesses the creditworthiness of every resident in every aspect of their everyday life. However, this system also discriminates against large groups of the population, particularly migrants.

For migrants and political refugees, it is extremely challenging to find official employment without the necessary legal papers and a credit check in the U.S. According to immigration laws, asylum seekers are not permitted to work officially for the first 180 days after filing their application. This bureaucratic barrier has led to an increase in low-wage labor in the food delivery sector.

How Many Migrants Face Challenges in the U.S.

As of 2022, the Migration Policy Institute reported 46.2 million legal migrants in the U.S. Another ~9M are undocumented. New York alone welcomes tens of thousands of new arrivals each year, with numbers rising significantly since Spring 2022, as over 118,000 migrants, primarily from Latin America and the Caribbean, crossed the U.S.–Mexico border, according to the Council of Foreign Relations.

Many migrants turn to the delivery sector because it offers more job opportunities under their circumstances. The popularity of this employment surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during strict lockdowns.

Why Migrants Face Transportation Limitations

Working a delivery job in a large city is impossible without personal transportation. Migrants cannot take out loans for an e-bike or similar due to their lack of credit history and necessary documents, which also prevents them from registering a moped or a cars.

The cost of an electric bicycle starts at $2,000. While refurbished models are available for about half the price of new ones, this is still a significant amount for low-income migrants. Cheaper e-bikes from China tend to wear out quickly and require repairs that can exceed the initial purchase cost.

The Issue of Poor-Quality Electric Bicycles

Another problem with inexpensive transportation is the substandard lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles and scooters, which have become a leading cause of fires in New York. The lack of regulation and supporting infrastructure has turned this issue into a serious public safety concern.

In just the first two months of this year, New York experienced more fires caused by battery-powered vehicles than in all of 2019. This has led to stricter regulations on the electric bicycle market and their certification. Ensuring access to safe electric transportation has become a pressing social issue.

How AI Technology Addresses This Problem

Some electric bicycle rental services for couriers in the U.S. stand out. Most delivery workers are immigrants without credit histories, which limits their access to safe and affordable transportation. One potential solution is to develop a proprietary scoring system that makes expensive electric transport accessible to couriers.

Instead of relying on a standard Social Security number, proof of address, and other traditional identity verification methods, two-factor verification can be employed, based on:

Client information from external sources.

Predictions based on data and behavior of previous users.

Once a client subscribes to the service, the system’s analytics determines their creditworthiness and whether they are likely to face payment difficulties. For this development, statistical data from more than 10,000 individuals was used to create an econometric model with over 50 data points.

The algorithm decides if the rental service can be provided to the person in question, and whether a deposit is required. In case of rejection, the service offers alternatives, such as going through a credit partner or purchasing a bicycle. For approved customers, the system also determines the type of deal: rent-to-own, monthly, or weekly rental.

The automation of these processes has proven effective: over two years, less than 3% of bicycles were stolen from the company that serves 8,500 users. According to Bicycle Habit, around 15,000 bicycles are stolen annually in New York.

AI Technologies for Analyzing Clients Without Credit Scores

The following outlines the implementation stages of the “no credit scoring” analytics.

Development of a Proprietary Scoring System

Based on client database analysis, electric bicycle rental companies create their own scoring systems to assess financial reliability based on over 50 parameters, including non-financial ones. This model continuously learns, adapting to the behavior of current and past clients. Parameters can be adjusted, allowing for more complex or simplified scoring conditions. This product is designed for businesses working with clients unable to present the standard set of legal papers typically required by services in the U.S.

A simple example of data analysis

If a database shows that a potential client has multiple phone numbers or addresses that change every two months, it might indicate that they are changing them to avoid paying bills. This will be flagged by the system, but the final decision will be based on additional factors.

What else does the unconventional scoring system check?

Such a system also examines conventional financial indicators, such as history of bankruptcies or evictions. In such cases it takes into account factors like the timing of the client’s bankruptcy procedure. The decisions are then made on a case-by-case basis.

If a potential client has more than 10 different IP addresses, it suggests that they are likely using free or shared internet. The system checks the client’s residence and the payment location by IP address—if they are far apart, there is a high likelihood of fraud.

Stripe, an American online payment system, can be used to check whether the buyer’s payment method has been flagged as fraudulent by previous retailers. This helps identify fraud if a customer is pretending to be someone else.

