#american travelers 2024

[amitkakkareasyvisa]

Explore the top 7 visa-free destinations for American travelers in 2024. Enjoy hassle-free trips with insights by Amit Kakkar Easy Visa.

[simply-ivanka]

[who-canceled-roger-rabbit]

I wonder if the "refugees eating our pets!" bit is Trump trying to repurpose the Hindu nationalist trope of justifying anti-Muslim violence with accusations of abusing cattle

[rabbitcruiser]

National Bison Day 

You see them everywhere — on coins, on sports team logos, and a couple of state flags. No, we’re not talking about the bald eagle. This honor is reserved for North American bison. On National Bison Day, November 2, an annual event that falls on the first Saturday in November, all Americans should reflect on the impact bison have as a part of our environmental and cultural heritage. Bison are especially revered by Native people — central to their survival as both food and spiritual inspiration.

National Bison Day timeline

1900s ​Bison herds severely reduced due to excessive hunting and abuses

Hunting dramatically reduced the population — leaving a mere 700 in private herds; even Yellowstone was left with only 23 bison by 1902.

1992 ​​Native American tribes formed new group to share resources and help bison

The InterTribal Indian Council formed not only to return bison to tribal lands,  but also to create culturally-sensitive educational programs and provide both technical resources and help to 56 tribes.

​1997 Groups signed Bison Memorandum of Understanding

​The  first conservation agreement between an environmental organization and a diverse collective of Native American tribes agreed to combine efforts to return wild bison to tribal land.

​2012 ​The U.S. Senate passed first National Bison Day Resolution

The Senate passed its first resolution honoring National Bison Day, which was also supported by various tribal groups and  the Wildlife Conservation Society.

How to Observe National Bison Day

Sign a petition

Visit a national park

Wear your National Bison Day T-shirt

Stand in support of returning wild bison to their original tribal lands on thousands of acres of Native American reservations. Collaborations among certain groups are working to remind Americans about the important role bison play in the lives of native peoples. Bison are considered sacred and they are even featured in certain tribal creation stories. Bison have also been a source of food and clothing — providing hides for tents, robes, shoes, and tools so that people could survive in harsh climates.

You may not be able to get to a large national park like Yellowstone, but there are a vast number of smaller parks from which to choose. Imagine what it must have been like to see thousands of bison freely roaming the plains. Give your children a chance to experience the wonder of our latest national icon — the bison.

Many groups use this day to raise funds in support of bison. It won’t be hard to find a T-shirt showing your love of bison. Wear it proudly because it’s for a great, patriotic cause.

5 Reasons We Love Our Bison

​Watch that tail

​They've got skills

​They're oldies but goodies

​Throw a stone — hit a bison

Bison as symbols

​If a bison’s tail is hanging down and moves naturally from side to side, the animal is relaxed. But when the tail stands straight up, it's a signal the bison is getting ready to charge.

​Given their size as the largest mammals in North America, bison are surprisingly agile with an ability to  swim well, jump up to six feet, and run between 35 and 40 mph.

Bison have always roamed in Yellowstone National Park as evidenced by prehistoric fossils found in modern times.

​Herds of bison can be found in all 50 states.

​The American bison is not only the country's official mammal; the bison is also the state mammal of Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Why National Bison Day is Important

It's our national mammal

They're different from buffalo

They were almost extinct

President Obama, with the support of a broad coalition of Native American tribes, wildlife support groups, and concerned members of the Senate, signed a 2015  law making the proud and majestic bison our  national mammal. This law helps to protect bison from extinction and encourages a return back to their native tribal lands.

We know you have been wondering about this so we're going to set you straight. Bison and buffalo are not the same.  Bison are native to North and South America and Europe, while the traditional home of the buffalo is in Africa and Asia. At the height of their magnificence, there were between 30 and 60 million bison in the New World circa the 16th century. Today, there are currently half a million bison roaming happily across North America.     .

Native peoples once lived their lives around the vast herds of bison that swirled around areas of the west and northwest, the central plains, and the southeastern U.S. Once pioneers started their westward trek, both the Native American tribes and the bison herds were seen as obstacles to progress. As the native peoples were systematically forced off their lands by either poachers or fake government treaties, the bison herds began to disappear; by the early part of last century, bison were on the way to extinction. Today, through the collective efforts of Indian tribes, wildlife associations, the national park system and others, bison have re-emerged as a protected species.

