#for refusing to violate company safety procedures | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

phroyd · 5 years ago

Link

The top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, who has investigated President Trump’s closest associates, was refusing to leave his position on Saturday after Attorney General William P. Barr tried to fire him, setting up an extraordinary standoff over the independence of law enforcement and the president’s purge of officials he views as disloyal.

Mr. Barr abruptly announced the resignation late Friday night of the prosecutor, Geoffrey S. Berman, United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, whose office has been at the forefront of corruption inquiries into Mr. Trump’s inner circle. The office successfully prosecuted the president’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who went to prison, and has been investigating Mr. Trump’s current personal lawyer, Rudolph W. Giuliani.

But Mr. Berman then quickly issued a statement denying that he was leaving. “I have not resigned, and have no intention of resigning, my position,” Mr. Berman said, adding that he had learned that he was “stepping down” from a Justice Department news release.

The clash over one of the Justice Department’s most prestigious jobs came as the agency had already been roiled by questions over whether Mr. Barr had undercut its tradition of independence from political interference.

It also raised complicated constitutional and legal questions because of the highly unusual way that Mr. Berman received his job. The president and attorney general can typically dismiss United States attorneys, but Mr. Berman was not ultimately appointed by the Trump administration — he was named by a panel of federal judges.

Mr. Barr’s announcement that Mr. Trump was seeking to replace Mr. Berman was made with no notice. Mr. Barr said the president intended to nominate as Mr. Berman’s successor Jay Clayton, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, who has never served as a prosecutor.

Mr. Barr asked Mr. Berman to resign, but he refused, so Mr. Barr moved to fire him, according to a person familiar with the matter. Mr. Trump had been discussing removing Mr. Berman for some time with a small group of advisers, the person said. Mr. Trump has been upset with Mr. Berman ever since the Manhattan prosecutor’s office pursued a case against Mr. Cohen.

At some point during their conversation, Mr. Barr suggested to Mr. Berman that he might take over the civil division of the Justice Department if he agreed to leave the position in Manhattan, according to a person familiar with the conversation

Mr. Barr’s attempt to fire Mr. Berman received unexpected pushback from Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and a close Trump ally.

Mr. Graham, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee — which would approve Mr. Clayton’s nomination — suggested in a statement that he would allow New York’s two Democratic senators to thwart the nomination through a procedural maneuver.

He complimented Mr. Clayton but said he had not heard from the administration about his planned nomination.

Mr. Trump’s purge of officials has intensified in the months since the Republican-led Senate acquitted him in the impeachment trial. He has fired or forced out inspectors general with independent oversight over executive branch agencies and other key figures from the trial.

Several dismissals have come late on Friday nights, a time that many White Houses have used to disclose news that they would prefer receive little attention.

The highly public tussle between Mr. Barr and Mr. Berman that unfolded late on Friday was another example of the tumult that has engulfed the Justice Department in recent months.

The attorney general’s interventions in high-profile cases involving the onetime Trump advisers Roger J. Stone Jr. and Michael T. Flynn have prompted accusations from current and former law enforcement officials that Mr. Barr has politicized the department.

Mr. Berman’s office has taken an aggressive approach in a number of cases that have vexed the Trump administration, from the prosecution and guilty plea obtained from Mr. Cohen to a broader investigation, growing out of that inquiry, which focused on Mr. Trump’s private company and others close to him.

Over the last year, Mr. Berman’s office brought indictments against two close associates of the president’s current lawyer, Mr. Giuliani, and began an investigation into Mr. Giuliani himself, focusing on whether his efforts to dig up dirt in Ukraine on the president’s political rivals violated laws on lobbying for foreign entities.

Mr. Berman’s office also conducted an investigation into Mr. Trump’s inaugural committee, subpoenaing financial and other records as part of a broad inquiry into possible illegal contributions from foreigners.

A lawyer for Mr. Giuliani, Robert J. Costello, said he had received no advance notice of Mr. Barr’s effort to oust Mr. Berman. Mr. Costello said Mr. Giuliani had no role in the matter.

“We certainly don’t know anything about it,” Mr. Costello said. “This comes as a surprise to us.”

Mr. Barr also announced that on his recommendation, Mr. Trump had appointed Craig Carpenito, the current U.S. attorney for New Jersey, to serve as acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan while the Senate considers Mr. Clayton’s nomination. Mr. Barr said Mr. Carpenito’s appointment would be effective July 3.

Mr. Barr’s move to dismiss Mr. Berman came just days after Mr. Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, alleged in a new book that Mr. Trump sought to interfere in an investigation by Mr. Berman’s office into a Turkish bank, in a bid to cut deals with the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The United States attorney’s office in Manhattan is perhaps the most famous federal prosecutor’s post in the country. The office, through Democratic and Republican administrations, has long prized a tradition of independence from the Justice Department and Washington. It has even been nicknamed the “Sovereign District of New York.”

Mr. Berman worked there in the 1990s as a prosecutor, but he took over the office under atypical circumstances.

A Republican who contributed to the president’s campaign and worked at the same law firm as Mr. Giuliani, Mr. Berman was never formally nominated for the position by Mr. Trump or confirmed by the Senate, as is normal protocol for United States attorneys.

In 2018, the attorney general at the time, Jeff Sessions, appointed Mr. Berman as interim United States attorney in Manhattan.

But Mr. Trump never formally sent Mr. Berman’s nomination to the Senate. After 120 days, his formal appointment to the post was made by the judges of the United States District Court.

Mr. Berman took note of the nature of his appointment to the position in explaining why he was refusing to step down.

“I was appointed by the judges of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York,” Mr. Berman said in his statement. “I will step down when a presidentially appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate. Until then, our investigations will move forward without delay or interruption.”

U.S. attorneys are typically replaced by their first assistants, but Mr. Trump’s choice to replace Mr. Berman is an outsider who has never worked in that office.

Mr. Clayton is not a litigator or a former prosecutor, which often are prerequisites to being named a United States attorney, especially in a jurisdiction as prominent as the Southern District.

Before being named chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission by Mr. Trump, Mr. Clayton had been a longtime corporate lawyer at the firm Sullivan & Cromwell, where he did work for banks, hedge funds and big corporations such as Goldman Sachs, Barclays and Alibaba.

It is highly unusual to name an outsider to a prosecutor’s post like the one in Manhattan, but it is not the first time this has happened under Mr. Trump. When Jessie K. Liu left the United States attorney’s office in Washington, she was replaced by an ally of Mr. Barr, Timothy Shea, rather than her first assistant.

Mr. Barr met with Mr. Berman on Friday in New York, according to a person familiar with the matter. It was not clear what they discussed.

Mr. Barr was visiting New York to meet with senior New York Police Department officials and to talk about “policing issues that have been at the forefront of national conversation and debate,” according to a Justice Department news release.

On Thursday, Mr. Berman sent a message to the office about safety protocols for returning to work, sounding upbeat and giving no indication that he was about to leave, according to a person familiar with the message

Mr. Barr’s attempt to remove Mr. Berman came two days after excerpts released from Mr. Bolton’s upcoming book described what Mr. Bolton said was Mr. Trump’s willingness to intervene in criminal investigations, including one in Mr. Berman’s office.

Mr. Bolton wrote in the book that Mr. Trump in 2018 had promised the Turkish president, Mr. Erdogan, that he would interfere in an ongoing investigation against a Turkish company accused of violating Iranian sanctions.

“Trump then told Erdogan he would take care of things, explaining that the Southern District prosecutors were not his people, but were Obama people, a problem that would be fixed when they were replaced by his people,” Mr. Bolton wrote.

At the time, Mr. Berman was the U.S. attorney overseeing the case. The company, Halkbank, a state-owned bank in Turkey, was indicted in the Southern District last year.

Mr. Berman was also known for his office’s decision last year to bring sex-trafficking charges against Jeffrey Epstein, who had avoided a similar prosecution in Florida in 2008.

After Mr. Epstein committed suicide last August, Mr. Berman announced that the inquiry into Mr. Epstein’s sex trafficking conspiracy would continue and that his office was committed to standing up for the “brave young women” whom Mr. Epstein had abused.

The office has been investigating several of Mr. Epstein’s alleged co-conspirators, and it has been locked in a public dispute with Prince Andrew of Britain about what Mr. Berman has depicted as the prince’s refusal to assist the investigation.

Phroyd

#appointments and executive changes #barr #trump #corruption

34 notes · View notes

freethoughtforall · 5 years ago

Text

Geopolitical Move of the CCP

Prelude and Disclaimers:

I am not a Scientist or Political Analyst, nor do I claim to be an expert in any field related to any of the following areas noted. I do not support nor intend to promote Xenophobia, racism, or acts of violence or hatred toward any group of people. This is merely a postulation, a pondering of thoughts. There are facts, theory, conjecture, and opinion intertwined here. Some of the sites and documents used to create some of the theory are mysteriously no longer available, my links go to unavailable sites, pages, and documents. What was available several weeks ago when I started taking notes is no longer available. So do your own research and make your own opinions.

I merely suggest that this is perhaps, not entirely random. While worldwide pandemics are known, this particular one came at a convenient time in the geopolitical environment. Know also that no government is absolute, all great governments and empires in the past have fallen or shrunk to a less formidable position. Examples: The Great Roman Empire ruled for 2026 years, The British Empire in its hey day lasted 394 years and reduced to its current size, and many others either empires or large nation states. They fall for many reasons, internal revolt and dissension, external attack from a rising power, or geopolitical changes. One thing is certain, world power changes. There is no guarantee.

Presently the United States has been the major world power for a good many years. Our currency, military, and world reach have been the major influencers in the global theater for a long time. Starting in 1898 with the Spanish American War the United States entered the world stage and began the start of our world presence as a superpower.

One thing is certain, if someone has power, someone else wants that power.

So, call me a conspiracy theorist, nut job, member of the tin foil club, or just an all-around loon, I really do not mind. This is just a thought expressed out loud. Perhaps it is a purposeful attempt at world economy disruption by a government bent on domination (not the first time it has been tried), maybe it was accidentally released due to careless procedures at a lab, or just a naturally occurring pandemic. Ultimately it is your call to make. What do you believe? Many things are not as innocent as they appear. But this is the situation China was waiting for, so intentional or convenient accident? You make the Call. But I do believe this is a possibility which has been floated in our government and perhaps (most likely) we are not being told the whole truth, and our government is attempting to prevent world conflict.