The onboarding and scoring processes are fully automated through facial recognition and document verification technology to minimize fraud.

Simplification and Security for Low-Income Target Audiences

There are several auxiliary functions Integrated into the custom software:

Real-time tracking of electric bicycles.

Disabling of electronic components.

Alarm system and remote wheel locking.

Automated alerts based on collected data about the bicycle (e.g., trips in restricted areas, unauthorized state border crossing, prolonged absence of GPS signal).

The automation of the scoring process significantly increases the service’s conversion rate, as clients are informed in advance of the required documents and what to expect during the decision-making stage. This allows for the entire verification process to be completed in just a couple of minutes online, avoiding situations where someone arrives unprepared, either having forgotten necessary documents or unable to provide the required deposit.

Thanks to automation, the service can make instant decisions, expediting the onboarding process. As a result, the time from sign-up to receiving the vehicle has decreased from 60 to 15 minutes, and staff no longer waste time on those who have not passed onboarding.

Other Technologies Used by Rental Services

These technologies are employed by all top rental services in America, including Whizz, Joco, and Zoomo. The differences lie in their requirements; for example, Zoomo requests ID and proof of residence as a second document. Recently, they announced elimination of background checks, however their onboarding and scoring still involve manual processing, requiring customers to mail in their documents. Whizz and Joco are ahead of the competition here, having automated the process by using online verification providers.

Joco mitigates risks differently by allowing clients to use electric transport for six hours, after which the bike must be returned to the docking station for charging. This means that the users can’t take it home with them, and there is a time limitation in place as well.

Summary

Technology not only simplifies life but, through an unconventional scoring model, enhances the safety of electric bicycle use and addresses inequality among delivery workers. Thus, it can be said that technology extends a helping hand to those in difficult life situations—even to those without a credit score.

[christinamac1]

Nuclear Weapons and the U.S. Presidential Elections

 September 29, 2024 by beyondnuclearinternational,  https://beyondnuclearinternational.org/2024/09/29/nuclear-weapons-and-the-u-s-presidential-elections/Whoever becomes the next US president, we’ll need to redouble our efforts for nuclear abolition, writes Jackie Cabasso Nuclear weapons policy is not an issue in the presidential election. In fact, U.S. foreign policy, with the exception of some…

[todaysdocument]

Resolution from the Croatian League of Illinois to the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization

Record Group 85: Records of the Immigration and Naturalization ServiceSeries: Subject and Policy FilesFile Unit: Pro- and Con- Public Opinion Re: Quotas and Other Proposed Restrictive Immigration Laws

R E S O L U T I O N . WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of the Croatian League of Illinois, in its regular monthly session, has bee informed that there is pending before Congress a bill known as the "Selective Immigration Act" which bill was introduced by Congressman Johnson of this bill that it would restrict immigration to the United States from certain countries in Europe to two hundred persons and in addition thereto two per cent of the number of foreign born individuals of such particular countries residents of the United States as shown by the census of 1890, and. WHEREAS, the provisions of this bill practically exclude from the United States Croation and Jugo-Slav immigrants for the reason that nearly all of the present foreign born Jugo-Slave and Croations of the United States have come to this country since the year 1890, and WHEREAS, during the recent world war the Croations and Jugo-Slave of the United States loyally supported the United States, and through the Croation League of Illinois and its subordinate lodges, and through other Jugo-Slav societies, purchased many millions dollars worth of Liberty Bonds and War Saving Stamps, and WHEREAS, it is well known that the Croatian and Jugo-Slav residents of this country are industrious, law respecting people, and are employed for the most part in the mines, mills, factories, railroads and other useful industries and have done much to build up the wealth and prosperity of the country, and WHEREAS, it can be clearly shown that a large part of those of Jugo-Slav nationality who came to this country during the past twenty-five or thirty years have become permanent residents of the United States, and useful citizens, responding at every opportunity to every duty of good citizenship, therefore, be it Resolved, that we, residents of Omaha and citizens of the United States, earnestly protest to the Senators and Representatives in Congress against the passage of any law that will unreasonably restrict immigration from Jugo-Slavia, and we especially protest against the unreasonable and illogical principles of the "Selective Immigration Act" for the reason, among others, that the method of selecting immigrants as provided by this Act would give consular agents too vast a power in deciding who should be the future citizens of our Republic, and for the further reason that the quota provision would substantially prohibit all future immigration to the United States from Jugo-Slavia, and be it further Resolved, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization at Washington, to James W. Davis, Secretary of Labor, and to the senators and Representative from the State of Nebraska. The above resolution was unanimously adopted at a regular meeting of Lodge No. 101, Croatian League of Illinois, held at Omaha, Nebraska, March 15 1924. Signed, Andrya Kovaceuie

[mariacallous]

Planning is underway for the G-7 summit that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will host from June 13 to 15. As the 50th summit of the G-7, the club of the world’s leading democracies, there will be an impulse to celebrate.