Source

[tmarshconnors]

A Symbolic Duel of the Skies

When it comes to iconic aircraft, two names soar above the rest: Air Force One, the official aircraft of the sitting U.S. president, and Trump Force One, the private Boeing 757 jet owned by Donald Trump. While one symbolizes the institutional power of the United States government, the other epitomizes the flair and individuality of a man who thrives on spectacle. Let’s delve into the differences, similarities, and the symbolic weight each carries.

Air Force One: The Flying White House

Air Force One isn’t just an airplane—it’s a fortress in the sky. Operated by the U.S. Air Force, this customized Boeing 747 (VC-25) represents the full might of the federal government. Equipped with advanced defense systems, encrypted communications, and the ability to refuel midair, it ensures that the president can command the country even in the most turbulent times.

Beyond its military-grade specifications, the interiors are functional yet dignified: a medical suite, offices, conference rooms, and a space for press briefings. The blue and white livery, designed during JFK’s administration, projects a timeless elegance. Every flight embodies the continuity of American democracy.

Trump Force One: A Flying Statement

In contrast, Trump Force One is unabashedly personal and extravagant. This Boeing 757, emblazoned with the Trump name in gold, is less about function and more about flair. The interiors include 24-karat gold seatbelt buckles, leather seating, and a private bedroom. If Air Force One is a symbol of collective power, Trump Force One is a testament to individual ambition.

The jet made headlines during Trump’s 2016 campaign, often serving as a backdrop for rallies. It became a potent visual tool, reinforcing his outsider status and business success. After a hiatus during his presidency, the jet has recently been refurbished, signaling its owner’s ongoing political ambitions.

Technology and Capability: A Tale of Two Standards

Air Force One: Unparalleled security and cutting-edge technology make it the most sophisticated aircraft in the world. It’s EMP-hardened, armed with countermeasures against missile threats, and capable of functioning as a command center during national emergencies.

Trump Force One: While luxurious, it lacks the defensive and operational capabilities of Air Force One. Its primary purpose is comfort and style, with no pretensions of handling global crises.

Symbolism: National Power vs. Personal Branding

Air Force One transcends politics, representing the presidency itself regardless of who occupies the office. It is steeped in tradition and is a reminder of the gravity of the role it serves.

Trump Force One, on the other hand, is the embodiment of Donald Trump’s personal brand. It’s loud, unapologetic, and designed to command attention—whether on a runway or in the political arena.

Which Reigns Supreme?

Comparing Trump Force One and Air Force One is like comparing apples and oranges. One is a utilitarian marvel of government power; the other, a luxury jet tailored to a billionaire’s tastes. Both, however, reflect the man who commands them: the sitting president flies Air Force One as a steward of the nation, while Trump Force One is a vehicle for a businessman-turned-politician who thrives on the spectacle.

What’s fascinating is how these aircraft have become symbols of two very different approaches to leadership. Air Force One speaks to duty and decorum, while Trump Force One projects confidence and charisma. Together, they encapsulate the tensions and contrasts in American political life today.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Dean Obeidallah at The Dean's Report:

Donald Trump wants Muslim Americans to forget the hell he put our community through in the past and now support him in the 2024 race—as we saw at his rally Saturday in Michigan. To be blunt: No politician has ever weaponized anti-Muslim hate like Trump did during the 2016 campaign and as President--as I wrote about years ago for MSNBC.com.   I will never forget the horror of watching Trump on national TV time and time again during the 2016 campaign lying about Muslims to our fellow Americans in an effort to score points with the bigots of the GOP base. And worse, the MAGA crowd at his rallies cheered the hate directed at us. As an adult it was jarring but to Muslim American children at the time it was deeply frightening—as I heard from parents--making them wonder if they belong in this country and would their parents be deported simply for being Muslim. Here are some of the worst of Trump’s campaign of anti-Muslim hate that has stayed with me from the 2016 campaign:

       Lying that Muslim Americans in New Jersey cheered the 9/11 attack. He repeated this over and over despite it being fact checked as a lie: “There were people over in New Jersey that were watching it, a heavy Arab population, that were cheering as the buildings came down. Not good.”

      Trump smeared all Muslims while on CNN in March 2016 as hating Americans: “I think Islam hates us. There’s something there that — there’s a tremendous hatred there.”

       Trump claimed in 2016 campaign that American Muslims were not fully American and wanted to destroy the nation from within: “This all happened because, frankly, there’s no assimilation. They are not assimilating . . . They want to go by sharia law. They want sharia law.”

      Trump claimed on Fox News that Muslims in America know where the terrorists are but we refuse to turn them in: “They're going to have to turn in the people that are bombing the planes. And they know who the people are. And we're not going to find the people by just continuing to be so nice and so soft.” 

       Trump’s calls for a ban on Muslims coming to America: “I, Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.”

Trump calling for a total Muslim ban and the MAGA crowd at the event cheering was one of the most bone-chilling events I’d seen in American politics at that point. (Trump’s Jan 6 terrorist attack has eclipsed that.) The real world impact of Trump’s non-stop demonization of Muslims was that hate crimes against Muslims in 2016 actually reached a higher level than in the year after 9/11. Women with hijabs were punched in the face, mosques in America were being defaced literally with bigots writing the word “Trump” like it was a modern-day swastika, Muslim students were being bullied at record numbers and more. And as President, Trump continued with his hate directed at our community. His first act as President was to sign his “Muslim ban” by way of executive order. He retweeted anti-Muslim bigots on Twitter who were peddling lies about Muslims in America being a threat.  

Trump continually demonized Rep. Ilhan Omar who is Muslim and an immigrant to the point where at his 2019 rally, his despicable fans chanted about her, “Send her back!” And the list goes on. And during the 2024 campaign, Trump is back to his anti-Muslim BS. He has repeatedly pledged that if elected he will impose a bigger Muslim ban. While making this vow, Trump has peddled even more anti-Muslim garbage, declaring, “When I return to office, the travel ban is coming back even bigger than before and much stronger than before. We don't want people blowing up our shopping centers. We don't want people blowing up our cities.”  In other words, he’s telling his base that Muslims will come to the US and blow up shopping malls. (Of course, at the same time, Trump despicably defends his Jan 6 terrorists as “patriots.”)

Since the war in Gaza, Trump has made it clear that he would never allow Palestinian refugees from that area into the United States. Worse, he has 100% backed up Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s mass slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza criticizing Biden for trying to “hold back” Netanyahu’s military actions.  And as reported yesterday in The Washington Post, Trump recently told Netanyahu, “Do what you have to do” when it comes to military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Yet Trump is now trying to attract Muslim Americans to support him. My response is simple: Trump can go F**k himself. Sorry, I’m from New Jersey and when it comes to despicable bigots like Trump that is the response he deserves.

[...] Muslim Americans becoming active in all political parties is a great thing. While I’d prefer they all be progressive Democrats like me, no community is monolithic—nor is it in their best interest to be. But Muslims publicly endorsing Trump who has intentionally demonized Muslims for years to score political points, incited hate crimes against us, backed Netanyahu’s mass killing in Gaza and is pledging a larger Muslim ban is awful.

Dean Obeidallah is saying what needs to be said about Donald Trump’s recent outreach to Muslims disappointed with the Biden Administration’s pandering to Israel despite his past Islamophobia: “Trump can go F**k himself”

See Also:

MMFA: In reporting on Trump's outreach to Arab American voters, national and Michigan outlets excluded Trump’s promise to reinstate a Muslim ban

[kodachrome-net]

At the Canyon's Edge, June 2, 2024

[harrisx28]

Miami Drone Light Show✨ Happy Memorial Day🇺🇸

[nando161mando]

Real temperature of India on 28th may , 2024

[theofficialastronomy101]

Happy Labor Day! To all those hardworking Americans who help make this world go around! Thank you!

[mychemical-gremlin]

my outfit today :)

my challenge is not to infodump about my chem to my family

[queerquaintrelle]

TURN Week 2024: Imagine an encounter with another time period

Well, that is easy, shoutout to that time I met his excellency General George Washington at Colonial Williamsburg.

Interview with George Washington.

Interview with George Washington (extended version).

[simply-ivanka]

Mainstream and social media are preparing to take an active role in pushing this election to the Democrats. Be prepared!!

Ignore their jaundiced message!

"Truth does not win elections". Barack Obama 2012

Remember that piece of shit? He's a legend in his own mind! Trump and Sarah ate him for breakfast!

This video is recent! Gotta love Trump!!

Remember these press conferences?

Trump 2024.

Honesty. Transparency. Straight talk, no bullshit. Mean Tweets!

[sassenashsworld]

Heureux qui comme Ulysse...

[rabbitcruiser]

Indigenous Peoples’ Day/National Native American Day

Coming together to honor and learn from the rich heritage and wisdom of those who've lived on American soil for generations.

Appreciating and paying respect to the unique heritage and culture of those whose origins are native to the Americas, Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers the opportunity to honor, learn, celebrate and raise awareness.

History of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Honoring Native American people throughout the United States, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first officially celebrated in the US in 2021, when US President Joe Biden became the first president to formally recognize the day. However, the idea for the day goes back much further.

