FYI 2018
|
|
I don't know about anyone else, but for me 2017 was an excruciatingly long year. It will come as no surprise to anyone who's followed this site that I attribute some of the year's "lengthiness" to our political situation--not just Trump, but Congress and the inability of so many (yes, chiefly Republican) to display a conscience and act with some sense of decency. There can't be that many who don't understand the hurtfulness and cynicism of the tax legislation they so jovially passed. . . . And not just Congress, but the Cabinet whose members have joined Republican legislators in such groveling displays of loyalty to their leader that one wonders whether we've morphed into a totalitarian country run by an autocrat who can have dissenters taken out and shot if they show a streak of independence. Watching all this is not only disheartening, it's embarrassing. It's a nightmare. When will we end it?
|
Make Your Voice Heard: Contact Your Legislators
It's tempting to feel powerless in political affairs. However, doing and saying nothing only serves to ensure that remains the case. We all need to go beyond casting our ballots these days--and we shouldn't make the mistake of relying on pollsters to make our opinions heard. It's easy to contact those who purport to represent you in Washington. In case you don't know who they are, find out here. On that site you will enter your address to bring up the names of those you represent you (senators and congressperson), their office phone numbers in Washington, and links to their websites for more information, including email addresses. Then you can use whatever mode suits you best to tell them what you think.
CONTENTS OF FYI 2018 (listed in order in which items appear)
Text of the Resignation Announcement of U.S. Ambassador to Estonia (7/1/18): A commentary on Trump
Brown v. Board of Education, a reminder (3/27/18): Where it all started
What Are the "Five Eyes"? (3/22/18): Brief description of a joint security organization
Trump Administration Suppresses Information (3/15/18): On workers, finance, the environment, and more
Teen Birthrate Highest in Red States (3/10/18): A possible explanation
Trump Passes a Test of Cognition (1/19/18): Details of the basic cognitive test
2017 Was the Best Year Ever (1/9/17): Global gains in economics and health
There is No Button (1/3/18): The myth of the nuclear button
Brown v. Board of Education, a reminder (3/27/18): Where it all started
What Are the "Five Eyes"? (3/22/18): Brief description of a joint security organization
Trump Administration Suppresses Information (3/15/18): On workers, finance, the environment, and more
Teen Birthrate Highest in Red States (3/10/18): A possible explanation
Trump Passes a Test of Cognition (1/19/18): Details of the basic cognitive test
2017 Was the Best Year Ever (1/9/17): Global gains in economics and health
There is No Button (1/3/18): The myth of the nuclear button
Text of the Resignation Letter of the U.S. Ambassador to Estonia
7/1/18
7/1/18
Following is the text of the Facebook post in which James D. Melville, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, announced his resignation Friday after 33 years of service. The post speaks for itself.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I suppose this is as good a time as any to tell my friends that I'm leaving Estonia one month from today, on July 29, to retire from the Foreign Service and begin life as a private citizen after 33 years of public service.
I've always admired the professionalism of my colleagues in supporting U.S. Government policy as articulated and directed by our elected leaders and their administrations, without regard to partisan politics. A Foreign Service Officer's DNA is programmed to support policy and we're schooled right from the start, that if there ever comes a point where one can no longer do so, particularly if one is in a position of leadership, the honorable course is to resign.
Having served under six presidents and 11 secretaries of state, I never really thought it would reach that point for me.
I truly believe and have said many times, national interests don't change from one administration to the next. Senator Vandenberg made a great point 70 years ago when he said “politics stop at the water's edge.” I've spent the vast majority of my career on US-European relations and issues, and I've always been very proud of the U.S. role in the aftermath of World War II, of rebuilding a Europe that ideally would be “whole, free and at peace.” From the Marshall Plan, through the Cold War and until very recently, supporting Europe's integration was a fundamental element of U.S. foreign policy which directly undergirds democracy, peace and prosperity.
The E.U. and NATO are the gorgeous and vital fruits of that policy and the world is a much, much better place for their existence. I believe that to my marrow.
For the President to say the E.U. was “set up to take advantage of the United States, to attack our piggy bank,” or that “NATO is as bad as NAFTA” is not only factually wrong, but proves to me that it's time to go
.