Understandably so. The G-7—which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and, since 1981, the EU—today represents 54 percent of world GDP and over 55 percent of global defense spending. For decades, G-7 members have gained additional weight on the world stage by coordinating their national economic power in pursuit of shared foreign-policy priorities, such as protecting democratic societies and open markets.

But the importance of the coming summit exceeds its status as a landmark anniversary. The G-7’s future—and the future of global democratic cohesion in general—is now at stake.

Recent disparaging remarks about NATO by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump have led many to question the credibility of America’s commitment to its allies. Part of Trump’s frustration with NATO comes from other NATO members’ historically low defense spending compared to the United States. Why should Americans spend more on Europe’s defense than Europeans are willing to?

However, the G-7 might prove even more vulnerable to the vagaries of a second Trump term. For Trump, coordinating U.S. foreign policy with others is a pointless constraint on U.S. freedom of action—unless, that is, it provides a tangible net economic return to America.

Herein lies the problem. The United States currently runs a trade deficit in goods with all of its G-7 partners except the United Kingdom. In 2023, these deficits amounted to $337 billion, more than the U.S. deficit with China ($279 billion). Trade deficits in goods are a foreign-policy red flag to Trump. That is why he treated Angela Merkel’s Germany as a greater rival than Vladimir Putin’s Russia and torpedoed the 2018 summit communiqué after G-7 leaders tried to push back against U.S. protectionism.

G-7 leaders could cross their fingers and hope there is a second term for incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden. But this is currently, at best, a 50-50 proposition. Instead, they should use the next three months to put in place a policy agenda that could withstand the buffeting of a second Trump presidency while also serving as a platform for a second Biden term.

The G-7’s achievements in Biden’s first term have been impressive. Since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the G-7 has implemented an unprecedented package of sanctions against Russia, ranging from freezing the roughly $300 billion of its central bank’s reserves held in their currencies to banning the provision of insurance to tankers carrying Russian oil if it’s sold above a cap of $60 per barrel. It can do this because over 93 percent of global reserves are held in G-7 currencies, and over 90 percent of the world’s oceangoing tonnage is covered by protection and indemnity insurance issued by companies based in the G-7.

Reflecting their common concerns over China’s rise and Beijing’s close alignment with Moscow, the G-7 has also engaged consistently over the past three years with close allies South Korea and Australia, in an effort to start “friendshoring” supply chains for the semiconductors and renewable energy inputs that will be central to their future economic growth.

All this important work could come to an end if a new Trump administration returned to punishing its closest allies for being free riders. But fixing G-7 members’ trade imbalances with the United States is impossible in the near term. That’s why the upcoming G-7 summit must prioritize preparing for the possible restoration of a hostile Trump presidency.

First, G-7 members need to send a clear signal to Moscow that their support for protecting the sovereignty of Ukraine has no time limit. The murderous conflict there is now shadowed by an intense contest to show which side can outlast the other politically and economically. With new U.S. support currently blocked in Congress, European countries plus the EU have already taken an important step to demonstrate their resolve, by committing a further 77 euros billion in future multiyear financial and military assistance to Kyiv, on top of the approximately 75 billion euros they have already allocated since the start of the war.

The summit should also decide how all G-7 members will start drawing on the profits earned from the frozen Russian reserves. The obstacle to date is that the bulk of these reserves are held by EU banks, and some governments and the European Central Bank are concerned that even the modest step of disbursing the earned interest (4.4 billion euros last year) lacks a firm legal foundation and could also undermine the euro’s credibility as a global reserve currency. Overcoming these reservations would underscore the G-7’s resolve; and a Trump presidency might think twice before reneging on an arrangement that would repay some of the U.S. costs of supporting Ukraine.

