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EC hits on new poll strategy but treads carefully: Thai report
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Rotterdam Stabbing Rampage Knifeman shouted "Allahu Akbar"
A man armed with two long knives went on a violent stabbing spree in Rotterdam, Netherlands, killing one person and seriously injuring another. The suspect, who allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar," meaning "God is Greatest" in Arabic, during the attack, has been taken into police custody. The horrific incident unfolded near the iconic Erasmus Bridge, where the attacker, now severely injured himself, was eventually subdued by a heroic bystander. Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that several witnesses heard the suspect shouting the religious phrase as he carried out the brutal assault. One witness, a sports instructor who was teaching a class near the scene, recounted how he stepped in to overpower the attacker. "I saw a man with two long knives stabbing a young guy," he told NOS. "I eventually managed to get them away." Images from the aftermath showed a heavy police presence near the bridge, with emergency services setting up a medical tent and an ambulance at the scene. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that a man was stabbed beneath the bridge, as confirmed by bystanders passing over it. Several of them also stated that the suspect had shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the violent attack. Wessel Stolle, a police spokesman, confirmed that authorities were aware of the phrase being shouted during the incident and that it is part of the ongoing investigation. However, he also emphasized that there was no immediate information regarding the attacker's motive, and all possibilities are being explored. The attacker was subdued by Renil Renato David Litecia, a sports coach who witnessed the horrifying scene. Litecia described how he acted quickly to prevent further bloodshed. "I hit the attacker with two sticks after seeing him lunge at someone," Litecia said. "I managed to wrestle the knives away and throw them aside." Initially, Litecia thought the scene was a physical fight. "But when I started running in that direction, I saw that it wasn't a fight," he explained. "It was a man with two long knives who was stabbing another young guy. When I started shouting, he turned around and began approaching everyone nearby." Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the suspect, but the investigation is ongoing, with police urging witnesses to come forward with any information that may assist in understanding the full scope of the attack. The city of Rotterdam is now grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence, as the investigation seeks to uncover the motivations behind the deadly rampage. Credit: ABC 2024-09-21 -
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More Than 70,000 Soldiers Fighting for Russia Have Now Been Killed
More than 70,000 people fighting for Russia have now lost their lives in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to data analyzed by the BBC. For the first time since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, volunteers—civilians who joined Russia's armed forces after the start of the war—constitute the highest number of battlefield deaths. Daily, the names of those killed, their obituaries, and images from their funerals are shared across Russian media and social platforms. BBC Russian, along with the independent website Mediazona, has been compiling these names from public sources, including official reports. They have verified that the information was shared by either authorities or relatives of the deceased and confirmed their deaths in combat. New graves in Russian cemeteries, often marked by defense ministry flags and wreaths, also provide names of soldiers who have died in Ukraine. BBC and Mediazona’s research has identified the names of 70,112 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, although the true number is likely much higher. Some families do not publicize the deaths of their relatives, and the analysis does not cover deaths in militia units in Russian-occupied regions like Donetsk and Luhansk. Among the confirmed dead, 13,781 were volunteers, constituting roughly 20%. This category now surpasses others, such as former prisoners, who previously accounted for 19% of deaths, and mobilized soldiers, who make up 13%. Since October 2022, weekly deaths of volunteers have consistently exceeded 100, with some weeks seeing more than 310 fatalities. In contrast, Ukraine has remained relatively silent about its losses. While President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in February that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed, U.S. intelligence estimates suggest higher numbers. The story of Rinat Khusniyarov illustrates the experience of many Russian volunteers. Hailing from Ufa in Bashkortostan, Khusniyarov had been juggling two jobs at a tram depot and a plywood factory before enlisting in November last year at age 62. He was killed less than three months later, on February 27. His obituary on a local memorial website