#United States Seniors Government Benefits

[margaretlsgp]

Biden creates new national monument at Grand Canyon [Video]

[mariacallous]

If you’ve rented an apartment in the US in the past several years, you may have had the sense that the game was rigged: Prices creep up not only at your building but at others throughout the city, seemingly in lockstep. A new civil lawsuit brought by the US Department of Justice today alleges that in many cases it’s not just in your head—and that a single company’s algorithm is to blame.

That company is RealPage, a Texas-based firm that provides commercial revenue management software for landlords. In other words, it helps set the prices of apartments. But it does so, the DOJ alleges in its lawsuit, by effectively helping its clients cheat; landlords feed rental rate and lease terms into the system, and the RealPage algorithm in turn spits out a suggested price that enables coordination and hinders competition.

“By feeding sensitive data into a sophisticated algorithm powered by artificial intelligence, RealPage has found a modern way to violate a century-old law through systematic coordination of rental housing prices,” deputy attorney general Lisa Monaco said in a statement.

RealPage’s reach is broad. It controls 80 percent of the market for software of its kind, which in turn is used to set prices of around 3 million units across the country, according to the DOJ. It already faces multiple lawsuits, including one from the state of Arizona and another in Washington, DC, where RealPage software is allegedly used to price more than 90 percent of units in large apartment buildings. RealPage’s algorithmic pricing first gained broader attention when a 2022 ProPublica investigation detailed how the company’s YieldStar software works.

The DOJ civil lawsuit, which was joined by the attorneys general of eight states, is a significant escalation in legal action against the company. It’s also a first for the DOJ, according to officials speaking on background during a call to discuss the complaint. While the government had previously filed criminal charges against an Amazon seller for algorithm-enabled price-fixing, this is the first civil action in which the algorithm itself, the Justice Department official says, was effectively the means of the violation.

The complaint itself quotes RealPage executives allegedly acknowledging anticompetitive aspects of its product. “There is greater good in everybody succeeding versus essentially trying to compete against one another in a way that actually keeps the entire industry down,” one RealPage executive allegedly wrote.

RealPage has repeatedly denied any allegations of antitrust violations, going so far as to publish a six-page digital pamphlet that claims to tell “the Real Story” about its products, along with an extensive FAQ page on a dedicated public policy website. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “Attacks on the industry’s revenue management are based on demonstrably false information,” one section of that site reads. “RealPage revenue management software benefits both housing providers and residents.”

“We are disappointed that, after multiple years of education and cooperation on the antitrust matters concerning RealPage, the DOJ has chosen this moment to pursue a lawsuit that seeks to scapegoat pro-competitive technology that has been used responsibly for years,” said Jennifer Bowcock, senior vice president of communications and creative at RealPage, in an emailed statement. “RealPage’s revenue management software is purposely built to be legally compliant, and we have a long history of working constructively with the DOJ to show that."

The DOJ disagrees. “Algorithms don’t exist in a law-free zone,” said Monaco in a press conference to discuss the case. “Training a machine to break the law is still breaking the law.”

In this case, the complaint alleges that those algorithms consistently drove rental prices upward. “RealPage’s software tends to maximize price increases, minimize price decreases, and maximize landlords’ pricing power,” said the DOJ in a press release. RealPage also doesn’t just recommend prices; in many cases, it actively sets them.

“RealPage actively polices landlords’ compliance with those recommendations,” said US attorney general Merrick Garland in today’s press conference. “A large number of landlords effectively agree to outsource their pricing decisions to RealPage by using an ‘auto-accept’ setting that effectively permits RealPage to determine the price a renter will pay.”

The DOJ also claims RealPage has created a “self-reinforcing feedback loop” with its data intake and pricing recommendations structure that also gives it an alleged monopoly in the apartment revenue management software industry. Any competitor who plays by the rules, the DOJ claims, is at a distinct disadvantage.

The Justice Department has spent the past several years staffing up with technologists and data scientists, better enabling them to “interrogate the code,” as multiple officials described the investigative process. While this is the first major algorithmic collusion case, DOJ officials suggested it would be far from the last.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Outside Online:

On February 29, Daniel, Wyoming resident Cody Roberts allegedly ran a juvenile wolf down with his snowmobile, taped its mouth shut, transported it to the town’s Green River Bar, posed for photos with the animal, then either beat or shot it to death, depending on which version of the report you read. State wildlife officials received a tip about the incident, and later fined Roberts $250 for a misdemeanor violation of Wyoming’s prohibition against possession of live wildlife. No other charges or penalties have been brought against him. As of April 10, however, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office announced that they—along with the Sublette County Attorney’s office—are now investigating Roberts.

“The individual was cited for a misdemeanor violation of Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations, Chapter 10, Importation and Possession of Live Warm-Blooded Wildlife,” says the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in a statement addressing the incident. “The department’s investigation indicated there were no other statutory or regulatory violations.”

The 206-word statement itself acknowledges the controversy that’s raging around the incident, saying: “The department acknowledges the significant concern and dismay expressed by many people from around the state and nation.”

Why was Roberts able to torture a wolf to death with no serious consequences? The answer lies not only in Wyoming’s incredibly lax wildlife regulations, but also in the violence that permeates the relationship between the state and its most famous wild animal.

After being extirpated in 1926, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reintroduced wolves to Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Wolves, the villains in many childhood stories, are a locus of fear for humans. But the animal also serves a vital role in its native ecosystem, where it helps keep ungulate populations healthy by slowing the spread of disease. And it does that at a net financial benefit to taxpayers, since tourists now flock to the state to view wolves. A study conducted in 2021 found that wolf-related tourism brings over $35 million annually to areas surrounding the park.

Speaking of taxes, before all the culture warring and fear mongering, it was the goal of the Republican Party to reduce tax burdens faced by the wealthy and corporations. The Republican Party’s policy positions are widely unpopular, so the GOP instead hoodwinks voters using fear and lies. The Republican-led Wyoming Statehouse passed a bill in 2021 calling to exterminate 90 percent of the state’s wolf population—a bill based on lies and misinformation. Pushing for policies based on fear instead of science has led to regulations around wolves that are unique among wildlife laws, mostly in their encouragement of cruelty.

When management of the species transferred from federal to state control in 2012, Wyoming’s political leaders established two distinct areas with differing population management goals. Areas adjacent to Yellowstone were set aside for trophy hunting, where wolf hunting is regulated. The rest of the state was designated a “predator zone” where wolves can be killed without regulation, reason, or justification. Wyoming also classifies coyotes, red fox, stray cats, jackrabbits, porcupines, raccoons and striped skunks as predators, and permits killing them throughout the state.