1960 – 1980:

China reforms its overall government and starts to support and lift its people at great cost financially and humanitarian missteps. KEYPOINT: 1976 - Mao dies. "Gang of Four", including Mao's widow, jockey for power but are arrested and convicted of crimes against the state. From 1977 Deng Xiaoping emerges as the dominant figure among pragmatists in the leadership. Under him, China undertakes far-reaching economic reforms. KEYPOINT: 1979 - Diplomatic relations established with the US. Government imposes one-child policy in effort to curb population growth.

1980 – 1990:

Continued growth and elevation of the people, beginning to be a world market player. KEYPOINTS: 1986-90 - China's "Open-door policy" opens the country to foreign investment and encourages development of a market economy and private sector. 1989 - Troops open fire on demonstrators who have camped for weeks in Tiananmen Square initially to demand the posthumous rehabilitation of former CCP General Secretary Hu Yaobang, who was forced to resign in 1987. The official death toll is 200. International outrage leads to sanctions. 1989 - Jiang Zemin takes over as Chinese Communist Party general secretary from Zhao Ziyang, who refused to support martial law during the Tiananmen demonstrations. Stock markets open in Shanghai and Shenzhen.

1990 – 2000:

Securely entrenched in the world market, business relocate to China, China becomes major player in technology production and advancement.

KEYPOINTS: 1992 - Russia and China sign declaration restoring friendly ties. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) ranks China's economy as third largest in the world after the US and Japan. 1994 - China abolishes the official renminbi (RMB) currency exchange rate and fixes its first floating rate since 1949. 1995 - China tests missiles and holds military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, apparently to intimidate Taiwan during its presidential elections. 1996 - China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - dubbed the Shanghai Five - meet in Shanghai and agree to cooperate to combat ethnic and religious tensions in each other’s countries. 1997 - Deng Xiaoping dies, aged 92. Rioting erupts in Yining, Xinjiang and on day of Deng's funeral Xinjiang separatists’ plant three bombs on buses in Urumqi, Xinjiang, killing nine and injuring 74. Hong Kong reverts to Chinese control. 1998 - Zhu Rongji succeeds Li Peng as premier, announces reforms in the wake of the Asian financial crisis and continued deceleration of the economy. Thousands of state-owned enterprises are to be restructured through amalgamations, share flotations and bankruptcies. About four million civil service jobs to be axed. Large-scale flooding of the Yangtse, Songhua and Nenjiang rivers. 1999 - Nato bombs the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, souring Sino-US relations. Falun Gong, a quasi-religious sect, outlawed as a threat to stability. Fiftieth anniversary of People's Republic of China on 1st October. Macao reverts to Chinese rule.

2000 – 2010:

Chinese technology and production now supply a large world market. China builds ghost cities to support its infrastructure industry. Intellectual theft, trademark violations, and increased production of “copy” knockoff items. Major technological companies move production to China.

KEYPOINTS: 2000 - Crackdown on official corruption intensifies, with the execution for bribe taking of a former deputy chairman of the National People's Congress. Bomb explosion kills up to 60 in Urumqi, Xinjiang. 2001 April - Diplomatic stand-off over the detention of an American spy plane and crew after a mid-air collision with a Chinese fighter jet. 2001 June - Leaders of China, Russia and four Central Asian states launch the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and sign an agreement to fight ethnic and religious militancy while promoting trade and investment. The group emerges when the Shanghai Five - China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - are joined by Uzbekistan. 2001 June - China carries out military exercises simulating an invasion of Taiwan, at the same time as the island's armed forces test their capability to defend Taiwan against a missile attack from China. 2001 November - China joins the World Trade Organization. 2002 July - The US says China is modernizing its military to make possible a forcible reunification with Taiwan. Beijing says its policy remains defensive. 2002 November - Vice-President Hu Jintao is named head of the ruling Communist Party, replacing Jiang Zemin, the outgoing president. Jiang is re-elected head of the influential Central Military Commission, which oversees the armed forces. 2003 March - National People's Congress elects Hu Jintao as president. He replaces Jiang Zemin, who steps down after 10 years in the post. 2003 March-April - China and Hong Kong are hit by the pneumonia-like Sars virus, thought to have originated in Guangdong province in November 2002. Strict quarantine measures are enforced to stop the disease spreading.

2003 June - Hong Kong is declared free of Sars. Days later the World Health Organization lifts its Sars-related travel warning for Beijing.

2003 June - China, India reach de facto agreement over status of Tibet and Sikkim in landmark cross-border trade agreement.

2003 July-August - Some 500,000 people march in Hong Kong against Article 23, a controversial anti-subversion bill. Two key Hong Kong government officials resign. The government shelves the bill.

2004 September - Former president Jiang Zemin stands down as army chief, three years ahead of schedule.

2005 January - Former reformist leader Zhao Ziyang dies. He opposed violent measures to end 1989's student protests and spent his last years under virtual house arrest.

Aircraft chartered for the Lunar New Year holiday make the first direct flights between China and Taiwan since 1949.

2005 March - Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa resigns. He is succeeded in June by Donald Tsang. New law on Taiwan calls for use of force should Taipei declare independence from mainland China.

2005 April - Relations with Japan deteriorate amid sometimes-violent anti-Japanese protests in Chinese cities, sparked by a Japanese textbook which China says glosses over Japan's World War II record.

Taiwan's National Party leader Lien Chan visits China for the first meeting between Nationalist and Communist Party leaders since 1949.

2005 August - China and Russia hold their first joint military exercises.

2006 November - African heads of state gather for a China-Africa summit in Beijing. Business deals worth nearly $2 billion are signed and China promises billions of dollars in loans and credits.

Government says pollution has degraded China's environment to a critical level, threatening health and social stability.

2007 January - Reports say China has carried out a missile test in space, shooting down an old weather satellite. The US, Japan and others express concern at China's military build-up.

2007 July - China's food and drug agency chief is executed for taking bribes. Food and drug scandals have sparked international fears about the safety of Chinese exports.

2008 March - Anti-China protests escalate into the worst violence Tibet has seen in 20 years, five months before Beijing hosts the Olympic Games.

Pro-Tibet activists in several countries focus world attention on the region by disrupting progress of the Olympic torch relay.

2008 July - China and Russia sign a treaty ending 40-year-old border dispute which led to armed clashes during the Cold War.

2008 September - Astronaut Zhai Zhigang completes China's first spacewalk during the country's third manned space mission, Shenzhou VII.

Nearly 53,000 Chinese children fall ill after drinking tainted milk, leading Premier Wen Jiabao to apologize for the scandal.

2008 November - The government announces a $586bn (£370bn) stimulus package to avoid the economy slowing. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says the effect of the global financial crisis on China is worse than expected.

2009 February - Russia and China sign $25bn deal to supply China with oil for next 20 years in exchange for loans. Hillary Clinton calls for deeper US-China partnership on first overseas tour as secretary of state.

2009 July - Scores of people are killed and hundreds injured in the worst ethnic violence in decades as a protest in the restive Xinjiang region turns violent.

First sign of relaxation of strictly enforced one-child policy, as officials in Shanghai urge parents to have a second child in effort to counter effects of ageing population.

2010 – 2015:

China is a world power, on level with the United States, Russia, and Japan. In the world market the Chinese Renminbi however is not on the same playing field with the Dollar and the Yen in the world market.

The U.S. Dollar is the world standard. Many monies are used in trade but the Dollar is entrenched.

China needs and wants world recognition as a world power and wants to be the world financial leader, but the United States stands in the way.

KEYPOINTS: 2010 January - China posts a 17.7% rise in exports in December, suggesting it has overtaken Germany as the world's biggest exporter. The US calls on Beijing to investigate the cyber-attacks, saying China has tightened censorship. China condemns US criticism of its internet controls.

2010 March - The web giant Google ends its compliance with Chinese internet censorship and starts re-directing web searches to Hong Kong, in response to cyber-attacks on e-mail accounts of human rights activists.

2010 October - Jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo is awarded Nobel Peace Prize, prompting official protests from Beijing.

Vice-President Xi Jinping named vice-chairman of powerful Central Military Commission, in a move widely seen as a step towards succeeding President Hu Jintao.

2011 February - China formally overtakes Japan to become the world's second-largest economy after Tokyo published figures showing a Japanese GDP rise of only four per cent in 2010.

2011 December - Southern fishing village of Wukan comes to international attention after violent protests by locals against land seizures by officials. Authorities respond by sacking two local officials and agreeing to villagers' key demands.

China issues new rules requiring users of microblogs to register personal details.

2012 January - Official figures suggest city dwellers outnumber China's rural population for the first time. Both imports and exports dip, raising concern that the global economic slowdown could be acting as a drag on growth.

2012 April - China ups the limit within which the yuan currency can fluctuate to 1% in trading against the US dollar, from 0.5%. The US welcomes the move, as it has been pressing China to let the yuan appreciate.

2012 May - Philippines and Chinese naval vessels confront one another off the Scarborough Shoal reef in the South China Sea. Both countries claim the reef, which may have significant reserves of oil and gas.

2012 September - China cancels ceremonies to mark the 40th anniversary of restored diplomatic ties with Japan because of a public flare-up over disputed islands in the East China Sea. Talks between China and Japan on security matters nonetheless go ahead.

China launches its first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning - a converted former Soviet vessel.

2012 November - Communist Party holds congress expected to start a once-in-a-decade transfer of power to a new generation of leaders. Vice-President and heir apparent Xi Jinping takes over as party chief and assumes the presidency in March 2013.

2013 January - A Tibetan monk receives a suspended death sentence for inciting eight people to burn themselves to death. Nearly 100 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009, many fatally, in apparent protest to Chinese rule.

2013 February - China denies allegations by Japan that its navy ships twice put radar locks on Japanese military vessels, amid mounting tension over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea.

2013 November - Communist Party leadership announces plans to relax one-child policy, in force since 1979. Other reforms include the abolition of "re-education through labor" camps.

China says it has established a new Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over an area of the East China Sea, covering disputed islands controlled by Japan and a disputed South Korean-controlled rock. Japan and South Korea both protest the move, and the US voices concern.

2014 January - China allows foreign companies majority ownership of some telecom and internet services in the Shanghai free trade zone.