Second, G-7 members should invite South Korea and Australia formally into the group. If there is a second Biden term, their membership will strengthen the G-7’s collective resilience in high technology and renewable energy. If there is a second Trump presidency, these two democratic allies will be less isolated in the face of his mercantilist threats.

Third, G-7 members should allocate a first tranche of funding for the plan that the Biden administration, EU leaders, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and India announced last year to build a rail, energy, and data corridor from India through the Gulf and Israel to Europe. This belated but important project to compete with China’s Belt and Road Initiative will connect India’s and the Gulf states’ youthful, burgeoning economies with Europe’s wealthy but aging markets.

The war in Gaza has called the plan into question, but its benefits to Israel create an important additional incentive for a post-Netanyahu government to build a durable peace with the Palestinians. At the same time, it would support the Trump presidency’s main foreign-policy achievement: the 2020 Abraham Accords that normalized Israel’s relations with several Arab states.

The G-7 is an invaluable geo-economic coordinating body for what is shaping up to be a protracted new Cold War with China and Russia. Whether to cement the gains of the Biden presidency or lessen the global risks of a Trump presidency, the G-7’s 50th anniversary summit must live up to its billing.

[quantumresidency]

Apply for Green Card USA: EB-5 Visa, Cost, Requirements & Process

The EB-5 Visa Program: Your Path to a U.S. Green Card

What is the EB-5 Program?

The eb 5 program was introduced in 1990 by the U.S. Congress to stimulate the U.S. economy by offering residency to foreign nationals who invest in job-creating projects. When you apply for a USA visa eb 5, you are essentially agreeing to make a substantial investment in a U.S. business, which in return offers you the possibility to apply for a Green Card USA.

Why Choose the EB-5 Visa?

There are multiple benefits to choosing the eb 5 visa. First, it offers a fast track to permanent U.S. residency for the investor, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21. After obtaining the eb 5 visa, you can apply for a Green Card USA within a relatively short time. Unlike other visa categories, the EB-5 visa does not require any sponsorship from a U.S. employer or family member.

How to Apply for a USA Visa EB-5

Consulting with eb 5 visa consultants in India can streamline the process. They provide valuable insight into the best investment opportunities and guide you through the documentation and filing procedures.

Cost of EB 5 Visa

The cost of the eb 5 visa is not limited to just the investment amount. Other fees include:

Administrative fees (usually $50,000-$70,000)

Legal fees (approximately $15,000-$25,000)

Government filing fees (around $3,675 for Form I-526)

Given the high cost of eb5 visa due to the complicated nature of the process, getting assistance from EB 5 visa consultants in India is always a good idea. They can also reduce risks and guarantee that your application will correspond to the U. S. immigration policies.

EB 5 Visa Requirements

Meeting the eb 5 visa requirements is crucial for your successful application. Key requirements include:

Investment: A minimum of $800,000 in a TEA or $1.05 million elsewhere.

Job Creation: Your investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

At-Risk Investment: The investment must be “at-risk” to qualify for the eb5 visa.

Proof of Funds: You must prove that your investment capital comes from lawful sources.

EB 5 Visa Processing Time

The EB-5 visa processing time can vary depending on several factors, including the workload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). On average, the eb 5 visa processing time for Form I-526 takes around 24–36 months. However, premium processing might be available to expedite your application.

EB 5 Visa Consultants in India

For the Indian investors, there is nothing more crucial than the part played by eb5 visa consultants in India. These experts are engaged in assisting investor in managing the challenging process of an application and provide tips on how to choose good investment projects. This involves stellar professional agents such as Quantum Global Residency which deals solely with the Indian community who wish to invest in the U. S and seek to apply for Green Card USA through the eb5 visa.

Conclusion

The eb 5 program is one of the most efficient ways to apply for a Green Card USA through investment. As, accordingly eb 5 visa applications, an early study of the requirements of the eb5 visa, realization of the fact that information about the cost of eb 5 visa, and cooperation with eb 5 visa consultants in India would help a lot. Whether you want to invest in regional center or direct investment project, the eb 5 program offers immigration with an opportunity for an applicant to have green card and citizenship in United States. If you are considering making this investment, we Quantum Global Residency are here to guide you through every step of the process. So visit us for all your visa related issues.

FAQ’s -

How much do you need for EB 5 visa?