“You could pull a wolf apart with horses in 85 percent of the state,” explains Amaroq Weiss, Senior Wolf Advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. In the predator zone, there is no regulation governing how or when wolves can be killed. This stands in contrast to typical hunting regulations in any other state, where what are called “methods of take” are carefully defined to ensure animals are killed in ethical, humane ways, along with precise dates, to-the-minute guidelines on legal shooting hours, and generally universal bans on artificial light sources. The age and sex of animals it’s permissible to shoot are also written in law. But none of that is true in Wyoming’s predator zone when it comes to wolves. You don’t even need a hunting license or tag to kill one, just the opportunity.

Weiss cites “wolf whacking” as an example, and it’s how Roberts captured the wolf he would go on to torture and kill. The term describes using a snowmobile to run a wolf to the point of exhaustion. Once it slows or collapses, you kill the animal by running it over. As Roberts’ escapade demonstrates, sometimes that might take multiple impacts, and sometimes the animal is simply left to die a slow, painful death.

[coochiequeens]

Good news for women!

By Cecilia Macaulay

BBC News

Sierra Leone has passed what has been described as a "ground-breaking" law to improve women's rights.

President Julius Maada Bio made an apology to women for their poor treatment in the past: "For so long we haven't been fair to you," he said.

The law states that 30% of public and private jobs must be reserved for women.

The Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs says women have been "crying" out "for years" for this change.

"It means a lot to women in Sierra Leone," Manty Tarawalli told the BBC's Newsday radio programme, adding that no other sub-Saharan African country had passed such a law.

The law lets girls who are still at school know "there are opportunities for them in Sierra Leone for employment for business" and for them to contribute to the economy, Ms Tarawalli said.

Under the new Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act (GEWE), women also benefit from ringfenced senior positions in the workplace, at least 14-weeks of maternity leave, equal access to bank credit and training opportunities.

There are harsh repercussions for employers who do not stick to the new gender ratios, including hefty fines of £2,000 ($2,500), and even potential prison time for institutions like banks that do not give women fair access to financial support. It is thought this will make it easier for women to start their own businesses.

The government says the employment law will apply to any business with more than 25 employees, but a final decision has not yet been made.

Ms Tarawalli said the move was "important" but that "more steps will have to be taken before the country can say fairness has been achieved across the genders".

Discrimination against women in the workplace is a "big issue," according to the minister, and the new law will "change the status quo," she said.

For Sierra Leone to become a middle-income country it must engage the 52% of the population who are women in the economy, Ms Tarawalli added.

Prior to the law, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) said that "progress has been made in expanding opportunities for women and girls" but warned that "gender inequality and denial of women's rights are still prevalent at all levels in Sierra Leonean society".

As for gender equality in the continent as a whole, UN Women also says thatprogress has been made, but "the majority of women work in insecure, poorly paid jobs, with few opportunities for advancement".

[indignantlemur]

Did a thinky think while on the elliptical- now I gotta know if Andorians have any awards like our Nobel or Pulitzer.

-Horta-in-Charge

This is a fascinating question! Thank you!

Alright, to set the baseline I'll define what the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes are actually awarded for.

The Nobel Prize is granted to individuals and organizations that have made contributions toward the improvement of human welfare, such as chemistry, medicine and physics. This is an international prize. The Pulitzer Prize acknowledges journalism that has best exhibited “distinguished journalism, outstanding writing and photography. This is specific to the United States, though there are international equivalents.

Or, to really render it down to bare bones: the Nobel is for improvements and advancements for our entire species, through science, while the Pulitzer (and its international equivalents) is for contributions to culture in the form of art and writing, including journalism.

So, looking at the purpose of the awards, I think it would be reasonable to assume that Andorians would have something in the same vein, if not necessarily exactly the same. Since Emigre takes place at the beginning of the Federation, however, I imagine that there's still some significant separation between Andorian awards and ceremonies and everyone else's. The Federation is still in its infancy, and while I think eventually everyone will be on the same page it's not quite reasonable to me to assume that Andoria would just dump it's old and familiar ways of doing things and adopt a whole new system right away. In fact, I can't see Andorians as I've envisioned them ever really getting rid of their original versions of anything.

So, what would prestigious awards for Andorians look like?

In previous asks, we've established that Andoria is run by the civil government, the Imperial Guard, and the Guilds, all of which function under the umbrella of the Emperor. Thus, it makes sense to me that the most prestigious and sought-after awards stem from these four sources.

Let's start with the Guilds. Guild awards would be primarily for lifetime excellence and contributions to Andorian culture, I think, and would be selected by a council of senior members from each Guild. To prevent any corruption or internal politicking, no one from the same Guild as a nominee would be permitted to vote on their selection, and generally the council members voting would be required to remain segregated from the others until the voting was complete. It's not fool-proof, and there have been scandals in the past where it was discovered that so-and-so gave 'incentives' for someone to vote a particular way, which usually had everyone else up in arms about it for weeks afterwards while the whole thing was investigated by a neutral third party.

The civil government has very little to do with awards. In the past they used to present awards to individuals who, through their position, introduced revolutionary laws or worked to shape the future of Andoria, but the general populace actually protested the idea. It felt, to many, to be too much like a bunch of politicians patting themselves on the back for the work of their underlings. The awards were very quickly declared defunct, and most Clans who have these awards in their family history find them a little embarrassing.

The Imperial Guard is less about awards and more about medals and merits, and individuals are recognized for their accomplishments based on performance reviews, recommendations by superiors, and quite often by recommendations from their peers as well. It's very common for a Guardsman to be recognized by their peers and put forward for a commendation, often with the thought that what benefits the individual is to the benefit of all. The highest possible commendation is given directly from the Emperor (and/or his proxy) for exceptional service to Andoria and her people, though it should be noted that this award is often given posthumously. The last military award given by the Emperor was given to Thy'lek Shran alongside a promotion to the rank of General for his accomplishments in the field in service to Andoria.

And now, we look at the Imperial Family. Very, very rarely will the Emperor (or Empress, as the case may be) give out any kind of commendation or award himself or via a proxy, but when it happens it's a big deal. Most often, it's for a Hero of Andoria (who is almost always a Guardsman, and usually a deceased one at that) but now and then someone contributes something so fundamentally valuable to the culture of Andoria that the Emperor recognizes them. The last cultural contribution that warranted such an award was the work of an Andorian woman who personally lead a small team to excavate and translated ancient texts carved into the ice surrounding an extinct Clan's holdings describing the roots of early Andorian civilization.

Hopefully this covers everything, but feel free to ask for clarification on any points I might have been a bit vague on!

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

October 16, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

This morning, the Justice Department announced that the United States has reached a settlement with the plaintiffs in the case of Ms. L. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a class action lawsuit filed in 2018 over the Trump administration's policy of separating parents and children at the southwest border to deter migrants. That policy, implemented in 2017 and 2018, resulted in more than 5,500 children being separated from their parents.

In 2018 a judge ordered the families reunited, but it turned out the Trump administration had not kept records of the family members. As soon as he took office, President Joe Biden appointed a task force to accomplish the reunifications, but 85 children are still separated from their families. The task force also found that 290 of the children removed from their parents were U.S. citizens. 

The lawsuit charged that the policy broke a number of U.S. laws—seeking asylum is legal, and taking children away from their parents without cause is not—and the settlement seeks both to heal the victims of the policy and to make sure it never happens again. The affected families will have a different process for applying for asylum than other migrants and will have access to benefits such as work authorization, possible housing assistance, immigration lawyers, and mental health care to address the trauma of the separations, and the government will agree not to turn back to such a policy in the future. 

“The separation of families at our southern border was a betrayal of our nation’s values,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “By providing services to these families and implementing policies to prevent future separations, today’s agreement addresses the impacts of those separations and helps ensure that nothing like this happens again.”

The judge will need to approve the settlement.

MAGA Republicans seem unconcerned with what the law says. Indeed, they have been working hard to discredit the law in order to protect former president Trump, attacking the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. After Trump has publicly attacked prosecutors and witnesses in the case over his attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election, Judge Tanya Chutkan today prohibited him from such attacks on the court’s staff, witnesses, testimony, and prosecutors. 

Last week, Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) called for shutting down the government in November unless Democrats agree to cutting all spending for processing or releasing into the country any new migrants. He says the demand is “non-negotiable.” But U.S. and international law require the U.S. to process asylum requests, even if a migrant arrives in between legal points of entry. 

Former senior Department of Homeland Security lawyer Tom Jawetz told Greg Sargent of the Washington Post that Jordan’s plan “would be both illegal and a practical impossibility.” Administration officials “are legally obligated to process people for asylum on request,” he said. “It’s not a choice.”

But therein lies the heart of today’s Republican Party: its extremist leaders no longer believe that rules apply to them. Jordan, a staunch ally of Trump, was key to the former president’s efforts to steal the 2020 presidential election. He is now gathering votes for a bid to become the speaker of the House of Representatives after the MAGA extremists threw former House speaker Kevin McCarthy out. 

In 2017, former Republican House speaker John Boehner told journalist Tim Alberta: “Jordan was a terrorist as a legislator going back to his days in the Ohio House and Senate…. A terrorist. A legislative terrorist.” In 2021, he clarified: “I just never saw a guy who spent more time tearing things apart—never building anything, never putting anything together.” 

After a secret ballot showed that 55 of his colleagues would not support him in a floor vote, Jordan has insisted on a public vote, putting his colleagues under pressure to support him and thus to support Trump. They are caving, one at a time. 

But Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) called out the MAGA group that revolted repeatedly against the Republican conference and now is demanding Republican unity for the unpopular Jordan, forcing the party to fully embrace Trump. “I can’t abide by the fact a small group violated the rules to get what they wanted [and] now I’m supposed to play by the rules,” Bacon said. “I think we’ve got to have consequences, and you’ve got to stand up for this. That’s what Americans do.”

We used to be able to assume that Americans did, in fact, play by the rules, accepting the principle of the rule of law. That principle is now openly challenged here in the U.S.

That principle is also at stake around the world. In a piece in The Atlantic on October 9, foreign policy journalist Anne Applebaum noted the fragility of the rules-based international order, a system of norms and values established after World War II in an attempt to create a system for resolving international disputes, preventing territorial wars, and ending no-holds-barred slaughter. 

A series of agreements, including the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the U.N. Genocide Convention, and the Geneva Conventions on the laws of war established those rules, and while they have often been flouted, they offered grounds for challenging those nations and military personnel who broke them. 

Applebaum pointed out that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians “are both blatant rejections of that rules-based world order, and they herald something new. Both aggressors have deployed a sophisticated, militarized, modern form of terrorism, and they do not feel apologetic or embarrassed about this at all.” They feel justified in ignoring the rules-based international order and sowing terror and chaos among civilians. 

Their “goal is to undo whatever remains of the rules-based world order, and to put anarchy in its place. They did not hide their war crimes. Instead, they filmed them and circulated the videos online.” Applebaum suggests “we might miss the Geneva Conventions when they are gone.” 

Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have made no secret of their determination to strengthen the rules-based international order, and tonight the White House announced that Biden will travel on Wednesday to the Middle East, where he will visit Israel before traveling to Jordan, where he will meet with the country’s leader King Abdullah II, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas. 

We might miss the idea of the rule of law here at home if we continue to empower MAGA Republicans. Voters in Poland missed it, and yesterday 73% of them turned out to oust from power the nationalist-conservative party that, Anne Applebaum notes in a different Atlantic article, “turned state television into a propaganda tube, used state companies to fund its political campaigns,… politicized state administration[,]… altered electoral laws and even leaked top-secret military documents, manipulating their contents for electoral gain.” 

Opponents of the ruling party, which took power in 2015, came together in a coalition that rejected angry nationalism in favor of civic patriotism, met in demonstrations around the country, featured women prominently in their campaigns, promised to end Poland’s strong abortion restrictions, and offered closer cooperation with Europe. 

Rebuilding democracy will be neither fast nor easy, Applebaum notes, but “Poland shows that autocracy is not inevitable.” 

—

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[feckcops]

Why Has the Left Deprioritized COVID?

“Left failures to incorporate an analysis of disability and ableism are detrimental to our vision and organizing capacity. Capitalism itself is fundamentally ableist, awarding the food and shelter necessary for survival on the basis of an individual’s ability to work for pay. Capitalism ensures its own survival by turning disabled people unable to work, along with other unemployed people, into a surplus population whose existence disciplines employed workers into accepting poor working conditions and little pay, lest they fall into the abject poverty and exclusion experienced by many disabled and unemployed people. Work under capitalism is a disabling process, as workers become debilitated through unsafe jobsites, injuries from accidents or repetitive stress, and the mental and psychological tolls of a work culture that is almost universally unsustainable …

“In 1970, the Young Lords, an organization that fought for self-determination for Puerto Ricans and all colonized people, occupied Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx to demand better healthcare. In 1977, disability rights activists occupied a federal building in San Francisco for 26 days, demanding the right to access any service that receives federal funding: hospitals, universities, schools, public transportation, government buildings, libraries, and more. That sit-in wouldn’t have succeeded without the support of the Black Panther Party, Gay Men’s Butterfly Brigade, and United Farm Workers, who provided the occupation with food, security, and personal attendant care. These groups understood that their members had a stake in disability rights, whether or not they were disabled themselves.

“The left needs to unite against pandemic ableism, not out of goodwill or charity towards disabled leftists, but for our movement’s survival. Organizations limit their potential membership when they romanticize pre-pandemic organizing practices, where everything happened in person and those who couldn’t attend due to disability or illness, lack of transportation, a work conflict, or family caregiving duties simply couldn’t participate. When unions fail to understand – or act on the understanding – that scarce, poverty-level disability benefits and the end of pandemic unemployment supports are political attacks on all workers, whose exploitation happens in relation to the parallel misery of unemployment, they miss an important opportunity to help build power for the working class as a whole …

“We need to organize collective action that builds bridges between our individual workplaces, issues, or identities. We need to work together as teachers, nurses, school staff, retail workers, seniors, and disabled people whose lives are increasingly dangerous and isolated, to shut down production and consumption to demand a public health response that puts life over profit. To get there, we need to call the pandemic what it is: an exercise in eugenics, a mass disabling event, and an escalation of racialized class warfare. The left’s job is not to accept the narrative of events that corporate media and government officials give us – ‘the pandemic’s over’ – but to craft our own, showing each other how many more people could be kept alive with policies such as universal free healthcare and housing; abolition of prisons, borders, and nursing homes; and broad mask requirements, ventilation upgrades, and widespread, accessible testing. We don’t need to accept mass infection. To survive this pandemic and the next one, we need to recognize that we all have a stake in transforming this extractive system, and together we have the power to shut it down.”

[arizonaconservativegal]

This shit makes me so mad.

$30 million and they're only building 54 units? That's $555,555 a unit!

We're just talking about studio apartments mostly and a handful of one bedrooms.

A New Leaf is described in this article as a nonprofit but it would be more accurate to call them quasi-governmental because they pretty much only work on government funded projects. This one is being paid for with federal covid money.

The average cost to build a whole new freestanding house in the Phoenix area is only $334k. Why does it cost A New Leaf an extra $220k to build just a studio apartment? Where does all the extra money go?

I wish I could tell you it was something as simple as a board member's vacation home in the Caymans but the real answer is a lot more boring and frustrating: government funding means strings attached. Expensive strings.

Anyone who tells you government can or should solve the housing crisis is a fool. This is how they do it every single time. The Phoenix area needs 50k+ new housing units today to meet existing demands and that number grows daily. If the cost is going to be $555k a unit for a government build, we are looking at a total cost of $28.777 billion - about three times the entire annual state budget, and for just one part of the state. It is never going to be possible for government to spend its way into a solution.

It is negligent at best for government officials to pretend they are doing something about this problem while thousands of people are stuck waiting for help that isn't coming. It disgusts me.

You want to fix this? You want to actually help people? Cut the red tape.

Let the private sector build market rate housing and let them cut out the unnecessary costs. Stop tying them up in endless zoning and permitting delays. Eliminate outdated regulations that drive up the cost without providing any benefit. Lower the cost of market rate housing and people on the edge of workforce and market rate will be able to move up into market rate for the same or less than they pay today and get better quality housing.

Same thing with workforce housing. The private sector can handle that profitably for builders and affordably for residents if we stop making it impossible to do so. It's time to modernize building codes so that we aren't requiring builders to do things like build an entire closet to stick the water heater in because they used to explode - a perfectly reasonable regulation at the time but these days you could just use a tankless heater that fits under the sink and does not carry the same risk, so why don't we let builders do that instead? Or for another example, tiny homes would be a great option for people who don't need a lot of space but we can't build them because zoning categories literally do not exist for the concept. You can build a single tiny house on a full size lot but that pretty much defeats the purpose.

Affordable housing might always need some subsidies. Fine. But we have got to stop doing things that mean building affordable housing costs more than luxury units. Give the contracts to actual home builders instead of going through nonprofits who chew up 20% of the money as "overhead" for being middlemen. Simplify the request for proposal process so that it doesn't cost tens of thousands of dollars to apply for the contract - a cost that gets added to the bid and since you won't get every contract you apply for, you add enough to cover several applications. For $555k a unit, I'd expect these apartments to be sparkling with gold and marble but instead these poor people just get scraps with the leftover money once the paperwork is paid for.

[darkmaga-retard]

This is a clear, unambiguous statement...

Elizabeth Hart

Aug 14, 2024

Recently former New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet confessed in the Parliament of New South Wales:

This is a most serious admission of wrong-doing by a senior politician - why were vaccine mandates ever imposed upon the Australian population?

We must now seek accountability for this egregious assault on the population.

As noted above:

My colleague Emma McArthur received that statement in a letter from the Australian Government Department of Health, dated 21 December 2021:

I received the same statement in a letter from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, dated 17 November 2022:

This requirement is noted in a variety of sources, e.g. The Australian Immunisation Handbook, under Valid consent:

For consent to be legally valid, the following elements must be present... It must be given voluntarily in the absence of undue pressure, coercion or manipulation... It can only be given after the potential risks and benefits of the relevant vaccine, the risks of not having it, and any alternative options have been explained to the person.

At the time Emma McArthur received her letter from the Morrison Government in December 2021, and when I received my letter from the Albanese Government in November 2022, various vaccine mandates were in place around Australia, ranging from ‘No Jab, No Job’ to ‘No Jab, No Life’.

How could vaccine mandates be put in place when this so clearly contradicts the requirement for voluntary informed consent for vaccination?

Coercion and mandates preclude voluntary informed consent for vaccination.

There is no valid consent if people cannot say ‘no’ without penalty.

How could the medical profession administer mandatory medical interventions?!

The medical ‘profession’ should have refused to collaborate with this travesty!

This happened not just in Australia, but in so many other countries around the world, including other Five Eyes countries - the United States, Canada and New Zealand. Notably vaccine mandates did not take off in the UK.

This must be tracked back now, who are the actual perpetrators who facilitated the destruction of voluntary informed consent for vaccination?

[kp777]

Progressives Condemn Biden-GOP Debt Ceiling Deal as 'Cruel and Shortsighted'

By Jake Johnson

Common Dreams

May 28, 2023

Update:

The text of the legislation, titled the , is now available here.

