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PM heaps praises on a blind and a flag-picking school boy
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293
Trump's pick of JD Vance a hopefully fatal mistake for his maga fascist movement
I think we should start with your lie about Social Security. I searched for Social Security, here are the hits. -
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China and Philippines Reach Agreement to Prevent Clashes at Disputed South China Sea Shoal
Joining BRICS is a kind of virtue signaling, so to speak, that has little actual economic or strategic significance For instance, there's been a lot of talk about the threat it poses to the supremacy of the dollar. But as this passage from the article points out, it doesn't pose much of a threat at all The BRICS Is Not a Strategic Threat to the United States "It’s important to highlight that capital does not only look for markets, and investors do not only seek to make profits. They seek, among other things, the rule of law, protection of intellectual property rights, a stable currency, a sound banking system, limits on state intervention, and political stability. Unlike Beijing, Washington fulfils all these criteria with flying colors." https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/the-brics-is-not-a-strategic-threat-to-the-united-states/ -
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Putin's Stern Warning to US: Potential Missile Crisis on the Horizon
Lol! Who's been threatening to use nukes on other countries for months? 😀 -
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Thai Language Seen as Vital National Symbol, Survey Shows
Compared with the colossal amount of work required in order to learn to speak Thai with just a basic level of competence that’s nowhere near fluency, learning less than a hundred symbols and a few tone rules is trivial. -
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Joe Biden Reforming the Supreme Court to Uphold Justice and Accountability My Plan
As President of the United States, I firmly believe that we must prevent the abuse of presidential power and restore public faith in our judicial system. Our nation was founded on a fundamental principle: No one is above the law. This applies to everyone, including the President and the justices of the Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court’s recent 6-3 decision on July 1, which grants presidents broad immunity from prosecution for crimes committed while in office, jeopardizes this principle. This ruling effectively places no limits on presidential actions, relying solely on the self-restraint of the officeholder. If future presidents incite violent mobs to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, as witnessed on January 6, 2021, there may be no legal repercussions. This is just one example of the potential dangers. Additionally, the Court's decisions have overturned long-standing legal precedents, such as Roe v. Wade, and it is currently facing a crisis of ethics. Scandals involving justices have raised serious questions about the Court’s fairness and independence, which are crucial for ensuring equal justice under the law. Undisclosed gifts to justices from individuals with interests in cases before the Court and conflicts of interest related to the January 6 insurrectionists cast doubt on the Court's impartiality. Having served as a U.S. senator for 36 years, including as chairman and ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, and having overseen more Supreme Court nominations than anyone living today, I have great respect for our institutions and the separation of powers. What is happening now is abnormal and undermines public confidence in the Court's decisions, including those affecting personal freedoms. We are at a critical juncture, and in the face of increasing threats to America’s democratic institutions, I am proposing three bold reforms to restore trust and accountability to the Court and our democracy. First, I am calling for a constitutional amendment, the No One Is Above the Law Amendment, which would clarify that there is no immunity for crimes committed by a former president while in office. This aligns with our Founders' belief that presidential power is limited, not absolute. We are a nation of laws, not of kings or dictators. Second, just as we have had term limits for presidents for nearly 75 years, we should have the same for Supreme Court justices. The United States is the only major constitutional democracy that grants lifetime seats to its high court. Term limits would ensure regular changes in the Court’s membership, making the timing of court nominations more predictable and less arbitrary. This would reduce the likelihood of any single presidency radically altering the Court’s composition for generations. I support a system where the President appoints a justice every two years to serve 18 years in active service on the Supreme Court. Third, I am advocating for a binding code of conduct for the Supreme Court. This is common sense. The current voluntary ethics code for the Court is weak and self-enforced. Justices should be required to disclose gifts, refrain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouses have financial or other conflicts of interest. Every other federal judge is bound by an enforceable code of conduct, and there is no reason for the Supreme Court to be exempt. All three of these reforms are supported by a majority of Americans, as well as conservative and liberal constitutional scholars. I want to thank the bipartisan Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States for its insightful analysis, which informed some of these proposals. We can and must prevent the abuse of presidential power. We can and must restore public faith in the Supreme Court. We can and must strengthen the guardrails of democracy. In America, no one is above the law. In America, the people rule. Credit: W.P. 2024-07-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Opinion: Why Re-electing Trump Would Jeopardize America's Foreign Policy & Global Security