described him as "a hardworking, decent man." Data shows that most volunteers come from small towns in Russia where stable employment is scarce, and many appear to have enlisted voluntarily, although reports from Chechnya suggest some have faced coercion or threats. Some volunteers did not fully understand that the contracts they signed had no clear end date. Several have unsuccessfully sought help from pro-Kremlin journalists to leave the service. Military salaries, significantly higher than the average wages in less affluent regions, as well as benefits like tax breaks and free childcare, have lured many to enlist. One-time sign-up bonuses have also increased in value across Russia. Most of the volunteers killed are aged between 42 and 50, with 4,100 of them in this age range. A total of 250 volunteers over the age of 60 have died, including the oldest volunteer, who was 71. Rising casualties among volunteers are attributed in part to their deployment in the most dangerous front-line areas, particularly in the Donetsk region. Russian soldiers describe a "meat grinder" strategy where waves of troops are sent forward to exhaust Ukrainian forces, often with little equipment or artillery support. Drone footage shows Russian soldiers attacking Ukrainian positions without necessary military backing. In some cases, hundreds of soldiers have been killed in a single day. Recently, Russian forces have made desperate attempts to capture the eastern Ukrainian towns of Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk, but have faced significant losses. According to an official study by the Russian defense ministry's medical directorate, 39% of soldiers die from limb injuries that could be prevented with better first aid and medical care. Despite these casualties, the Russian government appears reluctant to initiate a new wave of forced mobilization. Instead, it is intensifying efforts to recruit volunteers, offering greater incentives to enlist. Local officials are increasingly tasked with recruiting from their regions, often targeting men with financial or legal troubles. They have also conducted recruitment campaigns at universities. Since 2022, prisoners have been encouraged to enlist in exchange for pardons, and a new policy allows people facing criminal prosecution to avoid trial by agreeing to fight, with their cases being frozen or dropped. The war, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives, continues to grind on with no clear end in sight. Credit: BBC 2024-09-21 -
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Former C.I.A. Officer Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Assault and Drugging Women
Brian Jeffrey Raymond, a former C.I.A. officer, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for drugging, sexually assaulting, and photographing more than two dozen women. His actions, carried out while he served in various international posts, came to light after years of abuse, according to federal prosecutors. Raymond, 48, of La Mesa, California, pleaded guilty in a U.S. District Court in Washington to four of the 25 charges against him. These included sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, coercion and enticement, and transportation of obscene material. His sentence reflected the maximum punishment prosecutors had requested. "When this predator was a government employee, he lured unsuspecting women to his government-leased housing and drugged them," said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. "After drugging these women, he stripped, sexually abused, and photographed them." Prosecutors revealed that the assaults took place between 2006 and 2020 across multiple countries where Raymond had worked. During that time, he drugged and photographed or filmed 25 women while they were nude or partially nude. "Many of the recordings featured Raymond touching and manipulating the victim’s bodies when they were unconscious and incapable of consent," prosecutors added. When Raymond became aware of the investigation, he tried to delete the explicit images and videos. The most recent of Raymond’s crimes occurred in Mexico City between 2019 and 2020, where he was stationed at the American Embassy. Prosecutors said he raped six women while in Mexico, each assault following a similar pattern. He met his victims through dating apps, communicated in Spanish, and presented himself as a "high-level embassy employee in whom the government had reposed special trust." The investigation into Raymond began in May 2020 after authorities in Mexico responded to a report of "a naked, hysterical woman desperately screaming for help" from the balcony of his apartment. The FBI and State Department subsequently launched a probe into his actions. During his sentencing, several of Raymond’s victims shared the traumatic impact of his actions. One woman said, “My body looks like a corpse on his bed,” recalling a photo of herself. "Now I have these nightmares of seeing myself dead." Raymond addressed the court, acknowledging his actions. "It betrayed everything I stand for, and I know no apology will ever be enough. There are no words to describe how sorry I am. That’s not who I am, and yet it’s who I became," he said. The C.I.A. issued a statement condemning Raymond’s actions, saying, “We take any allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment extremely seriously and have taken significant steps to ensure we maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for our workforce. There is absolutely no excuse for Mr. Raymond’s reprehensible, appalling behavior.” In addition to the 30-year prison sentence, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Raymond to be on supervised release for life and to pay $260,000 in restitution to his victims. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Credit: NYT 2024-09-21 -