It takes no courage on my part to do so and I can't hold a candle to my friends who have honorably resigned without the benefit of the full pension I have waiting for me. The truth is I've had a full tour in Tallinn and intended to retire upon the confirmation of a successor. Since there's no longer anyone in sight for that role, I suppose I could have stayed on for many more months.
I do love Estonia, its wonderful people and beautiful landscape. Tallinn is one of the nicest cities on earth and I've got the best public housing I've ever had. But on balance, I'm glad not to be staying, for all the reasons I've just explained.
So I leave willingly and with deep gratitude for being able to serve my nation with integrity for many years, and with great confidence that America, which is and has always been, great, will someday return to being right.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I suppose this is as good a time as any to tell my friends that I'm leaving Estonia one month from today, on July 29, to retire from the Foreign Service and begin life as a private citizen after 33 years of public service.
I've always admired the professionalism of my colleagues in supporting U.S. Government policy as articulated and directed by our elected leaders and their administrations, without regard to partisan politics. A Foreign Service Officer's DNA is programmed to support policy and we're schooled right from the start, that if there ever comes a point where one can no longer do so, particularly if one is in a position of leadership, the honorable course is to resign.
Having served under six presidents and 11 secretaries of state, I never really thought it would reach that point for me.
I truly believe and have said many times, national interests don't change from one administration to the next. Senator Vandenberg made a great point 70 years ago when he said “politics stop at the water's edge.” I've spent the vast majority of my career on US-European relations and issues, and I've always been very proud of the U.S. role in the aftermath of World War II, of rebuilding a Europe that ideally would be “whole, free and at peace.” From the Marshall Plan, through the Cold War and until very recently, supporting Europe's integration was a fundamental element of U.S. foreign policy which directly undergirds democracy, peace and prosperity.
The E.U. and NATO are the gorgeous and vital fruits of that policy and the world is a much, much better place for their existence. I believe that to my marrow.
For the President to say the E.U. was “set up to take advantage of the United States, to attack our piggy bank,” or that “NATO is as bad as NAFTA” is not only factually wrong, but proves to me that it's time to go
.
It takes no courage on my part to do so and I can't hold a candle to my friends who have honorably resigned without the benefit of the full pension I have waiting for me. The truth is I've had a full tour in Tallinn and intended to retire upon the confirmation of a successor. Since there's no longer anyone in sight for that role, I suppose I could have stayed on for many more months.
I do love Estonia, its wonderful people and beautiful landscape. Tallinn is one of the nicest cities on earth and I've got the best public housing I've ever had. But on balance, I'm glad not to be staying, for all the reasons I've just explained.
So I leave willingly and with deep gratitude for being able to serve my nation with integrity for many years, and with great confidence that America, which is and has always been, great, will someday return to being right.
Brown v. Board of Education
3/27/18
3/27/18
Linda Brown, the third grader who was at the center of the landmark case which helped dismantle racial segregation in schools in the United States, died March 25th at the age of 75. A brief account of her life is the "recommended reading" selection for today. The reason for this note, however, is that I doubt I'm the only one who thinks of Brown v. Board of Education as a case emanating from a deep south state so this is a quick reminder. The case originated in Topeka, Kansas, which at the time had already integrated its high schools and was beginning to integrate middle schools. Brown's father, Oliver Brown, minister of an African Methodist Episcopal Church, thought his young daughter should be able to attend the nearby elementary school with her friends instead of walking much farther to the school designated for African Americans. The case was argued by an NAACP legal team which identified Linda's father as the lead plaintiff. The case was "packaged" with segregation cases from South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia to take to the Supreme Court where the plaintiffs were represented by Thurgood Marshall, who in 1967 became the first African-American Supreme Court justice.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What Are the "Five Eyes"?
3/22/18
3/22/18
Recently, I heard a commentator refer quite casually to the "Five Eyes." I hate to admit it, but I'd never heard of "Five Eyes" before so a little research was in order. For the benefit of those who are--or were--as clueless as I was, here's a brief look at what it is:
Comprised now of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the Five Eyes (also known as FVEY) is a network of autonomous intelligence agencies from each of these English-speaking countries. The network grew out of a partnership formed in 1946 between the U.S. and the UK. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand joined some years later. In addition to a common language and a history of trust, the five countries have similar security standards and classification systems, according to CNN. While members share some information with other countries on a case-by-case basis, much is shared only with the five member nations.
Edward Snowden, the American former National Security Agency contractor, revealed that Five Eyes members have spied on each other's citizens and shared information with the home countries of suspects in order to circumvent regulations limiting surveillance of a country's own citizens.
Sources:
Wikipedia
CNN
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comprised now of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the Five Eyes (also known as FVEY) is a network of autonomous intelligence agencies from each of these English-speaking countries. The network grew out of a partnership formed in 1946 between the U.S. and the UK. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand joined some years later. In addition to a common language and a history of trust, the five countries have similar security standards and classification systems, according to CNN. While members share some information with other countries on a case-by-case basis, much is shared only with the five member nations.
Edward Snowden, the American former National Security Agency contractor, revealed that Five Eyes members have spied on each other's citizens and shared information with the home countries of suspects in order to circumvent regulations limiting surveillance of a country's own citizens.
Sources:
Wikipedia
CNN
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Trump Administration Suppresses Information
3/15/18
3/15/18
The Trump administration is suppressing information, in many cases by suspending funding of programs while research was ongoing. Some of the actions recently taken are the following:
Source:
Corporate Presidency
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Defunding a program using evidence-based initiatives to reduce teen pregnancy
- Halting a study of the health effects on nearby residents of mountaintop coal mining
- Suspending a study on offshore drilling safety
- Dialing back a student of copper mining in a wilderness area
- Reducing the number of meetings of scientific advisory committees
- Censoring climate change information
- Eliminating disclosure of international oil payments
- Abolishing a rule requiring federal contractors to reveal past safety violations
- Reducing the amount of information employers must maintain about works killed or injured on the job
- Putting on hold a requirement that large companies report salary data by gender and race
- Reducing the amount of data collected for an annual crime report
- Removing, then restoring, statistics on drinking water and electricity in Puerto Rico
- Making it harder to gather information on the student loan industry
- Watering down statistics on predatory for-profit colleges
- Narrowing the scope of civil rights investigations at schools
Source:
Corporate Presidency
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Teen Birthrate Highest in Red States
3/10/18
Nine of the 10 states with the highest teen birthrates voted Republican in 2016, according to a recent study by Power to Decide, a nonprofit focused on preventing unplanned pregnancy. Those states are Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Texas, Kentucky, Louisiana, West Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, and--the lone state in this group that voted Democratic--New Mexico.
Nine of the 10 states with the lowest teen birthrates voted Democratic in 2016. Those states are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, Minnesota, Rhode Island, New York, Maine, and--the lone state in this rope that voted Republican--Wisconsin.
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof theorizes that the explanation for this phenomenon may lie partially in the greater concentration of evangelicals in red states and those states' penchant for emphasizing abstinence only pregnancy prevention.
"When evangelical kids have sex, they're less likely to use birth control--and that may be a reason (along with lower abortion rates) that red states have high teen birthrates," he writes.
Sources:
Washington Post
Power to Decide
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Trump Passes a Test of Cognition
1/19/18
1/19/18
During his recent physical, Trump passed (with 30 out of 30 correct) the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a test doctors use to detect mild cognitive function. Included on the test are such items as ...
As you can see, it's a rather low bar. I'm not sure how accurately it tests one's readiness to meet the intellectual demands of understanding the complexities of global and domestic issues and politics and to make wise and cogent decision on policies that affect the entire world. To see the actual test, click here.
Source:
CNN
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Drawing a line between letters and numbers in ascending order ( 1-A-2-B-3-C, etc)
- Reproducing a drawing of a cube
- Drawing clock face with the hands showing 11:10
- Identifying animals in a picture
- Listening to a list of letters and tapping each time the examiner says the letter A
- Listening to a sequence of numbers, then repeating them in the order in which they were spoken
- Listening to a sequence of numbers, then repeating them backwards
- Starting at 100 and subtracting 7, then subtracting 7 from the previous answer, etc.