Donald Trump often paints himself as a master of foreign policy, claiming that during his presidency, he weakened America's adversaries and garnered greater respect for the United States on the world stage. As he campaigns for re-election, he promises to repeat these so-called successes. However, a closer look at his tenure reveals a starkly different reality. Trump's return to the White House could undermine America's global standing and compromise our national security. Trump's tenure was marked by decisions that made America and its allies less safe while empowering authoritarian regimes. His unwavering admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin baffled foreign policy and intelligence experts worldwide. Trump's friendly overtures towards North Korean leader Kim Jong Un only served to embolden a dangerous dictator and his pursuit of deployable nuclear weapons. One of Trump's most significant foreign policy blunders was his handling of Iran, a long-standing adversary of the United States. In 2015, a multi-nation agreement was established to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for economic incentives from the West. International experts confirmed that the plan was effective, with Iran focusing its nuclear advancements primarily on energy rather than warfare. However, Trump abruptly withdrew the United States from this agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), despite its success. Trump argued that imposing new economic sanctions on Iran would cripple the regime and force it into submission. Yet, as the New York Times reported, "Mr. Trump was wrong on both counts. … Iran has moved closer than ever to the ability to produce several nuclear weapons, dramatically bolstering the speed at which it can produce nuclear fuel in recent weeks." This outcome was precisely what military and diplomatic experts had warned against when Trump decided to exit the treaty. The Arms Control Association noted five years ago that Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign, which involved reimposing sanctions lifted under the JCPOA, failed to alter Iran's regional behavior, thereby continuing to threaten U.S. allies. The Arms Control Association further criticized Trump's decision, stating, "What is most tragic about the growing crisis is that Trump’s decision to violate U.S. commitments under the JCPOA appears to be based on a set of falsehoods and misconceptions that Trump and his senior officials continue to repeat." They refuted Trump's assertion that the Obama-Biden administration would have allowed Iran "free access to nuclear weapons," dismissing it as nonsense. Fast forward to April 13, 2024, and Iran poses an even greater nuclear threat. Following its attacks on Israeli-backed Hamas in Gaza with missiles and drones, Iran has closed its nuclear facilities to international inspectors. A senior military official in Tehran hinted that Iran might reconsider its stance on nuclear weapon development if Israel retaliates by targeting its nuclear infrastructure. Responsible Statecraft, an organization monitoring global politics, recently published an analysis titled, "Killing the Iran nuclear deal was one of Trump’s biggest failures." The article emphasized that Trump's decision left Tehran "closer than ever to a bomb." In stark contrast to Trump's impulsive and hazardous approach, the Biden-Harris administration has been measured and pragmatic. Following Iran's attacks on Israel, President Biden reaffirmed the commitment of the United States and its G7 allies to collectively increase economic pressure on Iran and to implement measures to restrict its destabilizing military programs. As Trump campaigns to regain the presidency, his foreign policy rhetoric remains as reckless and misguided as ever. He has even suggested that he would allow Russia to do "whatever the hell they want" to any NATO member country that fails to meet military spending guidelines. While domestic and economic issues often dominate U.S. presidential elections, it is crucial for voters to recognize the profound risks associated with re-electing Trump. His limited understanding of, and interest in, geopolitical policies and their implications could lead to significant harm if he is given another chance to lead. Charles Babington, who has covered Washington beats including Congress and the White House for 20 years for The Washington Post, the Associated Press, and the News & Observer of Raleigh, highlights the importance of considering the broader consequences of Trump's foreign policy track record. Credit: Hill 2024-07-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Trump Hosts Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Criticizes Kamala Harris's Gaza Remarks
Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, for their first meeting since September 2020. The encounter came amid reports of past tensions between the two leaders, particularly after Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on his 2020 election victory—a victory Trump has repeatedly and falsely claimed was stolen from him. Despite these reported tensions, the meeting was marked by smiles and affirmations of their good rapport, with Trump asserting, "We have a very good relationship" and insisting it was "never bad." During the meeting, Netanyahu thanked Trump for his efforts in promoting stability in the Middle East during his presidency. The Trump campaign echoed this sentiment, highlighting Netanyahu's gratitude for Trump's work to promote regional stability. Trump, in turn, expressed his unwavering support for Israel, pledging that if he wins the next election, he will "make every effort to bring peace to the Middle East and combat anti-Semitism from spreading throughout college campuses." The backdrop of this meeting includes Netanyahu's recent discussions with Vice President Kamala Harris. After their talks, Harris stated that she would "not be silent" about the suffering in Gaza, a comment that Trump found "disrespectful." Netanyahu expressed hope that his visit to the United States would expedite a ceasefire deal in the ongoing conflict. Addressing Congress earlier in the week, Netanyahu praised Trump's contributions to Israel, specifically mentioning the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Netanyahu also reiterated his commitment to achieving "total victory in Gaza." Trump echoed this sentiment during their meeting, telling reporters, "If we win, it’ll be very simple. It’s all going to work out and very quickly." He warned that failure to secure competent leadership could lead to major wars in the Middle East and possibly a third world war. "You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time since the second world war. You’ve never been so close, because we have incompetent people running our country." Trump has previously made dire predictions about global stability, suggesting that current conflicts, including the fighting between Israel and Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, bring the world to the brink of another world war. He underscored his support for Israel, citing his administration’s significant policy decisions, including the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and the sanctions imposed on Iran following the withdrawal from the nuclear deal. "We’ve had a good relationship. I was very good to Israel, better than any president’s ever been," Trump stated. The Biden administration has expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire deal and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. Trump, however, criticized the current situation as "not acceptable" and questioned the condition of the hostages, stating, "They have to be given back immediately because there can be no way they’re in good shape." This meeting between Trump and Netanyahu underscores the former president's continued influence on U.S. foreign policy and his enduring commitment to Israel, while also highlighting the complex dynamics of current Middle Eastern conflicts and the varied responses from U.S. political leaders. Credit: Sky News | Hill 2024-07-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Putin's Stern Warning to US: Potential Missile Crisis on the Horizon
In a stark warning reminiscent of Cold War tensions, Vladimir Putin has cautioned the United States against deploying long-range missiles in Germany, slated for 2026. Speaking to an audience of sailors from Russia, China, Algeria, and India during Russian Navy Day in St. Petersburg, Putin declared that if Washington proceeds with its missile plans, Russia will respond in kind by stationing similar missiles within striking distance of the West. The warning comes after the US and Germany announced earlier this month their intention to deploy long-range fire capabilities in Germany by 2026. This move is designed to demonstrate the US’s commitment to NATO and European defense. According to statements from Washington and Berlin, these “episodic deployments” are in preparation for longer-term stationing of such capabilities, which will include SM-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as developmental hypersonic weapons that boast a longer range than current capabilities in Europe. In his address, Putin highlighted the imminent threat posed by these deployments, noting, “The flight time to targets on our territory of such missiles, which in the future may be equipped with nuclear warheads, will be about 10 minutes.” He emphasized that Russia would take “mirror measures” to deploy its own missiles in response to the US actions, considering the activities of the United States and its satellites in Europe and other regions of the world. Putin accused the US of escalating tensions by transferring Typhon missile systems to Denmark and the Philippines. He likened the current US plans to NATO’s decision to deploy Pershing II launchers in Western Europe in 1979. The Soviet leadership at the time, including General Secretary Yuri Andropov, perceived the Pershing II deployments as part of a broader US strategy to decapitate the Soviet Union by targeting its political and military leadership. Drawing this historical parallel, Putin remarked, “This situation is reminiscent of the events of the Cold War related to the deployment of American medium-range Pershing missiles in Europe.” Reiterating his previous warnings, Putin suggested that Moscow could resume production of intermediate and shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles. He indicated that Russia would then consider strategic locations for deploying these missiles if the US proceeded with bringing similar missiles to Europe and Asia. The escalating rhetoric and strategic maneuvers underscore the growing tensions between Russia and the United States. The potential deployment