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Ukraine’s Right to Strike America Should Allow Missiles to Hit Military Targets in Russia
Every day, Vladimir Putin’s forces launch relentless attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, particularly as winter approaches. In response, Ukraine has proposed a logical and legally defensible course of action: it wants to use Western-supplied missiles to hit military targets in Russia—the very locations from which these devastating attacks originate. However, the United States, Ukraine’s most significant military supporter, has consistently denied this request, despite its legality and proportionality. Since the start of the conflict, the West has provided over $200 billion in aid, including weapons and financial support, to help Ukraine defend itself from Russian aggression, with another $100 billion expected. While this support has been vital, there has been a frustrating pattern. Time and again, Ukraine’s allies have delayed providing critical military equipment. Initially, they hesitated to supply tanks, then missiles, followed by anti-missile batteries, and more recently, fighter jets. As one Ukrainian front-line commander told *The Economist* during the summer, “They give us enough to survive, but not enough to win.” Next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet U.S. President Joe Biden, where he is expected to renew his plea for permission to target Russian military positions directly. Both Britain and France have allowed their missiles, such as the Storm Shadow and SCALP, to be used against these targets. However, these weapons rely on American technology, and Washington has so far exercised a veto on their use in Russian territory. Germany has followed America’s lead, refusing to provide its own Taurus missiles. But Zelensky’s most urgent request is for permission to use the U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles, which have a longer range and would provide Ukraine with a much-needed strategic advantage. While the Biden administration has expressed concerns over escalation, this fear is misplaced. Putin has threatened severe consequences if American missiles are used to strike Russian soil, claiming it would be equivalent to NATO entering the war. However, Russia is already pushing its offensive in Ukraine to the limits, short of deploying nuclear weapons. The real threat may lie in Russia retaliating by supporting adversarial forces in other regions, such as Iran or the Houthis, which could destabilize areas outside the immediate conflict. The West’s caution, particularly that of Biden and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, only emboldens Putin. By holding back military capabilities, they inadvertently signal weakness and division within NATO. Putin sees these cracks and likely concludes that the West is tiring of the war and may soon seek a compromise. Peace talks might indeed begin, perhaps spurred by the U.S. election cycle, but to strengthen Ukraine’s position in such discussions, the West needs to fully back Zelensky’s efforts now. Allowing Ukraine to hit military targets inside Russia is not about expanding the war; it is about leveling the playing field and giving Ukraine the tools to defend itself. Restricting Ukraine's capabilities only rewards Russian recklessness and continues to put Ukrainian lives and sovereignty at risk. Mr. Biden’s reluctance to fully arm Ukraine for victory is a strategic miscalculation, one that should be urgently reconsidered. Credit: Economist 2024-09-21 -
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Chechen Leader Accuses Elon Musk of Disabling Cybertruck
Ramzan Kadyrov, the authoritative leader of Russia's Chechen Republic, made a bold accusation against tech mogul Elon Musk on Thursday, claiming that Musk had remotely disabled a Tesla Cybertruck that Kadyrov said he had received from the billionaire. Kadyrov, who has held power in Chechnya for over 17 years, shared a video in August showcasing himself driving the electric vehicle, which notably had a machine gun mounted on its roof. Kadyrov stated that the truck had been gifted to him by Musk, although Musk swiftly denied the claim on his social media platform X, calling it a lie. "Now, recently, Musk remotely disabled the Cybertruck," Kadyrov wrote in a post on his Telegram account, indicating his displeasure. "That's not a nice thing for Elon Musk to do. He gives expensive gifts from the bottom of his heart and then remotely switches them off," the Chechen leader added, expressing frustration