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Landlord won't give back 2 security deposits, am I legally allowed to damage to the property?
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DTV or retirement visa ?
Health insurance is not required for the DTV. -
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Liberal Meltdown Thread
If you've got 5 minutes to spend on a hilarious liberal meltdown article, have a look at some examples: Universities are decrying President-elect Donald Trump’s victory and offering a swath of therapeutic safe-space activities to help students cope with their emotions. Several universities are offering counseling services and special post-election debriefing events on campus, while professors canceled classes and called for a rise against the future administration, according to emails obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. Just one example: https://dailycaller.com/2024/11/11/safe-spaces-therapy-colleges-help-students-cope-kamala-harris-loss-2024-election/ Where was all the compassion for conservative students after 2020? Or is it just the lefties that are frail and unstable? Scary if these are the people that plan to run the country in the future. -
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Watch: Biden Struggles to Navigate Delaware Beach & Stumbles Multiple Times
President Joe Biden stumbled several times on a Delaware beach near his vacation home, needing assistance from First Lady Jill Biden to keep his balance, as shown in recent footage. The 81-year-old president was seen grappling with the unstable, sandy terrain at Rehoboth Beach on Sunday afternoon, just days after Vice President Kamala Harris lost a presidential race to former President Donald Trump, who will be returning to the White House. The Delaware visit is the latest in a series of public appearances that have led to renewed concerns about Biden’s mental and physical fitness. Over his term, he has faced mounting questions about his ability to manage the demands of the presidency, particularly as he has made several verbal missteps and occasionally seemed disoriented. His performance in a debate with Trump earlier this summer, marked by noticeable lapses and missed opportunities, intensified scrutiny from both political allies and opponents. With his faltering campaign, Biden eventually decided to step back from a potential re-election bid, throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Yet, the pressure from within the Democratic Party following his debate performance underscored the challenges he faced in proving his stamina and focus. Now, with a meeting between Biden and Trump on the horizon, attention on the president’s condition remains heightened as he navigates the final period of his term. Based on a report by NYP 2024-11-12 -
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Controversy Over ‘Mx’ Titles: Young Pupils and Gender-Neutral Teachers
In a recent shift, some schools in Scotland have introduced the gender-neutral title "Mx" for teachers, with children as young as four now being encouraged to use this term when addressing staff. This change aims to create a more inclusive environment for non-binary individuals and those who do not identify strictly as male or female. However, the use of gender-neutral titles in classrooms has sparked a broader debate about the appropriateness of discussing gender identity with very young students. According to figures from Scottish councils, at least 86 educators, including teachers, teaching assistants, and aides, have adopted the "Mx" title instead of traditional titles like Miss, Mrs, Ms, or Mr. Of these, 13 are in primary schools, and 73 work in secondary schools. Edinburgh has the highest concentration, with 44 staff members recorded as using a gender-neutral title. However, actual numbers may be higher, as some councils do not track this data. Supporters argue that using gender-neutral titles in schools reflects a progressive approach to inclusion, recognizing non-binary identities and fostering respect among students. However, critics have raised concerns about introducing such concepts to young children. Scottish Conservative spokesperson for children and young people, Roz McCall, stated that focusing on these "fringe issues" diverts attention from core educational goals, arguing that this shift may leave some children feeling uncomfortable or confused. Campaign groups such as For Women Scotland and Parent Watch Scotland have also expressed opposition. Marion Calder, of For Women Scotland, argued that introducing non-binary concepts in classrooms can be confusing for young children, likening the emphasis on gender identity to "astrology" and urging teachers to avoid bringing personal ideologies into their professional roles. She voiced concerns over the trustworthiness of teachers in students' eyes, asking, “How are children to believe anything a teacher says if they lie about something so fundamental?” This sentiment was echoed by Parent Watch Scotland, which claimed titles like "Mx" often require explanations that could serve as conversation starters about gender identity, a topic some feel is inappropriate for younger students. In addition to the debate over titles, critics also point to broader issues related to gender identity in Scottish schools. Some teaching materials reportedly include discussions of multiple gender identities, with lessons suggesting there are at least 17 genders. These approaches have raised questions about parental involvement, with critics arguing that parental consent is often overlooked when affirming students’ gender identities. A significant shift in Scotland’s approach to gender issues in education occurred after the Cass Review, an assessment of gender services in England, called for more thorough research on the impact of puberty blockers and other gender-affirming treatments for youth. As a result, Scotland has paused the prescription of puberty blockers for young people, signaling a cautious approach to medical interventions for gender dysphoria in response to the findings. The ongoing discourse around titles like "Mx" underscores a growing debate on the role of schools in addressing gender identity and inclusivity. As schools strive to balance inclusivity with developmental appropriateness, the debate is likely to continue, raising complex questions about the role of education in shaping young minds. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-11-12 -
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A High-Stakes Gamble: How the $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan Backfired on Democrats