In 1977, the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland sponsored the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. Part of the purpose was to begin celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, particularly with the idea of replacing the adoration and glorification of Christopher Columbus with recognition and acknowledgement of the native peoples of the land.

Columbus Day, which is an American holiday, falls on the second Monday of October in the United States, has been less revered in recent years. This is likely due to the fact that the indigenous peoples of the time had their lands and lives taken away from them by the settlers from Europe, and the American people are becoming more aware of the way history has been written only from the perspective of the white person.

In exchange for Columbus Day, many people in the United States have begun the celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day instead. Coinciding with the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus on American soil, a celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day was organized on October 12, 1992 in Berkeley, California. Many other cities and towns have accepted and implemented something similar in their communities, including places such as Los Angeles, California and Washington, DC.

At least twelve of the United States do not celebrate Columbus Day, and the state of South Dakota celebrates Native American Day instead. Tribal governments in Oklahoma have also made declarations regarding the celebration of Native American Day.

How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day

A wide spectrum of ways for Americans to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day can be discovered and created. Consider implementing some of these ideas in honor of the day, or come up with some of your own clever ideas:

Attend an Indigenous Peoples’ Day Event

Those who have a family history as a Native American or other indigenous people should certainly take this time to celebrate their heritage! And those who don’t can definitely take the opportunity to support and enjoy learning more.

For people who live in certain places where the populations of indigenous peoples groups are strong, like Arizona, California, Oklahoma, South Dakota and many other states, it is likely that some exciting events, educational programs and celebrations will be on the calendar! Join in on a parade, learn a native craft, or listen to a lecture on history.

Even better, brush up on current events of the indigenous peoples in the local area to see what ways it is possible to learn more about their plight, make a donation or even act as an advocate to raise awareness in the community.

Re-Learn United States History

With the recognition that history over the first 200 years of the United States was written from the perspective of the white person, perhaps National Indigenous Peoples’ Day would be a time, especially for white Americans, to consider a different perspective. Get beyond what was taught in school and get educated on how the story actually happened before the territory of what is now the United States was settled.

Read some books, watch some documentaries and do some research on websites to find out more. Consider some of these books for getting more educated:

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Book Got Wrong by James W. Loewen

The People: A History of Native America by R. David Edmunds

A True History of the United States: Indigenous Genocide, Radicalized Slavery, Hyper-Capitalism, Militarist Imperialism and Other Overlooked Aspects of American Exceptionalism by Daniel Sjursen

Support an Indigenous People Artist or Community

Often revered for their creativity and attention to detail, many indigenous people tribes produce artwork and handicrafts that are valuable and beautiful. Consider making a trip to a place that supports the arts of native peoples and make a purchase of pottery, blankets, jewelry, painting or some other amazing piece of art to add to your collection.

Visit an Indigenous Peoples’ Museum

Take the hands-on approach to learning more about the people who first inhabited the Americas by visiting a museum or exhibit dedicated to their culture and people. Try out one of these or visit one more local to the area:

Museum of Indigenous People (formerly the Smoki Museum). Located in Prescott, Arizona, this museum works to instill understanding and respect for the people of indigenous cultures, particularly those in the southwestern parts of the United States. The museum holds events, offers membership and even hosts a consignment market.

National Museum of the American Indian. This Smithsonian museum boasts two locations, one in the Washington DC mall and one in New York City. They offer access to various collections and exhibits as well as educational programs, online resources, and presentations with the intent to pay respect and honor to the native and indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Heard Museum. Situated in a vitally important place for Native Americans, this Phoenix, Arizona location focuses on the tribes and people of the Southwest. Exhibitions include handicrafts such as weaving and textiles as well as jewelry, clothing and more. Ages range from prehistoric to contemporary and everything in between. The Heard Museum is also the place where the World Hoop Dance Championship takes place each year!

The Eiteljorg Museum. Located in the center of Indianapolis, Indiana, this museum showcases paintings, sculptures, weaving, pottery, artifacts and even evidence of storytelling. With festivals, educational programs, events and even an annual Indian market, this museum is a fun one to visit and learn.

Source

[newyorkstate-official]

Was in Niagara Falls on business, which happened to land on the same day of the eclipse. Tourism could have been worse, but it was certainly (dreadfully) packed.

It was cloudy as shit so we actually missed totality, but I had some family elsewhere in the state that got a better view of it (second pic)! Luckily, in classic upstate fashion, the pic I got (top) looks creepy as shit.

Anyways, happy eclipse 2024 New York! I hope everyone stayed safe and DIDNT look directly into the fucking sun.