To apply for an EB 5 visa, the minimum investment required depends on the location of the investment project:

Targeted Employment Area (TEA): If the investment is in a TEA, which includes rural areas or areas with high unemployment, the minimum investment amount is $800,000.

Non-Targeted Employment Area: For investments outside of a TEA, the minimum investment is $1.05 million.

In both cases, the investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers to meet the EB-5 visa requirements.

Are Indians eligible for an EB 5 visa?

Yes, Indians are fully eligible for the EB 5 visa. Thus, Indian nationals can avail the EB 5 visa through investing in the required amount in a U. S. business and creating requisite number of employment and fulfilling the rest of the EB 5 visa criteria. The EB 5 visa provides the candidate with immediate LPR status for the investor, the investor’s spouse and any unmarried child under the age of 21.

[schooldekho1]

Master One Word Substitution from A to Z: Enhance Your Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary is crucial for effective communication. One word substitutions simplify phrases, making your writing and speaking more concise. Here’s a comprehensive A to Z guide to help you master these substitutions.

A - Abandon

Replace “give up” with abandon. For example, "She had to abandon her plans."

B - Belief

Instead of saying “a strong conviction,” use belief. For example, "His belief in the project was evident."

C - Conquer

Use conquer instead of “overcome with difficulty.” For example, "She managed to conquer her fears."

D - Denounce

Replace “publicly criticize” with denounce. For example, "The leader denounced the corrupt practices."

E - Enormous

Use enormous in place of “very large.” For example, "The project faced enormous challenges."

F - Fragile

Instead of “easily broken,” use fragile. For example, "The antique vase was very fragile."

G - Glimpse

Replace “a quick view” with glimpse. For example, "I caught a glimpse of the celebrity."

H - Humble

Use humble instead of “modest about achievements.” For example, "She remained humble despite her success."

I - Impose

Instead of “force upon,” use impose. For example, "The new rules were imposed on the team."

J - Jeopardy

Replace “risk of harm” with jeopardy. For example, "The plan put the mission in jeopardy."

K - Knowledgeable

Use knowledgeable in place of “well-informed.” For example, "She is knowledgeable about the subject."

L - Lucrative

Instead of “highly profitable,” use lucrative. For example, "He started a lucrative business."

M - Magnify

Replace “make larger” with magnify. For example, "The report magnified the issue."

N - Neglect

Use neglect instead of “fail to care for.” For example, "He neglected his duties."

O - Obsolete

Instead of “outdated,” use obsolete. For example, "The technology became obsolete quickly."

P - Precise

Replace “exact and accurate” with precise. For example, "Her measurements were precise."

Q - Quarrel

Use quarrel instead of “an argument.” For example, "They had a quarrel about the decision."

R - Reprimand

Instead of “to scold,” use reprimand. For example, "He received a reprimand for his behavior."

S - Sincere

Replace “genuine and honest” with sincere. For example, "Her apology was sincere."

T - Transient

Use transient in place of “temporary.” For example, "The problem was only transient."

U - Urgent

Instead of “requiring immediate attention,” use urgent. For example, "The matter was urgent."

V - Vast

Replace “immense” with vast. For example, "The desert was vast and barren."

W - Widespread

Use widespread instead of “extensive.” For example, "The issue was widespread across the region."

X - Xenophobic

Instead of “fearful of foreigners,” use xenophobic. For example, "The policies were xenophobic in nature."

Y - Yearn

Replace “long for” with yearn. For example, "She yearned for a peaceful life."

Z - Zealous

Use zealous instead of “enthusiastic and passionate.” For example, "His zealous efforts paid off."

Conclusion

Mastering One Word Substitution from A to Z can significantly enhance your communication skills. By using precise words instead of lengthy phrases, you make your speech and writing more concise and impactful. This A to Z guide simplifies complex ideas, helping you express thoughts more clearly and effectively. Regular practice with these substitutions will improve your vocabulary and boost your confidence in both writing and speaking. Embrace One Word Substitution from A to Z to refine your language skills and make every word count in your communication.

Read our other blogs:-

One Word Substitution from A to Z: Enhance Your Vocabulary

[arjasrikanth]

The *United States* , often touted as the world's beacon of democracy and freedom, has long been a *dominant* force on the global stage.