- Repeating a list of words immediately after the examiner says them and then repeating them later in the exam
- Repeating a sentence spoken by the examiner
- In one minute, naming as many words as you can which being with the letter F
- Identifying the similarities between two words
- Demonstrating awareness of time and place by telling the date and the city in which the test is being administered
As you can see, it's a rather low bar. I'm not sure how accurately it tests one's readiness to meet the intellectual demands of understanding the complexities of global and domestic issues and politics and to make wise and cogent decision on policies that affect the entire world. To see the actual test, click here.
Source:
CNN
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2017 Was the Best Year Ever
1/9/17
1/9/17
Wrapped up in the turmoil of American politics, it's easy to lose sight of what's going on in the larger picture. 2017 was the best year in human history, according to Nicholas Kristof, writing in The New York Times.
“Every day, the number of people around the world living in extreme poverty (less than about $2 a day) goes down by 217,000, according to calculations by Max Roser, an Oxford University economist who runs a website called Our World in Data. Every day, 325,000 more people gain access to electricity. And 300,000 more gain access to clean drinking water,” Kristof writes.
“As recently as the 1960s, a majority of humans had always been illiterate and lived in extreme poverty. Now fewer than 15 percent are illiterate, and fewer than 10 percent live in extreme poverty. In another 15 years, illiteracy and extreme poverty will be mostly gone. After thousands of generations, they are pretty much disappearing on our watch.
“Just since 1990, the lives of more than 100 million children have been saved by vaccinations, diarrhea treatment, breast-feeding promotion and other simple steps.”
Source:
New York Times
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Every day, the number of people around the world living in extreme poverty (less than about $2 a day) goes down by 217,000, according to calculations by Max Roser, an Oxford University economist who runs a website called Our World in Data. Every day, 325,000 more people gain access to electricity. And 300,000 more gain access to clean drinking water,” Kristof writes.
“As recently as the 1960s, a majority of humans had always been illiterate and lived in extreme poverty. Now fewer than 15 percent are illiterate, and fewer than 10 percent live in extreme poverty. In another 15 years, illiteracy and extreme poverty will be mostly gone. After thousands of generations, they are pretty much disappearing on our watch.
“Just since 1990, the lives of more than 100 million children have been saved by vaccinations, diarrhea treatment, breast-feeding promotion and other simple steps.”
Source:
New York Times
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There is No Button
1/3/18
1/3/18
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, president of North Korea, recently traded boasts about the "buttons" which symbolize their nations' ability to launch a nuclear attack. For years, the popular image is one that was reinforced by those boasts--namely, a big red button sitting on the desk of the leader in question.
The truth is ... there is no button, at least not in the United States. Here, there's a 45-pound briefcase, sometimes called the nuclear football, carried by a military aide who accompanies the president at all times. The case contains an instructional guide, a list of locations that can be targeted, a radio transceiver, and code authenticators. Before authorizing an attack, the president must verify his identity by providing the code on a card he carries wherever he goes. Currently, he needs no approval from anyone else to authorize a strike, although some legislators are questioning the wisdom of that.
In spite of Kim Jong-un's claims, authorities doubt that he has a button on his desk either and say it's unlikely that he could launch a long-range attack in minutes, much less seconds since those missiles are believed to be powered by liquid rocket fuel which cannot be stored and ready to fire, but must be loaded immediately before launch. A short-range attack could be launched more quickly since the shorter-range missiles use solid fuel, authorities say.
Source:
New York Times
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The truth is ... there is no button, at least not in the United States. Here, there's a 45-pound briefcase, sometimes called the nuclear football, carried by a military aide who accompanies the president at all times. The case contains an instructional guide, a list of locations that can be targeted, a radio transceiver, and code authenticators. Before authorizing an attack, the president must verify his identity by providing the code on a card he carries wherever he goes. Currently, he needs no approval from anyone else to authorize a strike, although some legislators are questioning the wisdom of that.
In spite of Kim Jong-un's claims, authorities doubt that he has a button on his desk either and say it's unlikely that he could launch a long-range attack in minutes, much less seconds since those missiles are believed to be powered by liquid rocket fuel which cannot be stored and ready to fire, but must be loaded immediately before launch. A short-range attack could be launched more quickly since the shorter-range missiles use solid fuel, authorities say.
Source:
New York Times
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________