2014 February - China's trade surplus jumps to $31.9bn (£19.4bn) - up 14 per cent from a year earlier - easing concerns the world's second-largest economy may be stuck in a slowdown.

2014 May - The US charges five Chinese army officers with industrial cyber-espionage, in the first case of its kind.

A disagreement with Vietnam over disputed islands escalates, as ships from the two countries collide in the waters of the South China Sea. Chinese workers flee Vietnam after the incident sparks anti-China riots.

China signs a 30-year deal worth an estimated $400bn for gas supplies from Russia's Gazprom.

2014 September-October - Protests against Beijing's plans to vet candidates for elections in 2017 grip Hong Kong.

2015 – 2020:

KEYPOINTS: 2015 January - China's economic growth falls to its lowest level for more than 20 years - 7.4% percent in 2014. Government revises growth targets down.

2015 September - President Xi pays official visit to the United States to seek investment in China; agrees to renounce economic cyber-espionage.

2015 October - China expresses anger at US naval ship sailing by artificial reefs Beijing is building among disputed Spratly Islands in South China Sea.

The Communist Party announces it has decided to end the decades-old one-child policy.

2016 January - Economic growth in 2015 falls to lowest rate in 25 years (6.9%, down from 7.3% in 2014), and International Monetary Fund predicts further deceleration over next two years.

2017 January - The country's slow economic growth continues, with the 2016 marking its slowest growth (6.7%) since 1990.

2017 April - President Xi urges trade cooperation with the US at his first official meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida.

2017 June - The government passes a new cyber security law, giving it more control over the data of foreign and domestic firms.

2017 July-August – Increased tensions with India over disputed area of Himalayas, where China says Indian troops were trespassing.

2017 October - Communist Party votes at its congress to enshrine Xi Jinping's name and ideology in its constitution, elevating him to the level as founder Mao Zedong.

2018 March - National People's Congress annual legislative meeting votes to remove a two-term limit on the presidency from the constitution, allowing Xi Jinping to remain in office for longer than the conventional decade for recent Chinese leaders.

2018 April - China announces it will impose 25% trade tariffs on a list of 106 US goods, including soybeans, cars, and orange juice, in retaliation for similar US tariffs on about 1,300 Chinese products.

2019 June - Hong Kong sees start of months of anti-government and pro-democracy protests, involving violent clashes with police, against a proposal to allow extradition to mainland China.

AND NOW:

China is becoming increasingly agitated with its inability to break into the world financial market and feels undervalued. They continue to build their military and test the waters to see response and ability of the U.S.

China realizes it is beyond its capability and would involve a major long and drawn out military conflict with U.S. to approach taking the U.S. dollar out militarily. They also do not have a legitimate reason to attack the U.S. militarily and world response to an unprovoked attack would be catastrophic to their cause.

China knows in order to elevate itself in the financial market the U.S. dollar must be crippled to the point it can no longer be trusted as the world standard used in trade.

Trade with the U.S. becomes strained as the Trump administration implements trade restrictions to bring in line the almost 300-billion-dollar trade difference between the countries.

China can no longer stand back and wait. Inside information shows that the United States and other countries are ill prepared to react to a pandemic. China investigates biological warfare to cripple the U.S. and the world market, allowing them a way in, on devalued world currencies.

China knows that it can not directly employ a biological weapon leading to human rights and Geneva Convention violations. Any attempt to do so could be easily traced back to China. China researches knew an unknown biological would work if the source was found to be organic. They also know that they cannot directly engineer a lethal biological as the genetic modifications to the biological will be found out when the biological is studied.

China in the past has been the host of many viral outbreaks and reports have shown that their “wet” markets are a ticking timebomb for another major outbreak. They find a Virus and study the effects on the host animals. They Identify it and cultivate it. They know that a direct genetic modification will be traceable and may not lead to them directly but will show that the virus has been artificially modified with DNA studies.

Genetic modifications can and do happen due to mutations as the virus spreads and adapts. This can take years. China knows it does not have years. Recent impacts from trade restrictions implemented by the United States and a growing watchful eye on Chinese economic development have the Chinese government on a fast track. At the time, the Level 4 containment lab in Wuhan was known to be working on a Corona Virus derived from a strain found in bats. Many papers written and published on it document this work. The lead scientist in this endeavor had been working with this virus and studying its transference preference, life cycle, and biologic attack method in the host. The virus is promising, it shows easy transference to humans and similar infection and mortality to the already existing SARS virus. However, though the virus transmits easily to humans, it lacks the receptors to invade human cells, thus not infecting humans. The known SARS virus and this new virus are genetically almost identical, a forced lab mutation can combine the easy transmission of the new virus with ability of the existing virus to infect humans. This provides a virus without gene modification markers and appears to be wild and a NOVEL strain of a similar virus already known to exist. There are only two potential reasons to perform this type of research. One, to weaponize it or Two to create the virus and the cure and be the sole purveyor of the cure for financial gain. Or a third, BOTH.

Once they have the mutated virus, they cultivate it. They then release it to the wild. Depositing it in wet markets where it is thought the next major outbreak may start. They have not thoroughly studied it enough to know how it will react in the wild nor do they have a cure. They do know it is not 100% lethal, but it is devastating. Releasing it in their own country gives it a point of origin, it also proves that the wet market theories were correct. China is willing to accept a large hit of civilian deaths in order to show that they were victims of this as well and it is no more than a tragic outbreak.

October 2019:

They release the virus in Wuhan. They watch hospital intake and study the spread and lethality.

November 2019:

Mid November they report a new illness, they can no longer keep it quiet, but they show it as contained to limited environment.

December 2019:

Mid December doctors are reporting increased cases and that they do not know how to treat this illness. They see it as a new outbreak of an unknown virus. China informs the World Health Organization (WHO) they have a new illness, but it is not transmitted human to human, it is not airborne, and it is isolated to a specific region.

Meanwhile they have determined it is human to human transmittable and they have already limited travel in and out of the affected region. China now is restricting citizen travel and keeping the infected source area completely isolated. Important to note, that they have actually known this for about 2 months and allowed international travel in out of Wuhan.

Late December they announce to the WHO they cannot contain the virus and it may be in the wild outside the country.

This has been their intent all along. Get the virus in the wild and allow it to proliferate long enough to bring worldwide impact.

They know that U.S. response will be slow, and the virus has been in the country for at least two months and spreading.

They under report their fatalities, hide cases, and show a massive response to prove to the world they are just as much under attack by this virus as all other nations. Meanwhile knowing the true affects, and that it primarily affects the old and those with underlying conditions. They know the young are less susceptible and exploit this, reporting that the young are immune, knowing that they can be asymptomatic carriers. They have studied the transmission and effects in their own country, they have unlimited resources to do so, as they can skip political and corporate interference and eliminate all evidence that they knew what the virus is capable of.

January 2020:

Early January the U.S. is told by the WHO and China that this is contained, and outside exposure is possible, be on the alert, but it is easily treated.

U.S. response is cautious but not effective.

Mid to late January world cases start to emerge and are noted. Italy and Spain note increased cases and deaths.

February 2020:

Due to increased cases and deaths in Italy and Spain and an apparent pandemic the WHO lists it as a pandemic. Mind you they know from reports that this was already taking place in early January or late December.

The U.S. responds by placing travel restrictions from China. Unknowingly assuming it is not already worldwide and spreading.

President Trump is attacked as being racist and xenophobic for blockading China and China responds in kind, supporting the racist claims. Chinas part of social discord and creating division.

Social distancing and lockdowns are postulated but not implemented. China already knows that our “social society” is spreading this disease. Major cities run by Trump opposing politicians support the racist claims and xenophobia telling people to go out have fun enjoy. China was hoping for this division.

March 2020:

Social distancing and stay at home orders start at the advice of the CDC through the president.

China knows the American people will not accept this, and states are slow to comply.

Know that China has already studied our possible reaction and that we are a consumer nation with unrestricted travel throughout our country. It will be near impossible to stop commercial air travel and vehicle travel around the country, thus the virus will continue to spread. Will it kill millions? No, but that was not their intent. The intent was to cripple the economy and devalue the U.S. Dollar.

The Shut Down of small business and any community interaction, have caused supply runs by panicked citizens. Major metropolitan areas like New York City and New Orleans who have seen recent events drawing people from around the country and the world are now reporting major cases and hospital overload.

Running Theory:

While China has a formidable military, this is not an arguable statement, while technology may differ and military implements are different, they have a massive number of bodies to throw into a battle. They do however know that in a face to face military battle they are at a heavy disadvantage due to tactics, overall equipment, and the ability to deploy worldwide.

China also knows that in order to take on the United States militarily they would need to prove the U.S. implemented, planned to implement, or physically attacked China. Without this world opinion would not be in their favor and would likely only have the support of limited communist block countries, and even they may not fully support China if world opinion and the U.N. is not on board with the reason.

Was the intent to create a war, kill millions of Americans, or provide a direct attack on U.S. soil? No, absolutely not. The intent was to create worldwide panic, worldwide financial distress, gage reaction to a pandemic, and collapse the U.S. Economy.

Why would that be important? If the initial virus does not cause the U.S. economy to collapse gaging the United States political response, civilian compliance, and medical ability to react will be vital in a second “mutation” and more virulent outbreak.

Why would the collapse of our economy be important? If the dollar becomes devalued and loses status as the primary world trade currency a new currency can be proposed and put in place. China wants this, financial superiority over the United States. They can then buy and back our currency which will make it dependent on China, making the United States dependent on China.

�� The United States is already heavily dependent on foreign production with China at or near the top of that list for many things. If the United States were dependent on China financially and for production, we would lose any of our current perceived independence.

So we move our production back here? Right? Well China now has us between the proverbial “rock and a hard place”. We can and they may even encourage it, but how? Our money is weak and China will gladly back our change, but in doing so, they will own a great deal of the production placed back here in the U.S.

In short, the Chinese intent was to take the United States place on the world financial stage.

The virus is now known not be naturally occurring. It was manipulated in a lab. It is also known that the level 4 lab in Wuhan was working on this exact virus. Papers written on the virus by scientists working at the lab were published and are available. Concerns were raised by the scientific community when scientists wanted to explore human transmission and creating a virus which could infect and be transmitted by humans. The question is raised, why? Weaponization? Creation of a virus and a vaccine which they would solely benefit from? Either or both would suit the need for crippling the world.