Earlier:

Progressive economists and advocates warned that the tentative debt ceiling agreement reached Saturday by the White House and Republican leaders would needlessly gash nutrition aid, rental assistance, education programs, and more—all while making it easier for the wealthy to avoid taxes.

The deal, which now must win the support of both chambers of Congress, reportedly includes two years of caps on non-military federal spending, sparing a Pentagon budget replete with staggering waste and abuse.

The Associated Pressreported that the deal "would hold spending flat for 2024 and increase it by 1% for 2025," not keeping pace with inflation.

The agreement would also impose new work requirements on some recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) while scaling back recently approved IRS funding, a gift to rich tax cheats.

In exchange for the spending cuts and work requirements, Republican leaders have agreed to lift the debt ceiling until January 1, 2025—a tradeoff that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is pitching as a victory to his caucus, which includes far-right members who have demanded more aggressive austerity.

President Joe Biden, for his part, called the deal "a compromise, which means not everyone gets what they want."

"After inflation eats its share, flat funding will result in fewer households accessing rental assistance, fewer kids in Head Start, and fewer services for seniors."

Lindsay Owens, executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, said in a statement Saturday night that "this is a punishing deal made worse only by the fact that there was no reason for President Biden to negotiate with Speaker McCarthy over whether or not the United States government should pay its bills," alluding to the president's executive authority.

"After inflation eats its share, flat funding will result in fewer households accessing rental assistance, fewer kids in Head Start, and fewer services for seniors," said Owens. "The deal represents the worst of conservative budget ideology; it cuts investments in workers and families, adds onerous and wasteful new hurdles for families in need of support, and protects the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations from paying their fair share in taxes."

The agreement comes days before the U.S. is, according to the Treasury Department, set to run out of money to pay its obligations, imperiling Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments and potentially hurling the entire global economy into chaos.

House Republicans have leveraged those alarming possibilities to secure painful federal spending cuts and aid program changes that could leave more people hungry, sick, and unable to afford housing, critics said.

"For no real reason at all, hungry people are set to lose food while tax cheats get a free pass," wrote Angela Hanks, chief of programs at Demos.

While legislative text has not yet been released, the deal would reportedly impose work requirements on adult SNAP recipients without dependents up to the age of 54, increasing the current age limit of 49. Policy analysts and anti-hunger activists have long decried SNAP time limits and work requirements as immoral and ineffective at boosting employment. (Most adult SNAP recipients already work.)

"The SNAP changes are nominally extending work requirements to ages 50 to 54. In reality, especially as the new rule is implemented, this is just an indiscriminate cull of a bunch of 50- to 54-year-olds from SNAP who won't realize there are new forms they need to fill out," said Matt Bruenig, founder of the People's Policy Project.

Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, wrote on Twitter that the agreement is "cruel and shortsighted," pointing to the work requirements and real-term cuts to rental assistance "during an already worsening homelessness crisis."

"House Rs held our nation's lowest-income people hostage in exchange for lifting the debt ceiling," Yentel continued. "The debt ceiling 'deal' could lead to tens of thousands of families losing rental assistance... Expanding ineffective work requirements and putting time limits on food assistance adds salt to the wound, further harming some of the lowest-income and most marginalized people in our country."

Read more.

[margaretlsgp]

Second interview with Shawn of RSVP Herkimer County. [Video]

United States Seniors Government C ..

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Progressive economists and advocates warned that the tentative debt ceiling agreement reached Saturday by the White House and Republican leaders would needlessly gash nutrition aid, rental assistance, education programs, and more—all while making it easier for the wealthy to avoid taxes.

The deal, which now must win the support of both chambers of Congress, reportedly includes two years of caps on non-military federal spending, sparing a Pentagon budget replete with staggering waste and abuse.

The Associated Press reported that the deal "would hold spending flat for 2024 and increase it by 1% for 2025," not keeping pace with inflation.

The agreement would also impose new work requirements on some recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) while scaling back recently approved IRS funding, a gift to rich tax cheats.

In exchange for the spending cuts and work requirements, Republican leaders have agreed to lift the debt ceiling until January 1, 2025—a tradeoff that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is pitching as a victory to his caucus, which includes far-right members who have demanded more aggressive austerity.

President Joe Biden, for his part, called the deal "a compromise, which means not everyone gets what they want."

Lindsay Owens, executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, said in a statement Saturday night that "this is a punishing deal made worse only by the fact that there was no reason for President Biden to negotiate with Speaker McCarthy over whether or not the United States government should pay its bills," alluding to the President's executive authority.

"After inflation eats its share, flat funding will result in fewer households accessing rental assistance, fewer kids in Head Start, and fewer services for seniors," said Owens. "The deal represents the worst of conservative budget ideology; it cuts investments in workers and families, adds onerous and wasteful new hurdles for families in need of support, and protects the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations from paying their fair share in taxes."

The agreement comes days before the U.S. is, according to the Treasury Department, set to run out of money to pay its obligations, imperiling Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments and potentially hurling the entire global economy into chaos.

House Republicans have leveraged those alarming possibilities to secure painful federal spending cuts and aid program changes that could leave more people hungry, sick, and unable to afford housing, critics said.

"For no real reason at all, hungry people are set to lose food while tax cheats get a free pass," wrote Angela Hanks, chief of programs at Demos.

While legislative text has not yet been released, the deal would reportedly impose work requirements on adult SNAP recipients without dependents up to the age of 54, increasing the current age limit of 49. Policy analysts and anti-hunger activists have long decried SNAP time limits and work requirements as cruel and ineffective at boosting employment. (Most adult SNAP recipients already work.)

"The SNAP changes are nominally extending work requirements to ages 50 to 54. In reality, especially as the new rule is implemented, this is just an indiscriminate cull of a bunch of 50- to 54-year-olds from SNAP who won't realize there are new forms they need to fill out," said Matt Bruenig, founder of the People's Policy Project.

Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, wrote on Twitter that the agreement is "cruel and shortsighted," pointing to the work requirements and real-term cuts to rental assistance "during an already worsening homelessness crisis."

"House Rs held our nation's lowest-income people hostage in exchange for lifting the debt ceiling," Yentel continued. "The debt ceiling 'deal' could lead to tens of thousands of families losing rental assistance... Expanding ineffective work requirements and putting time limits on food assistance adds salt to the wound, further harming some of the lowest-income and most marginalized people in our country."

The White House and Republican leaders also reportedly agreed to some permitting reforms that climate groups have slammed as a boon for the fossil fuel industry. According to The New York Times, the agreement "includes measures meant to speed environmental reviews of certain energy projects," though the scope of the changes is not yet clear.