Nearly four years ago, the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats placed a massive $1.9 trillion wager on the American Rescue Plan (ARP), aiming to steer the nation through the pandemic's economic turmoil. Their goal was to avoid under-stimulating the economy, yet the scale of the ARP may have tipped the scales too far in the other direction, leading to inflation that discontented voters across the nation. The outcome of this gamble has reshaped economic policy discussions and could influence how future governments approach recession recovery. The ARP was designed to push the economy forward quickly, addressing not only the crisis but the perceived missteps of the 2010s, when, after the Global Financial Crisis, high unemployment lingered for years. As part of their strategy, Democrats believed the risk of insufficient action was greater than that of excess. They aimed to avoid a prolonged recovery by providing direct financial relief: $1,300 checks to families already sitting on pandemic savings, extended unemployment benefits even as businesses started rehiring, and additional funds for state governments already stable. This ambitious stimulus, enacted after former President Trump’s $2.7 trillion pandemic relief package, raised concerns among centrist and conservative economists who warned that such extensive aid could lead to inflationary pressures. One of the most outspoken critics, Larry Summers, wrote in May 2021, "In general, increases in inflation disproportionately hurt the poor and are associated with reductions in trust in government." He warned progressives about the historical role inflation played in political shifts, reminding them that inflation concerns contributed to the election of Richard Nixon in 1968 and Ronald Reagan in 1980. The spike in inflation that began in 2021 was indeed a global phenomenon, fueled by pandemic-related disruptions in supply chains and labor shortages, as many people opted to stay home. Even countries with limited fiscal intervention experienced similar issues, showing that inflation’s roots extended beyond U.S. policy alone. Nonetheless, the ARP’s scale likely had an inflationary impact. Analysis by the San Francisco Federal Reserve estimated that fiscal policy contributed around three percentage points to the total U.S. inflation rate in 2021, which reached 7%. Had the stimulus been more restrained, inflation may have peaked at a lower rate, reducing the Federal Reserve's need for such aggressive interest rate hikes and mitigating some of the recent economic pain. The ARP’s benefits, including the direct payments, were largely forgotten as inflation took center stage in public sentiment. As inflation remained high, the connection between the Democrats’ policies and the cost-of-living increases became more apparent to voters. Although the U.S. experienced a rapid recovery, thanks in part to the ARP, inflation overshadowed these gains. By 2024, cumulative price levels were around 21% higher than in 2020, and many Americans felt this impact more than they appreciated the falling inflation rate, which had slowed to 2.4%. In hindsight, the Biden administration has touted the ARP’s role in promoting fast economic growth and falling inflation rates. But for many Americans, especially those whose wages did not keep pace with inflation, these achievements seemed irrelevant in the face of rising costs. A “high-pressure” labor market and “running the economy hot” were the rallying cries of liberal economists at the time of the ARP’s inception, but for many, the resulting surge in inflation felt like a betrayal. As the Biden administration faced the 2024 election, the memory of high inflation lingered more strongly with voters than the rapid recovery the stimulus intended to fuel. Based on a report by Axios 2024-11-12 -
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ICC Faces External Probe Into Misconduct Allegations Against Prosecutor Karim Khan
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved an external investigation into its top prosecutor, Karim Khan, following accusations of sexual misconduct. This inquiry, endorsed by the court's oversight body, the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, was confirmed by sources familiar with the decision. The court’s internal watchdog had initially closed the case within five days, but the external probe will reopen the investigation into allegations that Khan tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship—a claim he has categorically denied. While specific details on who will conduct the investigation remain unclear, possible leads include European law enforcement officials or a law firm. The United Nations’ internal watchdog has also been considered, though conflict-of-interest concerns arise due to Khan’s wife, a prominent human rights lawyer, previously working for the agency in Kenya on sexual harassment investigations. An Associated Press investigation first reported the allegations, stating that two ICC employees had come forward on behalf of the alleged victim in May, weeks before Khan sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Khan has been criticized for alleged unwanted advances toward the woman, whom he frequently traveled with after transferring her to his office from another ICC department. According to whistle-blower documents reviewed by the AP, Khan reportedly made inappropriate requests, including allegedly asking the woman to join him on a hotel bed during a foreign trip, attempting to enter her room in the early hours, and asking her to go on vacation with him. The alleged victim ultimately chose not to file a formal complaint, citing distrust in the ICC's internal watchdog, which closed its initial inquiry within days and did not question Khan. The watchdog later issued a memo urging Khan to limit contact with the woman to protect all involved parties and preserve the court's integrity. Under Khan’s leadership, the ICC has pursued ambitious cases against war crimes and atrocities worldwide, leading to friction with powerful states. The ICC has been increasingly targeted, particularly since its probe into Russian actions in Ukraine last year, which was followed by a cyberattack that crippled court functions for weeks. The court has also drawn the ire of Israel, which reportedly engaged in an influence campaign against ICC staff after the court recognized Palestine as a member state in 2015 and launched preliminary investigations into Israel's actions. According to reports from *The Guardian* and Israeli outlets, Israel's intelligence agencies allegedly targeted senior ICC officials, even monitoring Khan’s predecessor. In light of the AP’s findings, Khan had proposed a new investigation by the ICC's internal watchdog, pledging full cooperation. However, with the Assembly of States Parties authorizing an external investigation, the probe will likely be broader and more independent in scope, ensuring a more transparent examination of the allegations against the ICC’s top prosecutor. Based on a report by Euro News 2024-11-12 Related: ICC Chief Prosecutor Accused of Suppressing Misconduct Allegations Against Him -