over what he perceived as an unjust action. The Tesla Cybertruck, first introduced by the American carmaker Tesla in 2019, is an electric pick-up truck that only began production recently. Its futuristic design and off-road capabilities have made it a standout in the electric vehicle market. In a surprising claim, Kadyrov alleged that the vehicle had been actively used in combat, specifically in Ukraine. According to the Chechen leader, the Cybertruck "performed admirably" in the conflict. No evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims, and it remains unclear how the vehicle was used or how it allegedly contributed to the war efforts. Kadyrov, the son of a former rebel leader, has shifted from insurgency to being one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's most loyal supporters. Often referring to himself as Putin's "footsoldier," Kadyrov has played an increasingly prominent role in Russian politics and military endeavors. He has openly declared his commitment to assisting the Kremlin in its war against Ukraine and claims to have sent thousands of Chechen troops to support Russia's military offensive. This episode, involving one of the world’s most well-known tech entrepreneurs and a controversial political figure, underscores the tensions between Russia and the West. While Musk has frequently been a public figure in global affairs due to his business ventures, including electric cars and space exploration, this peculiar allegation of disabling a combat-used Cybertruck introduces a new and unexpected twist to his ever-growing list of controversies. Credit: Bloomberg 2024-09-21 -
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Labour Councillor’s Controversial Past Resurfaces After Promotion to Leadership
Brent Carter, a Labour councillor from Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, has been appointed the leader of the borough council, despite a scandalous incident from his past. Nine years ago, in 2015, Carter was found “covered in lipstick” during a police raid at an illegal sex den in the town’s Regent Street. The revelation of this incident has sparked fresh debate about his leadership and his fitness for the role. The incident came to light during the trial of Leon Hall, who was running the brothel. In May 2015, Carter had only been in the establishment for a few minutes when police entered the property. Inside, officers found not only Carter but also packets of condoms and lubricating gel scattered across the floor. Hall, the man behind the operation, was later given a 10-month suspended sentence for his involvement in running the illegal brothel, which was staffed by Eastern European women. Despite the evidence, Carter was never arrested, and he maintained his position as a councillor, a role he has held since 2008. Although Carter was reported to the Public Service Ombudsman for violating the council’s code of conduct, the ombudsman ruled there was no evidence that he had brought the council into disrepute—only that he had caused harm to his own reputation. This allowed Carter to remain in his position and avoid any official penalties for his actions. The Labour councillor’s rise to leader of the Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council follows a shift in local political dynamics, with independent councillors losing their majority after a recent by-election. However, Carter’s promotion has reignited concerns in the local community. Simon Ryan, a 57-year-old taxi driver and local resident, expressed his frustration, stating, “How will people respect the town when its leader has acted in this way? He was caught red-handed in a brothel—people can’t have faith in a man like that. We will be the laughing stock of the Valleys.” Ryan’s sentiments reflect those of many who feel that Carter’s past indiscretion is a stain on the town’s reputation, which had recently been improving. Despite the backlash, Carter has attempted to address these concerns publicly. In a statement issued by the council, he acknowledged the incident and its impact on the community. “I appreciate the concern raised by some members of the community regarding my past. As the newly elected Leader of the Council, I understand the importance of upholding the values and reputation of our town as I have lived in Merthyr all my life; and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” he said. Carter went on to thank his family, friends, and constituents for their continued support since 2008, adding that their trust in him has been “overwhelming.” He further reassured the public that he has learned from his past experiences and is now focused on serving the community with “integrity and dedication.” Carter emphasized that his commitment to the town remains strong and that he has worked hard to evolve as a person since the 2015 incident. Nevertheless, for some, the question remains whether such a controversial figure can effectively lead and restore confidence in a community that has already faced significant challenges. As the leader of the council, Carter now faces the task of moving forward while grappling with the lingering shadows of his past. Whether the town will fully embrace his leadership remains to be seen. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-09-21 -