And while the deal doesn't appear to include a repeal of Biden's student debt cancellation plan—which is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court—it does contain a provision that would cement the end of the student loan repayment pause, drawing fury from debt relief campaigners.

The deal must now get through Congress, a difficult task given likely opposition from progressive lawmakers who oppose attacks on aid programs and Republicans who want steeper cuts.

As the Times reported, "Lawmakers in the House Freedom Caucus were privately pillorying the deal on Saturday night, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus had already begun to fume about it even before negotiators finalized the agreement."

Amy Hanauer, executive director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, said Sunday that "it's a relief to see that congressional leaders and the President have come to an agreement to raise the debt limit and avert an economic disaster."

"But by instituting work requirements for critical assistance programs and rescinding important funding to crack down on wealthy tax cheats, this deal will rig the economy even more in favor of the most well-off Americans while failing to fix the real structural problems that led to the current debt crisis in the first place," said Hanauer. "The deal avoids the elephant in the room: it includes no new revenues even though tax cuts of the past few decades were a primary driver of deficit growth."

"And next up, many Republican lawmakers want to double down on tax cuts by pushing through many more tax cuts that would most help wealthy families and corporations," Hanauer added. "They should do the opposite."

[help-for-low-income-seniors]

Supporting Our Elders: Charities Easing Financial Burdens for Seniors

Introduction

Life can be tough, especially for our seniors who are like the seasoned threads holding our society together. With healthcare costs going up and pensions not always cutting, a lot of them are struggling to make ends meet. Luckily, there are these awesome charities for seniors that have stepped up to help. They're like a friendly hand reaching out to make things a bit easier for our elders. So, let's check out some of these charities that are all about giving financial support to seniors, and helping them get through life with dignity and grace.

The Rising Financial Challenges for Seniors

Before delving into the charities making a difference, it's crucial to understand the landscape of financial challenges faced by seniors today. As medical expenses soar and the cost of living continues to rise, a significant number of older adults find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Fixed incomes, often derived from pensions or Social Security, may not be sufficient to cover the burgeoning expenses of healthcare, housing, and daily living.

Meals on Wheels: Nourishing the Body and Soul

Meals on Wheels is a renowned charity that operates across the United States, dedicated to addressing the nutritional needs of seniors who face financial difficulties. The organization delivers nutritious meals to the doorsteps of older adults, ensuring they receive the sustenance necessary for a healthy life. This not only addresses the physical well-being of seniors but also provides them with a sense of connection and community.

The National Council on Aging: Empowering Seniors Financially

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is committed to empowering seniors through a variety of financial assistance programs. From benefits enrollment assistance to initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare costs, NCOA works tirelessly to improve the economic well-being of older adults. By connecting seniors with available resources and advocating for policies that support their financial security, NCOA plays a crucial role in ensuring seniors can enjoy their later years with peace of mind.

AARP Foundation: Creating Opportunities for Seniors

The AARP Foundation, an arm of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), focuses on creating opportunities and solving the challenges faced by seniors in various aspects of their lives. Through initiatives like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the foundation helps older adults find employment opportunities that align with their skills and interests. By fostering financial independence through employment, AARP Foundation contributes significantly to enhancing the quality of life for seniors.

Benevolent Societies and Local Community Charities

In addition to nationally recognized organizations, local benevolent societies and community charities often play a vital role in supporting seniors facing financial difficulties. These organizations may provide direct financial assistance, cover essential expenses, or organize community events to foster a sense of belonging. Their localized approach allows them to tailor their assistance to the specific needs of seniors in their communities, ensuring a more personal and impactful connection.

Senior Affordable Housing Programs

Housing is a significant concern for many seniors, especially those on fixed incomes. Charities that focus on affordable housing for seniors contribute immensely to addressing this critical need. By partnering with developers, community organizations, and government agencies, these charities work towards creating affordable housing options that allow seniors to maintain their independence and live in safe, comfortable environments.

Financial Education Initiatives for Seniors

Charities dedicated to providing financial education to seniors are instrumental in equipping older adults with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances effectively. Workshops, seminars, and one-on-one counseling sessions offered by these organizations empower seniors to make informed decisions about budgeting, investments, and retirement planning. By enhancing financial literacy, these charities contribute to the long-term financial well-being of seniors.

Connecting Through Technology: Cyber-Seniors Programs

As technology becomes increasingly integral to daily life, charities that focus on connecting seniors with the digital world play a crucial role. Cyber-Seniors programs teach older adults how to use smartphones, computers, and the internet, opening new avenues for communication, entertainment, and even employment. By bridging the digital divide, these charities empower seniors to access online resources that can alleviate financial burdens and improve their overall quality of life.

The Importance of Volunteering: RSVP and Senior Corps

Charities like the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Senior Corps recognize the wealth of experience and knowledge that seniors bring to their communities. These organizations facilitate volunteer opportunities for older adults, allowing them to give back to society while staying active and engaged. Through volunteer work, seniors not only contribute to the well-being of others but also find a renewed sense of purpose, which can positively impact their mental and emotional health.

Navigating the Application Process: Benefits Outreach Programs

Many seniors are eligible for various government assistance programs and benefits, but navigating the application process can be daunting. Charities specializing in benefits outreach help seniors understand their entitlements and assist them in completing the necessary paperwork. By simplifying complex processes and ensuring that seniors receive the financial support they are entitled to, these charities make a significant difference in the lives of older adults.

Conclusion

There are these cool charities that are all about helping older folks dealing with money problems, and they add some crucial elements to this whole song we're jamming to, making our society more caring and in sync.

We should take a moment to give a shoutout to our older peeps for all the cool stuff they've done and been through. It's on us to make sure they get the backup they need to deal with all the money stuff that comes with getting older. Supporting these charities and what they're about isn't just good for our seniors; it's like adding some extra strength to the whole human connection thing we've got going on.

Welcome to Stepping Up for Seniors, a dedicated organization committed to making a positive impact in the lives of low-income seniors who require assistance yet lack the essential family support and financial resources to access the help they need. Our mission is simple but profound - to provide a helping hand and bring hope to those in their golden years who might otherwise be left without the vital support they deserve.

Our organization is not just a helping hand; we are a lifeline for low-income seniors seeking support and care. With a team of dedicated professionals and a network of compassionate volunteers, we work tirelessly to make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors who have walked a long and challenging journey.