of long-range missiles in Germany and Russia’s vowed response echo the Cold War era's high-stakes brinkmanship. As both nations prepare for possible military confrontations, the specter of a new missile crisis looms over international relations. Putin’s address to the international assembly of sailors was designed not only to issue a warning to Washington but also to demonstrate Russia’s resolve to defend its territorial integrity and strategic interests. The Russian president’s reference to the rapid flight time of potential US missiles underscores the immediacy of the perceived threat and Russia’s readiness to counteract any strategic advantages gained by the US in Europe. In light of these developments, the international community is watching closely as the US and Russia navigate this precarious situation. The planned missile deployments and corresponding threats of counter-deployments have significant implications for global security and stability. The potential for a new missile crisis requires careful diplomatic engagement and strategic consideration to avoid a repeat of the Cold War’s most perilous moments. Credit: The Guardian 2024-07-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Russia’s Summer Offensive Fails to Deliver a Decisive Blow
The Kremlin's highly anticipated summer offensive in Ukraine was intended to be a war-winning maneuver. Launched in the spring, this massive military operation was the largest since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022. However, despite high hopes for a decisive breakthrough, the offensive has failed to achieve its most ambitious objectives. The Ukrainian front line has held firm, and there has been no grand collapse of Ukrainian defenses. The offensive, intended to end the war in Russia's favor, has instead resulted in slow and costly gains for the Russian military. The British Ministry of Defence reported staggering casualty figures for the Russian forces, with an average of 1,262 and 1,162 casualties per day in May and June, respectively. These numbers represent the highest daily casualties of the conflict thus far. Despite this, Russian forces continue to advance, albeit slowly. Ukrainian journalist Yuri Butosov recently highlighted a "critical situation" near Pokrovsk, where Russian forces managed to advance four miles in one week. Butosov warned that if the Russians were allowed to enter Myrnohrad, it would enable them to concentrate their forces and potentially attack Pokrovsk itself, threatening the last line of defense before reaching the Dnipropetrovsk region. Deep State, a Ukrainian war blog, reported that a "chaotic withdrawal" by one of the Ukrainian infantry brigades had nearly encircled the 31st separate mechanized brigade near the village of Prohres. Michael Koffman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment who recently visited the front lines, acknowledged the grim reality: "Ukraine is going to be losing more territory over the coming months." Despite initial predictions of a Russian blitzkrieg reaching Kyiv, the current focus remains on capturing the Donetsk region, a key territorial objective for Russia. Vladimir Putin has consistently stated this goal, and all Russian battlefield efforts appear directed toward its achievement. Timing, opportunity, and political considerations are critical factors in this offensive. Russia hopes that a potential victory by Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election will create favorable conditions for peace talks. If Russia can hold significant territories in the Donbas region, such as Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk, they could frame it as a victory domestically. Currently, Russia enjoys an advantage in men, equipment, and ammunition, but this superiority may diminish by the end of the year. The Russian military is keen to capitalize on this window of dominance. The Russian offensive strategy, orchestrated by General Valery Gerasimov, involves multiple efforts along the front lines. These include an offensive from the Belgorod region to the northeast of Kharkiv, a thrust towards the Oskil River south of Kupiansk, and main attacks further south from Bakhmut towards Chasiv Yar and from Avdiivka towards Pokrovsk. Additionally, a subsidiary attack has developed on Niu-York and Toretsk. There have also been assaults further south aimed at threatening Kurakhove. The initial assault on Kharkiv aimed to establish a buffer zone to prevent Ukrainian strikes into Belgorod and to divert Ukrainian reserves from the main front in Donbas. While the first objective failed, the second was more successful. Ukraine was forced to divert several brigades to contain the threat, highlighting a shortage of mobile reserves. Despite this diversion, the Russians failed to exploit their initial success. The premature start of the Kharkiv offensive took both Ukrainians and Russians by surprise, leading to a delay in assaults in Donbas. In Donbas, since the Kharkiv offensive began, the Russians have advanced only a few miles towards key targets like Pokrovsk and Prohres. Their progress has been slow and costly, with former Ukrainian defense minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk noting the brutal tactics employed by the Russians: "They are sending a lot of people, losing a lot of people, and gaining a few meters." Despite the slow progress, these small advances could cumulatively pose significant threats to Ukrainian defenses. One reason for recent Russian successes is their strategy of concentrating attacks on weaker Ukrainian units. Russian attacks now often involve small infantry actions, reflecting the difficulties both sides face in crossing no-man's-land with traditional armored assaults. The Russians have developed improvised techniques, such as using heavily armored "turtle tanks" and fast-moving motorcycles, to navigate the battlefield. While not foolproof, these methods have yielded some gains, especially when combined with the use of glide bombs, which have become more accurate and psychologically impactful. Ukraine's critical shortages of men, shells, and prepared defensive positions are gradually being addressed. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill overhauling conscription rules in April, significantly increasing troop numbers. The United States Congress approved a military aid package, reducing Russia's ammunition superiority. F-16 fighters are expected to bolster Ukrainian defenses this summer. As these new resources arrive, Russia's battlefield dominance is likely to erode. However, Russia faces its own challenges. Its stocks of armored vehicles are dwindling, and recruitment problems have led to increased salary offers for military volunteers. The tempo of Russian operations may need to be reduced as these issues persist. The next few months remain critical. Ukrainian commander-in-chief Alexander Syrsky acknowledged Russia's advantage in equipment. Journalist Yuri Butosov noted that the crisis on the Pokrovsk front is exacerbated by inadequate defenses and a lack of unified command. Ukrainian reserves remain tied up near Kharkiv, making it difficult to reinforce other areas. Despite likely continued Russian advances until September, the battle for Donbas may not determine the war's outcome. Michael Koffman emphasized that the attrition affecting each side's ability to wage war is more significant than territorial gains. In conclusion, Russia's summer offensive has not delivered the decisive blow it intended. While the Russian military has made some gains, these have come at a high cost and without achieving a grand breakthrough. Ukraine's defenses have held, and the arrival of new troops and equipment may shift the balance of power. The war remains complex and fluid, with both sides facing significant challenges and uncertainties in the months ahead. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-07-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Sakina Muhammad Jan: Jailed for Forcing Daughter into Fatal Marriage
Sakina Muhammad Jan, a mother who coerced her daughter into a forced marriage with a man who later murdered her, has caused an uproar in court by refusing to sign a document that would have allowed her early release from prison. Jan, aged 47 or 48, was sentenced to three years in prison by Judge Fran Dalziel at the County Court of Victoria on Monday. The recognisance release order, which she declined to sign, would have permitted her to serve two years of her sentence within the community under specific conditions. Through a translator, Jan expressed her defiance, stating, "I’ve done nothing wrong I cannot accept … I cannot be locked in.” The court proceedings mark a significant legal milestone as Jan becomes the first individual sentenced under Australia's forced marriage laws, introduced in 2013. These laws, which carry a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment, aim to combat coercion in marital arrangements. Jan's sentencing follows a lengthy trial in which a jury found her guilty of forcing her 21-year-old daughter, Ruqia Haidari, into marriage with Mohammad Ali Halimi in late 2019. Tragically, Halimi later murdered Haidari in a fit of rage. The courtroom was filled with more than a dozen family members and members of the Hazara community, many of whom were in tears as the sentence was handed down. Jan, an Afghan Hazara refugee who fled Taliban persecution and migrated to regional Victoria in 2013 with her five children, maintained her innocence throughout the trial. Her lawyers argued that she suffers from enduring grief over her daughter's death. The court heard that Haidari had previously been forced into marriage at the age of 15, a union that ended in divorce. She had expressed a desire to delay any further marriage until she was 27 or 28, wanting to focus on her studies and career instead. Judge Dalziel, in her sentencing remarks, emphasized that while Jan may have believed she was acting in her daughter's best interests, she had persistently ignored Haidari’s wishes and abused her power as a mother. Dalziel highlighted that Haidari would have been acutely aware of the familial and community repercussions of rejecting the marriage, including her mother's anger and the family's standing in the community. Jan’s refusal to accept the judge’s ruling and her subsequent removal from the court underscore the ongoing complexities and emotional turmoil surrounding forced marriage cases. During Halimi's sentencing for Haidari's murder in 2021, the court in Western Australia heard accounts of his violent and abusive behavior towards his wife, including his insistence on her performing household chores. Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, in a statement on Monday, underscored the prevalence of forced marriage in Australia, describing it as “the most reported slavery-like offence.” Federal police were alerted to 90 cases of forced marriage in the 2022-23 period alone, highlighting the urgent need for continued vigilance and legal action against such practices. The case of Sakina Muhammad Jan and her daughter Ruqia Haidari serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of forced marriage and the importance of upholding individual rights and freedoms. Credit: BBC | News.Com 2024-07-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Olympics Organizers Sorry for Controversial Last Supper Performance at Opening Ceremonies
The organizers of the Paris Olympics have issued an apology following a contentious performance during Friday’s Opening Ceremonies, which featured a reinterpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” The tableau, which included a woman in the role of Jesus, drag queens, and gay icons as disciples, alongside a scantily clad man portraying Dionysus, the Greek god of revelry, has sparked significant backlash. The performance drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including religious leaders and conservative politicians. Church leaders and some political figures condemned the act, perceiving it as a perversion of the biblical scene that recounts the eve of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed his outrage, describing the performance as a “mockery [that] was shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world.” In response, a U.S. telecommunications firm, C Spire, announced it would be pulling its advertising from the Summer Games. The French Conference of Catholic Bishops also voiced their objection to the performance. In the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper, Jesus shares bread and wine with his disciples and instructs them to eat and drink in his memory, a ritual that forms the basis for the Eucharist, or Communion, in Christian worship. The depiction in the Opening Ceremonies, however, deviated significantly from this traditional portrayal, leading to accusations of disrespect and insensitivity. Addressing the controversy, Anne Descamps, a spokeswoman for the Paris Olympics, issued an apology during the Games’ daily news conference on Sunday. “Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group,” she stated. “If people have taken any offense we are, of course, really, really sorry.” Thomas Jolly, the Opening Ceremonies choreographer, defended the performance on the Paris-based BFM network on Sunday. According to France 24, Jolly explained, “The idea was to do a big pagan party linked to the gods of Olympus. You’ll never find in my work any desire to mock or denigrate anyone.” However, organizers admitted on Sunday that Jolly did draw inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting to create the setting. In a statement to The Wrap, Paris 2024 said, “[Jolly] is not the first artist to make a reference to what is a world-famous work of art. From Andy Warhol to ‘The Simpsons,’ many have done it before him.” The statement highlighted that while the artistic interpretation aimed to offer a fresh perspective, it was not meant to offend or belittle any religious beliefs. Credit: W.P. 2024-07-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. -
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Kamala Harris Raises $200 Million in First Week, Energizes Democratic Campaign
In a groundbreaking show of support, Vice President Kamala Harris has raised an impressive $200 million during the first week of her presidential campaign. According to her campaign, a striking 66% of these donations came from first-time donors, underscoring the fresh enthusiasm and widespread backing she has garnered. This significant fundraising achievement comes on the heels of President Joe Biden's unexpected decision to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee. Biden’s move has not only reshaped the dynamics of the 2024 race but also sparked a surge of excitement and financial contributions within the Democratic Party. Before Biden's extraordinary decision, the fundraising battle between the two major parties was intensifying, with former President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee rapidly closing the gap with Biden and the Democratic National Committee. However, Harris' remarkable fundraising haul now gives her campaign a crucial financial edge as she seeks to officially secure the party's nomination and aim for the White House in the November election. The impact of Harris' campaign announcement is evident in the unprecedented mobilization of volunteers and supporters. More than 170,000 new volunteers have joined the Harris campaign within the first week since Biden endorsed her as his preferred successor. Michael Tyler, the campaign's communications director, highlighted the significance of this support, saying, "The momentum and energy for Vice President Harris is real — and so are the fundamentals of this race: this election will be very close and decided by a small number of voters in just a few states." The Democratic Party has rapidly coalesced around Harris in the aftermath of Biden's decision. Major party leaders, influential donors, and a majority of delegates have thrown their support behind her candidacy. This swift consolidation of support has positioned Harris as the clear frontrunner to secure the Democratic nomination and has energized the party’s base. Harris' entry into the presidential race has injected new life into the Democratic campaign, providing a boost of optimism and determination among her supporters. As the campaign progresses, her ability to maintain this momentum and build on her initial fundraising success will be critical to her bid for the presidency. With a well-funded campaign and a growing base of enthusiastic volunteers, Harris is poised to make a significant impact in the 2024 election, shaping the future direction of the Democratic Party and the nation. Credit: AXIOS 2024-07-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.
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