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Taylor Swift Shines in Poll, Surpassing Expectations Against Trump and Harris
A recent New York Times poll suggests that Taylor Swift could hold her own if she ever decided to enter the political arena, specifically in a race against political heavyweights like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The pop superstar was pitted against the two political figures in a nationwide survey to gauge her appeal among voters, and the results were unexpectedly strong. According to the poll, Swift received a 44 percent favorability rating among likely voters, which was just below Trump's 47 percent and Harris's 48 percent. What was even more striking, however, was how much better Swift performed in terms of unfavorable ratings. Only 34 percent of respondents had an unfavorable view of Swift, compared to Trump’s 51 percent and Harris’s 49 percent. This shows a more positive public perception of Swift, with many viewing her as a less polarizing figure compared to the two politicians. Swift's support was notably strong among Democrats, with 70 percent viewing her favorably. This wasn’t too surprising given Swift’s open endorsement of Kamala Harris following the presidential debate. In contrast, only 23 percent of Republicans had a favorable opinion of Swift, while 60 percent viewed her unfavorably. Among Democrats, a mere 11 percent had negative views of the pop star. Independents, who often play a crucial role in elections, were also more favorable toward Swift than many might have anticipated. Forty-one percent of independents viewed her positively, while 32 percent had unfavorable opinions. The poll, which was conducted by The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena College between September 11 and 16, took place before Swift publicly announced her endorsement of Harris. On Instagram, Swift praised Harris for being a strong leader who fights for causes she deeply believes in. “She fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos,” Swift wrote in her endorsement. Unsurprisingly, the endorsement didn’t sit well with Donald Trump. In a reaction posted on his platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” Despite the heated political environment, Swift still managed to find a good chunk of support. However, 22 percent of voters didn’t seem too concerned with the pop star either way, with many of that group being males over the age of 65, who either didn’t know much about her or didn’t care. Though Taylor Swift has never expressed any real interest in running for political office, her massive influence over her fan base has led some to imagine what might happen if she did. Her song lyrics from "The 1" could reflect the thoughts of her most ardent supporters: “It would have been sweet if it could’ve been me.” Credit: Daily Beast 2024-09-21 -
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Shocking Revelations at Sean Diddy Combs Hamptons Sex Parties
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the once-revered hip-hop mogul, is now facing serious allegations as reports of wild sex parties, drug use, and troubling behavior surface. According to a former drug dealer, Diddy hosted notorious "freak off" parties at his mansion in the Hamptons, where he allegedly brought celebrities into an environment of sex, drugs, and secrecy. The dealer recalled one particular party where he delivered cocaine to the music icon, who greeted him at the door wearing nothing but a robe. What followed left the dealer in shock. “Weird sh–t was starting to happen. Celebrity guys f—ing each other. There were back bedrooms and it was like the inner sanctum,” the dealer told *The Post*. He described seeing well-known figures engaging in sexual acts, an experience that, in his words, made him lose respect for certain rappers. “You’d see two people you would not think would be hooking up, rappers, that was what shocked me,” he said, though he declined to name names. The partygoers, a mix of celebrities, female rappers, and sex workers, were reportedly high on ketamine and GHB. The dealer admitted that the unsettling scene led him to leave the party quickly. Despite these wild claims, the dealer noted that he did not witness Diddy participate in any sexual activity during the event. Diddy’s infamous Hamptons mansion, a 4,500-square-foot property, was known as the venue for his annual star-studded "White Parties." These events attracted some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Mariah Carey, and Jay-Z. However, there is no evidence suggesting that any of these celebrities were involved or present on the night the drug dealer attended. The accusations against Diddy have come to the forefront due to a federal indictment unsealed this week. The indictment details that Diddy allegedly orchestrated elaborate sex performances, referred to as “freak offs,” where he "arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded" the acts. These charges are part of a three-count sex trafficking indictment. On Tuesday, Diddy pleaded not guilty but was denied bail twice, resulting in his continued detention in Manhattan. The federal indictment also accuses Combs of using various forms of coercion to control his victims, including physical violence, career promises, and financial manipulation. Additionally, Diddy allegedly supplied his victims with controlled substances as part of his efforts to maintain control over them. Diddy's legal troubles do not end there. Numerous individuals have come forward accusing him of sexual misconduct, including his former protégé, Cassie Ventura. Ventura filed a lawsuit against Diddy, which was settled out of court within 24 hours. Despite the settlement, Diddy has consistently denied any wrongdoing in that case. Beyond Ventura, other lawsuits have emerged, including one from producer Rodney ‘Lil’ Rod’ Jones, who worked on Diddy’s last album. In response to Jones’s claims, Diddy’s lawyers have remained steadfast in their defense, with one attorney stating, “We look forward to proving – in a court of law – that all of Mr. Jones’s claims are made-up and must be dismissed.” As Diddy faces mounting legal challenges and disturbing allegations, his reputation as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop has come under serious scrutiny. Whether or not these accusations will be proven in court remains to be seen, but the revelations have undoubtedly cast a dark shadow over his legacy. Credit: NYP 2024-09-21 -
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Italy Advances Proposal for Chemical Castration of Rapists and Pedophiles
Italy has taken a significant step toward the possible legalization of chemical castration as a treatment for convicted rapists and pedophiles. On Wednesday, Members of Parliament (MPs) approved the creation of a committee to draft legislation on administering androgen-blocking drugs to violent sex offenders. The treatment is aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending and would be designed to be both consensual and reversible. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government has made a firm stance on law and order a key focus of its administration since taking office in 2022. Over the past year, Meloni’s coalition has introduced new criminal offenses and strengthened penalties across various crimes. Meloni, who has personally spearheaded the redevelopment of Caivano, a deprived town near Naples, declared security as her priority for the coming months. Caivano became a symbol of criminality and social decay following the high-profile gang rape of two young cousins, a crime for which five people were convicted. The far-right League party, a member of Meloni’s coalition, has made the introduction of chemical castration a central pillar of its platform, particularly targeting sex offenders such as rapists and pedophiles. Under the League's proposals, convicted sex offenders could opt for hormone-blocking treatments in exchange for a suspended sentence. League leader Matteo Salvini hailed the advancement of the proposal, expressing his approval by writing, "Victory for the League!... Good. Another important step forward for our historic battle for justice and common sense: zero tolerance for rapists and pedophiles.” However, opposition voices strongly criticized the proposal. Simona Bonafè, an MP from the opposition Democratic Party, called the move unconstitutional and stated that it “undermines the foundation of our legal system that has overcome the use of corporal punishment for centuries.” Similarly, the Green and Left Alliance condemned what it called the League’s “endless vocation for repression.” Italia Viva’s Enrico Borghi added sarcastically on social media, "What’s next? Tar and feathers, or rope and soap?" Chemical castration involves administering drugs to inhibit the production of testosterone, which decreases sexual desire. While some countries such as Russia, Poland, and certain U.S. states allow the procedure for specific crimes, concerns remain about its effectiveness in preventing repeat offenses. Experts have also warned of the potential for both physical and psychological side effects. Feminist groups further argue that violent sexual crimes stem from cultural factors, not uncontrollable sexual urges. Interestingly, Italy’s current Justice Minister, Carlo Nordio, who now serves under Meloni’s government, opposed similar measures in 2019, describing them as “a return to medieval times.” Despite the controversial nature of the proposal, Italy's government seems determined to press forward, bringing the debate over chemical castration into the center of its justice reform efforts. Credit: Politico 2024-09-21 -
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Harris-Walz Campaign Opts for Media Silence as Election Nears