Chinese response and reported cases are under much scrutiny and their story keeps changing, which leads us to wonder where did it come from and how much is the Chinese government trying to cover up?

Origin in Wuhan is a given. Was it an accident? It could be, but the amount of cover up and reports of massive civilian losses and the deaths or disappearance of scientists and other officials is questionable and makes an accident highly suspect. Was it intentionally released in the market? This is potentially very plausible. It gives a definite source, it gives the Chinese Government plausible deniability, it allows the virus to spread unchecked, and is a prime distribution point.

Why kill their own people? Plausible deniability. This gives them the ability to push the narrative that they were victims as well and this was natural, then it was an accident which will ultimately end up being the final narrative, because they will not admit to an intentional release. Why hide the real numbers? Tracking and releasing the real numbers would identify a lot about the nature of the virus and expose the unlikelihood of a naturally occurring or accidental release.

Still you ask, why kill their own people and don’t they care? The short answer is, no, they do not. The Chinese government over the centuries have shown they have the will, ability, and general history of violating their people’s rights and committing massive atrocities. The Chinese government continues to deny all human rights violation accusations. The Chinese communist mantra promotes the sacrifice of the people for the good of the state. The population of China is almost 1.5 billion, so a few million lost for the good of the state? Well that is a loss they can absorb, only a 0.2% loss of their population and shows an equally affected country.

China currently only reports 82,719 cases and 4,632 deaths. Is this due to massive and quick response? No, as the site of a rapidly emerging contagion this would not be the case. Their response would have been far behind by the time they realized it was a problem, their losses would have been far worse than ours, they would have been asking for world help. Are they under reporting on purpose and hiding their dead, which is highly likely, as leaked information leads to the conclusion that many people have disappeared and are not included in their death tolls.

Why would they do this? To appear on top of the virus. To gain world support for all information they push in relation to this virus. There are reports circulating out of China which show they may have a vaccine in trials. So soon? They may have had it already. They are just going through the motions to promote and provide the cure to the world, at a cost. And why wouldn’t countries pay for something that would help their people. The world will be held hostage by the Chinese Government, and the United States crippled financially into submission.

The Dollar has been the world reference currency and in the reserve currency for over 60 years. Presently one Chinese yuan renminbi is only worth 0.14 cents in U.S. dollars. Add to that trade restrictions placed by President Trump and it becomes clear why China wants this to happen.

Do not believe there are not U.S. politicians salivating over all this. With a heavily weakened U.S. economy and skyrocketing unemployment and business failures, the left will be pushing heavy social programs to “help” the people. This will only be a conversion to government reliance. Once the population is reliant, laws will change and rights lost in the name of saving people, national security, and stabilizing the country. China is hoping for this, an America under socialist control will comply more easily.

Is this possible? Sure, China needs Trump out of office to gain any of this. If the economy fails, people are hungry, unemployed, and only provided minimal financial aid they will turn in mass on the government they believe created this situation. Led by Chinese propaganda, American Mass Media, and the Democratic parties demonizing of Trump, they could gain enough of a majority to vote Trump out.

In his place we will get a puppet politician controlled completely by his party and with no ability to control any part of his office.

This new government will pair with China as sign of faith and the need to stabilize the dollar and the Economy. China will then attain their goal by manipulating the U.S. Government and financing national reconstruction through deals made with the U.S. Government to back programs. Our restructuring will take on massive Social programs, we will become increasingly socialist, democratic socialists, ring a bell?

All in all, this was not an accident, a natural bug, an act of nature, or Gods vengeance. It is a massive Geopolitical move by China.

FTFA,

P. Bleu Chapman

#covid_19 #geopolitical #geopolitics #ccp #america #globalmovement #world #why #socailist #agenda #china #chinapolitics #us politics #what if #political #worldconspiracy #power struggle #msm coverup #worldpolitics

4 notes · View notes

ufcw · 6 years ago

Text

UFCW Files Lawsuit to Stop USDA’s Dangerous Pork Line Speed Rule

America’s Largest Private Sector Union, Representing 30,000 Pork Workers, Challenges USDA Policy Endangering Safety of Food and Workers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union, together with Public Citizen and UFCW Locals 663, 440 and 2 filed a federal lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota seeking to stop the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new swine slaughter modernization rule which eliminates the line speed limits in pork slaughter plants and turns inspection of our food over to the companies that produce it.

“Thousands of our members work hard every day in America’s pork plants to help families across the country put food on the table. Increasing pork plant line speeds is not only a reckless giveaway to giant corporations, it will put thousands of workers in harm’s way,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “This new rule would also dramatically weaken critical protections that Americans depend on to be able to select safe, healthy food to feed their families every day. The safety of America’s food and workers is not for sale and this lawsuit seeks to ensure this dangerous rule is set aside and these companies are held accountable.”

“Shockingly, USDA admitted in its rule that it simply ignored the mounds of evidence that showed its actions will harm workers, while bending over backwards to help businesses. That violates basic principles of administrative law,” said Adam Pulver, an attorney with Public Citizen, which represents UFCW and the three locals in the case.

The lawsuit alleges that the new rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act because it is not backed by reasoned decision-making.

“We urged the USDA to consider how unsafe this rule would make our workplaces, but they refused,” said UFCW Local 663 President Matt Utecht in Minnesota. “We had no choice but to go to court to stop a rule that will endanger the health and livelihoods of thousands of UFCW members.”

“We have a lot of pride in the products our members produce,” said UFCW Local 440 President Leo Kanne in Iowa. “This rule will erode the quality and safety of the food we make and feed to our own families.”

“The USDA claims that this rule will make our food safer,” said UFCW Local 2 President Martin Rosas in Kansas. “But our members, who have worked in the industry for years, know firsthand it makes both the food they make and the plants they work in less safe. Let’s listen to the first-hand experts who work in these plants every day, instead of big corporations just looking to make even more money.”

BACKGROUND

On the USDA published a new rule for pork meat inspections which removes limits on line speeds in swine slaughter plants and turns over major meat inspection tasks from federal inspectors to meat companies.

The UFCW represents about 250,000 workers in the meatpacking and food processing industries and 30,000 workers in pork plants. UFCW members handle 71 percent of all hogs slaughtered and processed in the United States.

In May 2018, more than 6,500 UFCW members who work in pork plants submitted comments to the USDA in opposition to the proposed rulethat would increase the line speeds where they work, threatening both them and the consumers they serve.

All the UFCW locals who are parties in the lawsuit represent pork slaughter workers. UFCW Local 663 is based in Brooklyn Center, Minn.; UFCW Local 440 is based in Denison, Iowa; and UFCW Local 2 is based in Bel Aire, Kan.

The Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection rule will hurt workers across the country.

Hazards of Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection Rule:

The Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection rule removes all limitations on line speeds in hog slaughter plants which will endanger the health and safety of tens of thousands of workers in the hog slaughter industry.

Even at current line speeds, swine slaughter and processing workers face many job risks that can lead to severe injury, illness and death.

There is no evidence that line speed increases can be done in a manner that ensures food and worker safety.

In 1997, the USDA created a pilot program called the HACCP-Based Inspection Models Project (HIMP) which allowed five hog slaughter plants to test a new food safety program. The hog slaughter pilot program revealed serious safety issues including a Clemens food plant in Pennsylvania which reported injuries severe enough that two workers were hospitalized, and one suffered an amputation.

The Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection rule includes no requirement or funding to train plant employees on inspection techniques that were previously performed by USDA inspectors and are now their responsibility.

Increased line speeds will disproportionately hurt women and people of color.

Key Facts About Swine Workers:

Meatpacking workers in hog slaughter plants work in cold, wet, noisy, and slippery conditions making tens of thousands of forceful repetitive motions on each shift.

Research shows that the fast pace in pork plants, coupled with the forceful and repetitive nature of most of the jobs, leads to high rates of injuries and health issues.

Meatpacking workers are injured at 2.4 times the rate of other industries. These injuries result in lost time or restrictions at three times the rate of other industries and they face illness rates at 17 times the rate of other industries.

The previous maximum line speed for swine was 1,106 hogs per hour.

###

from UFCW Files Lawsuit to Stop USDA’s Dangerous Pork Line Speed Rule

#UFCW Files Lawsuit to Stop USDA’s Dangerous Pork Line Speed Rule

1 note · View note

frombrokendusktodawn-blog · 6 years ago

Text

Why a Bid Bond Guarantee is Important

Why a Bid Bond Guarantee Is Important A Bid Guarantee is frequently given earlier than in the course of the bidding procedure to the job proprietor. Its objective is to secure any cases by the party inviting the tender on the tenderer in the event of withdrawal of the quote prior to its expiry date or if the bid is customized unilaterally. It is additionally used if the tender, upon being awarded the agreement, refuses to signal the contract or supply added guarantees on request.

From the angle of the financial institution, these two devices are represented or else. A letter of credit is a legal obligation for the banks as an outcome of it is an obligation to pay cash money. Alternatively, a bank bond is essentially an insurance product, so it counts as a possession: If all the items goes efficiently, the banks preserves its settlement and does not should pay the shareholder.

Financial institution Guarantees: A Guide A financial organization assurance is an assurance commitment issued by the banks on part of your company for the advantage of a house or international beneficiary. Unlike a trade letter of credit report, a standby letter of credit score should not be developed for use for expense. The standby letter of credit report is made use of as a back-up" warranty that can be made use of for fairly a couple of functions.

A financial institution guarantee, then once again, is just not a debt instrument or a home loan by itself. It's a warranty by a lending facility that if a consumer defaults on its liabilities or commitments, the financial institution will cover the expenses. A financial institution assurance is a stipulation that can be positioned in a small business loan before the banks lending out the cash. An economic institution guarantee encourages firms and personal customers to make purchases they in any other case wouldn't make, which will enhance enterprise exercise as well as usage, and also supplies people entrepreneurial choices.

The buyer's banks problems a letter of assurance by mail or email to the supplier or using the supplier's economic institution. For a global guarantee, the vendor could ask for that the guarantee is issued by their own bank in consistency with the regional regulation or within the neighborhood language. In such situation, the monetary organization shall worry a counter-guarantee to the supplier's bank, which has the ability to situation its personal letter of warranty according to the directions of the client's monetary institution.