Join us in our mission to lift the spirits of low-income seniors and provide them with the care and resources they deserve. Together, we can make a profound impact, ensuring that every senior in our community can enjoy their golden years with grace, respect, and joy.

Explore our website to learn more about our programs and discover how you can get involved in Stepping Up for Seniors. Let's step up together for those who have paved the way for us and deserve to be cherished in their retirement years.

Stepping Up For Seniors Charities for Seniors in Phoenix Financial Assistance for Elders in Phoenix https://supportingourelderscharitiese664.blogspot.com/ https://supportingourelderscharitiese664.blogspot.com/2023/12/supporting-our-elders-charities-easing.html https://www.tumblr.com/stepping-up-for-seniors/736949691385774080 https://qualityanaheimhillsgaragedoors.blogspot.com/2023/12/quality-anaheim-hills-garage-doors.html https://www.tumblr.com/bell-mountain-gym-q8l3to/736620176843374592 https://supportingourelderscharitiese710.blogspot.com/

[steppingupforseniorsinarizona]

Supporting Our Elders: Charities Easing Financial Burdens for Seniors

Introduction

Life can be tough, especially for our seniors who are like the seasoned threads holding our society together. With healthcare costs going up and pensions not always cutting, a lot of them are struggling to make ends meet. Luckily, there are these awesome charities for seniors that have stepped up to help. They're like a friendly hand reaching out to make things a bit easier for our elders. So, let's check out some of these charities that are all about giving financial support to seniors, and helping them get through life with dignity and grace.

The Rising Financial Challenges for Seniors

Before delving into the charities making a difference, it's crucial to understand the landscape of financial challenges faced by seniors today. As medical expenses soar and the cost of living continues to rise, a significant number of older adults find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Fixed incomes, often derived from pensions or Social Security, may not be sufficient to cover the burgeoning expenses of healthcare, housing, and daily living.

Meals on Wheels: Nourishing the Body and Soul

Meals on Wheels is a renowned charity that operates across the United States, dedicated to addressing the nutritional needs of seniors who face financial difficulties. The organization delivers nutritious meals to the doorsteps of older adults, ensuring they receive the sustenance necessary for a healthy life. This not only addresses the physical well-being of seniors but also provides them with a sense of connection and community.

The National Council on Aging: Empowering Seniors Financially

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is committed to empowering seniors through a variety of financial assistance programs. From benefits enrollment assistance to initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare costs, NCOA works tirelessly to improve the economic well-being of older adults. By connecting seniors with available resources and advocating for policies that support their financial security, NCOA plays a crucial role in ensuring seniors can enjoy their later years with peace of mind.

AARP Foundation: Creating Opportunities for Seniors

The AARP Foundation, an arm of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), focuses on creating opportunities and solving the challenges faced by seniors in various aspects of their lives. Through initiatives like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the foundation helps older adults find employment opportunities that align with their skills and interests. By fostering financial independence through employment, AARP Foundation contributes significantly to enhancing the quality of life for seniors.

Benevolent Societies and Local Community Charities

In addition to nationally recognized organizations, local benevolent societies and community charities often play a vital role in supporting seniors facing financial difficulties. These organizations may provide direct financial assistance, cover essential expenses, or organize community events to foster a sense of belonging. Their localized approach allows them to tailor their assistance to the specific needs of seniors in their communities, ensuring a more personal and impactful connection.

Senior Affordable Housing Programs

Housing is a significant concern for many seniors, especially those on fixed incomes. Charities that focus on affordable housing for seniors contribute immensely to addressing this critical need. By partnering with developers, community organizations, and government agencies, these charities work towards creating affordable housing options that allow seniors to maintain their independence and live in safe, comfortable environments.

Financial Education Initiatives for Seniors

Charities dedicated to providing financial education to seniors are instrumental in equipping older adults with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances effectively. Workshops, seminars, and one-on-one counseling sessions offered by these organizations empower seniors to make informed decisions about budgeting, investments, and retirement planning. By enhancing financial literacy, these charities contribute to the long-term financial well-being of seniors.

Connecting Through Technology: Cyber-Seniors Programs

As technology becomes increasingly integral to daily life, charities that focus on connecting seniors with the digital world play a crucial role. Cyber-Seniors programs teach older adults how to use smartphones, computers, and the internet, opening new avenues for communication, entertainment, and even employment. By bridging the digital divide, these charities empower seniors to access online resources that can alleviate financial burdens and improve their overall quality of life.

The Importance of Volunteering: RSVP and Senior Corps

Charities like the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Senior Corps recognize the wealth of experience and knowledge that seniors bring to their communities. These organizations facilitate volunteer opportunities for older adults, allowing them to give back to society while staying active and engaged. Through volunteer work, seniors not only contribute to the well-being of others but also find a renewed sense of purpose, which can positively impact their mental and emotional health.

Navigating the Application Process: Benefits Outreach Programs

Many seniors are eligible for various government assistance programs and benefits, but navigating the application process can be daunting. Charities specializing in benefits outreach help seniors understand their entitlements and assist them in completing the necessary paperwork. By simplifying complex processes and ensuring that seniors receive the financial support they are entitled to, these charities make a significant difference in the lives of older adults.

Conclusion

There are these cool charities that are all about helping older folks dealing with money problems, and they add some crucial elements to this whole song we're jamming to, making our society more caring and in sync.

We should take a moment to give a shoutout to our older peeps for all the cool stuff they've done and been through. It's on us to make sure they get the backup they need to deal with all the money stuff that comes with getting older. Supporting these charities and what they're about isn't just good for our seniors; it's like adding some extra strength to the whole human connection thing we've got going on.

Welcome to Stepping Up for Seniors, a dedicated organization committed to making a positive impact in the lives of low-income seniors who require assistance yet lack the essential family support and financial resources to access the help they need. Our mission is simple but profound - to provide a helping hand and bring hope to those in their golden years who might otherwise be left without the vital support they deserve.

Our organization is not just a helping hand; we are a lifeline for low-income seniors seeking support and care. With a team of dedicated professionals and a network of compassionate volunteers, we work tirelessly to make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors who have walked a long and challenging journey.

Join us in our mission to lift the spirits of low-income seniors and provide them with the care and resources they deserve. Together, we can make a profound impact, ensuring that every senior in our community can enjoy their golden years with grace, respect, and joy.

Explore our website to learn more about our programs and discover how you can get involved in Stepping Up for Seniors. Let's step up together for those who have paved the way for us and deserve to be cherished in their retirement years.