The Harris-Walz campaign is on track to set a new precedent in modern U.S. politics by engaging in fewer interviews and press conferences than any other major party presidential ticket. This approach, characterized by limited media interaction, has raised questions about their strategy, especially as many voters express a desire to know more about Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Despite the significance of this election cycle and the sudden withdrawal of President Biden from the race on July 21, Harris and Walz have avoided the media spotlight. Harris, a candidate for 59 days, and Walz, for 44 days, have held only a handful of interviews in contrast to their Republican counterparts, Donald Trump and JD Vance. Trump and Vance have taken part in over 70 interviews and press conferences during the same period, whereas Harris and Walz have participated in just seven, according to an analysis by Axios. While Trump and Vance's media appearances have included interviews with both local TV stations and national outlets, Harris and Walz have stayed largely out of sight. For instance, in local TV interviews since July 21, Trump has done seven, Vance 15, while Harris and Walz have only managed one and three, respectively. In terms of national TV interviews, Vance alone has taken part in 24, compared to Harris and Walz’s one each. Moreover, neither Harris nor Walz have held a single press conference, a stark contrast to Trump’s three and Vance’s 12. The avoidance of the press is a dramatic shift in tactics, especially for Walz, who was previously known for his media accessibility. As governor of Minnesota, he was a frequent presence in both local and national media, despite occasional gaffes or misstatements. However, since joining the Harris ticket, Walz has adopted a far more reserved approach. Journalists who traveled with him in early September observed that reporters were kept at least 10 feet away and that shouted questions were ignored. Harris has long maintained a distant relationship with the press, and her team appears to believe that reducing media appearances will limit negative moments. Harris' past interviews have sometimes led to unclear or flip remarks on key policies, which her campaign hopes to avoid by keeping her interactions with reporters to a minimum. The approach is not without precedent, as President Biden also limited his interviews during the pandemic in 2020, ultimately defeating Trump despite the restricted media presence. However, this strategy carries risks. Polls suggest that many voters still feel unfamiliar with Harris and Walz. An ABC poll conducted in mid-August, prior to the Democratic convention, revealed that nearly a third of voters had no opinion of Walz. The lack of media appearances could prevent the Harris-Walz campaign from addressing this gap in voter awareness, leaving their platform and policies less understood by the public. The Harris-Walz campaign has responded to criticisms of their media strategy by pointing out that they have been interviewed by various outlets and have participated in events like Harris' appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists. In a statement, the campaign emphasized that, in these settings, both candidates answer "tough questions" on the critical issues facing Americans in the upcoming election. While this defensive posture may shield Harris and Walz from negative press, it also leaves their opponents with a greater share of media attention. Trump and Vance, despite their frequent controversial statements, have remained highly visible to voters. Vance, for example, has had to defend inflammatory comments, including a widely criticized remark about "childless cat ladies" and spreading unverified rumors about immigrants in Ohio. Yet, even with this negative attention, their frequent interviews keep them in the public eye. Ultimately, the Harris-Walz campaign is betting that avoiding the press while running out the clock to Election Day will be more beneficial than potentially exposing themselves to blunders or controversies during interviews. But this strategy is not without potential pitfalls, especially in an era where voters increasingly want transparency and direct access to their leaders. As Election Day approaches, the question remains whether limiting press access will prove to be a winning tactic or if it will leave voters feeling more disconnected from Harris and Walz. For now, the campaign seems determined to stick with their approach, despite frustrations from journalists and growing calls for more openness from the public. Credit: AXIOS 2024-09-21 -
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Starmer Asserts Control Amid Internal Turmoil Over Sue Gray’s Salary Dispute
Sir Keir Starmer has firmly denied losing control of his government, even as tensions flare within Downing Street regarding Sue Gray's salary. The Prime Minister was compelled to defend his leadership after the revelation of Gray's £170,000 salary, which surpasses his own, sparked internal discord. The leak, seemingly from Whitehall, has raised suspicions of a politically motivated attempt to undermine Gray. Efforts are now underway to trace the source of the leak, as frustrations surrounding Gray's role as Starmer’s chief of staff mount. Gray, known for overseeing the "partygate" investigation into former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has become a lightning rod for discontent among Labour advisers. The controversy threatens to cast a shadow over Labour's upcoming conference in Liverpool, the first in 15 years with the party in power rather than opposition. The conference, originally intended as a moment of celebration following Labour’s