What Is Bid Bond? Definition And Meaning Banks use specialist Guarantees for Contractors. They acquire audio security provided by the Bank in situation the professional defaults on the conditions of the tender.

Utility Service Contracts - Guarantees can facilitate agreements with public energies, gas firms, etc. that might require guarantee of your capacity to pay for his or her firms.

All About Bank Guarantees Financial Institution Guarantee (BG) is a contract between 3 celebrations viz. This may provide safety to the Purchaser when an advance or progression cost is made to the Vendor before conclusion of the contract. The Bonds carry out that the Vendor will refund any type of advance repayments that have been made to the Buyer on the occasion that the product is unsatisfactory. This is typical in large building and construction issues the place a contractor will buy high-value devices, plant or supplies particularly for the job. The bond will protect within the occasion of failure to meet its legal responsibilities e.g. therefore of bankruptcy. They may frequently be on-demand bonds, that implies that the worth set out within the bond is promptly paid on a demand, with no demand for prerequisites to be satisfied. That remains in distinction to a conditional bond the location there's solely liability if there is a violation of agreement (or specific occasion has happened as set out within the bond).

#Bid Bond #Bond #Surety Bond

1 note · View note

bxbxbmv · 6 years ago

Text

Bank Guarantee for a Bid Bond

Why a Bid Bond Guarantee Is Important A Bid Guarantee is usually supplied earlier than throughout the bidding procedure to the task owner. Its goal is to secure any insurance claims by the event welcoming the tender on the tenderer in the occasion of withdrawal of the quote prior to its expiration day or if the bid is customized unilaterally. It is additionally made use of if the tender, upon being awarded the agreement, refuses to signify the contract or provide extra guarantees on request.

From the angle of the financial institution, these 2 devices are accounted for otherwise. A letter of debt is a lawful duty for the banks as an outcome of it is a commitment to pay out money. Conversely, a financial institution bond is basically an insurance coverage item, so it counts as an asset: If all the pieces goes smoothly, the banks preserves its repayment and does not need to pay the shareholder.

Bank Guarantees: A Guide A financial institution assurance is an assurance commitment issued by the banks in behalf of your company for the advantage of a residence or foreign beneficiary. Unlike a profession letter of credit score, a standby letter of credit rating score should not be developed for use for cost. The standby letter of credit scores is made use of as a back-up" warranty that can be used for quite a few functions.

A financial institution warranty, after that again, is just not a financial obligation tool or a home mortgage in itself. It's a guarantee by a borrowing facility that if a borrower defaults on its liabilities or obligations, the monetary establishment will cover the prices. A financial institution assurance is a provision that can be placed in a small business loan before the financial institution loaning out the cash. A banks warranty urges firms and also individual consumers to make purchases they in any type of other case wouldn't make, which will enhance enterprise exercise and consumption, and also gives people business choices.

The customer's monetary organization issues a letter of guarantee by mail or e-mail to the supplier or by way of the vendor's monetary institution. For a worldwide assurance, the supplier might ask for that the assurance is provided by their very own financial institution in conformity with the local regulation or within the neighborhood language. In such instance, the monetary organization will worry a counter-guarantee to the supplier's financial institution, which is able to situation its personal letter of guarantee according to the instructions of the customer's banks.

What Is Bid Bond? Meaning And Meaning Banks offer specialised Guarantees for Contractors. They acquire sound safety issued by the Bank in instance the contractor defaults on the conditions of the tender.

Energy Service Contracts - Guarantees can assist in contracts with public energies, gasoline firms, etc. that might require guarantee of your potential to pay for his/her companies.

Everything About Bank Guarantees Financial Institution Guarantee (BG) is an arrangement in between 3 events viz. This may provide safety to the Purchaser when an advance or progression price is made to the Vendor before conclusion of the contract. The Bonds carry out that the Vendor will certainly reimburse any kind of advance settlements that have actually been made to the Buyer in case the product is unsuitable. This is common in big construction problems the place a contractor will certainly buy high-value tools, plant or products particularly for the job. The bond will protect within the occasion of failing to meet its legal responsibilities e.g. consequently of bankruptcy. They may frequently be on-demand bonds, that implies that the worth set out within the bond is promptly paid on a need, with no requirement for prerequisites to be met. That remains in distinction to a conditional bond the location there's solely liability if there is a violation of agreement (or specific occasion has happened as set out within the bond).

#Contract #Bond #Bid Bond #Bank

1 note · View note

technicaldr · 2 years ago

Text

HIPAA Regulations in 2023: What You Need To Know

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) enhances health-care systems with added patient protection, technological implementation and adaptation, enforced security standards, and more. Each year, HIPAA continues to grow and adapt to its environment, making sure that current health-care practices stay relevant and optimal for businesses and individuals.

With 2023 underway, there are many new and potential HIPAA changes to look out for, from added rules to remodeled policies. Here is what you need to know about HIPAA regulations in 2023 and how it affects you and your business.

Patient Access to PHI and EHRs

Protected Health Information

Protected health information (PHI) plays a prominent part in and is one of the many reasons for the creation of HIPAA. As individuals use different health-care services—insurance companies, general practitioners, vets, and dental offices—each entity accumulates a range of sensitive personal information. From addresses and phone numbers to social security and account details, PHI includes a lot of individual identifiers that affect the safety of patients.

Electronic Health Records

Along with PHI, health-care services collect electronic health records (EHRs) containing patients’ past and present medical issues, lab results, and health conditions. Although not as sensitive as PHI, EHR is still private information. A patient’s medical information affects prescriptions, insurance, accommodations, and more.

In 2023, HIPAA aims to increase patient access to PHI and EHRs. The refinement of HIPAA’s Privacy Rule includes:

• Individual rights to inspect, take notes, and photograph their PHI and EHR • A patient’s ability to direct their information to a third-party business with a reasonable cost-based fee • Better health-care provider response times for PHI and EHR access requests with a maximum response delay of 15 days • Standards that prevent health-care providers from imposing unreasonable procedures for PHI access, like notarization and in-person-only requests

Billing Record Inclusion

Patients’ records include an array of information, from treatments and prescriptions to current conditions and family history. A new addition to EHR is billing information and past payments. There is no longer any disparity between paper and digital PHI and EHR. People can now receive any form of medical information electronically when requested. This standard is the same across all forms of health-care services, from medical practitioners to orthodontists. Refusal to add in billing information may be considered information blocking.

HIPAA Violation Penalties

With inflation spiraling in current events, the fee on penalties alters to best match economical accommodation per the Inflation Adjustment Act. HIPAA fines change with cost-of-living adjustment multipliers, and so far in 2023, that multiplier docks in around an increase of 9 percent (rounded up). However, they are putting an identical capped maximum for each of the three lower tiers.

Tier One

HIPAA’s penalty tier one includes unintentional violations against HIPAA standards. The cost per violation currently ranges between $100 to $50,000, with a maximum of $25,000 per year. Intended increases in the year are predicted to be a minimum of $120 and a maximum of around $63,900.

Tier Two

Tier two violations are HIPAA breaches committed with reasonable cause that the entity breaching HIPAA standards knew or should have known about the violation and proper due diligence. The current fines for tier two penalties span from $1,000 to $50,000 per violation and an annual maximum of $100,000. Trends predict a new minimum of $1,280.

Tier Three

Tier three breaches are willful violations—the covered entity intended to go against HIPAA standards—but corrected within 30 days. Tier three fines cost up to a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $50,000. 2023 inflation predictions increase the range from an estimation of $12,700 to $63,900.

Tier Four

Tier four violations, the most punishable HIPAA penalty, are willful and neglected violations. They cost a fixed price of $50,000. Later in the year, that fine might increase to a range of around $63,000 to $1.9 million.

All final prices for the new year are still up in the air, depending on current inflation trends.

Violation Compensation

Another possible change in violation policies is compensation paid forward to individuals whose PHI and EHR were breached. The fines that the entity pays for violating HIPAA standards will also cover a small return percentage to the victims. With a small portion of the fines going to the pockets of the individuals, there’s even more incentive to increase the minimum penalty fees.

Averting Health and Safety Risks

Substance use addiction (SUD) and many mental health conditions can lead to life-threatening scenarios for individuals and others. As of now, HIPAA standards prevent health-care entities from reporting SUD and mental health information to law enforcement and family members without permission.

In 2023, changes are being made surrounding PHI standards to avert health and safety threats. In dire scenarios where an individual’s or other people’s lives are at risk of foreseeable harm, covered entities are allowed to distribute PHI without prior permission.

Phasing Out COVID Policies

COVID-19 brought telehealth to fruition, changing laws surrounding passing and discussing PHI electronically. As 2023 moves further away from the peak of the pandemic, HIPAA COVID standards are slowly being altered, permanently added, or removed.

Permanent Changes

Telehealth comes in many forms, from video chats and audio-only services. HIPAA now allows health-care providers and plans to use and cover all forms of remote communication with set and effective safety standards. Audio-only services no longer breach face-to-face HIPAA security requirements, allowing the continuation of phone call counseling and other health services. However, to maximize safety, HIPAA has certain requirements that must be met for audio-only telehealth to become permissible.

Phased Out and Adapted Standards

Standards that are phasing out and changing include:

• Mental Health Telehealth – Mental health services will begin requiring at least one in-person visit within 6 months of initial visits and every 12 months after for proper assessment and reimbursement qualification. • Medicare and Physical Health – Medicare will no longer cover audio-only physical health services and reimburse telehealth visits to physical therapists. • Telehealth Location Origination – There are now stronger restrictions on where telehealth services originate, who they can help, and other policies related to telehealth services that were in place prior to COVID-19.

These six key points provide the basics of what you need to know about HIPAA regulations in 2023 and what to keep an eye out for as the new year takes off. For more HIPAA updates and information, our HIPAA certification online courses cover the latest news and standards that all health-care providers should know. Check out our training courses and enhance your HIPAA compliance for the new year today!

Technical Doctor's insight:

Contact Details : [email protected] or 877-910-0004 www.technicaldr.com

0 notes

sapevaluationatlanta · 3 years ago

Text

$255 DOT Return to Duty Near Me| Marietta

Employees who work under the United States Department of Transportation (SAP for DOT Cary) face going through the DOT Return to Duty Near Me process if they fail or refuse to participate in a DOT drinking test. These employees include CDL holders, truck drivers, pilots, bus drivers, and other safety-sensitive job position holders. Because employers are under federal guidelines, the first step is always to have the violator step down from safety-sensitive duties.