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Elizabeth II joked “I won’t have that idiot organising my funeral now” on Boris Resignation
In her final days at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly made a humorous comment about Boris Johnson’s departure as prime minister, remarking, "at least I won’t have that idiot organising my funeral now." This claim appears in Tim Shipman’s new book, *Out*, a political history that delves into the post-Brexit era. According to Shipman, the late Queen made this remark to amuse her family and close aides just two days before her passing, following her appointment of Liz Truss as her 15th and final prime minister. Shipman writes that Queen Elizabeth, known for her dignified and diplomatic public persona, showed a lighter side among family and close confidants, remarking on Johnson’s theatrical nature, calling him “perhaps better suited to the stage.” However, some sources close to the Queen have expressed doubt about the authenticity of these words, noting that it was unlikely she would misunderstand the role of the Earl Marshal, who oversees royal funerals. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on these claims. The author sheds light on the Queen’s overall reaction to Johnson, describing her as having taken his political missteps in stride. When Johnson prorogued Parliament in 2019, a move that caused significant controversy, Shipman writes that Queen Elizabeth viewed him as a “roguish and comic figure,” handling the situation with calm acceptance. “One senior royal aide characterized her approach as, ‘These things happen,’” Shipman claims. This level-headed reaction stood in stark contrast to other royals’ views; Shipman reports that then-Prince Charles was “absolutely furious” over Johnson’s actions and was “outraged that Boris should treat the Queen like that.” Prince William’s aides also reportedly indicated that when he becomes king, there will be “more private, robust challenging of advice” between him and his prime ministers. The book also discusses an alleged interaction between Johnson and King Charles regarding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, during which the future king reportedly wanted to acknowledge the history of slavery. Shipman writes that Johnson, who had little patience for what he saw as “woke” culture, advised, “I wouldn’t talk about slavery if I were you, or you’ll end up having to sell the Duchy of Cornwall to pay reparations to the people who built the Duchy of Cornwall.” Shipman’s *Out*, published by HarperCollins and set to release on November 21, offers insight into the personal dynamics and occasional frictions between the Queen and her former prime ministers, particularly Johnson. It portrays the Queen as graciously enduring political turbulence, occasionally using humor to cope with the weight of her role, even in her final days. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-11-12 -
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Cleared of Murdering Chris Kaba, Officer Sgt Martyn Blake Set for Promotion
Metropolitan Police Sergeant Martyn Blake, recently cleared of murdering 24-year-old Chris Kaba, is now expected to be promoted to the rank of inspector. The promotion comes as the Met moves forward after Blake’s criminal trial concluded with his acquittal last month. However, the 40-year-old officer, a father of two, may still face a gross misconduct investigation related to the fatal shooting of Kaba in Streatham, South London, in 2022. The case against Sgt Blake centered around his decision to open fire on Kaba, a known member of the "67 Gang," as he attempted to evade police in an Audi that was reportedly linked to two gangland shootings. Blake testified in the Old Bailey trial that he acted out of fear for his colleagues’ safety, believing that Kaba's attempt to ram his way out posed a serious threat. The jury reached its verdict swiftly, acquitting Sgt Blake of murder after just three hours of deliberation. His acquittal marks a significant step in his career, which had been placed on hold as he awaited the outcome of the trial. Sgt Blake, who had passed his inspector’s exams shortly before the shooting, is expected to move from the firearms unit to another division of the Metropolitan Police Service if the promotion proceeds. Former Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens expressed support for the decision, noting that the promotion was “properly delayed until the outcome of the criminal trial.” With that behind him, Ovens suggested that Blake’s promotion should not be hindered further by the misconduct review, especially given the rigorous court scrutiny the evidence had already undergone. “Considering the evidence has been scrutinised in court, the misconduct review should not hold up his promotion,” Ovens stated, adding that it is unlikely Blake would face dismissal in any subsequent disciplinary hearings. He emphasized that the Met’s support of Blake signifies the organization’s confidence in his actions and capabilities. The Metropolitan Police has responded cautiously to inquiries about Blake’s anticipated promotion, stating, “Any query of this nature relates to personal information about an officer’s potential career intentions and is not something we’d discuss. Sgt Blake is entitled to the same level of privacy.” Blake had been suspended for more than two years since the incident, which left Kaba, a figure associated with the London gang scene, fatally wounded after Blake fired through the windscreen of the Audi. The controversial case drew considerable attention due to Kaba’s background and the high-stakes nature of the armed standoff. Now, with the criminal case behind him, Sgt Blake is positioned to resume his career, pending the outcome of any potential misconduct investigation. As the Metropolitan Police grapples with this sensitive case and the decision to promote Blake, it highlights broader issues of accountability, transparency, and trust within the force and its dealings with complex and high-risk incidents. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-11-12
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