[usafphantom2]

Boeing accelerates sending 1,000 smart bombs to Israel after Hamas attacks

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 10/13/2023 - 09:00 in Military, War Zones

Boeing accelerated the delivery of 1,000 smart bombs to Israel as the country intensifies retaliation against Hamas after the devastating weekend attack that killed hundreds of people, industry and defense officials said.

The 250-pound small diameter bombs, part of a 2021 contract, were transported from a U.S. Air Force base by Israeli Air Force transport, according to an industry official who asked not to be identified when discussing the agreements.

A senior defense official who spoke to reporters on Monday said that the ammunition sent in a hurry to Israel was not part of a “foreign military sale” between governments, but rather part of a “direct commercial sale” between the contractor and Israel that was already underway.

A second defense officer said on Tuesday that the first officer was referring to accelerated transactions as part of a May 2021 direct commercial sale between Boeing and Israel, which the State Department estimated at $735 million over several years. It also includes kits to convert unguided bombs into GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Ammunition. No JDAM kit has been sent yet, said one employee.

The weapons, which can be launched by Israeli jets more than 64 kilometers away - each aimed at specific targets - "provide the means to accurately target terrorists in Gaza, while minimizing civilian casualties," said Brad Bowman, a military analyst at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, which monitors military issues in the Middle East. He said this is an important capability, considering that Hamas holds Israeli hostages.

The May 2021 sale was controversial when Congress was notified by the Biden administration. Senator Bernie Sanders and some members of the House acted to block the proposal to sell in protest against the Israeli attacks in Gaza at the time, but the proposal was not voted on, according to the Congressional Investigation Service.

A Boeing spokesman did not want to comment. According to a U.S. Air Force information leaflet, the small size of the Small Diameter Pump (SDB) “inherently reduces the likelihood of collateral damage”.

Separately, the Biden administration is expected to announce new arms supplies to Israel, which receives more than $3 billion in U.S. military aid every year.

Source: Bloomberg

Tags: Military AviationBoeingIAF - Israeli Air Force/Israel Air ForceWar Zones - Middle East

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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By Bernie Sanders

Mr. Sanders is the senior senator from Vermont.

July 13, 2024

I will do all that I can to see that President Biden is re-elected. Why? Despite my disagreements with him on particular issues, he has been the most effective president in the modern history of our country and is the strongest candidate to defeat Donald Trump — a demagogue and pathological liar. It’s time to learn a lesson from the progressive and centrist forces in France who, despite profound political differences, came together this week to soundly defeat right-wing extremism.

I strongly disagree with Mr. Biden on the question of U.S. support for Israel’s horrific war against the Palestinian people. The United States should not provide Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing extremist government with another nickel as it continues to create one of the worst humanitarian disasters in modern history.

I strongly disagree with the president’s belief that the Affordable Care Act, as useful as it has been, will ever address America’s health care crisis. Our health care system is broken, dysfunctional and wildly expensive and needs to be replaced with a “Medicare for all” single-payer system. Health care is a human right.

And those are not my only disagreements with Mr. Biden.

But for over two weeks now, the corporate media has obsessively focused on the June presidential debate and the cognitive capabilities of a man who has, perhaps, the most difficult and stressful job in the world. The media has frantically searched for every living human being who no longer supports the president or any neurologist who wants to appear on TV. Unfortunately, too many Democrats have joined that circular firing squad.

Yes. I know: Mr. Biden is old, is prone to gaffes, walks stiffly and had a disastrous debate with Mr. Trump. But this I also know: A presidential election is not an entertainment contest. It does not begin or end with a 90-minute debate.

Enough! Mr. Biden may not be the ideal candidate, but he will be the candidate and should be the candidate. And with an effective campaign that speaks to the needs of working families, he will not only defeat Mr. Trump but beat him badly. It’s time for Democrats to stop the bickering and nit-picking.

I understand that some Democrats get nervous about having to explain the president’s gaffes and misspeaking names. But unlike the Republicans, they do not have to explain away a candidate who now has 34 felony convictions and faces charges that could lead to dozens of additional convictions, who has been hit with a $5 million judgment after he was found liable in a sexual abuse case, who has been involved in more than 4,000 lawsuits, who has repeatedly gone bankrupt and who has told thousands of documented lies and falsehoods.

Supporters of Mr. Biden can speak proudly about a good and decent Democratic president with a record of real accomplishment. The Biden administration, as a result of the American Rescue Plan, helped rebuild the economy during the pandemic far faster than economists thought possible. At a time when people were terrified about the future, the president and those of us who supported him in Congress put Americans back to work, provided cash benefits to desperate parents and protected small businesses, hospitals, schools and child care centers.

After decades of talk about our crumbling roads, bridges and water systems, we put more money into rebuilding America’s infrastructure than ever before — which is projected to create millions of well-paying jobs. And we did not stop there. We made the largest-ever investment in climate action to save the planet. We canceled student debt for nearly five million financially strapped Americans. We cut prices for insulin and asthma inhalers, capped out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and got free vaccines to the American people. We battled to defend women’s rights in the face of moves by Trump-appointed jurists to roll back reproductive freedom and deny women the right to control their own bodies.

So, yes, Mr. Biden has a record to run on. A strong record. But he and his supporters should never suggest that what’s been accomplished is sufficient. To win the election, the president must do more than just defend his excellent record. He needs to propose and fight for a bold agenda that speaks to the needs of the vast majority of our people — the working families of this country, the people who have been left behind for far too long.

At a time when the billionaires have never had it so good and when the United States is experiencing virtually unprecedented income and wealth inequality, over 60 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, real weekly wages for the average worker have not risen in over 50 years, 25 percent of seniors live each year on $15,000 or less, we have a higher rate of childhood poverty than almost any other major country, and housing is becoming more and more unaffordable — among other crises.

This is the wealthiest country in the history of the world. We can do better. We must do better. Joe Biden knows that. Donald Trump does not. Joe Biden wants to tax the rich so that we can fund the needs of working families, the elderly, the children, the sick and the poor. Donald Trump wants to cut taxes for the billionaire class. Joe Biden wants to expand Social Security benefits. Donald Trump and his friends want to weaken Social Security. Joe Biden wants to make it easier for workers to form unions and collectively bargain for better wages and benefits. Donald Trump wants to let multinational corporations get away with exploiting workers and ripping off consumers. Joe Biden respects democracy. Donald Trump attacks it.

This election offers a stark choice on issue after issue. If Mr. Biden and his supporters focus on these issues — and refuse to be divided and distracted — the president will rally working families to his side in the industrial Midwest swing states and elsewhere and win the November election. And let me say this as emphatically as I can: For the sake of our kids and future generations, he must win.

Bernie Sanders