Some employers will even terminate the employee instead of having them on a leave of absence. This creates a significant impediment to working and earning a regular income. If necessary, an employer could transfer an employee to a non-safety-sensitive position while the infraction is resolved. A return to duty process is the only method to correctly manage a DOT alcohol violation and return to work promptly. Many employees want to stay at the same company or in the same occupation and work under DOT standards, but many first-time alcohol violators are unsure of what to do next. The procedure is the same regardless of city, state, or employment.

The first step is to locate an SAP Counselor Near Me(Substance Abuse Professional) who has received the necessary training to evaluate an employee seeking to meet DOT criteria. This evaluation can be done face-to-face or via video conference to thoroughly analyze your past and current status regarding alcohol usage. The evaluation will be divided into a written questionnaire and an interview.

Both components can be completed in an hour; however, more time can be set aside if a thorough assessment is required. Different SAP evaluators charge varying costs and have additional requirements, but a short call to a counseling office can answer any concerns you have about prices, locations, availability, and terms.

Similar to an alcohol evaluation and DOT Qualified SAP List Near Me is related to substance abuse when a person being evaluated fails for any substance such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The evaluation will determine if you have any preexisting substance abuse problems related to what came up on the screening.

The SAP Evaluation not only assesses your previous and current substance use history but also helps you get the proper amount of assistance. You should expect to be directed to participate in some counseling, treatment, or education course after your SAP evaluation in Dallas. Your evaluator can and will assist you in locating local businesses and facilities that can provide these services.

#SAP Counselor Near Me #DOT Return to Duty Near Me #DOT Qualified SAP List Near Me

0 notes

a-method-in-it · 3 years ago

Text

[Image ID: plain text screenshots of a transcription of a text conversation. "7:08 pm Driver: Radios been going off. Dispatch: OK. Just keep driving. We can’t just call people back for a warning unless Amazon tells us to do so. Driver: Just relaying in case y’all didn’t hear it over there.

7:40 pm

Driver: Tornado alarms are going off over here. Dispatch: Just keep delivering for now. We have to wait for word from Amazon. If we need to bring people back, the decision will ultimately be up to them. I will let you know if the situation changes at all. I’m talking with them now about it. Driver: How about for my own personal safety, I’m going to head back. Having alarms going off next to me and nothing but locked building around me isn’t sheltering in place. That’s wanting to turn this van into a casket. Hour left of delivery time. And if you look at the radar, the worst of the storm is going to be right on top of me in 30 minutes.

Driver: It was actual sirens.

Dispatch: “If you decided to come back, that choice is yours. But I can tell you it won’t be viewed as for your own safety. The safest practice is to stay exactly where you are. If you decide to return with your packages, it will be viewed as you refusing your route, which will ultimately end with you not having a job come tomorrow morning. The sirens are just a warning. /End ID]

As someone who grew up in the Midwest, this is just so evil. Yes, we all love that photo of the man mowing his lawn while there's a tornado in the background and yes we all love to make jokes about stormchasers and reckless Midwesterners, but in all seriousness?

That guy mowing his lawn is 20 feet away from the house and can be inside in the basement or storm cellar in a matter of seconds if that tornado turns in his direction. Stormchasers (usually) know exactly what they are doing; they are definitely taking risks but they are calculated risks. People who live with tornadoes generally have a healthy respect for them, and if they seem to be reckless, it's because they have gauged what is or isn't safe based on their own knowledge of the situation. And even if they have gauged wrong, that was their decision.

Telling someone to KEEP DELIVERING PACKAGES while there are TORNADO SIRENS GOING OFF is none of those things. That is perhaps the worst possible thing you can do. It is not a calculated risk -- it is ignoring the risk.

It is not "looking at a tornado and judging by its distance and speed that you can stay park here for another ten minutes to shoot some really good video." It's not "checking the weather reports and deciding that you should have time to board up the windows before going into the basement."

Someone driving a delivery truck is not safe. Tornadoes can and do pick up vehicles all the time. You are literally safer lying flat on the ground in an open field than you are in a car or truck if a tornado comes (you're even better off in a ditch, but flat against the ground is still better than in a vehicle). And driving along a delivery route is even worse -- you are not basing your route on what is safest based on weather reports or visual contact with the tornado but based on delivery needs.

This is heinous. It is evil. It is so evil I had to read the story to see if it was verified or just something someone posted on social media that got picked up and was maybe fake and no, it's real.

Amazon has claimed that the dispatcher wasn't following proper company procedure but honestly? I don't buy that at all. I can't imagine someone deciding to risk their job by breaking policy because they just want to maybe get someone killed that badly. If this violates some policy Amazon has on paper, then sure. I'm sure that this dispatcher or mid-level manager will take the fall for it. But I think we all know that dispatcher did exactly what Amazon wanted and expected, regardless of what their official policy is.

This has me so mad I can't even right now. It's just awful.

#method speaks #tornados

28K notes · View notes

aacscounseling1 · 3 years ago

Text

What is SAP? Who Needs It?

Employees who work under the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) face going through the SAP Return to duty process if they fail or refuse to participate in a DOT alcohol or drug test. These employees include CDL holders, truck drivers, pilots, bus drivers, and other safety-sensitive job position holders. Because employers are under federal guidelines, the first step is always to have the violator step down from safety-sensitive duties. Some employers will even terminate the employee instead of having them on a leave of absence. This creates a significant impediment to working and earning a regular income. If necessary, an employer could transfer an employee to a non-safety-sensitive position while the infraction is resolved. A return to duty process is the only method to correctly manage a DOT drug and alcohol violation and return to work promptly. If you know someone who needs to get SAP Evaluation, let them know of SAP evaluation for DOT by https://www.aacscounseling.com/sap-evaluation-for-dot/.

Many employees want to stay at the same company or in the same occupation and work under DOT standards, but many first-time alcohol and drug violators are unsure what to do next. The procedure is the same regardless of city, state, or employment. The first step is to locate an SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) who has received the necessary training to evaluate an employee seeking to meet DOT criteria. This evaluation can be done face-to-face or via video conference to thoroughly analyze your past and current status regarding alcohol or drug usage. The evaluation will be divided into a written questionnaire and an interview. Both components can be completed in an hour; however, more time can be set aside if a thorough assessment is required. Different SAP evaluators charge varying costs and have additional requirements, but a short call to a counseling office can answer any concerns you have about prices, locations, availability, and terms.

Similar to an alcohol and drug evaluation & SAP Evaluation is related to substance abuse when a person being evaluated fails for any substance such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and methamphemine. The evaluation will determine if you have any preexisting substance abuse problems related to what came up on the screening. The SAP Evaluation not only assesses your previous and current substance use history but also helps you get the proper amount of assistance. You should expect to be directed to participate in some counseling, treatment, or education course after your SAP evaluation. Your SAP evaluator can and will assist you in locating local businesses and facilities that can provide these services.

While it may be difficult to find a job after receiving a clearinghouse Infraction, we think this is an opportunity to show what your true worth is and not just throw your resumé in the trash without being given a chance to prove yourself. Also, many companies that filter out anyone with a past clearinghouse violation are not necessarily good places to work, so do you really want to work for one of those? Take a look at the companies that are willing to take a chance on those who have made a mistake. There are many who understand that the human mistakes we make will not hinder us from being successful in the future.

#SAP Evaluation #SAP for DOT #SAP evaluation for DOT

1 note · View note

sparky7u · 4 years ago

Text

As The United States Turns The Clock Back On Women’s Reproductive Rights, Latin American Countries Are Moving Them Forward

📷 September 20th, 2021 📷 Bad Brad

📷By Ty RossSeptember 1, 2021 in the US will go down in the history of women’s health and reproductive rights. Unfortunately, the wrong side. As the GOP sponsored TX Bill SB 8 went into effect, it sparked outrage with women, companies and pro-choice advocates across the country and the world. But it wasn’t just the unconstitutionality of the state law restricting access to safe abortions, but the accompanying legislation allowing any citizen in the country to sue those they suspect, not know but suspect, of assisting in getting an abortion after the six-week threshold. From doctors to friends. Counselors, therapists, religious leaders, staff and receptionists. There doesn’t need to be any direct participation in the procedure itself, or intimate knowledge of the mother, only a word of advice, taxi trip or emotional support is enough to give someone the power to sue and potentially collect on a $10,000 bounty for doing so.One would think with the increasing rates of maternal mortality across the country, a country still lacking an equitable and universal system of health care, that the focus would be on saving those lives by protecting Roe v. Wade. Ensuring victims of rape, incest and those whose life and health are in danger would be the priority. But unfortunately, it isn’t.While far right religious groups continue to lobby for no less than a total abortion ban nationwide, other countries are putting the health and safety of women and children first. And leaving reproduction choices up to those who should be making the decision. Those adversely affected. The women. Countries considered to be very religious with almost all of them identifying as Catholic and aligning themselves with the views and canons of the Church.Let’s take a look at how some Latin American countries are making strides to protect the reproductive rights, and ultimately overall health and lives by legalizing abortion.MEXICO Located on our southern border, Mexico isn’t what one would consider a liberal country. It is the second largest Catholic country in the world. With Brazil being number one. Over 75% of Mexico’s citizens consider themselves to be catholic, but the hold the church has had has been slowly but steadily declining over the decades. One catalyst being the scandals involving sexual abuse allegations against priests around the world and what many believe to have been both known by and covered up by the Church.Even prior to this historic ruling, with Mexico City being the first state to decriminalize abortion in 2007, the country had already been showing signs of moving in the direction of increasing women’s rights.Oaxaca, Hidalgo and most recently Veracruz, these four Mexican states were where a woman could legally seek an abortion without government or legal intervention or reprisal. But with a government that is made up of 50% women, the women’s rights movement has gained a speed and momentum that ultimately played a part in the unanimous decision by the Supreme Court to decriminalize abortion countrywide.But of course, it was not an easily won fight. There will always be opposition when talking about abortion. Mexico’s National Action Party, the country’s conservative party, was fully opposed to the legalization of abortion. But what does separate them somewhat from the GOP party in the US, is that they advocated for providing better help and resources to Mexico’s pregnant women, as well as an overhaul to improve the country’s adoption system. They at least recognize the necessity of helping women and girls who find themselves in a vulnerable position. Something the conservatives in this country have ignored.Before the 2021 ruling, Mexico was dealing with two crises. Teen pregnancy and illegal abortion. At least 1 million illegal abortions were performed in Mexico annually. Leading to a high maternal mortality rate coupled with high instances of unwanted and unplanned teen pregnancies. This proves two things: that banning abortions don’t stop them and refusal to teach sex education doesn’t mean teens will abstain from engaging in sex.

But what it does prove is that banning abortion puts the life and health of those women and girls in danger. The criminalization of abortion is also a drain on resources as over 4600 women are under investigation in Mexico right now for getting an illegal abortion. Thankfully there are organizations working on behalf of those women, and others who have been jailed, to free them.ARGENTINA Less than a year ago, Argentina’s National Congress passed the Voluntary Interruption Bill. Despite a failed attempt in 2018, women’s rights advocates with the full support of President Alberto Fernandez, continued to push for legalization of abortion. Where Argentina succeeded was in messaging. Making the right to abortion not one about religion, or political party but one of health and poverty. Most importantly that of the women and the children involved.Women’s rights group Ni Una Meno (Not One More) took to the streets in protest for greater protections for women against violence and in recent years has increased in both visibility and popularity as their message resonated with women throughout Latin America. Mobilizing women and adding the fight for legalization of abortion to combat both governmental and societal issues that have traditionally been patriarchal, suppressive, oppressive and violent to women. Disproportionately poor women. Those forced to carry and bear children to an already violent household. Women who out of desperation may seek illegal and ultimately unsafe abortions that could land them in the hospital or even worse.Formerly available only to victims of rape, all women in Argentina now have the ability to request an abortion up to 14 weeks gestation. While the Catholic Church and anti-abortion groups are still trying to stifle access and circumvent the new law, this is still a huge win for the women of Argentina. With over 3000 deaths and almost 40,000 hospitalizations due to illegal abortions, the new law is most certainly going to save lives.By recognizing that legalization alone does not address underlying issues, or help those carrying unplanned pregnancies to term, the Senate passed a partner bill to provide better attention and increased access for safe pre- and post-natal care for pregnant women and young mothers.Argentina is hoping that by passing these bills, other countries across Latin America will be encouraged and motivated to do the same for their women. Not unlike what happened when Argentina legalized same sex marriage over a decade ago, and other countries in the region followed suit.CHILEThough currently only allowing abortions in the instances of rape, when the life of the mother is in jeopardy or non-viability of fetus if brought to turn (which over 70% of Chileans support), I have added Chile because they have been known to follow Argentina’s lead when it comes to expanding rights of both women and the LGBTQ+ communities. So although the numbers drop significantly from that 70% mark, to a little less than 50%, there are still many working hard to bring the legislation forward and hopefully see it passed.CUBA Prior to a law in 1965 that made abortion on demand both completely legal and free to all Cuban women, only the wealthy and those from the US were able to get it. Albeit for a hefty price from private physicians.Former dictator Fidel Castro supported the full legalization of abortion, and in 1985 he went so far as to make it illegal to perform an abortion outside of a safe and approved medical facility, by unlicensed physicians and outlawed abortion for profit. Meaning all women would be allowed the same access and affordability to the procedure. All but guaranteeing a decline in the maternal mortality rate.As stated by the President of the National Commission for Family Planning Dr. Sosa Marin:Cuba accepts and supports since 1959, the sovereign right of women and their partners to freely decide their reproductive issues. The State guarantees, through our health system, the necessary attention before and after birth, in cases of infertility or when birth is not desired. In such cases,

the State guarantees the right to decide, allowing recourse to contraceptives. Similarly, the right to abort is the right of women and their partners, and that is why they are offered this institutional service with a high level of medical safety.Cuba is certainly no stranger to violations of the rights of its citizens. It has a long history of suppression and oppression of its people in many ways. Recognizing the positive affect, the legalization of abortion and the availability to contraceptives has had on the reproductive health of women and decrease in unwanted children, doesn’t take away from that. But there is still extreme poverty in Cuba, and giving women access to abortion and birth control mitigate the growth of a population still a long way from the type of human rights and equality that gives that child an environment to flourish in.If Mexico, Argentina and Cuba are any indication of where the world is headed, that is inspiring for women all over the globe. All three countries are heavily Catholic with Mexico and Cuba having conservative leadership, they have recognized the necessity of the separation of church and state. That the lives and health of their citizens takes priority over their personal views. Mexico’s President Lopez Obrador has said publicly that his beliefs have no bearing on his governance. The separation of church and state is not just beneficial but secures that a society unencumbered by the ideologies of organized religion will continue to grow and evolve. It needs to be, not about suppression, but access.The new law in TX has shined a worldwide spotlight on the abortion debate. It is imperative that we protect the autonomy of women and their reproductive rights It’s not just about a right to choose, but a right to live. The legalization of abortion in Mexico, Argentina, Cuba and future countries moving in that direction, is about more than women’s rights. But human rights in general. Protecting human rights is paramount to protecting human lives. Real living, breathing human lives.Check out Ty’s book THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE. It’s a collection of affirmations she wrote to get her through a difficult time in her life. Words of wisdom that apply to anyone, and everyone, to get through the hard times. If you’re questioning yourself, and need a reminder that you are in control… Click HERE to order your copy.

0 notes

patriotsnet · 4 years ago

Text

Who Won Yesterday Democrats Or Republicans

New Post has been published on https://www.patriotsnet.com/who-won-yesterday-democrats-or-republicans/

Who Won Yesterday Democrats Or Republicans

House Senate Pass Bill To Exempt Graduation Ceremonies From Covid Orders

Marjorie Taylor Greene vs Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | 2024 Election Prediction

Michigans schools could be a step closer to having more leeway to host commencement ceremonies, after the Senate and House on Wednesday passed a fast-tracked proposal to exempt the events from pandemic emergency orders.

Most local school boards have done a good job of mitigating the risk of COVID, bill sponsor Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, said on the Senate floor. We should trust them to safely manage their own graduations.

Related:;GOP wants to exempt Michigan graduation ceremonies from COVID orders

The approval in both chambers comes a day after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the state is easing restrictions on Thursday, making masks not required outdoors for gatherings of up to 100 people.

COVID-19 cases are rapidly declining in Michigan, reaching their lowest point in six weeks on Monday. Whitmer has said she wont fully lift all the state restrictions until 70 percent of adult residents are vaccinated.

Robert Leddy, a spokesperson for Whitmer, didnt say if the governor supports the measure, but said she continues to encourage families and school districts to hold ceremonies to honor students’ incredible achievements while ensuring the safety of all attendees.

Currently, graduation ceremonies are allowed, but they have to adhere to certain capacity limits.

Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, was the lone Democrat in the Senate to support the exemption, saying her vote represents the will of her district.

The Time For Democrats To Go Nuclear Was Yesterday

In the U.S., constitutional law guarantees pregnant people the right to have an abortion without interference from the state. Judicial precedent also empowers Americans to preempt any state law that flagrantly violates their constitutional rights: Even before an illicit statute takes effect, individuals can seek a court order barring state officers from enforcing it.

The pro-life movement abhors these legal niceties. In recent years, red states have routinely enacted de facto repeals of Roe v. Wade, only to see their unconstitutional laws nipped in the bud. Of course, conservatives did not respond to these setbacks by revising their agenda to better fit the demands of law and procedure. Rather, they used every tool at their disposal including unprecedented violations of Senate convention to assemble an anti-abortion Supreme Court majority. Meanwhile, in Texas, Republicans devised a cockamamie scheme for nullifying abortion rights immediately with just a small favor from their friends on the high court.

This pretext is absurd. As Voxs Ian Millhiser writes, the tactic could be used to undermine virtually any constitutional right. Imagine, for example, that New York passed an SB 8style law allowing private individuals to bring lawsuits seeking a $10,000 bounty against anyone who owns a gun.

Eric Tiffany Trump To Make Final Election Push In Michigan

Two of President Donald Trumps children will be making stops in Michigan on Thursday as they stump for their Republican father with days to go until the Nov. 3 election.

Tiffany Trump will host a Breakfast With Tiffany event at 9 a.m. in Birmingham.

Eric Trump will host two events. First, theres a Make America Great Again event at Hope Sports Complex in Lansing at 2:30 p.m. Then, he will host an Evangelicals for Trump event at ResLife Church in Grandville in Kent County at 6 p.m. Mansur Shaheen

Recommended Reading: Who Donates More Money Republicans Or Democrats

Paul Mitchell Quits Gop Over Trump Fraud Claims

U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell of Dryden says he’s;leaving the Republican party over disgust and disappointment with President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the election.

In a Monday letter to Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel and GOP House of Representatives leader Kevin McCarthy, Mitchell lambasted Republican colleagues for refusing to speak out against conspiracy theories and baseless claims of election fraud.

It is unacceptable for political candidates to treat our election system as though we are a third-world nation and incite distrust of something so basic as the sanctity of our vote, wrote Mitchell, who added he voted for Trump in the Nov. 3 election.

The retiring representative requested his political party affiliation be changed to independent for the remainder of his term in office, which finishes Jan. 3.; He is being succeeded by Lisa McClain, a vocal Trump supporter, to represent the 10th district that covers Michigan’s Thumb.

Mitchells decision came after Electoral Colleges convened nationwide Monday to formally elect Democrat Joe Biden, who won more than the 270 electoral votes required to secure the presidency.;

Since the election, Mitchell has spoken out against several unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud promoted by Trump and his supporters.; He is the second Michigan Republican, along with retiring Rep. Justin Amash of Cascade Township, to switch party affiliation to independent during Trumps term.

Senate Approves Hertel As Health Director

Senate Republicans on Tuesday continued their protest against Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 orders but stopped just short of rejecting the appointment of her new state health director.

Elizabeth Hertel, a former GOP legislative aide who Whitmer appointed in January, will remain director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

In tense hearing, Whitmer official defends MI COVID nursing home strategy

Sixteen Senate Republicans voted to block Hertel, with several voicing concerns she will work in lockstep with Whitmer to continue restrictions they deem overly onerous.