However, behind the rhetoric of liberty lies a more *complex* and often *troubling* narrative—one of *military* intervention, *covert* manipulation, and *economic warfare.*

The legacy of U.S. foreign policy is both complex and contentious, reflecting a significant yet *controversial* role in shaping the modern world.

While the U.S. has been pivotal in global affairs, *its methods*—have frequently led to widespread *destruction* and *instability* .

As the world transitions to a *multipolar order,* characterized by emerging global powers and diminishing American exceptionalism, the U.S. must reassess its approach to foreign policy.

The era of *unilateral* dominance is waning, necessitating a shift towards strategies that emphasize cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and a sincere commitment to global *peace and stability.*

The future of U.S. foreign policy hinges on its ability to adapt to these evolving realities and address the enduring *impact of its past actions.*

http://arjasrikanth.in/2024/08/26/the-hidden-costs-of-american-power-unmasking-u-s-foreign-policy/

[catdaddi-o]

"It is a crucial act of Independent thinking to be skeptical of someone else's description of reality."

Howard Zinn, quoted from "Machiavellian Realism and U S. Foreign Policy: Means and Ends. HarperCollins, 1991

[afreenjavaid]

Why Canada is a Top Choice for International Students

Among the countries, Canada is now among the top choices of students preferring to study in foreign countries. Canada has a lot to offer to the international students who are planning to study abroad, like, the presence of world-class university, the Canadian society is very friendly and more employment opportunities are available for the post graduate students and the cost of the tuition fees are also comparatively cheaper. 

Why study in Canada?

Here are detailed views on why Canada is the best country to study if you are thinking of studying in an international country.

Excellent Education System

Canadian higher learning institutions are famous globally for their quality education and standard learning institutions. The University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia form the top bracket of universities in the world. Canada is reputed to have high academic standards, innovative programs, and research capability as well as quality academic practices. Regardless of the degree level such as undergraduate, masters or doctoral, Canadian institutions offer quality education that teaches students the skills of critical analysis, effective problem solving among other attributes for a successful career in the world.

Multicultural and Inclusive Societies

Globalization, diversity and multiculturalism are some of the features that make Canada famous throughout the world. So, it will not come as a surprise that with almost half of Canadians being born outside of this country, Canadian cities are very international. For an overseas student, you get friendly neighbourhoods, associations/friend groups and opportunities to relate with people from your country. The next factor relates to the Canadian culture as it has been known to welcome diversity and this makes it easier for any international candidate to feel at home while studying. The target cities, namely Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are full of international societies.

Improved Post-Study Work Opportunities 

One of the most important factors that make Canada a preferred study destination for students from other countries is the ability to work after completing the study programme and the immigration policies. Full-time student, who is studying in post-secondary institution can work part-time during the course of his or her study without a work permit. And from September 2022, the foreign students are allowed to be employed at the off-campus without work permit. Another new program known as Graduation Mobility Pathway launched by Immigration Canada also allows overseas students to migrate to Canada with permanent residency status after they finish their study program. Since most international students are motivated by job opportunities after their studies, Canada is a perfect place for these learners because they can easily get extended work passes after completing their courses.

Lower Tuition Fees

It is, however, important to note that though tuition fees for the international students could still be slightly high compared to those for domestic students, fees to study in Canada are still reasonable compared to that of countries like the U. S and the U. K. If you are interested in engineering, medicine or an MBA or a computing course or any other course for that matter – a student from overseas will find the fees charged in Canada competitive on the world market. Besides the costs associated with tuition fees, studying in Canada is comparatively cheaper than in most countries in the world, and other countries preferred by international students.

Affordable education, multiculturalism, and opportunities for finding employment after graduation make Canada an unsurprisingly great choice for overseas education. Seek advice from other professionals who have been in the business of overseas education consultants to guide you in selecting the right programs and institutions for you.

[peaceresource]

U. S. Foreign Policy Today: Summer of 2024

The American empire is expanding, but the economic foundations on which it rests are in fatal disrepair.

A short history lesson: https://youtu.be/HzpYpg1eoCs?list=RDHzpYpg1eoCs  Song: St. Louis Blues  Artist:  Herbie Hancock  Album:  St. Louis Blues (feat S Wonder ) – Herbie Hancock (1998) “American foreign policy under Obama and Biden became a global assassination program: using bombs, drones and CIA, Pentagon and 16 more intelligence agencies, services, contractors and mercenaries to attack…