election victory, now risks being overshadowed by the internal strife surrounding Gray's salary and broader criticisms of Starmer's leadership. In a series of regional interviews ahead of the conference, Starmer was confronted with direct questions about his control over the situation and whether he had "lost grip" of his government. "I’m completely in control," Starmer stated. "I’m focused, and every day the message from me to the team is exactly the same: we have to deliver. We were elected on a big mandate to deliver change, and I am determined that we are going to do that." Pressed further on Gray’s salary, Starmer refused to engage in discussions about individual pay. "I’m not going to get into discussions about individual salaries of any members of my staff. I’m sure you wouldn’t expect me to," he responded to the BBC. However, concerns persist, particularly given that Gray’s pay was reportedly agreed upon outside formal procedures, raising questions about who initially proposed the figure. Signs of growing dissatisfaction within Starmer's team have emerged, with some advisers on lower salaries expressing frustration. One Labour adviser remarked, "Sue is seen as the driver behind a clampdown on both overall Spad [special adviser] numbers and pay, so there was a great deal of surprise when it emerged she was setting records for her own pay." This frustration has fueled calls for Starmer to take decisive action, with one ally urging him to "read the f------ riot act" to prevent further leaks. The situation has even led to speculation about future departures from the government. Simon Case, Britain’s top civil servant, is rumored to be preparing to resign following the conference season, with sources citing his strained relationship with Gray as a potential contributing factor. Beyond the Gray controversy, Starmer has faced scrutiny over his acceptance of donations and gifts, including more than £100,000 worth of free tickets and personal items since 2019. Defending his actions, the Prime Minister cited security concerns as the reason for accepting corporate tickets to Arsenal football matches, saying, "Since I’ve been Prime Minister, the security advice is don’t go in the stands, not least because it’ll cost a fortune to the taxpayer." However, critics have noted that Starmer received numerous free tickets during his tenure as opposition leader, before security concerns were a significant issue. Starmer has also defended donations for clothing and glasses, declaring, "The important thing in all of this is that we follow the rules, which is really important to me, and make the declarations so that everything is transparent." While some of Starmer’s supporters, like Baroness Harman, have suggested he could have handled the donations issue more gracefully, Harman acknowledged that it was "not a hanging offence." Instead, she proposed Starmer admit it was a misstep and move on. Amid all these controversies, Starmer has also acknowledged the difficulties faced by the NHS in Wales, which is under Labour control, describing the system as in "desperate" need of reform. With record-high waiting lists and persistently poor health outcomes, Starmer's comments reflect the challenges his party faces in delivering the change it promised during the election. As tensions over Sue Gray's salary, leadership questions, and donations persist, Starmer’s ability to steer his government through these crises will be tested, particularly as the Labour Party conference approaches. In his own words, however, Starmer remains confident: "I’m completely in control." Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-09-21 -
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High cholesterol as a pre-existing condition?
what caused the heart attack ? ( it was not from high cholesterol ) do you know the LDL cholesterol is actually part of the bodies mechanism to fight/repaid damaged arteries due to inflamation .... so the bigger question could be, what caused the inflamation ? Insulin resistance ? T -2 diabetes ? -
2
Extension longer than visa validity.
OP, you have some good info above. Your multi entry non O based on marriage visa is valid for one year. Any entry prior to expiry you will receive a 90 day stamp. If you exit and reenter prior to Oct 15 you will receive another 90 day stamp. So actually a ME Non O gives almost 15 months. In addition you can obtain a 60 day extension "to visit wife" No idea why you want a "retirement visa". If married you can move to annual extensions based on marriage. All that requires is 400k in Thai bank account in your name only for 2 months prior to application for extension. Not much advantage in obtaining another non O marriage from Savannakhet. -
46
Why do some Farang worry so much about Thailand being too =hot=?
people always ask does Thailand have seasons ? Yes.. Hot, Really F**** Hot, and Hot and Rainy can't wait for the Really F** Hot to hit.. absolutely love it ! and as far as Rainy ? at least here in the Hua-Hin area. the rainy season was pretty weak this year still got to enjoy plenty of beach days ( with the tide way out) and put some decent milage on my clubs. -
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