But GOP Leader Mike Shirkey and three colleagues joined Democrats to approve the appointment in a 18-16 vote. It was a symbolic move because the upper chamber only has the authority to “disapprove” appointments within 60 days, and the GOP did not have the 19 votes needed to do so.

My vote in favor of Elizabeth Hertels appointment does not reflect agreement with her decisions as deputy director and now as director of MDHHS, but rather my belief that her background and expertise make her qualified for the job, Shirkey said in a statement.

In our conversations, I have made it clear to Elizabeth that I will continue to push for an end to the nonsensical loophole that allows the department director to control and harm the lives and livelihoods of Michiganders for months or even years on end.

Don’t Miss: How Many Republicans Are In The Senate Vs Democrats

Cal Cunningham Concedes North Carolina Senate Race

Democrat Cal Cunningham conceded in the;North Carolina;Senate race on Tuesday, saying in a statement that he had called Republican incumbent Senator Thom Tillis to congratulate him on his victory.

“I just called Senator Tillis to congratulate him on winning re-election;to a second term in the U.S. Senate and wished him and his family the best in their continued service in the months and years ahead,” Cunningham said. “The voters have spoken and I respect their decision.”

CBS News projects that Tillis has won the race, after Cunningham’s concession. Tillis led Cunningham by nearly 100,000 votes as of Tuesday. The presidential race in North Carolina is still too close to call, although President Trump is currently in the lead. The full results of the election in North Carolina are unlikely to be known until later this week, as the deadline in the state to receive absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day is November 12.

Huizenga Tests Positive For Covid

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga said Wednesday he tested positive for COVID-19 prior to a planned appearance in Grand Rapids with Vice President Mike Pence.;

The Zeeland Republican announced results from what he called a rapid test while Pence spoke in west Michigan. Huizenga said he was tested offsite, per event protocol, and is awaiting results of a separate diagnostic test that is typically more accurate.;

In the meantime, I am self isolating until I have confirmed results, the congressman wrote on Twitter.;

Earlier today, I was expected to appear with the Vice President. While taking part in offsite testing protocols, I took a rapid test that came back positive for COVID-19. I am awaiting the results of a PCR test and I am self isolating until I have confirmed results.

Rep. Bill Huizenga

Pence spoke at an auto supply company near Grand Rapids, where he defended GOP President Donald Trumps handling of the pandemic and touted the countrys pre-coronavirus economy, among other things.;

Trump, who tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago, is back out on the campaign trail and doing well, Pence said. The president, who is trailing Democrat Joe Biden in recent Michigan polls, is scheduled to speak at a Muskegon rally on Saturday.

We are opening up America, and we are opening up American schools, Pence said.;

Watch his full speech below via WOOD-TV 8. Jonathan Oosting

Also Check: Are Republicans More Wealthy Than Democrats

Republicans Demand Answers About Private Jet

Republicans say they are giving Gov. Gretchen Whitmer until Wednesday to answer 43 questions regarding her trip to Florida or they could launch an investigation.

House Oversight Committee Chair Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, said Thursday he has sent the Democratic governor a list of questions regarding her trip to Florida on a private jet from March 12 to March 15.;

They include:

When did you make the decision to go to Florida?

Outside this trip, while Governor, has the governors nonprofit, Michigan Transition 2019, paid for any other travel?

Was there any official, or state business purpose of this trip?

How many people were on the plane?

These questions are both reasonable and important to giving the people of Michigan certainty that their governor is following proper procedures and acting within the bounds of the law, Johnson wrote in the letter.;

Here are the 43 questions Chairman Johnson sent to Gov. Whitmer. He wants answers by 10:30 a.m. on May 27 . #mipol#mileg

Sergio Martínez-Beltrán May 20, 2021

Whitmer has until 10:30 a.m. Thursday to respond to the questions, Johnson wrote.

Any failure to act in good faith or a full refusal to answer these questions may result in further investigations by the House Oversight Committee, Johnson wrote.

Whitmers office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by Bridge Michigan.

Whitmers office said the governor paid $855 for her seat.

Trump Attacks Snyder After Fox News Appearance

House GOP Leads Democrats in Total 2022 Retirements

Former Republican Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder told Fox News he voted for Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden, earning the ire of President Donald Trump Thursday night.

Im a proud Republican, Snyder told Fox News Neil Cavuto on Your World. Im an American first, and we shouldnt let partisanship get in the way of good decision-making for our country and Joe Biden is a much better decision than Donald Trump.

Snyder endorsed Biden for president in September. Trump is set to visit the state on Friday afternoon for a rally in Waterford Township, before returning again on Monday, a day before Nov. 3. He also held a rally in Lansing on Tuesday. Mansur Shaheen

Snyder cited the presidents tax bill from 2017, tariffs he has imposed on goods from Canada, Mexico and other trading partners, and the governments COVID-19 response as reasons for why he chose to vote against Trump.

Failed RINO former Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan was a disaster with respect to the Flint Water CATASTROPHE, and a very bad Governor overall. He hurt so many people with his gross incompetence, Trump responded to Snyder on Twitter Thursday evening.

Mansur Shaheen

Also Check: Why Did Republicans Hate Obama So Much

Judge Approves Flint Water Crisis Settlement

Flint residents can start registering to receive their share of a landmark legal settlement tied to the Flint water crisis, after a federal judge on Thursday granted preliminary approval of the $641.2 million settlement with the state of Michigan and other parties.

Residents have until March 29 to register to participate in the settlement.;

Not everyone in Flint is eligible to receive money. The proposed settlement includes 30 claims categories to account for people harmed by the water crisis.

The bulk of the settlement money, about 80 percent, will go to people who were minors when Flint switched its water source in 2014. Much of the rest will go to adults who can prove they suffered physical harm or property damage as a result of the crisis.

Once registered, residents have until Aug. 26 to submit documents supporting their claims. That could include medical records, evidence of property damage or other paperwork.

Before funds can be released, U.S. District Judge Judge Judith Levy must grant final approval. First, shell hold a public hearing July 12.

Some Flint activists have criticized the settlement, arguing it excludes too many city residents who should be eligible for money. Proponents of the settlement say it’s good for the city.

Lawyers for Flint residents continue to pursue lawsuits against two engineering firms that did not join the settlement, as well as a separate lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.;

Republicans Seek End To Secretary Of State Appointment

A new measure making its way through the Legislature would require Michigan Secretary of State branches to open for walk-ins.

The Republican proposal comes in response to Secretary of State Jocelyn Bensons decision to shift to an appointment-only system to modernize the agency and end pandemic-related transaction backlogs.

If you want to use the appointment system that works, you still have that option, House Oversight Committee Chair Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, said Thursday during a hearing.

But for some people that don’t work, they need that walk-in option.

Renewing plates, licenses in Michigan can take months, despite promises

The House measures would require the Secretary of States branches to provide a minimum of eight hours in-person without the need of an appointment.

It will also waive late fees on registrations until walk-ins are reinstalled and would extend the grace period for expired driver licenses, enhanced licenses, state IDs, permits and certifications to September. The proposals will apply retroactively from April 1.

Adam Reames, the legislative policy director at the Secretary of State, told lawmakers the agency supports waiving late fees and a staggered extension of grace periods.

But the appointment-only system is the best operational model and should remain, Reames said.

Don’t Miss: How Many Seats Do Republicans Have In The Senate

Protest Expected To Draw Hundreds

Multiple Michigan militia groups are planning an armed protest Sunday at the Lansing Capitol that could draw several hundreds of protesters, Michael Lackomar, team leader of the Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia, told Bridge Michigan.;

Lackomars group and several other Michigan militia organizations including the Michigan Home Guard, Michigan Liberty Militia and Michigan Militia Corps Wolverines will likely be in attendance, he said.

He said the groups main grievance is the state Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 restrictions, which have destroyed businesses. Lackomor said they are also dissatisfied with the way the state government handled the election although he said that Democrat Joe Biden probably won.;

The plans come amid warnings from an internal FBI report about armed protests in all 50 capitals nationwide and in Washington, D.C, this weekend until Bidens inauguration next Wednesday.;

The planned protests follow a chaotic week in D.C., when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol while Congress convened to count the nations Electoral College voters.;

Before the siege, Trump told supporters that Congress should toss out the election results, and urged them to march to the Capitol and show strength. The riots left five dead, including a police officer.;

On Wednesday, the House voted to impeach Trump for a second time for his role in inciting the insurrection. The timing of a trial in the U.S. Senate remains uncertain.;

Whitmer Says No More New Restrictions

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is doubling down on her decision not to add new restrictions or regulations amid a surge of coronavirus cases in Michigan.

Currently, the state has the highest case rate in the nation by far. On Wednesday, the state reported 7,955 new COVID-19 cases.

Related:;Michigan at ‘record high’ for COVID-19 hospitalizations of children

In a media appearance dominated by talks about the benefits of therapeutic treatments, Whitmer blamed the increase on the publics fatigue and the variants of the virus in the state.

That’s precisely why instead of mandating that we’re closing things down, we are encouraging people to do what we know works as the most important thing that we can do, Whitmer said. It’s not a policy problem, it is a variant and compliance problem.

Whitmer also said the state is focusing on getting more people vaccinated.

Her decision goes against what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised the state to do.

In a White House briefing this week, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky called on the state to implement stronger restrictions and mitigation protocols.;

Also Check: What Percentage Of Republicans Support Trump

What Difference Does The New House Majority Make

The Democrats took control of the House, having gained more than the 23 seats they need to take over the lower chamber of Congress. Americans voted for all 435 seats in the House.

The Democrats could now launch investigations into Mr Trump’s administration and business affairs, from tax returns to potential conflicts of interest.

They could also more effectively block his legislative plans, notably his signature promise to build a wall along the border with Mexico.

But analysts say dealing with a hostile House may suit the president, who is known both for his partisan style and ability to switch positions. They say he could either choose to accuse the Democrats of obstruction or try to reach deals to get legislation through.

Female candidates performed particularly well. Two 29-year-old Democrats – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Abby Finkenauer – are due to be the youngest women ever to win House seats.

Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are the first Muslim women and Sharice Davids and Debra Haaland the first Native American women to be elected to Congress. All are Democrats.

How the mid-term elections broke records

0 notes