Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims of non-involvement in the 2019 Samoan measles outbreak, which killed 83, are demonstrably false. His organization, Children’s Health Defense, spread misinformation contributing to a plummeting vaccination rate preceding the outbreak, and Kennedy actively supported prominent anti-vaccine activists in Samoa during a trip funded by his organization. Following the tragedy, he praised these same activists and downplayed the severity of the outbreak. This incident exemplifies Kennedy’s pattern of promoting anti-vaccine sentiment globally while disavowing responsibility for the consequences.
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The Biden administration’s recent decision to forgive $4.7 billion in loans to Ukraine has sparked a considerable amount of debate. This significant sum is raising eyebrows, particularly among those already concerned about the burgeoning national debt. The immediate question many are asking is how such a large-scale loan forgiveness is legally justified under executive power, especially considering the previous legal battles surrounding student loan forgiveness. This discrepancy in application of executive power is a point of contention for many.
However, some see this move as a fulfillment of prior commitments. It’s argued that the action aligns with the Budapest Memorandum, a treaty that the US is obligated to uphold, a treaty which a previous administration faced impeachment over for attempting to withhold funds relating to it.… Continue reading
For the first time, Ukraine used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike a building in the Kursk region of Russia, reportedly targeting a control room housing Russian and North Korean military officials. Debris at the site confirmed the use of Storm Shadow missiles, following recent US authorization for Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles within Russia. Ukrainian defense experts believe the strike involved up to twelve missiles, though the target’s exact nature remains speculative. This action follows previous use of Storm Shadow missiles within Ukrainian territory and signifies an escalation of the conflict.
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The House Ethics Committee deadlocked along party lines, refusing to immediately release its investigation into President-elect Trump’s attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz, who faces sexual misconduct allegations. A reconsideration vote is scheduled for December 5th. Despite this setback, Gaetz is actively campaigning for confirmation, meeting with Republican senators who expressed a need for full information before voting. Support for Gaetz is strong among some Republicans, who view the scrutiny as politically motivated, while others await further evidence before making a decision.
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Senate Democrats’ request for the FBI’s Matt Gaetz case files highlights a significant clash between transparency demands and established law enforcement practices. The Democrats’ action, stemming from Gaetz’s nomination as Attorney General, seeks to ensure a thorough vetting process. This includes examining the closed sex trafficking investigation into Gaetz, an investigation which, despite lacking sufficient evidence for charges, involved serious allegations.
The request underscores the public’s right to know about individuals holding powerful positions within the government. Taxpayers fund federal investigations, and the belief that such reports should be public, especially when concerning a potential Attorney General, is a powerful argument.… Continue reading
Greenpeace data reveals that the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), comprised of major oil and chemical companies, produced over 1,000 times more plastic than it diverted from the environment in five years. This contradicts the alliance’s stated goal of diverting 15 million tonnes of plastic waste, a target later deemed “too ambitious.” The findings highlight the significant discrepancy between the AEPW’s public commitment to combating plastic pollution and its members’ continued high volume plastic production. This situation is described as “greenwashing” by critics, with experts stressing the need for production caps to meaningfully reduce plastic waste. The AEPW maintains that it is working towards solutions but denies accusations of greenwashing.
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Analysis of a 2,000-year-old Egyptian Bes mug revealed a cocktail of psychedelic drugs, alcohol, and bodily fluids, challenging previous assumptions about its use. The concoction, identified through chemical and DNA analysis, included honey, nuts, and seeds, suggesting a ritualistic beverage. Researchers believe this mixture, with its psychotropic properties, was used in fertility rituals connected to the Bes Chambers at Saqqara, based on both the findings and ancient texts. This discovery sheds light on Greco-Roman-era magic rituals in Egypt.
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Germany’s latest military aid package to Ukraine includes heavy weaponry such as Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers and Gepard anti-aircraft guns, along with significant ammunition supplies and various vehicles. This delivery builds upon Germany’s substantial contributions, making it the second largest military supplier to Ukraine after the U.S. However, planned military aid will be halved in 2025 to €4 billion, despite the current €8 billion allocation for 2024. This reduction comes amid political uncertainty and despite the U.S. allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles, Germany continues to refrain from providing its own Taurus missiles.
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The Biden administration’s authorization of long-range ATACMS strikes inside Russia represents a significant policy shift, potentially bolstering Ukraine’s defense against a large Russian-North Korean force. This action, likely influenced by the upcoming Trump presidency, allows Ukraine to target key Russian infrastructure, such as command centers and logistics, thereby weakening their offensive capabilities. Retired General Ben Hodges emphasizes that while not a “game changer” in itself, the ATACMS authorization is a positive step, although its restricted use remains a concern. However, the long-term impact remains uncertain given President-elect Trump’s stated intentions to quickly end the war, raising concerns about future U.S. support for Ukraine.
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In essence, the Trump administration’s actions wouldn’t abolish birthright citizenship, but rather hinder undocumented immigrants’ ability to prove their citizenship if challenged. This strategy relies on manipulating documentation processes to create a legal challenge, potentially forcing the Supreme Court to reinterpret the Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court’s willingness to overturn precedents raises the possibility of this occurring, mirroring the historical significance of cases like *Dred Scott*, which profoundly impacted legal interpretations of citizenship. Ultimately, the administration’s efforts aim to achieve through judicial action what it cannot accomplish directly.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood